I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The Past is All in the Past

"Grandpa Hokage, how did you know I was invited by Sasuke?"

Naruto's innocent question caught the Third Hokage off guard. However, Naruto didn't dwell on it and instead began enthusiastically recounting his visit to the Uchiha clan, leaving out only the phantom attack he had endured.

The Third Hokage stroked his beard as he listened, gleaning insights about the Uchihas from Naruto's perspective. To Naruto, the Uchiha clan was no different from the other villagers—they were reserved and somewhat aloof but ultimately just people.

After a moment of thought, the Third Hokage asked, "Then why did you go to Sasuke's house instead of Shikamaru or Choji's?"

Naruto replied without hesitation, "They didn't invite me. If they had, I would've gone. Sasuke was the only one who invited me, so I accepted."

"I see…" The Third Hokage paused briefly before cautioning, "If Sasuke invites you again, it would be better if you declined. You shouldn't bother their family too much."

Naruto's expression was perplexed. "But Sasuke's mother told me I'm welcome anytime."

The Third Hokage's face darkened. His tone grew stern. "Naruto, listen carefully. The Uchiha clan might seem friendly, but they're after the power of the fox spirit sealed within you. Their intentions aren't sincere."

Naruto's eyes widened. "The power of the demon fox? Aren't they our companions? Aren't we all part of the same village?"

Naruto's demeanor shifted as he pressed on with a darker expression. "Grandpa Hokage, why is the demon fox inside me? Who were my parents?"

The Third Hokage, now visibly uneasy, asked, "Why do you want to know this now?"

Naruto's voice firmed. "Because I need to understand who I am. Sasuke's parents seemed to know something about my parents. They were kind to me, but they wouldn't tell me. If they won't, then you must know the truth."

The Third Hokage exhaled deeply, his gaze hardening. "What's the use in knowing? Your parents are gone, Naruto. Learning about them won't change that, and it won't help you now."

Naruto looked down, dejected. "So when will I know the truth? I can't live in the dark forever."

As he walked out of the room, the Third Hokage replied curtly, "When you become a ninja and can stand on your own. Until then, focus on your growth and make friends."

Naruto watched him leave, his despondent expression vanishing once the door closed. A mischievous grin replaced it.

"Got him," Naruto muttered under his breath. He had successfully deflected any suspicion. To the Third Hokage, he remained a clueless, innocent child with no idea of the larger schemes at play.

At Naka Shrine, the mood was far more somber. The Uchihas had gathered, not for a routine monthly meeting, but for an emergency session.

As clan head, Uchiha Fugaku stood before the stone monument, his expression grim.

A passionate Jonin began, "Today's events were a blatant provocation by the higher-ups. They sent the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki here to spy on us!"

Another voice joined in, "That's right! Naruto's presence wasn't coincidental. Hokage himself was outside our clan's grounds while the boy wandered around. They're clearly plotting against us!"

The room filled with outrage, with one after another voicing grievances against Konoha's leadership.

In a corner, Uchiha Shisui and Itachi Uchiha exchanged uneasy glances. They knew the truth—that Naruto's visit was a harmless invitation from Sasuke. Yet the clan's paranoia distorted it into a conspiracy.

"Why isn't the patriarch explaining this misunderstanding?" Shisui whispered to Itachi.

Itachi remained silent, his gaze fixed on his father, who was feeding into the clan's suspicions rather than dispelling them.

Shisui sighed and muttered, "This is why tensions never ease. Neither the village nor the clan trusts each other."

After the meeting ended, Fugaku gathered a select few in the shrine's inner chambers. Meanwhile, Shisui and Itachi departed to a secluded cliff where they could speak freely.

Itachi broke the silence first. "Father hasn't given up on the idea of a coup. He's stockpiling weapons and even using Naruto's visit to fan the flames of resentment. Why can't they see that this will destroy the village?"

Shisui placed a comforting hand on Itachi's shoulder. "If the clan truly moves toward rebellion, I'll stop them."

"How?" Itachi asked, doubt creeping into his voice.

Shisui tapped his temple. "With these eyes. My Mangekyō Sharingan can alter thoughts. If I use Kotoamatsukami on Fugaku, I can end this before it begins. But…" Shisui hesitated. "He's still your father, Itachi. I don't want to resort to this unless there's no other choice."

Itachi nodded solemnly, knowing the weight of Shisui's words. As much as they desired peace, they both understood that time was running out for the Uchiha clan.