The lake wasn't exactly in the Land of Waves. It sat on the border between the Land of Water and the Land of Waves, on the west coast of the main island.
I stopped at the edge of the forest, where the mist grew thick and heavy.
"This mist..." I muttered. It didn't look natural. Or rather, it did—too natural. I could guess that Isobu might've used an enhanced version of the Hidden Mist Jutsu—powerful enough to cast an illusion and keep it active indefinitely thanks to his massive chakra reserves. As I stepped into the forest, I immediately felt it.
"It's trying to mess with my chakra flow... Genjutsu."
Ever since I entered sensory mode and learned the Mind's Eye of Kagura, I'd grown more sensitive to chakra around me. But damn, this jutsu drained my chakra fast. Maybe it's because I'm only, like, a quarter Uzumaki. I wasn't fully compatible yet.
Keeping tight chakra control, I pushed through the forest.
Eventually, I reached a wide, quiet lake surrounded by a circular mountain range. A narrow stream flowed down from the rocks, feeding into the lake before drifting off toward the sea.
The air smelled clean, but carried a chill that sank into my skin. I didn't stop to admire the view. No time to waste—I walked straight toward the lake. The mist thickened as I got closer.
I stepped into the lake and walked toward its center.
My Mind's Eye activated spontaneously as I felt a massive presence deep beneath the surface.
So… how do I contact him? It's not like he has email. It had to be the Shinobi way.
I'd originally tried to learn the Yamanaka's Mind Body Transmission Jutsu so I could communicate telepathically, but that technique required a direct line of sight or a machine to boost it like a radio.
Still, with the Mind's Eye of Kagura—thanks to Tsunade—I had other options. I couldn't talk through it, but the technique had a major flaw: like most sensory jutsu, it was a double-edged sword. I could detect others' chakra, but they could also detect mine.
I remembered how Karin used this to track Danzo during the Five Kage Summit, rendering the whole area like a submarine sonar. But it also tipped off the enemy sensor types that someone was snooping.
This time, I was going to use that flaw.
I stopped at the lake's center and kneeled on the surface. Placing my hand on the water, I focused my chakra and activated the Mind's Eye. My awareness zoomed in rapidly, scanning deeper and deeper into the lake—until something enormous stared back.
"Holy—what the fuck was that?!"
I gulped. There's a saying: When you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you. And yeah... it just did!
The water began to ripple unnaturally, small waves forming across the surface. A lake shouldn't have waves—not unless something big was messing with it.
As the water trembled, a massive gray shell broke the surface, followed by three tails swaying like shadows. Then its head rose—eyes glowing with ripples, eerily like the Rinnegan. Holy fuck, that's a fucking tail beast! I'm chill, I'm chill, alright I'm actually not chill!
"Human. How dare you disturb my slumber."
The voice was deep, ancient—and aimed straight at my soul.
I took a deep breath and shouted, "Isobu! Hear me out!"
He looked... surprised.
"What... what did you just say? H-How do you know my name?"
His voice cracked. Like I'd just said something no one should've known.
I smirked, even though I was nervous as fuck. "It's a long story—but I've come to bargain."
"Hmmm..." Isobu seemed to ease slightly. I could feel the killing intent fade. "I will listen. But first, tell me where you heard that name."
"I'm in a bit of a rush, so I'll keep it short. I found an old manuscript about the origins of the Tailed Beasts. It said you and your brothers were created by the Sage of Six Paths, splitting the Ten Tails' chakra. That's all. I also know all your brothers' names. Shukaku, Matatabi, Isobu, Son Goku, Kokuo, Saiken, Chomei, Gyuki, and Kurama."
As he sharpened his gaze, he let out a deep hum.
"I see. I don't sense any malice from you... so I'll let that slide. What do you want, child?"
The truth? That manuscript was total bullshit. I was talking about the Naruto series I watched as a kid. So technically I wasn't lying—I just didn't tell him the whole truth.
"I'll keep it brief. There's a prophecy about a blond kid with blue eyes saving the world. That means something big is going down first. I know a group called the Akatsuki is planning to capture all the Tailed Beasts to revive the Ten Tails."
Isobu's eyes widened.
"Impossible. To revive the Ten Tails, they'd need a specific power..."
He trailed off, clearly testing me to see if I knew.
I nodded. "The leader of Akatsuki already has it—the Rinnegan."
His eyes trembled slightly, though he stayed calm.
"I see... So someone has awakened Father's eyes... and plans to use the Gedo Statue."
"Exactly. And I'm here to stop it. I want your help, Isobu."
He stared at me. This time, without malice.
"You wish to become my Jinchuriki, don't you?"
I blinked. "...Yeah. I figure it's better for you to hide inside me than be left swimming around until someone captures you. I know it sounds like I'm taking your freedom, but—I just want to help. And... I need your help, too. I think it's better for us to do something rather than rely on that blonde with a loose screw in his head. I'm talking about the prophecy."
"I see. I don't mind becoming your partner. For the span of a mortal life is but a fleeting breath to one such as I. But tell me—do you think so little of me that I'd be easy prey?"
"Hell no. You're strong—but the Tailed Beasts are vulnerable because of how your chakra can be controlled by Genjutsu. You know that better than anyone. You've seen it before—right? The Sharingan?"
Instead of getting offended, Isobu listened quietly.
"You're right. My last host was put under a powerful Sharingan Genjutsu... and it could happen again."
He must've meant Yagura—the Fourth Mizukage, controlled by Obito.
"Well, I believe we can avoid that. I have plans."
I could always buy the Uchiha bloodline through the system if I had to.
"Very well... I trust your judgment."
"Wait—you trust me that fast?"
I mean, I sounded delusional as hell, even if everything I said was fact.
"I just have a good feeling. So... what kind of seal will you use?"
"The Eight Trigrams Seal—from the Uzumaki Clan."
"What? Are you seriously capable of that level of sealing? No offense, but... you look way too young to have mastered Uzumaki techniques."
I shrugged. "I only just learned it, so... let's see what happens."
"Huh. That's... reassuring? You must be a prodigy of this era."He paused."Also, one request. I'd appreciate a bit of privacy. Please don't visit me in your mindscape without warning."
"Huh? Why?"
"I... sleep really loudly. It's embarrassing. That's why I stay underwater all the time. Please keep that secret."
"Oh…"
Right. I forgot Isobu was the timid one. Not just chill—but kind of a gentleman. I was already starting to like this guy.
"Whatever you need, buddy. Anything else before we start?"
"Nothing else. State your name, partner."
I smiled. "Ichiraku Ken. Nice to meet you, Isobu."
"A good name, Ken. I'll be in your care."
"And I'll be in yours."
I pulled off my shirt, biting the fabric with my teeth to keep it out of the way. I flowed chakra into my right hand, forming blue flames from each fingertip—each one etched with sealing kanji. Then, I tapped my belly.
A black spiral formed on my abdomen, linking to my chakra pathway.
"Ready when you are, big guy."
Isobu nodded. His body shimmered, transforming into a spiritual form—and began drifting into the seal.
"Ugh—so heavy!"
I dropped to one knee. It felt like something massive was pressing against my chest.
[Relax, Ken. That's normal. You'll get used to it.]
I chuckled through the pain. "Yeah, I figured... but it still hurts like hell."
[If I'd resisted, it would've been worse. But you and I agreed. That makes this different. You okay? Take your time.]
"I'm good. Let's head back. I won't unlock the seal yet—it's better to keep you hidden for now."
[Hmm. Then how will we train together? You'll need to become a perfect Jinchuriki before people notice I'm gone.]
I smirked. "Don't worry. I know a place."
[It better be good. It has to mask my chakra—otherwise, everyone will know.]
"Oh, it's better than good. You'll see. Though... I've never actually been there myself."
[Now you've got me curious... Wait a minute—]
"I know, I'll tell you later."
With that, I headed back to the village with Isobu with me. Time to grind again.
---
After returning to the village, I got back to my daily habits.
One thing I've learned since becoming the Jinchūriki of the Three-Tails—my chakra has increased significantly, even with the seal kept tight. Unlike Naruto, I don't let it leak everywhere.
[The Eight Trigrams Seal is the greatest sealing technique ever created. It extracts Tailed Beast chakra efficiently. Good choice, Ken. But it weakens over time—be careful and monitor it often.]
Isobu communicated with me telepathically now.
'Sure, sure. Good advice, mate.'
Another surprise, I seemed to have awakened Water Affinity.
[Status]
Name: Ichiraku Ken
Age: 18
Race: Human
Chakra Level: 251 (Half Uzumaki)
Chakra Control: 116 (Jounin)
Affinity: [Fire], [Wind], [Water]
Bloodline Limit: [30% Uzumaki], [10% Inuzuka], [10% Hoshigaki]
Talent:
[Master Cooking], [Restaurant Management], [Advanced Business], [Flirting], [Master Butcher Skill], [Advanced Japanese Calligraphy], [Intermediate Medical Skill]
Skill:
[Durability], [Intermediate Taijutsu], [Intermediate Medical Skill], [Beginner Uchiha Style Shurikenjutsu], [Advanced Sealing Art]
Jutsu:
[Rasengan], [Giant Rasengan], [Compressed Rasengan], [Multi Shadow Clone], [Fire Style: Fireball], [Eight Trigrams Sealing], [Mystical Palm], [Chakra Enhanced Strength], [Mind Eye of Kagura]
Achievement Points: 87,120
It looked like I'd gained half of Isobu's chakra just by sealing him before we fully synchronized. I couldn't even imagine how much more chakra I'd have once I mastered him completely.
[Ken... is it just me, or are you somehow related to the Hoshigaki Clan?]
'Wait—you can tell?'
[I've lived long enough in the Hidden Mist to recognize the signs. You share some similarities, even if it's only a little.]
Amazing. So even that hadn't gone unnoticed.
'I'll explain later, but yeah—I can breathe and swim underwater longer than average.'
[Hm. That explains it.]
Anyway, life went on. I kept farming achievement points. My Shadow Clones handled the training while I did what I loved—running Ichiraku.
The morning light filtered through the noren curtains of Ichiraku as I tied my apron, cracked my knuckles, and flipped the "Open" sign.
"Alright," I muttered, taking a deep breath. "Let's make some magic."
The broth was already simmering—rich, fatty, with just the right hint of garlic and soy. I'd been perfecting the recipe since Pops retired, and I dared say I'd surpassed even him on my best days.
When the lunchtime comes. The lunchtime rush was chaotic as always. People packed in like sardines, but it was a blessing to cook for them.
Then I heard it.
"KEEEENNNNN!!"
My eyes widened. No way...
A blur skidded to a stop in front of the shop. Spiky blonde hair. Blue eyes. Cat whiskers.
"UZUMAKI NARUTO HAS COME BACK, YOU KNOW!"
"Naruto?! Man—you got tall! It's been three years, hasn't it?"
He grinned. "Of course I did! How are you, man? Wait—where's the old man?"
I laughed. "Retired. I'm running the place now."
"I see! What about Onee-san?"
"She's studying in the Land of Lightning. Anyway, sit down and eat. It's on the house."
"FREE RAMEN?!"
Like lightning, he was already sitting down with that classic Naruto grin.
[Ken... this boy. I sense Kurama's chakra within him. Is he...?]
'Yeah. Naruto's the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. Though only the Yang half is sealed in him.'
[I see. Someone strong enough to split Yin and Yang chakra... Kurama must be furious.]
'You sure know your brother well.'
[Of course. He has the strongest chakra and the thickest skull. Be careful.]
I chuckled at Isobu's sarcasm. He was probably already chatting with Kurama the moment Naruto walked in.
"Hoho! Straight to Ichiraku, huh?" another voice chimed in. A tall man with long white hair peeked in, grinning. "Could've saved me a seat, y'know," he added, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Shut up, Pervy Sage! I haven't had Ichiraku ramen in three years!"
"Hahaha! You idiot! Still eating nothing but ramen, huh? Ow—Ken! Look at you now! You've grown up! How's it going, boy?"
I smiled. "Welcome back, Jiraiya-san. Grab a seat—it's a celebration. Eat all you want. It's on the house."
"Oho! Finally, someone who appreciates me! I don't even remember the last time I was respected in this village."
"Geh! Will you shut up, you old perv?"
"You stupid brat! I'm talking to my boy here! Ah—that reminds me."
Jiraiya dug into his kimono and pulled out a small book.
"Here. A gift—my latest novel."
I paused mid-noodle and accepted the item.
[Item]
Name: Icha-Icha Paradise
Rank: D
18+ smut story. A romantic tale of questionable taste. Highly recommended for Kakashi.
...Why did the system register that?
"Thanks, Jiraiya-san. I'll read it during my break."
"You better! It's my magnum opus! By the way, you've changed a lot, Ken. Been training?"
"Yeah. I've been working on my Taijutsu recently."
Jiraiya stroked his chin with a grin. "That's good. I could give you a few tips if you want—you know... some advice on how to charm young ladies—"
"Don't listen to him, Ken!" Naruto cut in, scowling. "All he does is make me read boring stuff with frogs! Dang it! At this rate, I'll never become Hokage!"
"All my students are Hokage material, you fool! And how dare you insult my masterpiece?!"
"Then teach me some Fire Jutsu already, you know!"
"Idiot! Do you even know what your chakra nature is?!"
"Huh? My chakra what now?"
As the two bickered like kids fighting over candy, I slid steaming bowls in front of them—broth rich and golden, swirling with ribbons of tender pork and half-melted yolks from the soft-boiled eggs.
"Alright, ramen's ready. Dig in, folks!"
The scent of soy and garlic cut through their argument, drawing a momentary silence as they instinctively reached for their chopsticks.
"YEAHH! RAMEN! THANKS FOR THE FOOD!"
"Hoho, it smells really good. Wait—what is this?"
"It's our new specialty. A spicy Gyoza I invented recently."
"Whoahaha! Thank you, thank you!"
I couldn't wait to see how many achievement points I'd rack up from this mess.
---
A/N:
Author here! I'm going to continue the story for now. Also, I made some changes—like adding Skills to the Status screen. I'd really appreciate it if you could leave feedback on the story, whether it's comments by paragraph or a full review. Power Stones also mean a lot, since they help boost the book's popularity!