Chapter 8: The Story of the Elephant and the Little White Cat
Chapter 8: The Story of the Elephant and the Little White Cat
Once again, Tonari found himself in the sealed space where the Two-Tails resided.
In this vast, barren realm, the mountain-sized beast lay on the ground, eyes half-closed in apparent rest.
Having visited this place numerous times, Tonari couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the Two-Tails.
This confined space lacked scenery, privacy, or entertainment. At least Tonari had a scented sachet to fiddle with.
Whenever he saw the Two-Tails, it was usually lying behind the cage-like bars, pretending to sleep.
But how much sleep could one really need?
Though the Two-Tails was a cat and naturally lazier than most, it was unlikely to simply sleep endlessly. Its behavior was merely a reflection of helplessness—a helplessness that had persisted for countless years.
Ever since it had been sealed within a Jinchūriki, it had been passed down through numerous hosts, each imprisoning it in this dark, lifeless void.
The only individuals it could interact with were the Jinchūrikis themselves. However, most who knew of its nature actively avoided contact with it. Few dared to communicate, and even those who tried were usually only interested in its power.
To such people, the Two-Tails would sometimes respond out of boredom but often ignored them entirely.
This was why only Yugito Nii, among its previous hosts, had managed to form a friendly relationship with it. At just two years old when she became a Jinchūriki, she lacked the fear and prejudice of adults, engaging with the beast without hesitation.
Ignorance truly is bliss.
Now, Tonari had no fear of the Two-Tails either. While he was initially terrified, their interactions over the past few days had shown him that the beast wasn't as fearsome as others believed.
Fear often stemmed from assumptions. If one didn't attempt to understand the Two-Tails, how could one judge it as terrifying or unapproachable?
As Tonari gazed at the creature with a mix of sympathy and regret, the Two-Tails slowly opened its eyes.
"Little one, what's that look for? Are you pitying me?" the Two-Tails asked gruffly. Its tone lacked anger, sounding more fatigued than anything else.
Over the past few days, this small human had been incessantly entering its sealed space to chatter about various "interesting" things.
Initially, the beast had tried to intimidate Tonari with a deathly glare. Then, it attempted to overwhelm him with its chakra. Yet Tonari's resolve proved unexpectedly formidable.
Even when he was momentarily subdued, Tonari always bounced back quickly, continuing his stories with unabated enthusiasm.
For the first time, the Two-Tails found itself lamenting the less-than-perfect strength of the seal.
Tonari waved dismissively. "Oh, don't mind me, Big Beauty. I wasn't pitying you. I just think it's a shame for someone as majestic as you to be stuck here in this bleak, sealed space. After all, the world outside is so beautiful…"
The Two-Tails blinked, speechless.
This little human's tongue was as sharp as ever. It had long given up arguing with him.
"If you feel sorry for me, why not just tear off that sealing tag in the middle of the bars?" the Two-Tails suggested weakly, lying back down.
Tonari shook his head. "Oh no, Big Beauty. Don't think I don't know better. That tag is the key to the seal. If I remove it, you'd break free and wreak havoc. I'd be the one suffering then."
Settling into a cross-legged position on the ground, Tonari announced, "Today, I'm going to tell you the story of the elephant and the little white cat!"
Without waiting for a response, he cleared his throat and began:
"Once upon a time, a big elephant was walking through the forest. Overcome by nature's call, the elephant… well, let's just say it relieved itself.
"But then it realized—it didn't bring any toilet paper!
"Just then, a little white cat with an air of sophistication happened to walk by. You could tell it was no ordinary cat—it was a Persian!"
The Two-Tails perked up slightly. "What's a Persian cat?"
Tonari waved impatiently. "It's just a special type of cat with unique eyes. Now stop interrupting me!"
"..."
The Two-Tails felt an ominous premonition.
Tonari continued: "The elephant asked, 'Hey, little white cat, do you shed fur?'
"The cat raised its head haughtily and replied, 'You're the one who sheds! Your whole family sheds!'
"The elephant wasn't offended—it was remarkably good-tempered.
"And then… the little white cat became an orange tabby."
The Two-Tails couldn't help but ask, "Why?"
Tonari smirked. "Isn't it obvious? The little white cat was the perfect substitute for toilet paper—soft, fragrant, and non-shedding!"
The Two-Tails froze, staring at Tonari in disbelief.
Tonari, however, was far from done.
"Wait, there's more! One day, after a hearty meal, the elephant realized its face was dirty, but it didn't have anything to clean it with.
"Looking around, it spotted a little squirrel.
"The elephant asked, 'Hey, little squirrel, do you shed fur?'
"The squirrel hesitated before replying, 'No, I don't.'
"The elephant happily picked up the squirrel and used it to wipe its face.
"But just as it finished, the squirrel said with a deadpan expression, 'I'm yesterday's little white cat.'
"HAHAHAHA—Isn't that hilarious?"
Tonari burst into uncontrollable laughter, rolling on the ground.
The Two-Tails, however, remained silent, its expression unreadable.
Eventually, Tonari noticed the rising temperature in the sealed space and the intensity in the Two-Tails' gaze. He froze mid-laugh.
"Uh… I'll come back later. Bye!"
With that, he vanished from the space.
The Two-Tails stared at the spot where Tonari had been, its fierce demeanor slowly softening into something resembling amusement.
"Such a peculiar little human…"
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