Due to the Chakra Gan (sensing) between different Nine-Tails individuals and the subtle connections formed as a result, it's inevitable that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki(s) would eventually realize they are not the only ones. This is similar to the Nine-Tails Splitting Plan—no matter how tightly sealed the information is now, leaks will occur gradually.
But even if Orochimaru truly became a Jinchuriki, when would he realize the Nine-Tails wasn't unique?
It would at least take quite some time, unless the weakened Nine-Tails itself immediately opened up to this new "host."
The problem, however, was that stripped of most of its power, the Nine-Tails deeply distrusted ninjas. Would that cruel yet tsundere fox spirit willingly lower its pride and talk to an ugly two-legged creature like Nagare?
"You're someone who focuses entirely on your own matters, relentlessly devoting yourself to various research endeavors, exploring the profound mysteries of Ninjutsu and the limits of ninjas, yearning for knowledge and forbidden secrets… This is your true nature, Orochimaru.
So you're teetering on the edge, always at risk of crossing the line.
As for matters beyond your own 'focus,' you're neither cruel nor savage, but rather indifferent and dismissive..."
Sometimes, that kind of indifference can be even scarier than plain cruelty… However, Haseo didn't say this out loud.
Once he was done talking about the Nine-Tails, the two kept walking along the Hot Spring River. Suddenly, Haseo spoke these words. It was rare for them to have conversations like this, which was why there were some things Haseo had never voiced before.
"It sounds like some sort of personal analysis of me. Although I don't entirely agree with your assessment, still… So what exactly are you trying to say?"
Haseo's smile hadn't faded. He continued speaking, "So, try not to do anything that would make me dislike you, Orochimaru."
"…"
Haseo, why do you think a ninja needs to become stronger?
Because the world and numerous pre-existing 'entities' impose layers of constraints upon you, yet everyone hopes they can act according to their own true will. This should be called pursuing freedom. So…
In the end, one has to follow their heart.
Orochimaru seemed to have spoken in circles, but his meaning was very clear.
Haseo gave a slight nod and said, "I get it. But when you start 'following your heart,' just make sure your power's at least twice as strong as mine.
Believe me, this is a well-intentioned reminder."
Haseo appeared to have been rejected.
At that moment, his eyes seemed darker than the night sky. When he turned his gaze toward Orochimaru, suddenly the latter felt a chill run down his neck, and goosebumps rose on his arms.
"Well then, haha, I was just expressing a viewpoint, explaining an ideal… After all, ideals belong to another world."
Realizing he might've gone too far, Orochimaru tried to backtrack with an explanation.
Only then did Haseo finally shift his gaze away. "Let's hope so."
"A person's mind is infinitely free, so there's nothing more difficult than controlling such freedom... Even if the goal isn't 'control,' but merely 'correction,' it remains equally challenging."
After their conversation ended, Orochimaru took his leave, while Haseo remained standing atop the wooden arch bridge spanning both banks of the Hot Spring River, gazing at the surface of the water.
Under the slightly cool night sky, the white mist rising from the Hot Spring River was clearly visible. Yet beneath this veil of mist, the reflection of the starry sky on the water grew increasingly hazy.
Was handing over the Nine-Tails to Orochimaru the right move—or was it a mistake? This time, he really didn't know for sure. The only certainty was that such an action would create certain...
Hmm, variables.
Actually, Orochimaru had a point; anyone longed for freedom, and Haseo was no exception.
The white mist rising from the river enveloped the bridge, making Haseo's figure grow more and more indistinct. He himself might think that contemplating here made him seem mystical and profound, yet in reality...
"Haseo, how come you're standing there like a ghost—motionless and silent?"
At some unknown moment, Tsunade had also arrived, once again wearing an outer garment, apparently having just woken up.
Since Haseo had "disappeared," she came out looking for him.
"Uh, I just stepped out to talk with Orochimaru. We... discussed some things," Haseo quickly explained.
"I know. I saw Orochimaru leave before coming over. What are you feeling guilty about?"
"..."
Who feels guilty? Haven't you noticed this place is already closed for the night?
"What were you thinking about just now?"
"I guess you could say I'm fantasizing about my post-retirement life."
"Haseo, we're ninjas. Ninjas don't really have a retired life... Grandma's situation is an exception among exceptions."
"I know. That's why I'm just imagining it—just thinking... You really have zero sense of romance, do you?"
Haseo Yu saying something like that? Now that's unexpected coming from him.
This time, it was Tsunade who fell speechless—genuinely at a loss for words.
"The world feels real, concrete—it exists, and we're part of it..." As he spoke, Haseo reached out and tapped the railing of the wooden bridge. Obviously, it wasn't the world itself, but a small part of it.
It was real, tangible—and so was the world, just as real, just as tangible.
"But just as I realized this and was beginning to accept it, everything shattered."
Tsunade roughly knew about Haseo's childhood experiences. Although she didn't know the details, she understood now why Haseo would feel this way.
"I drifted without purpose for years—even when I got to Konoha, it wasn't about living, just surviving. Then much later, after experiencing certain events, I finally stepped back into the painting, regaining a sense of reality, and everything regained its color.
Life felt alive again. Every breath carried sweetness... It was all because of you, little Tsunade."
"Actually, it's mostly because of Tsunade's mother, but I can't bring that up here. It's not that the phrase sounds like an insult—it's just that, right now, Haseo's emotional intelligence suddenly kicks in.
'Is this some kind of late-night love confession or something?'
Standing side by side with Haseo, Tsunade lowers her head on purpose so he can't see her face. 'Besides, according to your logic, you should say that you walked out from within a painting. Why would you say you walked into a painting instead?'
Indeed, such a description contradicts Haseo's own assertion that 'the world is real.'
Haseo simply shakes his head without explaining. 'Initially, I merely thought surviving was good enough for me. But later on, my thinking changed—I need to become a great ninja and accomplish something significant before I can feel a sense of solace, only then will I be able to relax.
To be honest, it's a kind of burden—an influence imposed on me by others. But it's something I have to do, so in the end, it's something I choose to do too.'
'Is it about achieving world peace?'
Tsunade makes a guess as she speaks, knowing full well that becoming Hokage was never Haseo's goal.
'That might be too idealistic. After all, humans are just as drawn to war as they are to peace. A single stolen pig could escalate into a war between two countries... My goal is simply to help the world escape a certain cycle—nothing more.'
Perhaps still thinking about his earlier talk with Orochimaru, tonight Haseo seems unusually talkative.
Yet Tsunade doesn't fully grasp what Haseo means right now.
'After completing this small goal of mine, I think I'll be ready to retire. Then I'd finally be able to live a life where I can sleep in every morning without having to rush anywhere.'
Hmm, it does sound like a noble ideal. However… it feels like you're tempting fate just saying it out loud.
Caught up in Haseo's musings, Tsunade herself even begins imagining a relaxed, tranquil retired life. They both lapse into a short silence.
Then unexpectedly, Tsunade shifts the topic abruptly. 'Haseo, want to go visit Nawaki?'
'...'
That came out of nowhere.
'Alright.'
Still, in the end, Haseo agrees."
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