I, Naruto Uzumaki, don't need your approval.

While the assessment of the Senju clan is relatively objective, it exaggerates the importance of Sarutobi, Shimura, and the Ino-Shika-Cho clans during the founding of the village, downplays the role of the Uchiha clan, and deliberately reduces the scope of the Uchiha clan's achievements...

Unable to find anything to say, Naruto put "Konoha History" aside and focused his attention on "The Will of Fire".

Although he wasn't very familiar with "The Will of Fire," he still opened the book, which was called "The Will of Fire." After all, the Third Generation Elder had sent him such a large collection of books specifically so that he could read them.

If I don't read them myself, what will happen when three generations of old people stop sending me books to relieve their boredom?

……

The Hokage's office.

After finishing his official duties, the Third Hokage took out a crystal ball and switched the scene to Naruto's room.

Then, the Third Hokage slowly lit his tobacco, watching Naruto read the book he had sent him. When he saw Naruto pick up "The Will of Fire," he smiled happily.

Caring for the Jinchūriki and preventing them from making mistakes is also one of his daily tasks as Hokage.

Although it's unknown who spread the rumor that Naruto was a demon fox, it undeniably had a negative impact on Naruto, greatly reducing the stability of his Jinchūriki.

However, as long as the Will of Fire remains, Naruto will surely be able to get back on track and become a useful ninja for the village.

At that moment, a dark figure flashed by, and the ANBU member in charge of the investigation knelt down in front of the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage put away the crystal ball and looked at the Anbu, asking, "How's the matter going? Have you found out who spread the rumors about the Nine-Tailed Fox?"

The ANBU hesitated, seemingly having some reservations: "Lord Third..."

The Third Hokage glanced at the Anbu: "Speak freely."

After some deliberation, the secret agent said, "According to our investigation, the rumors about the demon fox were spread not only by spies outside the village, but also by people within the village, including some of the village's higher-ups..."

Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage narrowed his eyes and gestured to the Anbu that they did not need to continue.

Who else in the village could spread rumors besides his old friend Danzo?

After returning to the position of Hokage, Danzo granted Root organization sufficient power, but he still extended his reach to Naruto, attempting to influence him.

This has completely exceeded my tolerance limit; it's time to give them a talking-to.

At this moment, the ANBU member kneeling on the ground cautiously asked, "Third Hokage, do you think we should clarify the rumors about the fox spirit?"

The Third Hokage gave the Anbu a deep look, shook his head, and said, "Let's let things take their course for now. Clarifying the rumors at this time would only confirm Naruto's status as a Jinchuriki."

"Yes, Lord Sandai."

The Third Hokage took out the crystal ball again and stared at Naruto reading a book, lost in thought. Logically, he should have immediately ordered the clarification of the rumors about the demon fox.

But before making a decision, he hesitated again. Maintaining the status quo was the best option for him as Hokage.

Only by enduring enough suffering and loneliness can one's image become more towering in Naruto's eyes.

However, it's not good for Naruto to always be alone like this, and he doesn't have much time to spend with him. Perhaps I should take the initiative to find Naruto some friends.

Thinking of this, the Third Hokage said to the Anbu, "Have the Nara clan head come to the Hokage Building. I have something to discuss with him."

……

Inside Naruto's room.

Naruto spent most of the day reading the entire "Will of Fire".

To be honest, Naruto didn't have much malice towards the content of "The Will of Fire," but he didn't have much affection for it either.

The core of the Will of Fire can be summed up in one sentence: Where fire and leaves dance, fire will never cease. The fire will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.

The general meaning is as follows:

Young people are the hope of the future, and the older generation should trust and protect them. The sacrifices of the older generation are not meaningless, but will inspire young people to become pillars of the future.

This statement is more like a rallying cry than a meaningful slogan.

During the time of the First and Second Hokage, their actions themselves represented the Will of Fire, while the Third Hokage could only use the Will of Fire to win people's hearts and maintain the Konoha Ninja Alliance from collapsing.

Naruto didn't know how many people in the village were willing to believe in the Will of Fire, or possess it.

But there are definitely more people who just shout slogans than those who actually put them into practice, and even more people who use these slogans to seek personal gain.

Naruto will not become a supporter of the Will of Fire, but he will not be foolish enough to openly oppose the slogan.

After all, the slogan itself isn't wrong; the problem lies with those ridiculous people.

After figuring all this out, Naruto felt a bit bored, so he casually tossed "The Will of Fire" aside and lay down on the sofa to take a nap.

Today is only the first day of the lockdown, and it's unknown how many more days it will last.

But it didn't matter to him; he had food, clothing, and all sorts of books to relieve his fatigue.

However, just as Naruto was fast asleep, a wisp of fiery red chakra escaped from the Four Symbols Seal on his stomach.

Chapter 4 The Interesting Fox

In his sleep, Naruto's consciousness was swept away by the tailed beast's chakra and brought to a dark and damp space.

Where is this?

Naruto was a little confused, but after looking around, he quickly got the answer.

The puddles under his feet, the enormous cage in front of him, and the faint roars of wild beasts behind the cage all proved that he was no longer in his own room, but had come to the space where the Nine-Tailed Fox was sealed.

After so many years of time travel, have I finally met the Nine-Tails?

Naruto muttered something to himself, then took a few steps forward and, by the light of the candle on the wall, saw the Nine-Tails' appearance clearly.

The nine-tailed fox is very beautiful, with fiery red fur, long ears, and nine tails that sway freely behind it, exuding a wildness.

Despite being suppressed by the sealed space, it still has a huge body that is over ten meters long, and it looks like it could easily kill a child like Naruto.

Seemingly sensing the arrival of a guest, Kurama slowly turned around, its lantern-sized eyes looking at Naruto.

Stared at by such a colossal creature, Naruto forgot to run away, forgot to breathe, and stood frozen in place.

However, a subtle smile curved the corners of Kurama's mouth as a small ball of Kurama's chakra passed through the cage, completely enveloping Naruto's body.

Ominous, hateful, resentful, angry...

Influenced by the Nine-Tails' chakra, Naruto's suppressed negative emotions began to erupt, spreading uncontrollably through his mind.

The resentment from the previous life, witnessing the tragic deaths of four generations of couples, and the unfair treatment suffered over the past four years.

These scenes flashed before Naruto's eyes, and his expression grew increasingly agitated, as if he would be consumed by these negative emotions at any moment and transform into a demon capable of slaughtering everything.

But soon, through sheer willpower, Naruto regained consciousness.

He was, after all, an adult who had been through the harsh realities of society. He might not be able to resist the erosion of the Nine-Tails at its peak, but right now he only needed to face the overflowing power of the tailed beast in its cage.

Nine-Tails was somewhat surprised that the four-year-old child in front of him had regained consciousness.

Although it's only a tiny fraction of its chakra, less than a fraction of its full power, it's still far beyond what a child could withstand.

After suppressing his negative emotions, Naruto looked at Kurama with a thoughtful expression and said, "There's a big fox inside my body. So that's why I'm considered a demon fox."

Hearing the title "big fox," the nine-tailed fox was somewhat displeased; it disliked being called that.

But recalling what she had seen and heard while inside Naruto over the past few years, Kurama suddenly had an idea and said:

"That's right, I am the culprit who made you a demon fox. What those villagers said is not wrong. I destroyed most of Konoha and killed the Fourth Hokage."

"As the vessel for this old man, you naturally become the object of their hatred."

"Come on, hate me, despise me! Don't suppress your emotions, unleash all your hatred and anger! Take revenge on those who harbor ill will towards you!"

"As long as you accept my chakra, you can destroy all of this!"

As they spoke, Kurama used its power again, attempting to bewitch the young Naruto.

Faced with those tempting words, Naruto simply shook his head and said, "Big fox, you can't do it. If you really had the power to destroy everything, you wouldn't be trapped here, and I wouldn't be the cage imprisoning you."

"Therefore, you don't have the power to destroy everything at all."

"you……!"

Enraged, the Nine-Tails unleashed its overwhelming power within the cage, causing the entire sealed space to tremble. However, no matter how much it stirred, the Nine-Tails was unable to break the seal or leave the cage.

After the commotion subsided, the nine-tailed fox gradually quieted down, and the two of them stood facing each other across the iron gate, remaining silent.

However, Kurama did not give up during this time and tried to subtly influence Naruto with his chakra, but to no avail.

Attack, defense.

After a few rounds, Naruto, feeling a bit bored, took the initiative to start the conversation: "Big fox, give up. I just said that although I don't know who locked you up here, since they sealed you in my body, they must have thought about the possibility of you escaping. No matter how much you struggle, it's useless."

As for the malice you're trying to provoke, I'm already used to it.

Kurama fell silent; it knew Naruto was telling the truth.

Unless Naruto actively removes the sealing talisman on the iron gate, it has no way to escape, and right now, it has no control over Naruto's actions.

While the fox remained silent, Naruto muttered to himself, "Speaking of which, you're still my tenant. You've lived in my body without saying a word, and I haven't even asked you for rent yet."

The Nine-Tails glared at Naruto and couldn't help but say, "Do you think I willingly let myself be sealed inside you?"

Naruto retorted without hesitation: "Do you think I willingly became the vessel to seal you? We are both powerless to do anything. Considering our relationship, I won't take the initiative to collect rent from you."

Nine-Tailed Fox snorted coldly, skipping over the topic: "You really don't want to accept my proposal? As long as I accept your body, I will definitely help you fight back against those villagers who bullied you. I have seen all the times you were bullied and I feel it was unfair to you."

“I have indeed suffered a lot of unfair treatment. For example, they always called me a fox demon. So I will do what a fox demon should do and return all their malice. It's not like monsters are afraid of ordinary people. It should be that they are afraid of me.”

Naruto continued speaking to himself, then, as if remembering something, looked at Kurama warily: "You just said you've been observing me, even when I'm showering or using the toilet?"

Nine-Tails hadn't expected that. After a moment of stunned silence, he said, "I don't observe you all the time. I'm not a pervert. Besides, I have no interest in human bodies."

“What about foxes?” Naruto realized the blind spot.

These words made Kurama's expression tense, and he cursed, "Get out! I have no interest in female foxes. I am Kurama, a life form entirely constructed of chakra!"

Naruto asked with a smile, "So, are you a male fox or a female fox?"

Kurama suddenly realized that it and Naruto were somewhat incompatible, so it gave up trying to persuade Naruto to break the seal with words, turned its head to the side, and faced the wall to think.

Now it was Naruto's turn to be stunned.

Are all the tailed beasts so fragile that they can't even take a joke?

Chapter 5 Landlords and Tenants