The Sarutobi Clan was a major clan, already renowned in the Land of Fire before Konoha was founded.
They had once briefly worked with the Senju to seal away Uchiha Hikari.
Later, when the Senju and Uchiha founded Konoha, they had joined of their own accord.
The Sarutobi clan grounds were every bit as large as the Hyuga clan grounds, if not larger.
Knock, knock, knock.
The unhurried knocking sounded especially clear in the quiet night at the Sarutobi residence.
This was the home of Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. At this hour, the old man had most likely finished his official duties and returned home.
Slightly hurried footsteps sounded from inside the courtyard, accompanied by a deep, somewhat impatient male voice. "Coming, coming! Who is it at this hour...?"
The door opened with a creak.
Standing inside was the Third Hokage's son, Asuma Sarutobi.
A cigarette still dangled from his mouth.
The Third Hokage smoked a pipe and was Konoha's foremost old tobacco fiend; Asuma smoked cigarettes and was Konoha's foremost habitual smoker.
Just moments earlier, Asuma had been in the study with his father, the Third Hokage, discussing the details of his upcoming marriage to Kurenai Yuhi.
Yet when he saw the two people standing outside, the cigarette nearly fell from his mouth.
The impatience on his face froze instantly, giving way to blank astonishment.
"It's Naru..."
He instinctively started to say Naruto's name.
But halfway out, the words caught in his throat.
Asuma's gaze was helplessly caught by the sight before him.
Two people stood beneath the dim light under the eaves outside the door.
The one in front had medium-length blond hair and wore a clearly visible Konoha forehead protector. His blue eyes shone even in the darkness-it was Naruto Uzumaki, whom he knew.
But beside Naruto