After leaving the seal that housed the Nine Tails, Kakashi pulled his forehead protector back over his left eye, covering the Mangekyō Sharingan once more.
"That's all I can do. Now, let's see if the Nine Tails will ease up a little."
Now that Kurama knew Naruto was the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki, maybe it would start to view him with some reverence.
As for Kurama's opinion of himself, Kakashi honestly didn't care. The beast was sealed within Naruto. No matter how prideful or vengeful it felt, it couldn't do anything about it.
And with Kurama's nature, it wasn't the type to have heartfelt conversations with humans anyway.
With the task done, Kakashi released the Genjutsu he had placed on Naruto. The boy stirred not long after.
"Huh? Where am I?" Naruto sat up groggily, clearly confused and with no recollection of what had just happened.
"You're awake."
Naruto turned toward the voice. It was Kakashi.
"Brother Baimao? Why'd I fall asleep?"
"Maybe you were just exhausted."
"Yeah, I guess. I really didn't sleep great last night."
Naruto scratched his messy blond hair with an embarrassed smile.
"All right, let's try it again."
Kakashi wanted to test whether Kurama had changed its attitude even slightly. If so, Naruto should be able to use the Shadow Clone Jutsu successfully.
Upon hearing that, Naruto clenched his fists and nodded with determination. "Okay! I'll nail it this time!"
He pressed his fingers together, channeling chakra.
"Hyaaah!"
Poof!
A puff of white smoke burst outward—and this time, it worked. Naruto watched as an identical clone appeared beside him.
"Yeah! I did it! Hahaha! I knew I could do it!"
He threw his hands onto his hips, laughing with unrestrained joy.
Meanwhile, deep inside the seal, Kurama snorted. "That temper… it's exactly like Asura's. Old man, you spoke of real power. Where is it? I've waited too long. Let's see if this kid can actually show me the answer."
As the Nine Tails muttered to himself, the space around him faded once more into shadow.
Kakashi watched Naruto cheer over his successful Shadow Clone, smiling faintly. As he suspected, now that Kurama knew Naruto's true identity as the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths' younger son, the fox might start treating him differently.
"Brother Baimao! Look, I did it!"
Naruto turned to Kakashi with gleaming eyes, clearly awaiting praise.
"Nicely done. You're improving fast."
"Right?! I'm awesome!"
"Yeah, you are," Kakashi replied, gently ruffling Naruto's soft blond hair.
Naruto blinked in surprise at the gesture… then broke into a wide grin. That feeling of being acknowledged — it was warm. It felt… right.
"Naruto, I need to tell you something."
"Huh? What is it?" Naruto asked, tilting his head.
"The ninjutsu I've taught you… you must not use it until after you graduate from the Academy—unless it's an emergency."
"Huh? Why not?"
Naruto looked genuinely puzzled.
"I can't explain it right now. But Naruto, will you promise me?"
Though confused, Naruto nodded without hesitation. Kakashi's word was enough.
"Okay, Brother Baimao. I won't use it unless I have to."
"Good."
Kakashi didn't want Naruto using advanced ninjutsu prematurely. He couldn't afford to risk changing the flow of events too drastically — not until he was powerful enough to control the consequences.
"Next, I'll teach you some taijutsu."
"Yeah!"
The idea of learning more made Naruto practically bounce. The sunshine felt warmer than ever, and for once, his heart wasn't heavy.
From the moment he was born, Naruto had longed for this feeling: to be acknowledged. To be taught. To be wanted.
Meeting you, Brother Baimao… it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me.
Kakashi began teaching Naruto basic taijutsu forms. Naruto's body wasn't yet ready for complex maneuvers, so they focused on the fundamentals.
One couldn't build a tall tower without a strong foundation. Likewise, a shinobi's strength came step by step.
By the end of the afternoon, Naruto was sprawled on the ground, panting from the exertion.
"Whew…!"
"How're you holding up, Naruto?"
"Of course… I'm good… Let's keep going, Brother Baimao…"
Though he stood back up, his legs trembled slightly. Kakashi could see the fatigue in him.
He wasn't heartless. In fact, he believed training should strike a balance — too much could harm the body and limit progress.
"All right, that's enough for today."
"Okay, Brother Baimao."
"You've been at it all afternoon. You must be starving. How about we go eat? I'm thinking… extra-large Ichiraku Ramen?"
Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
"Yeah!"
His stomach growled right on cue.
Now that he thought about it, Naruto hadn't eaten anything all day. Not because he didn't want to — there just hadn't been anything available.
"Let's go."
Together, they headed to Ichiraku Ramen.
"Welcome— Oh! Kakashi and Naruto, huh?"
"Uncle Teuchi! I'm back! I'll have a huge miso ramen!"
Naruto shouted as he hopped onto the stool.
"Coming right up! But Kakashi… didn't you forget to pay yesterday?"
Teuchi's eyes narrowed with mock menace.
Kakashi froze for a second. He had rushed off after their last visit.
He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Ahaha… right. Sorry about that. I'll pay for both days now."
Teuchi's expression softened a bit.
"Good. Naruto, it'll be ready soon."
"Okay, Uncle!"
Naruto fidgeted with his chopsticks eagerly.
"Naruto, I'll be on a mission the next few days. I won't be able to train you."
The sparkle in Naruto's eyes dimmed for a moment.
"Don't worry. I'll be back soon."
"…Okay, Brother Baimao."
"But while I'm gone, you can't slack off. I'll check your progress when I return. If I'm not satisfied…"
"Don't worry! I'll train like crazy!"
Naruto grinned again, eyes filled with determination.
Kakashi couldn't help but smile.
"That's the spirit."
"Here we go! One massive miso ramen!"
"Yes! Let me at it!"
Naruto dove into the steaming bowl with wild abandon.
What a noisy kid… Kakashi thought, amused. I wonder how calm and composed Minato-sensei would react if he saw his son like this. It'd be hilarious.
He chuckled silently, watching the boy with a warmth that rarely showed on his face.
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