Fighting Shukaku

Firelight enveloped Gaara.

Naruto was also swatted away, spitting blood.

Just as he was about to use the Shadow Clone Technique to stabilize himself, he was caught steadily.

"Are you okay, Naruto?"

Naruto was touched and looked at Josuke.

"Thanks, I'm going to get back to it."

With that, he initiated the Shadow Clone Technique, and dozens of shadow clones rushed towards Gaara.

However, Gaara could no longer control Shukaku within him, and he was gradually transforming into a Tailed Beast. Naruto's attack now felt like a provocation to him.

"Ahhh!!"

Gaara roared, his body gradually expanding.

Shukaku was about to emerge...

All of Naruto's shadow clones attacking Shukaku were destroyed by the sand surrounding Shukaku, and a small amount of sand also surrounded Josuke.

Josuke knew the big one was coming.

However, he couldn't be trapped by this sandstorm now.

"Water Style: Water Wall Technique! (I don't know if this is in the original work, if it is, okay, if not, consider it my original B-rank Ninjutsu.)"

Josuke used the Water Style Water Wall Ninjutsu, and walls made of water rose around them.

It could effectively block some types of attacks, and it was perfect for defending against sand attacks like the one Josuke was facing.

The ground began to shake violently, boom boom!!!

Shukaku's massive body appeared on the earth. Josuke was awestruck. Is this a Tailed Beast? Such powerful pressure!!

"Bang!!"

As Shukaku appeared, Naruto simultaneously released the Summoning Technique, summoning Mount Myōboku's Gamabunta.

They confronted Shukaku.

Damn, as expected of Kizaru, this Bunta's pressure is also immense.

Josuke watched from the side as Bunta and Shukaku confronted each other. Bunta's few Iron Cannon Balls were fighting Shukaku's sand bombs to a standstill.

Bunta even went so far as to cut off one of Shukaku's hands. Although Shukaku wasn't at full power at this time, and being in a forest area meant he couldn't exert his full strength.

Still, such a feat was enough for Bunta to brag about.

Josuke knew this was his chance to rack up some battle merits. He immediately used Dash and walked towards Bunta.

"Naruto!!!"

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

Seeing Josuke arrive, Naruto asked anxiously, "Josuke, it's dangerous here!!"

Josuke waved his hand.

"I'm here to help you, Naruto. By the way, is this big frog your pet?? He's amazing."

Pet?

Naruto sheepishly touched his head.

"No, this is Gamabunta, he's my Summoning Beast."

Josuke feigned shock.

"So strong! Can you sign a summoning contract for me too?"

"Huh?"

Naruto was surprised. He thought about it; if it were him, he would definitely agree. However, the Summoning Scroll was with the Pervy Sage, so he would have to get his permission first.

"Sorry, Josuke, this Summoning Scroll isn't mine; it belongs to the Pervy Sage. I'll take you to see him when I have the chance."

Naruto apologized, feeling bad for not being able to help his friend, as he valued their friendship.

Josuke grinned, looking unconcerned.

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

Hearing this, Naruto's expression turned serious.

"Okay!!"

Thus, he continued to command Bunta to attack Shukaku.

"Hmph! Damn it, how dare you look down on me!"

Shukaku was furious, and the sand around him raged, blinding Josuke and Naruto.

Using the power of the cursed mark now?

Josuke thought for a moment, activating the cursed mark. At this moment, a powerful Chakra energy rampaged within Josuke's body, and he could feel a burning sensation.

It should be these that were consuming his Blood Essence, but there was no discomfort.

The imagined tattoo did not appear on Josuke's body, which surprised him even more.

As expected of my scientist, Snake Uncle.

Josuke quickly formed hand seals.

"Water Style: Water Severing Wave!!"

A water bullet shot from Josuke's mouth, hitting Shukaku's massive body, only stirring up a few splashes.

Is this the defense of a Tailed Beast?

Truly terrifying. This Water Severing Wave consumed a quarter of Josuke's Chakra, and this was the result?

However, at this moment, Josuke remembered that he was still a Genin... haha!

So he didn't think much of it.

"Naruto, it's difficult for us to attack him. Hurry and let me transform into another animal."

Gama Bunta said to Naruto.

And just like in the original story, Naruto used the Transformation Technique to have Gama Bunta transform into the Nine-Tails' appearance, but this action...

Clearly angered Shukaku.

Shukaku became even more frenzied.

Naruto, at this moment, also discovered the unconscious Gaara, so Naruto decided to wake Gaara up.

No sooner said than done, Gama Bunta, transformed into the Nine-Tails, restrained Shukaku's massive body, while Naruto jumped directly onto Shukaku's head, arriving beside Gaara.

Josuke provided cover from the side.

Using Ninjutsu to interfere with Shukaku's judgment.

Effort pays off.

With Naruto's headbutt!!!

Gaara was awakened, regaining control of his body.

Shukaku's massive body instantly disintegrated, and the three of them fell. Josuke used his last bit of Chakra to perform the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, summoning about ten clones to act as cushions for the falling trio.

His Chakra was thus depleted, and he entered a state of exhaustion. Even with the clones as cushions, falling to the ground still hurt.

Naruto and Gaara were mostly fine, just that both of their heads were broken, which didn't matter.

Josuke, though exhausted, was still conscious and turned to look at the two fallen figures.

He knew Naruto was about to start his Talk no Jutsu.

Gaara, lying on the ground, no longer had his previous arrogant demeanor. Instead, he said faintly, "Why is your strength so great?"

Naruto did not answer Gaara's question.

As a fellow Jinchuriki, Naruto could deeply empathize with Gaara's experiences: friends distancing themselves, family members fearing him, always being alone. In Gaara, Naruto saw his own reflection. Gaara also did not expect to find a "kindred spirit."

Instead, he told his own story.

"The same origin, the same experiences, and simultaneously being loathed by people. Unlike you, Gaara, I have a heart that wants to protect those I care about, companions who care for me and cherish me!!

Because I protect them, I am strong!!"

Hearing this...

Gaara was deeply moved. He could understand that feeling.

"Is that love? Is it?"

Gaara said in a deep voice.

Naruto did not speak but smiled and nodded.

After that, there was a long silence.

Sasuke, Temari, Kankuro, and others also arrived. Sasuke slowly helped his brother up; he had witnessed both of their performances just now.

Could he bravely face a Tailed Beast?

Sasuke believed he could not. And Naruto?

Why did he possess such immense power!!!

And his brother, why? The fire of jealousy burned within him, and the seed of hatred had been sown