Naruto

Danzo's one eye flashed with anger.

How could he not hear the implication in Sarutobi Hiruzen's words?

Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't about to back down either. He stared coldly at him.

The two had been rivals since childhood, and they still didn't get along in their old age. Danzo had always disapproved of Sarutobi Hiruzen's naivety and conservatism. That was why Root's policies had always run counter to the Third's views.

"Enough, enough! You two need to stop arguing."

Utatane Koharu, standing nearby, looked exasperated.

The two had been at odds since their student days, and nothing had changed now that they were old.

"I suggest we prepare for both possibilities. On the one hand, we investigate the truth and prepare to negotiate with the Uchiha Clan. On the other, we tighten our surveillance of the Uchiha and keep track of their movements, so we can take control of the situation at any time."

Mitokado Homura immediately offered his suggestion.

Among Konoha's leaders, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo had always been at loggerheads. They often failed to reach an agreement because of their opposing views. That was when the two senior advisors needed to step in, mediate, and come up with a compromise.

In other words, they were there to smooth things over. Their role was to help both sides reach an agreement so the village could continue to function normally.

With the two senior advisors' help, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo finally reached a compromise.

While the Konoha High Command argued endlessly, Hōzuki Mangetsu's days passed in complete ease.

They were allowed to wander freely around Konoha, though they were naturally kept under Anbu surveillance.

The Shinobi World's strongest nation really lived up to its reputation!

The village had everything one could want and was bustling with activity. It was every bit as prosperous as the capital of an ordinary country.

After wandering around the streets, Hōzuki Mangetsu arrived at the place of the legendary big boss: Ichiraku Ramen.

He wanted to try his luck and see if he could run into the protagonist, Naruto. There was something he wanted to give him.

"Boss, one bowl of ramen!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu sat down at the counter.

"Coming right up!"

Uncle Teuchi replied with a squint and began the painstaking work.

Before long, a delicious-looking bowl of ramen was set in front of him.

"Enjoy!"

A pretty young girl brought the bowl over to Hōzuki Mangetsu.

Ayame?

A smile appeared on Hōzuki Mangetsu's face.

Though this girl didn't appear often in the Naruto story, her gentle smile had won over plenty of fans.

She was only ten, but already had a curvy figure.

Kids in the Naruto World really did mature early.

Hōzuki Mangetsu picked up his chopsticks and began eating.

He had to admit, Ichiraku Ramen tasted pretty good.

Just then, a little boy rushed inside in a flurry.

"Uncle Teuchi, Ayame! One bowl of ramen, with extra pork and fish cake!"

Blond hair, whisker-like marks, the Uzumaki Clan's symbol—the protagonist of Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki, had finally made his entrance!

"Naruto?"

A smile spread across Hōzuki Mangetsu's face.

He had finally met the legendary Child of Prophecy.

Naruto noticed the young man sitting beside him. His gaze swept over the bowl in front of him, and he grinned.

"Mister, do you like ramen too? You've gotta add pork and fish cake. That's what makes it delicious!"

Mister!

Hōzuki Mangetsu's expression turned awkward at once.

Ayame smiled without saying a word.

The Child of Prophecy really was a natural airhead!

Hōzuki Mangetsu sometimes couldn't understand how someone so spacey could change the world.

"Is that so? Boss, give me another bowl with pork and fish cake."

Hōzuki Mangetsu glanced sidelong at Naruto, his smile unchanged.

"This little guy's meal is on me."

Naruto was overjoyed when he heard that.

"Thanks, Mister!"

Mister!

The corner of Hōzuki Mangetsu's mouth twitched. He managed to keep himself from losing his temper. Naruto was about the same age as Suigetsu, and only a few years younger than him.

Teuchi made ramen quickly. In no time, two bowls were set on the counter.

"Let's eat!"

Naruto picked up his chopsticks and wolfed down the ramen as if it were the finest food in the world.

Poor kid!

Hōzuki Mangetsu shook his head.

For an orphan, ramen really was a treat.

But he soon witnessed the power of a glutton—or rather, the power of a Sage Body.

"Boss, another bowl!"

"Boss, another bowl!"

"Boss, another bowl!"

Naruto ate four big bowls in a row before rubbing his stomach and grinning. "I'm so full! It's been ages since I've eaten this much."

Then he gave Hōzuki Mangetsu an embarrassed look. "Sorry, Mister, for making you pay so much!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled faintly.

Naruto might have been a bit of a space cadet, but he had a kind heart.

"It's fine!"

After paying the bill, Hōzuki Mangetsu stood up.

"Wait!"

Naruto hurried after him and looked curiously at the Forehead Protector on his forehead.

"Mister, are you from another country?"

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled and pointed to the Forehead Protector on his head. "I'm a shinobi from the Land of Water."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "Um, could you teach me ninjutsu?"

His eyes sparkled.

He had already started school, but because he was a jinchūriki, the villagers constantly looked down on him.

As a little kid, he was always causing trouble and playing pranks in the hope of getting people's attention. All it did was make them dislike him even more.

"You're still in school, aren't you?"

Hōzuki Mangetsu replied unhurriedly, "Konoha has the best education system. You should be able to learn some decent ninjutsu there."

Naruto flipped right in front of him.

"But everyone says I'm the dead-last! I've got to learn an awesome jutsu so they'll admit I'm good!"

Is that so?

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled.

Now that he had stolen the Sealing Scroll ahead of time, the scene where Mizuki tricked Naruto wouldn't happen. Naruto would lose his chance to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, too.

He might be able to change Naruto's fate completely, but Hōzuki Mangetsu would rather let the protagonist follow the path of growth he was meant to take.

"I see!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu thought it over for a moment, then nodded. "I can teach you a few things, so everyone will stop looking down on you."

"Awesome!"

Naruto did another flip, his face full of hope as he looked at him.

Hōzuki Mangetsu beckoned Naruto over, and the two of them went into a secluded alley.

Have they stepped up the surveillance?

He immediately sensed several sharp killing intents.

It seemed Konoha kept a close watch on its jinchūriki.

Hōzuki Mangetsu formed a hand seal.

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

An identical figure appeared beside him.

Amazing!

Naruto stared at him excitedly, his eyes practically blazing.

"Teach me! Teach me!"

He could hardly wait.

The Shadow Clone Technique had been created by the Second Hokage. It used the user's Chakra as a medium to create multiple tangible clones.

The strength and number of the clones depended entirely on the user's Chakra reserves. For shinobi with little Chakra, using this jutsu was very risky.

But Naruto was different. He had the Nine-Tails' Chakra, so using shadow clones wouldn't put him under any strain.

This was originally Naruto's signature technique. Hōzuki Mangetsu was simply teaching it to him early.