Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza looked at Shikaku Nara. As the think tank of the "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio and the smartest person in Konoha, it was up to him to decide.
After a long silence, Shikaku Nara also nodded. If Kaito truly overpowered Konoha, he wouldn't risk the entire family.
***
On the temporary high platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand, and the square fell silent.
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Konoha has been destroyed by Kaito, and countless comrades have died at his hands. Although we are deeply saddened, we must continue to move forward!"
"So, it's time for everyone to work together. Let's rebuild our homes and show those who doubt Konoha the strength of the largest village in the ninja world!"
Under the influence of Hiruzen Sarutobi's speech, the crowd below erupted with strong enthusiasm.
Afterwards, they began to gradually disperse. Rebuilding Konoha cannot be accomplished overnight, even with the help of ninjas; it will take at least a few years!
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and smiled with relief, as long as the gullible populace still believed in him and supported him.
Then, he turned to find Danzo and other Konoha high-ranking officials.
However, at that moment, he noticed a dark shadow rushing towards him.
His expression changed suddenly. He recognized the person as an Anbu who was protecting Naruto!
At this critical time, when Konoha is at its weakest, nothing must happen to the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!
Within moments, the shadow appeared in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hurriedly asked, "Did something happen to Naruto?!
The anbu, with some fear, replied, "The officials neglected their duties. Just last night..."
The person then recounted the incident of encountering Kaito and being instantly defeated by him.
"Damn Kaito!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen cursed angrily, then immediately rushed towards Naruto's location!
***
In a hut deep in the jungle, Naruto also opened his eyes at this time.
A trace of confusion flashed in Naruto's eyes, but he quickly remembered something and sat up from the bed in an instant!
Then, he cautiously called out from the bottom of his heart, "Nine-Tails?"
As soon as his words fell, a roar came from within.
"Don't do such foolish and unnecessary things, it makes you look like an idiot!!!"
Naruto was momentarily dizzy from the sound but quickly recovered.
He then stroked his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's better not to dream..."
At that moment, a figure appeared in front of Naruto instantly. It was Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Naruto was startled by the sudden appearance and exclaimed, "Grandpa Third?"
But soon, he recalled the true nature of Hiruzen Sarutobi that Kaito had revealed to him in the spiritual world last night!
Immediately, he became vigilant.
At this time, Nine-Tails spoke again: "Don't be nervous, kid. With this old man here, this person is nothing at all!"
Naruto disregarded the Nine Tails' arrogant remarks. After all, if the Nine Tails were truly that powerful, how could it have been sealed inside his body?
Sarutobi Hiruzen naturally didn't know what was going on in Naruto's mind. He smiled and nodded at Naruto.
Then, in a friendly tone, he asked, "Last night, Konoha was attacked and nearly destroyed. Did you happen to see anyone suspicious, Naruto?"
Knowing the seriousness of the situation, Sarutobi didn't mince words.
Naruto became even more cautious. Despite this, he feigned innocence and replied, "No, I didn't hear anything last night. I slept through it all and just woke up!"
"Hmm?"
To his surprise, Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned deeply upon hearing Naruto's words, and his gaze towards Naruto turned peculiar.
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen remained outwardly composed, Naruto, having gained the Nine Tails' ability to sense emotions, noticed the subtle shift in Sarutobi Hiruzen's demeanour.
In that moment, Naruto's heart raced. After all, he was only eight years old!
Chapter Note: This chapter is intentionally short to build tension and set up for the next part of the story. Stay tuned for more developments in the next chapter!