The sank sanity

---

As soon as Natsume parted ways with Naruto, one of the ANBU assigned to watch over Naruto immediately reported back to Sarutobi Hiruzen. As the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, Naruto was under constant surveillance for his own protection.

If Naruto knew about this, it would likely unsettle him even more. He already felt mistreated without anyone to help, and finding out he was constantly watched would only deepen that wound.

"Natsume's a good kid," Hiruzen mused, glancing over the ANBU's report. Two key details stood out:

First, Natsume had stepped in to protect Naruto from bullies earlier that day.

Second, he'd arranged for the owner of Gunma Casino to look out for Naruto and ensure he could buy goods there.

Opening any business in Konoha required careful screening, especially with potential spies from other villages. Natsume had listed Tsunade as the casino's official owner, and given her gambling reputation, it raised no suspicions.

Sarutobi Hiruzen admired Natsume's approach. He hadn't simply given Naruto charity; instead, he sold him items at a discount, preserving Naruto's sense of dignity. It showed a maturity and understanding of Naruto's situation that impressed the Third Hokage.

However, Hiruzen hadn't expected this bond between Natsume and Naruto to form so quickly. His original plan had been to become Naruto's main emotional anchor before the boy joined the Academy. From there, Hiruzen intended to surround Naruto with trustworthy teachers and companions to shape him into a loyal and stable Jinchūriki—a protector of Konoha.

Sarutobi's goal was simple: to tie Naruto's loyalty to the village by fostering strong bonds from a young age. If the Nine-Tails ever threatened to break free, these connections would be the key to controlling its power.

One complication had been Shimura Danzo, who had spread the rumor that Naruto was the "demon fox" reincarnated. Hiruzen had wanted to intervene but ultimately allowed it. Danzo's actions, though harsh, had accelerated Naruto's dependence on Hiruzen, making the boy view the Third Hokage as his sole protector.

"I'm getting too old for this..." Hiruzen sighed, standing up and gazing out over Konoha. He wasn't the vigorous leader he once was. If Naruto had been an ordinary child, he would have grown up in the spotlight as the son of the Fourth Hokage. But as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki, Naruto was fated to lead a much harder life.

As for Natsume, Hiruzen had no real concerns about his interaction with Naruto. After all, he was Tsunade's apprentice and likely to become a future pillar of the village.

"Just to be safe, I'll check on Naruto myself," Hiruzen decided, changing into more casual attire before leaving the Hokage Tower. He made his way to Naruto's small apartment and knocked on the door.

A few moments later, Naruto opened the door, his face lighting up. "Grandpa!"

"Why do you look so happy today?" Hiruzen asked with a warm smile. "Did something good happen? Tell me about it."

"Yeah!" Naruto grinned, rushing inside to grab a plastic bag filled with instant ramen. "I met a really nice big brother today. He sold me stuff!"

Hiruzen chuckled inwardly, already aware of the full story. "Sounds like a good day."

"Grandpa," Naruto continued, his tone turning serious as he pointed toward Hokage Rock. "The third face on the mountain... it looks like you! Are you really the Hokage?"

Hiruzen smiled warmly, having prepared for this moment. "Yes, Naruto. I am the Hokage."

Naruto's eyes grew wide with awe. "Whoa! Grandpa Hokage! Do you think... do you think I could become Hokage too?"

Hiruzen placed a gentle hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Of course. As long as you have the will and courage to protect Konoha, I have no doubt you could become a great Hokage."

Naruto's face lit up, but after a moment, his expression faltered. "I want to protect everyone, but... everyone always calls me the 'demon fox.' Grandpa, am I really the demon fox?"

Hiruzen felt a pang of guilt, kneeling to meet Naruto's gaze. "No, Naruto. You are not the demon fox. You are you—Uzumaki Naruto. And I promise, starting tomorrow, no one will call you that again."

"Really? Thank you, Grandpa!" Naruto beamed, his smile brighter than ever.

The next day, Naruto eagerly ventured out into the village. While no one called him the "demon fox," they also avoided him entirely. People averted their eyes and walked away, treating him as though he didn't exist.

Before, it had felt like the world had rejected him outright. Now, it felt like the world was pretending he wasn't even there.

The loneliness weighed on Naruto, heavier than before.

[Due to your actions, Naruto Uzumaki's fate has shifted. You have gained eighteen fate points.]

Natsume, mid-training, felt the chakra in his hands fade as the message echoed in his mind.

"Only eighteen points? Looks like Naruto's not entirely convinced yet," Natsume muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

He figured the conversation between Naruto and Hiruzen had shaken Naruto, but the boy still clung to hope. His connection to the Third Hokage hadn't completely severed. But Natsume wasn't worried—he could fan the flames further.

He instructed Masayu, the manager of Gunma Casino, to keep an eye out for Naruto and let him know when the boy returned.

It didn't take long—just three days later, Naruto showed up at the casino again. He wasn't there to buy anything. He was hoping to see Natsume.

---

"Wait, did you take your medicine?"

Tsunade's voice stopped Natsume just as he tried to sneak out the door.

"Sis, do we really have to keep this up?" Natsume groaned, scrunching up his face in frustration. "I feel fine. I don't need it anymore."

"Maybe you're different," Tsunade replied firmly, shaking her head. "But this tonic supports chakra development. It's best to keep taking it."

Despite the look Natsume gave her, softening her resolve, Tsunade, as his adoptive mother, knew she had to be firm. Sometimes, tough love was necessary.

With a sigh, he took the tonic, swallowing back his protest.

Tsunade watched him, feeling a wave of guilt. She felt as if she were doing something wrong by forcing this on him. Seeing his pitiful expression, the urge to pull him into her arms nearly overwhelmed her.

"Here," she said, her voice softening. She unwrapped a piece of candy and popped it into his mouth.

After he finished the candy, she gently ruffled his hair. Being so close to him, she fought back the urge to hold him tight. Getting too close will only make it harder for him when he grows up, she thought. I have to keep some distance.

Natsume smacked his lips, savoring the sweetness. Not bad.

He noticed Tsunade's conflicted expression and wondered, What's going on with her?

The look in her eyes reminded him of someone hesitant to give up something precious. Despite his confusion, he knew one thing—he was good at cheering people up.

Standing on his tiptoes, he wrapped his arms around Tsunade's neck. "Don't work too hard, Sis. I'd feel bad," he said sweetly.

It was a win-win. Not only did he show her some affection, but he got to enjoy the warmth of her soft embrace.

Tsunade's defenses melted instantly. For a brief moment, she held him close, savoring the comfort and warmth, even if it brought a storm of complex emotions.

"Alright, go on now," she said at last, gently pushing him back. She tried to sound stern, but her voice softened.

"Bye, Sis!" Natsume waved as he turned to leave the room.

---

A few minutes later, Natsume arrived at the Gunma Casino.

"Boss, Naruto's waiting for you inside," one of the attendants informed him, bowing slightly as Natsume approached.

Natsume nodded and walked inside.

"Hey, big brother," Naruto greeted him, though his usual energy was missing.

"What's wrong?" Natsume asked, sitting beside him.

"Why does everyone still hate me, even after Grandpa Hokage stood up for me?" Naruto's voice was tinged with sadness.

Natsume sighed. "The prejudice in people's hearts... it's like a mountain, Naruto. Even the Hokage's words can't erase years of anger and fear. They still see you as the a demon fox, a threat."

The real culprit behind the Nine-Tails' attack had never been revealed, leaving the villagers' anger unresolved. When rumors spread that Naruto was the demon fox's vessel, the villagers targeted him—even as a child.

"It's not fair," Naruto muttered, clenching his fists. "I didn't do anything wrong!"

"I know," Natsume replied gently. "But if we can figure out who started the rumor about you being a demon fox, maybe we can clear your name."

Naruto's eyes widened with realization. Despite his young age, he had learned to cope with his loneliness. His troublemaking was a cry for attention, but now, Natsume's words sparked something in him.

"Yeah... who spread that rumor?" Naruto asked eagerly. "Do you know?"

Natsume shook his head. "No, but think about it. Who gains the most from people seeing you as a demon fox?"

Naruto frowned, deep in thought.

"Who benefits the most..." he murmured. It didn't make sense to him. I'm just a kid, right? Why would I be so important?

A shiver ran through him as he considered a troubling thought. Grandpa Hokage... he could have stopped the rumors.

As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had the power to control information. But he hadn't stopped the rumors—not for three years. A cold realization settled over Naruto. Could it be…?

Naruto's face turned pale. I don't want to believe it... but... it fits.

Seeing the turmoil in Naruto's expression, Natsume knew his words had planted a seed of doubt. Given time, that doubt would lead Naruto to seek the truth.

"Big brother, I..." Naruto stammered, uncertain.

"You're still young, Naruto," Natsume said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You've got plenty of time to figure things out."

Naruto's body trembled slightly, but slowly, his confusion cleared. He wasn't just a naive kid—he was the reincarnation of Asura, the Sage of Six Paths' son. His optimism was strong, but he wasn't blind.

"Thanks, big brother." Naruto took a deep breath, his resolve solidifying. He'd keep an eye on the Hokage, to see if the one he trusted had also been part of his suffering.

---

[Your actions have altered Uzumaki Naruto's fate. You have gained 46 Destiny Points.]

Natsume smiled. Not bad. His words had clearly struck a chord with Naruto. With an additional 46 points, he now had 537 Destiny Points. He was one step closer to his goal.

Naruto's only three right now. There'll be plenty of chances to 'shear this sheep' again, Natsume thought with a smirk.

"Bye, big brother!" Naruto called out, cheerful once more as he left, clutching a carton of milk.

Natsume chuckled as he watched Naruto leave, then turned toward Tanzaku Street. He needed to inform Uzumaki Ena and Karin about their mission in two days.

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