Inside the Hokage Office, the Third Hokage, who was reviewing documents, clearly heard Uzumaki Naruto's panicked shouts coming from the corridor outside.
He immediately put down his pen and quickly walked out of the office.
His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of doubt and worry arose in his heart.
What's going on?
Naruto had never made such a fuss before.
As soon as he opened the door, he saw Naruto standing in the corridor like a frightened fawn, his small face pale, and his blue eyes filled with panic and helplessness.
The moment he saw him appear, Naruto seemed to find his only support, immediately burst into tears and pounced on him, tightly hugging his leg, his small body still trembling slightly.
"Grandpa Third, it's so scary!"
Naruto buried his face in the Third Hokages Ceremonial Robe, his voice choked and trembling, perfectly portraying a child's reaction to unknown fear.
After hearing Naruto's tearful, intermittent description of "suddenly being able to feel many people around... many bad, annoying feelings rushing over" and "my head is buzzing, it's so uncomfortable, so scary".
The Third Hokage's expression suddenly became stern; his previous gentleness and benevolence were instantly replaced by solemnity.
He immediately thought of the ability closely related to the Uzumaki Clan—Kagura Minds Eye!
That kind of ultra-wide-range, precise perception, especially the keen insight into "malice," how similar it was to Naruto's described symptoms!
This child, Naruto... has he awakened his mother's clan's Kagura Minds Eye on his own at this age?
This thought flashed through the Third Hokage's mind like lightning.
This matter is not trivial!
Without hesitation, the Third Hokage immediately took Naruto's hand and led him into the Hokage Office.
He then solemnly ordered the Anbu waiting outside the door in an unquestionable, authoritative tone:
"Issue an order: everything that just happened here is classified as top secret! All those who know must absolutely not spread this matter, and those who violate the order will be treated as traitors to the Village!"
"Yes!"
Although the Sandaime himself did not possess Kagura Minds Eye, with his extensive knowledge and understanding of the Uzumaki Clan's abilities.
After hearing Naruto's fearful yet accurately described account of being surrounded by malice, he was already certain in his heart.
This was undoubtedly the awakening of the Uzumaki Clan's iconic Kagura Minds Eye.
Looking at Naruto's still frightened blue eyes, and recalling the isolation and exclusion the child had suffered in the Village in the past, difficulties he was well aware of but could not completely resolve, the Third Hokage couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
He squatted down, placed his hands on Naruto's small shoulders, his gaze filled with kindness and a heavy sense of helplessness, and said in the gentlest possible tone: "Naruto, good child, don't be afraid. Listen to Grandpa, actually... those 'malicious' feelings you sensed are not directed at you personally."
He paused slightly, as if deliberating, and after a long hesitation, looking at Naruto's frightened expression, he began to tell a partially altered story: "Many years ago, a huge Nine-Tailed Demon Fox came to the Village and wreaked havoc, causing great destruction, and many villagers lost their loved ones.
At that time, you had just been born."
The Third Hokage's tone carried the pain of remembrance, "Because you are from the Uzumaki Clan, skilled in Sealing Techniques, and have special bloodline, under unavoidable circumstances, to protect the Village, I made the decision to seal that Nine-Tailed Demon Fox inside you."
He packaged a heavy burden into an unavoidable heroic act.
"The villagers... they are afraid of the Nine-Tailed inside you, which is why they make you feel those bad emotions. And the ability you now have to sense these things should be the awakening of your Uzumaki Clan's Kagura Minds Eye, passed down through generations."
The Third Hokage did not choose to tell Naruto the truth that "Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze is your father" at this moment.
Not only that, he also cleverly shifted the executor of the major decision to "seal the Nine-Tailed into Naruto" from Minato Namikaze to himself, taking on the responsibility that might invite resentment.
However, he did mention that Naruto had the Uzumaki Clan's bloodline, which was simple.
Because Naruto's name is Uzumaki Naruto, and it is well-known that the Uzumaki Clan excels in Sealing Techniques.
His internal calculations were very clear: he hoped that when Naruto was older, more mature in mind, and had a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Village and the will of fire, he or another suitable person would tell him the truth.
By then, Naruto, having grown into a steadfast Ninja, after understanding that his father was a hero who sacrificed himself to protect the Village, might not resent Minato, and might even regard him as a role model.
Naruto was a sensible child; under the Third Hokage's observation and guidance, he indeed showed resilience and comprehension far beyond his peers.
More importantly, he possessed a strong will of fire, admired the Hokage, and genuinely wanted to protect the Village.
Such a Naruto, in the Third Hokage's view, would be able to accept this heavy truth and transform it into motivation.
Looking at Naruto, who was frightened by the awakening of "Kagura Minds Eye," a new thought arose in the Third Hokage's mind.
Since Naruto had awakened the Uzumaki Clan's bloodline ability, perhaps he would also have astonishing talent in Sealing Techniques?
This idea was not groundless.
After all, Naruto's parents—Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina—were both outstanding users of Sealing Techniques.
As their child, Naruto could very well inherit this talent.
Systematically learning Sealing Techniques would not only help him better control "Kagura Minds Eye," but the scrolls also recorded Adamantine Sealing Chains.
Teaching Naruto Sealing Techniques might play a crucial role in strengthening the Nine-Tailed's seal within him in the future.
"So... I... I am the vessel that seals that Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, right?"
Naruto repeated this cruel designation in a low voice, his voice growing softer and softer, his head drooping, and his entire mood instantly plummeted, as if suffocated by this fact.
The Third Hokage's heart tightened, and he was about to open his mouth to comfort him, to say something like "you are also a hero of the Village."
However, before his words could escape, he saw Naruto suddenly lift his head, his eyes still glistening with tears, but his small face was filled with an unprecedented determination.
In those usually clear blue eyes, a light mixed with resolve and devotion now burned.
"That's great!"
Naruto forcefully wiped his eyes, his voice choked but exceptionally loud, saying: "If... if I can keep sealing the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, then the people in the Village won't be harmed by the demon fox anymore! Everyone... everyone can live safely forever!"
He stepped forward, tightly gripping the Third Hokage's robe sleeve, and pleaded in a tearful but incredibly serious tone: "Grandpa Third! I want to learn Sealing Techniques, to learn very powerful Sealing Techniques!
To strengthen the seal on the demon fox inside me!
That way... at least until I die, that demon fox will absolutely never come out to wreak havoc again! Please, Grandpa Third!"
This completely unexpected declaration, full of sacrifice and devotion, struck the Third Hokage's heart like a heavy hammer.
Naruto... is truly a good child!
Might Guy, I see your talent in teaching students!
The Naruto you taught is truly a perfect inheritor of the will of fire!