Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

Naruto spoke casually, as though chatting with an old friend. However, to the Nine-Tails, it was utterly unthinkable that Naruto could so effortlessly recite the secret names of the tailed beasts. These names, given by the Sage of Six Paths himself, were a sacred connection shared only with those who earned the recognition of the tailed beasts. Even among jinchūriki, most only knew the name of the beast sealed within them.

After the Sage's departure, the relationships between the tailed beasts deteriorated. Distrust and animosity spread, and some even became sworn enemies. The Nine-Tails and One-Tail, for instance, often clashed—Kurama mocking Shukaku for having fewer tails and less chakra, while Shukaku derided Kurama as a "dead fox" or "stinky raccoon."

And yet, here was Naruto, reciting these names like they were childhood stories. The Nine-Tails fell silent, the weight of Naruto's words making it question everything it knew. But doubt lingered. Narrowing its crimson eyes, Kurama snorted.

"This proves nothing. These are merely obscure secrets that could be uncovered by someone resourceful enough," it growled.

Naruto scratched his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "Hmm… if that's not enough, how about this? Let me think…"

Kurama remained silent, its ears twitching as if waiting for Naruto's next move. Then Naruto's eyes lit up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Got it! Kurama, do you remember the prophecy of the Sage of Six Paths before his death?"

The Nine-Tails stiffened, its eyes narrowing dangerously. That prophecy… it was something only the Sage had spoken of, a truth buried deep in the annals of history.

"The blue-eyed boy who plays and calls out the names of the nine beasts," Naruto recited, his gaze steady and unyielding.

Kurama's eyes widened, its breath catching. That single sentence pierced through its defenses. For the first time in eons, the mighty Nine-Tails felt uneasy. How could this boy, standing before it with such a harmless smile, know something so profound?

"This can't be… No, this isn't real!" Kurama roared, its voice trembling with disbelief. "You're not Naruto! Get out of here!"

Without waiting for a response, the Nine-Tails turned abruptly and retreated deeper into the sealed gate, determined to shut Naruto out.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't leave!" Naruto shouted, exasperated. "If you don't believe me, I can give you more proof!"

But Kurama ignored him, its massive form disappearing into the shadows of the seal.

"Come on, don't be so stubborn!" Naruto called out, frustration creeping into his voice. "If you keep this up, you'll end up back in the Outer Path Demon Statue and swallowed by the Ten-Tails! And when that happens, I'll die too!"

Kurama froze mid-step, its ears perking up. Those cryptic terms—Outer Path Demon Statue, Ten-Tails—sent a chill down its spine. It didn't turn around, but its hesitation betrayed the growing conflict within. Though Kurama didn't fully trust Naruto's words, doubt was slowly giving way to belief.

As the Nine-Tails disappeared into the darkness, Naruto sighed, muttering to himself. "Looks like I'll have to open the seal and drag him out myself. Maybe I'll bribe him with some meatballs…"

But before he could act, a voice broke through his thoughts.

"Naruto! Naruto! Wake up!"

Naruto groggily opened his eyes to see Jiraiya standing over him, smacking his cheeks lightly.

"Oh, Jiraiya-sensei," Naruto mumbled, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

Jiraiya let out a long sigh, crossing his arms. "You went to see the Nine-Tails, didn't you?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "How'd you figure that out?"

"How?" Jiraiya shot him a glare. "The Nine-Tails' chakra was practically pouring out of the Eight Trigrams Seal. If I hadn't come, half the village would've noticed!"

Naruto glanced out the window and immediately noticed the numerous chakras surrounding his house. They were strong—elite shinobi, no doubt—and they were on high alert.

"Looks like I caused quite a scene," Naruto muttered sheepishly.

Jiraiya tugged the curtain aside, peering out at the masked Anbu operatives lingering under the moonlight. "It's fine. They'll back off now."

As Jiraiya spoke, the masked figures gradually disappeared into the night, obeying the legendary Sannin's command. Jiraiya shut the window, drew the curtains, and turned back to Naruto with a sharp look.

"You're too impatient. I gave you the key, but I told you to approach the Nine-Tails under my supervision," he said sternly. "What did you do? You ran straight to him alone! If I hadn't been keeping an eye on you, who knows what would've happened?"

Naruto raised his eyebrows knowingly. "And by 'keeping an eye,' you mean you called the Hokage's Anbu and…" He trailed off, smirking. "Root operatives, huh?"

Jiraiya's expression darkened slightly. "Yes. Root was among them. Danzo doesn't waste any opportunity to monitor you."

Naruto scoffed. "Of course, Danzo. That old fossil's always got his claws in everything."

Jiraiya hesitated at the door before twisting the handle. "Be careful, Naruto. Danzo sees you as nothing more than a weapon for Konoha. He'll try to control you if given the chance. Don't underestimate him. He's dangerous, and he always has a backup plan."

As Jiraiya left, Naruto's eyes gleamed coldly. He clenched his fists, his thoughts turning to Danzo.

Danzo's obsession with power was legendary, and Naruto knew all too well the horrors the man was capable of. Thanks to Sasuke's memories, Naruto was fully aware of the details of Danzo's fight—and death—in his previous life. The man had stolen Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan and used its unparalleled genjutsu, Kotoamatsukami, to manipulate even the most strong-willed individuals.

Naruto frowned. Shisui's eye was Danzo's trump card, but it was also a risk. Using the Mangekyō Sharingan Itachi had entrusted to him could be dangerous, especially against someone who already wielded Shisui's other eye.

Naruto sighed deeply, leaning back. "Home is supposed to be a harbor," he murmured to himself. "But I've got a storm to face before my ship can set sail."