In Konoha Village, the once bustling streets were now in ruins, and the lively roads that used to be filled with traffic stood eerily deserted.
It wasn't until noon that the villagers began emerging from their shelters, searching for their homes by memory. Many shinobi, unable to participate in the village's reconstruction, were instead dispatched early in the morning to patrol and strengthen security.
Amid the commotion, a piece of shocking news spread through the village like wildfire.
"Have you heard? The Fourth Hokage-sama died in battle last night!"
"What? Hokage-sama... dead? That's impossible! He's the legendary 'Konoha Thunder'—who could possibly kill him?!"
"It's true! My son, who's a ninja, heard it from his friend."
"If that's the case... then Konoha is in turmoil again!"
Rumors and speculation swirled among the villagers. Although Konoha's higher-ups sent officials to deny the rumors, the people, who hadn't seen Uzumaki Raiden since the battle, were inclined to believe the worst. The absence of their leader only fueled their anxiety.
Taking advantage of the growing uncertainty, certain individuals deliberately spread the news beyond the village: "The Fourth Hokage's whereabouts are unknown."
Meanwhile, in a secluded cave outside Konoha, Uzumaki Kushina, exhausted and drained, approached Tsunade with concern in her eyes. She gazed anxiously at the unconscious Raiden lying on a stone bed.
"Tsunade-sama, how is Jiuming?"
Having recently given birth to Naruto, Kushina had been resting due to fatigue. When she awoke, she was met with devastating news—her newborn son had become a Jinchūriki, and her younger brother had been gravely injured in the previous night's battle. Although Minato managed to bring him back in time, his life still hung by a thread.
"His condition has stabilized slightly, but it's still uncertain whether he'll pull through," Tsunade said, patting Kushina's shoulder gently with a solemn expression.
Raiden's once vibrant red hair now lay dull and lifeless on the pillow. An oxygen mask covered his mouth, and his chest rose and fell slowly—each breath labored, as though he could slip away at any moment. The stone bed was surrounded by intricate sealing marks, amplifying the effects of medical ninjutsu.
Despite Tsunade's relentless efforts through the night, Uzumaki Raiden remained in critical condition.
"How... how could this happen?" Kushina covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
Suddenly, the stone door of the cave creaked open. Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with advisors Koharu and Mitokado Homura, entered solemnly.
"Sensei, advisors... why are you here?" Tsunade asked, bowing slightly.
The location of Raiden's treatment had been kept secret to prevent enemy interference. ANBU operatives personally loyal to Raiden guarded the cave's entrance, while a medical team led by Tsunade worked inside.
With Konoha's current state of instability, key figures such as Minato, Nara Shikaku, and Uchiha Fugaku were needed to maintain order within the village. Hiruzen and the advisors, too, were expected to provide support.
"We've come to check on Raiden's condition," Hiruzen said gravely. "Rumors are spreading throughout the village... it's unsettling."
Approaching the stone bed, Hiruzen frowned as he examined the unconscious Raiden.
"How is he?" Hiruzen asked.
Tsunade sighed. "It's hard to say. Mariko tried using her chakra, but it didn't seem to have much effect on him."
"His injuries go beyond his throat; there's a deep wound in his chest. Although it missed vital organs, the blood loss is severe, and his internal damage is significant."
"Additionally, Raiden's chakra reserves were almost entirely depleted. Even with medical ninjutsu, his recovery is painfully slow."
Tsunade's detailed report painted a grim picture, causing Hiruzen's expression to darken.
"At such a critical time... his condition is a huge blow to Konoha," Hiruzen muttered.
Although the Third Shinobi War had ended, tension still lingered between the Great Nations. Last night's attack, involving two Tailed Beasts and a mysterious golem, had inflicted significant damage on Konoha. The loss of infrastructure was severe, countless shinobi had perished, and their Hokage was now incapacitated.
If news of Raiden's critical condition reached other nations, it could invite further turmoil. The Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning might see this as an opportunity to strike.
What worried Hiruzen most, however, was the looming threat of other villages demanding the return of their Tailed Beasts—Six-Tails originally belonging to Kirigakure, and Seven-Tails to Takigakure. Their pursuit could potentially ignite a Fourth Shinobi War.
"Hiruzen, the rumors in the village are spreading too fast. This cannot continue," Mitokado Homura said.
"Even if we send people to refute them, they aren't fading. I suspect someone is spreading them deliberately," Koharu added.
"Letting these rumors fester will only hurt us!"
"Why not have someone pose as the Fourth Hokage to reassure the people?" Mitokado Homura suggested.
Hiruzen shook his head. "No. If spies from other villages uncover such a deception, it will only confirm Raiden's critical state. Right now, they are testing the waters and won't act without confirmation."
"Our priority should be rebuilding the village. For now, we should do nothing drastic," Hiruzen concluded, before turning to Tsunade.
"When can he regain consciousness?"
Tsunade hesitated. "I can't say for sure. It depends on his recovery."
Hiruzen nodded, then instructed, "Inform me the moment he wakes." With that, he left with the two advisors.
Once they departed, the medical team resumed their work. Kushina, despite her concern, could not stay long—she had her newborn to care for and left after a brief vigil at Raiden's bedside.
When Raiden finally regained consciousness, he found himself within his mindscape—an endless sea of lightning beneath his feet.
In front of him stood a colossal iron cage, its bars wrapped tightly with the Kongō Fūsa chains, pulsating with crackling electricity.
Inside the cage, the Nine-Tails lay resting with its eyes closed. Sensing Raiden's presence, it opened one eye slightly.
"Why am I here?"
"Wasn't I... dead?"
Raiden looked down at his hands, confused and disoriented.
The beast within the cage let out a low chuckle.
"If you're here, it means you've survived."
"You're not dead yet, boy."
(End of Chapter)