Minato Namikaze fell silent.
After all, he had indeed faced several Tailed Beasts. While their power had left a deep impression on him, it would be wrong to say they were invincible.
Take the Eight-Tails, for example. Back then, the Third Raikage was practically a human Tailed Beast himself—a terrifying force said to have single-handedly suppressed the Eight-Tails' rampage. Faced with someone like that, even the Eight-Tails would have to think twice.
Eight-Tails Gyūki: ...Yeah, I know all about that. I couldn't beat him! He couldn't beat me either! But I'm not afraid of him!
"So, Minato, let's assume that when the Nine-Tails saw Madara Uchiha and sensed his chakra, its first thought was of the time it was controlled."
"In that case, if it didn't want to suffer the same fate again, lending its power to support Kushina would have been its choice."
"After all, as long as the Jinchūriki lives, the Nine-Tails is safe—at least from being bound by Sharingan genjutsu."
Minato and Kushina both went quiet.
Kushina even recalled that night. The seal had grown dangerously weak from childbirth, and on top of that, they were attacked from outside. If she remembered correctly, the Nine-Tails' exact words were...
"That's the Uchiha Clan! That chakra, filled with hatred—it's the same as the one who controlled me before!"
"If you keep suppressing me like this, aren't you afraid he'll kill your husband, then kill you?!"
"No, it'd be better if you were all dead! But I'll never let myself be controlled by him again!"
...
If that was the case, then Kazuyama Gekkō's reasoning was sound. After sensing that sinister Uchiha chakra, the Nine-Tails had indeed made a different choice. It had lent her its chakra, allowing her to fight with the Nine-Tails' power.
"Kazuyama, you might be right."
"That night, the Nine-Tails only lent me its chakra after sensing his presence."
"That's how I managed to enter Partial Tailed Beast Transformation. If that bastard hadn't threatened me with Naruto, I wouldn't have lost control—I could've held on."
That made Kazuyama Gekkō's theory all the more likely.
Minato sank into thought again.
"Kazuyama, what are you suggesting?"
"That Kushina reconcile with the Nine-Tails? Try to truly become its Jinchūriki?"
Kazuyama Gekkō nodded. The Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki would be the cornerstone of future battles—the Nine-Tails' power was too great to ignore. Even half of its chakra could fight six enemies at once. Its complete form was even more terrifying.
Such power had to be used, even if the current Jinchūriki was Kushina and not the chosen heir.
"Kushina, the Nine-Tails' power has always been sealed because it's too explosive to control and use properly."
"This is a difficult task, but if you succeed, you'll become a true Jinchūriki, turning the Nine-Tails into a strength for the village."
Minato and Kushina both stayed quiet. They knew Kazuyama Gekkō was right. But the risk was enormous.
"What's this? This isn't like you, Minato."
"Difficulties are meant to be overcome. When we took down Danzō, I didn't see you hesitating like this."
"So, what is it? Do you not trust Kushina, or do you not trust yourself?"
Kazuyama Gekkō gave Minato a look of disbelief. Right now, everything hinged on his decision. Kushina's side of things was manageable—the real hurdle was Minato.
"Kazuyama, how confident are you?"
"How would I know?"
"Ugh, I'm still worried."
"Tch, this all depends on whether you agree. If you do, I've already got an idea."
Kazuyama Gekkō smirked. He really had a plan prepared. Now he just needed the two of them to agree.
"You've definitely got a method, judging by that look."
"Out with it already! Stop holding back!"
Minato had the urge to kick him. That smug grin was infuriating—way too sly.
"There is a way."
"As long as Tsunade cooperates, it'll all work out."
Tsunade?
Minato and Kushina exchanged baffled looks. They had no idea what Kazuyama Gekkō meant.
"You two don't need to worry about it."
"But Minato, if this works, you'll owe me a favor."
Great, he was already demanding payment before anything even began. Only Kazuyama Gekkō would pull something like this.
"Seriously? You're asking for favors now?"
"That's going too far!"
"You want me to go tell Pakura on you?"
Kushina wasn't about to let Minato get taken advantage of. She immediately threatened to tattle, leaving Kazuyama Gekkō speechless.
"Tch, you think I'm going to Kirigakure for a vacation?"
"The Akatsuki are definitely hiding there. Finding intel on them is what matters most."
He wasn't lying. With the situation as it was, the sooner they understood Akatsuki's strength, the better.
But Minato's concerns were valid too. The Land of Water was a closed country, and Kirigakure was especially isolated. Going there blindly was reckless.
"Kazuyama..."
"Whether you agree or not, I'm going. Anyway, I've got a plan for Kushina's matter. Let's head back to the village."
Kazuyama Gekkō didn't bother arguing further and brought the two of them back.
Before long, he led them to Konoha Hospital and found Tsunade.
"What's this? Did the sun rise in the west today? The three of you coming to me together—something big must've happened."
Tsunade looked at them and teased.
Kazuyama Gekkō chuckled and explained.
"Tsunade, we need your help."
"Well, no, not really your help. I just need to borrow the thing around your neck."
At that, Tsunade froze. She removed her necklace, revealing a green crystal pendant.
"You mean this?"
"This necklace..."
Her expression darkened slightly. That necklace carried painful memories she didn't want to relive.
"The First Hokage's necklace."
"I've seen it in my teacher's notes—a pendant forged from special materials."
"Now, now, Tsunade, don't let it drag up bad thoughts."
"This necklace is actually very useful."
Kazuyama Gekkō studied it carefully. This was the legendary Death Necklace. Unless fate chose the wearer, it would bring death to anyone who put it on.
Just like Nawaki and Dan Katō.