Clash Over Naruto

The Third Hokage looked down at the commotion unfolding below, his heart sinking. He had intended for Naruto to come to the Academy to bond with his peers, to feel the pain of isolation caused by the rumor of the Nine Tails demon fox. This experience was meant to make Naruto cherish the village and his place within it. Was there anything wrong with this approach? Of course not! It was a common method in great ninja villages. Even Kushina had gone through something similar. The sacrifices of Jinchūriki were for the greater good of the village's security and prosperity.

However, things hadn't gone as planned. The Third Hokage recalled how he had spread rumors about the Nine Tails demon fox five years ago. When Naruto first ventured out and heard the whispers, the Third Hokage had been pleased, stroking his beard and thinking everything was going according to plan. But instead of breaking down, Naruto had simply stayed inside, playing with wood and seeming completely unaffected. For half a year, the boy had locked himself away, only to reemerge seemingly unbothered by the villagers' scorn.

And then came the discovery of Naruto's strange bloodline abilities. Rather than feeling the need for companionship, Naruto found comfort in his own world, disappearing from public view. When he finally appeared at the Academy, those who once branded him as a demon fox had almost forgotten about it. Instead, they were now struck by the realization of his heritage as the Fourth Hokage's son.

This outcome was far from what the Third Hokage had intended. He hadn't meant for Naruto's true identity to be revealed so soon, nor did he want the boy to miss out on the intended lesson of companionship and sacrifice.

"Ahem!" The Third Hokage's cough brought everyone's attention back to him. He commenced a speech that lasted for over an hour, though it seemed to pass in a haze for Naruto. During the speech, Naruto noticed Hinata stealing glances at him. He smiled at her, only for Hinata to shyly hide behind her father, Hiashi Hyuga. Hiashi, noticing Naruto's attention on his daughter, glared at the boy, his white eyes flashing with warning.

Naruto felt a pang of guilt under Hiashi's stern gaze. He knew he had plans for Hinata, even if they were far off in the future. The idea of her being his "cabbage" to take care of one day was something he kept in mind, despite the challenges. A wild grin spread across Naruto's face, fueled by defiance and youthful confidence. He would show Hiashi the power of his Uzumaki spirit when the time came.

Meanwhile, Hiashi was fuming, his frustration mounting as Naruto's grin grew more unrestrained. If his Byakugan could kill, Naruto would have been dead a thousand times over.

The tension on the stage was palpable, but not just between Naruto and Hiashi. Sasuke Uchiha, standing nearby, watched Naruto with a mix of envy and resentment. Knowing Naruto was the son of the heroic Fourth Hokage filled him with a sense of inadequacy. Yet, it also fueled his determination. He clenched his fists, vowing silently, Just wait! I will surpass you and prove the strength of the Uchiha clan!

Throughout the Third Hokage's speech, he avoided directly addressing Naruto's true identity, despite the murmurs and direct questions from the crowd. Many villagers, unaware of the complexities of Naruto's existence, were shocked by the revelation that he might be the son of the Fourth Hokage. The whispers grew louder:

"Third Hokage-sama, is that child really the Fourth Hokage's son?"

"Why was this kept from us for so long?"

"Is there something more we're not being told?"

The Third Hokage maintained a stiff smile, not responding directly. He concluded his speech with a classic lesson on the Will of Fire: "Remember, children, wherever there are leaves flying, fire burns. The shadow of the fire will shine upon the village and cause new leaves to sprout. The true strength of a ninja emerges when protecting those they cherish."

With these words, he turned and left the stage, his expression dark. The villagers' persistent questions about Naruto's lineage made his departure swift and tense. The Third Hokage hadn't anticipated this public unveiling of Naruto's identity. His plan was to keep Naruto's heritage a secret until he was older, until he could fully understand and bear the responsibility of being the Fourth Hokage's son and Jinchūriki. But now, that plan was in jeopardy, and the Hokage needed to rethink his approach.

Back in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat, contemplating the morning's events. The knock on the door broke his reverie. "Come in," he called, hiding his troubled thoughts.

Danzo entered, his expression stern as always. The Third Hokage braced himself, knowing what was coming. "Danzo, what brings you here?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

"Hiruzen, give me the Nine Tails Jinchūriki. I can train him to become the strongest weapon for the village," Danzo demanded, not wasting any time.

"Enough!" The Third Hokage's voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a blade. He stood up, hands slamming the desk. His eyes burned with anger. "Naruto will not be handed over to you."

Danzo, undeterred by the Third Hokage's outburst, pressed on. "Hiruzen, the boy has immense potential. Under my guidance, he can be molded into the strongest Jinchūriki."

The office grew silent, the air thick with the scent of conflict. Finally, Danzo spoke again, this time with an edge of warning. "You will regret this, Hiruzen."

"Sarutobi Hiruzen, Nine Tails Jinchūriki's talent is very good!" Danzo reiterated, his tone urgent and cold. "Leave it to me, and I will turn him into the strongest tailed beast Jinchūriki!"

The Third Hokage's expression hardened. "Danzo, I am the Hokage," he stated, his voice low but firm. The title held weight, a reminder of who held the ultimate authority in the village.

Danzo's face twisted in displeasure. He slammed the door as he left, leaving the Hokage's office filled with unresolved tension and the lingering threat of future conflict. The Third Hokage remained at his desk, deep in thought, troubled by the day's revelations and the challenges ahead.