Naruto: Transmigrated as Obito with the System

To be honest, Hiruzen felt completely speechless about these baseless rumors.

Over the years, his contributions to Konohagakure were undeniable.

It was under his leadership that the village triumphed in the Second Great Ninja War.

The new generation of powerful shinobi, who had emerged during this period, all grew under his guidance.

Even Sakumo could be considered half his student.

Not to mention, Sakumo's current achievements still fell short compared to his own.

With Hiruzen's seniority and connections... so what if Sakumo eventually caught up?

It wasn't as though he had committed any major mistakes.

Could Sakumo possibly take credit for his accomplishments and force him to step down?

Who understood Sakumo's character better than Hiruzen?

Was there any need to fear that he might stage a power grab?

After all, the order to suppress the news of Sakumo's mission failure had been given by Hiruzen himself!

Seriously, what were these people even thinking?

But that's the thing about rumors—they're disgusting because of their nature.

Most people lack the ability to discern truth from lies.

All they do is eagerly spread gossip, enjoying the chaos it brings.

Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe, narrowing his eyes slightly.

If you connect these two rumors together...

It seems the mastermind behind them intends to kill two birds with one stone.

…Could it be him?

Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the table.

A masked Anbu entered the room at his summons, kneeling on one knee.

"Third-sama, what are your orders?"

Hiruzen smiled kindly. "It's been a while since I've seen my old friend. Please take a trip to Root."

"Yes!"

The Anbu nodded slightly before standing and exiting the room.

Not long after, a figure clad in gray robes, leaning on a cane, entered the Hokage's office.

His right cheek was wrapped in bandages, and his exposed left eye was half-closed, as if indifferent to the world.

Shimura Danzo.

Hiruzen's companion from their youth and his old friend in the present.

Danzo spoke calmly. "Hiruzen, why have you summoned me here so late at night?"

Hiruzen gestured toward a pot of freshly brewed tea on the table, smiling. "Shikaku sent me some excellent tea recently. I thought I'd invite you over to try it."

Danzo raised an eyebrow but said nothing, taking a seat opposite Hiruzen.

He picked up his teacup and sipped slowly.

Moments later, Danzo set down his cup and went straight to the point.

"Hiruzen, if you have something to say, just say it. I still have unfinished matters in Root to deal with."

Hiruzen took a sip of tea, feigning nonchalance. "Then I'll get straight to it. Have you heard the rumors about Sakumo circulating in the village recently?"

Danzo nodded, his expression unreadable. "If even you've heard of them, how could I not?"

Hiruzen snorted coldly, slightly annoyed by his friend's subtle provocation.

"If you're so well-informed, have you discovered who leaked the classified information?"

Danzo shook his head. "I've instructed my subordinates to investigate, but we've found nothing so far."

Seeing Hiruzen's displeased expression, Danzo seemed to realize something. He frowned slightly.

"Are you implying that I leaked it?"

Hiruzen didn't deny it, letting out a faint hum as he fixed Danzo with a deep gaze.

"So, was it you?"

Danzo's heart skipped a beat. After a brief silence, he replied, "This has nothing to do with me. Toppling Sakumo wouldn't benefit me in the slightest."

Hiruzen nodded ambiguously, saying nothing.

Danzo, now slightly agitated, struck the ground heavily with his cane.

"Hiruzen, after all these years, do you still not trust me?"

"If you want a suspect, I do have one in mind."

Hiruzen picked up his teacup again, silently waiting for Danzo to continue.

"Well? Let's hear it."

Danzo met Hiruzen's gaze directly, his tone cold.

"Don't forget, there's a member of the Uchiha clan on Sakumo's team."

"If their clan aims to compete for the position of Hokage, Sakumo would undoubtedly be a major obstacle for them."

The Uchiha?

Hiruzen took a sip of tea, suppressing his surprise.

After a while, he returned to his calm demeanor, smiling gently.

"Doesn't Root still have matters waiting for you? I won't keep you any longer, Danzo. You'd best return."

Danzo nodded, giving Hiruzen a long, searching look before leaving without another word.

Once Danzo was gone, Hiruzen rubbed his temples.

"It's getting more and more complicated… Who could it be?"

...

The Next Morning

Sunlight crept through the window, landing on a sleeping boy's face.

The boy groaned, turning over in bed, showing no intention of getting up.

Suddenly, a voice called out from outside.

"Obito! Rin's here to walk to Academy with you!"

Huh?

Obito bolted upright, quickly got dressed, and dashed out of his room.

Seeing her grandson finally up, Obito's grandmother sighed in relief.

She handed Rin and Obito a small lunchbox each.

"I just finished making breakfast. You two can eat on your way to school."

Rin beamed. "Thank you, Granny! We'll be off now."

Obito's grandmother's face lit up with a warm smile. It was obvious she adored Rin.

"Yes, yes, be careful on your way!"

Rin took Obito's hand.

"Let's go, Obito."

The sudden display of affection left Obito's mind in a haze.

For the first time in his lives—both past and present—he was holding a girl's hand.

Wait, no—a little girl's hand.

That still didn't sound quite right...

"We're leaving, Granny!" Rin called out.

"Alright, you two take care!"

As they walked, Obito munched on his breakfast, stealing glances at Rin.

"Rin, how come you came to pick me up today?"

Rin finished her meal, gracefully wiped her mouth, and replied, "You've been late so often lately. I was worried about you."

Obito chuckled awkwardly, warmth filling his chest.

Other than his grandmother, Rin was probably the person who cared about him the most.

In this life, I swear to protect you, he silently vowed.

Rin tilted her head curiously. "By the way, Obito, how has your taijutsu improved so much lately?"

Obito thought for a moment before explaining, "Well, I've been secretly training at night."

"That's why I'm always so tired during class."

Rin nodded thoughtfully. "I see. But Obito, haven't you been sleeping during class since the start of term?"

Obito coughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject.

"By the way, Rin, you look even prettier today!"

Rin's cheeks turned red, and she was successfully distracted.

"R-really?"

Obito nodded solemnly. "Absolutely!"

Strangely, Obito didn't encounter any old ladies on their way to school today.

Maybe they only stopped single kids, he thought with a smirk.

When Obito arrived on time for class, his teacher rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

Could Obito have finally turned over a new leaf?

But the changes in this child recently were a bit too drastic.

The teacher fell into deep thought before slapping his forehead in shock.

It must have been his tireless efforts and guidance that worked!

Who else but him—Kisuke—could turn such a wayward student around?

"Who else?!" he muttered smugly.

Just as he basked in his self-satisfaction, a familiar sound interrupted him.

"Zzz… Zzz…"

"Obito! Wake up, it's time for class!"

The teacher froze.

Ah, well... It seems the road ahead is still long.

----------------

Read 10 chapters ahead for free on my patreon, read pinned message!

+70 chapters on patreon.com/Jixo

These translations are only possible because of your support. Every membership keeps the stories flowing and helps me bring fanfics to life for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for making this possible!