The dark purple light that had shot into the sky gradually dissipated, and the entire Dragon Vein pulsed with life, connecting directly to Mukade's chakra-infused body on the altar.
Eight massive spider-like legs lifted Mukade's twisted form. His body still resembled a centipede, but now even the last traces of humanity were gone. Sharp fangs jutted from his gaping maw, and two grotesque horns curled from his scalp like malformed chicken legs.
The moment the refugees caught sight of the monstrous figure, terrified screams erupted. Adults shielded their children, and little ones sobbed in fear.
Uchiha Hikaru stared at Mukade's grotesque transformation, his expression a mix of disgust and amusement.
"What even are you?"
"Spawn of a spider and a centipede?"
"But what's with the matching feelers on your head?"
"Wait—don't tell me there was a crayfish involved too?"
"…Were there three of them? Your parents must've had a seriously chaotic love life."
"Is that the Eight Spider Lances on your back? Even San and his dad didn't go this hard…"
Minato coughed awkwardly, blushing at the comparison. Naruto, meanwhile, clutched his stomach and gagged dramatically.
Sarah tilted her head in innocent confusion. "Master Hikaru, what did you just say?"
"Centipedes and spiders can't reproduce, right?"
Hikaru placed a palm gently on Sarah's forehead and smiled. "It's fine. You're still young—you don't need to understand this yet."
"When you're older, it'll all make sense."
Although Hikaru maintained a calm front, his taunts were just a diversion.
In truth, he and Sword had expended nearly all of their chakra in their last move. What remained might barely be enough to summon the full form of Susanoo—if that.
Just then, Naruto bit his thumb, ready to perform a summoning.
"Damn it… I don't know if this will even work, but I have to try."
"Not sure if summoning still works after time travel…"
Hikaru grabbed Naruto's wrist before he could begin the hand seals.
"Hold on, Naruto."
"I've got a better idea—but I'll need your help."
Naruto blinked, then nodded enthusiastically.
"No problem, Hikaru-nii! Just tell me what to do!"
"Look into my eyes."
As soon as Naruto met his gaze, the world around him shifted.
They now stood before the massive gate holding back the Nine-Tails.
The fox's fur bristled in an instant, every strand of orange standing on end.
"You again, you damn Uchiha brat!"
"What the hell do you want!?"
"Get the hell out of here!!"
Naruto smirked and casually threw an arm around Hikaru's shoulders, clearly relishing the chance to flex in front of the mighty beast.
"Hehe~"
"Kyuubi, I didn't think you actually got scared of people."
"Who would've thought the great and mighty Nine-Tails could get so worked up?"
"Feels like that tiny tiger we chased during that cat-catching mission~"
The Nine-Tails glared at Naruto with murderous intent, like it wanted to swat him into paste.
(Damn brat… if you didn't have this Uchiha with you, not even ten of you would dare speak to me like that!)
But the fox kept its mouth shut. It still remembered the agony of being controlled by the Mangekyō Sharingan—twice.
Yet… Hikaru wasn't like Madara or the masked man. He hadn't tried to enslave it right away. He just stood there, calm and quiet.
Naruto gave the fox one last smug look before quieting down. He wasn't there to pick a fight—he just wanted to bask in Hikaru's intimidation factor.
Hikaru took a few slow steps forward, water rippling under his feet. He stopped just before the gate and looked up at the massive fox.
"Kyubi… do me a favor. I'll give you a taste of freedom in return. Deal?"
The Nine-Tails' ears twitched.
Freedom?
That word stirred something in its heart. Just a little time outside—even that was a break from this cursed seal. And maybe, just maybe, it'd get more chances like this…
Still, Kurama tried to play it cool. He lowered his head lazily and grumbled.
"Tch… I'm not interested in playing house with you two. Get lost."
The apathetic response made Hikaru's smile fade.
A wave of pressure rippled out from him. His sapphire Mangekyō Sharingan spun into view, the pupil power surging.
"Kyubi, I'm asking nicely one last time."
"Are you in or not?"
"Because if you say no… I'll make you fight."
"If you help willingly, you'll feel what true freedom and power taste like."
The beast froze. That voice… that power—it wasn't just threat. It was promise.
The Nine-Tails straightened slowly, suspicion gleaming in its slit pupils.
"…Even if I agree, that damn seal won't let me help you."
He gestured at the bars and the "seal" tag locking him inside.
Hikaru grinned.
"That? Don't worry about it—I've got it covered."
With that, he raised his hand, and Sword materialized in his grip—shifting form into a massive pair of black chakra-forged shears. He jumped up and, with a few quick swipes, snipped away the tag labeled "seal."
Clang!
The iron "lock" dropped to the floor.
Kurama and Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Did… did that just work!?"
Naruto was about to panic, but before he could react, he was booted out of his own mindscape.
He blinked and gasped—his body now glowing with red Nine-Tails chakra.
Hikaru slapped him on the back, and the skeletal form of Susanoo began to manifest around him.
"Kyubi—enough games. Lend me your power."
"When this is over, I'll let you stretch your legs."
"Maybe go spar with Shukaku if you're feeling bored."
At those words, the fox's mood instantly shifted. Excitement sparked in its eyes.
(This chakra… This guy… he has to be the Sage's illegitimate son or something!)
The resemblance was too uncanny. The chakra didn't feel identical, but it was close. Like eating the same fruit—one sliced on a silver platter, the other hacked apart with a kunai.
To Kurama, Hikaru was like the cut fruit—different form, same core.
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Send Power Stones
Bonus Chapter at 150 Power Stone
Second Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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