....
The system's task was simple: gain recognition from the Nine-Tails.
But Naruto realized that strengthening the seal didn't conflict with this mission.
Taking advantage of the Nine-Tails' momentary distraction, Naruto moved closer to the iron gate. He climbed up to the seal and placed his hand on it.
The Eight Trigrams Seal was actually composed of two interlocking Four Symbols Seals. Once Naruto reinforced it, the Nine-Tails immediately felt its body grow heavier, the sealing power pressing down even harder.
Before, the fox had been able to move freely, but now, even standing became difficult.
Realizing Naruto could actually manipulate the Eight Trigrams Seal, the Nine-Tails' eyes widened in shock.
"Kid, let's talk this out! Don't mess with the seal!" it growled. "That thing's complicated—what if you break it?!"
Back when the Eight Trigrams Seal was at full strength, the Nine-Tails had been completely immobilized—unable to speak, unable to stand, like a beast trapped under a mountain. Only after years of the seal weakening had it regained some movement.
And now?
This brat was trying to undo all that progress!
The Nine-Tails really didn't want to go back to being a helpless prisoner.
So, for the first time in a long while… it panicked.
Naruto, however, just stepped back from the gate, amused.
This fox really is all bark and no bite.
"Kurama," Naruto said, grinning. "Like I said before, an old man once told me I'd be a friend to the tailed beasts."
The Nine-Tails scoffed. "You just tightened my seal and now you're calling yourself a friend?!"
Naruto tilted his head. "What if I loosen it a little? But I have a condition."
At the mention of freedom, the Nine-Tails perked up. Its massive ears twitched—currently bent back by the seal's pressure, making them look like twin tails.
"Tailed beasts don't negotiate with humans!" it declared, though its tone betrayed excitement.
Naruto wasn't fooled.
"C'mon, wouldn't it feel better if I eased up on you?" he reasoned. "If I help you out, doesn't that make us friends?"
The Nine-Tails narrowed its eyes.
This kid…
He was still just a child. Powerful seal or not, he was lonely—desperate enough to try befriending a monster like it.
Pathetic.
"Tailed beasts don't make friends with humans," the fox sneered. "Especially not brats like you."
Naruto almost laughed.
Oh, so it's playing hard to get?
He sighed dramatically. "Alright then… I'll just leave."
"What?!" The Nine-Tails' voice cracked. "You—! You little—!"
It fumed, watching as Naruto turned to walk away.
Wait—is he seriously leaving?!
"Hey! Brat!" it barked.
Naruto paused, glancing back with an innocent look.
The Nine-Tails suddenly felt ridiculous.
Why am I even entertaining this?
But the thought of being sealed tight again…
"Ahem," it muttered, struggling with itself. "Fine. You loosen the seal, and we'll be…"
"We'll be what?" Naruto blinked.
The Nine-Tails grimaced.
If any of the other tailed beasts saw this, it'd never live it down.
"...Friends," it forced out.
Naruto grinned. "Deal!"
He walked back to the gate and undid his earlier reinforcement, leaving only the original Eight Trigrams Seal from the Fourth Hokage.
The Nine-Tails exhaled in relief, then stared at Naruto with an odd expression.
This kid… actually trusts me?
Does he not know I'm the reason he suffered all these years?
...Am I really about to trick a child?
Before it could dwell further, Naruto was already walking away.
[Ding~ Mission complete! Simulation opportunity +1.]
No losses, pure profit.
Naruto left the seal space, satisfied.
When he woke up in his apartment, dawn was just breaking.
The events of the night felt almost like a dream.
Opening his system panel, he checked his stats:
[Name: Uzumaki Naruto
Traits: Uzumaki Bloodline, Asura's Reincarnation, Nine-Tails Jinchūriki
Jutsu: Harem Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, Adamantine Sealing Chains (Unlocked), Eight Trigrams Seal (Mastered), Myojin Gate
Combat Power: 1,840 (+82,400)
Inventory: 8.23 million ryō, Yin-Yang Nine-Tails (Rage Mode)
Simulations Remaining: 1
Current Mission: None]
His physical stats had clearly improved, and the three sealing techniques were solid additions.
Seeing the simulation count go from 0 → 1 confirmed last night wasn't a dream.
Naruto chuckled, remembering the Nine-Tails' tsundere act.
Since today was a day off from the Academy, he decided to use his simulation right away.
[Ding~ Simulation initiated. Generating character…]
[Available Surnames: Yamayama, Hatano, Kurai, Morikawa, Kitano, Aoi]
Naruto frowned.
None of these sounded familiar from the original series, yet something about them felt… oddly nostalgic.
Probably just his imagination.
Since none were notable clans, this simulation would likely be a civilian run.
He picked the simplest one: "Aoi."
[Character talents rolled: Heiji the Rain Dodger, Rock Lee, Senju Nawaki, Hyūga Neji, Uchiha Izuna, Hatake Sakumo]
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Oh? Lucky draw this time!"
The first two were easy skips.
Senju Nawaki hadn't done much in canon. Hyūga Neji was strong, but compared to the last two?
That left Uchiha Izuna (Madara's brother) and Hatake Sakumo (the White Fang, Kakashi's father).
Now this… was a tough choice.
...