The Opening Ceremony Ends

Just as these villagers were preparing to protest later.

The clan heads of several major Konoha families also arrived at the Ninja Academy with their children.

"Hey, Naruto!" The first to arrive at the battlefield were Inuzuka Kiba and Naruto's good partner, Akamaru.

"Woof woof woof!" Akamaru broke free from Kiba's arms, jumped to the ground, then leaped back into Naruto's embrace.

"Hello, Kiba. Hello, Akamaru."

Naruto picked up Akamaru and greeted Kiba.

At the same time, a girl who looked very much like Kiba came over to Naruto.

"Hello, Naruto. I'm Inuzuka Kiba's older sister, Inuzuka Hana. I've heard your name for a long time. Nice to meet you!"

So she was Kiba's sister. No wonder she looked so much like him.

"Hello, Sister Hana. I'm happy to meet you too!"

"Well, well, isn't this Naruto?" The Akimichi Father and Son appeared from who knew where and came over to Naruto.

Akimichi Choza greeted Naruto. "Naruto, long time no see."

Akimichi Choji also said to Naruto, "Naruto, long time no see. Once today is over, let's go have barbecue together. Barbecue is delicious."

"Hello, Uncle Choza. Hello, Choji. If we go later, we'll see. My appetite has gotten bigger again!"

Hearing that Naruto's appetite had grown again, Choza and Choji clicked their tongues in amazement. The Akimichi Clan loved making friends with people who had big appetites.

"In that case, we definitely have to go eat barbecue after school. This time, Uncle's treating, so don't be polite."

"Alright, then thank you in advance, Uncle!"

"Naruto!" The voice arrived before its owner did.

That energetic voice belonged to Ino.

Ino ran over from somewhere unknown and wrapped her arms around Naruto from behind, looking extremely affectionate.

"Ino! What kind of behavior is that? Don't cause Naruto any trouble." The one reprimanding Ino was Yamanaka Inoichi.

The captain of the Konoha Analysis Squad, he was not only skilled in mind-controlling ninjutsu but also able to probe others' thoughts and obtain intelligence. He had a humble personality, yet he was the idol of many intelligence ninja in the ninja world.

"Dad, Naruto and I are good friends. This won't cause Naruto any trouble at all, right, Naruto?" Ino's open and straightforward nature made it hard for Naruto to dislike her.

"We're good friends, but we should still keep a little distance between boys and girls, Ino. If this gets around, it won't be good for your reputation."

"Hahahaha, Naruto really is thoughtful. Naruto, Uncle likes you very much. Come visit our flower shop when you have time." Yamanaka Inoichi extended an olive branch to Naruto as well.

"Alright, Uncle. I'll definitely come bother you often when I have time."

"What a drag. I actually have to go to school. Can't I skip class?"

Hearing that complaint, Naruto turned his head. Sure enough, it was Shikamaru.

"Hello, Shikamaru. You're still the same."

"Hello, Naruto." Shikamaru still looked utterly unmotivated.

"Hello, Naruto. I'm Shikamaru's father, Nara Shikaku."

Compared to Shikamaru, Nara Shikaku appeared far more mature and composed. He truly deserved to be called Konoha's Genius Strategist.

"Hello, Uncle Shikaku."

"N-Naruto-kun!" A soft, delicate voice reached his ears.

Naruto knew that his little Hinata had arrived.

"Hello, Hinata!" Naruto gave Hinata a brilliantly bright smile.

Hinata shyly greeted Naruto, not daring to look him in the eye and only able to poke at her fingers. When she inadvertently caught sight of Naruto's smile, Hinata instantly turned into the Steam Princess, so embarrassed that she was about to faint.

"Come here, Hinata!" A stern voice called out to her.

Hinata reluctantly returned to that person's side.

Naruto looked toward the voice. Oh, wasn't that his future father-in-law, Hyuga Hiashi?

Looks like he isn't very satisfied with me right now?

But it's fine. If he's dissatisfied, I'll show him my strength later. I'll physically convince him and force him to be satisfied!

Hinata will be my wife someday. Not even the Otsutsuki can stop me. I said it!

Seeing people from so many of Konoha's major clans warmly greeting Naruto, the ignorant masses began to discuss it among themselves.

They did not understand why these major clans were so friendly toward Naruto. Did they not know that Naruto was the Demon Fox?

This was something everyone in Konoha knew.

In truth, this had also been Hiruzen Sarutobi's instruction. He had heard that Naruto got along very well with Konoha's younger generation and even seemed to be their central figure.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was quite pleased. With bonds like these, there was even less need to worry about Naruto's loyalty to Konoha. This was all a good thing.

The opening ceremony began soon afterward.

Amid everyone's anticipation, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped onto the stage, dressed in a white Hokage robe over red ninja attire and wearing a Hokage hat.

"Hello, new students and parents. I am Konoha's Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!" Hiruzen Sarutobi announced in a powerful voice.

"Wow, it's Grandpa!" Naruto pretended to be surprised beneath the stage. He knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi had always concealed his identity for this very day, so that once Naruto learned who he was, he would respect him even more.

Since I'm acting, I might as well go all the way!

"Grandpa is actually the Third Hokage? That's amazing! But I'm going to become Hokage too someday!"

Seeing Naruto's expression and hearing his words, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in satisfaction.

He continued, "Today, we have gathered here to witness a new beginning, the starting point of a journey filled with hope and challenges.

"For every new student present, today is an important step on your path to becoming ninja.

"I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Third Hokage, welcome you to the Konoha Ninja Academy family.

"First, I would like to speak about the Will of Fire. This is the core spirit of our village, a precious legacy forged by our predecessors with their blood and sweat.

"The Will of Fire is not merely the inheritance of strength and skill. It is also a spirit of courage, wisdom, and perseverance.

"It tells us that even in the darkest of times, we must hold fast to our beliefs and protect those we love and the home we cherish.

"The path of a ninja is filled with hardship and challenges, but it is equally filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

"You will learn how to control Chakra, how to use ninjutsu, and how to train in taijutsu and genjutsu.

"But more importantly, you will learn how to become true ninja—ninja with unwavering conviction, ninja capable of fighting to protect others.

"I hope each of you can find your own path here.

"Whether your dream is to become Hokage, to simply protect your family and friends, or to explore the wonders of this world, I hope you will pursue it bravely.

"Remember, everyone's dreams are precious. They are the force that drives us forward.

"As you grow, you will encounter difficulties and setbacks. But remember, failure is not the end. It is another starting point on the road to success.

"Every fall is an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to become stronger. Do not fear failure. Learn from it and continue onward.

"I would also like to say a few words to the parents here. Your children are about to embark on a new journey. They may be hurt, and they may become lost, but what they need is not only your protection. They need your understanding and support even more.

"Please believe in them, encourage them, and let them know that no matter when or where, you will be by their side.

"Finally, I would like to end my speech with our village's motto: 'Where the leaves dance, the fire burns ever on.'

"This is not merely a motto. It is the spirit of our village and the faith of every ninja.

"I hope every one of you can become those dancing leaves, become that unquenchable flame, and light the path for yourselves and others."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted below the stage.

Some of the more emotional villagers had been completely swept up in it and started crying their eyes out.

It was not just the villagers. This speech was even more devastatingly effective on Ninja Academy freshmen whose values were still taking shape!

"I want to inherit the Will of Fire too!"

"I want to become Hokage when I grow up too!"

Seeing the little companions around him wholeheartedly agreeing with Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech, nearly crying their eyes out, looking as though they would die for Konoha the instant it asked them to, Naruto could only think, How are you all even better actors than me? If I don't keep acting, you're going to outdo me.

"No! The one who will become Hokage is me, Uzumaki Naruto! Just you wait. Once I become Hokage, every villager in the village will be my family, and I will definitely protect all of you!"

Naruto shouted the loudest. Even some villagers who had previously disliked Naruto changed their opinions of him slightly after hearing those words.

Naruto-kun is so handsome! This was Hinata's inner thought.

As expected of the Heavenly Mouth. One dared to say it, and the other dared to believe it.

Hearing Naruto's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not suppress the joy on his face.

The opening ceremony ended soon afterward.

After stepping down from the stage, Hiruzen Sarutobi came over to Naruto.

Naruto said excitedly, "Grandpa, why didn't you tell me you were the Third Hokage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi replied kindly, "Hehe, Naruto, it isn't too late for you to know now. I heard that you want to become Hokage someday? Is it because you want everyone to acknowledge you?"

Naruto answered with a serious expression, "Yes, Grandpa. I want to become Hokage someday. But you're wrong. It's not that becoming Hokage earns everyone's acknowledgment. It's that gaining everyone's acknowledgment is what allows someone to become Hokage!"

Everyone around Naruto was stunned by his words. Was this really something a six-year-old child could say?

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised. Could Naruto truly be born to become Hokage?

"Then Naruto, based on what you just learned, what do you think the Will of Fire is?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.

Of course it's fists. Whoever has the biggest, hardest fists—that's the Will of Fire.

Just look at Uchiha Madara and Hashirama Senju. The two of them joined hands to pacify the chaotic era.

They swept across the ninja world. That's what the Will of Fire is!

Of course, those were Naruto's inner thoughts. Naturally, he would not foolishly say them out loud.

"The Will of Fire is that where Konoha's leaves dance, the fire burns ever on. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.

"That is what I believe the Will of Fire is.

"First, the Will of Fire is like a faith. We must protect the important people around us, keep them from being harmed, and ensure that there will no longer be wars between villages.

"Second, it is the search for the meaning of life, the spirit of never giving up, and the importance of teamwork. People do not live only for themselves. Everyone can use their own strength to change their fate. As long as they persevere and keep working hard, even a Dead Last can defeat a genius.

"Although life is unpredictable and there may be many unsatisfactory things we encounter, facing life with a positive and optimistic attitude and striving forward will bring gains.

"Loneliness is not frightening. What is frightening is binding yourself within loneliness. It is precisely because of the Will of Fire that ninja possess true strength.

"Third, it should be the passing on of a will. The Will of Fire should be about cherishing one's bonds with companions."

Naruto's Heavenly Mouth passive activated again.

Everyone present was moved by Naruto's words.

Even some adults did not understand the Will of Fire much more deeply than Naruto did!

Everyone present could not help but admire Naruto from the bottom of their hearts.

The newly enrolled students nearby were also confused. Why did it feel like they could not understand what he was saying, yet it also felt incredibly correct?

Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed. "Good, good, good, Naruto. Remember what you said today. Work according to the words you spoke today, and you will definitely have a chance to become Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was also dangling a big promise before Naruto, but he truly believed that Naruto had a chance of becoming Hokage.

With such will, if Naruto could successfully inherit the ninja talents of Uzumaki Kushina and Minato Namikaze, then Naruto would be a strong contender for the position of Hokage.

Naruto thought so too. In Konoha, are you good at fighting? What the hell is the use of being able to fight? To make it in this world, you need power and connections. Which side are you from?

My father, Minato Namikaze, was the Fourth Hokage. My father Minato Namikaze's teacher, Jiraiya, had a teammate, Tsunade, who was the Fifth Hokage. My father Minato Namikaze's teacher, Jiraiya, had a teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was the Third Hokage.

Tsunade's grandfather was the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, while the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was Tsunade's great-uncle.

My teacher Kakashi will be the future Sixth Hokage.

Every Hokage can be connected to me somehow. If anyone can surpass my Hokage connections, it should only be my son, Uzumaki Boruto.

Naruto's background was utterly legitimate, so it was perfectly normal for him to become Hokage.

"Alright, Third Hokage Grandpa. I will definitely work hard and become Hokage. I will surpass every Hokage before me and become the strongest Hokage!"

Everyone seemed to see a new star of Konoha slowly rising!

An identical thought emerged in everyone's mind: if it was Naruto, perhaps he really could become Hokage!

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