Chapter 29: I Apologies
Kurama, apologizing? It was a revelation that even Naruto hadn't dared to imagine. Could Kurama genuinely feel remorse for taking the lives of his parents all those years ago?
In truth, Naruto understood the circumstances surrounding the event. When Minato had used the Forbidden Seal, and Obito had unleashed the Nine Tails by forcibly extracting it from Kushina's seal, they were destined to perish, and Kurama's final counterattack had merely hastened their inevitable fate by a few minutes.
Nonetheless, the memory remained seared into Naruto's consciousness until Kurama, in a solemn and earnest tone, offered an unexpected apology, saying, "I apologize for what happened that day. However, I won't regret my actions during the Fourth Generation. Just like you are now, trapped within me. Back then, your father divided me into two halves and sealed them in your body. Given the choice, what would you have done?"
"Of course, I'd do whatever it took to wreak havoc before surrendering," Naruto retorted with a sneer. He didn't dispute Kurama's perspective. If he were in the same predicament, he'd likely have been even more ruthless than Kurama.
Yet, he wasn't Kurama.
"So, what's your choice, your answer? Do you wish to reconcile with me?" Kurama inquired once more.
Naruto fell into deep thought once more. He had to ponder why Kurama had suddenly taken the initiative to seek reconciliation. Was it merely an attempt to lower his guard and create an opportunity to escape? Or did Kurama genuinely want to make amends?
Naruto didn't concern himself with the original storyline; he knew that in that version, the reconciliation between him and Kurama had been achieved through his unwavering determination to help and save the tailed beast. But what about now? What was his path to making Kurama recognize him?
Naruto wasn't so arrogant as to assume he could simply talk Kurama into submission. "Give me a reason," he finally said, opting to let Kurama present its rationale.
Kurama seemed to have thought this through and responded, "I witnessed the Sage of Six Paths bestow power upon you and recognize you as the one destined to safeguard the Ninja world."
That sentence carried immense weight. After all, being acknowledged by the Sage of Six Paths held immense significance. The tailed beasts themselves were formed from the Chakra extracted from the body of the Ten Tails by the Sage of Six Paths. The Sage was, in a way, their creator, their progenitor.
Their individual attitudes towards the Sage of Six Paths differed significantly, but even the rebellious Nine Tails, despite the centuries of wars, hatred, and betrayals, couldn't help but be profoundly moved by the Sage's actions.
"Most importantly," Kurama continued, "as you've mentioned, our destinies have become inextricably linked. Regardless of how much resentment you harbor toward me, or even if I were to yearn for freedom, the fact remains that one of us cannot survive without the other. This decision is one I've arrived at after careful consideration, so why not reconcile with us?"
"Before you grow up, my power will be used by you, and I will protect you," Kurama's words held a rare depth.
"And wait until one day in the future, when you have grown up, you will protect me. It's fair."
In that moment, Kurama's unusual speech seemed designed to dispel Naruto's doubts and bolster his self-belief.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle, his voice laced with sarcasm. "What an old fox through and through."
Indeed, Kurama, the Nine-Tails, was a true old fox in every sense. It could live much longer than the Third Generation, and despite its power and intelligence, it was still fundamentally a fox.
Kurama, unfazed by the comment, snorted softly and fell silent, waiting for Naruto's final response.
After a brief pause, Naruto spoke with resolve, "Deal." He raised his right hand, swearing to the sky. "I swear, as long as you don't betray me, I will never lose you. Kurama, I've never been more serious. If you promise others, I will stand by it. But I also swear that if you ever betray my trust, I will never let you go. Do you believe I can do it?"
In truth, Naruto had contemplated this decision carefully. He needed the power of the Nine-Tails now more than ever. His own strength and abilities were precious to him.
Moreover, he couldn't deny the bond he had with Kurama. Though he thought of it as a 'fetter,' he understood that some bonds, while complex, could be vital.
Naruto also acknowledged that Kurama wasn't his true enemy; that title belonged to Uchiha Obito. Regardless of Obito's reasons, they couldn't excuse the murder of the one who had cared for him. If Obito intended to unleash the Infinite Tsukuyomi, he would have to start by capturing the One-Tail, not leap directly to the Nine-Tails.
With a sense of urgency, Naruto pressed on, "Since I've put my trust in you and made this pact, shouldn't you show a little sincerity?"
As if on cue, a surge of red Chakra, rich with untold power, emanated from Naruto, enveloping him.
Kurama responded in kind, releasing a substantial amount of Chakra that wrapped around Naruto from head to toe.
In the end, Naruto stood in a Chakra coat, a shadow of a tail forming behind his back – the unmistakable manifestation of Jinchūriki entering a half-tailed animal state.
If one attempted to wield Kurama's power without its consent, they'd be overwhelmed by its malice and negativity, and it might even try to break free.
But Naruto was different. He swiftly regained his composure, feeling the tremendous strength now at his disposal. It was evident that Kurama had shown its sincerity. The half-tailed animalization mode didn't pose any risk of running wild, thanks to their newfound understanding.
Still, Naruto couldn't help but express some dissatisfaction, "Why is it just a half-tailed mode? Are you not completely satisfied?"
Kurama's response was a clear one, "Don't forget that I am still sealed. This is already my limit."
The seal was the reason Naruto couldn't achieve full mastery of Kurama's power. He nodded, acknowledging the constraint. "I see, one day I'll help you break the seal, but not now."
"For now, it's time to cultivate my own power."
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