Chapter 4: Sarutobi Hiruzen Pays a Visit
While Hiruzen Sarutobi was pondering how best to handle Naruto's future arrangements, a figure walked straight into the Hokage's office without knocking.
The familiar footsteps and the bad habit of entering without permission told Hiruzen exactly who it was — even without turning around.
It was Danzo Shimura, the "Shadow Hokage," drawn here by the scent of opportunity.
As soon as he entered, Danzo's low, hoarse voice rang out.
"Hiruzen, the jinchuriki's taijutsu talent is extraordinary. His ninjutsu talent is likely just as impressive. It's time to hand him over to Root. In less than two and a half years, I can forge him into a powerful weapon for Konoha!"
Hiruzen didn't look surprised in the slightest. He rejected the idea immediately and firmly.
"Danzo, forget it. Naruto is Minato's son — not a weapon. He will never be handed over to Root. I already have my own plans for him."
Danzo's single visible eye, exposed above his bandages, flashed with cold intent.
"Hiruzen, you've really grown old… and soft. Minato's son or not, a jinchuriki is still a jinchuriki!"
Hiruzen's expression gradually turned cold as well. "There is no room for discussion on this matter! Danzo, don't forget — I am the Hokage."
[Damn it! That line again!] Danzo gritted his teeth, his face twisting as if he had swallowed a fly. He slammed his cane against the floor.
"Hiruzen, if you continue like this, you will regret it one day!"
Danzo left those cold words behind and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
...
After parting ways with Might Guy, Naruto returned home.
Shortly after stepping inside, the system's voice sounded once again.
"New self-discipline task unlocked: Reach the 'Constant' stage of Wind Breathing within three months."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly.
Breathing techniques were secret arts that altered one's breathing rhythm, allowing the blood to absorb massive amounts of oxygen in a very short time, thereby greatly strengthening the body. However, they came with certain side effects afterward.
In a way, the effect was somewhat similar to the Eight Gates.
Once Wind Breathing reached the [Constant] stage, not only could the body's enhanced state be maintained 24 hours a day, but the user could also draw natural energy hidden in the air to nourish themselves, subtly transforming their physique over time.
At that level, the breathing method essentially became a low-tier immortal cultivation technique.
Moreover, from what Naruto knew, the Naruto world contained Sage Mode, which meant the natural energy in the air here should be far richer than in the Demon Slayer world.
Sitting on the sofa, Naruto even formed a bold guess:
Once he reached the [Constant] stage, could he use it as a foundation to create his own unique Sage Mode?
But all of that depended on first reaching the Constant stage of Wind Breathing.
[Training to Constant stage in just three months… that sounds quite difficult.]
Thankfully, the system didn't have any stupid "punish the host for failing a task" mechanism, or the pressure would have been much heavier.
Knock, knock, knock!
Just then, several knocks on the door interrupted Naruto's thoughts.
He got up and opened the door. An elderly, hunched figure with white hair stood under the dim yellow light.
Half of the old man's face was bathed in light, the other half hidden in shadow.
When their eyes met, the elder showed a kind, gentle smile.
"Naruto, it's been a while. Did you miss Grandpa?"
It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Without his Hokage robes, he looked like an ordinary old man.
[Miss you? Miss you dropping dead?]
Seeing it was the Third, Naruto inwardly sneered, but only gave a cold "Mm" in response.
He then turned around and walked back inside without any intention of inviting the old man in.
Hiruzen's smile stiffened for a moment, but he quickly put on his kind expression again and followed him inside.
Naruto noticed that the Third was carrying two things. One bag was full of fresh ingredients, and the other hand held a green schoolbag.
"Naruto, you haven't eaten yet, right? Grandpa bought lots of delicious food. Tonight, I'll personally cook you a big meal! I guarantee you'll love it."
With that, Hiruzen walked into the kitchen and began cooking.
His knife skills were excellent. Despite his age, his hands moved with surprising speed. While cooking, he chatted casually with Naruto.
Soon, a small table full of dishes was ready.
Naruto didn't hold back and started eating on his own.
The presentation and taste were actually quite good.
After tasting a few bites, Hiruzen stopped eating and simply sat beside him, watching kindly as Naruto devoured the food.
Seeing the boy eat so ravenously — as if he hadn't had a proper meal in a long time — a flicker of guilt flashed through Hiruzen's heart.
Once Naruto finished eating, Hiruzen took out an envelope and handed it over with a smile.
"You're still growing. Grandpa has arranged for your living allowance to increase to 1,500 ryo per week from now on."
Naruto took the envelope and casually tossed it onto the sofa. He sneered inwardly.
[What a joke. "Arranged"? You just added 800 ryo. How generous.]
Noticing that Naruto still seemed down even after his visit, Hiruzen asked directly:
"Naruto, did something unhappy happen? You can tell Grandpa anything."
Naruto was utterly speechless.
It was like the main culprit asking the victim why they weren't smiling — "Are you just not the type who smiles?"
What a shameless old man.
"Nothing. Maybe I'm just not the smiling type," Naruto replied casually.
Looking at that old face for even one more second annoyed him.
Not the smiling type? Hiruzen couldn't help recalling the bright, sunny smile Naruto had shown when he rescued Hinata a month ago. The corner of his mouth twitched.
He then frowned, beginning to question whether Danzo's plan — spreading rumors that Naruto was the demon fox and using the villagers' malice to temper the jinchuriki's mindset — was truly the right approach.
[With Naruto's current performance and personality, if things continue like this, he will eventually lose any sense of belonging to Konoha… It seems we really need to change his situation a little.]
Hiruzen's mind raced. He decided to abandon Danzo's plan and make Naruto feel a bond with the village.
"Every stage of life is different. When you grow up a bit more, you'll understand."
Hiruzen quickly changed the subject and finally brought up something that actually interested Naruto.
"Naruto, do you want to become a ninja?"
When he asked this, Hiruzen's smile disappeared, and his expression became serious.
Naruto thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes."
Hiruzen continued, "Then can you tell Grandpa why you want to become a ninja?"
This time, Naruto spoke his true thoughts.
"I want to become strong. That way, I can do what I want and protect the people and things I care about."
Protect…
Hiruzen felt slightly relieved by the answer. It strengthened his resolve to build a sense of attachment between Naruto and Konoha.
He then picked up the green schoolbag and took out two scrolls.
"These two scrolls contain the training methods for [Chakra Refinement] and the [Three Basic Jutsu]. These are the foundations of becoming a ninja. Naruto, Grandpa looks forward to the day you become a powerful shinobi."
After Naruto took the scrolls, Hiruzen also handed over the green schoolbag.
"Next month is the Academy's enrollment period. Grandpa has already signed you up. There, you can learn a lot and make many friends."
"Alright, it's getting late. Grandpa will head back now. I hope the next time we meet, you will have successfully refined chakra and mastered at least one of the Three Basic Jutsu."
With that, Hiruzen stood up and left.
Naruto looked at the green schoolbag in his hands. It was made of high-quality leather — probably from some fierce beast — but it had obvious signs of previous use.
"So ugly… and this gross green color. This must be Asuma's old bag."
Naruto had no intention of using it. He tossed the bag disdainfully into the corner to collect dust.