Chapter 79: Chapter 76
After returning to his quarters, Kaito stared at the container on the table, the swirling energy within casting faint shadows across the room. The essence of the Three-Tailed Beast pulsed inside, alive yet contained, like a storm bottled within glass.
His mind churned with indecision.
"What do I do with it?" he muttered, the words barely audible over the sound of his heartbeat.
The logical path was clear: erase the consciousness of the beast, consume its essence, and harness its power entirely. But logic collided with caution. His system had warned him—eliminating a tailed beast entirely would ripple through dimensions, alerting forces beyond his strength. Until he ascended to their level, confrontation with such entities would spell disaster.
"Patience," Kaito murmured, clenching his fists. His thoughts turned inward, replaying fragments of knowledge: the sacred tree, the cycle of chakra, the lineage of bloodlines, the evolution of power.
A sudden thought struck him. "The tailed beast's chakra... and the Sharingan."
His voice grew firmer, filled with newfound conviction. "If the Divine Tree's fruit could elevate the Otsutsuki, then why can't the chakra of a tailed beast, an extension of that same power, refine our bloodlines?"
The idea took root, burning brighter with each second.
And then, like a dawn breaking after a stormy night, his gaze softened. There was someone who deserved this chance more than anyone else.
Izumi.
Kaito's lips curved into a rare smile. His sister had always been relentless, pouring every ounce of herself into her training, determined to be strong enough to stand beside him. Her three-tomoe Sharingan was impressive, and her skills already rivalled elite shinobi, but Kaito knew how much more she wanted—how much more she could achieve.
"It's perfect," he whispered. "She'll be in a secluded forest, Izumi's blade danced through the air, slicing invisible foes with precision and grace.
Sweat streamed down her face, clinging to her flushed cheeks, but she didn't stop. Every swing was sharper than the last, every step faster. Her body screamed for rest, but her will silenced the pain.
The sudden whistle of projectiles broke her rhythm. Spinning, she saw three blades hurtling toward her from impossible angles. A flicker of determination ignited in her eyes. Her sword moved in a blur, intercepting each with precision.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
"Impressive," came a familiar voice, warm yet teasing. "Even a seasoned warrior would struggle with that throw."
Izumi's eyes lit up, and she spun toward the voice. "Kaito nii !"
In an instant, she was in his arms, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Their bond was unshakable, forged through years of shared hardship and mutual devotion.
Kaito ruffled her damp hair with a fond smile, though his eyes flickered with concern. "You've overdone it again, haven't you?"
Izumi pouted, her breath still uneven. "I want to get stronger... for you. So I can stand by your side."
Her words hit him harder than he let show, and for a moment, Kaito said nothing, his gaze distant. Finally, he sighed and cupped her face, gently wiping away the sweat.
"You won't need to push yourself this hard anymore," he said softly. "I've found a way to help you grow stronger—much faster."
Izumi's eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting. "Really?"
Kaito nodded, his hand lingering on her shoulder. "Follow me."
Back in his quarters, Izumi's eyes were drawn to the container on the table, its glowing contents stirring her curiosity.
"What's that?" she asked, leaning closer.
"The essence of the Three-Tailed Beast," Kaito explained. "With it, I can help you strengthen your Sharingan—and much more."
Izumi's breath hitched. "You're not making me a jinchūriki, are you?"
Kaito shook his head firmly. "No. I wouldn't curse you with that burden. Instead, I'll introduce its chakra into your system in controlled amounts. You'll refine it with your energy, growing stronger without losing yourself."
Izumi's eyes sparkled with determination. "Let's do it!"
The room fell into silence as Kaito activated the seals. The container glowed brighter, and wisps of crimson chakra began to escape, writhing like serpents. Kaito guided them toward Izumi, who steadied her breathing, her hands forming the seals he had taught her.
The chakra was unlike anything she'd ever felt—raw, wild, and dangerous. As it entered her system, her body screamed in protest, her cells flaring with pain. But Izumi gritted her teeth, wrapping the foreign energy in her own chakra, taming it, bending it to her will.
Minutes turned into an hour. Kaito watched her closely, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.
Finally, Izumi opened her eyes, their crimson hue glowing brighter than ever. Her voice trembled with awe. "I... I feel incredible."
"How much stronger?" Kaito pressed, leaning forward.
Izumi smiled. "Just refining that small amount feels like I've gained days of training. But more than that... my Sharingan feels... alive like it's awakening to something greater."
Kaito's chest swelled with pride and relief. His gamble had paid off.
"The tailed beast's chakra," he thought, "truly holds the key to unlocking our full potential."
He placed a hand on Izumi's head, his voice steady. "This is only the beginning. Together, we all will reach heights no one has ever imagined."
And for the first time in a long while, Kaito felt hope—not just for himself, but for everyone he shared the bond with and the path they would walk together.