Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: The Third Hokage’s Funeral, and Warm Applause!

The chaos of the Konoha Collapse has finally come to an end. Though the village emerged victorious in the end, the price paid was steep—perhaps even too steep.The entire Hidden Leaf Village suffered an unprecedented blow.Surprisingly, the Chūnin Exam venue, despite being the focal point of the invasion, escaped significant damage. Much of this was thanks to Uzumaki Naruto's outstanding performance, which held the line at a critical moment.However, the most devastating blow fell elsewhere.According to multiple eyewitnesses, the commercial district of Konoha was the worst-hit area. It was there that a masked figure appeared from the sky, casting a terrifying black ninjutsu that rained destruction down from above. This single attack obliterated nearly half of the village."What the hell was that technique?!""Could it be the same masked man who triggered the Nine-Tails incident years ago?""It has to be him! He was stopped by the Fourth Hokage that night. He's been harboring resentment against the village ever since!""What a despicable man! Mark my words—someday, Konoha will hunt him down and bring him to justice!"Uchiha Obito, watching silently in the chat room, could only shake his head in frustration."???" Obito muttered. "This time it really wasn't me. Why am I always the scapegoat?"Despite the misunderstandings, life in the village moved forward.With Konoha's reconstruction now underway, the funeral for the Third Hokage was held as scheduled.Just like in the alternate reality shown in the "White Frame World," the entire village came together in solemn respect to mourn their fallen leader. Every key figure in the village attended, offering silent prayers and remembering the man who had guided them through war and peace alike.However, what no one noticed was that the Naruto who stood beside the coffin wasn't the real one—it was merely a Shadow Clone.Meanwhile, back at Naruto's home in Konoha..."Na-Naruto... I don't think this is right... Today is the Third Hokage's funeral after all," a flustered Uzuki Yugao stammered, clearly uncomfortable.Naruto simply smirked. "Isn't it the perfect time? What difference does it make where the applause comes from?"In front of him, Yugao bent over, her graceful and curvy figure accentuated under the dim light."You say no, Xiyan, but your body is honest," Naruto teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.As Naruto's "attack" commenced, the air was suddenly filled with an odd, rhythmic "applause." Laughter, desire, and passion interwove in the dark room.And then, just as things escalated—The screen cut to black."DAMN IT!" Jiraiya shouted. "Why does it always fade out at the best part?!"Ebisu wiped his nose furiously. "Yes! This is an insult to viewers everywhere!"Kakashi glanced down at his Icha Icha Paradise, suddenly feeling disappointed. "This... just doesn't hit the same anymore."Tsunade, arms crossed and fuming, glared at the three of them. "The lot of you are truly the disgrace of Konoha. I'm officially expelling you all from the village!"Jiraiya raised both hands. "Whoa, whoa, Tsunade! Can't you take a joke?"Ebisu nervously scratched the back of his head. "Oh no... I just remembered I need to teach Konohamaru soon! I should... go prepare!"Kakashi chuckled awkwardly. "You know, maybe... books aren't so bad after all.""Hmph! Typical Konoha men," Tsunade muttered.From the other villages, reactions varied.Ohnoki grunted. "It seems even in this alternate timeline, the story ends with the Third Hokage's death."The Fourth Raikage nodded solemnly. "But it's strange. These are two vastly different realities. In our world, Naruto defeated One-Tail Shukaku, but very few knew. In that world, he's already a celebrated hero."Terumi Mei added with a sly smile, "And let's be honest—Naruto in that world has quite the figure. Did anyone else notice his eight-pack abs in that final frame?"Sarutobi Hiruzen's ghostly image flared up. "M-Mizukage-sama! Please show some restraint!"Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Hiruzen-sensei... perhaps you should be more worried about yourself. Do you know what Naruto's first act will be if he becomes Hokage?"Hiruzen narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"Orochimaru grinned. "If I were him, I'd do to the Sarutobi clan what Konoha did to the Uchiha and the Uzumaki.""You snake!" Hiruzen snapped. "I never harmed either clan! And don't forget, in that world, you also died at Naruto's hands!"Orochimaru laughed, "Hiruzen-sensei, you're still so naive.""What are you implying?" Hiruzen demanded.Orochimaru's grin widened. "You'll see soon enough. The Naruto from that world... is a true force to be reckoned with."Second Hokage Tobirama spoke sternly, "Orochimaru, I advise you to stay far away from Konoha."Unfazed, Orochimaru asked with a mischievous tone, "Care to guess who becomes the next Hokage in the black-frame world?"Ohnoki fell silent, deep in thought.The entire chatroom paused.Could it really be… Naruto?He's still just a teenager. Surely the village elders wouldn't agree to that.Shimura Danzo stood up proudly. "The Fifth Hokage is me! Mark my words!"Yamanaka Wind: "Congratulations, Danzo-sama!"Danzo: "Hahahaha!"Nara Shikamaru sighed. "No offense... but I really doubt that's going to happen."Tobirama nodded. "Agreed. Don't forget—Jiraiya is still around. He was the Third Hokage's student and one of the Legendary Sannin. Even though Naruto stole the spotlight during the invasion, Jiraiya's battle against Shukaku was commendable. He's a strong candidate."Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "Me? Hokage?! Then I'll make it law that all bathhouses must be mixed-gender!"Ebisu threw up his hand. "I vote for Jiraiya-sama!"Tsunade's glare could pierce steel. "Ebisu, are you sure you want to remain in this village?"Haruno Sakura scoffed, "See? Konoha's men are hopeless. Their minds are all the same. Naruto from the black frame world is way more mature."Tenten blushed furiously. "B-but... just now, he was with Yugao-senpai..."Her thoughts flashed back to that particular position. She had heard of it before, but what was it called again? Something about an old car?Sakura clenched her fists. "T-Then I'll do it too!"Ino huffed. "Hmph! Keep dreaming, forehead girl. I will be the next one to win Naruto over! Just you wait!""You pig! Say that again!" Sakura screamed, ready to pounce.As the two began to bicker and nearly claw at each other,The black frame above gradually faded away…And in its place, a white border emerged, glowing softly in the sky.Apparently, the scene was transitioning—now it would show what was happening in the original Naruto timeline.As the white frame brightened, a new scene slowly appeared.Two figures stood tall, wearing the ominous black cloaks adorned with red clouds.It was none other than Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame of the Akatsuki![Following the Third Hokage's funeral, Uchiha Itachi suddenly returned to the Hidden Leaf Village. ][Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma confronted the intruders but were swiftly defeated. They couldn't match the power of the rogue Uchiha and the Monster of the Hidden Mist.][Just when things seemed dire, Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy arrived for backup. However, even Kakashi—wielding the Sharingan—was no match for Itachi's Tsukuyomi.][In that terrifying genjutsu realm, Itachi tortured Kakashi for what felt like three whole days.][The aftereffects left Kakashi completely drained. He had to remain in the hospital for a full week before beginning to recover.]Haruno Sakura frowned. "Kakashi-sensei… you're getting more and more disappointing lately."Might Guy clenched his fist. "Uchiha Itachi, how dare you do that to my eternal rival! Next time, I won't hold back!"Uchiha Obito shook his head. "Useless. That's not even the proper way to wield the Sharingan."Nohara Rin's ghostly voice chimed in, "Kakashi... if I were still alive, I'd take good care of you."Madara's eyes gleamed. "Hmm... That Uchiha's eyes—he must've read the secrets engraved on the Uchiha stone tablet."Itachi, watching from the shadows, remained silent.