In the original Naruto story, Naruto Uzumaki only learned his father was the Fourth Hokage when he met his mother at the seal's location, well into his growth.
Until his death, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, never revealed Naruto's true parentage.
Even Kakashi Hatake, who knew the truth, kept silent.
To them, this secrecy was about protecting Naruto.
Faced with Naruto's direct question now, Hiruzen's face darkened.
"Who told you that?"
Hiruzen was furious. He had repeatedly stressed that this was a Hidden Leaf Village secret.
For years, it had been concealed to prevent enemy nations from gathering intelligence on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
But now, it seemed all for naught, and Hiruzen's anger surged as he mentally sifted through possible leaks.
"No one told me. I just guessed."
"Look, the Fourth Hokage's wife was an Uzumaki too."
"And I look so much like him—yellow hair, blue eyes…"
Naruto, intimidated by Hiruzen's stern expression, felt a pang of fear.
But when it came to his parentage, he refused to back down, stepping forward and raising his voice.
Despite having no evidence, despite his trembling heart.
"The Fourth Hokage is not your father."
"Go home, Naruto."
Hiruzen stood, turning to the window, his voice cold.
Naruto had guessed correctly, but Hiruzen couldn't reveal the truth.
No matter what, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's identity had to remain hidden for the village's sake.
Though cruel to Naruto, there was no other way.
[Of course. How could someone as hated as me be the Fourth Hokage's son?]
[The Fourth Hokage sacrificed himself for the village.]
[His child would surely be treated as a hero.]
[I'm such an idiot.]
Chu Ran's words in Naruto's subconscious turned his excitement to despair.
He turned slowly toward the door, and with the sound of it closing, Hiruzen let out a heavy sigh.
"Minato, don't blame me. I believe you'd forgive my choice."
Hiruzen gazed out the window, a trace of guilt on his face.
…
Learning from Hiruzen that his parents weren't the Fourth Hokage and his wife, Naruto left the Hokage's office and broke into a run.
The sky unleashed a sudden downpour, soaking him quickly.
Rain slid from his forehead, mingling with tears that fell from his chin.
Yet Naruto's pace didn't slow—he wanted to scream, to vent the grievances in his heart.
"Why? Why was I born like this?"
"Why does everyone call me a demon fox, a monster? I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Why won't anyone acknowledge me? Why does everyone hate me?"
Naruto's inner cries roared, unleashing his pent-up frustration.
His efforts had gone unrecognized.
When he'd gone to the Third Hokage, full of hope to confirm his suspicions, that hope and passion were doused by cold rain.
For the first time, Naruto felt disgust toward the villagers—those who called him a demon fox, a monster.
He felt the injustice. He'd done nothing wrong.
All he wanted was their acceptance.
Yet all he received were looks of disdain.
Iruka Umino was like this. His classmates were like this. Even the grocer's wife was like this.
The few who didn't see him as a monster were a rare handful.
[Ding! Blackening Progress increased by 2%!]
The system's chime snapped Chu Ran, who was about to rest, to attention.
He'd thought Naruto's defeat by Sasuke Uchiha would raise his blackening progress, but it hadn't budged.
Now was different. The collapse of his hopes, combined with the villagers' accumulated disdain, had erupted today.
A 2% increase in blackening progress was astonishing.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for surpassing 1% Blackening!]
[Successfully planted a seed of resentment in Naruto Uzumaki's heart!]
[Ding! Rewarded with Blackening Treasure Chest x1!]
[Ding! Blackening Points increased by 50!]
Not only had the blackening progress risen, but a pleasant surprise followed.
With each 10% increment in blackening, Chu Ran could earn a Blackening Treasure Chest.
These chests contained abilities and ninjutsu from the Naruto world.
System rewards were always top-tier, and Chu Ran's excitement grew.
He immediately opened his first Blackening Treasure Chest.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the Uzumaki Clan's Kekkei Genkai!]
[Ding! Uzumaki Clan's Kekkei Genkai has been upgraded to the highest level!]
As the system's voice rang out, memories flooded Chu Ran's mind.
They were the long-lost heritage of the Uzumaki clan.
The most thrilling was the Uzumaki clan's signature technique: Adamantine Sealing Chains.
This unique ability could restrain tailed beasts and was usable only by pure-blooded Uzumaki descendants with red hair.
[Adamantine Sealing Chains—what a prize!]
Chu Ran's eyes gleamed. This was the perfect ability for him right now.
[Host: Chu Ran]
[Attached Character: Naruto Uzumaki]
[Physique: 0.9]
[Soul: 3]
[Blackening Progress: 3.97%]
[Blackening Points: 260]
[Blackening Shop: Not Unlocked]
Naruto's blackening progress was still in the single digits.
But this was no small feat—planting a seed of resentment in the heart of a pure, innocent child.
Naruto's resentment now extended beyond those who hated him.
The hardest part of any journey is the start.
With the most difficult step complete, everything should proceed according to Chu Ran's plan, barring surprises.
[Time to do something I've always wanted.]
[What would it feel like for Naruto to become a genius surpassing even Sasuke Uchiha?]
Chu Ran's lips curved into a smile as he glanced at a dark passageway to his right.
At the end of that passage lay the source of Naruto's "demon fox" label.
(End of thr Chapter)