Chapter 19

Minato fixed his gaze on the horizon, where the last glimpse of Kurama had disappeared, and then looked back at Hiruzen. "I will do it," he said with conviction, "even if it costs me my life."

Hiruzen nodded, the weight of responsibility reflected in his eyes. "I know you will, Minato. You have the will of fire within you."

With a reassuring smile, Hiruzen took a step back and launched himself upward, his movements as graceful and precise as they had always been. In the blink of an eye, he was leaping from branch to branch, moving quickly towards the village, leaving Minato alone with his thoughts.

As Minato contemplated the path ahead, a voice interrupted his reflection. "Will of fire, huh? Do you really believe in that?" The voice came from above, and as Minato raised his eyes, he saw a man with long red hair and nine tails, sitting casually on a tree branch, watching him with an interest that bordered on the cynical.

Minato remained calm, but his heart beat faster with the unexpected revelation. "Kyuubi?" he murmured, almost inaudible, looking up at the imposing figure above him.

The man with the nine tails gave a corner smile, almost imperceptible. "Yes, who else would it be?" responded Kurama, his voice carrying a tone of amusement mixed with sarcasm.

Minato hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You can take on a human form? I did not know that... no, did the First Hokage or the Second not speak of it because of the panic it would cause?"

Kurama descended from the branch, landing softly on the ground in front of Minato. The bijuu in human form was a sight few had seen, and Minato knew he was witnessing something rare. "Stop thinking about things that are irrelevant. Neither of them knew about this," said Kurama, diverting his gaze to the surrounding forest as if he were assessing the landscape.

Minato maintained a serene expression, despite the surprise and curiosity he felt. "But why are you here?" he asked, keeping his voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts.

Kurama, with an unusual seriousness, fixed his eyes on Minato's. "Well, I have something I want to discuss with you," he began, "something that will help me, your wife, and you too."

Minato raised an eyebrow, interested. "What would that be?" he inquired, the caution in his voice reflecting the tension of the moment.

With a fluid movement, Kurama raised his hand and, concentrating his chakra, a jar of sand formed in his palm. "Give this to her. She'll know what to do with it," he said, extending the object to Minato.

Observing the jar, Minato recognized the technique. "Magnetism style, I didn't know you had that kekkei genkai." His surprise was evident; Kurama's spectrum of abilities seemed to have no end.

Kurama just subtly smiled. "I have many secrets. I want you to teach her the Rasengan."

Minato accepted the jar, but his expression revealed his perplexity. "Alright, but why?" he questioned, trying to understand the logic behind Kurama's request.

"It won't hurt her, it will only make her stronger. I need allies for what I'm going to do," explained Kurama with a tone that suggested a broader plot. "Not of brute strength, but it's good that she's strong, just like you."

Minato reflected for a moment before replying. "I believe I have much to improve, but I don't think I am weaker than the other Kages."

Kurama looked directly into Minato's eyes, his expression was serious and his gaze piercing. "Whether you are weaker than the other Kages or not, I don't care," he said with a tone of calculated indifference. "I just need you to become stronger. Go after Sage Mode."

Minato, absorbing Kurama's words, nodded slightly. "I've heard... training with the toads of Mount Myoboku?" he asked, referring to the legendary residence of the wise toads and the technique of Sage Mode.

"Yes," confirmed Kurama, his tail swaying lightly behind him, as if reflecting his intrigued state of mind. "When you're teaching her the Rasengan, I'll teach you a new technique that will help a lot."

Minato looked at the jar of sand in his hands, still trying to understand Kurama's game. "I don't know what to say... thank you, but what is it for Kushina to train with this jar?" he asked, his curiosity clearly piqued.

"She, because of me, must have acquired the same Kekkei Genkai," explained Kurama, referring to the unique ability to control sand. "It will improve her protection."

Minato nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Kurama's words. "Thank you for what you're doing," he said sincerely. "But don't you hate her?"

Kurama let out a long sigh, and a glimpse of emotion passed through his eyes. "A little," he admitted. "But I don't have 'hate' hate for her, no. My grudge is against those who started capturing the tailed beasts to use them as weapons."

Minato realized the direction of the conversation and cautiously asked, "Are you referring to the First Hokage? I believe so, since he was the one who imprisoned you and the other tailed beasts."

Kurama diverted his gaze, looking at the sky as if searching for answers in the clouds. "Yes," he said with a voice that carried centuries of resentment. "Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, he was the first to subdue us, to treat us as mere tools. Although he had his reasons, it began an era of suffering for us, the bijuus."

Minato tilted his head slightly, an expression of regret etching itself on his features. "On behalf of Konoha and the legacy of the First Hokage, I apologize for the suffering we have caused you, the bijuus," he said, his voice laden with sincerity. "I, Minato Namikaze, as the Fourth Hokage, promise that I will not treat you or any other bijuu as tools. You are sentient beings with your own wills."

Kurama observed Minato carefully, measuring the honesty and commitment in the Hokage's words. "Apologies and promises are easy to make," Kurama began, his voice firm, "but the truth is seen in actions. And don't think I want your pity. We don't need it "We were dominated because we were weaker at that time, that's all there is to it. Now, we are in a different era, and I will not be subjugated again."

Minato nodded in understanding of Kurama's firm stance. "My intention is not to offer pity, but respect and understanding," he affirmed. "And regarding the Rasengan, I will teach it to Kushina. I'm curious to see how she will utilize the technique with the new ability she acquired due to your influence."

A hint of a smile appeared on Kurama's lips. "She will surprise you," he said, almost with a touch of pride. "And before I go, Minato, be careful with Danzo. He has his own plans and will not hesitate to sacrifice anyone to achieve them."

Minato frowned at the warning, recognizing the seriousness of what was being said. "I am aware," he responded, "and I will be vigilant. Thank you for warning me."

Kurama nodded one last time and, in an instant, his body began to dissolve into grains of sand, revealing that the being before Minato was not the real Kurama, but a sand clone skillfully created.

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