Knock, knock, knock. A knock suddenly sounded at the door. Naruto opened it to find an old man standing there, dressed in the red and white Hokage robes, wearing a conical hat, and holding a pipe.
It was the current Hokage of Konoha, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Good evening, Grandpa Third." Seeing the visitor, Naruto smiled, his tone filled with respect.
"Ah, Naruto, I hope I'm not disturbing you," the Third said, taking a puff from his pipe, his voice cheerful. Today, through his crystal ball, he had witnessed Naruto's encounter on the street. Although still disliked by most villagers, the attitude of some had significantly improved. He didn't know when it started, but Naruto had become polite, even changing his attire. For the personality and behavior of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to change was not necessarily good news for him. It meant an increase in unpredictability.
Thinking this, a shadow briefly crossed the Third's eyes, but it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual benevolent smile.
"Grandpa Third, please come in. You're usually so busy; it's rare for you to find time to visit me. How could you possibly be disturbing me?" Naruto invited the Third into the room and handed him a glass of water. Naruto wore a gentle smile, his demeanor refined. For a moment, his face overlapped with that of Namikaze Minato.
The Third watched, momentarily lost in thought, and couldn't help but sigh. "Naruto, you've really grown up."
"Well, people always grow up. I was too childish before, that's why I was disliked. Now, I want to be like the Fourth Hokage, gentle and kind. I want to gain everyone's acknowledgment and become Hokage," Naruto's words were full of aspiration for the future.
"Is that so? Minato is your idol, huh?" the Third murmured to himself, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. He understood now. It seemed Naruto was influenced by the book "Generations of Hokage" and had decided to become a Hokage like Minato. Looking at it this way, the young boy was shouldering quite a burden.
He patted Naruto's head with a pained expression, saying gently, "Naruto, Grandpa Third will come to see you more often from now on. You must remember, you are not alone. I will always be your strongest support." 'This way, I can become your only light,' he thought.
"Grandpa Third, don't underestimate me! I'm going to become Hokage!" Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes filled with hope. "Grandpa Third, just as you said, where the leaves dance, the fire also burns. The light of the fire will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout. I want to become that fire, to dedicate myself and ignite Konoha."
Naruto's sincere speech moved the Third somewhat. Ah, Minato, Naruto is exactly like you. Is this the final gift you left for the village?
"Naruto, if you need anything, just tell Grandpa Third anytime." The guilt in the Third's heart deepened.
"Okay, thank you, Grandpa Third. I don't need anything for now. Grandpa Third, you should also take care of your health. Don't work too hard protecting everyone."
"I am the Hokage; protecting everyone is my responsibility," the Third replied cheerfully, taking a puff from his pipe.
Just as the Third wanted to chat more with Naruto and delve deeper into his psychological state, an ANBU operative in black attire appeared beside him and whispered a few words.
The Third's expression changed, and he immediately stood up. "Naruto, I'll come see you next time."
Naruto maintained his perfect smile, evidently accustomed to this scene. For these ninja, entering and exiting his home was an effortless matter. Naruto knew his life was also under their surveillance.
Naruto obediently saw the Third to the door, watching his slightly stooped figure disappear into the night. The smile on his face gradually vanished, his eyes turning cold. His performance this time should have satisfied the Third; perhaps supplies would be delivered more frequently now.
Although the Third didn't often visit Naruto's small hut, he would occasionally send some 'supplies.' The last 'supply' was the book "The Will of Fire." Just as Naruto had recited earlier, "Where the leaves dance, the fire also burns." This was the core of the Will of Fire, long revered by successive Hokage. It roughly meant to abandon all prejudice and burn oneself to nurture the younger generation with a spirit of selfless dedication.
However, Naruto didn't feel the Will of Fire. He asked himself what he had done wrong, yet he had always suffered unfair cold shoulders and verbal abuse. Everyone wished they could tear him apart. If not for the protection of the ANBU ninja, he might already be dead.
Aizen had once taught Naruto: the best way to control a person is to first destroy their will. This was so similar to his own situation. Whenever his mood plummeted, the Third would "coincidentally" appear, comfort him, and instill in him the Will of Fire. What was the difference between such behavior and brainwashing? How could this make him identify with Konoha, identify with the Will of Fire?
Naruto wasn't sure what he would do in the future, but for now, to conceal himself, he would always maintain a perfect smile and use 'sincerity' to move the villagers.
Thinking this, Naruto sat down, opened the book "The Will of Fire," and began to read it carefully. This was the 38th time. Only by knowing it by heart could he avoid revealing any flaws in his daily life. True disguise meant forgetting one's original self.
"Naruto has started reading "The Will of Fire" again." Simultaneously, in the Hokage's Office, an ANBU promptly reported Naruto's movements.
"Naruto… he truly has inherited the Will of Fire," the Third's eyes gleamed as he murmured. "Danzo, did you hear that? Naruto might be an even more outstanding successor to the Will of Fire than Minato." The Third's face beamed with pride. "This proves my decision was correct."
"Hmph." In a corner of the Hokage's Office, a one-eyed old man leaning on a cane and covered in bandages snorted coldly. "You are too soft-hearted, Hiruzen. You should hand Naruto over to Root. I will train him into a perfect weapon of war. That is the foolproof decision."
"Naruto will not be handed over to Root. He is Minato's only son. I need to give Minato an accounting."
"An accounting? Heh," Danzo chuckled coldly. "If that were truly the case, you wouldn't have let Naruto be in such a situation. Hiruzen, you actually understand that Root is Naruto's true place. I will train him into the most perfect too—"
"Danzo, Naruto is not a tool for Root!" the Third's face turned cold. "Where there is light, there will inevitably be darkness. But Naruto will stand in the light and inherit the Will of Fire."
"Danzo, you must remember, I am the Hokage."
"Hmph. Hiruzen, you will regret this." Danzo gave the Third a deep look and then departed with a resentful flick of his sleeve. 'Hokage… always the Hokage,' he thought, his desire for the position swelling once more.