Since Kurama's seal had been partially lifted, it could sense the outside world from within Naruto's body.
Observing how cautious Sarutobi Hiruzen was, Kurama couldn't help but taunt: "You, the Third Hokage of Konoha, are just here to make up the numbers."
"When I was controlled, it wasn't long after the Fourth Hokage arrived that I decided to use the corpse to seal it all away."
"But this old man watched the Fourth Hokage die."
Kurama's voice fell into the ears of both Hiashi and Hiruzen, and they immediately focused on Naruto, shocked.
Hiruzen exclaimed, "You… little Naruto? Was that Nine-Tails speaking just now?"
Naruto didn't speak, but the voice came from his body.
Kurama said, "Old man, please be tougher. I just want to have a fight with Gyūki."
Even though only half of its chakra remained, Kurama's temper showed no signs of restraint.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, suspicious. "Why should I believe that you will help Konoha?"
Kurama replied, "Huh! What I've decided has never changed. The most important condition is that Uzumaki Naruto promises to return my freedom. To assist Konoha, you must do your best to help Uzumaki Naruto find a way to survive without the tailed beasts."
Clearly, Kurama was still malicious toward humans. Its offer to help Konoha had a purpose.
Hiruzen felt a chill run down his spine. Without Nine-Tails' deterrence, wouldn't Konoha's influence decline again?
Looking at Kurama, it seemed Naruto's seal had indeed loosened. If Hiruzen did not cooperate with the Nine-Tails, could it be reincarnated through Naruto's body at any time?
In that case, it would not only bring regret to the Fourth Hokage and his wife but also endanger Konoha. The problem with the Cloud Village could not be solved otherwise.
Hiruzen thought carefully and finally changed his stance. "Maybe this matter can be made public to put pressure on the Cloud Village."
He looked at Naruto again. "Of course, if the Cloud Village wants to start a war, I hope you will keep your promise then."
Kurama responded disdainfully, "I am not a petty, cunning human!"
Naruto added, "Yes, Kurama is true to his word and will definitely not lie. Besides, when Kurama attacked Konoha, it was controlled by others, right? So it cannot be blamed for that."
Kurama spoke for itself, and Naruto naturally did not need to intervene.
Hiruzen rubbed his forehead, realizing things were getting complicated again. "Then that's all we can do," he said tiredly.
After the three reached an agreement, Hiruzen ordered Anbu to summon the leader of the Yamanaka clan, Yamanaka Inoichi.
Upon learning of the situation, Inoichi was furious.
Although the Hyūga clan and Uchiha clan were often seen as arrogant and judgmental, their reputations within Konoha were not perfect—but they were still Konoha ninja clans, colleagues to be reckoned with.
Now that outsiders were bullying them, Inoichi promised Hiashi and Hiruzen, "Don't worry. I'll copy his memories, and the Cloud Village won't escape blame."
Meanwhile, the Cloud Village operatives had received no word from their companions for a long time and suspected something was wrong.
But they had a backup plan.
The Cloud Village messenger didn't go to Hiruzen but to the Hyūga estate first—to provide cover for his companions and make it appear as though the Hyūga clan had killed their ninja, just as they had done years ago.
Back then, Konoha had just lost the Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen, cautious as an elderly man, hadn't dared to challenge the Cloud Village messenger and allowed the younger brother of the Hyūga clan leader to die. That incident had spread through the Cloud Village, giving them the impression that Hiruzen was cowardly.
But this time, they were destined to be disappointed.
The Cloud Village messenger approached the Hyūga estate aggressively but was stopped by patrolling Hyūga ninja.
"If you don't want to be the one to start a war, leave!" they warned.
"Haha," the Cloud Village messenger sneered. "Please, our clan leader has been waiting for you."
The Hyūga messenger's words unsettled the envoy, but he could only lead his men to the Hyūga headquarters.
Inside, he saw an old man standing at the center of the courtyard. His back faced the door, but the Hokage robes confirmed his identity.
The messenger was stunned but quickly composed himself. So what if Hiruzen knows the truth? Wouldn't he still hesitate?
He never expected what came next. Before he could speak, Hiruzen's old, stern voice cut through the air: "Friends from the Cloud Village, why did you kidnap the eldest lady of the Hyūga clan?"
The messenger froze. What? Isn't he supposed to be cowardly?
"Nonsense! It's obviously your Konoha Hyūga clan who attacked us!" the envoy blustered. "To avenge Hyūga Hizashi, they lured our people into the Death Forest and killed them brutally. Then they even fabricated a story that we tried to kidnap the eldest lady!"
"As Hokage, shouldn't you be responsible, Hiruzen?"
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