Taking Shukaku Chakra
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As the Third Kazekage entered the chamber where the One-Tail Jinchuriki was kept, he saw darkness everywhere.
Apart from light that came through some fire torch lit on the wall, providing light in the darkness inside the cellar.
Inside a cell, an elderly man sat cross-legged on the floor, a cushion beneath him.
Behind him stood the structure of a giant bell. The man was Bunpuku, the priest of Sunagakure and the first Jinchuriki.
He was frail—so weak that his skeleton was visible through his clothes, as if he hadn't been fed for months.
Hiruzen's clone, disguised as the Kazekage, maintained a calm exterior, but inside, his emotions churned. He placed a hand over his heart and thought,
Why am I feeling emotions for him? Is it due to my previous life's benevolence? He exhaled sharply.
Monsters are not only in Konoha; this world is full of them. Sometimes, I wonder—should I destroy this world? Should I kill these bastards? Should I purge every single life form on this planet and wipe this world clean devoid of life?
His emotions flared, but he quickly regained control. Transforming into sand, he bypassed the cell door and walked toward Bunpuku.
His footsteps echoed through the chamber, drawing Bunpuku's attention.
The elderly man lifted his head and spoke in a slow, measured voice.
"Greetings, Kazekage-sama."
The Kazekage stopped before him and asked, "Do you not hold any resentment towards Sunagakure and the Kazekage's for giving you a life of suffering and hell?"
Bunpuku's expression remained serene. "This old man has never had such thoughts. In fact, it is my responsibility to guard the One-Tail and contribute to the village."
The Kazekage's control slipped for a moment, and an overwhelming killing intent flooded the room.
It was so intense that even Shukaku, sealed within Bunpuku, felt a chilling fear of death.
Old man, hurry! Shukaku's voice rang in Bunpuku's mind. He's dangerous! Transform, or he'll kill us both!
But Bunpuku remained calm. "We are members of Suna. Even if the Kazekage has such thoughts, we must be ready to sacrifice for the village."
The Kazekage withdrew his killing intent, his voice carrying an almost reluctant admiration.
"You are too benevolent, Bunpuku. There will only ever be one other person like you in this world. People like you shouldn't exist.
This world is too cruel for such kindness—especially if you lack the strength to defend it."
Bunpuku merely nodded. "You need not worry, Kazekage-sama. This is my duty until I die and pass on this responsibility to the next generation."
The Kazekage fell silent. Why? he wondered. Why do people like this willingly endure such hardship? What can they possibly accomplish with such beliefs?
In his previous life, he had assumed Naruto's ideals were merely the result of Asura's chakra influencing his reincarnations. But Bunpuku—he was different.
He had no external influence, no inherited will shaping his actions. He had simply chosen this path on his own.
Is this also a form of manipulation? Hiruzen couldn't answer the question.
In his past life, he had looked down on people like Naruto and Hashirama for their naïve benevolence.
Yet, he had also despised those who were excessively cunning. He had always preferred balance—not excessive kindness tempered with the will to act against someone who do injustice.
Exhaling slowly, he finally spoke. "You don't have to live here anymore. You can go wherever you want within Sunagakure. I will strengthen your seal and silence Shukaku's voice."
He stepped forward, placing his palm on Bunpuku's abdomen. Carefully, he began extracting chakra, drawing it away until only one percent of Shukaku's power remained.
Shukaku roared in desperation. Old man, stop him! He's trying to kill us both!
But Bunpuku remained still, allowing the Kazekage to continue. Soon, only a fraction of the One-Tail's chakra remained.
Retracting his hand, the Kazekage spoke. "You don't have to worry—Shukaku won't disturb you anymore."
Condensing five elements chakra into his fingers, he placed his hand on Bunpuku's abdomen once more.
Tadpole-like symbols emerged, replacing the previous mediocre seal.
A pentagon formation appeared, suppressing Shukaku's killing intent and cutting off his voice.
For the first time in his life, Bunpuku experienced true peace. He closed his eyes, taking in the silence.
"Thank you for your grace, Kazekage-sama. I will wholeheartedly continue to serve Sunagakure."
The Kazekage waved a hand dismissively. "You don't need to worry about that anymore. Go wherever you wish."
Turning away, he walked toward the gate. Bunpuku slowly stood, gathering his few belongings before following.
As they stepped outside, the guards remained silent, offering no resistance.
Bunpuku blinked against the sunlight—the first he had seen since becoming a Jinchuriki.
His voice trembled as he spoke, "Thank you, Kazekage-sama."
Nearby, a Suna shinobi handed him money and fresh clothes before sending him on his way.
Elsewhere…
News of Bunpuku's release spread quickly among the jonin of suna but nobody dared to object as Kazekage mood have been fluctuating recently, an nobody want to be on the receiving end.
In a dimly lit chamber, Ebizō turned to his sister.
"Sister, do you think the Kazekage has changed?"
Chiyo nodded. "Certainly. Ever since the battle with Konoha, his irritation and anger have been overwhelming.
But after his fight with Iwa's Yamamoto, he's gradually calmed—albeit slowly."
Ebizō pondered her words. "So, do you think releasing the Jinchuriki was the right decision?"
Chiyo sighed. "I don't know. Time will tell. Let's see how this change in the Kazekage affects Suna's future development."
Ebizō was about to reply when Chiyo cut him off.
"Enough about this. We've suffered heavy losses in this war. Little Sasori is about to awaken—I must go to him."
Ebizō nodded solemnly. "Yes, you should. Little Sasori lost his parents in this war. We must protect him at all costs, sister."
Without another word, they both departed.
Meanwhile, Sunagakure's development surged forward like a rising storm.
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