"Not bad. Looks like that year at the academy wasn't wasted," Natsuki praised Naruto.
"I brought you here today so you could meet the Nine-Tails."
"All the suffering you've gone through—it's because of him. But remember, the reason he attacked Konoha back then was because someone controlled him."
"Now that you know you're a Jinchūriki, you need to learn how to coexist with your tailed beast."
"Peace with your beast isn't just about power—it was your father's wish for you."
Hearing about his father's expectation lit up Naruto's eyes.
"Don't worry, Natsuki-senpai! I'll do my best!"
Hearing Naruto end with his usual "dattebayo," Natsuki knew the boy had regained his spirit.
He led Naruto forward. Though the colossal gate seemed distant on the horizon, in this mindscape it wasn't actually far away.
As they walked, Natsuki's Sharingan spun, shrinking the distance rapidly.
"You're Uchiha!!"
The thunderous voice exploded in Naruto's ears, forcing him to cover them.
Boom!
A massive claw slammed against the gate. The "seal" character in the center blazed with light.
"Argh! Damn it!" The Nine-Tails' paw was repelled, but with even greater fury it rammed the gate again and again, shaking the ground with dull thuds.
"Calm down, Nine-Tails!" Natsuki's eyes snapped open wide.
The beast froze, body collapsing with a tremendous crash, paralyzed—unable to move, unable to speak.
Such overwhelming ocular power… could it be him!?
The paralysis was unbearable, but it was the terror that gnawed deeper. The Nine-Tails had only ever felt such suffocating power from one man—Uchiha Madara.
Though hidden behind the gate, the beast's oppressive aura still pressed down on Naruto. Yet what shocked him more was how easily Natsuki had subdued the fox. Just how strong was he?
That thought he'd long buried rose up again.
"Natsuki-senpai! Will you be my teacher!?"
Oh? Natsuki was caught off guard. His plan had been to deal with the Nine-Tails first, then recruit Naruto into his organization.
And the best way to do that—under the guise of teacher and student. After all, Jiraiya's reputation had already been ruined, and he could never fill that role now.
But Natsuki could help Naruto mature faster. And the boy had asked first.
Without hesitation, his mind turning through possibilities, Natsuki smiled. "Of course. From now on, I'll be your teacher."
Naruto's face lit up. He hadn't expected Natsuki-senpai to agree so easily. If he'd known, he would've asked long ago.
[Ding! Congratulations, host. You've drastically altered Uzumaki Naruto's life trajectory.]
Reward acquired: Sage of Six Paths Mode (one-time use).
Six Paths Mode!? As expected of the Child of Prophecy. Though why not Particle Release Mode?
Still, Natsuki's greed stirred. A one-time ability meant no cost, no drawback.
[Ding! Successfully recruited Uzumaki Naruto.]
Reward: Uzumaki Clan Chakra.
Natsuki's stray thoughts vanished instantly.
Uzumaki chakra—no, chakra reserves!
Naruto's overwhelming stamina came from this bloodline—enough to suppress the Nine-Tails while still creating countless Shadow Clones and burning through chakra recklessly.
Nagato's reserves were even more absurd: feeding two Rinnegan, sustaining the Gedo Statue, and still casting Rinne Tensei to resurrect scores of Konoha shinobi.
As he suspected, these were the "specialties" he could gain.
Sensing carefully, Natsuki felt his own chakra swelling—from a small stream into a widening river. It would take time, but the growth had begun.
Releasing his hold on the Nine-Tails, the beast roared furiously, though with a trace of restraint.
It now realized the one before it wasn't Madara, but another powerful Uchiha.
Natsuki raised his chin slightly. "Let's be formal. I am Uchiha Natsuki, deputy clan head of the Uchiha."
"Uchiha Natsuki…" the Nine-Tails rumbled, repeating the name. He had sensed this man before from inside Naruto.
Most days, Naruto's routine was simple—school and home, with trips to the market streets.
The strongest impression the beast had was of an Uchiha who ran businesses. His strength had been a mystery.
But to be revealed as an Eternal Mangekyō wielder—this was another matter entirely.
"I know you! Uchiha Natsuki! What are you here for!?" the Nine-Tails asked, unexpectedly compliant, showing none of his usual defiance.
For someone who could snuff out his existence at will, a measure of respect was only natural.
Natsuki pulled Naruto close. "Nothing much. Just to tell you—this boy, Uzumaki Naruto, your landlord, is my student now. From here on, he's under my protection."
"So when he's refining chakra, stop interfering."
"Hahaha!" The Nine-Tails' laugh was harsh and grating. "It's not like I want to disrupt him. When he panics, my chakra leaks unconsciously and throws him off."
"That's his problem. Don't pin it on me."
The beast's massive eyes glared from behind the gate. Respect for Natsuki was one thing—but as for indulging a brat like Naruto, he had no intention.
Yes, he could restrain his chakra—but why should he?
"Oh?" Though the fox spoke truth, his lack of deference irritated Natsuki. He was about to respond when Naruto tugged on his hand.
"Sensei, let me handle this!"
Naruto looked up at him. "This is part of being a Jinchūriki. It's something I need to face."
"…Fine." Natsuki nodded, curious to see how the boy would try.
"What do you want, brat?" the fox snorted through his nose, glaring at his "landlord."
Bracing against the crushing pressure, Naruto stepped up to the gate, staring at the fox's house-sized head. Summoning all his courage, he declared:
"Nine-Tails! I want to be your friend!"
Natsuki winced, jaw tightening. Of course he'd go with that.
He stayed silent, watching as Naruto poured out his heart—sharing his painful past, expressing empathy for the fox's suffering, and insisting they should work together in the future.
To Natsuki's amazement, the ferocious fox's demeanor softened ever so slightly. Was this the famed Talk-no-Jutsu?
Even at this age, could Naruto already wield it instinctively? Or was it the natural gift of Ashura's reincarnation?
Still, despite Naruto's earnest persistence, the Nine-Tails remained silent.
Yet the boy refused to give up, his chatter relentless.
Finally, with an irritated roar, the fox bellowed, "Enough noise!" before retreating, its massive head vanishing behind the gate.
No matter what Naruto said after that, the beast would not come back out.
But Naruto didn't seem discouraged in the slightest.
Natsuki, on the other hand, had no patience for endless talk.
"That's enough, Naruto." He cut him off.
"You can keep trying with him later. For now, I'll send you back."
"Oh, okay." Naruto scratched his head.
"One more thing," Natsuki added. "Once you're out, keep calling me Natsuki-senpai like before. Got it?"
"Eh? Why? Why can't I call you Sensei?" The boy blinked in confusion.
Natsuki ruffled his hair. "It's just a title. Do as I say."
Naruto pouted, reluctant, but finally nodded.
With a gentle tap on his head, Natsuki sent Naruto's consciousness drifting away, fading out of the inner world.
---
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