Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 138 The Father and Son Fishing

"Let's go, Bo Cheng."

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued walking forward as if nothing had happened.

"Ah... Oh! Yes! Chieftain!"

Sarutobi Namizumi finally snapped out of his shock.

He mechanically started walking, following behind Hiruzen, but his mind was completely blank.

Is this the Uchiha clan?

The legendary, proud, and unruly Uchiha clan?

In front of the clan chief, he was actually... actually so nervous.

He had heard of Minister Tie Huo, in particular; he was a ruthless and decisive figure in the garrison.

But just now, he clearly saw that Minister Tie Huo's back was soaked with cold sweat.

Just how terrifying is the clan chief's prestige?

Bo Cheng felt that his understanding of the word "Naruto" had been completely overturned once again.

The two continued walking deeper into the tribe's territory.

Along the way, the places they passed through all presented an eerie peace.

The street they were walking on was almost deserted, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Hiruzen Sarutobi maintained his leisurely demeanor as he spoke to Hazumi, "The Uchiha clan's three-colored dumplings taste quite good. It's said to be a recipe passed down through generations of the Uchiha clan. I'll take you to try them next time."

He glanced at Bo Cheng, who was sitting next to him as nervous as a quail, and decided to give him a little encouragement.

"Hazumi, do you know why the Uchiha clan has such respect for the Hokage?"

"Uh... is it because you, Chieftain, are powerful, and... and have led the village to prosperity?"

Bo Cheng answered uncertainly.

"That's only part of the reason."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet street.

"More importantly, it's about recognition."

"Approval?"

"That's right. In the past, although the Uchiha clan was powerful, they were like a sword of Damocles hanging over the village. Everyone was wary of them and on guard against them. They had power, but no sense of belonging."

"Later, the village gave them this sense of belonging. It made them understand that flames and the Sharingan are not just tools for fighting and destruction, but can also be used to maintain the village's order and protect the smiles of every villager."

"What I gave them was not power or wealth, but a home that they could be proud of and were willing to give everything to protect. Therefore, they respected not only me, but also the Will of Fire that I represented, which allowed them to find their own value and glory."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words resonated in Namizaki's heart like a great bell.

"Let's go, or we'll miss seeing your captain's fishing skills." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice interrupted Nami's thoughts.

"Ah, yes!" Bo Cheng snapped out of his daze and quickly followed.

The two continued along the cobblestone path, and the surrounding atmosphere became increasingly tranquil.

The outlines of distant buildings are faintly visible through the shadows of the trees, and the air is filled with a light mist and the fragrance of grass.

Soon, a shimmering little lake appeared before them.

The lake's surface was like a mirror, reflecting the azure sky and drifting white clouds. Shady trees lined the lakeshore, and several water birds strolled leisurely on the shallows, creating a tranquil and refreshing environment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's pace involuntarily slowed down.

His attention was completely drawn to the two figures by the lake.

On the lakeside, two figures, one tall and one short, sat on two wooden chairs.

The larger figure stood tall and steady, his hand holding the fishing rod motionless, as if he had become one with the surrounding scenery.

The younger one seemed a bit restless, swinging its little legs under the chair and occasionally turning its head to talk to the person next to it, seemingly completely unaware of the Hokage's arrival.

That was Uchiha Yogen and a young Uchiha Obito.

The breeze by the lake is gentle, carrying a slight dampness, and it feels indescribably pleasant as it brushes against your cheeks.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood under the dense shade of a weeping willow, looking at the two figures, one large and one small, in the distance. The weariness accumulated in his heart due to his complicated official duties seemed to be quietly blown away by the breeze.

so good.

Isn't this peaceful and serene scene exactly what I, as a transmigrator bearing the title of "Third Hokage," have been pursuing every day in my office, battling wits with mountains of documents and exchanging barbs with "paper kings" like Danzo and Sakumo?

worth it.

It was all worth it.

By the lake, young Obito Uchiha was idly swinging his short legs, his head drooping. He would occasionally glance at his fishing float, which remained motionless on the water, and then at his father's steady figure beside him. Finally, he couldn't help but mutter something under his breath in a soft, childlike voice.

"Oh dear, why aren't the fish biting yet...?"

Uchiha Yoru stared intently at the water's surface, his voice as calm and still as the lake itself.

"Obito, fishing is like training; the most important thing is patience. If your mind isn't calm, the fish won't come."

"But my mind is very calm!"

Little Obito puffed out his little chest, trying to prove that he was very patient.

As a result, his movements were too exaggerated, the chair he was sitting on tilted, and he almost fell into the bushes next to him.

"Wow!"

He frantically grabbed the edge of the chair, barely managing to steady himself, his face flushed red.

Uchiha Yogen shook his head helplessly, a rare smile appearing on his usually calm and reserved face.

This child...

Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing behind a tree not far away, also took in the entire scene, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

The Obito Uchiha of this world is sunny, energetic, and a little absent-minded.

very nice.

In his mind, the tragic figure of that person, consumed by hatred, who, for the sake of a false world, was willing to drag the entire ninja world into the hell of war, flashed uncontrollably.

Two completely different trajectories of fate converged in his mind at this moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists involuntarily.

That's right, that's it.

What he wants to protect is not only the prosperity of Konoha, but also these vibrant lives and the innocent, pure smiles on their faces.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gestured for Nami to stay where she was, while he quietly walked towards the lake.

Without deliberately concealing his presence, he was like a passerby taking a stroll after dinner, his footsteps rustling on the grass.

"rustle--"

Uchiha Yoru, who was observing the lake, suddenly activated his Sharingan.

Three scarlet tomoe instantly appeared in those dark pupils, spinning rapidly, and with a sense of vigilance, they turned their heads and locked onto the uninvited guest behind them.

"..."

However, when his Sharingan clearly reflected Hiruzen Sarutobi's gentle face, the speed at which the three tomoe were spinning suddenly stopped.