The great battle had ended, and Naruto's and Gaara's companions were now rushing toward the center of the battlefield at full speed.
With Hinata on Naruto's side, his group soon located Naruto and Gaara.
Hinata's Byakugan could see things several miles away.
Even with Hinata guiding them, however, both groups still needed some time to reach them at full speed. They had quite a distance to cover, after all.
That time was enough for Kurama to talk some sense into the stubborn Shukaku.
Inside the sealing space within Gaara, Shukaku stared at Kurama, his eyes bloodshot and his breathing heavy.
"You might have more tails and be the strongest, but I've always crushed you in arguments. We've only been apart for a hundred years or so. How come you're crushing me now?"
Shukaku now sounded like a defeated rooster. Though he still felt a little resentful, he really didn't want to try again.
He had thrown everything he had at Kurama just now without even rattling him. How was he supposed to keep this argument going?
Kurama didn't continue mocking or needling Shukaku. Instead, he said gravely, "Naruto said that within five years, a Mysterious and Powerful Organization will capture the tailed beasts scattered across the world. And you, Shukaku, will be their first target."
At those words, Shukaku raised his head slightly. "You..."
"Yes, I'm worried about you."
Ever since Kurama had accepted Naruto in his heart, he had grown increasingly human over these past five years.
In the past, Kurama would probably have refused to admit he cared about the detestable Shukaku even if someone beat him to death.
"You... stinking fox, whatever you want to say, hurry up... don't get so mushy!" Hearing Kurama's words, Shukaku's pupils widened, and his bulky body shook like a leaf.
"Hmph.