Inside the Anbu base.
As the sound of a baby's cries echoed, Biwako Sarutobi approached Kushina and the Fourth Hokage, cradling the newborn in her arms. While handing the baby to his parents, she smiled.
"Congratulations, Fourth Hokage, it's a boy. Also, both mother and child are safe. But what do you plan to name him? I'd love to know," she added.
Kushina, looking weak as she held her baby, responded along with Minato, "His name is Naruto, the same as the protagonist in Jiraiya-sensei's book."
"The protagonist from Jiraiya's book..." Biwako's expression turned a bit strange.
Although she hadn't read Jiraiya's books, she knew they contained content inappropriate for children. Was it really a good idea to name a child after a character from such a book?
Noticing her thoughts, Minato smiled and explained, "Yes, in Jiraiya-sensei's book, Naruto saves the world. I hope our child can do the same."
Hearing this, Biwako realized she had misunderstood.
After a brief chat, Biwako began explaining postpartum care and newborn concerns to the couple. Once finished, she headed out of the delivery room.
However, at that moment, a vortex appeared inside the room.
Obito, masked, swiftly killed Biwako with a single strike. He then appeared before Kushina and snatched Naruto from her arms, muttering to himself, "So, it's a boy. I've waited so long for this."
Minato, who had just realized what was happening, glared at Obito and demanded, "Who are you?"
Obito glanced at Minato and coldly replied, "Fourth Hokage, who I am doesn't matter. What matters is that your child is in my hands. I'm curious—if both your wife and child are in danger at the same time, which will you save first?"
With that, Obito threw the baby into the air and lunged toward Kushina.
Kushina, still weak, couldn't stop Obito from approaching her. All she could do was look at Minato, sending him a silent plea with her eyes.
Understanding her signal, Minato vanished in an instant, catching the baby. Just as he was about to save Kushina, the baby's blanket began to glow with explosive tags.
Without hesitation, Minato teleported Naruto out of the delivery room.
A series of explosions echoed within the Anbu base.
Upon hearing the commotion, Shikaku Nara and other ninjas appeared before Minato.
Seeing Minato's grim expression and glancing at the blown-up delivery room in the distance, Shikaku quickly asked, "Minato, where did the enemy attack from? I didn't notice anything wrong here!"
Minato, with a dark expression, replied, "The attacker has mastered space-time ninjutsu and has taken Kushina. You all need to notify the Third Hokage for backup—I'm going to capture the attacker!"
"But-" Before Shikaku even finished speaking, Minato used the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished, leaving only a flash of light in his wake.
Watching Minato disappear, Shikaku and the Anbu ninjas exchanged stunned looks.
Could there really be another ninja besides the Fourth Hokage who had mastered space-time ninjutsu?
However, there was no time to dwell on this. They had to immediately inform the Third Hokage and other village leaders. While the enemy seemed to only be targeting Kushina, their real goal was likely Konoha itself.
On the way to the Hokage's office.
Shikaku and his team were suddenly struck with fear when they saw a mountain-sized figure looming in the distance.
After the legendary battle between the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha in the Valley of the End, the most powerful of the tailed beasts, the Nine-Tails, had once again appeared before everyone—and this time, as an enemy.
The Nine-Tails was no ordinary beast. Its nine tails, resembling giant serpents, could easily flatten a small forest with just a casual swing. Its claws and fangs could tear apart mountains and halt roaring rivers.
Seeing this terrifying scene, Shikaku realized he had to stop the Nine-Tails from entering the village.
If the Nine-Tails were to enter the heart of Konoha, the consequences would be unimaginable, with countless villagers falling victim to its rampage.
If it were just him alone, even delaying the Nine-Tails would be impossible.
Fortunately, Chōza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka were nearby. With the Ino-Shika-Chō trio gathered, while they couldn't stop the Nine-Tails, they could at least buy some time.
After instructing his subordinates to notify the Third Hokage, Shikaku found Chōza and Inoichi.
The three elite jōnin of Konoha exchanged glances and immediately unleashed their signature techniques, shouting toward the distant Nine-Tails:
"Ninja Art: Shadow Imitation Jutsu!"
"Ninja Art: Multi-Size Jutsu!"
"Ninja Art: Mind Transfer Jutsu!"
In an instant, Shikaku's shadow connected with the ground at a rapid speed, linking his shadow with the Nine-Tails', slowing the beast's movements for half a second.
Seizing the opportunity, Inoichi controlled the Nine-Tails' body and began directing it away from the village.
Meanwhile, Chōza, having completed his Multi-Size Jutsu, rushed forward to grapple with the Nine-Tails, using his enormous body to engage the beast in a fierce struggle.
For a brief moment, the combined efforts of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio managed to hold the Nine-Tails in place.
However, Shikaku Nara wasn't optimistic. He, Chōza, and Inoichi could feel their chakra draining visibly, and they knew they could only maintain this effort for another ten seconds or so.
On the other hand, the Nine-Tails' chakra seemed nearly infinite, capable of fighting until sunrise without breaking a sweat.
With a tremendous roar, the Nine-Tails broke free of the Shadow Imitation Jutsu, expelling Inoichi from its mind, and pushing Chōza aside, continuing its advance toward the heart of Konoha.
Drenched in sweat, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio seemed to make a resolute decision, charging forward once more.
They knew they absolutely couldn't allow the Nine-Tails to reach Konoha's center, even if it meant burning through all of their chakras. Seeing their determination, the elite Anbu members standing by also steeled themselves for what could be a fatal mission, rushing toward the Nine-Tails' location.
A few minutes later, the Anbu responsible for notifying the higher-ups arrived at the Third Hokage's quarters.
As soon as they entered, they saw the Third Hokage fully armored.
The Third Hokage, who had been in a heated discussion with the Fourth Hokage, hadn't slept at all. The moment he sensed the Nine-Tails' chakra, he immediately began preparing for battle.
Gazing at the area where the Nine-Tails was wreaking havoc, the Third Hokage glanced at the Anbu in front of him and said in a cold voice:
"Minato must have sent you. I've already dispatched people to inform Danzō and the police force to search for the intruder, while also guiding villagers to the shelters. Now, are you going to help evacuate the villagers, or will you join me in confronting the Nine-Tails?"
With that, the Third Hokage stepped out the door, gripping the Monkey King Enma, transformed into his staff, and swiftly headed toward the Nine-Tails.
The Anbu exchanged glances before following the Third Hokage, using their actions to answer him without words.