Gento was momentarily stunned upon hearing this.
Minato was famous for his good temper.
For him to directly tell that to someone meant he was truly angry.
But all he did was ask a question, wasn't it?
Kushina also showed an awkward expression and said:
"Gento-kun, why are you asking that?"
Gento reflected repeatedly on his own question, and only after a long moment did he realize.
A young, handsome stranger showing such concern for another man's wife, even asking about the birth time of his child…
For most men, not beating him to death would count as having a good temper.
So Gento quickly explained:
"Wait! Minato-kun, you've misunderstood.
"I received intel that someone will take advantage of Kushina's childbirth, when the seal weakens, to seize the Nine-Tails! I asked this to confirm the timing!"
Minato froze.
Kushina also froze.
After a moment, Minato's expression softened, and he nodded apologetically:
"So that's the case. I misunderstood.
"My apologies, Gento-kun."
Gento muttered inwardly: Actually, you don't need to apologize; I've already seen your wife naked…
Minato pondered for a moment, then stood up:
"This matter is too serious. It concerns not only Kushina and the child, but the entire village. I must report it to Hokage-sama immediately.
"I'll be right back!"
Before his words even finished, his figure flickered and vanished from the spot.
He must have used the Flying Thunder God Technique to leave.
Only Gento and Kushina were left in the room, staring at each other.
Now, whenever Gento saw Kushina, he couldn't help recalling the scene of her bathing that he had seen through the system.
Even though Kushina was fully clothed now, his mind was filled with images of her naked and in a bikini…
And Minato's sudden departure caught Kushina off guard as well.
The atmosphere immediately became awkward.
Fortunately, Kushina spoke first to break the silence:
"About the child's due date, the hospital said it will be in one month."
One month left?
In that case, he still had some time to prepare.
Gento nodded.
The two chatted idly for a while longer.
After a short time, the air slightly distorted, and Minato's figure appeared once more.
With a serious expression, Minato looked at Gento and said:
"The Third Hokage takes this matter very seriously and wants to question you in person."
Gento nodded immediately.
This was exactly what he wanted.
Getting the attention of Leaf's higher-ups was undoubtedly the most effective approach.
So, Gento followed Minato and Kushina to the Hokage's office.
Pushing the door open, several people were already seated inside.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in the main seat, smoking a pipe.
Beside him were the two advisors, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
In the corner sat a man with half his face wrapped in bandages, leaning on a cane–Danzo Shimura.
As soon as Gento entered, Hiruzen spoke:
"Gento, you've received information that someone intends to seize the Nine-Tails?"
Gento nodded:
"Yes, Hokage-sama. And the other party possesses a Sharingan that has fallen into the outside world from the Uchiha."
Hiruzen's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.
He knew that the Sharingan could control tailed beasts.
After a pause, he asked again:
"How many people are involved?"
"One person."
"One person?"
Hiruzen frowned deeply.
"Konoha has nearly ten thousand active shinobi, with barriers, Anbu, and security forces layered in defense. What kind of person could break in alone?"
Koharu also sneered:
"Do you even hear yourself? One person wants to break Konoha? Do you think we're all made of wood?"
Gento frowned:
"In the history of the shinobi world, there have been individuals strong enough to shake an entire village.
"Madara Uchiha, the First Hokage–who among them didn't change the course of battle alone?"
"That was in the past."
Homura interrupted calmly.
"In today's shinobi world, where would such legendary figures come from?"
Hiruzen also spoke:
"As far as I know, there is indeed no such person in the current shinobi world.
"Hm… do you have more information?"
After a moment of consideration, Gento decided to reveal more to strengthen his case:
"The other party comes from a mysterious organization in the Land of Rain. This organization is called Akatsuki."
"Akatsuki?"
Danzo immediately spoke up.
His tone was filled with disdain:
"That small organization from the Land of Rain was wiped out years ago by Hanzo and me working together. Their leader is dead!
"And in my opinion, the so-called Akatsuki was nothing more than a group of naive children shouting about ending war through peaceful dialogue, so they are not worth worrying about."
Gento looked at him:
"Danzo, that organization has not disappeared. Instead, it has been developing in the shadows…"
"That's enough!"
Danzo raised his hand to cut him off.
"I personally handled that matter. Do I need you to lecture me?"
Gento took a deep breath and could only turn to Hiruzen:
"Hokage-sama, the enemy is truly dangerous. We absolutely cannot take this lightly!"
Hiruzen sighed and looked at Gento:
"Then what do you think we should do?"
Gento was prepared and immediately said:
"First, Kushina should be moved to a secret location outside Konoha to give birth, to avoid being found by the enemy.
"Second, evacuate the civilians of Konoha. Even if the Nine-Tails is released, we will have space to deal with it and avoid large-scale civilian casualties.
"Third–"
"That's enough!"
Danzo interrupted again.
"Do you know how much manpower and resources it would take to evacuate civilians? Do you know what it means for a Jinchuriki to leave the village?
"If the Nine-Tails leaves Konoha and the enemy takes advantage of that, can you bear that responsibility?"
Gento stared at Danzo, refusing to back down:
"And if the Nine-Tails is truly released?
"When that happens, who will take responsibility for the civilian casualties?"
Danzo's gaze turned cold:
"If the Nine-Tails is truly released, the Anbu and Root will handle it. Konoha is not without means to deal with a tailed beast.
"In my view, you're just trying to use the Nine-Tails incident to gain more influence for the Uchiha within the village!"
Gento's eyes turned cold.
"Danzo, I'm talking about the Nine-Tails, not competing with you for power!"
"Heh."
Danzo sneered.
"Then tell me, how does one person break Konoha? With a pair of Sharingan?"
The contempt in his tone was undisguised.
"Konoha is not a village that will be led by the nose by baseless intelligence.
"And it certainly doesn't need you, Uchiha, to point fingers here!"
A surge of anger rose within Gento. His Sharingan activated at once, three tomoe slowly spinning as a chilling killing intent pressed toward Danzo.
"Danzo! Say that again if you dare!"
Danzo's expression darkened as he immediately placed his hand on the ninja tools at his waist.
The atmosphere in the office instantly froze.
"Cough!"
Hiruzen coughed heavily and slammed the table.
"Stop it, both of you!"
He looked at Gento, his tone softening slightly:
"Gento, I understand your feelings. But evacuating civilians and relocating the Jinchuriki involves too many factors; it cannot be decided with a single sentence.
"How about this:
"On the day of Kushina's delivery, I will personally arrange for the Barrier Team to set up defenses, and the Anbu will stand guard around the area. If the enemy truly dares to come, Konoha is not to be trifled with!"
...
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