Chapter 59 – The Plan Begins, Naruto Taps Into Tailed Beast Power

The next morning, just outside the gates of Konoha, ox-drawn carriages rolled in one after another, bringing nobles and high-ranking officials from all over the ninja world.

Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't slept a wink the entire night. He originally wanted Danzo to help welcome the Raikage and other dignitaries, but when he sent someone to summon him, Root's entire base had already been abandoned.

The ANBU squad dispatched to investigate only found blood splattered across the ground—identified through testing as belonging to the summoned beast, Baku.

Still, with all the powerful guests already in Konoha and the Chunin Exams scheduled for today, the show had to go on.

Suppressing his growing unease, Hiruzen got up and went to greet the guests.

Once the nobles and daimyos were seated in the viewing stands, Hiruzen returned to the platform reserved for the Kage.

The Kazekage and Raikage were already in their seats, each flanked by their personal guards.

Unbeknownst to the others, the Kazekage's face was hidden behind a mask—behind which Orochimaru, under the control of Kabuto, lurked in disguise.

As Hiruzen arrived, the Raikage, A, remarked, "The Hokage really is a busy man, isn't he?"

"It's not too bad. These old bones still have a little fight left in them," Hiruzen replied with a smile as he sat down.

The Kazekage chuckled, though his words were sharp.

"At your age, shouldn't you be making room for the younger generation instead of still clinging to power?"

Hiruzen turned to him calmly. "Heh. Every time I see a young leader like the Kazekage, I feel reinvigorated. Makes me think I've still got another ten years in me."

"Greed for power isn't a virtue a true leader should possess," the Kazekage shot back.

"Perhaps. But I've yet to see anyone truly worthy of entrusting the village to. Unlike Sunagakure, we don't just pick someone at random and call him Kage," Hiruzen said with a pointed smile.

After all, the sudden disappearance of the Third Kazekage and the suspiciously quick rise of the Fourth was hardly a coincidence.

Before things could escalate further, the Raikage cut in with a hearty laugh, trying to smooth things over.

"So, has the Chunin Exam not started yet? I heard there's some genius from a small-time village who crushed the competition this year."

"Even beat three of our own top prospects from Kumogakure. Useless brats, all of them! I had to schedule them extra training before today's match."

Hiruzen laughed lightly. "Well, let's hope the Kumogakure team gives us something to look forward to, then."

"Just a few rookies," A said with a smirk. "Nothing compared to the talent you have here in Konoha."

Relations between Konoha and Kumogakure had been relatively stable in recent years. Their casual conversation had a natural, relaxed tone—unlike the sharp-edged back-and-forth with the Kazekage.

...

Below the stands, the nine Genin—Naruto Uzumaki, Omoi, Neji Hyuga, Temari, Shikamaru Nara, Hyuga Gakuya (alias Chiba Mokushū), Tenten, Gaara, and Rock Lee—had all gathered and were ready.

But Sasuke still hadn't shown up, even though the third round was about to begin.

As they waited, Shikamaru noticed something strange—Naruto was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to his normal hyperactive self.

"Hey Naruto," Shikamaru leaned in and asked, "What's up with you today? You seem... off."

Naruto looked up and forced a smile. "It's nothing. Just a little nervous about fighting that monster."

"Don't worry about it," Shikamaru said, patting his shoulder. "The proctor already said even if you lose, you might still be promoted."

"Thanks, Shikamaru," Naruto nodded.

From nearby, Gakuya watched silently. He knew full well why Naruto was acting strange—it was all part of his plan.

His whole life, Gakuya had been a pawn in other people's games. Even the ideals he believed in were nothing more than tools for others to gain power.

Gekko Hayate arrived in front of the group.

"Cough cough. Uchiha Sasuke hasn't shown. If he doesn't make it to the next match, it'll be counted as a forfeit. The rest of you, return to the waiting area. Only the participants of the first match should stay."

Gakuya and the others retreated to the lounge. He had already arranged for Karin to leave Konoha—her abilities weren't strong enough to help here.

Uchiha Hikari remained. If Naruto still didn't give in to the darkness, then Hikari would use the Yachihoko technique to force his mind into submission.

The only ones left in the arena were Gaara and Naruto—two Jinchūriki about to face off.

Gakuya leaned against the railing, eyes fixed on the field below. The plan was in motion.

Neji, meanwhile, wasn't focused on the match. His eyes scanned the crowd, trying to find his brother.

"The sand's going to be tainted by your filthy blood," Gaara growled. "Mother's going to be so upset. But I guess there's no helping it—this is a battle, after all."

Standing across from him, Naruto frowned. There was something deeply unsettling about Gaara's chakra, and it made his stomach churn.

"Heh... I've got this strange urge to kill you too," Naruto muttered. The influence of the Nine-Tails deepened Naruto's disgust—there was a visceral, almost instinctual hatred brewing between the two.

"The first match begins!" Gekko Hayate called out.

In a flash, sand surged toward Naruto.

Naruto clenched his fists and shouted internally, "Alright, Nine-Tails! Time to pay some rent!"

"Keh keh keh, didn't expect to see that freak right out the gate!" The Nine-Tails laughed as it surged chakra into Naruto's body.

A torrent of red chakra exploded around Naruto, his body instantly strengthened beyond normal limits.

The battle was brutally one-sided. Empowered by the Nine-Tails, Naruto's speed far outmatched the pace of Gaara's sand.

Bit by bit, Naruto broke through Gaara's absolute defense, landing blows that began to chip away at him.

Gaara's emotions spiraled out of control. The seal restraining the One-Tail began to weaken.

Gaara encased himself entirely in a sphere of sand. But Naruto didn't hesitate—he launched himself at the ball, ignoring the spikes forming around it, clawing and tearing at Gaara's defenses like a wild animal.

...

Inside the sand sphere, Gaara's hands blurred through hand signs. He was preparing to unleash his secret technique—Feigning Sleep Technique—to fully awaken the One-Tail, Shukaku.

Outside, Naruto's red chakra thickened, wrapping around him like armor. A tail formed behind him.

The audience in the stands erupted into chaos. The appearance of that red tail unearthed deep-seated fear—memories of the Nine-Tails' rampage still haunted them.

"It's the demon fox! That kid's turning into the demon fox again!"

"Run!"

Meanwhile, Konoha's shinobi ushered the nobles out in an orderly evacuation.

"Clear the stands! Call in the sealing corps immediately! That chakra can't be allowed to leak any further!" Hiruzen ordered.

A single tail wasn't out of control yet—several seal specialists should be able to suppress it.

Watching from above, the Raikage remained calm. "Doesn't look like Konoha's in real danger yet."

Gakuya frowned slightly. If Naruto lost control here... he might end up meeting the Fourth Hokage's spirit. That could jeopardize everything.

But there was no turning back now. With the One-Tail awakened, the plan had to begin early.

Masked ANBU closed in, surrounding Naruto with sealing tools in hand.

But Naruto—his eyes now blood-red with vertical slits—glared at the ANBU and the fleeing villagers. A dark satisfaction bubbled up inside him.

"Heh... My father's not here to save you this time. Let's see what you all do now."

"Nine-Tails... Your turn."

The crimson chakra thickened, swallowing Naruto whole. The tail behind him split.

One tail...

Two...

Three...

Four!

Now fully cloaked in deep red chakra, Naruto dropped to all fours, letting out a guttural roar.

"RAAAGH!"

His claws lashed out—chakra arms smashing into the ANBU, sending them flying like rag dolls.

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