Born in Sunagakure, dedicated to antagonizing Konoha for decades

Even having a circle around the eyes wouldn't work, unless Nagato was willing to risk his life. However, knowing the details, the Six Paths Puppet really couldn't defeat Jiraiya. Jiraiya lost because he didn't recognize his enemy and didn't understand the Six Paths Puppet at all; he treated the Six Paths Puppet as if it were a real person.

Masato was referring to a potential internal crisis. Even with reinforcement, the seal on the Savior's body was essentially useless because the array base that Minato Namikaze had inscribed on the Savior's stomach had completely deformed with the Savior's growth. Furthermore, even with multiple layers of those messy sealing techniques, they couldn't completely seal the Nine-Tails' massive chakra. So, if the Nine-Tails' chakra went out of control, given the scale of the battle between Konoha and the Fat Cat, Jiraiya might not be able to protect them. Tailed beasts don't have the martial virtue to give you a few minutes to prepare a powerful attack...

"What?! You perverted sage, you're saying the village is making this middle-aged man Hokage? Who is this middle-aged man?"

The savior, who was always rational about becoming Hokage, was unusually sensitive to the word "Hokage." When he heard Jiraiya say that he wanted to take this middle-aged man with three swords on his back, who looked respectable but whom he had never seen before, back to become Hokage, he immediately jumped up.

"...Brother Jiraiya, this kid is...water...? (⊙_⊙)?"

Nawaki also looked at the savior beside Jiraiya. Although his appearance, temperament, and personality were completely different from Minato's, his identity was not hard to guess based on his bright blonde hair, which was just like his brother-in-law's, and the fact that he was brought out by Jiraiya.

Kushina was his distant cousin, and this kid's personality was exactly like Kushina's. In fact, looking at this kid gave him a feeling of looking at himself when he was a child. The only thing that puzzled him was that he and Minato had a pretty good relationship back then, but this kid was so different from Minato!

“Naruto, sit down. Children shouldn’t interrupt adults. I brought this kid out because he’s in danger in the village and Sakumo might not be able to protect him. Don’t you have members of the Uzumaki clan in your village? I was planning to take him to Sunagakure to ask you to help reinforce the seal.”

Jiraiya pressed the savior's head onto the table with one hand, nodded helplessly to Nawaki, and then looked at Masato and said.

He knew, of course, that he couldn't handle the Nine-Tails' chakra once it erupted. He had seen the power of the Nine-Tails before. With Naruto's comfort in mind, he estimated that he could only withstand three or four tails at most. He wasn't sure he could handle more than that. And right now, Konoha didn't have any sealing techniques.

Besides training, the reason he brought Naruto out this time was to take him to Sunagakure to try and completely reinforce the sealing array. After all, only Sunagakure still has the traditional Uzumaki clan members in the entire ninja world. Naruto, who is not a member of the traditional Uzumaki clan, doesn't count at all.

It was much harder for Mad to learn a few ninjutsu techniques than it was for him back then, let alone sealing techniques, which are even more complex than ninjutsu.

"The gap is so big...ヽ(ー_ー)ノ"

Nawaki looked at the savior whose head was pressed against the table. Although his talent wasn't great, he was still a Jonin and had basic sensory abilities. From this brat's loud and boisterous behavior, he could tell that the brat didn't have much to offer. In Konoha's history, which genius with real talent wasn't the kind of person who was all talk and no action? Brats who were loud and boisterous all day long were basically people who didn't have much talent but wanted to attract attention.

He even felt a sense of shared misfortune, since everyone's family was so awesome while he was so pathetic.

However, they were the opposite in one respect: his background destined him to be the center of attention wherever he went from a young age, so he never needed to shout or make a fuss...

"...It's not that easy. Although I don't know much about sealing techniques, Minato Namikaze used both the Reaper Death Seal and the Eight Trigrams Seal. Just the names sound like very high-level sealing techniques. Strengthening them is only a temporary solution. Unless you extract the Nine-Tails and reseal it, no amount of strengthening will help. Besides, I shared the way Jinchuriki and Tailed Beasts get along with each other with White Fang back then. Didn't he tell you?"

Shinto looked at Jiraiya with curiosity. After the Nine-Tails' night, he had indeed shared with Sakumo Hatake how a Jinchuriki should get along with a Tailed Beast. In his opinion, the Savior was the Chosen One of the Nine-Tails. Even for the sake of his suspected son Minato Namikaze, he couldn't let the Savior grow up to be a loser like in the original story. As long as he got along well with the Nine-Tails in his belly, he would definitely be a super genius who could easily beat the second male lead.

When he first met the savior in Konoha, he had already confirmed that the savior was still the underdog from the original story, but he still thought that Kurama was a bit arrogant and difficult to get along with.

Now that I hear Jiraiya has to go to Sunagakure to ask Shuri for help to strengthen the seal, I know they definitely didn't teach the savior how to get along with Kurama.

"...Really? I doubt Sakumo remembers. Let's not talk about that now. We'll deal with Naruto's problem later. Tsunade, what do you think? Didn't the old man make a promise with you back then?"

Jiraiya shook his head in confusion before turning to look at Tsunade.

“I agree with those old guys’ decision, but I have one condition: the Hokage that Nawaki wants to become is not the Fourth Hokage.”

Tsunade, who had already considered this issue, ignored her younger brother's pitiful gaze and nodded. However, she did set a condition: her brother had to be a real leader when he returned, not a tool. Knowing her brother as she did, if she didn't make things clear, he would truly become a tool for those three old men...

1028. If all else fails, you can call him Grandpa Nine-Tailed Fox.

She left Konoha because she disliked how those old guys had made a mess of things and dragged her younger brother into it. The old man was sentimental and cared for his friends, but she wasn't friends with those old guys, so she couldn't let her younger brother be used as a tool by them.

"That's no problem, anyway, with the old man gone, there's no one to protect them..."

Jiraiya nodded. Although he didn't interfere in village affairs, he had lived in Konoha for so many years and knew the village's situation well. No matter how much he hated it, there was nothing he could do. From his personal perspective, he would definitely support Tsunade's suggestion, but that only represented his personal opinion. He hated this kind of power struggle the most. After Tsunade and Nawaki returned to the village and took over, he would take Naruto away to train. Anyway, with Sakumo and Tsunade, two powerful figures, backing him up, the three old guys without the old man's protection couldn't compete with Nawaki.

"By the way, what were you saying about how to solve Naruto's problem?"

Tsunade agreed, so Nawaki's suggestion became irrelevant. Jiraiya then thought of Naruto's problem and asked Masato about it.

He didn't know whether Sakumo had mentioned how Jinchuriki interacted with Tailed Beasts. After the Nine-Tails' Night, he left after Minato and Kushina's funeral and knew nothing about it.

However, when it comes to matters concerning Naruto, Jiraiya naturally has to take it seriously, because if the Nine-Tails' chakra were to erupt, he really wouldn't be able to protect him...

"It's all just empty words of heartfelt persuasion; none of that works on Kurama. Grandma tried for decades, Kushina tried for so many years, and it's still the same. At least my grandma could occasionally exchange a few words with Kurama..."

Before Masato could speak, Tsunade, in her listless mood, spoke up first.

When it comes to the Nine-Tails, she has a lot to say. After all, her grandmother was the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Her grandmother often talked to her about the Nine-Tails when she was a child, and she was present most of the time when her grandmother was teaching Kushina. So she knows a lot about the Nine-Tails. The two Jinchuriki of Sunagakure got along well with the Tailed Beasts, but that depends on the Tailed Beast. The Nine-Tails was tried to influence by her grandmother and Kushina for decades without any success. This kid who looks a lot like her younger brother wants to influence the Nine-Tails?

"You don't understand. It's all about fate between people, and it's the same with tailed beasts. Take those two from Sunagakure, or that little sunglasses guy from Kumogakure, or Roshi from Iwagakure, for example. In the decades before them, who could coexist peacefully with a tailed beast? Which village didn't have tailed beasts going berserk from time to time? Of course, it's related to sealing techniques, but it's also related to people. They just didn't have the right fate with the tailed beasts. The reason Lady Mito was able to communicate with Kurama is because... your grandparents were powerful enough, it has nothing to do with fate..."

Masato had just finished his analysis when he saw Tsunade still wanting to speak, so he interrupted her speechlessly.

Just kidding. With Grandpa Senju around, it would be strange if the Nine-Tails dared to jump around and was sucked dry. Moreover, Mito Uzumaki is a grandmaster of sealing techniques and has the top-tier bloodline of the Uzumaki clan. Sealing the Nine-Tails is a piece of cake for her. The Nine-Tails can't even jump up if it wants to.

"Just like Bunpuku from Sunagakure back then, although his strength was weak, he was definitely a highly accomplished monk, the kind who was about to achieve enlightenment. But even so, he couldn't gain the One-Tail's approval. On the other hand, Gaara doesn't understand many profound principles like Bunpuku, but he still gains the One-Tail's approval. Don't you think about why? You've probably heard about the Nine-Tails and the One-Tail vying for the top spot. The One-Tail may not be as strong as the Nine-Tails, but their stubborn personalities are exactly the same. One has the destiny of a leader but not the luck of one, and the other has the luck of a leader but not the destiny of one. Yet Gaara can get along well with the One-Tail, calling Shukaku 'Grandpa' every day. Their relationship is even closer than with his own father, Rasa. Do you know why?"

"I can't believe it," Masato said, trying to deceive people.

He couldn't say that the Savior was the Nine-Tails' true love, and the Savior also possessed an incredibly powerful and unparalleled "Talk-no-Jutsu" (a technique that relies on persuasion and skill). Once triggered, any physical attack from any individual other than himself, as well as all ninjutsu, would not only fail to cause him any harm, but would also restore his health. Furthermore, any genjutsu would unconditionally dissipate and reflect back to the caster, guaranteeing a hit, lasting until the caster's death. This effect could not be resisted, weakened, ignored the target's immunity, or ignored the target's chakra regeneration. It could be said to be the highest-level ninjutsu that could kill or even turn an enemy to their side simply by opening one's mouth.

With such incredible persuasive skills, dealing with a caged animal would be a piece of cake.

"...Because of fate?"

Rope Tree said in a serious tone.

When Masato used this analogy, almost everyone present, except for the "big-headed" savior, understood it. Although it sounded absurd, they couldn't find any reason to refute it, since the examples he listed were actually quite plausible.

Others are not capable enough to do it, but some people do. Could it be that Luo Sha's youngest son is more talented than the enlightened monk Fen Fu?

That's obviously not the case. The reason why enlightened monks are called enlightened monks is because they are proficient in all kinds of great principles and can subdue people without using force. It's similar to the legendary art of verbal persuasion. But the thing that even the distribution of blessings couldn't be resolved was resolved by a little devil.

If this isn't fate, then what is it?

"That's right! Actually, fate is something you can't see or touch, but it's everywhere and has a powerful effect. This kid's past experiences have shown that he's the only one who didn't die, which proves that he has a connection with the Nine-Tails. So this kid might be able to influence the Nine-Tails, and that's the only way to completely resolve the Nine-Tails issue. If it succeeds, great; if it fails, it's still a loss. We just need to find a way to strengthen the seal."

Masato spread his hands and said.

"That seems to be true! Naruto, starting tomorrow, no! Starting tonight, you should chat with the Nine-Tails inside your belly more often and build up your relationship... If all else fails, you can call the Nine-Tails Grandpa!"

After Jiraiya nodded, his expression turned serious, and he solemnly grasped the savior's shoulders, saying...

Anyway, Kurama has been living in the ninja world for who knows how many years, so calling him "Grandpa" won't hurt. What if he accepts it?

"...Shameless humans."

The nine-tailed cat, nestled inside the savior's belly, gritted its teeth in anger upon hearing those shameless words, especially the yellow-haired bastard who had suggested beating it up. No wonder that idiot fat cat willingly allowed himself to be sealed by humans; he was clearly fooled by this shameless scoundrel. In all its life, it had never seen such a brazen human.

However, because the seal was reinforced quite firmly, it couldn't unleash its fury, and could only resolve to ignore Naruto, that idiot. Its noble Kurama, however, was single and didn't have such a stupid grandson...

1029. Kakashi: I didn't expect my dad to be so popular.

Konoha 64.

The impact of the death of the Third Hokage of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi, continues. While many are concerned about what will happen to Onoki, they are also wondering who the Fifth Hokage of Konoha will be.

However, many people are speculating about who the Fifth Hokage will be based on the current lineup of Konoha.

Sixty percent of people guessed it was Konoha's White Fang, after all, Konoha's White Fang wore the Hokage insignia for so many years, died for Konoha, and risked his life for decades. It would be reasonable to say that Konoha's White Fang became Hokage. It's as if there's definitely something fishy going on if the Fifth Hokage isn't Konoha's White Fang.

Even inside Konoha, many middle-aged and elderly women were already holding banners and waiting at the entrance to campaign for Sakumo Hatake.

This is where the power of fans becomes apparent. What generation of girls hasn't had a hero in their hearts? These middle-aged women also had their girlhood, and White Fang was precisely the ideal man of their time. Although these former fans are now parents, White Fang still represents their youth...

Now their time to be tested has come. These middle-aged women have even abandoned their husbands and children at home, standing up in an organized and disciplined manner to support their idol. In an instant, Konoha was in turmoil, and the Hatake clan was completely surrounded by these middle-aged women. Kakashi usually has to use the Body Flicker Technique to get to and from get off work.

Sakumo Hatake hasn't dared to leave his house lately, fearing that his female fans might do something illegal or disorderly.

"Sukko-ichi! I never expected Lord White Fang to be so popular!"

Every day, the underlings who passed by the Hatake clan's gate felt a pang of envy at the sight of this spectacle. Even the ANBU underlings dared not interfere, since some of their mothers were in the crowd, and they couldn't very well stop their mothers from chasing after their idols...

"Of course, Lord White Fang was our Konoha's top star back in the day, and he only stepped down after the Fourth Hokage rose to prominence..."

"That's what a knowledgeable member of the Anbu said matter-of-factly."

"But speaking of which, Sakumo-sama is so popular, yet Captain Kakashi's popularity doesn't seem to be that great..."

Another underling from the ANBU stroked his chin, seemingly pondering the differences between the white-haired father and son...

"No, I heard from some seniors that Captain Kakashi was very popular with girls when he was young, but he went through a period of decline and faded into obscurity."

"Yes, I heard that Yuuki used to have a crush on Kakashi-senpai."

"What?! No way?! Yuuki is Hayate's fiancée..."

"......-_-||"

Kakashi, standing not far in front of these gossiping ANBU underlings, was exasperated. He really wanted to unleash his ancestral swordsmanship and slash each of these bastards. "I'm right here! Do you think I'm dead?" he thought.

Since one of his students went to Orochimaru to evolve and the other followed Jiraiya to power up, Kakashi has temporarily stepped down from his position as a team leader and been temporarily transferred back to the Anbu to return to his old job. After all, the Hokage has passed away and the Fifth Hokage has not yet taken office, so the safety of the village is more important now.

However, Kakashi didn't expect that the blond old man was really telling the truth. He couldn't tell from his usual behavior that his father was so popular. Although some older women used to come to his door with small gifts and wait there from time to time, he didn't think much of it at the time. After all, his father had been in the village for so many years and had saved some people. It was normal for people to come and give him small gifts to repay their kindness. He didn't think about it in that way.

He thought that blond old man was just bragging when he first told him, but now he's finally witnessed the power of his father's idol aura. I bet all the aunties and grandmas in Konoha are here...

.....

Of course, some people speculated it was Jiraiya, after all, he was the Third Hokage's student, one of the only remaining Sannin still active in Konoha, and his contributions to Konoha were considerable. He was always present whenever a major event occurred in Konoha. However, Jiraiya has been away from Konoha for too many years, and time makes people forget many things. Even today, few young people have heard of the title "The Yellow One Among the Sannin," so Jiraiya's support rate isn't very high; most are just his book fans. However, considering that Jiraiya will become Hokage and won't have time to write to comfort their lonely hearts, these fans haven't taken any concrete action like older women, only offering their spiritual support. Among them is Kakashi, Jiraiya's longtime fan...

However, besides White Fang and Jiraiya, there is one more person who cannot be ignored.

Danzo, the chief assistant to the Hokage, is a figure who holds up half the sky in Konoha. Perhaps it was because the slogan shouted by Danzo when he was in power was so resounding that people always think of Danzo-sama who shouted that he would lead Konoha to the moon. In particular, many hot-blooded teenagers were infected by this slogan and cheered for the ambitious Danzo-sama. This made Danzo's support rate rise by a surprising margin, and he seemed to be able to rival White Fang.

This was something no one expected, and this situation left Koharu Utatane and Homura Mito, who had been keeping an eye on their comrades at headquarters, completely bewildered.

How can this old guy still have such a high approval rating?

However, as long as the commotion outside didn't disrupt Konoha's normal order, they didn't bother with it. Instead, they were determined to keep an eye on their buddies at Root and prevent them from causing trouble before Nawaki and Tsunade returned.

Although Danzo pointed at the sky lantern in front of them and promised not to cause trouble, they were all childhood friends who had even been teammates for more than ten years. Everyone knew each other well!

Danzo would wake up every day and see those two old bastards as soon as he stepped out the door, which would make him so angry that his face would turn black. Was Danzo's character really that untrustworthy? Especially since those two old bastards had been eating and drinking at his root all day long.

In the past, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Those two old guys were in the logistics department, and his Root organization needed funding from the logistics department to develop. But with the reconstruction of Konoha, Konoha's finances were depleted again. He couldn't get those two old guys to support the finances, so funds were especially important at this time. He was now eating steamed buns for every meal to cut costs, while those two old guys treated his Root organization's money like it was nothing, eating high-end ingredients and big meals of fish and meat every day.

At the rate these two old guys consume, his roots will probably collapse before Tsunade and Nawaki even return.

The key issue is that he still has no way to deal with these two old geezers.

Isn't that infuriating...?

1030. She was born lucky; she was elected unanimously.

However, just as everyone was speculating whether the Fifth Hokage was White Fang, Jiraiya, or Danzo, the half-king of Konoha, a piece of news came from Konoha.

The grandson of the First Hokage, "God of Shinobi" Hashirama Senju, and the current head of the Senju clan, Nawaki Senju, is about to become the Fifth Hokage!

This news caused a huge uproar in the ninja world, not because Senju Nawaki was famous—quite the opposite—but because he was virtually unknown. Many people had never even heard of him. Everyone knew that the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, had a granddaughter, Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, whose iron fists could split mountains and shatter rocks, unstoppable by anyone. But when it came to Senju Nawaki, many people had never heard of him. They only just learned that the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, actually had a grandson, and Tsunade had a younger brother. They had thought that only Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, remained of the Senju clan…

Of course, those who haven't heard of Senju Nawaki are mostly ordinary people or young people. Anyone who has been in the ninja circle for a few years knows the name Senju Nawaki. After all, with the shining halo of being the grandson of Senju Hashirama above his head, it's impossible for him to keep a low profile.