"I am a manifestation of hatred," he continued. "Even when you were born and I was sealed inside you, my chest burned with rage. It couldn't be contained."
Kurama's gaze shifted, looking back on their journey. "Not only that, but when you got agitated, my hatred would leak out. And it happened more than just once or twice."
Naruto nodded, lost in his memories. "Even though people avoided me because of your power, you also helped me so much, Kurama."
There was a gentle smile on his face.
Kurama unconsciously grinned. "Everyone else just called me Nine Tails, but you're the only one who used my name. I remember when you asked me for my name. I was surprisingly happy about it."
Their conversation shifted from memories to everyday life. "Heh, I remember when you chased after Sasuke."
"And when you fought Pain..." Kurama's voice softened.
"Ha, And I was thrilled when I met both halves of you, Kurama."
Naruto laughed. "And when you got commanded by Hinata to behave..."
Kurama chuckled. "Yeah, you didn't have it easy either."
The two shared stories from their past, laughing and teasing each other as if they were old friends. It was a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and they both wished it could last forever.
But everything eventually ends. Kurama slowly lifted his arm and held out his fist towards Naruto. Just like in the past, they bumped fists, one big and one small.
Feeling the familiar warmth, Kurama's lips curled into a smile. "Naruto, I'm glad I could walk this path with you. It has been a journey to remember."
Naruto smiled back. "I've enjoyed it too."
"Maybe we'll meet again in the afterlife," Naruto said. "Since we've been together since my birth, I guess dying together wouldn't be so bad." ]
Many people realized that the one closest to Naruto wasn't his parents, children, or teachers, but Kurama, the companion who'd been with him throughout his life.
In Sunagakure, Gaara gently stroked his belly. His closed eyes showed not hatred but a mixture of emotions. "Has it always been like this?"
Meanwhile, inside Turtle Island, Killer Bee burst into tears and shouted out to Eight Tails, Gyūki.
Naruto's determination was unwavering. "I've decided. I'll write eight songs for you. No, make that eighty!"
His words hung in the air, leaving the Eight Tails momentarily stunned, as if struck by lightning.
[Naruto stood in silence for a moment, watching Nine Tails with a hint of confusion. He noticed that Kurama didn't react to his declaration.
After a brief pause, Nine Tails spoke, his voice low and steady.
"Naruto, did you misunderstand something?"
Naruto's smile faded, his voice growing uncertain. "What are you talking about?"
Kurama continued, his words slow and deliberate. "I never said you would die, did I? I don't think you listened carefully."
Naruto's eyes trembled as he tried to process Kurama's words. The tailed beast lowered his head, speaking with a hint of sadness.
"If I'd told you from the start that you had to trade my life for that kind of power, you'd have hesitated, right? Or maybe you'd outright refuse. You're just that kind of person."
"Kurama..." Naruto began, but Nine Tails cut him off.
"Jinchūriki die when a tailed beast is removed from them. But this time, you won't die. You'll just lose the tailed beast's Chakra."
Naruto's eyes were full of disbelief. "Wait a minute, Kurama, you can't be serious..."
But Kurama's next words shattered his hopes entirely. "The price is my life, not yours, Naruto!"
The harsh reality struck Naruto like a lightning bolt. His heart sank as he stood there, tears welling up in his eyes, his body trembling.
Words failed him. He could only look at Kurama, unable to speak, his tears freely flowing.]
Meanwhile, countless viewers who watched this scene fell silent. They understood the depth of the moment.
When Naruto believed he would die, he laughed with Kurama. But when he found out he would live, he cried, knowing that it meant Kurama's end.
"What a sly fox..." they thought, their eyes moistening with tears.
Kurama's sacrifice for Naruto was clear, and the price he paid was ultimate. This realization hit everyone hard, and the emotions ran deep.
["It's time to say goodbye, Naruto," Kurama said with a gentle smile as heat emanated from his body.
"I'm leaving now. You need to be more cautious in the future. You no longer have the extraordinary power you once had, and I won't be around to guide you."
"If you find yourself hesitating or unsure, remember that you can't just rely on me anymore."
"Take care of yourself until we meet again," Kurama's voice trailed off as his body slowly dissipated like smoke, rising and fading into the air.
Naruto, feeling the emptiness in his clenched fist, couldn't hold back his tears any longer. He cried out, "Kurama, please, don't go," but there was no response.
He reached out, trying to grasp something—anything—but his hands closed on empty air. Kurama was gone.
Naruto could only think back on how Kurama had entered his life so suddenly, how their relationship had its share of conflict, and how it had eventually grown into a bond.
Now, Kurama had left, and though there was a sense of peace in his departure, the void he left behind was undeniable.]
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