Inside the Hokage Building
The three generations of Hokage, who managed everything in the village every day, were now facing new troubles.
Naruto had somehow created an image of being "close to the people," which meant the parents of the bear children now came complaining in person, demanding justice for their sons' noses, faces, and egos.
"Third Hokage, please take care of that wild child! Look at what he did to my son!"
"If that wild boy isn't disciplined, he might cause even bigger trouble. The village has already been disrupted because of him!"
"Master Sandai, you should just drive Naruto out of the village. His existence is a curse upon us!"
Even the Third Hokage, patient as he was, could only smile politely. "I understand the concerns of the parents, but children will inevitably get injured during play. That doesn't mean they're evil—it just proves they're lively."
"And as far as I know," he continued, "it was your child who provoked the trouble first, bullying another little girl. Naruto simply defended himself. That is justifiable defense."
The parents frowned. "Our child is so honest at home! How could he possibly bully others? He was only playing with the little girl."
"Yes! It was that ignorant Naruto who attacked my child first!"
The Third Hokage suppressed a sigh. "Children's fights happen, and I understand that. I have no objection."
Then one parent added cautiously, "But… that little girl is Hinata's daughter. Her father is the Hyuga clan patriarch."
Silence fell. The previous arrogance in their voices seemed to evaporate like ice under boiling water.
Yaohu—Naruto—had no parents, so the villagers could vent their malice freely. But Hinata came from one of the wealthiest families in Konoha, capable of influencing futures. They had clearly underestimated the consequences of provoking her.
A small, almost imperceptible smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face. His voice was calm, almost heavenly: "Do not worry. I will ensure Patriarch Hiashi does not pursue this matter. But you must discipline your children better. Everyone in the village lives together—amiable relations are best."
The bear children's parents quickly nodded, chastened. "Master Hokage is right. It's better to be gentle… and thank you for tolerating our trouble earlier."
The Third Hokage waved a hand. "It is my duty to mediate conflicts. The old branches and leaves must be tolerant of the new shoots."
The parents nodded again before leaving, casting a hard look at their children, who were about to get another round of "fatherly and motherly love" back home.
Once the villagers were gone, the Third Hokage returned to his office and lit his pipe, glancing at the portraits of his predecessors.
He thought over the incident. He had persuaded the troublesome parents, maintained his image, and demonstrated Konoha's tolerance—all in one move.
Exhaling smoke, he reflected on Naruto's actions. Although the boy claimed to be a demon fox and sometimes acted like a little tyrant, he only took revenge on those who provoked him. He did not start trouble unnecessarily.
Reports from ANBU confirmed that Naruto even saved Hinata from bullies. The Third Hokage nodded approvingly. Children his age might enjoy mischief, but Naruto already seemed guided by the Will of Fire.
Opening a window, he called to his assistant: "Process these documents for me. I'm going for a walk in the village."
"Yes, Lord Sandai," the assistant replied respectfully.
After shedding his Hokage robes, he quickly transformed into a friendly-looking elderly man and appeared on the street.
He had a plan: strike while the iron was hot. Naruto was still young, still learning the ways of the world. He needed guidance to channel his energy toward becoming a true pillar of Konoha.
The aroma of cooking reached him. "Ah… not late at all."
Naruto had learned to cook well, and eating together could cultivate warmth and family bonds—also part of the Hokage's job.
"Naruto, I've come to see you," Sandai Hokage announced, pushing open the door.
Naruto looked up from the bench where he was cooking, surprised but smiling. "Grandpa Hokage! You're here. Want to join me for lunch? Ingredients are fresh today."
The Third Hokage looked embarrassed. "Ah… this is…"
Naruto quietly added some brightly colored mushrooms to the side dishes, stirring the pot carefully. After ten minutes, he served grilled fish, egg custard, and mushroom soup.
Sandai Hokage dug in immediately. But halfway through, he felt dizzy.
"Could someone have set an illusion trap in here?" he wondered. Then he noticed the bright colors in the mushroom soup and realized: Naruto had… experimented.
"Naruto, are these mushrooms…?"
Naruto tilted his head, hand on his forehead. "A little dizzy, maybe undercooked, maybe poisonous. Don't worry, I've built a tolerance over the years. Stomachache passes in a few hours."
"You've… gotten used to that?" Sandai Hokage groaned. "Can't you tell the difference?"
Naruto nodded seriously. "Grandpa, isn't this how you test for poisonous mushrooms? I've always relied on this method. Today's just bad luck."
The Third Hokage had nothing to say… except to clutch his stomach. For the next two hours, he and Naruto took turns running to the bathroom, faces pale and hearts wary of the mushroom soup.
Finally, Naruto asked tentatively, "Grandpa Hokage… should we still eat it? I think it was delicious."
Sandai Hokage shook his head, using a palm technique to soothe himself. "Naruto, I will give you a complete guide to edible wild plants. Stop experimenting with food. Luck will not always save you."
Naruto's eyes brightened. "Then, Grandpa Hokage… can you also send ninja manuals? Once I become a ninja, I won't have to worry about bad stomachs anymore."
The Third Hokage glanced at the remaining soup and then at Naruto. "Alright… but don't tell anyone about my… 'mushroom incident.'"
Jinchuriki or not, Naruto would soon become a ninja. The earlier he learned practical skills and control over his energy, the better. And Sandai Hokage would never live down being poisoned by a child who wasn't even a ninja yet.
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