Chapter 88: Nine-Tails (Ten‑Thousand‑Character Chapter)

Time slipped by unnoticed, and Leaf Village welcomed the golden autumn of October.

Within the Uchiha Clan, Yuzhi watched the continuously falling, already yellowed leaves while also watching his new home under construction, and he couldn't help but purse his lips.

"Too slow."

Yuzhi's new home has been under construction for a while, yet it still isn't fully finished, making him doubt the efficiency of the ninja world.

But there's nothing he can do; on one hand, the progress of Yamato's 'four rooms, one hall' technique is indeed slow.

On the other hand, Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu have been wholeheartedly helping, quietly finding masters from the relevant trades for Yuzhi.

These people claim they need to 'craft with unique ingenuity,' so they are polishing slowly, and thus haven't completed it yet.

"Actually it's fine, not especially slow."

Hikari stood behind him, surveying the house taking shape, and asked curiously.

"Do you really want to move into a new home? I recall you didn't care that much before."

I don't want to sleep on the floor.

Yuzhi pursed his lips without answering; before there was nothing he could ignore, but now that he has her, he cannot remain indifferent.

"By the way, Zhi Shui is looking for you."

Hikari saw Yuzhi remain silent; she guessed the reason to some extent, so she stopped probing and got down to business.

"Zhi Shui is here?"

Yuzhi turned his head toward the back, saw Zhi Shui standing there earnestly, and immediately waved him over.

"When did he arrive?"

"He's been here for a while, but I saw you daydreaming and didn't bother to remind you."

Hikari shrugged and said casually.

"But I think he's been waiting a long time, probably because something important came up, so I gave you a heads‑up."

Hikari remained the same, never caring what unfamiliar people think, and Yuzhi had long gotten used to that.

"Senior."

"Sorry, Zhi Shui, I didn't notice you had arrived earlier."

Zhi Shui quickly ran over, gave Yuzhi a respectful slight bow, and Yuzhi smiled and apologized to him.

After all, keeping someone waiting is impolite, especially since Zhi Shui has performed exceptionally well lately.

"I heard from Uchiha Xiu that the squad you lead performed excellently, helped many people, and even sent a brocade banner to the office—well done."

"That's my duty, senior."

Zhi Shui laughed, scratched the back of his head, then quickly recovered.

"Senior, the Night Training Squad roster is ready and will start today; everyone is showing great enthusiasm.

By the way, would you like to review the Rotation Squad roster, senior?"

"Shouldn't you give this to your direct superior instead?"

Yuzhi teased lightly, while Zhi Shui just grinned dumbly without replying.

"Then do it properly; this month is special, so you must keep the team's vitality and everyone's vigilance at all times. Understood?"

"Understood, senior."

Listening to Yuzhi, Zhi Shui nodded earnestly.

Although the reason was unknown, Yuzhi neither said nor asked; he just needed to do what he should.

"Senior, if there's nothing else, I won't bother you two any further."

Zhi Shui, seeing the report was essentially finished, blinked and said with a peculiar smile.

"Also, Captain Xiu said he has already spoken with the craftsmen and will finish the two seniors' new homes as soon as possible."

After speaking, Zhi Shui didn't wait for Yuzhi or Hikari to respond; he bowed, turned, and ran off.

"That guy..."

Yuzhi shook his head helplessly, and Hikari glared at Zhi Shui's retreating figure.

"Look at what you've taught them, you bastard."

"But, strictly speaking, he wasn't wrong; it does count as our new home."

Yuzhi stroked his chin, then looked at Hikari with a grin, causing Hikari to roll her eyes and stay silent.

Nevertheless, she internally agreed; it truly was her and Yuzhi's home, and one she chose and designed.

But hearing someone else say it always made her feel odd.

Especially watching the guy beside her, unsure if he was thinking something inappropriate, she decided it was better to interrupt.

"Speaking of which, is there something important this month? You put the police department under martial law to this extent—quite rare."

"Indeed something happened; you've been in contact with Kushina for so long—haven't you noticed anything off about her?"

Yuzhi nodded, then lowered his voice and said to Hikari.

"You mean the tailed beast sealed inside her?"

"Exactly. Though she controls it well, a jinchuriki is at its weakest during production, so we must prepare for any eventuality."

Hikari had long sensed Kushina's unusual nature, and Yuzhi naturally didn't hide it from her.

Given the special circumstances, being cautious is indeed right, but she was also a bit curious.

"Tell me, if the worst case occurs, can we handle it?"

"Don't worry; whether it's you or me, we have a way to deal with it."

Regarding the Nine-Tails, Yuzhi remains cautious, yet he is confident at heart.

Although Zhi Shui never spoke of his own condition, Yuzhi believes his eyes have already attained the Mangekyou Sharingan.

That means the Uchiha now have three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan!

Moreover, under Hikari's urging, Yuzhi's Susanoo has made great progress, especially since both he and Hikari have mastered the Tail Beast Control Technique.

If he didn't know exactly how Obito would act, and also had seen the "Seventeen Cards Counterkill" before he transmigrated, he could set a flag right now!

"And, I've already confirmed that Obito will make a move."

Yuzhi muttered something to himself, and the next moment his system panel blossomed in his mind.

【New Side Quest Acquired】

【1. Coordinate with Leaf Village to defeat Obito Uchiha and the Nine-Tails】

【2. Cooperate with Obito Uchiha, join forces to destroy Leaf Village】

【New Side Quest Acquired】

【1. Help Minato Namikaze seal the Nine-Tails】

【2. Cooperate with Obito Uchiha, take down Minato Namikaze】

Looking at his panel, Yuzhi's lips curled into a smile; lately, with fewer activities, he had also received fewer side quests.

The panel suddenly refreshed with two side quests, and as Yuzhi confirmed that Obito would act, he felt especially delighted.

Obito has always been a good person; whether or not he triggers Yuzhi's quests, he always bursts out plenty of gold coins.

This time he even directly caused Yuzhi to trigger two side quests; such a "good person" is truly rare!

"By the way, you really like children?"

As Yuzhi excitedly pondered what he could gain this time, Hikari suddenly asked.

"Huh?"

Yuzhi gave Hikari a bewildered glance, unable to react for a moment.

"Sasuke, the child of the former Clan Leader's wife."

Hikari didn't look at him; she continued in a low voice.

"Not only did she personally wait outside the delivery room, but upon seeing the child she immediately gave a name. Do you really like children?"

Yuzhi felt something odd hearing this; it had happened two or three months ago.

And what's both amusing and frustrating is that he himself doesn't know how to explain it.

He couldn't just say that any transmigrator seeing this scene would inevitably become a carefree person, eager to see the birth of that ultimate master of disguise.

Regarding the name Sasuke, Yuzhi had been accustomed to it for over ten years in his previous life, so changing it still feels unfamiliar to him.

And even if "Sasuke" were renamed to "Sangzhu", would that change that "sky‑clearing after rain" personality?

"Just curious, and simply interested."

"Is that so? What do you plan to name your child in the future?"

"My child?"

Yuzhi rolled his eyes; he truly hadn't thought about children, so he simply replied.

"Such matters, I'll just leave them to you.

"Hiss! What are you doing? Stepping so hard, it hurts!"

——

"Minato, still busy?"

In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, seeing Minato still handling paperwork, couldn't help but ask concernedly.

However, he couldn't help but mutter inwardly, how is this kid more diligent than he once was?

Of course, he also knew that Minato Namikaze had a short tenure before ascending, lacking sufficient preparation, so now he can only work tirelessly to make up for it.

At one point, after the Second Hokage fell, he became Hokage and faced the same situation with Minato.

Fortunately, back then he had Uzumaki Minato's support, and now Minato also has his help; it's a kind of cycle.

"I'll finish it right away, Lord Third Hokage."

Minato smiled faintly and said.

"If I wrap these up early, I'll have time to be with Kushina later."

"Any problems? Are they very tricky?"

The Third Hokage walked over, curiously asking.

"Actually it's fine; the Police Department has long been preparing the division's expansion, and now it seems ready. Yuzhi has also presented the plan."

Minato handed a document to the Third Hokage and then explained.

"Legal Department, this is the name Yuzhi provided, for use in trials and judgments."

"Hmm."

The Third Hokage nodded while reading, but soon furrowed his brows.

"Presumption of guilt? Isn't that too strict?"

"I also have some concerns, so I asked Yuzhi about it, but he said it's a form of deterrence and warning."

Minato stroked his chin, recalled his conversation with Yuzhi, then continued.

"He also said that presumption of innocence seems fine, but the eventual result would make the cost of committing crimes too low."

"However, I think this should be left to them; after all, they're the front‑line staff, more familiar than we are."

"Hmm."

The Third Hokage nodded, then set the scroll down and laughed.

"Let them handle it; the Uchiha Clan is preparing to bring out this Legal Department, even the director plans to hand it over to someone else. It seems Yuzhi is getting better and better."

"But it's said they still argue quite fiercely among themselves."

Minato shrugged; he didn't know how things were within the clan, since he never sent anyone to monitor, and he wouldn't do that.

However, what could be seen from outside the clan was that Yuzhi's relationship with some Uchiha members wasn't very harmonious.

It was clear that Yuzhi had not yet won over everyone, and that made Minato think that perhaps the aid to the Uchiha should be prolonged a little longer.

"Let him take his time; at least now he's already pretty good."

The Third Hokage nodded, then changed the subject.

"By the way, we've already chosen the location for Kushina's delivery; if you have time, check the barrier and such."

"Also, this time I'll have Lake Biwa assist Kushina; remember to bring enough ANBU personnel over, understood?"

"I understand, Third Hokage."

Minato once again gave his trademark smile, and nodded as he said,

"This is the most important moment of my life; I will handle it seriously!"

"Hmm, that's good."

The Third Hokage smiled and nodded, then spoke with a hint of regret.

"It's a pity Ziraiye ran away; if he were here, we'd be a lot less worried."

Speaking of Ziraiye, Minato felt a bit embarrassed.

At the wedding, he noticed Ziraiye's complexion was off; when he asked, Ziraiye said nothing, only giving Yuzhi a resentful look.

After the wedding ended, Ziraiye fled overnight, which made Minato even more curious.

"What's wrong with Teacher Ziraiye? Did Yuzhi say something to him?"

Minato was bewildered, but he didn't pay much mind to these trivialities; after all, Kushina was still his top priority at the moment. —

"How does it feel?"

In the Rain Country, within the Akatsuki Organization's base, Obito looked at the Nagato before him and asked softly.

"It feels much better than I imagined."

Nagato kept his eyes closed, feeling the surge of his own power; after a while he opened them, but his gaze toward Obito had subtly changed.

Obito told him he possessed something that could strengthen his control over the Rinnegan, a claim Nagato would not believe.

Yet Obito offered a reason that was hard to refuse, prompting Nagato to make a decision, even though Konan strongly opposed it and he ignored her.

"In your current condition, don't even speak of revenge; if Leaf Village catches you, they'll strip you of your eyes—what will you use to avenge Miyabi?"

That remark struck Nagato's heart, and Obito seized the chance to press harder.

"There's only one chance; the Nine‑Tails jinchuriki is about to give birth—this is her weakest moment, and also the moment we can exploit."

"Perhaps in the future, once you fully master the power of these eyes, you could do it, but a ninja's life and death are not under our control."

"What if Danzo is dead? Even if he's not, if he hides deeper so you can't locate him?"

"That's all I have to say; whether you seek revenge is up to you."

Sometimes, just how high Obito's IQ is remains a question worth investigating.

At least his words to Nagato now prove his IQ is functional, and Nagato eventually made a compromise.

He wants to change the world, to walk a path entirely different from Miyabi's, but before that, if he can't even avenge his grievance,

then what meaning does any of this have?

"That shows I didn't deceive you; it also shows I'm sincere in cooperating with you."

Obito nodded; he could naturally sense Nagato's current condition.

Yet it made him silently gape; Nagato's physical condition seemed far better than he had imagined.

"I don't know if it's genuine; I can't be sure you aren't pulling some hidden strings, but I must seek revenge—that's something I have to do."

Although he gained enhancement and strengthening, Nagato gave Obito no friendly expression at all.

"We are both ninja; we should both be clear about the nature of our relationship.

So some words, I advise you not to say casually, because they're meaningless!"

In fact, Nagato had already undergone a check; he thoroughly examined his own condition, but found no clues.

Yet he still didn't fully trust Obito; in his view, this person cooperates with him for a strong ulterior motive.

Especially since Miyabi previously didn't trust Obito, which kept Nagato on guard.

Obito was also silent at this moment, because he truly overlooked the things that could be done with White Absolute Cells.

"Did Nagato tamper with anything? Do I have any problems myself?"

Obito thought silently to himself, but he quickly buried the matter deep within.

Whether there's a problem or not, let's investigate it slowly after this operation ends!

"Alright, shall we set off then?"

"I need to bring someone, Konan; although I've recovered a lot, my legs are still inconvenient."

"Whatever you want, as long as you don't drop the ball, that's enough."

——

Time passes quickly, and soon it slips away.

Leaf Village, Year 48, October 10, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the whole village.

Yuzhi politely declined Kakashi and Akai's invitation to dine together, staying honestly at home.

Hikari had just finished the dinner, brought it up, and sat opposite Yuzhi.

"What's wrong? You look unsettled."

Having spent a long time with Yuzhi, Hikari naturally knew Yuzhi's habit of thinking alone, and she could "accurately" discern Yuzhi's mental state.

For example today, she thought Yuzhi was probably not pondering anything impolite.

"It's not really unsettled; I just have a feeling something might happen," Yuzhi shook his head. "After all, for us, boredom is always the best."

"Don't overthink it; if we're not going out tonight, let's eat at home," Hikari smiled. "I know you like spicy food; usually it's just to accommodate me, but today I'll make an exception for you."

"Is that so?" Yuzhi looked at the dishes on the table and smiled, "Then thank you."

Yuzhi was a spice‑loving southerner before he transmigrated, and his habit hasn't changed in this world.

Fortunately, after all those years he got used to it; otherwise, just the bland taste would have driven him crazy long ago.

"Eat less spice; it's not good for you."

Seeing Yuzhi's eyes sparkle, Hikari said helplessly.

"Also, don't overthink it; didn't you assign people to night duty? They'll report anything that happens."

"Mm, I know."

Yuzhi let out a laugh and then spoke.

"Thank you, Hikari. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be anxious."

"Can you be a bit more reliable with what you say?"

Hikari's heart beat a little faster listening to Yuzhi, but she replied disdainfully.

"Your smile is fake, your words are fake—what about your usual lying tricks?"

"Is it possible that I wasn't lying?"

Yuzhi blinked, watched Hikari stare silently at him, and his smile grew even brighter.

But his mind was still on tonight's matter, for he knew today was Naruto's birthday.

According to the mission briefing, tonight would not be a peaceful night. —

"The Nine‑Tails jinchuriki gave birth today, did you know?"

Inside the base, TuanZang and Orochimaru walked while chatting.

Orochimaru was here again to "collect debts," which gave TuanZang a splitting headache, yet he still wanted Orochimaru's research results.

He had already seen Orochimaru's product that fused a Sharingan with Senju Clan ZhuZhang cells, and it made his heart race.

If he could integrate that ability into himself, his power would surely rise, and he could try to compete for Hokage!

But the problem is, the funding Orochimaru's lab requires exceeds even the cost of rebuilding the base, and the guy keeps demanding the Sharingan in his possession.

If he hadn't seen results, Orochimaru's fund‑raising scams would have almost earned him a Thought Steel Seal.

Fortunately, Kushina giving birth tonight gave him a chance to change the subject; otherwise he couldn't endure Orochimaru's unrestrained demands.

"Jinchuriki birthing is a spectacle, after all this is when a jinchuriki is at its weakest."

Orochimaru licked his lips and said with a smile.

"If only I could study it, but alas, that's not something I can do."

"You dared to tamper with the Sharingan and the First Hokage's cells; now you won't dare this?"

TuanZang thought resentfully, yet spoke angrily: "I've always believed tailed beast host should stay at the base to fulfill their value, but unfortunately—"

"Perhaps there will be a chance in the future."

Orochimaru gave a nonchalant smile; whether the chance comes depends on whether TuanZang lives that long.

As for the tailed‑beast chakra, Orochimaru wasn't very interested; after all, he's human and his energy is limited.

On one hand he must deal with TuanZang, while also probing the secrets of the Sharingan and Wood Release; on the other, he must allocate funds to prepare an exit from Leaf Village.

He is also researching the secret of immortality, and now that he has a decent plan, he has no energy to concern himself with any tailed‑beast issues.

The two chatted along, and just as Orochimaru was about to "collect debts," a commotion suddenly erupted outside the base.

Then a massive rumble sounded, and the entire base seemed to sway at that moment!

"What's happening?"

TuanZang and Orochimaru were stunned, then a thought suddenly struck both of them.

Could it be that the experiment was exposed, and the Fourth Hokage came to capture them?

"Lord TuanZang!"

Soon, a base ninja rushed over, half‑kneeling and whispering to TuanZang.

"Enemy attack! An unknown mysterious person rushed in!"

"Mysterious person?"

TuanZang and Orochimaru exchanged glances, completely clueless about the situation.

Yet when the rumble sounded again beside him, a man in black with short orange hair strode in.

Seeing the man, Orochimaru's complexion hardened; he sensed the guy's strength was formidable.

But TuanZang's face changed; he exclaimed in disbelief.

"How is that possible? Weren't you already dead?"

"Dead?"

Orochimaru furrowed his brows even more, but when he saw the man's strange double pupils, a flash of frenzy appeared on his face.

"Is this the guy TuanZang met in the Rain Country?"

"I'm dead, but I crawled out of hell to seek revenge on you."

From afar, ChangMen heard TuanZang's words, his anger flaring and his voice turning especially cold.

With the aid of White Absolute Cells, he can exert better control from farther away; tonight is his night of vengeance!

Boom—

Frenzied chakra burst from his body, and under that raging chakra the underground base began to collapse rapidly.

Orochimaru and TuanZang, seeing the scene, sprang into action.

"Summoning Technique: Ten Thousand Serpents!"

"Wind Release: Vacuum Great Orb!"

Accompanied by the huge rumble and the earth's continual sway, the base ultimately fell completely.

Yet above ground, TuanZang and Orochimaru had already escaped, their expressions different.

Orochimaru still stared feverishly at the faint silhouette amid the smoke, and those eyes caused a vague conjecture to arise in his mind.

"Damn it!"

Meanwhile, Danzo seemed somewhat hysterical; his root had been destroyed again, and it happened right before his eyes, in Leaf Village.

This time the situation might be better than before, but looking at the collapsed root base, he didn't even know how many could survive!

"Danzo Shimura."

However, under Nagato's control, Miyan's body had already emerged from the smoke; he stared indifferently at the massive Ten Thousand Serpents and spoke calmly.

"Tonight is your death day!"

The silver moon hung high, its light spilling over Leaf Village as usual.

It wasn't late yet; the village remained brightly lit, laughter echoing among the bustling crowds, children carrying lanterns darting through streets and alleys.

The Third Hokage stood atop the Hokage Building, gazing into the distance; with Minato absent, he naturally took charge.

Only Minato had already completed the necessary tasks ahead of time, leaving him momentarily bored.

Nevertheless, he had no intention of returning home; his eldest son was still striving, and although his 'renegade son' had reconciled with him, he didn't want to go back to be scolded.

Moreover, Lake Biwa was going to deliver Kushina tonight, so he was even less inclined to return so early.

"How wonderful Leaf Village is."

The Third Hokage looked at the bustling Leaf Village, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Yet in the next instant, a violent roar suddenly rang in his ears, followed by the ground beginning to shake continuously.

Accompanying the tremor, a surge of intense chakra erupted, instantly paling the Third Hokage's face!

"What's happening?"

Not only that, many ninjas throughout Leaf Village sensed it at this moment.

"Akai, stop messing around, there's a problem."

Kakashi, who had been discussing with Akai why Yuzhi hadn't appeared, suddenly furrowed his brows, his gaze turning serious.

Within the Uchiha Clan, while Sasuke was constantly coaxing his Mikoto, he suddenly paused and quickly lifted his head.

"What's wrong, what's happening?"

On the street, all members of the Police Department froze for a moment, then immediately looked toward the distance.

At that moment, the Ten Thousand Serpents coiled together, its massive body as large as a small mountain, abruptly appearing in the village!

The Third Hokage stared dumbfounded at the Ten Thousand Serpents; in that instant his gaze turned cold.

Because he knew something catastrophic was definitely unfolding!

——

"Obito, Nagato's side has already moved; we must act quickly too."

Outside the village, Obito waited silently, but at that moment a pure white voice sounded in his ear.

This caused his expression to shift slightly; Nagato's role was to hold them back.

Leaf Village possessed two Mangekyou Sharingans, which he absolutely did not want to face, and those two could likely interfere with his actions here.

The Nine-Tails had already begun to stir, and he had also confirmed that Yuzhi and that mysterious woman were inside Leaf Village.

So during this period, if Leaf Village encountered trouble, they would never provide support to his side!

"I understand; I will resolve the issue as soon as possible."

Obito nodded, his excitement steadily rising; without those two interfering, he could certainly resolve the problem with ease!

However, he also knew he had to be swift; although Nagato only sent a puppet, being discovered and locating the real one would be troublesome.

With a shift of thought, Obito vanished from his spot in an instant, and the next moment he reappeared within the barrier!

"Who is that?"

Obito's sudden appearance immediately alerted the surrounding ANBU, who swiftly emerged from the shadows to surround him.

Yet Obito ignored them, his eyes still fixed rigidly on the cave ahead.

"Minato Namikaze, this is a gift for you; I hope you like it."

The next instant, he transformed into a specter, and screams rang incessantly! —

Silver moonlight fell upon a lake, and Kushina was trapped within it.

Black sealing characters appeared like chains, linking to the surrounding stone pillars, immobilizing Kushina.

At that moment she clenched her teeth, striving to suppress the Nine-Tails raging inside her.

In front of her stood Obito, mask-clad and exceedingly cold!

Obito acted without any mercy, and at that moment fully displayed a ninja's principle—when facing an enemy, use every means.

The newborn infant still in its swaddling cloth was merely a tool for him; he could unhesitatingly affix an explosive seal beneath the baby!

Whether they knew each other or not, whether he had ever looked after them, at this moment he had completely erased them from his heart.

His actions were driven by a single conviction: to destroy everything!

Minato was forced to retreat by the newborn child; although Kushina had once been kind to him, it was all illusion.

The woman was now extremely weak, having just given birth and still needing strength to combat the Nine-Tails; this was his opportunity.

"What do you want to do?"

Kushina stared at Obito before her, gritting her teeth as she spoke, her eyes also filled with hatred.

This man almost killed her child!

"Obviously, I'll yank the Nine-Tails out of you and then destroy Leaf Village."

Seeing such hateful eyes, Obito nodded inwardly, confirming that the world was indeed false.

"What did you say?"

Kushina asked hoarsely, her face full of disbelief.

"I said it: I will use the Nine-Tails to destroy the Leaf Village, that's all."

Obito spoke indifferently, as if the person before him were merely a stranger.

"Minato Namikaze can indeed protect you, and he left a seal upon you."

"But now his priority is protecting his child, so you are nothing but a plaything in my hand."

"Especially since you are at your weakest, this once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years chance, I have been waiting for it for a long time."

At that point, Obito's Sharingan rotated lightly, his gaze fixed on Kushina's eyes.

"Fine, the idle chat ends here; you may go in peace."

In an instant, eerie chakra spilled out, and Obito instantly invaded Kushina's mental space!

"Who… are you?"

Within Kushina's mental space, the massive Nine-Tails stared at the suddenly appearing stranger and asked in a deep voice.

At this moment the Nine-Tails was still bound by chains, yet it looked on the verge of collapse.

"I'll take you, you beast, out."

Obito spoke indifferently; his Sharingan was already meeting the Nine-Tails' eyes.

In a heartbeat, the Nine-Tails' pupils began to dilate, the Three Tomoe pattern slowly surfaced and grew clearer!

"Aoo!"

The controlled Nine-Tails let out a roar at once, and its great power instantly broke all the chains that bound it.

"Come out, Nine-Tails!"

Uchiha Obito let out a light shout; he mobilized chakra throughout his body, resonating with the Nine-Tails' chakra.

"Ah!"

A painful cry came from Kushina; a thick layer of red chakra manifested on her body.

Immediately, from her abdomen, a dense mass of deep red chakra surged out.

At that moment, a massive Nine-Tails fox let out a long howl under the moon!

But just then, a yellow figure appeared and instantly whisked Kushina away.

"You took the person away?"

Obito naturally noticed the scene, but in the end he shook his head.

"Truly, as expected of a jinchuriki, the life force is indeed tenacious."

"But let's move on; this matter is no longer important, and I must act faster."

As he spoke, a distortion swirled around him, and when he reappeared he had already entered the Leaf Village.

Seeing the brightly lit Leaf Village and the Leaf ninjas continuously attacking toward Chángmén, a cold smile formed on his face.

Then he swiftly formed hand seals with both hands, and the next moment he pressed one hand onto the ground.

"Enjoy all of this, this false world."

"Summoning Technique: Nine-Tails!"

——

"You really are a crow's mouth; something actually happened tonight."

Within the Uchiha Clan, Hikari and Yuzhi stood together on a rooftop, gazing at the distant giant serpent, while Hikari mercilessly teased Yuzhi.

But Yuzhi's expression was also odd, because this differed greatly from what he had expected.

Tonight was supposed to be the Nine-Tails Night, so why did a myriad serpent suddenly appear?

Yuzhi was fairly certain that Obito was the one manipulating people.

But the problem is, the target to be attacked should be a valuable one like the Third Hokage, so why Orochimaru?

"Hold on, Obito can currently manipulate…"

In an instant, Yuzhi saw through it; he guessed that perhaps Chángmén was persuaded by Obito to seek revenge, after all Tuanzang was one of the culprits who forced Miyabi to death.

And Orochimaru was just unlucky to be with Tuanzang, which landed him in such a huge trouble!

"Moreover, causing a huge commotion in the Leaf Village was probably intended to prevent Yuzhi and Hikari from freely reinforcing Minato, since he also had to guard against any eventuality."

Having fully figured it out, Yuzhi was also puzzled: Obito is not a wise second, how could he think of so many things?

Could it be that Heijue plotted this?

Although he didn't fully understand, Yuzhi never intended from the start to stop the Nine-Tails from breaking out.

Putting aside being an Uchiha, even if the village already trusted him, they would still be wary of his contact with the Nine-Tails.

Furthermore, Yuzhi also had to consider the future image of the Uchiha, as the Nine-Tails matter could certainly reverse many things.

One could say, if nothing happens everything remains peaceful, but if it does happen, Yuzhi would naturally not miss it!

"I must complete the mission and earn the Hokage position honorably; thus I need more reputation, Nine-Tails."

At that moment Yuzhi's gaze turned cold; what he must do is defeat the Nine-Tails and seal it back, ensuring Kushina and Minato survive.

"Uchiha Xiu, Uchiha Xin."

"Sir."

Yuzhi stood on the rooftop observing the situation; other Uchiha members also emerged, and those who attended the clan meeting had already gathered around him.

"Immediately inform the Security Department; everyone enter alert status, the level of alert is for you to decide."

"Also, summon all resting people back at once, cancel all leaves, and begin civilian evacuation."

"Yes."

Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu exchanged a glance, though they thought this might be a bit excessive.

But seeing the myriad serpent as big as a small mountain, they finally nodded.

"Also, notify all Uchiha clan members; everyone above Chunin rank must be deployed."

Lower-ranked ninja, children, and anyone without a ninja position, leave at once; the villagers as well.

Yes!

The two instantly nodded, then used the Body Flicker Technique to vanish from the spot in an instant.

Is there any trouble?

Hikari frowned slightly, looking seriously at Yuzhi.

I'm not sure; let's prepare first.

Yuzhi shook his head, pointing at the huge serpent in the distance and shaking his head again.

Even if the situation isn't as severe as imagined, letting this big fellow continue to cause trouble won't.

Before Yuzhi finished speaking, an incomparably massive and terrifying chakra spread out instantly.

Then a wave of earth‑shaking tremors followed!

The terrifying scene made not only him pause, but even Hikari looked somewhat stunned.

Even though they were several kilometers apart, the massive figure's skyward howl made them realize the situation had become especially serious.

You really are a crow's mouth.

After a while, Hikari finally looked at Yuzhi with a faint gaze.

At that moment she understood what Yuzhi was worried about, and also why he was worried.

Alright, I really am a crow's mouth.

Yuzhi shook his head, looking at Hikari and speaking softly.

Are you ready? This time won't be so easy to handle.

Then, can we fight without reservation?

Hmm, I think we can.

——

In Minato Namikaze's home, a flash of light passed, and Minato appeared holding Kushina's figure.

He gently walked toward the bedroom, tenderly placing Kushina beside Naruto.

Seeing the frail Kushina, his heart was filled with endless sorrow, and a raging anger surged.

He didn't know who this person was, but he knew that person intended to kill his child and his wife!

Moreover, on his way back he learned that this person also planned to destroy his village!

"Kushina, rest well together with Naruto."

Taking a deep breath, Minato lowered his head and said softly.

"After you wake up, everything will be fine."

The weak Kushina lay on her side, and seeing the newly born Naruto beside her, tears flashed in her eyes.

But Naruto was already sound asleep; she bit her lip, trying not to cry.

Minato clenched his fist, resolutely moving to a side and pulling open the wardrobe.

A white ceremonial robe was draped over him, the five characters 'Fourth Hokage' shining unusually bright under the light.

"Minato," Kushina whispered, not turning around: "Are you leaving?"

"Hmm, saving you and Naruto is my duty as a husband and father; now that you are safe, I must fulfill my responsibility as Hokage."

"Take care on the way."

"Don't worry, I'm the Hokage after all!"

A faint smile lifted Minato's lips; the next moment his chakra quivered slightly, and he vanished from the house.

With his departure, the smile on his face faded, replaced by a cold, almost ruthless composure.

Tonight, he has come to a realization: whether as a husband or as Leaf Village's Hokage, he must put an end to it!

But just as he landed on Hokage Rock and gazed into the distance, he suddenly froze.

Because he saw two colossal beings of different colors, formed from chakra, already blocking the Nine‑Tails' path in the distance!

"What... is this?"

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