The Arrogant Nine-Tails

Hiruzen Sarutobi's seven-day short leave for Genma passed quickly, and Genma prepared to set off for the Land of River.

On the seventh day, the day Senju Genma was to depart for the battlefield, the two little ancestors, Kushina and Konan, finally let go of their anger.

Having received their forgiveness, Senju Genma was instantly invigorated.

Just as Senju Genma was in high spirits, Kushina tugged on his sleeve.

"Brother Genma."

"What is it?"

"The Nine-Tails wants to speak with you."

"So, that tsundere fox finally couldn't hold back anymore?" Senju Genma acted as if he had expected it.

He had thought that by calling out its name, it wouldn't be able to resist starting a conversation, but he hadn't expected the big fox to hold out for a full half-year.

If he weren't about to head to the battlefield, he truly wondered how much longer the big fox could have endured!

"Tsundere?" Uzumaki Kushina tilted her head, looking puzzled.

Senju Genma smiled and said, "That's right, that big fox is just a tsundere; it isn't actually a bad fox."

Others might not know, but Senju Genma certainly did.

The nine tailed beasts separated by the Sage of Six Paths were not inherently evil; not only were they adorable when they were first born, but they would even call the Sage of Six Paths "Old Man."

It was only after the Sage of Six Paths passed away that they were treated as monsters throughout their long lives, which was why they grew to loathe humanity.

Listening to Genma's words, Kushina frowned slightly, and blood-red chakra flickered across her.

"Brother Genma, the Nine-Tails seems angry!" Kushina said, patting her small belly.

"Is that the Nine-Tails?" Mikoto and Konan clearly felt the Nine-Tails' chakra.

Even though it was only a small amount of leaking chakra, it still made them feel immense pressure.

"That's right!" Senju Genma nodded.

Feeling the power of the tailed beast's chakra, Mikoto couldn't help but ask, "I heard that the Third Raikage possesses combat strength on par with the Eight-Tails. I wonder if that's true."

Senju Genma replied, "It is true. It is said that the Third Raikage fought the Eight-Tails one-on-one and emerged without a single scratch."

"However, the Eight-Tails is nothing compared to the Nine-Tails. Even if the Nine-Tails had to face the other eight tailed beasts simultaneously, I believe it would still emerge victorious."

The Nine-Tails naturally heard the conversation outside clearly.

It snorted, exhaling through its nostrils, while its nine massive tails swayed incessantly behind it.

At least you have some sense, kid. Forget about that guy Gyuki; even if all eight of them were tied together, this old man wouldn't think much of them!

Kushina said excitedly, "The Nine-Tails is truly amazing!"

That goes without saying! Of course I'm amazing!

"Let's stop talking about this for now. Time is tight, let me in!"

"Brother Genma can come in anytime!"

Senju Genma activated his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan and entered Kushina's consciousness.

Uzumaki Kushina had no defenses against him, allowing him to easily reach the deepest part of her mind.

A massive red gate came into view, and behind the gate sat the giant red Nine-Tailed fox.

"Yo! Kurama, what do you want with me?" Senju Genma greeted the Nine-Tails in a lighthearted tone.

"You really did know this old man's name, but those eyes of yours... they really make me sick!"

As Kurama spoke, he raked his sharp claws against the gate pillar in front of him.

"How do you know this old man's name?"

"That is something you don't need to know." Senju Genma's lips curled slightly as he continued, "I have a piece of news for you. Do you want to hear it?"

"Hmph!" The Nine-Tails snorted heavily and turned its head away.

You show me no respect, so I don't want to know!

Senju Genma ignored the Nine-Tails' tsundere behavior and said with a smile, "In this day and age, someone has obtained the Rinnegan and has summoned the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. You should know what that means, right?"

Upon hearing this, Kurama's ears twitched.

Of course, it knew what that meant.

The Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was the husk of the Ten-Tails, and they, the nine tailed beasts, were split from the Ten-Tails' chakra.

Someone was coveting their bodies!

And since this person possessed the Rinnegan, they might actually be capable of doing it!

The Rinnegan and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path were not things an ordinary person would know about; since Senju Genma could speak of them, the Nine-Tails was already half-convinced.

Most importantly, the Nine-Tails felt no malice from Senju Genma.

"Who is it?" Although Kurama was desperate to know, it maintained a composed demeanor.

Senju Genma said, "You know that man as well: Madara Uchiha!"

Upon hearing the name Madara Uchiha, Kurama's expression immediately turned ferocious.

The good life it once had was ruined by that man named Madara Uchiha!

"Why are you telling me this?" Kurama narrowed its eyes, feeling somewhat suspicious.

"Let's make a deal!" Seeing that the Nine-Tails had taken the bait, Senju Genma remained outwardly calm, though he was overjoyed inside.

If used correctly, this was a combat force beyond the Kage level!

A perfect Nine-Tails jinchuriki in Baryon Mode possessed combat power capable of crushing even Isshiki Otsutsuki.

"Madara Uchiha is my enemy too. I can work with you to deal with him. In exchange, you must get along with Kushina and become her friend!"

"Once this sealing is over, I will grant you your freedom!"

"Friends or whatever... why should this old man make this deal with you?" Kurama's voice softened considerably. "Besides, do you even have a way to stop that guy with the Rinnegan?"

This old man, this old man doesn't need friends!

However, human lifespans only lasted a few decades. Being able to regain freedom after a few decades made this deal seem quite decent.

Senju Genma simply walked up to the Nine-Tails and smiled slightly.

What was the most important thing when dealing with the Nine-Tails?

Was it emotional resonance?

No, it was strength.

Even a little angel like Naruto had to prove his strength through numerous setbacks before he earned the right to converse with the Nine-Tails.

"Trust me, Kurama. In this world, aside from the Sage of Six Paths, no one understands you better than I do. You won't regret becoming friends with Kushina."

"Furthermore, you have already witnessed my Wood Release. If there is anyone in this world who can stop Madara Uchiha, it is only me!"

"Kurama, you don't want to become a part of the Ten-Tails again, do you?"

Under the Nine-Tails' shocked gaze, Senju Genma stepped right up to it and began to stroke its soft fur.

Yet it didn't mind; it understood that Senju Genma was right.

Forty years ago, it had fought alongside Madara Uchiha against that Wood Release Ninja, Senju Hashirama, and the result was a crushing defeat.

If there was anyone in this world who could stop the man named Madara Uchiha, it was likely only the Senju Genma standing before it!

The Nine-Tails fidgeted slightly before grumbling, "Fine, this old man agrees to this deal."

"But don't get any ideas; it's just a deal. It's not because this old man wants friends or anything!"

Senju Genma nodded, and despite the Nine-Tails' feigned resistance, he petted the giant fox for a while longer before turning to leave.

It wasn't until Senju Genma left Uzumaki Kushina's consciousness space that the Nine-Tails finally let out a sigh of relief.

Dealing with this guy, who was both powerful and difficult to handle, had truly left it at a loss for what to do.