Chapter 207

"I can assure you that Naruto will handle everything. You need to trust him and refrain from excessive worry."

"Just ease your worries and try to find joy in the surprises each day brings."

Carnes' words echoed a sentiment Tsunade had already heard from him and believed in.

This time, she was reluctant to accept and buy into it.

"But Naruto's movements are currently restricted."

"Hinata, that young girl, is in immediate danger! She needs our help."

Carnes, who has a rough idea of how the original plot will unfold, remained nonchalant as he reclined on a rocking chair.

Lounging in a rocking chair, speaking with casual indifference he remarked.

"It's acceptable and even alright if she's in danger. So, what if she meets her death."

"Sometimes, to unlock an individual's potential requires a baptism of blood to foster growth, similar to the eyes of the Uchiha clan – ascending from the Sharingan to Mangekyō Sharingan."

"You..."

Tsunade was momentarily frozen hearing what Carnes had said.

The assembled ninjas stood in stunned silence as they absorbed this answer, their eyes reflecting the gravity of the revelation.

It seemed they had unraveled the mystery that loomed over them, as they pieced together Carnes's intentions.

Especially Kakashi, who already had Mangekyō Sharingan with him, comprehended the profound implications embedded in Carnes' words.

He, more than anyone, understood the sacrifice the Uchiha clan had historically made to unlock the power within their eyes.

This understanding allows him to grasp Carnes's insinuations.

With a discerning gaze, he pondered Carnes' intentions.

"So, are you suggesting..."

"Using Hinata's death to unleash Naruto's true potential and abilities?"

The question hung in the air as Carnes nodded knowingly at that revelation.

His expression didn't even show a hint of trouble.

Speaking casually with an air of calm revelation, he remarked,

"That's right, you see, Naruto being the Jinchūriki of the Nine Tails, has incredibly powerful abilities and chakra."

"Using the blood of a young innocent girl to awaken his potential would undoubtedly be a lucrative deal for Konoha Village."

"A deal that this village wouldn't be able to refuse..."

"It's a cheap price to pay for such great power, don't you think so...?

Carnes paused for effect before continuing, as he contemplated the consequences.

"The next step may as well be that, when fully grown, his strength will be infinitely close to Senju Hashirama."

"This will be the result if he's reached his full maturity."

The words struck a chord among the gathered ninjas.

Naruto, in his complete growth, could reach the strength of the legendary First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

The implications of this revelation echoed through the silent crowd, igniting sparks of awe and anticipation.

Could this be true?

If so, Konoha Village would ascend to unparalleled power and dominance.

Konoha would truly become an unstoppable force.

The mere mention of the First Hokage evoked a profound sense of awe.

Some older ninjas present here had seen Hashirama's power firsthand, while others had listened to the tales of his unparalleled strength from countless narrators.

Whether they witnessed firsthand or recounted by others, the legend of the ninja god who could command tailed beasts as mere pets loomed large.

He was truly regarded as the God of Shinbois who controlled and even distributed tailed beasts among different villages for peace.

He was a living legend synonymous with power.

The mere thought of such power left the air charged with anticipation.

Yet, Carnes' words, while captivating, carried a subtle misdirection, it was not without nuance.

Yes, a fully grown and powered Naruto could rival Senju Hashirama in strength, a fact that held true.

However, the connection between Hinata's death and Naruto's growth was not as direct as Carnes implied; the two were not inherently connected.

Carnes had a motive beyond the mere exchange of information.

He was curious to witness the reactions, contemplating the nobility of these Konoha Shinobi.

As he sought to unravel their true nature.

Were they as virtuous as their outward image suggested?

The prospect of having a force equal to Senju Hashirama at their disposal was akin to possessing a nuclear bomb in a world without such weaponry—a potential to rule with just one word.

Naruto was a tempting force that could potentially enable them to dominate the entire world.

The allure of near-invincible power loomed large.

The question remained: how many among them could resist the magnetic pull of such an irresistible temptation?

The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by Tsunade.

After an extended hush, Tsunade slowly raised her head, her expression pallid as she fixed her gaze on Carnes.

"Hehe, do you truly hold Naruto in that high regard?

Do you believe that he has the potential to reach the level of my grandfather...

The God of the Shinobi. It's truly remarkable."

"Yes." Carnes calmly replied.

"So, now have you all pondered this thoroughly?"

Carnes cast an intrigued glance at the assembled ninjas, and those who met his eyes involuntarily lowered their gazes, as they grappled with the weight of the proposition.

Sacrificing Hinata for the prospect of such a powerful man—could anyone resist the temptation?

The hearts of the Konoha Shinobi wavered at the weight of this decision, as they were caught in the tumultuous wave of emotions.

Choosing to sacrifice a girl for a potent combat force was a far simpler decision but they simply couldn't make it.

Choosing to lay down one's life in the line of duty was a decision many would make without a second thought.

When it came to sacrificing oneself, many of them who thought good about their village would make that choice without hesitation.

As they knew that their lives were in their own hands, and no one could be held accountable.

However, sacrificing the lives of others, especially a clan leader's daughter required a level of generosity that these ninjas, though not exactly paragons of virtue, were not willing to exhibit.

Making such a decision about Hinata was outside the realm of their powers.

Even Tsunade, while sharing their internal struggle, exhibited a resolute determination that set her apart from other ninjas present here.

"Our village will not abandon any of our own people, let alone sacrifice one without just cause."

"Naruto has his own path to tread... He will be powerful on his own."

"But Hinata is not a mere commodity. She is not expendable."

"Her sacrifice cannot be in vain!"

"We understand your reluctance to fight your own son, but please do not hinder our efforts to rescue Hinata!"

Tsunade locked eyes with Carnes, her stance unwavering and determination etched across her features.

Carnes responded with a sudden smile, revealing the unexpected outcome of the situation, a blend of unpredictability and rationality.

The outcome of this test unfolded unexpectedly, revealing not just an unforeseen conclusion but a testament to a rational leader.

At times, Carnes felt akin to a monster, as he grappled with a sense of monstrosity within himself.

Realizing that human nature seldom withstands such rigorous trials.

He could empathize with the internal struggle Tsunade must have faced when making this decision.

Despite Tsunade being a skilled ninja, the mantle of Hokage brought forth a myriad of considerations for her as a leader.

Clearly, she was not just a leader but also a qualified elder, navigating the delicate balance between duty and moral compass.

Despite her reluctance to be a Hokage, Tsunade truly exemplified the qualities of a seasoned leader in these situations.

.

.

.

Guys, if you like this story, then give it some POWER STONES and REVIEWS.

✌patreon.com/Anfractuous✌

If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to Advance Chapters.