I Want to Become Hokage

"Clang, clang, clang." Suddenly, there were knocks at the door. Naruto opened it to find an old man standing there, wearing the red and white Hokage robe, a hat, and smoking a pipe.

It was Konoha's current Hokage, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Good evening, Grandpa Third," Naruto smiled, his tone filled with respect upon seeing the visitor.

"Naruto, did I disturb you?" the Third Hokage asked cheerfully, taking a puff from his pipe.

He had seen Naruto's encounter in the streets earlier that day through his crystal ball.

Although still disliked by most villagers, the attitudes of some had greatly improved.

At some point, Naruto had become polite and even changed his appearance.

The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's personality and behavior had changed, which was not good news for him.

It meant increased unpredictability.

With this thought, a shadow fell over the Third Hokage's eyes.

But he quickly returned to his kindly smile.

"Grandpa Third, please come in. You're busy every day, so it's already a great honor that you could make time to visit me. How could you possibly disturb me?" Naruto invited the Third Hokage inside and offered him a glass of water.

Naruto wore a gentle smile, exuding an elegant aura.

For a moment, his face overlapped with Minato Namikaze's.

The Third Hokage was momentarily lost in thought, unable to help but sigh.

"Naruto, you've really grown up."

"Well, people always grow up. I was too immature before, that's why people disliked me. Now, I want to be like the Fourth Hokage, kind and compassionate. I want everyone's approval and to become Hokage," Naruto said, his words full of aspiration for the future.

"Is that so? Minato is your idol," the Third Hokage murmured, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes.

He understood.

It seemed Naruto was influenced by the book Past Hokages and decided to become a Hokage like Minato.

Thinking about it, at such a young age, he carried quite a burden.

He affectionately ruffled Naruto's hair and said gently, "Naruto, Grandpa Third will visit you often from now on. Remember, you are not alone. I will always be your strongest support."

This way, I can become your only light.

"Grandpa Third, don't underestimate me! I'm going to be Hokage!" Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes shining with hope.

"Grandpa Third, just as you said, where the leaves dance, fire is born anew. The flame will continue to light up the village and allow new leaves to sprout. I want to become that flame, to dedicate myself and ignite Konoha."

Naruto's sincere words touched the Third Hokage.

Minato, Naruto is truly just like you.

Is this the last gift you left for the village?

"Naruto, if you ever need anything, just tell Grandpa Third."

The Third Hokage's guilt deepened.

"Okay, thank you, Grandpa Third. I don't need anything right now. You should also take care of yourself, Grandpa Third. Don't overwork yourself protecting everyone."

"I am the Hokage, protecting everyone is my responsibility," the Third Hokage replied cheerfully, puffing his pipe.

Just as the Third Hokage was about to chat more with Naruto and delve deeper into his psychological state, an Anbu member clad in black appeared beside him and whispered a few words.

The Third Hokage's expression changed, and he immediately stood up. "Naruto, I'll come see you again next time."

Naruto maintained his perfect smile, clearly accustomed to such scenes.

For these ninjas, entering his home was as easy as breathing.

Naruto knew his life was also under the surveillance of these ninjas.

Naruto obediently saw the Third Hokage to the door and watched his slightly hunched figure disappear into the night.

The smile on his face gradually vanished, his eyes turning cold.

His performance this time should have satisfied the Third Hokage. Perhaps supplies would be delivered more frequently from now on.

Although the Third Hokage didn't visit Naruto's small cabin often, he would occasionally send some 'supplies.'

The last supply had been the book Will of Fire.

Just as Naruto had said before, where the leaves dance, fire is born anew.

This was the core of the Will of Fire, a principle revered by past Hokages.

It essentially meant casting aside all prejudice and dedicating oneself selflessly to caring for the next generation.

However, Naruto hadn't felt the Will of Fire. He had done nothing wrong, yet he had constantly endured unfair glares and insults.

Everyone wanted to tear him apart.

If it weren't for the protection of the Anbu ninjas, he might already be dead.

Aizen had once taught Naruto: the best way to control someone is to first destroy their will.

How similar this was to his own situation.

Whenever he felt down, the Third Hokage would "coincidentally" appear to comfort him and instill the Will of Fire.

What was the difference between such actions and brainwashing?

How could this make him identify with Konoha, with the Will of Fire?

Naruto didn't know what he would do in the future, but for now, to hide himself, he would maintain a perfect smile and move the villagers with his "sincerity."

With that thought, Naruto sat down, opened the book "Will of Fire," and read it carefully.

This was the 38th time.

Only by knowing it by heart could he avoid any slip-ups in his daily life.

True disguise meant forgetting one's original self.

"Naruto has started reading 'Will of Fire' again." Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, an Anbu member reported Naruto's movements.

"Naruto has truly inherited the Will of Fire," the Third Hokage murmured, his eyes gleaming.

"Danzō, did you hear that? Naruto might be an even greater successor to the Will of Fire than Minato." The Third Hokage said with pride.

"This proves my decision was correct."

"Hmph." From a corner of the Hokage's office, a one-eyed old man leaning on a cane and covered in bandages snorted coldly.

"You're too soft, Hiruzen. You should have handed Naruto over to us in Root. I would have trained him into a perfect weapon of war; that would have been the foolproof decision."

"Naruto will not be handed over to Root. He is Minato's only son, and I owe Minato an explanation."

"An explanation? Heh heh." Danzō chuckled coldly.

"If that were truly the case, you wouldn't have let Naruto end up in this situation. Hiruzen, you actually understand that Root is Naruto's true destination. I will train him into the most perfect tool..."

"Danzō, Naruto is not Root's tool," the Third Hokage's expression turned cold.

"Where there is light, there will always be darkness, but Naruto will be in the light, inheriting the Will of Fire."

"Danzō, you must remember, I am the Hokage."

"Hmph, Hiruzen, you will regret this."

Danzō gave the Third Hokage a deep look, then angrily brushed past him and left.

"Hokage, always the Hokage." The desire for the position of Hokage swelled within him once more.