Meanwhile in Konoha…..
The sky above Konoha was tinged with amber, twilight casting long shadows over the Hokage Monument. The village, though quiet, throbbed with tension.
War was looming, and the chakra storm that surged earlier from the far distance was a clear sign, the battlefield was awakening.
Within a reinforced training chamber deep beneath the Hokage residence, Naruto Uzumaki sat cross-legged in the middle of a swirling pool of golden chakra. His fists were clenched. Sweat soaked his orange jacket, and his eyes, normally full of chaotic energy, now burned with focused fire.
"Almost there," Kurama rumbled from within him, voice resonant, deep, and calm. "Stop forcing it. Let it flow. My chakra isn't a wave to push, it's a river you must channel."
Naruto's breath slowed. "Yeah… I get it," he said, eyes shut.
From a few paces away, Minato Namikaze, his father, the Fourth Hokage, stood silently, his arms crossed. Though his body glowed faintly with chakra, his expression was warm and proud.
He had watched Naruto train for days, pushing past his own limits. Kakashi had given him one order before teleporting away: "Don't bring him to the battlefield unless he masters full Kurama Chakra Mode."
"Alright… Kurama, let's try again." Naruto gritted his teeth.
"It's time." Minato nodded as he walked forward.
He reached into his chest, Edo Tensei allowing such acts, and pulled forth a swirling, volatile mass of chakra. It pulsed golden-red, vibrating with the distinct power of a Tailed Beast.
"The other half of the Nine-Tails," Minato said. "Yours now."
"He's giving back what he stole, huh?" Kurama inside Naruto grunted,
"Hey, he's my dad." Naruto smiled faintly.
The chakra surged forward, and Naruto braced. As the two halves of Kurama's chakra reunited, a gale-like pulse shook the chamber. Dust lifted. The ground cracked. Golden tendrils of chakra shot up like wildfire.
Naruto trembled, hands sinking into the earth as the new power exploded within him.
Minato watched silently. The seal inside Naruto shifted. Lines of ink rearranged, symbols moving like living script. The seal opened completely, and Kurama was no longer locked behind a cage. Instead, they stood eye to eye.
"I trust you," Naruto said simply.
"Took you long enough." Kurama stared at him, then smirked.
The fox's immense form shimmered with chakra, narrowing until it folded into Naruto's body.
A golden cloak enveloped him instantly. His skin glowed slightly, with black markings coiling down his arms.
A black magatama pattern adorned his collarbone, and at his back, nine tails of energy flickered into life. His eyes turned sharp and fox-like, slitted pupils surrounded by burning orange irises.
Kurama Chakra Mode, complete.
Naruto rose, slowly at first, fists opening and closing as he adjusted to the power.
It was incredible.
He could feel the entire village. Every breath. Every bird. Every person's heartbeat.
"Whoa…" he murmured. "This is… insane."
"Focus, idiot. Don't fly into space with excitement."Kurama snorted.
"You look like a real Hokage now."Minato chuckled.
"Don't make me cry, old man," Naruto said with a grin.
Nearby, Jiraiya leaned against a pillar, arms folded, watching silently.
He hadn't spoken much since returning. Konoha had changed while he was gone. Pain had destroyed it, Kakashi had rebuilt it, and Nagato… was dead.
Konan now lived in Kakashi's estate, no longer following the ideals Jiraiya once tried to instill. She had shattered the peace he believed in.
Jiraiya had nearly lost his way entirely.
But Minato's presence, revived by Kakashi's advanced Edo Tensei, had given him something to hold onto. He wasn't alone anymore. The Will of Fire hadn't died.
"He's surpassed even your expectations, Minato." Jiraiya's eyes softened as he looked at Naruto now floating slightly in the air, his chakra pulsing with divine force.
"He's my son," Minato replied with a smile on his face.
"So! Can I go now?" Naruto landed and turned to them.
"You're ready. Kakashi will need you soon."Minato nodded.
"Then let's go!"Naruto grinned widely, his blue eyes shining with excitement.
"Don't break the village, Naruto." Jiraiya sighed.
"Me?" Naruto pointed at himself. "I'm the hero now!"
"You focus on protecting everyone. I'll handle the jump." Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
Golden light swirled around them as Minato formed a seal. Naruto looked back at Jiraiya one last time.
"Stay safe, Ero-sennin."
"Don't die, kid," Jiraiya smirked.
Then they vanished in a flash of yellow light.
Elsewhere in Konoha, the Hokage Office was quiet but heavy with tension. Tsunade stood behind the desk, Mei Terumi beside her, arms folded. Chōjūrō stood quietly to the side, blade at his back. Anko, Kurenai, and Konan were present, along with Shizune.
Hashirama and Hiruzen stood off to the side, revived in their Edo Tensei forms.
Tsunade looked over the reports once more, then sighed. "They'll need backup soon."
As if summoned by fate, a flash of light erupted in the center of the room. Minato appeared, cloak fluttering. Naruto stood beside him, eyes glowing gold.
The others instinctively stepped back.
"That's…." Shizune gasped.
"His chakra… It's incredible."Mei blinked.
"He did it…"Konan's eyes widened, sensing Kurama's presence.
"Now that's a transformation."Anko let out a low whistle.
"Hehe… not bad, right?"Naruto rubbed the back of his head.
Hashirama stepped forward, studying Naruto with awe.
"You've mastered it completely. I can sense the harmony between you and the Nine-Tails."
"Kurama and I are on the same team now."Naruto nodded.
"Good. The Will of Fire burns strong."
Hiruzen looked pleased, though no one paid attention to him.
Minato turned to Tsunade. "Everything is ready. Naruto has full control. We'll teleport to Kakashi's side."
"Go. We'll hold the village."Tsunade nodded firmly.
She looked at Kurenai and Konan. "You two stay. Help Shizune maintain order. This village is a target."
"We'll protect it."Konan nodded silently. Kurenai placed a hand over her chest.
"About time I stretch my legs," Anko smirked.
"You're really going?"Chōjūrō looked at Mei.
"Of course. My man's out there."Mei raised a brow.
"Let's move."Minato smiled faintly, preparing the seal.
"We're ready."Hashirama and Hiruzen said as they stepped closer.
The air rippled with chakra.
With one motion, Minato activated the seal.
Golden light burst outward, and they were gone.
Only Shizune, Konan, and Kurenai remained in the office.
The stillness was broken only by Kurenai's whisper.
"He's finally caught up to them."