Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

POV: NARUTO

The coolness of the night surrounded me as I woke up with a start. I was still in bed, the blanket wrapped around me like a cocoon. My mind was muddled by dreams that I couldn't quite remember. The moon shone brightly through the window, and the silence of the night was almost oppressive.

I got up slowly, my bare feet meeting the cold floor. I was thirsty. As I made my way to the small kitchen in my apartment, I took a glass of water and drank it in one go. Yet, even after the water, I felt no sleep returning.

— "Tch, what a hassle..." I murmured to myself, placing the glass in the sink.

I took a deep breath, and then an idea crossed my mind. If I couldn't sleep, I might as well use this time to train. I sat cross-legged in the center of the room, closing my eyes to try to feel the nature around me. I wanted to improve my control of the hermit mode, and this was a good opportunity.

The seconds ticked by, then minutes, and suddenly, a strange sensation passed through me. Two distinct presences, chakras that I knew well but hadn't noticed until now. They were those of Shikai-sensei and old Hiruzen.

My heart started beating faster. What were they doing outside my place at such a late hour? A hint of curiosity pricked me. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I got up and jumped out the window. I had nothing to lose, and who knows, I might learn something important.

I followed the chakra signatures discreetly until I reached a dark alley, hidden from view. There, I saw them: Shikai-sensei stood straight, his arms crossed, while old Hiruzen seemed pensive, his hands behind his back. They were talking, but I couldn't hear everything.

I crept a little closer, taking care to stay hidden in the shadows. My heart was beating so fast that I felt they would hear me.

— "So, Shikai, how is Naruto doing?" Hiruzen asked, his deep voice resonating softly in the alley.

Shikai-sensei nodded.

— "He's making good progress. He has a lot of potential, but he still lacks discipline and focus. However, he has a solid heart and a willpower I've never seen in any other ninja."

A slight smile passed over the old Hokage's lips.

— "I see. Keep an eye on him, Shikai. He's important for the future of Konoha."

Shikai hesitated, then replied:

— "Of course. I'm already watching him closely, but... I'm not doing it solely because it's my mission, he's the jinchūriki."

My fists clenched. My heart tightened as I heard that. Shikai-sensei had always treated me with respect and kindness, but it was strange to hear him talk about me like that.

— "You feel sorry for him, don't you?" Hiruzen asked, his gaze piercing.

— "Yes," Shikai replied after a moment of silence. "Since he was a child, he's been hated for no reason. He grew up alone, without anyone to guide him. I can't help but think about all he's endured. And then he's the son of my sensei, after all."

Hiruzen shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

— "Minato didn't deserve all those praises. You know, Shikai, it was actually my decision that caused his death."

My eyes widened. I must have misheard. No... it couldn't be true. I was a host. Shikai's sensei was my father? Shikai had two male sensei, Jiraiya and the Yondaime, and the only one who sacrificed himself was Minato Namikaze.

Shikai remained silent, visibly shocked.

— "What do you mean?" he asked eventually, his voice strained.

— "Minato had asked for my help to protect the village during the Kyûbi attack. But I refused, intentionally. He had to sacrifice himself because I chose to do nothing."

I felt my breath catch. My father... had died because Hiruzen had abandoned him?

Shikai furrowed his eyebrows, the tone of his voice becoming more serious.

— "Why... why tell me this now?"

Hiruzen shrugged, his expression indecipherable.

— "Because I know you'll never forgive me, just as I'll never forgive myself. But I still don't think you should tell him the truth."

Shikai clenched his fists.

— "Then why not tell him yourself? Maybe he would be more attached to the village and decide to follow in his parents' footsteps, not hesitating to sacrifice himself if the opportunity arises."

Hiruzen looked away.

— "No. I can't. Naruto must remain ignorant. Everything I've done, I've done for the good of the village. Besides, the Yondaime's money has been put to good use."

I had to bite my tongue to keep from shouting. It was too much. Way too much.

The conversation continued, each word breaking me a little more.

— "Jiraiya and Iruka, too..." I murmured to myself.

— "No matter what you think. Naruto is first and foremost a weapon for Konoha. If he were to deviate from that role..."

The old Hokage fixed Shikai with a frozen gaze.

— "If I were to order you to eliminate him, would you do it?"

Silence fell like a leaden weight.

Shikai furrowed his eyebrows, visibly conflicted.

— "Naruto has suffered too much. But if it were for Konoha... I would do my mission."