Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"There is obviously a monster inside your body. Aren't you worried that it will take over your body after you fall asleep?" Gaara asked in a low voice, his gaze dark and intense.

Having been tormented endlessly by Shukaku, Gaara was close to his breaking point.

"I am me. I am a unique firework. Your beast and mine are worlds apart."

Naruto replied, with a hint of amusement on his face. Even if there was no system to control the power of Kyubi, he was not worried that Kyubi would break free, after all, his seal had always been very strong.

Many people had reinforced it over time, so he never had to worry. The only downside was that a significant portion of his Chakra was constantly dedicated to maintaining the seal.

But with the system allowing him mastery over the Kyubi's power, Naruto no longer had nothing to fear.

"How are they different?"

Gaara frowned.

"The one inside you is fat, and the one inside me is thin. There's a huge difference."

Naruto replied offhandedly.

To his surprise, Gaara took this seriously, and a gleam of hope appeared in his eyes.

"Then how can I control it? As long as you tell me the method, I will pay any price!"

Gaara said solemnly.

Naruto's eyes lit up, and Naruto silently asked the system, 'System, if I use the Servant Contract on Gaara, would I be able to control everything about him?'

[You can only control the target's body, but there are exceptions. In the current situation, Gaara is a Jinchuriki. So as long as Gaara signs the contract, Shukaku will also be under your control.]

Hearing this, Naruto's mouth curled into a sly grin.

Then, he said with a playful smile, "Well, you're in luck. I can make sure you get a good night's sleep."

"Please, tell me how!" Gaara's humble tone and eyes filled with desperation were a stark contrast to his usual merciless demeanor.

'Who would have imagined that Gaara, who is known for his brutality in this time, could look this vulnerable? If Kankuro and Temari saw him like this, they'll definitely be utterly shocked.'

At this moment, only Naruto fully understood Gaara's longing.

No matter how ruthless Gaara acted or what pain he had endured, he was still a kid at heart, lacking in emotional maturity.

Naruto could see that Gaara's sanity was hanging by a thread, pushed to the brink of collapse by endless torment.

All Gaara wanted now was a peaceful night's sleep.

Anyone deprived of real rest, day after day, would lose their sanity.

"That's a good attitude, but things in Konoha aren't as simple as you think. Tell me where you're staying, and I'll sneak over later."

"Okay, I'm in Room 333 at the inn on the corner. I'll be waiting for you."

Gaara replied, nodding before vanishing.

Naruto understood the reality of being a Jinchuriki, and most of their struggles were alike in many ways. Villagers feared the Jinchuriki, and the villages often assigned Anbu to keep tabs on them.

A meeting between two Jinchuriki like this would arouse suspicion, regardless of what was said.

Watching Gaara leave, Naruto wandered around the village for a while before finally heading home.

"That should do it."

Satisfied, Naruto lay down in bed.

Just now, when he was strolling around, he had gone to a public restroom, where he created a shadow clone. The clone then transformed into a random villager and left the restroom ahead of him.

The shadow clone had the same will as him. After walking for a while, the shadow clone used Transformation Technique again.

After several switches, he eventually transformed into Kankuro and headed toward the inn on the corner, Room 333.

This way, Naruto's own whereabouts would remain hidden.

Naruto knocked on Gaara's door, and at the next moment, it swung open.

"You're finally here… Wait, why is it you?" Gaara's face instantly shifted from anticipation to indifference.

"It's me, Uzumaki Naruto."

Naruto's shadow clone, who transformed into Kankuro's appearance, explained, "I can't help it. Konoha's surveillance is too tight. I couldn't risk coming as myself."

"Then hurry up and come in." Hearing this, Gaara's face softened with eagerness once again.

Inside Room 333, there was only a low table with two cups of hot tea and a bare tatami mat, making for a very sparse setup.

"Don't you cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep?" Naruto asked.

"I can't sleep anyway. Having them around just makes it harder." Gaara replied bitterly.

In case he accidentally fell asleep, the consequences would be disastrous. To avoid that, he'd removed anything related to sleep from the room… out of sight, out of mind.

"Talk about a rough life."

Naruto shook his head helplessly, then took out the Servant Contract.

"What is that?" Gaara asked.

"It's a contract. As long as you sign the contract with me, I'll gain control over the creature inside you, and you'll be able to sleep whenever you want."

Naruto explained without hiding anything, "However, once the contract is signed, you'll be under my command as well. That's the price you'll pay… are you willing to accept it?"

"This…"

Gaara hesitated.

The idea of being controlled by someone else wasn't appealing. If Naruto ordered him into a dangerous situation, he'd have no choice but to obey, potentially risking his life.

But if he continued without sleep, he was already at his breaking point, nearing the edge of madness.

After some contemplation, Gaara finally spoke up, "Could we set a few ground rules?"

"Ground rules?" Naruto smiled, somewhat intrigued, "Sure, let's hear your terms."

If he could win Gaara over without fighting, a few rules were no big deal.

He knew very well that after this Chunin Exams, Gaara would return to take on the mantle of Kazekage, and the entire Sunagakure would be under his control.

Gaara considered carefully, "First, you must guarantee my ability to sleep. Second, you can't put my life in danger. Third, you need to prove the contract is genuine, otherwise, what if you're tricking me?"

"Proof is simple. Like this."

Naruto channeled the Kyubi's Chakra, moving in a flash to stand directly in front of Gaara.

The sand in Gaara's gourd automatically surged up to defend him.

However, Naruto's hands had already turned into sharp claws, and the dark red Chakra turned into substantial gloves. With a swift pull, Naruto tore the sand barrier apart.

The violent Kyubi's Chakra permeated each grain, breaking down Gaara's Absolute Defense, leaving only scattered sand on the floor.

"I could end you easily. And even if you unleash that creature inside you, you still wouldn't be my match."

Naruto's claws hovered just an inch from Gaara's carotid artery, a tiny movement away from slicing his throat.

"I… I believe you," Gaara gulped, the reality sinking in.

'Indeed, this guy could easily take my life, so why would he need to rely on a contract?'

"I remember you mentioned your contract was valuable. We barely know each other. So why are you helping me?" Gaara couldn't understand Naruto's thoughts.

Naruto smiled and explained, "It's very simple. By signing this contract, you will become my most loyal ally. Through the contract, I can make the creature within you submit, allowing you full control over its power. This will make you stronger, which benefits me as well."

Naruto knew that each tailed beast had a unique strength, and Shukaku was particularly strong in defense. Having that kind of power on his side was invaluable, even exceeding Kage-level strength.

After hearing this, Gaara finally understood.

The contract would let him get the rest he needed, while Naruto would gain a formidable ally. In essence, both were gaining what they sought, and it was a fair deal.

Realizing he could finally control Shukaku's full power and be free from its influence, Gaara's eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.

"Alright, I agree to sign the contract!"