A Conversation

Koki stood amidst the dark purple curtain of the spiritual world, her heart like a storm-raging ocean, a chaotic mix of anxiety and anger.

He tried his best to control his emotions, but the turmoil in his eyes beneath his calm face was hard to conceal.

Finally, he coldly uttered a few words: "[So, how exactly can I expel you from my body?]"

[!]Those deep purple eyes suddenly narrowed, as if struck by lightning.

The once gentle and sweet child's voice was now filled with panic and despair, pleading as faintly as a whisper, "No! Master, please don't!"

[I will send you back.] Koki remained unmoved, her face still as cold as ice.

These promises, like fragile Utakata, echoed in his ears, only to shatter mercilessly time and time again.

His patience had been completely worn down during this endless wait.

"[Master...]" the Ryūmyaku cried, its voice trembling, "[Please, Master, my power has already merged with your spirit and body. If you forcibly extract it, you will not be able to withstand it...]"

Koki frowned, sighed painfully, and her helplessness was evident as she asked in confusion, "[What exactly are you?]"

The Ryūmyaku answered sobbing, its voice filled with grievance and helplessness. "[I... I don't know either... I've been sealed in Rōran ever since I can remember. Please, master, don't seal me away anymore. I... I have my own value!]"

[For example?] Koki raised his eyebrows slightly. Although the anger in his heart had not completely subsided, he became somewhat curious about the "value" that the Ryūmyaku mentioned.

He knew that this mysterious entity might indeed have its unique features, but for a long time, the longing to return home had occupied his mind, leaving him no time to think about anything else.

[For example... for example... for example, in the future, when the master uses his power, he will be free from the tediousness of Hand Seals!] The Ryūmyaku explained urgently, as if grasping at the last shred of salvation, trying to prove its worth.

[...] Koki was speechless for a moment.

Indeed, he had discovered this astonishing characteristic of the Ryūmyaku in previous battles.

When he activates the power of the Ryūmyaku, without needing to perform complicated Hand Seals, the power becomes like an extension of his limbs, freely changing according to his will.

This is completely different from the foundation of the ninja world he knew—the ancient principle of "using Hand Seals to drive Chakra and condense it into Ninjutsu."

Since Indra established Ninjutsu, the Chakra power system of the ninja world has been like an unyielding giant tower, and Hand Seals are the cornerstone of this tower.

Countless ninjas have followed this path for generations, relying on Hand Seals to guide and release Chakra, creating a myriad of powerful Ninjutsu.

If she hadn't personally experienced countless battles where she could unleash power without Hand Seals, Koki herself would have doubted that it was all just a fantasy.

Under the fixed gaze of that purple-eyed behemoth, Koki felt endless pity and pleas for help. Those eyes seemed to touch the most vulnerable corner of one's heart, stirring up a trace of sympathy.

Koki merely pursed her lips, her expression as cold as ice.

Are you Tailed Beast?

A hint of bewilderment flashed in the Ryūmyaku's enormous, deep purple gem-like eyes; it was like a child who had just entered the world, utterly ignorant of everything around it.

[Tailed Beast?]

Koki frowned slightly, pondering to himself.

This Ryūmyaku has long been isolated from the mortal world, and its understanding of the world is perhaps even more hazy than that of a blank sheet of paper.

So he took a deep breath and changed to a more straightforward way of asking the question.

What is your true form?

Her purple eyes slowly rose, gazing into the void of the sky, as if trying to find a clue from the abyss of memory.

After a long silence, it trembled slightly, with a hint of human contemplation, [Hmm... I don't know... I've always been like this. I can shape myself into a new form based on my master's characteristics and power.]

[... That's it.] Koki resolutely refused.

He did not want a Tailed Beast -like entity to be added to his body out of thin air.

He turned slightly, his gaze sharp and intense, landing on the purple current before him, which resembled a vast, surging river. He asked again, "[Is this the origin of the Ryūmyaku?]"

The Ryūmyaku seemed to be excited by this question, and the purple light in its eyes became even more dazzling.

[My power is regenerative and inexhaustible, just like my master's original power, and I can condense it myself without causing my master any trouble! After fusion, my master will be able to use both powers in parallel without worrying about rejection!]

The power of this Ryūmyaku bears a striking resemblance to the power of the Tailed Beast.

Tailed Beast, as pure Chakra entities, are themselves a terrifying source of power.

Ryūmyaku, on the other hand, are spirits nurtured by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and they share a common characteristic—their power is inexhaustible.

Koki was deep in thought, occasionally conversing with the Ryūmyaku within the sealed space, oblivious to everything around him. Unaware that Izuna had quietly arrived beside him.