Leading Naruto to Destroy the World - Chapter 28
Hokage’s Office.
Hiruzen kept massaging his temples, but it didn’t alleviate his headache.
So many things have happened in the village recently.
I had been more than ever these past few days than combined in the past few years.
First, Mirai returned after being missing for three years, causing a commotion in the Hokage’s office with Naruto. Then, Danzo attempted to assassinate Mirai but failed, losing his only remaining eye.
Following that, a storm of rumors ensued.
Whenever he thought about the bizarre rumors, Hiruzen’s teeth ground with frustration.
Danzo, you fool!
He should have shut down Root entirely from the beginning!
According to the subsequent investigation by the ANBU, Danzo incited widespread rumors among the villagers behind the scenes.
Without Danzo’s reckless actions, there wouldn’t have been a protest march!
He wouldn’t be in such a passive situation now!
He had to reveal Naruto’s true identity to pacify the angry villagers.
Now, the consequences were starting to show.
The village’s opinion of him was plummeting.
The villagers previously saw him as the kind and amiable Third Hokage.
He was the hero who stepped up to take on the village’s responsibilities after the premature death of the Fourth Hokage.
But now, after learning Naruto’s true identity, the narrative in the village began to shift.
Right after the Nine-Tails incident, the village was in ruins, and to stabilize the people, he ordered extensive promotion of Minato’s deeds, portraying him as the hero who sacrificed his life to save the village.
Initially, it worked.
The unrest among the villagers quickly subsided.
Now, it was backfiring.
The revelation of Naruto’s identity made those who felt indebted to the Fourth Hokage turn their anger towards him, the Third Hokage.
Even many other villagers were beginning to waver.
His reputation was plummeting.
Despite the ANBU’s efforts to guide public opinion, the results were minimal.
Hiruzen’s frustration was mounting.
Things wouldn’t have turned out this way if it weren’t for that fool Danzo!
“Fortunately, if I can sign this peace agreement, there’s still a chance to salvage things.”
Looking at the peace agreement lying quietly on his desk, Hiruzen’s old face beamed with a smile.
The envoys from Cloud Village had presented this peace agreement earlier that morning.
The purpose was to sign a peace treaty with the Leaf Village, ending the years-long war.
After the Third Great Ninja War, most major ninja villages withdrew from the conflict.
Except for one.
Cloud Village.
Those brutes were relentless in their pursuit of their goals, continuing a years-long battle on the border even after the central conflict had ended.
This war had drained a lot of manpower and resources from the Leaf Village.
Now, it was finally coming to an end.
And Cloud Village was the one making concessions.
This was significant.
Hiruzen’s smile deepened.
It directly showcased his wisdom and strength. He embodied the Will of Fire, leading the villagers to unite and overcome external enemies.
Cloud Village even sent an envoy group to participate in the public signing ceremony for the peace agreement.
All the villagers would witness the Third Hokage’s moment of glory at that moment.
As for those rumors…
What rumors?
The Third Hokage is busy with official duties, tirelessly working for the village ending a years-long war. Such strong Will of Fire!
He merely neglected Minato’s orphan a bit.
It’s not like he won’t compensate him!
That should turn the public opinion around, right?
“I should thank them for coming to sign the peace agreement at this time. They’ve really helped me out a lot!”
Looking at the peace agreement on the table, Hiruzen’s smile widened even more.
…
“Signing a peace agreement?”
Ichiraku Ramen Shop. Mirai, who was treating Naruto to ramen, was slightly taken aback when he heard Ayame’s words.
“Yes, I heard that Cloud Village has decided to end the war and even sent an envoy group to the village for the signing ceremony. Just thinking about the end of the war makes me so excited!”
Ayame rubbed her hands together, twisting around like seaweed.
The war’s end was dispersing the gloom that had hung over the village.
The air inside and outside was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
“I didn’t expect such a big event to happen recently…”
Rubbing his chin with his right hand, Mirai looked into the distance, deep in thought.
Cloud Village, from what he remembered, was full of tough opponents.
During battles with that village, his brother Minato had earned the name Yellow Flash.
Specifically against the duo known as the AB Brothers.
One became the Fourth Raikage, and the other was a rare perfect jinchuriki.
By that measure, Cloud Village’s strength should be immense.
Why would they voluntarily stop the war?
Continuing the war seemed to benefit them more.
“Here’s your special order of tonkotsu ramen, made especially for our hero’s child! It’s unique, one of a kind!”
Just as Mirai was lost in thought, Ayame cheerfully placed a lavish bowl of ramen in front of Naruto.
Calling it ramen was an understatement; it was practically a buffet.
The bowl was almost the size of a washbasin, filled with countless precious toppings, making it look overwhelming and mouthwatering.
“Wow! Is this for me?”
Naruto’s eyes widened, and he started drooling.
“Come on, Ayame, isn’t this a bit much…”
Mirai’s mouth twitched slightly.
Who could finish such a massive bowl of ramen?
“No way, this is a special order for our hero’s child. It’s one of a kind!”
Ayame laughed, ruffling Naruto’s golden hair.
“Thank you, Ayame-nee! I’m going to dig in!”
“Call me sister!”
Ayame’s face darkened slightly.
“Uh, sister…”
Mirai let out a chuckle.
Since Naruto’s identity as Minato’s orphan was revealed, the villagers’ attitude towards him had drastically changed.
The term “Nine-Tails” had vanished into the dust of history.
Now, when villagers talked about Naruto, they used terms like “that poor child,” “the Fourth Hokage’s only son,” and “the hero’s child.”
Even walking down the street, villagers would tear up and look at his back.
If mischievous kids dared throw stones at Naruto, their parents would thoroughly scold them.
Amid the kids’ wails, scoldings like “That child is the Fourth Hokage’s only son” and “How dare you bully the Hokage’s son! I’ll teach you a lesson!” echoed endlessly.
Mirai couldn’t help but wonder, if Hiruzen hadn’t hidden Naruto’s identity, what would his childhood have been like?
Could Minato’s enemies breach the defenses of the most substantial ninja village and harm Naruto under ANBU surveillance?
A simple name would have given Naruto a vastly different childhood.
But Sarutobi hadn’t done that.
“Now that I’m back, Naruto’s childhood will be different.”
Mirai smiled softly, watching Naruto happily devour his ramen.
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