Chapter 513: The First Thing the Nine-Tails Does with Its Freedom Is…

"..."

Do I look like someone who needs help?

No, do I, the mighty Nine-Tails, look like someone in need of help?

The Nine-Tails, its massive body sprawled across the sealing space, closed its eyes and transferred its consciousness and spirit into its newly formed smaller body.

Hahaha! Finally, I can leave!

The Nine-Tails laughed maniacally, though only in its mind. It dared not express its excitement openly, knowing full well Takuya would mock it endlessly—and worse, spread the story far and wide.

Wait… how do I even leave?

Mid-laugh, the Nine-Tails suddenly realized a problem.

Even though the smaller body was formed from its chakra, the sealing space wasn't something to be trifled with. Leaving wouldn't be so easy.

And what about Kushina? If she encountered danger, what would happen then? The smaller form wasn't meant for combat—using up its chakra would cause it to vanish.

The Nine-Tails' smugness evaporated, replaced by a serious expression.

While it craved freedom and yearned to roam freely, the thought of Kushina suffering because of it was unacceptable.

"What about Kushina…?"

Takuya, noticing the Nine-Tails' worried gaze, smiled approvingly.

"Not bad. It's rare for you to think about Kushina."

"Hmph, as if!"

The Nine-Tails turned its head sharply, its face flushed.

Takuya fought the urge to laugh, knowing the Nine-Tails would explode if he did.

"Don't act so aloof. You're all bark and no bite. Kushina treats you like family, and deep down, you feel the same about her."

"I don't!"

The Nine-Tails remained stubborn, though it couldn't deny the warmth it felt.

Aside from the Sage of Six Paths, no one had ever treated it like family before. Kushina was the first.

Without another word, Takuya grabbed the Nine-Tails by the scruff of its neck, lifting it into the air.

The Nine-Tails was stunned. A few seconds later, it began thrashing wildly, roaring:

"You wretched brat! How dare you—"

"Hmm?"

Takuya tilted his head slightly.

The Nine-Tails immediately went quiet.

"Go on, I love seeing you act all high and mighty," Takuya teased.

"..."

Do you think I'm stupid?

The Nine-Tails rolled its eyes dramatically. Takuya chuckled but decided not to push its buttons further.

"Alright, settle down. I'll help you leave. As for Kushina's safety, you don't need to worry. Even if your smaller body is outside, your consciousness and spirit can always return to the sealing space to aid Kushina in battle."

"Can the smaller body replenish its chakra?"

"Yes, but it's a hassle. If you're brave enough to ask Snowy for help, be my guest."

"Never mind. Forget I asked."

Still so timid. Looks like Snowy's lessons stuck.

Takuya recalled how the Nine-Tails had once ogled Snowy, only to be beaten into submission. It had learned its lesson after a few thrashings.

Lifting the small Nine-Tails, Takuya skillfully loosened the sealing space's restraints, carrying it out before resealing the barrier.

Kushina had already unlocked most of the seal long ago, but an additional layer had been added later to prevent the main body from interfering with the smaller form.

"Hahaha! I'm finally free!"

The Nine-Tails burst into laughter as it stepped into the real world.

In the living room, Kushina facepalmed helplessly, while Snowy shot the Nine-Tails a condescending look.

Takuya couldn't help but laugh.

Keep laughing. Why'd you stop?

The Nine-Tails froze mid-laugh as it noticed Snowy's disdainful gaze. Its entire body stiffened.

"This is wonderful, Nine-Tails! You can finally roam outside!" Kushina exclaimed, beaming as she scooped the smaller Nine-Tails into her arms and nuzzled it affectionately.

"Ahem."

The Nine-Tails cleared its throat, feigning nonchalance.

"Well, of course! Do you even know who I am? I'm the mighty Nine-Tails!"

Though the constant cuddling felt a bit awkward, the Nine-Tails decided it wasn't worth making a fuss about. After all, it was free now.

"By the way… are you two the only ones here?"

The Nine-Tails' large eyes darted around the room.

"Why do you ask?" Kushina replied, puzzled. "Are you looking for someone else?"

"Yes. There's something important I need to discuss. Get Nawaki and Minato here, quickly."

Minato and Nawaki?

What was the Nine-Tails up to?

Seeing its eyes practically glowing with eagerness, Kushina turned to Takuya in confusion. He shrugged, equally curious.

"Well, if it's urgent, let's call them over," Takuya said, pulling out Minato's special kunai and infusing it with chakra.

At the Hokage's office, Tsunade was busy reviewing documents. As the new Fourth Hokage, she was determined to keep everything running smoothly on her first day.

Nawaki and Minato, serving as her guards, were stationed diligently outside her office.

When Minato sensed the kunai's signal, he glanced at Nawaki, silently asking him to hold down the fort. Knocking on the office door, he waited for Tsunade's acknowledgment.

"Come in," Tsunade called.

Minato entered, bowing respectfully. "Hokage-sama, Takuya is requesting me. May I leave briefly?"

Without looking up, Tsunade grabbed a file and tossed it to Minato.

"Go ahead. You and Nawaki have worked hard. Deliver this file to Takuya while you're at it."

"Yes, ma'am."

Taking the file, Minato exited the office and signaled Nawaki. Together, they left the Hokage's building.

"Takuya, what's the matter—wait, is that the Nine-Tails?"

Upon arriving at Takuya's home, Minato froze, staring at the small Nine-Tails nestled in Kushina's arms.

"It's me!" the Nine-Tails declared proudly.

"You're just in time. I've got something important for us to do," it added, addressing both Minato and Nawaki.

Five minutes later…

Minato and Nawaki sat at the table, utterly bewildered, each holding a hand of cards. Across from them, the Nine-Tails glared impatiently.

"Well? Play already! What are you waiting for? Are you underestimating me?"

So… this "urgent matter" was to play cards?

Sharing a helpless glance, Minato and Nawaki tried to process the absurdity.

The Nine-Tails, meanwhile, was fully immersed, exuding the energy of a seasoned gambler.

"Boom! Full house! Pay up!"

The Nine-Tails cackled, slamming its tiny paw on the table.

"You two are terrible at this. You'll never beat me!"

There's no saving this fox… Minato and Nawaki thought in unison, defeated by the sight of the self-proclaimed "Gambling Fox."

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DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING