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Behind Menma loomed the massive form of the Nine-Tails, its fiery red chakra swirling ominously like a living storm.
Across from him stood Fū, her own tailed beast—Chōmei, the Seven-Tails—a towering beetle-like entity with three pairs of luminous green wings and a sleek, deep-blue exoskeleton.
"Is that... the Nine-Tails?" Fū's voice was filled with awe, her emerald eyes wide. Unlike Menma, who seemed unfazed by Chōmei's presence, she could hardly contain her excitement. It wasn't every day one met another Jinchūriki, let alone the legendary Nine-Tails, the strongest of all the tailed beasts.
Menma gave a small nod, his gaze shifting briefly to Chōmei before settling back on Fū. "Nice to meet you, Chōmei. I'm Uzumaki Menma."
Chōmei's many eyes blinked, its deep, resonant voice carrying a hint of surprise. "You know my name? Did Kurama tell you this?"
The Nine-Tails snorted, its amber eyes narrowing in annoyance. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't tell this brat anything. He figured it out himself—just like he figured out my name. The kid even knows about the old man."
Fū blinked, tilting her head in confusion. "Kurama? The Nine-Tails has a name? And who's this 'old man' you're talking about?"
Her mind was racing with questions. None of this was making sense to her.
Chōmei, however, stiffened at Kurama's words. Its wings fluttered slightly as it leaned closer, fixing its gaze on Menma. "What did you just say?" There was disbelief in its voice. "You know about the old man? And Kurama didn't tell you?"
Menma smiled faintly, his calm demeanor unshaken. "That's right. I know about the Sage of Six Paths. But it's not the time for that story. I came here for something else—your chakra."
Fū's jaw dropped. Her astonishment mirrored Chōmei's as the tailed beast rumbled, its tone now wary. "My chakra? You want my chakra? Why?"
Before Chōmei could press further, Fū interrupted, stepping forward with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Wait a second—how can you even handle chakra from a different tailed beast? Wouldn't it, I don't know, clash with Kurama's chakra? And what are you planning to do with it anyway?"
Menma's expression softened slightly as he turned to Fū, though his voice retained a firm resolve. "I'm from the Uzumaki Clan. Our sealing techniques are second to none. Extracting and storing a portion of Chōmei's chakra within me won't be an issue."
He paused, his gaze hardening. "As for why... you know who I really am, Fū. It's only a matter of time before the rest of the world does too. When that happens, both Takigakure and I will be targets. The only way to survive is to become stronger—fast. Chōmei's chakra will help me do that."
Fū's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a seriousness that seemed out of place on her normally cheerful face. She wasn't naïve. If Menma's identity as the son of the Fourth Hokage and the host of the Nine-Tails became public knowledge, it would draw enemies from all directions.
"I get that," she said slowly, her voice steady despite the tension. "But are you sure this will work? What if it backfires? What if it puts you or Kurama at risk?"
Menma gave a wry smile, shaking his head. "It's not about mixing their chakra. This isn't some experiment to blend tailed beast powers. It's more nuanced than that—closer to theory than fact. Honestly, I don't know if it'll work. But I have to try."
The clearing grew quiet, save for the faint hum of Chōmei's wings and the low growl of Kurama's chakra. Fū glanced at her partner, silently seeking its input.
Chōmei regarded Menma for a long moment, its many eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and caution. "If you're serious about this, you'd better be prepared for the consequences, kid. Handling the chakra of multiple tailed beasts isn't something you can take lightly."
Menma nodded firmly, his golden eyes resolute. "I understand. But it's a risk I'm willing to take."
In truth, Menma was treading a path few had dared to consider. He wasn't entirely certain if gathering the chakra of all nine tailed beasts would lead him to the same power Naruto achieved in the original timeline, but it was his best option. The tailed beasts were fragments of the Ten-Tails, and its power was the cornerstone for rivaling the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
This world, the shinobi world, thrived on bloodlines. To reach the pinnacle of strength, Menma needed to elevate his lineage to a level that could rival the Sage of Six Paths' descendants.
Fū's brow furrowed as she struggled to wrap her mind around it. "So, you're saying you want to collect chakra from all the tailed beasts? And that'll make you as strong as the Sage of Six Paths?"
Menma gave a slight nod, his tone calm but resolute. "That's the idea. But it's just a theory. I don't have all the answers yet."
Chōmei remained quiet, its towering form motionless as it considered Menma's words. After a moment, its deep voice rumbled through the clearing. "You're asking for a lot, little Uzumaki. But… you're not wrong. The world is changing, and it's only going to grow more dangerous."
The Seven-Tails' compound eyes glowed faintly as it continued. "Fine. I'll lend you some of my chakra. But hear me, Menma: if you misuse it or bring harm to Fū, I'll take it back myself. Is that clear?"
Menma's expression softened into one of gratitude. "Crystal clear. Thank you, Chōmei."
As Chōmei began to prepare its chakra transfer, Fū watched with wide eyes, equal parts awe and curiosity. She couldn't fully grasp the depth of Menma's plan, but one thing was certain—this was the beginning of something far greater than any of them could comprehend.
Even so, Menma wasn't deluded. He wasn't fooling Fū, nor was he fooling himself. The truth was simple: if success were guaranteed, the Ōtsutsuki Clan would have exploited this path long ago.
Gathering chakra from the nine tailed beasts was only step one.
The next phase required physical transformation—the fabled "Body of the Sage." Then came spiritual refinement through yin-yang release and, eventually, achieving a Kekkei Mōra. Menma didn't have a clear blueprint; he only had fragments of an idea. But he was willing to forge ahead, adjusting his course as needed. Evolution demanded risk.
Failure, however, was not an option.
"You're not just collecting my chakra, are you?" Chōmei's voice broke through the silence, its tone curious and sharp.
Menma met the Seven-Tails' gaze and nodded slowly. "This is only the first step."
Chōmei's wings shimmered faintly as it regarded him with new intensity. "I see… in that case, I have no objections. Take what you need."
The Seven-Tails extended a massive forelimb toward Menma. Without hesitation, Menma stepped forward, raising his hand to meet it. As their energies connected, a distinct chakra—fluid and lighter compared to Kurama's fiery intensity—began flowing into Menma's body.
Quickly, Menma formed a series of hand seals, activating a specialized Uzumaki sealing technique. The chakra coiled within him, settling into its designated seal, distinct from Kurama's.
"This makes two..." Menma thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Even if his ultimate plan failed, the additional chakra alone enhanced his combat capabilities and offered access to unique chakra natures.
Fū's voice suddenly broke the silence. "Menma-kun! If this works, can you teach me how to do it? I want to grow stronger too. Maybe… maybe I could get some of Kurama's chakra!"
Menma blinked at her boldness before letting out a soft chuckle. "It's possible, Fū. But you're not from the Uzumaki Clan. Even if I succeed, your body might not handle it the same way. We'll see when the time comes."
Kurama growled low in Menma's mind, clearly displeased by the notion of lending his chakra to anyone else. "You're pushing your luck, kid."
Chōmei, amused by Kurama's reaction, let out a rumbling laugh. "Still the same, Kurama. Always grumpy. This boy must really remind you of the Sage."
Fū's excitement dimmed slightly as she noticed Kurama's displeasure, but her curiosity wasn't quelled. Her gaze shifted back to Chōmei. "By the way, Chōmei, who's this 'old man' you and Kurama keep talking about? You can't just leave me hanging!"
Menma turned away, a teasing smirk on his lips. "That's not my story to tell. If Chōmei wants to share, that's up to him."
Before Fū could protest, Menma activated his chakra and vanished from the spiritual realm.
When his consciousness returned, Menma felt the distinct presence of Chōmei's chakra nestled within him. It was different from Kurama's, but he could already sense how invaluable it would be.
"See you soon, Fū," Menma murmured, his voice carrying a quiet promise as he prepared to leave.
Back in the spiritual realm, Fū stomped her foot in frustration. "Chōmei! You have to tell me! Who's the old man?!"
Chōmei chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Patience, Fū. Some stories aren't meant to be rushed."
Fū groaned loudly, throwing her hands into the air. "You're the worst! I care too much to let this go!"
The Seven-Tails laughed again, its wings fluttering lightly.
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