"I understand. We'll do as you say."
After a long sigh, the Third Hokage looked at the boy before him. There was not a trace of hesitation in his eyes, only the calm confidence of someone who had everything under control. In the end, he could not refuse, and verbally approved Chiba's arrangements for Naruto's protection.
This matter was practically settled.
Moreover, the Third Hokage was already afraid of being persuaded further. There was no longer any possibility of changing this matter.
Unless the Third Hokage was no longer Hokage, and the new Hokage objected.
"Thank you."
In response, Chiba showed no particular emotion as he looked at the Third Hokage, who had made his decision. He merely spoke calmly.
Sorry, Naruto.
Perhaps becoming the Third Hokage's adopted grandson, receiving the protection of the Third Hokage and the Sarutobi Clan, and having the Third Hokage's eldest son as your parent would have given you a fairly complete childhood.
You would have been very happy.
But perhaps this is where your misfortune lies.
I cannot let you become a child raised in a greenhouse.
Nor should you grow up in one!
Yet inwardly, he was far from calm.
Unlike in the original story, Naruto of this Naruto World was not, to Chiba, merely the protagonist of Naruto. As the continuation of Kushina and Minato Namikaze, he was the only child left in this world by the teachers who had truly cared for him, loved him, and been willing to give their lives for him.
Moreover, under the Sarutobi Clan and the status of being the Third Hokage's adopted grandson, Naruto really could have received the best protection and care. The Third Hokage did not even intend to bind Naruto in the end, nor did he require Naruto to repay anything. He