CH - 181 Night of Nine-tails Attack.

A multitude of Grass Talent Plan brochures? Where did they come from? To the best of his recollection, Grass Village hadn't widely distributed many of those. Except for the two that were sent specifically to ensure that Obito received them, The rest were distributed one per person. So… Could it be Danzo made many copies of them?

Upon hearing White Zetsu's words, Akihiko's mouth twitched. Who would have thought that after spending some time in the Land of Grass, Danzo would pick up some tricks and resort to such schemes, audaciously framing the Fourth Hokage? It does make sense, though. This guy even dares to assassinate the Third Hokage later on. What else wouldn't he dare to do?

However, with Madara gone and Obito diligently studying at the academy, and Black Zetsu transforming into Little Zetsu, it remains uncertain if the Nine-Tails incident will still unfold.

…

Simultaneously, Black Zetsu received information from Konoha, and an excited expression adorned his face. Minato and his disciple under investigation?

You know, Obito, this fool, is also a student of the Fourth Hokage. If he gets wind of this... he'll undoubtedly be on edge. Moreover, If anything happens to the Fourth Hokage, his rage will know no bounds.

In that scenario, by employing certain means, perhaps he can steer him back into the darkness, maybe even instigate a conflict between Konoha and Grass Village, guiding him down the path he was originally meant to tread.

Let him grasp the understanding... that only the Infinite Tsukuyomi can bring about true peace, averting tragedies in the ninja world. In the midst of Black Zetsu's excitement,

"Why are you daydreaming? Have you absorbed all of Madara-sensei's teachings? How many practice papers did you complete today? If you're finished, I still have a stack beneath my bed. If not, what are you even doing? You still dare to daydream?" Obito's voice echoed, the ruler in his hand emphatically striking Black Zetsu's hand, while expressing disappointment, "Honestly, You're the worst student I've ever seen. How can you not take this seriously? Are you genuinely Madara's Will?"

Black Zetsu, regaining his senses, nursed the hand that had been struck. During this period, due to his lack of comprehension of Madara's teachings, he's now compelled to study. And this guy even had the nerve to hand him his unfinished papers stashed under the bed, and not only criticize but also label him the most foolish student.

Does he even know who he is? He is Black Zetsu. How dare he subject him to such humiliation? 'Today's affront will be repaid in the future... when Mother surfaces, I, Black Zetsu, will exact retribution a hundredfold."

With a determined grip on his hands, after fervently pledging revenge within his heart, he briskly nodded and declared, "I will certainly devote myself to learning."

Then, flashing a smile, he added, "By the way, I've just received some information. Would Lord Obito like to hear about it?"

"No, I don't want to!" Obito pushed up his glasses and expressed with disdain, "No wonder your academic performance has been consistently poor. It seems you're preoccupied with nonsense even during class time. Have I not taught you anything? Focus on your studies. How can you lack the self-awareness that Madara-sensei had? You even attempt to disrupt my concentration during class! You nearly made me lose my focus!"

Whether he speaks or not, how does it affect Obito's focus during class time? Black Zetsu observed Obito with a perplexed expression and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Clearly, the Uchiha clan members used to be rather naive, innocent, and reserved. Where did the once pure Uchiha brat go, and how did he become so shameless? However, anticipating Obito's continued remarks, he quickly put on a smile and added, "Actually, it's related to Lord Obito's teacher."

"My teacher?" Obito was momentarily taken aback, his curiosity piqued. He inquired, "Madara-sensei? Or Keji-sensei? Or someone else?"

"No," Black Zetsu corrected with a shake of his head. "Minato Namikaze."

"Minato-sensei?" Obito was surprised, then scoffed dismissively. "What could even happen to Minato-sensei? After all, He's the Fourth Hokage of Konoha now."

Despite his complex feelings toward Konoha, Obito held immense respect for Minato-sensei's abilities. He was aware of Minato-sensei's strength and as he was the village's Hokage, What possible trouble could Minato-sensei even have in this situation?

"He didn't betray the village like I did, did he?" Obito added sarcastically. However, as soon as the words left his mouth and he saw the surprised expression on Black Zetsu's face, Obito fell silent for a moment. Then, he twitched his mouth slightly and asked hesitatingly, "Could it be that Minato-sensei has betrayed the village?"

"Lord Obito's perception is astute. It's rumored... the ANBU are investigating the Fourth Hokage. Apparently, numerous Grass Talent Plan brochures were found at his residence," Black Zetsu relayed with a smile.

…

Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, a significant day loomed. The Fourth Hokage's wife was on the brink of childbirth, a crucial event given her status as a Jinchuriki. The process was particularly perilous for a Jinchuriki, as it rendered them vulnerable to the influence of their Tailed Beast. The potential for disaster, especially with the Nine-Tails involved, weighed heavily on Konoha.

Recognizing the inherent risks, Konoha took meticulous precautions in anticipation of the Jinchuriki's delivery. The village had made thorough arrangements to ensure the safety of both mother and child, understanding the unique challenges posed by the formidable Nine-Tails.

However, just as everything was in place for the imminent birth, an unsettling rumor began to circulate. It was whispered among the villagers that ANBU ninjas from Konoha's Intelligence Division had conducted an investigation that unveiled a trove of documents linked to the Grass Village in the homes of the Fourth Hokage and his disciple, Kakashi Hatake.

While the village remained uncertain about the exact nature of these findings, the speculation began to sow doubt. Could it be an indication that the Fourth Hokage harbored plans to betray the village? The air in Konoha became thick with uncertainty and concern.

A sudden shock swept through the village. The notion of their revered Fourth Hokage planning betrayal seemed inconceivable. After all, he held the esteemed position of Hokage, the very leader of the village. How could such a figure betray the very village he led?

However, the shock intensified when word spread that the Fourth Hokage, along with his student, had been apprehended by ANBU ninjas during this critical juncture. Confidence in their leader began to waver. In the midst of rumors, the sudden detention of the Fourth Hokage also raised eyebrows. After all, Why would he be taken away if everything was in order?

The atmosphere became increasingly tense, especially considering the earlier news of two students defecting. With rumors circulating about a significant number of defection documents found in the Hokage's residence, suspicions grew.

The consecutive defections of his two students, coupled with the discovery of numerous defection-related documents at the Hokage's home, fueled speculation and cast a shadow of doubt over the once-unquestionable loyalty of the Fourth Hokage. In just half a day, the rumor spread like wildfire throughout Konoha, causing a considerable commotion.

However, this moment was crucial for the Jinchuriki's delivery. Any unexpected event could profoundly impact the psyche of the Jinchuriki. Originally, Konoha's ninjas were prepared to keep this news under wraps to prevent the Nine-Tails from going berserk. The Third Hokage personally intervened to manage the situation.

Unfortunately, by the time Minato was released, it was too late. Reports indicated the Nine-Tails had already spiraled into a rampage, bypassing the efforts to contain it. Rushing to the scene, Minato found the Nine-Tails wreaking havoc, its rage unleashed due to being sealed for too long.

In an effort to prevent further harm and swiftly end the disaster, minimizing the risk of other ninja villages discovering the chaos and sparking a war, Minato had to resort to using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Ending the catastrophe quickly became imperative to keep the incident contained.

Amidst the chaos, Minato's gaze shifted from the grieving village to his newborn child, then to the Nine-Tails. His mind swirled with frustration—this could have been prevented. How had those materials ended up in his house? He had disposed of the one he found, so where did the others come from?

As he prepared the jutsu, determination etched on his face, he began addressing the Nine-Tails. But Before he could complete his sentence, a familiar voice abruptly echoed, "Minato-sensei, what a sorry state you're in!"