Introduction to Knowledge!
Naruto looked around the library, there were many sections. Fantasy, Children's, Fiction, Autobiography, etc. He picked up random books and went through them, He really just turned pages. They were not appealing in any way. He wasn't a fan of tales or folklore. He stopped at a section named, Shinobi Tales. He looked around and recognized many writers as well-known shinobi of Konoha.
Genjutsu - A simple Illusion. By Toka Senju
My life in your Hands! - By Hashirama Senju
Reigning Through Three Wars! - By Hiruzen Sarutobi
The tales of a Gutsy Ninja - By Jiraya of the Sanin
The Art of Life and War - By Tobirama Senju
A Shinobi Guide for Dummies - By Minato Namikaze
Iryojutsu Simplified - By Tsunade Senju
'Who checked Lord First's book before publishing, how was he allowed to use such a title while holding the mantle of Hokage. No, seriously 'My life in your Hands!' What even was that' Thought Naruto. 'But, these books have their experiences, not to forget all the tips and tricks I'd get.' He continued his chain of thoughts before reaching out and taking all of them.
He walked to a table, barely managing to not drop all the books. He stacked them up all neatly. He thought it was going to be the fourth's book that he would choose first as he was his hero but he found his hand reaching out for the second Hokage's book 'The Art of Life and War'. He flipped to page 1 and began to read in his mind.
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'To the readers, this book contains my life experiences. As most of you know I grew up in a war-torn world, And even if you live in peaceful times, the lessons in this book might save your life one day'
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Naruto didn't know exactly what to expect but just by his words, Tobirama sounded stern, and to the point. Even the title of his book and the introductory lines were connected perfectly, there was zero waste of time, and no introduction to who he was.
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'Now you might be a child or a teenager, you might be talented or simply the worst, doesn't matter. The first thing I want you to do is to ask yourself if you are even ready to be a shinobi. Do you understand what it means? Are you ready to be a trickster, a thief, or a killer? Are you ready to die for your village? Are you ready to be nothing but a means to protect peace within these walls?
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Naruto got stumped after question 1, He was ready to be a shinobi, that's what he wanted, and that's what he thought. Was he a trickster? A thief? A killer? Could he even kill? What about dying or being a tool, Was he ready for that? The Second Hokage definitely was a scary man.
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'I'm not saying this to scare you. I'm simply concerned if you are even choosing the right path for yourself. It's okay if you are confused, Ask yourself if you want to be a shinobi. If yes, continue reading as I explain how to accept all the elements that come with it.
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'So, one day I will have to face all these things, Do I want to be a shinobi?' Naruto asked himself.
"Hmm, Most people quit on this page." Naruto heard a voice behind him. He turned around to see Ms. Yua. She was stacking some books back, he went over to help her. Even if he just read half a page, he felt exhausted. He needed a break.
"Most? You mean some actually go on Ms. Yua?" He asked as he handed her a book from the pile.
"Thank you and yes, I've seen a few get past. Why? Are you stuck Naruto-Kun? Why did you even want to be a shinobi?" She asked, they spent the next 10 minutes in silence as they continued to work as a team.
"Respect." Naruto said in a small voice.
"Hmm, what?" Asked Yua. Naruto looked up and smiled at her, he leaned forward and bowed to her.
"Thank you, Ms. Yua, You've really helped me!" Said Naruto as he moved back to his table.
"Well, thank you too, as you did lessen my work." She smiled as she saw him open the book again, with much more vigor.
"If you don't mind, Why do you want to be a shinobi?" She asked as she sat next to the boy. He lifted his head and looked at her.
"It's because I'm me!" He said with a grin, when he saw Yua's blank expression, he smiled and caressed the back of his head in an expression of apology.
"Well, some of the kids laughed when I told them I'm gonna be like Mr. Sarutobi, they said, 'As if you'd be accepted as a shinobi, let alone as the Hokage you freak!' Some adults even laughed, It saddened me but at the end of the day, I'm me. I can't control their minds, So I'll win their hearts. I'll start from the bottom but I will be Hokage! They called me a failure, so I'll prove 'em wrong!" The young boy said pouring in all his heart.
She saw an image of a similar blonde boy, with even messier hair, sitting there smiling just like the one in front of her.
"Best of luck, Mr. Hokage. You've won your first heart." She said as she ruffled his hair.
Why were people afraid of him? If they sat and listened to him speak, with an open mind. They'd see just who he was, An innocent little boy, born in a world cursed with hatred.
Naruto went back to reading.
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'Remember there is always something a man is scared of, something a man loves, and something a man has lost. If you know it, use it! Know to use the knowledge you have of your enemy against him. Knowing Verbal and Psychological warfare is the utmost necessity for being a leader.
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Naruto's Apartment. October 12, Year 73.
It was evening by the time naruto returned, the library was a 5-7 minute walk from his "home". He opened the door and walked in, apparently, he could only check out 3 books and had to return them in a month. So he got the three that he liked the most by the title itself.
The tale of a Gutsy Ninja - By Jiraya of the Sanin
The Art of Life and War - By Tobirama Senju
A Shinobi Guide for Dummies - By Minato Namikaze
Well, he had read through a dozen pages of Tobirama's book. The man had too many practical questions.
How far can he go though? There was a question Tobirama posed, How much do you want to do as a shinobi? And for what reason?
He already knew the answers, but could he do it?
'Ahhh, I'm thinking too much on the same matter! Whether it will work or not is not in my hands. I just have to do it and hope for the best.' He thought as he opened his fridge.
It was stacked with food, Mr. Sarutobi had shown him, The meals were separated into 3 sections. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. They would be made every 2 days. The snacks were in a cabinet behind him. He took out his Dinner plate and heated it before sitting down at his dining table.
He said a small prayer as always and dug in. He was a long way from even being considered a leader, but he was on his way and that is what mattered.
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