Updated
Naruto knew that he had received something special from the Death God, but he had no idea how it would help him survive in this new world. He was only a day old, yet his instincts and memories were from his previous life, where he had been a medical student. Back then, his mission had been to save lives, but now, in this unfamiliar reality, he found himself thrust into a situation that demanded he go against everything he had once believed.
On the second day of his new life, Naruto slowly opened his eyes. He frowned, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings. He found himself in the office of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, who was diligently working at his desk.
The Hokage's thoughts were far from the infant before him."Huh... I never thought I'd have to deal with all this paperwork again,"
Hiruzen muttered to himself, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his voice.A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," Hiruzen called.
A young boy, barely fifteen, entered the office and knelt before the Hokage. "Rise, Kakashi," Hiruzen said, his tone gentle but commanding.Kakashi Hatake stood up, his face serious.
"Is it true that this child is the son of Minato-sensei?" he asked, his voice tinged with both hope and sorrow."Yes, my boy, he is,"
Hiruzen replied, his gaze softening as he looked at the baby in the crib.Kakashi's heart ached as he looked at the tiny child. Memories of Minato flooded his mind – his mentor's warm smile, his unwavering strength, and the sacrifices he made for the village. Seeing Naruto, a living reminder of Minato, brought a lump to his throat.
"I want to adopt him," Kakashi declared, determination in his eyes.
Hiruzen shook his head. "I will not allow that.
"Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise. "But why?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly."For Naruto's safety," Hiruzen explained.
"You are the last known student of Minato. If news got out that you are raising a child who is likely to be a carbon copy of Minato, tell me, what would Iwa or Kumo do? These are just the enemies we know about. What about the other ninja villages?
"Kakashi felt a surge of anger and frustration. "I will not let anyone harm Naruto," he insisted, his voice trembling with emotion. "I promised Minato-sensei I would protect him.
"I appreciate your sentiment, Kakashi, but that is not enough," Hiruzen said, his voice firm. "Right now, our strength is greatly reduced. Other villages might attack us at any moment. This peace we enjoyed after the Third Great Ninja War is fragile. We must maintain our image as the strongest ninja village to prevent an all-out war. I want to say only one thing to you, Kakashi: you must become strong, stronger than all your peers. That is the only way you can protect Naruto.
"Kakashi felt a mix of emotions – frustration, determination, and a deep sense of duty. "Yes, Lord Hokage," he replied, bowing his head. He wanted nothing more than to keep Naruto safe, but he knew Hiruzen was right. The weight of his new responsibility pressed heavily on him.As Kakashi left the Hokage's office, a clear goal formed in his mind.
He needed to become strong, stronger than ever before. He had to do it for his sensei, for his village, and for the tiny child who bore the weight of a great legacy.Hiruzen watched Kakashi leave, a mix of pride and concern in his eyes. He turned his attention back to Naruto, who was now quietly gazing up at him from the crib. "You are destined for greatness, little one," Hiruzen whispered. "But the path ahead will not be easy."Meanwhile, Naruto's young mind struggled to make sense of the fragmented memories of his past life. He remembered studying late into the night, the pressure of exams, and the joy of helping others. Now, everything was different. His surroundings were strange, the people unfamiliar, and his future uncertain. Yet, deep within him, a spark of determination began to ignite. He didn't know what this new life would bring, but he would face it head-on, just as he had done before.Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. As Naruto grew, so did the challenges around him. Hiruzen continued to protect and guide him, while Kakashi dedicated himself to his training with unwavering resolve. The village of Konoha, still recovering from the scars of war, watched as the young shinobi grew stronger, preparing for the day they would face their own destinies.Naruto's early life was a mix of quiet moments and unseen battles. While he played innocently, unaware of the greater forces at work, the adults around him were locked in a constant struggle to safeguard his future. Hiruzen's words to Kakashi echoed in the minds of those who knew Naruto's true heritage: the village's strength, and indeed its survival, depended on the strength of its shinobi.As the years passed, Naruto's special gift from the Death God remained a mystery. But with each passing day, he grew closer to unlocking its potential. His instincts, sharpened from a past life dedicated to saving lives, began to adapt to the harsh realities of the shinobi world. He would learn to balance his old beliefs with the demands of his new life, forging a path that was uniquely his own.In the heart of Konoha, under the watchful eyes of those who cared for him, Naruto's journey was just beginning. The road ahead was long and fraught with danger, but he was not alone. With the guidance of Hiruzen, the support of Kakashi, and the hidden strength within him, Naruto would rise to meet his destiny.