Did You Misunderstand Something?
Jiraiya's words sent a ripple through the gathered crowd.
Unlike Kakashi and Shisui, who held unique statuses, Jiraiya was not only a disciple of the Third Hokage but also the current Fifth Hokage. In a sense, his words represented the stance of Konoha's highest authorities.
Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya continued, "I had originally planned to address the Sarutobi clan's transgressions at a later time, but I didn't expect Kakashi and Shisui to bring them to light so soon. I should have been more thorough in handling this matter."
"However, there is no doubt that the Third Hokage sacrificed his life for Konoha."
Jiraiya's voice carried across the Hero's Memorial, but no one could tell how many actually believed his words.
After all, it was one thing for the Third Hokage to have made mistakes during his tenure. Age and wisdom could excuse some of his inaction.
But after stepping down and becoming an elder advisor, he couldn't even keep his own clan in check. That was no longer mere negligence—it was indulgence. Who could say for sure that Hiruzen hadn't secretly harbored thoughts of regaining power?
After all, following the Nine-Tails attack, he hadn't been officially re-elected; he had simply taken over as the acting Hokage in the chaos.
Moreover, what the Sarutobi clan had done was far graver than the Uchiha clan's supposed rebellion. If everyone followed suit, wouldn't Konoha's laws become a farce?
As suspicion spread through the crowd, Jiraiya sighed inwardly.
Once the seeds of doubt are sown, they are difficult to uproot.
Just as he was about to elaborate—intending to delay action against the Sarutobi clan until after the funeral—a new figure stepped forward in front of the coffin.
A hush fell over the gathering.
Dressed in the uniform of Uzushio Village, a black fox mask concealing his face, the newcomer drew immediate attention.
Shisui, upon recognizing him, reacted instantly. "Mianma-sama, why are you here?"
The title Mianma-sama sent a wave of murmurs through the assembled shinobi.
Those familiar with Naruto exchanged knowing smiles, already anticipating the reactions to come. Others, however, were visibly stunned.
Shisui was no ordinary ninja. He had earned legendary status in the last Great Ninja War, known as "Shisui of the Body Flicker." Upon returning to Konoha, he had demonstrated his prowess by eliminating a Jōnin in a single glance and even battling a Tailed Beast alone. He was unquestionably a shinobi of Kage-level strength.
And yet, such a man had just addressed this masked individual as lord.
This was no casual honorific—it was spoken with sincerity.
Speculation spread like wildfire.
The only certainty was that this so-called "Black Fox" was likely the leader of Uzushio Village.
Naruto gave a slight nod before turning his gaze toward Jiraiya.
"Lord Hokage, have you overlooked something? Beyond the Sarutobi clan, there are also individuals from the Land of Fire involved in the Konoha Honkai plan."
The crowd erupted in shock.
"Even the Daimyō was involved? But isn't the Fire Country the village's superior?"
"What nonsense is that? Konoha and the Fire Nation are equals—neither has absolute authority over the other. But isn't the Daimyō a relative of Lady Tsunade? Why would he join the Konoha Honkai plan?"
"I don't know… Maybe it has something to do with the reforms under the Fifth Hokage…"
The murmurs grew louder, and Jiraiya's face darkened.
Naruto's unexpected arrival had derailed his plans completely.
Could a rift between Konoha and the Fire Nation truly be allowed to form?
If other villages caught wind of this division, they would undoubtedly take the opportunity to strike at Konoha's borders.
The onlookers gradually turned their attention back to Jiraiya. His silence was damning—it suggested that Naruto's claims were not unfounded.
At that moment, Asuma Sarutobi stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Naruto.
"I'll make sure the Sarutobi clan faces the consequences they deserve," he stated. Then, with a sharp look, he added, "But aren't you just another traitor like Uchiha Shisui?"
A murmur ran through the crowd.
Having witnessed everything, Asuma had already deduced Naruto's true identity. Now, he chose to expose it.
"Oh?" Naruto let out a soft chuckle.
Reaching up, he grasped the edge of his mask and slowly removed it.
Beneath it was a youthful yet sharp-featured face—handsome, but with a cold, unwavering expression.
"Indeed," Naruto admitted. "I am the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto. But I prefer the name Mianma—it helps me forget some unpleasant memories."
His blond hair and the whisker-like marks on his cheeks were unmistakable.
For many in the crowd, this expression—cool and detached—brought back memories of the so-called "demon fox" who had once roamed Konoha's streets six or seven years ago. Back then, Naruto had worn this same icy expression, rarely showing a genuine smile.
But now, after hearing Kakashi's revelations about the Nine-Tails attack, the villagers could no longer deny the truth.
Naruto's resemblance to the Fourth Hokage—his father—was uncanny.
Kakashi had spoken the truth.
Uzumaki Naruto was the son of Minato Namikaze. A hero's child.
But why, then, had he ended up with Uzushio Village instead of Konoha?
The villagers didn't have to think too hard for the answer.
Their anger turned toward the late Third Hokage. It was his negligence, his failure to protect the Fourth Hokage's son, that had driven Naruto away. He had returned to his mother's homeland because Konoha had failed him.
Sarutobi Asuma frowned.
He had exposed Naruto's identity in the hopes of turning the crowd against him. He thought it would shift the focus away from the Sarutobi clan's sins.
But things hadn't gone as planned.
The crowd's attention had completely shifted. Instead of condemning Naruto, they were now filled with remorse.
Many lowered their heads in shame. Some even whispered apologies.
They had tormented the son of their greatest hero.
Now, they scrambled to offer reparations—expressing regret, presenting gifts, hoping to earn his forgiveness.
On one hand, it was guilt for their past mistreatment.
On the other, it was pure pragmatism.
If Shisui addressed him as Mianma-sama, and Jiraiya regarded him with such weight…
Then Naruto was clearly at least a Kage-level shinobi.
If he held a grudge, they had no way to stop him.
And perhaps—just perhaps—Naruto and his people had come back for good. If they returned to Konoha, the village's current crisis could be solved. It might even expand its influence.
If that were the case, then the next Hokage was obvious.
Although Naruto had technically defected… Could the Hokage's own son truly be considered a traitor?
Perhaps he had merely taken a detour—leaving to establish his own village, only to return home stronger.
Similar whispers continued among the crowd. They saw a new possibility, a bright future.
But Naruto only scoffed.
"Did you misunderstand something?"
His voice was cold, cutting through their delusions.
"Uzushio Village isn't here to rejoin Konoha." His gaze swept across the crowd. "And I have no interest in being Hokage."
The air turned heavy.
"Put away your foolish fantasies. We're here for one reason only—"
Naruto's smile disappeared, replaced by steely determination.
"To reclaim what is rightfully ours."
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