Chapter 67: The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki

Chapter 67: Chapter 67: The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki

"After that battle, Hashirama, realizing the immense power of the Nine-Tails, asked me to seal it. After much consideration, I chose to seal it within my own body. From then on, the term ’Jinchuriki’ came into existence.

He... has truly been with me the longest. I can understand the hatred he holds for me in his heart. However, whether human or Tailed Beast, everyone has their own perspective.

According to the original plan, after my death, he would be sealed into Kushina’s body by the Third Hokage and the others. After all, the Uzumaki clan’s constitution is highly compatible with becoming a Jinchuriki."

Uzumaki Mito spoke softly, her gaze fixed on the Nine-Tails with an inscrutable expression.

"The Nine-Tails, when cooperating with its Jinchuriki, is indeed quite powerful."

Uchiha Xuan nodded upon hearing this.

Judging by Naruto’s later performances, the Nine-Tails’ power was indeed formidable—a Tailed Beast Mode strong enough to kick around the Otsutsuki. However, powerful as it was, listening to Mito’s words, Uchiha Xuan couldn’t help but recall Senju Hashirama grabbing the Nine-Tails like a chick and declaring it too strong.

"You, child, the point shouldn’t be that I said it was the original plan, should it? Normally, Kushina would be the most suitable successor to become the new Jinchuriki.

The Uzumaki clan’s constitution, combined with the Adamantine Sealing Chains, indeed proves this. But now, with you here, I’ve begun to entertain some different thoughts.

Xuan, your physical constitution is exceptionally strong, and it continues to strengthen slowly every single moment. Right now, your physique far surpasses Kushina’s. Soon, you will reach a level comparable to Hashirama’s.

Moreover, you have mastered so many of my Uzumaki clan’s Sealing Arts. That alone completely matches the utility of the Adamantine Sealing Chains. Combined with your strength and your Sharingan...

Now, it is actually you who is more suitable to become the new Jinchuriki. And most importantly, although your talent is great and you have grown considerably...

But... what you wish to accomplish... with your current strength... it’s still not enough. Or rather, it falls just a little short. And the Nine-Tails’ power might fill that gap."

Uzumaki Mito’s voice was soft, yet carried immense weight.

"I don’t lack the Nine-Tails’ power."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Xuan lowered his gaze. He had anticipated various ways Mito might handle the situation, but he never expected her to consider giving him the Nine-Tails.

She promised not to take sides, but... in the end, she has leaned towards me.

"This isn’t just about power. It’s also about responsibility. It’s a responsibility I want to place upon you because of my own selfishness.

The Nine-Tails’ power is too immense. If it were to rampage within the village, no one but you, who has grown so strong, could stop it.

So, this is actually a responsibility being forced upon you..."

And the final protection from this self-proclaimed elder of yours...

Uzumaki Mito’s voice was low, devoid of its usual gentleness. If Uchiha Xuan succeeds in what he intends to do, all will be well. But if he fails, it will be a path to utter destruction.

However, as long as the Nine-Tails is sealed within Uchiha Xuan’s body, even in the worst-case scenario, his safety will be guaranteed.

After speaking, Uzumaki Mito turned her gaze to the Nine-Tails.

"Kurama, from now on, I entrust Xuan to you. Consider this the best request from me, a friend who may not quite be a friend."

A smile reappeared on Uzumaki Mito’s face as she stepped forward to stand before the Nine-Tails, reaching out to gently press her hand against Kurama’s nose.

Seeing Uzumaki Mito approach, Kurama bared his teeth in anger.

"Do you think we’re close?! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! It’s because of you and that damned Senju Hashirama that I lost my freedom! And now, you’re going to seal me into this even more damned Uchiha brat’s..."

However, Kurama had only just bared his teeth, his furious roar not yet fully unleashed, when a terrifying aura instantly pressed down upon him. Black and red lightning filled the entire sealing space as this aura manifested.

Conqueror’s Haki!!

The Nine-Tails’ pupils contracted sharply as he abruptly turned his head toward the source of the oppressive pressure.

Looking up, he saw Uchiha Xuan watching him with a calm expression, and that aura, which seemed to strike directly at the soul, indeed originated from this Uchiha before him.

The Nine-Tails stared intently at Uchiha Xuan, unable to comprehend why anyone could make him feel fear...

"Brat..."

"Shut up, Kurama. You... are really noisy."

A sinister red glow flickered within Uchiha Xuan’s eye sockets.

In the next moment, Ocular Power erupted alongside the Conqueror’s Haki.

A surge of Ocular Power instantly flooded into Kurama’s eyes, and immediately after, the shadow of a Three-Tomoe Sharingan appeared in the Nine-Tails’ eyes.

[Defeated SS-Rank target, obtained SS-Rank Card Pool Draw: 1]

"To be able to control the Nine-Tails so easily... your Sharingan... Xuan, I hope you never awaken those eyes..."

To the side, watching the Nine-Tails as if paused, Uzumaki Mito looked at Uchiha Xuan and spoke softly.

In response to Uzumaki Mito’s words, Uchiha Xuan merely raised his head slightly and silently gazed at her.

"Are you... sad? Because I’m about to die? Heh~~, it’s rare indeed to see you with such emotions."

Looking at the expressionless Uchiha Xuan, Uzumaki Mito met his eyes directly. After a moment, a smile appeared on her face, and she chuckled softly.

"Actually, you don’t have to do this. I can handle everything."

Looking at Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Xuan lowered his head and spoke softly, making a final attempt to dissuade her.

"I believe you. It’s just... I miss Hashirama a little."

Uzumaki Mito gently shook her head, refusing the words Uchiha Xuan was about to speak next.

Uchiha Xuan nodded lightly upon hearing this and fell silent, saying no more. For a moment, the entire sealing space grew quiet.

"Xuan, I entrust Tsunade to you. As for Nawaki... if possible, please look after him. Of course, if he ultimately doesn’t change his nature... then let him be."

Uzumaki Mito’s eyes held reluctance as she spoke softly to Uchiha Xuan. At the same time, the surrounding environment began to dissipate, and Uchiha Xuan and Uzumaki Mito returned to the courtyard of the Senju Clan Territory.

"I... understand."

Staring at the fish in the pond, Uchiha Xuan nodded gently in agreement.