Kurama roared at a rapid-fire pace, trying to hide something behind sheer volume and disdain.
But his excessive reaction, the way he stared at Naruto as though trying to see straight through him, and his persistent questioning, so clearly at odds with his supposed indifference, only made Naruto more certain of his suspicion.
Looking at the irritable giant who refused to admit how he felt, Naruto smiled even wider.
So even someone as powerful as the Nine-Tails could get sulky like a pet competing for attention?
The discovery struck him as funny, but also... strangely heartwarming.
"Yes, yes, you're not jealous. You're the most generous guy around."
Naruto waved a hand and spoke as though soothing a child. "Big Yellow's just an ordinary ninja dog. He can't possibly compare to the mighty Lord Kurama. Don't worry."
The words sounded reassuring, but paired with Naruto's barely suppressed grin, they were unmistakably teasing.
"Hmph! As if I need you to comfort me!"
Kurama snorted harshly, though the intensity of his stare seemed to ease a little.
He drew his enormous head back sulkily and lay down again.
His tails still slapped impatiently against the ground, scattering dirt. He was clearly displeased with Naruto's attitude, but could hardly keep making a fuss over the "dog."
All he could do was bottle up his frustration and turn his head aside, leaving Naruto with a sulky, furry profile.
"Peace" temporarily returned to the mindscape, leaving only Kurama's heavy breathing and the occasional dull thump of his tails against the ground.
At the sight of him, Naruto finally couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.
Kurama's ears seemed to twitch slightly at the laughter, but he turned his head even farther away, as though saying, I can't be bothered with you.
Naruto stopped laughing, and the