superior naruto

Mizuki had instructed him to steal the Forbidden Scroll, but Naruto had fainted before he could even carry out the plan. Now, he had no solid proof of his innocence. He didn't know how to explain himself, so he remained silent.

In his mind, Naruto reached out to Kurama: "Master Kurama, do you remember the ninjutsu on that scroll?"

But there was no response. Kurama was ignoring him again.

What's going on? Why is Kurama silent now? Naruto couldn't access the seal space where Kurama was confined, and the frustration was starting to get to him.

I can't panic. I need to stay calm. If I lose my cool, things will only get worse. Naruto silently reminded himself.

The Third Hokage's Interrogation

The Third Hokage broke the silence. "Don't worry, Naruto. Just tell me everything. I already know Mizuki instructed you to steal the scroll. After you fell unconscious, Iruka found you at your home. He and I investigated and uncovered Mizuki's conspiracy."

So this all happened after I passed out? Naruto thought. If the truth is already out, what does the Third Hokage want me to say?

The Third Hokage picked up a small copy scroll and held it out. "You just need to explain this. Did you record the contents of the Forbidden Scroll onto this?"

Naruto nodded. "Yes."

"This scroll is very valuable. How did you get it?"

Naruto hesitated. "I… found it on the ground."

The Third Hokage's expression hardened. "If you choose to lie, Naruto, you will never become a ninja."

Naruto stayed silent. He didn't want to involve Hinata, but he realized the Third Hokage might already know the truth. After all, it wouldn't be hard for the Hokage to trace the origin of a newly purchased ninja tool in the village.

Finally, Naruto admitted, "I borrowed it from someone. But the responsibility for this is entirely mine. It has nothing to do with anyone else."

The Third Hokage raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Then what did you plan to do with it? According to Mizuki's interrogation, he didn't see you with this scroll when you obtained it."

So the Third Hokage has already traced the copy scroll's origin, Naruto realized.

"And the written exam for the graduation test was already over. You couldn't have used it to cheat. So, what were you planning to do with it?" The Third Hokage's sharp eyes bore into Naruto, making him feel exposed.

How can I get out of this? Naruto thought. The Third Hokage's gaze was piercing, unlike his usual grandfatherly demeanor. It felt as if he could see right through Naruto.

The Third Hokage continued, "Naruto, you've been acting differently lately. Have you been influenced by something… or someone? Is there a voice tempting you to do things?"

Is he worried I'm being controlled by Kurama? Naruto wondered. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He knew how to turn the situation around.

"Alright, I didn't want to say this, but since you asked…" Naruto took a deep breath. "A few days ago, after I hit my head, I saw my father. I witnessed his battle with Kurama."

The Third Hokage's eyes widened in shock. "Your father… you mean…?"

"The Fourth Hokage. Minato Namikaze."

The Third Hokage took a sharp breath. "That's impossible! Minato…"

Naruto cut him off. "The seal on me is his work. He also left a portion of his chakra within the seal so I could meet him."

The Third Hokage's sharp gaze softened, replaced by a flicker of unease. "So… you know everything?"

Naruto nodded calmly. "Yes."

The Third Hokage sighed, his voice tinged with regret. "Naruto… there were reasons for keeping this from you."

"I understand," Naruto said. "My father told me it was for my safety and the safety of the village."

The Third Hokage fell silent, taking several deep breaths to steady himself. After a moment, he asked, "What does this have to do with the copy scroll?"

"I wanted to use it to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu," Naruto explained. "My father told me the reason I couldn't use regular clones was because Kurama's chakra interfered with mine. But I can learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu."

The Third Hokage frowned. "If Minato said you could learn it, why didn't he teach you himself?"

"He didn't have much time," Naruto replied. "He told me a few things and then disappeared."

Naruto knew he couldn't let the Third Hokage ask too many questions. He decided to shift the focus. "Do you have any other questions, Lord Hokage? If not, I have one. Did my parents leave anything for me after they died?"

The Third Hokage's expression grew somber. "Their deaths were sudden. By the time we arrived, it was too late."

"So their money, their belongings… everything they had was confiscated because they didn't have time to make a will?" Naruto's voice was calm but pointed.

The Third Hokage's tone hardened. "Naruto, it's not what you think. The Nine-Tails' attack caused massive damage to the village. We needed resources to rebuild."

"So you took everything?" Naruto's voice rose slightly. "After losing my parents, I was left with nothing but myself. I grew up under everyone's strange looks and judgment. Is that fair?"

The Third Hokage's voice boomed. "Naruto!"

Naruto didn't back down. "Are you going to kill me for knowing the truth? Lock me up? I'm curious, Lord Hokage. If I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage, why was the Nine-Tails' seal exposed on my body? Was it to use me as a weapon to deter other villages?"

The Third Hokage took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry, Naruto. I shouldn't have raised my voice. You're right. You should inherit their legacy. I'll calculate their assets as soon as possible and restore them in your name."

With that, the Third Hokage left the room, leaving Naruto alone with his thoughts.

Kurama's Return

After the Third Hokage left, Kurama's voice finally echoed in Naruto's mind. "If that old man had stayed any longer, he would've realized I'm awake."

Naruto's surroundings shifted as his consciousness entered the seal space. The Naruto he had seen lying on the ground earlier was gone. Had they fused together?

He looked down at the water beneath the cage, his reflection staring back at him. He still looked the same.

Naruto looked up at Kurama. "Master Kurama, do you remember the ninjutsu on the scroll…?"