Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 60: "Explanation"

"Tail Attack!"

Katsuragi's three tails, tips tinged with a hint of red, moved with lightning speed, slashing at the Third Hokage with sharp gusts cutting through the air.

Watching Katsuragi skillfully control his tails, the Third felt admiration, though he was still unclear about the transformations happening within Katsuragi's body. From the combat alone, it was evident that Katsuragi's physical skills were nearly at the level of a Chunin, although he greatly lacked practical combat experience.

"No wonder he said it would be a discouragement!"

As the Third parried Katsuragi's attacks, he pondered, "From what I see, the chakra Katsuragi wields bears no trace of the Nine-Tails. What exactly is going on here?"

After some time battling.

"Huff, huff, worthy of being a Hokage!"

Katsuragi internally remarked. Although he noticed the Third seemed somewhat distracted during the fight, there was nothing he could do about it. He had already used up nearly all his strength, and unless he wanted to use the abilities of Yuki-onna and Enenra, there was no chance of harming the Third.

"Alright, let's leave it at that!"

Seeing Katsuragi catching his breath, the Third didn't continue the fight. His main intention was to gauge Katsuragi's capabilities in his transformed state and, seeing no issues, he called it off.

"Katsuragi, be honest with me, why have you kept this a secret!"

Calling Katsuragi over to his side, the Third looked at him seriously. From his observations, he knew Katsuragi to be a very meticulous person. Apart from his cheerful nature, he was very much like Kakashi from years ago—highly intelligent and cautious.

He didn't believe Katsuragi's silence was because he thought there was nothing amiss. Such a mutation arising in one's body would typically provoke fear and concern, yet Katsuragi had chosen to conceal it, leading the Third to suspect that Katsuragi was not as simple as he appeared.

Facing the Third's stern gaze, Katsuragi suddenly felt he might have made a mistake. The Third's trust in him was perhaps not as solid as he had thought. However, what was done was done; there was no turning back.

"Lord Third..."

Katsuragi took a deep breath, his mind racing, then said with a conflicted look, "The truth is, I didn't want to tell anyone, even you. Mostly because I was afraid."

"Afraid?"

The Third was taken aback.

"Yes," Katsuragi nodded softly, explaining, "Back then, everyone called Naruto a monster. At first, I didn't believe them, but when I found out I could transform like this, I started to believe it and also questioned whether I was becoming a monster too."

Mentioning Naruto, the Third felt a deep guilt, then thought of how Katsuragi had supported Naruto over the years, and his gaze softened. After all, despite his secrets, Katsuragi hadn't done anything to harm others or the village.

"At that time, I even thought about avoiding Naruto altogether!" Katsuragi continued, partly telling the truth as he had indeed found Naruto's persistent attention quite bothersome at times.

The Third listened silently.

"But that guy Naruto..." Katsuragi showed a helpless expression, "kept pestering me nonstop, and I couldn't shake him off, so it just went unresolved."

"Because I didn't want to be seen as a monster, and after some careful study, I found that aside from having an extra pair of ears and three tails, there were no other changes. I thought it best to keep it as a secret weapon, sorry, Lord Third!"

Seeing Katsuragi's apparently forthright demeanor, the Third remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "I see."

Although he didn't fully trust Katsuragi, he didn't suspect him of having any sinister motives. He sighed deeply and continued, "Aside from increased strength, have you truly felt no other effects?"

Still unconvinced, the Third was wary of the influence of the Nine-Tails' chakra, which was not something ordinary people could handle. While unclear about the exact nature of Katsuragi's transformation, he was beginning to form some theories.

Looking into the Third's slightly worried eyes, Katsuragi breathed a sigh of relief internally, thinking he might have managed to deceive him for now. He shook his head in response, "No, no other effects."

"Alright," the Third stood, pondering. From his observations over the years, Katsuragi hadn't shown any significant changes. If he had been truly affected by the Nine-Tails, symptoms would surely be apparent.

Seeing the Third lost in thought, Katsuragi, worried he might overthink, asked, "Lord Third, I've also always wondered, what exactly is Naruto?"

The Third paused, then narrowed his eyes at Katsuragi, "Why do you ask?"

"Those whiskers, the red chakra that changed me, his far superior healing abilities, and, um, his intellect. I always feel like Naruto isn't quite like normal people."

Hearing Katsuragi's words, the Third sighed deeply and responded, "Naruto, like you, is just an unfortunate child. Though he may be special, he is definitely a human, so don't overthink it."

"Oh!" Seeing the Third still unwilling to share any secrets, Katsuragi felt helpless but his main aim was to distract the Third from thinking too deeply.

"Then, Lord Third, with my current strength, I should probably not be in the same team as Naruto and the others, right? Even a four-person team would work. I believe I will advance quickly!"

Katsuragi then returned to the issue at hand, which had sparked this series of events in the first place.

"I'll consider it," the Third frowned, not committing but also not outright refusing. With the nature of Katsuragi's situation still unclear, he wasn't ready to make a decision.

"During this time, if I'm free, I'll send someone to find you, so don't go running around, okay?"

As he glanced at the darkening sky outside, the Third remembered the other matters he needed to handle and advised Katsuragi before preparing to leave.

"Uh, understood!"

Katsuragi felt a bit worried. He truly regretted his actions now, not anticipating that the Third would continue investigating. He had hoped the Third would just perform a simple check and let him guide the conversation towards integrating chakra, then let the matter rest.

But it seemed the Third was intent on delving deeper, which made him suddenly anxious. If the Third discovered he was lying or found the Summoning Pavilion, it could spell total disaster.

"Alright, it's just another checkup, nothing serious," the Third noticed Katsuragi's troubled expression and reassured him before adding, "I'm off now, and you should rest too. And remember, don't tell anyone else about this."

"Goodbye, Lord Third!"

"Ah!" After the Third left, Katsuragi sighed and scratched his head, at a loss for what to do next.

After all, he had taken this world far too lightly. Despite living an easy life as a dedicated fan, he hadn't faced much hardship after coming to this world.

End of Chapter 60