The Higher the Praise, the Harder the Fall

Patrol Teams from the Konoha Military Police Force moved through the streets and alleys as usual.

The captains leading them and the officers on patrol all kept their eyes forward and went about their duties.

Someone approached an officer. "Aren't the police going to do something? This story's all over the village..."

The officer shook his head, looking innocent. "Do what? We're only responsible for public order. We can't stop people from talking."

The man clicked his tongue and left.

No one knew that, while on duty the night before, those Patrol Teams had "happened" to encounter several cats carrying notes in their mouths.

And no one could trace the "drunks," "aunties," and "passersby" who had slipped through the police force's back entrance afterward.

The Ninja Academy.

During the break, the children gathered and mimicked the adults.

"Hey, I heard the Pervy Sage's going to be Hokage!"

"Is he the one who peeks into the women's bathhouse every day?"

"That's him! My dad says he's a pervert!"

"A pervert can be Hokage?"

A blond, blue-eyed boy crouched beside the Sandpit and caught part of the conversation.

"Naruto!" Another child ran over. "I heard the man who's going to be Hokage was your dad's teacher?"

Naruto froze.

He remembered that day at the Playground, and the large hand that had rested on his head.

"Your father... was an incredible man."

"He was a hero of Konoha."

"And the disciple I was proudest of."

That old guy... was going to be Hokage?

Naruto lowered his head, drew a circle in the sand with a twig, then rubbed it out.

He felt a little happy, but there was another feeling he couldn't quite name.

That old guy was going to be Hokage...

But he hadn't come to see me, either.

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