22 Chapter 21 : Nine Tails

"Indra lost his way for some unknown reason, leading me to plan for the future," said Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, his voice filled with emotion in the Pure Land space.

"The Sharingan Dojutsu wielders are walking on a tightrope. If it evolves too rapidly, it can render emotions uncontrollable, resulting in hidden dangers."

"The last incarnation of Indra was Uchiha Madara, who managed his emotions fairly well but was excessively arrogant."

"This generation's incarnation is Uchiha Sasuke, who currently appears inferior to Madara and even less impressive than Uchiha Ran."

"With such wisdom, caution, and a composed demeanour, it would be ideal if he could inherit Indra's power!"

Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki's voice echoed in the ethereal space as he pondered the situation.

He had a strong suspicion that someone was manipulating events behind the scenes, potentially even orchestrating the release of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya from her seal.

He and his brother, Hamura Ōtsutsuki, were beings born from Kaguya's merging with the power of the divine tree, representing the Yin and Yang aspects. Due to their creation, their blood connection to Kaguya wasn't particularly strong.

However, they held a deep affection for the world of shinobi they had established and the generations that followed.

"With Uchiha Ran's presence, perhaps Indra's path can be guided correctly," Hamura reassured.

"I can only hope so," Hagoromo nodded, his concern evident.

If all else failed, he was prepared to take more direct action to eliminate any hidden threats.

Meanwhile, on the Gold List screen, Uchiha Ran continued to speak.

"The son of the Sage of Six Paths possesses naturally exceptional talent. From my investigations, the Main Family holds the potent Yang Release, inherited by the Senju clan. The Uzumaki clan, on the other hand, inherits impressive vitality and vast chakra reserves, though their Yang Release ability isn't on par with the Senju clan's. While they've developed sealing techniques and various capabilities, their strength remains formidable!"

Uchiha Ran paused, his intention clear.

He refrained from mentioning Ashura or Indra by name, avoiding any unnecessary speculation from Hagoromo and Hamura.

As an Uchiha descendant, he had to be cautious about what he revealed.

"Considering this, those two should pay more attention to me. If I play my cards right, there might be benefits in the future," Uchiha Ran thought to himself.

From the start, his intention had been to capture the Ōtsutsuki brothers' attention. Kushina had inadvertently played into his hands.

He understood the significance of his Uchiha heritage and intended to wield it effectively.

["Hey… Dean!"

"So, the renowned Senju and Uzumaki clans have such deep roots in the shinobi world."

"According to the Fifth Hokage's implications, does that mean all practitioners of Yang Release Secret Arts are linked to the Senju or Uzumaki clans? Does it even stretch back to being descendants of the Sage of Six Paths' sons?"

(Danzo: Temporary generation, temporary generation understand?)

"Connected, each one a descendant of the Sage of Six Paths."

"Expanding my knowledge!"

"So, this is the hidden secret."

"But then, why does Uzumaki Naruto possess Senju traits rather than Uzumaki traits?"]

[…]

Kabuto goes on, yet the problem persists.

However, astute minds glean insights.

Uchiha Ran's revelations suggest that the distantly related Senju and Uzumaki clans trace their ancestry to the Sage of Six Paths' sons. The former carries potent Yang Release power, while the latter inherits a portion (strong vitality and immense chakra), giving rise to a range of special talents and sealing techniques.

In essence, their physiques are alike; disparities lie in the intensity of their Yang Release and their unique gifts.

[Namikaze Minato: I understand now—it's due to Yang Nine-Tails! ]

A faint smile curled Uchiha Ran's lips at this interpretation.

Wild speculations, often the most amusing.

"Why is Naruto a Senju-type? It's because he's Ashura's reincarnation, just like Senju Hashirama."

In truth, Naruto hadn't manifested the red hair or any distinctive abilities of the Uzumaki clan. He was more akin to a Senju.

Yet, Uchiha Ran kept such thoughts to himself, ascribing everything to the Nine-Tails.

[Senju Hashirama: Huh, Yang Nine-Tails? Are there Yin Nine-Tails? Two Nine-Tails, no wonder I felt it was weak. ]

[Yang Nine-Tails: Hashirama, what are you... ]

[Senju Hashirama: The Gold List can't be wrong. They're genuinely split into Yin and Yang. Which one did I seal, in the first place? ]

[Yang Nine-Tails: Get lost, old man! ]

[Uchiha Madara: Huh? (Stares). ]

[Yang Nine-Tails : ...…. ]

[Namikaze Minato: Heh, Shodai, Nine-Tails is actually a single entity. When I resealed it within Naruto, I divided its power into two— one in his body, the other in mine. ]

Currently, only Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, and Nine-Tails were privy to this information. Not even Sarutobi Hiruzen knew.

[Senju Tobirama: Oh? Fourth Hokage, you outshine my expectations by dividing the tailed-beast chakra into Yin and Yang seals so evenly. ]

[Senju Hashirama: Really? Can sealing Nine-Tails kill someone? (Baffled scratching of the head)]

Senju Hashirama was genuinely perplexed.

Could sealing Nine-Tails result in death?

One needed only activate the Wooden Golem to address the issue—no special Kinjutsu were required.

[Uchiha Madara: Isn't it as simple as a glance, and all is resolved? ]

[Namikaze Minato: Ah, well... ]

Indeed, facing Nine-Tails head-on wasn't a terrifying prospect. Minato's struggle lay in confronting the masked figure and safeguarding Naruto, Kushina, and the village. Ultimately, he aimed to give Nine-Tails an opportunity to connect with Naruto, a rationale he kept to himself.

Explaining this wasn't straightforward.

Nevertheless, it was evident that the First Hokage possessed immeasurable power.

"Ha!" Uchiha Ran chuckled involuntarily.

The scene had unfolded abruptly, catching him off guard.

[Senju Tobirama: Elder brother, neither you nor Madara are ordinary. It's best to steer clear of such discussions. ]

[First Tsuchikage: Agreed! ]

[First Mizukage: Seconded! ]

[First Kazekage: Seconded! ]

[First Raikage: Seconded! ]

[Yang Nine-Tails: You fools, Hashirama, Madara, don't cross my path or I'll rip you apart. ]

Inner Nine-Tails OS: I'm done for. It's only fair I bid farewell, right?

[Uchiha Madara: Domesticated creature, heed your words. ]

Clad in crimson armour, Uchiha Madara's stern expression was accompanied by folded arms.

A shiver coursed through Nine-Tails, a foreboding premonition tugging at his heart.

[Uzumaki Naruto: You stinky fox, you can talk on the Gold List? ]

[Killer Bee: Naruto, my boy, if living beings are on the list, they can talk. Baka Yaro! ]

[Gyūki: Brothers, it's been a while. Won't you come out to greet me, your Second Brother? ]