—"When I came to, apparently everything that could happen had already happened. Although that didn't bother me much, since I couldn't influence anything. In general, I couldn't do much in the situation I was in.
I kept trying to comprehend, to put things in order, and to understand what was happening. It was difficult. I don't know how much time passed — hours, days, or something else. As if I was stuck in my own world.
Gradually, I came to my senses. Well, how to put it — came to my senses. The realization that my life, more precisely existence, had gone beyond the limits of physical understanding — is impressive. But from the point of view of philosophy and fantasy, everything is within normal bounds… expected, I guess? Death and rebirth… I don't know.
I'm not sure that I died. And in general — then and now it doesn't matter: whether I'm alive or dead. But one thing I can say for sure — I'm no longer where I was.
I have memories, but who I am — that question came together with them. I don't know who I was. All I have is knowledge, information, and experience. There is no identity in the memories.
But at some point, the awareness of "I" appeared and the question: who am I?
Reasoning about this and thanks to the memories, I came to the conclusion: I was reborn. Not me — but my memories. And I, who is here — this is a new me, born, but as if gifted with the knowledge of another.
So, following what I know… I was reborn into the anime "Naruto" and became Uzumaki Naruto. As strange as that may sound.
God… I broke through the existential ceiling of being and mind.
What else can be noted? Apparently — I am an infant. That pretty much sums it up.
Well, what did you expect? I literally can't do anything except make incoherent sounds, scream, go to the bathroom, and eat. That's how we live.
This will be difficult. No… rather emotionally hard.
Ah yes, also my new, not exactly simple personality.
But I'm more concerned with another question: how do I know the local language and can speak it, if my tongue and vocal cords were properly developed?
Perhaps it's luck, fate, coincidence, or a gift. Who knows.
But for now, while those who take care of me and watch over me are absent, I train speaking. At least while I'm awake. The body is quite weak, gets tired quickly, although, considering my lineage, I think this won't last long.
I don't think the problem of me speaking early will be a problem. At most, they'll label me a genius… although that's unlikely."
—"That's how the days passed while the village was recovering after the attack of the Nine-Tails.
I tried to make my tongue move the way I needed, and my body in general.
Ah yes, my caretakers — these are ANBU and medical personnel. Quite practical guys, everything by the book. And I didn't cause trouble, so everything was calm."
Year 53 since the founding of the Hidden Leaf Village
—"Three years have passed. During this time, in general, nothing interesting happened. I ate, slept, grew.
Now I'm three. Around one year old I managed to speak normally — nothing special, I didn't deliver treatises, just basic sentences.
I was allowed to go outside not far, so I started walking near the house where I lived. Yes, the house — that very house of Naruto.
That's when I carried out my first plan. A plan to obtain information.
Nothing evil or cunning — I just saw an inscription on the wall and asked the ANBU who accompanied me."
— What is this? — I pointed my finger at the inscription.
—"He kept silent. So did I. From the outside, and by feeling, it was very strange.
Well, I went further, and he… or she… froze for a second. Probably expected a loud reaction from a child to silence, but got nothing — only cold logic.
Don't want to say — fine.
The plan sank at first glance. But I was waiting for the reaction of another person."
—"And I wasn't wrong. That evening a surprise awaited me — that person reacted.
I, as usual, was lying on my bed, doing nothing. But then I heard a knock on the door."
— Knock-knock.
—"Well, that was expected.
I already guessed who was behind the door.
With unhurried steps, I approached the corridor and simply opened the door. Yes, like the bravest warrior of the north."
"And here he stands in front of me. An old man of short stature, gray-haired. Without his white mantle and triangular hat. With his favorite tobacco pipe — blowing smoke into my face, damn it.
The Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village — Hiruzen Sarutobi."
— Hm. Grandpa, what do you need? And you can not smoke in my face.
"I took the initiative: whoever starts first — leads the conversation."
— Ah yes, sorry.
The old man looked at the little boy in front of him, but his gaze didn't change at all. He already knew why he came.
The new Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails — Uzumaki Naruto. With whom it is necessary to build good relations. For many reasons.
—"No manners… well, understandable. But this is all I can do for you."
— Sorry for the disturbance. I live nearby and decided to get acquainted. Do you live here alone?
He started with a simple conversation. But everything quickly got out of his control.
—"This is the most suspicious thing one can hear. Does the Third have senility or what? Although… he's talking to a three-year-old child who knows nothing and lives alone. Quite logical. But this won't work with me."
— First of all, are you a maniac or something? Secondly, who are you? And why is your face on the mountain?
Hiruzen Sarutobi clearly did not expect such an introduction. He had been called many things, but a maniac — that's a first.
—"A sharp kid… all like his father. And the temperament — like his mother."
— Ha-ha. No, I'm not a maniac. But you figured me out. My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi, and I am the head of this village. You can call me just grandpa. The faces on the mountain belong to previous Hokage…
— Hokage — who is that? And what does the head of the village want with a loner like me? And why do you live nearby?
"I interrupted him, not giving a break — firing questions like from a machine gun."
—"Yes… this will be harder than I thought."
— Hokage is the head of the village. He takes care of everyone, so you are also important. And why can't I live nearby? I am the head, after all.
"He caught me there. Well, I wasn't trying to win verbal battles."
— I don't know. But do you know my parents? You're the chief. Who are they? Why are they not with me?
— Hm… Your parents are heroes. They protected this village and the people in it. Therefore, you must also protect. They sacrificed themselves for you and everyone else.
— What were their names?
— I cannot tell you that yet. But if you become a loyal and strong ninja — then I will tell you.
As long as the Will of Fire burns in you… as long as the leaves burn — the fire will live. Fire illuminates the village and allows new leaves to grow.
A Hokage is the one who stands as a pillar and protects the home. Our teachers passed the Will of Fire to us. Now this fire burns in us.
These are not just words — this is love, faith, and self-sacrifice for the sake of the future generation. For those who possess the Will of Fire, everyone is family.
— Then how do I become a ninja?
—"Here's another of my goals — the concept of a ninja."
— He-he. Grow a little more. Slow and steady wins the race. You're still young, no need to rush. When the time comes — you will learn.
But I heard you are interested in reading. Therefore… I brought you a gift.
"Well, that's expected. The Academy starts at six. Although clan children already train.
For me, as a weapon of the village, this old man has already thought everything through. Well… surprises await him."
The old man took out a book and handed it to me.
— With this you will learn to count and write. This is the beginning of the path to becoming a strong ninja.
— Thank you. I will definitely study hard. And become a ninja.
— Ho-ho. That's good.
"We chatted a little more — about nothing. How I live, whether I need anything. All that sort of thing. Nothing special. Understandable — ANBU brought food. And now the old man will give an allowance when I learn to count. Although I already know how to read, write, and count… even in the local language. But the main thing — I got what I wanted. A book. Which means — information. Now I can read anything without fearing inconvenient questions like: who and where taught you to read?"
It was late evening in Konoha. Near the Hokage monument in the tower. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his Hokage office, reflecting on the meeting that took place the evening before with Naruto Uzumaki — the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Slowly smoking his tobacco pipe, his thoughts were as elusive as the smoke from the tobacco.
—"Naruto is growing quite sharp, like the Fourth. But he is too logical for his age, hmm."
The Hokage's thoughts were interrupted. Suddenly, unexpectedly but for many expected, the office door swung open sharply and a man flew in like a kunai. It was an elderly but quite vigorous for his age man, with his right eye and arm bandaged. He forcefully approached the Hokage's desk like a hawk swooping down, despite walking with a cane. And began the conversation.
— Hiruzen, give me the Jinchuriki. I will make him a weapon. A perfect ninja!
—"The day was already hard, but Kami decided to make it harder."
— Ahem… Danzo. We have already discussed this. Naruto will remain under my care. He needs normal friends and ties with the village.
— Hiruzen, he is slipping out of your control. Ninjas do not need emotions. They must be weapons for the sake of the village. He thinks and talks too much. And what will happen when he breaks, have you thought about the village, huh?
— Danzo. I tell you again, Naruto will remain under my care. He will be in the light. You mind your Root. He is the son of the Fourth Hokage, and sooner or later this will be revealed to him, especially with his sharp mind. Talks a lot, hehe. Children are curious by nature, that's normal.
— Hiruzen, I must—
— Enough, Danzo. I AM the HOKAGE.
— You… you.
— Fine. I will strengthen ANBU surveillance. But I ask you, keep your people away from Naruto, my ANBU are sufficient.
— Hm.
The old man sharply turned and quickly left the office, slamming the door, clearly in a disappointed mood.
— Hm… phew.
—"So, problems are piling up, and old friends add more. But Danzo is right about something. Should I adjust the plans? Naruto is too calm. But quite active for a child. He resembles Kushina with her wild temperament and Minato with his thoughtfulness. But he still lacks that core. If he grows properly — he will become Konoha's shield. If not… a problem. Hmm…
For now, only time and observation are needed."
The Hokage thought, looking at the night Konoha through the panoramic window. Suddenly the old man waved his hand upward. Out of nowhere, two shinobi in ANBU uniforms appeared before his desk, kneeling on one knee.
— Hokage-sama!
— Owl, Monkey. Increase surveillance on the Jinchuriki. Report everything unusual you deem necessary!
— Yes, Hokage-sama.
The two operatives answered in unison.
Meanwhile, at the Root base. In the depths of the village, in dark catacombs like a multi-level labyrinth. Another old man ground his teeth angrily.
—"You think you defeated me, Hiruzen. I am the Hokage. This place should belong to me. Only I can make Konoha great again."
Although outwardly he looked calm, his thoughts rushed from side to side. And his eye burned with thirst, greed, malice, and ambition. Suddenly he struck the floor with his cane. Almost instantly ANBU appeared before him on their knees.
But they were different — like puppets, cold as ice and emotionless as stone.
— Spread a rumor through the village that Naruto Uzumaki is the demon fox who attacked the village three years ago.
— Yes, Danzo-sama.
—"Now we will see, Hiruzen, who wins. Maybe you won the battle, but you will lose the war. The Nine-Tails will be mine. I will be Hokage."