Uzumaki Kuming had no idea what was happening in the Hokage's office. He'd been woken early that morning by a few old men and women.
Kuming's courtyard was some distance from Konoha. Over the years, weeds had grown thick outside the yard. The house itself was fairly clean, though, and the courtyard was neat and tidy—it was clear someone looked after it regularly.
After leaving the Hyuga Clan the previous night, Kuming had gone straight home. He'd gotten up that morning and was clearing the weeds outside when Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
The four sat cross-legged in the dojo. Kuming poured the three visitors some aged tea (though four or five years hardly counted as aged), and then they fell silent.
"Kuming, how are you feeling?" Kuming sat in front of the three advisors without saying a word, so Hiruzen Sarutobi broke the silence first.
"I feel fine. Nothing else seems different. I feel about the same as before."
Kuming took a sip of tea. Its bitterness made him frown slightly, but the sweet, fragrant aftertaste brought a glint to his eyes. He had to admit, the tea had kept rather well.
"Is the Nine-Tails all right?" Mitokado Homura asked. It was the question he cared about most. It wasn't very polite, but he couldn't afford to worry about that right now.
"Kurama? Kurama's doing just fine," Kuming replied casually, savoring the tea.
"Kurama? What's that?" Utatane Koharu asked, looking at Kuming in confusion.
"Kurama is the Nine-Tails' name. That's what it's called."
Kuming explained, then fell silent again. His words changed the expressions on their faces. This was the first time they'd heard that the Nine-Tails had a name, and they were all sharp enough to understand the deeper meaning behind what Kuming had