"Now that the benefits are clear, let's talk about the drawbacks."
Matatabi eyed Yuzuru warily.
When someone is overly eager for no reason, they're either plotting or scheming.
Based on its understanding of humans, the one standing before it definitely had an ulterior motive.
Seeing Matatabi's guarded look, Yuzuru smiled. "My request is simple. When the jinchuriki needs to use your power, you will fully cooperate."
"You must not forcefully seize control of the jinchuriki's body or cause destruction in the village."
Matatabi waited, but when Yuzuru didn't continue, it couldn't help asking, "That's it?"
Yuzuru nodded. "That's it."
Once it was confirmed, Matatabi's eyes lit up.
This counted as a request?
If it could occasionally slip out of the jinchuriki's body for some fresh air, such a demand was perfectly acceptable. After all, it was only lending a bit of its power.
Even though it would still be sealed, compared to the endless darkness before, this was a massive improvement.
Thinking of this, Matatabi said immediately, "I agree to your request."
"But…" Its tone turned a bit innocent. "You saw it yourself. My power can make the jinchuriki lose her senses."
"If she can't stay conscious by her own will, that's not my fault."
Yuzuru patted the cat's head with a smile. "Don't worry. I'm not unreasonable."
'Please turn off that Mangekyō Sharingan before saying that…'
Matatabi complained inwardly, then said, "I'm heading back."
As it spoke, the terrifying chakra slowly dissipated, and Yugito's figure reappeared at the center of the training field.
"Yugito!"
Samui and Mabui rushed over and helped her up.
Yugito slowly regained consciousness, dazed. "What… happened to me?"
"You just went berserk," Mabui whispered.
"Eh?!" Yugito jolted, and the memories before she blacked out came rushing back.
Panic filled her expression. "Is the village okay? Did I cause any damage?"
"Calm down." Samui patted her shoulder. "The Two-Tails did want to destroy the village, but Lord Yuzuru stopped it."
Hearing this, Yugito exhaled in relief. She bowed deeply toward Yuzuru. "Thank you, Lord Yuzuru. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt."
She had never expected the tailed beast's power to be so terrifying.
Facing its rampage, she hadn't been able to resist at all.
It seemed the Third Raikage had been right—she had been far too naive and arrogant.
Thinking of this, she asked Mabui and Samui, "When I blacked out… tell me what happened. To stop me, Lord Yuzuru and the Two-Tails must have fought intensely."
Mabui and Samui exchanged a look, unsure what to say.
Should they tell her the truth—that the great battle she imagined never happened? That Lord Yuzuru merely glared at the Two-Tails and it instantly became a meek little kitten?
Even having witnessed it themselves, it was hard to put into words.
Fortunately, Yuzuru spoke up in time, sparing them the awkwardness.
"Yugito, I've negotiated with the Two-Tails. From now on, you can borrow its power."
"But to use a tailed beast's strength, you must remain conscious under the surge of chakra."
"And to use it well, you'll need training—reach a certain level of rhythm and understanding with the beast inside you."
"I've done all I can. The rest is for you to explore."
Hearing this, Yugito asked anxiously, "Lord Yuzuru, you won't continue guiding me? What if I still lose control next time?"
Yuzuru patted her head with a smile. "Relax. Even if you lose control, the Two-Tails won't take advantage of it."
"You can communicate with it in your mental world."
"By the way, its name is Matatabi."
"I have some things to take care of, so I'll go."
With that, Yuzuru's body burst into smoke and vanished.
Yugito sighed with disappointment.
She had thought Lord Yuzuru's guidance would be long-term, but it ended in less than half a day.
And she had been unconscious for most of it…
Seeing her expression, Samui and Mabui teased her. "Yugito, why that face? Weren't you the one who didn't want this before?"
Yugito argued righteously, "How is that the same? This is Lord Yuzuru!"
————
————
After leaving the training grounds, Yuzuru headed to the dango shop on the streets of Kumogakure.
Many at home—including him—loved sweets, so he always brought some back whenever he went out.
But the moment he entered, he spotted Tsunade and Shizune quietly eating at a table.
"Tsunade, Shizune—what a coincidence."
He greeted them and sat beside them.
"Lord Yuzuru."
Shizune stood, bowed respectfully, then moved to stand beside Tsunade.
"Shizune, don't be so formal. Go ahead and sit."
"Yes, Lord Yuzuru."
She sat again.
Seeing Tsunade silent, Yuzuru raised a brow. "Tsunade, why do you look so drained today? Want to hit the casino for a few rounds?"
Tsunade glanced at him, listless. "I quit gambling."
"Huh?!"
Yuzuru stared in disbelief. "Why would you suddenly quit?"
"Hmph."
Tsunade snorted, refusing to answer.
Shizune quickly explained, "Lady Tsunade kept losing. Her mentality broke, and she's already lost almost all her money."
"So she decided to use this opportunity to just quit gambling entirely."
Even with millions in hands, Tsunade couldn't withstand losing every day.
If she kept gambling, they'd end up sleeping on the streets again.
No—maybe even worse.
In the past, they could take loans or con their way through hard times, then run off when they were broke.
But now they were settled here. Those methods couldn't be used.
Seeing Yuzuru's questioning look, Tsunade nodded. "That's right."
Yuzuru sighed dramatically. "Tsunade, what gambler quits just because they keep losing? How can you give up so easily?!"