51It's late, you have to pay extraAI Model: gemini-2.5-flashChapter 51 It's too late, you have to pay more
Hiruzen Sarutobi's stern expression softened into a benevolent smile as he watched Naruto approach, beaming.
"Little Naruto, you're here. Come, have some water."
"Thank you, Grandpa Third."
Naruto's words were sweet, and his smile was amiable, showing no hint of discord.
"How's school lately?"
"It's good! I've made a few good friends."
"Is that so?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile grew even more benevolent.
"Little Naruto, besides your little friends, do you have any adult friends?"
"Adult friends?"
Naruto looked up in confusion, then lowered his gaze, his voice heavy with disappointment: "Besides Grandpa Third, Iruka Sensei is the only one who's ever been truly good to me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent.
He suddenly felt like he deserved to die for asking such a sensitive question.
"Oh, wait, there are two more."
"Who?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up. Could it be that the person behind all this was finally going to reveal themselves?
He looked at Naruto with anticipation.
He couldn't help but be hopeful; the recent events had truly left him flustered and irritated.
His peaceful retirement was almost within reach, but now his reputation was at risk.
To encounter such a thing, it would leave a huge blemish on his entire career as Hokage.
This was a disgrace that must be washed away with the blood of his enemies.
"Teuchi-san and Ayame-nee! They're so good to me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."
That made sense.
It was true.
"Teuchi!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered, a strange thought suddenly crossing his mind.
Could it really be that guy?
Upon closer thought, besides his limited circle of people, Teuchi was probably the only one who had consistently been good to Naruto.
Even Iruka only had a change of heart towards Naruto after gradually getting to know him.
Why Teuchi?
Could he really be just a good-natured person?
It was highly suspicious.
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes, planning to investigate and monitor him later.
"Teuchi?"
Zetsu, who was secretly observing, felt a stir within him.
This indeed seemed like a breakthrough.
He could secretly keep an eye on him and see if it was truly the case.
If so, then this time there would be a breakthrough.
"Hey, you're too calculating."
Nine-Tailed sighed helplessly: "Didn't you see Teuchi's troubled face yesterday, knowing someone coveted his recipe? And today you've already set things in motion."
"What kind of calculation is this? You think too highly of me."
Naruto shook his head.
"We can't act on this right now, and that person's methods are still mild."
"But in the future, who knows?"
Naruto said with a smile: "This kind of budding issue needs to be suppressed, and it's not convenient for us to act."
"It's perfect to let the Old Man Third investigate and, by the way, suppress this person who covets the recipe."
"You are this."
"Impressive."
Nine-Tailed gave a thumbs-up with a paw, looking impressed.
Upon closer thought, it was true; Teuchi's ramen shop held the youthful memories of many people.
The taste was indeed delicious.
It was also one of Konoha Village's hallmarks.
Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Hokage, and someone was doing bad things right under his nose.
Absolutely unforgivable.
"I see, then it seems you have many friends. Keep up the good work, strive to make the entire Villageyour friend in the future, and have everyone like you."
Patting Naruto's head, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "At that time, you can become a great Hokage."
"Yes, I will work hard!"
Naruto instantly seemed to be injected with adrenaline, clenching his fists, his face full of excitement.
Nine-Tailed: "..."
He covered his face.
Couldn't bear to watch.
You're overdoing it, Naruto.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked relieved.
Naruto was still Naruto; his face would flush with excitement whenever he heard about the Hokage.
That damned scoundrel, to want to destroy such a determined inheritor of the Fire Will.
Unforgivable.
Just wait.
I'll drag you out.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was confident; he was getting closer to the truth.
One by one, he would eliminate suspects, and clues would continuously be deduced.
Sooner or later, he would drag that scoundrel out.
But for now, there was still one thing stuck in his throat that he had to get out.
"Uchiha Clan."
Tapping his fingers unconsciously on the table, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, secretly making up his mind.
It was time to deal with this cancerous growth.
Konoha Village was currently fraught with danger; one wrong move could lead to eternal damnation.
Keeping this cancerous growth would do no good.
However, to remove this obstacle, he needed to seek outside help.
"We can try to win over the Daimyo, but their Ninjastrength isn't quite enough."
"We need other external aid."
Hiruzen Sarutobi struggled internally, indecisive.
"It's time to go all out, Hiruzen!"
Danzo pushed open the door and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi coldly: "We have no choice now."
"The Uchiha Clan is too strong; for example, this time, they were dragging us down."
"Although we cut off many of their supply lines, as a large clan, their foundation won't be bad."
"Time waits for no one."
"Yes, time waits for no one."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed: "You go contact them. Once they are in position, we will make our move."
"It should have been done long ago."
Danzo smiled sinisterly.
Very good.
Now, Uchiha Clan, let's see how you hide.
This time, we must wipe you all out, leaving no one behind.
"Will Jiraiya act?"
"Probably not. He's off somewhere again."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.
He couldn't command these few now.
Jiraiya seemed to respect him, but he also had his own ideas.
At most, he wouldn't get involved.
It was impossible to get him to help.
Unless Orochimaru sided with the Uchiha, perhaps he would act.
As for Tsunade, it was very difficult to find her now.
And even if he found her, it would be useless.
Now, the Senju Clan in Konoha Village was almost extinct, leaving only the Uchiha Clan barely surviving.
"But caught off guard, it should be enough."
Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi exchanged glances and began to discuss the details.
...
"I have a bad feeling."
Naruto rubbed his temples, wandering around Konoha Village.
He kept feeling that something big was about to happen.
Perhaps this matter would even affect his plans.
"Or maybe you're overthinking it."
Nine-Tailed lay on the ground, occasionally lifting his head to drink some spring water, then continued reading.
He was now addicted to this feeling.
At this moment, hearing Naruto's words, he responded casually.
"Perhaps, but it's still better to be careful."
Especially at times like this, one had to be extra careful.
Many people had fallen at the last step, and he didn't want that to happen to him.
"You can go find Nara Shikaku. He's so smart, even if nothing has happened, he should sense something."
"You're right."
Naruto's eyes lit up, planning to go seek advice from Nara Shikaku that evening.
Meanwhile, Danzo, who had just left the Hokage Office, quietly arrived at the Root base.
"Come out, the contact person."
"Tsk tsk tsk, finally planning to make your move? But it's already too late."
"What do you mean?!" Danzo frowned: "What do you mean too late? Aren't you going to act anymore?"
"No, no, no!"
Zetsu shook his head: "I mean… you need to pay more!"