The loss of control and subsequent rampage of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was far more severe than anticipated, and equally more terrifying.
In a Konoha severely lacking in high-level combat power, there was simply no one capable of standing up to the Nine-Tails' horrific destructive force. Even the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, could not completely suppress the most powerful fox among all the Tailed Beasts.
The only thing she could do was fulfill her duty, emulating the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, by drawing the rampaging Jinchūriki as far away from the village as possible.
However, aside from a handful of elites like Might Guy and Kakashi, who remained steadfastly loyal to Konoha, not many were willing to follow her, and even fewer were willing to sacrifice their lives for the village. Under the weight of Allen's heart-shattering revelations, the so-called "Will of Fire" had become an utter joke.
"Konoha is finished!"
Sasuke pursed his lips, wearing an expression of immense satisfaction. If one had to choose the person in the world most eager to see Konoha collapse, it would undoubtedly be him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have rounded up Orochimaru's remaining "scraps" to come cause trouble in the Leaf after taking the Sannin out.
Allen nodded slightly. "Indeed. Konoha is finished. Just as the strongest fortresses always crumble from within. When the filth and darkness hidden beneath Konoha's surface are exposed one by one, and the beautiful yet illusory facade is pierced, its downfall becomes a natural progression."
He continued, "After all... Konoha has only existed for a few decades; it doesn't even have the longevity of some of these clans. People's sense of belonging only extended to the point where the village could provide protection for them and their families. But now, seeing how even the son of the hero, the Fourth Hokage, was treated, who can guarantee such a scenario won't repeat itself after they die?"
"This isn't unique to Konoha; it's a common ailment among most hidden villages. Look at the brief history of the ninja world since the era of the Five Great Nations began: you'll find every village is in a constant cycle of rebellion, infighting, and war. The most absurd part is that a bunch of fools whose only solution to problems is violence and slaughter have actually become the de facto rulers of the world, with the power to decide when to spark a war."
"So, you think the Resistance can change all this?" Sasuke asked in an uncertain tone.
"To be honest, I don't know. But I can guarantee it won't be worse than the current situation. Besides, this isn't a problem for people like us to worry about. Don't forget, we are travelers on the path to power; only formidable personal strength is what we truly crave," Allen replied nonchalantly.
While the two were talking, Neji and Hiashi finally finished their conversation and emerged from the forest. However, when Hiashi saw the distant image of the Nine-Tails wreaking havoc, he immediately frowned. "What happened?"
"Nothing much. I simply stripped away the halo and the hypocritical mask the Konoha leadership wore. So, have you two reached an agreement?" Allen asked with interest.
"Yes. It's settled. Including Hanabi and Hinata, more than half of the Hyuga clan members will leave Konoha with me," Neji stated the result of the negotiations directly. Clearly, this had been his primary objective for the trip.
"Only half? What about the rest?" Allen instinctively glanced at the Head of the Hyuga Main House.
"I will lead the remaining members to stand or fall with Konoha. This was the covenant the Hyuga made with the First Hokage, and I will honor it until death finds me," Hiashi said solemnly.
As a prestigious clan with a long history, he would never allow the Hyuga name to be burdened with the reputation of traitors, yet he could not sit by and watch the entire clan perish. The best course of action was to split the family in two: let the youth with a future leave, while the elders remained to guard the Hyuga honor with their blood and lives.
"This is already the best possible outcome," Neji reminded in a low voice.
"In that case, let's get this done while the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki is rampaging and the Konoha leadership is in a panic. Remember, if anyone dares to stand in your way..." Allen let the sentence trail off significantly.
Neji caught the meaning instantly and replied, "No matter who it is, if they dare interfere with the Hyuga clan's internal affairs, I will kill them without mercy."
"Count me in! I was just planning to settle a debt with those two old fossils, the advisors who served the Third!" A cold glint flashed in Sasuke's eyes.
It was a profound irony that the Hyuga and Uchiha, former rivals and enemies, were coming together at the moment of Konoha's collapse.
Watching the three disappear toward the end of the village street, Allen spoke without turning around: "How much longer do you plan on hiding there?"
A second later, Obito slowly emerged from the shadows behind a tree, frowning as he questioned, "What are you doing? Why did the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki lose control? The other four great nations, including Konoha, are already weak enough. There's no need to continue depleting their strength."
"Can I take that as you being worried about your friend Kakashi's safety?" Allen countered with a teasing smile.
"Of course not! I just don't want you acting recklessly and ruining the established plan. You should know that Black Zetsu has been quite restless lately; he's already preparing to use the Reanimation Jutsu to bring back Madara Uchiha." Obito hurriedly denied it, but the flash of panic in his eyes was caught clearly by Allen.
Allen didn't call him out. Instead, he followed the lead. "Whether Madara is resurrected early or late won't affect the plan. Your job is to keep a close eye on the Three-Tails. Notify me the moment it respawns."
"The search for the Three-Tails' resurrection is already underway. It should happen within the next year or two. I suggest you don't underestimate Madara; that old man is extremely dangerous, both in strength and ideology. He's like a rational madman who believes Black Zetsu is his own creation. With his control over the Rinnegan, Nagato could be taken out in an instant."
Undoubtedly, Madara had left a deep psychological scar on the young Obito before his death. Even now, the mere mention of Madara evoked a strong sense of awe and fear.
"I told you, there's no need to worry about Madara's resurrection. It doesn't matter even if he kills Nagato and takes personal control of the Akatsuki. Before the Power of the Six Paths, he is merely a slightly stronger ant, a vessel used to revive the Progenitor of Chakra. If I wish, I can crush him easily at any time. Also, once the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Naruto Uzumaki, calms down, I need you to assist Karin in taking him directly back to the Sound Village."
Having said his piece, Allen activated a space-time ninjutsu once more and vanished without a trace.