Chapter 7

The holographic system emerged with crystal clarity before the scrutinizing eyes of Kurama, who now traversed the vastness of the forest, rapidly distancing himself from the Hidden Leaf Village. The digital information floated in front of his lupine gazes, updating him in real-time.

As Kurama focused on the interface projected before him, a mental communication interrupted his attention. It was the voice of Kushina. Her tone was one of evident frustration, tinged with the inconvenience of a certain individual's arrival. "What do you plan to do?" Her voice echoed in Kurama's mind, a question laden with expectation and urgency.

Kushina, who was facing a delicate situation, chose to ignore the words of Danzo Shimura, who was laying out the consequences of letting a Tailed Beast roam free. She remained focused on the telepathic connection with Kurama, waiting for an answer that could shed light on the next steps to be taken.

"For now, nothing," Kurama responded with a voice that seemed to reverberate in the depths of their shared consciousness. His reply was not a lie, but neither did it reveal the entirety of his thoughts. At the core of his vast consciousness, Kurama harbored a desire to reconnect with his siblings, the other Tailed Beasts, before taking any further action.

Danzo Shimura did not hesitate to express his disdain for the situation they were in. "You as the jinchuriki of the Kyuubi should have remained under control, even if it cost you your life. After all, that is your mission," Danzo pronounced, with an impassive and cold voice that left no room for empathy or understanding. His speech was a reflection of his merciless philosophy, a belief that Kushina's duties as a jinchuriki transcended any other considerations, including her own survival.

"How dare you!" exclaimed Kushina, irritation overflowing from her voice like the lava of a volcano ready to erupt. Even though she had not been physically assaulted in her position as a jinchuriki, the emotional scars from the isolation imposed by her own fellow villagers were deep. As the bearer of the Kyuubi, she felt the weight of suspicious gazes and the fear that separated her from the other inhabitants of the Hidden Leaf Village. This stigma was a constant presence in her life, a cold shadow that refused to disappear, no matter how much she strove to integrate or demonstrate her loyalty. Although time had soothed the wound, making it more bearable, the sense of alienation never completely vanished. And now, in the face of Danzo Shimura's insensitive words, it was impossible for her to simply ignore and let pass without a response.

"Please, contain your words, Danzo," intervened Minato, with a firmness that was rarely heard in his calm and measured voice. Irritation was evident on his countenance, a rare display of discontent that reflected the gravity with which he viewed the elder's lack of compassion. "You have no idea what she has endured." The defense he made of his wife was laden with a mix of pride and reprimand. If Kushina tried to contain Kurama with brute force, the risk would be immense – it could cost her life. And Minato, wrapped in his love and the strong desire to protect, could not bear the idea of his son growing up orphaned, deprived of Kushina's maternal warmth or the paternal guidance that he himself so ardently wished to provide. He was willing to sacrifice everything, his very existence, if it meant safeguarding the life of the woman he loved and the security of the son they were expecting together.

The tension only escalated as each word was exchanged, with Danzo Shimura maintaining his uncompromising stance. "It is your mission, Kushina. You know that as a jinchuriki, you must maintain control over the Kyuubi, no matter the cost. It is the least that is expected of you in the name of the village's safety," he said, with eyes that seemed to pierce the soul and a voice that did not waver in the face of adversity.

Minato, noticing the growing irritation of Kushina, knew that any additional stress could be dangerous, especially after she had just given birth to little Naruto so recently. He intervened with authority that surpassed his usual serene tone. "Enough, Danzo," said Minato, with a cutting determination. "I won't allow my wife to be subjected to any more pressure. She has just brought our son into the world, and her well-being and the baby's are my top priority."

Danzo shot Minato a cold look, then turned to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who watched the scene with solemn gravity. "And you, Hokage, do you agree with this reckless decision?" Danzo asked, challenging Minato's authority.

Hiruzen, with the wisdom of an experienced leader and the calm of a master, replied: "Danzo, I am no longer the Hokage. Minato has been appointed to lead the village, and it is his decisions we must follow."

"Understand that this decision could cost us much more than you imagine. It could even lead to a war," warned Danzo, making his disagreement with the young Hokage's stance clear.

With those last heavy words hanging in the air, Danzo turned his back on the group and left the wall, accompanied by his Anbu subordinates, leaving behind a silence loaded with tension and uncertainties about the future. Danzo's departure did not lessen the seriousness of the situation, but it brought a moment of relief for Kushina and Minato, who could now focus on resolving the issue of Kurama and the well-being of their newborn son, Naruto.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Danzo's departure with a thoughtful expression. He knew that, despite his tactics and worldview, Danzo wasn't entirely wrong; the actions taken on that day could have unpredictable repercussions, and war was not a possibility to be lightly dismissed. "We cannot ignore Danzo's concerns," said Hiruzen with a sigh. "Tensions between the villages are delicate, and the balance of power is fragile. The release of a Tailed Beast might be misinterpreted and incite fear or greed."

Kushina countered firmly: "Old man, I've already told you that the Kyuubi is still inside me, I'm just setting her free. It's not an escape or an attack. It's a conscious choice."

Minato, holding his wife's hand, offered his support, both physical and emotional, and looked to Hiruzen. "I will do everything possible to ensure that nothing happens, sensei. I am aware of the risks, and I will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the village and our family."

Hiruzen nodded slowly, acknowledging the young Hokage's determination. "Well, since it's assured, I have no reason to interfere, right? My time as Hokage has passed. I just hope everything goes well."

With one last look at Minato and Kushina, Hiruzen turned and walked towards the exit of the wall. Some ninjas, with grave but respectful expressions, followed the former Hokage, leaving the couple with a brief moment of privacy.