Chapter 19: The Nine-Tails' Scheme and Naruto's Plan
"Brat, so what if you know the truth? Go ahead and shout it outside. See if anyone believes you. The Third Hokage will have you killed the moment you try!"
The Nine-Tails bared its fangs, glaring at Naruto. Since it couldn't directly tempt the boy into tearing off the seal, it would change tactics.
It would make him aware of the threats outside. Then, when Naruto felt fear, or when the people of Konoha pushed him into anger and despair — that would be its chance to break free.
"Even people of my own kind can't be trusted. Why should I believe you?"
Naruto sat on the ground, resting his cheek on his hand as he looked at the Nine-Tails with a hint of mocking amusement in his eyes.
This seal was truly a wonderful thing. Earlier, he had quietly scattered some soul seeds onto it. The moment the Nine-Tails slammed its paw against the bars, he instantly invaded.
Although he had only managed to seep into the surface layer of the Nine-Tails' power for now, the beast was ultimately just a mass of condensed energy.
As long as he worked hard enough to strengthen himself and slowly devoured the Nine-Tails' chakra bit by bit… Sooner or later, he would completely swallow this ferocious tailed beast.
The only downside was that he would have to act like the original plot for a while — staying as the dead-last student in everything except perhaps taijutsu.
As someone with Uzumaki blood, Naruto quickly checked his own condition. His cultivation speed was many times faster than his peers, but even so, the amount of chakra he could use in the next few years would still be very limited.
Because he needed to assimilate the Nine-Tails' chakra first.
The more chakra he possessed, the more of the Nine-Tails' chakra he could devour. After assimilation, he could continue the cycle.
There were still more than five years until graduation. Looking at the furious, snarling Nine-Tails, Naruto felt quite pleased. He stood up and disappeared from the seal space in the next instant.
His parents were inside that seal as well, but they couldn't come out unless the seal was broken…
He wondered if they could really see the outside world. If they discovered what their son had become, would they feel heartbroken… or would they think he had betrayed Konoha?
'Whatever. In the end, everything depends on strength. Without power, nothing else matters…'
Lying in bed, Naruto sensed the Anbu moving around outside. They had actually changed shifts in the middle of the night?
The one who had been replaced was Yamato (or Tenzo — whatever his name was). It was definitely that guy.
There was still half the night left. Time to sleep properly.
Tomorrow… he wondered if he would finally get normal food. He really didn't want to remain the shortest kid in the entire class.
The night passed without dreams…
When the sky brightened, a set of footsteps stopped outside his door.
"Naruto, time to wake up!"
Iruka had come early in the morning, carrying milk and onigiri in his hands.
Last night, the Third Hokage had summoned him and discussed Naruto's living expenses.
After receiving Naruto's new allowance, Iruka once again felt how much the Third Hokage "cared" for the boy.
However, although Naruto had a huge appetite, the new allowance only provided enough for a carton of milk and two or three onigiri per meal.
It was still impossible for him to eat until full.
But Iruka was still happy. At least now Naruto wouldn't have to drink expired milk anymore. Expired milk wasn't just bad for the body — it could seriously damage his stomach and intestines.
Just like Naruto had said yesterday, continuing like that could really lead to gastrointestinal problems.
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