To be honest, Hirofumi Ito's heart was filled with gratitude.
With the help of these awesome friends, his big dreams for the future were starting to take shape…
He was one step closer to his goal of becoming the "First Emperor"!
---
Meanwhile, in the summoning realm…
Hashirama Senju's eyes were practically sparkling as he watched the heartwarming scene of friendship unfold.
"Madara!!! Did you see that?!
These kids are the future of Konoha! It's so touching!!!
This is real friendship, real bonds!
It's just like you and me when we were young!!!"
As he spoke, Hashirama clung tightly to Madara Uchiha's arm, even rubbing his old face against Madara's chest.
This time, though, Madara didn't bonk Hashirama on the head. The scene they'd just witnessed reminded him of the days he and Hashirama spent together.
It was so similar…
Though, Madara was a bit uncomfortable with Hashirama rubbing against the side of his chest where his tattoo was.
But one person's expression wasn't quite right—Minato Namikaze.
From what he'd seen, his son, Naruto Uzumaki, seemed to be doing great. But something about what was just said didn't sit right with him.
What did they mean by "demon fox kid"?
What did they mean by "looked down on"?
What did they mean by "no friends"?
What was going on here?
His son was the child of the Fourth Hokage! Minato had given his life for Konoha—Naruto should be seen as the heir of a hero!
How could he possibly be called a "demon fox kid"?
Was it because of the Nine-Tails?
But how would ordinary people even know about that?
Minato's mind was swirling with doubts and a growing sense of unease.
Up until now, he'd believed his son, Naruto, would be treated like royalty in Konoha. But it didn't seem that way anymore!
Unable to confirm his suspicions, Minato buried his doubts deep in his heart, deciding he'd ask Hirofumi about it when the time was right.
Fugaku Uchiha glanced at his friend with a hint of sympathy.
When he was alive, he'd known a bit about Naruto's struggles. His wife, Mikoto, had even suggested they take Naruto in and raise him…
But how could that have worked? Naruto was the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki. As an Uchiha, just getting close to him was impossible, let alone adopting him.
Oh, Third Hokage, what a mess you've made!
If Minato ever learned the truth, would he blame Fugaku for not looking after his son?
But what could Fugaku have done? He was a failure—he couldn't even protect his own wife and kids!
Nearby, Mito Uzumaki sighed helplessly, especially seeing her husband clinging to another man like some lovestruck girl.
Good thing she knew the depth of their friendship. Anyone else might've wondered if their husband was… well, into guys.
But Madara had his own thoughts about what was happening in the outside world.
He was one of the first to be summoned by Hirofumi, so he knew the kid's dreams and ambitions.
Hirofumi's plan was straightforward: become Hokage of Konoha, then use the village as a foundation to rule the entire ninja world by force!
From spending time with the kid, Madara could tell Hirofumi wasn't as simple as he seemed. This boy had layers—schemes within schemes.
In fact, Madara was pretty sure Hirofumi was putting on an act right now.
Especially when he saw Hirofumi wipe away nonexistent tears from his eyes—yep, Madara was certain of it.
What a sly little punk…
But the kid had some serious game. He'd gathered the heirs of Konoha's top clans into one tight-knit group. In a few years, that group could become a terrifying force!
If Hirofumi played his cards right, one word from him could rally these kids to back him as Konoha's next Hokage.
Just as Madara was lost in thought, a voice snapped him out of it.
"I've got a bad feeling about this Hirofumi kid's intentions!" Tobirama Senju said coldly.
"Look at these kids he's gathered—almost all of them are the top second-generation heirs of their clans! Practically every one is a candidate to lead their family! What's Hirofumi planning by bringing them together? Is he trying to start a rebellion?!"
Madara shot Tobirama a disdainful look.
"A rebellion? Against who? You, Tobirama Senju?
Is Hirofumi not a Konoha ninja? Are these clan heirs not from Konoha?
Even if Hirofumi becomes Hokage one day, that'd be perfectly legitimate. How does that turn into a 'rebellion' in your twisted mind?
Heh… evil Tobirama Senju!"
"You—! You evil Uchiha!"
Tobirama wanted to argue, but when he thought about it, Madara's words weren't wrong.
Hirofumi was a Konoha ninja. If he became Hokage someday, it'd be fair and square.
Still, something about the kid's plans felt off. If this little group stayed united, they'd be a terrifying force in the future.
But what could Tobirama do about it? He was Hirofumi's summoned spirit now. Technically, he owed the kid his life!
---
In the outside world, at Sasuke Uchiha's house…
Hirofumi rubbed his eyes hard, making them slightly red.
"Everyone!
I'm so sorry about what I said earlier. I got carried away and didn't think about your feelings. But now I get it—you guys are my true friends!!!
Today's mess boils down to this: Danzo's got his eyes on me!
And I've realized just how important strength is.
You might not know this, but at the Root base today, Danzo actually made a move against me!
If it wasn't for the Third Hokage and Teacher Iruka showing up in time, I might never have seen you all again!!!"
Hirofumi's voice trembled, his words so emotional they could bring tears to anyone listening.
---