In the end, Seiryu didn't make everyone work all night. After spending 100,000 ryo to bring a chef from home to the station and making sure all the overtime workers got a bowl of deluxe ramen, he told everyone to go home and rest.
…
The next morning, on a 1,000-square-meter open area on the east side of the Uchiha compound, the clan's non-shinobi members were busy setting up for the banquet. Normally, this space was used for weddings of younger clan members, but today, their clan head would host a feast to thank the ninja who had helped suppress the rioters who tried to tarnish the village's heroes and the purity of the Will of Fire with rumors.
So, from early morning, the whole Uchiha clan was busy.
At the Hatake family home, Kakashi dragged a sleepy Naruto out of bed. Because of last night's lockdown, Naruto had a day off and wanted to sleep in, but Kakashi was already pulling clothes over his head.
"What are you doing, Big Brother Kakashi?" Naruto grumbled. He'd waited up all night for Kakashi to come home and was in no mood to get up so early, but Kakashi ignored his complaints.
"I'm taking you out for a big meal today. If you don't want to go, just stay in bed," Kakashi said.
"A big meal?" Naruto's spirits lifted immediately. He dressed in no time and followed Kakashi outside.
First, Kakashi picked up Yamato, who lived nearby, then headed toward the Uchiha compound.
After a while, Naruto realized something was off and looked up. "Where are we going? Every time I came this way before, an ANBU uncle would tell me I wasn't allowed."
"You'll see when we get there," Kakashi replied. "Besides, from now on, there's nowhere in the village you can't go."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes sparkled.
"Of course. Just don't cause trouble over there, or I'll be embarrassed having to bail you out from the police," Kakashi said.
The trio soon ran into Genma Shiranui and Raido Namiashi.
Seeing Naruto's blond hair, the Fourth's old team members were momentarily dazed.
"He really does look just like him…" Raido muttered as he watched Naruto joke around with Kakashi.
All of the Fourth's old guard knew he'd left an orphan behind. But after the Fourth died on the night of the Nine Tails attack, their own positions became awkward.
If the Fourth had lived, they'd probably be in ANBU or high-ranking teams by now. But with his death, as people from civilian backgrounds or minor clans, they had no roots in the village. When the Third took over, he didn't target them, but those on his side deliberately marginalized them when assigning tasks.
They could only accept it. They knew the Fourth had left an orphan, but Naruto's identity was too special, and they could hardly help—they'd secretly teach a few villagers a lesson if they bullied Naruto, but not openly say why.
But now that Kakashi was willing to step forward and carry the Fourth banner, everything was different.
When Kakashi brought Naruto over, Genma was the first to ruffle Naruto's hair, and then everyone else joined in. Naruto was passed around like a doll until his blond hair was a complete mess.
"What's with you guys? Who are you, anyway?" Naruto protested, glaring at them, but his expression just made everyone laugh.
"Naruto, these brothers and sisters were all your father's subordinates," Kakashi said with a smile.
Kakashi knew that after stepping into the spotlight, apart from sparing a little face for the Third, there was no need to be overly cautious about Naruto's parentage. It was time for Naruto to be exposed to these things. After all, what he'd inherited from his teacher ultimately belonged to Naruto.
"Huh? Really?" Naruto was stunned and looked at Genma. "So you all knew my dad?"
"Yeah, your father was a truly great ninja," Genma said with a smile.
"Then can you tell me who he is?" Naruto pouted.
"Of course… not!" Genma teased, and everyone else played along, knowing they had to give the Third some face.
"You're not going to tell me it's because my dad's enemies are too strong, so you can't tell me for my safety, are you?" Naruto complained.
"Hey, smart kid! Already learned to guess the answers!" Genma laughed.
Everyone joked around, but Naruto, surrounded, was soon red-faced with frustration.
"Alright, Naruto. Your father's story isn't simple. Once you become a ninja, you'll naturally learn his identity," Kakashi said, crouching down.
"What about what you said before? About my dad's enemies?" Naruto pouted.
"Oh, that was just to fool you," Kakashi said. "With so many people in the village willing to protect you, those enemies don't matter, right?"
Kakashi looked at Genma and the others.
"Of course," Genma answered with a smile. "Naruto, hurry and grow up. The day you find out who your father is, maybe you'll be surprised yourself."
As Genma spoke, he glanced unconsciously at the Hokage Rock.
"Hmph! You're all mean! Lying to a kid! I'm not talking to you anymore!" Naruto, frustrated by these riddlers, broke free from their grip and ran off toward the Uchiha compound.
"That kid's got energy," Raido said, watching Naruto run off.
"But Kakashi, are you sure it's okay to bring him to the Uchiha compound?" After Naruto had gone, Genma asked seriously.
"It's fine," Kakashi said. "The Uchiha are on our side."
Thinking of how the Police Force had been the first to support Kakashi in the recent turmoil, Genma nodded. "As long as you know what you're doing."