"Konoha must bear full responsibility for the potential 'world-ending crisis' that may come!"
"If Konoha insists on shielding him, we will interpret it as a provocation against the entire Ninja World, and we will not rule out taking necessary measures!"
Every line reeked of threats and distrust.
The name Uzumaki Naruto had already changed from "Konoha's Nine-Tailed brat" to "the calamity of the Ninja World."
Even some daimyo who had never cared much about shinobi affairs began to worry; after all, the apocalyptic scene shown on the heavenly screen and the declaration of "destroying the Ninja World" struck at the very heart of their rule.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples wearily, the wrinkles on his face seeming to have deepened overnight.
As Hokage, he understood better than anyone what handing over Naruto would mean.
It would not merely be yielding to outside pressure—it would be voluntarily giving up the Village's most crucial strategic weapon.
Until a way to properly handle the Nine-Tails was found, Naruto absolutely had to stay alive!
Advisors Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu whispered for a long time, proposing ideas like "strict surveillance," "freedom restrictions," or "offering guarantees to every nation," only to discover helplessly that none of these measures could quell the outside world's fear and fury.
The power displayed on the heavenly screen was simply too overwhelming—so high that no "oversight" or "guarantee" could reassure anyone.
Yet Danzo Shimura, the Root commander who always leapt out at critical moments to voice "hardline" opinions, had vanished as if erased from the earth.
Hiruzen knew in his heart that Danzo was surely lurking in some dark corner, plotting how to exploit this crisis.
Trouble within and threats without weighed on Hiruzen like heavy shackles, leaving him almost unable to breathe.
After a long while, he drew a deep breath, slammed the harshest ultimatum from Kumogakure onto the desk, and a steely resolve flashed in his eyes.
"Relay the order: summon every Jonin currently in the Village for an emergency council!"
"Yes, sir!" the Anbu answered and vanished instantly.
Silence returned to the office.
Hiruzen rose slowly, walked to the window, and gazed out at Konoha Village beneath the afterglow—peaceful and prosperous.
On the streets people bustled, shinobi hurried about, and smoke curled upward from chimneys… all this peace and prosperity had been safeguarded through countless sacrifices and hard choices he had made in his life.
His gaze gradually firmed, even carrying an unshakable stubbornness.
"No matter what…" Hiruzen murmured, voice low yet filled with unbending will.
"The peace of Konoha was bought with the blood and lives of many; I will never allow anyone or anything… to destroy it!"
"Naruto… is a shinobi of Konoha, the child of Minato and Kushina. As long as I sit in this seat, I will never hand him over!"
At that moment, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi made his choice.
He trusted his own eyes; unless Uzumaki Naruto endured unimaginable pain, he would never become someone bent on destroying the world.
Hiruzen had deduced that even if Naruto learned the truth of his birth, he would never blame the Village.
That was the bond!
Konohagakure, Jonin meeting room.
The atmosphere was heavy and laced with an indescribable oddness.
Nearly every Jonin in the Village had arrived, sitting in twos and threes, speaking in low voices.
Yet all eyes, overtly or covertly, kept drifting toward the same spot—
Might Guy in his green spandex, sporting a bowl-cut, sitting bolt upright.
Which of these Jonin didn't know Guy?
Konoha's odd beast, taijutsu specialist, an overly enthusiastic, hyperactive man.
In the past many had looked down on him.
In a Ninja World dominated by Ninjutsu, Genjutsu and Bloodline Limits, pure taijutsu was subconsciously deemed "unorthodox."
What kind of Ninja doesn't use Ninjutsu?
Yet the crimson steam of burning life shown on the heavenly screen, that heaven-shaking blow that forced the almighty "world destroyer" into a corner and even "killed a god," had completely overturned their perception!
You're telling me that was taijutsu?
That was really the Might Guy they knew?
Feeling the complicated stares, even Guy's thick nerves couldn't quite cope.
He rarely showed embarrassment, hands on knees, back straight, eyes not knowing where to look.
Just then, a lazy yet genuinely comforting voice sounded beside him.
"Well done, Guy."
Kakashi Hatake had slipped over at some point; his lone visible right eye curved into a crescent. Though his tone remained listless, the affirmation was crystal clear.
"You lived your Ninja Way."
Those words seemed to break an invisible barrier.
"Hahaha!" Instantly revitalized, all embarrassment vanished.
His trademark laugh rang out as he scratched his head, fiery vigor restored.
"Actually… right now I can only open the Seventh Gate—the Gate of Wonder! For the Eighth Gate, the Gate of Death, I still can't control that power!"
Clenching his fist, eyes blazing with fighting spirit, he declared loudly,
"But I'll work hard! Within five years I'll master the Eighth Gate and burn my youth to the utmost!"
This spirited declaration didn't draw the usual wry smiles or stifled laughs.
Instead, veteran powerhouses like Hyuga Hiashi, mid-generation elites like Asuma, even Jonin who barely knew Guy, all gazed at him with newfound respect.
"Go for it, Guy!"
"We believe in you!"
"Konoha's Blue Beast, we'll count on you from now on!"
Sincere encouragement rang from the crowd.
They admired not only the future world-shaking power.
Even more, they revered Guy's will and resolve to burn his life without hesitation to protect comrades and Village, blooming the final lotus!
Such pure "Ninja Way" deserves every shinobi's respect.
Touched by his comrades' heartfelt support, the tough Guy's eyes misted; he could only keep saying, "Thank you! Thank you all! This is youth!"
Right then—
"The Hokage has arrived!"
With the Anbu's announcement, the meeting-room doors opened.
Wearing the ceremonial cloak and Hokage hat, Hiruzen Sarutobi entered with a grave expression, followed by Advisors Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu.
In an instant, every murmur and cheer ceased; the room fell so silent a pin drop could be heard.