Chapter 97.1- One Thousand hands

SIX MONTHS AFTER ATTACK ON KONOHA; BUNPUKU THE MONK

“The elders said I should inform you of their decision” he heard her voice again as it intruded on his meditation. Meditation that had become both more and less necessary in the months since he had broken his oath to remain in the kettle. Less necessary because it was much easier to surpress Shukaku’s hatred now than it had ever been. Their relationship had shifted since the seals had been taken in on himself. Shukaku, his friend, had taken the cursed seals, and turned them to something that bolstered Bunpuku’s strength. Now power flowed straight into and through him at all times.

On the other hand, his meditation had become even more necessary for managing his own power. Just like the Sage of Six Paths had taught. Balance, in all things. His greater power meant he could now kore easily keep Shukaku leashed, but said greater power now required even more attention to manage it and keep it in check than Shukaku did. For example, he knew that if he allowed Mina’s distraction make his hold on his power slip, she would fall unconscious just from being so close to him.

“And I informed them already. I am a Monk. I have taken an oath of non-violence. I will not head a ninja village” He said.

“They increased the base salary and even said they’d build a bigger manor for you as the Kazekage” She replied. Bunpuku scoffed. Of course those tethered to the world could not imagine how one who was removed from such chains like he was would see things.

“I still have no interest in ruling a ninja village, girl” He said before returning to his meditation.

He sat, simply feeling the power that coursed into his body and merged with his own before settling into his chakra pool before leaving with his breath as even more power came in. He knew the excess was being taken in by Shukaku. That was the only way having hundreds of cursed seals on his person had not killed him. He wondered what the power was doing to Shukaku even now. His friend was quiet— seemingly asleep, but Bunpuku knew that the tailed beast did not sleep. Not truly, at least.

When he finished, it was to find Mina still in the room.

“Did I not give you a reply already?” He wondered if he had accidentally replied in his head only and not through his mouth. So much time spent with only Shukaku for company had led to some bad habits for sure. And even worse, this particular habit wasn’t a recent one. It had plagued him since the day he had been born into this incarnation in the eternal circle.