Naruto: Boruto Returns to Shippuden

Chapter 10 Danzo

"What!? You mean this boy's name is Namikaze Boruto...?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi jumped up from his chair in shock, leaning forward and staring at Kakashi in disbelief, trying to make sure he had heard correctly.

After a brief moment of shock, Hiruzen Sarutobi gradually regained his composure. He slowly sat back down in his chair, his gaze still fixed on Kakashi, but his tone had become steady.

He continued, "Even if this boy claims to be Hiroto Namikaze, we cannot make a judgment based on just a name. Names can be imitated, and we need more evidence to confirm his identity."

"Moreover, as the student of the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, you should know very well that the Fourth Hokage's wife, Kushina Uzumaki, only gave birth to one son, Naruto Uzumaki. Therefore, the identity of this boy named Boruto Namikaze is worth investigating in depth."

From the moment Kushina Uzumaki was chosen as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, her life ceased to be her own; her safety and every move were under the strict protection of Konoha Village.

Closely linked to the fate of the entire village until the end of his life, he ensured that the Nine-Tails' power would not be abused.

Under these circumstances, she would have no chance to secretly give birth to another child without being known by Konoha.

Kakashi gave a wry smile and shook his head helplessly, saying, "At first, I couldn't believe it either, but then I saw that he knew Konoha's Shadow Clone Technique..."

I understand you may feel that this evidence is not enough to prove his identity, but Boruto's appearance is strikingly similar to Minato's, which is no coincidence.

Moreover, he not only mastered Minato's original A-rank ninjutsu—the Rasengan, but his skill and proficiency in using it also amazed me.

Aside from me, there are very few people who know this ninjutsu, and Jiraiya-sama is one of them. These details make me suspect that he has some kind of connection with Minato-sensei.

“Since Boruto Namikaze wasn’t born to his teacher’s wife, there’s another possibility. I suspect Minato-sensei…” Kakashi stopped there.

She did not reveal her suspicion that Boruto Namikaze might be her teacher's illegitimate son, because it was not a respectable matter and had not been confirmed.

He believed that with the wisdom and experience of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was already able to understand what he was implying, and there was no need to spell it out.

"Is that so? I didn't expect that even a well-behaved kid like Minato would make a mistake..." It was understandable that Minato, being young and impetuous, would make a mistake. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't say anything, after all, he was quite old and even he couldn't resist Naruto's Sexy Jutsu.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gently stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "Alright, I will handle this personally. Kakashi, bring this boy named Boruto to see me tomorrow. I want to speak with him personally and learn about his situation."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze deepened, and he suddenly posed a question to Kakashi: "Kakashi, what is your relationship with Minato?"

Kakashi was puzzled as to why the Third Hokage was asking this, but he still replied, "The Fourth Hokage is my teacher and someone I respect very much."

“Very well, in that case, let Boruto Namikaze join your team. You will serve as his Jonin instructor, responsible for his growth and training.” Hiruzen Sarutobi’s words were truly astonishing, leaving Kakashi completely stunned.

Kakashi's face was filled with surprise. He stared wide-eyed at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said incredulously, "Third Hokage, are you sure you want to do this? This...this seems a bit inappropriate."

Clearly, this sudden arrangement caught Kakashi off guard and was even somewhat difficult to accept.

Kakashi thought to himself, "I already have Sasuke and Naruto, those two troublesome rivals, under my command. If I add another one, wouldn't that cause chaos?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words were full of trust in Kakashi: "Boruto Namikaze's identity is still unclear, and it is indeed risky to let him move freely in the village. We need a reliable person to supervise him and ensure that his behavior does not pose any threat to the village."

"And you, Kakashi, as an elite Jonin of Konoha, are not only exceptionally strong, but your ten years of experience in the Anbu have also given you the ability to handle complex situations. Therefore, it is the most suitable choice for you to supervise and guide Boruto Namikaze."

Kakashi stood there, silent for a moment. His face, covered by a mask, revealed no emotion, but it was clear that his eyes were dead.

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to explain, "Bringing Boruto Namikaze into your team will not only allow him to act under your supervision, ensuring that his behavior does not pose a threat to the village, but it will also allow him to establish a closer connection with Konoha, injecting fresh blood into the village."

"Of course, this will require you to invest extra time and effort to guide him, help him integrate into Konoha, and become one of us."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked Kakashi in the eye and explained the pros and cons of the matter.

"Think it over carefully, Kakashi. If you think this task is too difficult, I won't force you to accept it." Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't urge Kakashi to make a decision immediately, after all, his request had come too suddenly.

Kakashi nodded slightly: "Yes, Third Hokage." After replying, he left the Hokage's office.

As Kakashi's footsteps faded into the distance, the atmosphere in the Hokage's room returned to its usual tranquility.

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up, picked up his pipe from the table, skillfully filled it with tobacco, and lit it.

He took a deep breath, and amidst the swirling smoke, he strolled to the window. His gaze drifted through the window to the area where Naruto lived in the distance, a thoughtful look in his eyes as he muttered to himself.

"Hiroto Namikaze...?"

......

After a period of silence, the heavy wooden door of the Hokage's office was suddenly smashed open by a violent force, making a loud noise that echoed in the empty corridor.

The sudden commotion startled the Hokage's guards who were hiding in the shadows. They quickly assumed a defensive posture, their sharp eyes scanning the doorway, their hearts filled with vigilance.

Who on earth is so audacious as to disregard the Hokage's authority and trespass into this forbidden area?

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly shifted his gaze from the scroll in his hand to the door that had been violently pushed open, seemingly unsurprised by the appearance of this uninvited guest.

"Danzo," Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice carried a hint of mockery, "What brings you here? What has made you so agitated that you've even turned this door into a target for your frustration?"

Danzo Shimura's face was tense, his gloomy eyes contrasting sharply with Hiruzen Sarutobi's composure. Standing at the door, his gaze was sharp as a blade as he stared directly at the Hokage, his voice filled with undisguised anger.

"Heh, what wind?" Danzo's words were laced with sarcasm. "Isn't this wind brought by you, Hiruzen Sarutobi?"

"Oh? Me? What's wrong with me?" Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained a relaxed expression, tilting his head slightly as if he were genuinely confused, seemingly not understanding why Danzo would criticize him like that.

"Hmph! Hiruzen!" Shimura Danzo snorted coldly, "Don't play dumb with me! Why did you let an outsider of unknown origin come into contact with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? And let him join Kakashi's team, isn't that like inviting a wolf into the house?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself: So they really came here to demand an explanation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly turned serious. He no longer maintained his previous relaxed attitude. His face under the Hokage hat was gloomy, and his gaze was fixed on Danzo.

"Danzo, let's put that aside for now," Hiruzen Sarutobi said indignantly. "Let's talk about how you found out about this in such a short time. Were you spying on me?"

"Your roots have stretched a bit too far, haven't they, Danzo!"

A sharp glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, as if silently demanding that Danzo provide a convincing reason.

"Everything I've done is for Konoha! Hiruzen! We've known each other for so many years, don't you trust me? When have I ever harmed you?" Danzo's voice was tinged with urgency.

"You are like a leaf bathed in sunlight, enjoying warmth and light, while I am the root hidden deep in the soil, silently supporting you. In the shadows of darkness, I quietly removed many obstacles and dissidents for you, ensuring your position. You only need to show your dignity and justice in front of everyone as the Hokage, and continue to lead Konoha Village to prosperity."

Danzo patiently coaxed Hiruzen Sarutobi, making his request: "Hiruzen, just leave Boruto Namikaze to me. My Root organization needs some fresh blood now."

Upon hearing Danzo's suggestion, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly, but after a brief moment of contemplation, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.

"Danzo, there's no need to say any more. As for Boruto Namikaze, I will not hand him over to you. Please leave."

When Danzo saw that Hiruzen Sarutobi had closed his eyes and stopped making eye contact with him, and had given him the order to leave, he knew that his plan to persuade Hiruzen had failed.

Danzo's single eye flashed with fury as he stared intently at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his gaze seemingly piercing through him.

In that instant, Danzo's rage almost erupted, but he ultimately transformed it into a warning: "You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared directly at Danzo, emphasizing his identity and stance: "Danzo! I am the Hokage!" He showed no sign of backing down on this matter, as he no longer wanted to owe the Minato family anything.

"Hmph!" Danzo frowned slightly, a hint of surprise rising in his heart as he faced Hiruzen Sarutobi's unwavering stance.

However, he didn't want to break ties with Hiruzen Sarutobi right now, so he had to give up.

With a loud thud, Danzo slammed the door shut. The heavy impact echoed in the empty corridor, venting his dissatisfaction.

After leaving the Hokage's office, Shimura Danzo walked away into the shadows of Konoha without looking back.

Hiruzen! You are still too soft-hearted. In this world full of bloodshed and darkness, this will become your fatal weakness.

It seems that the heavy responsibility of making Konoha as strong and prosperous as it was under Hashirama-sama's rule still rests on my shoulders!

......

At this time, there were two sleepless teenagers in Naruto's house.