"Konoha allowed Naruto to suffer such treatment during his childhood. As the First Hokage of Konoha Village, I bear responsibility as well."
Minato Namikaze quickly waved his hands.
He spoke softly, "Lord First Hokage, you don't have to say that. It wasn't your fault."
His gaze passed over Hashirama Senju and landed on Naruto, who was chattering excitedly with the Nine-Tails, and a look of pride couldn't help but appear in his eyes.
"Naruto actually accomplished what none of them could."
There was a hint of emotion and pride in Minato Namikaze's voice. "Kushina would be happy to know this."
He seemed to see his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, and knew she would be incredibly pleased and proud to learn of their son's growth and achievements.
Hashirama Senju followed Minato Namikaze's gaze and gave a slight nod.
Then, he looked at Minato Namikaze and asked softly, "Fourth Hokage, why don't you go and see Naruto? He would surely be delighted to know you are here."
A look of shame appeared on Minato Namikaze's face. He lowered his head slightly, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
He spoke slowly, "Lord First Hokage, on one hand, I don't know how to broach the subject with Naruto about how he endured so much pain and loneliness alone during his childhood. I feel guilty about it."
"On the other hand, I'm also worried that the Nine-Tails would become enraged upon seeing me, ruining the precious opportunity we have now."
Hearing Minato Namikaze's words, Hashirama Senju felt a surge of sympathy and understanding.
He sighed softly and said, "You can't be blamed for all of this either. Hiruzen, as the Hokage at the time, failed to fulfill his responsibilities. I must repay this debt in his stead."
A glint of determination flashed in his eyes.
"I can use a sealing technique to seal your chakra inside Naruto, alongside the other chakra there. That other chakra should be Naruto's mother."
"On the day Naruto himself fully releases the Nine-Tails' seal, you can use that opportunity to meet."
Minato Namikaze's eyes showed a flash of surprise upon hearing Hashirama Senju's words.
He quickly bowed again, saying gratefully, "Lord First Hokage, I am immensely grateful."
Hashirama Senju looked at Minato Namikaze, his feelings growing increasingly complicated.
Minato Namikaze's gaze once again rested on Naruto, filled with pride, affection, and a trace of inexpressible regret.
Finally, he sighed and slowly retreated back into the seal, quietly waiting for the day Naruto would completely undo the seal, the day he could truly meet his son.
Hashirama Senju, meanwhile, took heavy steps towards the exit of the sealed space.
Time passed unnoticed. After waiting for a long while, Naruto finally slowly opened his eyes.
Sasuke stood nearby, his gaze fixed intently on Naruto, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
He keenly sensed that something seemed different about Naruto; his whole demeanor radiated a subtle shift, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
A radiant smile spread across Naruto's face.
"Old man, that big fox inside me really does talk!" Naruto exclaimed, gesturing excitedly.
Hashirama Senju nodded slightly.
"Naruto, you did well. Your approach may very well be the right one."
"Tailed beasts have their own thoughts as well. Becoming friends with a tailed beast might just be the correct path for a jinchuriki."
Naruto tilted his head, a blank, uncomprehending expression on his face.
For him, these profound concepts about jinchuriki and tailed beasts were indeed a bit difficult to grasp.
"Ahaha, true, that's a bit too advanced for you," Hashirama Senju chuckled upon seeing Naruto's expression.
"Get along well with that big fox. His power can still help you," he said earnestly.
"I will," Naruto nodded firmly.
For Naruto, having such an amazing big fox inside him to talk to was exactly what he wanted.
He had always longed for a friend, and now the Nine-Tails' existence made him feel less alone.
Moreover, he believed that if he treated the Nine-Tails sincerely, he could surely become good friends with it and fight alongside it.
"Hmm, then I'll give you a different gift."
Hashirama Senju narrowed his eyes slightly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Originally, he had planned to use his own strength to help Naruto suppress the Nine-Tails' power and reinforce its seal.
However, now seeing the potential for Naruto and the Nine-Tails to coexist peacefully, he felt this method might no longer be suitable…
Just then, Hashirama Senju's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he'd thought of a brilliant idea.
"Got it." He clapped his hands excitedly.
Immediately after, he pressed his palms together, and the chakra around him began to surge wildly, instantly flooding the entire space.
"So strong," Naruto and Sasuke simultaneously felt the pressure of this immense chakra. Their minds seemed to roar, as if countless bells were ringing in their ears.
Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, and their legs felt unsteady.
The entire barrier seemed unable to withstand the impact of this formidable power, shaking violently, warping and distorting the surrounding air.
Before their astonished eyes, a massive tree materialized out of thin air.
This tree was unlike any they had ever seen. Its trunk was thick, its canopy vast enough to block out the sky.
The entire tree radiated unparalleled vitality, as if it were the condensed essence of the earth.
Then, with a low rumble, the tree's trunk slowly split open, revealing a crystalline pendant inside.
The pendant emitted a soft glow, a mysterious aura seemingly woven into its light.
Hashirama Senju stepped forward, turned, and handed it to Naruto.
"It can aid in your chakra training. Most importantly, it helps harmonize and suppress tailed beast chakra, assisting you in getting along better with the Nine-Tails," Hashirama Senju explained.
Naruto accepted the pendant with both hands, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
He rarely received gifts.
He examined the pendant carefully, feeling the warm energy emanating from it.
"Thank you, old man! I'll definitely treasure it," Naruto said, looking up with a radiant smile, his eyes full of gratitude.
"Alright, time to go," Roy said, standing to the side.
"Ahaha, yes, it's about that time," Hashirama Senju laughed heartily, smiling as he waved to Naruto.
Then, his figure and Roy's gradually faded, as if melting into the air, disappearing without a trace moments later.
Sasuke and Naruto stood rooted to the spot, staring at each other blankly.
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