Chapter 33: Ch-33:Kurama:You are truly a friend of the tailed beasts
Naruto speculated, "Did the First Hokage distribute the tailed beasts to maintain a balance of power between nations, so they would fear each other and avoid war?"
A proud, almost human-like smile appeared on Kurama's face. "Exactly! So now you understand what will happen to Konoha if I leave, don't you?"
Kurama's tone implied that the presence of tailed beasts like itself kept the village strong. However, Naruto remained skeptical. He questioned Kurama, "But let me ask you this—did the First Hokage's plan work as intended?"
Kurama's smile faltered. It had expected Naruto to acknowledge the importance of tailed beasts and perhaps even plead for it to stay. Instead, Naruto had managed to disrupt its moment of pride.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, quickly waved off the surrounding Anbu, urging them to retreat. He realized that Kurama's appearance was already spreading panic throughout the village. Konoha's ninjas were starting to evacuate civilians, and the memory of the night more than ten years ago—when the Nine-Tails attacked the village—was vivid in everyone's minds. Kurama's presence still symbolized disaster.
Elite ninjas quickly arrived at the scene, but they were halted by the Anbu under Sarutobi Hiruzen's orders.
The Third Hokage, now older and wearier, took a cautious step forward. His once-strong, battle-hardened face now carried deep lines, and his posture had stooped with age. Yet, there was no trace of resentment or hatred toward Kurama, despite the fact that it had been responsible for his wife's death on the night of the Nine-Tails' rampage. In a humble, almost placating tone, Sarutobi spoke, "Nine-Tails, Naruto is just a child. Don't hold his words against him."
Sarutobi was now far removed from the powerful leader who had once faced the Nine-Tails. He had no choice but to approach the situation with caution, trying to prevent any further chaos.
Kurama glanced at Sarutobi with disdain. "Hmph, foolish human," the fox scoffed. "I'm having a conversation with my friend. Why are you interrupting?"
Sarutobi nodded, trying to appease the great beast, while shooting Naruto a look full of urgency. He was hoping Naruto would convince Kurama to stay in Konoha. Having the Nine-Tails on their side was crucial to the village's strength. However, Naruto didn't share the Hokage's concern for Konoha's welfare. He turned to Kurama and asked, "Kurama, you're finally free. Do you really want to stay here in Konoha?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was left speechless. His hopes were dashed as Naruto blatantly offered Kurama an escape route from the village.
Kurama, however, let out a hearty laugh. "As expected of the person I've come to like!" It seemed pleased by Naruto's concern and willingness to let it go.
Kurama's satisfaction at Naruto's words was clear. What the fox didn't realize was that Naruto was playing a careful game. The boy was confident that even if Kurama left, it wouldn't affect him, thanks to the full version of the Nine-Tails he had sealed within his system's inventory. In essence, Naruto was freeing Kurama without any personal risk.
Kurama, completely unaware of this hidden agenda, continued speaking. "Uzumaki Naruto, you truly are a friend of the tailed beasts. For so many years, no human has ever trusted us the way you do. You have the courage that others lack."
The beast's deep voice carried a sense of appreciation. "You've kept your promise, and because of that, I'll make a little sacrifice for you. I know you prefer a peaceful life, so I won't leave the Land of Fire. This will help maintain the balance between the nations."
Naruto smiled at Kurama's words. "Thank you," he replied sincerely.
Without wasting any more time, Kurama bounded off towards the Forest of Death. Its enormous form disappeared quickly, moving with astonishing speed despite its size. It was heading to find a suitable place to live within the Land of Fire.
As Kurama exited the village, the people of Konoha, who had been paralyzed with fear, began to cheer. The threat of another Nine-Tails attack seemed to have passed, and the villagers felt as though they had narrowly escaped a catastrophe.
Back at the training ground, Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Naruto closely. His concern was evident. "Little Naruto, are you sure you don't need a doctor?" the Hokage asked. He knew all too well the toll separating a Jinchūriki from their tailed beast could take. The loss of a tailed beast could leave a person on the brink of death, but Naruto appeared surprisingly unaffected. Other than some light perspiration and fatigue, he seemed perfectly fine.
Naruto shook his head. "No, I'm alright."
Sarutobi was puzzled. The boy had just lost the Nine-Tails, yet he was calm and collected. In fact, Naruto's chakra levels still seemed as powerful as ever. How could that be? Sarutobi couldn't make sense of it.
Naruto, seeing the Hokage's confusion, decided not to explain any further. "Since Nine-Tails is no longer with me, does that mean I don't need Anbu following me around anymore?" he asked, half-jokingly.
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed slightly. He still didn't fully understand Naruto's current abilities, but he nodded, albeit reluctantly. The old Hokage was beginning to realize that Naruto was far more capable than he had ever imagined.
Naruto, not waiting for a response, turned and left to return home. Once there, he could rest and recover from the minor strain his body had endured during Kurama's release. More importantly, he could focus on summoning the full version of Nine-Tails that remained in his system.
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Despite the smoothness with which Kurama had been freed, Naruto's body had still taken a toll from the separation. Although the effects were mild compared to what they might have been, he still needed rest. After returning to his apartment, Naruto collapsed into bed and quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the events of the day.
It wasn't until the next morning, after a long, restful sleep, that Naruto awoke. He glanced at the clock and realized, to his dismay, that he had overslept. Today was the day of his graduation from the Ninja Academy, and he was late!
Hurriedly, Naruto got dressed and made his way to the school. As he walked through the village, he noticed the curious stares from villagers. Many of them had seen the Nine-Tails the previous day and were likely wondering why Naruto, the so-called "demon fox," was still alive and unharmed.
When Naruto finally arrived at the Academy, he found that the graduation exam had already finished. Inside the classroom, students were gathered, discussing their results. Hinata, seated near Naruto's usual spot, looked worried. Like many others, she had heard about the Nine-Tails incident and feared for Naruto's safety.
Just as Hinata's concern was becoming overwhelming, Iruka's voice called out from the door. "Naruto? You finally made it!"
Hinata's head shot up, and she saw Naruto walking into the room, looking perfectly fine. Relief flooded her, and she rushed over, her voice soft but filled with emotion. "Naruto, are you… are you okay?"
Naruto's heart warmed at her concern. The heaviness that had weighed on him the day before seemed to lift entirely. Despite everything, having people who cared for him made all the difference.
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