**Chapter 117: The Dignified Raikage Retreats**
A carefully observed Naruto, while surveying the battlefield with his peripheral vision.
The Two-Tails had been subdued.
The Eight-Tails was struggling against the Nine-Tails, and the outcome seemed certain.
Xi had died before his eyes.
Tsuchi was pinned to a tree.
As for the other soldiers, they were crushed by the powerful presence, and most had already been lost in the aftermath of the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails battle.
Almost the entire army was wiped out.
Only a few "ants," not worth Naruto's notice, were clinging to life under the debris and broken wood.
But how long had it been? This team had left the Cloud Village and had not even been gone for an hour.
Naruto stood up and looked down at A: "You are angry."
"But why are you angry? Because I killed them?"
"How laughable."
"Challenging a strong opponent."
"And you weren't prepared to be crushed and killed."
A gritted his teeth: "Then you better be prepared to be killed by me."
He bent slightly and vanished in an instant.
In the next moment, he appeared on top of the Two-Tails' head.
Lightning Release blazed more brightly.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Plow Heat Knife."
A swung his fist, aiming for the head of the golden-haired youth.
Naruto raised his hand to block.
A's pupils widened.
At his speed, this golden-haired boy had managed to react.
And he simply lowered his center of gravity to withstand the attack. His body wasn't forced to move, and in terms of power, A could not crush him.
Such a young man.
Had he already honed his body to this extent?
"Is this your true speed?" Naruto flipped his hand, grabbing A's wrist, his tone disappointed. "It's impressive for a ninja to reach this level."
"But it doesn't compare to earlier."
Naruto's other hand gripped the sword handle.
Drawing "Asura," he swung horizontally at Raikage's arm.
A raised his other hand.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Torture Level."
Electric currents surged in his palm, protruding like horns.
It was a hand blade, aimed at Naruto's neck.
Even without using Lightning Release, the force of this "hand blade" created a whistling wind.
A lethal attack.
Naruto didn't dodge.
Abandoning the incantation.
"Binding Path No. 8: Repulse."
A small chakra ball, about the size of a fist, floated up and protected his neck.
The hand blade struck!
With a cracking sound, the chakra ball was hit, with cracks spreading from the outside in, but it didn't shatter.
A's expression was astonished.
What technique was this?
His full-strength attack hadn't been able to break it.
But soon, his astonishment turned into pain.
The golden sword cut down.
Without obstruction, it severed his right arm.
In a sense, this was also a form of escape.
A lightly stepped and leaped to the other side of the Two-Tails' head, cautious.
Naruto picked up the severed arm and looked at the wound.
The flesh was red, with little blood flowing out.
A large portion of the Lightning Release chakra still remained, and the flesh and blood, stimulated by the Lightning Release, were constantly twitching. The vitality wasn't increased but was unusually active.
"Using Lightning Release chakra to stimulate body cells?" Naruto understood at a glance. "So, this is how you increased your speed."
Interesting.
A's face was heavy, taking a deep breath.
Strength, speed, and reaction.
All were above his own.
This was one of the most powerful enemies he had ever encountered.
The last one who had given him such pressure was the "Fourth Hokage."
"Aren't you going to use that technique?" Naruto sealed the severed arm and looked up at him.
A asked in return, "Which one?"
"The one that allowed you to come at high speed." Naruto tilted his head toward the direction of the Cloud Village, "Almost like light."
"I'm very curious about that."
"If there's anything you have that could threaten me."
"It's probably that."
A's expression darkened further.
Heavenly Dispatch Technique?
In his eyes, only such speed could threaten him?
"The Nine-Tails brat, don't be so arrogant!" A shouted angrily. "My abilities are not limited to this."
"My speed is no less than your father's."
"I am the Cloud's."
"Blue Lightning!"
As he spoke, the Lightning Release chakra surrounding his body became more violent, akin to the difference between the Three-Tails and Four-Tails forms.
The illusory outer layer became more solid.
The hair close to his head stood upright, lightning crackling and wrapping around him.
He vanished, moving faster!
Invisible to the naked eye.
The wind ripped apart, A appeared behind Naruto, delivering a kick with intensified lightning.
"Lightning Release: Duty Lightning Angry Thunder Axe."
This was his proud Taijutsu!
Naruto almost turned and faced him at the same moment: "Speed is a bit faster."
"But still not using that technique."
"Can't one person do it?"
The single-leg kick came down.
Naruto caught it.
The immense force made the Two-Tails' head sink slightly, blending with the soil more tightly.
It also twisted Naruto's arm muscles, bearing the load.
A's face was extremely heavy.
Still didn't cause any harm.
"There's no need to continue playing with you." Naruto tightened his grip on A's ankle.
A's face contorted in pain.
He felt as if his bones were cracking.
Naruto adjusted his chakra slightly.
Not using full power, just less than half of it, and abandoning the incantation.
"Destruction Path No. 32: Yellow Fire Flash."
A cherry blossom-colored shockwave erupted from Naruto's hand, engulfing Raikage A and piercing through.
Even with the "Lightning Release Chakra Mode" forming an armor on his body.
The most intense impact shattered his right leg, turning the flesh into debris.
To the pelvic bone, only some scattered flesh remained.
A didn't die.
He maintained the hand seals with one hand.
The Lightning Release protected his upper body.
Though also battered and bloodied, it was at least better than his right leg.
"It's difficult to reserve strength to punish the ants without causing lethal damage." Naruto threw the Raikage to the ground. "Now let's have a proper discussion."
"What kind of compensation will the Cloud Village offer."
"To seek my forgiveness."
Raikage A gritted his teeth, the pain in his body and the destruction of his spirit made it hard for him to speak.
"The location of the True Waterfall." Naruto said softly. "The information and corresponding research results that the Cloud Village stole from the Whirlpool Country."
"And your Lightning Release chakra techniques."
"That technique that lets you move almost like light."
"These are the things I've thought of for now."
"Do you have any additions?"
Raikage A looked up at Naruto: "Your appetite is really big."
"No wonder you are the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
Naruto smiled: "Compared to your village, these demands are almost negligible."
Raikage A fell silent.
Naruto turned his head: "Someone is coming."
"Chakra is not weak."
Raikage A followed his gaze.
Behind the mountain, two figures leaped out.
One was a man with white hair and dark skin.
The other was a blonde-haired, white-skinned female ninja, with her chest muscles more exaggerated than Mei Terumi's.
"Release Lord Raikage!" The white-haired man spoke, forming hand seals.
Chakra with a different "Five Elements" aura gathered in front of him.
"Storm Release: Laser Trick."
A light blue wave flashed, and water vapor emerged.
In the blink of an eye, it turned into several lightning lasers aimed at Naruto.
Naruto looked down at Raikage A, raising his hand: "A combination of lightning and water."
"It's a Kekkei Genkai."
"His chakra is not weak, almost catching up to Kirigakure's Mei Terumi."
While speaking, he performed a technique.
"Binding Path No. 39: Round Shield Fan."
Chakra swirled rapidly.
A high-speed rotating shield unfolded, intercepting all the incoming lasers.
The black-skinned man gritted his teeth.
What technique was that?
No hand seals, yet the defensive ability was so strong.
Another special Kekkei Genkai?
Naruto continued to speak softly to A: "If you die, the next Raikage should be one of the candidates, right?"
Raikage A's eyes widened: "What do you want to do to Darui!"
He had a bad premonition.
Naruto smiled but didn't speak.
But golden chains whipped out, targeting the black-skinned man.
Darui dodged.
But dozens of chains were densely packed.
The blonde-haired female ninja tried to help him, swinging her sword, but only created sparks, failing to cause damage.
After a few rounds, Darui's feet were caught.
A slight collapse, and the chains wrapped around the breakthrough point, quickly enveloping him.
One chain stabbed through Darui's throat, piercing through.
The blonde-haired female ninja nearby was also pierced through the heart, her life force slowly dissipating.
The chains retracted.
The two corpses were discarded on the ground.
"No matter how many Raikages there are, I can kill them all." Naruto looked at Raikage A calmly. "The reason I spared you is because you are the current Raikage."
"And you've held the position for many years, with some prestige."
"If you cooperate, many things will be convenient."
"If you don't cooperate, I don't mind either. It just means I'll need to replace the Raikages until I find one who is willing to cooperate."
Raikage A gritted his teeth, his left hand clenched into a fist: "You might as well destroy the Cloud Village."
"That's a very selfish answer." Naruto's voice was cold, his gaze sharp. "The lives of ninjas aren't what matter."
"But what about the innocent civilians?"
"If you all die so easily, other countries will inevitably provoke a war."
"Even someone from the Fire Country, like me, is considering the welfare of the Cloud Village's civilians."
"But you don't seem to care about them."
Raikage A was taken aback, staring at Naruto in disbelief.
He was more shocked by Naruto's consideration for civilians than by knowing Naruto could completely crush him.
Civilians?
He's actually thinking about that?
"So, what's your answer?" Naruto raised his sword, pointing it at A's throat. "Cooperate, or not?"
As he spoke, he turned his head to the direction of the Cloud Village: "More people are coming, although they're slower than the last two."
"But there are twelve of them, all Jonin."
"The Cloud Village's power is indeed formidable. Counting those I've killed, there are nearly fifty."
"Do you think any of them would be willing to cooperate with me?"
**Chapter 118: Lord Uzumaki, I'm Sorry**
Raikage Ai raised his head, his features contorted in agony. The physical pain had begun to numb, but the emotional turmoil was still raw.
He looked at Naruto.
He was just a teenager, barely over ten years old!
His gaze drifted past the golden hair and focused on another battlefield that had yet to settle.
The Eight-Tails was still battling the Nine-Tails. This beast, which had wreaked havoc on the entire village, was now being relentlessly attacked. It had lost four or five tails and could barely defend its last "horn," which seemed to be on the brink of breaking.
Ai closed his eyes again, his expression even more twisted.
Why had things turned out this way?
He hadn't underestimated Naruto due to his age as the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki.
Even within the village, there were those who opposed his mobilization of such a large force.
The Second-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki were all deployed, along with a team of nearly fifty, almost half of whom were jonin.
Such a configuration wasn't even needed for attacking the Five Great Nations.
And yet, it was completely useless!
Not a single planned tactic was implemented.
There were too many unforeseen events.
Why had the Nine-Tails appeared?
It was well-known that when a tailed beast escapes from its Jinchuriki, the Jinchuriki dies.
But this did not happen with Uzumaki Naruto.
The Cloud's Jinchuriki couldn't join forces.
The ninja troops were ineffective; there wasn't even a trace of their involvement.
The only thing Ai could think of was that "technique" that prevented the weak from acting.
Could even jonin not act under his "aura"?
Naruto's strength was beyond the level of the "Three Ninjas."
From the moment he learned about the battlefield situation until he used the "Teleportation Jutsu" to arrive, only a few minutes had passed.
In those few short minutes.
Tsuchikage and Kishi had already died.
Probably about the same as Darui and the others.
In one encounter, they were utterly defenseless.
How could he be so strong?
This had far exceeded his understanding of a "ninja."
Ai opened his eyes again and looked at Naruto.
The blonde youth's gaze was still directed into the distance, towards the direction of the Cloud Village.
He could vaguely see a team of ninjas leaping in the distance.
"I understand now," Ai spoke heavily, "the Cloud has already paid a heavy price for initiating this conflict with you."
"It has also made me sufficiently clear-headed."
"Let this be the end; we will make reparations that will satisfy you."
Naruto raised his hand, and the chains retracted with a whoosh.
The restrained Two-Tails, upon losing its "sense of restraint," eagerly withdrew back into the body of the Jinchuriki.
Naruto lowered Ai to the ground.
Yomotsu's expression was dazed; this was the most disastrous defeat she had faced since becoming a Jinchuriki.
"Won't you stop the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails from fighting?" Ai looked up.
The octopus was in a worse state, while the fox was exuberant.
It had repeatedly breached the Eight-Tails' defenses, slashing at the horn. A few more strikes, and it would fall off.
Naruto shook his head. "Their battle is a form of communication."
"It will end soon."
"Don't worry; the Jinchuriki won't come to harm."
He turned his gaze to the other side.
"That battle is also over."
In another forest.
Karin pulled a kunai from the throat of a jonin.
Her condition was grim.
One arm was broken, several ribs fractured, her chakra was chaotic, and her face was covered in blood.
"Thank you, Nine-Tails," she said with difficulty, sitting down on the ground.
Facing a jonin alone had been too much for her.
Without the Nine-Tails' help, she would have been killed here.
"You did well," said the shadow Nine-Tails, flicking its tail and gracefully descending from the tree. Its body was now about the size of a horse, with some power drawn from its seal, "Your will is strong. I thought you would give up completely after getting injured."
Karin shook her head. "I'm counting on you from here on."
"This injury can't be healed immediately."
The shadow Nine-Tails thought for a moment, staring intently at Karin, struggling with something internally.
Karin's face grew solemn. "What's the matter? I don't sense anyone approaching."
The shadow Nine-Tails sighed, its tail sweeping to gently bind Karin and place her on its back. "Considering you're Naruto's relative and have pleased me, just this once."
Karin smiled and gently stroked its fur with her uninjured hand.
So that's what it was struggling with.
The Nine-Tails really did have an odd sense of pride.
"Don't worry about new enemies. The battle over there has ended." The shadow Nine-Tails spoke, "The Cloud has surrendered."
"The other one is still fighting the Eight-Tails."
"It seems to be enjoying itself."
It sped off towards that battlefield with Karin on its back.
Raikage Ai's expression was puzzled.
The battle over there?
Was it the battle of that Uzumaki clan girl? Was the Cloud's attack on her also unsuccessful?
As he pondered, a crimson figure landed.
"Naruto, hurry and take her away," an impatient voice urged before it could stabilize, "She's been quite a nuisance!"
"Are the Uzumaki clan's hands always so unruly?"
Naruto walked over and took her away.
He scanned her wounds.
"It was indeed a tough battle," Naruto said softly.
Karin grinned brightly. "I'm pretty amazing, Naruto!"
"I took down all the Chunin by myself from a Jonin-led Chunin team."
"Although I needed the Nine-Tails' help to deal with the Jonin, I still killed him in the end."
Her eyes gleamed with expectation.
Naruto raised his hand and placed it on her, speaking in response to her anticipation, "Great job!"
"Karin has also become stronger."
A mix of green and golden light swirled in his palm, falling like rain, starting to heal her injuries.
Karin hummed, smiling even more brightly.
Yomotsu and Raikage Ai looked on in uncontrollable amazement.
They looked up at the other battlefield.
The Nine-Tails' body was enormous.
Then they looked back at the crimson figure before them.
Though not as large in size, the nine tails and immense chakra clearly indicated it was also a Nine-Tails.
Two Nine-Tails?
Can tailed beasts reproduce?
Raikage Ai's mouth twitched.
What kind of monster had he provoked?
An unfathomable Jinchuriki, plus two tailed beasts that could come out of the Jinchuriki and fight independently.
This was far from the intelligence he had previously gathered.
He didn't blame his Anbu.
This information was probably not even known to Konoha.
Who would have thought?
The final battlefield's turmoil finally settled.
The Nine-Tails swung its sword and severed the Eight-Tails' last horn.
"This is a nice trophy," the Nine-Tails grinned widely, turning its head towards Naruto, "Naruto, hurry and put this away."
"The Eight-Tails' horn!"
"It's my trophy!"
The Eight-Tails ground its teeth, its remaining two tails flicking.
The Nine-Tails had not only grown stronger but had also become more insufferable!
Three days later, in the Cloud Village's conference room.
Raikage, with a broken leg and an arm in a wheelchair, had endured what felt like decades in just a few days. The passage of time felt tangible on his face.
Also present were a few younger faces.
The Cloud's elite forces were nearly depleted from that battle.
"Lord Uzumaki," Raikage Ai attempted to rise but struggled to stand despite several attempts. He could only bow from his chair and apologize to Naruto, "The Cloud apologizes for initiating the conflict."
"And we will agree to all your compensation demands."
His voice was not calm.
Since the Cloud's establishment, in all the wars, successful or failed, they had never given such significant reparations.
Even ten years ago, during the incident where the Third Hokage was still alive, and they failed to capture the Hyuga clan's eldest daughter.
The Cloud had not compensated Konoha, and even forced the death of a Hyuga branch clan ninja.
"Then please tell me the true location of the Waterfall," Naruto said calmly.
Raikage Ai looked up, "Before that, may I ask a question?"
Naruto nodded. "Go ahead."
"If the Cloud had not initiated the conflict, would you have…"
Before Ai could finish, Naruto interrupted, "I detest pointless battles."
"If you had not initiated this, of course, I would not have taken action against the Cloud."
"I am merely a traveler, here in the Land of Lightning searching for something, nothing more."
"If the Cloud had something I needed…"
"Just like with the Mist Village, I would have been willing to make a trade with the Cloud to achieve my goals."
Raikage Ai lowered his head in resignation.
Naruto looked at the two Jinchuriki sitting next to Raikage Ai, "I had also given you a chance."
"After suppressing the Two-Tails, I only wanted to see the battle between the Nine-Tails and the Eight-Tails."
"But you still insisted on attacking me."
"Punishment was inevitable."
He paused and softened his tone, "But there's no need to be
so sorrowful. From the perspective of the living, death is the end."
"But for life, death is merely the beginning of another journey."
"I have not destroyed their souls."
"You will still meet them in the Pure Land."
Raikage Ai looked up.
This sounded like a threat.
As if he was ready to send himself to the Pure Land at any moment.
But Naruto's gaze was sincere and serious.
Did he really feel this way?
"Why are you interested in the True Waterfall?" Killer Bee asked gravely, no longer speaking in his usual cryptic manner. "With your good relationship with the Nine-Tails, you should have already become a perfect Jinchuriki."
His gaze fell on the two foxes on Naruto's shoulders.
"Do you need an explanation?" Naruto smiled at him, "If it's the Eight-Tails who wants to know."
"Then I'll talk to it personally after the compensation is settled."
Killer Bee fell silent.
Raikage Ai sighed, "The True Waterfall is an ancient legend."
"I don't know where Lord Uzumaki learned about it."
"Within the Cloud Village, very few people even believe it exists."
"But…"
"It does exist and is one of the highest secrets of the Cloud."
**Chapter 119: Two-Tails Naruto, You Are a Good Person**
Raikage Ai glanced at Killer Bee and continued, "The True Waterfall is not located within the Land of Lightning."
"It is on an island."
He paused, his tone becoming more earnest.
"Please believe, Lord Uzumaki, that what I'm about to say is not a lie."
"That island moves and its location is not fixed. The Cloud Village has stationed ninja on the island and maintains contact to find its correct location."
"So."
"If Lord Uzumaki wishes to visit the island, the Cloud Village will need to send ninja to guide you."
Naruto nodded, pondering, "It moves?"
"A unique terrain?"
"Or…"
"Some special creature?"
The image of the Three-Tails flashed through his mind, along with the unusually large toads from Mount Myoboku.
Raikage Ai's eyes flickered with a peculiar expression, and he replied honestly, "It is a giant sea turtle."
But he thought to himself.
He wasn't worried if this was a fabricated lie.
Just as this thought crossed his mind, he met Naruto's half-smiling, half-serious gaze.
He couldn't help but shiver, feeling the same helplessness from that day seep through his body.
He glanced at the others nearby.
Their eyes were clear and serious.
Clearly, they did not share his thoughts.
The alarm bells rang!
Raikage Ai quickly realized that Naruto wasn't indifferent but had no need to care.
This person.
Powerful, and also a master of sealing techniques from the Uzumaki clan.
The "medical ninjutsu" he had performed on Karin, though seen briefly, was enough to confirm its excellence.
The only unknown was his "genjutsu" abilities.
But, as he had instantly defeated Kishi, it was clear he wasn't lacking in this area either.
Uzumaki Naruto was a versatile and powerful ninja.
The words just spoken seemed to echo in his ears.
"I also gave you all a chance."
Raikage Ai took a deep breath.
He might not care, but his people had to be very cautious.
If Naruto mistakenly believed they harbored ill intentions towards him.
The Cloud Village wouldn't fall.
But those in the meeting room would likely face disastrous consequences.
He controlled his expression to appear as harmless as possible, "Lord Uzumaki, you may choose your team and depart whenever you are ready."
Naruto nodded.
Raikage Ai raised his left hand.
Mabu, a woman with white hair and deep skin, pushed a cart with several scrolls.
"These are the techniques Lord Uzumaki requested," she introduced, "including sealing knowledge obtained from the Uzumaki clan."
"And our research成果 on the Lightning Release chakra mode, Lightning Release armor, and other techniques."
As she listed the techniques, Raikage Ai's expression grew increasingly strained.
These techniques were some of the Cloud Village's most guarded secrets.
And now, they had to be handed over as compensation.
Once Mabu "detailed" all the techniques.
Raikage Ai forced a smile and asked, "Lord Uzumaki, is there anything else you need?"
Naruto took the scroll labeled "Heavenly Transfer Technique," smiled, and shook his head, "No rush, let's have the tailed beasts talk first."
Raikage Ai was taken aback.
Tailed beasts?
Talk?
Was it to find a place for complete tailed beast transformation?
Or was the Nine-Tails about to say something?
Naruto simply unrolled the scroll and began reading, not saying another word.
Raikage Ai dared not interrupt, lowering his head and observing the Nine-Tails sprawled on the table.
In the shared consciousness world of the tailed beasts.
"Kurama, what do you want to discuss with us?" The Eight-Tails and Two-Tails faced the Nine-Tails.
Especially the Two-Tails, who bared its teeth, flames flickering like an agitated cat.
"This is what that kid Naruto asked me to inquire," the Nine-Tails spoke, increasing its volume to emphasize, "so the other tailed beasts would believe it."
The Eight-Tails and Two-Tails snickered.
"He's come up with a method to allow us to escape from our Jinchuriki and move freely within a certain distance," the Nine-Tails continued, "so, do you want him to use this technique on you?"
"Escape?" The Two-Tails' voice was tinged with excitement.
It was something all tailed beasts longed for, even if they had a good relationship with their Jinchuriki. Who could resist escaping their prison and enjoying freedom?
The Eight-Tails spoke heavily, "Will it harm B?"
"Gyuki, you've really fallen," the Nine-Tails sneered, "to worry about a mere human and even risk your own freedom?"
The Eight-Tails shook its head, "B isn't just any human, he's my partner."
"And Kurama…"
"Your attitude towards humans seems to have changed."
"What right do you have to say such things?"
The Nine-Tails tilted its head, "I only severed your horn, not your brain."
"Think carefully."
"If this technique would harm the Jinchuriki, would Naruto be so lively?"
Gyuki nodded, "As long as it doesn't harm B, I am willing to accept the technique."
The Nine-Tails looked at the Two-Tails.
The cat-like face was conflicted, "Does it not harm the Jinchuriki, but what about us tailed beasts?"
"Kurama, it seems like you've split yourself into two."
"Is it because of the technique?"
Kurama growled, "Foolish cat! Are you even dumber than Gyuki?"
"There is no such harm."
The Two-Tails pondered, "Then why did you split?"
"Don't ask such trivial questions!" Kurama snapped, "Even in the consciousness world, I could still beat you black and blue!"
It paused, awkwardly shifting the topic, "I guarantee this technique won't harm us."
"It's just… being harmless means we still cannot stray too far from the Jinchuriki."
"We will still be connected by chakra."
The Two-Tails murmured, "Is that so?"
"It's not unacceptable."
"Not complete freedom," but it is still freedom.
The Eight-Tails' attitude remained unchanged.
Seeing both had agreed.
The Nine-Tails coughed and awkwardly shook its fur, "Aside from that, Nekomata, I have another request."
The Two-Tails was surprised, "A request?"
The Nine-Tails actively speaking to it?
"Cut off a portion of your chakra and give it to Naruto," the Nine-Tails said as calmly as possible.
The Two-Tails shook its head, "Give chakra to him?"
"He wants to study chakra," the Nine-Tails explained, "I think tailed beast chakra would be a good research direction."
The Eight-Tails fumed, "You bastard fox!"
"Is this why you attacked me so fiercely the other day?"
"Cutting off my horn!"
The Nine-Tails stretched its body, "I did cut off your tail for Naruto."
"But your horn was my trophy."
The Two-Tails sat down, tilted its head in thought, "Since you've said so, I'll agree."
The Nine-Tails relayed the news to Naruto.
In the meeting room.
Naruto read through the scrolls, while Karin occasionally leaned over to whisper and discuss.
The Cloud Village's people sat rigidly, holding their breath, afraid to make a sound.
They remained tense and increasingly nervous.
After more than ten minutes.
Naruto set aside the scroll and looked at the two Jinchuriki, "The Nine-Tails have agreed."
"Then let's begin."
Raikage Ai was confused.
Agreed?
What was agreed?
Why was there no sign of it?
He turned to the two Jinchuriki from his village.
Their expressions were serious as they stood up, clearly understanding what Naruto meant.
Killer Bee caught Ai's glance and explained, "The Nine-Tails and Eight-Tails said that Naruto has mastered a technique that allows the tailed beasts to leave their Jinchuriki and move freely within a certain distance, without harming the Jinchuriki or the beasts."
"Now."
"Naruto will use this technique on us."
Raikage Ai understood.
This was why the Nine-Tails could appear separately from the Jinchuriki.
However, having "former enemies" unlock the seal within their Jinchuriki was too dangerous.
Instinctively, he wanted to refuse.
But he quickly restrained this instinct.
If Naruto truly intended to harm the Jinchuriki, he could have easily killed them that day. There was no need to make such a request now.
The Cloud Village had no power to oppose him or change his mind.
This was destined.
Raikage Ai remained silent.
"Let's start with me," the host of the Two-Tails stepped forward calmly, "The Two-Tails is eager to get out."
Naruto did not rush to perform the technique.
His solution was based on the Four Symbols Sealing technique.
The Cloud Village's sealing technique, known as the "Iron Armor Seal," was different from the Four Symbols Sealing but also derived from Uzumaki clan knowledge.
After a slight modification, it didn't take long.
The two tailed beasts were released, their small forms standing on the table like the Nine-Tails.
"This is the scent of freedom." The Two-Tails stepped on the table, the cold, hard surface uncomfortable.
It looked up at the golden-haired youth with pleasure, "Uzumaki Naruto?"
"You're impressive."
"I'll leave this chakra with you."
The Two-Tails turned and ripped a portion of chakra from itself, tossing it to Naruto
.
Without hesitation, it leaped out the window.
The host of the Eight-Tails' expression changed slightly.
She could sense that after the tailed beasts were released from the body, they lost complete control over their chakra. It would be difficult to forcibly extract it. To use the tailed beasts' power, permission from the Two-Tails was required.
The Eight-Tails jumped onto Killer Bee's shoulder, "I won't give you my chakra."
"The Nine-Tails has already obtained enough from me."
Naruto sealed the chakra in front of him.
Raikage Ai stared at the direction the Two-Tails had left, looking at the host of the Eight-Tails shaking her head with a heavy expression.
The control over the "tailed beasts" had lessened.
But he had no choice but to continue discussing compensation with Naruto.
**Chapter 120: Another Naruto**
Previously, there were things that Naruto cared about. The compensation offered by the Cloud Village was not limited to just those.
Monetary compensation and resources were undoubtedly included.
Additionally, they had their own considerations, but it was not a matter of scheming against Naruto or setting traps.
Among the various compensations, there were things Naruto had not mentioned, such as several properties within the Land of Lightning, especially within the Cloud Village. They had arranged for two properties, which completely revealed their intentions.
If they couldn't treat him as an enemy, they might as well win him over.
Perhaps one day, he might remember having several houses in the Land of Lightning, even if just to vacation for a while, and after forming connections with others, he might be willing to stay in the country longer.
Of course, the chances were slim—so slim it could only be imagined.
But for a small investment like a few houses, why not try?
This method was beyond Raikage Ai's imagination.
Ninjas were merely tools.
Even the "Kage" only considered how to manage and assign tasks to these tools.
This was the suggestion given by the Land of Lightning's Daimyo after learning of the situation.
Since they could not afford to offend Naruto, they decided to be straightforward and generous with the compensation.
If it could provide an opportunity to mend relations, even better.
Naruto did not care much about these things.
Karin counted everything with a smile.
One week later.
The ship departed from the Cloud Village.
Led by Raikage's secretary Mabu, they headed towards the True Waterfall.
The island's location was erratic, and the Cloud Village did not have the ability to control it.
After several course adjustments and two days of sailing, they finally found the island.
It was vast and hidden in dense mist.
It was different from the other islands encountered on the way.
The island was surrounded not by low beaches or tall palm trees, nor by seabirds or crabs. Instead, there were jagged, protruding stone pillars all around. The wind and waves had not eroded them, but instead, they were covered in thick moss and barnacles, giving them a more menacing appearance.
Between the stone pillars, there were faint glimpses of beasts and human corpses, with reptiles crawling through them.
It gave off a feeling of "hostility."
Naruto gazed from afar.
Under the island was a formidable life force.
Was this the "turtle" the Cloud Village spoke of?
Large in size but not powerful.
Within its body, there was almost no "chakra," only traces of "natural energy." Even this "natural energy" was extremely thin compared to the young toads of Mount Myoboku.
The ship did not approach and stopped several hundred meters away.
"Is there no dock?" Karin asked as the Cloud Village ninjas began to prepare to disembark.
Mabu shook her head and explained, "The island moves, so building a dock would eventually be swallowed by the waves."
"Moreover,"
"The more difficult it is to land on this island, the more beneficial it is for us."
As she spoke.
A male ninja with black paint on his nose appeared from the island, landing on one of the stone pillars and waving a greeting: "I have received Raikage-sama's orders."
"I will be responsible for receiving you this time."
He made hand seals.
The barrier was removed.
The mist around the island seemed to dissipate slightly.
"Please follow me." The man said, beckoning.
The ninjas on the ship took their luggage and jumped off one by one, wading through the water.
Naruto and Karin walked through the air.
Looking down, the island was fully visible.
Inside the stone pillars was a dense forest and a small hill in the center.
The Cloud Village ninjas who had climbed the stone pillars looked up as the golden figure passed over the natural barriers and entered the island ahead of them.
The welcoming ninja marveled, "Is this Naruto Uzumaki?"
His tone was filled with respect for a strong individual.
Only the Tsuchikage had flying abilities, as far as he knew.
He had seen the Tsuchikage fly in his youth.
But perhaps due to the Tsuchikage's appearance or the nature of the technique.
The Tsuchikage's flight looked like being suspended and was not as graceful or elegant as Naruto Uzumaki's.
The other Cloud ninjas remained silent, casting complex glances at him.
Indeed.
This was Naruto Uzumaki.
After the Cloud ninjas reached the island, Naruto waited at the entrance.
The welcoming ninja was preparing to take them to their accommodation.
"Let's go to the True Waterfall first." Naruto said with a smile, rejecting the arrangement but in a gentle tone.
The ninja was taken aback but nodded and led the way.
Raikage's order was to fulfill any request of Naruto Uzumaki without question.
The True Waterfall was located at the central mountain range of this "Turtle Island."
It seemed rather small compared to the waterfalls in the Land of Lightning—a narrow river about four or five people wide, cascading from a cliff more than ten meters high into a pool only slightly wider than a stream.
At the end of the waterfall, there was a circular platform in the middle of the pool.
"This is the place known as the True Waterfall," the ninja introduced. "By sitting on the platform in the center of the pool and meditating, you can see your true self."
Naruto raised his foot to step forward.
Mabu asked, "Lord Uzumaki, do you need us to leave?"
Naruto smiled and shook his head.
He sat on the platform and closed his eyes.
The two Nine-Tails also followed, sitting beside him and entering meditation.
A surge of natural energy enveloped Naruto, and he did not resist, allowing it to cover him.
The sound of the rushing water suddenly vanished.
Before his eyes, the waterfall scene reappeared.
Naruto looked up, and a figure emerged from behind the waterfall.
It was another version of himself.
Wearing the same captain's cloak and with two swords at his waist.
The only difference was the eyes—those of the figure emerging from the waterfall were blood-red, filled with hatred and anger.
"Why didn't you annihilate the Cloud Village?" the figure said as he walked out, "You clearly gave them a chance."
"But they did not appreciate it."
"Especially that guy Ai."
"Even when making compensation, there were all sorts of other ideas."
"Ninjas are truly boring creatures. Since that's the case, why not completely destroy them?"
Naruto turned his head to look at the sides.
The Nine-Tails were gone.
Was this a confrontation only he could have with his inner self?
He replied, "Annihilating the Cloud Village would cause meaningless war."
"New Five Great Ninja Countries would emerge even if the old ones were destroyed."
"What does that have to do with you?" Red-eyed Naruto raised his tone, spreading his hands, "The end of the lifespan of the living is just the beginning of another journey, isn't that what you said?"
"Do you really care about their lives?"
Naruto's expression remained calm: "It's not about caring, it's about respecting."
"Since you are another me, you should be very clear about our matters."
"Are you referring to the Soul Society?" Red-eyed Naruto grinned, "Don't try to test me."
"I am you."
"I have all your memories, both from the ninja world and the Soul Society."
Naruto nodded, dismissing the "illusion" option of the True Waterfall. An illusion alone couldn't know things from another world.
The red-eyed self indeed stemmed from his "inner self."
He continued, "Since you know, you understand that we are Shinigami."
"As a Shinigami, what we must do is respect life."
"Those people are indeed unrelated to me."
"I have no reason to love them, but likewise, I have no reason to hate them."
"Punishing those who anger me by depriving them of decades of life seems appropriate."
"But ordinary people."
"They have neither committed evil nor offended me, so why should they suffer that kind of pain?"
Red-eyed Naruto spoke firmly: "Then kill all the ninjas."
"Kill anyone who wants to start a war!"
"That way, those innocent ordinary people won't have to suffer."
Naruto was not swayed by his words: "Killing all ninjas won't solve the problem."
"Abusing tools is a problem with the tools?"
"Can destroying all tools ensure that no new tools will ever be born?"
Red-eyed Naruto stared at Naruto sitting on the pool platform, lowering his voice: "But that's your deepest inner thought. Why are you trying so hard to deny it?"
"You cannot represent me." Naruto shook his head.
He slowly stood up and placed his hand on the "Ashura" sword: "I admit that I did indeed have the thoughts you mentioned."
"But those are not my final will."
"What you represent is only the 'hatred' and 'resentment' within me."
Red-eyed Naruto also grabbed the "Ashura" sword: "So, do you want to make a move against me?"
Naruto used Shunpo and swung his sword.
Red-eyed Naruto raised his sword easily to parry.
The clash of equal chakra and spiritual power caused a turbulent storm and waves.
In the real world.
By the poolside.
"What is the True Waterfall supposed to do?" Karin watched Naruto, sensing his chakra circulation.
"The True Waterfall projects another self in the inner world," Mabu explained to Karin, "like a mirror reflecting a completely opposite self."
"Usually, only Jinchuriki come here for training."
"This is my first time here, so I haven't truly seen it."
Before she could
finish, a powerful force erupted from the blond youth.
The ninjas by the shore were overwhelmed, gritting their teeth and being suppressed by the aura.C