Chapter 356 - 41

Chapter 41: Kotoamatsukuchi Successfully ActivatedSeeing him like this, Naruto felt a deep pang of sympathy. He flashed over and sat down beside Gaara, saying, "But in the years that followed, I was much luckier than you.""After my father's disciple learned of my existence, he took great care of me and even had me study under a master of Taijutsu.""During my training, I worked tirelessly to gain the recognition of others. In the end, I succeeded. Now, I've entered the Ninja Academy, made many friends, and can finally live in the light."Hearing this, Gaara raised his head, looking at Naruto with bloodshot eyes, and said, "Then, congratulations to you."Seeing Gaara's slightly envious expression, Narutosmiled and said, "No need to be jealous. Don't you have a friend now too?""Hello, let's reintroduce ourselves; my name is Uzumaki Naruto, from Konoha Village. My goal is to become the Hokage and then unify the Ninja World!"Seeing Naruto reach out his hand, Gaarainstinctively wanted to shake it. However, he froze upon hearing the words "unify the Ninja World." He stopped his movement and asked uncertainly, "Did I hear that right? Unify... unify the Ninja World?"Naruto nodded firmly, then grabbed Gaara's hand and replied with certainty, "You didn't hear wrong. I want to unify the Ninja World so that we can stand together against external enemies."Gaara grew even more confused. He asked, "External enemies? If the Ninja World is unified, where would there be any external enemies?"Naruto said mysteriously, "Hehe, don't worry about that for now; I can't tell you yet.""How about this! The next time we meet, I'll tell you the whole story!""By the way, I've finished my introduction. You should say something too!"Gaara said as if waking from a dream, "My name is Gaara. As for a dream... I didn't have one before. But since we are already friends, then my dream will be to become the Kazekage and help you unify the Ninja World!"Hearing this, Naruto patted him hard on the back and laughed loudly, "Hahaha, as expected of my good friend! Then it's a deal. You're not allowed to back out!"The two of them even performed a pinky-swear ceremony. Though it seemed childish, it signified the successful activation of Naruto's innate Ninjutsu, Kotoamatsukuchi.After chatting for a while longer, Naruto suddenly stood up and said, "Gaara, let me see your strongest move right now!"Hearing this request, Gaara hesitated. He said, "Are you sure? I'm afraid that form will scare you, and I'm also afraid of hurting you."It was clear that Gaara truly considered Naruto a confidant, as he was now looking out for him in every way. But Naruto also knew that true friends aren't so polite with each other.However, he didn't blame Gaara. After all, he was Gaara's first friend, and the boy had no experience in this area.So, Naruto said dismissively, "Scared? Don't forget, I'm a monster too, and I have eight more tails than you do.""Besides, hurting me? You think too highly of yourself! I can handle you with just one hand."Hearing Naruto look down on him like that, Gaarasaid defiantly, "Stop boasting. Look at you acting all tough. Fine, I'll show you!"With that, the two quickly moved apart and took their stances. This time, Gaara stopped making useless probes and directly used his Possession Form.Gaara's body began to slowly undergo Tailed Beast Transformation. Soon, half of his body had taken on the appearance of Shukaku.Naruto smiled at the sight and said, "This form is barely acceptable!"As soon as he finished speaking, he also quickly entered a combat state. While activating Gear Second, he also opened the Eight Gates up to the Gate of View, and his right arm was once again covered in Armament Haki.Although Gaara still maintained his consciousness, he appeared to be slipping into a frenzy again. It seemed he still couldn't properly control the power of the Ichibi.The Ichibi, Shukaku of the Sand, had a violent and bellicose personality, and it didn't seem to get along well with the Nine-Tailed. As its Jinchuriki, one had to be constantly on guard to avoid having their mind controlled by it. Consequently, they were prone to Insomnia and mental instability; Gaara's massive dark circles were a result of this.Furthermore, Gaara was technically a failed Jinchuriki experiment. Combined with the effects of Insomnia, this was why he lost control so easily.Without further words, the two charged at each other at their top speeds. Moments later, their fists collided in mid-air.The massive impact seemed to distort the surrounding space. Centered on the two of them, two tornadoes formed and became entangled.Naruto's tornado was green, while Gaara's was yellow due to the sand, looking like two giant dragons locked in combat.As the two continued to exert force, the green dragon's body grew larger and gradually gained the upper hand. Although the yellow dragon was still struggling desperately, it was only a matter of time before it was defeated.By now, Naruto had a rough understanding of Gaara's true strength and decided to end the match. He first pulled his fist back and then roared, "Rubber Rubber... Bullet!"The pressure on Gaara finally vanished, but before he could breathe a sigh of relief, Naruto's fist struck again in the next second. What confused him was that his opponent's arm seemed to be able to stretch?When Naruto's fist hit him again, Gaara finally couldn't hold on anymore. He was sent flying, coughing up blood, and the yellow dragon behind him instantly dissipated.As Naruto exited his combat state, the world returned to tranquility. However, the mangled ground seemed to tell the tale of the great battle that had just occurred.After landing, Gaara also exited his Tailed Beast Transformation and returned to his normal appearance. He propped himself up on the ground, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said, "You really showed no mercy! This is the second time today you've made me cough up blood."Hearing the complaint, Naruto showed no hint of guilt. He bared his pearly white teeth and said, "Hehe, I might hold back against others, but not against you.""I don't want to be the one lying on the ground like you were just now; it's too pathetic. If I had a camera, I'd really want to take a picture of what you looked like just then, hahaha."