Naruto: I'm Nine-Tails and My Host is Kushina

Breaking the seal during the handover of a Jinchūriki…

That was indeed an option. If done, Kurama could manifest in the world freely as the Nine-Tails. However, what benefit would that bring?

Becoming the Nine-Tails in his full form meant he would immediately be targeted by the ninja villages, all of whom would attempt to seal him away. He would be an existence that no village would allow to roam free.

As for dying along with Uzumaki Mito? That was completely unnecessary.

Even Mito and Hashirama, her husband, did not share such a fate. For Konoha's sake, Mito had ensured that the Nine-Tails remained within the village's control rather than allowing it to vanish with her death.

Kurama had no intention of being dragged into the grave alongside an old woman. He could resurrect himself as a tailed beast, but such a process would take far too long. A complete waste of time.

So, the choice was obvious.

"I choose the second option," Kurama responded without hesitation.

Returning to a human form was the best path. Not only would he regain his humanoid existence, but he was also intrigued by the abilities of the so-called billion-fold learning talent.

With this transformation, he wouldn't just be using a simple Transformation Jutsu. He would retain all the power of the Nine-Tails within his new form. That alone made the decision easy.

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[Ding! Host has successfully selected an option. The process to integrate with Uzumaki Kushina will now begin. Please wait for further updates.]

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In a quiet room within Konoha, Uzumaki Kushina lay asleep.

The journey had been long. Under Mito's guidance, she had been taught extensively about her future as a Jinchūriki. It had been a slow, patient process, but she had absorbed the lessons well. Now, exhaustion weighed on her, and she slept peacefully on Mito's bed.

The official Jinchūriki handover was scheduled in just five days.

When the transfer was completed, Mito's life would reach its end. The old Uzumaki matriarch knew this, and rather than dreading it, she sought to cherish her remaining days as best she could.

Kurama, sealed within her, awaited his new host.

He had spent decades within Mito's aging body. Her strength had waned, her vitality faded. There was no reason to remain attached to her. The days of being confined within a decaying vessel were coming to an end.

Kushina, on the other hand, was different. Young, full of energy—her body would be a fitting new home.

Three days before the handover, a familiar voice echoed through Mito's chambers.

A series of firm knocks rapped against the wooden door.

Boom, boom, boom—

"Who is it?" Mito called softly.

"Grandmother, it's me—Tsunade. I've brought Nawaki with me."

Mito's expression softened as she heard her granddaughter's voice. Slowly, she made her way to the door and opened it.

Two young figures entered—a blonde girl and a boy with short brown hair.

[Tsunade pic -->]

Inside Mito's body, Kurama observed them both. Tsunade at this age was nearly identical to how she would look in her later years, save for one key difference—youthful energy radiated from her.

She was still cheerful, still active, still full of life.

Before Mito could react, Tsunade lunged forward, wrapping her grandmother in a tight embrace.

"Grandma!"

Kurama, watching from within Mito, could feel the force of Tsunade's affection. It was an overwhelming, all-encompassing embrace, one that nearly knocked the elderly woman off balance.

Had she always been this… overzealous?

"Did you miss me, Grandma?" Tsunade grinned.

Mito chuckled, resting a gentle hand on Tsunade's head.

"Of course, my dear. I always do."

Beside them, Nawaki smiled. Unlike his sister, he was far less direct in expressing emotions, but his attachment to Mito was no less strong.

Kurama observed their interactions quietly. The Senju clan was no longer the dominant force it once was. Hashirama's descendants had not inherited his Wood Release, nor his overwhelming power. Yet, despite that, Mito cherished them deeply.

"Grandma, don't say things like that," Tsunade pouted, crossing her arms. "You'll live for a hundred more years!"

Mito smiled at the girl's childish optimism.

"I wish that were true, Tsunade. But my time is drawing to a close."

"Don't say that!" Nawaki protested. "You'll see me become Hokage one day. That's my dream! I want you to witness it!"

His voice was filled with conviction. His desire to become Hokage burned brightly, much like Naruto's would in the future.

Kurama smirked internally. So this was the original. The prototype of the boy who would one day wield his power in an entirely different way.

Mito smiled warmly. "I'm proud of both of you."

The two siblings exchanged glances, then turned to their grandmother.

Mito clapped her hands together lightly.

"Come, I want to introduce you to someone."

Curious, Tsunade and Nawaki followed Mito deeper into the room.

Inside, Kushina was sitting cross-legged on the floor, completely absorbed in her own world. She had let her guard down, her carefree nature on full display.

As soon as she noticed Mito and the others entering, she straightened up immediately, regaining her composure.

Mito chuckled.

"Kushina, I'd like you to meet my grandchildren."

She gestured toward the two standing beside her.

"This is Tsunade, and this is Nawaki."

Kushina's eyes widened.

"Tsunade-sama! Nawaki-sama!"

The two were members of the Senju clan, descendants of the First Hokage. Their status in Konoha was unquestionably high. Out of respect, Kushina immediately adopted a formal tone.

Tsunade, however, waved it off.

"No need to be so stiff. Just call me Tsunade-nee."

"Yeah, and I'm just Nawaki. No need to be so formal!"

Seeing how relaxed they were, Kushina hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Kurama, watching from within Mito, found himself mildly amused.

This family wasn't bad. They lacked arrogance despite their lineage. They treated Kushina well, as though she was truly one of their own.

Soon enough, the atmosphere lightened, and Kushina began interacting more comfortably with them. Laughter filled the room as they talked, the warmth of family momentarily pushing aside any lingering thoughts of Mito's impending fate.

Kurama recalled something from the future—Jiraiya once mentioning Kushina to Tsunade before heading to the Rain Village.

Tsunade had commented that girls like Kushina, the wild and mischievous ones, always grew up to be stunning women.

Dinner came and went, and finally, Tsunade and Nawaki prepared to leave.

Tsunade hesitated at the door, glancing back at her grandmother one last time.

Then, without warning, she rushed forward and hugged Mito tightly.

Mito smiled, running a hand through Tsunade's blonde hair.

"Take care of yourself, Tsunade."

Tsunade lingered for a moment longer before finally pulling away. Then, with a nod, she and Nawaki left, disappearing into the night.

As the door closed behind them, Mito turned to Kushina.

"Kushina," she said, her voice suddenly serious.

The red-haired girl straightened.

"I want to introduce you to someone else now," Mito continued. "Come, I will take you to meet the Nine-Tails."

Kushina's eyes widened.

Kurama, within Mito, smirked.

This was going to be interesting.

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