NOVEL NEXT Chapter 107: Training plan
"And I'm not leaving anytime soon," I said, reassuring them. "It'll be about half a year from now because I need to train and learn to control the Nine-Tails' chakra. It's the key to becoming even stronger."
My mother's expression remained tense. "Oh, Naruto, even though you're strong, the Nine-Tails won't accept you as its master. Its hatred for humans is at its peak. As its previous Jinchuriki, I know how deep that hatred runs," she said, her voice filled with both worry and experience.
"I know, Mom," I replied, determination in my tone. "But if I don't use his power, then it's just a waste. My goal is to befriend him first. If I can earn his trust, accessing his chakra will become much easier."
Inside the Seal
Kurama stirred in his cage, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of the seal. "Does this brat seriously think he can use my power?" he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. "He's just like all the others... arrogant and naive." He shifted slightly, his massive form barely moving as he settled back into his dark, confined space, his deep growls echoing faintly through the eerie silence.
Kurama's crimson eyes opened slowly, glowing in the dimly lit confines of his sealed domain. His ears twitched at Naruto's words echoing through the seal.
"Friends?" Kurama muttered, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Every human says the same thing... 'Control.' That's all they want. They don't care about what I want, only what they can take."
The great fox shifted, his tails flicking lazily as he rested his head on his massive paws. Yet, a small flicker of curiosity lingered in his gaze as he listened to Naruto speak to Kushina.
Back in the room, Kushina sighed. "Naruto, Kurama isn't just some chakra battery you can use at will. He's a living being, with emotions, thoughts, and a long history of pain and betrayal. To gain his trust, you'll have to show him you're different."
"I understand, Mom," I said, a soft smile on my face. "I don't want to control him like some tool. I want to work with him. Maybe... maybe if I can help him understand that not all humans are enemies, he'll see me as something more than just his jailer."
Kushina looked at me, pride and worry mingling in her expression. "You really are Minato's son," she said softly. "He would've wanted to try the same thing, I'm sure."
Sakura leaned forward. "Naruto, if you're serious about this, you'll need to prepare yourself. Kurama isn't going to make it easy for you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," I said confidently. "But if I'm going to face the Akatsuki and protect everyone I care about, I need to be at my best. And that means Kurama and I have to find common ground."
Inside the seal, Kurama let out a low growl. "This brat... he's different, but he'll learn like all the others. I don't trust humans, and I never will."
Still, something about Naruto's resolve tugged at the edges of Kurama's thoughts, stirring an unfamiliar feeling deep within. Curiosity, perhaps? Or something more? For now, he closed his eyes, waiting to see what the bold human would do next.
"Let's see what this brat plans to show me," Kurama muttered with a low growl before curling up and drifting into a nap, his tails swaying slightly in the darkness.
Back to the Room
"Okay, Naruto," Tsunade finally said, her tone cautious but supportive. "But you'll need to find a place capable of containing the Nine-Tails' chakra during your training. It's not something that can be done just anywhere."
"I was thinking about the Root base," I suggested. "It's isolated, and since Danzo didn't do much to help Konoha, we might as well make his place useful. Training there could even benefit the village in the long run."
Inside the seal, Kurama snorted and closed his eyes. "This brat… he's persistent, I'll give him that. Let's see what kind of spectacle he plans to show me," he muttered before going back to his nap.
---
Back in the room, Tsunade crossed her arms and nodded thoughtfully. "The Root base, huh? That's not a bad idea. It's isolated, fortified, and large enough to contain any potential outbursts of the Nine-Tails' chakra. Danzo may have left a lot of messes behind, but at least his underground lair won't go to waste."
Mom frowned slightly but then nodded in agreement. "As long as it's properly secured, it should work. But Naruto, you'll need more than just a place—you'll need a solid plan and people you trust to monitor you while you train."
I grinned, my confidence unshaken. "Of course! I'm not doing this alone. You'll be there, right, Mom? And Tsunade, I'll need your guidance too. Plus, I can count on my team to back me up."
Sakura stepped forward, her expression determined. "I'll be there, Naruto. Whatever you need, I'll make sure you're safe. I won't let you do this recklessly."
Temari smirked, resting her hand on her hip. "I suppose I can stick around too. Someone has to keep you in line when you get too full of yourself."
Tsunade chuckled lightly. "Good. With this many capable people, we can manage the risks. But remember, Naruto, this isn't just about brute strength. Controlling the Nine-Tails' chakra will require patience, discipline, and focus. Are you ready for that?"
I nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready. I know it won't be easy, but if it means getting stronger to protect everyone, then I'll do whatever it takes."
Mom gave me a proud but worried smile. "You've grown so much, Naruto. Just promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise, Mom," I said firmly. "I'll make this work. Believe it!"
With that, the plan to prepare the Root base for my training was set in motion. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with everyone's support, I was more determined than ever to prove myself—to my friends, my family, and even to Kurama.
"Alright then, let's get some rest," I said, addressing everyone in the room. "Starting tomorrow, we'll have some tough days ahead. The number of enemies we face is growing, and everyone needs to be at their best. Before I begin my own training, I'll help you all strengthen your skills. That way, you can become even stronger."
I paused, glancing around at their determined faces. "But that will have to wait until I return to Konoha. Tomorrow, I'll be sending you all back to the village to continue your training there," I added, my tone firm but reassuring.
They nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency and the plan, as the atmosphere settled into quiet resolve.
"Good night, everyone," I said, heading off to my bed, ready to let the day's exhaustion melt away.
"Good night, Naruto," they replied in unison, their voices filled with warmth, love and camaraderie.
With that, we all settled into our respective spaces, letting sleep take over. That night, we were embraced by pleasant dreams—visions that brought comfort and happiness, allowing us to momentarily forget the challenges ahead.