Chapter 30: The Mini Kurama

As the group marveled at the giant Kong, Naruto's mind began to drift back to something familiar. The familiar, comforting presence of Kurama stirred within him, gently pushing against the edge of his consciousness.

Naruto...

Naruto blinked, momentarily disoriented as the voice filled his thoughts. It was Kurama, his longtime companion and the Nine-Tails who had been by his side through thick and thin.

Kurama? What's up? Naruto responded mentally, his voice filled with curiosity. If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

I've been watching you interact with all these amazing creatures, and I think it's time you go back to the Nine-Tails foxes. You've been all over the place, but there's one more thing you should see.

Naruto grinned widely, feeling a rush of excitement. "Nine-Tails foxes? You mean... there's more?"

Yes, Kurama replied, his tone warm with a hint of nostalgia. And trust me, this one is special. Just go, and you'll see.

Naruto didn't need any further encouragement. He turned to Sasuke, Kakashi, and the others. "Hey, guys, I'm going to check out those Nine-Tails foxes again. Something tells me I need to see them again, especially after what Kurama said."

Sasuke gave a short nod. "Don't get too distracted, Naruto. We have a mission here."

Naruto waved him off with a grin. "Don't worry! I'll be back in a bit!"

With a renewed sense of excitement, Naruto followed the path Black Zetsu had pointed them toward. The scent of the wild, sweet and earthy, filled his lungs as he moved deeper into the land. The otherworldly beauty of the island didn't diminish as they ventured further, and before long, they reached a dense patch of forest.

As Naruto stepped into the clearing, his heart skipped a beat. In front of him, nestled among the trees, were several Nine-Tails foxes, their fur shimmering in a variety of colors, from deep reds to golden yellows. They were all gathered around a soft bed of flowers, resting in peace. Some foxes were playing together, while others simply lounged, their tails flicking lazily in the breeze.

But there, in the center of the group, was something that instantly caught Naruto's eye.

A tiny Nine-Tails cub—its fur a perfect blend of orange and white, the same color as Kurama's—bounced playfully around the others. Its eyes sparkled with energy, and its body was small, but its movements were filled with the unmistakable power of a Nine-Tails. It was unmistakably like Kurama... but in a much younger form.

That little fox... Kurama's voice echoed softly in Naruto's mind. That reminds me of myself when I was young. A tiny version of me, before all the battles and struggles. It's strange... but it brings back memories.

Naruto's heart melted as he watched the little cub play, its movements erratic and full of innocence. Without thinking, he knelt down and held out his hand toward the cub, his face breaking into a wide, genuine smile.

The tiny Nine-Tails cub perked up at the sight of him, its tiny ears twitching. It bounded over to him, its little tail wagging excitedly, and without hesitation, it nuzzled its head into Naruto's outstretched hand. Naruto laughed, his voice full of warmth.

"Hey there, little one! You're just like Kurama, aren't you? So full of energy!" He scratched behind the cub's ears, and the little fox purred with contentment.

He's playful, Kurama remarked in Naruto's head, amusement lacing his words. A little too carefree, but I suppose that's what makes him like me in a way...

Naruto laughed again, the sound of pure happiness filling the air. "Yeah, you're just like Kurama when he was younger. Even though you can't talk yet, I know you get it." The cub rolled onto its back, its tiny paws pawing at the air playfully as it tried to wrestle with Naruto's fingers.

The cub yipped happily, rolling around on the ground. Naruto, lost in the moment, continued to pet and play with the little fox, his heart swelling with affection. Even though the cub couldn't respond with words, Naruto could sense the connection, the same bond he had felt with Kurama all those years ago, but this time it was a little fox instead of the mighty beast that had once been his partner.

Kurama's voice was softer now, almost nostalgic. You've always had a soft spot for foxes, haven't you, Naruto?

Naruto paused for a moment, his fingers still scratching the cub's head. "Yeah, I guess I do... I mean, I've had a lot of time with you, Kurama. You've become such an important part of my life. But this little guy... I don't know, it feels different. Like he's just starting his journey, just like I was when I first met you."

The cub playfully tugged at his sleeve, as if asking for more attention. Naruto chuckled and scooped the cub into his arms, cradling it gently against his chest. "You're a lot like me when I was little, huh? Getting into trouble, running around... I can tell you're gonna be strong one day. Just like Kurama."

You really think so? Kurama asked, his tone thoughtful, yet still carrying that warmth.

"Of course!" Naruto grinned widely, his heart full of pride. "You and I are connected, Kurama. I know this little guy is gonna be just as strong as you one day. Maybe even stronger!"

Sasuke's voice rang out from the edge of the clearing, cutting through Naruto's moment of joy. "Naruto, we're not here for sightseeing."

Naruto sighed, reluctantly putting the cub back on the ground. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But this little fox just reminds me so much of you, Kurama. It's like meeting you all over again, but... younger. I couldn't resist."

The cub gave a little yip as if agreeing, then ran in circles around Naruto before darting off toward the others, as though telling him it was time to move on.

"Well, I guess it's time to go," Naruto muttered, watching the little cub bounce away. "But you're right, Kurama. It was a nice reminder. A little piece of my old friend."

I'm not going anywhere, Naruto. Not now, not ever, Kurama's voice resonated in his mind, strong and reassuring.

Naruto smiled softly, nodding. "I know. Let's go, guys. We've got more to do. But... thanks for this. It means a lot."

As he stood up and rejoined the others, the sense of peace that filled his chest lingered. The island was full of wonders, but the little cub had been a perfect reminder of his bond with Kurama—one that could never be broken, no matter the journey ahead.