I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Naruto wandered aimlessly in the depths of his mind until he found a random spot outside the cage to sit. He turned his gaze to the massive, imposing fox lying opposite him—Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Beast.

After teasing the fox for a few moments, the majestic Kyuubi responded by turning away with an irritated expression, far removed from the fierce and prideful image Naruto had imagined. Yet, as Naruto smirked, a strange satisfaction washed over him. It was as though Kyuubi's displeasure transferred into his own amusement, stabilizing the negative emotions that had swirled within him moments ago.

Humans, as Naruto often reminded himself, were social creatures. Even the malice of the Nine-Tails was easier to bear than the oppressive loneliness that he faced in the outside world. As his gaze shifted to Kurama's voluminous tail, Naruto's thoughts wandered. How could he leave this sealed space? He began sifting through the memories of the beast within him.

Kurama wasn't just any Tailed Beast. Among the nine, it was the strongest and the one with the most chakra. Its innate ability to sense malice and influence its surroundings made it an exceptional entity. Unrestrained, Kurama's power rivaled that of a Kage. When linked to a jinchūriki, Kurama could enhance their abilities to an extraordinary degree, surpassing even the combined strength of the Five Kage. In extreme situations, as Naruto vaguely recalled from fragmented memories, Kurama could even self-sacrifice, granting its host god-like powers rivaling the Ōtsutsuki.

Without Kurama, Naruto reflected, his achievements might have been limited to standing alongside his father, the Fourth Hokage. But with Kurama, he could surpass those limits and aim for the pinnacle of the ninja world. As he pondered these things, a sudden pull yanked him from his thoughts. Naruto frowned, feeling the irresistible force dragging him out of the sealed space.

It dawned on him that entering the seal required mental energy, and staying there for extended periods wasn't possible. As Naruto disappeared, Kurama turned its head thoughtfully, staring at the spot where the boy had been. This jinchūriki was different. Unlike Uzumaki Mito or Kushina, Naruto harbored little genuine malice toward Kurama despite his hardships.

Kurama snorted softly and curled up in his cage. Decades of imprisonment had worn on the Nine-Tails. Perhaps this child, irritating as he was, might bring some change.

In the outside world, Naruto's consciousness returned to his small apartment. Stretching, he began tidying his cluttered room. A faint smile played on his lips as he recalled his first encounter with Kurama. Communication with the beast had given him a way to alleviate his boredom, and over the next month, he made visiting the sealed space a regular habit.

At first, Kurama remained cold and aloof, but Naruto's persistence gradually wore down the beast's patience. One day, the fox growled in exasperation. "Brat, don't you have anything better to do? Why do you come here every single day? Go find something useful to do."

Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. "It's my job as a jailer to keep an eye on the prisoner. I can't let you escape, can I?"

Kurama raised a massive paw and rubbed his snout. "Weren't you the one who said we were like landlord and tenant? Why the sudden switch?"

"That was before I realized you couldn't pay rent," Naruto replied smugly. "So, I demoted you back to prisoner. Besides, I don't have much else to do."

As if realizing he had said too much, Naruto clapped his hands over his mouth. Kurama rolled his eyes. "And yet, you're the one who hasn't left this room in a month. You're just as much a prisoner as I am."

Naruto folded his arms indignantly. "Sure, I'm stuck at home, but at least I can leave whenever I want. Besides, I have books the Third Hokage sends me."

Kurama's glare turned sly. "Oh, is that so?"

Before Naruto could retort, a knock on the door interrupted them. He leapt up and opened it to find the Third Hokage, dressed in casual clothing instead of his usual robes, smiling warmly.

"Naruto, how are you doing?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.

Naruto beamed. "Pretty good, Grandpa Third! I have food, books, and no one treats me like a monster here. Life's better than ever!"

Hiruzen's smile faltered slightly. "Naruto, life at home is comfortable, but you shouldn't isolate yourself. The world outside has much to offer."

Naruto's expression darkened. "I don't want to cause trouble for you if people call me a monster again. I'll stay here where it's safe."

Hiruzen sighed but reassured him. "I've forbidden anyone in the village from spreading rumors. You won't be treated like a demon fox."

"Fine," Naruto conceded. "But if anyone insults me again, they'll regret it."

Hiruzen left after handing over Naruto's monthly allowance, but Kurama's mocking voice soon echoed in his mind. "You sure sweet-talk that old man, calling him 'Grandpa.' Why don't you call me Grandpa too?"

Naruto scowled. "Unlike you, he's actually helpful. If you weren't so full of yourself, maybe you wouldn't be sealed away in here."

Kurama fell silent, retreating to the corner of his cage with an irritated huff. Despite its immense power, the seal left it powerless against Naruto's barbs. Watching the fox sulk, Naruto couldn't help but laugh. For the first time, he began to feel a sliver of hope for the future.