Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

Chiba noticed that Jiraiya was taking a long time to arrive and saw the worried expression on Tsunade's face.

He approached her and spoke softly, "Sister Tsunade, don't worry. The method I proposed is absolutely reliable."

Tsunade, feeling disheartened, looked up at him and forced a small smile. "I know... but that's not what concerns me. I'm worried about whether we can successfully sever Nine Tails' tail."

"Even though a Jinchūriki doesn't die immediately when a Tailed Beast is removed, if we fail to sever and seal Nine Tails' tail back into Grandma's body in time, she might not survive."

A deeper worry clouded Tsunade's eyes as she spoke.

Chiba understood her concern. It was indeed a critical risk. His original plan was to reach the level of a true swordsman and then absorb Sage Chakra to enhance his physical strength.

With his body strengthened to endure the stress of opening the Seventh Gate of the Eight Gates technique, he would have enough power to sever Nine Tails' tail swiftly.

However, the sudden urgency had disrupted his plans. He had only just reached the level of a swordsman today and hadn't even started absorbing Sage Chakra.

He wasn't sure if Gamabunta would be capable of executing the task as effectively.

After all, there were still 30 years until the start of the main events in the story, and he had no way of knowing Gamabunta's current strength.

Still, to ease Tsunade's anxiety, he reassured her, "Don't worry, Sister Tsunade. My swordsmanship has now reached an unprecedented level in the ninja world. I will make sure Mito-sama survives this."

Tsunade's eyes lit up with hope. "Really, Chiba?"

Chiba nodded. "Trust me."

If there weren't so many people around—her family and teachers—Tsunade would have hugged him right then and there.

Not only had he come up with a way to save a Jinchūriki, but now he was going to great lengths for her grandmother as well.

It was impossible not to be moved, and besides, she had already given her first kiss to the boy standing before her.

Thinking about it, her pale face turned slightly rosy.

Fortunately, the lighting was dim; otherwise, she wouldn't know how to explain it to everyone.

Time passed slowly, and after about ten minutes, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside.

Then, Jiraiya entered the quiet room.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke. "The situation is urgent. We need to move Mito-sama outside the village first."

Everyone nodded in agreement, but Uzumaki Kushina seemed particularly anxious, clenching her fists tightly. After all, she was about to become the new Nine Tails Jinchūriki.

Sensing her unease, Mito gently reassured her, "Kushina, don't be nervous. I'm here."

Kushina nodded, her voice soft. "I understand, Grandma Mito."

Nawaki, noticing Kushina's nervousness, also tried to comfort her. "Kushina... Sister, don't worry. We're all here. You and Grandma will be fine."

He turned his face away immediately after speaking. He didn't really want to call Uzumaki Kushina his sister, but under the circumstances, he had to be responsible as a member of the Senju family.

Hearing him call her "sister," Kushina's mood lightened, and a small smile appeared on her lips.

At that moment, Jiraiya spoke up.

"How exactly are we going to move Mito-sama?"

Hiruzen frowned. If they transported Mito Uzumaki openly, it would undoubtedly attract attention.

It wouldn't be a problem if only Konoha villagers noticed, but if spies from other villages caught wind of it, they could relay the information back to their respective Kages.

If Onoki or the Third Raikage found out, they might use the opportunity to attack the Land of Fire.

As Hokage, Hiruzen had to be cautious. Since he remained silent, no one else dared to speak.

"Let me handle it," Chiba suddenly suggested. "I have a Flying Thunder God mark outside the village. I can take Mito-sama there immediately."

Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly. "Chiba, you've mastered the Flying Thunder God?"

At this point, nothing surprised him anymore.

Flying Thunder God was an exceptionally difficult jutsu. Ever since its development by his teacher, Senju Tobirama, no one else had successfully learned it—until now.

Chiba simply nodded. "That's right."

"Alright," Hiruzen agreed. "Chiba, take Mito-sama to the southern outskirts of the village. We'll follow shortly."

Then, he turned to the others. "Sousuke, take Kushina, Tsunade, and Jiraiya with me."

With that, Hiruzen led everyone away, leaving only four people in the quiet room—Senju Edda Snow, Nawaki, Uchiha Chiba, and Uzumaki Mito.

Chiba approached Mito and said, "Mito-sama, let's go."

Mito smiled weakly. "I'm counting on you, Chiba."

"This is my duty," he replied.

With that, he placed a hand on Mito's shoulder and activated the Flying Thunder God.

South of Konoha Village

Chiba and Mito arrived at the designated location.

For nearly half an hour, they waited until Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others finally arrived, accompanied by several Anbu members.

Chiba also noticed a group of shinobi wearing green vests.

Seeing his puzzled expression, Tsunade explained, "They're the sealing team. They'll handle the Nine Tails containment."

Chiba nodded in understanding.

Once everyone was in position, Sarutobi Hiruzen commanded, "Everyone, be on high alert. Sealing team, prepare yourselves."

Then, he looked at Jiraiya and gave him a nod.

Understanding the signal, Jiraiya immediately bit his finger.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

With a burst of smoke, a massive toad materialized before them, holding an enormous short sword and a cigarette several meters long in its mouth.

Gamabunta.

Chiba examined the giant toad and noticed some differences from the version he remembered from the anime.

For one, Gamabunta's colors were more vivid, and his face lacked the scars he would later acquire.

The toad surveyed the gathered shinobi, expecting to be called for battle.

However, upon realizing that he was surrounded entirely by Konoha ninjas, he narrowed his eyes at Jiraiya.

"Jiraiya, why did you summon me?"