The Tailed Beasts were chakra-based lifeforms separated from the Ten-Tails by the Sage of Six Paths. They naturally possessed immense chakra and destructive power.
To the major ninja villages, the Tailed Beasts were critical military assets.
However, these beasts weren't easy to control. Since they weren't ninjas, they wouldn't obey the Kage's commands.
Thus, Jinchuriki came into existence.
A Jinchuriki is essentially a human container used to seal a Tailed Beast.
By sealing the beast within their body, the Jinchuriki could access its chakra, and even undergo a "Tailed Beast Transformation," gaining extraordinary combat abilities.
But this was no simple feat.
If the seal was too strong, it greatly restricted the Tailed Beast's power, making the Jinchuriki's combat strength subpar.
If the seal was too weak, the Jinchuriki might lose control, transforming into the Tailed Beast and causing massive destruction, leading to significant losses for the village.
Every ninja village had experienced incidents of Jinchuriki losing control.
Because of this, Jinchuriki were often seen as monsters by their village's populace, facing discrimination and hostility, regardless of whether they had ever lost control.
This led many Jinchuriki to resent and fear the Tailed Beast within them, unwilling to use its power, let alone undo the seal.
Of course, there were exceptions.
For example, Killer Bee, known as the "perfect Jinchuriki," had completely undone his Tailed Beast's seal and could perfectly control its chakra.
Then there was Shigeo Aburame, who had no seal at all. He reached an agreement with the Tailed Beast to become its Jinchuriki, making him a true anomaly in the ninja world—like a scorpion's lone dung ball:
One of a kind!
From the moment he became a Jinchuriki, Shigeo Aburame was already the perfect one.
What he lacked was only the synergy and mutual understanding with Chōmei.
But that kind of bond wasn't built overnight—it required time, shared experiences, and battles fought together.
"Alright, let's start by getting along," Shigeo decided, speaking aloud. "Hey, Chōmei, what are your hobbies?"
"None."
"What do you do when you're with Fū?"
"Sleep."
"Besides sleeping?"
"Still sleeping."
"..."
This conversation wasn't going anywhere!
Shigeo's mouth twitched before he tried again. "What about when you were with the Sage of Six Paths?"
"..."
This time, Chōmei paused, as if deep in thought. After a long silence, it answered:
"Sleep."
"..."
Was this Chōmei even real? Not even Shukaku sleeps this much!
"No, Shukaku sleeps more than me," Chōmei replied earnestly. "Also, I know everything you're thinking, but I can pretend I don't."
"Uh…"
Shigeo's face twitched, forcing a weak smile.
"Alright, Chōmei, that's really considerate of you. From now on, please keep pretending you don't know what I'm thinking."
"Sure!"
Chōmei agreed cheerfully and even offered a suggestion:
"If you want me to know, just call my name first. That way, I'll know you want me to know."
"Hmm, that's actually a good idea!"
Shigeo nodded and praised Chōmei.
"You're pretty clever. Did a previous Jinchuriki teach you that?"
"Nope!" Chōmei replied with a hint of frustration. "Those guys were so boring; none of them ever wanted to chat with me!"
"What about Fū?" Shigeo asked curiously. "You two seem to get along well."
"We do, but she doesn't like talking to me much either."
When Chōmei mentioned Fū, its tone turned even more exasperated.
"When she was little, she loved chatting with me, talking from morning till night. But later, she said I was too talkative and started pretending not to hear me. Don't you think that's unfair?"
"Yeah, that's a bit much," Shigeo nodded, then asked, "Did this start recently? Maybe it's her rebellious phase?"
"It's not a rebellious phase!" Chōmei huffed indignantly. "She's been like this for ten years!"
"..."
Ten years ago, Fū would have been three. How do you get a three-year-old to think you talk too much?
Before Shigeo could process this, Chōmei spoke again.
"Should I pretend not to hear that? If you're curious, I can explain."
"No need!"
Shigeo waved firmly.
"I'll figure it out myself. You just rest up. After that fight, you must be tired. Take a nap if you want."
"But I'm worried you'll get bored!"
Chōmei's voice carried genuine concern.
"It'll take hours to fly back to Konoha. I can keep you company so you don't get sleepy."
"No, I won't get sleepy!" Shigeo insisted. "If I do, I'll let you know."
"Alright!" Chōmei agreed and fell silent.
But less than two minutes later, it asked, "Shigeo, are you sleepy now?"
"No."
"Oh."
Two more minutes passed.
"Are you sleepy now, Shigeo?"
"No."
"Not even a little?"
"No."
"I think you could be!"
"..."
Determined to outlast Chōmei's persistence, Shigeo sighed deeply and nodded.
"Alright, I'm a bit sleepy. Chōmei, let's chat."
"No problem!"
Chōmei eagerly agreed and suggested, "Let me sing you a song to wake you up!"
With that, its voice filled Shigeo's mind:
*"Shukaku loves to sleep in late,
Proud yet polite, it's first-rate.
Isobu likes to joke and play,
Son Gokū's the rowdiest, I'd say.
Kokuō has a gentle mood,
Saiken's quiet and subdued.
I'm smart and dashing, Chōmei's my name,
Gyūki's wild with quirks to claim.
And last is Kurama, the fox so sly,
Arrogant and cranky, yet aiming high!"*
Chōmei finished its song, then cleared its throat, prompting Shigeo to clap enthusiastically.
"Bravo, bravo! That was amazing! Who wrote those lyrics? Pure genius!"
"Haha, not bad, right? Hahaha!"
Chōmei laughed heartily, its joy and pride evident in its voice.
After a while, it calmed down and said, "Shigeo, you're alright. I think we'll make great partners. By the way, can you sing?"
"A little," Shigeo replied with a smile.
"Could you sing a song for me?" Chōmei asked nervously.
"Sure!" Shigeo grinned and began to sing:
*"The dark sky hangs so low,
Bright stars twinkle as they glow.
Fireflies dance, fireflies sway,
Who do you miss tonight, as you fly away?"*
(End of Chapter)