16 Chapter 15 : Naruto's Background

22nd Place: Naruto Uzumaki (Senju Physique · Intermediate)

Option 1: Upgrade your physique to an advanced level.

Option 2: Grade A Ninjutsu Rasengan (plus some derivative usage).

[6:58]

[6:57]

Everyone was captivated by the transformation of the Hyuga sisters. As the countdown approached its halfway mark, they suddenly realized that the list had been refreshed when Uchiha Ran mentioned it.

The Ōtsutsuki clan's physique had certainly left everyone astonished.

However, once they saw the identity of the person on the list, everyone was left dumbfounded.

And it turned out to be none other than Demon Fox of Konoha.

"It's me, it's me, I'm on the list!"

"Hahaha, Sasuke, I made it onto the list!"

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the guy who's going to be the Hokage, and I'm on the list too!"

Realizing that he was the person on the list, Naruto Uzumaki shouted in excitement and embraced Hinata, causing her cheeks to redden.

Naruto, who was once overlooked, now had his moment.

With little understanding of normal interactions, he never thought he'd see the day he'd have a Bloodline Limit. He had always envied Sasuke, who was assured a spot on the list.

[ Uzumaki Kushina: Congratulations to Naruto on making the list! ]

In Naruto's abdomen, Namikaze Minato's Eight Trigrams Seal, formed by overlapping two four-symbol seals, resonated. Uzumaki Kushina, who had awakened due to the Golden List, felt joy for her son.

Her soul should have been in the pure land, yet because of Namikaze Minato's inscription, she was able to reach Naruto with the Chakra within the seal.

Alongside the congratulations, she held some questions.

Why does Minato's child have a Senju physique?

Well, perhaps she'll inquire with Uchiha Ran when an opportunity arises.

[Namikaze Minato: Congratulations to Naruto on making the list! ]

[ Jiraiya: Way to go, Naruto! Congrats! ]

[Hatake Kakashi: Hey there, congrats! ]

[Uchiha Sasuke: Hmph, loser! Congrats anyway. ]

[ Uchiha Ran: Congratulations to Naruto on making the list! ]

[ Sarutobi Hiruzen: Congratulations, Naruto! ]

[.....]

Starting with Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato, many others joined in extending their congratulations.

However, Uchiha Ran glanced sidelong at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a hidden grin.

The Third Hokage had the audacity to show his face to the Minato couple. He had an unmatched boldness that outdid anyone in the entire ninja world.

"What!"

"Thank you, thank you, everyone!"

Naruto felt his nose tingle, and his eyes reddened as tears welled up.

Such widespread care was something he hadn't experienced in his past ten years.

Yet, he knew this was a live broadcast. To avoid embarrassment, he hastily turned to wipe his tears, then began thanking each person individually.

Starting with Grandpa Third Hokage, then Big Brother Ran, Pervy Sage, Sasuke, and others—about a dozen or so names, but to Naruto, even this much gratitude felt like a luxury.

Only at the end did he say, "Thanks to Kushina sister and Fourth Hokage Uncle!"

Uzumaki Kushina's moniker was beside her name, making her look young enough to be Naruto's older sister.

The name Namikaze Minato was the one Naruto most revered—the Fourth Hokage. Of course, he knew of Minato and his deeds, which were also taught in textbooks, though perhaps slightly less emphasized than those of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Tsk~"

As Naruto spoke, many watched with anticipation for an entertaining scene.

Uchiha Ran noticed Sarutobi Hiruzen's stiff expression.

[Uzumaki Kushina: Haha, cleverly shifting to compliment your youthful mother, son, you're quite the talker. ]

Uzumaki Kushina had thick nerves, so she hadn't caught on yet.

But from the Shinigami's belly to the sealed space, Namikaze Minato's smile froze.

Not because Naruto called him Uncle, but because of the name itself.

Naruto didn't seem to recognize him and Kushina.

To be precise, Naruto seemed unaware of their relationship.

[ Uzumaki Naruto: Mom? Son? Big sister, you're my mother!? ]

A look of disbelief spread across Naruto's face.

Could the mother he'd longed for over twelve years actually be here?

[ Uzumaki Kushina: Yes, I'm your mother. Didn't the Third Hokage tell you? ]

Uzumaki Kushina finally sensed something amiss as her smile faded.

[Uzumaki Naruto: Grandpa from the Third Generation told me I was an orphan saved by Konoha, with unknown parents. Not too long ago, Mr. Mizuki told me I was a vessel for a demon fox. ]

[Uzumaki Kushina: Unknown parents? Demon fox vessel? An unknown parentage! A Demon fox vessel! @Sarutobi Hiruzen, you old coot, is this how you treat my and Minato's son? Did we die for Konoha just for this? ]

Women might be considered delicate, but mothers are strong.

And Uzumaki Kushina, nicknamed the "Red Habanero," had a temper to match.

She couldn't let this slide.

[Utatane Koharu: Kushina, Hiruzen had his reasons for keeping this hidden. Don't rush to get angry. ]

[Onoki: Reasons? I don't see it. This isn't the usual way to manage a Jinchūriki. ]

[Senju Hashirama: Speaking sense, for once... haha, it's a Konoha matter, outsiders, shut your traps and stay out of it. ]

"…" Onoki hesitated briefly.

Simply watching the spectacle unfold.

[ Uzumaki Kushina: Managing a Jinchūriki? Explain clearly, or I'll have Orochimaru Sakagi Impure World Reincarnation pay you a personal visit. ]

[ Orochimaru: Delighted to help! ]

[ Mitokado Homura: Hiruzen chose to conceal it to protect the identity of the Jinchūriki—Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato's son. ]

On the elevated platform, Mitokado Homura approached Sarutobi Hiruzen and gave him a meaningful look.

The meaning was clear: Don't panic, brother, I'll help you smooth things over.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's lips twitched.

He wanted to punch Mitokado Homura.

This idiot was making things worse.

There's a time and place for sophistry; otherwise, it's a slap to the face, you fool.

Right then, the "Fourth Kazekage" next to him chimed in, "Protecting the Jinchūriki? Funny, because I heard the whole of Konoha knows Naruto Uzumaki is the Nine-Tails' vessel. Isn't the demon fox a helper of the Nine-Tails?"

[Fourth Kazekage Rasa: Precisely, that's how it is. "]

Who: ? ? ?

Why was this guy echoing his own sentiments?

For better understanding?

[Onoki: I can vouch for this. When Fourth Hokage was died, news of the new Jinchūriki spread immediately to us. ]

[ Fourth Generation Ai: We Cloud Shinobi got the same information. ]

[Terumi Mei: As for us from Kirigakure... we might not know for sure, but it's not hard to deduce. ]

[Senju Hashirama: Explain it, monkey! ]

[Senju Tobirama: Big brother, shut your trap! ]

Senju Tobirama's political acumen was razor-sharp, instantly piecing together the bigger picture.

Naruto Uzumaki was the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, a weapon. And Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, wanted to control this weapon. It made sense for him to create resistance among others, positioning himself as the only guiding light in the child's heart.

The tactics might be underhanded, especially given Naruto's unique status as a Fourth Hokage's son.

Senju Tobirama appreciated the political aspect and its effectiveness, yet he deny its practicality in such situatiions.

"Monkey, explain yourself?"