Although interrupted by Orochimaru from further provoking Shukaku, the Nine-Tails was already overjoyed in its heart.
When it was first separated from Uzumaki Mito, the Nine-Tails had vowed that the first thing it would do upon regaining its freedom was to find Shukaku in the Land of Wind and play with it.
This dream was finally realized today.
Especially after seeing Shukaku's enraged and impotent expression, the Nine-Tails' inner satisfaction reached its peak.
"Tch!"
"Considering we have important matters to attend to, I'll let you off for now!"
The Nine-Tails glanced at Shukaku, flicked its chin at it, and adopted an imperious demeanor.
"Stinking tanuki, split off a portion of the power the old man gave you. I need it."
Seeing that the Nine-Tails had instantly changed its attitude at a single command from that man, Shukaku's small eyes flickered, and it let out a cackling laugh.
"Stinking fox, you actually listen to a human's orders?"
"Gagagagaga..."
"And you boast about being the strongest Tailed Beast?"
"What's the difference between your current state and the pets humans keep?"
"Gagaga..."
The Nine-Tails' eyes sharpened, its fur bristled, and it bared its teeth angrily at Shukaku.
"Stinking tanuki, you're asking for a beating!"
"Afraid of you? Come at me if you dare!"
"Shukaku-sama will let you taste the might of Magnet Release Sealing!"
With more than half its body emerged from Bunpuku, Shukaku looked down at the shrunken Nine-Tails. The two Tailed Beasts glared at each other, neither willing to back down.
"Kurama..."
Orochimaru placed a hand on the Nine-Tails' back and gently shook his head.
"Shukaku, as you can see, Kurama is now my partner, not a pet as you claim."
"Furthermore, Kurama has resumed its duty of watching over the ninja world, as bestowed upon it by the Sage of Six Paths, and is working towards protecting the future of the ninja world."
"You are both Tailed Beasts created by the Sage of Six Paths, so why argue over a minor disagreement for a millennium?"
Shukaku's gaze shifted to Orochimaru, and it sneered in a sharp voice.
"Human brat, the Magnet Release primal power that the stinking fox is asking for, is it for you?"
"Hmph hmph..."
"Don't think that just because you know about our relationship between Tailed Beasts from its mouth, and say a few nice words, I'll give you my power."
"I've lived in the ninja world for a thousand years, and I've seen plenty of hypocritical and greedy humans like you!"
"Want my power? Dream on!"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, and his aura slowly began to rise. It was merely a sealed One-Tails; apart from the Nine-Tails, he hadn't really expected to gain the recognition of all the Tailed Beasts like the future Uzumaki Naruto would.
Worst case scenario...
"Shut up!"
The Nine-Tails roared, glaring sternly at Shukaku.
"Shukaku, it's fine for us to joke with each other!"
"But he is different from other humans in the ninja world. Don't insult someone I've approved of with your pathetic judgment."
"Otherwise, I will truly tear your stinking mouth apart!"
Shukaku, who had been warily watching the increasingly powerful Orochimaru, was stunned by the Nine-Tails' words and turned its gaze to the Nine-Tails' face.
"Stinking fox, are you serious?"
The Nine-Tails snorted coldly.
"Hmph! I never joke about important matters!"
Shukaku's gaze returned to Orochimaru's face, and after a serious look, it slowly shook its head.
"But he is not *that* person!"
In response to Shukaku's doubt, the Nine-Tails slowly shook its head and said in a deep voice:
"He may not be the prophesied one, but he is walking the same path!"
"I believe in him, just as he believes in me!"
"Give me your power!"
Shukaku stared at the Nine-Tails as if seeing it for the first time, its eyes wide.
"Why?"
Though the question was abrupt, the Nine-Tails instantly understood what Shukaku truly wanted to ask. It took a step back, moving Orochimaru's body in front of Shukaku.
"He has many flaws: greedy, cunning, and willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He possesses all the desires and weaknesses of humans!"
"But he also possesses many virtues that are difficult for ordinary people to attain. He covets power, but never excessively demands it from others, obtaining what he desires more through his own schemes and efforts."
"He is insidious and cunning, never opening his heart to others. However, anyone he approves of will receive his full support and nurturing."
"His actions are cruel and ruthless, just as he killed these two Sand Shinobi earlier, even with a careless smile on his face while killing. Yet, towards ordinary people, he has never had the thought of killing."
"Most importantly..."
The Nine-Tails paused for a moment and continued in a deep voice:
"He has given me freedom and respect!"
"Even if he is not the child of prophecy, I believe that the true child of prophecy may not be as outstanding as he is!"
"The current ninja world needs a ninja like him who breaks the norm."
"Therefore..."
Shukaku stared blankly at the Orochimaru before it, its already small eyes narrowed to slits. The Nine-Tails' words had quietly altered Shukaku's perception of Orochimaru.
For the first time, a human was receiving such an evaluation from a Tailed Beast.
"Human, what is your name?"
Orochimaru slowly withdrew his aura and said softly:
"Orochimaru!"
"So, it's you..."
"I have heard your name from the Sand Shinobi guarding Bunpuku."
Shukaku nodded slightly.
"The stinking... Kurama just said you never excessively demand power..."
"I want to know your purpose in wanting my power, and your reason for convincing me."
"Otherwise, even with Kurama's guarantee, I will not give you my power."
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curved into a smile. It was time for his specialty: negotiation.
"I want to find a way to cultivate the power of 'All Things', from the Magnet Release power that the Sage of Six Paths bestowed upon you."
Shukaku's small eyes narrowed, and it let out a knowing chuckle.
"Heh heh, an ambitious idea!"
"Convince me, and if I'm satisfied, giving you some Magnet Release power is no big deal!"
Orochimaru smiled nonchalantly, his gaze falling on the unconscious Bunpuku.
"Shukaku, I know the bond you share with Bunpuku."
"You believe he possesses certain traits similar to the Sage of Six Paths from back then, which is why he gained your approval, correct?"
Shukaku, though confused as to how Orochimaru knew this, nodded slightly.
"Given your dislike for humans other than Bunpuku, you surely wouldn't want to be sealed within another human, would you?"
"Of course not!"
"If I wasn't afraid this old monk would die if I left, I would have caused a riot in Sunagakure long ago!"
Shukaku was direct, admitting it had such thoughts.
"Bunpuku will be your last Jinchuriki!"
"After he dies, I will personally come to Sunagakure and grant you true freedom!"
"How about it?"
Orochimaru looked up at Shukaku, his expression earnest, offering his terms.
Shukaku was briefly stunned, then looked down at the unconscious Bunpuku.
After a moment, Shukaku turned its gaze back to the Nine-Tails.
"Stinking fox, can I trust him?"
The Nine-Tails nodded solemnly.
"You can trust Orochimaru as much as you trust me!"
Shukaku chuckled at the Nine-Tails' words, then mockingly sneered with a wide grin.
"Gaga, who would trust a fox that can only count its tails? This is hilarious!"
"However..."
Shukaku grinned wickedly at the glaring Nine-Tails, letting out a high-pitched shriek.
"It's because I'm a Tailed Beast too!"
"Hahahaha..."
"Here you go!"
Shukaku reached into its belly and pulled out a handful of chakra, presenting it to Orochimaru.
"I'll be waiting for you in Sunagakure!"
Orochimaru gently raised his hand, his fist meeting Shukaku's large hand through the bars of the prison. The Magnet Release chakra immediately transformed into a stream of sand, entering Orochimaru's body.
"I never disappoint those who trust me!"
"Shukaku, thank you!"