NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Secrets
Inside the Hokage's Office
The air was tense as Kakashi and his team stood before the Hokage, reporting the outcome of their mission. The battle between Sasuke and Uchiha Itachi had been intense, but the aftermath was even more troubling. Sasuke had been taken away by Uchiha Madara, and all efforts to track him had failed. With no leads to pursue, the team had returned to Konoha for further instructions.
Tsunade was visibly frustrated. Pacing back and forth, she listened as Kakashi detailed the mission's failure. Then the topic shifted to Naruto's strange behavior. Kakashi explained how Naruto had fainted, only to awaken with newfound confidence and startling abilities. He had left the team abruptly, seemingly transformed into a different person.
What followed was even more shocking: the story of Naruto forcefully confessing his love to Hinata with an unexpected kiss. Jiraiya's reaction had been one of pride, shouting, "That's my boy!" before being silenced by a glare from Tsunade that froze him in place.
Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged glances, both deep in thought. Jiraiya mulled over Naruto's claim that the Fourth Hokage had taught him the Flying Thunder God technique. The timing of Naruto's sudden arrival to save him in the Rain Village felt too precise to be a coincidence.
Meanwhile, Kakashi was reeling. Tsunade had confided in him about Naruto's rapid progress, and now hearing about the Flying Thunder God and Naruto's mastery of sage techniques, he couldn't believe his ears. The thought that Naruto, still so young, had surpassed jonin-level abilities left Kakashi stunned.
***
On the First Floor
Naruto arrived at the Hokage's office building, only to hear a familiar voice calling out.
"Naruto-kun!"
He turned to see Hinata running toward him, a smile breaking across his face. Instinctively, he opened his arms, expecting her to leap into his embrace. But Hinata, shy as always, stopped short, glancing nervously at the onlookers.
Naruto awkwardly dropped his arms, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, uh… sorry, Hinata."
Behind her, Sakura snorted, arms crossed. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Wait… are those two really…?"
Kiba leaned over and whispered excitedly, "Oh, it's real. Naruto woke up, and bam—confession time!"
Shino adjusted his glasses, nodding solemnly to confirm Kiba's story. Sai, ever the artist, produced a quick sketch of the scene, earning an impressed thumbs-up from Kiba. Shikamaru studied the drawing, then shook his head. "Unbelievable. But… props to him."
After exchanging a few words with Hinata and catching up with his friends, Naruto made his way upstairs to the Hokage's office.
***
Hokage's Office
Naruto pushed open the door with his usual energy. "Granny Tsunade, you called for me?" His eyes landed on Kakashi, and he added, "Oh, Teacher Kakashi, you're here too."
Closing the door behind him, Naruto approached Tsunade, who was perched on the edge of her desk. She fixed him with a piercing gaze.
"Naruto," she began, her tone serious, "don't you have something to explain about this mission?"
Naruto's instinct was to look to Jiraiya for support, but the older man avoided his gaze, pretending to be absorbed in thought. Naruto rolled his eyes at his master's cowardice.
Feigning innocence, he asked, "What do you mean, Granny Tsunade?"
Tsunade sighed, crossing her arms. "Your sudden changes, your increase in strength… and how exactly did you know to find Jiraiya in the Rain Village? I'm not doubting you, Naruto, but as Hokage, I need answers. There's too much at stake."
Jiraiya chimed in, his voice gentler. "Naruto, no matter what, I trust you. But Tsunade's right—she needs to understand what's going on. Can you tell us more about what's changed?"
Naruto stood silent for a moment before replying firmly, "I'm sorry, Granny Tsunade. I have no comment."
Kakashi interjected, "Naruto, this isn't just Tsunade asking. This is the Hokage. You have an obligation—"
Naruto cut him off, his tone unwavering. "I understand that, but I hope the Hokage can understand me as well. Everyone has their secrets, and I'm no exception. All I can say is what I've already told my master—my father, the Fourth Hokage, left me something."
The room fell silent. Jiraiya and Tsunade exchanged uneasy glances, while Kakashi's shock was palpable.
"The Fourth Hokage?" Kakashi murmured. "Naruto, are you saying you've spoken with him? How is that possible?"
Jiraiya explained, "Minato left a fragment of his chakra within the Nine-Tails' seal. When Naruto's seal was on the verge of breaking, Minato appeared and spoke to him. That's likely how Naruto learned what he knows."
Naruto looked at Tsunade. "Is there anything else you wanted?"
Tsunade frowned, clearly frustrated but knowing she wouldn't get more out of him.
Naruto turned to Jiraiya. "Master, can we step outside? I need to ask you something." Without waiting for a reply, he walked to the door.
"Wait, Naruto—" Kakashi started, but Naruto was already gone.
Jiraiya hesitated, looking to Tsunade. She nodded, and he followed Naruto out.