Kurama's gaze sharpened, his massive form tense with distrust and anger. He let out a low, rumbling growl, each word dripping with defiance. "You speak of peace and duty, but you humans have always been the same—seeking power under the guise of fake unity. I will not be swayed by empty promises, human."
Isshin met Kurama's burning gaze, unflinching. "And what have you achieved by rejecting our alliance? Isolation has brought you nothing but fear and endless conflict. If you truly despise humans, then help us end this cycle instead of feeding it!"
Kurama bared his teeth, his chakra swelling like a tidal wave, rippling with a malice borne from years of resentment. "You don't get it, do you? Why should I help you? My power belongs to me alone—I owe humanity nothing." His voice dropped, heavy with disdain. "Your kind have done nothing but betray us, us as weapons. Why should I believe this time is any different?"
"Because this time you have a choice!" Isshin countered, his voice strong, unwavering. "You're not a mindless weapon; you're a force of nature,"
The Nine-Tails let out a fierce growl, his chakra flaring in a wave that seemed to darken the temple itself. "You dare lecture me on duty?" Kurama's voice reverberated, filled with ancient rage and wounded pride. "I am not bound to your human notions of 'responsibility.'"
Madara watched Kurama's reaction carefully, prepared to intervene, while Hashirama's expression softened, sensing the wounded soul behind Kurama's anger. Isshin, however, held his ground, his gaze unwavering.
"This isn't just for us," Isshin continued, undeterred. "It's for you, too. You can either remain a tool of destruction, or you can choose to be part of a legacy of peace. The Sage of Six Paths didn't create you for isolation. He gave you life so that you could protect it."
C"What do you gain by clinging to bitterness? Join us, and you have the chance to shape a future where the tailed beasts aren't feared or hunted."
Kurama's eyes narrowed, his tails twitching with restrained fury. "You talk as if we're equals, but I've seen what 'peace' with humans truly means. Chains and seals, curses that force obedience. You think words will erase that?"
Isshin took a step closer, the fire in his eyes matching Kurama's fury. "I'm not asking you to forget, Kurama. I'm asking you to change it. I know you don't trust us—and frankly, I don't blame you. But if there's even a chance we can reshape this broken bond, isn't it worth considering?"
The Nine-Tails let out a derisive snort, flicking his tails dismissively. "Words, just words. You think you're different, that you can persuade me with noble speeches. But in the end, you're only after my power, just like the rest."
Isshin clenched his fists, his voice hardening. "If I only wanted power, I wouldn't be standing here, risking my life for this. I'm here because I believe we can end this damn cycle of hatred and mistrust. If you refuse, then we're doomed to repeat this war forever. Is that really the future you want?"
Kurama fell silent, his gaze locked on Isshin, the weight of centuries of anger and pain lingering in his eyes. For a brief moment, something flickered there—an ember of consideration, perhaps, or a buried curiosity. But then he growled, lowering his head as if to end the conversation.
"Tell me your name," he demanded coldly, still unconvinced but unwilling to dismiss Isshin entirely. "If you truly believe you're different."
Isshin held his ground, his gaze steady. "Isshin… Isshin Ashina Uzumaki."
.
.
.
.
Kurama's eyes narrowed, but he slowly lowered his hand to meet Isshin's outstretched fist, the massive paw meeting Isshin's hand in a cautious but powerful gesture. As their fists connected, a surge of chakra flowed between them, raw and potent, intertwining in a way that felt like a silent pact. Kurama's chakra was immense, wild and fiery, yet as it mixed with Isshin's, a strange harmony emerged—a flicker of understanding forged from their shared defiance.
"You took half of everything…..Perhaps you have quite advanced sealing." Kurama noticed and pointed out.
"...Yes, I think I stored a thousand times more than mine."
Just as the exchange settled, Isshin's Kagura eyes flared with sudden intensity. He stiffened, his gaze snapping toward the edge of the forest. "We're not alone," he murmured, his voice tight.
Madara's Sharingan spun to life as he scanned the horizon, while Hashirama's eyes hardened, his senses heightened. In the distance, shadows emerged—figures cloaked in darkness, their chakra signatures brimming with malice. The air grew heavy, the oppressive aura pressing down on the clearing like a storm ready to break.
A figure stepped forward, his face shrouded but his presence unmistakable—a powerful shinobi, followed by a squad of shinobi, each emanating a killing intent that seemed to echo through the silence.
Kurama growled, his tails twitching with anticipation as he prepared for battle.
Isshin clenched his fist, now radiating with Kurama's chakra, and exchanged a determined glance with Madara and Hashirama. "Looks like they don't intend to let us leave here peacefully."
Hashirama cracked his knuckles, a rare grin spreading across his face. "Guess they don't realize who they're up against."
Madara's eyes gleamed with a fierce resolve. "Let them come. They'll learn soon enough."