A sea of blood-red chakra stretched endlessly.
An enormous iron gate loomed ahead, wrapped in chains and sealing talismans.
Behind it—
A pair of colossal scarlet eyes opened.
The Nine-Tails emerged, nine tails unfurling.
"A human… dares negotiate with me?"
Its voice thundered through the mindscape.
Sōgetsu didn't flinch.
"Of course I know who you are."
"Strongest of the tailed beasts. Biggest danger in Konoha."
He smiled casually.
"A nuclear weapon with a temper."
The Nine-Tails snarled.
"You dare liken me to human toys?"
"Relax. I'm saying you're above them."
The fox's killing intent thickened.
"So tell me, brat… how do you plan to tame me?"
"Logic first."
Sōgetsu shrugged.
"If that fails—physics."
The fox laughed.
"You think I won't tear this host apart and kill you here?"
"If you could, you would have decades ago."
Silence.
"You want freedom," Sōgetsu continued.
"Not annihilation."
He stopped before the gate.
"So here's the deal."
"Cooperate with me for twenty years."
"Help protect Konoha. Help me eliminate specific threats."
"In return—"
He smiled.
"I let you go."
The Nine-Tails snorted.
"You expect me to believe that?"
Sōgetsu's aura shifted.
[ Dreamwalker — Spiritual Authority Manifested ]
"If I wanted to enslave you," he said calmly,
"I could grind down your will over decades."
The fox's fur bristled.
Then—
Sōgetsu sighed.
"…Alright. Physics it is."
Scarlet tomoe spun violently.
A towering Susanoo erupted into existence.
The Nine-Tails' pupils shrank.
"Choose," Sōgetsu said evenly.
"We talk—or I beat sense into you."
The fox roared and lunged.
Fox and Susanoo collided.
Shockwaves tore through the mindscape.
Spiritual pressure crushed the blood-red world.
Slowly—
The Nine-Tails faltered.
Panting. Damaged.
"…Fine."
It lowered its head.
"Say your terms."
Sōgetsu dismissed the Susanoo.
"Twenty years."
"Gradual freedom."
"No more cages."
Silence stretched.
Finally—
"If you betray me…" the fox growled,
"…I'll drag your soul to hell with me."
"Fair."
Sōgetsu nodded.
"Then we have a deal."
Outside, Kushina's chakra stabilized.
The fourth tail vanished completely.
Sōgetsu lifted her carefully.
"All done."
He looked toward Kumogakure.
"Now…"
"…let's go retrieve our Yellow Flash."
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