Chapter 084: The Return Journey and Confiding in Hiruzen Sarutobi

After fully bringing the Land of Waves under his control, Naruto began to govern the country. Naturally, he assumed the role of the highest leader himself. However, he did not adopt the traditional title of “daimyo” used in the ninja world; instead, he chose the simple term “Leader,” borrowing from the title of the highest authority in his previous life’s homeland.

From the top down, he set about establishing an entirely new governing body to replace the former daimyo—the loose alliance of noble families. Every member of this institution was carefully selected by him. Among them were exceptionally talented members of the Uzumaki clan, skilled in politics, as well as locals deeply familiar with the Land of Waves. They may not have been the most experienced politicians, but each possessed a sincere desire to serve the country and its people.

These individuals hailed from diverse backgrounds and various social classes, yet the shared goal of “making the Land of Waves better” united them closely. The Uzumaki clan members were especially dedicated, eager to gain experience in governance that could one day be applied to reforming their own homeland, the Land of Whirlpools.

Naruto cautioned them that every country was different—not only in geography, but also in history, customs, and the nature of its people. Each nation required its own approach to governance. Still, the Uzumaki believed that the lessons learned from managing the Land of Waves would prove invaluable. At the very least, they would know what challenges to expect when implementing policies, and how to devise solutions. In short, the establishment of the new regime was an unprecedented event for the Land of Waves, leaving the populace both hopeful and apprehensive.

Never before had there been a change of government in their history; the daimyo remained the daimyo, the noble families remained as they were, and this unwavering stability had been the country’s guiding principle. No one could predict where this upheaval would lead their history.

Naruto himself had never served as a leader, but he understood one vital truth: whatever happened, the country needed economic prosperity. With prosperity would come social stability, and only then would the people continue to support him and embrace his vision.

Fortunately, the Land of Waves possessed a great bridge spanning the sea, and Naruto had constructed numerous ports and new ships. Supported by robust naval forces and advanced infrastructure, and given the country’s modest size, rapid development was possible.

Moreover, Naruto established many factories within the Land of Waves, connecting them with those situated in the mountain valleys outside the Whirlpools Village. Soon, the country produced a wealth of quality, affordable industrial goods that were sold far and wide.

To Naruto’s surprise, the best-selling items turned out to be large-scale construction machinery.

Under Naruto’s guidance, the Land of Waves underwent dramatic transformation over the course of ten years. What was once a poor and backward nation became prosperous and flourishing.

Towering buildings rose everywhere, the sounds of steam engines and interlocking gears echoed continually. Every face on the street was radiant with healthy color, bearing expressions of confidence and happiness. Alongside the rebuilt Land of Whirlpools, the Land of Waves came to be known as the Twin Pearls of the Sea, ranking among the most prosperous nations in the world.

But that was a story for another time.

After completing his initial plans for the Land of Waves, Naruto set out to return to Konoha. He still had to retrieve the Scroll of Seals from the Third Hokage and learn his father’s signature jutsu—the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Inside the Hokage’s office.

After the mission was reported, Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed his pipe and finally decided to upgrade the mission’s rank from C-class to A-class. After all, the task involved a dramatic change of national government and the protection of the Land of Waves’ people as they completed the great sea bridge. If this wasn’t worthy of an A-rank, nothing would be!

Team Seven had also broken a record in Konoha. Although there had been instances of genin squads completing A-rank missions, it was unprecedented for a first assignment to be unexpectedly elevated to A-rank, and to encounter a second A-rank mission within the same month—such circumstances had never before occurred in Konoha’s history.

Once the mission was reported and the rewards distributed, Team Seven prepared to depart. As Naruto turned to leave, Hiruzen Sarutobi called out:

“Naruto, stay. Come with me.”

Naruto followed Hiruzen out of the mission hall and into the Hokage’s office.

“Naruto, have a seat,” Hiruzen said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. With a wave of his hand, the door closed. Then, forming a seal, he raised a barrier to isolate the office from the outside.

Naruto showed no sign of alarm, settling into the chair with composure.

After finishing a bowl of tobacco, Hiruzen spoke in a low voice:

“Naruto, how should I address you now? Should I call you the supreme leader of the Land of Waves, future head of the Uzumaki clan, or partner of Orochimaru and second-in-command of the Ryuzo Association?”

“You may call me whatever you wish,” Naruto shrugged. “Whichever name feels natural or familiar to you, use that. I don’t mind, at least not in front of you.”

Naruto was not surprised that Hiruzen knew such details about him.

In fact, had Hiruzen remained unaware until now, Naruto would have found it strange. He neither flaunted his status nor concealed it. If Hiruzen had been unable to uncover the truth, Naruto would have questioned how the old man managed to lead Konoha through the ninja world wars.

Hiruzen chuckled quietly. Tapping his pipe, he said,

“I’ll stick to calling you Naruto. You have so many titles, I can’t keep track, and ‘little Naruto’ feels more affectionate.”

He gathered his thoughts and then said,

“Naruto, what is your view of Konoha? I know you somewhat, have a general sense of your intentions. But I don’t want to fall into a chain of suspicion with you. I want to be upfront and confirm things face to face.”

“You truly are Jiraiya’s teacher,” Naruto replied with a smile. “You two think exactly alike. Though I’ve said it before, I’m willing to repeat myself.”

“Konoha is my birthplace and home; my parents died protecting it. I will never harm my hometown, but I will not show mercy to those who have harmed me. I will not allow anyone to hinder my progress, nor will I let my homeland fall behind in the reforms I lead.”

“Therefore, if anyone stubbornly obstructs me, I will not hesitate to deal with them.”

His voice carried little emotion, but Hiruzen could sense the unwavering resolve of the youth before him.

Hiruzen was silent for a long time before he sighed,

“Naruto, let me be candid as well.”

“I have only two lifelong obsessions.”

“First, I hope that the village founded by the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha, the village my teacher, the Second Hokage, gave his life to protect, will forever endure.”

“I don’t know if you have any understanding of the Warring States era, but it was even more terrifying than the ninja world wars.”

“Having witnessed that era, we old men have become deeply attached to Konoha’s survival.”

“With Konoha, we can live in peace. I wonder, Naruto, can you understand?”

Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Naruto’s blue eyes, his tone heavy with emotion.