—Human Path: Mind Dive!
Naruto's consciousness plunged into the depths of the Demonic Statue. In the dim, prison-like space within, he found himself face-to-face with all the Tailed Beasts, each one shackled tight by chains extending from the cell walls.
His gaze swept across their faces—
One-Tail: Shukaku.
Two-Tails: Matatabi.
Three-Tails: Isobu.
Four-Tails: Son Gokū.
Five-Tails: Kokuō.
Six-Tails: Saiken.
Seven-Tails: Chōmei.
Eight-Tails: Gyūki…
Their names were carved into his heart, their pasts flashing through his mind. Gathering his resolve, Naruto began, "Everyone, I came here today—"
Shukaku cut him off with a snort. "Oh~? If it isn't the brat who serves that stinking fox—Naruto! You here to bust us out of this hellhole?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, I—"
Shukaku immediately bristled. "Then why are you yapping? Get lost, kid!!"
Whoosh!
Behind Naruto, Kurama materialized with a flick of his tail. "Shukaku, your temper's as wild as ever…"
Shukaku sneered, "Well, well, the mighty fox, completely tamed by his jinchūriki. Guess I had you pegged all wrong—damn it!!"
Kurama rolled his eyes. "Stupid tanuki, I'm not about to argue with you."
He turned to the others. "All of you, you know what's happened to Naruto. Now that we're all here, it's time to speak up."
The Tailed Beasts fell silent.
Naruto tried again, voice earnest. "I want to be friends with you all—like we once were. That's why I'm here."
Matatabi's eyes narrowed. "But you want to revive the Ten-Tails."
Naruto nodded. "I do. But I'll preserve your consciousness—Orochimaru has already found a way!"
Isobu cut in sharply, "And if that snake, Orochimaru, hasn't found a way? What then?"
The air went dead still. All eyes were on Naruto.
He took a long, steadying breath, then looked up, determination blazing in his eyes. "Then I'll revive the Ten-Tails first—and I'll keep searching, no matter what, until I find a way. I won't give up!"
Isobu's voice was cold. "That's just selfishness, isn't it? With those words, you've already lost the right to walk with us."
Naruto bowed his head. "I'm sorry. But I won't lie to you…"
Son Gokū broke in, "Enough. The kid's at least honest—let's not be too harsh."
"Son…" Naruto started.
Son Gokū grinned, "You wanna bump fists? Come here, let me show you where I stand!"
Excited, Naruto stepped forward.
Boom!!
Son Gokū's massive fist sent Naruto flying across the cell.
"That's my answer! Satisfied?!"
The kindness Son once showed was now matched by his violence.
Panting, Naruto climbed to his feet, took another breath, and stepped forward again.
Son Gokū snorted, "Still want a beating?"
He smacked Naruto away with a giant palm.
"We've got nothing to say to your kind. Get lost!"
The Tailed Beasts batted Naruto around like a rubber ball.
Crack! Crack!
Shukaku howled, "If it weren't for these damn Demonic Statue chains, I'd blast you with a Tailed Beast Bomb right now!"
Kurama's eyes gleamed red with anger. "Hey! That's enough, all of you!!"
"Wait, Kurama…"
Bruised and battered, Naruto sank down onto the water's surface.
Matatabi: "Had enough yet, kid?"
Isobu: "Your skin's thicker than my shell!"
Son Gokū: "Hmph."
Kokuō: "Stop humiliating yourself."
Saiken: "Either die, or get out."
Chōmei: "Bumping fists? Out of the question!"
The only one who hadn't joined in was Gyūki, who eyed Naruto coolly. "You've got the Rinnegan, don't you? No need to beg. If you want our chakra, just take it with those eyes."
Naruto's shoulders slumped. "It's because I can't bring myself to do that… that I'm so torn up inside."
"Huh?"
The Tailed Beasts stared as Naruto stood tall again.
"If I use power to take what I want, how am I any different from those arrogant Ōtsutsuki?"
He met their eyes, voice raw and sincere.
"I want to protect the future with you—not just use you in the name of protection for my own gain."
"I really, truly don't want to lose any of you. Even if you hate me, I—Uzumaki Naruto—have changed in a thousand ways, but one thing's always stayed the same: in every life, I fight to protect the people I care about!"
The Tailed Beasts exchanged glances, silent.
Gyūki fixed him with a piercing look. "What about Bee? Isn't he one of your precious people too?"
Naruto took another breath, guilt weighing heavy. "I regret what happened to Bee. I really do."
Gyūki didn't let up. "Bee died at Obito Uchiha's hands. Deep down, you were relieved, weren't you? With him gone, reviving the Ten-Tails is easier. You didn't have to dirty your own hands or take the blame."
Naruto shook his head. "That's not true—"
But Gyūki cut him off. "So in the end, you're just a hypocrite. All that talk is just pretty words."
Naruto lowered his head. No matter what he said, nothing could erase the pain of Killer Bee's death.
Kurama spoke softly, "Let's go, Naruto…"
"I'm sorry."
Naruto bowed deeply, then turned to leave.
As his lonely figure faded, Gyūki called out, "Wait."
Naruto stopped.
"Where's Bee's body?"
"White Zetsu devoured it. Akatsuki always disposes of the bodies…"
Gyūki pondered. "Then here's how you can prove yourself: Use your Rinnegan, cast Rinne Rebirth, and bring Bee back. Do that, and the past is wiped clean."
Kurama exploded, "Are you insane?! Using Rinne Rebirth will kill Naruto! If he dies, who'll protect this world?!"
Gyūki's tone was cold, almost mocking. "The world? What's that to me? I've always hated this world, hated humans. Only Bee was different—he made me believe even among rotten humans, there are some good ones."
"So don't try to guilt-trip others with talk of the greater good. Not everyone's afraid of dying!"
"Naruto, if you can bring Bee back with Rinne Rebirth, we'll believe you. If not… you'd better rethink your plans."
Naruto clenched his fists. "I understand…"
"Good. Then hurry up and use your Rinnegan to take our chakra!"
But as Gyūki said this, he stared deeply into Naruto's eyes.
Clap!
Naruto pressed his palms together. "Rinne Rebirth, huh…? Fine. My lifespan's already been cut short—I probably won't live to see that day anyway. I'll bring Bee back, along with the First Hokage and the others. Kurama, when I'm gone, have Orochimaru use Impure World Reincarnation on me. As for my Rinnegan, give it to the First—he's the only one besides me who can win Madara over. Tell Hinata and everyone… I'm sorry, I'm going ahead."
Shukaku: "He's serious!"
Son Gokū: "Kurama, stop him, now!"
Whoosh—!
Suddenly, Gyūki shot out a hand and seized Naruto.
"Gyūki, what—?"
"That's enough. You've shown us your sincerity…"
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