HINATA IS BROKEN

Orochimaru had a valid point: the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique was Sarutobi Hiruzen's creation. Given its origin, it was only natural that teaching it to someone outside the family implied a specific purpose. It wasn't something casually handed down.

---

[At Uzumaki Naruto's Home...]

Naruto looked at the approaching Sarutobi Hiruzen with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"Little Naruto," Sarutobi began, his tone gentle but probing. "I heard you successfully performed the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique. Is that true?"

Naruto's eyes flickered with uncertainty. How does the old man know already?

He pondered the question, realizing that as the Hokage of Konoha, Sarutobi had access to everything that happened within the village. He's Hokage, after all. Knowing every little thing must be second nature to him.

However, this knowledge only deepened Naruto's resentment. Sarutobi could easily keep tabs on him but refused to intervene when villagers whispered cruel remarks or cast cold looks his way.

You have the time to monitor me, but you can't stop the villagers from treating me like dirt? Naruto fumed inwardly. And what good is the money you give me if it doesn't solve the bigger issues?

Despite his frustration, Naruto forced a polite smile. "Yeah, I succeeded, but it drained a lot of my chakra. I almost passed out."

Sarutobi nodded with understanding. "That's normal," he assured, his kind smile quickly replaced with a serious expression. "Naruto, do you understand the special significance of this ninjutsu you've learned?"

Special significance? Naruto tilted his head, puzzled. The Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique was impressive, sure, but what could be so special about it?

---

[The Hokage's Explanation]

Sarutobi elaborated. "Not many have mastered this technique. But, starting from me, every Hokage has successfully performed it. It's more than just a skill—it's a tradition passed down to future Hokages. It represents the wisdom and experience of the village leaders."

Naruto's eyes widened. Does this mean...

Sarutobi continued, his tone growing more impassioned. "Naruto, being Hokage is the highest honor for a ninja in Konoha. It means being respected and recognized by everyone in the village. Shouldn't that be your dream too?"

Orochimaru, watching from afar, smirked. "As expected, Sarutobi-sensei. You're a master at subtle brainwashing."

Ohnoki nodded, his tone half-admiring, half-critical. "A clever approach. By appealing to Naruto's need for recognition, Sarutobi plants the seed of ambition within him."

Namikaze Minato spoke up from the shadows of the discussion. "To be fair, Third Hokage did teach me a lot, including this very technique."

Sarutobi defended himself against the snide remarks. "What I'm doing isn't wrong! Naruto deserves to be recognized, and I want him to have a bright future. There's no harm in guiding him toward a goal."

But Orochimaru wasn't swayed. "You're not fooling me, old man. You probably leaked Naruto's status as a Jinchūriki, knowing it would isolate him. Then you swoop in like a savior to earn his trust. You want to control him."

Sarutobi clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "You speak nonsense, Orochimaru!"

The tension between the two grew palpable, but an invisible force restrained Sarutobi. Orochimaru chuckled. "Sanctioned by the viewing system, perhaps? Face it, Sarutobi-sensei, you let emotions cloud your judgment, and now you're paying for it."

Sarutobi fell silent, a mixture of regret and anger washing over him.

---

[Naruto's Inner Thoughts]

Meanwhile, Naruto mulled over Sarutobi's words.

"Hokage... The one respected by all," he thought. Memories of the academy's entrance ceremony resurfaced, where he first heard the phrase: Where the leaves dance, the fire burns bright.

Once, he might have been moved by such ideals. But reality painted a different picture.

"The old man preaches sacrifice, yet here he stands, alive and well, while younger shinobi like the Fourth Hokage are gone."

Naruto's skepticism deepened. If the Will of Fire truly existed, why is my life filled with loneliness and scorn?

He looked up at Sarutobi, suppressing his bitterness. If the Fourth Hokage were alive, my life would be so different. No one would dare to treat me like this.

Naruto forced a bright expression, masking his inner turmoil. "Wow, Third Hokage! Do you really think becoming Hokage will make everyone recognize me?"

Sarutobi's eyes gleamed with pride. "Absolutely! But becoming Hokage requires hard work and dedication. You're still young, Naruto. Focus on training."

The old man handed Naruto a scroll. "Here's something special: the Shadow Clone Technique. It's a versatile ninjutsu you'll find very useful."

Naruto accepted the scroll with wide eyes and an eager nod. Inside, however, he smirked.

---

[Reactions Across Konoha and Beyond]

Naruto's calculated flattery didn't go unnoticed by onlookers.

Terumi Mei blinked in astonishment. "This child... He's sharp for his age."

Fourth Raikage grunted. "It's unsettling. A seven-year-old shouldn't be this cunning."

Uzumaki Kushina bristled at the remark. "How dare you call my son cunning? After everything he's been through, it's natural for him to have some doubts."

Ohnoki nodded. "True, but his ability to hide his feelings and manipulate the conversation is remarkable."

Orochimaru laughed. "Sarutobi-sensei, you've grown soft. One compliment and you're completely taken in."

Even among Naruto's peers, opinions varied.

Nara Shikamaru scratched his head. "I don't think Naruto's being manipulative. He's just trying to make sense of his situation."

Akimichi Chōji agreed. "Yeah, our Naruto wouldn't do something like that."

Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.

---

[Naruto's Perspective]

Despite the lively debates, Naruto remained focused on his thoughts.

"Shadow Clone Technique, huh? Interesting."

Sarutobi's smile lingered in his mind. The old man thinks he's mentoring me, but I've learned to be cautious of his motives.

Naruto's unique upbringing had given him a sharp mind and a guarded heart. While he appreciated Sarutobi's gestures, he couldn't ignore the discrepancies between the Hokage's ideals and his actions.

"If the Will of Fire is so great, why am I treated like an outcast?" Naruto wondered. "The old man talks about unity, but he doesn't address the villagers' hatred toward me."

---

[The Bigger Picture]

Sarutobi's actions were not unique to him. Across the ninja world, leaders employed similar tactics to secure loyalty and maintain order.

But Naruto was different. His hardships had given him a unique perspective, allowing him to see through empty promises and hollow ideals.

Even at a young age, he was learning to navigate the complexities of his world with tact and intelligence.

---

[Closing Thoughts]

Naruto's journey was only beginning, but it was clear he wasn't a child who could be easily swayed. Behind his innocent demeanor lay a keen mind, one that would shape his destiny in ways no one could predict.

For now, he played along, knowing that every lesson learned brought him closer to his goal. Whatever that goal might be, it was his alone to decide.

------------------------------------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492

Extra Content Already Available