From Kurama's perspective, Natsuro appeared to be an ordinary person, with an aura even weaker than the Fourth Hokage's. However, the killing intent emanating from Natsuro was somewhat surprising.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that Natsuro was emitting a higher-level aura, which…
Kurama's eyes revealed a trace of reminiscence. Was it Sage of the Six Paths? No, he could be certain that Natsuro was definitely not a descendant of the Sage of the Six Paths. But why did he possess such an aura, even if only faintly? It was enough to astonish him. If Natsuro had this aura now, what would it mean down the line?
Kurama widened its eyes, fixated on Natsuro, noticing a vague mark on Natsuro's forehead that didn't match any seal he remembered…
Naturally, Natsuro was unaware of his own appearance. He felt quite normal and had no idea of the Nine-Tails' astonishment, as it had always appeared wide-eyed in front of him.
At this moment, Natsuro was pondering how to prove his worthiness. Should he beat up the Nine-Tails? But he didn't think he could manage that right now…
"Hmph, state your purpose," Kurama said, retracting its gaze and lying on the ground. Although it wasn't at full strength, it was still willing to listen to Natsuro's request.
"Huh?" Natsuro looked at the Kurama with some confusion, but the he made no effort to clarify.
Although Natsuro didn't understand why his attitude had suddenly changed, it was a good thing. He proceeded to explain his purpose for coming.
"Do you want me to voluntarily lend my power to that stinky kid? Dream on!" Kurama immediately erupted with fury upon hearing this, roaring.
"Don't be so hasty, Kurama. Even though you've been sealed for a long time, you must have sensed how Naruto has been treated over the years?" Natsuro said. While Naruto's treatment wasn't too bad compared to other Jinchuriki, the key point…
Kurama had no knowledge of the treatment of other Jinchuriki.
"Nonsense! What does that have to do with me? You humans covet my power, and when you get it, you end up fearing those who possess it. Isn't that a problem for you humans? If you're afraid, then don't seal me in the first place! Let me out of this seal!" Kurama roared, its violent chakra surging.
"It's inevitable. After all, the rulers of this world are humans, so it's normal for you to be coveted," Natsuro said, ignoring the now tangible red chakra. "Instead, you should consider this: Even if you escape from your seal, where will you go? With your amount of chakra, you'll be observed wherever you go. If you're re-sealed, that's one thing; if you're killed, what will you do then?"
"Damn it! I won't be killed!"
"So, tell me, is it easier to be killed or to be sealed?" Natsuro's lips curled into a slight smile, pointing out a painful truth. Sealing a Tailed Beast was certainly harder than killing it.
And since Kurama was currently sealed inside Naruto, the answer was clear.
As the Nine-Tails was about to speak again, Natsuro continued, "I know that Tailed Beasts can be revived even after being killed, but Kurama, can you be sure that the revived Nine-Tails will still be you?"
Instantly, Kurama fell silent, and the overwhelming red chakra that almost enveloped Natsuro subsided.
"Kid, you seem to know quite a bit," Kurama said with a cold tone, but it had regained its composure. Natsuro could sense that the Nine-Tails was merely suppressing its anger beneath the surface as it lay back down.
"Yeah, I suppose I do know a fair amount," Natsuro said calmly, looking at Kurama. "So I believe you should really take a look at Naruto. He's truly different from others."
"Hmph, what's so different? Aren't they all insignificant and arrogant humans?" Kurama mocked.
"Heh, you'll find out if you spend some time with him," Natsuro said, stretching lazily. He then suddenly darted forward and appeared right in front of the Nine-Tails.
"Kid! What are you trying to do?!" Kurama's eyes widened in anger and confusion. Was all this talk just to let it relax? Was it exposed so soon?
At this moment, the Nine-Tails was lying with its front limbs crossed, and Natsuro's speed was too fast for it to react. But Natsuro hadn't used any jutsu; what could it possibly achieve by rushing over?
As Kurama wondered, Natsuro reached out and, to the Nine-Tails' astonished gaze, patted its head.
"The texture is quite nice, but it's a pity it's not its tail or neck. The fur there should feel even better," Natsuro said with a hint of regret, before his form dissipated and he exited the seal.
Seeing Natsuro 's departure, Kurama, who was about to roar again, stopped and was left somewhat dazed. Was the kid's purpose just to pat it and leave? Was he crazy? But the kid must have been confident in his ability to escape, hence the action.
But what was the point of that?
Such a strange human, with peculiar actions and that mark. Kurama lay back down, initially reluctant to move, and now even less inclined to do so with Natsuro gone.
After leaving the sealing space, Natsuro felt no particular fright. Even if the patting hadn't been successful, he could still exit directly. He wasn't in danger, which allowed him to act this way.
At this moment, he couldn't help but rub his hands. Honestly, the Nine-Tails' texture was quite pleasant, but it had grown up. The young Nine-Tails had been so adorable, and it even cried. The fur back then would have felt even better.
Now, the Nine-Tails looked menacing and while its appearance was acceptable among Tailed Beasts, it wasn't very attractive overall.
Indeed, most creatures lose their cuteness when they grow up.
Natsuro hadn't gone to see the Nine-Tails just to pat it or to persuade it directly.
He knew he couldn't convince the Nine-Tails like Naruto could, so his goal was to make the Nine-Tails notice Naruto and not reject communication with him outright.
As for the results, Natsuro wasn't sure. If the Nine-Tails was willing to talk to him in the future, the outcome should be positive?
Natsuro tapped his temple, leaving the future events to chance. For now, he trusted Naruto's abilities and needed to focus on the seal on Naruto.
"Naruto, I have to ask one last thing. If I leave a mark on you, I'll be able to track you wherever you go, and your life will effectively be in my hands," Natsuro said seriously.
"Mm, it's fine, Natsuro. I've already said I trust you completely. I believe you won't harm me," Naruto said, touching his nose and smiling. "Keeping promises is my way of the ninja!"
Natsuro was momentarily stunned. The phrase had become somewhat vague in his memory, but hearing Naruto say it again reminded him that it was indeed something Naruto frequently said.
"Alright, I'll begin," Natsuro said with a smile.
The next moment, he focused intently. While leaving the Flying Thunder God seal was easy, the pre-set Four Symbols Seal was much more complex. If Naruto tried to resist, even with a significant power gap, he could still fail.
The pre-seal Natsuro was setting up was one that could activate its sealing effect by injecting his own chakra and blood, and only Natsuro's chakra and blood would work.
Otherwise, it would be like giving Naruto a natural weakness, which was unacceptable.
Time ticked by, and the sky outside started to darken as Natsuro continued to carve the seal. His chakra fluctuations were still present; the Four Symbols Seal was inherently complex, and with additional complications, he had to remain highly focused.
Finally, he breathed a sigh of relief as the engraving was completed.
The next steps were easier: opening a small portion of the seal left by the Fourth Hokage. Natsuro decided not to fully open the outer Eight Trigram Seal Seal, as that would be too hasty.
He only opened a small part to allow Naruto to gradually get used to it.
Natsuro was cautious during the process, as even a partial opening allowed the Nine-Tails to release a significant amount of chakra. He was worried the Nine-Tails might cause trouble.
Fortunately, by the end, he didn't sense any trouble from the Nine-Tails and breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed his words had some effect after all.
"Goo… goo goo…"
At this moment, a sound came from Naruto's stomach, causing Natsuro's face to freeze. He almost thought something had gone wrong…
"Um, Natsuro, is it done? I'm so hungry," Naruto said somewhat sheepishly.
"It's done." Natsuro gave Naruto a pat, glanced at the darkening sky, and suggested, "How about I take you out for barbecue?"
"Huh? Couldn't it be Ichiraku Ramen instead?" Naruto, although happy about Natsuro's treat, felt a bit reluctant to give up Ichiraku Ramen.
"Stop eating ramen all the time. You're still growing, haven't you noticed you're shorter than Sasuke now?"Natsuro said. "Short guys aren't popular with girls, you know."
"Okay," Naruto, thinking of Sakura, reluctantly agreed, saying goodbye to his Ichiraku Ramen.
As Natsuro led Naruto out of his home, he noticed a figure that surprised him—it was the head of the Anbu. The figure nodded to him before leaving.
Natsuro also nodded in return. It seemed the Third Hokage was even more prudent than he had imagined. The contingency plan for Naruto's potential outburst was probably already in place.
Natsuro wasn't dissatisfied with this; being cautious was always a good thing. He even felt a bit responsible for not considering this aspect himself, which was indeed a mistake.
With his current connections, finding someone like Tenzo to help manage Naruto's situation wouldn't be difficult.
He needed to be more attentive in the future. With this in mind, Natsuro cheerfully led the oblivious Naruto toward the barbecue restaurant.
On the way, Natsuro reflected on his unexpected gains from the recent encounter with the Nine-Tails…
Check out the patreon and get 49 chapters in advance
Currently on Chapter 164 - The Eight-Headed Serpent! Orochi Kabuto!