"Of course there is." Naruto's expression softened as he slowly recalled the past.
"Back when I was training in Wind Release Ninjutsu, the hardest hurdle was mastering Chakra Nature Transformation."
"Asuma personally guided me through it."
"Without him showing me the way, who knows how many years I would have spent fumbling around, or how many wrong turns I would have taken before mastering Wind Release."
His words sounded utterly sincere, firmly binding the two sides through their shared history.
The Grand Elder was delighted. All his worries vanished, and he burst into laughter.
"So that's how it was! It seems you and our Sarutobi Clan were destined to share a deep bond, Lord Seventh!"
"Our bond certainly runs deep." Naruto nodded with a friendly smile.
"I've always treated Konohamaru like my own little brother. When you think about it, Lord Third, Asuma, and Konohamaru-three generations of your Sarutobi Clan-have all been very close to me."
Those words were exactly what the Grand Elder wanted to hear.
His face beamed with joy. He hurriedly waved his hands in a show of humility, adopting an exceedingly deferential manner.
"You're too kind, too kind! Our Sarutobi Clan has been basking in your reflected glory all along. We owe everything to your support and care, Lord Seventh!"
The two chatted a little longer.
Naruto remained gentle and courteous throughout, without the slightest air of someone in power.
He never mentioned abolishing privileges, the clan's internal turmoil, or their earlier conflict.
They spoke only of favors, friendship, and old bonds.
By the time their conversation ended, the Grand Elder left the Hokage Office feeling thoroughly satisfied and at ease.
He was now utterly convinced: Naruto had never intended to suppress the Sarutobi Clan. The earlier arrests and shop closures had all been Konohamaru's idea.