"But before that, you need to calm down. Let me play you a little something to help you relax."
To soothe the Nine-Tails' fury and hatred, Kano blended the Cheerful Tune with a lullaby and played it on her jade flute. By now she could weave basic scores together flawlessly.
The Tailed Beast's savage agitation ebbed as the graceful notes drifted through the air.
"How do you feel now?"
"Sounds really good."
"Then let's keep talking."
Beside them, Naruto had been lulled to sleep by the lullaby; Kano patted him awake.
"I do want to release you, but two things are stopping me—I can't break your seal."
"What two things? Can they be fixed?"
"They can, though it's a bit troublesome."
"Good enough—spit it out."
"The first reason is me: I'm too weak to break your seal. Wait until I'm stronger and I'll smash it open."
"Then get stronger fast and let me out. I'll wait—but not forever, so don't keep me waiting."
"Mm, thank you for trusting me. The second reason: if I do release you, what will you do?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'll wipe out those stupid humans!"
"Will you kill me too?"
"Well… you're a sensible human, so I'll spare you."
"Then could you also spare my family and friends? I'd be heartbroken if they died."
"Since you understand me, I'll reluctantly agree."
"Then could you also spare their families and friends? If they die, my loved ones will be sad, and I'll be miserable too."
"Don't push your luck!" But looking into Kano's tear-filled eyes (and some weird sparkles), the Nine-Tails sighed. "Just this once. If they don't provoke me, I won't touch them. If they come looking for trouble, I'll still crush them."
"I knew you're the kindest!"
"I'm not kind—I'm the embodiment of hatred!"
"Oh, one more thing."
"Another condition?"
"Not really. Our Village is small and your body is huge—hard to host you. How about using his body instead? Then I can show you around some fun places."
"Kano-chan…"
"Relax, Naruto, it won't hurt you. Trust me. Hold my hand—feel better?"
"Fine. When the time comes I'll take over his consciousness."
"That won't work."
"Why not?"
"You don't know the human world. If you suddenly seize him, no one will believe my explanation. A bunch of powerful people will pop out and seal you again—me along with you. Too dangerous."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Hand your power and awareness to him; let him control it while you instruct. Problem solved."
"Impossible! I'd never give my power to this brat!"
"Fair point."
Kano turned and scolded Naruto.
"Look how weak you are—you can't even handle Kurama's Chakra. A little surge and you lose control. Get stronger fast, or how will you take the Nine-Tails out to play?"
Naruto, bewildered by the sudden lecture, wondered why he was being yelled at.
"How about this: once he's worthy, you share your power with him?"
"I won't give strength to any human weaker than me!"
"Hear that, Naruto? Train hard. Once you're stronger than it, it'll share. Thank Kurama now."
"Oh! Thank you, Kurama!"
"Er, no need… wait, when did I say I'd share?"
"We agreed: when he surpasses you, you'll hand over power and awareness, and I'll break the seal so we can all have fun outside."
"Did I say that?"
"A mighty being like you wouldn't break a promise."
"I'm not like you fickle humans."
"Then it's settled. The day he surpasses you, I'll free you and show you the world."
Kano raised her fist. After a pause—sensing no malice in this guileless girl—the Nine-Tails bumped fists with her.
"Deal."
"Naruto, work hard. Thank Kurama for giving you a chance."
"Oh! Thank you, Kurama!"
"Hmph, gratitude won't lower my standard."
"Kurama's the most understanding, powerful, reliable, and clever of all the Tailed Beasts. Any other Tailed Beast wouldn't dare give you this shot."
The flattery made the fox's lips curl in pride.
"Treat Kurama better from now on. It's helping you unconditionally, so help it too. Bring manga or something when you visit so it won't be lonely."
"I've said my piece. I'll go train and wait to release you. Before I leave, thank you—for protecting Naruto again and again, and for your patience."
"I do it for myself."
The tsundere fox turned its head away.
"See you later, Kurama."
"Till next time, Kano."
Kano left the mindscape and returned to her body. Killer Bee sensed her awakening.
"How'd it go? All right?"
"Mm, Kurama's actually easy to get along with."
"Seriously? With that temper?"
Gyūki didn't believe it; of the nine Tailed Beasts, Kurama was the most short-tempered.
Naruto woke up too.
"It's the first time I felt the big fox—Kurama—talk calmly, and I think it was even happy."
"Kano-chan, you didn't use some Brainwashing Technique, did you?"
"Why does everyone believe that rumor? I don't have any Brainwashing Technique."
"Oh—sorry."
"Yo yo—
Look at this scene, the deal is sealed—
Naruto alone, no breakthrough in the field—
konoha songstress, steals the show with appeal—
Steps in and persuades the Nine-Tails to yield!"
With Kurama settled, the Jinchuriki pointers had all been passed to Naruto; the rest was up to his own training and insight.
Their contest was done. He had lost, but only because of home-field advantage—back in the Hidden Cloud Village the crowd would surely cheer for him. So they scheduled a rematch there.
It was time for Killer Bee to leave. Naruto and Kano saw the kindly big man off, loaded with Konoha souvenirs.
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