Chapter 87: Kakashi’s Revelations, Naruto’s Life Experience  

---

"Sasuke, have you really grown this much?" Uchiha Itachi thought to himself. In order to avenge him, Sasuke must have endured a great deal of suffering.

Itachi contemplated, "It seems I need to find time to test Sasuke's current strength."

"Mr. Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke seems to be your brother, right? To defeat the One-Tail at such a young age... He is truly worthy of being your younger brother," Kisame Hoshigaki said, looking at Itachi. Kisame was also somewhat shocked by Uchiha Sasuke's strength.

Uchiha Itachi didn't react to Kisame's words. After a moment of silence, he said, "Kisame, come with me to Konoha." With that, he turned and left.

Konoha Village

After Orochimaru and Sunagakure retreated, everyone in Konoha began cleaning up the aftermath. However, when it was discovered that Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu—four of Konoha's elders—had been killed, everyone was terrified. No one expected that such a disaster could occur during just a Chunin Exam.

Judging from the evidence at the scene, it was clear that the level of destruction could only have been caused by someone from Sunagakure. Adding in Sunagakure's betrayal during the Chunin Exams, Konoha decided to send Nara Shikaku as a negotiator to severely penalize Sunagakure. What could Sunagakure do? They had no choice but to grit their teeth and agree, as they were the ones who broke the covenant first. But they truly suffered a great loss this time—not only was their Kazekage killed, but they also had to pay a huge amount in reparations. It was a disaster for them.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's Funeral

At this time, Konoha was holding a funeral for the late Hiruzen Sarutobi. Every ninja came to the funeral dressed in black, their heads bowed in sorrow. The sky was also weeping, with raindrops falling as if even the heavens mourned his passing.

Standing at the forefront, Nara Shikaku, also dressed in black, spoke solemnly: "We are here today to express our condolences for the Third Hokage, who sacrificed his life in this war, and to hold funerals for the other victims."

One by one, the ninjas stepped forward to lay flowers. When it was Kakashi's turn, he glanced back at Sasuke in the crowd. Sasuke gave him a slight nod. Kakashi took a deep breath, his heart heavy with complicated emotions. He then turned to face the crowd.

No one knew what Kakashi intended to do. He bowed deeply and began, "Everyone, I know many of you standing here have lost relatives or friends in this war. I, too, am deeply saddened, but we must look forward."

Kakashi's voice was firm and filled with sorrow as he looked at the crowd. However, when he said the word "but," the atmosphere instantly changed. He paused, considering how to express his next words. After taking a deep breath, he continued, "But I must tell you all about what Konoha's higher-ups have done to this village!"

This statement was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing an uproar. The audience began whispering among themselves, not understanding why Kakashi chose to say this on such a solemn occasion.

Might Guy shouted anxiously, "Kakashi, what are you doing? Now is the time to mourn the dead!"

His expression was filled with worry, concerned that Kakashi's actions might bring unnecessary trouble. However, Kakashi remained unaffected by Guy's words. He calmly replied, "I'm sorry, Guy, but I need to make this clear in front of all the ninjas."

Then, pointing to Naruto, he said firmly, "The first matter concerns you, Uzumaki Naruto, and your true heritage!"

Upon hearing his name, Naruto couldn't help but feel confused and thought, "Huh? My heritage?" His eyes widened in disbelief as he wondered why Kakashi suddenly brought up this topic.

Naruto eagerly asked, "Kakashi-sensei, do you know about my heritage?" His face was full of anticipation and curiosity, desperate for an answer from Kakashi.

"Before that, let me tell you about the Nine-Tails' attack twelve years ago..." Kakashi began, briefly recounting the events of the Nine-Tails' attack. But Naruto was still confused.

"Kakashi-sensei, what does this have to do with my heritage?" Naruto asked. Although the Fourth Hokage was the hero who protected the village, how was he related to Naruto?

Kakashi then revealed, "Naruto, you are the son of Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage, and his wife, Uzumaki Kushina! Your real name should be Namikaze Naruto!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. They didn't expect the Fourth Hokage to have a child, and that child was the very same Uzumaki Naruto they had mistreated for so long. A wave of guilt washed over them. After all, the Fourth Hokage had sacrificed his life to protect them, yet they had treated his son so poorly.

Naruto, who was the subject of this revelation, was already in tears. He looked at Sasuke and Sakura with a mixture of surprise and joy.

"Sasuke, Sakura, did you hear that? Kakashi-sensei said I'm the Fourth Hokage's son. I have parents—I have parents!" Naruto cried out in joy.

Hearing this, Sasuke felt a pang of discomfort. Reflecting on Naruto's childhood and comparing it to his own suffering, Sasuke thought Naruto's hardships were far greater.

Naruto is the most deserving person in the world of happiness, Sasuke thought. He then smiled and said to Naruto, "Congratulations, Naruto. Congratulations on finding out about your parents."

"Yes, Naruto, I never imagined that your parents were actually the Fourth Hokage and his wife!" Sakura added, equally happy for Naruto.

At that moment, some confused villagers asked, "But why did we think Naruto was the Nine-Tails demon fox?"

"Yes! It seems like that rumor just suddenly spread in the village!" another villager added.

"Damn it! Who spread that false information and caused us to misunderstand Naruto for so long?"

"Exactly! It's their fault!"

The crowd began to murmur, as if they were blaming some mysterious figure for spreading false information, absolving themselves of any guilt.

Sasuke watched this scene coldly. These were the villagers of Konoha—so ignorant and unaware of their own actions.

Kakashi's next words quickly drew everyone's attention. Naruto, still in shock, looked at Kakashi with eyes full of expectation.

---