Naruto returned to his residence and took a quick shower.
With a bottle of beer in hand, he stepped out onto the balcony, leaning his arms naturally on the railing.
A gentle breeze swept through, stirring his blond hair, which swayed softly in the air.
"Who would've thought? Drinking actually helps me forget. All my worries seem to vanish."
Taking a sip of beer, Naruto's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile.
Uzumaki Kushina was like a ticking time bomb. There was no telling when she'd completely explode.
Today was just a minor appetizer. If the day came when she truly lost control...
Naruto's gaze darkened. He didn't let his thoughts wander further—the consequences were self-evident.
"Come out, Kurama," Naruto murmured softly.
The blade spirit awakened—
His Zanpakuto transformed into a streak of crimson light, landing on his shoulder and gradually solidifying into the form of the Nine-Tails.
Kurama's expression was grave, devoid of the usual joy it showed upon being summoned.
Naruto wasn't in the mood for banter, either.
"What should we do, Kurama? Got any ideas?"
"What ideas could I possibly have? Sit tight and wait for the end," Kurama snapped irritably.
"Fine by me. Worst-case scenario, we go down together. Before dying, I'll throw a few Tailed Beast Bombs and blow up the Hidden Leaf Village. That's some consolation."
Naruto hiccupped, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Ugh, I may not be a human, but you're a real bastard," Kurama spat, glaring at him.
After a brief pause, Kurama's tone shifted to one of frustration. "Honestly, I'm at a loss too. It's all because of your father—the Fourth Hokage."
"That night, he used the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques to take away half of my chakra."
Now, there was something identical—an origin of the same essence—right in front of them. The deep hunger buried within Kurama stirred.
Destroy it. Devour it. Reclaim what was lost.
Such instincts were etched into the very bones of a beast.
As a beast, Kurama couldn't resist the primal urges written into its nature. It wasn't a choice but an inevitability.
"Do you remember that brat from the Fire Temple who carried a portion of my chakra?" Kurama asked, narrowing its eyes.
"I remember," Naruto replied without hesitation. "I made the wrong choice back then."
"Even with only four tails' worth of chakra, it was enough to trigger my instincts—though there was an element of resonance, too."
"Then why wasn't Kushina affected?" Naruto asked, gently stroking Kurama's head.
"It's different. You and I are connected, body and soul. We're one. We resonate with each other. That's why you're the most perfect Jinchuriki in history. But you've also felt the drawbacks of that connection."
"At that time, I was complete—whole. There was no hunger, no compulsion to devour."
"The key lies in the seal. Uzumaki Mito personally crafted it, completely isolating me from influencing Kushina."
Kurama reflected briefly before continuing, its tone serious.
"Uzumaki Mito?"
Naruto was puzzled. He only had a vague understanding of her from Uchiha Madara's brief mention in the anime.
Seeing Naruto's confusion, Kurama carried on.
"Uzumaki Mito was a terrifying woman, a master of profound sealing techniques.
"Frankly, while inside her, I had no freedom whatsoever. Her chakra chains locked me down completely.
"She could draw on my chakra at will without being affected by the Tailed Beast's influence.
"If humans didn't have limited lifespans, I might've been stuck under her control forever."
Naruto swallowed unconsciously. What a terrifying woman—she'd managed to push Kurama to such a state.
---
Ding! The system has issued a long-term task...
Task: Improve your relationship with Uzumaki Kushina to 80 points. Current progress: 46.
Reward: Unlock the system shop and receive one lottery draw.
Penalty for failure: None.
The system's voice echoed in Naruto's mind again.
His first reaction was to palm his face. Dodging Kushina was already challenging enough, and now this task?
The system remained as unrelenting as ever.
Still, Naruto liked it.
He had no way out anyway, so why not tackle the challenge head-on? There might even be a pleasant surprise waiting at the end.
---
The next morning, Naruto headed to the commercial district.
From afar, he spotted a ninja tool shop.
He walked over.
"Welcome, valued customer! Our shop has a century-old reputation. All ninja tools are sourced directly from the Land of Artisans," a tall, broad-shouldered girl greeted him as she stepped out.
If not for her feminine voice, Naruto might've mistaken her for a man.
"So, what kind of ninja tools are you looking to purchase?" she asked.
"I'd like to forge a specialized kunai. Can you do it?" Naruto inquired.
A custom kunai? A big spender!
The girl hurriedly fetched a blank sheet of paper and a black pen, placing them in front of Naruto.
Taking the materials, Naruto sketched swiftly from memory.
Moments later—
A kunai resembling a trident took shape on the paper.
"This is doable. How many would you like?"
"Make ten for now," Naruto said, retrieving a pouch containing eleven pieces of chakra metal.
"Ten are for the materials. The extra one is your crafting fee."
The shopkeeper was too stunned to speak.
This wasn't just a big spender—this was a bona fide tycoon, paying with chakra metal!
"Understood! The order will be ready in a week. Please be patient."
Naruto nodded and walked away.
=================
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