Chapter 3

Dang, clang, clang.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted Naruto's thoughts. He opened it to find an old man standing there, dressed in the iconic red and white Hokage robe, a bamboo hat on his head, and a pipe clenched between his teeth.

It was Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage of Konoha.

"Good evening, Third Hokage Grandpa," Naruto greeted with a warm smile, his tone respectful.

"Naruto, I hope I'm not disturbing you," Hiruzen said cheerfully, taking a puff from his pipe.

Earlier, he had observed Naruto's interactions on the street through his crystal ball. While most villagers still harbored hatred for the boy, some had begun to treat him differently. Naruto's demeanor had changed—he was more polite, more refined, even his attire had shifted.

This change, however, was not entirely good news for Hiruzen. It introduced uncertainty. Naruto was no longer the predictable, ostracized child he once was.

Hiruzen's eyes darkened for a moment, but he quickly replaced the expression with a kind smile.

"Third Hokage Grandpa, please come in. You're always so busy. It's rare for you to visit me, so how could it be a bother?" Naruto led Hiruzen inside and offered him a glass of water.

Naruto's gentle smile and refined demeanor momentarily overlapped with the image of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, in Hiruzen's mind. The old man sighed, feeling a pang of nostalgia and guilt.

"Naruto, you've really grown up," Hiruzen said softly.

"People always grow up," Naruto replied, his voice steady. "I used to be too naive, which made people hate me. Now, I want to be like the Fourth Hokage—gentle and kind. I want to earn everyone's recognition and become Hokage."

His words were filled with hope and determination.

"Really? Minato is your idol?" Hiruzen muttered to himself, his guilt resurfacing.

He knew the truth. Naruto had been influenced by the book The Will of Fire, which painted the Hokage as a selfless protector of the village. It was no wonder Naruto aspired to follow in Minato's footsteps.

Hiruzen reached out and ruffled Naruto's hair affectionately. "Naruto, I'll visit you more often from now on. Remember, you're not alone. I'll always be your strongest support."

'So that I can remain your only light,' he thought silently.

"Third Hokage Grandpa, don't underestimate me. I'm going to become Hokage!" Naruto declared, his eyes shining with determination.

"Third Hokage Grandpa, as you always say, 'Where the leaves dance, the fire burns brightly. The fire will continue to illuminate the village and nurture new leaves.' I want to be that fire—to dedicate myself and ignite the future of the village."

Naruto's heartfelt words moved Hiruzen deeply.

Minato, Naruto is so much like you. Is this your final gift to the village?

"Naruto, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me," Hiruzen said warmly.

The guilt in his heart grew heavier.

"Thank you, Third Hokage Grandpa. I don't need anything right now, but you should take care of your health too. Don't overwork yourself. You have to protect everyone," Naruto replied with a smile.

"As Hokage, it's my duty to protect everyone," Hiruzen said cheerfully, taking another puff from his pipe.

Just as Hiruzen was about to delve deeper into Naruto's studies and mental state, an Anbu operative clad in black appeared beside him and whispered something in his ear. Hiruzen's expression shifted, and he stood up abruptly.

"Naruto, I'll visit you again soon," he said, his tone urgent.

Naruto maintained his perfect smile, seemingly unfazed by the sudden departure. He was used to this. For ninjas, coming and going without warning was second nature.

Naruto escorted Hiruzen to the door, watching as the old man's slightly hunched figure disappeared into the night.

Once Hiruzen was out of sight, Naruto's smile faded. His eyes turned cold and calculating.

My performance should have satisfied the Third Hokage. The supplies will probably come more frequently now.

Though Hiruzen didn't visit often, he occasionally sent "supplies" to Naruto. The last delivery had been a book titled The Will of Fire.

As Naruto had mentioned earlier, the book's core message was, "Where the leaves dance, the fire burns brightly." It preached selfless dedication—burning oneself to nurture the next generation and protect the village.

But Naruto felt no connection to this ideology. He had done nothing wrong, yet he was constantly met with disdain and hostility. If not for the Anbu's protection, he might have been killed long ago.

Aizen had once taught him, "The best way to control someone is to break their will first."

This resonated deeply with Naruto. His situation mirrored Aizen's words. Whenever he felt despair, Hiruzen would "coincidentally" appear to comfort him and preach the Will of Fire.

What's the difference between this and brainwashing? Naruto thought bitterly.

How could he ever identify with Konoha or the Will of Fire under such circumstances?

Naruto didn't know what the future held, but for now, he would keep up the act. He would wear his perfect smile and "sincerely" win over the villagers.

With that in mind, Naruto sat down and opened The Will of Fire. This was the 38th time he had read it.

Only by mastering its teachings could he avoid slipping up in his daily life.

True deception is forgetting who you really are.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, an Anbu operative reported Naruto's actions.

"Naruto has started reading The Will of Fire again," the operative said.

Hiruzen's eyes softened. "Naruto truly embodies the Will of Fire," he murmured.

Danzo, who had been standing in the shadows, scoffed. "You're too soft, Hiruzen. Naruto should be handed over to Root. I'll mold him into the perfect weapon. That's the only foolproof decision."

"Naruto will never be handed over to Root," Hiruzen said firmly. "He's Minato's son. I owe it to Minato to guide him."

"Guide him?" Danzo sneered. "If that were true, you wouldn't have let him suffer like this. Deep down, you know Naruto belongs in Root. I'll train him to be the perfect tool—"

"Danzo, Naruto is not a tool," Hiruzen interrupted, his voice cold. "Where there is light, there must be darkness. But Naruto will remain in the light and inherit the Will of Fire."

"Danzo, remember this—I am the Hokage."

Danzo glared at Hiruzen, his one visible eye burning with resentment. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen," he spat before storming out of the office.

As Danzo left, the desire for the Hokage title burned brighter than ever in his heart.