Naruto guessed:
"In order for the tailed beasts to balance the power of each nation, so they fear each other and don't dare launch another ninja war?"
A proud, almost human-like smile appeared on Kurama's face.
"That's right! Now you understand what impact it will have on Konoha if you set me free, don't you?"
The implication was simple— See? Our tailed beasts are that powerful!
Seeing Kurama's smug expression, Naruto couldn't help but ask:
"Then tell me, did the First Hokage's plan actually succeed?"
Kurama's smile froze.
Originally, it had been waiting for Naruto to realize its importance and beg it to stay.
But Naruto… was someone who never said what Kurama expected.
Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed Kurama's mood shift and quickly waved for the surrounding ANBU to retreat.
By now, Kurama's appearance had already caused panic across the village.
Because of its massive body, everyone in Konoha could see it.
That night more than ten years ago resurfaced in the villagers' minds.
For them, Kurama was synonymous with disaster.
Many shinobi began evacuating civilians, while elite ninja rushed toward the area.
But they were all stopped by the ANBU under Hiruzen's orders.
Hiruzen took two careful steps forward. His weathered face was deeply lined, his smile humble, almost flattering:
"Nine Tails, Naruto is just a child. He didn't mean what he said. Please don't take it to heart."
More than ten years later, Hiruzen once again stood before the Nine Tails.
But now he had lost his former strength and youth.
His back was stooped, his eyes carried vigilance, and though he had lost loved ones to Kurama's rampage, there was no trace of hatred in them.
Everything he did, he believed, was for Konoha.
Kurama looked down on him with disdain.
"Hmph. Stupid human. I'm talking to a friend—why are you interrupting?"
Hiruzen forced a smile, then shot desperate winks at Naruto.
He wanted Naruto to convince Kurama to remain in Konoha.
That would be best for the village.
But Naruto didn't care about Konoha. He looked at Kurama and asked directly:
"Kurama, now that you're free, are you willing to stay in the Land of Fire?"
Hiruzen: "…"
Kurama burst out laughing.
"Haha! As expected of the one I've chosen!"
It could hear the genuine concern in Naruto's voice.
Yet the foolish fox didn't realize Naruto was cleverly passing its "trust test" without risk.
Deep down, Naruto thought: Hurry up and leave… so I can find the next one. After all, I still have a complete Nine Tails sealed in my system's backpack.
Kurama finally stopped laughing and spoke solemnly:
"Uzumaki Naruto, you're right—you truly are a friend to the tailed beasts."
"For so many years, no human has ever been willing to truly trust us. But you… you have that courage."
"You've kept your promise. So, I'm willing to make a small sacrifice for you."
"I know you value a peaceful life. So, I won't leave the Land of Fire. That way, the balance of the ninja world can still be maintained."
Naruto smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Kurama."
Without wasting any more time, Kurama leapt toward the Forest of Death, determined to find a suitable home within the Land of Fire.
Despite its enormous size, its speed was breathtaking. In an instant, it vanished from Konoha like a gust of wind.
The villagers, watching the dreaded Nine Tails disappear, erupted in cheers.
They had escaped another potential disaster.
Back at the training ground, Hiruzen turned to Naruto with concern.
"Little Naruto, do you need me to call a doctor?"
As Hokage, he knew well the backlash Jinchūriki suffered when separated from their tailed beasts.
But Naruto's situation was different.
Though he was sweating slightly, he didn't seem seriously harmed. His breathing was steady, his spirit calm.
In truth, Hiruzen himself had shed more cold sweat than Naruto that day.
"No need," Naruto replied.
Now, he was no longer bound by his promise. He could focus on recovering and then think about sealing another Nine Tails.
"Since Kurama's no longer with me," Naruto asked, "do I still need ANBU protection?"
Hiruzen was stunned.
Naruto had just lost the Nine Tails… yet he looked completely fine.
Not only that—he could communicate with Kurama and was even regarded as its friend.
And now, he was calmly requesting the ANBU be dismissed.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Naruto's expression had been composed, as if he'd planned everything.
Could it be… Naruto's strength had already reached a point where tailed beasts no longer mattered?
Impossible. He was still too young.
Yet the immense Chakra Hiruzen sensed within him was undeniable.
Confused, the Third Hokage could only watch as Naruto turned and headed home to rest.
Of course, being separated from Kurama still had its effects.
The impact wasn't small, but it was within Naruto's tolerance.
Back home, he collapsed onto his bed and quickly fell asleep.
He didn't wake until the next morning.
Glancing at the clock, he froze.
Today was graduation day—
and he had overslept.
"Must be because my body was too drained yesterday…" he muttered.
Still, he felt refreshed after such a deep sleep.
Naruto packed up quickly and hurried to the Ninja Academy.
The villagers, who had panicked yesterday, were stunned to see Naruto alive and well.
He was rumored to be the demon fox itself.
But if that was true, why had the Nine Tails appeared and left—while Naruto remained perfectly fine?
Everyone who saw him today felt their expressions change.
Had they been hating the wrong person all this time?
When Naruto finally arrived at the Academy, the graduation exam had already ended.
The students were chatting about their results in the classroom.
Hinata sat quietly, worry etched on her face as she looked at Naruto's empty seat.
She knew more than most about him.
Yesterday's sudden appearance of the Nine Tails terrified her—she feared something had happened to Naruto.
But then, Iruka shouted at the door:
"Naruto? You're finally here!"
Hinata spun around and saw him.
Naruto looked completely unharmed, full of energy.
Hinata's eyes lit up, and she ran over with small steps, her voice trembling with relief:
"Naruto, are you… are you okay?"
Hearing Hinata's concern, Naruto's heart, heavy from the day before, instantly felt lighter.
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