As the system's voice echoed and the new options lit up the screen, the entire audience once again fell into a heavy silence.
After witnessing the previous reward that brought Kushina back to life, no one doubted the power of this mysterious system anymore.
But they also couldn't ignore Orochimaru's tragic fate.
It served as a grim reminder: this system's rewards and punishments were very real—and very dangerous.
---
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "What's there to consider? The correct answer is obviously A. Namikaze Minato was trained by me, so I'm basically his second teacher!"
Namikaze Minato: "It's true. Lord Hiruzen had a significant influence on my path to becoming Hokage."
Senju Hashirama: "Hahaha! Even after all these years, it's heartwarming to see that the Will of Fire still lives on in every corner of Konoha."
Uchiha Madara: "Tch, what nonsense. Only fools would fall for such childish ideals."
Senju Hashirama: "Madara! How can you belittle the Will of Fire like this? You were the one who helped shape the foundation of Konoha and its ideals!"
Uchiha Madara: "Hmph. That was my second biggest regret in life."
Senju Hashirama: "Then what was your first?"
Uchiha Madara: "When I was a kid, I made the mistake of skipping stones on the river."
Senju Hashirama: "…"
Senju Hashirama: "Madara, are you still salty about losing to me at that stone-skipping contest after all these years?"
Uchiha Madara: "Hashirama, do you really not get it or are you just playing dumb? My biggest regret in life… was meeting you!"
Senju Hashirama: "Still, I'm glad I met you and could call you my friend, Madara! ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶"
Uchiha Madara: "Tch. Get lost."
Senju Hashirama: sniffle "ᵕ᷄≀ ̠ᵕ᷅..."
---
While the two old rivals bickered like children, others were more focused on something else—Naruto.
Specifically, the Naruto from the alternate world.
He was clearly walking further and further down the path of hatred and darkness.
And Kushina could only watch.
As a mother, she could accept and embrace all versions of Naruto… but that didn't mean she wanted him to suffer.
Turning her attention to the screen, she stared at Option C.
> [What a conceited Hokage. Did you even ask me before sealing the Nine Tails inside me? All I can say is… good riddance.]
Kushina fell silent.
She wasn't angry.
Instead, she reflected deeply on those words.
After a long pause, her voice softly echoed from the Pure Land.
Uzumaki Kushina: "So… were Minato and I wrong back then?"
She looked down, sadness in her eyes.
Uzumaki Kushina: "We never considered how Naruto would feel. We only hoped he'd grow into a hero of Konoha… Maybe all he wanted was a normal childhood."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Uzumaki Kushina: "I'm sorry, Naruto…"
---
Little Sakura: "@Naruto."
Uzumaki Naruto: "What's up, Sakura? Did you finally come to your senses and decide to date me?"
Little Sakura: "Sure. I'll go out with you—right after you bring Sasuke back."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Really!?"
Little Sakura: "Of course not! Who'd date you once Sasuke's back?"
Uzumaki Naruto: "Oof… Why does that hurt more than I thought it would…"
Naruto stared at Sasuke, who was currently in his cursed transformation state.
What exactly was it about this guy that made Sakura like him so much?
It was frustrating.
Just for a moment, Naruto even considered not bringing Sasuke back to the village.
But he quickly shook off that thought.
"No. I made a promise—to Sakura, and to myself."
Uzumaki Naruto: "Even if it costs me my life… I'll bring Sasuke back. That's my nindo!"
---
Little Sakura: "Naruto, how did you feel when you first saw the Fourth Hokage's introduction?"
Uzumaki Naruto: "Hmm, let me think!"
Naruto dug deep into his memories.
Back then, as a kid, he'd seen the Fourth Hokage's picture while flipping through the Ninja Encyclopedia.
In fact…
He'd used that same book as a pillow throughout his school years!
It was so thick, it made the perfect cushion.
And because of that… he'd never actually read it.
Uzumaki Naruto: "I can't admit that in front of everyone, right!?"
Still, he did remember what Iruka-sensei had said.
Even though Iruka constantly praised the Third Hokage, he'd once mentioned the Fourth as a hero who saved the village.
Uzumaki Naruto: "So my impression was—'The Fourth Hokage is a hero. He saved Konoha!'"
---
Tenten: "Wait, that sounds like answer A!"
Lee: "Whoa, Tenten! Sakura! You're both so clever! Can I pick A too? Maybe I'll get a reward and finally master ninjutsu!"
Little Sakura: "Hold up, Lee. The Naruto in that world isn't as clueless as this world's Naruto."
Rock Lee: "Sakura… are you worried about me? I'm so touched! To show my love for you, I'll do a thousand push-ups!"
Little Sakura: "Lee…"
Meanwhile, Lee had already vanished from the group chat.
The battle with Kimimaro had just ended, and he was still injured.
But now, he felt invigorated again.
Right in front of a very confused Gaara, Lee dropped to the ground and started doing push-ups with full energy.
---
Terumi Mei: "It looks like the Naruto in our world still believes in the Will of Fire. But the one from the other world… he doesn't."
Fourth Raikage: "But he's unusually smart. Maybe he figured out his parentage just from a photo."
Senju Hashirama: "Speaking of which, aside from Naruto and the Fourth Hokage, is there anyone else in Konoha with that golden blond hair?"
Nara Shikamaru: "From my observations… not really."
Yamanaka Ino: "None that I've seen."
Hyuga Neji: "Then why has no one realized the connection until now?"
Inuzuka Kiba: "You know… just talking about this gives me chills. Like something creepy is going on…"
Uzumaki Naruto: "Kiba, are you cold even while wearing that huge fleece jacket? Maybe borrow some fur from Akamaru? He looks warm."
Inuzuka Kiba: "That's not what I meant! 'Chills' was just a figure of speech!"
Akamaru: "Woof woof!"
---
The Genin continued their lighthearted banter.
But amid the laughs, a disturbing realization hit them all like a thunderbolt.
In theory, the Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze—was easily recognizable thanks to his iconic blond hair.
Back during Kushina's pregnancy, most villagers knew she was expecting a child.
Even Uchiha Mikoto had given her advice on motherhood.
So… how did no one connect the dots?
Minato died in the Nine-Tails attack.
But what happened to his child?
Naruto, with the same blond hair and the Uzumaki surname, was right in front of them the whole time.
It's almost as if someone had written "Son of Namikaze Minato" on his forehead.
And yet, the villagers still chose to believe that he was nothing but the Nine-Tails' host.
It was too much of a coincidence.
It didn't make sense.
Unless…
Unless someone had deliberately covered up the truth.
---
Danzo, who had just returned from scolding his subordinates at Root, suddenly felt an intense twitch in his right eyelid.
Something was wrong.
A dark premonition loomed over him.
---
To be continued…
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