" Ebizo, what exactly is Sunagakure?"
At this moment, Orochimaru had already engaged Ebizo in battle, but as soon as they started fighting, Orochimaru noticed something unusual. Although their fight was intense, Ebizo was mostly on the offensive, while Ebizo was only defending and dodging, only launching a counterattack when absolutely necessary.
This strange behavior immediately caught Orochimaru's attention.
It's important to understand that Konoha currently holds the advantage on the battlefield. Although both sides' ninja forces are exhausted, Konoha's numbers far surpass those of Sunagakure, which has suffered numerous defeats.
Therefore, Ebizo should have done his best to defeat him so that he could lead Sunagakure to victory over Konoha. But now Ebizo is only trying to stall him, and this passive behavior makes him suspicious.
"I have no ulterior motives; I'm simply trying to stall you and prevent you from slaughtering the ninja below," Ebizo replied simply to Orochimaru's question.
However, seemingly aware that his acting wasn't convincing enough and that Orochimaru had seen through his act, he immediately changed his approach after Orochimaru finished speaking, intensifying his attacking movements.
However, his sudden change in attack rhythm only made Orochimaru more suspicious of him.
Therefore, Orochimaru, who was on guard, immediately looked around, but only saw the ninjas fighting fiercely and did not see anything wrong. Then he looked in the direction of Kōki and saw Rasa and Kōki fighting, while Bunpuku Jinchūriki Orochimaru deep in thought.
" Bunpuku, have you thought this through? You originally had some time left, but if you choose to borrow my power, you won't survive the battle, regardless of whether you win or lose. So, is it worth it for the Sunagakure that has been monitoring and imprisoning you?" An arrogant voice echoed in Bunpuku's mind.
If an ordinary person were to find someone speaking in their mind, they would be startled, but Bunpuku seemed to be used to it and was very familiar with the owner of the voice.
He thought for a moment, then said to himself, "Mr. Shukaku, nothing in this world is worth it or not; it's just a matter of willingness. Like now, as a member of the Land of Wind, I'm willing to do my part for Sunagakure. As for the final outcome, it doesn't matter. I've done my best, and that's enough."
Bunpuku's selfless words silenced the voice in my heart for a moment, but soon it rose again.
"Just like you would say. I've lived with you for decades, I should know your personality by now, yet you still say things that require advice. I guess I'm also affected by human emotions." Shukaku seemed somewhat dissatisfied with his expression of reluctance, and said with a hint of self-deprecation.
"It is my honor to be able to move Mr. Shukaku, but I must correct Shukaku on one point. It is not that Shukaku are moved by human emotions, but Shukaku you are not a beast. You have human feelings and thoughts, and you have the right to live in this world with humans. You are not much different from humans."
Humans today don't accept Shukaku; they only fear and Shukaku his power. But I believe that one day, someone will appear who can understand Shukaku's thoughts and feelings. At that time, I think beings like Shukaku can coexist peacefully with humans.
Upon hearing Bunpuku's words, Shukaku in his inner world trembled slightly and stood up.
At that moment, he seemed to see the figure of the Sage of Six Paths in Bunpuku, which made him feel complicated and shaken. However, he still stubbornly said, " Bunpuku, you are very similar to the Sage of Six Paths who created me. He once said something similar, but humans have disappointed us. Such a person will never appear. The old man is just deceiving us."
"Mr. Shukaku, please try to believe in humanity. In the not-too-distant future, someone who understands you will surely appear." Bunpuku had been with Shukaku for a long time and understood its personality. He knew that despite its stubbornness, Shukaku still trusted the Sage of Six Paths, but its awkward nature prevented it from admitting it.
"Perhaps," Shukaku replied dismissively, not wanting to argue with Bunpuku any further. Then, after a moment, his tone turned serious. " Bunpuku, you're going to die."
"Um"
Bunpuku had long since become indifferent to his own death; he was simply curious as to why Shukaku would ask such a question.
"So, is there any final wish? Perhaps I can help you fulfill it. Consider it payment for living in your body for so long."
Shukaku was somewhat arrogant, and its tone carried a sense of condescension. Even though it was Shukaku who wanted to help Bunpuku fulfill his wish, it was as if it were a gift from the creature to him.
Bunpuku understood Shukaku's personality, but he didn't have any wishes he wanted to fulfill.
He lived as a vessel for Shukaku in a temple in the Land of Wind from a young age, where he was taught by the masters there.
And so it continued to grow up there, and then grow old.
Therefore, he had no worldly desires, and naturally, he had no regrets.
So he shook his head at Shukaku, "No, Mr. Shukaku. The only thing I hope you'll do is minimize the killing after you appear, and leave as soon as you've helped Sunagakure."
Finally, I hope you can always be free, and I also hope that one day in the future someone will come along who truly understands you.
"I see. I've received your last wish. Then let me, Grandpa Shukaku, help you fulfill it."
Shukaku started speaking with some sadness, but eventually reverted to her eccentric nature.
" Bunpuku, you are the first person I Shukaku, truly acknowledge. Perhaps in the future, someone like the one you and the old man described will appear, but I will always remember you. This is my promise, Uncle Shukaku."
After Shukaku finished speaking.
An endless Chakra suddenly surged from Bunpuku's body. The intense Chakra even penetrated Bunpuku's flesh, forming a crimson Chakra Cloak on his body.
No, the appearance of the Tailed Beast Cloak wasn't the end of it. Countless grains of sand began to accumulate on the Tailed Beast Cloak, and mysterious purplish-black patterns appeared on the sand.
Finally, Bunpuku's body grew larger and larger, and he transformed into the form of Tailed Beast.
Not long after, a colossal raccoon-like beast appeared on the battlefield and let out a tremendous roar as soon as it appeared.
"Grandpa Shukaku, I'm finally out!"
"It's One-Tail, the Tailed Beast has emerged."
"This is simply a monster of disaster!"
Shukaku's commotion naturally attracted the attention of everyone on the battlefield, but it didn't care. Its huge eyes darted left and right, and when it saw Kōki fighting against Rasa, its eyes lit up.
"Kid, so you're my target this time? You're definitely different. You reek of a scent I hate. Hmm, let me think... it's that annoying Hashirama Senju."