Seeing Fu, who had seemingly come back to life and casually handed him a "nice guy card," Shigeo Aburame was momentarily stunned.
"Wait… weren't you unconscious?"
"I've been awake for a while now, hehe!"
Fu grinned, then pointed at Hidan, who was hanging from a nearby tree, with a trace of fear still lingering on her face.
"I saw you torturing him earlier, so I thought you were a bad guy. I didn't dare make a sound and just pretended to be unconscious. Luckily, you turned out to be a good person."
"..."
**Nice Guy Card ×2**
Shigeo rolled his eyes and asked, somewhat exasperated, "Then why did you wake up now?"
"Because I figured out you're a good person!"
"..."
**Nice Guy Card ×3**
Looking at Shigeo's speechless expression, Fu beamed and pointed at herself.
"When you entered my body earlier, I heard everything you and Chomei said. I know—"
"Hold it!"
Shigeo immediately raised his hand, his expression turning stern.
"Little girl, watch your words! I didn't enter your body—I entered your consciousness!"
"Oh, it's all the same!"
Fu waved dismissively and continued, "Anyway, I know now that you're not a bad guy, but someone trying to save the ninja world."
"Is that so?"
Shigeo smiled faintly, reaching up to adjust his glasses—only to realize they weren't there. He quickly retrieved another pair from his pocket and put them on.
Seeing this, Fu looked puzzled.
"Big brother, your eyes are fine, so why do you always wear sunglasses?"
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses again. "That's a secret of the Aburame Clan."
"Really?" Fu's expression was skeptical. "I thought it was to make yourself look mysterious or intimidating..."
*Cough, cough!*
Shigeo coughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.
"Let's not talk about the sunglasses. I released your tailed beast and nearly caused your death. Don't you hate me for that?"
"Haha, hate you? Not at all!"
Fu laughed again, then looked up at the giant insect hovering in the sky.
"Chomei is my friend. I'm happy it's free. Plus, it left me some chakra… Look!"
She bent slightly, and a pair of translucent wings sprouted from her back.
Seeing this, Shigeo instantly understood.
In the world of *Naruto*, as long as a Jinchuriki wasn't completely stripped of their tailed beast, leaving even a small amount of chakra, they wouldn't die.
Of course, they could no longer fully harness the power they once had as Jinchuriki.
But judging by Fu's cheerful demeanor, she didn't seem to mind.
"What a simple-minded person!"
Shigeo chuckled, shaking his head. Then, he turned to Fu.
"Fu, without your tailed beast, you'll have trouble ensuring your safety. Why don't you come to Konoha with me? I'll handle Takigakure for you."
"No way!"
Fu refused without hesitation and explained her reasoning.
"I have lots of friends in Takigakure, and my big brother is there too. I can't leave. Don't worry, big brother—I won't tell anyone about Chomei!"
She patted her chest confidently.
Shigeo frowned slightly at her determined attitude.
"It's not about whether you tell or not. Akatsuki is already targeting you, and Takigakure won't be able to protect you. So—"
"Even if that's the case, I won't leave!"
Fu seemed upset, puffing out her cheeks.
"You're underestimating our village. We're strong! If Akatsuki dares to come, we'll show them what we're made of."
"Sigh."
Seeing he couldn't persuade her, Shigeo sighed and waved his hand.
"Fine. Go back if you must. But if Akatsuki does come for you, just tell them Chomei is with me. Let them find me, understand?"
"No!" Fu said firmly. "Big brother, you're Chomei's friend, which makes you my friend too. I won't betray my friends!"
"..."
**What a blockhead!**
Shigeo rubbed his temples, his expression twitching.
"When did I agree to be your friend? Besides, my daughter Shion is the same age as you. You should be calling me 'uncle.'"
"Wow, so you're Shion's dad, uncle?"
Fu's eyes lit up, and she grabbed Shigeo's hands excitedly.
"That's great! I've always wanted to be friends with Shion. Next time, you have to introduce us! Please!"
Shigeo: "..."
**Why are you so obsessed with making friends?**
Seeing Fu's excitement, Shigeo felt utterly drained. He could only nod helplessly.
"Fine. I'll introduce you two. But as her friend's father, I hope you'll be honest with Akatsuki if they come."
"Got it!"
Fu saluted him energetically, then slapped her forehead.
"Oh no, I've been out too long! My big brother must be worried. And the demon wolves—I need to take them back too!"
She glanced at the two fallen Takigakure ninjas, her expression sad.
"They were annoying, but they died because of me. I have to bring them back."
With that, she picked up their bodies and, flapping her wings, took off into the sky.
"Goodbye, uncle! Chomei, come visit me sometime!"
Her cheerful voice faded as her figure disappeared into the distance.
"She's a good kid," Shigeo said with a smile, adjusting his sunglasses.
"Right, Chomei?"
"Indeed."
Chomei's voice rumbled, turning serious.
"Being my Jinchuriki isn't a blessing. You still have time to change your mind."
"I won't," Shigeo replied firmly.
"You're Akatsuki's target. If they capture you, it'll spell disaster for both you and the ninja world. If you won't become my ally, then—"
"You'd kill me, wouldn't you?"
Chomei's tone was calm as it completed Shigeo's sentence.
"I told you before: in the mindscape, you can't hide your thoughts from me."
"So it seems."
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses, his eyes narrowing.
"Then, what's your decision? Will you become a partner I can trust completely, or do you want to test my resolve?"
"Both!"
With that, Chomei's massive body dove from the sky, hurtling toward Shigeo.
**BOOM!**
*(End of Chapter)*