Chapter 145
Leaving Konoha?
Haruto Saito had considered it, but he had never truly wanted to leave Konoha. His situation in the world of Naruto was far too complicated—he was a Genin from Amegakure, yet also a prisoner of Konoha.
Given the opportunity, pledging allegiance to Konoha was the best choice! After all, Konoha was the most powerful of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the dominant force in the ninja world. If he had to align himself with someone, it had to be the strongest!
Once he joined Konoha, there was no turning back. Betrayal was not an option.
He had already defected from Amegakure. If he were to betray Konoha as well, he would become a complete outcast, labeled as utterly untrustworthy. No village would ever take him in. He would be alone, hunted by both Amegakure and Konoha—the Village Hidden in the Rain, known for its assassins, and Konoha, the greatest shinobi village. That kind of life wasn't just difficult; it was a death sentence.
Of course, leaving Konoha wasn't necessary.
Yes, Konoha had internal conflicts. It had its bright side, but also its dark side. However, no place was perfect. Every village had its struggles. This was the nature of the world—wherever there were people, there would be conflict.
Haruto hadn't chosen his identity when he arrived in this world. Because of this, no matter where he went, he would always be viewed with suspicion.
"I believe that, in time, I will earn their trust." Haruto responded calmly to Hiruzen Sarutobi's question. He didn't answer directly, but it was a response that satisfied the Hokage because Haruto was already proving himself.
"Hah." Hiruzen let out a small chuckle, his smile barely visible. He turned his gaze back to the lake. "It's rare to see someone with your level of intelligence, your mindset, and your approach to life. Very mature for your age. But... you're still too impulsive. Not steady enough."
Haruto had the mind of an adult but was too bold and outspoken, which led to such an evaluation from Hiruzen.