HINATA IS BROKEN

Has Uzumaki Naruto grasped the philosophy of life?

At least, that's how it seemed.

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Haruno Sakura: "No wonder Naruto is so determined to become Hokage."

Yamanaka Ino: "It feels like the Third Hokage has been influencing him since childhood."

The vast world is incomprehensible, but no matter what happens, Naruto has always been himself. His determination shines through: Say what you must, and do what you say. That's my way of the ninja.

Uchiha Sasuke: "No wonder this idiot never thinks about consequences. He believes it's pointless."

Uzumaki Naruto: "Sasuke, what's that supposed to mean?"

Uchiha Sasuke: "You've clearly been brainwashed by the Third Hokage since you were a kid."

Senju Tobirama: "Regardless, Sarutobi's approach wasn't wrong. Teaching Naruto resilience was necessary."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: Ahem. "Of course, I followed my teacher's wisdom."

Sarutobi felt some of the tension in his chest ease. At least in this moment, the current Uzumaki Naruto exemplified the Will of Fire. His success reflected Sarutobi's guidance, and for now, no one could criticize him for it.

Uchiha Madara: "Hmph. Hokage propaganda at its finest. Convince a starving child he's lucky, and call it wisdom."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: Silent panic. "Madara, if I revealed my true identity to Naruto, it would only frighten him!"

Senju Hashirama: "Madara, you're being unfair. There's nothing wrong with Sarutobi teaching Naruto to find strength in himself."

Uchiha Madara: "So Konoha's secret weapon—its Jinchūriki—can't even afford a bowl of ramen? What an impressive strategy."

Onoki: "Hahaha! Let me get this straight—the Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself to save the Nine Tails, only for his son to live a life where he couldn't even afford basic meals?"

Fourth Raikage: "Seems like the Fourth sealed the Nine Tails into his son to protect the village, only for the boy to suffer rejection and starvation."

Uzumaki Kushina: "Don't start with your nonsense! Naruto was kind enough to share the fish he caught with Third Hokage, and yet that man made it so my child couldn't even eat ramen! The audacity!"

The outside world's ridicule was cutting. Sarutobi Hiruzen felt as though he were sitting on a bed of needles.

---

Root Organization

Shimura Danzo leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Hiruzen, didn't think I'd see the day."

Danzo added, mockingly, "I warned you years ago to leave Naruto in my care. You insisted you could handle it. Look where that got you—your Jinchūriki can't even afford ramen. Poor Naruto."

Sarutobi Hiruzen snapped, "Danzo, shut up! This is an attempt by outsiders to sow discord in Konoha. Stop playing into their hands and remember the Second Hokage's teachings!"

Danzo's calm smile grew sharper. "Brave words, Hiruzen. But it seems even you can't deny that Naruto's life was less than ideal."

The murmurs continued.

Onoki: "As expected of a monkey. Starving your own Jinchūriki must be part of some grand Konoha strategy."

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "This is absurd! Naruto grew up strong and healthy. There may have been mistakes, but he's thrived!"

As the arguments escalated, the screen in the sky changed again. The glowing frame shifted from white to a pitch-black void, drawing everyone's attention.

---

[Scene Transition]

The screen flickered to life, showing a familiar yet subtly different reality.

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[On Hokage Rock]

Uzumaki Naruto sat alone, staring blankly at the expansive sky. His face bore a mix of exhaustion and quiet contemplation.

As he walked back to the village, whispers trailed after him from all directions.

"Fox..."

"Disgusting..."

"Why doesn't he just die?"

Naruto's steps slowed for a moment. His brow furrowed slightly, but he ignored the insults and continued walking, his expression indifferent.

A ball rolled toward him, stopping at his feet.

Naruto glanced at the ball, then looked up to see a group of children nearby.

"Hey, don't play with him!" one child shouted.

Unlike the Naruto from the earlier scene, this version didn't hesitate. He didn't reach for the ball or show disappointment. Instead, he gave the ball a brief glance, sighed, and walked around it.

---

Senju Hashirama: "Wait, didn't this scene play earlier?"

Senju Tobirama: "Yes, but something's different. The two Narutos handled the situation differently."

In the first depiction, Naruto had grabbed the ball eagerly, hoping to join the children. But their cruel remarks left him disheartened, and he put the ball down, walking away in sadness.

In this version, Naruto seemed to anticipate rejection. He didn't even try to engage with the children, instead choosing solitude from the start.

---

[Naruto's Solitude]

Naruto wandered the streets of Konoha, keeping his distance from others. His face was calm, but his eyes betrayed a deep loneliness.

He passed by Ichiraku Ramen but didn't go inside. The warmth of the shop and the laughter of customers only served as a painful reminder of his isolation.

Naruto walked toward the forest, where he found solace among the trees. Sitting by a stream, he gazed at the water's gentle flow.

"I don't need anyone," he murmured to himself, his voice steady but hollow.

He picked up a stick and began drawing shapes in the dirt. The stars above flickered, reflected in the quiet waters of the stream.

---

This depiction of Naruto struck a chord with everyone watching.

Senju Hashirama: "This version of Naruto... he's more mature but also so much lonelier."

Senju Tobirama: "He's been through the same experiences, but instead of clinging to hope, he's chosen to accept his isolation."

---

[The Will of a Lone Warrior]

Naruto's quiet resolve shone through. He didn't cry or complain. Instead, he seemed to have decided to bear his burdens alone.

In his mind, he thought, If no one will accept me, I'll find strength within myself.

He leaned back against a tree, closing his eyes.

For a moment, the world seemed at peace.

---

Uchiha Sasuke: "This Naruto... I can relate to him."

Uzumaki Naruto: "Hey! I'm not like that. I've always wanted to make friends!"

Uchiha Sasuke: "Maybe now. But back then, you were just like me—drowning in loneliness and pretending you were fine."

Naruto fell silent at Sasuke's words.

---

Uzumaki Kushina: "Naruto... my poor child. How could anyone leave you to suffer like this?"

Her voice trembled with emotion, her grief turning into rage.

Kushina: "Hiruzen, you're a monster! My son was kind enough to share the fish he caught with you, and yet you let him live like this?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out.

---

The screen faded to black, leaving the viewers in a tense silence.

Naruto's life had been laid bare, exposing the pain of his childhood and the strength he had found to endure it.

As the discussion resumed, the world wrestled with the contrast between Naruto's innocence and the harsh reality he had faced.

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