Hiruzen wanted to experiment with electromagnetic applications, but given the current situation, causing a commotion would be unwise. He could only suppress his excitement for now.
"I still have a long way to go before I can match Shukaku's skill," Hiruzen admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Shukaku puffed up proudly, "Of course! How long have you even been practicing? I've been at this for ages! Every time I wake up, I practice!"
Hearing this, Hiruzen's expression stiffened. Wait… every time he wakes up?
That would mean large-scale ninjutsu training with devastating consequences.
Concerned, Hiruzen quickly asked, "Shukaku, where exactly do you practice when you wake up?"
Shukaku thought for a moment, "Wherever I wake up, of course. It wasn't a problem before, but ever since that man—Senju Hashirama—caught me, I always see a bunch of humans nearby when I wake up. So I don't dare practice at full power anymore. That never used to be an issue."
Hiruzen's heart sank at the first half of Shukaku's words, but the second half made him unconsciously justify the beast's actions.
It was the Sand Village that provoked Shukaku first…
It was a matter of perspective. To Sunagakure, Shukaku was a disaster—an uncontrollable force wreaking havoc whenever it stirred. Every time it awoke, it would throw a tantrum, adding more and more sand to the village, worsening the already harsh desert environment. If something like this happened in Konoha with the Nine-Tails, Hiruzen—if he were Hokage—would have long since taken matters into his own hands, no matter who the beast was.
Still, he had to give Shukaku a word of caution.
"Shukaku, from now on, if you want to practice ninjutsu, have your partner take you somewhere where there's no one around. You can't just train anywhere—randomly using jutsu disrupts the balance of morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor."
Shukaku tilted his head, "Partner? Who's my partner?"
Hiruzen smiled, "That hasn't been decided yet. Only the best in Sunagakure can become your partner. In the future, you'll live together, get to know each other, and stay by each other's side. He'll take you on journeys across the ninja world, and in return, you must protect him."
Flattering Shukaku cost Hiruzen nothing, but he made sure to subtly remind the Tailed Beast of its duty to protect its future Jinchūriki.
Then, he turned to Shukaku again, "By the way, what do you think of my three disciples? Can they learn your Wind Release techniques?"
Hiruzen then addressed his students, "How about giving it a try? I'll assist you."
The three glanced at Shukaku, silently asking for permission.
Still basking in the praise, Shukaku didn't object. The three then began demonstrating what they had learned in the massive crater they had been training in.
Shinku refined his illusions with Shukaku's Wind Release, incorporating wind-enhanced perception techniques to strengthen his genjutsu.
Sakumo extracted the cutting properties of Wind Release and fused them with his swordsmanship, greatly amplifying his blade's lethality.
Naoto developed a Wind Release technique similar to an air cannon, using compressed wind to generate powerful shockwaves.
Overall, they were all talented.
However, Shinku and Sakumo had adapted their training to fit their personal styles, paving unique paths that could one day elevate them to the rank of elite jōnin. Naoto, on the other hand, was still searching for his direction, making his progress slightly inferior in comparison.
Even so, Hiruzen felt that both Shinku and Sakumo's specialized paths had inherent weaknesses. But this wasn't the time to address them—he would sort it out when they returned to Konoha.
Meanwhile, in the Kazekage's Reception Room
After a long exchange of negotiations, both sides had tentatively agreed to the following terms:
1. Sunagakure will pay 630 million ryo, and in return, Konoha will assist in sealing Shukaku into a Jinchūriki.
2. If the Jinchūriki loses control due to a sealing failure, Konoha will be responsible for all damages.
3. If the Jinchūriki dies due to force majeure within 20 years, Sunagakure has the right to request Konoha's assistance in resealing Shukaku free of charge.
4. If the Jinchūriki suffers seal-related issues not caused by Konoha's failure, Konoha will offer repair services for a fee, capped at 150 million ryo.
5. Konoha and Sunagakure will establish a trade agreement, waiving checkpoint fees for designated caravans. (Pending Hokage approval.)
Shikatsu extended his right hand towards the Sunagakure envoys, Takumi and Ebizo.
"A pleasure working with you. May the friendship between Konoha and Sunagakure last forever."
Takumi clasped his hand, "Likewise. May our alliance remain strong."
Ebizo nodded, "I'll bring these terms to the Kazekage for final approval and confirm the Jinchūriki candidate."
Shikatsu responded, "And I'll report to the Hokage for confirmation."
With that, both parties left the reception room, heading toward their respective leaders to finalize the agreement.
Back at the Training Grounds
As Hiruzen and Shukaku were reviewing the three students' progress, Shikatsu and Torifu arrived, jogging toward them.
Upon seeing Shukaku—who was now human-sized—Shikatsu and Torifu exchanged confused glances. They had no idea what was going on but decided not to question it when they saw their superior, Hiruzen, speaking so casually with the Tailed Beast.
Shikatsu approached Hiruzen, bowed slightly, and handed over a scroll. "Lord Hokage, these are the negotiation terms with Sunagakure. Your confirmation is needed. The last condition was proposed by them."
Hiruzen unrolled the scroll and read through it carefully.
"This looks good. Let's finalize it quickly," he said, nodding. "For the last clause regarding checkpoint exemptions—limit it to ten caravans. Konoha and Sunagakure will exchange the names, certificates, and other details of these caravans for official records. The list can be updated once per year."
Shikatsu took note of the amendment, "Understood. I'll notify them immediately."
With the negotiations nearing completion, all that remained was final approval from both Kage.
After receiving the scroll, Hiruzen casually tossed it to Shikatsu. Then, pulling him aside, he spoke in a low voice.
"Shikatsu, listen carefully. Shukaku just taught me Wind Release and a part of the Magnet Release theory. He also shared his Wind Release knowledge with my three disciples. This must be kept secret."
Shikatsu was stunned. Only the Hokage could pull something like this off.
Seeing his reaction, Hiruzen added, "Tailed Beasts are intelligent creatures with distinct personalities. If you treat them with respect, they're actually quite reasonable. But not everyone can talk to them as equals. I need you to explain this to the people of Sunagakure—without mentioning that Shukaku taught us anything. Otherwise, they'll accuse us of trying to steal their secrets."
Shikatsu understood the delicate situation. "Understood, Hokage-sama. I'll discuss this with Sand Village immediately."
After bowing, Shikatsu left with Torifu and returned to Sunagakure. However, they couldn't find the Kazekage or anyone with decision-making authority.
Frustrated, they asked around, but no one could provide answers. With no other choice, they waited in the Kazekage's office.
After a long wait, Shamon finally arrived with Takumi, Ebizo, and a young monk.
Without delay, Shikatsu began explaining.
"Kazekage-sama, our Hokage has agreed to the first four points. However, he has modified the last point. Instead of unlimited exemptions, Konoha and Sunagakure will each select 10 caravans for the checkpoint fee waiver. The quota can be renegotiated each year."
Shamon seemed confused. Why the sudden restriction?
Takumi, however, seemed to understand. He whispered something to Shamon, who then nodded in agreement.
The reasoning was clear—limiting the number of exemptions prevented illegal smuggling while creating an exclusive competition for these valuable spots. Since both villages would decide the quotas together, noble families would likely ease their grip on Sunagakure to secure their place on the list. This would ultimately strengthen Sand Village's position.
Takumi had also heard that the Hokage Hiruzen had visited a gold exchange controlled by wealthy nobles. To him, this presented another opportunity.
With the terms finalized, Shikatsu finally addressed the matter of Shukaku.
Since everything else was settled, Shamon personally led the group to meet Hiruzen and Shukaku.
The Confrontation with Shukaku —
As soon as Shukaku saw Shamon, he exploded with anger.
"You lying old bastard! You tricked me into teaching Wind Release and sand manipulation techniques!"
Shamon looked visibly embarrassed.
Before tensions could rise further, Hiruzen quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
"Shukaku, don't worry. I've already punished him. Soon, he won't be the Kazekage of Sunagakure."
Then, turning to Takumi, Hiruzen gave him a knowing look.
"Takumi will be the next Kazekage. Go on, introduce yourself to Shukaku."
Catching on to the act, Shamon played along.
He sighed, putting on a remorseful face. "Shukaku, I take full responsibility. I am stepping down as Kazekage. From now on, Takumi will lead Sunagakure."
Shukaku huffed, "Hmph! At least you got what you deserved. Now, tell me—who is my partner?"
At that moment, the young monk standing behind Shamon stepped forward, pressing his hands together in a respectful gesture.
"I am your partner, Lord Shukaku. My name is Bunpuku. I hope you will take care of me in the future."
Shukaku, delighted by the monk's respectful tone, grinned.
"Ha! You sure know how to talk, kid. Alright, Uncle Shukaku will protect you! But in return, you have to take me on trips around the world. We'll eat the best food and drink the finest sake!"
Hiruzen smiled and discreetly checked Bunpuku's stats.
Bunpuku — Status
Body: 10/10
Spirit: 1/12
Element: 10/10
Skills:
Basic physical proficiency
Basic combat proficiency
Mastery:
Advanced chakra Mastery
Intermediate Wind Release Mastery
Threat Level: Low
His physical abilities were strong enough for an elite jōnin, but his actual combat skills were lacking. Apart from chakra control, everything else was at a basic or intermediate level.
Still, Shukaku seemed satisfied with his new partner.
The Sealing Ceremony Begins —
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Bunpuku and Shukaku with a smile. "Are you both ready?"
Bunpuku nodded, "Yes, Lord Hokage. I'm ready."
Shukaku grinned, "Come on, Sarutobi! Let's get this over with."
Hiruzen instructed everyone to step back, forming a circle around the two. Bunpuku stood in the center, facing Shukaku.
Though experienced, Hiruzen wasn't fully confident in his sealing abilities. Why?
Because this particular sealing technique was based on the complex interplay of the Five Elements—something he was testing for the first time.
Taking a deep breath, he formed a long sequence of hand seals. Then, placing his right palm on Bunpuku's abdomen, he gathered a sphere of Shukaku's chakra and pressed it into the young monk's body.
Intricate sealing patterns bloomed across Bunpuku's stomach, glowing with mystical energy.
"Sealing Technique – Five Elements Mutual Generation!" (Fūinjutsu: Gogyō Sōshō)
Bunpuku gasped in pain as the process began.