Naruto sat cross-legged in his home, eyes locked on Menma and Kuro Kakashi as they worked on a complex seal formation. The room was dimly lit, shadows flickering across the walls as chakra-infused markings spread from the center of the floor to the ceiling.
"What exactly are you two doing?" Naruto asked, frowning.
Menma smirked, dusting his hands off. "We're about to introduce you to someone important."
Naruto's unease grew. Something about the formation unsettled him. It didn't seem like an ordinary summoning—there was something more ominous about it.
"Relax," Menma reassured. "It's time for you to meet someone tied to your past, someone who has been watching over the reincarnation cycle for ages."
With that, he pressed his hand against the seal. A low hum filled the air as dark energy swirled within the room. The temperature dropped. Naruto shivered.
The markings pulsed, and suddenly, an ethereal figure materialized before them.
A tall man with long black hair, piercing dark eyes, and a flowing white robe stood in the center of the formation. His robe bore six magatama symbols, and his presence exuded an ancient power that made Naruto's breath hitch.
The man's voice was deep, resonating with authority.
"This seal… interesting," he muttered, glancing at Menma and Naruto.
Naruto stepped back. "Who… are you?"
The man's gaze landed on him. His expression darkened, eyes narrowing.
"You… are Ashura's reincarnation?"
Naruto felt a strange sensation in his chest, as if something deep inside him stirred.
Then, the man turned to Menma, brows furrowing.
"And you… you possess Ashura's chakra, but it's different. Not entirely the same."
Menma grinned. "Correct. My name is Namikaze Menma, Ashura's reincarnation from another world."
Indra's eyes flickered with intrigue. "Another world? Hmph. A different Ashura, yet still foolish, I assume."
Menma laughed. "That's exactly why we need you."
Indra's eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Menma crossed his arms. "Our Lord, His Majesty, has given us knowledge about the reincarnation cycle. We know that Ashura's influence on Naruto makes him blindly forgive and seek approval, even when he suffers injustice."
Indra scoffed. "As expected of my foolish brother's legacy."
Menma's smirk widened. "And I assume you'd love nothing more than to change that."
Indra remained silent for a moment before chuckling. "You are bold. But I will humor you."
His gaze turned to Naruto.
"I will remove Ashura's will from you, but it won't be immediate. It takes time. Are you willing?"
Naruto hesitated. A part of him feared losing himself, but another part whispered… What if this is the only way to truly be free?
Before he could answer, Indra's soul surged forward.
Naruto barely had time to react before everything went black.
Naruto's Mindscape – The Sealed Space
When Naruto's vision cleared, he found himself in the familiar damp sewer-like chamber of his mindscape. Water rippled beneath his feet. The massive iron bars of Kurama's prison loomed ahead.
Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, lay coiled behind the bars, eyes narrowed in irritation.
But when Indra materialized beside Naruto, Kurama's entire body stiffened. His slitted eyes widened in shock.
"…Indra."
His voice was low, almost disbelieving.
Naruto glanced between them. "You… you know him?"
Kurama's fur bristled. "Of course I do."
Indra smirked. "It's been a while, Kurama. You were much smaller when I last saw you."
Kurama growled, baring his fangs. "I should have known. You always carried that same cold, arrogant presence."
Naruto stepped forward. "Kurama, what's going on?"
The fox didn't answer immediately. His claws scraped against the stone floor, tail flicking in agitation.
Indra chuckled. "Allow me to explain, Naruto."
He gestured toward Kurama.
"My father, the Sage of Six Paths, created the Tailed Beasts from the Ten-Tails. Kurama is one of them, a being of pure chakra. He and I met when I was still alive."
Naruto blinked. "Wait, wait. You mean… the Sage of Six Paths? You're his son?"
Indra smirked. "Indeed. I am Indra Ōtsutsuki, firstborn of the Sage of Six Paths and the original inheritor of his Dōjutsu and Ninshū. My father made a foolish decision, choosing Ashura as his successor instead of me."
Naruto frowned. He had heard the stories about the Sage's sons, but hearing it directly from Indra was… unsettling.
Kurama huffed, shaking his head. "So, what do you want with Naruto?"
Indra's smile didn't fade. "Simple. I will help him remove Ashura's lingering will and forge his own path. He is too shackled to my brother's ideals."
Kurama's ears twitched. "And what's in it for you?"
Indra's expression darkened. "I despise the world my father created. I will reshape it in my own way, starting with Naruto."
Naruto clenched his fists. "Hold on! You're talking like I don't have a choice!"
Indra chuckled. "Oh, but you do. You can continue living under Ashura's influence, constantly sacrificing for others, or…" He stepped closer.
"You can break free and find your true self."
Naruto bit his lip. He had always forgiven, even when he was hurt. But had it truly been his choice? Or was it something deeper, something programmed into his very soul?
Kurama watched the interaction carefully. His voice was low when he spoke next.
"I hate to admit it… but he's not wrong."
Naruto stiffened. "What?"
Kurama sighed. "Think about it, brat. You've spent your whole life craving acceptance, even from people who treated you like garbage. Why?"
Naruto faltered. "I… I just… want to belong."
Kurama narrowed his eyes. "Or maybe you were never allowed to choose any other path."
Naruto's hands trembled. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.
Indra smiled. "You understand now, don't you?"
Naruto looked at Indra, then at Kurama. His heart pounded.
"…If I let you remove Ashura's will, what happens to me?"
Indra's gaze softened slightly. "You will remain you, but without Ashura's subconscious influence. You will finally be able to make your own choices."
Naruto swallowed hard.
A moment of tense silence passed.
Then…
Naruto exhaled and nodded.
"Alright."
Kurama tensed. "Brat…"
Naruto looked at him, determination in his eyes. "I want to be me, Kurama. Not just Ashura's reincarnation."
Indra smirked.
"Then let's begin."
A pulse of energy surged through Naruto's mindscape, shaking the walls.
Kurama growled. "This is going to be a nightmare…"
For the first time, the Nine Tails wasn't just angry.
He was afraid.
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