Uchiha Kairen brought the Seven-Tails, Chōmei, back to the Summoning Realm through Reverse Summoning.
Chōmei looked around in surprise. Everywhere he turned, he saw ninja hounds—dozens, hundreds of them. For a moment, he was completely dazed.
"Inuboshi! I'm back. Help me out—I've got a friend with me. I want to take him to see Rossi," Kairen said, addressing a massive, three-headed hound whose size was only slightly smaller than Chōmei's.
"Kairen-sama, it's you! And… what is that? My kin seem rather frightened of him. You're looking for Rossi-sama? Please wait just a moment—your friend is… quite large."
One of Inuboshi's heads tilted curiously, studying the enormous insect before him. The second head was busy calming the pack, while the third issued a low growl-like command. Moments later, a great gate shimmered into existence behind him.
"Kairen-sama, please go ahead. I can't leave this post, so let Kurokiba take you. Big guy—you too. You're huge, you know that? This is the first time I've ever seen such a giant bug." Inuboshi sniffed twice, nose twitching with fascination.
Kurokiba padded over, rubbing affectionately against Kairen's arm before turning his sharp gaze toward the giant beetle.
"What is this? A rhinoceros beetle? Wow—it's massive! And kinda cool!"
Chōmei felt surprisingly comfortable. The dogs around him were friendly—well, most of them. Some were understandably nervous, cowed by his overwhelming chakra and towering size. But others, especially the big ones, showed not fear but pure curiosity.
Under Kurokiba's lead, Kairen and Chōmei stepped through the gate. They walked along a long tunnel until another, even grander gate loomed ahead. When they passed through, the world suddenly opened up.
A lush, endless plain of vibrant green stretched before them. To the left, a vast lake shimmered beneath the sunlight, its surface rippling with silver light. The air smelled fresh, clean—peaceful.
Kurokiba broke into a joyful run, barking now and then, clearly delighted. Before long, several more ninja hounds came bounding up, first bowing their heads respectfully toward Uchiha Kairen before turning their curious eyes to the giant creature beside him.
Some brave ones went right up to Chōmei's legs, sniffing him all over before wagging their tails and barking cheerfully, eager to play.
Chōmei couldn't help but laugh—a deep, buzzing, happy sound. It had been so long since he'd felt this lighthearted. Not only was he finally free, but now he had found creatures who seemed to genuinely accept him. These dogs… they were adorable. The first one who came to greet him—the bold, big hound—was especially endearing. He wanted to know its name.
"Hello there, little doggie. What's your name?" Chōmei asked as they walked side by side.
"You can talk! You can talk! That's awesome—so even insects can speak! How cool! Woof, woof, woof! My name's a bit long, but since I want to fit in with Kairen-sama's world, you can call me Inumaru!" the hound barked proudly, tail wagging like it had just discovered a secret of the universe.
And so, one beetle and one dog chattered away, their voices mingling in easy laughter and harmony.
Kairen watched the scene with a smile tugging at his lips. Hah… looks like Chōmei's already found his place.
As they walked, a towering white hound came into view—it was unmistakably Rossi. The great beast's golden eyes swept over Chōmei, measuring his strength before he spoke in a calm, even tone:
"So this is one of your world's tailed beasts. Judging by the tails, the Seven-Tails. You've brought him here… to settle down, then?"
Rossi's voice held no hostility, only curiosity. Yet Chōmei found himself nervous. He liked it here—the grass, the lake, the dogs—and it was clear this white hound was their leader. If Rossi disliked him, if he ordered him to leave… what then?
Out there, in the shinobi world, Chōmei was powerful. But here? Here, he could feel the overwhelming strength radiating from Rossi. And after finally making new friends, he had no desire to go back to wandering a battlefield, getting sealed, enslaved, and hated all over again.
"Yes," Kairen said, bowing deeply. "He's had it rough out there. Always getting hunted, and bound. He was imprisoned and tortured for decades—I just freed him not long ago. I'd like him to make a home here. I hope it won't trouble you."
"Trouble? Not at all. This is your home too, and one more family member is always welcome." Rossi's voice was steady, but then he tilted his head. "Imprisoned for decades, huh? You didn't avenge him? Wipe out his captors' clan or something? Need us to help?"
He said it so casually it was almost comical.
Kairen chuckled. "Haha, no worries—I already leveled the entire village. My brother here's got a bit of a temper. Can't blame him, though—who wouldn't hold a grudge after that? Anyway, it's settled then. Big Brother Chōmei—welcome home."
"I'm Chōmei," the giant beetle said a bit awkwardly. "It's an honor to meet you, and… thank you for letting me stay. Sorry if I cause any trouble."
"Hah! You can talk, that's great. Makes things easier. I'm Rossi. From now on, this is your home. If anyone outside messes with you, come find us—we're not much for manners, but when it comes to fighting, my clan's the best there is. No need to be so polite; family doesn't talk so stiffly. Pups! Prepare a feast! Let's welcome Kairen-sama's new family member!"
"Woof! Woof! Woof!"
"Howl—!"
One by one, the massive hounds scattered, running off to spread the word.
Kairen grinned. "Told you, didn't I? You'd like it here. This is the kind of place where you can live free—friends, laughter, sake, and home. You're free now, my friend. Truly free."
Chōmei was overwhelmed. Happiness surged through him, so sudden it almost hurt. He silently vowed to repay this kid—no, this little brother. Anyone who dared harm his new family… he'd annihilate their entire clan.
Ha! Finally… I've found my pack, he thought, watching the playful hounds wagging their tails and licking him affectionately.
They really seemed to like him. Maybe… he should show them a trick? After all, he could fly.
"Hey, anyone here want to go flying? I can fly~" Chōmei announced proudly, wings buzzing with excitement.
"Woah, you can fly? That's amazing! I wanna go!"
"Me too!"
"Can you carry three of us?"
"Hey! Don't cut the line or I'll bite your tail!"
The field instantly descended into chaos—dozens of ninja hounds surrounded Chōmei, barking and yipping, begging for a ride through the sky.
Chōmei didn't lose his patience. Instead, he smiled warmly, organizing them into groups of ten. "Alright, the big ones count as two, smaller ones in front—don't crowd, everyone gets a turn!"
Laughter and barking filled the air as they played together. For the first time in ages, Chōmei felt light.
So this… this is what freedom feels like.
This is what home feels like.
"Alright, everyone—hold on tight! We're taking off!"
And with that joyful shout, the Seven-Tails spread his wings wide, and the hounds of the Summoning Realm soared toward the skies, howling in delight.
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