“I don’t need shortcuts,” Naruto panted, blood dripping down his neck. “I have people who believe in me. That’s my power.”

And deep within his gut, the Nine-Tails chuckled—a low, rumbling sound that might have been respect. For the first time, the demon and the boy agreed on something: real power can’t be given. It has to be earned.

Naruto felt the mark burn into his nape—an inverted spiral, black as ink. For a moment, the world sharpened. He could hear Sakura’s heartbeat, the twitch of Kaguro’s fingers, the rustle of a snake three trees away. Power surged, clean and cold.

Later, as Sasuke leaned on his shoulder and Sakura bandaged his wound, Naruto looked back at the fallen Sound ninja.