As Uchiha Gen's hand, resting gently around Kushina's waist, channeled a pulse of Chakra, their consciousnesses were pulled into the familiar sealing space together through her Chakra link.
The space around them was dim, echoing with the sound of shallow water rippling underfoot. The walls, built from ancient yellow stone, radiated a dull warmth. In the center stood an enormous red wooden gate, engraved with the Eight Trigrams Seal, two layers of Four Symbols Seals intertwined in complex formation.
Beyond that door, in the depths of shadow, loomed the vast figure of the Nine-Tailed Fox, its dark orange fur glowing faintly like embers.
Kushina's voice echoed through the chamber, calm but firm. "Nine-Tails, tell me what you know about the Rinnegan."
From the darkness came a disdainful snort. "Tch. Kushina, why should I tell you anything?"
Her eyes narrowed. "If you don't, I'll give you a good beating."
"Hmph. You'll just lock me up again and throw a tantrum. What else could you possibly do?"
The Nine-Tails lifted its head, its sharp grin illuminated by the dim light. "I'll just stay quiet and annoy you instead."
Its massive face stretched into a smug, almost human expression — infuriatingly unbothered. Kushina's temple twitched. Her fiery red hair lifted slightly, stirred by her Chakra.
Their relationship had always been strained. Naruto had taken years to earn this creature's respect, and Kushina was no Naruto. She didn't have Asura's innate light or Minato's calm compassion. For her, tolerance had limits and this fox knew exactly how to find them.
"Nine-Tails," Gen said mildly, his crimson eyes narrowing, "you're acting awfully confident. You wouldn't happen to know just the name 'Rinnegan' and nothing more, would you?"
The fox's eyes shot open wider. "You insolent lustful Uchiha brat, you—"
Gen's smile thinned. "Brat" he could tolerate, the fox was ancient, after all, but lustful? That was pushing it.
Without hesitation, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan spun to life. The pattern pulsed, and the world's color drained for the Nine-Tails. In an instant, the massive beast went still, its eyes overtaken by the swirling pattern.
"Now," Gen said quietly, his voice cold and commanding, "tell me everything you know."
Under genjutsu, the Nine-Tails' deep voice turned flat and distant. It spoke of fragments, the Rinnegan's ancient power, its link to the Sage of Six Paths, and whispers of godlike techniques but little else.
When the light faded from the fox's eyes, Gen sighed. "See? Even the Nine-Tails knows almost nothing. But if it's the strongest of the Three Great Dōjutsu, we can be sure of one thing, we can't act recklessly."
Kushina exhaled slowly, her disappointment clear, then nodded.
"Don't worry," Gen continued, his tone softening. "I've already planted an informant within Akatsuki. It's only a matter of time before we uncover the truth about the Rinnegan."
He met her gaze, his voice low and resolute. "That man, the one who caused the Nine-Tails' attack, isn't just your enemy. He's the enemy of all Konoha. I'll make sure you get your revenge, even if it costs me my life."
Kushina's heart clenched at the sincerity in his tone. Even if I have to risk my life… The words echoed, stirring something she didn't expect. Her fiery eyes softened, and she murmured, "Thank you, Gen."
Seeing her flustered expression, Gen smiled faintly. "Now then," he said, leaning back slightly, "it's time to discuss what I actually came here for."
Her brow arched in surprise. "Wait, you didn't come here just for this?"
"Of course not. That topic just came up naturally," he replied, amused.
Kushina pouted, folding her arms. "So you weren't even planning to tell me about it?"
"There wasn't much solid information to begin with," Gen said with an easy shrug. "Better to surprise you when I have something real."
"Fine, fine." She brushed a lock of red hair behind her ear. "Then what's this serious matter you came for?"
Gen's gaze lingered for a moment longer than it should have. "Kushina, your hair really is beautiful," he said softly.
She blinked, startled, then her face warmed, color blooming across her cheeks. "Wh-Why would you say that all of a sudden? You didn't come here just to compliment me, right?"
He chuckled. "Of course not. I came to remind you of our agreement. I think I'm finally strong enough to fulfill it."
Her mind went blank. The faint blush on her face deepened into a full crimson flush, even tinting her ears. "Wh-What agreement? I don't remember any agreement."
"Breaking promises isn't like you," Gen teased. His half-smile turned mischievous. "Let me help you remember."
Before she could react, he pulled her lightly into his arms.
"Ah! L-Let go of me!" she exclaimed, pushing against him. "We can't— we can't do this yet!"
"I remember!" she blurted, still struggling. When she realized she wasn't getting free, she huffed in defeat.
Satisfied, Gen released her, smiling quietly to himself. There was no need to rush; pushing her too hard would only backfire.
"The outside world's too noisy," he said, glancing around the dim space. "Why don't we have our match here instead?"
A spark of competitive fire lit Kushina's eyes. The shyness vanished as her fighting spirit flared. "Oh, so that's what you're after? Fine!" She planted her fists on her hips, red hair whipping like flames. "You think you can take me? I haven't been sitting idle all these years!"
Gen grinned. "They used to call you the Red-Hot Habanero, didn't they? The name suits you, it's fierce, but also… cute."
"C-Cute?" Kushina froze mid-pose, her confidence faltering. Her hair fell back around her shoulders as she fidgeted with her sleeve, trying to hide her face.
He smiled inwardly. So softness works better than force with her.
"You really are," he said, his tone gentler now.
Reaching out, he tilted her chin up with two fingers, meeting her eyes.
"Stop—!" she blurted, slapping his hand away, cheeks puffed in indignation. "Stop saying weird things! If you want a fight, then fight! No tricks!"
"Alright, alright," Gen said with a laugh. "But if you control the Nine-Tails, won't that make it easier for you to borrow its Chakra?"
"Hmph! I don't want any advantages. I'll win fair and square."
"Very well," he said.
He turned his gaze toward the massive fox. The Mangekyō's pattern flashed once more, then faded. The Nine-Tails blinked, its pupils returning to their sharp vertical form.
Realization struck instantly. "Those eyes…" the fox muttered, stunned. "They're not ordinary Mangekyō! Even with only half my strength, I shouldn't have been controlled so easily…"
Gen only smiled faintly, offering no answer.
"Nine-Tails," Kushina said, stepping forward, "I'm having a match with Gen. Help me out."
The fox bared its fangs in a grin. "Oh? You expect me to help after what he just did to me?"
"I'll make it worth your while," Kushina said quickly. "If you seriously cooperate I'll loosen your restrictions later. More freedom."
The Nine-Tails fell silent, torn between spite and temptation.
Its massive eyes flicked between them — the fiery red-haired woman who could seal it effortlessly, and the Uchiha with eyes that could bind even its will.
"…Tch," it finally grumbled. "Fine. But if I do this, you'd better keep your word, Kushina."
A smirk tugged at Gen's lips. The stage was set, Kushina's determination flaring bright, the Nine-Tails rumbling in reluctant alliance, and the sealing space trembling faintly under the tension between them.
The match was about to begin.