Chapter 190: The Roar of the People
Fortunately, Naruto's instincts were as sharp as ever. The moment he saw Sasuke lean down, a chill ran down his spine — and he dodged just in time.
"Hey, hey, hey! I just took a bath, don't splash my clothes!"
Naruto brushed off his sleeve in mock irritation, glaring at Sasuke.
Sasuke's lips curled into a smirk. He'd found Naruto's weak spot. With a handful of water, he threatened, "Then get out, unless you want me to soak you!"
"Fine, fine! I'm going!" Naruto grumbled, retreating reluctantly — though not without looking back three times before finally slipping out the door.
The bathroom quieted.
But Sasuke frowned. That had been too easy.
When did Naruto ever give up that quickly?
He crept toward the door, scooping another handful of water. A faint tuft of blond hair peeked around the frame.
"Got you, Naruto." Sasuke grinned wickedly — and splashed.
A startled scream followed.
"Waaah!"
Water splattered across the hallway, hitting Naruto squarely on the head. His spiky blond hair drooped, dripping wet, but his clothes were mostly dry.
"Argh! My hair!" Naruto yelped, shaking himself like a drenched cat before sprinting off.
Sasuke chuckled smugly, shutting the door before toweling himself off.
In the changing area, Itachi sighed, watching the whole scene unfold.
Still too careless, Naruto.
Stealth was the foundation of a shinobi. If Naruto had thought ahead, he could have easily used a Transformation Jutsu to hide and watch without being caught.
Smiling to himself, Itachi finished dressing and stepped into the kitchen.
"Mother, do you need help with dinner?"
Mikoto turned from the stove, transferring stir-fried vegetables to a plate.
"No need, Itachi. Is your brother finished bathing? We should leave soon to meet your father."
"He's almost done," Itachi said.
"What was all that noise just now?" Mikoto asked, setting dishes aside and covering them with bowls.
Itachi smiled faintly. "Just Naruto and Sasuke playing around again."
Mikoto shook her head with a knowing smile. "Boys will be boys." She removed her apron, washed her hands, and said, "Alright, let's go."
She went upstairs to change while Itachi waited in the living room.
Naruto sat at the table munching snacks, hair still damp. Itachi raised an eyebrow.
"Naruto, go dry your hair before we leave. Quickly now."
"Oh, okay," Naruto mumbled through a mouthful of crackers, grabbing a towel from the rack.
As he wiped his hair, Sasuke emerged from the bathroom, looking fresh and smug. Their eyes met briefly — Sasuke's expression said victory without a word.
Naruto just rolled his eyes. At that moment, Itachi's calm voice called from the other room:
"Naruto, ready? We're leaving."
"Coming!"
Naruto tossed the towel aside and ran out to join the others.
Soon, Mikoto, Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto made their way through the Uchiha district toward the main road.
Before they even reached the end of the street, a thunderous chant filled the night:
"Long live Hokage-sama! Long live Hokage-sama!"
Lanterns blazed across the avenues, streamers fluttered overhead, and both sides of the street overflowed with villagers shouting in joy.
Naruto's eyes widened, dazzled by the sight.
Even Sasuke couldn't hide his excitement.
The man the entire village was cheering for was his father.
That realization filled Sasuke with pride. His chest swelled — his father wasn't just a clan leader anymore. He was the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure.
For a moment, Sasuke glanced at Naruto, who was staring open-mouthed at the celebration.
It struck him then — Naruto's father had also been a Hokage.
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. The legendary "Yellow Flash" who had shone like a comet during the Third Great Ninja War — a hero who had protected Konoha with his life.
But fate had been cruel. Both he and his wife had perished sealing the Nine-Tails. Their son, the boy beside him now, had lived years of loneliness and scorn… until Fugaku had adopted him into the Uchiha household.
Sasuke's expression softened slightly. If Minato and Kushina could see Naruto now — happy, surrounded by family — they would surely rest in peace.
A gentle pat on his head pulled Sasuke from his thoughts.
Itachi was smiling down at him. "What are you spacing out for? Let's go."
"Ah—right." Sasuke nodded, taking his brother's hand.
But after a few steps, Itachi frowned at the packed crowd. "Mother, it's too crowded here. Why don't we wait for Father at the Hokage Building instead?"
Mikoto agreed immediately. "You're right. Let's take the rooftops."
The four of them leapt up to the roofs in unison. From above, the streets below looked like a river of fire and light — endless crowds chanting Fugaku's name.
Naruto and Sasuke both looked around in awe; it was their first time traveling this way.
"Careful," Itachi said kindly. "Keep chakra steady in your feet. If you lose focus, you'll slip — and falling hurts more than it looks."
He demonstrated, his steps light and balanced.
"For now, I'll stay beside you. Don't be afraid — I'll catch you if you fall."
Sasuke nodded firmly. "Got it, Ni-san!"
Concentrating, he molded chakra to his soles and stepped forward carefully.
Naruto, meanwhile, was already bouncing from roof to roof with enthusiasm.
"Woohoo! This is awesome!" he shouted, almost like a frog hopping through the night.
Mikoto laughed softly. "You're doing great, Naruto."
Seeing that, Sasuke grinned — and hurried to catch up.
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