**Chapter 121: My Name Is...**
Cloud ninjas lay on the ground, their shapes imprinted on it.
Bones creaked, making "creak-creak" noises.
"What's happening?" the ninja in charge of reception struggled to speak under such heavy pressure, unable to even lift his head.
"This is Lord Naruto's technique," Mabu said, his voice stuttering. He had to pause frequently to catch his breath. "But why is it suddenly being used?"
The reception ninja thought of something: "It must be meeting with another self within."
"They are fighting."
Mabu glanced over with widened eyes.
She knew about meeting the "true self," but not about the "fight."
Had she known, she would have kept her distance.
Just then, the atmosphere suddenly grew heavier.
Both Naruto and the two الذيول التسعة felt the pressure increase.
Inside the الذيول التسعة' inner world.
Standing opposite the two الذيول التسعة was only one figure.
It was another الذيول التسعة, enveloped in black mist, whole and complete.
"Have living with humans for so many years made you so insincere?" the black الذيول التسعة sneered, "Or has splitting your consciousness in two made your thoughts sluggish?"
"Can't you understand?"
"That kid just wants to use your power."
The two الذيول التسعة ignored it and pounced.
The black الذيول التسعة was powerful, facing two opponents yet not falling behind.
"So eager to attack me?"
"Is it because you can't bear to hear the truest voice from deep within and are getting frustrated?"
"Think about it."
"Uchiha Madara, Hashirama Senju, and the previous two Jinchuriki."
"Ninjas are all the same."
The battle continued.
But the two الذيول التسعة were inevitably affected by these thoughts and reminisced about the past.
Those individuals emerged in their memories.
Uchiha Madara arrogantly: "You only have unstable power. The only ones who can guide you are the Uchiha clan."
"You Tailed Beasts are only fit to be the servants of the eye power users."
Hashirama Senju apologetically: "The power of the الذيول التسعة is indeed too great. I'm sorry, but it's better for you to be sealed away."
First Jinchuriki Kushina Uzumaki sternly: "Using your power will only bring hatred."
"Just stay inside me."
Second Jinchuriki Minato Namikaze: "Both you and I are indeed unfortunate."
"But you are the world's curse, and I am your curse."
No matter how they phrased it, the final meaning was the same as what Uchiha Madara initially wanted to express—no different.
As they couldn't help but almost acknowledge the black الذيول التسعة' words.
The Yang الذيول التسعة suddenly thought of when the first "Four Symbols Seal" was unlocked.
Naruto looked up with a radiant, sincere smile, raising his fist to bump with his own paw.
Now, that power from decades ago seemed to be passing through his joints again.
"We are friends, aren't we?" The words echoed once more.
The Yang الذيول التسعة snarled angrily: "Yes! I still hate ninjas!"
"Uchiha Madara..."
"When I see him again, I'll devour him!"
"But I'm not as ugly as you, disgusting."
"I am strong and graceful!"
The Yin الذيول التسعة spoke up: "We are not things that live in hatred."
It also thought of a person with golden hair, though not Naruto, but Minato Namikaze.
After the two foxes spoke, a vague voice rang in their ears.
"Call."
"Call my name."
They twitched their ears, trying to hear more clearly.
But at the crucial moment, just when they were about to hear the name, the black الذيول التسعة would always interfere, making the name slip away.
The two foxes grew more irritated.
In the real world.
The Cloud ninjas and Karin experienced the longest ten minutes of their lives.
Naruto's expression was heavy as he stood up.
The two الذيول التسعة fluffed up their fur and opened their eyes.
Their presence subsided.
The ninjas could finally lift their heads and stretch their stiff bodies.
"Naruto!" Karin looked over, seeing him calm and uninjured, and sighed in relief, her tone softening. "How's the situation?"
Naruto glanced at the Cloud ninjas: "We'll talk later."
There was only one building on the island.
It was decorated to resemble the mouth of the Eight-Tails.
Seeing it, the الذيول التسعة' frustration was swept away, and they mockingly taunted it.
If Killer Bee had been there, the الذيول التسعة would have been even more insulting.
Inside the building.
"What just happened?" Karin closed the door, performed hand signs, and cast a sealing technique. A barrier, not very strong but capable of isolating sound, enveloped the room.
"In the inner world, I met a collective of my negative emotions," Naruto said softly. "And fought with it."
"It had the same abilities, the same battle experience, and even used the الذيول التسعة' power similarly."
"The result was a draw, no clear victor."
"And the الذيول التسعة, was it the same for you?"
Speaking of which, the two الذيول التسعة gritted their teeth. The Yin Nine-Tails slapped a pillow: "We only encountered one, a complete entity of the original source."
"That guy has some skills."
"Facing our combined attacks, it could still barely hold on."
Karin casually remarked with a smile: "So you didn't win?"
"It didn't win either!" the Yang الذيول التسعة emphasized, repeating three times, "It was just a draw!"
"We could have won."
"But while fighting that guy, there was always a voice whispering in our ears."
"It was very annoying!"
The Yin الذيول التسعة shredded the pillow: "Yes! It kept saying 'My name is,' 'My name is.'"
"Why not just say the name already!"
"Making me distracted."
Naruto was taken aback: "There was a voice in your ears, constantly trying to tell you a name?"
He was very familiar with this situation.
Before "Ashura" was unlocked, he had experienced something similar.
The two الذيول التسعة nodded.
"Shikai?" Naruto examined them, "It sounds like Shikai."
The Yang الذيول التسعة paused, turning its head and eyeing the other self, circling around and scrutinizing it: "Zanpakuto?"
"Naruto, are you sure?" the Yang الذيول التسعة asked.
Naruto responded: "Before Ashura was unlocked, I always heard such a voice in my ear."
"Since it was heard in the inner world..."
"It's basically certain that it's the whisper of a Zanpakuto."
The Yang الذيول التسعة stepped on the Yin Nine-Tails' tail: "But I already have a sword."
"That one, named after me."
Naruto removed the "الذيول التسعة" and placed it on the bed.
The three الذيول التسعة were neatly arranged.
"We always encounter strange things," Naruto said softly, removing the other sword as well, "Like the Ashura sword."
"Although I can use Ashura's power now."
"However, Ashura is not its true name. The real power that belongs to me is still a seed."
"And the الذيول التسعة sword seems like it should be your Zanpakuto."
"But actually, it's a symbol of me borrowing your power."
"Don't you have the means to unlock it?"
The Yang الذيول التسعة nodded: "When fighting the Ox Demon, I tried the same way as you, saying those strange things."
"But it was useless!" it gritted its teeth, "If I hadn't slapped the Ox Demon, it would have laughed at me."
Naruto reached out and grabbed its ear: "So, the voice you heard should be your Zanpakuto's voice."
"You are also an individual with your own Zanpakuto, which is normal."
The two الذيول التسعة' eyes sparkled with a brilliant light.
Zanpakuto?
So there could be a Zanpakuto of their own.
"Just defeat that guy and you'll hear the name?" the Yin الذيول التسعة pulled its tail from under the Yang Nine-Tails' feet, "This is indeed an interesting matter."
"Can I also be a Shinigami?" the Yang الذيول التسعة, standing on the bed, spoke with a hint of anticipation.
Naruto looked at the الذيول التسعة, puzzled.
The "الذيول التسعة" was a genuine Zanpakuto.
So its power came from the Tailed Beast الذيول التسعة and should be similar to the "Zanpakuto Soul."
Can a Zanpakuto Soul also have its own Zanpakuto?
Thinking about it, Shinigami power is indeed strange.
If "Zanpakuto is the manifestation of spiritual power," then why could he make the الذيول التسعة' power also become a Zanpakuto?
Why could Urahara Kisuke modify his Zanpakuto through experimental methods?
Normally,
With such a premise, to change a Zanpakuto's power, one would need to practice "spiritual power."
Naruto pondered.
But this is the ninja world, so he could only set these questions aside for now. When he returns to the Soul Society, he'll casually ask Urahara Kisuke about his research on this topic.
Karin glanced at the الذيول التسعة and clicked her tongue.
Reaching for the other ear of the Yang الذيول التسعة.
While she was still struggling with mastering "spiritual power," the الذيول التسعة was already trying to master its own "Zanpakuto."
How did she fall so far behind a fox?
The الذيول التسعة bared its teeth and swatted Karin's hand away.
Naruto sat at the table, taking out a scroll
, and began researching a part of the Eight-Tails' body and its power.
Karin, after a while of playfully teasing, started tidying up the room.
She realized.
Until the الذيول التسعة mastered that "Zanpakuto" power and Naruto resolved his negative emotion entity, they likely wouldn't leave the island.
This would be their residence for some time to come.
**Chapter 122: Immortality and the Inner Self**
In the Land of Rain.
Inside an underground cave.
Several phantoms appeared one after another, casting colorful light that illuminated the dark, cramped space.
"Summoned again," one of them said, shouldering a massive three-bladed scythe and speaking in a gruff tone. "What's this about? Are we finally starting to take action?"
"Our group's mission is complete," another tall figure said calmly beside him.
The one with the Rinnegan spoke: "Zetsu, give them the details."
The noisy group immediately quieted down.
The phantom with a pitcher plant-shaped head spoke in a raspy voice: "The الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki went to the Land of Lightning and was targeted by the Cloud Village, with forces sent after the Nine-Tails."
"Has the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki been captured by the Cloud Village?" the phantom with a high ponytail exclaimed. "They got ahead of us."
Zetsu continued, ignoring him: "But the Cloud Village's capture attempt failed."
"The Two-Tails and Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, along with dozens of Jonin and even the Raikage himself, were unable to subdue the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki."
"The attacking forces from the Cloud Village were almost entirely wiped out."
"The Raikage was injured, losing an arm and a leg."
The atmosphere in the cave grew heavy as the colors of the phantoms seemed to dim.
"Is that really possible?" the ponytailed phantom asked incredulously. "Against an entire village?"
"Only if we work together could we achieve such a thing," another phantom said. "Can he really do it alone?"
"Even with the Cloud Village's full strength, they couldn't take down the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki?" a nearly cowering man spoke up. "Itachi, I remember you fought him before."
The phantom with the Sharingan raised his head.
He was the only member of the Akatsuki not referred to by a codename.
The "Sharingan" was too conspicuous.
In the entire ninja world, there were only two Sharingans, and he was one of them. His identity was well known.
"He is very strong," Uchiha Itachi said. "I didn't have a deep engagement with him, so we don't know exactly how strong he is."
"And that was over a year ago."
The tall phantom looked at the Rinnegan: "So the leader summoned us this time to gather the organization's full strength to deal with him?"
The Rinnegan spoke calmly: "The information Zetsu brought this time."
"Is almost the same as what Jū and Nan brought me over a year ago."
"The الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki is still quite young."
"If he grows any more, he will become a significant threat."
"Moreover—"
He paused and glanced at the pitcher plant-shaped phantom: "According to some intelligence, the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki has been trying to gather information about our organization for over a year."
"He might already know what our organization's goals are."
The man holding the scythe smiled: "Doesn't his goal include Itachi?"
"After all, it's the Sharingan."
The Rinnegan looked over: "According to Zetsu's information."
"Orochimaru seems not to be dead."
"And he has had some exchanges with the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki."
"Our information might have leaked from that guy's mouth."
The scythe-wielding man fell silent.
The Rinnegan's gaze swept over the phantoms, his voice low: "Whether it's due to Naruto Uzumaki's own strength."
"Or to maintain the secrecy of our organization."
"Capturing the الذيول التسعة has become an urgent matter."
"But the battlefield cannot be on the territory of the Five Great Nations."
"We're not yet at the point where we can expose ourselves to them."
"So—"
"San, Kita."
"Go and draw the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki to the Land of Rain."
"The rest return and prepare for battle."
The phantoms named twitched.
The scythe-wielding man dragged out his words in complaint: "You want us to do something that is clearly a death sentence?"
"Aren't you the 'Immortal Duo'?" the Rinnegan said. "This task is most suitable for you."
"Moreover, 'San,' you joined the organization after Orochimaru."
"No one knows your information."
"You might be able to use your abilities to unexpectedly capture the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki."
The man called "San" sighed: "Understood, leader."
"However—"
"I think you can retract your last order."
"I will definitely capture the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki!"
The Rinnegan didn't answer, only forming hand seals and whispering: "Prepare yourselves."
His phantom then disappeared.
The other figures gradually dispersed.
In the Land of Birds.
In a forest, two men in black cloaks with red clouds slowly opened their eyes.
"Hidan, you really can say that," the man with the Hidden Waterfall Village headband said. "Do you really think you can capture the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki?"
"Crushing the strongest village among the Five Great Nations."
"That kind of strength reminds me of an old acquaintance."
"If he grows a few more years, he might become that kind of person."
The younger man with the Hidden Hot Springs Village headband turned around, impatiently digging at his ear: "Kakuzu, you're so verbose. I've heard about fighting the First Hokage and surviving more times than I can count!"
"A mere ninja god."
"Even if the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki doesn't reach that level, so what?"
"Is a position achieved through flattery comparable to a true deity?"
"Lord Hidan is a true god!"
"No one can resist the power that comes from Lord Hidan."
Kakuzu rolled his eyes: "Then let's get going. It's a long way from here to the Land of Lightning."
Hidan eagerly envisioned himself torturing the الذيول التسعة Jinchuriki.
On Turtle Island.
Training under the waterfall was progressing slowly.
Naruto remained calm, treating the waterfall as a tool to test his abilities. He fought against a completely identical self, capturing and recording any lapses in the battle, refining his techniques, and becoming stronger.
For this purpose.
He didn't visit the waterfall frequently, at most once every two or three days. Sometimes, if the research reached a crucial point or if he couldn't think of a solution to his problems, he would skip the waterfall until he found a solution.
The الذيول التسعة, on the other hand, went every day, fighting with the "dark side" of itself two or three times a day.
One reason was to obtain a Zanpakuto.
Another reason was their strong dislike for the "blackened" self.
Just a mere inner darkness.
So boastful and arrogant.
Yet the results were disappointing.
They returned every day with a defeated look, the results were evident.
It made them feel somewhat frustrated.
Even their arguments with Karin seemed less spirited.
"Naruto, researching the Tailed Beasts can be done anytime," the Yin الذيول التسعة lay on the bed, baring its teeth. "Aren't you in a hurry to resolve that dark side?"
"I'm not in a rush," Naruto said with a smile.
The Yang الذيول التسعة anxiously scratched the bedspread.
But I am anxious!
Should I really set aside my pride and ask Naruto for help?
Like that girl named "Soi Fon"?
Isn't that too embarrassing?
Naruto read its emotions. The الذيول التسعة was a creature that couldn't hide its thoughts; everything was written on its face.
He put down the scroll and turned around: "Haven't you heard the name of that sword yet?"
Both foxes nodded, their faces growing more troubled at the topic.
"Clearly, the voice has been heard very clearly," the Yang الذيول التسعة bared its teeth. "But the name is always hidden."
"Why is that?"
"Is it because our training isn't enough?"
The Yin الذيول التسعة scratched its pillow.
Naruto gently said: "It's because you're too impatient."
He paused and gently patted his thigh: "Seeing how you two are now, I've had some new thoughts."
The two foxes bared their teeth.
What does he mean by "how you two are now," as if we're in a pathetic state.
"I wonder..."
"Maybe we're too preoccupied with our preconceived notions?"
The الذيول التسعة tilted its head, its four eyes fixed on him.
"Father once told us to resolve our inner darkness," Naruto continued, "So when we came to the real waterfall, we naturally thought we had to eliminate that dark self."
Otherwise?
The two foxes insisted.
Of course, we must eliminate that ugly thing!
"But," Naruto recalled the night when "Kuroka" and others were in trouble, "Even though that dark self is dark and evil, it's still a part of our inner selves."
"Before I unlocked Ashura's blade."
"I could also hear their voices, but not their names."
"I thought about it, and the reason is simple. It's because I wasn't ready."
"I desired greater power but didn't feel close to it."
"I preferred to be close to weaker power but didn't want to accept it."
"Subconsciously, I rejected it, so I couldn't hear their names."
"It's not that the power isn't enough; it's that we've blocked our own ears."
The الذيول التسعة pondered this.
"So, we need to accept that dark self?" They instinctively showed a look of disgust.
Naruto grabbed the Yang Nine
-Tails' tail and massaged it in his hand: "Where there is light, there will be shadows."
"In our hearts, it will naturally be no exception."
"We need to be the strongest light, suppress these shadows, and let the true self guide our body and thoughts, rather than just our partial thoughts."
The Yang الذيول التسعة looked up at the blonde youth: "Naruto, you really do look quite impressive now."
"But—"
"What's with the Uzumaki clan?"
"Stop playing with my tail."
It bared its claws menacingly, while the Yin الذيول التسعة laughed nearby. Naruto wouldn't let go.
The next day.
They both appeared at the real waterfall, entering the platform to meditate and confront their inner selves.
**Chapter 123: Reflect, Fox Mirror**
Inside the waterfall.
Naruto with red eyes emerged, speaking loudly with a defiant tone.
"Over and over, never learning your lesson."
"I am you; our powers are identical."
"You can't erase me."
His tone was filled with bitterness, and his anger was fiercer than before.
This resentment was not only towards past experiences but now also towards Naruto himself.
Naruto looked at him and smiled slightly: "You're right."
The red-eyed Naruto was stunned.
"You are me," Naruto said confidently, "Why should I be obsessed with eliminating you?"
"No one can completely erase their negative emotions."
"Thoughts change in an instant, and I've had the most frightening ideas."
"That momentary self is also a part of me."
Naruto paused, pulling out Ashura.
The golden blade was vibrant with life.
"Denying you is the same as denying myself," Naruto said, feeling the power within the blade.
The red-eyed Naruto grinned: "But it seems you don't want to accept me, nor do you want to do as I say."
"Is acceptance and acknowledgment an inevitable relationship?" Naruto asked him.
"I admit, within me are some dark and evil thoughts."
"But does that mean I must act on those dark and evil things?"
The red-eyed Naruto reached out, attempting to grasp the blade at his waist.
His hand missed.
He looked down.
The الذيول التسعة had disappeared.
The Ashura blade scattered into stardust, floating and merging with Naruto's Ashura blade.
The red-eyed Naruto looked up, confused: "Why is this happening?"
He realized his power was fading.
"Hatred doesn't solve problems," Naruto said gently, "Only love nurtures and gives life."
This was his realization after traveling through the Ninja World and Soul Society.
The people who made him better were the convenience store owner, Principal Bogon, and the captains and vice-captains who cared for him.
What made Karin better came from his own family.
He lifted the blade.
"Come back."
"We were never separated."
"This waterfall only made me see the shadow under the light, mistaking you as a separate entity from my body."
The red-eyed Naruto stood still.
His body, like the initial Ashura, began to disintegrate rapidly, floating towards the blade in Naruto's hand.
In the inner world.
The warm, powerful Ashura power enveloped the new, emerging strength.
After receiving this "nourishment," it sprouted like a seed that had accumulated strength all winter, breaking through and growing.
It greedily absorbed the remaining Ashura power and continued to grow.
It still needed to grow.
To bloom and bear fruit.
Naruto watched it gently for a while before sheathing the blade.
Meanwhile, in another realm of consciousness.
The two الذيول التسعة fought fiercely with the black Nine-Tails.
Fur flying, chakra vibrating.
"Stubborn, foolish fox," the black الذيول التسعة roared, "How many times have we fought?"
"I am your inner self."
"We are equal; you can't kill me!"
The Yang الذيول التسعة clicked its tongue: "Naruto told us that where there is light, there is shadow."
"So."
"He believes that the best way to deal with you is to accept you."
"And then use his light to suppress this darkness."
The Yin الذيول التسعة swished its tail: "No matter how many times we see it, your ugly appearance really can't convince us that you're a part of us."
"Disgusting."
"Seeing your face immediately makes us lose the idea of following Naruto's method."
It raised its fist.
The Yang الذيول التسعة also swung its fist, lightly clashing with the other's.
"So," the two الذيول التسعة said in unison, "What about that technique?"
"During this time, besides thinking about how to beat you."
"We've also been thinking about how to merge into a single entity."
They paused.
The Yang الذيول التسعة grinned, showing its teeth: "Although we can't fully merge yet, we can at least temporarily become one."
"And you?" the Yin الذيول التسعة taunted, "With just one body, can you use such power?"
Their arms, chakra like waves, collided and merged.
The yin and yang intertwined, forming a circle.
Yin and Yang combined, gradually forming a new body.
A complete الذيول التسعة.
The black الذيول التسعة sneered: "I thought you might come up with something."
"Is that all?"
"Don't forget, I already possess all your power."
"Even if you merge into one, you are still only equivalent to me."
The الذيول التسعة ignored it and continued to fight.
As the black الذيول التسعة said, they remained evenly matched.
"Why are you so eager to deny me?" the black الذيول التسعة said quietly, "Haven't you admitted your hatred towards ninjas?"
"That kid also said to accept my existence."
"But—"
The الذيول التسعة spat at it, interrupting forcefully: "How could I ever acknowledge such an ugly being."
"And disasters, embodiments of hatred, and delusions."
"Those are just labels the ninjas put on me."
In its ears, the calling voices grew stronger and clearer.
The الذيول التسعة suddenly burst into wild laughter.
"I know what you are now," it said, staring at the black الذيول التسعة with its red eyes, "You're not the dark side of me."
"I have never denied myself!"
"Hate is hate!"
"I can openly admit to causing the death of Minato and Kushina."
"A dark side isn't hard to admit."
The black الذيول التسعة sneered, mocking: "If I'm not you, then what am I?"
The الذيول التسعة stepped back, placing a paw on its belly.
"Naruto once described us tail beasts."
"He said."
"We are a mirror."
"How we treat them reflects what we receive."
"At that time, I didn't take this to heart."
"Until—"
It lowered its head, feeling the complete power and consciousness within, and the emerging things within them.
"I just received all the memories of another self," the الذيول التسعة continued, "And realized something."
"Naruto isn't an exception."
"Minato was the same."
"Our attitude towards them matched Naruto's words."
"So."
"You, ugly creature, are the ninjas' hatred! They don't understand my power or the meaning of my existence." The الذيول التسعة grasped the coalescing power tightly, "With their shallow, weak knowledge, they label me as a disaster and embodiment of hatred."
"You are a collection of their consciousness."
"Not mine!"
The black الذيول التسعة was silent.
The الذيول التسعة gripped the blade tightly: "And Naruto made a mistake."
"The reason I could never hear that name."
"It wasn't because I denied you or blocked my ears."
"It's because I had never tried to merge as one before."
"Now that I'm complete, I can hear it."
"Can you, ugly creature, wield such power?"
Chakra surged and roared.
The الذيول التسعة, in a triumphant tone, called out its name: "Reflect, Fox Mirror!"
It drew a slender, colorless, nearly transparent blade from its body.
"This is my zanpakuto!" The الذيول التسعة grinned, "Now I'll cut you."
It swung the blade with a fierce wind.
The black الذيول التسعة countered, trying to pull something from its body, but nothing came out.
After a few strikes.
The black الذيول التسعة was bleeding heavily, wounds gaping, black mist swirling.
The blade in the الذيول التسعة' hand was slightly tainted by black energy.
The black الذيول التسعة bared its teeth, its expression showing extreme impatience. It opened its mouth, and a Tailed Beast Ball quickly formed and was spit out.
The الذيول التسعة did not respond in kind.
It raised its blade, striking the Tailed Beast Ball.
Chakra within it surged violently, consuming an equal amount of chakra to what was used to release the Tailed Beast Ball.
The ball, like a normal sphere, deformed, and was completely absorbed by the transparent blade.
At that moment, the blade was almost completely stained black.
"My blade absorbs attacks," the الذيول التسعة raised it high, "Then compresses and re-releases them."
"Let you be killed by your own hatred."
"You ugly creature."
It swung with force.
Energy poured out, a tiny, compressed sphere sliced from the blade's tip.
It struck the black الذيول التسعة, tearing its massive body apart.
The impact extended into the real world.
With the uncontrollable, sudden surge of massive aura.
The river roared and splashed.
The الذيول التسعة opened its eyes, looking beside it. Naruto held his chakra open, creating a barrier on the platform, and the falling river water did not wet them.
One on the left and one on the right, the two foxes.
"How was it?" Naruto asked with a smile, "Did your souls strengthen and gain Shikai?"
The Yang الذيول التسعة grinned and nodded: "Yes, I've mastered Shikai."
"And killed that ugly, dirty creature."
Naruto looked at the two foxes, but he did not see any sign of the zanpakuto around them.
**Chapter 124: The Secret of the Tailed Beasts**
Back at the residence.
Karin opened a barrier to prevent eavesdropping.
She looked back in amazement, studying the two foxes: "Do you really have that zanpakuto power like Naruto?"
"But where are your swords?"
Naruto was curious too.
He had searched carefully at the waterfall, even diving into the water, worried the sword might have fallen in.
But nothing was found.
"I don't know," the Yang Kurama blinked, shaking its head. "I only heard the name, but I didn't get the sword."
"I even used it during the fight with that ugly guy, but I don't know why it didn't come out."
The two foxes exchanged their stories. When they talked about "Naruto, you were wrong, that guy wasn't part of me," they wagged their tails quickly, looking quite proud.
When it came to the zanpakuto, they became more subdued.
Naruto thought for a moment and proposed a guess: "In the real world, what we meditated into was the inner world."
"Because you mastered that power, you could use it smoothly."
"But in the real world, you didn't have the zanpakuto."
"So you didn't bring the sword out."
The Yang Kurama showed impatience: "Do we need a zanpakuto?"
"I remember, Naruto, you once had a zanpakuto?"
"How did you end up with two swords?"
Naruto took off "Kurama" and explained: "This sword was formed from your power."
"The Asura sword is the one reflecting the zanpakuto."
The Yin Kurama pondered: "During the battle, it was true. We extracted part of our power to form our own swords."
The Yang Kurama also thought about it, observing the Yin Kurama.
"What are you planning?" The Yin Kurama was on guard, stepping back and bumping into Karin.
It asked out of curiosity.
But since they were the same fox, the Yin Kurama knew what the other was thinking.
Turning around and recognizing who it was, it sighed, reluctantly putting its tail into her hand.
It was safer next to Karin.
"I just wanted to try, maybe you could become a zanpakuto?" The Yang Kurama muttered.
The Yin Kurama bared its teeth: "Why don't you try it yourself?"
The Yang Kurama retorted: "I understand the power of the shinigami better, so it should be me."
The Yin Kurama huffed.
The two foxes began to play-fight, causing Karin to dodge in time. Soon, a bed was torn to shreds.
"It's not possible." The Yang Kurama held the Yin Kurama's tail, shaking its head in disappointment. "It can't be made into a sword."
"It looks like we need a real zanpakuto."
Naruto nodded, looking at Karin.
Indeed, the relationship between himself and Kurama had formed a special case.
Usually, a shinigami needed a zanpakuto to achieve a Shikai, and even Kurama, no exception.
So to make Karin a shinigami, he needed to get her a zanpakuto.
And he couldn't bring items from the Soul Society back.
Kurama was manageable, with sealing links allowing travel to the Soul Society.
But Karin?
He couldn't just seal Karin into his body.
He needed to understand the essence of the zanpakuto.
Naruto suddenly remembered that zanpakutos were forged, but there didn't seem to be a forge for zanpakutos in the Soul Society? The 12th Division didn't handle it, and the 1st Division didn't seem to have that duty.
He had caught a blind spot he had never considered before.
"Zanpakuto… where do they come from?"
He needed to figure this out when returning to the Soul Society.
"By the way, Kurama, what's the ability of your zanpakuto?" Naruto tilted his head, looking at the still unsatisfied Yang Kurama.
Speaking of this, the Yang Kurama proudly lifted its head: "My zanpakuto is called 'Kitsune Zangetsu,' which, in shinigami terms, would be a Kido-type zanpakuto."
"Any attack against me will be absorbed by the Kitsune Zangetsu."
"Of course…"
"The amount of chakra or spiritual pressure consumed by the opponent must be matched by me."
"And the energy stored in the sword cannot exceed my energy limit."
"However, it doesn't dissipate over time and can be retained."
"When the accumulated energy reaches a satisfactory level or is full, it can be compressed and released."
Naruto nodded, his eyes sparkling: "It sounds like a very powerful sword."
In the best case, it could even release Kurama's full power in one go.
"Of course, it's my power. Could it be weak?" Both Kuramas proudly raised their heads and waved their tails. "I'm very pleased with its ability."
"But I'm not sure if illusions can be absorbed."
They thought of "Sharingan" first, followed by "Aizen Sosuke's" gentle face.
"Although there's no zanpakuto," Naruto urged, "since you've already achieved Shikai, why not try for Bankai?"
"Remember the training courses."
The two Kuramas responded.
They jumped onto another intact bed and began to meditate seriously.
Karin looked at them enviously and took out a scroll to read.
If even the foxes could do it, why should she slack off?
She was determined to learn.
Although the training had ended, Naruto and his team stayed on the island for a while longer.
Karin occasionally visited the real waterfall.
But such training for an ordinary ninja would only strengthen the mind without any growth in power.
Karin devoted more time to learning "Jutsu."
A week later.
Naruto left Turtle Island and sailed back to the Land of Lightning.
Without accepting the hospitality of the Daimyo and Raikage, he left the village of the Hidden Cloud with Karin.
In a cave in the deep mountains, they temporarily stayed.
A campfire flickered.
Several wild bears shivered in their nests, startled by the sudden intrusion.
They had come to borrow a place for the night.
But both the people and the seemingly small foxes had an unsettling presence, incredibly powerful!
Kurama's Bankai training had not gone smoothly.
After a week, there were no results, just like Naruto's early days.
"This might be because of not having the sword," Naruto comforted. "Once we get the sword, it should be fine."
The Yang Kurama shook its head: "This might have nothing to do with the sword."
Naruto looked at it, not understanding why it said that.
"I can't perform Bankai training with the 'Kurama' sword because it's not my sword; it's just borrowed power," the Yang Kurama analyzed, "And previously, I couldn't achieve Shikai."
"It's not because I resisted my inner self."
"It's because we hadn't merged as one, and our soul consciousness wasn't complete."
Naruto nodded.
The Yang Kurama had mentioned this before.
"Bankai is an evolution of Shikai, right?" the Yang Kurama pondered, "So… does Bankai require true completeness?"
"In fact, I haven't told you this until now."
"But now that it's out, you should consider it."
Naruto looked at it.
"The truth is, I am incomplete," the Yang Kurama said seriously.
Naruto looked at the Yang Kurama and then at the Yin Kurama.
"Yes, you are incomplete," Karin nodded, echoing the thought.
The Kurama shook its head: "No, not this kind of incompleteness."
It paused: "Naruto, do you know why there are so many powerful beings in the world, yet only nine tailed beasts, each with different appearances and abilities, classified as one category?"
Naruto shook his head, having never heard of the past of the tailed beasts: "Is it related to the Sage of the Six Paths?"
The Yang Kurama paused: "How did you guess?"
"Everything about chakra is related to the Sage of the Six Paths," Naruto answered softly.
The Yang Kurama lowered its head: "Remember the Sage of the Six Paths' mention of the God Tree?"
Naruto nodded.
"That is the origin of chakra and also the origin of us tailed beasts," the Yang Kurama continued slowly. "The Sage of the Six Paths once gave the God Tree a name, calling it the Ten-Tails."
"We tailed beasts…"
"Were born from the Ten-Tails' power being split into nine parts by the Sage of the Six Paths."
"So… even if Yin and Yang merge, we are still incomplete, just one-ninth."
Naruto pondered, eyes curious: "Kurama, do you have any memories of being the Ten-Tails?"
The Yang Kurama shook its head: "Of course not."
It paused: "The things you want to understand are also unknown to me."
Naruto nodded, not disappointed: "Since you don't have the Ten-Tails' memories."
"It means, although the power comes from it, you are now an individual, not part of it."
"Why are you telling me this suddenly?"
The Yang Kurama tilted its head: "I just thought of it suddenly. I think you've been doing well lately, and as a reward for your willingness to listen to my advice and release the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails."
"And…"
"If Uchiha Madara is really related to the Akatsuki organization."
"Then his goal of collecting the tailed beasts might be to awaken the Ten-Tails."
Naruto pondered.
Uchiha Madara?
"Kurama, don't give up on
your Bankai training," he said after a while. "Since you can master your own Shikai, there's no reason you can't master your own Bankai."
"Captain Ukitake said Bankai training requires decades."
"Just in case, we can also look for other tailed beasts."
"Borrowing some chakra from them might help."
The two Kuramas were surprised, nodding heavily: "Yes, that's why I mentioned it."
Karin looked disdainful.
Really?
**Chapter 125: Have You Really Faced Him?**
The sea breeze, salty and damp, was blowing with the waves.
Hidan yawned, tears brimming from the corners of his eyes.
"Hasn't Jūzō reported yet?" he asked impatiently, striking the rocks heavily with his scythe.
Kakuzu grinned: "The الذيول التسعة Jinchūriki can sense Jūzō."
"He's afraid to get too close, so gathering information isn't easy."
"That guy is really afraid of dying," Hidan clicked his tongue, his face growing more impatient. "He's dragging his feet even when it comes to figuring out the Jinchūriki's movements."
On the beach, a pitcher plant emerged: "Not everyone is like you, with an immortal body."
"The information has come in."
"Naruto Uzumaki has returned to the mainland, and left the Hidden Cloud Village yesterday, heading southwest."
"They're very noticeable."
Kakuzu tilted his head: "Southwest, towards the Land of Fire?"
"We've been waiting here for almost a month. If we had known, we could have taken on more missions."
"Here you go again!" Hidan sneered.
He was about to launch into a lengthy speech.
The Pitcher Plant Yin-Yang user spoke: "That's enough. Go find the الذيول التسعة Jinchūriki."
"We need to intercept them before they enter the Land of Fire."
"Now that Konoha is also investigating our movements."
"To please the الذيول التسعة Jinchūriki."
"Perhaps they will assist us if they find our trail, or even initiate a war against us."
"This is the worst possible outcome!"
The two agreed and vanished from the beach in an instant.
Naruto and Karin traveled slowly. The Land of Lightning had the most fervent belief in the Sage of the Six Paths among the countries.
In comparison, there were fewer shrines dedicated to "gods" or "great demons."
This might be evidence that the Sage of the Six Paths was more active in the Land of Lightning "in life"?
At the border between the Land of Frost and the Land of Lightning.
The terrain here became flat, leading into fertile plains.
Naruto suddenly looked back: "Someone's coming."
Karin followed his gaze: "Ninja from the Hidden Cloud?"
"No," Naruto shook his head. "I didn't sense these particular presences when I was in their village."
"Even after the Hidden Cloud Village was defeated, would anyone dare to cause us trouble?" The Yang Kurama grinned, stepping on Naruto's shoulder. "How many are there?"
"Should be six," Naruto replied, frowning.
The sensed information felt strange.
Five of them had a presence almost overlapping each other.
There shouldn't be any existence that could evade his senses.
Indeed, they were five distinct individuals.
But why were they so close together?
Were they traveling in a "human centipede" style?
"Should I leave with Kurama?" Karin asked, reaching to hold the Yin Kurama.
Naruto shook his head: "No need. They aren't strong, just at the Jōnin level."
Karin nodded.
The Yin Kurama slipped from Karin's arms and jumped back to Naruto's shoulder.
"Jōnin?" The Yang Kurama sneered. "How dare they."
Naruto remained silent, focusing on the direction.
He was also curious.
Who still had the guts to act like this?
In a moment, two figures appeared, landing on the trees.
They were tall, dressed in the same attire, black cloaks with red clouds.
"It's Akatsuki," The Yang Kurama narrowed its eyes, immediately recognizing them. "But only two of them. Where are the other four?"
Naruto stared at one of them.
The "five life presences" were emanating from him.
What was going on here?
A "person" made up of "five individuals"?
On the tree, the man with a spiky back and carrying a scythe grinned wildly: "I told you it wouldn't work, the الذيول التسعة Jinchūriki would definitely notice us."
"See, just as I said."
The other man remained silent.
"I was just about to find you," Naruto said softly. "I didn't expect you to deliver yourselves so soon."
"Just as the leader said, you're indeed interested in us," the man with the scythe said seriously. "But since it's about dealing with you, the two of us will be enough."
"Big talk," The Yang Kurama sneered. "Haven't you heard about the Hidden Cloud Village?"
The man with the scythe squatted on the branch: "Exactly because we've heard about it."
"The leader sent us here."
"Let me introduce myself."
He extended another hand and touched the necklace around his neck: "I'm Hidan, just an ordinary ninja."
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
From this man, he sensed a presence of "natural energy."
Was he a "Sage Mode user" similar to Jiraiya?
Hidan continued: "But the one beside me, you might not have heard his name, but he's quite significant."
"Since you're from Konoha."
"You should be familiar with the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju?"
Hidan gestured towards his silent companion: "His name is Kakuzu."
"He has fought with the First Hokage."
With this, Kakuzu finally spoke, adopting a superior, elder demeanor: "I've heard about your conquest of the Hidden Cloud Village."
"Indeed, you have great skill and courage."
"Let me test how much of a gap there is between you and the God of Ninjas."
He clasped his hands together, forming a series of seals.
Rustling
His shoulders expanded, like a cat's fur bristling, making his body appear immense.
But with a "pop."
His cloak was torn, revealing his upper body covered in black lines stitched all over.
These lines seemed alive, writhing and crawling, tearing Kakuzu's body apart, and from within emerged four dark, mask-wearing creatures formed from lines.
"Is the 'five overlapping life presences' from this?" Naruto tilted his head, puzzled, "But…"
There was no qualitative change, just five elite Jōnin.
Kakuzu didn't respond, quickly forming seals with his hands.
One mask, like a praying mantis, opened its mouth.
"Wind Release: Pressure Damage."
At the same time.
Another mask also opened its mouth.
"Fire Release: Head Cutter."
Flames surged, like a small tidal wave crashing.
The wind fanned the flames, creating a massive wave of fire, roaring and rising.
Naruto's expression remained calm as he raised his hand.
Chakra spread out.
The fierce flames couldn't enter his immediate area.
Kakuzu's aim seemed to be more than just this.
The flames obscured vision.
It appeared he wanted to use this massive Fire and Wind Release chakra to hide his current technique.
Wind, fire, and lightning chakras gathered on his arms.
Difficultly and forcibly fused.
Shallow blue chakra vibrated, then shot out like a laser.
The recoil made Kakuzu stagger.
The blue light cut through the sea of fire, heading straight for the blond youth.
Naruto raised his hand.
"Binding Technique No. 39: Round Fan."
A pale yellow shield spun rapidly before him.
It caught the attack.
Kakuzu's eyes widened in disbelief.
Normal ninjutsu couldn't affect Naruto; he had anticipated this.
The final technique.
Was inspired by the Earth Shadow's "Bloodline Elimination."
The fusion of three attributes of chakra was a technique beyond "Bloodline Limits."
"Have you really fought with the First Hokage?" Naruto asked him, raising his hand.
One of the mask creatures leaped out from the fire.
Its mouth bit a large, sharp earth spear, aiming for the throat.
But with a flash of lightning.
"Way of Destruction No. 4: White Lightning."
The mask was shattered, and the creature lost its life force, stumbling forward and collapsing, piercing its own head with the spear.
Beneath the mask, there was a tiny aura, cautiously hidden.
"This jutsu is quite interesting," Naruto noticed but continued speaking to Kakuzu. "As a Jōnin, you're impressive."
"But I've seen the First Hokage. Even the chakra contained in his soul far surpasses you now."
Kakuzu didn't answer.
A wild laugh echoed, drowning out the crackling of burning trees.
"You've fallen for it!" Hidan roared with the fierce wind.
"Kakuzu is just distracting you; I'm the main attacker."
"Until now, I've never offered such a skilled opponent to the Evil God. You should please Him well!"
He hadn't approached Naruto, hiding beneath the earth-using masked creature, swinging his blood-red three-bladed scythe, making a clanging sound as it extended from the bottom and flew towards Naruto.
Naruto raised his hand.
He caught the scythe blade between his fingers.
Hidan grinned.
Another hand extended from his sleeve, holding a black short stick. As chakra began to flow, it lengthened into a spear, aimed at Naruto's leg.
He sneered, enjoying the moment.
But as the black spear pierced the clothing and struck Naruto's calf.
The sensation was not of piercing something soft.
But of extreme hardness, numbing his hand.
This feeling made his expression change.
Naruto looked down and extended his hand.
"After much effort to try and hide from my senses."
"Just to use this to harm me."
"Do you think that if you harm me, you can defeat me?"
As he spoke.
"Way of Binding No. 4: This Rope."
A golden rope burst
from his fingertips, binding Hidan tightly.
Kakuzu saw the situation and tried to escape.
But turning around.
A small fox with a golden short sword in its mouth blocked the way.
He stopped immediately.
This small fox looked weak and easy to deceive.
But it was the most powerful of the tailed beasts, the الذيول التسعة.
There was no escape.
"Is this related to pleasing that Evil God?" Naruto grabbed Hidan and lifted him to eye level. "Since you've gathered so much information on me, you should know I'm very interested in these gods and such."
"Of course, I'm more interested in your organization."
"How much do you know? Can you tell me?"
Hidan clicked his tongue.
Even when captured, he showed little panic.
"If you want to know, I can tell you," he said calmly, agreeing readily.
This surprised Karin.
The contrast between before and after was quite stark.
**Chapter 126: Block the Village Gate**
The sea breeze was still, carrying with it a salty tang. The group had settled into their temporary camp.
Hidan and Kakuzu's teamwork was something Naruto had not anticipated.
As usual, they provided plenty of information about the Akatsuki.
Hidan spoke passionately, showing no signs of the prisoner he was: "My relationship with Akatsuki isn't harmonious."
"That organization is all about amassing wealth and provoking conflicts. It's completely contrary to my beliefs!"
"I despise guys like Kakuzu."
The man covered in black lines beside him clenched his teeth, trying to retort but had to swallow his anger as the الذيول التسعة perched on his head. He carefully turned his head to the side, pretending he didn't hear anything.
"You know about the deity I believe in, right? Now, that's truly fascinating." Hidan leaned forward.
Before he could continue, Naruto interrupted: "Breakdown of the information now."
"Breakdown?" Hidan winced as a mass of spiritual energy hit his face, knocking a few teeth loose and sending them to the ground along with blood.
"Now's not the time for your beliefs," Naruto said calmly. "Just tell me what I ask."
Hidan grimaced, covering his right cheek: "Damn, this hurts!!"
"If you don't want to talk, then speak up properly without acting out!"
"I'll continue with the organization's details," Hidan said reluctantly. "I don't know the exact number of Akatsuki members, but it seems there are nine main members."
"Regarding their identities…"
"There's Uchiha Itachi, that's all I know."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
Hidan quickly raised his hand: "It's true, I swear!"
"When we hold meetings, it's not face-to-face. We use a technique called 'Mugen Zenshin' to project our thought bodies into an unknown space, so we can't see others clearly."
Naruto nodded.
Hidan scratched his head and continued: "As for the leader of the organization, I've never seen him. I've only seen his projection in meetings."
"He possesses the legendary Rinnegan."
"He calls himself 'God,' but he's just another powerful ninja like you."
"And his powers are nothing compared to real deities, like the one I worship."
Before he could finish, another blast of spiritual energy hit his other cheek, making both sides of his face symmetrically bruised.
Kakuzu chuckled.
Naruto's gaze shifted to him, and he quickly suppressed his smile, pretending to be indifferent: "What I know is similar to what Hidan said."
"The annoying guy is telling the truth," Naruto pointed at Hidan. "But your statement is a lie."
"You obviously know more."
Kakuzu froze, his body stiffening.
"I have a knack for discerning truth from falsehood," Naruto said calmly. "Speak the truth."
Kakuzu lowered his head in silence, tightly biting his lips, revealing nothing.
"Naruto," Karin tugged at his sleeve.
Naruto looked at her.
The red-haired girl glanced cautiously at the two men.
They stepped aside.
"I think something's off," Karin said softly, staring at them. "You must have noticed it too?"
"They're being too deliberate," Naruto said with a smile.
Karin nodded.
It seemed like the organization had a strange confidence, sending out these two with special techniques to capture Naruto. Yet, they didn't seem surprised by Naruto capturing them and were willing to divulge information about the Akatsuki.
Naruto hadn't interrogated them much.
The information about Akatsuki's base being in the Rain Village came out immediately.
The key point was that Hidan knew less about the organization than Naruto himself.
Naruto and Karin knew that behind Akatsuki was a figure named Uchiha Madara, and their goal was likely to awaken the Ten-Tails.
Hidan provided only one useful piece of information: the leader possessed the Rinnegan.
"They're likely Akatsuki's bait," Naruto turned to the two, "intending to reveal their base location and lure me there."
"They'll set traps, gather their forces, and prepare to capture me."
Karin was worried: "So what's your plan?"
"Should we head to the Rain Village?" she instinctively felt it wasn't a good idea.
"I wonder," Naruto said softly, "how foolish do they think I am?"
"Do they think I'd recklessly charge into their base just because I learned their location?"
The Yang الذيول التسعة leaped onto Naruto's shoulder: "But it's just the Rain Village."
"Can it be stronger than the Cloud Village?"
Naruto and Karin stared at it.
Having just spoken, the الذيول التسعة' prediction seemed to come true.
The Yang الذيول التسعة stomped heavily on Naruto's shoulder: "Isn't what I said right?"
"The Rain Village is just a small country."
Naruto reached out and pinched its tail: "The Rain Village is indeed small, but…"
"Our enemy is Akatsuki."
"Hidan knows almost nothing about the organization."
The Yang الذيول التسعة grumbled: "He's just a fool."
It had come over to avoid Hidan's incessant promotion of his beliefs and left the mess to the Yin الذيول التسعة.
"Kakuzu isn't a fool," Naruto glanced at the man covered in black lines, "but he said nothing."
"Not saying anything?" the الذيول التسعة asked, puzzled.
Naruto remained silent.
Karin explained: "There are two possibilities. One, he's a very loyal person."
"But since he's a rogue ninja, talking about loyalty is meaningless."
"Then the other possibility is that he considers Akatsuki's leader a greater threat than Naruto."
The الذيول التسعة glanced at Naruto.
"How much do you know about the Rinnegan?" Naruto asked.
The الذيول التسعة shook its head: "I don't know much."
"But the legend among humans is true: the Rinnegan was possessed by the Sage of the Six Paths."
"Since then, I haven't seen anyone else with it."
"Even Indra and Uchiha Madara."
Naruto noted the unfamiliar name: "Indra, who is that?"
"One of the Sage's sons, the older brother of Ashura," the الذيول التسعة answered casually, "A very extreme person who, out of jealousy for the Sage's love for Ashura, killed his own brother."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully: "So…"
"The Rinnegan is unique to the Sage of the Six Paths?"
The الذيول التسعة considered it and nodded: "As far as I know, it can be said so."
"The Sage of the Six Paths," Karin repeated, "didn't expect this figure to be involved in the Akatsuki matter."
Naruto looked up.
The sky was clear, not a cloud in sight.
He recalled his previous encounters with the "Sage of the Six Paths" or "the powers left behind by the Sage."
The technique called "Seeker's Jewel."
"Before we confirm their abilities," Naruto said softly, "and understand the number and powers of their members…"
"Rushing into the Rain Village would be unwise."
"Then…"
He clapped his hands.
The summoning technique was performed.
A toad appeared in a puff of white smoke.
"Ah, it's Naruto Uzumaki," the toad with goggles around its neck appeared, tilting its head. "It's rare for you to summon me."
"Do you have something to tell Jiraiya?"
Naruto nodded: "I have two pieces of information."
"Akatsuki's base is in the Rain Village."
"The leader of Akatsuki possesses the legendary Rinnegan."
The toad was surprised: "The Rain Village? Such a small village."
"I understand. I'll pass this news to Jiraiya."
Naruto waved: "There's one more thing."
"Inform the other villages with Tailed Beasts about this."
The toad hesitated.
"Inform other villages?" it asked, surprised.
Naruto smiled and nodded: "Yes, tell them this is information from Naruto Uzumaki."
The toad's expression grew serious: "I understand."
With a "pop," it vanished.
"Will they believe your information?" Karin frowned.
Naruto shook his head: "Only the Cloud and Sand Villages might take it seriously."
Karin was puzzled, not understanding why he wanted to share this information with other villages.
Naruto looked at the black cloak with red clouds on Hidan: "Karin, have you thought about why they want to lure me to the Rain Village?"
"Their base is there, giving them the home-field advantage," Karin answered immediately.
She thought for a moment.
They hadn't been able to gather much information about the organization during their journey.
Jiraiya had focused on it for years and only obtained scattered details.
So…
She continued: "This organization doesn't want their presence to be overly emphasized by the Five Great Nations."
"They want to keep a low profile."
Naruto nodded, looking into the distance: "This is like a battle. To surpass an enemy, you must prevent them from achieving their goals."
"If they want me to go to the Rain Village, then I won't go."
"If they want their existence to remain unnoticed by the Five Great Nations, then I'll make sure they are known."
Karin pondered this.
"Then what do we do?" the الذيول التسعة asked, showing its teeth and shaking its head.
Naruto shook his head: "Of course not."
"Now we have two pieces of valuable experimental material."
"We'll stay outside the Rain Village and focus on our own tasks."
"If they want to challenge me, why should I go to them voluntarily?"
"Otherwise, they shouldn't have come out."
The Yang الذيول التسعة grinned,
nodding its head.
**Chapter 127: The Immortal Body**
In Konoha, high-level meetings were filled with tension.
Kakashi was troubled by the latest intelligence report.
"This is nonsense!" Tsunade slammed the table, "What does he think he is?"
"And he wants it to spread across the Five Great Nations."
Kakashi spoke calmly: "The intelligence from the Land of Lightning reports that Yunin has been defeated by Naruto and is preparing to close the village to reduce external contact."
"However…"
"If Naruto were to give them this information, I'm sure they would be eager to spread it across the Five Great Nations."
Tsunade was taken aback and pursed her lips.
Kakashi smiled slightly beneath his mask.
Being Hokage wasn't satisfying, especially with the pressure from these old fogies, but the rare expressions of silence from them when Naruto was mentioned provided some amusement.
"But this news is too abrupt," Danzo shook his head in disagreement, "Sending out unverified information could damage Konoha's reputation."
He paused, his gaze and tone darkening.
"And he's supposedly retired from being a ninja? To command us in such an authoritative manner…"
His words trailed off.
The door opened.
"No, we must do as Naruto says." Jiraiya stormed in, "I'll take responsibility for this matter."
Danzo turned to him.
Mito Gate Haru frowned: "Jiraiya, you need to be clear about what you're saying."
"The Rinnegan is one of the three great dojutsu, but no one…"
Tsunade shook her head.
Jiraiya spoke seriously: "It exists."
"I've seen it with my own eyes."
"And it matches Naruto's intelligence, which is in the Rain Village."
Danzo's eye widened in realization: "During the Second Shinobi World War?"
"Why didn't you…"
Jiraiya shot him a sharp look: "Shut up, Danzo!"
"Now is not the time for this."
Danzo reluctantly sat back down.
"Notify the other villages," Jiraiya turned to Kakashi, "Hokage-sama, please issue this order."
Kakashi stood and approached Jiraiya: "Then I, as Hokage, command you, Jiraiya, to take full responsibility for this matter."
Jiraiya agreed.
Kakashi took a deep breath.
For once, he managed to seize some initiative from these old geezers.
He looked out the window at the unending rain.
It seemed like the relentless rain of the Rain Village had arrived in Konoha.
A few days later.
Naruto arrived at the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire.
Standing in the trees.
He crossed his hands, using a jutsu he hadn't used in a long time.
"Shadow Clone Technique."
With a series of "pops," numerous "Narutos" appeared.
Naruto grinned and waved his hand: "Move out."
The clones dispersed, swiftly spreading in all directions.
Kakuza stared in disbelief: "What are you planning to do?"
Naruto glanced at him without explaining.
This was a simple math problem. Given the length of the Rain Country's border and the range of Kanon's Byakugan being "fifty kilometers," how many shadow clones were needed to monitor every border of the Rain Country?
After completing these preparations.
Naruto jumped down from the tree.
"Naruto Uzumaki, are you ready to listen to divine instruction?" As soon as he entered the temporary residence, Hidan eagerly leaned in, "You've been avoiding me for so many days; it's time to make a decision."
"I think you would be a perfect fit for our sect."
Naruto held his head.
During their time together, he confirmed that Hidan had a very special physique.
He possessed a powerful self-healing ability, with scars from the "Blood Prison" healing completely within days, even his teeth regrowing.
Comparable to the "Uzumaki Clan's" physique.
It was clear that this ability did not come from the Uzumaki Clan and had no blood ties with himself or Karin.
Was this ability granted by that evil god?
"Don't be so rough." Hidan's voice softened, "We can have a proper talk."
"What jutsu were you trying to use on me?" Naruto asked, "You and your partner went through so much trouble to inflict what seemed like harmless injuries."
Hidan's eyes lit up: "This brings up my faith!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes dangerously.
Hidan quickly explained: "It's true!"
"It's related to the blessing granted by the evil god."
Naruto released his grip.
Hidan rambled on for nearly two hours.
The two الذيول التسعة grew impatient and went outside to frolic.
Karin forced herself to stay by Naruto's side.
A lot of it was nonsense.
Summarizing the useful information:
Hidan had joined a secret religious organization in the Land of Water and had undergone experiments to become the only recipient of the evil god's favor, gaining the "Immortal Body" ability.
Their strategy was to extract even a single drop of Naruto's blood.
With just "one drop of blood," Hidan could use his "Death Match Blood" technique.
Both parties would suffer equal damage.
"Isn't the power granted by the evil god impressive?" Hidan's eyes sparkled, "Although I'm weak, with this ability, no one can kill me!"
"Even if you're strong, what does it matter?"
"As long as I get a drop of your blood, you'll be doomed."
Karin shivered, her hand trembling as she recorded the information.
This was a truly evil and bizarre ability.
"Can you really be completely immortal?" Naruto scrutinized him.
Hidan nodded proudly: "Of course!"
"No attack can kill me, even if my head is cut off or my heart is crushed…"
His words were cut off.
A flash of red light.
With a "thud," Hidan's head fell to the ground.
No blood spurted from the severed neck, and Naruto's prepared jutsu had no effect.
The severed head yelled: "I'm still immortal like this."
"But it hurts!"
"Even if you want to experiment, let me know in advance so I can prepare."
"It really hurts!"
Naruto picked up the head, holding it at eye level: "Still alive, huh?"
"Don't pull my hair; it's hard to style!" Hidan continued to grumble, though with less spirit, "And it's really painful, my scalp feels like it's being torn. Put me down."
Naruto ignored him, sensing his aura and deep in thought.
There was no strange connection between the head and the body.
"Can you control your body?" he asked.
Hidan scoffed: "What kind of question is that? How could anyone control their body after losing their head?"
"Of course not!"
"Put my head back on; it'll be healed in a few days."
Naruto nodded.
So the head was key.
He tossed the head aside and examined the body.
"Can you still feel this?" Naruto slashed at the arm, creating a wound.
Hidan screamed: "Of course not!"
"My head's already separated from my body!"
So, the head was crucial.
Naruto pondered, taking out a segment of the Eight-Tails' tail and placing it on the headless body.
"What are you trying to do?" Hidan's eyes widened in fear.
Naruto calmly said: "I'm testing the limits of your immortality."
"Although it's just a tail segment, it's enough to make you into a Jinchuriki."
He extended his hand, chakra flowing.
The Four Symbols Seal twisted, sealing the Eight-Tails' power into Hidan's body.
Karin carefully sewed the head back on with a needle and thread from her tool kit.
As soon as the head and body reconnected, Hidan attempted to struggle, but the adamantine chains immediately bound his body completely.
"Don't make a fuss." Naruto's voice was gentle, "This is my first human experiment."
"It makes me nervous."
Hidan continued to complain.
Naruto fully released the Four Symbols Seal, retrieving the Eight-Tails' tail segment.
Hidan's life force rapidly diminished, and his body withered visibly.
The head remained intact, but the lack of strength made his curses weak.
Naruto observed him.
Even with this, he couldn't die?
Karin was equally astonished, recording every life sign of Hidan, preparing for future analysis.
So.
Was this a force similar to a "rule"?
No matter the state of his body, "Hidan is immortal," just like "the sun rises in the east," it was one of the rules of this world.
Had he finally found real evidence of divine existence?
Naruto focused on his research.
Meanwhile, in the Rain Village.
The village's construction was distinctly different, with iron-plated buildings and a mingling of rust and sludge in the air.
On a high building in the center of the village.
A giant head with its tongue sticking out was being constructed.
An orange-haired figure sat atop it, looking out over the village.
"Zetsu reported that Naruto informed the Five Great Nations," a woman with light purple hair said softly, her voice unclear in the rain, "He has arrived at the border of the Rain Country but shows no intent of entering."
"He even used shadow clones to completely seal the border."
The orange-haired man turned around, his face covered in metal nails, resembling a puppet: "Konan, I understand."
"This is quite an unexpected choice."
Konan said softly: "It's a bit troublesome."
The orange-haired man remained silent, gazing into the distance.
**Chapter 128: The Attempt to Break Through**
Countries with tailed beasts reacted differently upon learning about the Akatsuki.
Cloud Village, having suffered from Naruto's teachings, immediately confined A and Killer Bee within the village and mobilized resources to search for the cat.
At this time, the cat seemed to have become rather fond of the term "small." Being small had its advantages—freedom and inconspicuousness.
Sand Village made no special arrangements. They were the farthest from Rain Village and, with the current One-Tail Jinchuriki Gaara being the Kazekage, their security measures were already at the highest level.
What surprised Naruto was Stone Village.
The village, with which he had little interaction, did not ignore the news. Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, even sent a ninja to thank Naruto and provide some information about Akatsuki. Although the intelligence was of little importance and did not significantly influence the situation.
Jiraiya arrived after the Stone Village ninja left.
"Sorry I'm late, Naruto," he said as he entered the temporary residence, only to freeze upon seeing the scene before him.
A blond teenager, dressed in a white haori, was handling a headless corpse with a surgical knife.
It was an eerie deja vu; had he replaced "blond" with "black-haired," the resemblance would have been even stronger.
"Naruto, have you reached this point already?" Jiraiya's tone became serious.
Although "human experiments" sounded sinister, it was not uncommon for villages to conduct such research secretly.
Jiraiya was not entirely against this practice but was concerned about Naruto possibly going down the wrong path.
Now that Naruto was so powerful—almost a "god of ninjas"—there was no one who could restrict him. Moreover, he seemed to have no attachments to the world, except for "Kushina" and the deceased "Minato" and "Kushina."
Orochimaru had been similar, aloof and indifferent to relationships, eventually extending his research into the village.
Naruto turned, smiling, "This is the corpse of Hidan from Akatsuki."
Jiraiya's expression softened.
"He has an immortality ability. Even if we use him as a Jinchuriki and release the seal, he won't die," Naruto continued, "He's a reusable material."
Jiraiya was astonished, "Immortality?"
Naruto nodded and changed the subject, "So, Jiraiya-sensei, why are you here?"
"Is Leaf Village looking to get involved?"
Jiraiya shook his head, "No. It's the Rinnegan or Rain Village that reminds me of past events."
Naruto listened quietly.
Jiraiya recalled, "During the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha had a conflict with Rain Village."
"After that war, three children came to us, wanting to be our disciples and learn ninjutsu."
"Out of a sense of compensation for this war-torn country, I took them in."
"One of them…"
"Should be a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, named Nagato. I saw him awaken the Rinnegan with my own eyes."
Naruto frowned, "A descendant of the Uzumaki clan?"
"Yes, he, like Kushina and Karin, has red hair. His chakra and life force are stronger than normal," Jiraiya confirmed.
The الذيول التسعة had mentioned that the Rinnegan belonged to the Sage of Six Paths, and the Uzumaki clan was a descendant of the Sage, so awakening the Rinnegan was not out of the question.
"So the leader of Akatsuki is Nagato?" Naruto mused, "What about Uchiha Madara?"
Jiraiya was momentarily at a loss.
"If the leader of Akatsuki is Nagato, what role does Uchiha Madara play?" Karin suggested, "Maybe Uchiha Madara is just a member under Nagato's leadership, not the leader of Akatsuki."
Jiraiya pondered, "Uchiha Madara would never acknowledge the First Hokage, let alone Nagato."
"One of the other two children might be more suitable for leadership."
He sighed, "Moreover, Nagato was a gentle person. Even after killing a ninja who attacked his comrades, he felt guilt and couldn't sleep all night."
"Akatsuki is an evil, cruel organization."
"Their original intentions were for peace. I don't believe they founded this organization."
Naruto turned to look outside, "Time changes things."
"It's unclear what role Uchiha Madara plays."
Jiraiya didn't respond immediately.
After a while, he clenched his fists, "So I came to infiltrate Rain Country and find out what's really going on."
Naruto shook his head, "I don't agree with you going."
"Thanks for your concern," Jiraiya said warmly, "But if it really is Nagato…"
"As his teacher, I have a responsibility."
Naruto stood up, "This isn't about a teacher's duty."
"It's about being unable to infiltrate."
Jiraiya smiled, "Don't underestimate me. Although you're stronger now, I'm still one of the 'Three Ninjas.' Gathering intelligence is part of a ninja's training."
Before he could finish, Naruto pointed to the distance, "Do you see that rain?"
"Rain Country's environment is like that. It rains almost all year round, which is why it's named Rain Country."
Naruto said softly, "That's not ordinary rain."
"It's a technique."
Jiraiya was surprised.
"Each raindrop carries chakra. Anyone who touches the rain will be detected by the technique's user."
"And other effects…"
"I'm not sure, but what do you think, Jiraiya-sensei?"
Jiraiya's face darkened, "That rain is a technique?"
The first rule of intelligence gathering is to avoid detection.
If the enemy can track you, you're trapped.
"Stay here," Naruto shook his head, "They won't hold out for long."
Jiraiya nodded.
Naruto suddenly turned his head, sensing two chakra signatures at the Rain Country border.
Inside Rain Country.
Two men in Akatsuki's black robes with red clouds moved through the rain.
One was blonde, with a high ponytail.
The other was hunched, with five sticking-up hair strands, looking like a turtle.
"This weather in Rain Country is really annoying," the blonde complained.
"The clay is getting mushy!"
The other man replied calmly, "Focus on the task at hand."
"If it was Naruto himself, that's one thing," the blonde said, "But just his shadow clones? Is it really worth being so cautious?"
"Shadow clones don't have much combat power."
"I could blow them all away by myself."
"Really?" the hunched man asked, "Deidara, I won't be joining you this time."
The blonde, Deidara, excitedly raised his fist, "Watch this, Sasori!"
At the border, a shadow clone appeared before them.
So fast!
The two's eyes widened.
"Are you Naruto Uzumaki?" Deidara grinned, raising his hand, "Do you really think shadow clones can stop us?"
As he spoke, his other hand lowered.
In the rain's cover, countless small white particles fell.
The shadow clone did not speak, only raised a hand.
"Binding Technique Number Four: This Rope."
Golden ropes shot out, capturing the white particles, which were tiny clay spiders.
"Very perceptive," Deidara remarked, forming hand signs.
A series of explosions followed.
Konoha's shadow clones were famous for their skill.
They could create nearly identical copies of the original.
Even Byakugan and Sharingan could be deceived.
Of course, this excellent technique had its drawbacks: minimal "resilience." A single hit could disperse the clone.
This was why Deidara initially dismissed the shadow clones.
He soon realized that Naruto's shadow clones were different from others.
They could fly! Their speed was far superior.
Their sensory abilities were strong.
No technique could catch them.
Instead, they controlled the distance, keeping space open, and constantly bombarded Deidara with techniques.
Although the clones' chakra was only a fraction of Naruto's, they could not cause significant damage. Yet, their constant barrage made Deidara extremely uncomfortable.