A few days later, in the Hokage's office, morning light filtered through the large windows, casting a gentle glow over the two figures engaged in serious conversation.
"Lord Third, I plan to have Kushina attempt to fully master the Nine-Tails' power in the near future," Minato stated, his voice carrying the weight of a decision long contemplated.
Ever since Kushina had first proposed this challenging endeavor, Minato had kept the Third Hokage informed of their intentions. The older man's wisdom and experience were invaluable, particularly when it came to matters involving the village's jinchūriki.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a thoughtful draw from his pipe, exhaling a thin stream of smoke before responding. "Has your experimental approach proven successful thus far?"
His tone was measured and calm. If Kushina could genuinely harness the Nine-Tails' chakra—even if she couldn't achieve the perfect synchronization that Killer Bee had with the Eight-Tails in Kumogakure—it would represent a significant strategic advantage for Konoha.
"Yes," Minato confirmed with a nod. "Which is why we've decided not to delay any longer. Kushina feels the same way."
Recent intelligence reports had indicated an unsettling development—or rather, a lack of development. The masked man and his associates had grown increasingly quiet, to the point where they'd seemingly vanished from the radar of even Konoha's most skilled intelligence operatives.
This silence was far from reassuring. If anything, it heightened Minato's sense of vigilance. The masked man had demonstrated both the capability and willingness to breach Konoha's security at its highest level once before, during Naruto's birth. Moreover, he had gathered numerous powerful missing-nin from across the shinobi world—a coalition whose strength could not be underestimated.
If Kushina could master control over the Nine-Tails' chakra, she would gain a significant level of protection against whatever methods the masked man might employ in future attempts to capture her.
As for the Nine-Tails sealed within Naruto—that remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a handful of the village's most trusted individuals.
"Since you've reached this decision," Hiruzen said, a gentle smile creasing his weathered face, "all I can offer is my complete support."
The Third Hokage understood better than most the complex intersection of responsibilities that Minato now navigated. As both a parent and a former Hokage himself, he recognized that the decision made by Minato and Kushina served dual purposes—protecting both the village and their son.
"This undertaking carries considerable risk," Minato acknowledged, his blue eyes reflecting the seriousness of what lay ahead. "I will personally assist Kushina throughout the process. During that time, the security of the village will rest in your hands, Lord Third."
Though Konoha appeared peaceful on the surface, beneath this tranquil exterior, the Anbu forces under the Hokage's direct command had been working tirelessly to strengthen the village's security protocols. Minato was determined to prevent any repeat of the catastrophic breach that had occurred on the night of Naruto's birth.
"Understood," Hiruzen responded with a firm nod. After a moment's consideration, he posed the question: "When do you intend to begin?"
"The Kirigakure delegates will depart from Konoha tomorrow," Minato replied, his mind evidently having already mapped out a precise timeline. "I plan to commence the process after their departure."
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed slightly. "What about Naruto and Chiharu?"
"I've arranged for Shisui's team to receive a C-rank mission tomorrow," Minato explained, demonstrating his characteristic foresight. "They'll be leaving the village temporarily."
He added with quiet confidence, "This level of mission shouldn't pose any significant challenges. With Shisui's protection, they should remain perfectly safe."
Hiruzen was among the select few who knew of Shisui's possession of the Mangekyō Sharingan—an exceptionally rare evolution of the Uchiha kekkei genkai. With such formidable ocular powers at his disposal, Shisui was more than capable of protecting Naruto, the second jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
"Though Shisui is undoubtedly powerful," Hiruzen cautioned, "we cannot discount the possibility that our adversaries might target your children as leverage against you."
This concern stemmed from the fundamental difference between Kushina and Naruto's situations. While Kushina might not be able to defeat the masked man and his associates in direct combat, her experience and skill as a jinchūriki would allow her to protect herself long enough to summon Minato. Naruto, despite his potential, had not yet developed comparable capabilities.
"I've already dispatched Kakashi's team on a mission in the vicinity," Minato revealed.
As he spoke, a fleeting flash of crimson illuminated his eyes—gone almost before it could be registered. This momentary manifestation of the Nine-Tails' influence was subtle but unmistakable to the observant Third Hokage.
Hiruzen harbored no doubts that Minato's contingency planning would be more thorough than anything he might suggest. After all, Naruto represented a unique convergence of vulnerabilities and strengths—he was both the village's jinchūriki and the Hokage's son.
The following morning, sunlight bathed the main gates of Konoha in a warm glow as a small gathering took place at the village's threshold.
"When you're on a mission outside the village, you must follow your captain's orders without question," Kushina instructed, her violet eyes intense with maternal concern. "Don't act impulsively, no matter the situation."
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, an unconscious manifestation of her anxiety. "If you encounter any danger—any danger at all—don't try to be heroes. Remember that you're still novices with much to learn."
As Kushina continued her litany of precautions, her normally confident demeanor had given way to the unmistakable worry of a mother watching her children prepare to venture beyond her protection. She seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of warnings and advice, each one delivered with increasing urgency.
"Mom, if you keep talking, it'll be dark before we even leave," Naruto complained, his eyes narrowing with impatience. The excitement of his first real mission beyond the village walls was being dampened by his mother's seemingly endless stream of cautions.
Kushina's expression transformed instantly at her son's interruption, her features sharpening in a way that made even Shisui, standing nearby, tense slightly. The jōnin had witnessed enough of Kushina's legendary temper to know when to maintain a respectful distance.
Before the situation could escalate, Chiharu stepped forward smoothly, positioning herself between her mother and brother. "Mom, I've memorized everything you've told us," she assured with a diplomatic smile. "We'll both follow your instructions carefully."
"Lady Kushina," Shisui added, seizing the opportunity to defuse the building tension, "I give you my word that I'll protect them with my life."
Naruto listened to these assurances with mounting frustration, his whiskered face scrunching into an expression of displeasure. "I'm training to become a shinobi who surpasses my father," he declared boldly. "How can I achieve that if I'm always being protected, always hiding behind others?"
His hands clenched into determined fists as his voice rose with excitement. "If any troublemakers cross our path, I'll use the jutsu Dad taught me to take them all down!"
This mission represented a significant milestone in his fledgling ninja career—his first assignment beyond Konoha's boundaries, a task that transcended the menial D-rank missions that had consumed the past three months.
Kushina's expression shifted once more, but contrary to expectations, her features softened. A small sigh escaped her lips, followed by something unexpected—laughter.
"You truly are my son, after all," she remarked with a mixture of exasperation and pride. In truth, she recognized herself in Naruto's impatience and headstrong determination. Like her younger self, he chafed under excessive instruction and burned with the desire to prove himself.
"In that case," she conceded with a warm smile, "your father and I will be waiting for you at home. Complete your mission successfully and return safely."
Kushina stepped forward, affectionately placing her hands on both Naruto and Chiharu's heads, ruffling their hair with gentle fingers.
"Of course!" Naruto responded exuberantly.
"We will," Chiharu affirmed with a more measured nod.
"Go on, then," Kushina said, withdrawing her hands and turning her gaze to Shisui. "Thank you for looking after them."
"It's my responsibility as their sensei," Shisui replied with a respectful inclination of his head. "I'll guard them well."
"Let's move out," he directed, turning toward the open gates and the road beyond.
"Bye, Mom!" Naruto and Chiharu called in unison, waving enthusiastically as they fell into step behind their teacher.
Shin, who had been standing quietly nearby throughout the family exchange, offered Kushina a polite nod before following his teammates.
As they walked along the path leading away from the village, Shin found himself positioned beside Naruto. A small, genuine smile formed on his normally impassive features. "To be honest," he admitted softly, "I envy you and Chiharu for having parents who care so deeply about you."
The comment wasn't focused on the prestigious identities of Naruto's parents, but rather on the unconditional love they clearly lavished on their children.
"Come to think of it," Naruto remarked casually, "I've never heard you mention your own parents."
"Brother..." Chiharu instantly recognized the shift in Shin's expression—a momentary darkening that spoke volumes. She tugged urgently at Naruto's sleeve, shaking her head in silent warning.
Naruto, finally registering his misstep, turned to Shin with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry—I think I said something I shouldn't have."
"It's alright," Shin assured him without resentment. The truth was, in the three months he had spent with Team Shisui, he had revealed virtually nothing about himself to his teammates.
This withholding of personal information had been drilled into him by Danzō—part of the Root conditioning that encouraged detachment and emotional isolation. Yet somewhere deep within, Shin had begun to question this approach, even if he couldn't articulate his doubts.
Shisui, who had been observing the interaction with careful attention, chose this moment to intervene. He placed a supportive hand on Shin's shoulder. "Don't force yourself to maintain barriers that no longer serve you," he advised gently. "There's no shame in connection."
The Uchiha's expression grew reflective. "When I was a genin, my own sensei told me something I've never forgotten: 'As a Konoha shinobi, no matter how dire the circumstances become, remember that you are never truly alone.'"
His voice carried a quiet conviction as he continued, "Whether it's your immediate team members or the broader community of shinobi and civilians throughout the village—they are all your family, your support system."
Shin couldn't help but be visibly affected by Shisui's words, his customarily guarded eyes revealing momentary turbulence as conflicting emotions stirred within him.
The sentiment resonated with Naruto and Chiharu as well, touching something fundamental in their understanding of what it meant to be shinobi of the Leaf.
"Shisui-sensei," Naruto asked with renewed curiosity, "who was your teacher? You've never mentioned them before."
Shisui's lips curved into a small, enigmatic smile, but he offered no immediate answer to Naruto's question. The fact that he had once been a member of Minato's team remained unspoken.
Back at Konoha's gates, Kushina remained motionless, watching until the figures of her children completely disappeared from view along the winding road. Only then did she turn and begin walking back toward the village center, her stride purposeful.
As she moved, her hands formed a familiar seal—one specifically designed to facilitate internal communication with the tailed beast she harbored. Her eyes grew distant, her focus turning inward as she prepared to address her lifelong companion.
"Listen closely, Nine-Tails," she began, her mental voice firm with resolve. "The time has come..."