Chapter | VI |

[ Hiruzen Pov ]

In the serine room decorated with papers, I leaned on my old friend, my chair behind the table with a mountain of papers that needed my attention. Sighing, I rubbed my temples, I felt a headache coming as my gaze landed on the other pile as well.

I took a paper, stamped it after reading the contents, and took another and repeated the gesture. I continued until I felt tired. Sighing, I again leaned back on the wooden chair to make myself comfortable, my sore and old muscles relaxed. I felt like a boulder was resting on my shoulders, I gazed at the ceiling in a daze.

Closing my eyes, I remembered the image of a young boy, playing pranks and jokes on me. Chuckling remembering the good times I spent with him, I noticed myself lost in the happy and peaceful memeories.

Staying motionless for a moment, I opened the drawer to pull out a pipe and placed it between my lips. Closing the drawer, I lit up the bowl and inhaled a mouthful of smoke. Then, I slowly released it. I felt my frustration slowly ease, my head felt slightly erratic and light. I leaned further into the chair, giving myself to the addictive feeling of tobacco.

'I wonder what's that brat upto now? Heh, probably giving Iruka a hell of a time. Haha, that kid...'

Grazing my fingers on a crystal ball resting on a red pillow, I poured chakra into the artifact. it shimmered before revealing a picture... I lost all sense as my eyes fell on it. The pipe in my mouth collapse on the floor as I went agape. What!?

In front of me played an image of a young blonde boy, he was leaning on a chair. It was Naruto, the child I knew from birth, the child I had placed a vow on. However, something bizarre was happening at this instant as I observed him. I felt the world spin as the whisker marks on his face slowly fade away. I blinked, what... What in the name of Konoha is happening!?

Then, as his eyes slowly opened, I felt a wave of dread wash over me. No! It can't be!

I banged my hands on the desk, and immediately, a dozen of people emerged from the shadows, their visages hidden beneath masks of several sorts.

"Go! See if Naruto Uzumaki enacts any abnormal activities or any sort of violent behavior! This is of utmost importance, quick, there is no time to waste!"

The people disappeared from my vision as soon as they received my commands. I walked toward the open window and gaped toward the kid's house with a grim. Please, do not be what I think it is...

I had a clear hypothesis, but I hoped that it did not turn out to be what I imagined. If... It happens... I might have to take a step I never imagined to... I might... Have to break a promise.

My heart thumped with anxiety, with distress looming in my mind... I decided to make a visit. I might have to pluck out the seed before it sprouts.

Steeling my will, I reminded myself what I was. I am the third Hokage, and for the sake of the village, for the sake of the civilians, for the sake of the will of fire... I had to do, what had to be done.

Within a flash, I crossed the roads and reached the cheap and fragile apartment of Naruto. My eyes drifted toward the shadows, nodding my head, I took a deep breath and relaxed my facial expression, putting on a mask of a warm and gentle old man.

Smiling lightly, I knocked on the door.