Naruto: Imitation Ninja

After bidding farewell to the Third Hokage, Xingliu and Minato once again found themselves walking along the main street of Konoha.

This time, however, the atmosphere between them was markedly different from when they had first arrived. Outwardly, everything seemed harmonious, yet both carried unspoken thoughts deep in their hearts.

Eventually, Minato broke the silence, unable to ignore the awkward tension any longer.

"Xingliu, there's something I need to tell you."

Minato's expression shifted from his usual warmth to an uncharacteristically serious demeanor, a stark contrast to his earlier attitude in front of the Third Hokage.

Xingliu chuckled lightly. "What a coincidence—I also have something I'd like to discuss with you. But talking out here in public isn't ideal. Let's head home first and talk things over slowly."

Understanding Minato's inner turmoil, Xingliu empathized with his predicament: torn between his duty as the Fourth Hokage and his gratitude toward someone who had saved his wife and child. Minato had already shown Xingliu significant respect by publicly supporting him in front of the Third Hokage. After all, according to the original storyline, the Nine-Tails was destined to belong to Minato's son, Naruto.

This was, at most, Xingliu's way of giving a favor to the future hero of the ninja world.

That said, the world Xingliu had traveled to might not even need Naruto to save it anymore.

---

Moments later, the two arrived at the residence of the Fourth Hokage.

After briefing Kushina on their discussion at the Hokage's office and playing briefly with the infant Naruto—who had only recently been named—they finally retreated to the study for their private conversation.

With a soft click, Xingliu had just taken a seat when Minato spoke up, directly addressing the matter at hand.

"Xingliu, while I trust you personally, as the Fourth Hokage, I have a responsibility to the village. I hope you can understand that."

"I understand completely, Lord Minato." Seeing Minato's candid approach, Xingliu shared his proposed solution.

"You're suggesting we re-seal the Nine-Tails into my son, Naruto?"

"That's correct," Xingliu nodded. "Initially, I planned to seal the entire Nine-Tails into Naruto. But for safety's sake, I've decided to split its power in two."

Hearing Xingliu's plan, Minato instinctively wanted to reject it. However, after listening further to Xingliu's detailed explanation, he began to waver.

After a moment of contemplation, Minato made his decision.

"How confident are you that this method will succeed? And will it affect Naruto's daily life in the future?"

Xingliu's confident smile was all the reassurance Minato needed. "One hundred percent! Not only will there be no side effects, but Naruto will be able to tap into the Nine-Tails' power whenever he needs it."

"Alright then. I'll inform Kushina about the plan and decide on a time for the ceremony."

After carefully studying Xingliu's expression to ensure he wasn't joking, Minato finally breathed a sigh of relief. The dilemma that had troubled him for an entire night was now resolved.

Last night, he had spent hours debating how to approach Xingliu without damaging their relationship while still persuading him to entrust the Nine-Tails to him. Fortunately, Xingliu, understanding the bigger picture, had already come up with a solution.

Whether or not this plan would succeed now depended on Kushina's willingness to let Naruto take this risk.

"If there's nothing else, I'll head back to my room," Xingliu said, recognizing Minato's relieved expression and leaving him to prepare his next steps.

"Thank you again, Xingliu."

"No need to thank me~" Xingliu waved dismissively as he walked out. I'm just returning to Naruto what was originally his.

---

Five Days Later

At the ritual site in the Konoha forest, three men and one woman stood together. The woman held an infant boy wrapped in swaddling clothes.

"Xingliu, we're counting on you for this ceremony. I've stationed guards across the surrounding area to ensure nothing disrupts us," said the Third Hokage, addressing those present.

"Understood." Xingliu nodded before turning to the visibly anxious Minato and Kushina. "Lord Minato, Kushina, you don't need to be so tense. There's no danger involved."

"But..."

"Come on, Kushina," Minato interrupted, squeezing her shoulder despite his own trembling hands. "We've decided to trust Xingliu, so we need to see this through."

"Besides," he added, "isn't Xingliu Naruto's uncle?"

Hearing her husband's words, Kushina swallowed her worries.

With everyone in agreement, Xingliu placed the box containing the Nine-Tails on the ground.

"Let's begin. First, I'll release the Nine-Tails, then seal its power into both Lord Minato and Naruto."

For once, Xingliu's expression turned solemn. Even with absolute confidence in the ritual's success, he owed it to those who trusted him to approach the task with the utmost seriousness.

"Kamui!"

Xingliu's Sharingan activated, shifting into the Mangekyou Sharingan. A swirling distortion appeared in the forest, and moments later, a familiar figure emerged.

ROAR!

Freed from its confinement, the Nine-Tails immediately began gathering energy for a Tailed Beast Bomb upon seeing Xingliu.

Seriously? Do you really hate me that much? Xingliu thought as he prepared to counter.

"Tsukuyomi!"

The Nine-Tails had barely regained its freedom before Xingliu's genjutsu took hold, neutralizing it once again.

---

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