My Name Is Namikaze Naruto - Chapter 29
After Naruto and Iruka left.
A shadow flashed nearby, and Mizuki’s corpse disappeared. Neither Naruto nor Iruka paid attention to the remains of Mizuki. Normally, a ninja’s body must be dealt with; if possible, it should be recovered. If not, the body should be destroyed to at least ensure the brain is obliterated. This is because a ninja’s body is like a database, holding significant value, especially those with Kekkei Genkai. Of course, Mizuki, being a Chunin of the Leaf Village, wasn’t particularly important, but if recovery was possible, it was preferable to random disposal.
However, today’s situation was special.
As a Chunin of the village, Iruka knew someone would come to clean up, so he didn’t worry about it. After the battle ended and his senses were no longer focused, Naruto sensed a concealed presence nearby.
He immediately understood that it must be an Anbu member sent by the Third Hokage.
Of course, Naruto wouldn’t know that the person was the famous Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake. Before Naruto and Mizuki’s battle, and even before Iruka’s confrontation with Mizuki, Kakashi had already arrived, prepared to intervene if necessary. Seeing that Naruto and Iruka were not in life-threatening danger and had defeated the rogue Mizuki, Kakashi found no need to intervene and merely retrieved Mizuki’s body after the battle.
Kakashi didn’t realize his presence was detected by Naruto, who had just graduated from the Academy.
This was mainly because Kakashi didn’t think the two could detect his presence and didn’t fully conceal his aura. Otherwise, given the current gap in their abilities, if Kakashi genuinely wanted to hide, Naruto would never have found him.
In the Hokage’s office in the Leaf Village.
The Third Hokage held his old pipe in his right hand, leisurely smoking, with his left hand behind his back. He looked deeply out the window as dawn spread over the village, thoughtful expression in his eyes.
“Whoosh”
A figure appeared behind the Third Hokage.
It was Kakashi, who had just completed his surveillance mission and disposed of Mizuki’s body.
“How was it, Kakashi?”
“Yes, Lord Third. Naruto Uzumaki killed the rogue ninja Mizuki, and the Scroll of Seals was successfully retrieved by Chunin Iruka.”
Kakashi knelt on one knee behind the Third Hokage, speaking respectfully.
“Good work.”
The expected result.
The Third Hokage turned around, nodding lightly.
Although slightly surprised that Naruto directly killed Mizuki.
It was, after all, a ninja battle.
Killing was part of it.
This didn’t stir any emotion in the Third Hokage.
“If that’s the case, then from now on, Naruto is your responsibility, Kakashi. You know Naruto’s identity and the burden he carries, which ordinary people can’t understand. You’re also aware of Naruto’s living conditions over the years. Luckily, this child is very much like the Fourth Hokage. From him, I can see the Fourth’s shadow. I hope you can train him well. And the Uchiha child we mentioned before, he is also your responsibility, Kakashi. I hope these two will become the pillars of the village. Do you understand?”
The Third Hokage looked directly at Kakashi, his eyes reflecting a profound meaning.
In the current Leaf Village, Kakashi was one of the few who were both capable and trusted by the Third Hokage. Even his own son was trusted, but in terms of ability, the Third Hokage had more faith in Kakashi. This was why he personally interfered in the graduation class assignment, placing both Naruto and Sasuke in Kakashi’s team. Their identities made Kakashi the most suitable sensei.
This arrangement.
Had dual purposes.
It was to train Naruto and Sasuke.
But also to pave the way for Kakashi.
The Third Hokage saw Kakashi as the best candidate to succeed him as the Fifth Hokage. Despite the bonds with his disciples, he knew them well.
“Yes, Lord Third, I understand. Please rest assured.”
Kakashi bowed his head and responded solemnly.
“Good, I’ll leave it to you, Kakashi.”
The Third Hokage nodded with a relieved smile, then waved his hand.
With a “whoosh.”
Kakashi disappeared again.
“Minato… Itachi…”
In the vast Hokage office.
Only the faint sigh of the Third Hokage echoed quietly.
Meanwhile.
In another deep, abyss-like underground location in the Leaf Village.
In a dark, gloomy room.
A figure exuding an intense murderous aura, with bandages wrapped around his right eye and cheek, sat in the central position.
Kneeling in front were several figures wearing animal masks and dressed in Leaf Anbu uniforms.
This was the independent “Root” organization derived from the Leaf’s Anbu.
And the man at the head, symbolizing the darkest side of the Leaf, was Danzo Shimura, once a teammate of the Third Hokage and a disciple of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
“The result?”
Danzo looked at the foremost Root member kneeling before him, his deep voice echoing in the room.
“Yes, Lord Danzo, Naruto Uzumaki, and the Scroll of Seals were successfully retrieved by Chunin Iruka, and Naruto Uzumaki killed the rogue ninja Mizuki. The Third Hokage’s Anbu took the body.”
“Killed by Naruto Uzumaki?”
Danzo slightly opened his left eye, a hint of surprise flickering in his pupils as if unsure of the answer.
“Yes, Lord Danzo!”
The Root member maintained his kneeling posture, replying in a deep voice.
After a moment of thought.
Danzo spoke again.
“Retrieve Mizuki’s body. I want to see the report.”
“Yes!”
Another Root member responded immediately.
In the next second.
He disappeared into the darkness.
In the dim Root base.
Danzo’s mind flickered with images of the Third Hokage and Naruto. His right eye narrowed, and his gaze had a glint of coldness.
“Hiruzen, what exactly are you thinking!?”
The deep voice carried a trace of anger.
Reflecting the discontent of the dark master of the Leaf towards the Third Hokage!
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