Chapter 86

If the story had followed the original plot, he, as a hidden antagonist, should have been touched by a mysterious force and later reconciled with Naruto. 

They would then work together, becoming Naruto's golden finger for improvement, or he could have served as a stepping stone for Naruto's growth, ultimately dying at the hands of some powerful enemy.

But, unfortunately, he wasn't part of the original plot. He was an otherworldly demon from Earth.

With this thought in mind, Kaze's calm expression took on a playful air as he gazed intently at Naruto. He said, "If you feel so guilty and think you can't do anything right, why not entrust your body to me?"

"I'll become the dominant personality that shields and protects you, while you become my supporting secondary personality."

"I'll take good care of your friends on the outside. I won't let them be hurt like they were today, all because of your rampage."

"I can even become the Hokage and fulfill your dream of becoming a recognized presence by everyone."

"This way, you won't have to work too hard, and you can easily achieve all your goals without too much effort."

Kaze's voice was like a devil's whisper, causing Naruto's facial expressions to continuously change.

Naruto pondered for a moment, and even though he felt there was something off, he eventually nodded resolutely.

"Alright! Just like my brother who shields me from the wind and rain, Kaze, I'll entrust my body to you from now on."

"But when I have free time, you have to let me come out and get some fresh air. And when we eat at Ichiraku Ramen, you have to let me out too!"

He actually agreed?

Kaze frowned and felt that Naruto had become more challenging to handle. 

In the past, Naruto would have resisted and then emotionally demanded that Kaze relinquish control. 

Now, he seemed like stubborn pork, not afraid of boiling water.

What on earth was going on?

With these thoughts in mind, Kaze focused his attention on the system panel in his mind.

As expected, there was no system message indicating an increase in trust and reliance value.

He glanced at Naruto, who appeared somewhat lost.

Kaze's playful expression suddenly disappeared, replaced by a gentle smile. It was as though an older brother was dealing with his mischievous younger sibling.

"You, you silly kid. I was just joking with you earlier."

"Even if I become the dominant personality, it will be when you no longer want to be in control, not like now."

"Moreover, what you did just now was not wrong. As you said, it's natural for a foolish little brother to rely on a strong big brother. There's nothing wrong with that."

"All those things I said earlier were meant to help you grow and to make you understand some things."

At this point, Kaze's expression became serious and solemn.

"Because I've been bearing the darkness and pain you've experienced all along, it has shrouded me and kept me vigilant."

"That's why I spare no effort in eliminating any potential threats."

"This is not only helping you but also helping myself and adding a protective layer to this body."

"We need both a compassionate heart and thunderous methods."

"Your kindness and gentleness alone won't work, so I have to be ruthless, cruel, and reveal my fierce claws."

"Only this way can others dare not bully us as orphans, fear us, and even respect us."

"Take Root, who no longer dares to harm us, the Anbu who respect us, and even the villagers who aren't allowed to speak casually now, for example."

Listening to Kaze's explanation, Naruto suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment.

"Is it always like this?" Naruto thought.

He felt that Kaze's heartfelt words made a lot of sense. However, there was an indescribable force that made him reluctant to accept the idea of using extreme measures.

But thinking about all the pain Kaze had endured over the years and the protection he had provided, Naruto temporarily pushed aside those doubts brought by his teary eyes.

As he gazed at Kaze, who was his age but radiated seriousness and the need to be strong and ruthless, Naruto stood up and wanted to hug him. However, in mid-air, he hesitated, fearing rejection.

Kaze noticed Naruto's hesitation and his expression softened into a gentle smile, one that said, "You understand, right? I spoil you." He gently patted Naruto's head.

Naruto stopped hesitating and threw himself into Kaze's arms, crying loudly.

"I'm sorry, really sorry, I misunderstood you before, sob, sob, sob."

As Naruto cried, the system message arrived as expected.

[Darkening Value +5000]

[Current Darkening Value: 16,000]

[Main Personality Trust and Reliance Value: 72 (Cannot drop below 60)]

It turned out that Naruto had only verbally agreed before, but his heart had not truly accepted it. 

Now, as he followed his inner feelings and expressed his hopes, the effect was immediate. With the recent acquisition of the Nine-Tails' power and the battle against Orochimaru, the Darkening Value had increased by 5000. 

While the Trust and Reliance Value had only increased by 5, the non-droppable value had increased by 10. It was clear that as it approached 80, the rate of increase would become smaller and more challenging.

Kaze had a premonition that breaking through the 80 threshold, whether changing the main personality to secondary or vice versa, would be a formidable obstacle. It would require even more intense and direct emotional impact.

While Kaze was accompanying Naruto in their deep brotherly moment, Nine-Tails, who had remained silent the entire time, couldn't hold back any longer.

With a chuckle, he finally burst into laughter.

"Oh, I can't help it anymore, hahaha!"

Nine-Tails laughed like an old dog, lying on the ground in the sealed space, legs in the air.

If it were a touching scene of harmonious brotherhood, he would naturally pretend to be invisible. 

But with Kaze appearing to have ill intentions, and Naruto being genuinely moved and shedding tears, it was just too funny for Nine-Tails to bear.

He adjusted his choice of words slightly and playfully teased Kaze, which made him completely believe in the plan. 

In truth, Nine-Tails was starting to regret why he hadn't contacted Naruto earlier and tricked him into releasing him.

"Is it that funny?" Kaze's calm voice echoed.

"I remember that dogs like to eat poop, so for a fox, a member of the canine family, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"I just happened to build a new septic tank for the Four-Star Village, which is perfect for letting your chakra-linked shadow clones taste it."

"Cough, cough, cough," Nine-Tails' laughter abruptly stopped, replaced by a fit of coughing. Then he opened his bloody mouth and roared with anger.

"You brat, just because you're good-looking and powerful doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"

"Are you allowed to reconcile and not let me applaud your relationship?"

"Hmph, I don't just want to laugh while lying down; I also want to kneel down and laugh!"

Defiant and unwilling, Nine-Tails, in that very moment, presented Kaze with the spectacle of a fox kneeling down while clutching its hooves.

***

T/N- Well well well!

We've reached a 100 chapters on patreon!

Feels pretty fulfilling ngl.

Advanced Chapters- Patreon.com/AlmightySkyDxddy