Naruto: Reborn in His Younger Self

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Konohamaru snorted.

In Konoha, even if people were dissatisfied with him, they rarely showed it openly. Whenever questions arose, they would choose silence instead.

Because he was the grandson of the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen.

However, ever since his grandfather died during the Konoha Crush and, later, his uncle Sarutobi Asuma fell in battle, the Sarutobi Clan's political standing plummeted. The clan had lost its voice among Konoha's upper echelons. Konohamaru's own position in the village grew increasingly bleak and disheartening.

This only fueled Konohamaru's burning determination to prove himself and to restore the glory of the Sarutobi Clan.

So, he submitted a formal application to Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, requesting permission to join the battlefield.

To his fury, Tsunade not only rejected his request but tore the application in front of him. She even assigned his former tutor, Ebisu, to keep a close eye on him and restrict his movements.

"Damn it, that woman!" he spat through clenched teeth.

Moegi, understanding whom he was referring to, tried to comfort him. "Konohamaru, let it go. Hokage-sama is only doing this for your own good. Besides, defending the village is also a form of battle."

Udon nodded, sipping from his drink. "Yeah, yeah. With the defense forces stretched thin, staying back to protect Konoha is our own way of contributing."

Konohamaru clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and replied, "I understand the logic—but I still can't accept it!"

Everyone fell silent and turned to look at him.

Konohamaru's eyes were filled with sorrow as he continued, "I know Granny Tsunade is trying to protect me... I'm the only direct descendant of the Sarutobi Clan left. No—Uncle Asuma's widow, Aunt Kurenai, is pregnant. There's an unborn baby."

He paused, bitter emotion rising in his chest.

"So counting the baby, there are only two of us left. But I still can't accept it. I hate it. I hate how weak I am. I couldn't stop Naruto-nii from defecting. I was powerless when Uncle Asuma died. And now I can't even fight on the frontlines."

His voice cracked. "I'm really... a disgrace to the Sarutobi Clan! Damn it..."

Konohamaru broke down in tears.

A little distance away, the Third Hokage watched silently, unable to suppress the storm of emotion surging in his heart.

Finally, he couldn't help but whisper, "Konohamaru... did you just say... Asuma is dead?"

Hashirama and Tobirama turned to Hiruzen. Though he had disguised himself among the villagers, the pain etched into his expression was unmistakable.

Konohamaru, startled by the unfamiliar voice, turned toward the old man. Tears still clung to the corners of his eyes.

"Huh? Old man, you're not from Konoha, are you? You didn't know about this?"

The Third Hokage's lips trembled slightly before he forced out a smile. "Ah... I've been traveling abroad for years. I only just returned."

"You knew my uncle?" Konohamaru asked, his voice still hoarse.

Hiruzen's eyes darkened as memories flooded in. He gave a slight nod. "Yes... I met him a few times. Once, while traveling, I was attacked by bandits. Your uncle Asuma saved me."

Konohamaru accepted the answer, though he still felt an inexplicable familiarity with the man.

Teuchi came over with bowls of ramen and sighed, "Young master, eat up. Let go of the past for now."

Naruto placed several ryo bills on the counter and said quietly, "Thanks, old man. Come on, everyone—let's go."

The group stood up one by one and began filing out of the shop.

The Third Hokage got up as well.

Konohamaru continued staring at the old man until the entire group disappeared into the distance.

Seeing his expression, Moegi asked curiously, "Konohamaru, do you know that old man?"

Konohamaru snapped out of his daze and shook his head. "No... I don't. But... he felt really familiar."

He wanted to say more—wanted to confess that when the man had called his name, for a moment, it had felt exactly like when his grandfather used to call him. It was almost like a hallucination.

As the group walked away, Hiruzen turned to Naruto.

"Naruto... how did Asuma die?"

Naruto's expression darkened as he answered solemnly, "He was killed by Hidan, a member of the Akatsuki. At the time, he was on a mission with Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji."

The Third Hokage closed his eyes, letting the weight of the news settle.

He had two sons.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Sarutobi Asuma.

Now... both were dead.

Tobirama placed a hand on Hiruzen's shoulder. "Monkey... don't dwell too much. The dead cannot return."

Hiruzen gave a bitter smile. "Ah... such is the fate of those born into the Hokage's line."

Hashirama sighed. "I understand that pain. In the shinobi world, loss is constant. I only wish... it didn't have to be this way."

Naruto glanced over at Hiruzen and remembered how devastated Shikamaru had been after Asuma's death.

He remembered the pain in his own heart when Jiraiya died—and how determined he had been to prevent that from happening again.

That was why he'd returned in time.

That was why, when he had last met Shikamaru, he had made a vow: "I'll bring Asuma back. Just believe in me."

Shikamaru had chosen to believe.

After successfully bringing back Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, Naruto would never allow his brother-in-arms, his best strategist, and his comrade to continue suffering.

Suddenly, Hashirama pointed ahead. "Look!"

Everyone turned to see the towering Hokage Rock.

Five faces were carved into the mountain: the First, the Second, the Third, the Fourth... and the Fifth Hokage.

Hashirama laughed in delight. "Tsunade really did become Hokage! Hahaha!"

Tobirama crossed his arms and gazed at his own stone face and the village beyond. His heart swelled with pride.

While Hashirama had always chased peace across the entire shinobi world, Tobirama had focused inward. His vision was village-centric. Konoha was everything to him.

Which explained why he had been a relentless workaholic—something that showed in the techniques he had left behind.

"Big brother, why don't we climb up and take a look from there?" Tobirama suggested.

Hashirama grinned. "I was thinking the same thing!"

The Third and Fourth Hokage also agreed. Standing atop the Hokage Rock and gazing down at the village—there was no feeling like it.

Naruto glanced at the sky and furrowed his brow. "Wait a bit. Go up after nightfall. If you go now, the Konoha Police Force might spot you."

Hashirama sighed in disappointment, and though Tobirama frowned slightly, he didn't protest.

Itachi and Shisui exchanged glances before stepping forward.

"Naruto," Itachi began, addressing him and the Hokages. "We have a request—Shisui and I. May we go to the Uchiha compound?"

The Third Hokage, who had once been their direct superior, immediately responded. "Of course, Itachi. If you have something on your mind, speak freely."

Itachi offered a faint smile. "We simply wish to visit our clan."

Tobirama's brows drew together slightly, but before he could object, Hashirama nodded with a gentle expression. "Go. It's only right."

With Hashirama's approval, no one objected further.

Naruto, who trusted both men completely, didn't hesitate either.

"Alright, but hold out your arms."

Shisui and Itachi raised their arms, and Naruto stepped forward, placing a Flying Thunder God seal on each.

"Don't misunderstand. This is just so I can locate you—and bring you back if needed."

Itachi and Shisui nodded without hesitation. They had nothing to hide from Naruto.

With a respectful bow to the Hokages, the two departed toward the Uchiha District.

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