Facing Aburame Shigeo, infamously known as the "Black Phantom," and the numerous stern-eyed members of the Konoha Police Force, Mizuki wisely chose not to resist.
Even while restrained, his gaze remained locked on Naruto.
The hatred and disgust that once filled Mizuki's eyes had vanished, replaced by shock and disbelief.
He wasn't the only one. The surrounding police force members and Iruka shared the same expression of astonishment.
None of them had ever imagined that Naruto, long regarded as the "Nine-Tails Demon Fox," could actually be the son of the Fourth Hokage.
Even Naruto himself was utterly confused.
"The orphan of the Fourth Hokage... Are they talking about me? But I'm the Nine-Tails, right? How could I be the son of the Fourth Hokage?"
As his mind spiraled into chaos, a large hand gently rested on his head.
"Yes, Naruto. Your father was the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. You are not a demon fox; you are a hero of Konoha!"
"H-Hero?"
Naruto tilted his head up, staring at Aburame Shigeo in bewilderment.
"Uncle Shigeo, what do you mean?"
"It's exactly as I said!"
Aburame Shigeo took a deep breath, a nostalgic look flashing across his face.
"The night the Nine-Tails attacked Konoha, your father sacrificed his life to seal the beast inside you. He wanted you to grow up as Konoha's savior. But..."
His fist clenched as anger flared in his eyes.
"Some people, for their selfish interests, concealed your lineage and spread rumors that you *were* the Nine-Tails, erasing your rightful honor. It's despicable!"
"Uh..."
Naruto stood frozen, while several police officers around them lowered their heads in shame.
Though they hadn't known the truth, many had unwittingly contributed to the rumors. Hearing Shigeo's words now, they felt their faces burn with guilt.
Taking in the crowd's reactions, Shigeo's lips curled slightly as he retrieved a small book from his robe and handed it to Naruto.
"This is *The Tale of the Gutsy Ninja,* the first book written by Jiraiya-sensei and your father's favorite. Your name was inspired by its protagonist. I'm giving it to you now, hoping you'll become just as resilient."
With that, he turned to the others.
"Mizuki attempted to exploit students to steal the Sealing Scroll and even attempted murder. The evidence is indisputable. Arrest him immediately.
Naruto Uzumaki, though inadvertently involved, returned the scroll promptly and showed significant merit. His efforts absolve him of guilt. The mission is complete. Everyone, fall back!"
"Yes, sir!"
The police force responded in unison and began escorting Mizuki back to Konoha.
By now, the sky had lightened with the first signs of dawn.
Shigeo glanced into the distance, then gently removed the Sealing Scroll from Naruto's back and ruffled his hair again.
"Alright, Naruto. It's over now. Time to go home for breakfast. Your godmother has been worrying about you since yesterday!"
"Godmother?" Naruto blinked, confused.
Seeing this, Shigeo slapped his forehead with a laugh.
"Hahaha... I forgot to tell you! Actually, I'm your godfather. So when you called me 'Dad' yesterday, you weren't wrong, haha!"
"Ah?"
Naruto froze again.
Before he could fully process it, a familiar voice reached his ears.
"Shigeo isn't lying, Naruto. He is indeed your godfather, though perhaps not the most responsible one."
Naruto turned toward the voice, spotting Sarutobi Hiruzen, wearing his Hokage hat and robe, pipe in hand, strolling toward them.
"Grandpa Third!"
Naruto called out, then lowered his head in embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, Grandpa Third. I shouldn't have taken the Sealing Scroll without permission."
"Haha, knowing your mistake is what matters!"
Sarutobi chuckled and nodded approvingly, then shifted his gaze to Shigeo.
"Shigeo, you've done well tonight. May I have the Sealing Scroll now?"
"Sorry, Third Hokage, but I can't do that just yet."
Shigeo shook his head, raising the scroll.
"This scroll is crucial evidence in the case. Mizuki's motives, possible accomplices, and whether he acted under orders are all unclear.
To prevent further complications, the Konoha Police Force will retain custody of the scroll until the investigation is complete. Once everything is resolved, I'll return it alongside the case file. I trust you'll support my decision, Lord Hokage."
Sarutobi: "..."
He could find no flaw in Shigeo's reasoning—it was both sound and well-justified.
Resigned, Sarutobi nodded.
"Very well. The Sealing Scroll will remain with you for now. You've done an excellent job, Shigeo. Entrusting you with the Konoha Police Force was indeed the right decision."
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Hokage!"
Shigeo bowed respectfully before thumping his chest.
"Your encouragement is my greatest motivation. I will uphold your teachings, tackle challenges with determination, and wield my authority responsibly, always mindful of the Will of Fire.
To the people of Konoha, I will act as a humble servant, remembering my roots and my duty as a child of this village. As I often say:
'Face scorn with resolve; serve with humility. Consume hardships to nourish others.'"
Shigeo's speech flowed unabated, lasting over ten minutes.
Sarutobi listened in stunned silence.
This man... was a natural-born politician!
His rhetoric was smooth, his sincerity unshakable, and his charisma undeniable.
"Perhaps... this guy could make an excellent Fifth Hokage?"
The thought struck Sarutobi, surprising even himself.
He began to seriously consider the possibility.
From strength and heritage to political acumen, Aburame Shigeo had it all.
"Most importantly, he's cunning enough that Konoha wouldn't suffer under his leadership!"
A faint smile crept across Sarutobi's lips.
"I'll observe him a bit longer. After all, I still have a few good years left to make sure he's ready."
(End of Chapter)