Watching Kazuyama's departing figure, Kushina felt utterly shaken.
"Nine-Tails, are you serious? That's impossible. How could something like that be true?"
"Hmph! If I hadn't sensed that damn Madara Uchiha's chakra, I wouldn't have bothered talking to you. I'm the Nine-Tails—I don't stoop to lying. That brat has the scent of the Seven-Tails on him."
"The Seven-Tails? But shouldn't the Seven-Tails be..."
"Just as I thought. Women—big chest, no brains. Hmph, you're no exception."
Kushina had been stunned, but with those words, she immediately snapped and began wrestling with the Nine-Tails inside her mind.
Adamantine Sealing Chains erupted from all directions like they were free, instantly wrapping the Nine-Tails in a full set of bindings.
"Damn you, Kushina! I give you important information and this is how you treat me?!"
"Fine! Go die then! I don't care anymore!"
Wrapped like a dumpling, the Nine-Tails couldn't budge. Even as the strongest Tailed Beast, he was helpless against the Uzumaki clan's unreasonable sealing techniques.
Especially Adamantine Sealing Chains—completely unfair.
"Hmph. Calling me brainless."
"But what you said—are you absolutely sure?"
"Kazuyama has the Seven-Tails' chakra? Doesn't that mean he's the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki?!"
Kushina fell into deep thought. If Kazuyama really had become the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki, it would be a massive incident.
Forget Takigakure's reaction—every other village would be terrified.
Nine-Tails and Seven-Tails in Konoha at the same time? Konoha would immediately become the enemy of the entire ninja world.
And if he was a Jinchūriki—when did this happen? Recently? Years ago?
No—thinking about it just made her head hurt more.
"Hmph. There's no mistake. I'm the Nine-Tails—my chakra senses are sharper than anyone's, especially when it comes to other Tailed Beasts."
"My perception never fails."
"He tried to hide it, but he just finished a fight. The chakra he released hasn't faded."
"That's clearly that stinking Seven-Tails bug's chakra."
His certainty left Kushina completely speechless.
…
Meanwhile, Kazuyama and Chōmei were having their own discussion.
"Kazuyama, I think we're in trouble."
"At that distance—and right after fighting—what if that bastard Nine-Tails sensed us?"
Chōmei had already been uneasy the moment he saw Kushina.
The Nine-Tails wasn't just strong—he had the sharpest perception among all the Tailed Beasts. His enormous chakra granted him unparalleled sensory ability.
Normally it wouldn't matter, but after being so close just moments ago, Chōmei couldn't shake the feeling he'd been noticed.
"Noticed? Impossible... Wait, shit—actually, that might be possible."
"Kushina's been getting along with the Nine-Tails pretty well these years."
Kazuyama froze briefly, then relaxed again, even smiling a little.
What was there to fear? With a major threat looming, if the Nine-Tails really told Kushina—it only meant one thing.
"Chōmei, I really don't think this is a big problem."
"Guess why that prideful bastard Nine-Tails would tell Kushina about you and me?"
Chōmei was baffled. Was this really the time to be analyzing something like that?
They were Jinchūriki and Tailed Beasts—sharing info wasn't unusual at all.
"Listen, Chōmei. He must've sensed Madara Uchiha during the attack on Konoha."
"If you could feel it, the Nine-Tails definitely sensed it even more clearly."
"And don't forget—Madara used the Nine-Tails like a toy. No matter how strong he is, he's helpless against Madara."
"So of course he panicked and tried to talk with Kushina."
Kazuyama had an accurate grasp of the Nine-Tails' mentality.
He even suspected Kushina would come find him soon, giving him the perfect chance to communicate with the Nine-Tails.
He'd spoken with nearly all the other Tailed Beasts except the Three-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails.
Talking to the Nine-Tails now wasn't a bad thing.
…
In the rest room, Kazuyama was eating to replenish energy when the door suddenly opened. Kushina walked in, expression grim.
"Yo, Kushina. What's wrong? Food not to your taste?"
"Want some? I brought all this from Konoha. Should be just right."
Kazuyama had already guessed she would come, so he wasn't surprised at all. He even invited her to eat.
Kushina shook her head, walked over, and got straight to the point.
"Kazuyama, tell me the truth. Are you the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki?"
"Hm? Ah—so direct?"
Kazuyama didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pressed his palms together and swept his hands outward.
Chakra ripples expanded, covering the entire room.
A sound barrier—he didn't want anyone overhearing this conversation.
Kushina didn't speak. Just watching him set up the barrier already told her plenty.
"Let me guess—the Nine-Tails told you?"
"I know you two have warmed up to each other, but I didn't expect him to volunteer this."
"Looks like Madara Uchiha scared him more than I thought."
Kazuyama took a bite of bread, a teasing look on his face as he stared at Kushina—or rather, at the Nine-Tails behind her.
The Nine-Tails erupted instantly.
"You little brat! If not for these chains, I'd tear you apart!!!"
"Damn brat!"
Kushina winced as the Nine-Tails' roaring filled her head again. With no choice, she summoned more chains and bound his mouth shut too.
Only then did peace return.
"Kazuyama, when did you—"
"Become a Jinchūriki? A long time ago. Earlier than you."
Kazuyama took another bite of his steak and smiled—a smile with a trace of mischief.
Earlier than her?
Kushina was completely stunned.
"Kushina, I really am the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki. The Nine-Tails already told you."
"As for how it happened—no need to go into details."
"Now it's not just you—they're targeting me too. We're on the same side."
"Tell the Nine-Tails: if he doesn't want to be broken again, he'd better cooperate. As a Jinchūriki, you're meant to fight, aren't you?"
Kazuyama swallowed the last bite of food and wiped his hands.