Chapter Fifty-Five: Controlling the Nine-Tails

Uchiha Li’s question drew everyone’s attention toward the Third Hokage. Though the question was sharp and probing, it was enough to spark curiosity in their hearts.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, facing the crowd’s gaze, showed no change in expression. He spoke calmly, “Li, don’t overextend your imagination to scenarios that haven’t happened.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “What we’re discussing now is the threat posed by the Hidden Cloud Village, isn’t it?”

“So that’s how it is.” Upon hearing this, Uchiha Li tilted his head and replied indifferently, “Then let’s talk about the Hidden Cloud. I don’t find their supposed threat so formidable.”

Hiruzen drew a deep breath and asked, “What is your perspective?”

Uchiha Li slowly began, “You just mentioned that the Hidden Cloud currently has two jinchuriki. If war breaks out, the situation will turn against our village?”

“That’s right. Whether it’s the Two-Tails or Eight-Tails jinchuriki, the village currently lacks the strength to confront them directly.” Hiruzen, seeing the tension ease a little, took out his pipe and took a puff as he replied.

Uchiha Li shook his head, puzzled. “The Hidden Cloud does have two jinchuriki, but doesn’t Konoha also have two as well?”

Ever since Minato divided the Nine-Tails into Yin and Yang halves and sealed them, Konoha indeed possessed two Nine-Tails jinchuriki. Ordinary villagers might not be aware of this, but every ninja present certainly was.

“How can it be the same?” Before Hiruzen could speak, Homura Mitokado, who had been silent for a long time, interjected, “The two jinchuriki in the Hidden Cloud can fully harness their tailed beasts’ power.”

Koharu Utatane picked up the thread, adding, “We’re far behind. Kushina is alright, but Naruto is just a child.”

“In such circumstances, how could we possibly stand against the Cloud’s jinchuriki?”

Since the Fourth Hokage had not died in the Nine-Tails incident, the village never made a special effort to protect Naruto’s identity, so he inherited the Fourth’s surname. Thus, Naruto was now referred to as Naruto Namikaze.

Everyone present nodded in agreement with the advisors. Naruto was simply too young; he couldn’t even care for himself, much less go to war. Even if he went to battle, he would be useless, for he could not control the Nine-Tails’ power at all.

Seeing the crowd’s reaction, Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, both letting out a relieved breath. Under Uchiha Li’s pressure moments ago, the two advisors had been unable to move or speak, their authority swept away. Fortunately, Uchiha Li’s foolish remarks gave them a chance to regain their footing.

Thinking of this, the two shared a smile, inwardly sighing that Uchiha Li was still too young.

Yet, as he puffed on his old pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi sensed something was wrong. Uchiha Li, though young, was far from simple, judging by his usual conduct. How could he make such a rookie mistake?

Hiruzen’s mind raced, seeking the flaw before it was exposed. But even he couldn’t immediately pinpoint what was amiss. Naruto’s age was a fact, and jinchuriki couldn’t be replaced; this was an insoluble problem.

Hiruzen unconsciously furrowed his brow, feeling he’d forgotten something crucial. And this detail could prove the fatal flaw in this dispute.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Li surveyed the faces of those around him, a faint smile appearing in his heart. This was precisely the situation he wanted; everything was unfolding according to his expectations.

He knew perfectly well how young Naruto was, and thus understood Konoha’s jinchuriki could not wield the tailed beast’s power. But the Third Hokage and his advisors had forgotten something important—or perhaps, they’d never considered it at all.

The corners of Uchiha Li’s mouth lifted slightly as he looked around. He nodded first, saying, “You are right. Though we have two Nine-Tails jinchuriki, neither can control the tailed beast’s power.”

Then, tilting his head, he continued, “But the inability of a jinchuriki to control a tailed beast does not mean the tailed beast itself cannot be controlled.”

Upon hearing this, Koharu, Homura, and the others were still confused, unable to grasp his meaning. But Hiruzen’s eyes narrowed; even his hand holding the pipe paused. If one looked closely, they’d see his arm trembling slightly.

He knew now what he had forgotten.

But by this point, it was already too late.

Uchiha Li spoke, “Everyone present should have experienced the Nine-Tails incident. None of you should be unfamiliar with the Sharingan mark in the Nine-Tails’ eyes at that time.”

He went on, “I know some suspect the Nine-Tails rampage was caused by the Uchiha clan. I can now tell you clearly—your suspicions are not unfounded.”

“What? The Nine-Tails rampage really was caused by the Uchiha?!” Immediately, the entire hall erupted.

No one expected Uchiha Li would openly admit such a thing on behalf of the Uchiha. Even Fugaku Uchiha was caught off guard, for Li had never discussed this with him beforehand.

In that instant, Fugaku’s face flushed, nearly spitting blood. The incident was still fresh, and rumors about the Nine-Tails rampage lingered in the shadows of the village. Thankfully, the Uchiha had helped with rescue efforts, easing suspicion. But now Li was openly placing blame on the Uchiha clan.

Were it not for the inappropriate setting, Fugaku would have made Uchiha Li regret his words!

Uchiha Li noticed his clan leader’s expression. He could only offer a silent apology to Fugaku in his heart.

From the start, his plan’s madness was not that the clan treasury would be plundered by Kamui, nor that the Hokage Rock, the very face of Konoha, would be destroyed, forcing the village to resist the Hidden Cloud in anger. The true madness of his plan was right here—declaring the Nine-Tails was controlled by the Uchiha!

Taking advantage of the crowd’s commotion, Uchiha Li finally spoke his real message:

“Everyone, the Nine-Tails rampage was indeed controlled by the Uchiha’s Sharingan, but it was absolutely not the work of any Uchiha within the village.”

“The Uchiha are part of this village. Though we have our flaws and may not be liked by all, we have never intended to harm the village or its people.”

“On this point, I ask you to trust us!”

He glanced at the Third Hokage, his intentions laid bare:

“The reason I mention this is to tell you all that, aside from jinchuriki, the Uchiha’s Sharingan can also control the Nine-Tails.”

“So if war truly breaks out, we have nothing to fear.”

Looking at the Third Hokage, Uchiha Li concluded,

“Honorable acting Hokage, you see—the greatest dilemma is solved, isn’t it?”

“If the village is willing to trust the Uchiha, why should we fear the Hidden Cloud?”