Chapter 79 Trust

Naruto really likes Kakashi's ninja dogs. They are smart, cool and funny, like a group of furry ninja companions.

Blue was huge and sturdy, and even when the three of them took turns riding on its back, it remained as steady as a rock.

Aquino looked cool in sunglasses;

Wuhei is the smartest one.

Guruq is calm and easy-going, Ulusi is full of energy and likes to be a little clever, and Siba is always full of energy and likes to run around everyone.

Bisk has been lying in Sakura's arms for more than an hour. It looks melancholy and serious, but it is actually easier to get along with than most people Naruto knows.

As for Parker, they had seen him several times before. He was the ninja dog that Kakashi teacher summoned most often.

Parker lay lazily on Blue's head, gently rocking his head as they walked, and it seemed that he would fall asleep at any moment.

That morning, they parted ways with Zabuza and Haku.

But Naruto had a strong feeling that they would meet again, and it wouldn't be long.

Naruto told Sakura what he had told Sasuke before, but this time he was not so hesitant or dramatic.

In the end, he still gets hit on the head by Sakura because she thinks he's really stupid for even thinking that he might leave.

But telling Kakashi-sensei was another matter.

During the first break of the day, Naruto and Kakashi sat alone together.

Kakashi asked softly:

"When did you know you were a Jinchūriki?"

Kakashi just listened quietly, with no expression on his face, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

But Naruto could still feel the subtle changes in the other person's emotions, which included guilt, pain, and a hint of relief that was barely perceptible.

Naruto had known for a long time that Kakashi knew his parents, but the other party never allowed him to talk about his parents - from the first day Naruto entered the ninja school, he recognized Kakashi from the photo, even though more than ten years had passed.

When Naruto mentioned the Nine-Tails attack on the village, Kakashi's body visibly stiffened.

And when Naruto admitted that he secretly went to the Land of Whirlpools in order to suppress the power of the Nine-Tails, Kakashi was completely stunned.

"Then how much trouble will I get into?" Naruto asked nervously, lowering his head.

Although Kakashi has not been their teacher for long, Naruto respects him no less than he does to teacher Iruka. He has long regarded Kakashi as one of his most cherished people.

"You won't be in any trouble. At least I won't pursue it." Kakashi shook his head and broke the silence, "But I think it's best if you don't tell the Hokage about this."

Naruto nodded in understanding.

He respected the Sandaime Hokage very much, but the Sandaime had to be responsible for the village first, and he was not sure whether the other party could understand his actions.

Suddenly, a warm big hand fell on his head and gently rubbed his golden hair. Kakashi's voice was filled with a hint of smile:

"Don't worry, Naruto. I will discuss this with Iruka-sensei and see how to tell Sarutobi-sensei about this. If he really wants to hold you responsible, I will take all the blame on myself."

"Yeah!" Naruto nodded happily, and then as if he remembered something, he quickly said, "But can you try not to mention my trip to Whirlpool Country?"

Kakashi couldn't help laughing, and Naruto seemed to see the helpless smile behind the other's mask.

"I'll try my best, but you'd better be prepared to be scolded."

Naruto smiled and nodded. He didn't expect Kakashi to be so considerate. He could feel the guilt and suppressed anger in the other's heart, as well as the genuine concern and relief.

"I have another question, Naruto, about the Nine-Tails." Kakashi suddenly said, his tone becoming serious.

"Huh? What's the problem?"

"Do you trust it?"

Naruto almost blurted out "Of course" but he held back.

He knew Kakashi-sensei wanted a well-thought-out answer, so he thought carefully for a moment before saying:

"Of course I trust it. It saved my life. But as for others, I don't know."

"That's right." Kyuubi's voice suddenly appeared in Naruto's mind, "But I like your three little companions very much."

Kakashi stared at Naruto steadily, seeming satisfied with the answer, even though he probably didn't quite understand what it meant.

"That's enough."

******

On the way back to the village, Sasuke and Sakura kept asking about the Nine-Tails. Naruto told his companions about the agreement between himself and the Nine-Tails, the other tailed beasts, and his understanding of their abilities.

"What does that feel like?" Sakura asked curiously as she walked backwards.

Bisk was still clinging to her arms, Sasuke put his hands in his pockets, walking beside Naruto, and Urushi followed behind them, with Souhei carefully moving between them.

"I mean, it must be weird to have another being made of chakra living inside of you, right?"

Naruto shrugged.

"I don't know. I've always been like this. I don't know what it feels like to not be a Jinchūriki."

"Are those steam and your self-healing ability all the Nine-Tails' chakra?" Sasuke asked.

Naruto nodded.

"Yes, they all belong to the Kyuubi. Each tailed beast has a way to protect its Jinchūriki, and the Kurama's way is regeneration."

"Kuroma? Is that its name?"

"Ah."

"Where are those lines I saw earlier?" Sasuke asked, poking Naruto's exposed shoulder curiously.

"You mean those black lines? They're an extension of the seal," Naruto said as he released the Kyuubi's chakra, which flowed down his arm and to his fingertips.

"That's it!" Sakura exclaimed, grabbing Naruto's wrist and observing the black lines carefully, "Why have I never seen them before?"