Battle Against Shukaku

Kakkō stood over Gaara.

Naruto was also slapped away, spitting blood.

He was about to use Shadow Clone Technique to steady himself when someone caught him securely.

"I'm fine, Naruto."

Naruto was touched and looked at Josuke.

"Thanks. I'm going back in."

With that, he formed the hand seals for Shadow Clone Technique, and dozens of Shadow Clones charged at Gaara.

But Gaara had already lost control of Shukaku inside him and was gradually transforming into a Tailed Beast. Naruto's attacks now seemed more like a provocation to him.

"Raaah!!"

Gaara roared as his body gradually grew larger.

Shukaku was about to emerge...

All the Shadow Clones Naruto sent to attack Shukaku were destroyed by the sand swirling around it. A little sand also circled Josuke.

Josuke knew the real fight was coming.

But he couldn't let these sandstorms trap him now.

"Water Release: Water Wall Technique!"

Josuke used Water Release: Water Wall, raising walls of water all around him.

They could effectively block certain kinds of attacks, and were just right for defending Josuke against the sand.

The ground shook violently. Rumble!!!

Shukaku's massive body appeared on the earth. Josuke broke into a cold sweat. Was this a Tailed Beast? Its oppressive presence was incredible!!

"Boom!!"

As Shukaku appeared, Naruto released the Summoning Technique at the same time, summoning Mount Myōboku's big boss, Gama Bunta.

The two faced off.

Damn, no wonder I'm Kizaru. Bunta's presence is incredible too.

Josuke watched from the sidelines as Bunta faced Shukaku. Bunta fired several Iron Cannon Balls, matching Shukaku's sand bullets blow for blow.

Bunta even seized the opportunity to cut off one of Shukaku's arms. Shukaku wasn't in his Perfect Form, and being in a forest kept him from bringing his full strength to bear.

Still, it was quite a feat for Bunta to brag about.

Josuke knew this was his chance to earn some battle credit. He sprinted straight toward Bunta.

"Naruto!!!"

Josuke shouted, using Body Flicker Technique to appear beside Naruto.

When Naruto saw Josuke arrive, he asked anxiously,

"Josuke, it's dangerous here!!"

Josuke waved a hand.

"I'm here to help you, Naruto. By the way, is that giant toad your pet? He's amazing."

A pet?

Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly.

"No, that's Gamabunta. He's my summoning beast."

Josuke feigned astonishment.

"That's amazing! Could you help me sign a Summoning Contract too?"

"Huh?"

Naruto was surprised. He thought about it: if he were Josuke, he'd definitely agree. But the Summoning Scroll belonged to Pervy Sage, so he'd have to ask his permission first.

"Sorry, Josuke. The Summoning Scroll isn't mine; it belongs to Pervy Sage. Maybe I can take you to see him sometime."

Naruto apologized. He felt embarrassed that he couldn't help his friend, since he treasured their friendship.

Josuke grinned as if it didn't matter.

"It's fine, Naruto. We should focus on taking down the enemy in front of us."

Hearing that, Naruto grew serious.

"Right!!"

He continued directing Bunta to attack Shukaku.

"Rgh! How dare you underestimate the great me!"

Shukaku raged, and sand whipped around him, making it hard for Josuke and Naruto to keep their eyes open.

Should I use the power of the Cursed Seal now?

Josuke thought it over and activated the Cursed Seal. A powerful surge of Chakra raged within him, and he felt a burning sensation.

That must be what's consuming his vitality, though he didn't feel unwell.

But the markings he'd imagined didn't appear on his body, which surprised Josuke even more.

No wonder Orochimaru's such a genius scientist.

Josuke quickly formed hand seals.

"Water Release: Water Barrage!!"

A water bullet shot from Josuke's mouth and struck Shukaku's enormous body, raising only a few splashes.

So this was a Tailed Beast's defensive power?

It was terrifying. This Water Barrage had consumed a quarter of Josuke's chakra, and that was all the damage it did?

But then Josuke remembered that he was still a Genin... What a joke!

So he didn't dwell on it.

"Naruto, we can't attack him like this. Hurry and turn me into another animal."

Bunta said to Naruto.

Just like in the original story, Naruto used Transformation Technique to make Bunta take on the appearance of the Nine-Tails. But that move clearly enraged Shukaku.

Shukaku became even more frenzied.

Naruto also noticed Gaara lying unconscious, so he decided to wake him.

As soon as he made up his mind, the toad transformed into the Nine-Tails and restrained Shukaku's huge body, while Naruto leaped straight onto Shukaku's head and went to Gaara.

Josuke provided cover from the sidelines.

He used Ninjutsu to disrupt Shukaku's judgment.

Hard work paid off.

With Naruto's headbutt!!!

Gaara woke up and regained control of his body.

Shukaku's enormous form crumbled instantly, and the three of them fell. With the last of his Chakra, Josuke used Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, summoning a dozen clones to break the fall for all three.

His Chakra was exhausted, and he collapsed from the strain. Even with the clones cushioning their fall, hitting the ground still hurt like hell.

Naruto and Gaara were mostly fine, though both had split their heads open. It wasn't serious.

Josuke was exhausted but still conscious. He turned his head toward the two lying on the ground.

He knew Naruto was about to start talking him down.

Gaara lay on the ground, his earlier arrogance gone. Instead, he asked quietly,

"Why are you so strong?"

Naruto didn't answer Gaara's question.

As a fellow Jinchuriki, Naruto could understand what Gaara had been through: friends keeping their distance, family wary of him, and a life spent alone. Naruto saw his own reflection in Gaara, and Gaara had never imagined he could have someone who was "the same as him."

Instead, Naruto told him his own story.

"We came from the same kind of background and suffered the same things. People hated us both. But unlike you, Gaara, I have a heart that wants to protect the people who matter to me. I have companions who care about me and whom I cherish!!

Because I protect them, I grow strong!!"

Hearing this...

Gaara was deeply moved. He knew what that felt like.

"Is that love? Is it?"

Gaara asked in a low voice.

Naruto didn't answer. He just smiled and nodded.

After that, there was a long silence.

Sasuke, Temari, Kankuro, and the others also arrived. Sasuke slowly helped his brother up; he'd seen how the two of them had fought.

Could he face a Tailed Beast bravely?

Sasuke was sure he couldn't. But Naruto?

Why did he have such incredible strength!!!

And his own brother, too—why? The fire of jealousy burned inside him, and the seeds of hatred had already been sown...