Just as Takuya was about to refuse, Snowy's voice echoed in his mind.
Has the second phase of sleep ended?
Takuya couldn't help but get excited. If the first phase made Snowy somewhat strong, the second phase meant Snowy could take on anyone who challenged her.
By the third phase, well, sorry—this special Nine-Tails would be able to stand toe-to-toe with even the Ten-Tails in the game.
"Well, since you both want to see, I might as well show you."
"Snowy, don't grow too big."
Takuya mentally instructed Snowy, then raised his hand and began forming seals.
Though in reality, those seals were just for show.
Snowy didn't actually need a summoning technique to be called forth; no matter how far apart they were, she could always return to Takuya's side on her own.
A specialized tailed beast like Snowy was nearly impossible to seal.
Is Takuya about to summon his summoning beast?
Minato and Nawaki widened their eyes, watching him with curiosity.
After going through the motions of the summoning technique, a puff of white smoke exploded within the tent, and out popped Snowy, who was about the size of a small corgi with stubby little legs.
"Master."
Snowy called out happily and leaped toward Takuya.
Takuya raised his hands to catch her, cradling her in his arms.
Snowy nuzzled into Takuya's chest with her little head, her nine long tails swaying gently in the air.
That voice… so sweet, so alluring.
If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, Minato and Nawaki might have thought that voice belonged to some beautiful woman, not a fox.
The sound was almost too enchanting.
It made their hearts flutter.
"It's been a while since you've been out, hasn't it?"
Takuya gently stroked Snowy's soft white fur, holding her fondly as he explained to Minato and Nawaki:
"This is my summoning beast, Snowy. She's a fox with nine tails, and she can grow larger. She's also a girl."
I'm so jealous!!
Minato looked at Snowy, then compared her to the toads of Mount Myoboku, and instantly felt like he'd turned into a sour lemon.
There's just no comparison.
Compared to Snowy, the toads from Mount Myoboku are nothing but lumps of dirt.
I really want a summoning beast like this.
I don't like snakes at all. I like foxes.
Nawaki's eyes lit up as he stared at Snowy, practically drooling at the sight. He was dying to snatch her from Takuya's arms and cuddle her, just to experience what it's like to pet a fox.
Not only is she gorgeous, but her voice is so captivating.
So sweet, so seductive—could she actually be a fox spirit in disguise?
Pleased by her master's praise, Snowy hummed contentedly, lifting her little head with pride. Her large blue eyes twinkled as she scrutinized Minato and Nawaki.
"Master? Are these your teammates? They seem so weak—worse than that girl named Kushina."
Cough, cough!!
Pfft~~
Getting dissed by a summoning beast, Minato choked while Nawaki nearly coughed up his drink.
"Don't talk nonsense."
Takuya felt a bit embarrassed and rubbed Snowy's head.
Snowy ranked Kushina above Minato and Nawaki mainly because of the Nine-Tails sealed within Kushina, which gave her a boost in Snowy's eyes.
It's just a pity that Kushina and the Nine-Tails had a relationship like water and fire.
If Kushina ever mastered her status as a perfect jinchuriki, she could definitely become the strongest in Konoha.
At that point, both the Third Hokage and Danzo wouldn't dare keep her locked up; they'd be treating her like royalty.
After placing Snowy on his bed, Takuya began preparing food while warning Minato and Nawaki.
"Don't even think about touching her. Snowy is really strong and has a bit of a temper with strangers. If you don't listen to me and end up hurt, I'm not responsible."
It's natural to admire beauty, and Snowy's high appeal had already made Minato and Nawaki start resenting Ryuchi Cave's snakes and Mount Myoboku's toads.
The way they were eyeing Snowy now was almost predatory—they would've pounced on her if they could.
Takuya guaranteed that if they tried, they'd regret it to their very core.
Takuya's warning made Minato and Nawaki quickly abandon any thoughts of cuddling Snowy.
Minato took it well, but Nawaki quietly followed Takuya and asked:
"Takuya, how did you get your summoning beast?"
Judging by his tone, Nawaki was seriously interested and wanted one just like her—preferably with a cute and soothing voice, the kind that makes you feel at ease.
Takuya was kneading dough and glanced back at Nawaki before replying:
"I'm not too sure myself. Snowy said she chose me. The first time I used the summoning technique, we signed a contract, and it's been like that ever since. It's just that she usually sleeps, so I don't summon her often."
Now that Snowy had reached her second phase, her chakra control was perfect, meaning there was no longer a need to hide or suppress it.
As long as she didn't release her full power, anyone would mistake her for an ordinary pet.
"Alright, then."
Hearing Takuya's explanation, Nawaki knew his hope of getting a similar Snowy had just been crushed.
Judging by Snowy's demeanor, even if there were more of her kind, they probably wouldn't let him sign a contract with them.
If Takuya knew what Nawaki was thinking, he would've told him there was still a chance—Konoha had another one, after all.
But the one in Konoha isn't exactly friendly.
Aside from Konoha's Nine-Tails, other villages have tailed beasts too!
As long as you don't get blown up by an exploding tag, there are plenty of opportunities.
The catch is, you have to be strong enough—just like Madara Uchiha, who forcibly signed a contract with the Nine-Tails.
For the Nine-Tails, that was the greatest humiliation of its life.
Being controlled by the Sharingan and sealed away was one thing, but being forced into a contract was something it could never accept.
Every time Madara used the summoning technique, the Nine-Tails' heart would skip a beat.
That's how terrifying Madara's presence was to the Nine-Tails.
"Here's your food, eat up."
Takuya finished his own breakfast of oil-splashed noodles and then left the tent with his bowl.
Seeing this, Snowy nimbly jumped onto his shoulder and nestled into his raincoat, lying on top of his head like a living, white hat.
Good thing Snowy was white—if she were green, who'd dare let her sit on their head?
It was pretty warm, though.
Takuya couldn't help but think.
Meanwhile, back in the tent, Minato and Nawaki were discussing something with concern.
"I know what you're thinking."
Minato said, rolling his eyes as he noticed Nawaki staring at him.
Nawaki chuckled awkwardly:
"And I know what you're going to say. We need to get our stories straight and make sure Orochimaru-sensei and Jiraiya-sensei never find out we don't like their summoning beasts."
"Agreed!"
Minato immediately raised his hand in agreement.
If word got out that they liked Snowy and disliked the toads and snakes, they'd be in for a world of trouble.
Jiraiya probably wouldn't get angry—after all, toads aren't exactly the most lovable creatures.
But if the toads of Mount Myoboku found out, they might refuse to work with Minato.
As for Orochimaru, no need to say more.
The snakes of Ryuchi Cave are already notoriously difficult to deal with, and given Orochimaru's personality, if he found out about this, Nawaki wouldn't be in for an easy time.
"So we need to convince Takuya to keep this secret!"
The two of them nodded in unison, speaking in one voice.
Finding Tsunade was easy enough. With Snowy leading the way, Takuya quickly made his way to the medical division's tent.
However, when he entered, he was surprised to find that Tsunade wasn't alone.
"You're here?"
Orochimaru and Jiraiya had returned to camp earlier that morning and had come to see Tsunade.
Tsunade had just finished treating their wounds when Takuya arrived.
Seeing Takuya, Tsunade immediately abandoned Orochimaru and Jiraiya, rushing over to snatch the bowl from his hands.
"This smells amazing. What is it?"
"I don't think I've had this before. I'm starving after being up all night."
Not caring about the heat, Tsunade picked up her chopsticks and started digging in.
"Oil-splashed noodles."
Takuya sat down nearby and casually responded, nodding a greeting to Orochimaru and Jiraiya across from him.
The aroma of the noodles filled the tent, and Jiraiya subconsciously swallowed.
He couldn't even remember the last time he had a warm, hearty meal.
Even Orochimaru, who wasn't usually picky about food, found his eyes fixated on the dish.
After all, they'd been fighting on the front lines for over a month, surviving on soldier pills and dry rations.
Who wouldn't want a hot meal?
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Note: If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 130+ at patreon.com/Emik01. Don't forget to give a power stone for many bonus chapters!