"Sarutobi, do you really believe what that child said?"
Not long after Naruto left, the two advisors sought out Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Mitokado Homura's face was grim. "The Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki has grown up, and perhaps he has his own thoughts now. The rumors and gossip in the village about him are the biggest problem. We must guard against the possibility of him going dark and running amok."
Utatane Koharu followed up, "That's right. He's already started hurting people, which is unprecedented. To be safe, I think it's necessary to restrict his personal freedom."
"And what do you propose? Lock him up, never to see the light of day again? Or, hand him over to Danzo for brainwashing?" The Third Hokage's expression was equally grim, completely devoid of the YD look he had when Naruto left.
Utatane Koharu saw the Third's displeasure and quickly said, "That's not what we mean. Danzo's personality is extreme. His methods work for dealing with others, but a Jinchuriki is the strongest weapon to deter other villages and cannot be harmed in any way. Therefore, we have always opposed handing Uzumaki Naruto over to Danzo."
On this matter, the two advisors' stance was consistent with the Third.
So, even though Danzo had always coveted the Nine-Tailed power, he never had a chance to get his hands on it.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone softened a little at this. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry too much. Naruto is someone I've watched grow up. His personality is inherited from his mother, being straightforward, and even a bit clumsy. He's a good kid, without any schemes or hidden agendas."
The two advisors didn't believe it. A kid who plays pranks everywhere every day? How could he be considered a good kid?
They suspected that Sarutobi Hiruzen said this because Naruto had just said he was the strongest Hokage, the greatest of all the Hokage.
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen added, "The graduation season is not far off. I will arrange for Hatake Kakashi to be his team leader. If Naruto has any problems, with Kakashi's Sharingan, he can keep an eye on him."
"Hatake Kakashi?" The two advisors couldn't help but be stunned.
Mitokado Homura pondered, "If that's the case, perhaps it's a feasible method. I didn't expect you to have made this arrangement already. It seems we were overly concerned."
Utatane Koharu thought for a moment and agreed, "Kakashi is indeed the most suitable candidate. He is, after all, the Fourth Hokage's disciple and has been a genius since childhood. Overseeing a Jinchuriki who hasn't yet matured is, in a way, a waste of talent."
The two advisors weren't, of course, sticking up for the mask shop owner. Their only concern was ensuring the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki wouldn't cause any problems. That was all that mattered.
Then, since they knew Naruto was a guileless child, the only one lying had to be the Anbu who reported the incident.
An Anbu who let personal feelings cloud their reports wasn't fit to serve. Both advisors agreed with Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision to send him on a covert mission to another country.
Consequently, the Anbu quickly received his reassignment orders, and he was dumbfounded.
He had been expecting to see the Nine-Tailed brat dealt with, but instead, he was the one getting sent away?
At the entrance of the Ninja Academy, Naruto, looking reluctant, held Yugao's hands. "I'm here, Yugao-nee-san!"
"Alright, go on in," Yugao's tone was much softer now.
Thinking she understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions, she felt a little more tolerant of Uzumaki Naruto.
After all, he was an orphan with no parents, and no one had taught him anything since childhood, so a little mischief was understandable.
"Can I go in now?" Naruto reluctantly let go of Yugao, looking back every few steps, and suddenly said, "Right, I got my allowance today, can I treat you to dinner tonight, Yugao-neechan?"
He was really just a child, his thoughts all written on his face.
Yugao couldn't help but burst out laughing.
She didn't know why Naruto was so attached to her; after all, it was their first meeting, and she was wearing a mask, so it wasn't even really a meeting.
Perhaps they were fated, just as she had inexplicably felt a closeness to him?
Even so, Yugao still shook her head, "I still have to continue my shift, and it will be very late when I finish."
"So that's how it is..." Uzumaki Naruto looked crestfallen, but put on a brave face. "Well, it doesn't matter. We're in the same village, we'll see each other again."
Seeing Naruto's forced smile, Yugao suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.
So, he was always so boisterous, always causing trouble, just to get attention?
In reality, he kept all his sadness for when he was alone!
Yugao suddenly understood, and blurted out, "Wait until I have a day off. I'll pick you up from school then, and we can go to my place. I'll cook for you myself."
"Really?" Naruto's face lit up with joy.
It had been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but seeing the anticipation in Naruto's eyes, Yugao didn't regret it.
Nodding, Yugao chuckled, "Really, I promise!"
"Awesome! I love Yugao-neechan the most!" Naruto immediately threw himself into Yugao's arms, nuzzling his face and rubbing his hands against her.
"Alright, alright, go to school, you're already late. Wait for my message later." Yugao's maternal instincts were overflowing. She gently embraced Naruto, a hint of doting affection visible behind her mask.
"I'm off then, goodbye Yugao-neechan." Naruto waved his hand and finally happily walked into the school gate.
"Goodbye Naruto!" Yugao revealed an aunt-like smile, then vanished.
"At least a C+, the feel is just right." Naruto clenched his fist in the air a few times, grinning.
This way, he had successfully laid the foundation with this beautiful big sister.
He still remembered when he watched the anime, the first woman who left a deep impression on him was this purple-haired sister.
The moment she removed her mask, even in the two-dimensional world, even through the screen, he felt like he was going to fall for her.
Now, the opportunity was right in front of him.
As for Mizuki Hayate, that sickly ghost, let him die already. Even if it meant the Naruto series would have to change its name because of it, it didn't matter.
"Naruto! You're late again!!"
As he arrived at the classroom, Umino Iruka immediately started berating him.
He glanced inside the classroom and was surprised to see that Haruno Sakura was actually there. He had thought she would be so furious that she'd skip class.
When she saw Naruto, she immediately put on a face of gritted teeth, as if she wanted to bite him to death.
But deep within her eyes, there was a clear mix of fear, shyness, and lingering apprehension.
"I'm asking you a question, Naruto! Are you even listening to me? Did you go off to do some mischief again?!"
Iruka saw Naruto's absent-minded expression and became even angrier.
"Heh heh heh, he must have gone to paint the Hokage Rock again."
"Maybe he's been scribbling on the walls, he's always like that!"
"I heard he hurt someone with a kunai yesterday and almost got caught by the Anbu."
The nameless extras in the classroom were all jeering and mocking.