Once, a fearsome nine-tailed fox terrorized the world. With a flick of its tails, mountains crumbled, and oceans roared.
The people suffered under its wrath until the bravest of ninjas rose to the challenge. Sacrificing his life, he sealed away the beast—but the effort cost him everything.
This man was known as the Fourth Hokage.
These words were the introduction to a new ninja game released by the Uzumaki Trading Company, accompanied by stunning visual effects and animations.
The latest version of the game was exceptionally well-made, featuring various new mechanics like team-based battles and weak point targeting. Upon release, it quickly became a massive hit among young players.
A game centered around the Fourth Hokage was destined for popularity. After all, both the people of Konoha and the Land of Fire still vividly remembered Namikaze Minato—the legendary Yellow Flash, who made his name in the Third Great Ninja War.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had done everything he could to promote Minato's reputation, ensuring he was seen as the ideal successor. Although years had passed since his death, the memory of the Fourth Hokage remained fresh in everyone's minds.
With a game bearing his name, it was only natural that interest surged.
It wasn't just kids—even shinobi passing by stores selling ninja games and computers couldn't resist taking a look.
The game's final boss was none other than the Nine-Tails, making it infamously difficult to complete. A single player had no chance of victory—only a perfectly synchronized five-person team, with exceptional skill, stood the slightest chance.
Essentially, a full squad of Nara Clan strategists would be required to clear it.
One particularly cruel feature was that every time a player was defeated by the Nine-Tails, they were sent back two levels. This meant they had to redo significant portions of the game each time they lost.
Even worse, thanks to Android 18's advanced programming, the game's levels weren't fixed—they changed every time. Memorization was useless. The only way to succeed was through brutal trial and error, potentially over years of grinding.
Unsurprisingly, countless players cursed the Nine-Tails in frustration after repeatedly failing. Their anger and curiosity soon led them to ask their parents about the real Nine-Tails, which in turn rekindled memories of the terror Konoha had faced years ago.
Games weren't always about fun—sometimes, they were about stirring emotions. And in this case, the game had successfully revived the village's old fears.
It was only a matter of time before someone fanned the flames, turning fear into anger and resentment.
And when that happened, all that hatred would inevitably be directed at one boy—the vessel of the Nine-Tails.
Root Headquarters
Danzo examined the game presented by his subordinates. The cover displayed that infuriating white cloak and the Hokage's hat.
"Hmph. So what if he became Hokage? He still died like a fool. Hiruzen's choice for the Fourth was a mistake."
A Root member spoke up.
"Sir, many children have been questioning their teachers at the Academy about the Nine-Tails after failing the game's final boss."
The reports were thorough—discussions about the Nine-Tails had spread across the entire village.
Even Uchiha's Police Force had not intervened.
For one, the number of people talking about the Nine-Tails far exceeded those who had once spread rumors about the Uchiha. If they tried to arrest everyone, they'd need to build three more detention centers just to hold them all.
Secondly, many members of the Police Force didn't care.
Back when the Nine-Tails attacked, countless people blamed the Uchiha. Now that the village was fixated on something else, why should they interfere?
Unless the Hokage himself gave an order, the Police Force wouldn't lift a finger.
Even Uchiha Fugaku shared this sentiment.
Danzo fell silent for a moment before letting out a cold chuckle.
"So, the Uzumaki Trading Company wants to profit off the Fourth Hokage's name?" His eyes glinted with malice. "Perfect. They've just given me the opportunity I needed."
A malicious scheme had already begun forming in his mind.
Let's see how Hiruzen and Kushina handle things when the entire village turns against them.
He turned to his Root agents.
"Spread the truth—Naruto Uzumaki is the Nine-Tails." His voice was sharp and calculated. "Be discreet. Leave no evidence behind."
He paused.
"Actually, don't limit it to Konoha. Spread the rumors throughout the Land of Fire. Let's see how Hiruzen deals with this once it's too late to contain."
Danzo had considered Naruto's safety.
Other than Kumo, no village had ever actively hunted a Jinchuriki—and as long as his Root agents kept a close watch, no foreign ninja would be able to snatch Naruto away.
But the more people talked about the Nine-Tails, the weaker Hiruzen's grip on Naruto would become.
Kushina had already lost the power of the Nine-Tails, along with her greatest advantage. There was no way she could keep Naruto protected for much longer.
Danzo could already envision the outcome—Naruto under his absolute control, the Nine-Tails at his command, and Wood Release as his trump card.
With those pieces in place, the Hokage seat would be his, and he would reshape the world into an era of eternal peace—a legacy even greater than the First Hokage himself.
Meanwhile, in Sunagakure
The situation in Suna was even worse than in Konoha.
The ninja game had been released simultaneously in the Land of Wind, with the final boss being none other than Shukaku, the One-Tail.
Unlike Konoha, where the Nine-Tails was tightly sealed, Suna's Jinchuriki constantly suffered from its influence.
For years, Gaara had endured Shukaku's torment, his mind under constant assault. If his willpower wavered, even for a moment, the Tailed Beast could break loose.
One of Rasa's most crucial reforms was ensuring Gaara could fully control the One-Tail.
Only with a stable Jinchuriki could Suna hold its ground on the battlefield.
However, this ninja game—and a bit of Sasori's subtle meddling—had completely ruined Rasa's plans.
Outside the Kazekage's Office
A massive crowd had gathered.
Ninjas and civilians alike, all demanding answers.
Most of them had learned about the One-Tail's history from the game—and now, they wanted accountability.
They weren't rioting—not yet. Instead, they shouted their grievances, their voices echoing through the village.
The ANBU stationed at the Kazekage's office didn't dare to use force—these were their own people. They could only stand guard, making sure the protest didn't escalate.
"Lord Kazekage, please come out and give us an answer!"
"We need a solution for the One-Tail problem!"
"We refuse to live in fear any longer!"
"Our lives matter too, Kazekage-sama!"
Their voices rang out again and again, drawing even more people to the scene.
Among them stood Pakura of the Scorch Release, a respected ninja known for both her strength and honor.
She hadn't intended to get involved—she had only come at a friend's request.
But after listening to the villagers' pleas, even she had to admit…
Something needed to change.
(End of Chapter)
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