Chapter 59 – Konoha Strays into the Water Curtain Cave
Southern reaches of the Forest of Death.
w̆̈̆̈k̆̈̆̆̈ă̈̆̈n̆̈̆̈.c̆̈̆̈ŏ̈̆̈m̆̈ – waiting for you to find it.
In the sun-blocking shade, Naruto's body was perfectly hidden.
He sank his consciousness into the Sealing Space.
In the gloom, Kurama sensed his arrival, puzzled.
Why so early today?
But it quickly gave up thinking and declared, "Come play cards with me—this time I'll make you beg for mercy on your knees!"
Naruto was speechless.
This fox is probably hopeless.
Flip through the diary—every entry is about card games.
Kurama, Kurama, how could you sink so low?
What's that look? Do you look down on me?"
The fox bristled, its loud roar echoing.
Naruto completely ignored such a simple sound-wave attack.
He was used to it.
If Kurama ever spoke softly, it would surely be the end of the world.
I need your help.
Naruto cut to the chase. "Lend me your Chakra."
His previous two uses of Kurama's Chakra Mode had been transactions.
Free access was unlikely.
Kurama's large eyes lit up.
This brat has plenty of good stuff.
Figure out how to squeeze some out.
Lending is fine—let's see your sincerity,"
the fox said smugly. "Satisfy me and you can use as much Chakra as you like."
You just said you'd make me kneel and beg—let's duel in yu-gi-oh! Winner names the terms."
...
Kurama's expression froze.
It wasn't stupid.
It had only been talking big.
In a real match it would probably lose.
No, choose something else."
Kurama's refusal startled Naruto.
Aren't you usually the most reckless?
Your brain's just for decoration.
Did you finally find its instruction manual?"
How about this,"
Naruto said, feigning reluctance. "I have a card that produces endless snacks you love. Trade it for permanent access to your Chakra—what do you think?"
One bag a day, forever.
That counts as endless.
Not really a lie.
That! I want that!"
Kurama shrieked in excitement.
What a treasure!
A card like that exists?!
Deal,"
Naruto said, holding out the dog food card. He paused. "It's precious—you won't go back on your word, right?"
That's an insult to my honor!"
Kurama roared, nine tails whipping. "Brat, don't belittle me!"
Since you put it that way, I trust you,"
Naruto said, stifling laughter as he tossed the card. "Okay, I'll use your Chakra now—bye."
Kurama waved a paw, casually shoving a huge mass of Chakra at him.
It shrank, picked up the bronze card, eyes curious.
How do I use it?"
It flicked the card; a bag of dog food popped out.
Seeing the familiar pouch, it brightened.
But this time the wrapper was still on.
dog food?!"
Kurama could read.
And because it could, it froze.
The mouth-watering smell, the exact same taste—
all its "snacks" had been dog food.
You dare treat me like a dog?
Aaaargh!"
Furious and shamed, Kurama churned inside Naruto's stomach.
Only now did it grasp what the brat meant by "going back on his word."
Ow! You're serious, Big Fox!"
In Kurama Chakra Mode, Naruto clutched his belly.
Pain radiated outward from within.
In all his life he'd never hurt like this.
He finally understood how hard pregnant mothers have it—
especially with a brat like Kurama inside.
You're not going to break your promise, are you?"
Naruto sank back into the Sealing Space, sighing at the mess. "And here I thought you were the mightiest, most honorable Tailed Beast."
Kurama, bristling with killing intent, paused.
The kid called me the mightiest?
Well, well, you've got taste.
Suddenly Naruto didn't seem so hateful.
Hmph! I never go back on my word."
Still fuming—dog food was an insult—
but having spoken, it wouldn't retract.
Watching its conflicted face, Naruto guessed its thoughts. "My fault. I won't make you eat dog foodagain."
That's more—huh?"
Kurama's eyes bulged.
What did the brat just say?
No more dog food ever?
It couldn't decide whether to rejoice or despair.
After a long moment it stared at the card-produced kibble, torn.
Eating it would ruin its reputation.
Not eating... unbearable.
With trembling paws it ripped the bag and, faster than lightning, shoved the contents into its mouth.
No one will ever know.
Outside, Naruto nearly laughed himself silly.
Too much fun.
Kurama—
saying no, body honest.
Classic tsundere.
After the laugh, Naruto remembered business.
A few minutes later he sensed Danzo and two Root Ninja returning from a mission.
Bloom, Mirror Flower, Water Moon."
Limitless Chakra surged silently.
Like a breeze, mist began to rise.
Lord Danzo,"
Torune Aburame suddenly halted. "My insects are uneasy."
Danzo, white-robed, bandaged head, frowned.
He didn't think anyone would dare attack near Konoha.
But Torune wouldn't lie.
Orange-haired Fu Yamanaka raised a finger.
After a moment he asked, "Torune, could your bugs be off?"
As a Yamanaka, Fu had sharp senses.
Just then thin mist drifted in from every side.
All three held their breath against poison,
backs together, scanning the surroundings.
Do you hear something?"
Danzo cocked an ear, then looked east.
The sound grew clearer.
Fu and Torune turned as well.
Sounds like some kind of instrument."
Danzo's heart shook.
The music was grand, solemn, sacred.
He felt as if facing an eternal emperor.
Moments later the sound ceased.
A wave of dizziness hit him.
It felt as though heaven and earth had been moved.
When he opened his eyes again, rosy clouds filled the sky and an endless sea stretched before him.
Memories flashed like a lantern.
Danzo stared wide-eyed.
From a seaside stone a monkey leapt forth.
Seeking immortality, it sailed abroad to learn, returned calling itself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, rallied demons and stormed the heavens.
Every scene felt real, as if it had truly happened.
What are these beings?"
Fu gasped, choking. "Terrifying!"
Their power dwarfs any Ninja I've seen."
Torune nodded; even the Hokage couldn't match such pressure.
It's Sage Chakra,"
Danzo said quietly.
Every figure in the vision wielded senjutsu.
He saw it clearly—
each bore natural markings,
the stone monkey's Fiery Eyes especially vivid.
All the mist vanished.
Danzo found himself before a waterfall.
Follow me,"
a Six-Eared figure said, stepping through the cascade and vanishing.
The three exchanged glances.
Torune sent insects ahead; once safe, Danzoplunged through.
Light turned to dark.
Water Curtain Cave?"
He read the inscription, hesitated, then entered.
The next instant Danzo froze.
Radiant rosy clouds drifted amid rolling mist; peach blossoms and immortal monkeys drinking in revelry flickered everywhere.
You see this immortal—why do you not bow?"
The sudden voice jolted Danzo.
A chill shot through him.
Bow? To whom?
Pure theatrics!
His defiance seemed to enrage the speaker.
With a hum the entire world vibrated at an indescribable frequency.
The mist parted to reveal endless Peach Groves.
Though mouthless, the trees spoke in unison:
You see this immortal—why do you not bow?