Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 501 Retaining Their Own Names

"Since everyone is here, I'll call over another pair of partners. We can't just leave them out."

No one knows what Naruto did, but a large tanuki covered in purple markings appeared in the empty space a short while later. Its huge tail twitched unnaturally twice when it saw a large group of its kind.

"Sorry to call you here on the battlefield."

"It's alright, the Fourth Division has been slowly retreating, and the enemies we've encountered haven't been that aggressive yet." Gaara, who emerged from Shukaku's head, wasn't intimidated at all and introduced himself generously: "I am Shukaku's jinchūriki, Gaara. It's a pleasure to meet you all here."

This was indeed a poignant event for the Tailed Beasts, as they had never returned to this place in such an orderly fashion since the Sage of Six Paths departed. Only the unfortunate Isobu remained, temporarily without a Jinchūriki, having been captured by Akatsuki; however, they should meet again on the battlefield soon.

The Six Paths' admonitions and prophecies seem like they happened just yesterday. The Tailed Beasts are scattered across the continent. They can indeed contact each other through special means, but as time goes by, they have their own lives, their own bonds, and their own sufferings. They have been fought over and used by humans, yet they have also been moved by the unique courage and sacrifice of humanity, thus stumbling and struggling to reach where they are today.

Even if you are separated by vast distances, you will always be together, and one day you will become one. You will retain your individual names, but in a way that is completely different from before.

This is the prophecy left by the old man, and also his blessing to the Tailed Beasts. In the past, they were merely a part of the Ten-Tails, chaotic and disordered power. The Sage of Six Paths innovatively separated them, using a long period of time to grant them independent selves, allowing chakra to give birth to souls and forms. From then on, they were no longer the Ten-Tails, but new lives with their own names.

Now, they have finally found the one who can guide the Tailed Beasts.

In reality, the Jinchuriki's fists touch each other; in the spiritual realm, the Tailed Beasts' forelimbs touch. Possessing independent selves, they are no longer content to be part of the Ten-Tails. Since a great battle is inevitable, communication becomes essential. The Nine-Tails is not only the strongest Tailed Beast but also possesses the greatest capacity for chakra absorption. Leaving some chakra with "Naruto" ensures uninterrupted direct communication between them, and they can even borrow each other's power.

Upon learning that the great battle had begun, everyone readily surrendered their chakra. This was a war concerning the entire world, and everyone wanted to join the battle as soon as possible. However, Jinchuriki couldn't fight separately, so the pressure fell on Utakata, who wasn't yet able to coordinate well with his Tailed Beasts. The pressure of being watched while practicing was too much, so the remaining members simply began discussing the possibility of using combination techniques. As for the task of watching Utakata, it naturally fell to the team leader.

"Well, I think I can go straight in..."

"The Rhinoceros Hound's acid has strong destructive power and a wide range. Are you really able to control it so as not to accidentally hurt your teammates?"

"..." Yu Gao shut his mouth as if resigned to his fate.

While he was making his attempt, Kurama in Sasuke's mental space suddenly suggested linking their chakra.

Sasuke asked, puzzled, "Haven't we been connected all this time?" Kurama has been sealed inside him!

“That was just a superficial exchange, not a deep connection. You tried using my power before, and the result was the appearance of the fox spirit cloak, right?” Kurama yawned leisurely while lying on the water’s surface and said, “Naruto, show him.”

"Can I still use that form in this state?" Naruto's words were barely out when the whole thing lit up. Sasuke had only caught a glimpse of Naruto in this state before and had never been close to him. When he saw the Nine-Tails' chakra completely devoid of animal characteristics, forming a golden Naruto in a very pure state, his eyes lit up in a double sense. He went up and touched Naruto's cloak.

As if suddenly realizing something, Naruto clapped his hands and said, "I understand now. Sasuke couldn't use this mode because he hadn't eliminated the darkness in his heart before?"

"Heh, it's obvious that this kid was very resistant to me before, but I actually found him quite pleasing to the eye."

Kurama was speaking the truth; he had always disliked the Uchiha clan. However, since Naruto was resurrected as part of the Uchiha clan, he had become desensitized to their behavior after being around them for so long. Sasuke, the unfortunate little guy who received Naruto's special "attention," actually resonated with this unfortunate Naruto, since they all cared about Naruto.

However, to see if a person has let go of something, you have to look at their subconscious reaction.

Sasuke was unwilling to accept Kurama's chakra, unwilling to hold the inauguration ceremony for the Sixth Hokage, and even perfectly imitated Naruto's abuse of him. He hadn't truly accepted Naruto's departure; it was just that Naruto's chakra was by his side, making it less obvious. Later, what gradually led him to accept Kurama's power wasn't because he resigned himself to reality, but rather... the Great Toad Sage's prophecy that he would definitely reunite with Naruto.

Sigh, they're both brats who give even the Tailed Beasts a hard time.

The sudden golden commotion of "Naruto" startled Utakata, who was spraying acid mist. This wasn't his fault; Naruto's chakra release in this state was simply too powerful. Although the power was warm and full of life, the sheer amount made it impossible for him to ignore. As a result, the acid mist predictably increased by a "billion" of drops, forcing everyone who had just wanted to check on the situation to the vicinity of the doorway.

"Sorry, sorry!" One of the benefits of being in sync with the tailed beast appeared. Yu Gao, who was in a half-tailed beast form, was actually able to speak normally. He took a deep breath to clear away the excessive acid mist, and he sneezed several times because of the shock.

Having been immersed in Chongming's scales for many years, Fu was somewhat resistant to this acidic mist and was the first to rush over, circling "Naruto" several times.

"What form is this? It's so cool!"

Naruto himself was also confused, but not replying was not Naruto's style.

"This is the form I take after linking my chakra with Kurama."

"Why didn't Chongming and I get one! Chongming, give it your all!"

The igniting of the entire arena eventually sparked a strange competitive spirit, resulting in the appearance of a giant gray worm with six wings.