Chapter 1: Revelations
Naruto watched his reflection in the window of the Hokage building, feeling the weight of the ninja band on his forehead. It was a sunny day in Konoha, the clear sky reflected the mood of the young ninja, who radiated enthusiasm. Today he had been called to the Hokage's office, and although the idea of being in front of the Third Hokage always caused him a mixture of nerves and excitement, he couldn't help but smile. Finally, he was a real ninja.
The doors to Hiruzen Sarutobi's office opened with a slight creak. Naruto entered, making an effort to maintain his composure, but his quick pace and bright eyes betrayed his enthusiasm.
—Old Hokage! —he exclaimed in his characteristic energetic tone—. What do you want to tell me? Do you have a super important mission for me?
Hiruzen, sitting behind his desk, watched him with a warm but tired smile. The Hokage had witnessed Naruto's growth since his childhood, and although his energy was inexhaustible, he knew that the time had come to address certain sensitive topics.
"Naruto," Hiruzen began, with a calm and deep voice, "first of all, I want to congratulate you." You have managed to become a Konoha ninja, and that is no small feat. You've earned your place, and I'm proud of you.
Naruto felt his chest swell with pride at the Hokage's words.
-Thank you! —he responded with a smile—. I promise that I will become an even stronger ninja and protect everyone! Really!
Hiruzen nodded smiling, but his expression became more serious after coughing a little, which did not go unnoticed by Naruto. The atmosphere in the office changed, becoming more solemn.
"Naruto, there are things about you... about your past, that you should know now that you have reached this point in your life," Hiruzen continued, carefully observing the young man's reaction. You've lived your entire life as an orphan, but that doesn't mean you're alone in the world. There is a legacy that you carry with you, an important legacy.
Naruto cocked his head, his initial excitement turning into confusion. He was used to feeling apart, different, but a legacy? That was new.
—A legacy? What are you talking about, old man? —he asked frankly, without completely losing his playful tone, although his curiosity was evident.
Hiruzen slowly stood up from his seat and walked over to a bookshelf filled with ancient scrolls. With firm but careful hands, he took out a scroll wrapped in red cloth, which he untied before placing it on the desk.
"This scroll contains information about your mother, Kushina Uzumaki," Hiruzen said, as he unrolled the scroll, revealing a series of symbols and texts. She was an exceptional kunoichi and a member of the Uzumaki Clan, a clan highly respected and feared throughout the ninja world.
Naruto approached the hokage and taking the scroll, his eyes wide, trying to process what he heard.
—My mother... was a ninja? he asked quietly, as if afraid the words would fade into thin air.
"That's right," Hiruzen agreed, touching Naruto's shoulder. Kushina was a strong and brave woman, and was an essential part of our village. — he coughed a little, adjusting his ideas — The Uzumaki Clan has a deep history in Konoha. Although their original home was in Uzushiogakure, the ties to our village are old and powerful, thanks in part to the Senju, one of our founding clans. Your mother came here, to Konoha, as an heir to that noble blood.
Naruto listened in silence, absorbed by the story he had never imagined. Until that moment, his life had been a constant struggle to find his place, to be recognized. Knowing that he had a legacy, a story behind his name, was both overwhelming and comforting.
—So... I'm part of that clan? Naruto asked, feeling a mix of amazement and responsibility. What happened to them?
Hiruzen's face darkened slightly before he responded.
—Unfortunately, the Uzumaki Clan was almost exterminated during the wars of the past. Their power and knowledge of sealing techniques made them targets, and Uzushiogakure was destroyed. The few survivors scattered across the ninja world, and many of its secrets were lost. Kushina was one of the last to proudly bear that name, and now you are her heir.
Naruto felt a lump in his throat. The idea of being the last of his clan was difficult for him to accept, but at the same time, the revelation gave him a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before with konoha.
"Naruto, now that you are a ninja, there are responsibilities you must assume," Hiruzen continued, trying to ease the burden he knew he was placing on the young man's shoulders. As heir to the Uzumaki Clan, albeit nearly extinct, you have a duty to its legacy. But also, you are part of this village, and that connection makes you part of something bigger. You will be required to attend important events as a representative of your clan, starting with a dinner tonight with the leaders of Konoha's clans.
—A dinner? —Naruto blinked in surprise, bewildered by the turn the conversation had taken—. With the clan leaders? I? Aren't they going to want me not to be there?
Hiruzen let out a light laugh at Naruto's typical reaction.
—You'd be surprised how many people in Konoha have been waiting for the day when you could officially join them as a ninja and as a representative of your clan. This dinner will be the perfect opportunity for you to get to know these people and for them to get to know you. You will no longer be the "problem child", but the heir to an important legacy.
Naruto processed what was said, feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement. It would be the first time he would be recognized in that way. He had always dreamed of being Hokage, but he had never considered that he could be respected any other way. The idea of being the heir to a clan, and such an important one, was new and daunting, but also exciting.
"It's okay," he finally said, a renewed determination in his eyes. If my mother was such an amazing ninja and if my clan was so important, then I will do everything I can to honor her name. I will attend that dinner and show everyone that I am more than just Naruto Uzumaki! really!.
Hiruzen smiled, satisfied with the young man's response.
"I knew you'd say that," he replied in an affectionate tone. Now, go and prepare. Tonight will be a new beginning for you.
Naruto nodded vigorously, his mind already beginning to work on what he would need to do to be ready for dinner. However, when he was about to leave the office, he stopped and looked back.
"Old Hokage..." he hesitated for a moment, searching for words, "was my father... also part of a clan?"
Hiruzen felt a slight tug at his heart at the question. He had prepared for this possibility, but now was not the time to reveal everything.
"Your father was a great man, Naruto," he answered, without going into details. Someday, you will know everything. But for now, focus on what's in front of you. Your mother would be very proud of you.
Naruto didn't seem entirely satisfied with the answer, but accepted what he had been told. After all, today he had discovered things he never imagined. He nodded slowly and, with a smile, ran out of the office, eager to face what was coming.
Hiruzen watched him go, feeling both relief and sadness. He knew that Naruto's path was full of challenges, but he was also sure that with his unbreakable spirit, the young ninja would be up to the task.
"Minato, Kushina..." he muttered to himself, "your son has grown up well." I will guide you as much as I can, until the time comes for you to discover the whole truth.
Naruto looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting his ninja headband over and over again. Although it had been quite an achievement to obtain it, it now seemed to not sit well on his messy blonde hair. The Hokage's words kept echoing in his mind: "Your mother would be very proud of you." The young ninja felt a mix of emotions that was difficult to handle. Tonight, he would attend a dinner where the most important clans of Konoha would be present, and he, Naruto Uzumaki, would represent the Uzumaki Clan.
—Come on, Naruto! Can! —he said to himself, while he tried to calm the nerves that were fluttering in his stomach and he repeatedly slapped his cheeks—. It's just dinner! How difficult can it be?
However, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself, the idea of being surrounded by the leaders of the most powerful clans in the village made him uneasy. He had never been in such a formal situation before, much less as a representative of a noble clan. As she finished dressing, she chose a simple blue tunic that matched her usual outfit, but at least gave it a more elegant touch. However, he couldn't help but feel out of place.
"I hope they don't expect me to behave like them," she murmured as she adjusted the bow of her obi on a belt. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'll do things my way!
With that decision, he left his apartment and headed to the dinner venue. The streets of Konoha were quiet, and the evening sun dyed the rooftops orange. As he continued, his nerves began to dissipate, replaced by a determination to prove that, despite everything, he deserved to be there.
When he arrived at the dinner venue, a large building in the center of Konoha, two guards bowed to him, something he had never experienced before. Naruto, surprised, tried to hide his discomfort with a nervous smile. The guards guided him down a long, elegantly decorated hallway, to a double door that opened before him, revealing a large hall filled with warm lights and decorations that highlighted the importance of the event.
The young ninja felt his mouth go dry as he saw the magnitude of the place. In the center of the room, a long table was neatly arranged, with seats reserved for each clan leader. The soft, elegant conversations of the guests filled the air, but they all stopped when Naruto entered. The eyes turned to him, evaluating him, judging him.
"Uzumaki-San, welcome," said a man with a formal robe and a beard that gave off the smell of cigarettes who seemed to be the host of the night. The Hokage is waiting for you.
Naruto nodded with a slight nod, feeling sweat begin to form on his palms. They guided him to the center of the table, where Hiruzen Sarutobi was already sitting in his position of honor. To Naruto's surprise, the seat to the Hokage's right was reserved for him.
-Here? he asked in disbelief, looking at the empty chair.
"Of course," Hiruzen replied with a kind smile. You are the heir of a noble clan, Naruto. This is your position.
Naruto sat up slowly, feeling his stomach turn. To his left was the Hokage, which was intimidating in itself, but what really set him on edge was seeing who was sitting on the other side of the Hokage. Sasuke Uchiha, the coldest and most arrogant girl he knew. Although they were both teammates and rivals, their relationship was far from friendly. Sasuke, with his long black hair and unflappable gaze, barely spared a quick glance at Naruto before returning his attention to the cup in his hands.
—What is she doing here? —Naruto thought, feeling even more uncomfortable. To him, Sasuke had always been an enigma. Her distant attitude and constant rudeness irritated him, but also motivated him to improve himself. However, in this environment, his presence only added more tension.
"I see you've been placed in a prominent place," Sasuki commented in his usual tone, not bothering to look at him.
Naruto frowned, ready to respond with his typical defiant and loud energy, but the Hokage's presence at his side stopped him.
—Yeah, sure... I guess someone has to keep spirits up here, right? —he responded, forcing a smile.
Before Sasuke could reply, Hiruzen began talking to other clan leaders arriving at the hall. Naruto watched carefully as the guests took their seats. He recognized some of them by sight, but others were new faces to him. However, what shocked him the most was when he saw three men approach his side of the table. One of them, with big red hair and a kind smile, leaned slightly towards him.
—You must be Naruto Uzumaki, right? the man asked in a deep, friendly voice. I am Chōza Akimichi, leader of the noble Akimichi Clan. My son Chōji has told me a lot about you.
Naruto blinked, surprised by the man's friendly tone.
—Oh, yes! "I know Chōji, he's a good guy," he answered hurriedly without thinking about what he said, feeling a little more relaxed as he recognized a familiar name.
"It is," Chōza replied with a deep laugh. And you, Naruto, are an interesting young man. It is an honor to meet Kushina's son.
Before Naruto could respond, another man approached, with a more bored but equally respectful expression.
"I am Shikaku Nara, leader of the Nara Clan," he said, bowing his head slightly. My son, Shikamaru, is also in your class. —He didn't seem to want to talk more—
Naruto nodded, remembering Shikamaru as the boy who was always sleeping in class, but somehow always found a way to get by.
—Yes, Shikamaru is... a genius when he puts his mind to it? —Naruto admitted, a little impressed by the presence of these leaders.
The third man, thinner and with a serious face, also introduced himself.
—I am Inoichi Yamanaka, leader of the Yamanaka Clan. My daughter Ino is in your class, and although she can be a little... energetic at times, she has a big heart.
Naruto nodded again, though in his mind he couldn't help but remember how Ino and Sakura always competed with each other, especially when it came to Sasuki. However, the kindness and respect with which these men treated him surprised him and made him feel somewhat more comfortable.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Naruto responded, trying to sound as formal as possible. I didn't know that... that you knew my mother.
The comment left the three men in a brief silence before Chōza spoke again being the one with the highest authority on the nobility in the group.
"Kushina was a dear friend to many of us," he said in a nostalgic tone. She was a strong and determined woman. We all respected her a lot, and I know she would be very proud to see what you have become.
Naruto felt a warmth in his chest at those words. Although he knew her only from the stories he had heard today, the image of his mother was beginning to take shape in his mind. Knowing that she had been loved by these powerful leaders gave her a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before.
"Thank you… it really means a lot to me to hear that," he answered sincerely, looking down for a moment.
As the conversation continued, Naruto couldn't help but notice the leader of the Hyūga Clan, Hiashi Hyūga, who was at the opposite end of the chōza table. Unlike the others, Hiashi had not come forward to introduce himself, but was observing Naruto from his place, with an impassive expression, he seemed surrounded by other leaders of minor clans next to Sasuki.
—Who is he? —Naruto asked quietly, addressing Hiruzen.
"That is Hiashi Hyūga, leader of the Hyūga Clan," the Hokage responded in a whisper. His clan is one of the oldest and most powerful in Konoha. Hiashi is a reserved man, but highly respected. He's probably sizing you up, as he does everyone who comes into his circle.
Naruto felt a shiver run down his spine under Hiashi's piercing gaze. However, he refused to be intimidated. After everything he'd been through today, he wasn't going to let a mere glance discourage him.
The room was immersed in a solemn and elegant atmosphere. The hanging lamps cast a warm golden light that shone on the fine china and exquisite dishes that were beginning to be served. Naruto, despite his initial nervousness, had managed to relax a bit after the conversations with Chōza, Shikaku and Inoichi. However, the tension at the table was palpable, and much of it seemed to come from the presence of Sasuki Uchiha on his opposite side.
Naruto couldn't help but sneak glances towards Sasuki, who, with her usual stoic expression, seemed to be completely uninterested in everything going on around her. His posture was impeccable, his demeanor cold and distant, but there was an elegance in the way he moved that only accentuated his difference from the rest of those present. Naruto, on the other hand, felt like every time he tried to do something correctly, he ended up clumsily spilling water or making too much noise with his cutlery.
Hiruzen, sitting between them, watched the situation with a mix of curiosity and concern. He knew both young men well, and although he understood that their personalities were diametrically opposed, he also knew that a poorly managed rivalry could become a lost opportunity for mutual learning.
As dinner began, Hiruzen raised his glass and the room fell into silence. All eyes turned to him.
—Tonight, we celebrate not only the bonds of the Konoha clans, but also the future of our village in the form of our young ninjas. — The Hokage looked with a gentle movement at the heirs at his side — Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuki Uchiha, you are the future of Konoha that we celebrate and joins us today. Both carry the legacies of powerful clans in their blood, but beyond that, they are part of a new generation that will lead Konoha into a brighter tomorrow. This dinner is to celebrate the continuity of our traditions, but also to recognize the importance of the bonds we must forge between us. —Hiruzen paused, raising his glass a little higher. For Konoha and its future!
—For Konoha! —they all responded in unison, raising their glasses.
Naruto raised his glass excitedly, though he couldn't help but feel a little more nervous at the Hokage's words. The future of Konoha… those were important words, and for a moment, the weight of responsibility that entailed made him hesitate. But when he looked at Sasuke, who seemed indifferent to the whole speech, something inside him lit up. He couldn't let Sasuki surpass him at this, any more than he would let him surpass him at being a ninja.
Hiruzen, with a smile that hid his true thoughts, noticed the growing tension between the two young men. He decided it was a good time to intervene and smooth things over.
"Naruto, Sasuke," he said, catching both of their attention. It's rare to see the two of them together at an event like this. I think this is a good opportunity for you to get to know each other better, don't you think?
Naruto tensed upon hearing the Hokage's words, while Sasuki simply let out a light sigh, showing her usual disinterest.
"Sure, Old Hokage," Naruto replied, trying to sound nonchalant. I'm sure Sasuke and I have a lot to talk about, right?
Sasuke didn't look up from his plate, but his voice, cold as steel, left no doubt about what he was thinking.
"I don't see what we could have in common, Naruto," she replied in a flat tone, not bothering to look in his direction. But if you want to talk, I won't stop you.
Naruto frowned, feeling a sting of frustration. Sasuke had always been distant towards him, but in this environment, his coldness felt even more cutting. Determined not to be intimidated, he decided to try to break the ice the way he knew best: with his unbreakable competitive spirit.
"Well, Sasuki," he began, trying to sound confident, "I guess as teammates, we should learn to get along." After all, I'm going to be Hokage one day, and you're going to be my teammate, so we might as well get used to each other, right?
Sasuke finally looked up and fixed his dark eyes on Naruto, showing no emotion.
—Hokage? —he repeated, as if the word were strange to him—. Do you really think that someone like you can become Hokage?
The comment fell like a bucket of cold water, but Naruto was not willing to let himself be defeated so easily. He leaned forward a little, his voice tinged with implicit challenge.
-Of course! he exclaimed, keeping his voice low so as not to attract too much attention. I don't just believe it, I know it! And when it is, you'll have to admit it, Sasuke. You will witness how I become the strongest ninja in Konoha.
Sasuke looked at him indifferently, as if his words didn't affect her in the slightest.
"We'll see," he replied, returning his attention to the food in front of him. Talking is easy, Naruto. But being Hokage requires more than just words. It requires skill, intelligence and control. Three things that you... well, you're not exactly the best at.
Naruto felt his frustration rise. He knew Sasuki was a prodigy, recognized even by other adults as a promising kunoichi, but that didn't mean he would accept being underestimated. He clenched his fists under the table, trying hard to stay calm.
—And what do you know? He responded more harshly than he had planned. I may not be as good as you at some things, but that doesn't mean I can't improve. And when I do, you're going to eat your words!
Sasuke glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, not bothering to hide his disdain.
"You're right about something, Naruto," he responded with a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. You can improve. But until you do, maybe you should focus on that instead of making empty promises.
The exchange of words had begun to attract the attention of some of the nearby clan leaders. Chōza, Shikaku and Inoichi exchanged glances, recognizing the tension between the two young men. However, before any of them could intervene, Hiruzen burst into laughter, breaking the awkward silence.
—Ah, youth! he exclaimed, patting Naruto on the back affectionately. They remind me so much of the days when their parents were at the academy. Don't worry, this is just the enthusiasm of youth. I'm sure that, in time, they will learn to work together.
Naruto and Sasuki exchanged furtive glances, but neither of them seemed willing to budge. For Naruto, the Hokage's laughter only served to accentuate his frustration. He didn't want them to take it lightly, much less think that this was just a passing phase. He wanted to prove that he could be as strong and capable as anyone else in the room, even Sasuke.
"It's true, Hokage-sama," Sasuki said, though his tone was neutral enough that it was difficult to tell whether he was serious or not. I'm sure Naruto and I will find a way to...understand each other.
-I hope so! —Naruto exclaimed, forcing a smile—. Because it doesn't matter what you think, Sasuke. I'm going to prove that I'm more than capable, and I'll do it very soon!
Sasuke didn't respond immediately, simply raising an eyebrow with an expression that seemed to waver between boredom and disbelief.
"We'll see, Naruto," he repeated, in a tone that suggested he didn't have many expectations. We'll see.
The two young men nodded, although it was clear that their differences were far from resolved. As dinner continued, Naruto decided to focus on the food to avoid saying anything that could make things worse. However, Sasuki's presence at his side, with his seemingly immovable attitude, remained a constant reminder that, to gain the respect he so desired, he would have to surpass not only the expectations of others, but also his own.
The dinner was drawing to a close, with the clan leaders sharing stories and toasts to the future of Konoha. Naruto, still processing his tense exchange with Sasuki, was silent, focused on his food while trying to ignore the icy presence at his side. Sasuki, for her part, maintained her unwavering composure, although inside she struggled to understand what irritated her more: Naruto's insistence or the attention he inevitably devoted to her.
Suddenly, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, drawing the attention of everyone present. The murmuring stopped immediately, and the room fell into an expectant silence.
"Dear friends and leaders of Konoha," Hiruzen began, his voice resonating with the authority and wisdom that characterized him, "tonight we celebrated the ties that unite us as clans and as a village. Konoha has been built on the strength of those connections, on the unity of our founding clans and their descendants. Today, in honor of those ties and our history, it is time to reveal a decision that was made years ago by two very important people to us.
Naruto raised his head, curious, while Sasuki fixed his gaze on the Hokage, anticipating something he didn't expect.
"Many years ago, when Kushina Uzumaki and Fugaku Uchiha were the leaders of their respective clans," Hiruzen continued, "they reached an agreement. An agreement that would strengthen the ties between their families and, in turn, guarantee the future prosperity of Konoha. That agreement was a marriage commitment between their children.
A murmur of surprise ran through the room, but it was nothing compared to the impact of the words on Naruto and Sasuki. Naruto's jaw dropped, his mind struggling to comprehend what he had just heard.
—What…what does that mean? —Naruto muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sasuki, for her part, stiffened, her eyes wide but darkening with a mix of disbelief and anger. He couldn't believe that something so important had been decided without his knowledge, much less that it was him, Naruto.
"This is... unacceptable," she thought, his breathing quickening as he tried to stay calm.
"That's right," Hiruzen continued, oblivious to the young people's internal commotion. Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuki Uchiha, in honor of their parents and the ties between their clans, are engaged. This engagement symbolizes the union of two of Konoha's most powerful bloodlines and is cause for celebration.
The clan leaders, after a moment of surprise, began to congratulate the new "couple." Comments full of joy and good wishes echoed in the room, while glasses were raised in a new toast. However, both Naruto and Sasuki remained in a state of absolute shock, unable to articulate a single word.
As dinner continued, Naruto and Sasuke shared a look that said more than a thousand words. They were both lost in a mix of shock, confusion, and growing discomfort.
And so, as the celebration continued around them, Naruto and Sasuki were caught in an abyss of uncertainty in each other's gaze, wondering what all of this would mean for their lives.
This was one of the 24 made at the date of publication of the fastest that I wrote having a more or less clear idea of what I wanted in it, I also apologize for some mistakes, I don't speak English and I used a translator for this chapter.
In addition, continuing with the curious facts of the chapter:
•Konoha holds a dinner between clan leaders every year, usually these dinners occur on important eves such as the founding of Konoha.
This year it was a dinner to celebrate that most of the Konoha clans had an heir who became a ninja that year.
At dinner, besides Naruto and Sasuki, Shino was present, but his lack of socializing made him disappear.
On the other hand, Konoha is divided into 3 main forces now that Naruto is present: the Hokage faction, the faction under the protection of the Hyuga and the Senju-Uzumaki faction which has just been formed when Naruto takes his place as leader of the Uzumaki clan.
Choza akimichi leader of the Akimichi faction was the first to speak to Naruto because of how politics are handled, it is rude for a clan leader to address a noble clan leader, the akimichis that are also a noble clan can skip that rule, in turn Naruto is a special case being a representative of a founding clan and an external noble clan which technically makes him A political figure potentially greater than any other noble clan leader below the Hokage, her marriage to Sasuki also reinforces that authority, Thanks to that potential power, he inadvertently ended up absorbing the Akimichi faction into his own.