Chapter 54. Of course, you are not an orphan

Natsuki scanned the surroundings and noticed that the ANBU was still trailing Naruto not too far away. Speaking a bit louder might expose their conversation.

Nonchalantly, Natsuki handed Naruto candied haws made of strawberries and said, "If you've got a problem, why not figure it out? Let's go sit down over there, and you can tell me all about it."

Leading Naruto and Sasuke to a nearby bench, Natsuki encouraged Naruto to share his concerns.

Naruto explained how his transformation technique consistently failed during exams or practice sessions with classmates.

Sasuke listened intently, curious about the issue. While Naruto's transformations on him were usually flawless, they inexplicably faltered at crucial moments.

Upon hearing Naruto's explanation, Natsuki began contemplating other matters.

More than a year had passed, and at seven years old, Naruto had just started learning chakra-refining techniques at school.

However, the Nine-Tails inside him had started causing trouble, making it challenging for Naruto to control his chakra.

Considering his improved abilities, Natsuki wondered if it was time to try recruiting non-Uchiha elites.

Amid the crowd, Naruto spoke freely, as he had no family and considered Natsuki his elder.

Natsuki affectionately ruffled Naruto's hair and suggested, "Naruto, think about it again."

Confused, Naruto asked, "What are you thinking about?"

At that moment, Natsuki's eye power activated, and their consciousness connected, instantly entering Naruto's inner world.

Naruto looked around nervously but relaxed upon seeing Natsuki beside him.

In this spiritual world, there was an ordinary corridor on the ground, with a distant cell door connecting the heavens and earth.

Since the spiritual world mirrored the real world, it wasn't damp and cold, offering a more comfortable environment.

"Natsuki-senpai, where is this place?" Naruto inquired.

Natsuki sensed two chakras in Naruto's inner world, likely belonging to the Fourth Hokage and Kushina, yet they remained unseen.

Perhaps they were waiting for the right time to reveal themselves to Naruto.

Natsuki, known for his proactive approach, didn't want to wait for Naruto and the Nine-Tails to grow together.

The world Naruto lived in now was much better, and negotiating with the Nine-Tails might still be possible.

With a light smile, Natsuki explained, "Naruto, this is your inner world."

"Inner world?" Naruto was puzzled. While he recognized the individual words, the combination puzzled him.

Without offering a direct explanation, Natsuki shifted the conversation, "Naruto, do you want to know why you were bullied as a child?"

Naruto was taken aback. Despite the positive turn his life had taken recently, memories of being shunned by the entire village still lingered, creating a deep emotional impact.

However, Naruto quickly raised his head, curiosity gleaming in his eyes as he gazed at Natsuki.

Sparing no words, Natsuki revealed the truth, "You should have learned about tailed beasts in school."

Naruto nodded.

"We use tailed beasts as strategic weapons, sealing them inside human bodies. Those who have tailed beasts sealed within them are called Jinchuuriki."

"And you, Naruto, are Konoha's Jinchuuriki."

"Kyuubi is sealed within your body!"

Naruto's face reflected disbelief, frozen in place as he stammered, "I... am the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki!?"

In this new life, Naruto had become a diligent learner, absorbing knowledge from countless sources.

The significance of tailed beasts had been explained to these children in their studies.

Natsuki continued, "The reason why those villagers hate you and discriminate against you is because the Nine-Tails in your body almost destroyed Konoha."

"Many villagers died under Kyuubi, and they blame you for the destruction of their homes and the tragic death of their parents. That's why they hate you."

Naruto's mind was profoundly shaken, and he slowly knelt on the ground, tears streaming uncontrollably.

After waiting for so long, he finally understood the reasons behind the villagers' resentment.

Naruto cried loudly as if trying to release all the accumulated grievances of his years.

As Naruto wept, the two concealed chakras in the inner world fluctuated violently, yet they remained unseen.

"Why? Why did they want me to be a Jinchuuriki? Why..." Naruto gasped between sobs, asking angrily.

He replied calmly, "Because it was your parents' decision."

"Parents!?" Naruto was shocked.

"Natsuki-senpai! Do I have parents? I'm not an orphan?"

Natsuki nodded, "You are not an orphan; you have parents. Who told you that you are an orphan?"

Naruto wiped his tears: "Grandpa told me."

Natsuki mentioned casually, "Ah, that was a lie told by the Third Hokage. He promised your parents to take good care of you, but he broke that promise."

"The Third Hokage promised to take good care of me!?" Naruto mulled over these words, Grandpa had indeed looked after him well, providing him with money and visiting him frequently.

"Hey, are you stupid? You don't think that the money the Third Hokage gave you was from him, right? That's your parents' money."

"Ah!?" Naruto was taken aback. He had been grateful to the Third Hokage for providing him with money.

He grew up relying on that money, but now he learned it belonged to his parents!?

"The reason why the Third Hokage didn't take good care of you is that, after your parents passed away, the Third Hokage's property was seized, and the money given to you was not even one-thousandth of it."

"What!?"

Naruto felt a surge of anger. He had long suspected the death of his parents, but if they were alive, they should have appeared in these years.

What angered Naruto even more was that all these years of hardship were caused by the Third Hokage!?

Discovering his family's wealth, Naruto no longer harbored hatred towards the Konoha villagers who had mistreated him.

According to Senior Natsuki, they had lost many relatives to the Kyuubi, so holding a grudge against him was understandable.

His current frustration stemmed from the realization that he didn't have to struggle so hard.

Money might not solve all problems, but it could certainly address basic needs like food, clothing, housing, and transportation.

"So, Natsuki-senpai, who are my parents? Why did they want me to be a Jinchuuriki?"

He shook his head: "You are still too young. I can't tell you now. I'm afraid you won't be able to keep your mouth shut, and it could put you in danger."

Naruto bit his lip: "Natsuki-senpai, please tell me. I promise to keep it a secret."

Natsuki still shook his head. He dared to tell Naruto about being the Jinchuuriki because this matter was a widely known secret in Konoha, known to both the ninja clans and many civilians.

However, information about Naruto's parents was much more sensitive and complex. It involved various complex details.

Seeing Naruto pleading, Natsuki offered a compromise: "Here's the deal, Naruto. If you don't reveal what happened today until you graduate from Ninja School, I will share information about your parents and everything else you want to know."

Relieved that Natsuki had softened his stance, Naruto agreed: "Okay, Natsuki-senpai! I'll definitely keep the secret until I graduate from Ninja School."

Natsuki nodded: "Now that you know what being a Jinchuuriki means, let me test you. What caused you to suddenly lose control of your chakra?"

Naruto had already considered this question: "Natsuki-senpai, is it because of the Nine-Tails?"

Observing Naruto's swift and accurate response, Natsuki felt a sense of joy as Naruto shed the label of the "idiot ninja."