Chapter 26: An Old Man's Dilemma
"Here, give me two of these."
"And two of these as well."
"Wrap these separately, please."
When Kaien returned to 8th street, he found Sasuke shopping in a clothing store. Naruto stood beside him, arms loaded with bags filled with shoes, pants, and other clothes.
Sasuke waved a wad of cash, directing the clerk to run around busily.
As an Uchiha-owned store, they naturally recognized Sasuke, the young clan leader. The staff provided top-tier service—not only because of who he was, but also because Sasuke never bargained. He bought whatever he liked without hesitation.
Bang! Kaien smacked Sasuke lightly on the head.
"Ow!"
"You brat! Is that how you shop?"
Sasuke pouted in annoyance but then grinned and handed more bags to Naruto, continuing his chatter with him.
It wasn't that Kaien was stingy. The Uchiha clan was wealthy—buying clothes wouldn't bankrupt them. But letting Sasuke develop bad habits and act bossy wasn't acceptable.
Naruto stared at the clothes in amazement. These were things he'd never even dared to dream about. But he looked a little uneasy.
"Senior Kaien, this is a lot..."
Kaien waved his hand. "You're Sasuke's friend. No need to say anything more."
Naruto's eyes sparkled. He nodded hard. "Mm!"
"Hello, Lord Kaien."
Two Uchiha guards standing nearby greeted him politely.
Kaien glanced at them. "You two seem a bit too idle, huh?"
The guards smiled awkwardly. Of course, they weren't idle—they were there to keep an eye on Sasuke and Naruto.
Kaien had already noticed the presence of ANBU operatives watching from rooftops.
"It's getting late. Sasuke, let's head home. Naruto, you should get going too."
"Can I come play with Sasuke tomorrow?" Naruto asked hopefully.
"Sasuke has some things to do over the next couple of days. He won't be free."
Naruto's expression fell.
Kaien smiled. "School starts soon. You'll see each other then."
"Ah, right! School's starting!" Naruto beamed.
"Be sure to wear your new clothes on the first day. It's a new beginning."
"Yeah!"
Today had been the happiest day Naruto could remember in years.
Kaien signaled to one of the guards. "Uchiha Kenichi, take Naruto home."
"Yes!"
"Senior Kaien, no need. I can find my way home," Naruto said shyly.
Kaien ruffled his hair. "Be good. Go on."
"Hehe, okay." Naruto grinned again and hugged the clothes tightly.
Kenichi offered to carry the bags, but Naruto refused.
"Alright, I'm off! Bye, Senior Kaien! Bye, Sasuke! See you at school!" Naruto shouted as he walked off, arms full.
Kaien waved. "Take care."
Sasuke waved too, watching Naruto with a strange feeling. He'd never seen him this happy before.
"Let's go. Time to head back."
"Uchiha Kaien said that Uzumaki Kushina once helped him. He just wants Naruto to eat and dress better and become good friends with Sasuke."
The Third Hokage sat in silence, listening to the ANBU report.
"According to the ANBU's surveillance, Kaien didn't say or do anything else suspicious."
The Third Hokage took a long drag from his pipe, frowning. He didn't believe Kaien was being kind out of pure goodwill.
'Kushina helping him?' That was years ago—who knew if it was even true?
Kakashi spoke up cautiously. "Kaien did say that whether Naruto ends up admiring the Uchiha is Naruto's own choice."
The Third's frown deepened. The Uchiha clan had been growing increasingly distant from the village.
Mission reports showed a significant drop in participation from Uchiha shinobi. Many avoided dangerous missions, taking only low-level assignments. Some even feigned illness to avoid mandatory tasks.
The Third couldn't force them—many were still rebuilding homes after the Nine-Tails attack.
Now, Kaien had suddenly approached the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, and the Third Hokage was on high alert.
'Are the Uchiha planning a rebellion? Or trying to win Naruto over for future use?'
"Hokage-sama, Naruto's life has been difficult," Kakashi said quietly.
The Third looked over. "Kakashi, are you blaming me for not taking better care of him?"
"Uh…" Kakashi hesitated. Though the tone wasn't harsh, he quickly bowed. "I didn't mean it like that. I know the Third Hokage had his reasons."
The Third nodded, then began speaking in a weary, honest tone.
"Kakashi… when the Fourth passed away, the entire village was in chaos. Many powerful figures had their ideas on how to handle the Jinchūriki. Some even wanted to imprison Naruto."
"I fought against that. I did everything I could to ensure he wouldn't be locked up."
"But someone leaked his status as a Jinchūriki. I had no choice but to spread rumours that he was the demon fox's child to confuse the villagers."
"Many of them lost loved ones in the Nine-Tails attack. They needed something—or someone—to blame."
"As for his parentage, I kept that hidden. A Jinchūriki who is also the child of a former Hokage would be a major target."
The Third Hokage sighed. "Still, over the years, I visited him often… trying to make up for what he lost."
Kakashi bowed lower, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Lord Third. I judged without knowing the whole picture."
The Third waved it off. "You care because he's your master's son. I understand."
He paused, then added, "Naruto's past is already painful enough. I won't allow the Uchiha to use him now."
"I want you to watch over him. When he's not at school, stay by his side."
Kakashi's heart lifted. He'd wanted to look after Naruto anyway.
"Should I protect him from the shadows?"
"Get closer, if possible. It would be best if you became his teacher."
"Thank you, Lord Third!" Kakashi said, truly grateful.
"Go on, then."
After Kakashi left, the Third Hokage sighed again.
Assigning Kakashi was necessary.
If the Uchiha were trying to manipulate Naruto, the village had to respond. Kakashi had the skill, the loyalty, and the personal connection to Naruto—he was the perfect safeguard.
….
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Translated By – Ancient Lores
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