5Danzo, I know this!AI Model: gemini-2.5-flashChapter 5 Danzo, I know this well!
The next day,
Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived at the Hokage Office with dark circles under his eyes, and as soon as he entered, he saw Danzo, covered in bandages, appear before him.
"You're here so early?"
"You caused such a commotion yesterday; I came today to check on things." Danzo leaned on his cane, shaking his head with a wry smile, "I already know the general situation. What's the deal with Naruto?"
"I spoke with him last night. He's still bothered by the Nine-Tailed. Fortunately, we've thoroughly sealed off the term 'Nine-Tailed'; otherwise, he might already know his identity."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, walked to his desk, pulled out his chair, and sat down, saying helplessly, "Don't look at him; he's only five years old, but he's not stupid at all. He's also sensitive and must have sensed something. Most of my previous efforts have been wasted."
Danzo's expression darkened.
He was one of the people who knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's plan, and he had approved of this strategy. It was about to succeed, but Ebisumessed it up, which was somewhat infuriating.
Why were they doing all this?
Naturally, for the greatness of Konoha Village.
If Naruto could protect Konoha Village in the future, just by being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, releasing the Nine-Tailed at a critical moment would be a formidable weapon.
This could not be taken lightly.
"What we need to do now is to make Naruto less hyperactive."
Danzo pondered, continuously saying, "Since the situation has already occurred, we must find a way to remedy it."
"Hmm, why not send him to school?"
"Isn't his current dream to become Hokage? Being Hokage isn't that easy. This way, it can also somewhat distract him."
"You have a point!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said thoughtfully, "Throw him into school; this way, he won't run around everywhere, and he won't frequently encounter those insensitive people. However, we still need a teacher candidate."
"Let Iruka do it. Didn't he just finish his teacher's certification? He's a novice, so it's a good opportunity for him to practice."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffing on his pipe, nodded repeatedly: 'This is good. And to make it less abrupt, we need to bring in a few more people.'
"Let's call it 'Preschool.'"
Hiruzen Sarutobi decided, "Bring all the children about Naruto's age into it. This age group's ability to absorb knowledge isn't bad either."
Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi exchanged glances and chuckled.
...
"Huh? School!"
Naruto was dumbfounded. Isn't school supposed to start at seven? Why was it moved to five?
Oh!
It seems this isn't bad either, Naruto mused internally, asking curiously, "Can I learn Ninjutsu?"
"Of course."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled into a smile, "Going to school, besides some theoretical knowledge, also involves teaching Ninjutsu and such."
Anyway, those children at home have already started learning, so teaching them at school is also fine.
This could also serve as a transition, and perhaps the frequency of Genin appearing in the future will also increase.
The most crucial thing is to make this little guy less hyperactive.
It would be best if they could continue to instill the Fire Will in him, so he can be used by Konoha Village.
"I'll definitely report on time!"
Naruto promised.
There's no harm in going. He was just worried about not having a place to practice Ninjutsu. Isn't this a benefit delivered right to his doorstep?
Go, he must go!
Seeing the excited Naruto, Hiruzen Sarutobismiled.
See, it's settled.
As long as Naruto goes to school, it's better there than outside.
As for those people outside, he would also warn them to prevent incidents like Ebisu's from happening again.
The word 'Nine-Tailed' is a taboo in Konoha Village; it must never be mentioned.
"Alright, then you get ready, and I'll pick you up when it's time."
"No need!"
Naruto refused, "I can go by myself. I'm not a child anymore."
"Alright, alright, you're not a child anymore."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stifled a laugh and left in a joyful mood.
Done!
Just a child, so easy, couldn't be simpler.
...
"To come up with the idea of sending them to school, you guys are something else."
Uchiha Fugaku received the news and chuckled, calling Sasuke over and saying seriously, "You'll go to school in a few days. It's a good opportunity to learn some things."
The other clans were also stunned when they received this news, but in the end, they sent their age-appropriate children.
For them, there was no difference between a year earlier or a year later.
It was just about learning Ninjutsu.
This strategy was indeed beneficial for ordinary people, and many heard about it and eagerly signed up.
On the first day of school, while it wasn't a sea of people, the crowd was certainly large.
When Naruto arrived, the entire area cleared out.
Naruto sneered, stepping arrogantly, walking into the school one step at a time.
As for those cold stares, Naruto said he was used to them, his heart completely unperturbed.
He was there to learn Ninjutsu. Once he learned Ninjutsu, what were these people?
The priorities were clear at a glance.
...
In the classroom, Naruto looked around.
People kept coming in, little kids with their backpacks, some in groups, some alone.
Naruto chuckled and sat next to Hinata.
Hinata: "..."
Isn't this Uzumaki Naruto, who bumped into her last time? His chest was so hard.
Even now, her forehead still throbbed faintly when she thought about it.
"Wow, so handsome!"
"Hiss, so refined!"
Just as Naruto was about to say something to Hinata, whispers of surprise came. He turned his head and saw Sasuke walking in with a smiling face.
"Brother came to take me to school today. It's great; I'm already looking forward to Brother picking me up after school tonight."
Sasuke calculated silently in his mind.
At this moment, he was very sunny and cheerful, especially when it came to Uchiha Itachi.
As for the gasps of surprise around him, he ignored them directly, looked around, and found an empty seat to sit down.
"Hey, why aren't you gasping? I think he looks good."
Hinata had a bewildered expression: 'Why should I gasp? And also, don't get so close to me.'
Hinata was very unaccustomed to someone being so close to her. Her face was red, and she pushed Naruto with her finger.
"So infatuation knows no age!"
Looking at Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka, who hadn't yet started their rivalry, Naruto pouted, feeling very bored.
Sasuke did look good, but he wasn't bad either.
Was it because he was the Nine-Tailed, and there was an inherent filter?
Damn it!
How boring!
But it didn't matter; these people had nothing to do with him.
He still liked Hinata; her shy appearance was very cute, and she was soft like a bun.
It was just that this girl didn't seem to know how to dress herself, always wearing one or two outfits, which completely hid her brilliance in the early stages.
It seemed to be the case in the later stages too.
If it weren't for certain excellent features, who would notice her?
Cough cough!
Those who know, know.
Clearing his throat, Naruto sat up straight, looking straight ahead.
Iruka walked in, holding a book...