Chapter 64: Legacy and Direction
Naruto had no choice but to agree. Anyway, he had nothing else to do, so it didn't matter if he just walked with her.
So, the two of them walked quietly, like a couple. Sasuke was deeply intoxicated by this feeling. Although they weren't speaking of love, she felt that as long as she was walking quietly beside Naruto, breathing the fresh air around them, she was already very content. It was like when she was a child with her brother by her side; the loneliness in her heart grew very faint…
By evening, the sky seemed to be mourning the Third's death, turning gloomy. A thick sorrow hung in the air.
The two Narutos arrived at the funeral, a solemn and dignified affair presided over by Konoha's elders.
Jiraiya, as a disciple of the Third, stood among the elders.
After a series of funeral rites, countless people paid their respects.
Naruto also bowed his head, silently offering a prayer for this old man who had guided and shown him kindness.
At that moment, a light rain began to fall from the sky. Accompanied by the soft weeping of villagers and shinobi, everyone's mood grew heavier. Naruto sighed softly.
Sasuke glanced at Naruto but said nothing.
The atmosphere of the funeral, in such an environment, was such that even the happiest person couldn't smile, and even those who weren't grieving were affected by it.
Naruto didn't much like this feeling. In the future, he didn't want to attend another funeral like this.
After the funeral rites, the elders suddenly stood up. One of them announced, "Now, we shall announce the Third Hokage's last will!"
Then, several elders glanced at Jiraiya. Koharu stepped forward and said, "When the Third Hokage was trapped within the barrier and facing his end, he entrusted his final words to Jiraiya, one of Konoha's Sannin. Therefore, although parts of the will may be difficult to accept, we still respect the Third's wishes. We will now relay them to everyone at this time."
Hearing this, everyone looked up at the elder in surprise.
"Before his death, the Third stated that the Fifth Hokage would be succeeded by Jiraiya, and that a person should be trained to become the Sixth Hokage!"
When Elder Koharu said this, she shot a sharp glance in Naruto's direction and continued, "That person is Uzumaki Naruto!"
"What?!"
"Uzumaki Naruto? That… monster?" The uninformed villagers began to murmur.
Some ninjas who were in the know looked very strange, whispering among themselves, "They're actually letting a jinchūriki become Hokage? While it's possible, can that brat really shoulder such a great responsibility?"
"No way? Did I hear that right? Naruto is going to be Hokage?!" The ninjas of their generation were shocked. Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Chōji, and the others couldn't believe their ears.
"Lord Third, you place such trust in Naruto. As his teacher, I feel the pressure," Kakashi sighed.
At this moment, Naruto was also greatly shocked. Although he had seen what the Third said to Jiraiya outside the barrier that day, he was too far away and blocked by the barrier to hear clearly. He never imagined the Third actually wanted to make him the Sixth Hokage! And Jiraiya the Fifth?
Wasn't this all mixed up?
Naruto was shocked and, at the same time, felt a headache coming on.
But Sasuke looked utterly incredulous. She had never imagined that Naruto would one day be chosen by the Third to be Hokage. Hokage—that was the goal of almost every ninja in the village. But why, among so many people, did the Third choose only Naruto?
Naruto, just how did you manage it?
At this moment, Sasuke was filled with intense curiosity and longing for Naruto.
While everyone was discussing endlessly, Jiraiya stood up and spoke. "Everyone, please quiet down and hear me out!"
Hearing this, everyone stopped their discussions.
Jiraiya nodded and said, "Setting aside the Third's last words for a moment, as far as I'm concerned, who will be the next Hokage—the words of the respected Third are, of course, very important. However, the selection of a Hokage cannot be determined solely by his word. Therefore, I believe the choice of Hokage must be discussed and selected anew!"
"Jiraiya is right. The Third's last words are important, but the Hokage is, after all, the leader of the village. He is not only someone who protects the village and handles governance but also the spiritual leader for everyone. So, we will discuss this matter carefully upon our return and announce it at that time, taking everyone's reactions into account," Elder Homura also stood up and said.
Seeing the higher-ups had spoken thus, all the ninjas agreed. But then, everyone couldn't help but cast all sorts of gazes toward Naruto.
There were doubts, suspicions, surprise, dissatisfaction, and jealousy—all kinds of looks, making Sasuke, standing next to Naruto, feel uncomfortable. But Naruto remained utterly calm, as if this matter had nothing to do with him at all.
He couldn't help but admire Jiraiya inwardly. You're something else, you lecherous toad. Obviously, you want to shirk responsibility, yet you insist on saying the Hokage position is pending.
As expected of an author!
...
After the funeral concluded, Naruto walked Sasuke home and then headed back alone. Along the way, he once again received the attention of countless people and felt a bit helpless. Well, now I'm even more famous.
Before, I was a monster. Now, I'm the Hokage's heir. I wonder if this is a good thing or a bad thing.
But if I really were to become Hokage, what would that feel like? Facing the admiration and worship of countless people—maybe it would feel pretty imposing, right?
Shaking his head, he stopped thinking about the Hokage or such things. Without strength, he couldn't even consider it. With strength, what were titles like Hokage, Kazekage, or Tsuchikage? Just fleeting clouds. Then, whether to settle down and become Hokage, dominate the ninja world, or roam free in the mortal world—wouldn't that be his own choice?
Having reached this point, Naruto's mind settled. Strength was the key. In this ninja world, only formidable strength could allow him to act without restraint. So, for now, his state of mind must not be swayed by fame and fortune. He should focus on tapping his own potential and devote himself to training!
A few days later, the injury on Naruto's hand had almost healed. The village was gradually being rebuilt; the destroyed structures were slowly recovering, and everything was moving in a positive direction.
On this day, as Naruto was about to go train, Jiraiya suddenly appeared before him and said with a smile, "Naruto, planning to train alone?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. Why have you come to find me all of a sudden? How did the talks with those old guys in the higher-ups go? Did you manage to dodge the Fifth Hokage hat?"
Hearing this, Jiraiya immediately protested, "Watch your tone! Why would I be 'dodging' the Hokage hat?"
Naruto smiled dismissively. "Don't think I don't know. Letting a lecherous person like you, who likes to peek into women's baths, become Hokage would suffocate you!"
"Haha, Naruto, I didn't expect you to understand me quite well!" Jiraiya was taken aback at first but then laughed heartily, as if he weren't embarrassed at all—he even seemed pleased to find someone who knew him so well.
However, after laughing, Jiraiya's expression turned serious again. "Naruto, the reason I've come to find you this time is that those old fellows in the higher-ups have given me a task. So, during this period, I want to take you with me and guide your training. How about it?"
Hearing this, Naruto immediately understood. It seems Jiraiya must have talked his way out of it with the higher-ups and passed the Hokage position off to Tsunade.