In his mindscape, Minato paused to examine the grey stone walls. The intricate carvings refused to resolve into coherent images or legible writing, teasing the edges of his vision with spidery symbols, stylised leaves, spirals, and graceful curves like hair flowing in wind.
Accepting the feelings they invoked and setting it all aside, he walked into the cavern.
"Back so soon, Yondaime," the Kyūbi hissed from behind its bars.
"Know thy enemy," the man replied. "In the interest of protecting my people, I need to know more about you, and talking to you is as good a way as any."
The demon fox snorted. "So what is it?"
"Things are not adding up," Minato remarked, his mood contemplative. "I utilised the Hiraishin yesterday and today – perfect chakra control that should be beyond my reach, given the supposed state of my chakra coils. Also, if I am in fact quite healthy, then what is the source of the pain?"
It chuckled, briefly flashing white fangs. "Neither I nor the white-eyed human lied, Yondaime. You merely lack the full picture."
"You were watching when I was talking to the Hyūga medical-nin?" he asked, bland tone belying his utter shock at the idea.
The Kyūbi no Yōko sniffed disdainfully. "Of course I was watching. I am always watching."