A dark aura enveloped the chakra, radiating bloodlust, savagery, and madness.
This was the true Nine-Tailed Fox.
Seeing Kurama intact, Ebizo, who had been keeping an eye on the scene, slumped in defeat and murmured, "We're finished… there's no hope."
"I never expected Konoha to send the Nine-Tails…"
"I never thought they could even form a summoning contract with the Nine-Tails."
"And… Yuki Seisui is the one who contracted it."
"It's hopeless."
Seisui stood atop Kurama's head, completely unharmed, staring down at the shocked Sand ninjas.
"I am Yuki Seisui! The power of a god!!!"
"Damn it, you filthy fox. Looks like you haven't done so well!" Shukaku sneered, noticing that its attacks were ineffective.
It didn't strike immediately, instead mocking Kurama.
"Now you've made a summoning contract with a human, becoming their lackey!"
"Pathetic! I despise you!"
"Enough talk, go!" Seisui's voice carried to Kurama's ears.
Compared to the Nine-Tails Golden Body Mode, this Susanoo consumed even more of his energy.
While the Nine-Tails Golden Body Mode also required a Susanoo skeleton, it was only first-stage. The energy drain was minor.
Other forms, like Sage Mode, Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, and even Eight Gates, he could maintain for extended periods without issue.
But this Susanoo…
Covering Kurama entirely caused his consumption to multiply dramatically.
Without the Eternal Mangekyo upgrade, this Armored Nine-Tails form couldn't be used repeatedly.
Even with his Uchiha lineage nourishing his Mangekyo, he could sustain it for only just over two hours.
Otherwise… it would be even shorter.
So, using Susanoo with the Nine-Tails without Mangekyo required quickly resolving the battle.
Against Shukaku, Seisui had little concern.
Kurama could defeat it even alone. With Susanoo augmenting him, it would be even easier.
"Haven't come out in a while, thought I'd have some fun…" Kurama grinned wildly, revealing its ferocity.
"But since you said that, I'll get serious!"
Shukaku's anger surged instantly upon hearing Kurama.
"Then let's test it!" It began forming a Tailed Beast Ball in its mouth.
Seisui didn't intervene—Kurama knew exactly what to do.
They had fought each other many times before.
As expected, Kurama stepped forward as Shukaku's Tailed Beast Ball grew, immediately pouncing on it.
Old rivals—Shukaku's movements were obvious to Kurama.
"Tailed Beast Ball?"
"That ball will only get you killed!"
In an instant, Kurama smashed the Tailed Beast Ball back into Shukaku's mouth.
Grabbing its muzzle, Kurama snarled, "I didn't use a Tailed Beast Ball! How dare you?!"
With one hand on its mouth, Kurama slammed the other down.
The incomplete Tailed Beast Ball exploded inside Shukaku instantly, destroying its mouth and slightly injuring Kurama's hand.
But even without a mouth, Shukaku still looked ferocious.
To Seisui's surprise, Shukaku's mouth slowly reformed, visibly knitting itself back together.
In moments, it was fully restored.
This was the tail beasts' infinite regeneration ability.
It was Seisui's first time witnessing it firsthand.
He had assumed that even with infinite regeneration, it would be gradual. But Shukaku's speed shocked him.
Tailed beasts were far more resilient than he imagined.
"Damn fox, you've made me angry!"
Shukaku roared and clashed with Kurama.
Even though Kurama was already stronger, with Susanoo augmenting it, Shukaku had no chance.
Within a few exchanges, Kurama pinned Shukaku to the ground.
"Shukaku, your power is too great. You must restrain it!"
"Little brat, seal this one!"
Kurama, enjoying the moment, watched Shukaku restrained beneath it with a wicked sense of satisfaction.
So this is what it feels like… no wonder Hashirama said this to me!
Seisui raised an eyebrow.
"You've known each other for a long time… and now you want me to seal Shukaku?!"
"Of course!" Kurama stated firmly. "Its power is too dangerous. It must be restrained!"
Seisui smirked—this sounded familiar.
Hashirama had once said the same to Kurama long ago.
The old adage: the hunted eventually becomes the executioner.
Originally, Seisui hadn't intended to seal Shukaku. But with Kurama commanding it… he couldn't back down.
Four golden chains erupted behind him, lashing toward Shukaku with lightning speed.
Seeing the Vajra Bind technique, Kurama's eyes sparkled. Exactly! I've been restrained long enough. Now it's Shukaku's turn!
Struggling instinctively, Shukaku's efforts were futile.
The bind was designed to restrain tailed beasts, and now, with both Seisui and Kurama applying pressure, there was no escape.
ROAR!
Shukaku bellowed, crimson eyes glaring at Kurama.
"You actually helped a human seal me! You traitor among the tailed beasts!"
"You don't know anything!" Kurama shot back, mocking it. "You claim I help humans, yet here you are doing the same!"
"Shut your mouth!"
Shukaku glared at Kurama, then at Seisui, memorizing his face before retreating back into Bunpuku's body.
"Just you wait!"
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