"A dragon?"
"A fox?"
Kaido and the Nine-Tails were both startled by the existence of the other.
Yet they could only observe one another from afar, unable to communicate. The Nine-Tails' attention soon shifted away from Kaido, because Naruto's figure appeared within the sealing space.
Inside the sealing space of Naruto's inner world, he stood trembling before a massive iron gate. Thick chakra seeped endlessly from the gaps in the seal, slowly eroding his consciousness and enveloping his body.
"Kid," a deep, alluring voice echoed from behind the gate, "you're very angry, aren't you?"
Within the darkness, the colossal demon fox stared at Naruto with gleaming eyes, its voice filled with temptation.
"Come… as long as you remove the seal on this gate, I will lend you my power. With my power, you can defeat that dragon and avenge your friend."
At this moment, most of Naruto's rationality had already been swallowed by the chakra overflowing from the seal. One of his eyes had fully transformed into a vertical slit. All that remained was obsession—kill Kaido, avenge Yamato.
Step by step, he walked toward the seal.
"Yes… just like that," the Nine-Tails whispered eagerly."Remove the seal."
From within the gate, the demon fox watched Naruto approach, excitement growing uncontrollably in its eyes.
As long as he removes it…I'll be free.
"Worororo—Thunder Bagua!~"
Suddenly, a thunderous laugh echoed through space.
An invisible impact surged across the sealing world, sweeping over Naruto's consciousness. His spiritual form shattered instantly, breaking apart into fragments that vanished into nothingness.
"Damn it!"
The Nine-Tails slammed its massive claw against the sealing gate, its furious roar shaking the entire space.
Outside.
The chakra cloak surrounding Naruto was completely blown apart by Kaido's strike. The Supreme King's Haki entwined within that blow shattered his spirit as well.
Naruto collapsed unconscious.
Kaido walked over, spiked club resting on his shoulder, and stared at Naruto for a long moment with a complicated expression. Then he bent down, picked him up, and placed him beside the equally unconscious Yamato.
After that, Kaido sat down next to them, untied the sake gourd from his waist, and began drinking heavily.
Although he had injured the two brats badly, he had restrained his strength enough to avoid causing fatal damage.
Still, the final blow he used on Naruto—infused with Haoshoku ( Supreme King's Haki, Conqueror's Haki)—had not been gentle. Whether it would leave lasting psychological scars… even Kaido couldn't say.
As for the power within Naruto, and that demon fox—
Kaido was now completely certain.
That was not the power of a Devil Fruit.
As for what that fox truly was… Kaido didn't care. If anything, he felt a faint sense of anticipation.
"Worororo!~"
After emptying the gourd, Kaido burst into laughter, leaned back—and promptly fell asleep beside the two children.
"Yamato!~"
Naruto jolted awake, the image of Yamato blocking Kaido's Heat Breath still vivid in his mind.
"Oh, Naruto! You're awake!"
Yamato immediately leaned over him, smiling brightly.
"That's great—we're both still alive!"
Naruto looked at Yamato, who was wrapped in bandages from head to toe. His eyes reddened slightly, but he quickly wiped away the tears and forced a smile.
"Yeah… we're both alive. That's really great."
"But Kaido is way too strong!"
Yamato clenched his fist, frustration clear on his face. Then his expression hardened with determination.
"But we'll definitely defeat him one day!"
"You think so too, right, Naruto?" Yamato asked, eyes sparkling.
"Mhm!"
Naruto nodded firmly.
"Of course. One day, we'll become stronger than Kaido—stronger than anyone!"
"Mhm, mhm!~"
Yamato nodded vigorously, then looked at Naruto expectantly.
"Naruto… what's your dream?"
"My dream is—"
Before Naruto could finish, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations, Host, for successfully surviving three days in this world and completing the life objective of this "Real Life" transmigration experience.]
[Rewards granted:
Infinite Physique — Your body can adapt to any world's power system.
Observation Haki — Enhances the five senses, allowing perception of auras, emotional fluctuations, and future danger.]
[The Host may choose to claim the rewards immediately or upon return.]
[This "Real Life" transmigration experience is now complete. Returning in 30 minutes. Please prepare.]
[Countdown: 29:59… 58… 57…]
"Returning…?"
Naruto froze.
Only then did he realize that he had been unconscious for two whole days—and had unknowingly completed the life objective.
At first, the mention of rewards made him happy.
But the moment he heard the word return, panic filled his face.
Can I go back later? he asked urgently in his mind.
He had only just made a friend—a friend willing to risk their life for him. He didn't want to leave yet.
[Sorry, Host. This return is mandatory and cannot be delayed.]
Then… can I come back again? Naruto asked nervously.
[The world experienced in "Real Life" mode will form a permanent coordinate. Once the Host obtains the required "qualification," they may return at any time.]
That's good…
Naruto finally relaxed.
As for what "qualification" meant, he didn't bother thinking about it.
"Naruto? What's wrong?"
Yamato immediately noticed his expression and asked anxiously.
"Yamato…"
Naruto looked at him seriously.
"I have to go back."
Even knowing he could return someday, the thought of parting still made his chest ache.
"Go back? Go where?"
Yamato grew nervous.
"Are you going home?"
"Mhm…"
Naruto nodded.
"I'm going home—but I'll come back!"
He couldn't explain the system. He didn't know how.
"Oh, I see."
Yamato let out a relieved breath and smiled.
"Then I'll go back with you. By the way… where's your home?"
"My home is… in another world," Naruto said softly. "I can't take you with me."
"Another world?! That's amazing!"
Yamato's eyes lit up—not with sadness, but excitement.
"That's a shame we can't go together. Hurry—tell me! What's your home like?"
"My home is in Konoha Village. It's…"
Seeing Yamato's eager expression, Naruto forgot his sadness and began describing Konoha.
Yamato listened with rapt attention, occasionally exclaiming,"That's amazing!"
Half an hour later, the countdown ended.
"Yamato!"
Naruto stood up and extended his hand, flashing a bright smile.
"I'm leaving now. When I come back next time… we'll set sail together."
Before he could finish—
White light enveloped his body.
In the next instant, Uzumaki Naruto vanished.