Chapter 9: I am the Hokage, Danzo
Naruto stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He could clearly feel the torment in the old man's heart.
The sparkle in his eyes gradually cooled.
If he had any doubts about the Nine-Tails' words before, now... the claim that "I am the son of the Fourth Hokage" seemed increasingly close to the truth.
"Sorry, Naruto, I can't tell you yet." Hiruzen sighed, taking a few puffs from his pipe and exhaling thick white smoke. "This is for your protection."
"Your identity is very special; it must not be known, not even by you."
"You have talent; grow up quickly."
"When you are strong enough, when you can become the towering tree that protects the village, you will know about your father, your mother..."
"They, like you, are heroes of Konoha, great heroes of Konoha."