Chapter 17: The Fastest in the Ninja World

"Naruto."

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a kindly expression, "Today is your first day at the academy. How does it feel?"

"It's fantastic!"

Naruto Uzumaki said excitedly, "Especially Teacher Kitazawa—he's super-duper amazing!"

After saying this, he held up the snacks in his hands and shook them boastfully.

"Did you buy these snacks yourself?"

Seeing him so happy, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a smile.

"They're a reward from Teacher Kitazawa!"

Naruto Uzumaki opened the snack gift bag and let out an exclamation of wonder.

The variety of snacks inside exceeded his imagination: lollipops, chocolate, sandwich cookies, french fries, and more.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a subconscious glance and couldn't help but nod.

Kitazawa—this teacher is decent; he's worth keeping around.

Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled how he had stepped in to help Naruto Uzumaki out of trouble multiple times today.

He mused that he could still award the "Most Outstanding Teacher" title to Kitazawa this year.

Although there was a suspicion of favoritism, he was the Hokage; no one would dare to question it.

"Here, Old Man Third."

Naruto Uzumaki took out a lollipop.

"I'm past the age for eating snacks."

Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out to pat his head and said, "You eat it."

Naruto Uzumaki hesitated for a moment, then tucked the lollipop away.

"Besides your teacher, how are your classmates? Have you made any friends?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi opened the door, and he and Naruto Uzumaki walked into the living room.

"I feel like Choji, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Ino are all pretty nice to me."

Naruto Uzumaki scratched his head and said, "But I don't know if we count as friends yet."

"If not now, you will be in the future."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't find this surprising.

The classmates Naruto Uzumaki mentioned all came from ninja clans; they were all aware of the so-called "monster" rumors.

Furthermore, their parents had either fought alongside Minato Namikaze or had received help from him.

"Awesome!"

Naruto Uzumaki was very excited and said, "I, Naruto Uzumaki, am finally going to have friends!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt a pang of shame in his heart.

The treatment Naruto Uzumaki endured was far too cruel for a young child.

But... this was a necessary sacrifice.

The Nine-Tails jinchuriki was the Hidden Leaf Village's most important trump card and had to be handled with caution.

"Old Man Third."

After sitting down on the sofa, Naruto Uzumaki took a bite of a sandwich cookie and asked, "Do you know much about the Fourth Hokage?"

"Why are you suddenly asking about the Fourth Hokage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze sharpened as he asked.

"It's like this."

Naruto Uzumaki explained, "Teacher Kitazawa said that if I want to gain everyone's recognition, I should learn from the Hokage."

"Then why aren't you asking me?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a chuckle, "There are quite a few people who consider me the strongest Hokage, you know."

"I plan to learn from all four Hokage. That way, I'll definitely be able to surpass all the previous Hokage."

Naruto Uzumaki grinned and said, "Old Man Third, am I not clever?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"What are you laughing at?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked, looking confused, "Is there a problem with that idea?"

"No problem at all."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his white beard and said, "If you truly can combine the strengths of all four Hokage, then you could indeed surpass the previous ones."

"That's great!"

Naruto Uzumaki said, full of fighting spirit.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled without saying anything, choosing not to dampen his enthusiasm.

Combine the strengths of four Hokage? Even he couldn't do that, let alone Naruto Uzumaki.

To be precise, such a ninja could never exist in the entire ninja world.

"The Fourth Hokage's name was Minato Namikaze."

A look of reminiscence appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face as he said, "He was perfect—gentle, refined, and powerful. He was known as the Yellow Flash."

"Why was he called the Yellow Flash?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked, puzzled.

"His hair was golden, just like yours."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, "Combined with his speed, which was the fastest in the ninja world, he earned that title."

"How fast was he?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked curiously.

"Faster than light."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment and said, "His enemies would be defeated before they even saw his face."

"So cool!"

Naruto Uzumaki stared blankly and said, "I want to become a ninja that fast too!"

"You'll have your chance."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

"Then he..."

Naruto Uzumaki suddenly thought of something, and hesitation appeared on his face.

"What's wrong?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said nonchalantly, "Ask whatever you want."

"Since he was so powerful, how did he die?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked curiously.

The smile on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face froze instantly.

His memories were pulled back into that chaotic night of the Nine-Tails.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Hinata." ===== CHAPTER 19 =====