Chapter 41: Sincerity is the Most Powerful Weapon
Regarding Naruto learning ninjutsu and attending the Ninja Academy, the Konoha leadership had actually undergone a heated debate.
Of course, the entire time, it was Danzō alone arguing forcefully.
Initially, upon hearing that Uzumaki Naruto, not yet enrolled and only five years old, had learned a C-rank ninjutsu without instruction, Danzō, who originally paid him no mind, was completely stunned.
This... what kind of monstrous talent is this?
Namikaze Minato didn't have this level of ninjutsu talent!
Then, hearing that this guy Sarutobi Hiruzen actually wanted to send such a genius to the Ninja Academy to play house, Danzō instantly snapped back.
Slam!!
He slapped the table, drawing the attention of the other three.
Then he stood up and said sternly: "The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's talent is so high! If he ever harbors improper thoughts, the threat to Konoha will be simply too great!"
But after only a few seconds of seriousness, Danzō revealed his true intentions, saying: "Better hand him over to Root! Let me train him into a true weapon!"
Finished speaking, Danzō glanced down with his single eye towards the silent Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
"Ah? Mm hmm."
Mitokado Homura, seeing Danzō's signal, finally came back to his senses: "I agree with Danzō's opinion. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's talent is so high; letting him run wild is indeed somewhat dangerous."
"...Seconded."
Utatane Koharu's eye twitched, also echoing her agreement.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen just took a deep drag from his pipe, saying gravely: "Naruto will not be handed over to Root. He is a firm inheritor of the Will of Fire."
Will of Fire, Will of Fire, always the Will of Fire!!
Danzō was so angry his heart clenched, roaring furiously: "You are wasting the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki's talent! You..."
Slap!
But before he could finish, Sarutobi Hiruzen slapped three small booklets down in front of them.
"Take a look. These are copies of little Naruto's diary."
Seeing the three flip through the booklets quizzically, Sarutobi Hiruzen said gravely: "Which one of you has a deeper understanding of the Will of Fire than he does?"
"This..."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were speechless and choked up reading it.
But Danzō grew increasingly delighted the more he read.
"The more a tree yearns for the light above, the deeper its roots must reach downwards, towards the soil, towards the depths of darkness."
This sentence, especially, struck a chord deep within his heart, resonating strongly with him!!
Isn't this his Root?
Silently guarding Konoha's prosperity from the shadows, allowing Konoha's branches and leaves to grow ever stronger.
"Uzumaki Naruto... this fellow has potential!"
If previously he wanted to turn Uzumaki Naruto into an emotionless tool of war,
Now he changed his mind.
He would make Uzumaki Naruto his right-hand man, and then have him inherit the position of Root's leader!!
"Hiruzen! You must hand Uzumaki Naruto over to me!"
Danzō looked directly into Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, his gaze never more resolute.
"Root cannot give him what he needs now. What Naruto needs now isn't power, but friends, bonds."
But Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, saying meaningfully: "Just like his father and mother."
Uzumaki Naruto's mother, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Kushina.
Originally didn't have deep feelings for Konoha, but very 'coincidentally' was rescued by Namikaze Minato in a 'hero saves the beauty' scenario, saved solely by him from the Cloud's hands.
Since then, Konoha gained two great elite combatants.
Danzō had also asked Sarutobi Hiruzen for her back then, saying he would train Uzumaki Kushina into an emotionless weapon.
But facts proved Sarutobi Hiruzen's methods were superior.
"Err..."
Mitokado Homura hesitated for a moment, then finally forced a laugh: "Danzō, I think Hiruzen's point is more reasonable. We should give the young people some opportunities."
"...Seconded."
The two Konoha advisors once again played their roles as comedic sidekicks and fence-sitters.
Adding another dose of fury to Shimura Danzō's heart.
The subsequent discussion was very simple.
"I will make Uzumaki Naruto pose no threat whatsoever!"
"Danzō, Naruto himself poses no threat."
"I will make Uzumaki Naruto the heir to Root!!"
"Danzō, Naruto is more suited to be Hokage."
"Hiruzen! You will regret this!"
"Danzō, I am the Hokage."
Danzō argued forcefully, red in the face, while Sarutobi Hiruzen emotionlessly refuted him.
Finally, Sarutobi once again pulled out the "I am the Hokage" line, successfully rendering Danzō speechless, who ultimately left in anger, flicking his sleeve.
And thus concluded the discussion, with Naruto gaining the opportunity to study at the Ninja Academy.
...
"Grandpa Third!"
Naruto's voice interrupted Sarutobi Hiruzen's thoughts.
"Ah? What is it?"
He came back to his senses, looking at the pouting little Naruto.
"You weren't listening to me again!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled: "Sorry, sorry. Getting old, easy to get distracted. What were you saying just now?"
Looking at the small Naruto before him, a wave of emotion rose in his heart.
Whether talent, disposition, or even ideological awareness, little Naruto was more outstanding than his father.
Konoha produced geniuses generation after generation, like the Nara with their clever minds, like the Uchiha warriors who could fight one against three.
But those skilled in both literary and martial arts like Naruto were truly rare.
Moreover, he was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. As long as he could grow up smoothly, his future would surely be even brighter.
Why worry about Konoha not flourishing?!
"I said, my birthday is coming up soon. Grandpa Third, do you want to come celebrate with me?"
"Of course..."
Seeing little Naruto's expectant gaze, Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to agree without hesitation.
This was a prime opportunity to win his heart.
But suddenly remembering the awful mess with the Uchiha clan and the Hyūga clan, he began to hesitate.
"The Hyūga main family keeps urging me to discuss some important matter, while the Uchiha clan is restless. I must find a way to figure out their plans."
Thinking this, Sarutobi Hiruzen made his decision, showing a guilty expression as he patted little Naruto's head: "Sorry, Naruto. You know, I'm usually busy with government affairs. It'll probably be hard to find time to celebrate your birthday with you."
"Although I can't give you a definite answer, I promise I'll come celebrate with you after work is done, okay?"
Worst case, I'll just fool him with a Shadow Clone. Naruto probably won't notice.
"Oh, okay..."
Looking at the crestfallen little Naruto lowering his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt helpless, but also secretly pleased.
Seems my approachability is still quite high. Naruto already sees me as family he can rely on and trust.
But little did he know, little Naruto was currently complaining furiously to Menma in his head.
"Grandpa Third is lying again! Every time we meet, barely any truth comes out of his mouth! Are all old people like this?"
Menma smiled: "People love lies, not only because they fear the hardships of discovering the truth, but also because they have a natural yet decadent fondness for lies themselves."
One lie needs countless more lies to cover it up.
For Naruto, sincerity is the most powerful weapon.
Unfortunately, some people will never understand such a simple principle in their entire lives.
(End of Chapter)
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