Chakra connects the hearts and minds of people.
The act of fist bumping is not just a simple gesture; it signifies a connection through chakra, allowing both parties to share their innermost thoughts. This practice dates back to the earliest days when the Sage of Six Paths imparted chakra to his disciples. The intention was to foster sincerity and eliminate deceit among people.
When Naruto fist-bumped with the Nine-Tails, it wasn't for any trivial reason. He aimed to transmit the entire 720 episodes he had seen before crossing over. This would save a lot of unnecessary words and enable the Nine-Tails to perceive the truth of everything directly and without doubt.
However, even the Nine-Tails needed a considerable amount of time to fully digest the weight of that 720-episode history.
"Who... exactly are you?" The Nine-Tails' face was filled with astonishment. The information contained in those episodes was so mind-boggling that even with its vast experience and knowledge from living over a thousand years, it found it hard to believe. The Nine-Tails would rather think it was all fabricated, but the chakra connection was unyielding to deception. Moreover, the scenes were so vivid and lifelike that there were no flaws to spot. Logically, it all aligned in a way that made disbelief a challenge.
In the end, only one question remained—who was this little brat before it? How could he know so much about the future? What were his intentions?
"If I told you I came from the future and that those images are reflections of my reality, would you believe me?" Naruto smiled as he spoke.
The Nine-Tails fixed its piercing gaze on him and said in a low voice, "Your expression tells me that you're just spouting nonsense!"
"Alright!" Naruto shrugged and candidly stated, "The truth is, I'm a time traveler. You can think of me as a soul from another world that has taken over the original Naruto Uzumaki's spirit, forming the person I am now. I have a clear understanding of this world's past and future from the world I came from."
The Nine-Tails fell silent for a moment before sarcastically replying, "I'd prefer to believe the first part of your explanation over the latter."
"See? Sometimes, it's unnecessary to overthink things. Or would you like me to show you the world I came from?" Naruto grinned and extended his fist again.
"No need; I have no interest in your original world!" The Nine-Tails suddenly lost interest, laying back down and shutting its eyes. "Just tell me your purpose. What is the outcome you desire?"
Depending on Naruto's answers, it would make different choices. But one thing was certain: since the prophesied savior of the world was in question, whether events would unfold as they originally should was now uncertain. The Nine-Tails had to find a way to inform the other tailed beasts and eliminate the possibility of the Ten-Tails appearing in the future.
"Come on, there's no need to be so pessimistic." Naruto said, "My arrival in this world is irreversible. I have to live here, and I can't allow anyone to destroy the ninja world. In this regard, our goals align."
"Also, I don't like having a living creature residing within me. If there's a way, I'd prefer to release you right now. On this point, we're still on the same page."
Hearing this, the Nine-Tails finally opened its eyes. However, it merely stared at Naruto silently without speaking.
"What I truly want is to live life like Jiraiya—at least for now, that's my intention." Naruto's expression turned serious. "But you know that my current identity brings various restrictions, so I need powerful strength to break free from all of this."
"Kurama, regardless of how you see me, for the future of the ninja world and for yourself, you must cooperate with me. You can only cooperate with me."
"I promise that once I gain sufficient power and find a way to protect myself, I will release you, even going so far as to ensure you are not disturbed by humans."
"You've waited a thousand years already; surely you don't mind waiting a few more? What do you say?"
Naruto poured out everything he wanted to say and then waited quietly for the Nine-Tails' response. He felt there was a higher chance the Nine-Tails would agree, but until he heard the answer, anything could happen. However, he wasn't anxious. Even if the Nine-Tails chose not to cooperate, this conversation would establish a foundation that would prevent it from interfering with his training or plotting an escape in the future. Ultimately, this would yield a good outcome for Naruto, just a matter of how much he would benefit.
After a lengthy silence, the Nine-Tails finally spoke. "I've lived for over a thousand years and have seen countless humans. They always speak for themselves and have never faced the existence of us tailed beasts head-on."
"Indeed, because of this, all tailed beasts have long since lost faith in humanity. No matter what they say or do, we will never trust them again, nor will we open our hearts to work together."
The Nine-Tails closed its eyes as if contemplating something. Minutes passed before it suddenly opened its eyes wide and stood up on all fours.
"Fine! You're from another world, different from these humans. Your perspective, knowledge, and mindset are all distinct. I will trust you this once, wagering these years of my time!"
In that moment, the aura surrounding the Nine-Tails underwent a drastic transformation. It was no longer filled with hatred or despair but instead exuded a sense of determination and vigor, a spirit full of hope! Perhaps after witnessing those 720 episodes detailing its future and fate, it had developed a different perspective.
In Naruto's eyes, it seemed as though the Nine-Tails had transformed to resemble the one he would encounter in the end.
"You won't regret this choice, I promise!" Naruto flashed a grin, extending his fist as he said, "Let's work together happily!"
"Hmph!" The Nine-Tails grinned back, bumping fists with him.
The chakra once again connected, and suddenly, golden light erupted around Naruto, enveloping his entire form. Multiple rows of tomoe and special markings appeared on his body, causing him to shimmer with radiant gold.
"This feeling..."
As he sensed the sudden surge of vitality, as if he possessed boundless energy, Naruto was genuinely astonished.
The Nine-Tails Chakra Mode has arrived!
"The seal has just been repaired, so my chakra can't be sent out. Your current state can only be maintained within the spiritual space and cannot manifest in reality." The Nine-Tails glanced at Naruto, glowing in gold, before lazily laying back down on the ground.
Naruto looked up at the seal symbol affixed to the large door and chuckled, "That's simple!"
In a flash, he arrived in front of the seal and effortlessly tore it apart.
"Hmph!"
The Nine-Tails snorted again. Although it didn't make any other moves, the corner of its mouth twitched into a slight grin.
It was indeed Ashura's chakra; it could sense it!