The Attitude of Konoha's Higher-Ups

Xuandou was stunned upon hearing this.

Minato was famous for his good temper; for him to directly tell someone to leave, he must have been truly angry.

But hadn't he just asked a simple question?

Kushina also wore an awkward expression as she said:

"Xuandou, why did you ask that question?"

Xuandou pondered his question repeatedly, only realizing the situation after a long while.

A strange, young, handsome man showing such concern for his wife, and even inquiring about the birth time of his child...

If it were any other man, not being beaten to death would already be considered a sign of a good temper.

Thus, Xuandou hurriedly explained:

"Wait! Minato, you've misunderstood."

"I received intelligence that someone intends to take advantage of the weakened seal during Kushina's labor to seize the Nine-Tails! I asked that to confirm the timing!"

Minato froze.

Kushina was also stunned.

A moment later, Minato's expression softened, and he nodded apologetically:

"I see. It was my misunderstanding. My apologies, Xuandou."

Xuandou muttered to himself: Actually, you don't need to apologize; I've already seen your wife completely...

Minato pondered for a moment before standing up:

"This matter is too serious. It concerns not only Kushina and the child but the entire village. I must report this to the Third Hokage immediately."

"I'll be back shortly!"

Before his words had even faded, his figure flashed and vanished from the spot.

He must have used the Flying Thunder God to leave.

Only Xuandou and Kushina were left in the room, staring at each other.

Now, whenever Xuandou saw Kushina, he couldn't help but recall the images of her bathing that he had seen through the system.

Even though Kushina was fully clothed now, his mind was already filled with images of her naked and in a bikini...

Minato's sudden departure had also caught Kushina off guard.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, Kushina broke the silence first:

"Regarding the child's birth date, the hospital says it's in a month."

Only one month left?

Then he still had some time to prepare.

Xuandou nodded.

The two chatted for a while longer.

A moment later, the air rippled slightly, and Minato's figure reappeared.

Minato looked at Xuandou with a serious expression and said:

"The Third Hokage takes this matter very seriously and wishes to question you about it in person."

Xuandou nodded immediately upon hearing this.

This was exactly what he wanted.

Getting the high-level officials of Konoha to take the matter seriously was undoubtedly the most effective method.

Thus, Xuandou followed Minato and Kushina toward the Hokage Office.

Pushing open the door, several people were already seated inside.

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat, puffing on his pipe.

Beside him were the two advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

In the corner sat Shimura Danzō, his face half-wrapped in bandages, leaning on a cane.

As soon as Xuandou entered the room, Hiruzen spoke:

"Xuandou, you obtained intelligence that someone intends to seize the Nine-Tails?"

Xuandou nodded:

"Yes, Third Hokage. Furthermore, the individual possesses a Sharingan that had been lost by the Uchiha."

Hiruzen's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

He was well aware that the Sharingan could control Tailed Beasts.

He paused, then asked:

"How many people are there?"

"One person."

"One person?"

Hiruzen furrowed his brows.

"Konoha has nearly ten thousand active-duty ninja, with layers of defense from the barrier, Anbu, and the Police Force. Who could possibly break in single-handedly?"

Utatane Koharu also scoffed:

"Do you even hear yourself? You think one person can breach Konoha? Do you take us for wooden statues?"

Xuandou frowned:

"In the history of the ninja world, it is not as if there haven't been ninja with individual strength enough to shake an entire village. Madara Uchiha, the First Hokage—which one of them didn't change the course of a war with their own power?"

"That is all in the past."

Mitokado Homura interrupted him unhurriedly.

"Where in today's ninja world would you find such legendary figures?"

Hiruzen chimed in as well:

"As far as I know, there is indeed no such person in the current ninja world."

"Hmm... is there any more information?"

Xuandou deliberated for a moment, then decided to reveal more information to increase his persuasiveness:

"The opponent comes from a mysterious organization in the Land of Rain, and the name of this organization is Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki?"

Danzo spoke up immediately upon hearing this.

His tone was filled with disdain:

"That small organization in the Land of Rain was wiped out by Hanzo and me years ago, and their leader is already dead!"

"Furthermore, in my view, the so-called Akatsuki organization is nothing more than a group of naive children clamoring to end war through peaceful dialogue, so they are not worth worrying about at all."

Xuandou looked at him:

"Danzo, that organization did not disappear; on the contrary, it has been developing in the shadows..."

"Enough!"

Danzo raised his hand to cut him off.

"Do I need you to teach me about matters I handled personally?"

Xuandou took a deep breath and could only turn to Hiruzen:

"Third Hokage, the opponent is truly dangerous; we absolutely cannot lower our guard!"

Hiruzen sighed and looked at Xuandou:

"Then how do you suggest we respond?"

Xuandou had been prepared, so he spoke immediately:

"First, we need to move Kushina to a secret location outside of Konoha to give birth, so as to avoid being found by the enemy."

"Second, evacuate the civilians of Konoha. Even if the Nine-Tails is released, we will have room to maneuver, and it won't result in large-scale civilian casualties."

"Third..."

"Enough!"

Danzo interrupted again.

"Do you have any idea how much manpower and resources it takes to evacuate the populace? Do you know what it means for the jinchuriki to leave the village?"

"If the Nine-Tails leaves Konoha and the enemy takes advantage of the opening, can you bear that responsibility?"

Xuandou stared at Danzo, refusing to back down:

"What if the Nine-Tails is actually released?"

"When the casualties occur, who will take responsibility then?"

Danzo's gaze was gloomy:

"If the Nine-Tails is truly released, the Anbu and Root will handle it. It is not as if Konoha lacks the means to deal with a Tailed Beast."

"In my view, you are just trying to use the Nine-Tails affair to gain more political leverage for the Uchiha within the village!"

Xuandou's eyes turned cold.

"Danzo, I am talking about the Nine-Tails, not vying for power with you!"

"Heh."

Danzo sneered.

"Then tell me, how exactly does one person breach Konoha? By relying on a pair of Sharingan?"

His tone was thick with undisguised contempt.

"Konoha is not a village that lets itself be led by the nose by some baseless intelligence."

"And it certainly doesn't need you Uchiha pointing fingers here!"

Fury surged within Xuandou, his Sharingan activating in an instant. Three tomoe spun slowly as a biting killing intent bore down directly on Danzo.

"Danzo! Do you dare say that again?"

Danzo's expression darkened, and he immediately placed his hand on the ninja tools at his waist.

The atmosphere in the office froze abruptly.

"Ahem!"

Hiruzen let out a heavy cough and slammed his hand onto the desk.

"Both of you, stop!"

He looked toward Xuandou, his tone softening slightly:

"Xuandou, I understand your feelings. But evacuating the populace and relocating the jinchuriki involves too much; it isn't something that can be decided with a single word."

"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 also maintain a perimeter. If the enemy truly dares to come, Konoha is not to be trifled with!"