Naruto considered Kurama's words carefully. "So the tailed beasts were meant to balance power between villages, to keep them in check and prevent wars?"
A proud, almost human-like smirk crossed Kurama's face. "Exactly. Now you see what would happen if you let me go, don't you? Konoha would lose its greatest deterrent."
The unspoken boast was clear: Look how vital we tailed beasts are!
But Naruto wasn't about to stroke Kurama's ego. "Then let me ask you, did the First Hokage's plan actually work?"
Kurama's smirk faltered. It had expected Naruto to beg it to stay once he realized its importance. Instead, the boy had the audacity to question history.
Nearby, Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed Kurama's irritation and quickly signaled the surrounding Anbu to retreat. The Nine-Tails sudden appearance had already sent panic rippling through the village, its massive form visible from every corner of Konoha. For many, the night of destruction over a decade ago flashed before their eyes.
To Konoha, Kurama was disaster incarnate.
Elite ninja were mobilizing, but Hiruzen's Anbu held them back. The Third Hokage stepped forward, his aged face lined with deep wrinkles, his smile humble almost pleading. "Nine-Tails, Naruto is just a child. He doesn't mean any disrespect. Please don't take his words to heart."
Over a decade later, Hiruzen stood before the fox again, older, wearier, his back slightly stooped. There was no hatred in his eyes, not even for the beast that had taken his wife's life. Everything he did was for Konoha.
Kurama snorted, unimpressed. "Stupid human. I'm speaking to a friend. Don't interrupt."
Hiruzen forced a nod, then shot Naruto a frantic look. 'Convince it to stay!'
But Naruto ignored the silent plea. "Kurama, you're finally free. Do you want to stay in Konoha?"
Hiruzen's eye twitched.
Kurama burst into laughter. "As expected of someone I like!"
The fox completely missed that Naruto had bypassed its trust test effortlessly. Meanwhile, Naruto's mind was already moving ahead: 'Go on, leave. Then I can move on to the next one.'
After all, his system inventory still held a full-powered Nine-Tails.
Still chuckling, Kurama grinned down at him. "Uzumaki Naruto, you're right, you are a true friend to the tailed beasts. In all these years, no human has ever trusted us. But you did."
It leaned closer, voice lowering. "You kept your word. So I'll make a compromise for you. I know you value peace. I won't leave the Land of Fire, that should keep the world's balance intact."
Naruto smiled. "Thanks."
Without another word, Kurama leaped toward the Forest of Death, its massive form vanishing in seconds. The villagers, who had watched in terror, erupted into relieved cheers. Another disaster had been avoided.
Back at the training ground, Hiruzen studied Naruto with concern. "Do you need a medic, Naruto?"
As Hokage, he knew the toll losing a tailed beast took on a Jinchūriki. Yet Naruto seemed fine, just a little sweaty, his breathing steady. If anything, Hiruzen was the one drenched in cold sweat.
"Nah, I'm good," Naruto replied.
Now free of his promise, he could focus on recovering before sealing the other Nine-Tails. He glanced at Hiruzen. "Since Kurama's gone, do I still need Anbu guards?"
Hiruzen stiffened. Naruto's calm was unnerving. A Jinchūriki losing its beast should be catastrophic. Yet here Naruto stood unharmed, even negotiating with the fox. And now he wanted the Anbu gone?
Could Naruto's strength already surpass a tailed beast's? Impossible. He was too young. But Hiruzen's senses didn't lie, Naruto's chakra was stable.
Before the Hokage could untangle his thoughts, Naruto turned away. "I'm heading home to rest."
Once recovered, he'd seal the full-powered Nine-Tails.
Losing Kurama had taken a toll, just not a visible one. Naruto slept deeply that night and woke to sunlight streaming through his window. He glanced at the clock.
'Oh crap.'
He'd overslept. Graduation exams were over.
At the academy, students buzzed about their results. Hinata, eyes fixed on Naruto's empty seat, chewed her lip. After yesterday's chaos, she feared the worst.
Then...
"Naruto! You made it!" Iruka's voice rang out.
Hinata spun toward the door. There he was unharmed, grinning. Relief flooded her. She hurried over, voice soft. "Naruto, are you... okay?"
The warmth in her tone eased the weight in his chest.
.....................
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