Chapter 25: Chapter 25: The Third Generation Project Begins, Sending Some Warmth
The shock was palpable.
Uzumaki Naruto, with his vast army of shadow clones numbering in the thousands, had unleashed a devastating barrage of shurikens, sweeping across the forest with incredible force.
The ninjas in the audience, each stunned by the display, could only gape, completely taken aback by the spectacle before them.
Senju Hashirama: "Incredible. Seven-year-old Uzumaki Naruto is already a hundred times stronger than I was."
Uchiha Madara: "He's using the power of Nine Tails. If I hadn't been the one to lead the Nine Tails back then, would he have been capable of this?"
Senju Tobirama: "Madara! Be clear—when you used Nine Tails to attack Konoha, you weren't exactly a guest. Don't talk as though you were escorting the beast home."
Despite the bitter history between them, Madara's past actions led to Konoha acquiring the Nine Tails. In some ways, his behavior could be seen as contributing to Konoha's current situation.
Yamanaka Ino: "That's insane! Naruto in this world is so terrifying."
Haruno Sakura: "Ino, don't worry, they said it's the power of the Nine Tails."
Hatake Kakashi: "No, it's not just about the Nine Tails. Naruto himself is a remarkable presence. He has the potential to suppress the Nine Tails' power. His strength is extraordinary."
Nohara Rin: "If Naruto can use his own Chakra more effectively, even without Nine Tails, he'd still be incredibly strong—at least on par with this level. After all, he's the child of Minato-sensei and Kushina."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Oh, Rin, you're too kind. My sister always appreciated compliments like that."
Rin's kind words made Uchiha Obito's heart flutter, but he quickly tried to hide his emotions. Black Zetsu, ever cynical, could only scoff at Obito's response, noting how easily the man had become distracted.
While the others were still absorbing the implications of Naruto's overwhelming strength, he, in contrast, remained quiet, his expression growing darker with each passing moment.
Uzumaki Naruto: "He misjudged his father. He thought his parents abandoned him... that feeling must be awful."
Uzumaki Kushina: "Don't even get me started on that! The old man, Third Hokage, promised me he'd take good care of Naruto. But when the truth about the Jinchūriki leaked, he never said a word. When Naruto asked about his parents, why did he hide it from him?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."
In his mind, Hiruzen rapidly processed the situation. Orochimaru was about to speak, but Hiruzen suddenly had a realization.
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "If I tell Naruto the truth, think about what might happen. The Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine Tails inside Naruto to protect the village. What if Naruto learns this? He could blame the Fourth Hokage, and that would hurt him even more. So, I decided it was better for him not to know."
Orochimaru silently applauded Hiruzen's reasoning, recognizing how well the Hokage had managed the situation.
Uzumaki Naruto: "But the situation in that world is not improving. I have a lot of resentment toward the village there. I even feel like I have the right to take revenge."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Hey, Naruto! This is what sets you apart from Naruto in that world. He doesn't understand the will of fire. He must be a lonely soul."
There was a moment of silence as the audience pondered Hiruzen's words.
Uzumaki Naruto: "He might be stronger than me. He at least has the will to endure loneliness. But I feel like he's not indifferent. His thoughts are sharper than mine. He's already started to suspect that the Fourth Hokage is his father, and he might even consider the Nine Tails' seal. He's only seven! If I couldn't handle it at twelve, how will he deal with it? The truth is, he's already suffered far more than I have."
Everyone was left speechless by Naruto's insight. It was true that the Naruto from that world showed a level of endurance and character beyond what many could comprehend.
Onoki: "That kid… not only is he sharp, but his greatest strength lies in his ability to endure."
Terumi Mei: "Endurance! The more you suppress it, the more explosive it becomes when it finally breaks out."
Fourth Raikage: "This doesn't feel right. We can't waste time watching Third Hokage's missteps. Things could spiral out of control."
Luo Sha: "We can't discuss it further now. The Third Hokage is about to act again."
Scene Transition
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his office, the smoke from his pipe curling upward as he reflected on recent events. The village was in turmoil after dealing with the Uchiha clan's crisis, and now, another storm was brewing.
After hearing Uzuki Yugao's report, Hiruzen asked repeatedly if Naruto had displayed any other abnormal behaviors. When he learned that Naruto hadn't shown signs of Chakra overflow and appeared only slightly fatigued after using ninjutsu, Hiruzen grew even more concerned.
This was clearly a case of overexertion due to anger.
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Heh, I never thought that little guy would master the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique."
Hiruzen said, taking out a scroll from his desk drawer.
Scene Transition
This moment caught Uzumaki Naruto's attention, causing him to narrow his eyes in suspicion.
Uzumaki Naruto: "Wait, is this old man going to give me another gift? I'm not accepting it. Forget the pity I had for him just now—I'm much more pitiful than he is."
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Naruto, you've misunderstood. Our Third Hokage isn't like that."
Orochimaru: "Ha! I really enjoy watching this. Don't you think I don't know what's going on? The Shadow Clone shuriken was specially chosen for your apprentice to learn, to groom him for Hokage, to carry on your legacy. I bet you anything, the Third Hokage in the other world will talk to Naruto about the Hokage title when they meet. You're creating power for yourself."
Uzumaki Naruto: "What? Seriously? Damn it, stop talking about it. You're making me so jealous!"
The exchanges in the room revealed not only Naruto's frustration but also the complex interplay of expectations, legacies, and power dynamics between the Hokage, his legacy, and his apprentices. As the situation in the village and beyond became more volatile, the hidden struggles of the past began to resurface, casting long shadows over the present.
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