In this tense gathering, only one person held the standing and authority to address this topic. With him present, it was inappropriate for anyone else to speak up.
"Seal it away. After all, it's still part of the Nine-Tails and carries its power," Akira stated firmly.
Hiruzen nodded, pleased with this answer. "But who will be chosen as the Jinchūriki? Becoming a Jinchūriki requires someone with exceptional strength and resolve. Who in the village has that potential?"
Jiraiya, lowering his voice, said, "Wasn't there someone from the Uzumaki clan that Akira recently brought back? I heard she had a child a few months ago. The Uzumaki are well-suited to being Jinchūriki."
Hiruzen shook his head. "I know about Uzumaki Rika, but she only just arrived in Konoha. We don't fully understand her background yet."
"What about her daughter, Karin Uzumaki? A newborn can hardly be a spy with ulterior motives," Jiraiya suggested, despite his recent confinement. He still kept up with events in the village—being the Third Hokage's student had its privileges.
Hiruzen considered this but hesitated. Trusting someone who had only been in Konoha a short time wasn't easy.
At that moment, Akira and Fugaku exchanged glances, entering a world of genjutsu for a private conversation.
"Clan Leader, why not let Sasuke become the Jinchūriki for a part of the Nine-Tails?" Akira suggested. Better to be prepared—the power of the Nine-Tails is the closest to the Ten-Tails. If we can wield that power, it'll save us from scrambling later when we might need it."
Fugaku looked shocked. "Sasuke?! Does he even have what it takes? Becoming a Jinchūriki isn't something just anyone can handle."
"Don't underestimate Sasuke," Akira assured him. "With his abilities, he can more than handle becoming a partial Jinchūriki for the Nine-Tails." Sasuke, after all, was the reincarnation of Indra's chakra—his potential was undeniable.
"But why Sasuke?" Fugaku asked, his curiosity piqued by Akira's reasoning.
"With the Fourth Hokage gone, Hiruzen will likely return to power. And as he ages, Danzo will only grow bolder. The Uchiha clan needs a way to keep Danzo and the other leaders in check," Akira explained.
"A fragment of the Nine-Tails might not be enough to intimidate Danzo or the council," Fugaku said, shaking his head. Unlike the original beast, the split Nine-Tails could still be managed by others.
"This is just one of our strategies. The Uchiha need more cards to play—we can't let our hand grow weaker over time," Akira continued. "The Fourth Hokage, along with his wife and Might Duy, perished. They've lost three major assets. After our recent confrontation, they must start seriously considering the Uchiha's proposals."
Fugaku nodded. "If that's the case, then we'll let Sasuke become a Jinchūriki for one of the Nine-Tails fragments."
"And the other fragment?" Fugaku asked.
"Let the village decide. If they can't find anyone else suitable, I'll step up to take on the role," Akira offered without hesitation.
"You?" Fugaku was taken aback, Akira's willingness was unexpected.
The conversation ended as they emerged from the genjutsu world. Akira stepped forward and addressed Hiruzen and Jiraiya.
"Lord Third, Jiraiya, I have a candidate," Akira said.
"Oh?" Hiruzen looked at him, intrigued. "Please, go ahead."
"Clan Leader Fugaku's second son has the qualifications to become a Jinchūriki," Akira suggested.
Fugaku also stepped forward. "For the village's sake, I am willing to let Sasuke take on the responsibility of becoming a Jinchūriki."
Hiruzen's expression shifted as he fell into thought.
What are they planning? Are they aiming to control the Nine-Tails' power? He hesitated, instinctively wanting to reject the proposal. But the words wouldn't leave his mouth.
First, the village currently lacked a suitable candidate to bear the responsibility. Second, the power that the Uchiha had recently demonstrated was formidable. Within Konoha alone, there were two Uchiha who had achieved Kage-level strength. And Shisui Uchiha, renowned for his Body Flicker Technique, was stationed at the border.
The Uchiha clan possessed at least three Kage-level fighters. Their suggestions couldn't be dismissed lightly.
"Hmm…" Hiruzen began, but was interrupted by a grunt of pain from Fugaku. Clutching his eye, blood began to trickle between his fingers.
"What happened, Fugaku?" Hiruzen and Jiraiya rushed to his side, concerned. Despite tensions, the Uchiha were still part of Konoha. Losing another Kage-level fighter after the Fourth Hokage would be a severe blow.
"My visual power is nearly exhausted. We need to make a decision about the Nine-Tails fragment soon, I can't keep it under control for much longer," Fugaku said through gritted teeth, his face twisted with pain.
Hiruzen and Jiraiya's expressions darkened. Without the Sharingan's power to control the fragment, it could break loose, sparking another battle.
"Akira, can you hold out?" Hiruzen asked, turning to him.
"I can manage a little longer," Akira replied. The Nine-Tails fragment was less spirited than a full Tailed Beast, having only been temporarily split from the original.
Fugaku had intentionally shown his strain to push Hiruzen to decide quickly.
"Very well. Sasuke will take on one fragment of the Nine-Tails as a Jinchūriki," Hiruzen agreed, nodding. "And the other?"
"Lord Third, Uzumaki Rika's daughter, Karin, is still our best choice," Jiraiya urged.
"Will Rika agree?" Hiruzen asked, reluctant. "The fate of a Jinchūriki isn't an easy burden."
Initially, Hiruzen had opposed this idea, but realizing the village had few other options softened his stance. If anyone else could take on the role, it would have to be another Uchiha, and one fragment in Uchiha hands was already pushing his limits.
"I'll talk to her. If she refuses, we'll reconsider," Jiraiya offered.
"Alright," Hiruzen sighed.
"Then, who will oversee the sealing?" Hiruzen asked. "A standard sealing technique won't be enough. Even a fragment of the Nine-Tails surpasses an ordinary Tailed Beast."
"I will handle it," Akira volunteered.
"Are you sure your sealing techniques are up to it?" Hiruzen asked, his concern evident.
"I'm confident," Akira said. "Watching the Fourth seal the Nine-Tails taught me a lot."
"Then I'll leave it to you," Hiruzen agreed.
Though Hiruzen had some skill in sealing, dealing with the Nine-Tails required expertise beyond his own.
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