Naruto 809

Title: Act or Reality?

After a moment of hesitation, Hiruzen finally left.

He didn’t understand Tobirama’s intentions.

In truth, simply by coming to invite the Sunagakure group, Hiruzen had already sent a signal to Danzō that everything was ready on their side.

It also served to disguise and mislead Black Zetsu’s judgment.

After all, in Tobirama’s eyes, everything he did was ultimately to lure out Black Zetsu.

As for the others, they were merely accessories.

“Ssssh!”

“The Third Hokage himself came to invite the Kazekage to the banquet? And the Sunagakure group didn’t even show up?”

“They’re so disrespectful?”

“Respect, my foot! If you were carrying the Rinnegan, would you dare go to a banquet? Aren’t you afraid Konoha would set a trap with three hundred kunai-wielding ninja?”

“No way, right? If Konoha wanted to act, why would they send people to protect the lodging?”

“Don’t forget the Uchiha in Konoha. At the banquet, they’d use Genjutsu to control you and make you hand over the Rinnegan willingly. What could you do?”

“Ssssh—! That makes sense!”

“But there’s another possibility: the Kazekage is genuinely still recovering.”

“Recovering? I bet they’ve already fled?”

“No way! With so many people watching, where could they escape to?”

“Then how long do we have to keep watching?”

“Keep watching. They’ll come out sooner or later!”

In the surrounding darkness, seeing Hiruzen leave disappointedly, the watchers from various factions whispered among themselves.

They were trying to assess the specific situation of the Sunagakure group.

This way, they could adjust their attack strategies at any moment.

As for why no one attacked the injured Hiruzen?

Don’t be ridiculous.

What could they gain from Hiruzen? If they attacked him, would they still expect to leave Konoha alive?

Was the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama’s, renowned name just for show?

“Hiruzen, should we head back?”

Biwako supported Hiruzen as they walked toward the Hokage Building.

The dinner banquet was being held at a high-end izakaya next to the Hokage Building.

“Let’s go back first. Sensei and Koharu are still waiting.”

“True. But why did the Second Hokage make you personally invite the Sunagakure group?”

“You’ll find out later.”

“Huh? Don’t tell me you’re being set up with that Kazekage?”

“What are you thinking! Even if there’s a matchmaking, it wouldn’t be me.”

“Huh? Really a matchmaking? Who? She’s a Kazekage; ordinary people wouldn’t match. Could it be Kagami?”

“You’re getting more ridiculous. The Uchiha clan usually only marries within the clan.”

“Why?”

“Would you, without a Sharingan, dare marry someone with a Sharingan?”

Biwako froze, then understood.

If she didn’t have a Sharingan and married an Uchiha ninja, she might be controlled from morning to night!

If she were a female ninja, that’d be fine.

If she were a male ninja, she might be drained dry every day.

Even someone as strong as the Second Hokage probably couldn’t withstand that.

“Exactly! So only an Uchiha can handle an Uchiha’s dominance!” Hiruzen laughed heartily. Normally, he wouldn’t tease Kagami like this.

“Don’t worry, I’m willing to be controlled by you. I’ll listen to everything you say.”

“Then, will I manage the household finances later?”

“No, that’s not allowed!”

“Then, will you give me cigarettes every day?”

“No, that’s not allowed! It’s bad for your health…”

“Then, can I eat your homemade sardine meatballs every day?”

“No, that’s not allowed! At least don’t make me cook them every day!”

“Ssssh…”

Hiruzen lowered his head, quietly wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

Suddenly, he felt being single had its perks!

“By the way, Koharu and the others mentioned that after this ninja tournament, you all have to go to the moon for a mission?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re going too?”

“Yeah.”

“The moon is so far; it must be lonely, right?”

“Maybe. I’ve never been there.”

“Hiruzen…”

“Biwako, I want to ask, would you be willing…?”

“I’ll go with you, is that okay?”

“!!!”

Hiruzen was stunned, then smiled brightly, feeling his entire being energized.

He hadn’t chosen wrong!

“Biwako…”

“Hiruzen…”

In front of the Hokage Building, the two embraced affectionately.

The Anbu ninja hiding in the darkness to protect them all burped, feeling full just from this evening’s dose of dog food.

“The banquet’s about to start; let’s hurry!”

“Alright!”

As the two prepared to enter the banquet…

*BOOM!*

Several massive explosions suddenly rang out from a distance simultaneously.

Hiruzen and Biwako turned around immediately.

Only then did they realize that dazzling flames had erupted in several places across the village.

Including the Konoha Ninja Academy, the Medical Department Building, the Forbidden Jutsu Library, the Great Barrier Watchtower, and the Guest Lodging.

A total of five areas, all critical buildings in Konoha, key locations.

They were attacked simultaneously!

(Trouble!)

(An attack!)

(Danzō and the others are in danger!)

Hiruzen was extremely anxious. Seeing the blazing flames in the direction of the Guest Lodging, he immediately guessed someone had attacked the lodging, targeting the Sunagakure group, including Danzō and the others.

There was no other possibility.

As for the attacks on the other critical buildings, they were likely just diversions to tie up Konoha’s support forces.

“Hurry!”

Hiruzen threw down his cane, ready to rush to the rescue.

“Where are you going?”

“To the Guest Lodging! That’s the enemy’s real target!”

“Don’t go; your injuries haven’t healed!” Biwako stopped Hiruzen.

“I have to go!”

“You’ll be useless. There are so many village ninja there. If you go now, you’ll just be a burden!” Biwako tried hard to persuade him.

Compared to the unfamiliar Sunagakure ninja, she was naturally more concerned about Hiruzen’s safety.

“Danzō’s there!”

“Shimura Danzō? Didn’t he betray the village? You…”

“Hurry, I have to go. I’ll explain later!”

Hiruzen looked at Biwako, and with just one glance, she could feel the resolve in her husband’s eyes. It was a fierce determination, willing to sacrifice his life for a friend!

She immediately agreed to support him.

“Alright!”

Biwako carried Hiruzen on her back and leaped onto the rooftops, heading toward the lodging.

Though she couldn’t compare to Hiruzen and the other first-generation geniuses, she was a Special Jōnin. Her strength wasn’t weak, and she was also a medical ninja.

She was qualified to get involved in this chaos.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

*WHOOSH!* *WHOOSH!* *WHOOSH!*

As the attack erupted, all of Konoha awoke like a lion.

Many Konoha ninja in the dark night leaped like a swarm of locusts, jumping onto rooftops and rushing toward the five attacked locations.

Even some ramen chefs could tear off their aprons, tie on ninja headbands, and leap toward the targets.

This wasn’t the weak, peaceful Konoha of decades later.

This was Konoha fresh from the First Ninja World War. Nearly every adult Konoha ninja had been on the battlefield and faced trials.

They weren’t delicate lotus flowers in a greenhouse.

So Hiruzen couldn’t understand who dared to provoke all of Konoha at this moment, brazenly launching a large-scale terrorist attack in the village.

This was practically courting death!

In less than half a minute, Biwako crossed several streets and returned to the Guest Lodging where the Sunagakure group was.

Looking ahead, the building housing the Sunagakure group was already in ruins. Steel beams twisted and screeched, flames roared, thick smoke billowed, and waves of heat hit their faces—a tragic scene.

Hundreds of ninja were fighting across the lodging.

White Zetsu attackers, Sunagakure ninja, Konoha ninja tasked with protecting the lodging, and opportunists from various nations eyeing the Rinnegan… and so on.

All mixed together, attacking and battling each other.

Pity the many nobles and dignitaries from other nations also staying at the Guest Lodging.

Many were caught in this unwarranted disaster, unaware of what was happening, and were killed by the attackers’ ninja techniques.

Fortunately, the lodging was built to host foreign delegations and honored guests, so few Konoha residents were there.

Amid the chaotic battlefield, within the ruined building, a strange three-sided barrier stood.

Outside the barrier, many ninja frantically attacked it, trying to break through.

Inside the barrier, three figures were in a standoff.

On one side was Chiyo.

On the other was Danzō, held hostage, and a mysterious ninja holding him.

The mysterious ninja, wearing a white mask, was using Danzō to threaten Chiyo into handing over the Rinnegan!

“Hurry!”

“Hand over the Rinnegan!”

“I’m giving you five seconds!”

The mysterious ninja pressed a kunai to Danzō’s neck, drawing a wound as blood slowly trickled out.

He threatened viciously, as if he didn’t care about Danzō’s life or death.

“Kazekage! Don’t!”

“You can’t give it up!”

“Even if you do, he might not be saved!”

Shouts from Sunagakure ninja outside the barrier urged her.

Danzō’s team members, who had made great contributions to Sunagakure, were certainly important, but compared to the Rinnegan, which held the hopes of the entire village, sacrificing one ninja was insignificant.

Seeing this, Chiyo glared at her opponent with an angry face. Her eyes were filled with hatred and worry, her teeth nearly breaking.

This act was too realistic!

A large-scale attack like this, such tight organization, and the wound and blood on Danzō’s neck…

None of it looked like an act!

If she hadn’t known the plan beforehand, she would’ve thought it was real.

She even worried slightly if the attackers had turned the act into reality. Danzō now seemed genuinely in danger!

“Stop!”

“I’ll give it to you! Don’t hurt him!”

Chiyo showed an extremely pained and angry expression but still took out the glass tube containing the replica Rinnegan.

Then she threw it to the mysterious ninja in front of everyone!

“No!”

“Don’t!”

“Kazekage!”

Sorrowful cries came from the Sunagakure ninja outside the barrier.

They were completely unaware.

They only saw the Kazekage, for the sake of a man’s beauty, give up the most precious and powerful Rinnegan!

In doing so, she handed it to the enemy, extinguishing Sunagakure’s future with her own hands.

This was too irrational!

This was too disappointing!

Though they all knew Danzō’s extraordinary strength and value, in the eyes of most Sunagakure ninja, Danzō was just a ‘pet’ man favored by Chiyo.

For a man, how could she give up the entire village’s bright future?

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

When Hiruzen and Biwako arrived, they happened to witness this scene.

They saw the mysterious enemy holding Danzō hostage, forcing Chiyo to willingly hand over the Rinnegan.

At this moment, Hiruzen, shocked, also felt a bit relieved. After all, not everyone could find a partner willing to sacrifice a billion for them.

Moreover, the Rinnegan’s value in the ninja world, even compared to all nine Bijuu combined, was slightly superior.

It was truly a priceless treasure!

Its value couldn’t be measured in money.

Regardless of the reason, Chiyo’s willingness to sacrifice such a precious treasure for Danzō showed the depth of their feelings.

(Ah! This Danzō, his sins are too heavy!)

(How can I swallow Sunagakure in the future?)

Hiruzen sighed inwardly.

But now wasn’t the time to think about this. After all, the danger hadn’t passed, and Danzō was still a hostage.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside the barrier, the mysterious ninja was overjoyed after obtaining the Rinnegan and immediately prepared to retreat.

“Release Danzō!”

Chiyo shouted, ready to attack at any moment.

She now genuinely couldn’t tell if this was an act or reality.

Fortunately, Danzō subtly gave her a hidden glance, signaling her not to attack. Only then did she restrain her urge to strike.

“Once I’m safe, I’ll definitely release him.”

“Kazekage, please help me hold off the pursuers!”

“Retreat!”

At his command, the three other attacking ninja guarding the barrier also withdrew it.

Seeing this, many Sunagakure ninja, Konoha ninja, and other mixed ninja outside rushed toward the mysterious ninja, trying to reclaim the Rinnegan.

Chiyo might care about Danzō’s life, but they didn’t.

The three barrier-guarding attackers deliberately tore their clothes, revealing paper bombs attached to their bodies. They charged fearlessly toward the crowd.

“Trouble!”

“Retreat!”

*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*

Loud explosions erupted, instantly demolishing half of the remaining building.

This insane suicide attack shocked many. The massive blast force sent numerous ninja flying.

The flames and thick smoke from the explosions covered a wide area, giving the mysterious ninja a chance to escape.

The enemy, still holding Danzō hostage, emerged from the smoke and fled into the distance at high speed.

“The target’s escaping!”

“Chase them!”

Many shouts rang out. Dozens of strong ninja wouldn’t die from paper bombs. Seeing the mysterious ninja flee with the Rinnegan, they all gave chase.

But at that moment, a massive tail suddenly appeared from the air, unleashing a terrifying gust of wind.

In an instant, it blasted over ten pursuers and sent most other ninja flying.

Everyone looked up.

A massive figure appeared in the night sky, blocking the path of most pursuers.

“Bijuu!”

“It’s a Bijuu!”

“That? The Seven-Tails?”

“The Seven-Tails from Takigakure? Why is it here?”

“Is Takigakure behind this attack? Did they steal the Rinnegan?!”

The surrounding ninja weren’t fools. Seeing the Seven-Tails appear, they all had guesses.

Only this could explain why the Seven-Tails suddenly showed up here, blocking most pursuers.

This was clearly a long-planned attack, with every action part of the enemy’s strategy.

Moreover, only a Bijuu could easily hold off so many ninja, allowing the mysterious ninja to escape quickly with the Rinnegan.

“Bijuu!”

“Trouble!”

“Danzō’s still a hostage; let’s chase them!”

Seeing the Bijuu blocking the way and Danzō disappearing, Hiruzen grew anxious.

“Are you crazy? That’s a Bijuu, and the only one that can fly!”

“With it there, we can’t get past easily!”

Biwako held back the anxious Hiruzen.

The Seven-Tails’ strength wasn’t the strongest among Bijuu, but its ability to fly was enough to overpower 99% of ninja.

Even ordinary ninja, or elite Jōnin, were nothing before a Bijuu’s brutal power.

The Seven-Tails could easily flap its wings and tail to demolish entire buildings and unleash A-rank ninjutsu attacks. It was on a completely different level!

As a result, many ninja from various nations planning to take advantage of the situation began to retreat, feeling fear upon seeing the Bijuu appear.

“We don’t need to worry about the Bijuu. Someone will handle it.”

“Who?”

“Biwako, don’t forget. This is our village. A Bijuu can’t rampage here as it pleases!”

Just as Hiruzen finished speaking, a golden light suddenly appeared in the surrounding darkness.

Dozens of Adamantine Sealing Chains burst forth. They pierced the ground, tore through the sky, and in an instant, tightly bound the Seven-Tails in the air.

At the same time, in the deeper darkness, dozens of red Sharingan eyes appeared simultaneously in the night, all locking onto the bound Bijuu.