The old man was furious. Truly furious.
"Report to the Hokage! On his way to the Academy, Naruto got into a conflict with a shop owner while buying clothes. The shopkeeper was beaten by Naruto and suffered a fractured bone. He's been taken to the hospital, though his life is not in danger."
"The neighbors who witnessed it tried to surround Naruto. In response, he created thousands of shadow clones, each armed with kunai, and seemed ready to kill them. Fortunately, Iruka rushed in and managed to stop him. After that, Naruto went to the Academy for the class assignment ceremony!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his forehead, already feeling a headache.
He had only just sat down to begin his duties for the day, and now this? Could this violent outburst be the effect of power awakening in Naruto?
The Third Hokage lit his pipe, inhaled deeply, then asked in a low, troubled voice:
"Naruto… is he really different from before? Are you telling me he truly intended to kill the villagers surrounding him?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama," the Anbu replied solemnly.
"I wouldn't dare deceive you. Naruto summoned thousands of shadow clones—each one drawing a kunai. His eyes were cold, merciless, as though he saw the villagers as corpses already. If not for Iruka's loud intervention, I have no doubt he would have killed them. This must be prevented. After all, Naruto is the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. If he loses control…"
The Anbu's voice trailed off. Even he was shaken. Just days ago, Naruto had been the village's beaten-down outcast—bowing his head under insults, quietly enduring. But now, with his sudden surge in power, he had revealed a murderous intent far too mature for a twelve-year-old child.
Could power truly twist a person's heart this quickly?
Hiruzen's expression darkened, but his voice remained steady.
"Pass down my order: the villagers must restrain themselves. Be more tolerant of Naruto. No one is to provoke him. Compensate the injured shopkeeper and calm his grievances. As for those who came to report this, persuade them to disperse quietly. From now on, everyone must act with greater caution."
He paused, then added,
"Let Iruka handle this matter. Have him file a report—I will approve it myself."
The Hokage sighed. It couldn't be helped. Naruto had already mastered the Multi Shadow Clone Technique and carried the Nine-Tails within him. Abandoning him was impossible. With proper training, Naruto could become a deadly weapon, a great asset to the village.
Hiruzen even entertained a thought: if Naruto were to complete a few missions flawlessly, perhaps there would be reason to let him access the Scroll of Seals once again. Maybe he could learn more jutsu from it—perhaps even one of his father's signature techniques.
If Naruto inherited the Fourth Hokage's talent, then with techniques like the Flying Thunder God or even more forbidden arts, Konoha could once again wield the power of the Yellow Flash. With that level of strength, what village would dare challenge Konoha?
"Young men often grow arrogant once they gain strength," Hiruzen muttered, shaking his head.
"And if they're insulted, of course they'll fight back. Hmph, if I were in his shoes, I might have done the same."
Still, that boy was troublesome. Never at peace, always stirring up incidents. And the shopkeeper too—why provoke him? You'll sell clothes to anyone else, but not to Naruto? Did you have to humiliate him publicly? Now you've landed yourself in the hospital.
"Come!" Hiruzen called into the air.
At once, an Anbu dropped to one knee. "Your orders, Hokage-sama."
"Tell Kakashi: Naruto is becoming stronger, but his temper is dangerous. He's mischievous, prone to pranks, and now more volatile than ever. Kakashi must guide him. Discipline him. Don't let this boy stray down the wrong path."
"Yes!"
The Anbu vanished in a blur.
Meanwhile, back at the scene, Naruto walked confidently through the crowd of villagers who had once shouted for his punishment. Not one dared block his way now. They silently stepped aside, watching in fear.
Iruka, however, was left dumbfounded.
Just a moment ago, these same villagers had been shouting for Naruto's execution, swearing they'd kill him on the spot. But now? Their eyes were filled with unease, their bodies trembling. None dared to breathe too loudly in Naruto's presence.
"Let's go, Iruka-sensei," Naruto said with a carefree grin, turning back toward him. His smile was as bright as always, as though none of the tension had ever existed.
On the way to the Academy, Naruto whistled cheerfully, hands behind his head, walking as if nothing had happened. Iruka, still trying to process it all, kept glancing sideways at him.
"Naruto… you really look handsome today. Especially in that little robe," Iruka said at last, breaking the silence.
Naruto's grin widened. "Really? Hehe, thanks, Iruka-sensei! I picked it out myself. Don't you think it suits me perfectly?"
His eyes gleamed with pride. Of course he looked cool—this was the same outfit he had once worn when he'd been summoned back from Mount Myōboku during Pain's invasion, when Konoha had been destroyed. One of his most stylish looks in all of history!
Of course, this outfit still can't compare to that one.
After all, he was still short and underdeveloped. When he grew taller and wore it again, the effect would be completely different. By then, he'd definitely be the most handsome shinobi in the entire village—no, in the entire world of shinobi!
Don't even mention Sasuke, that so-called "Second Pillar." He's nothing but a pretentious guy! Compared to me, he doesn't even come close!
Better watch your words. Believe it or not, I'll have the Impure World Reincarnation Madara knock on your door later? Think carefully before you answer! Now, let me ask you again—
Who's the most handsome in all of Naruto?
"Naruto, if you want to be loved by the villagers, then you must first be acknowledged by them," Iruka said, his tone calm but firm.
"Only when they recognize you will they truly accept you. But if you continue using the methods you showed today, if you act violently, will the villagers ever recognize you? Instead of acknowledgment, you'll be branded a criminal. You'll either be hunted down or forced to defect. Is that really the path you want?"
Iruka watched Naruto closely, smiling faintly as he posed the question.
"Don't worry, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto replied with a grin.
"I was only scaring them—I didn't actually mean to hurt anyone! I know these people too well. They're idle, cowardly, always bullying the weak and fearing the strong. If you're tough and fierce, they'll back off and keep their distance. But if you're timid, cautious, and always smiling, they'll think you're easy prey and just push harder! People always respect strength and trample over weakness. That's just human nature!"
He patted Iruka's arm reassuringly, as though to say there was nothing to worry about.
"Look at how it turned out—perfect, right? After this, no one will dare scold me to my face. And even if they curse me in their hearts, for the sake of appearances, they'll be forced to smile when they see me!"
His eyes gleamed with determination as he added, "No one is born with a death wish. No one actually wants to throw away their life just to provoke me!"