Meanwhile, among Konoha's higher-ups.
"Any news about Naruto from the Anbu?"
Sandaime Hokage asked in a low voice.
Under the brim of the Hokage Hat, his aged face looked even more haggard.
After this incident, Sandaime seemed to have aged several years.
Naruto's escape was undoubtedly a heavy blow to this Hokage who had taught Minato and held deep affection for the Yondaime.
He had always believed that no matter how the village treated him, Naruto would inherit Konoha's Will of Fire and repay the village without regret or resentment.
After all, he was the son of that hero.
But the result was…
Naruto not only escaped but also brutally killed Mizuki.
"Mizuki's death, at that time and place, could only have been Naruto's doing."
"Orochimaru doesn't know the Rasengan. There aren't many in the village who do. Only Naruto. Minato might have recorded this technique for his self-defense."
Sandaime sighed helplessly.
His tone was full of emotion and the weight of experience.
However, things having come to this, a cold, sharp glint suddenly appeared in Sandaime's eyes.
To outsiders, he was a kindly old man, a respected Shinobi Professor.
But in reality, he's a politician who held the position of Hokage the longest, an iron-willed ruthless hero who tacitly allowed the Uchiha Clan's extermination…
How could he possibly be soft-hearted?
Towards Naruto, he felt regret, he felt sorry.
But more than that…
It was deep wariness!
The power of the Kyubi… Konoha had witnessed it once before.
Such a weapon of mass destruction must be firmly held in their grasp.
"Danzo-sama has already activated that 'technique'. At most half a day, we can pinpoint Naruto's location and mobilize the entire village to pursue him."
A tall, slender Shinobi wearing an Anbu's mask said calmly.
Hearing this, a curve couldn't help but lift the corner of Sandaime lips.
As a politician, how could Sandaime not have left a backup plan for a strategic weapon like Naruto?
The technique Danzo was preparing could track the target's detailed location through blood left behind by the target and project a clear image into the crystal ball.
In the manga, Sandaime used this technique to clearly monitor Naruto's every move.
"Once Danzo's side is ready, we can notify the Shinobi Teams to act."
Sandaime looked out the window, a trace of weariness flashing in his eyes.
"Mobilizing all of Konoha's strength to hunt down a child not even ten years old... Ah, Minato, if you must blame anyone, blame Naruto's bad luck. Everything I do... is for the village."
…
Meanwhile, in Ryuchi Cave.
"Very good. Your talent far surpasses even Orochimaru's when he came here to train. In at most three to five years, you can master Ryuchi Cave's Sage Mode and roam the world freely."
In a cold, damp cave, the White Snake Sage flicked its tongue, a look of appreciation in its vertical pupils.
From Kaguya's era to the present, over a thousand years had passed.
In those thousand years, countless people had visited Ryuchi Cave seeking power.
The vast majority failed the initial trial and died, their bodies disintegrating.
Even those who passed the trial, the number who ultimately became sages did not exceed the count of ten fingers.
Before meeting Naruto, the person with the highest talent and strongest comprehension was Orochimaru.
However, Orochimaru's ambitions were too great, and he ultimately failed to achieve a perfect Sage Mode, choosing a different path instead.
So, for the White Snake Sage, Naruto was currently the most likely genius to master perfect Sage Mode and make the name of Ryuchi Cave renowned throughout the Shinobi World.
His importance was self-evident.
"Thank you for your praise, White Snake Sage. I will definitely train hard."
Naruto's expression was indifferent as he bowed slightly.
"However, I have encountered some temporary difficulties. I hope the White Snake Sage can offer some guidance to help me overcome this hurdle."
"Speak."
The White Snake Sage curled its lips into a smile and replied casually.
With a disciple as talented as Naruto, what request couldn't it grant?
Even if he wanted the moon from the sky, it would have to think of a way to get it down.
"I was originally from Konoha's Uzumaki Clan. Because the Kyubi is sealed inside me, the village could not tolerate me. Sandaime is cold-blooded, showing not a trace of past sentiment, and issued a severe wanted order. I am now... an S-Rank Missing-nin of Konoha."
Naruto looked at the White Snake Sage, his gaze calm, as he spoke slowly.
Before confessing, he had mentally prepared himself.
He might be expelled from Ryuchi Cave, or the White Snake Sage might protect him fiercely… both were possible.
But no matter what, Naruto's Shinobi Way was to repay kindness and avenge wrongs.
The White Snake Sage taught him Senjutsu and gave him a place to stay.
He couldn't knowingly bring great trouble upon it without saying a word.
This was his bottom line, a principle he must uphold even after darkening.
"Konoha, huh? Hah, do you think Ryuchi Cave, one of the Three Great Sage Regions, would fear a mere Shinobi Village?"
Contrary to Naruto's expectations, the reprimand he anticipated did not come.
Instead, the White Snake Sage let out a disdainful chuckle, speaking arrogantly.
"Back then, Orochimaru committed heinous crimes. As one of the Legendary Sannin, he defected from Konoha. Jiraiya pursued him for thousands of kilometers, and Tsunade joined in hunting Orochimaru. And the result?"
"Orochimaru is still alive and well. Meanwhile, those two became disillusioned. One travels the world sightseeing, the other is addicted to gambling, drunk and wallowing in misery. Neither has achieved what Orochimaru has today!"