Mental Space

Hiruzen Sarutobi then informed Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō about the Akatsuki organization's intent to collect the Tailed Beasts.

After hearing this, Shimura Danzō asked, "Then should we hide the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki first?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and replied, "Hiding him in Konoha is useless. Those two individuals from before were already scouting the Jinchuriki's situation. Therefore, we have no choice but to send Uzumaki Naruto out of the village."

"But wouldn't sending him out make it even easier for the Akatsuki to act?" Mitokado Homura asked.

"This is the reason Jiraiya has returned this time. He hopes to take Uzumaki Naruto away from Konoha to train at Mount Myoboku. This way, we can spread the word that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has left the village," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

"You all know about Mount Myoboku. Unless one has signed a contract with them, it is impossible to find. Furthermore, the strength of Mount Myoboku is immense; only there will Uzumaki Naruto be truly safe."

After listening, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both nodded in agreement. Shimura Danzō also understood the gravity of the situation, so he did not raise any objections.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the three silent figures and said, "Once the Jinchuriki leaves Konoha, we can delay the Akatsuki's actions against the village, giving us more time to prepare."

It was not just Pain; there were several other rogue ninjas within the Akatsuki who held grudges against Konoha, so an attack on the village was only a matter of time.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged glances after hearing this, then nodded and said, "We agree to let Jiraiya take the Jinchuriki out of Konoha."

"Rest assured, once Jiraiya takes him to Mount Myoboku, he will guide his training and impart the Will of Fire to him. When he returns, Konoha will have gained another high-level combatant," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

"In addition, Jiraiya will leave behind toads in Konoha for communication. As soon as he receives news of the Akatsuki's movements, he will relay the intelligence back, and he himself will return to Konoha immediately."

Hearing this, both advisors breathed a sigh of relief. Jiraiya's strength was formidable; if he returned to Konoha, it would increase the village's chances of victory.

Glancing at the three, Hiruzen Sarutobi added, "Furthermore, send people out to find Tsunade and persuade her to return to Konoha. I would like you to take on this task, Koharu."

Utatane Koharu nodded in response.

"Additionally, the plan regarding the Uchiha Clan can now be implemented. The person designated to carry out the mission is Itachi Uchiha. Danzō, you are responsible for overseeing this. Also, ensure Itachi Uchiha finds an opportunity to join the Akatsuki. You know how to handle that, don't you, Danzō?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said, looking at Shimura Danzō.

After Shimura Danzō indicated he accepted the mission, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke to him again, "Given that this matter stems from you, you must be punished. I hereby order you to lift the curse on half of the Root ninjas and integrate them into the Anbu."

Shimura Danzō wanted to argue, but seeing the icy, piercing gaze of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he could only grit his teeth and nod in agreement.

Hiruzen Sarutobi then added, "Remember, I am the Hokage. I truly hope you do not do anything unnecessary again, otherwise..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not continue, and Shimura Danzō did not retort, merely lowering his head in silence.

"Very well, that is all for today. Starting tomorrow, you will each execute your assigned tasks. Now, the meeting is adjourned." With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi left the conference room.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged looks before walking out as well.

Shimura Danzō watched their departing backs, cold light flickering in his eyes. As for what he was thinking at that moment, only he knew.

After Jiraiya and Naruto left Konoha, they arrived at Naruto's home. Seeing the cramped room, Jiraiya sighed and said, "We'll just have to find an inn to stay at."

Having traveled for many years and with no one left in his home, the place had long since fallen into disrepair, and he couldn't be bothered to clean it—after all, he didn't plan on returning to Konoha for a long time.

Naruto knew without asking that he was going out to drink. After all, they had been busy either traveling or training during this period, and he hadn't had a drink, so Naruto didn't stop him.

He simply watched him leave with an expression that said, You're hopeless.

After Jiraiya left, Naruto entered the Sealing Space. By this time, the two souls and one fox had finished their card game and were preparing to cultivate.

Upon entering, Naruto walked over to Kurama's right claw and sat down, resting his head against him before asking, "Dad, Mom, and Kurama, how is your cultivation going?"

Minato spoke first, "As I absorb more of the soul essence, I feel that the strength of this soul body is now almost on par with my original self. If I were to use the Impure World Reincarnation now, I could likely do it without even needing to undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal."

Naruto shook his head and said, "No rush. Although I want to revive you and Mom as soon as possible, once the Dead Demon Consuming Seal is undone, the two soul bodies will merge, which will significantly improve your potential and allow you to switch cultivation techniques faster. Besides, we haven't even been to Amegakure yet; the resurrection can only happen after that."

Minato nodded. Although he could go out via the Impure World Reincarnation, that was not a true resurrection, so he had to wait patiently for a while longer.

Kushina, beside him, smiled gently and said, "Naruto, Mom has finished developing the Adamantine Sealing Chains. I have already manifested them with my soul body, but I can't tell you just yet."

Hearing this, Naruto chuckled and said, "I'm looking forward to it more and more. I hope you'll be able to open my eyes when the time comes, Mom."

Naruto then patted Kurama behind him.

Kurama let out a huff and said, "You saw the power I displayed that day. My current strength is almost equal to my complete form. The droplets in the cyclone have gathered together to form a small pool. If I continue to cultivate, one day I will surpass the Ten-Tails and become the strongest Tailed Beast."

Naruto smiled and said, "Very good, keep up the effort. Once we return to the Land of Whirlpools this time, we will begin establishing the organization. Once it's set up, many plans will be put into motion. I will accelerate the progress of your resurrection, so Dad and Mom, you should be prepared; you might be very busy then."

Minato and Kushina both nodded.

Naruto then asked Kurama, "Kurama, how did your contact with the other Tailed Beasts go?"

"I've already told them about you and relayed the messages you wanted me to pass on. They also want to meet you," Kurama replied.

Naruto stood up, staring into Kurama's eyes, and asked, "Really? When?"

Kurama raised his right claw and said, "Now."

The boy and the fox exchanged a look and smiled. Naruto then raised his right hand and touched it to Kurama's claw.

Naruto's vision went black for a moment, and when it cleared, he saw several massive beast shadows before him. Looking back, he saw Kurama crouching behind him.

Counting them up, including the Nine-Tails, all nine Tailed Beasts were present. This was the deepest space of the Tailed Beasts' hearts, a place only accessible to the beasts themselves and the Jinchuriki they truly acknowledged.

Except for Kurama, who was crouching behind Naruto, the other eight were lined up in a row, crouching before him.

From left to right, they were:

The One-Tail, Shukaku, was a tanuki covered in curse mark tattoos. He was highly skilled in Wind Release ninjutsu, sealing techniques, and Magnet Release, and his power would double in the desert.

The Two-Tails, Matatabi, was a cat demon covered in blue chakra flames, possessing immense prowess in Fire Release.

Isobu is a giant turtle covered in spikes, who enjoys living in lakes and possesses a high level of mastery over Water Release.

Son Goku is a large red gorilla who can use the Kekkei Genkai Lava Release and possesses immense physical strength.

Kokuō is a white beast fused from a dolphin and a horse, possessing the formidable Kekkei Genkai Boil Release.

Saiken is a giant white slug that can use Corrosive Release, which consists of highly corrosive liquids.

Chomei is a giant beetle; not only can he fly, but he is also highly skilled in Wind Release and using scales to turn invisible and disrupt an opponent's vision.

The strength of Gyuki is likely second only to the Nine-Tails. This giant bull with octopus tentacles for tails is incredibly powerful, possessing not only the ability to use Water Release but also special techniques such as ink sealing, tail regeneration, and tentacle substitution.

As Naruto Uzumaki was observing them, a slightly lazy voice drifted into his ears: "Kid, how long are you going to stare?"

Naruto Uzumaki looked up and saw that it was Shukaku who had spoken, so he scratched his head and said, "Sorry, sorry. It's our first time meeting, and I thought you all looked so cool that I was being rude. My apologies."

Before Shukaku could speak, Son Goku chimed in first: "Naruto Uzumaki, right? I like you. I also think I'm quite cool." As he spoke, he flexed the muscles on his body.

The other Tailed Beasts began to speak up as well, and in an instant, the Mental Space became noisy.

Watching the scene before him, Naruto Uzumaki couldn't help but laugh out loud.

After a while, Kurama let out a cold snort and said, "Alright, stop the noise. Let's talk business."

Immediately, the other Tailed Beasts fell silent. Although Kurama was powerful, the other Tailed Beasts were no slouches either. Even though they were often beaten up by Kurama, they still refused to submit. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't be this obedient, but today was different; they had gathered here to discuss serious matters.

Then, eighteen large eyes stared fixedly at Naruto Uzumaki, waiting for him to speak.

Under the gaze of the Tailed Beasts, Naruto Uzumaki smiled and said, "Let me introduce myself first. My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I like eating ramen, the person I like is Hinata, and my dream is to be able to travel everywhere with Hinata after world peace is achieved."

The Tailed Beasts didn't laugh after hearing this; instead, they all earnestly introduced themselves, Kurama included.

Although Kurama had already told them about Naruto Uzumaki's situation and knew that Naruto Uzumaki was aware of their names, this current situation was different because Naruto Uzumaki treated them as equals. This was the formal etiquette of a first meeting.

After all the Tailed Beasts had finished their introductions, Naruto Uzumaki said, "Hehe, from now on, we're all friends."

The Tailed Beasts all nodded, indicating that they were also willing to become friends with Naruto Uzumaki.

Back when Kurama had first contacted them, he had already told them about Naruto Uzumaki's perspective on the Tailed Beasts and what they were going to do next.

Seeing that even Kurama, the most irritable and eccentric among the Tailed Beasts, had accepted Naruto Uzumaki, they didn't ask any further questions.

Ti Ta's Naruto: Starting with Asura Chakra.