The Opening Ceremony Ends

Just as the villagers were preparing to protest later,

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

"Hey, Naruto!" The first to arrive on the scene was Kiba Inuzuka, along with Naruto's good partner, Akamaru.

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

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

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

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

"Well, well, if it isn't Naruto?" Nearby, the Akimichi father and son emerged from who knew where and came over to Naruto.

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

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

"Hello, Uncle Choza. Hello, Choji. If we finish later, we can see. My appetite has gotten even bigger!"

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

"In that case, we absolutely have to eat barbecue together after school. This time, Uncle's treating, so don't stand on ceremony."

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

"Naruto!" The voice came before its owner appeared.

That energetic voice belonged to Ino.

Ino came running over from somewhere and threw her arms around Naruto from behind, looking extremely intimate.

"Ino! What sort of behavior is that? Don't make Naruto uncomfortable." The one reprimanding Ino was Inoichi Yamanaka.

The captain of the Konoha Analysis Team, he was skilled not only in mind-control ninjutsu, but also in probing others' thoughts to obtain intelligence. Humble by nature, he was nevertheless the idol of many intelligence ninja throughout the ninja world.

"Dad, Naruto and I are good friends. Something like this won't make Naruto uncomfortable, right, Naruto?" Ino's open and straightforward personality made it hard for Naruto to dislike her.

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

"Hahaha, Naruto really is considerate. Naruto, Uncle likes you a lot. Come visit our flower shop when you have time." Inoichi Yamanaka also extended an olive branch to Naruto.

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

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

Hearing the word "drag," Naruto turned his head and saw that it was indeed Shikamaru.

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

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

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

Compared to Shikamaru, Shikaku Nara seemed far more mature and steady. He truly deserved his reputation as Konoha's genius military strategist.

"Hello, Uncle Shikaku."

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

Naruto knew that his little Hinata had arrived.

"Hello, Hinata!" Naruto gave Hinata an incomparably bright smile.

Hinata shyly greeted Naruto, too afraid to look directly at him. She could only stand there poking at her fingers. When she accidentally caught sight of Naruto's smile, Hinata instantly turned into a steaming princess and looked ready to faint from embarrassment.

"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, Hiashi Hyuga?

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

But it was fine. If he wasn't satisfied, then once I showed him my strength, I'd physically convince him and force him to be satisfied!

Hinata would be my wife someday. Not even the Ōtsutsuki Clan could stop me. I said so!

Seeing members of many of Konoha's great families warmly greeting Naruto, the ignorant crowd began discussing it among themselves.

They did not understand why these great families were so friendly toward Naruto. Did they not know that Naruto was the demon fox?

That was something everyone in Konoha knew.

In truth, this was also Hiruzen Sarutobi's instruction. He had heard that Naruto had excellent relationships with Konoha's younger generation, and that they vaguely regarded Naruto as their central figure.

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

The opening ceremony began very soon.

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

"Hello, new students and parents. I am the Third Hokage of Konoha Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a powerful voice.

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

If he was going to act, then he might as well act it out to the end!

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

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

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

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

I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Third Hokage, welcome you into the great family of the Konoha Village Ninja Academy.

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 through 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 our darkest moments, we must hold fast to our beliefs and protect the people we love and our home.

The path of a ninja is full of hardships and challenges, but it is also full of 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 a true ninja—a ninja with unwavering convictions, one who can fight 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 pursue it bravely.

Remember, every person's dream is precious. It is the power 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 keep moving forward.

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.

Believe in them, encourage them, and let them know that no matter when or where, you will stand by their side.

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

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

I hope every one of you can become those dancing leaves, become that undying 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 by it and began crying bitterly.

It was not just the villagers. For new Ninja Academy students whose values were still taking shape, this speech was even more devastatingly effective!

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

"When I grow up, I want to become Hokage too!"

Seeing the little companions around him wholeheartedly agree with Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech, all looking ready to cry their eyes out as though they would immediately die if Konoha told them to, Naruto felt speechless. How are you guys even better at acting than I am? If I don't step it up, you'll surpass me.

"No! The one who will become Hokage is me, Naruto Uzumaki! 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 him changed their view of him slightly after hearing those words.

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

Worthy of the Heavenly Mouth: one dared to speak, and the other dared to believe.

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

The opening ceremony soon came to an end.

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

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

With a kindly expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Hehe, Naruto, it is not 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 got it wrong. It's not that becoming Hokage earns everyone's acknowledgment. It's that earning everyone's acknowledgment lets you 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 with the makings of a Hokage?

"Then Naruto, after hearing what was said just now, what do you think the Will of Fire is?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.

Of course it was fists. Whoever had the bigger, harder fist—that was the Will of Fire.

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

They swept through the ninja world. That was the Will of Fire!

Of course, that was only what Naruto thought inside. Naturally, he would not foolishly say it out loud.

"The Will of Fire—where Konoha's leaves dance, the fire burns on. The firelight will continue illuminating 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 from harm and ensure there are no more wars between villages.

Second, it is about seeking 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 unpleasant encounters, as long as we face life with a positive and optimistic attitude and strive forward, we can gain something.

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

Third, it should be the passing down of a will. The Will of Fire should mean cherishing the bonds between comrades."

Naruto's Heavenly Mouth passive activated once more.

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 inwardly.

The newly enrolled students nearby were also curious. Why did it sound like they could not understand what he was saying, yet somehow it felt completely right?

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

Hiruzen Sarutobi was also painting Naruto a rosy picture, but he truly did believe Naruto had a chance to become Hokage.

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

Naruto himself thought so too. In Konoha, did being a good fighter matter? What was the use of knowing how to fight? To make it in the world, you needed influence and backing. Which circle did you belong to?

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

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

His teacher Kakashi would become the Sixth Hokage in the future.

Every Hokage could be connected to him somehow. If anyone could surpass his Hokage connections, it would probably only be his son, Boruto Uzumaki.

Naruto's lineage was extremely legitimate, so it was only natural for him to become Hokage.

"Okay, Third Hokage Grandpa. I will definitely work hard and become Hokage. I will surpass all the previous Hokage and become the strongest Hokage!"

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

Without prior discussion, everyone had the same thought in their hearts: if it was Naruto, perhaps he really could become Hokage!