Chapter 234 : My name is Kurama!

Next to the flickering charcoal fire, Naruto found himself in a daze, taking in the scene before him.

At first glance, he recognized the figure sprawled on the ground before him, arms outstretched in a desperate attempt to hold onto something, was none other than himself.

Clad in the regal robe adorned with fiery patterns, and emblazoned with the unmistakable 'Seventh Hokage' inscribed in bold black characters.

"My dream of becoming Hokage has finally come true," Naruto thought to himself.

Yet, amidst the realization of his long-held aspiration, a strange unease gnawed at his heart.

In the blink of an eye, Naruto's consciousness was transported to a dimly lit space.

Across the enclosure, he saw the Nine-Tails lying placidly, devoid of any hint of trepidation.

Sensing a presence, the Nine-Tails cracked open its eyes ever so slightly, meeting Naruto's gaze with a somber expression.

"You foolish child," murmured the Nine-Tails inaudibly, before shutting its eyes once more, as if to avoid further interaction.

Perplexed, Naruto couldn't fathom how he ended up there, but upon seeing the Nine-Tails, he couldn't contain the words that burst forth uncontrollably:

"Hey, big fox, I don't want you to die!"

The Nine-Tails' large furry ears twitched slightly before drooping back down softly.

Simultaneously, keen observers in Konoha were astounded to learn that the Seventh Hokage was none other than Uzumaki Naruto.

In the village, where memories of Naruto's fervent desire to become Hokage still lingered despite being Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and hated by villagers, this revelation came as a shock to many.

At the Nara clan, Shikamaru sighed deeply, while his expression remained impassive.

He never expected Naruto to actually achieve his dream.

However, rather than feeling envious, Shikamaru couldn't help but think of the immense burden and lack of freedom that came with the position.

Working in the Hokage's office building in the future would be akin to being trapped in the confines of a tomb.

Over at the Hyuga residence, Hinata adjusted her clothes, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

"Naruto-kun has always been true to his word, and he's truly succeeded," she mused quietly.

Meanwhile, not far away, Hyuga Hiashi observed his daughter's demeanor with a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

With the Fourth Hokage's return, perhaps they could arrange for an early meeting with the prospective in-laws.

In any case, he couldn't be more pleased with Naruto's current standing.

At the Aburame household, Shino, donning his customary sunglasses, gazed wistfully into the distance before offering a quiet cheer to himself.

"Come on, Shino, as a companion of the Seventh Hokage Naruto, you'll also succeed in the future and be remembered by many!"

At this moment, Naruto's classmates were all taken aback.

This isn't just about strength. Becoming the Hokage signifies holding a significant place in the hearts of the Konoha villagers and being supported!

"Congratulations, Naruto. Your dream has truly come true in the future."

Sasuke expressed genuine happiness for Naruto at this moment.

Naruto snapped out of his reverie and heard Jiraiya's smile once again:

"Great job, Naruto. A father and son as Hokage, a scene never seen before."

However, amidst everyone's joyous gazes, Naruto lowered his head:

"I'm not happy."

Amidst everyone's stunned expressions, a scene unfolded.

[In a dark scene, various voices echoed slowly.]

["Nine Tails, your power is too strong, I must seal you!"

"As long as you wield your power, you'll attract hatred!"

["You can restrain the world, but I can control you!"

[Amidst these voices, three figures slowly emerged.]

[First Hokage Senju Hashirama, First Hokage Nine Tails Jinchūriki Uzumaki Mito, and Second Generation Jinchūriki Uzumaki Kushina!]

[Though their words differed, their expressions were identical.]

[They cared nothing for the thoughts, emotions, or name of the Nine Tails.]

[All they cared about was the Nine Tails' malevolent power!]

"In the ninja world, nearly all shinobi feel the same.

Tailed beasts are dangerous, their power is malevolent.

This is the consensus!

But on Turtle Island, Killer Bee leapt in fury.

"B, calm down. As a tailed beast, I'm fortunate to have you as a friend."

Gyūki, the Eight Tails, reassured him.

Killer Bee fumed, gesturing wildly with his hands:

"Evil is always the label!"

"What's wrong with power?

"Tailed beasts only know pain!"

Eight Tails smiled. It wasn't truly painful, but it was certainly more painful than his childhood.

Even the Jinchūriki suffered, each one except for the Eight Tails, Four Tails, and Nine Tails, seemed restless.

Suddenly, laughter echoed through the room.

On the screen, a fifteen-year-old Naruto stood before the scarlet form of the Nine Tails, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he spoke from the heart:

"Hello, Nine Tails. I believe that one day, the hatred in your heart will be erased."

His words were filled with faith and conviction!

[It's not just a mere comfort, but a solemn vow.]

Everyone turned their eyes towards Naruto in suprise.

At that moment, the other party lifted their head, their eyes glinting as if they had found a new direction.

Though the Nine Tails remained sealed, lying quietly with closed eyes, its nine tails twitched uneasily behind it, hinting at its inner turmoil.

However, throughout the ninja world, countless shinobi harbored dissenting opinions.

"A naive kid! How could he forget the atrocities caused by the Nine Tails, almost destroying the village?" scoffed one.

"Utterly foolish!" remarked another.

"Every village has suffered from the tailed beasts' wrath. It's beyond comprehension to sympathize with them!" argued a third.

"To think of them as anything more than weapons is ludicrous!" concluded yet another.

Amidst the various reactions—scorn, hatred, anger—only the tailed beasts gazed upon Naruto with disbelief.

To them, this human resembled someone from their past.

[The scene shifted to a forest, where Obito, adorned with a vortex mask, stood before Naruto, his voice cold as he declared:

"Allow me to end your tragic fate as a Jinchūriki."

However, Naruto met his gaze with fiery determination.

"Whoever claimed that being a Jinchūriki equated to misfortune?!" he retorted fiercely.

["Nine Tails is my companion!" The screen surged forward once more, this time delving into the seal of the Nine Tails itself.

[The sealed cage has shattered!]

[Yet, there's no clash here!

[They merely gaze directly at each other, one with a smile, the other with a resolute stare, and...]

[Despite the vast difference between them, they are intimately bound by the silhouette of a clenched fist!

[In the next moment, the Nine Tails addressed the individual before it with a voice filled with gratification, solemnity, and weight:]

["Naruto, my name is"]

["Kurama!"]

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