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"Wait, drink your medicine first."
Tsunade caught Sasame just as he tried to slip out the door.
"Sis, do I have to?"
Sasame scrunched up his face in protest. "I think my body's strong enough already—I don't need any more tonic."
"Given your unique constitution, this medicine significantly aids your chakra growth. It's best if you keep taking it."
Tsunade shook her head firmly.
Though Sasame's pitiful expression tugged at her heartstrings, as his adoptive mother, she knew when to be strict. Her face remained stern.
This is all thanks to Uzumaki Ena and the Wood Release serum! This tonic has nothing to do with it!
But Sasame couldn't explain. He could only swallow the medicine with a resigned pout.
For some reason, Tsunade felt inexplicably guilty, as if she'd committed some grave sin.
Seeing his dejected look, she nearly pulled him into a hug to comfort him.
"Here, have some candy."
Her heart softened as she unwrapped a piece and popped it into his mouth.
Afterward, she gently ruffled his hair.
At this proximity, it took all her willpower not to embrace him.
Tsunade believed excessive affection now would only make it harder for Sasame when he grew older.
She needed to get used to restraint.
Sasame smacked his lips—the candy still carried the warmth of her fingers.
Not bad.
Then he noticed Tsunade's expression.
How to describe it?
It reminded him of his past life, staring at an exorbitantly priced figurine with conflicted longing.
Though unsure what troubled her, comforting people was Sasame's specialty.
Rising on tiptoes, he looped his arms around her neck, pressing his cheek to hers.
"Don't overwork yourself, Sis. It'd make me sad."
Leveraging his childish charm to the fullest—winning her over with cuteness.
And admittedly, enjoying the softness of her embrace too.
A classic win-win.
Tsunade's defenses crumbled instantly.
Reason shattered.
Biting her lip, she couldn't resist hugging him back.
You little rascal.
This shouldn't be happening, yet here they were, crossing lines.
Her emotions tangled—frustration at her weak willpower, yet comfort in holding him, laced with a faint, age-defying taboo.
"Alright, off you go."
Tsunade quickly disentangled herself, intending to sound stern but failing.
"Bye, Sis!"
Sasame waved and left.
Minutes later, he arrived at Kumema Gambling House.
"Boss, Naruto's waiting inside."
Masayuki hurried over upon seeing him.
Sasame nodded and entered.
"Big bro..."
Uzumaki Naruto's spirits were visibly low.
"What's wrong?"
Sasame sat beside him.
"Why does everyone still hate me even after the Hokage spoke up?"
Naruto voiced his lingering doubt.
"Prejudice is an insurmountable mountain."
Sasame sighed. "Years of bias won't vanish from one statement. And you're still suspected of being the 'demon fox.' Understand? They need someone to blame."
The true culprit behind the Nine-Tails' attack remained unnamed.
Villagers' rage demanded an outlet.
Thus, rumors of Naruto being the fox's incarnation became their target—even toward a child.
Fundamentally, this traced back to Hiruzen Sarutobi's poor handling.
"Why me? I didn't do anything wrong!"
Naruto's cheeks puffed in frustration.
"I don't know either."
Sasame feigned puzzlement. "But if we find who spread the rumor, we might clear your name."
Naruto's eyes widened.
Hokage's children matured early, and his harsh upbringing made him wiser than his years.
His later mischievousness was just cries for attention.
Now, Sasame's words illuminated everything.
Right!
Who started the rumor?
"Big bro, do you know?"
Naruto turned eagerly to Sasame.
"I don't, but we can deduce it."
Sasame mused. "Every action has purpose. Spreading that rumor must've benefited someone. Think—who gained most? Who ultimately profited?"
Naruto fell deep into thought.
Who benefited?
He felt lost.
From his view, no one gained anything.
He was just a kid—why would anyone care?
The demon fox...
What even is it?
What's special about me?
Naruto stiffened.
Everyone treats me badly... except the Hokage.
Thus, he'd believed the Hokage alone in Konoha truly cared for him.
But what if he spread the rumor?
As Hokage, he could make the whole village believe it.
And he could've stopped it sooner—yet waited three years.
Naruto's face paled.
His mind churned.
He didn't want to believe it, yet it made terrible sense.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, his kindest protector... might be the architect of his suffering.
What's real? What's fake?
I can't tell anymore!
Watching Naruto's turmoil, Sasame knew his careful guidance had led the boy to suspect Hiruzen.
Full acceptance would take time, but the seed of doubt was planted.
"Big bro, I..."
Naruto snapped back but faltered.
"Naruto, you're young. You've got time."
Sasame patted his shoulder. "Enough to prove every theory right or wrong."
Naruto shuddered, clarity returning.
As the reincarnation of Asura's chakra, optimism was his nature.
But optimism didn't mean naivety.
In the original tale, when necessary, Naruto acted decisively.
Only now... his targets might differ.
"Thanks, big bro!"
Naruto inhaled deeply. He'd observe the Hokage closely—verify if that kindness was genuine.
[Your actions have altered Uzumaki Naruto's fate. Obtained 46 Fate Points.]
Sasame's brow rose.
Not bad.
His words had impact.
With these 46 points, he now held 537 Fate Points total.
Closer to his goal.
Naruto's only three... plenty more opportunities ahead.
"See ya, big bro!"
Post-conversation, Naruto reverted to his cheerful self, leaving with a milk carton.
His carefree nature didn't equate to ignorance—just an ability to move forward.
Sasame headed to Tanzaku Town next.
He needed to inform Uzumaki Ena and Karin about his upcoming mission in two days, ensuring their peace of mind.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 70 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.