In front of the Hokage Building,
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at Naruto in midair, a chrysanthemum-like smile spreading across his aged face as he said,
"Naruto, you came at just the right time. Grandpa was just about to look for you. Look, everyone is here. It's time to announce your identity."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly. Only he knew that beneath that smile lay a trace of fear.
Fear of Naruto's strength.
Even with Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu standing behind him, he still felt uneasy.
Even Orochimaru had been blown apart by Naruto's punch. Before Naruto, these people would be no more than a single punch away from death. Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi had clearly seen that Orochimaru, who had somehow survived, was standing behind Naruto.
And the younger members of the Ino-Shika-Cho, Hyuga Clan, Inuzuka Clan, and Aburame clan were all standing behind Naruto as well.
Seeing this scene, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly inwardly. He could only hope that those youngsters did not represent their clans' positions.
Damn Danzo, hiding away instead of showing himself. Danzo's absence chilled Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart slightly.
Do you think the Hokage position will belong to you if I die? Hiruzen Sarutobi knew exactly what Danzo was thinking.
Naruto looked at the smiling Hiruzen Sarutobi without responding, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings.
One familiar face after another entered his sight.
Moreover, the lineup was distinctly divided into separate camps.
Those clearly defined positions represented Konoha's various interest groups.
Behind Hiruzen Sarutobi stood Asuma Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Kurenai. All of them stood behind Hiruzen Sarutobi in silence.
Naruto was somewhat disappointed that he did not see Danzo.
He had originally planned to beat to death anyone who tried to stop him from becoming friends with Hiruzen Sarutobi. As things