Chapter 10: A meeting of Jinchuuriki

Hinata asked, "You know about Naruto, Katsumi? I did not think that word of his victory over Pain had reached that far..." Katsumi replied, "Yes, I heard about Naruto when I was still in my village. I was amazed that one shinobi could take down a powerful foe like Pain. Can you tell me more about Naruto?" Ino said, "We all know each other from the Academy days. As I recall, Naruto was always obnoxious and getting into trouble during that time. He was also one of the worst students in class."

Hinata gave Ino an angry look with her clear eyes. She said, "Naruto may have been one of the worst students, but he never gave up with his unshakable determination. He only caused trouble to gain acknowledgement and attention from the village who despised him because of the Nine-Tails." Ino quickly apologized for her comments.

Sakura said, "I used to share that same view of Naruto until I became his teammate. Then I got to really know him: his kindness towards others, his willingness to protect his friends and his ability to touch the hearts of others through empathy.

Hinata said, "I always admired those qualities about Naruto. He inspired me to train harder and to be at my best. Naruto is the most loyal friend that you could have. He will always have your back on and off the battlefield. After the Fourth Ninja War, Naruto confessed to me about his feelings and we have been going steady ever since." Katsumi said, "Naruto sounds like a really great shinobi. You are really lucky, Hinata. Do you think that Naruto would like to come over and meet me?"

Hinata said, "Yes, I will go and get him right now. He is probably at Itchiraku's." She quickly ran out the door to find Naruto. Hinata found the blond haired ninja eating a bowl of ramen in his favorite restaurant. Hinata came close to him and gave Naruto a quick kiss on the cheek. Naruto beamed when he saw Hinata and asked, "Hi, Hinata. Where have you been? I thought you might want to share some ramen with me." Hinata whispered in his ear about Katsumi wanting to see him. Naruto was excited about meeting this new kunoichi and told Hinata to jump on his back. They raced towards Kiba's home for Naruto to meet Katsumi.

Hinata and Naruto walked into Kiba's room. Hinata motioned to Ino and Sakura to give them some privacy. They noticed her signal and walked out with Hinata. Before leaving, Hinata said, "Naruto! I will be at my house with Sakura and Ino. I will see you later!"

Naruto said, "Hinata told me about you. You're the kunoichi that Kiba was hanging out with!" Katsumi replied, "Yes, my name is Katsumi. I am so excited to meet the Naruto!" She offered her hand for Naruto to shake. Naruto said, "Hinata told me that you had heard of me. I'm Naruto Uzumaki and any friend of Kiba is a friend of mine." He shook Katsumi's hand with enthusiasm.

Suddenly, Kurama spoke inside him: "Naruto, I can sense that this kunoichi is a jinchuuriki just like you." Naruto, in his subconscious, replied: "I can't believe it! I thought that there were only nine jinchuuriki in existence." Kurama said, "Well, this one is different because the spirit sealed away is not a Tailed Beast." Before Naruto could reply, he heard the sound of someone walking through water behind him. Naruto turned around to see Katsumi standing there. She said, "I knew that I would not keep my secret hidden from you for long."

Makami appeared behind Katsumi with her long tail swaying back and forth. Naruto exclaimed in shock, "Katsumi, look out! There is a spirit behind you!" Katsumi replied, "Don't worry, Naruto. This is Makami. She is the wolf spirit who saved my life when I was young."

Makami looked beyond Naruto and saw Kurama behind him. Makami said, "It has been a long time, Kurama." Naruto was completely surprised and asked, "Kurama, do you know this wolf spirit?" Kurama replied, "yes, Naruto. It has indeed been a long time, Makami. I have not seen you since the Sage of Six Paths departed from us." Makami grinned and showed her canine teeth. She said, "I waited for you at my shrine, but you never came." Kurama replied, "There was a reason that I could not come, Makami." He motioned with a large claw towards Naruto.