The Swirling Tides

Chapter 4: Acquaintance

Uzumaki Library: Hidden Chamber

"So? Which one will it be, Naru-chan? Phoenix, Dragons, or Toads? And before you ask - no, you can't have more than one of these contracts."

Naruto genuinely considered all three of the options before coming to a proper conclusion. The toads were the worst choice because of there being another summoner alive - who was both a senior summoner and a potential enemy for all he knows.

That left him with only two choices - the phoenix and the dragon. Since he preferred fighting up and personal, the dragon's scales and strength seemed to give him the most advantage. Besides, he preferred combat type summons than the delicate nobles that the phoenix seemed - even though they might be powerful. He honestly believed the phoenix would suit his sister better.

Making up his mind, he answered his mother's question with a firm resolve. "Well, no offense to the toads or phoenix summons but I believe that for me the dragons will be better. I already have some good attacks and the dragons' defense will really help me, and since they are the best fighters of these three they will be the best choice for getting me out of tough situations.

Phoenix seems good too but they seem more offensive type with no proper defense abilities; phoenix fire sounds cool and all but I really need something like those dragon scales to help me last more during tough situations and give me a good defense."

Kushina nodded in acceptance at his choice. He didn't really have any good defensive abilities, and the dragon scales sound like more than a decent defense. Obviously, he probably already knew that they won't be easy to get. But Naruto was not known for backing down from tough situations; he will get them, no matter what; Kushina was sure about that, she knew her son well enough.

"Kaa-chan, if Onii-chan is going to have Dragon contract, then can I have the Phoenix contract?"

Kushina smiled apologetically at her daughter. "Sure Kasumi-chan, I'm sorry I didn't mention it yet but I was going to give you the other one in any case. I just wanted Naruto to choose first as he was leaving soon.

Now, I want both of you to write your name with blood here… and press your hands here…"

Hence, Naruto proceeded to sign the dragon contract while Kasumi signed the phoenix contract. After they were both done, Kushina put the scrolls back in their proper places.

She fixed them both with a stern glare as they finished signing their contracts. "Remember Naruto, Kasumi – when you summon for the first time, be ready for anything. Dragon and Phoenix summons don't let just anyone be their summoner. You will both be tested, and Naruto – I want you to be extra careful.

The Dragons believe that death in battle is the best way to die, as they are warriors. There has always been a very high casualty rate in their tests."

Both of them nodded. Kasumi made a silent note to summon only when she thinks she is ready, while Naruto decided he will pray for a long life before he summons for the first time.

'Pfft… as if some random dragon bitch will be able to kill the container of the great Kyūbi no Yōko!'

Naruto rolled his eyes at his tenant. 'You're right, the almighty queen of demons that is locked inside a human stripped off her power. Remember Kyū-chan, you can't think of all the battles we will have as plays anymore, you're no longer invincible and I am but a human who can be easily killed by the simplest mistakes…'

The demoness pouted rather cutely, but since Naruto was outside his mindscape he couldn't see it. 'You think I don't know that? But come on, do you have to keep reminding me how I got stripped off my power and sealed into you?'