Naruto leapt down from the floating platform. "Except for space-time ninjutsu and Sage techniques, almost every elemental ninjutsu based on the Five Elements is ineffective against it."
Sasuke and Hinata immediately began experimenting with the three Orbs of Seeking floating behind them.
"So, in the ninja world, aren't we practically unbeatable?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
After all, those who truly understand space-time ninjutsu or Sage techniques are exceedingly rare.
"If we have to put it that way, maybe… yes," Naruto replied with a bright laugh. "Even without the Orbs, just using my current tailed-beast chakra mode, I'm already terrifyingly strong."
And he hadn't even activated the Eight Gates yet.
Sasuke deactivated their synchronized ocular link. Hinata's and Sasuke's tailed-beast chakra modes vanished, and the three Orbs of Seeking behind them disappeared as well.
"Seems my Yin chakra is still far weaker than my Yang," Naruto noted. Without the extreme Yin chakra of a Mangekyō Sharingan, he couldn't complete the Orb fusion alone.
"So for the next stage, I'll need to study medical ninjutsu and figure out how to convert Yin into Yang," Sasuke said, nodding thoughtfully, clearly marking his next training goal.
The path forward was clear, and moving step by step promised the fastest progress.
"You've already mastered Sage techniques. Your Yang chakra is deep and refined; you just need a method to wield it fully," Naruto said, sharing his own training experience. His progress had far outpaced Sasuke's, so he could guide him through many lessons he'd already learned.
"As for Hinata, you should focus on evolving the Byakugan," Naruto continued, turning to her. "It's the ancestral Doujutsu of the Hyuga Clan. If you can fully develop it, I believe it won't be weaker than the fusion of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements."
The Hyuga clan wasn't naturally strong in elemental chakra. Hinata had never trained in Five-Element ninjutsu, so she couldn't create Orbs of Seeking the way others could. But that didn't make her weak. With her high-purity bloodline and advanced energy, evolving the Byakugan could rival any other power.
A knock at the door interrupted them an Anbu team checking the commotion caused by their experiments. Naruto brushed them off, explaining it was just a ninjutsu trial.
Back in his bedroom, Naruto returned to the sealing space.
The iron gate from before was gone. This time, it hadn't been hidden it had vanished completely.
"Even confined and only at half my power, I am still unbeatable!" Kurama declared, waving nine tails.
"On the peak of shinobi power, with me here, the world bows!" Naruto replied, his voice deep and resonant.
The fox and the boy exchanged a look, then laughed heartily together.
"Where did you learn all these stories?" Kurama asked, curiosity shining in his eyes. His attitude had shifted significantly after merging chakra with Naruto.
"I had a long dream when I was four. I think that dream changed my life forever," Naruto replied.
Kurama crouched, extending a massive paw with a clenched fist toward Naruto.
Naruto froze. "What's this? A strength contest?"
"Not strength. Fist clash! I'm going to teach you the true use of chakra," Kurama replied, grumbling.
Knowing you're strong in taijutsu doesn't mean you have to show off all the time! I, Kurama, the Great Emperor, will not be outdone!
"True use of chakra?" Naruto asked, slightly confused but obediently extended his fist. It met Kurama's in a resounding clash.
Instantly, Naruto closed his eyes, receiving the flow of information Kurama transmitted through their chakra connection.
Long moments passed before Naruto opened his eyes, now brimming with awe.
"So this is the real use of chakra? Simply linking chakra can transmit strength and consciousness?" Naruto marveled.
"This is what the Sage of Six Paths intended when founding the Shinobi tradition and spreading chakra. He wanted it to become a bridge connecting people, to understand each other's hearts and reduce conflict," Kurama explained.
"But sadly, over time, people turned chakra into a weapon of war, completely betraying the Sage's vision," Kurama continued.
"The Sage's intentions were good, but he underestimated the complexity of the human heart," Naruto reflected with a sigh.
"Even if both sides seek peace, differing approaches can lead to conflict. Even understanding each other's hearts does not eliminate disputes ultimately, battles decide outcomes."
"Just like Asura and Indra. When the Sage died, they immediately clashed."
Naruto absorbed the memories Kurama shared, learning much about ancient history and the Sage's relationship with his sons.
"In the Sage's time, relying solely on mutual understanding to maintain lasting peace was flawed," Naruto realized.
"Their era's peace lasted only because the Sage of Six Paths enforced it. It was the longest peace the world has ever known."
"The Great Unification plan is not wrong," Naruto said firmly.
"Kurama, I may not guarantee eternal peace, but I can ensure peace during the era I govern," he added sincerely.
"Ah, that's why I wanted to see how you would do it," Kurama said, nodding.
Naruto shifted the topic. "Based on the memories you shared, the Akatsuki collected tailed beasts to revive the Ten-Tails, right?"
"Yes," Kurama confirmed. "Do you remember when you rescued Gaara? I met Shukaku briefly then."
Naruto nodded; he recalled Kurama mocking Shukaku's body.
"Shukaku told me the tailed-beast chakra being collected was for the Ten-Tails' body. Originally, the Sage and his brother Hamura sealed it on the moon. But someone awakened the Sage's Rinnegan and brought it back to Earth."
"Their goal might be to revive the Ten-Tails and become the next Sage of Six Paths!" Kurama warned gravely.
"How strong is the Ten-Tails?" Naruto frowned.
"Extremely strong! It has already absorbed the planet's energy once and bore its fruit. If it absorbs the tailed-beasts' chakra, it will wield the planet's energy again," Kurama explained.
"Even a fully realized me couldn't stand against it."
"You've just gained my power. You've already felt its nature, right?" Kurama asked.
"Yes. It's a potent, high-quality Yang chakra," Naruto nodded.
"That's half my strength. The other half resides within your father it's Yin chakra. I am a combination of Yin and Yang, while the Ten-Tails possesses all the tailed beasts' power."