Haruki glanced at the sky.
Outside the city, a magic formation had created a barrier, keeping the cold winter climate at bay.
He stood before a two-story building.
This was part of the residential district specifically built for official members of various departments in the Summer Country.
Back when planning its design, Haruki had already considered future population growth.
This new city was nearly five times the size of the Land of Fire's capital, designed to house up to five million residents.
In this era, it could truly be called a megacity.
Because of its sheer size, many plots of land were left empty in the early days.
So Haruki ordered that all these plots be developed into two-story homes and provided free of charge to department members.
This policy earned widespread support from the members.
Even back then, when ninjas were still common, finding housing was no easy task.
Most ninja weren't particularly wealthy.
Haruki's decision helped them save a significant amount of money.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened.
"Teacher, you're here."
Minato stepped back to let him in, then casually closed the door behind him.
Haruki curiously examined the interior of the hall.
It was simple and plain—nothing extravagant.
It didn't look like the home of Konoha's great hero, Minato.
More like the home of an average civilian family.
Though not entirely surprising.
Minato and Kushina had never been people who pursued luxury or comfort.
Haruki accepted the teacup Minato offered him.
"Teacher, just wait a bit, dinner isn't ready yet."
"No problem. Need any help?"
"No need, Kushina's got it covered."
Minato pointed toward Kushina in the kitchen with a smile. "Her cooking skills have improved a lot lately, you know."
Haruki smiled. "Then I'll look forward to it."
"You won't be disappointed," Minato said with confidence. "I'll go back to the kitchen first."
Haruki waved his hand and took another sip of tea.
His gaze shifted to Kurama on the sofa.
It was hiding beneath the cushion, mentally chanting, Don't look at me, I'm invisible.
"Kurama, what are you doing?"
"..."
Kurama stiffened, then peeked out.
"Sleeping."
"Oh? Sleeping in broad daylight?"
"Er… nothing else to do."
Kurama blurted out an excuse, but immediately realized something was off.
Wasn't that just digging a hole for himself?
Sure enough, Haruki's next words came promptly.
"Lately, you really have been quite idle."
"Not true! Actually, I'm pretty busy. Ah, I'm protecting Kushina! Yeah, protecting her!"
Kurama quickly patted his chest. "Protecting our Jinchuriki is a tailed beast's duty!"
Haruki couldn't help but laugh.
Wow.
You actually used that excuse?
"I mean it!"
Seeing Haruki's smirk, Kurama thought he didn't believe it and emphasized again.
"For now, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
Haruki raised his finger, pointing at the wooden stool across from him. "Kurama, sit."
Kurama hesitated briefly, but obediently perched on the stool.
"I've got an idea."
A glint appeared in Haruki's eyes.
Kurama immediately sensed a deep, malicious intent.
Instinctively, it wanted to flee.
But then it remembered—it couldn't escape at all while Kushina was still alive.
If it strayed too far from her, it would just be pulled back into that cramped, dark space within her body.
"Don't worry, it's nothing bad," Haruki noticed its expression and tried to reassure it.
Kurama: Pardon?
This hostility is practically suffocating old man Kurama, and you call that not bad?
It really wanted to tear into this annoying human right now.
But it didn't dare.
Its voice quivered slightly. "What kind of matter is this?"
"There's a mysterious organization in the ninja world with a deep interest in Tailed Beasts. They plan to merge all of you into the Ten-Tails..."
"What?!"
Before Haruki could finish speaking, Kurama interrupted in shock.
Being merged back into the Ten-Tails would mean losing its sense of self entirely.
That was far more terrifying than being a Jinchuriki.
At least as a Jinchuriki, there was still hope to be seen.
But once part of the Ten-Tails, escape would be nearly impossible.
Still, Kurama eyed Haruki with suspicion after a moment.
"How could there be an organization stronger than Konoha?"
Doubt dripped from its voice.
It felt like Haruki was trying to pull one over on it again.
Damn it! If only I weren't so weak—how dare you lie to me like this? You'd already be reduced to pulp!
"The ninja world is vast and full of unfathomable things," Haruki shook his head. "Take the Sage of Six Paths—he could bring down Konoha single-handedly."
"But the Sage of Six Paths was one of a kind—and he's already gone."
"Just because he's gone doesn't mean another won't rise."
Haruki locked eyes with Kurama, his tone grave. "The leader of this mysterious organization possesses the Rinnegan."
"Rinnegan?!"
Kurama's narrow eyes widened in shock.
Back then, Kurama had heard of the Rinnegan.
As the Sage of Six Paths' favored companion, it had not only received far more chakra than the other eight Tailed Beasts but also learned many secrets of the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
After all, the Sage needed someone to chat with when bored.
He would just hold Kurama close and chat idly.
"Could it be… Uchiha Madara?"
After thinking, Kurama could only think of Madara—the one who once used it as a summoned beast—who might have obtained the Rinnegan.
Although Madara had been decisively defeated by Hashirama Senju, his strength was unquestionable.
And he already possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan.
It was entirely possible that he could awaken the Rinnegan.
Upon hearing this, Haruki gave it a surprised glance. This fox wasn't completely clueless after all.
"It is indeed Uchiha Madara."
Haruki didn't explain much further.
Besides, calling him Madara wasn't inaccurate.
"You know his strength better than anyone. Even in my current state, I couldn't confidently claim victory against him, which is why I need your help, Kurama."
"My help?"
Kurama blinked.
It hadn't expected this at all.
It recalled the battle between Madara and Hashirama Senju.
When it had been forced to assist—and the outcome had been disastrous.
"Well… Old Man Kurama's power probably won't be much help to you."
Kurama shook its head solemnly. "I'm simply too weak."
"Don't rush into saying no. You're exactly the one who can help with this."
Haruki smiled and said, "If you're willing, I can help you leave her body without endangering Kushina's life."
Kurama couldn't help reacting immediately and eagerly asked, "You mean it?"
"Of course."
Haruki nodded and asked, "Have I ever lied to you?"
"..."
Kurama didn't bother answering that question. Its little face showed hesitation.
Since the offer was so generous, something big must have been going on.
Gritting its teeth, it asked, "Tell me first what you need me to do?"
"This mysterious organization wants to fuse the Ten-Tails—you're a key part of their plan."
Seimei wanted to take down Black Zetsu, so he needed to create a scenario Kurama couldn't possibly refuse.
Securing Kurama presented the perfect opportunity.
Working with Obito would allow him to lure Black Zetsu into a trap.
"Absolutely not! Leave me out of this!"
After hearing Seimei's explanation, Kurama immediately refused.
Was this even considered asking for help?
He was practically being used as bait in a setup.
He actually thought it might be a real challenge.
Unbelievable!
Can't you two immortals sort out your fight without dragging an old fox like me into it?