Hokage : My Nine tails are getting more and more

The sound of chains rattling startled Shukaku.

Sensing something amiss, Shukaku raised his massive claw, commanding a torrent of sand to counter the Adamantine Sealing Chains.

With a loud puff, the chains penetrated the sand barrier and tightly bound Shukaku.

The other ninja, witnessing Shukaku's confinement, seized the opportunity to retreat hastily. Before leaving, many captured quick photographs to document the event.

"Roar!!" Shukaku bellowed, thrashing violently. His entire form began dissolving into sand, slipping free from the Adamantine Sealing Chains.

Above him, Naruto observed the scene with wide eyes. "I didn't expect you to break free," he murmured in surprise.

Kurama's voice echoed in Naruto's mind, sharp and confident. "Naruto, do you need my help?"

Naruto grinned. "No, I want to handle this myself."

Kurama gave a warning. "Be cautious. That raccoon knows Wind Style and Sealing Techniques. Don't underestimate him."

With his newfound freedom, Shukaku's eyes locked on Naruto, blazing with feral rage. "Die! DIE!!" Shukaku roared, commanding a tidal wave of sand to engulf his airborne adversary.

Naruto dodged nimbly, maneuvering through the air.

Frustrated, Shukaku formed a series of hand seals. A surge of Tailed Beast Chakra gathered within him, preparing for release.

"Wind Style, huh?" Naruto mused, observing the buildup. He raised his hand, concentrating his chakra.

Tailed Beast Chakra, known for its immense strength and volume, was a dangerous force. Yet Naruto, having undergone rigorous training and possessing Kurama's assistance, wasn't lacking in chakra reserves.

Naruto's palm overflowed with spiraling energy, forming a dense, black sphere surrounded by a radiant star-like aura.

Below, Shukaku finished his technique and roared, "Wind Style: Drilling Air Bullet!"

A concentrated hurricane of destructive wind exploded from Shukaku's mouth, hurtling toward Naruto.

Naruto checked his surroundings. The other ninja had successfully evacuated, and only distant groups of Sand and Leaf shinobi from their sealing squads approached cautiously.

"I'm safe to act," Naruto thought, releasing his palm.

The colossal spiraling sphere descended slowly, brimming with destructive energy. Naruto, using the Ultra-Light Rock Technique, soared higher, avoiding Shukaku's attack.

The two techniques collided violently.

For a brief moment, all energy converged into a single point before detonating in a blinding explosion.

A brilliant white light erupted, engulfing the Forest of Death. The shockwave obliterated the trees, leaving behind a barren wasteland.

The sheer force of the explosion sent ripples through the earth, shattering the ground into jagged fragments that expanded outward.

Naruto, despite ascending rapidly, was caught in the aftermath. Kurama's chakra surged around him, forming a protective shield of Nine-Tails energy that allowed him to withstand the impact.

Kurama's voice resonated in Naruto's mind. "Naruto, this power… You're on par with Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara!"

Even Kurama, despite his pride, couldn't help but marvel at Naruto's strength. What frightened him more was Naruto's potential for further growth.

Farther away, the sealing squads from both villages struggled to withstand the explosion's residual force. Defensive techniques were cast hastily, but many sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, the genin candidates who had fled earlier relied on their individual abilities to survive the weakened aftershocks. Those too close to the central tower, however, were not as fortunate.

Naruto noticed a peculiar sight: three massive Rashomon gates materialized deep in the forest. These gates absorbed the blast's energy, protecting a section of the Forest of Death.

Smirking slightly, Naruto realized, "Orochimaru succeeded. Sasuke must have received the Curse Mark."

He made a mental note of this development before refocusing on the center of the explosion.

As the dust settled, a massive mushroom cloud rose above the scene. Shukaku's once-intimidating form lay in ruins, his sandy body scattered across the battlefield.

Bit by bit, Shukaku began to reassemble, his fragmented form condensing into a smaller frame. After what felt like an eternity, Shukaku's silhouette became clear again.

However, unlike before, he now appeared far less imposing. His body had shrunk significantly, no longer the colossal menace he had been earlier.

Above Shukaku's head, Gaara sat unharmed.

It turned out that in the final moments, Shukaku had used a secret technique to shield Gaara.

The complex bond between a Jinchūriki and their Tailed Beast was evident. If the Jinchūriki died while the Tailed Beast was still sealed within them, the Tailed Beast would perish as well.

This motivated Shukaku to protect Gaara at all costs.

Yet, Shukaku's arrogance had evaporated. The earlier bravado, where he raged uncontrollably and attacked without restraint, had been replaced by caution and fear.

"Enough. I'm done," Shukaku muttered, attempting to relinquish control back to Gaara.

However, Kurama's deep laugh echoed once more. "Hahaha! Shukaku, I didn't expect you to turn into such a coward!"

Hearing Kurama's voice, Shukaku roared furiously, momentarily forgetting his weakened state. "Stupid fox! Come out and face me if you dare!"

Kurama's voice brimmed with amusement. "You said it! Naruto, let me out for a moment."

Naruto nodded, releasing Kurama's seal.

A surge of powerful chakra erupted, forming a massive fox far larger than Shukaku. The imposing Nine-Tails loomed over its adversary, twenty times its size.

Shukaku recoiled in shock but tried to maintain his composure. "K-Kurama! You think I'm afraid of you?!"

Kurama smirked, flexing his claws. "Let's see if you still feel that way after I remind you why I'm the strongest Tailed Beast."

The two titanic beasts faced off, their tension filling the ruined landscape.

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The Forest of Death, once a dense and ominous environment, now lay in desolation. The battle between Naruto, Kurama, and Shukaku would be remembered as a defining moment in the Chūnin Exams, reshaping the very landscape and solidifying Naruto's path as a formidable ninja.

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