NOVEL NEXT Chapter 84: Alternatives
Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe. "Let's give it a try first. Chiba said it would take two months, but only one month has passed. While Sakumo has been teaching him swordsmanship, if we rely on Chiba alone, the chances of success aren't very high."
Senju Sousuke was about to nod in agreement when Tsunade suddenly spoke up.
"Old man, I think we should at least call Chiba here first. Even if he can't do it himself, he might have useful insights. After all, this was his idea—he might be able to offer some advice."
"I agree with Tsunade," Senju Sousuke added. "Besides, I already promised Chiba. If we don't inform him now, it wouldn't be fair."
Originally, the plan was to wait until Chiba had fully mastered his swordsmanship and the secret technique he had mentioned before proceeding with sealing the Nine Tails. However, none of them expected Uzumaki Mito's condition to deteriorate so rapidly within just a month.
Sarutobi Hiruzen considered Tsunade's words carefully. "Alright, we'll wait for Chiba before taking any action."
With that, he stepped out of the quiet room and instructed an Anbu, "Go and bring Uchiha Chiba here immediately."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Just as the Anbu turned to leave, he suddenly stopped and pointed. "Hokage-sama, look—"
To Sarutobi Hiruzen's surprise, Chiba was already outside the gate.
How did he get past the Anbu stationed in the Senju compound so easily? Was it because the Anbu were too weak, or was Chiba's strength already beyond that of an ordinary Jōnin?
Holding back his thoughts, Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered, "Remain on guard."
"Yes, sir."
As soon as Chiba saw Sarutobi Hiruzen in the courtyard, he quickly stepped forward. "Hokage-sama, how is Mito-sama's condition? Why was I not informed about this sooner?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes at Chiba before responding in a stern tone. "The situation was urgent—we didn't have time to inform you. I was just about to send for you, but you arrived on your own."
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "The situation is not good.
Nine Tails has been eroding Mito-sama's spirit with its negative emotions.
Additionally, Mito-sama's health is rapidly declining, so we need to carry out the plan today.
However, considering that your abilities might not be fully developed yet, we have prepared an alternative plan as well."
"I wanted you here so that in case of an emergency, we have a backup."
Chiba frowned as he listened. It seemed the situation was more critical than he had thought. However, he was also curious—what exactly was Sarutobi Hiruzen's alternative plan?
He wasn't particularly angry about it; after all, this was an important matter. It made sense for the Hokage to have a contingency plan.
"Hokage-sama, what exactly is this alternative plan?" he asked.
"You'll find out once everyone is here. First, I'll take you to see Mito-sama," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied before turning to the Anbu from earlier.
"Go bring Jiraiya here."
Jiraiya?
What does he have to do with this?
Although curious, Chiba knew that if Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't willing to explain just yet, there was no point in pressing him.
For now, he simply followed the Hokage.
Upon arriving at the quiet room, Chiba immediately noticed that everyone who needed to be there had already gathered—Senju Sousuke and his wife, the Tsunade siblings, and the future Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Kushina.
Out of respect for Uzumaki Mito's condition, everyone merely exchanged nods in greeting.
Chiba responded with a nod of his own before shifting his attention to Uzumaki Mito.
Compared to a month ago, she looked even more frail.
At that moment, Senju Sousuke approached Chiba and whispered, "I'm sorry, Chiba. Everything happened so suddenly that I didn't have time to inform you."
"It's alright, Uncle Sousuke," Chiba replied. "Can you tell me what caused Mito-sama's condition to decline so rapidly?"
"It actually started last night," Sousuke explained. "Mother told me that Nine Tails seems to have realized that she won't be able to suppress it for much longer, so it's been attacking her spirit with negative emotions."
He continued, "Last night, Nine Tails almost took over my mother's body. Fortunately, she managed to regain control just in time and sealed it back.
But you know how dangerous the Nine Tails is. For Konoha's safety, my mother called for Hiruzen and they decided to go through with the sealing process."
Chiba nodded in understanding. Even someone as powerful as Uzumaki Mito couldn't suppress the Nine Tails forever—especially in her old age.
"Uncle Sousuke, do you know what Hokage-sama's alternative plan is?" he asked.
"How did you find out about that?" Sousuke asked in surprise.
"Hokage-sama just mentioned it to me," Chiba explained. "But he didn't tell me any details."
"Well," Sousuke sighed, "we came up with the alternative plan half a month ago."
His expression darkened slightly before he continued, "Since relying solely on your plan felt too risky, I discussed the matter with Hiruzen.
Jiraiya happened to overhear our conversation and suggested summoning the giant toads of Mount Myōboku. Among them is a powerful toad wielding a sword—Gamabunta.
Additionally, many of the toads from Mount Myōboku know Sage Jutsu, so Jiraiya proposed that Gamabunta assist in sealing the Nine Tails."
So that's their alternative.
"I hope you don't take it the wrong way, Chiba," Sousuke added. "It's not that we don't trust you—it's just that having multiple options increases our chances of success.
And this is my mother we're talking about. I hope you understand."
Chiba waved dismissively. "Why would I mind?"
If anything, he had already gained a lot from this situation—Hatake Sakumo had taught him swordsmanship, Senju Sousuke had gifted him the Thunder God Sword, and he had even signed a summoning contract with Shikkotsu Forest.
In the end, he had received all these benefits without having to put in much effort.
If anything, he wouldn't mind getting more opportunities like this.