A/N: I present to thee: chapter 23.
I don't own Naruto.
Chapter XXIII: Dreams of Animosity
The sun cast long shadows over the flat, rocky training ground that the three jinchūriki agreed to meet at. The cloud cover was moderate by Kumo's standards, and the air was colder than Naruto was used to in Konoha. The rocky terrain seemed to suck up every last bit of heat that dared remain in the area. It wasn't as bad as Frost Country, but it wasn't the crisp morning that Konoha enjoyed.
The trio sat in a triangle, with Yamato keeping watch once more. With a yawn, Naruto greeted his acquaintances. Bee returned it with two sideways three-pronged peace signs, while Yugito opted for a simple "good morning."
"So, here we are. What did you want to ask us about today?" She prompted.
"I wanted to know how you guys got your Tailed Beasts under control so easily." He gestured towards Bee. "I heard that you beat Gyūki in a fight." He turned his attention to Yugito. "And I…don't think I got any specifics from you. Only that you went through a crap-ton of training."
"Ya heard right, me and Gyūki got into a fight. After that, me and him were alright. Yeah." By now, Naruto had nearly grown accustomed to Bee's constant rapping. He took it as part of his personality, much like his verbal tic that showed itself whenever he was emotional. Yugito only rolled her eyes. Despite having known Bee for so many years, she wasn't sure she could ever grow fully accustomed to hearing him rap all the time.
"Yes, I did go through a lot of training to control Matatabi. It wasn't conventional, by any means. A lot of it was learning to exert my will over her, assert my dominance over her instead of the other way around," Yugito explained.
Naruto frowned slightly. "Well, I don't think I'll be able to do that. The Nine-Tails is one mean huge bastard. Every time I've tried to use even just a little bit of his chakra, I end up seeing red and losing control. The last time that happened…" Memories of him nearly ripping the seal off crept into his mind. "…let's just say it ended better than it could have."
The two Kumo shinobi nodded. For a moment, only the wind whispered through the training ground. Bee shifting caught Naruto's eye, which made notice that Bee's face had shifted into one of optimistic determination.
"Here's the skinny. See, with Tailed Beasts, there really ain't such a thing as 'winning.' It's about seein' eye-to-eye, not lookin' down from on high," he explained in a surprisingly normal cadence. Naruto and Yugito's brows shot up in surprise, before Naruto's furrowed.
"Wait a second. How can it not be about winning when you just said you beat Gyūki in a fight? Even Miss Yugito said she asserted her force of will or whatever. So, what gives?"
The older blonde hummed. "I think what he means is that once you break through that first barrier, it's about understanding the Tailed Beast. After I showed Matatabi that I wouldn't budge or be beaten so easily, things were easier. She came to respect the fact that I didn't give up."
Naruto frowned. "So, what's the deal with the Nine-Tails then? Every time I've tried standing up to him, he just laughs at me or gets angry. I've never thought about fighting him, but something tells me that might not be the best idea."
"Tell ya what, lemme hand it over to Gyūki, that way both of ya can talk it up and see. Whee." With that, the other spectacled Jinchūriki entered a meditation-like state. After a moment of motionlessness, he stirred.
"Bee said you needed to ask me something else?" Gyūki tried to mask his annoyance with a chipper tone.
"Yeah. You and Bee fought before you guys started getting along, right?"
"That's right. Gotta say, his strength was impressive," Gyūki mused.
"Well, Bee mentioned something about how there's no such thing as 'winning' with a Tailed Beast, something about seeing eye-to-eye…"
"Ah, yeah. After our fight, we came to an understanding: I'd have a hell of an easier time if I didn't resist as much. I was sealed in Bee's cousin before I was sealed in Bee. Truth be told, Bee is the only human I've actually gotten along with. Blue Bee was alright, but our relationship was more…professional than anything. He was the jinchūriki, and I was the Tailed Beast. Never really went past that."
"So, what does this mean for me and the Nine-Tails, then?" Naruto asked as his face twisted in confusion.
Gyūki grew serious. "You'll have to look within. Try again to talk to the Nine-Tails."
Naruto pressed his lips together into a tight line. He heaved a sigh through his nose. "I guess I don't have a choice, do I?"
Gyūki shrugged Bee's shoulders. "You gotta do what ya gotta do. If it helps, me and Matatabi will be here in case things get outta hand. I do have a suggestion, though." Naruto looked at him expectantly. "Try asking for his name."
The younger blond cocked his head. "His name?"
"That's right."
He sighed once more. "Alright…I'll try." He called Yamato over, asking him to be on standby in case anything strange happened. Gyūki turned control back over to Bee, who watched expectantly as Naruto shifted into a meditative position. Taking a deep breath, Naruto entered his mindscape once again.
He opened his eyes when he heard water dripping. His nose was assaulted with the musty odor of the place. He turned and beheld the cage containing his tenant. The seal was repaired, though the cage was unaltered. Naruto swallowed hard before making his way towards the great metal gate. As always, beyond the gate there was only pitch black. Silence filled his ears. Only the occasional water drop could be heard.
Steeling his nerves, Naruto took a deep breath. "Hey, Nine-Tails! I wanna talk to you!"
Silence.
Naruto was about to call out once more before a vermilion eye slowly opened. The blond flinched as the fox took a deep breath.
"You. You've returned. Why are you here?" he growled.
Naruto stood firm. "Because I need to talk to you about our situation."
The fox bared its teeth, its face now visible in the dim light. "And what makes you think you can demand me to speak with you? You're nothing!"
The blond grit his teeth. "Shut up! I'm trying to make this easier for the both of us!"
The Nine-Tails' thunderous laughter echoed through the mindscape. "You? Make things easier for me? You're a fool! You have nothing that ca—"
His vermilion eyes narrowed as he lowered himself down to stare at Naruto's sunglasses through the metal bars. The blond fought the urge to take a step back as the fox studied him. "Something's different about you. I can sense it. I thought I felt something before, but now that you're here…"
"So now you feel like talking?"
"Silence! There's something different with you. Something with your chakra. Tell me!"
"Why the hell should I tell you?!"
"You want to make things easier?! Start by telling me what's different about your eyes!"
Naruto froze. He cursed himself for not realizing that the fox would be able to tell that there was something different about his eyes. Without a word, he removed his sunglasses. The fox's eyes widened, its brow furrowing.
"Why do you have those eyes?"
"Long story. What's it to you?"
"Those eyes belonged to my father."
Naruto's face twisted in confusion. "Since when do Tailed Beasts have parents?"
"I'm not going to waste my time explaining something you won't understand. You having the Rinnegan changes nothing."
"What's your deal?! What's so bad about your existence being easier while you're sealed in me?! Obviously me having the Rinnegan must mean something, or you wouldn't have brought it up in the first place!"
"Your existence is nothing more than a means to contain me! If I had my way, I would have been out of here a long time ago!"
Naruto clutched his head, roaring in frustration. "For crying out loud! All I want is to make things less miserable for us! Whether either of us like it or not, you're sealed in me! And another thing! I didn't ask for these eyes!"
The fox's eyes narrowed once more. "Now you've piqued my interest. Tell me, Naruto. How exactly did someone like you come upon the Rinnegan?"
Naruto frowned, crossing his arms. "The hell is it to you? You just said me having them doesn't change anything. Why the sudden interest?"
"Call it curiosity. Now tell me," the fox ordered.
Glowering, Naruto let out a huff before telling his tenant the story of how Nagato was the one to give him the Rinnegan with Konan's help. The fox listened intently, much to Naruto's surprise. Silence fell upon the mindscape, making Naruto fidget.
The fox huffed through its nose. "Quite a story. Seems you've wasted no time using those, either. I felt your chakra spike quite a bit yesterday."
"Yeah. I had to take care of some stuff. Now, can I finally get to what I came here for?"
"If it'll shut you up, then fine."
Naruto gestured between the two of them. "Whether we like it or not, you're the Tailed Beast, I'm the jinchūriki. Up until now, every time I've used your chakra, it's been by force, and your anger came with it. Don't think I forgot about the fight against Pain where you nearly convinced me to let you out." He ended with a slight bitterness.
"I should remind you that ultimately it was your choice to try and remove the seal," the fox pointed out.
"Whatever! Point is, I've met other jinchūriki who have way better relationships with their Tailed Beasts. Hell, they even talked to me themselves!"
The fox raised a brow at the mention of his brethren. "You talked to other Tailed Beasts? Who?"
"The Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails: Matatabi and Gyūki."
vermilion eyes narrowed. "They told you their names?" He growled.
Naruto's face twisted in confusion. "Is that bad or something? It's just a name."
"Your ignorance really knows no bounds. You still haven't told me why I should agree to whatever you're about to propose."
"There's got to be a better way to do this whole jinchūriki thing. A more…even situation."
"A 'more even situation' would be you letting me out of this accursed seal. But I already know you won't do that. So, please, enlighten me."
Naruto took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Look. For as long as I can remember, I've tried to be strong without using your chakra and completely ignoring the fact that I'm a jinchūriki. But after nearly losing Gaara, being hunted by the Akatsuki, and now meeting other Tailed Beasts and their jinchūriki, I think it's time I stop running away from it. I need to get stronger to protect everyone that I hold precious. My friends, my comrades, my village, even my fellow jinchūriki. I might have the Rinnegan, but I know that unless I find a way to work with you, things will be tougher."
Expecting a laugh, the fox surprised him when he spoke instead. "And why should I believe that you won't simply use me for my power?"
A frown darkened Naruto's face. "Do you really think I'd be that cruel to something that's literally sealed inside of me? I'm not stupid, ya know."
The massive fox let out a huff. "I don't trust humans. Especially not those who seek to use my power. What makes you so different? Besides those eyes you have?"
Naruto's brow furrowed as he shook his head. "I'm not like those people. I don't want power for the sake of power. I want to protect people."
The fox merely hummed, narrowing a doubtful eye at the blond. A frustrated noise escaped the Rinnegan user. "Look, don't you remember the last time I asked you for chakra?"
"I remember you demanding, not asking. You mentioned something about the Uchiha. I only humored you because I wanted to see what would happen."
"I told you that I vowed to keep him from leaving the village and save our friendship. And I did it, didn't I? That time, I wasn't angry. I was protecting Sasuke. The other times, like when we fought Orochimaru and Pain, your chakra slipped out because of how angry I was." Naruto let out an exasperated sigh. "Listen. I don't have a lot of time right now. I want to—no, I will protect more of the jinchūriki from being captured. That's the whole reason I came to Kumo in the first place. I'll show you that I can keep my word and protect my comrades and those that are precious to me." He pointed at the caged beast. "But you've gotta be at least a little more cooperative."
A moment of silence passed before a low chuckle echoed through the mindscape. "You're nothing if not persistent, boy. You've piqued my interest. Show me what you can do, and then I'll consider your proposal."
Naruto's jaw set as he gave a single nod. "One more thing," he said, remembering Gyūki's suggestion.
"Make it quick. My generosity is almost at its end."
"What's your name?"
The fox narrowed his vermilion gaze. "You haven't earned the right to know yet. Don't disappoint, Naruto Uzumaki."
With that, Naruto closed his eyes and returned himself to the waking world.
As his eyes slowly opened underneath his sunglasses, he was greeted by the trio that accompanied him to the training ground earlier that morning. They hadn't moved much, as far as he could tell. Yamato sat next to Yugito, keeping an eye on Naruto.
"Uh. How long was I sitting here for?" He wondered aloud.
"Only a couple of minutes," Yugito replied.
"Check it out. The mindscape's time flow ain't the same as the real world, yo."
"Did anything happen?" Yamato asked.
Naruto shrugged. "Nothing bad. I managed to actually talk to the fox this time." He turned to Bee, who nodded in acknowledgment of the progress. "I asked for his name, he said I 'hadn't earned the right to know,' whatever the heck that means," Naruto said, mumbling the last part.
"It could be a matter of pride. Matatabi was reluctant to tell me her name until after we reached an understanding, as well," Yugito offered.
"Is their name really that big of a deal? It's just a name," the younger blond said as he crossed his arms.
It was Yugito's turn to shrug. "Well, considering that you mentioned that the Nine-Tails was reluctant to even speak to you in the past, I suppose it's not too far off that it would be reluctant to tell you its name."
"Something else to consider: your name is part of your identity," Yamato began. Naruto cocked his head, prompting the former ANBU to continue. "Think about it. Knowing someone's name means you're familiar with them. You know Bee and Yugito's names: you've established a sense of familiarity with them, even if it's baseline. The same can be said about their Tailed Beasts. Even though they didn't know you, they knew the Nine-Tails."
Yugito decided to add on. "That familiarity allows for a bond to be established willingly. The fox was sealed in you unwillingly. As a result, its disdain for talking to you likely stems from resentment. Which you no doubt plan to change."
Naruto gave a firm nod. "If I'm gonna get any stronger, I need to stop ignoring the fact I'm a jinchūriki. Using the Nine-Tails' chakra is something I need to control."
"Naruto, if you don't mind me asking, what's your goal? Aside from wanting to better control your Tailed Beast, of course," Yugito wondered.
The younger blond paused, considering her question for a moment. "I want to protect those who are precious to me. My dream is to become Hokage and protect the village. But lately I've been thinking about how I can protect more than just my village as Hokage. I want to protect my friends, my comrades, and even my fellow jinchūriki."
Yugito and Bee's brows shot up at his declaration. "Protect other jinchūriki?" Bee asked, surprisingly without rapping.
Naruto gave another firm nod. "The Akatsuki are after the other Tailed Beasts, which means they're after other jinchūriki. My team and I have beaten three and captured one. It's just a matter of finding them and stopping them. They hurt people close to me. I don't take that lightly," he said, ending on an almost dark note.
Both Kumo jinchūriki and Yamato could feel Naruto's resolve. Even Matatabi and Gyūki could sense Naruto's determination. The two Kumo shinobi nodded wordlessly, small smiles gracing their faces.
Yamato cleared his throat, which let Naruto know that the time of their departure for Konoha was nearing. The younger blond took a deep breath and rose to his feet. "I'm really glad I got to meet both of you. I had no idea there were others like me and Gaara out there. I'll come visit, that's a promise!"
"The feeling is mutual, Naruto. I'm sure the Raikage would be glad to have you as well. I look forward to that visit. Maybe we could spar and see how that control has come along," Yugito said with a warm smile.
"You bet! I'll be sure to train even harder!"
"Yo, Naruto! Hit me up next time you're in Kumo! Ya see, Killer Bee has a spot, real sweet. Actually, got a couple, so the sweet factor is double. We can head there to train, so we don't cause nobody no pain. Yugito, you, and me, Killer Bee! Whee!"
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure, that sounds cool. Maybe if I have time, I can take a trip over here. I'll definitely find you and take you up on that!"
Bee extended a fist. "Gimme a fist bump!"
The younger blond cocked his head and eyed the large hand. He shrugged slightly and gave Bee the fist bump he asked for. In that instant, he felt a connection. It was subtle, but it was there. He turned to Yugito, whose own fist was extended. Another fist bump, another connection. He regarded his fellow jinchūriki with his signature smile.
"Safe travels, Naruto," Yugito said warmly.
"Take care of yourself, my man!" Bee said, throwing a thumbs-up at the younger blond.
"I'll be stronger the next time you see me! See you guys when I see you!"
With that, Yamato and Naruto made their way back to the inn to join their team in finalizing their preparations for the journey home.
A/N: The fox makes its first proper appearance! I have to admit, writing dialogue is probably one of my favorite things. I tried to keep Kurama as in-character as possible without doubling down on the tsundere, since his interaction with a Naruto with the Rinnegan would go differently than canon. Thanks so much for reading! Chapter 24 is in the works!
