Nothing happened

(3rd PoV)

As the sun rose upon Konoha, some interesting things began spreading.

Rumours like Naruto being the kid of a cat summoner ANBU, like certain children who tried to bully Naruto and Shiori being the kids of the person who unleashed the Kyuubi.

Or that should have happened.

But in reality, nothing really happened.

"Why?"

Hiruzen just stared at the 3 year old girl, too smart for her age in scheming.

<Yesterday Night>

After giving Naruto his share of dinner and leaving his apartment, Shiori said to her surroundings in a commanding tone, whatever a 3 year old could muster.

"Come out. I know you are there already."

"..."

Wind flew, but nobody really answered.

"Fine. Then tell the Hokage to be at his office. I am coming."

After saying that, she headed towards the Hokage Tower. It was 11pm right now, and Hokage really shouldn't be in his office. Despite that, Hiruzen was there, as if waiting for her.

"What brings you here this late, Shiori-chan? I am sorry that I couldn't come at your shop today. I was too busy."

"Someone tore the gift I gave to Naruto. And he wouldn't tell me who was it. But you must know, since you have been keeping an eye on him."

"I don't really know what you mean, Shiori-chan. Even though I am the Hokage, I can't keep an eye on everyone."

"Then what are you doing here this late?"

Suddenly, Kakashi in his ANBU uniform appeared out of blue, and Shiori screamed.

"Kyaaa~!"

Both of them stared at the girl who was showing a brave face just a moment ago, and being incredibly scared the next moment.

"So, are you saying that you are capable of senseing ANBU?"

After calming down, she said,

"Umm, I was just saying in the air. I didn't really know ANBU..., whatever it is, is keeping an eye on us. So, will you tell me who is the one who tore my gift? Why did he do it? Why wasn't he punished? Why are stupid people so bad towards Naruto? Why do some people call him demon? And if he is really a demon, isn't it a cool thing? The people are really weird. Their gazes feel afraid, but they are not afraid of harming him."

"Sigh. Shiori-chan, Naruto has got fox-like whiskers from his father. It is really just the same thing as Inuzuka, a dog clan has red markings.

3 years ago, one day after you were born and on Naruto's birthday, the Kyuubi attack happened. Many people died. Many people lost their family members. So someone got the idea that Naruto is Kyuubi's incarnation and spread these nonsense rumours."

"And the stupid people really believed that?"

"Yes. They did."

Suddenly, an innocent smile came across her face.

"So they are stupid huh?"

"I am the Hokage, so I can't really badmouth my people."

"You should. You are like, the grandpa of village, right? If it were my children who were this stupid, I would scold them. Why can't you do the same?"

"It's of no use Shiori-chan. People will just think that it is some ninja thing that I am trying to hide, even if I come out and say it that Naruto isn't a demon."

"So, people ARE stupid, right?"

"In a way, yes."

"Then they wouldn't mind if there are three or four more rumours, right? Something like..., hmmm, everyone hates Orochimaru, right!? So what if we just make some rumours like he became a traitor because he was having an affair!?"

"Where did you learn this word?"

"Orphanage lady gossiped a lot. So I know that affair is something bad."

"Affair means... loving someone else despite being married to another person? And as far as I know, Orochimaru didn't have a wife."

"Then what about he became a traitor to search for a wife!? We can make some more bad rumours about traitors! Wait, the problem is Kyuubi, right? Naruto's whiskers? But cat whiskers look the same! How about this? Naruto's father or mother had cat whiskers, and Orochimaru had kidnapped and taken away the Kyuubi years ago!"

Hiruzen rolled his eyes on the idea that Orochimaru would extend his noodle hands, catch the Kyuubi and take it away for himself. Kids are kids afterall, however smart they may be.

"Shiori-chan, Kyuubi can't be just 'taken away' by anyone. It is dead long ago."

"Yeah. But they are stupid people. If someone whispers repeatedly that eating tomotoes will lead to diarrrrr, what was the name of that disease again?"

"Diarrhea."

"Yes! That's it! I am sure that these stupid people will stop eating tomotoes. Why not just let the traitor carry the little extra stupidity of stupid people?"

Hiruzen was honestly surprised. While it might seem like a kid's idea, it wasn't something that any ordinary kid could come up with. And he could see that working to some extent.

This girl is too cunning for her age. Maybe she will become a good head of the civilian council? While Kakashi and Itachi are child genuises in shinobi skills, she is a genius in politics.

Really, it's just very sad that Danzo destroyed her ninja career in his recklessness in looking for talents.

But he could see her advising Naruto when he becomes the Hokage. Minato wasn't that versed in politics, and Kushina was... well, there is no use in talking about her in that matter.

But she will have to build up something for becoming the Hokage's wife. First Hokage's wife was an Uzumaki princess, and later the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi. His wife was the head of the medical area, and the best medic before Tsunade. And Minato had the last Uzumaki and the Kyuubi Jinchuriki as his wife.

Strength isn't all that matters to become the Hokage. The people should approve of him, especially the shinobi.

They will have to build solid reputation. And that shouldn't be based on underhanded tactics like using rumours to fight rumours. It may work on civilians and less experienced shinobi, but not on chunins and above.

Thinking about it all, he looked at the excited girl.

"So? Will it be done by tomorrow morning, old man? Afterall, Naruto is clearly 4th Hokage's son. Otherwise, there is no way that there will be Kakashi keeping an eye on him-"

Wait a minute... She is still on about Naruto being Minato's son? And-

"Who is Kakashi?"

Shiori rolled her eyes and Hiruzen felt uncomfortable as she looked at him as if he is an idiot.

"Silver haired handsome guy came just after Naruto on my store. He is actually my second customer and I will be making a poster of him. And that guy, is currently in a mask right now. Why wear a mask if hair gives it away?"

"*Cough* Alright Shiori, Naruto is not the 4th Hokage's son-"

"Then why is he keeping an eye on him? Why does his face look like an exact copy of him beside being more chubby and having whiskers? People can't really be THAT stupid that they can't recognise him. Tell me, am I the weird one here?"

"Well then, did you approach Naruto thinking that he is 4th Hokage's son?"

"I approached him for many reasons. I was betrayed by everyone in the orphanage, and only he was the one who didn't treat me badly after finding out that I can't use chakra. Instead, he said that he will protect me when I asked for it. So I want to become his princess! And then guess what? I looked at 4th Hokage's photo in the public library! He looks so cool! Naruto will also become very cool like him, right!? So I will not only become a princess, I will also become Hokage's wife-"

"Shiori-chan, look here. He is Naruto's father."

And Hiruzen showed her the photo of the most ordinary blonde haired man with blue eyes. He knows he is wrong in doing so, but he can't have her babbling about it.

It is a good thing that Danzo isn't here.

"Then why don't you show it to Naruto too?"

Hiruzen was caught off guard by that question. Lying to her was alright, but lying to Naruto about his parents? Telling him that someone else was his father? That is a line he will never cross. He can hide about his father, but not lie about him.

Honestly, Hiruzen was actually trying to test her, if she abandoned Naruto after thinking that he wasn't 4th Hokage's son, she was never really his friend. And if nothing changed between them, she is a genuine friend.

"Old Man, unlike those stupid people, I am actually smart and have good eyes. And I can actually see the future. So, no need to tell me anything, and I won't tell Naruto anything. You are the Hokage, so you must have a reason.

What I want right now is three things.

First, spread the rumour that Orochimaru kidnapped Kyuubi or something and Naruto's whiskers are actually cat whiskers. Honestly, I haven't seen a fox in my life. I don't want Naruto to suffer.

Second, train him so he can become strong. I am going to become very rich, and I need a person to protect me. Plus, he wants to become the Hokage, so he must become strong.

And finally, tell him everything yourself when he becomes ninja or something. Though, I think Naruto will figure it out himself. He is not stupid, he is just dumb."

"And what's the difference between stupid and dumb?"

"Stupid people are stupid, and dumb people are dumb, not stupid."

"You are not making sense right now."

"Ugggh! Just think what you want! Naruto is my future husband! And I will not let anyone hurt him! I will never let him cry again! I want these three things to be done. I am going to sleep now, so bye! And Kakashi, protect me with Naruto too. Orochimaru will come to kill me because I am spreading runours about him!"

And she left the Hokage Office, and nobody stopped her. It was 12am already. Never in his dreams did he consider that a 3 year old girl will be the first one among the civilians to figure out Naruto's identity. So, what makes him think that spies from other villages haven't already caught on? And with the stupid rumour going around that he is a demon incarnate or whatever? Why wouldn't Kumo sneak in again and try what they tried with Kushina?

"Kakashi, assassinate some of Kiri's missing nins. Konoha must not appear weak."

"Yes Hokage-sama. If I may ask, about that-"

"I will take care of it."

"Hai Hokage-sama. I will return to my guarding duty."

"And in a few weeks, Kumo delegation will arrive in the village for peace treaty. Make sure that they don't try anything funny."

Kakashi nodded, and returned to his night guard duty.

<Flashback End>

So, why didn't Hiruzen take care of it?

Because he wants Naruto to become the Hokage, and to protect Shiori.

But, he has already made some preparation for training Naruto. If Shiori can actually see the future like she claimed, she just might become the biggest kidnapping target.

So, let's make things natural, and see what this self-proclaimed seer will do to train Naruto. He has prepared the stage by letting a certain turtle hear that a scarecrow is a fan of a certain comic store, *cough*, stall.

If she can actually see the future, she will take the bait.