A massive orange fox struck the ground, its nine majestic tails floating in the air like banners of power.
"Hey, Kyuubi! Long time no see!" Naruto called out excitedly, while also asking the Kyuubi inside him if he wanted to come out and play.
The Kyuubi flatly refused. Go out to play? No thanks—I'm reading a novel.
Menma's Kyuubi reached out one massive claw, pinning Naruto flat against the ground.
"It's fine," Menma said, holding back Temari, who looked ready to intervene.
He knew the Kyuubi was just fooling around—it could be mischievous, but not malicious.
Naruto squirmed helplessly under the paw. "Kyuubi! Let me go already!"
"Not happening. You promised to buy me food last time, remember? What happened to that?"
Naruto froze. "Ah… I forgot!"
"Forgot? Then I want ten portions as compensation."
"Ten? Fine, fine, deal!"
Satisfied, the Kyuubi released him. Naruto scrambled up, dusting himself off.
"I'll help," Sasuke offered, brushing the dirt from Naruto's back.
Naruto grinned. "You're so nice, Sasuke."
"Of course," Sasuke replied with a proud smirk.
Sakura stared, wide-eyed. Is this really the terrifying Kyuubi that's stronger than Shukaku?
(Shukaku in the distance: "What did you just say?!")
Temari stood frozen, astonished by the sheer power and presence of the giant fox. Up close, the Kyuubi radiated majesty and dominance that left her speechless.
"Alright, Kyuubi, enough playing around. Get to work," Menma ordered.
The Kyuubi raised a claw in an "OK" gesture and began gathering an enormous mass of chakra in the air. The sheer pressure made Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura nearly lose their footing as the wind roared around them.
"Fire!"
The Kyuubi unleashed a colossal energy beam that tore through the sandstorm ahead.
The storm vanished in an instant.
A thunderous boom followed moments later as the ground trembled.
"Job done," the Kyuubi said before shrinking back into Menma's body. "By the way, you still owe me a bunch of novels. I expect them soon."
Menma sighed. "Got it, got it… my debts are piling up."
"Let's move," he said to the group.
Everyone was still reeling from the Kyuubi's display of power. Temari, especially, was stunned—born and raised in the desert, she had never seen anyone disperse a sandstorm so casually.
Naruto beamed proudly. See, Kyuubi? Did you see how amazing the other Kyuubi was?
The real Kyuubi rolled his eyes. I can do that too, you know.
But Naruto was still lost in admiration, ignoring him completely.
The Kyuubi's eye twitched. Ignored? By him?
He grumbled internally. Fine, whatever. The good part of the novel is coming up anyway.
Back in the Hidden Sand Village, an elderly man with bandages over his head and long white eyebrows examined the half-dead figure on the hospital bed.
"This face looks familiar…" he muttered.
"That's Kankuro, elder brother of the current Kazekage," Baki explained. "He tried to rescue Gaara but was poisoned and collapsed. None of our healers can neutralize it."
Kankuro had briefly regained consciousness long enough to utter one name—"Sasori."
Realizing what this meant, Baki immediately sought out two reclusive elders: Granny Chiyo and her brother Ebizo. The moment they heard the name Sasori of the Red Sand, they agreed to come.
Inside the treatment room, Chiyo examined the reports. "Did you perform a blood analysis?"
"Yes, ma'am." The attending physician handed her the report.
Chiyo frowned. "This composition… I've never seen anything like it."
"We believe it's a new type of poison," the doctor admitted.
Chiyo tried several antidotes, each one failing. "Nothing works," she said grimly.
Ebizo looked to Baki. "Do we have any other options?"
"We've requested assistance from Konoha," Baki said. "They should be sending a team soon."
At that, Chiyo snorted. "Depending on outsiders again? This is exactly what's wrong with today's shinobi. Relying on foreign alliances instead of your own strength."
"That's not what I meant—" Baki began.
Chiyo cut him off. "You've gotten soft. Depending on Konoha like this—what are you thinking? Others are others; we are us! So-called alliances are just illusions. They'll send a few useless rookies to save face and call it 'help.'"
Baki opened his mouth, then closed it again, unable to argue.
Suddenly, a slow, mocking clap echoed through the room.
Everyone turned toward the door.
"You're from Konoha!" Baki exclaimed, recognizing the red hair. "Uzumaki Menma—the perfect Jinchuriki?"
Menma smiled. "Long time no see, Baki." He turned to Chiyo. "And you must be Granny Chiyo. You're right—the so-called friendly alliances are just illusions."
Then his smile sharpened. "That's why I intend to unify the entire shinobi world."
Chiyo frowned. "And who exactly are you?"
Baki quickly explained, "He's Uzumaki Menma from Konoha Village."
Chiyo sighed. "So Konoha sent a kid? Just as I said."
Baki winced.
Menma chuckled. "Granny Chiyo, you're about to eat your words. Our reinforcements are right behind me."
As he spoke, the sound of synchronized footsteps filled the corridor.
(End of Chapter)
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