In a small, unremarkable grove outside the Hidden Leaf Village's Ninja Academy, Naruto lay sprawled alone in the snow, his clothes tattered like a beggar, his face covered in dirt.
"Hss… I knew Hyuga Hiashi wouldn't let me off easily, but this was a bit much, don't you think? The Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms... Anyone who knows would think he's just scolding a boy for getting close to his daughter out of jealousy. But someone who doesn't know might think he's trying to murder his daughter's future husband... Hss, ow ow ow ow ow…"
Bruised all over in every imaginable shade of blue and purple, Naruto complained bitterly while trying to move his body. But with all his chakra points sealed by the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist, he couldn't muster even a sliver of strength. Eventually, he gave up on the meaningless struggle, collapsing like a salted fish stripped of dreams, lying on the ground and panting heavily as he stared up at the sky.
'Well… if I think about it from a different angle, this might actually be the perfect opportunity to understand the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist. Even if he held back most of the power, this is still the genuine Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms passed down in the main family. If I can figure out how to undo the chakra point seals, I'd gain a huge edge in close combat—especially if I end up facing that genius in the Chūnin Exams.'
"Hahahaha! Hey, brat! Aren't you looking a bit too pathetic right now?"
The moment Kurama's mocking voice rang out gleefully, the scenery in front of Naruto began to fade. When he came to, he was already standing inside the consciousness space where Kurama was sealed... But unlike the gloomy sewer-like setting from their first meeting, the space had completely transformed thanks to the mutual trust Naruto and Kurama had built.
With their conscious efforts to remodel the space, the cold and murky yellow tones were replaced by a bright, expansive road full of vitality. The puddles that used to gather underfoot now surged rhythmically like waves. Even a tropical island had appeared within Kurama's domain—complete with sea breezes, gentle waters, and playful waves. Compared to the bleak early days of being sealed inside Naruto, Kurama was now enjoying a much more pleasant life. If it weren't for the massive iron gate still standing firm before him, no one would believe this paradise was actually the prison of a Tailed Beast.
"Burned, chakra sealed..."
Seeing Naruto arrive, Kurama—who had been lazily lounging on the beach—curved his mouth into a slightly teasing grin as he eyed the boy's sorry state.
"To me, it looks like today was quite the 'colorful adventure,' huh?"
"You're so annoying, Kurama..."
Since they were in the consciousness space, Naruto was free from the limitations of his sealed chakra points. He sprang to his feet like a carp and, grumbling with annoyance, jumped up and landed directly on Kurama's head. Nestling into the softest spot he could find, he lay back and crossed his arms behind his head.
"Anyway, you obviously sensed Hyuga Hiashi nearby. So why didn't you warn me earlier? You definitely share the blame for this one!"
"Hmph, don't give me that. I did warn you! It's not my fault you threw a tantrum and didn't listen. I'm not taking the fall for that one... But I gotta say, that burst of pure anger during your outburst—now that was something I could appreciate."
After spending so much time with Naruto, Kurama had learned to mimic many of the strange phrases he often blurted out—like "take the L," "666," or "Last year I bought a watch"—from another world entirely. And Naruto's affectionately outrageous behavior didn't faze him anymore. His crimson beast eyes even softened a little with fondness as he lowered his head just enough to let Naruto land more comfortably. Then, while subtly allowing his chakra to leak out of the seal and form a warm layer of Tailed Beast Chakra to melt the snow and keep Naruto from freezing, Kurama bared his teeth in mock menace.
"More importantly, you're getting bolder... Jumping on my head like that? Aren't you even the least bit afraid I'll take this chance to seize your body and regain my freedom?"
The biggest difference between a Jinchūriki and a Tailed Beast was that the former could freely enter and exit the consciousness space, while the latter remained trapped behind the sealed gate. It was a built-in protection for the weaker host. But when the Jinchūriki actively stepped into the beast's domain, it became a fair battleground for control.
In other words, Naruto's casual visit was the clearest sign of his trust.
'Tch. If you really wanted to take control, you wouldn't be so upfront about it. That kind of bluff only scares little kids…'
Realizing Kurama was all bark and no bite, Naruto smirked and shifted around lazily atop his head.
"Also… you said you warned me? If you mean that little mumble you muttered when the guy was already behind me, that doesn't count, y'know!"
"Hmph, like you're not a brat yourself, you stinky little runt."
Kurama clicked his tongue and retracted his claws, Naruto's fearless behavior clearly dampening his intimidating aura. After a short pause, he said in a more serious tone:
"Hey, kid. Be careful. There's someone nearby even stronger than Uchiha Itachi… I told you that before, didn't I? But you ignored my warning to deal with those three little humans instead. Your current state? You brought it on yourself."
"...Haha, right… I think you did say something like that."
Naruto blinked, suddenly recalling the moment. Despite the thick skin he'd built over the past three years, he couldn't help but blush and scratch his head awkwardly. Spotting the glint of gossip in Kurama's eyes, Naruto guessed where the conversation was heading. Before Kurama could bring up Hinata, he quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, let's not talk about that right now… Kurama, why'd you suddenly pull me into the consciousness space? Something wrong?"
"Hmph? Ah, right. With all that back-and-forth, I almost forgot…"
Kurama didn't call him out for the obvious deflection, only letting his eyes settle into a more serious expression.
"Back when you were sparring with Uchiha Itachi at the training ground, I kept getting the sense we were being watched. Then earlier, when you accidentally triggered that burst of my chakra, even though it was short-lived—it confirmed my suspicion. That wasn't my imagination. Someone really was observing us."
"Being watched? Oh, are you talking about the Third Hokage's crystal ball?"
Startled by Kurama's seriousness, Naruto blinked, then casually stroked Kurama's soft fur while waving it off.
"Don't worry, don't worry. Gramps might be a bit of a peeper, but he's on our side. He wouldn't hurt us, right?"
"Hmph, I'll give that old geezer the benefit of the doubt—for your sake."
But Kurama didn't relax. Instead, the furrow between his brows deepened. He gently lifted Naruto off his head and held him in front of his face.
"But lately, your actions have gotten way too flashy. Sure, the Third Hokage might be trustworthy... But can you really be certain the people who once slandered and targeted you aren't keeping tabs on you now?"
"Slander and harm? You mean Danzo and them...?"
Naruto's mind instantly jumped to the infamous Konoha Elders—Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane. After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head and spoke with doubt:
"No way, right? You're just overthinking it, Kurama. Gramps told me they made a promise—a signed contract, even. They swore never to interfere with my growth!"
"Heh… You think humans don't break promises?"
Kurama's eyes glinted coldly as he snorted.
"They lied about you being the Nine-Tails reborn, just to protect their own interests. You think they'll hold onto a promise that goes against those same interests?"
Naruto's stunned silence only made Kurama sigh, his tone softer but no less serious.
"Maybe before, they didn't care what you did because it didn't affect them. But now? You're challenging their pride. Their authority. You really think they'll let you keep doing as you please?"
"Don't forget, Naruto… to those old geezers, pride and appearances are worth less than a scrap of paper—especially when weighed against their own power."
"Promises? Contracts? Oaths?"
Kurama let out a dark laugh.
"They're just worthless scraps of paper—easily torn, and even more easily forgotten."