Mastermind of the Akatsuki

"A hand can't clap without the other. I should reflect on my own issues?!"

Upon hearing this, Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He never expected Black Zetsu to say such a thing. They were friends, weren't they? Shouldn't he be on Naruto's side?

Since birth, Naruto hadn't done anything particularly wrong. Why was he treated with disdain by the villagers? He never asked for any special treatment; all he wanted was to be seen as a normal person. Why was that so difficult?

In that moment, a surge of strong resentment filled Naruto, and his fists clenched tightly.

However, both Grandpa Hokage, who treated him well, and Oldman Black were saying the same thing. Maybe he really did have issues. He shouldn't have left home without permission, and he shouldn't be on the streets affecting others' moods.

Releasing his tightly clenched fists, Naruto forced a smile and said to Black Zetsu, "Oldman Black, what should I do to earn the villagers' recognition?"

Black Zetsu looked into Naruto's eyes and replied, "It's been hundreds of years since my time, so I don't know exactly what you should do. But you can consult your Hokage since he should know what to do."

"Consult Hokage Grandpa?"

Naruto took Black Zetsu's words to heart and continued to wander along the riverbank.

---

When the Third Hokage arrived again, Naruto curiously asked, "Grandpa Hokage, what do you think I need to do to gain the village's recognition?"

Hearing this, the Third Hokage smiled, ruffled Naruto's hair, and sent someone to the library to fetch a few books.

The thick books had golden letters embossed on the cover, titled "The Will of Fire."

Handing the book to Naruto, the Third Hokage said with a smile, "Gaining the villagers' recognition is quite simple. Just read this book and follow its teachings strictly."

"The people of the village are good at heart. So, as long as you treat them sincerely, they will respond in kind."

Naruto nodded, somewhat understanding. "Hokage Grandpa, I will read this book carefully because I really want everyone's recognition. I want to be their friend."

Seeing this, the Third Hokage felt a warm happiness in his heart.

Naruto was so kind; he would definitely gain the recognition of others and become the protector of the village as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. As for whether the "Will of Fire" would truly be effective, even the Hokage himself wasn't certain.

After the Third Hokage left, Naruto eagerly opened "The Will of Fire" and began to read earnestly.

Black Zetsu was also intrigued and leaned over Naruto's shoulder to look at the content. After glancing through it, Black Zetsu rolled his eyes.

Wasn't this just the same old doctrine from the Ninja Sect back in the day?

The Sage of Six Paths liked to play this game as well and distributed chakra to everyone in the Ninja Sect. At that time, the Ninja Sect was an organization dedicated to helping everyone.

Yet, less than a few decades after the Sage's death, the Ninja World began to fracture along clan lines.

If it hadn't been for Hashirama Senju emerging decades ago, the number of nations in the Ninja World would have at least multiplied tenfold by now.

But this was also part of his and Byakuya's plan.

"Where the leaves dance, the fire continues to burn!"

Seeing this phrase from the "Will of Fire," Naruto couldn't help but read it aloud. He then turned to Black Zetsu and asked, "Oldman Black, what does this sentence mean? I don't quite understand its significance."

Black Zetsu glanced at Naruto and said with a blank expression, "It's quite simple. It means that the older generation will protect the new one. Even when faced with danger, they rush in to sacrifice themselves, leaving hope for the next generation."

Naruto smiled innocently, "I get it! It means that if I'm in danger, Grandpa Hokage and you, Oldman Black, would sacrifice yourselves to protect me, right?"

Black Zetsu was taken aback by the statement, feeling an odd resemblance to Byakuya's words.

No, why should I sacrifice my life to protect this brat? Please, we're not that close. I just want to use you!

After suppressing his thoughts, Black Zetsu replied helplessly, "I don't have that kind of resolve, but your Hokage definitely does. To protect the new generation in the village, he would surely be willing to sacrifice himself."

"I think Grandpa Hokage would do that too…"

Naruto nodded but then looked at Black Zetsu with a puzzled expression, "But Oldman Black, do you have something against Grandpa Hokage? I feel like your tone is a bit off."

Seeing that his thoughts were exposed by this little brat, Black Zetsu's expression darkened. "You misheard me. I'm just feeling inadequate. After seeing the content of the "Will of Fire," it feels like my spirit has undergone a kind of evolution."

Naruto was relentless. "I still feel something's off. Are you trying to deceive me?"

Black Zetsu waved his hands repeatedly. "A little brat like you shouldn't overthink things. Even if I were to deceive you, would your Hokage deceive you? Just follow what it says and don't disturb my rest."

"I got it! I'll read quietly."

After spending a week, Naruto finally finished reading the "Will of Fire." After absorbing the cases and annotations from the past Hokage, Naruto felt like he had experienced a spiritual awakening.

Next came the practice of the "Will of Fire."

With a bold spirit and unwavering determination, Naruto stepped out of his home, already envisioning himself gaining the villagers' recognition and becoming Hokage.

However, not long after leaving home, Naruto faced significant setbacks.

After running into obstacles multiple times, he returned home and lay on his bed, looking at the kunai pendant and said, "Oldman Black, they all said they don't need my help and want me to get lost and not disturb their business."

Seeing Naruto's dejection, Black Zetsu rubbed his forehead and replied, "Maybe your way of communicating is the problem? Or perhaps you're not sincere enough? The "Will of Fire" doesn't lie, and your Hokage wouldn't deceive you either. If these methods truly had issues, your Hokage wouldn't have become Hokage in the first place."

"Oldman Black, you're right! I shouldn't give up after a small setback…"

After saying that, Naruto gathered his courage once again, left home, and continued to look for people in need of help.

Once Naruto had left, Black Zetsu took advantage of the moment when the Anbu had departed and quickly wrote a letter, instructing White Zetsu to deliver it to the Akatsuki organization.

The training plan for Naruto was progressing smoothly, but the key issues still required Byakuya's oversight.