Eve of the Night of the Nine-Tails

July, Konoha 49.

Another month has passed in the blink of an eye.

As July progressed, ordinary people couldn't sense it, and even regular ninjas failed to notice it.

But Taiichi keenly sensed that the atmosphere in Konoha was different.

The Military Police Force is gradually increasing its patrol efforts, with an additional patrol batch every few days.

Occasionally, in hidden corners, the figures of the Anbu can be seen, closely monitoring any unusual activity in Konoha.

Taking all the abnormalities into account, Taiichi knew that Kushina's delivery was imminent, and judging by the timeline, it should be this month.

Jinchuriki is when a Jinchuriki most vulnerable, and the Nine-Tails seal is at its weakest. Anyone who understands the situation of Jinchuriki will be extremely worried about it.

Moreover, Konoha possesses the Nine-Tails, the strongest of the Tailed Beast, known for its infinite Chakra.

Its strength is unmatched by the other eight Tailed Beasts.

Moreover, the birth of Jinchuriki is unprecedented since the beginning of time, and no one knows what unexpected situations might arise.

Furthermore, the Jinchuriki was the Fourth Hokage's wife made people even more nervous.

That evening, an unexpected guest arrived at Taiichi.

"Hokage-sama, what brings you here?"

Taiichi opened the door and looked at Minato, who was honestly knocking at the door, and asked with some surprise, "Is this Minato's first time visiting?"

"Hey, this isn't work, why are you calling me Hokage-sama?" It sounds too formal. Just call me Minato!

""

Minato didn't stand on ceremony. Seeing the gate open, he went straight up and put his arm around Taiichi, leading him into the house as if he were his own.

Taiichi was a little bewildered by Minato's sudden intimate gesture and familiar way of entering the room.

In my memory, although the Fourth Hokage was gentle, this kind of enthusiastic "arm in arm" attitude, especially barging into his house outside of official hours, was a first for me.

"Sit down, sit down, don't be shy." Minato himself sat down cross-legged at the low table in the Reception Hall without any hesitation, and poured himself a glass of water. His movements were smooth and natural, but the knuckles of his fingers holding the glass were slightly white, revealing his inner turmoil.

Taiichi suppressed the strange feeling in his heart and sat down on the cushion opposite him as instructed.

He looked at the Minato. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, casting a warm hue on the profile of the blond man, but also clearly reflecting the mixed light of worry and joy deep in his eyes.

There are very few instances that could elicit such an expression from the "Yellow Flash," a figure who reigns supreme on the battlefield and remains unfazed even when facing thousands of troops.

"Minato." Taiichi changed his form of address to match the other's, his tone questioning, "Coming so late, is there something important? Is there something wrong with the village—"

Minato put down his water glass, making a soft clinking sound. He took a deep breath, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a solemn and serious expression. His deep blue eyes stared directly at Taiichi, carrying an unprecedented sense of entrustment.

"Taiichi, I'll be blunt." Minato's voice deepened, each word clear and forceful, "Kushina —her due date is in the next few days."

Taiichi's heart skipped a beat.

Just as I expected.

He maintained a calm expression and nodded, indicating that he was listening.

"You know, she's the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki." Minato's tone carried a heavy sense of responsibility. "The moment of childbirth is when she's at her weakest, and also when the seal is most unstable. The Nine-Tails' power—it's too immense. Any mishap would have unimaginable consequences."

He paused, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern for his wife and a heavy sense of responsibility for the village. "It's not that I lack confidence in Kushina's strength; she is the most resilient and hardworking woman I have ever met."

But as Hokage, I cannot entrust the safety of the entire village to mere confidence. I must do everything in my power to eliminate all risks and ensure absolute safety!

Minato's gaze burned brightly at Taiichi, his earnestness almost overflowing. "Taiichi, I need your power! I hope you can be there on the day Kushina gives birth, as one of the guardians! An extra layer of protection means more peace of mind. This isn't just for Kushina and our child, but for the peace and tranquility of Konoha!"

Taiichi hesitated almost without the slightest hesitation.

Meeting Minato's expectant yet tense gaze, he nodded solemnly. "I understand. Minato, don't worry, I will definitely be there that day. Protecting Kushina and the unborn child, protecting Konoha, is my inescapable duty."

His voice was steady and firm, carrying a convincing power.

This wasn't just polite talk; it came from the bottom of my heart.

He had been thinking about how to legitimately participate in this crucial event, and Minato's invitation was like a godsend!

He didn't know if he would ever need to use any of his prior preparations.

Seeing Taiichi agree so readily, Minato's tense nerves seemed to finally relax a little.

That radiant smile returned to his face, and his previous worries were largely washed away by immense joy and gratitude.

"That's great! Taiichi, thank you!" Minato's voice was filled with genuine excitement. He couldn't help but reach out and pat Taiichi's shoulder hard. "With you here, I feel much more at ease!"

The two briefly discussed the details, and Minato explained the planned location and preliminary guard arrangements.

Taiichi also stated that he would be on standby at any time during this period and would not run around aimlessly.

Finally— Minato rose to take his leave with a relieved smile, his steps noticeably lighter.

Taiichi escorted him to the door, watching the blond Hokage's departing figure in the twilight. That figure carried the joy of becoming a father, as well as the immense burden of protecting the village.

The door closed gently, shutting out the light. He returned to the Reception Hall, now quiet again, alone.

The composure and calmness he displayed when facing the Minato faded away, and a complex emotion quietly crept into his heart.

Will Obito come back?

Will history repeat itself?

Taiichi closed his eyes, his fists unconsciously clenching and unclenching, then clenching again and unclenching again.

"Regardless," Taiichi opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and resolute once more, like a drawn blade, "Konoha's current favorable situation cannot be allowed to be disrupted by you."

He muttered to himself, as if making a promise to Minato, and also declaring war on any potential enemy, "That day, I'll give you rats a good lesson."

At almost the same time, inside the Central Tower Amegakure.

A few dim candlelight flickered in the grooves of the wall, barely dispelling the thick darkness in the corner, but stretching the four figures sitting around the table into distorted shadows.

The single Sharingan visible beneath Obito Uchiha was burning with an almost manic excitement. His fingers tapped rapidly and unconsciously on the table, producing a soft, clear sound that stood out starkly in the deathly silence.

The time has come.

His voice, filtered through the mask, was somewhat distorted, yet it couldn't conceal the fanaticism within it. "Zetsu has brought intelligence. Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina Uzumaki, is about to give birth."

Sitting opposite him, Pain's lifeless purple Rinnegan turned towards Jue.

The White Zetsu dressed as a pitcher plant immediately began to writhe exaggeratedly, adding in his characteristic flippant tone, "That's right, that's right! Konoha's been on edge lately. The Anbu are scurrying around like ground squirrels, and the Military Police Force patrols have increased significantly. They may be trying to be discreet, but they can't hide it from me."

Black Zetsu's deep voice immediately followed, lowering White Zetsu's. "The exact date is still being confirmed, but it's within this month, with an accuracy rate exceeding 90%."

"Hmph!" Obito slammed his hand on the table, causing the candlelight to flicker violently. "The moment of childbirth is when the Nine-Tails' seal is at its weakest and the Jinchuriki is at their most vulnerable! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

He leaned forward slightly, his crimson Sharingan fixed on Pain, as if trying to imprint his will into the other's eye.

"My plan is simple: the moment the seal weakens to its limit, I will invade the Barrier, tear it open, and unleash the Nine-Tails! Then—"

Obito's voice suddenly rose, filled with a destructive sense of satisfaction, "Use the Summoning Technique to summon that enraged Nine-Tailed Demon Fox directly to the very center of Konoha!"

He opened his arms wide, as if he could already see that hellish scene unfolding before his eyes.

"Think about it! If the Tailed Beast breaks free, the Jinchuriki will surely die, and Konoha will immediately lose an important trump card."

I will restrain the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and force him to choose between the village, the children, and himself. He will either be torn apart by the rampaging Nine-Tails or die from exhausting his Chakra to protect the village!

But no matter what, the entire Konoha will be reduced to ruins! Their elites, their Civilian, and their meager post-war recovery achievements will all be utterly crushed!

Obito's voice was filled with malicious seduction, "This is not just weakening, this is breaking Konoha's backbone! The other four great ninja villages, those greedy hyenas, how can they remain indifferent to seeing Konoha so weak?"

Then, new wars will surely reignite! Chaos will be the perfect breeding ground for our "Eye of the Moon" plan!

"Mr. Ban!" A cold, clearly displeased female voice rang out.

Konan frowned, her clear eyes staring directly into the eyes beneath Obito's mask, revealing undisguised disgust. "To launch such a despicable sneak attack while a woman is giving birth—isn't that utterly shameful!"

The paper scraps on her body moved without wind, revealing her strong inner resistance.

"Shameful?" Obito sneered, his cold gaze sweeping over Konan with merciless mockery. "Konan, your naivety is worthless in the face of the cruelty of the Ninja World! To achieve eternal peace and end this cycle of hatred, necessary sacrifices and means are unavoidable!"

Kushina Uzumaki is Jinchuriki, a weapon! Her childbirth is the moment when this weapon is most vulnerable! Seizing the enemy's weakness and delivering a fatal blow—that is the law of survival! A woman's mercy will only ruin our great cause!

"Konan," Pain's calm voice rang out, interrupting any potential argument.

His Rinnegan calmly turned to Obito, then glanced at Konan. "Emotions are useless for judgment. Madara's plan is highly feasible, extremely low-cost, and yields enormous benefits."

He nodded slightly. "The world already has too much evil; what we need to do now is end it all as quickly as possible. Besides, anyone who becomes a ninja should be prepared to sacrifice themselves at any moment."

Seeing Konan remain silent with her head down, Pain said nothing more. He fixed his gaze on Obito and said with considerable agreement, "Does Mr. Madara need any help?"

"No need!" Obito replied decisively, his tone filled with absolute confidence, even a hint of resistance to Pain's intervention. "The key to this operation lies in stealth and speed, in my unique Space-Time Ninjutsu."

He pointed to the scarlet eye behind his mask.

"Only I can ignore Konoha's multiple Barrier and precisely penetrate its core the moment the seal loosens. Only I can ignore distance and instantly summon the Nine-Tails to the heart of Konoha."

Any additional intervention, even the slightest leak of Chakra, could alert Konoha's Sensor Ninja prematurely, especially the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze! He is also proficient in space-time techniques, and if he becomes alerted, the entire plan will fail!

"My abilities are the key and the only guarantee for the success of this operation!" Obito's words were resounding and filled with unwavering determination.

A brief silence fell over the secret room. The candlelight flickered, illuminating the varied expressions on everyone's faces.

Pain paused for a moment, then slowly spoke, "I understand. Your reasons are valid. The uniqueness of Space-Time Ninjutsu is indeed unmatched. Therefore, this operation will be entrusted to you in full charge." His approval brought the debate to a close.

Konan's lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just pursed her lips and turned her head to one side.

Regardless of the circumstances, she would absolutely support whatever Nagato agreed to, even if it went against her principles.

Zetsu swayed slightly, White Zetsu reappeared, grinning, "Oh dear, it seems everyone has reached a consensus! Lord Madara mighty! Then let's wish Lord Madara a resounding victory and a grand 'fireworks' display for Konoha!"

Black Zetsu calmly added, "Regarding intelligence, I will do my utmost to pinpoint the exact date and location of Uzumaki Kushina's childbirth as soon as possible. Inform everyone immediately if there is any news."

"Very good!" Obito suddenly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the three people present one last time. "Zetsu, remember your mission! I need the most accurate intelligence, without exception!"

His voice was as cold as ice striking the ground, "Gentlemen, await the good news. Soon, you will see—the most dazzling crimson fireworks blooming in the Konoha!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the space around him began to distort and rotate, forming a vortex. Obito's figure quickly became blurry and transparent within the vortex, eventually disappearing completely.

Meanwhile, Zetsu, after seeing Obito leave, chuckled and greeted Pain and Konan before sinking into the ground and disappearing from sight.

Pain turned his gaze from across the table to the endless cold rain outside the tower window. His Rinnegan remained calm and undisturbed, as if the impending immense death had nothing to do with him.

Konan lowered her eyes, her fingertips unconsciously stroking a clean white piece of paper. A complex emotion flashed across her pale purple eyes.

The rain is still falling.

A deadly storm, targeting Konoha and the moment of new life's birth, is already brewing deep within the rain.

It remains to be seen who will ultimately emerge victorious!