"...And that's everything I know so far."
After patiently and thoroughly explaining everything, the Third Hokage let out a long sigh. Reaching into the drawer, he pulled out his pipe to relax for a bit, then casually took out a sealed scroll and handed it over.
"All the detailed information is recorded inside. Go over it when you have time."
'So that's how it is... That old bastard Danzo Shimura... I always thought he was just a gloomy jerk with a sour face, but I never imagined he'd do something like this...'
As he mulled over the shocking intel, the burly man furrowed his brows. Taking the scroll from the Third Hokage's hand, he let out a snort of laughter.
"Hmph, I knew something was fishy about what happened three years ago. No matter how dangerous the Nine-Tails went berserk, it shouldn't have been so bad that Minato Namikaze and the others had to sacrifice their lives to seal it... Now that we know that old snake was scheming behind the scenes, why not just deal with him now? If it's about not having the right person to lead the charge—I'll take a squad of Anbu and personally bring you his damn head! Cut the weed at the root!"
"Now's not the time," the Third Hokage replied calmly. "Everything I've told you is just speculation based on the information we currently have. While it's probably accurate, we still need definitive evidence before we make a move."
Having watched this man grow up, the Third Hokage knew exactly how he'd react. His overly aggressive proposal, completely lacking in respect, was fully expected. As he slowly packed tobacco into his pipe, he went on, expression calm:
"Danzo not only holds public authority as one of the three senior advisors tasked with supervising the Hokage's power on behalf of the Land of Fire's daimyo, he also secretly controls the Root organization—a dangerous force in its own right. If we act without solid proof, he could turn around and accuse us of a coup to seize power. The village, which we've just managed to stabilize, could fall into chaos again. Worse, the daimyo—who's already wary of our Hidden Leaf Village—might send his agents in and completely take over the village's governance."
"...Ugh, that really does sound like a pain... You sly old foxes and your political games are all filthy."
Deflating at the long explanation, the burly man slumped into a nearby chair and rolled his eyes.
"So, what was the real reason you dragged me back here? Don't tell me it was just to tell me the truth and soothe my poor, wounded little heart?"
"Get outta here with that nonsense. You, with a 'wounded little heart'?" The Third Hokage snorted. "The Anbu reported you've barely returned to the village and already made your rounds visiting every women's bath in town."
"Uhh... That... Cough, cough... That was research! For my upcoming epic masterpiece!"
"Epic masterpiece? Hmph. Probably just more of your sleazy little erotic books, huh?"
As if recalling something unpleasant, the Third Hokage smiled pleasantly while fiddling with his pipe, eyes narrowing at his increasingly fidgety disciple.
"As one of the Legendary Sannin of the Leaf, this is what you're doing? You really make your old teacher proud..."
"Ah—uhh—that—hahaha! Let's not talk about that, okay?!"
Noticing the seriousness in his teacher's tone, the burly man straightened up and tried to appear more well-behaved, blinking innocently to change the subject.
"So, sensei... Why did you really call me back?"
"Hmph, sly brat... Fine, I'll let it go this time, since you're still useful. But we'll settle this later."
Feigning anger, the Third Hokage reached into a stack of files and pulled out a photo, handing it over. In it was a blond child smiling brightly.
"Danzo might suspect I'm onto him, but I doubt he has his eyes on this child yet. Still, better safe than sorry. Your mission is simple but critical: protect this child at all costs. Do not let Danzo get to him."
"This child... I see. So he's Minato and Kushina Uzumaki's son..."
Even after all he's been through, the boy still smiled so brightly. What a good kid.
The burly man instantly understood who the target was and gently touched the photo with callused fingers, eyes softening with a rare mix of fondness and warmth. He carefully tucked the picture close to his chest and gave a solemn vow:
"Yeah... I got it. Don't worry, Sensei. I won't fail this time."
'I've tasted the bitterness of regret enough already... If that old bastard Danzo tries to lay a hand on this kid—he'll have to step over my dead body first.'
Meanwhile, under the cover of nightfall over the village, the boy in the photo—Naruto—was already taking the most crucial step in his plan to thwart Danzo's ambitions.
Bathed in the warm glow of streetlamps, Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uchiha Itachi walked side by side, chatting and laughing.
"Hey, Naruto, are you sure your body's okay?" Sasuke looked him up and down, skeptical. "You got roasted by my brother's Fireball Jutsu this morning and looked like a lump of charcoal, but now you're totally fine, like nothing happened. You were barely standing earlier! And now you came back to train more?"
He scratched his head, puzzled.
"I mean, your recovery rate is insane. Are you... actually a monster or something?"
"It's fine, it's fine! That's the eighth time you've asked today, Sasuke."
Naruto's heart warmed a little at Sasuke's concern, though he playfully pretended to be annoyed.
"I told you, I'm a monster, remember?" he teased, grinning. "A terrifying Nine-Tails who loves to eat human children! Wahahahaha!"
"Who loves to eat what now?! You brat!"
'Ugh... Can't you let me finish scaring someone just once, Kurama?!'
"Don't ruin my image with baseless slander!" Kurama barked. "Your scrawny human meat wouldn't even fill my teeth, okay?!"
"Tch, yeah right," Naruto muttered.
Naturally, Sasuke—already used to Naruto's antics—wasn't scared at all. Watching Naruto pause and frown from Kurama's outburst, he misunderstood and assumed Naruto was worried he got frightened.
"If you really were a monster," Sasuke said smugly, "then I'd be the awesome ninja who could go toe-to-toe with one!"
'...Actually, in a way, he's not wrong.'
"Huh? Did you say something just now?"
"Hmm? Me? Nah, you probably imagined it, Sasuke."
Dodging the question, Naruto turned away to hide his grin. He was starting to think the little Uchiha's confused expression was too cute and might give away his plan.
"So, uh... Itachi-san, is it really okay for me to eat at your house? I don't wanna be a bother. Won't your parents be upset?"
"Of course not," Itachi replied with a gentle smile.
"You've been helping Sasuke with his training, and it's totally normal for a friend to come over for dinner. My parents will probably be happy—Sasuke doesn't bring friends home often."
He reached out and gently rubbed Sasuke's head, calming the boy who had started pouting. Seeing Sasuke lean into his hand and nuzzle it like a spoiled kitten, Itachi smiled again.
"We didn't tell them ahead of time, but it's just one more plate at the table. No trouble at all. In fact, we haven't had guests in a while—having you join us will make dinner feel more lively."
"I see... That's a relief..."
Naruto exhaled deeply, patting his chest as if releasing some tension. He subtly masked the sly glint in his eyes.
"Then, I'll be imposing on you tonight. Sasuke always brags about how amazing your mom's cooking is, and honestly, I've been kinda craving it."
"Hmph! You better believe it, Naruto!" Sasuke perked up proudly.
"I never lie! My mom's cooking is the best in the entire Uchiha Clan—no, the entire Hidden Leaf Village! You'd better brace yourself. It's gonna be so good, you won't be able to move after dinner! Especially her rice balls, they're—"
"Home-cooked food from your mom, huh... Must be nice..."
Hearing Sasuke gush nonstop about his mother's cooking, Naruto couldn't help but whisper to himself.
Then, after a brief pause, he shoved down the familiar pang of loneliness those words stirred up. He kept nodding along with Sasuke's chatter while quietly celebrating in his heart.
'Just as I thought—thanks to Sasuke and Itachi's help, meeting the head of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku, shouldn't be hard. As long as I keep following Sasuke home like this, I'll get my chance...'
'Hmm? Wait... Going home with him? Meeting his parents?'
'This... feels kinda weird for some reason...?'