The steam rising from the bowl of ramen seemed frozen in the still air as Ren clearly felt the presence behind him. It was the same aura he had sensed for weeks, but this time it was closer, tangible. He didn't turn immediately; he waited for the hand on his shoulder to be accompanied by a voice.
"Can we talk?" Utakata asked, his tone calm yet serious.
Ren looked up, instantly recognizing the young jinchūriki of the Six-Tails. It was the first time he had seen him so closely since the incident. With a nod, Ren gestured for Utakata to sit beside him.
It's not every day a jinchūriki seeks you out. Could it be about the incident? Ren thought, striving to maintain a neutral expression as his thoughts swirled.
"I've been looking for you for a while," Utakata began, avoiding direct eye contact. His voice carried a mix of hesitation and sincerity. "My master told me what happened... and I wanted to apologize. I never intended for anyone to get hurt because of me."
Ren was surprised by his words. He hadn't expected Utakata to take such a step forward. This might be my chance to build a connection with him. Even if I'm not proud of it, it's time to try the no shame jutsu, Ren thought.
"You don't need to apologize. I don't think anyone can truly understand how difficult it must be to live with the Six-Tails. But if there's one thing I believe, it's that only people with great hearts can accept the bijuu. They're the only ones capable of truly understanding them."
Utakata glanced at Ren, visibly moved by his words. "I'd never thought of it that way," he admitted with a faint smile, as if those words had lifted a weight from his chest.
Noticing the chatter around the food stall, Ren leaned slightly toward Utakata. "If you'd like, we could take a walk and talk more calmly," he suggested.
Utakata nodded. "I'd like that. Thank you."
They walked through the quiet streets of the village, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the bustle of the stall they had left. For a while, they remained silent until Utakata broke it.
"How did you come to that conclusion about the Sanbi?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
Ren paused briefly before answering. Well, after following most of Naruto, it's obvious to me, he thought with a hint of irony, trying to suppress a smile. "I think it's the same for all the tailed beasts. Imagine being trapped inside a body, forced to lend your strength without ever having the freedom to do what you want. In some ways, I understand them... and that's why I think we all need to be more compassionate toward them."
Utakata remained silent, absorbing those words. Not only was he struck by the thought, but even the Six-Tails, dormant within him, seemed to stir. For the first time, a thought rippled through the beast's mind—a different awareness, a distant memory of freedom.
"I'd never thought of them that way," Utakata admitted. "Maybe you're right. Maybe the problem isn't them but how we treat them."
Ren gave a small smile. "It's not something we can change overnight, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that change begins with mutual understanding."
Utakata studied the younger ninja with newfound respect. There was something different about Ren—a maturity that belied his age. "Maybe you're right," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Maybe we could actually be friends."
Ren turned to him, surprised. "Friends?" he repeated.
"Yes," Utakata replied. "I think you might be the first person I can talk to without feeling judged."
No, I am definitely not proud of the No Shame Jutsu, but it has paid off. This is a golden opportunity, if I could train with him or even just influence him positively I could change future events.
Silence filled the air again, but this time it was laden with understanding. After a moment, Ren stopped and turned to Utakata. "You know," he said with a light smile, "if you'd like, we could train together sometime. You're already a ninja, while I'm still in the Academy... I could learn a lot from you."
Utakata regarded him for a moment, surprised by the suggestion. Then, a sincere smile spread across his face. "That wouldn't be bad," he said. "And maybe I could learn something from you as well."
Ren nodded, pleased to have found a natural way to strengthen their budding bond. "Then let's meet here in a few days. Same place, same time?"
"Agreed," Utakata said, his voice tinged with hope. That chance encounter already seemed to be evolving into something more meaningful.
From afar, Harusame watched the two with approval. He was grateful that Ren, the boy he had glimpsed during the incident, was safe.
Meanwhile, Kurara was training alone, intensely focused on holding a small droplet of water between her hands—a basic exercise Ren had assigned her. Though she didn't show it outwardly, the inability to perform jutsu like others was starting to weigh heavily on her. Multiple times, the droplet slipped away, breaking apart in her hands, and a mix of frustration and determination played on her face.
She closed her eyes for a moment, recalling Ren's words: "A true ninja never gives up."
Taking a deep breath, she let those words guide her. When she opened her eyes again, the droplet of water reformed between her hands. This time, her concentration was unshakable. No matter how long it took, she wouldn't give up.
Elsewhere, Zetsu's mocking voice broke the silence. "Looks like your plan didn't work. Yagura rejected Fujino's idea."
Obito, standing motionless in the shadows, replied coldly, "Everything is proceeding as planned. He didn't agree... for now."
Zetsu chuckled with malice. "By the way, it seems your old master is expecting a child."
Obito's voice hardened. "I have no masters."
Zetsu, with his usual mocking tone, added, "And to think all this could happen right under your nose. You know what happens when a jinchūriki gives birth, don't you? Their seal weakens."
A sadistic smile spread across Obito's lips. "How long until the birth?"
"It's still early. I'd say no more than four or five months," Zetsu replied.
Obito's eyes gleamed with cruel determination as he turned away, his plans beginning to take shape.
[ Hi there! Ito-kun here ^.^
Thanks everyone specially Jayroy_63, ao2_6309, Braden_T, Cordell_Clinton, Ian_Clark_6978, BagusPardana, Diegoa, Desert_Dust0 , DaoistDW5XU4, Malar, AKIB19, Overlord_Of_KARMA GeorgiusKARA and Miguel_024!
I was thinking which time could be the best for all of you to release chapters, can you help me by writing down in the comment?
Sincerely Thanks and remember about the Power Stones, these are the motivation for my work :)]