Hokage's Suspicion

"Really, Old Man?" Naruto's eyes widened as he asked.

"Of course! But, you have to be stronger as well. Now that you have gotten so smart, you should've noticed how weak you are compared to other Genin."

"You have to get rid of your weaknesses and continue growing your strength. Since you have one of the best Practice Shortcuts, I believe you will catch up to them quickly."

Suddenly, a new panel appeared in front of him that made his smile wider.

[Ding! Congratulations on completing your Quest]

[Your rewards have been added to your inventory]

His quest was simple yet hard. It was to make Hokage believe in his words and even support him.

He wouldn't have lied to Hokage that easily but considering that it was a quest with a lot of rewards. He couldn't simply just reject it.

But, he still didn't understand how Hokage supported him. Because this evaluation didn't look like support for his claim but rather support for his positivity and growth.

Suddenly, he noticed his Old Man's expression changing as he spoke.

"As for the person who put that seal on you, I will definitely find the evidence. Even without the evidence, there are several things that you must claim."

"Since you are a Genin and have become smarter, there are some things that I can reveal right now. And, in the next council meeting, you will be given one side of your heritage."

"Let's sit down! We have a lot to talk about."

Third Hokage walked back to his chair while Naruto was still stunned. But, he quickly followed him and sat in front of him.

"I didn't tell you about your parents because I was afraid that information would be out to other nations. In that case, you will face assassination attempts from several of their enemies at your early age."

"And, since I didn't know about that seal, I thought you were dumb and not quite enough to keep that kind of secret to yourself. I am sorry, Naruto."

Naruto took some time to process these words. One part of him wanted to scream at the Old Man while the other part of him kept him calm.

"It's not your fault, Old Man. You might be right. I wouldn't have shut up about my parents to get more friends to play with me."

Naruto answered while thinking about his past.

Third Hokage nodded and continued.

"Your mother's name was Kushina Uzumaki. She was one of the most powerful Konochi of our village and she was the second Jinchuriki of Nine Tails."

"Before that, it was Mito Uzumaki. As you have noticed, there is a pattern. No one other than Uzumaki can hold down the Nine Tails without losing their mind or even body."

"You were chosen for a reason. While that might have led to a better life, I promise you that Fourth sealed it in you so that you can one day become stronger with its power."

Naruto once again went blank at the revelation.

'Kushina Uzumaki! My mother. I finally know about my mother.'

"While she was near your age, she was almost kidnapped by Kumogakure. After that, there was a blood feud between her and Kumo. And, if they knew that you were her son, they would've tried to kidnap you."

"Normally, Uzumaki has red hair but you have blond which helped us to hide your identity. During the next meeting, I will reveal your mother's side of identity and you will inherit her possessions."

"I was thinking of waiting till you become Chunin to tell you about your mother. But now, I will wait till Chunin to tell you about your father. But remember, you have to become very strong soon."

"Because if your mother had some enemies with one country, your father had several enemies. In fact, he was so feared that they would stop at nothing to kill you before you grow stronger."

When he said that, Naruto's heart became heavy.

Weakness!

For the first time in his life, he felt weak. Even when he was facing Mizuki, he didn't feel this weak.

Because of his weakness, he can't learn about his father. He was extremely angry but also quite calm.

After a few minutes of silence, Naruto stood up and a grin appeared on his face.

"Then, just you wait, Old Man. I will become so strong that not only you will tell me about my father but also give me that hat. I won't go back in my words. That's my Ninja Way, believe it!"

Hearing his words, a large smile appeared on Hokage's face as well. He leaned toward the table and pulled out a scroll.

Then, he started writing several things on the scroll.

After ten minutes, he passed the scroll to Naruto. During this time, Naruto didn't say a word which satisfied Third Hokage even more.

"Since you are on the path to becoming stronger, this will help you. I have written a few of my Jutsu in this scroll and also a few about your clan' Jutsu."

Hearing his words, Naruto's eyes widened as he held the scroll and asked.

"Old Man, I can understand your Jutsu but how can you remember my clan's Jutsu so well."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled before bursting into laughter.

"Haha! I am not called Professor for nothing, Naruto. I have memorized every single Jutsu of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Although there are some Jutsu that I can't perform, it doesn't mean I don't know about that."

"Cool!" Naruto's eyes beamed at that revelation. Suddenly, he asked.

"So, do you have to become extremely good at something to become a Hokage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said.

"I had four friends but I was chosen to become Hokage, do you know why? Because you don't become Hokage to gain their respect. You become Hokage after gaining their respect."

"Though you do have some point in your question. Lord First had one of the strongest Kekkei Genkai known as Wood Release. He was able to tame likes of Nine Tails with ease."

"Lord Second invented many of the Forbidden Jutsu and even created the academy and Anbu. I became Hokage during the end of the First Great Ninja War and managed to survive till now."

"Though my powers have decreased a lot, I am still able to contend with many of the other Kage. Not to mention, as I said before, I know all of the Leaf's Jutsu."

"Lord Fourth was unique for his creation of his own A-Rank Sealless Jutsu and mastery of Flying Thunder God Technique which gave him the nickname 'Yellow Flash of Leaf'."

"He was also one of the best seal masters in the world, becoming able to seal Nine Tail inside you while letting you access its Chakra. Not to mention, his potential was so high that he would've become stronger than us if he hadn't died."

"Naruto, if you want to become a Hokage, you must gain the village's respect. You can start with the Chunin Exam which will happen after six months. There, you would have a chance to show your skills and your talent."

"At the same time, you have to learn more and more about Nine Tails' power and how to access it without harming others. Though for now, I don't want you to try it without any guidance."

"Because if you borrow too much power, you might lose yourself."

Naruto quietly listened to the old man's lecture and digested every word he said. After a long time, he finally nodded and said.

"Don't worry, Old Man. I won't be reckless anymore. In fact, I need to be strong myself to use its power. I noticed that I get exhausted in an instant after I use its power."

Third Hokage smiled and said.

"That's good! Now, you should return. I have a lot of things to do. The next Council Meeting will happen after a month. I hope you will be ready by then."

Naruto nodded and left with the scroll.

As soon as he left, Hiruzen tapped his table a few times, and three Anbu appeared in front of him kneeling on one leg.

"I'm sure you heard everything I told Naruto. Yes, I will reveal his mother's side of Heritage to Konoha soon and it might cause quite a lot of problems."

"I want every Anbu to be ready by then. And, Tenzo!"

"Yes, Lord Third!" One of them stood up.

Hiruzen stared at him and said.

"Remove your Mask!"

Tenzo slowly removed his mask and behind it was a young man who looked quite emotionless.

"Your name will be Yamato. And, after Naruto passes Kakashi's test, you will meet him every time he is free for training and help him control Nine Tails' Chakra."

"Since he said that he can access its' Chakra through extreme emotions until he can access its Chakra without using hate or anger, you will be responsible for pulling him out of its influence if anything happens."