Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 146: The Stranger in Naruto's Mindscape

"I'll be the bait! Back during the Nine-Tails attack, I split its chakra into Yin and Yang. The Yang Nine-Tails is sealed in Naruto, and the Yin part remains in me.

"I, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, can pose as the current one. I doubt Akatsuki will notice anything amiss," Minato explained his plan in detail.

Everyone fell silent, absorbing his words. After a moment, their expressions brightened—this idea had merit.

Compared to the earlier suggestion of using Naruto as bait, this plan was far more reasonable.

Naruto was only a genin, albeit one with unique potential. Facing Akatsuki, full of seasoned killers and powerful shinobi, was tantamount to sending him to his death.

Minato, however, was a proven powerhouse. His experience, combined with the strategic advantage of his Flying Thunder God Technique, gave the plan a much higher chance of success.

"But before we proceed," Minato added, "I'd like Naruto to stay in Mount Myōboku for a while. That's the only place I feel confident he'll be safe while I carry out this mission."

The others exchanged glances, understanding his concern. If Minato was to infiltrate Akatsuki and pose as Naruto, someone needed to ensure Naruto's safety. Mount Myōboku, protected by the Toad Sages, was an ideal choice.

Tobirama was the first to nod in agreement.

"Very well. Let's proceed with this plan," he said, while Hashirama—ever the optimist—chimed in with his usual hearty laugh.

With the details ironed out, Minato and the others began preparing.

Kushina, however, had no interest in strategy discussions. Her mind was consumed with guilt over the hardships Naruto had endured, and she quietly left to spend time with him.

---

That night, Naruto was once again tormented by vivid nightmares.

"Sasuke, don't go!"

"No, Sasuke!"

Ever since Sasuke's death, these nightmares had haunted Naruto relentlessly, filling his mind with images of his friend leaving and disappearing forever.

Minato and Kushina were aware of the nightmares, but they attributed them to grief over losing a close friend. They believed Naruto would eventually heal with their guidance.

However, they didn't know that someone—or something—was deliberately amplifying Naruto's distress.

"Sasuke, wait for me!" Naruto called out in his dream, running desperately.

In the dream, Sasuke's figure loomed ahead, always just out of reach. No matter how fast Naruto ran, he couldn't close the distance.

Finally, Sasuke stopped and turned around.

Relief surged through Naruto—he'd caught up at last!

But the moment Sasuke faced him, a blood-soaked hand pierced through Sasuke's chest from behind.

Naruto froze in horror as Sasuke's body slumped lifelessly to the ground, blood pooling around him.

"Sasuke…" Naruto whispered, his voice trembling.

"Naruto… avenge me," Sasuke said weakly before collapsing completely.

The sight of Sasuke's lifeless form shattered Naruto's resolve. Fear and anger surged within him, clouding his judgment.

In the real world, Naruto's emotions triggered an uncontrollable release of Nine-Tails chakra. Red energy seeped out of his body, forming a malicious shroud.

Within moments, a tail of chakra sprouted, then another…

By the time the fourth tail emerged, the oppressive aura of the Nine-Tails engulfed the village.

---

"Something's wrong!"

Sensing the surge of chakra, Hashirama and Tobirama rushed to investigate, with Minato arriving shortly after via Flying Thunder God.

When they reached Naruto, they saw the young boy enveloped in a menacing cloak of crimson energy.

"Naruto, it's okay! We're here!" Minato called out, immediately working to suppress the chakra.

With Kushina's help, they managed to seal the Nine-Tails' energy back inside Naruto.

"It's normal for him to struggle with control at his age," Minato reassured Kushina. "When he's older, he'll master this power and become the hero he's destined to be."

"I hope so," Kushina murmured, still visibly shaken.

Minato pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"Trust me, everything will be okay," he whispered.

---

Unbeknownst to them, someone had entered Naruto's mindscape.

Naruto found himself in a surreal, water-covered expanse. He lay on the surface, ripples spreading with every movement.

"Where am I?" he muttered, bewildered.

He scanned his surroundings, his gaze eventually landing on a stranger seated in midair, their back to him.

The figure was dressed in a flowing white robe adorned with nine magatama in three rows. Their feet hovered above the water, and black orbs floated around them.

"Who are you?" Naruto called out, his voice echoing in the emptiness.

---

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