Minato Namikaze stood atop a tall tree, narrowing his eyes as he watched the violent explosion in the distance that engulfed even the Nine-Tails.
Why is Bertholdt Hoover here too—and fighting the Nine-Tails? What exactly is the Dark Council planning…
Forget it. From now on, he won't be able to involve himself in any of this. He'll trust his comrades in the Hidden Leaf Village. They'll surely uncover the Dark Council's intentions and deal with it.
On the other side, Akashō was sprinting ahead of Doflamingo when fragments of Bertholdt's memories suddenly surfaced, forcing him to stop immediately.
"In the forest of the Hidden Leaf Village."
By the time Akashō arrived at the location from the memory fragment, he saw the Nine-Tails bound by countless glowing golden chains—and Minato Namikaze, pierced through the chest by the Nine-Tails' claw, with Kushina in front of him.
In front of Kushina was a blond infant wrapped in a small blanket.
It's already over??
Akashō hid behind a tall tree, peeking out to observe the situation.
But why are Kushina and their child here too? Those golden chains… that looks like the Adamantine Sealing Chains. What about the Dead Demon Consuming Seal?
In Minato Namikaze's current half-dead state, can he even use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal? That won't do. If he dies, what happens to the Nine-Tails? Are they really going to rely on Hiruzen Sarutobi to seal it?
Is it possible the Nine-Tails might just leave afterward and stop causing trouble for the Hidden Leaf Village?
"Dead Demon Consuming Seal!!"
Just as Akashō was worrying about how things might unfold, Minato Namikaze—his chest pierced—finally formed hand seals and used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
"Thank goodness."
Akashō let out a breath of relief and watched as the Nine-Tails was gradually dragged into the blond infant's body.
"Heh… using your own son as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki. He's already an orphan, and now he has to go through this too."
Watching Minato and Kushina work together to seal the Nine-Tails into Naruto, Akashō couldn't help but sneer.
He knew very well that a jinchūriki's childhood was rarely a good one—especially for an orphan without parents.
Of course, as the son of the Fourth Hokage—a hero who sacrificed himself for the village—Naruto might have it a little better.
Akashō suddenly recalled his earlier suspicion that Hiruzen Sarutobi might be the one pulling the strings. If that were true… Naruto definitely wouldn't have an easy life.
Suddenly, Akashō's eyes shifted, and a wicked grin spread across his face.
At this very final moment, he would personally put a perfect ending to this carefully prepared plan for Minato Namikaze—a final, brilliant stroke to complete this pleasing scene.
Akashō stopped hiding. He stepped out from behind the tall tree, out of the shadows, into the moonlight—into the field of vision of the Minato couple.
He wasn't worried that Minato might suddenly change the sealing target from the Nine-Tails to him. The process of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal was irreversible and couldn't be altered midway.
"Well, well, what a loving couple."
Akashō's voice immediately drew their attention. Whether it was Minato, in the midst of casting the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, or Kushina, who had been softly talking to her child, both turned to look at him.
"Neferpitou…"
Minato Namikaze frowned deeply, cold sweat beginning to form on his forehead.
She… why is she here again…
If Neferpitou interrupted him now, then his and Kushina's sacrifice would be meaningless. The Nine-Tails would continue wreaking havoc. Even if she didn't act now, once he died after sealing the Nine-Tails into Naruto—what would happen to Naruto?
Would the deranged members of the Dark Council spare him just because he's an infant?
Obviously not. So what should he do…
Seeing Minato's silence and dark expression, Akashō's lips curled slightly.
Ah… this feeling is truly satisfying.
But just as Minato's mind was in complete turmoil, Kushina reached out and gently placed her hand over his.
Minato froze for a moment and turned his head. Kushina looked at him with a weak yet gentle smile.
"It's okay, Minato. We've done everything we could. Trust the Third Hokage… trust the ninjas of the Hidden Leaf Village. They'll definitely protect Naruto."
"Kushina…"
Minato's gaze softened instantly. He nodded and looked at her with deep affection.
Watching the two of them act as if no one else existed, completely ignoring him while sharing this emotional moment, Akashō—who had just been enjoying himself—clicked his tongue in annoyance.
What the hell is this… He wanted to see Minato's frustrated expression a bit longer, but instead they just shoved a mouthful of lovey-dovey nonsense down his throat.
Kushina, Kushina… you really are a nuisance.
Akashō let out a cold laugh and stepped toward them. As he moved, his body gradually grew taller. By the time he stopped in front of Kushina, he reached out and patted her on the back.
"Finished talking?"
Hearing the familiar voice beside her ear, Kushina turned her head in surprise.
Reflected in her eyes was Akashō's true form, wearing a mocking smile.
...
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