Nine-Tails’ Aftermath II

As sunset approached, Konoha was still steeped in grief and sorrow. Too many ninja and civilians had died in the Nine-Tails’ Rampage, leaving over a thousand families bereaved. The work of tallying the losses and comforting the victims took an entire day.

At the Hokage Tower, the various Ninja Clans also dispersed. Many buildings within Konoha had been destroyed by the Nine-Tails, and the territories of numerous clans had suffered damage. The clans had come to the Hokage Tower to discuss the replanning of their lands.

Most of the Ninja Clans were fairly satisfied. After all, they had been innocent victims of the Nine-Tails’ Rampage, so some appropriate compensation was only to be expected.

Only two people left the Hokage Tower looking none too pleased: Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi.

The two great clans had both been assigned relatively remote locations. The Hyūga Clan’s situation was still acceptable. Their territory had merely been moved several kilometers farther out from its original location. Although it was quite far from Konoha’s center, the Hyūga Clan could accept it. After all, Hyuga Mirai had long been confirmed as a Rogue ninja, and Namikaze Minato’s death was closely connected to him. Konoha’s losses this time had been immense, so the Hyūga Clan was merely bearing the brunt of the anger.

The Uchiha Clan’s relocation, however, was outrageously excessive. The entire clan had been moved near Konoha Prison, practically outside Konoha’s boundaries. Moreover, the Konoha higher-ups had not used the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails’ eyes as an excuse. Under the pretense of acting for the Uchiha Clan’s benefit, they had made them move there.

Being close to Konoha Prison made it convenient for them to guard prisoners, and because the Uchiha had so many people, they had been given a larger territory. On the surface, it was consideration for the Uchiha Clan, but in truth, they had been moved out of Konoha.

Were they afraid of the Uchiha’s power and worried that the Uchiha would come into contact with the Nine-Tails again, which was why they had relocated them to such a remote place?

Uchiha Fugaku was furious, but there was nothing he could do. Every other Ninja Clan had accepted this land allocation plan. Even the disadvantaged Hyūga Clan approved of it. The Uchiha could not possibly oppose every other clan and the Konoha higher-ups just to force a new allocation plan.

If the clansmen learn of this, who knows what kind of trouble they’ll cause. I’ll do my best to calm them down.

After attending this meeting, Uchiha Fugaku felt that the Uchiha’s future was looking grim. He could allow the Uchiha Clan to suffer a loss once, but he feared that if he took one step back this time, Konoha would take one step forward, until the Uchiha had nowhere left to retreat.

Konoha Hospital

After handling the matter of clan allocations, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other three higher-ups came here together.

Uzumaki Kushina was still in the emergency room, along with Minato’s child, Uzumaki Naruto. He could have been named Namikaze Naruto, but while Kushina was being treated, she thought about it for a long time and ultimately decided to give Naruto her surname.

This was the only way out Kushina could find for her son.

"How is the situation?"

After the many highly skilled Medical-nin heard Sarutobi Hiruzen’s question, they exchanged glances. Then Kimura stepped forward and said, "Uzumaki Naruto’s condition is fairly good. There have been no issues with the Sealing Jutsu, and his vital signs remain stable. After being fed some milk, he has already fallen asleep. It is Lady Kushina’s condition…"

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly and quickly asked, "How is Kushina’s condition?"

"Very bad. It would be more accurate to say that no one in Konoha Hospital knows how to begin treating her."

After thinking for a moment, Kimura spoke bluntly. "After the Nine-Tails was extracted from Lady Kushina, she should have died when the Tailed Beast was pulled from her body. But according to our examination, it is as though new vitality has been injected into her body cells. There is also a powerful, unknown Chakra within the Sealing Jutsu on her body, constantly releasing energy to maintain the activity of Lady Kushina’s cells."

"But we do not understand the drawbacks of this treatment method, and we do not dare remove the Sealing Technique rashly. Only a more capable Medical-nin can treat Lady Kushina’s injuries."

A more capable Medical-nin.

Konoha had once had two. Now, it had none.

"I understand. I will immediately send the Anbu to search for Tsunade." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then continued, "Given Kushina’s current condition, how long can she hold on?"

"How long… To be honest, I am not sure either. Lady Kushina’s body cells are dying at five times the rate of an ordinary person’s. If not for the unknown Chakra within the Sealing Jutsu on her body, Lady Kushina would die within a month. So I cannot estimate the exact amount of time."

Kimura spoke helplessly. Using a Sealing Technique to produce the effects of Medical Ninjutsu and sustain someone for such a long time was a treatment method that completely exceeded the understanding of every Medical-nin present.

However, when Kimura saw the healing seal on Kushina’s body, she found it somewhat familiar. This method resembled the habits of that person who had long since left, but that seemed impossible. That person had already become a Rogue ninja.

Kimura had been treating the wounded ever since receiving the notice, so she did not yet know the full details of the Nine-Tails’ Rampage. Besides, she was only the Vice Dean of Konoha Hospital. It would be difficult for her to learn such intelligence.

After Kushina and Uzumaki Naruto were transferred to a hospital room, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the three Advisors entered.

They had to uncover the truth behind the Nine-Tails’ Rampage and find out who the enemy was.

After knocking and receiving permission from inside, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura entered the room.

"Kushina, I am truly sorry. I arrived too late."

As soon as he entered, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke to Kushina with a troubled expression. He truly felt sorrowful. Minato had been the Successor he held in high regard, yet less than two years after becoming Hokage, he had died because of the Nine-Tails.

"I have already sent the Anbu to search for Tsunade. Kushina, once Tsunade returns, you will definitely be alright."

"I understand, Third Hokage. None of this is your fault. It is all the enemy’s fault." Kushina smiled weakly. Her family had just suffered a devastating tragedy, and the smile on her face looked even worse than crying.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then continued, "Though now may not be the time, I must ask you to tell us the details of what happened, Kushina."

Kushina knew why the four higher-ups had come, so she held nothing back as she recounted everything that had happened during her delivery.

When the Advisors heard the name Madara, all their expressions changed.

All four of them had lived through Madara’s era and knew something of the battles between the First Lord and Madara Uchiha.

The only person who could fight the God of Shinobi to the death was Madara Uchiha.

If that Uchiha had truly been Madara that night, then the situation was exceedingly dire.

"If he could be driven back by the Fourth Hokage, then he must have been an Uchiha clansman using Madara Uchiha’s name. Hiruzen, the real Madara would not wear a mask and be driven away so easily."

Danzo spoke coldly, and Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in considerable agreement.

They had seen Madara Uchiha with their own eyes. That pride engraved in his very bones was nothing like someone who would wear a mask and sneak into Konoha.

Even during Konoha’s first Nine-Tails disaster, Madara Uchiha had controlled the Nine-Tails and attacked through the main gate rather than sneaking in.

"That truly does not seem like Madara Uchiha’s style."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was more inclined to believe that it had been an Uchiha clansman who knew Madara Uchiha’s name and had used it to conceal his identity. However, the Sharingan in the Nine-Tails’ eyes could not have been faked. The one who controlled the Nine-Tails had to be an Uchiha.

Danzo’s Root could thoroughly investigate the Uchiha.

After a pause, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke again. "Kushina, besides asking about what happened, we have also come to ask what arrangements you have for Naruto."

"He is Minato’s child. If you are willing, I can take responsibility for Naruto’s care and teach him ninjutsu."

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish, Uzumaki Kushina interrupted and refused. "Thank you for your kindness, Third Hokage, but regarding Naruto, I wish to teach him myself."

Without waiting for Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others to speak, Kushina continued, "This can also be considered an inheritance. While I can still speak with Naruto, I want to teach him everything Grandma Mito taught me back then."

After hearing Kushina’s words, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others did not know what to say.

Indeed, Naruto was not only the son of the Fourth Hokage, but also the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. When it came to teaching him, who could have more experience than the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?

Moreover, Uzumaki Kushina, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, had also received the guidance of the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Fifth update.

Time to rest. Good night, readers. Also, please send some recommendation votes and monthly tickets if you can. Thank you!