This Naruto is a player.

Chapter 122 Third Generation, You Didn't Want This Either (Daily Life)
The senses pinpointed the location of the Third Hokage—his office in the Hokage Building.

This time, Naruto chose to walk.

No rush, this is a good time to calm my thoughts.

The sky over Konoha was still azure, but it reflected a scrutinizing quality in Naruto's eyes.

His steps were steady on the stone pavement, his mind racing.

No wonder I was able to "encounter" the Hokage in the forest when I was three years old; it wasn't just because of the Nine-Tails.

He also has the identity of being the orphan of the fourth generation.

Looking back now, it wasn't just three years old; three generations of old men probably had been paying attention to me for a long time.

But what's the point of just 'paying attention' with your eyes?
Old Deng! Time to pump up some gold coins!

However, unlike Kakashi (who tried to extort money) and Jiraiya (who succeeded), the Third Hokage is not just representing himself as an old man this time, but the entire Hidden Leaf Village!

This "wool" must be taken, but its nature is different, so a strategy is needed.

So, what is the most valuable thing that can be obtained from Konoha, this behemoth?

Danzo's fragmented memories indeed contain many "treasures" of Konoha.

For example, the Book of Seals?

However, this thing sounds intimidating. The forbidden techniques inside may be priceless in other people's eyes, but for Naruto, who has a "skill shop"—why not just buy what you need?
It's completely useless!

In summary, Naruto realized that he only needed two core resources: money! And various resources that money couldn't buy!

etc.
Why do I have to set my own price?
Wouldn't that be proactively revealing your hand and weakening your negotiating advantage?

The most skillful way to ask for a price is to keep the other party guessing your bottom line!
In short, the approach is to avoid making specific demands, only to express strong dissatisfaction and a "we're ready to flip the table at any time" attitude, letting them set their own price.

If they're not satisfied, keep shaking your head until they panic and reveal all their assets to you!

Anyway, it's not me who's in a hurry!

Naruto paused, considering his trump card!
What makes me think I deserve this?

First, I, Naruto Uzumaki, am the biggest 'victim'!
Second, at only twelve years old, I beat Shukaku until he cried for his parents, and I utterly crushed the First and Second Hokage! I, Naruto Uzumaki, am now Konoha's most valuable "core asset"!
Third, and most importantly—don't think that I, Naruto Uzumaki, am destined for Konoha!
It’s up to you guys!

Yes. Posting a nuclear blackmail stance is absolutely effective!
With clear thinking and a well-thought-out plan, one can be confident and prepared.

With his acting skills at their peak, Naruto stepped into the somewhat old-fashioned Hokage office.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was working at his desk, surrounded by swirling smoke.

"Three generations of old men"

Naruto, channeling his inner actor, burst through the door and immediately yelled, his voice filled with undisguised grievance and anger: "Why didn't you tell me that my father was the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze?!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart sank.

"Naruto!"

The third generation's voice was deliberately slowed, carrying the deep and weary tone characteristic of an old man, "Come in and talk, and close the door."

"What's there to say?"

Despite saying this, Naruto still stepped in, slammed the door shut, but did not sit down.

"From childhood to adulthood, everyone in the village called me 'Demon Fox,' and no one told me that my father was a hero who sacrificed himself for them! Three generations of elders, you kept this from me for so long! Is this how Konoha takes care of its 'son of a hero'?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not immediately defend himself. He picked up his pipe, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke, as if he were organizing his thoughts or suppressing the shock in his heart.

"Hey"

He sighed deeply, "Naruto, your background is a decision made by our older generation, and it must be kept strictly confidential, including by me."

Naruto pressed, "Why? Are you afraid that if I find out you're the Fourth Hokage's son, you'll become arrogant and domineering? Or are you afraid that your identity will attract enemies? Do you know how I've survived all these years? How much I've suffered? If my identity were revealed, would things still be like this?"

"This decision is more out of concern for your safety."

The Third Hokage explained, his tone heavy with sincerity and apology: "After the Wood Release disappeared, the village was in dire straits, and the Nine-Tails' rampage only made things worse."

Revealing one's identity as a descendant of a hero may bring respect, but it also makes one a more vulnerable target for those with malicious intent. We have chosen a more discreet way to protect you.

In retrospect, perhaps we were too conservative, causing you unnecessary loneliness and misunderstanding during your childhood.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression and words were impeccable, and sincere.

Could it be true?
But not important!

Naruto has only one goal today—to collect gold coins!

"Protect? Loneliness and misunderstanding. You make it sound so easy."

His tone shifted abruptly, his voice suddenly dropping to a low, cold murmur, as he dropped a bombshell: "Hokage-sama, do you think Konoha is still worth keeping someone like me here?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart skipped a beat!
He stared at Naruto closely for a moment and saw that Naruto's expression didn't seem fake.

This isn't just said in anger! It's a serious consideration! Naruto is genuinely considering the possibility of leaving!
Oh no! The thing I was most worried about has happened!
His voice rose a few decibels, tinged with urgency, "Naruto! What are you saying! You are the Fourth Hokage's son, your roots are in Konoha! You still have your teammates from Team 7! And your classmates from school! This is your home!"

"Family?"

Naruto gave a cryptic smile. "Home? Maybe there are other homes out there?"

As if suddenly remembering something, he said in a casual tone, "Oh right, I received a letter a few days ago when I had nothing to do."

"A letter?" Alarm bells rang in Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind. A letter? From where?

"Um,"

Naruto nodded. "It was written by a young fan from the Land of Earth. She's quite enthusiastic. Her name is Kurotsuchi, right? Her grandfather is the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki."

He paused deliberately, looked up and stared directly at the Third Hokage, "The letter said that Iwagakure Village has beautiful scenery and simple folk customs, and it particularly 'warmly' invited me to come and visit."

Ignoring Hiruzen Sarutobi's instantly frozen expression, he continued to add fuel to the fire: "And another thing, I've heard that the Hidden Cloud Village in the Land of Lightning is famously generous to truly skilled ninjas! From housing to ninja tools to training resources, they use the village's best! Tsk, just thinking about it makes the atmosphere seem pretty good."

The meaning is clear: Third Hokage, you don't want a core asset of Konoha like me to fall into someone else's hands, do you?

With each sentence Naruto spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face grew darker, and his hand holding the pipe trembled slightly.

Onoki!! Ai!! Those two old bastards!! How dare they try to take advantage of Naruto!

Given Naruto's strength and age, if he were to fall into any country, it would mean a strategic imbalance for the next few decades!

Konoha will be completely suppressed or even annexed! Konoha cannot afford the consequences! They must keep him at all costs! They must not allow him to even consider leaving!!

"Naruto!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice carried an unprecedented solemnity, even a rare and urgent firmness, "A letter from the Land of Earth? It's nothing but polite words! The Raikage's Cloud Village is even more ruthless; how could they genuinely accept a 'hero's son' from another village? How can those superficial promises of treatment compare to your foundation and future in Konoha! Don't be fooled by appearances! Konoha is where you belong!"

Seeing the urgency, anxiety, and even fear that the old man couldn't hide in his eyes, Naruto knew that the time was almost right.

He didn't press further, but instead gave a perfectly timed, tired and disappointed smile, a smile full of detachment.

"somewhere I Belong?"

He repeated it softly, his tone filled with immense confusion:

"Third Hokage, Konoha... Home? I can't feel it!"
I don't even deserve to know who I am, nor do I deserve the glory of my parents! I'm even discriminated against and despised by the villagers. I'd rather not have such a 'home'!

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a cold sweat instantly break out on his back!
He knew that conventional appeasement and apologies were no longer effective!

Although they were absolutely certain that Naruto was blatantly demanding a price, Konoha had no leverage to refuse! They could only and had to use "absolute sincerity" to win his stay and trust!
"Child, it's all our fault, no matter what!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stood up, his face filled with a sorrowful and resolute look of desperation. "The past cannot be changed, but the village must give you an explanation! An explanation that is enough to make up for the past and enough to support your bright future in Konoha!"
Land, funding, special privileges! Exclusive training grounds, top-tier resource allocation rights!
Give the village a few days! We'll definitely prepare several plans that will absolutely satisfy you! Konoha's future needs you!

Naruto knew in his heart: It's done! The core objective has been achieved!

But the performance must continue.

The despondency on his face gradually faded, replaced by a hesitant, skeptical, and uncertain expression. He nodded slightly: "Oh, is that so? I hope this time... it won't be another empty promise, will it? Then I'll wait for the village's 'sincere plan'."

“Alright! It’s a deal! I guarantee it in the name of the Hokage! The village guarantees it will do its utmost!” Hiruzen Sarutobi hurriedly confirmed.

Naruto may only have a chance of leaving, but that chance must never come to pass!
Naruto seemed to want to turn around and leave, but then stopped.

This is just empty talk. Perhaps we should put a time limit on it?
Then, as if he had just remembered something trivial, his tone became more energetic: "By the way, old man, I've been feeling cooped up in the village these past few days. I'd like to go out for a walk to clear my head and take care of some things. It should take about two days."

"Don't worry, it'll only take two days!"

He specifically emphasized the time limit.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyelid twitched again!
Is this kid reminding me of the urgency of preparing the plan?
Should we really go and 'visit' to find out the truth?
"Okay, okay! Be careful! Go and come back quickly! The village will definitely give you an answer within two days!" Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed repeatedly, his voice no longer able to conceal his urgency and the feeling that things were at their most urgent.

Naruto said no more, turned around, pushed open the heavy door of the Hokage's office, and walked out with light steps.

As soon as he stepped outside, Naruto quickly reviewed the gains and losses in his mind.

Wow, an Oscar-worthy performance! Exceptionally effective!

Everything is going smooth.

Not only did they easily achieve their goal, but they also unexpectedly gained two days off.

Two days? What can you do with that?
Well, that's enough to visit Kumogakure and then give a 'friendly visit' to Amegakure.

Uchiha Kurenai! The plan has changed!

This time, let me do it myself!

(End of this chapter)