When the Nine-Tails was first released, it caused quite a stir in Konoha.
However, over time, the people of Konoha gradually got used to its presence, mainly because the village's shinobi didn't harbor much hatred toward the beast.
Ever since the time of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the Nine-Tails had been sealed within a Jinchuriki. Even when it had broken free in the past, it was always under someone's control.
Later on, Kaede himself became the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki and completely suppressed it.
The true terror of the Nine-Tails lies in its vast chakra, not its size; plenty of creatures in this world are physically larger than it.
But now, with Kaede regularly letting the Nine-Tails out for strolls, the shinobi of Konoha slowly began to view it more like a guardian beast of the village.
After a month or two, not only had the fear faded, but some even took the initiative to go chat with it.
Of course...
The Nine-Tails is a rather proud and aloof fox. It generally ignores most shinobi, unless they come bearing copious amounts of snacks, in which case it might reluctantly spare them some attention.
During the first month, Kaede would often release the Nine-Tails and nap atop its head. By the second month, he began leaving it alone more frequently.
Since the Nine-Tails had been fully tamed, there was no issue even if it wasn't kept sealed inside him. As long as a portion of its chakra remained connected to him, he could summon it back at any time. The Nine-Tails had also grown accustomed to lounging just outside Konoha, occasionally enjoying the treats delivered by the villagers.
"All in all, the fox-taming project is basically complete."
Lying on the Nine-Tails' back, Kaede watched it peacefully interact with the villagers and smiled in satisfaction.
During this time, he had also trained in controlling the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Thanks to his Sage Body having reached a high enough level, his body was infused with natural energy, allowing him to instantly enter Sage Mode at any time. Combined with the cooperation of the Nine-Tails, accessing the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode became remarkably easy.
Because it was the complete version of the Nine-Tails, its chakra was even stronger than Kaede had anticipated, almost approaching half the level of the Ten-Tails.
In his fused state, Sage Mode plus Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, his speed nearly matched that of the Eight Gates Lightning Release!
Unfortunately...
The Lightning Release Eight Gates couldn't coexist with Sage Mode. The violent chakra would immediately disrupt the balance between natural energy and chakra, even interfering with the Nine-Tails' chakra. Otherwise, stacking these modes would practically push him into the Six Paths level.
Even without that full stack, Kaede's current strength had basically reached a "half-Six Paths" level. It was an odd term, admittedly, but in terms of comparison, he was roughly on par with Edo Tensei Rinnegan Madara.
He possessed some abilities capable of contending with Six Paths power, though he hadn't reached the full level yet.
After discussing it with the Nine-Tails, Kaede confirmed what he was still lacking.
First, spiritual power,
In other words, ocular powers.
If he could obtain the Rinnegan, then using it in conjunction with the Sage Body and Nine-Tails chakra could potentially fuse them into a Six Paths Sage Mode. That fusion might cause a qualitative transformation, evolving Sage Arts into Six Paths Senjutsu.
Second, advancement in physical techniques.
If he could open one more gate of the Eight Gates Lightning Release, reaching the Seventh Gate, then combined with his time acceleration ability, his power would also rise to the Six Paths tier.
These two paths, one being a breakthrough in domain and perception, the other a pure increase in physical might, were both viable for him.
"Breaking through to the Seventh Gate will probably take two or three years… And if I try to take Nagato's Rinnegan, there's a risk Obito might come after me."
Kaede pondered, imagining the path of collecting Sharingan and evolving them step by step. While the initial stages might go quickly, transitioning from Eternal Mangekyo to Rinnegan would be particularly difficult.
Oh right.
There was also the Tenseigan.
The Tenseigan was on the same level as the Rinnegan. Acquiring it should yield similar results, both could potentially elevate him to the Six Paths level.
As Kaede was deep in thought, a ninja appeared in the distance and respectfully said,
"Kaede-sama, the meeting is about to start."
"Got it."
Kaede exhaled, then sat up.
No need to overthink it now, first, he had to wrap up matters in Konoha.
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Hokage Office – Top Floor Meeting Room
When Kaede entered, the clan heads and senior officials of Konoha all looked at him with a mixture of awe and respect. This wasn't just from the overwhelming strength he displayed two months ago, but also from the changes he'd brought to Konoha since.
The terrifying Nine-Tails had now become something like a guardian or summoning beast under Kaede's command. These days, it lounges outside the village watching television.
Moreover,
Because the Nine-Tails could sense malice, nearly all spies hidden within Konoha had been exposed. Even the village's crime rate had dropped significantly.
The reason was simple: anyone planning a crime would think twice after seeing a giant fox lying just outside the village.
"As for the Nine-Tails' monthly expenses, last month totaled thirty million ryo," said Nara Shikaku, holding a report. "But considering the value the Nine-Tails currently provides to Konoha, the cost is negligible. I propose we keep things as they are."
The atmosphere in the room turned a little strange.
After all, this might be the first time in shinobi history, certainly not even during Hashirama's era, where the budget and contributions of a Tailed Beast were formally discussed in a village council meeting.
Even veterans like Sarutobi Hiruzen were beginning to see the Nine-Tails in a different light, like a really oversized pet.
"Thirty million ryo sounds like a bit much," said Koharu Utatane, frowning as she took the report from Shikaku. "The Nine-Tails doesn't need to eat that much, right? Surely some of these costs can be reduced."
"Hm, not a bad suggestion."
Kaede smiled, leaned back in his chair, and said,
"Someone, escort Elder Koharu to go and have a detailed discussion with the Nine-Tails about reducing its expenses next month."
Sure, the Nine-Tails had gotten pretty lazy lately.
Yes, most of the village's spies had been cleaned out.
But come on, trying to cut its snack budget? What kind of monster are you?!
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