It was an overcast morning.
The atmosphere in the Hokage's Office was heavy.
The Third Hokage sat at the head of the table, his expression solemn and aged.
Jiraiya sat beside him, his gaze sharp, occasionally tapping the tabletop.
Across from them sat Naruto Uzumaki and Yemu.
They had just learned something utterly unexpected from the old Third Hokage.
Naruto looked stunned by the news, while Yemu remained silent, his eyes thoughtful.
"The Nine-Tails deployment plan...?"
Naruto blurted out, "You mean... you want me to control the Nine-Tails and use him against Kumogakure?!"
"Are you sure it won't be the Nine-Tails controlling me?"
The Third Hokage nodded slowly, then began shaking his head.
"We won't deploy him immediately. He'll serve as a deterrent. We're currently at a diplomatic disadvantage. Konoha has just suffered a blow, while Kumogakure has held its forces back. They're clearly waiting until we're severely weakened before striking. We must force them to back down through 'nuclear deterrence.'"
"You're the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto, and our last trump card."
Naruto gritted his teeth, a flicker of fear and inner conflict crossing his face.
"But right now... I can't control the Nine-Tails at all. If I lose control, won't I become that 'village-destroying monster' they keep calling me?"
Jiraiya spoke then, his expression full of resignation. "Don't worry, Naruto. I'll be right beside you."
He knew the Third Hokage's temperament.
The old man truly wanted to wreak havoc in Kumogakure. Was he planning one last blaze of glory before he died?
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "You can rest assured, Naruto. You won't be fighting alone. Yemu and the others will be involved throughout the operation."
"This isn't just about targeting Kumogakure. It's also a trial for all of you."
"The world of the future belongs to us, but even more