"Next, there's another matter."
"I'm going to formally reveal that Naruto is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
Nara Shikaku went pale and blurted out, "What?"
"We've kept it under strict wraps until now. Revealing it so suddenly might not be wise."
For once, Nara Shikaku opposed Tsunade's proposal.
As an old-school decision-maker, he favored caution. Exposing the Jinchuriki's identity would have far-reaching consequences for the village.
Shikaku explained, "If we reveal the Jinchuriki's identity, hostile forces will come after him. We won't be able to guarantee Naruto's safety."
Tsunade had expected that objection. "If another country can take Naruto from us just because his identity becomes public, then Konoha simply isn't strong enough to protect him."
"That's exactly why we should strengthen his security, not force an innocent child to bear a responsibility that belongs to us."
Tsunade paused. "Because the Third Hokage suppressed the truth, Naruto has spent years enduring the village's hateful talk about the Demon Fox. I can tell how much it's hurt him."
"That was a mistake we made in the past. We cannot let it continue."
"We cannot let Naruto suffer this injustice. We cannot let the hero who bore everything be branded with such a disgrace."
Tsunade stood and looked toward Kage Rock in the distance, where the Fourth Hokage's face was carved.
"We'll clear Naruto's name and give him the bright, open world he deserves!"
"That's why this village exists. It's the truest expression of the Will of Fire."
"We cannot let the Fourth Hokage down."
Nara Shikaku opened his mouth, but he could not bring himself to object.
He followed Tsunade's gaze to Kage Rock, his eyes filled with complicated emotion.
She was right. By now, keeping the truth about the Nine-Tails hidden had become a mistake.
Shikaku raised no further objections.
"Lady Tsunade,