NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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Mountain Graveyard - Madara's Lair

The dim cavern, illuminated by the faint glow of luminescent moss and sporadic embers of Madara's decaying chakra, seemed alive with an eerie silence.

Black Zetsu materialized from the shadows, his oil-like form slithering into the grand chamber where Madara sat upon a decrepit stone throne.

His aged features, though weathered by time, bore an aura of unrivaled authority.

"Madara-sama," Zetsu began, bowing low. "I bring news of both success and concern."

Madara, his withered eyes partially hidden beneath his unruly mane, glanced at Zetsu with a flicker of curiosity. "Speak."

Zetsu's voice held an edge of reverence as he continued.

"Nagato and his family have successfully been relocated to the Rain Village. I orchestrated their escape flawlessly, avoiding any suspicion. The child is secure, and the Rinnegan remains untouched within him. The timeline is intact."

Madara's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Good. The boy's role is crucial. He will awaken the world to the inevitable truth. What else?"

Zetsu's tone darkened. "Hiruzen Sarutobi."

Madara's expression hardened. "The Third Hokage?"

"Yes. His recent actions have proven... troubling. He annihilated the combined forces of three Kages and their armies. His capabilities far exceed expectations."

Madara's interest deepened, and he leaned forward slightly. "Elaborate."

Zetsu recounted the events in vivid detail, describing the battle between Hiruzen and the coalition of three Kages.

"He decimated them with unparalleled precision. His mastery of numerous Kekkei Genkai—Cyclone Release, paper release and more—is astonishing. He even demonstrated teleportation akin to the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Madara's eyes narrowed. "Flying Thunder God? Impossible. That technique was the Tobirama's creation"

Zetsu hesitated. "It is unclear whether it is the same technique. I suspect it is something unique to Hiruzen, as he restricted my observation. But his proficiency in mass destruction is undeniable. He eliminated entire armies as if they were ants beneath his feet."

Madara's gaze turned inward, his mind calculating. "And the Uzumaki?"

Zetsu's voice grew grave. "A new figure has emerged from the Uzumaki clan, a young kunoichi whose potential rivals a kage's. Her connection to him appears familial. She possesses a unique Taijutsu style, and her chakra reserves are astonishing. Additionally, the ANBU under Hiruzen's command now harbor two Kage-level ninja, though they pale compared to him."

Madara's face remained impassive, though his mind churned. "Hiruzen has grown far beyond what I anticipated, but it seems this is his limit too. He is a threat, not to me directly, but to the plan. He must be dealt with."

Zetsu's oily form twisted in agreement. "Your thoughts mirror my own, Madara-sama. Hiruzen's continued existence jeopardizes everything. He must be eliminated."

Madara's voice was resolute. "We strike now, while he is vulnerable. Lure him out, Zetsu. Make it plausible."

Zetsu bowed deeply. "It shall be done, Madara-sama."

As Zetsu melted back into the shadows, Madara leaned back, his mind already crafting a web of strategies. "Hiruzen Sarutobi... let us see the extent of your strength."

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Behind the Hokage Monument Mountain

The lush forest behind the Hokage Monument was silent, save for the rustling leaves stirred by a cool evening breeze.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood amidst the towering trees, his ANBU silently stationed nearby.

With a swift series of intricate signs drawn into the air, he activated a massive concealment barrier. " Absolute Concealment Seal"

The air shimmered momentarily before settling into stillness, cloaking the Hokage and three Jinchuriki presence entirely.

Before him knelt the three restrained Jinchuriki of Matatabi, Isobu, and Kokuō.

Seals glowed faintly on their abdomens, binding their formidable powers. Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he assessed them.

With a decisive motion, he slammed his palm over each seal in turn, channeling precise chakra into the intricate patterns.

The seals unraveled with a burst of energy inside the barrier, and the forest quaked as the three tailed beasts emerged.

Matatabi, the Two-Tails, stretched her feline form, her azure flames flickering. "Freedom at last," she purred, her voice resonating with a deep, primal cadence.

Isobu, the Three-Tails, shifted his massive shell, his single eye surveying his surroundings cautiously. "So this is the outside world once more," he rumbled.

Kokuō, the Five-Tails, stamped a hoof, his massive form exuding raw power. "And yet we remain bound, Hokage. What is your purpose?"

Hiruzen's voice was calm but firm. "I have released you not to imprison you again, but to offer you freedom. But I also wish to form a summoning contract with you all. In return I will also provide you with various conditions such as a natural energy reservoir and more if you desire."

Matatabi's eyes narrowed. "A contract? So you wish to summon us for your fights?"

Hiruzen met her gaze. "Not at all, I don't want you to fight for me, I am very strong myself. I will construct sanctuaries infused with natural energy for you to thrive. In exchange, you will allow me to study your abilities. Not as weapons, but as beings of immense chakra and wisdom."

The three beasts exchanged glances. Matatabi was the first to speak. "Your offer is intriguing, Hokage. But can you guarantee our safety?"

"No village will dare encroach upon Konoha while I live," Hiruzen declared. "And should you wish to leave, I will not stop you."

Isobu spoke hesitantly. "If you can create a sanctuary suitable for me, I will remain here. I am tired of being hunted."

Kokuō snorted. "I will also form a contract, But I wish to roam around the world, can we come back if we want Hokage."

Hiruzen nodded. "As you wish."

Unrolling three massive scrolls, he pricked his finger and inscribed his name with his blood.

The tailed beasts followed suit, their chakra flaring as they marked the contracts.

With the agreements sealed, Hiruzen teleported Matatabi and Kokuō to distant, uninhabited forests outside konoha, ensuring their safety.

After that he took Isobu to his newly purchsed mansion lake.

Hiruzen unleashed a flurry of jutsu to deepen the lake and reinforce its structure.

He unleashed, Earth Style: Moving Earth Core Jutsu to make the lake deep and vast, after that he unleashed Water Style: Giant Water Wave Jutsu to fill the lake.

The Three-Tails watched in awe as waterfalls filled the reservoir, marveling at Hiruzen's seemingly limitless chakra reserves comparable to his own.

"You are unlike any human I have encountered," Isobu remarked, his tone tinged with respect.

Hiruzen simply smiled. "Rest well, Isobu. You are home now."

Soon he made 6 more clones with different chakra natures and executed a newly made sealing art to mask the three tails presence.

Sealing Jutsu: Seven Elemental Transformation Seal

As Hiruzen finished concealing Isobu's chakra signature with the sealing array, a sudden sensation prickled at the edge of his senses.

He soon teleported to the barrier he made behind Hokage mountain.

After cancelling the barrier he came outside, he turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a faint movement in the shadows in a tree.

With a flash of motion, he seized the intruder—a White Zetsu clone. The creature squirmed, its form writhing under Hiruzen's iron grip around his neck.

"Another spy," Hiruzen muttered. "Let's see what secrets you hold."

With practiced ease, he sealed the Zetsu within a scroll and transported it to his research chambers.

After that he gathered all the anbu and deleted their memory of the events with Genjutsu: Memory deletion.

As the night deepened, Hiruzen returned to his home, a rare smile gracing his lips. For now, the threats were subdued, and the village remained safe.

But in the shadows, Madara's plans began to take shape, and a storm loomed on the horizon.