First Hokage, Hashirama Senju:
"The Fourth Hokage really was excellent.
In this matter, he deserves praise."
Inside the Shinigami's Stomach — Purgatory
Minato Namikaze sat quietly, a bitter look on his face.
Though he had been appointed the Fourth Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen had remained by his side as an "advisor."
But in reality?
Many of the things Minato wished to do—he was never allowed to decide alone.
They called it dual leadership, but it felt more like he was a puppet.
And yet—
Minato had no regrets.
He had done everything within his power to fulfill his duty.
There were only two things he would forever regret:
That Kushina Uzumaki couldn't live to see Naruto grow up.
That Naruto had to grow up without ever knowing the love of a father or mother.
But if time could rewind—if he had to make the decision all over again—
He would still choose Kushina.
He would still choose to bring Naruto into the world.
He would still choose to sacrifice himself and Kushina for the safety of the village and seal the Nine-Tails into Naruto's body.
As for the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen—
Minato held no grudge.
In fact, he was grateful.
That was why he said nothing in the chat.
Kushina knew his thoughts.
At that moment, she gently took his hand.
And chose to remain silent as well.
Broadcast Continued
"Shortly afterward, Kushina became pregnant.
While this was joyful news, it also came with serious danger—because Kushina was a Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails."
"During childbirth, a Jinchūriki becomes extremely vulnerable—the seal weakening and risking a breakout."
"To ensure safety, Hiruzen arranged for the couple to give birth in a secure location, far from the village."
"To avoid any leaks, even the midwife was Sarutobi's own wife."
"But despite the precautions, tragedy struck."
"The Nine-Tails broke free—and attacked the village directly."
"Faced with an unprecedented threat, Hiruzen ordered all young ninja to evacuate and prohibited them from engaging the Nine-Tails."
"Villages can be rebuilt—but the future must survive."
"The Uchiha Clan's Police Force was assigned to protect the civilians at the rear.
Hiruzen himself led the Anbu and jōnin to fight the Nine-Tails."
"He summoned Enma, the Monkey King.
Unlike massive toads like Gamabunta, Enma had a unique ability—he could transform into a weapon: the Adamantine Staff."
"Weighing over 13,000 jin, the staff forced the Nine-Tails out of the village."
"But Hiruzen was aging—and quickly lost stamina."
"The Nine-Tails charged a Tailed Beast Bomb—aimed at the heart of the village."
"At that critical moment, Minato returned.
After driving off Obito, he used Flying Thunder God to teleport the beast far away."
"By the time Hiruzen caught up, Minato and Kushina had already formed a barrier—activating the Uzumaki clan's Adamant Chains and beginning the Reaper Death Seal."
"Perhaps Hiruzen wanted to take their place—to spare them.
But he couldn't pass through the barrier."
"In the end, the Nine-Tails was split in half, sealed into their newborn son Naruto.
And both Minato and Kushina perished."
Chat Group
Second Hokage Tobirama:
@Sarutobi Hiruzen – You really wanted to take the Fourth's place back then?
Third Hokage Hiruzen:
Sensei…
I don't think I need to answer that.
If you believe in me, then no answer is needed—you know my heart.
And if you don't believe me, any answer I give will be meaningless.
First Hokage Hashirama:
Sounds more like you're just embarrassed to answer.
If you really wanted to help, how could you not even get through your own student's barrier?
Fourth Raikage A:
Hey Ōnoki, I just thought of a new joke.
Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki:
I already know what it is—
"How can the so-called strongest Hokage in history not even break through his student's barrier?"
Fourth Raikage A:
Hahaha! You do have talent, Ōnoki!
But your delivery was a little dry!
Ōnoki:
Then let's hear your version!
At this point, even the other shinobi in the chat group leaned in—
Everyone was curious what A would say next.
Somewhere along the way, the comedic back-and-forth between the Fourth Raikage and Third Tsuchikage had become everyone's favorite form of entertainment.
Even as Hiruzen seethed with anger, the others waited eagerly.
He clenched his fists.
Once he got his reward from the ranking—
The first thing he'd do is bash these two with his staff!
Finally, Raikage A spoke:
Raikage A:
"The real punchline goes like this:
'The strongest Hokage in history…
The so-called strongest in the entire ninja world…
Can't even break through a student's barrier.'"
Ōnoki:
Hahaha! That is better.
Why didn't I think of that?
You're definitely the better jokester.
Raikage A:
Of course. I'm a professional now.
Some were disappointed.
They had expected something more creative.
Most just laughed.
Hiruzen was now fuming.
He swore—
Once he got his reward—
The first ones to "receive the staff" would be these two clowns.
Broadcast Continued
"On her deathbed, Kushina entrusted her child to Hiruzen."
"Kushina: 'His name is Naruto.
Minato and I named him after the hero in Master Jiraiya's novel.'"
"Hiruzen solemnly replied:
'Naruto… I will take good care of him.
I promise.'"
Chat Group
Jiraiya:
Minato, Kushina…
I had no idea you actually used that name.
Truth be told, that novel was based on my own adventures—that's probably why you liked it.
Minato:
Master Jiraiya, both Kushina and I loved the name.
And if Naruto grows up to be anything like you,
we'd be proud.
Kushina:
Exactly!
Our child having that name?
So cool.
Naruto Uzumaki:
Pervy Sage, I love my name too!
I really wanna read that novel someday.
Jiraiya:
No problem!
Once I'm back in the village, I'll let you read it—
Just promise me you won't laugh too hard.
Hashirama:
@Hiruzen –
Didn't you promise to take care of Naruto?
Then why did he suffer so much?
Tobirama:
@Hiruzen –
Monkey, this is your idea of a promise?
Color me disappointed.
Hiruzen didn't respond.
Because deep down—
He was ashamed.
And he knew—
No excuse would sound convincing.
Naruto Uzumaki:
First and Second Hokage,
Grandpa Hiruzen really did treat me well.
He was an amazing Hokage.
Then—and even now—
I've always wanted to be a great Hokage like him.
Hiruzen:
Naruto…
It's me who owes you an apology.
The more kindly you speak of me, the more guilty I feel.
But I swear—
From this moment on,
I will make it up to you.
Minato:
Third Lord, I have one last request.
Kushina and I are still trapped in the belly of the Shinigami.
Naruto will be a target—
Please, until he's strong enough to protect himself,
guard him with your life.
Hiruzen:
Fourth Lord, you have my word.
Even if it costs me everything,
I will protect Naruto.
Raikage A:
"Even if it costs me everything," huh?
What'll you do—seal one of their arms?
Ōnoki:
Raikage A, the joke's getting old.
You keep using that same line.
Hiruzen's skin is thick—he won't even blush.
If you're going to mock him, at least get creative.
Raikage A:
You're right.
Next time I'll come up with something better.
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