“Minato Namikaze sacrificed his life for the village, and this is how you repay the Fourth Hokage’s kindness?”
Jin Uchiha’s voice trembled slightly, suppressing his terrifying anger, but recalling his promise calmed him a little.
“The orphan of the noble Fourth Hokage, living off instant noodles and expired milk. If not for inheriting the Uzumaki clan’s resilience, I can’t imagine how he would have survived!”
“What enrages me more is the malicious rumors you spread, fabricating a lie that Naruto is the Nine-Tails in human form, making the villagers hate and ostracize him!”
“You used the same disgraceful tactics on Naruto that you used on White Fang!”
Boom!
Jin stomped the ground, creating a large crater, venting his anger.
“If it weren’t for my Uchiha clan’s promise, I’d kill you right here, Hiruzen!”
“You… you mean…”
Despite Jin’s demonic aura terrifying most, Naruto, led by Tunan, felt no fear, just staring at him in a daze.
“That’s right!”
Jin’s intimidating presence vanished as he gently walked to Naruto.
“You’re not a monster. You’re the son of Konoha’s Fourth Hokage, a pride to the village. We owe you, Naruto.”
“I couldn’t prevent past tragedies, but I swear on the Uchiha clan’s honor, I’ll give you a bright and happy future!”
“I…”
Feeling the warmth of Jin’s words, Naruto trembled, tears streaming down his cheeks.
“Don’t cry.”
Jin gently wiped Naruto’s tears, gave him a reassuring look, then turned back to Hiruzen.
“Hiruzen Sarutobi, you despicable wretch!”
“To treat a hero’s child like this, to plunge him into darkness, only to offer fake salvation later, making him see you as his only hope, controlling him forever!”
“Disgusting!”
“Absolutely revolting!”
“How could a scumbag like you ever have been Hokage? You bring shame to the Uchiha, the Senju, and all of Konoha!”
Jin’s gaze shifted to Jiraiya, his anger undiminished.
“Jiraiya, you’re no better than Hiruzen! Minato was your student, and you let this happen?”
“I…”
Jiraiya turned pale, staring at Hiruzen in disbelief.
Though these were Jin’s accusations, observing Naruto now and recalling the village’s past actions, Jiraiya knew it was likely true.
“It wasn’t me… it was all Danzo’s doing, I… I just…”
Hiruzen’s face was deathly pale, desperately clutching at any hope.
“But!”
“Pathetic!”
“When White Fang died, you used the same excuse. Rumors or not, were you blind and deaf? Using the same excuse twice, do you think everyone is as foolish as Kakashi?”
“Even if Danzo was behind it, if you had the guts to stand up, Konoha wouldn’t have failed two heroes!”
Jin’s face was full of disdain as he glanced at the silver-haired figure behind Hiruzen.
Crack!
The Anbu mask shattered, and the figure vanished.
“Kakashi!”
Seeing Kakashi break under the pressure, Hiruzen knew he couldn’t easily explain his way out.
“You’re no different, Jin. I only did it for the village…”
Realizing further arguments would only worsen the situation, Hiruzen thought of Tsunade, his last hope.
Tsunade!
I must stall until Tsunade returns!
His last chance!
“The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is a crucial asset to the village. We can’t let the Uchiha control him. Have you forgotten the Nine-Tails’ rampage?”
Hiruzen tried to incite fear of the Uchiha and the Nine-Tails among the clans.
If the Uchiha gained the Nine-Tails, their power would be unmatched, something no one wanted.
Hahaha…
Jin’s mocking laugh cut through Hiruzen’s thoughts, his expression one of divine disdain for the mundane.
“Do you think you can compare to me?”
Jin’s eyes were full of contempt as he looked around at the clan leaders, speaking proudly.
“The Uchiha and Senju founded Konoha to keep children off the battlefield, to let them grow safely!”
“The Will of Fire means a safe environment for our children!”
“But you twisted this, sending children to war. Only someone as vile as you could think others are equally evil!”
“I, Jin Uchiha, as Acting Hokage and elder of the Uchiha clan, vow that even if the Uchiha fight to the last, we will never let Konoha’s children go to war!”
The crowd was shocked!
Such fierce words, such resolute will!
The Uchiha’s presence brought fear and a strange sense of security. Having such an ally…
Was alright!
“You… I…”
Hiruzen’s eyes lost their light, Jin’s words stripping him of his dignity and his last hope.
Seeing his remaining supporters, Hiruzen lowered his head in defeat.
“Hmph!”
Jin scoffed, a hint of regret in his eyes, but knowing some things were inevitable. He turned back to Naruto with a warm smile.
“Naruto, become my son!”
…
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