Naruto: No One Knows That I Can Use Wood Release!

In the instant Araki heard these words, he understood what Kushina wanted to ask. If nothing unexpected had happened, Kushina had become the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails at this moment.

This was an era where Jinchuriki were not yet accepted!

Unlike in Naruto's later years, the current Jinchuriki were still seen as containers, not only by the village's higher-ups as tools but also causing panic among ordinary people.

It was because of this phenomenon that Jinchuriki were unwilling to acknowledge their identity, resorting to hiding their fragile self-esteem.

In reality...

Every Jinchuriki hoped for recognition from others!

They needed to fill the void in their hearts with love and hoped to be treated kindly by others, but they lacked the courage to take that step.

To some extent, for Kushina to actively inquire of Araki showed great courage, even preparing herself for potential harm.

"What are you thinking..."

Araki suddenly stopped in his tracks, slowly turning his head to look at Kushina. He noticed her slightly lowered head, her previous confidence and enthusiasm diminished, replaced by an indescribable sense of inferiority.

"Why would you think you're a monster!"

Araki said casually, deliberately using a light tone, not wanting to add more pressure to Kushina.

But...

Araki didn't give a direct answer.

He also wanted to see how much Kushina had to say through this approach.

At least he didn't think the conversation would end here.

Instead of leaving, he continued to gaze at Kushina. Although he had already acknowledged this girl, he still wanted to delve deeper into understanding her. After all, they had only known each other for a few days.

"I'm saying 'what if'!"

Kushina suddenly raised her hand, her pitch-black eyes filled with determination. It seemed she was unwilling to accept no answer. However, within the faint flickering fluctuations in her eyes, there was also a slight sense of relief. Not hearing the most worrying words allowed her suppressed heart to breathe a little. But now that she had asked the question to this extent, she couldn't give up!

"What if I really turn into a monster!"

"A terrifying and enormous monster!"

"And I lose my consciousness!"

"Would you still be my friend?"

Kushina's mouth spewed out words like a machine gun, her speech speed extremely fast. She didn't dare to linger on any sentence for too long. After finishing all her words, her face turned pale, as if she had exhausted all her strength.

After speaking, Kushina lowered her head again, afraid to see Araki's reaction, fearing to see something that would disappoint her.

At this moment, Araki deeply looked at Kushina.

He could tell that this might be the last time Kushina asked such a question. Today's state couldn't bear to ask for a third time, and after today, she probably wouldn't have the emotional strength to seek an answer like this again.

Araki was well aware that if he decided to sever the bond with Kushina now, it would be the most appropriate opportunity.

At this particular moment, Kushina was undoubtedly at the most helpless point in her life, and besides Araki, there might not be anyone else she could rely on like this.

However...

After Araki thought about that note...

Deep down, he didn't want to do that.

Araki was a time traveler. When he first arrived in Konoha, he couldn't understand or speak the language. He was overwhelmed by a strong sense of loneliness. Moreover, being burdened with the highly researched Wood Release kekkei genkai, he had a profound fear in his heart.

At that moment, a phrase kept repeating in Araki's mind.

Alone in a foreign land as a stranger!

All along, Araki only wanted to protect himself, keeping a low-profile and staying under his protective shell where no one wanted to befriend him.

Kushina was the exception!

That's why Araki didn't want to easily sever this rare bond, especially since he saw a reflection of his past self in Kushina, the stranger in Konoha who was accompanied by loneliness and fear.

"Even if you're a monster, we're still friends."

Araki spoke clearly, rarely displaying such a serious and solemn demeanor. He did so to make sure Kushina understood his meaning.

"Really?" Kushina suddenly widened her eyes, raised her head abruptly, and locked eyes with Araki. Her eyes were filled with intense longing and worry, afraid that everything before her might suddenly disappear.

"Really," Araki nodded without hesitation. He understood that at this moment, what Kushina needed most was this kind of affirmation. The more resolute he appeared, the more reassured Kushina would be.

"Hoo..."

Kushina immediately took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself down. Her expression became serious and earnest, and her gaze towards Araki became incredibly determined.

"If one day..."

"I mean, if..."

"I turn into a monster!"

"You must stay away from me!"

"I don't want to hurt you!"

Kushina spoke with a heavy tone, keeping her words restrained. She couldn't reveal too much to Araki, not only because it was a secret of Konoha, but also because she didn't want Araki to choose otherwise after knowing the truth. Araki had already given her the answer she wanted to hear, even if it was deceiving herself. She was satisfied with it.

"There's no need for that."

Araki shook his head, turned around, and left Kushina with a bewildering sight of his back. In an instant, he disrupted the emotions that had just moved Kushina.

Then...

Araki took steps towards the door.

But when his right hand gripped the doorknob, instead of opening the door, he stopped in place, still facing away from Kushina.

"Actually, I've never had any friends. You are my only friend."

Araki's words were not a lie. Before seeing that note, he did consider Kushina a nuisance to some extent. But that note had a unique power, like a heavy hammer striking his weakest spot in his heart.

"So I don't care if you're a monster!"

"Even if you truly become a monster, I have no reason to leave you!"

"I will stand by your side!"

Araki casually said, and after finishing his sentence, he unlocked the door and opened it, ready to leave.

"Why?"

Kushina's voice suddenly raised several decibels, seemingly surprised by Araki's words. Then she asked, "You want to stand with a monster?"

"I'm standing with a friend."

Araki said his last words and left, closing the door behind him. He left Kushina standing alone, staring dumbfounded in the direction of the door. Her thoughts continued to shake within her, unable to calm down for a long time, and tears welled up in her reddened eyes once again.

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Note: Chapters 23 and 25 were not published due to an error. They are now available! You can read them now.