"Haha, of course. I've been with Chōmei for a few years now."
"Our relationship is very harmonious. The term 'Perfect Jinchūriki' suits me perfectly."
Matatabi nodded as she observed Kazuyama, who was clad in a Tailed Beast chakra cloak, a tail peeking out from behind.
The casual way he wielded the chakra made it clear—he had undoubtedly formed a cooperative relationship, or perhaps something even deeper, with the Tailed Beast inside him.
"By the way, where are we?"
"On the sea. And under our feet is an Island Turtle."
"Island Turtle? A giant turtle?"
"Yes, a giant turtle created by Kumogakure—but from now on, it's mine."
Matatabi shook her head, her voice filled with helplessness.
"Did you go to Kumogakure and rob it?"
"Not only did you abduct my Jinchūriki, you also stole such a massive turtle."
"You humans can be quite bad... Kind of like Chōmei in that regard."
"Back in the day, Chōmei used his Scale Powder to pull pranks all the time."
Oh? What was that Kazuyama just heard?
Some dirt on Chōmei?
He never imagined that this big insect had a mischievous past.
Tsk, tsk, this must be fate. Both the Jinchūriki and the Tailed Beast are completely rotten.
"Hey, hey! Matatabi, how can you say such things!"
"Kazuyama, I'm telling you—I definitely didn't do that!"
"No, wait! I will do it! I need to set her straight!"
Chōmei was outraged. Having his past exposed like this was unbearable—he had his pride as an adult!
"It's okay, I don't care. Chōmei, you should take a break."
"No! I care! I'm handling this!"
Unable to persuade Chōmei otherwise, Kazuyama reluctantly nodded. Not every encounter between Tailed Beasts had to end in a fight, after all.
And given Matatabi's naturally gentle nature, he could agree with Chōmei's decision.
"Matatabi, Chōmei wants to talk to you."
The chakra cloak around Kazuyama vanished instantly. In the next second, two massive wings sprouted from his back and wrapped around him.
Then, Chōmei made his appearance.
"Long time no see, Matatabi!"
"..."
Both Matatabi and Kazuyama were left speechless.
"I give up, Chōmei. I really give up!"
"How did you turn out like this? If I had known, I never would have let you come out!"
Dignity! This Chōmei had just thrown all his dignity away!
"Chōmei, can you act normal for once?"
"Hey..."
Matatabi looked at Chōmei, who was now soaring through the air, circling around her.
A strange discomfort settled over her.
"Hahahaha, it's been a while, hasn't it?"
"You know, it's just you. If it were any of the others, I'd have already blasted them with a Tailed Beast Ball."
"Especially that guy Gyūki—spewing ink all day long. So annoying."
Chōmei wasn't embarrassed in the slightest. In fact, he was thrilled.
"Chōmei, is that how you are with that kid?"
"Is your relationship really like he said?"
Although she felt a sense of relief at seeing an old friend, Matatabi was still skeptical about Kazuyama's claims.
After all, the relationship between humans and Tailed Beasts had been tense for generations. She couldn't trust so easily.
"Kazuyama boy was right. He and I are indeed friends."
"Matatabi, I'll tell you this—if it weren't for this kid, I'd still be locked away in a dark cave."
"I've had a pretty good time these past few years with his company."
Hearing the sincerity in Chōmei's words, Matatabi nodded.
If he said so, then what Kazuyama had claimed was likely true.
A hint of envy flickered across her expression.
"I never thought that, out of the nine of us, you would be the first to achieve what the old man Rikudō called 'friendship.'"
"It's really beyond my expectations."
"I always thought I'd be the first."
She sighed. Among the nine Tailed Beasts, she considered herself to have the best temperament.
Chōmei might not be hot-tempered, but he did have a mischievous streak—yet somehow, he had found a friend first.
"Hahaha, that's me. If it were Shukaku or Kurama, their Jinchūriki would be dead by now."
"Their tempers are the worst."
Matatabi nodded in agreement.
Both Shukaku and Kurama had notoriously short fuses—especially Kurama. Despite being the strongest, he was also the most aggressive.
The idea of him having a friend? Impossible.
"Matatabi, convince your Jinchūriki to follow Kazuyama. Although he's a scheming, underhanded guy, he's not a bad person."
"With him, your Jinchūriki will be safe—and will have a much better future."
Chōmei hadn't forgotten his mission. He needed to put Matatabi's mind at ease.
If they got the Tailed Beast on board first, the Jinchūriki would follow. A two-pronged approach would yield the best results.
"Bad? I can see that. You're not much better yourself."
"Otherwise, you wouldn't have stormed into Kumogakure, abducted my Jinchūriki, and stolen an Island Turtle."
"Fine, I'm going back. As for Yugito, let Kazuyama convince her himself."
Matatabi stretched slightly before preparing to revert to her Jinchūriki form.
Chōmei, in an overly cheerful tone, responded, "Okay, I believe that little girl will make the right choice."
Then, both Tailed Beasts de-transformed at the same time.
However, the difference was stark—Kazuyama landed firmly on the ground, while Yugito collapsed into deep sleep once again.
The gap between them was obvious.
One was a Perfect Jinchūriki.
The other was just a kid, newly bonded with her Tailed Beast.
There was no comparison.
"Did she fall asleep?"
"Never mind, I'm a little hungry. Let's eat first."
Kazuyama caught Yugito and carefully placed her down.
"Crystal Release, Jade Crystal Clone Technique."
To ensure Yugito's safety—and to gather food—he created ten crystal clones. Leaving one behind to guard, the rest of the clones and his original self charged into the forest.
Before long, he returned, dragging behind him a buffalo the size of a house.
"A buffalo this big should last a few days."
After dismissing his clones, Kazuyama glanced at the open clearing and smirked.
"Crystal Release, House Creation!"
In an instant, crystal condensed, and a fully formed transparent house emerged.
Staring at his handiwork, he let out a small sigh.
"My Crystal Release is great in every way—except for the color."
"My house looks like the Emperor's New Clothes... it's too bright."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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