As Uzumaki Kushina's due date drew closer, Konoha Village appeared calm and prosperous on the surface.
But beneath that peaceful exterior, tension silently spread.
ANBU operatives moved like shadows through the village—on rooftops, among trees, and within sealed zones. Surveillance was everywhere.
Everyone knew why.
The moment a jinchūriki gives birth, the seal suppressing the tailed beast weakens drastically. All chakra is redirected to protect the newborn, leaving the seal at its most fragile state.
This had happened once before.
When Uzumaki Mito gave birth, the Nine-Tails had nearly broken free.
If enemy villages discovered this secret and sent assassins to kill Kushina and release the Nine-Tails, the consequences would be unimaginable. Konoha's upper leadership could not afford even the slightest mistake.
In recent days, Alex had begun training alone.
Might Guy had already departed on a mission. Before leaving, he had taught Alex everything he could—the complete method of opening the Eight Gates, along with core taijutsu techniques and training principles.
There was no reason for Guy to remain.
The Third Hokage also hadn't appeared.
Though he had abdicated, there were matters even the newly appointed Fourth Hokage could not decide alone. The village still relied on the old Hokage's judgment behind the scenes.
That night.
A full moon hung high in the sky, bathing Konoha in pale silver light. The village looked peaceful—almost sacred.
Not far outside the village stood a small, isolated house.
A powerful barrier surrounded it.
ANBU were stationed everywhere—on trees, underground, on rooftops—twelve elite shinobi guarding the area with absolute vigilance.
Inside the house, Kushina was in labor.
"Why is it me giving birth and not you, Minato?! It hurts so much—ahhh!"
Kushina screamed, her voice echoing through the room.
Minato held her hand tightly, panic and worry written all over his face.
"I'd gladly do it if I could," he muttered under his breath.
"Don't joke around!" Kushina cried. "Minato, let's not do this again next time, okay?!"
She clenched his hand with all her strength, drawing blood from his palm.
Minato winced—but didn't let go.
"Kushina, hold on. It's almost over," he said nervously.
The midwife beside them finally lost patience.
"Giving birth is something every mother must endure," she said sternly. "For the child's sake, please bear with it."
Kushina bit her lip, forcing herself to endure the pain.
On a massive tree not far from the cabin, a figure stood silently.
A black cloak fluttered in the wind.
Behind an orange-red mask marked with black stripes, a single scarlet eye spun slowly—three tomoe revolving with chilling calm.
Uchiha Obito.
Suddenly, strange plant-like growths emerged beside him. Leaves unfolded, revealing a figure half-white, half-black.
"It's almost time," the figure said calmly.
"If you don't act now, it'll be too late."
"How many guards?" Obito asked.
"Twelve ANBU. And the Fourth Hokage is present."
Obito let out a cold laugh.
"Konoha really treasures the Nine-Tails. Using this many people…"
The next instant, his figure vanished.
Inside the cabin, a newborn's cry pierced the air.
Naruto was born.
Tension melted into joy.
Minato's eyes reddened as he looked at his son. Kushina smiled weakly, exhausted but happy.
But none of the ANBU outside knew.
The barrier blocked all sound.
Even if it hadn't—
They were already dead.
Outside the cabin, ANBU corpses lay scattered across the ground. Blood soaked the earth, and the smell of death lingered in the air.
Not a single alarm had been raised.
Obito stood before the cabin, his voice icy.
"Do you really think a barrier can stop me?"
He stepped inside.
Two midwives were congratulating Minato when a voice suddenly echoed through the room.
"It seems I arrived at the perfect time."
Everyone froze.
Before anyone could react, Obito moved.
In a flash, he killed both midwives, seized the newborn Naruto, and retreated.
"Kage Bunshin—!" Minato shouted, hurling a Flying Thunder God-marked kunai.
Obito tilted his head, narrowly avoiding it.
In the next moment, Minato appeared behind him, attacking instantly.
Obito allowed his body to phase, creating an opening.
Minato snatched Naruto back.
But—
Obito reappeared beside Kushina, grabbing her and vanishing.
"KU—!"
Minato's eyes widened in shock.
Outside the village.
Kushina lay weakly on the ground.
"Who… are you?" she demanded through labored breaths.
"Why take me?"
Obito's voice was indifferent.
"I'm here to release the Nine-Tails. As for who I am… you don't need to know."
"I don't have time to waste."
The seal shattered.
With a roar that shook the heavens, the Nine-Tails emerged.
Nine massive tails thrashed wildly as it inhaled deeply, savoring its freedom.
Then—
A figure stood before it.
Scarlet eyes met crimson pupils.
Slowly, the Nine-Tails' eyes transformed—Sharingan patterns spinning within them.
Its consciousness faded.
Control was complete.
Kushina, barely alive, stared in disbelief.
"You… released the Nine-Tails… to destroy Konoha?"
Obito was surprised she was still alive.
"Hmph. Then dying by its hands seems fitting."
The Nine-Tails raised a massive claw and slammed it down.
BOOM!
The ground shattered.
But Kushina was gone.
On a distant tree branch, Minato stood, holding her in his arms.
"Naruto…" Kushina whispered weakly.
"Is he safe?"
"He's safe," Minato replied quietly.
"I'll take you to him."
Tears welled in his eyes as he felt her life slipping away.
"Good…" she said faintly.
"Stop him… he'll attack the village."
Minato looked toward Obito.
His gaze was cold—like moonlight over a frozen battlefield.
Without another word—
Shunshin.
Minato vanished.
He reappeared beside Naruto, placing Kushina next to their son, allowing her to hold him one last time.
Then, without looking back—
The Fourth Hokage disappeared to face the coming disaster.