351-355

Chapter 351: Kusanagi Blade: As-You-Will Sword

From the outset, engaging in battle with Orochimaru, one of the legendary "Three Sannin," was beyond Kakashi’s expectations. This was supposed to be a seemingly minor C-rank mission, with only a hint of risk. How had it escalated to such a dire situation?

Even though Naruto and Sasuke were undeniable geniuses,

geniuses becoming masters required time.

Facing an elite like Orochimaru at this stage was too early for them. Whether stepping onto such a battlefield now would mold them for the better or break them, Kakashi couldn’t say. Nor did he have the luxury to ponder. The die had been cast, and all he could do now was accept the reality before him. He had to exhaust every ounce of his wisdom to carve out a path of survival for his students.

“*Boom!!*”

A massive azure serpent erupted from the waters below.

Its headbutt shattered the rocky terrain, sending seawater splashing everywhere. Although the powerful strike missed its target, it served another purpose—splitting Kakashi and his students apart.

Faced with such a monstrous attack, Kakashi felt a deep sense of helplessness.

His expertise lay in combat against human adversaries, not colossal beasts.

While he had his own summoned animals, the Eight Ninja Hounds wouldn’t even be a snack for this serpent. Moreover, his canine companions specialized in support rather than direct combat. Summoning them in this situation would be pointless.

Kakashi had no choice but to unleash his ultimate technique.

In an instant, Kakashi completed the necessary hand seals. In his right hand, an intense, blinding bolt of lightning crackled to life, producing a deafening sound like the cries of a thousand birds. Moving like an arrow loosed from its bow, Kakashi darted forward, the electric blade in his hand slicing through the azure serpent’s neck with precision.

A waterfall of blood gushed from the serpent's slender wound.

Chidori—Kakashi’s signature technique.

Initially named "Chidori" for the thousand-bird-like sound it emitted, the technique later earned the moniker Raikiri (“Lightning Cutter”) after Kakashi sliced through a bolt of lightning with it during a mission. Despite the dramatic name, the two versions of the technique were functionally identical.

Taking down the azure serpent with one strike didn’t ease Kakashi’s tension. Orochimaru was far from an opponent who could be defeated so easily. Moreover, with Kakashi’s chakra reserves, he could use Raikiri only four times in a single battle. Using it once right at the start was already a costly expenditure.

Just as Kakashi regrouped with Naruto and Sasuke, Orochimaru launched his second attack.

Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets.

This wasn’t one of Orochimaru's snake-based secret arts but an official, high-level Wind Release technique. Kakashi knew this jutsu—it created high-speed air projectiles. However, while his own version produced only bullet-sized attacks, Orochimaru’s projectiles were the size of fists.

Their destructive power was immense. On land, they could flatten an entire forest. On the ocean, it made no difference; the danger remained unchanged.

With the assistance of his Sharingan, Kakashi had the speed to evade. But with Naruto and Sasuke beside him, dodging wasn’t an option.

Kakashi could escape, but the boys couldn’t. Compared to an elite like Orochimaru, their speed was still akin to fledglings.

“Damn it!” Kakashi gritted his teeth. Orochimaru had calculated that he wouldn’t abandon his students, using this widespread attack to force him into a corner. The only way to counter a ninjutsu assault was with another ninjutsu. The legendary Third Raikage could take a Tailed Beast Bomb head-on with his body, but Kakashi was no Raikage.

Water Release: Water Wall.

Kakashi wisely opted for the most chakra-efficient response.

Using the ocean water around him, he raised a swirling barrier of liquid to absorb the incoming projectiles. Though successful, this exchange was just the beginning. The real battle had only just started.

“*Super Beast Scroll Technique!*”

Naruto had already taken out a brush and paper.

In quick, deft strokes, he drew multiple flying beasts on the page. As the battle between Kakashi and Orochimaru reached a new tempo, hundreds of ink-colored birds burst from the paper and charged at Orochimaru and Sasori, who was observing nearby.

“This one’s yours, Orochimaru,” Sasori remarked indifferently, showing no interest in the incoming attack.

“What a fascinating technique.” Orochimaru chuckled lightly, raising a hand to summon several snakes from beneath the water’s surface. The serpents leaped up, shattering the ink birds in midair. As for those headed toward Sasori, Orochimaru didn’t bother intervening.

“You snake bastard,” Sasori growled.

From beneath his robes, a mechanical tail emerged, smashing the ink birds with ease. Though forced to act, Sasori’s irritation was evident. If circumstances had been different, he might have retaliated against Orochimaru on the spot.

“*Naruto!*” Kakashi barked in a low, urgent tone. “This opponent is too much for you two. Take Sasuke and escape into the air. Now.”

The urgency and authority in Kakashi’s voice left no room for debate.

Suppressing their emotions, Naruto and Sasuke obeyed without protest. As Kakashi formed hand seals at lightning speed and unleashed another jutsu, Naruto’s brush moved just as swiftly. Within seconds, a massive black eagle emerged from the paper, its wings spreading wide. The two boys climbed aboard, sharing a determined glance before taking to the skies.

In the beginning, their hesitation to flee stemmed from inexperience. But now they understood: remaining would only burden Kakashi.

As long as they stayed, Kakashi would be forced to split his focus protecting them. He wouldn’t even have the option to retreat. Teaming up to defeat enemies of this caliber wasn’t feasible at their current level.

Though frustrated, Naruto and Sasuke were painfully aware of their limitations. They lacked the destructive ninjutsu needed to make a difference. Not because they hadn’t been taught but because their elders had deliberately withheld such techniques to protect them from causing unintended harm during their Academy days.

This careful restraint, aimed at fostering steady growth, had left them ill-equipped for situations like this.

Both boys made a silent vow: once this ordeal was over, they’d seek out Jiraiya or their other mentors to learn powerful jutsu.

“*Trying to run?*” Orochimaru smirked as his eyes locked onto the ink eagle soaring into the sky.

His lips curled into a cold, menacing grin.

In the next second,

Under Kakashi's stunned gaze,

Orochimaru’s head shot toward the sky, his neck stretching to an absurd length. He paid no attention to the ‘Water Fang Bullet’ Kakashi had unleashed. The high-speed rotating water chunks tore his body to shreds, but Orochimaru's airborne head opened its mouth wide.

Two slimy, mucus-covered hands emerged from the mouth, and a brand-new Orochimaru appeared mid-air, as the remnants of his old body scattered like ash.

But this wasn’t the end.

Orochimaru’s tricks were far from over.

Under Naruto and Sasuke’s astonished gazes, Orochimaru opened his mouth once again. A shimmering long blade shot out at high speed, extending toward the dark giant eagle in front of him. The blade pierced through the eagle’s belly, then impaled Sasuke’s right leg and Naruto’s right hand.

As a result,

The dark eagle dissolved into ink, scattering everywhere.

The injured Naruto and Sasuke fell downward.

Unbothered, Orochimaru leisurely retracted the Kusanagi Sword: Flexible Blade, swallowing it back into his stomach. As a devoted collector of Kusanagi swords, he owned more than just the Sword of the Sky; he had several unique Kusanagi swords.

The Flexible Blade, capable of extending and contracting at will, was one of his most cherished Kusanagi swords, on par with the Sword of the Sky, which had been taken by Uchiha Shisui.

“Naruto!! Sasuke!!”

Standing below, Kakashi’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

Despite all his precautions, he couldn’t guard against Orochimaru’s cunning moves. But truthfully, even Sōgen would have a headache dealing with Orochimaru’s bizarre techniques. Orochimaru might not be the strongest ninja, but he was undoubtedly the most troublesome in the ninja world.

A single misstep,

And one could easily fall victim to Orochimaru.

That was exactly Kakashi’s predicament.

Naruto and Sasuke were severely injured, their wounds piercing through bone. If not properly treated, they could face permanent disability. This meant they were entirely out of the fight. Even if they ignored the risk of future disability, the sheer blood loss alone would render them incapable of battle.

The situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse,

In an instant, it fell into the worst-case scenario Kakashi had been desperately trying to avoid.

After escorting Tazuna’s daughter back to the village, Sakura hurried back to the bridge. However, instead of finding Kakashi, Naruto, or Sasuke, she saw Tazuna pinned to the ground by a group of armed rogues.

“What’s… this?”

Sakura froze for a second, realizing something must have gone wrong. Regardless, their mission was to protect Tazuna, their client. In this situation, she needed answers. “You scum, let go of Mr. Tazuna!”

“Another Konoha ninja?”

“Weren’t all the Konoha ninjas already taken out?”

Sakura’s arrival flustered the rogues, and it wasn’t entirely unwarranted. During the previous attack, Naruto and Sasuke had beaten them senseless, and the memory of their humiliating defeat still lingered.

“You idiots, what are you afraid of? It’s just a little girl! The troublesome Konoha ninjas are already dead. Do you think we can’t handle one pink-haired brat?”

Their leader stepped forward confidently, drawing his long sword and charging at Sakura.

His bold action spurred the others, and indeed, compared to Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura appeared far less threatening.

Unfortunately—

They failed to grasp the age-old lesson: never judge a book by its cover. Someone who looks harmless isn’t necessarily weak.

Hearing the rogues mention that “the Konoha ninjas were taken out” sent Sakura’s emotions into turmoil. How could anything happen to Kakashi-sensei? Naruto and Sasuke were geniuses! Chaotic thoughts swirled in her mind, and the possibility of the worst-case scenario filled her with agitation.

The fierce, suppressed personality within her quietly surfaced.

Water Release: Bubble Technique

Facing the oncoming rogues, Sakura didn’t hesitate or hold back. She used the secretive water-release technique taught to her by the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata. Using a bubble-blowing instrument, she created numerous transparent, bowl-sized bubbles that drifted toward the rogues on the sea breeze.

Standing upwind,

This was one of the tactics Utakata had emphasized to her.

Though the technique worked against the wind, it was far easier and more efficient when working with it. Securing the upwind position was critical.

“What are those?”

The rogues weren’t entirely clueless. Seeing the bubbles, they quickly became cautious.

But—

They still underestimated ninja techniques.

“Watch out—”

Before the warning was finished, a nearby bubble exploded. The blast wasn’t chemical but physical, releasing a powerful shockwave and a burst of scalding steam. The unsuspecting rogues were flung in all directions.

The battle,

Ended in an instant.

Half of the rogues were killed outright by the explosions. The rest were injured and in disarray. Only a few unscathed rogues, who had held back from attacking, panicked and fled, leaving their wounded comrades and Tazuna behind.

“Ugh!”

Seeing the corpses, some blown apart, Sakura nearly vomited.

She clenched her resolve and swallowed her nausea. Now wasn’t the time to break down. She had to figure out what had happened to Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke. Even feeling sick was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

*Chapter 352: Deliver the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki to Amegakure*

The unfinished bridge across the sea was stained crimson, an offering to the gods revered by the craftsmen.

Shattered corpses littered the area, and injured survivors who had lost their ability to move huddled in corners, groaning quietly. None dared raise their voices, fearing the pink-haired demon might return. Only when the pain became unbearable would they let out the faintest whimper, dreading the consequences.

Their fears, however, were unwarranted.

Sakura, having taken her first life, was struggling to suppress the urge to vomit. She had yet to learn the importance of finishing off enemies with precision.

"Mr. Tazuna, where are my teacher and teammates? What happened here?" Sakura helped Tazuna to sit on a nearby pile of wood. Though her heart was in turmoil, her rationality told her that losing her temper or shedding tears would achieve nothing now.

Remaining calm was the most critical thing.

Only by maintaining composure could she quickly communicate with Tazuna and grasp the situation.

Fortunately, Tazuna's mental fortitude was impressive.

The old man, bold enough to oppose a tycoon like Gato, displayed remarkable courage. Even after nearly losing his head moments earlier, he caught his breath and spoke to Sakura:

"Two people dressed in black suddenly appeared. Lord Kakashi and those two boys retreated south to the sea. They were locked in a fierce battle over the water."

Struggling to his feet, Tazuna staggered to the edge of the bridge, pointing toward the tumultuous southern waves.

"I saw those two boys flying on the back of a large black bird. They were struck down soon after. Then I saw Lord Kakashi rush over, diving into the water. After that... I don't know. Gato's men showed up, and my companions fled. I stayed behind to cover their retreat."

The rest was self-evident.

Gato's men captured Tazuna and prepared to execute him. Just in time, Sakura returned, defeating the mercenaries and rescuing Tazuna.

Meanwhile, the battle on the sea had already concluded.

"On the sea?"

Sakura gazed at the vast, featureless ocean. After a moment of silence, she decisively leaped off the bridge.

"Mr. Tazuna, if you're feeling alright, please return on your own! I need to find my teacher and teammates."

Her voice echoed from beneath the bridge as she sprinted across the water's surface.

Anxiousness.

This word perfectly captured Sakura's emotions. She couldn't imagine something terrible happening to Kakashi or believe that Naruto and Sasuke could be defeated. It was unfathomable, like a nightmare she couldn’t wake from, despite pinching herself hard enough to nearly cry.

"…No clues at all," she muttered.

Standing on the water, Sakura scanned the indistinguishable ocean, despair creeping in. There were no traces of battle, no signs of anything left behind.

"Calm down, Sakura. Don’t panic. Think. If it were you, where would you go in this situation?" she whispered to herself.

Her gaze shifted to the winding coastline.

Based on Tazuna's account, Kakashi had dived underwater to escape. However, ninja weren’t fish; without proper breathing equipment, they couldn’t stay submerged indefinitely. Retreating to the shore was the only logical move.

Was her deduction reliable?

Sakura wasn’t entirely confident.

But it was her only lead. Without hesitation, she began combing the coastline. Though a seasoned ninja might have returned to the village to report the situation—a protocol taught in the academy—Sakura didn’t follow that path.

Her luck, however, seemed to favor her.

She narrowly avoided Orochimaru and Sasori’s ambush, rescued Tazuna in time, and now… she spotted a figure lying on the beach. Silver hair, the green vest of a Konoha jōnin—it was none other than her teacher, Hatake Kakashi.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

Rushing over, Sakura was relieved to find he was still breathing.

"…Sakura? How… did you find me?" Kakashi weakly opened his eyes, looking at the girl dragging him to drier ground.

"Never mind that. Go! Head to Yugakure and inform the northeastern border guards about what happened here!"

These words drained the last of Kakashi's strength. He could feel the wound in his abdomen, barely held shut, tearing open again. Warm blood seeped out as his body grew colder.

*"As expected of... the Sannin… so powerful,"* Kakashi thought, recalling the battle. He had rushed to save Naruto and Sasuke when they fell but was overwhelmed by Orochimaru’s assault.

First, the Snake Sannin had struck with his extendable Kusanagi sword, leaving a gaping wound in Kakashi’s abdomen. Then, summoning six massive snakes, Orochimaru turned them into living explosives.

Caught off guard, Kakashi barely escaped, realizing further resistance would only lead to death. Orochimaru, it seemed, had other plans for Naruto and Sasuke. With no other choice, Kakashi retreated, though his injuries were far worse than anticipated. He barely reached the shore. If not for Sakura’s timely arrival, he might not have made it at all.

"Sakura, listen. It’s Orochimaru. He’s taken Naruto… and Sasuke. Have the border guards send word to the Hokage immediately," Kakashi said, his voice weak and labored.

"But, Kakashi-sensei, you—"

"Go! I… won’t die."

His firm tone left no room for hesitation.

—

In the northeastern forests of the Land of Fire, Orochimaru and Sasori moved through a narrow path, one likely known only to hunters and woodcutters. A massive snake trailed behind them, nearly blocking the entire path. Naruto and Sasuke, bound and unconscious, lay atop its head.

"Kakashi Hatake is probably still alive!" Sasori said coldly.

"That's unnecessary. Whether Kakashi lives or dies is insignificant. The priority is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"And what about that other Uchiha kid? What are you planning to do with him?"

"He's my prize. I've always been quite interested in the Uchiha, just never had a good opportunity to act... Anyway, that's my personal matter. The focus remains on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Sasori, don't change the subject."

"Hmph!" Sasori snorted.

Changing the subject? Isn't that what you're doing, Orochimaru?

Not killing Kakashi Hatake and instead letting him return to Konoha to report back was an obvious play. Sasori was becoming increasingly convinced that Orochimaru was up to no good. Unfortunately, with limited intel, it was impossible for him to deduce Orochimaru's true intentions.

"Honestly, I thought you’d kill Kakashi to avenge yourself," Orochimaru said, glancing at Sasori.

"If you're looking to fight me here, I'm more than happy to oblige," Sasori replied, his voice cold as the harshest winter wind. The chill was enough to seep into one's bones. Orochimaru daring to investigate his past was a clear provocation—practically a death wish.

Sasori held back his anger for a while.

But in the end, he couldn’t contain it.

A sharp "whoosh" cut through the air as the steel tail hidden under Sasori's black cloak pierced through Orochimaru's abdomen. The tail twisted, tearing Orochimaru clean in half. Yet, there was no blood splatter.

"Snake, get out here! Are you seriously trying to pick a fight?" Sasori snarled.

"Hey, hey, you're the one who attacked first. Don't blame me," Orochimaru's voice came from above.

He emerged from a massive serpent carrying both Naruto and Sasuke on its back. Glancing at the seething Sasori, Orochimaru decided to de-escalate. "This area seems secure. No one's going to interrupt us here. It's about time we contacted Pain, wouldn't you say, Sasori?"

"Hmph, do as you please," Sasori grumbled, retracting his steel tail.

While Sasori despised Orochimaru, he admitted the snake wasn’t easy to deal with. Completely eliminating him would require better preparation. So far, Sasori had yet to craft a replacement for his Third Kazekage puppet.

The brief clash ended as quickly as it began.

Both men were smart enough to understand the importance of knowing when to stop.

Orochimaru surveyed the area for a place to sit, then used Earth Release to create a stone platform. He and Sasori sat cross-legged upon it. Closing his eyes, Orochimaru initiated the communication method Pain had taught them, activating the rings on their fingers.

As always, Pain's response was astonishingly fast. Orochimaru and Sasori's consciousnesses were pulled into an endless dark space. In the distance, they could faintly make out the silhouette of a massive statue, standing on one of its fingers as usual.

"Orochimaru, Sasori, what's the matter?"

Pain eyed them suspiciously.

"Aren't you supposed to be on a mission in the Land of Waves? How could such a simple task go wrong?"

Pain had always kept a close watch on these two, given their dubious loyalty.

But even he was taken aback by Orochimaru's response.

"I’ve captured the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki," Orochimaru said with a sly grin.

"...What?"

Pain’s expression froze for a solid five or six seconds before his Rinnegan eyes widened sharply. "Orochimaru, do you understand what you're saying? You've captured the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? This isn't a joke, is it?"

"Just lucky," Orochimaru replied smoothly. "While carrying out the mission, we ran into a team of Konoha ninja. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was among them. It seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up... so I couldn't resist."

Couldn’t resist? Yeah, right.

Neither Pain nor Sasori believed Orochimaru acted impulsively. But Pain didn’t press for details, and Sasori wasn’t about to waste time tattling about such trivialities.

As they'd discussed earlier,

The important thing wasn’t Orochimaru's motives—it was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Sasori, is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki really in your hands?"

"Yes."

Sasori nodded. "I’ve already confirmed it. There’s no mistake—he is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki." This was true. After knocking out both Naruto and Sasuke, Sasori had thoroughly examined them. Sasuke had nothing special, but Naruto’s connection to the Nine-Tails was undeniable.

"Orochimaru," Pain said, his gaze locking onto the snake, "didn’t we agree that our current priority was gathering intel on the Jinchuriki?"

"Like I said, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Now I’m trying to figure out what to do with him... Should I let him go?" Orochimaru's feigned innocence made both Pain and Sasori nauseous.

"Send the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to Amegakure," Pain said firmly.

Whatever scheme Orochimaru had in mind, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was too enticing a bait to ignore. Even if it meant provoking Konoha’s wrath—a potential motive behind Orochimaru’s actions—Pain had confidence in his ability to handle the situation.

Based on Orochimaru's statements upon joining the organization, Sixth Hokage Madara Uchiha had long been aware of the Akatsuki and the secret of the Rinnegan hidden in Amegakure. It was no longer a secret.

Still,

The Akatsuki would inevitably clash with Konoha.

For now, they refrained from attacking because Pain wasn’t yet prepared to seal the Tailed Beasts, and Konoha was a formidable opponent. Capturing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki would likely require his direct involvement, so there was no need to rush.

But if the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was in his hands,

Even if Konoha retaliated, it would be on Pain’s home turf in Amegakure—a significant advantage. Weighing the pros and cons, Pain decided to take the bait. He was confident he could devour the lure without being caught on the hook.

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 353: Stabilizing Potion for Mangekyo Sharingan Chakra*

"What did you just say?"

Beneath the orange mask, the single crimson eye widened in shock.

In that gaze, two words were written clearly: *utter confusion.*

What the heck is going on here?

"Explain yourself clearly—how did the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki end up being sent to the Hidden Rain Village?"

Uchiha Obito, squatting in a restroom stall, didn’t even bother to chastise the sudden intrusion of Zetsu’s split-faced form. Instead, he demanded details.

Then again, as awkward as it was, a restroom wasn’t the worst place to have a private conversation, provided one could endure the embarrassment.

"It’s Orochimaru’s doing," Black Zetsu began, his voice calm and deliberate.

He detailed the intelligence they had gathered, presenting the findings with minimal error or omission.

Then—

"Orochimaru... that bastard definitely isn’t up to anything good."

Uchiha Obito ripped a piece of toilet paper, muttering curses against Orochimaru while wiping. "And what about Pain? He knows Orochimaru can’t be trusted, so why agree to this?"

"Probably unwilling to give up prey already in hand. To be fair, Konoha is no easy opponent these days. If there’s a simpler way to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it’s worth pursuing."

Obito finished wiping, pulled up his pants, and sat down on the closed toilet lid. Waiting for the flushing sound to fade, he then fixed his gaze on Black Zetsu.

"Do you think this is a good idea?"

He had noticed a peculiar tone in Black Zetsu’s words—a subtle hint of agreement with Orochimaru’s scheme.

"It’s at least not a bad one," Black Zetsu admitted, confirming his stance.

"Even though you know Orochimaru’s plan is a trap?"

"Pain understands this as well. Orochimaru has never been trustworthy. However... there’s no need to reject a beneficial opportunity out of sheer caution. Based on all factors, this move is more advantageous than not. Although Nagato can’t seal the Jinchuriki into the Gedo Statue yet, capturing the tailed beasts ahead of time is still valuable."

Black Zetsu paused and then continued,

"Remember Orochimaru’s failed infiltration of the Hidden Rain Village? According to his own account, Uchiha Sōgen has always known about the Akatsuki and the Rinnegan. Orochimaru deliberately left clues behind, so it’s likely that Konoha will launch an offensive against the Hidden Rain soon."

Obito fell silent. He stared at the bulbous figure of Black Zetsu.

"So, this is the future you and Pain want? A war between the Hidden Rain and Konoha ninjas?"

"There’s new intel."

Black Zetsu met Obito’s gaze.

"Do you remember the situation with Hōma?"

"What about it? Did Hōma and his team screw up?"

"Precisely."

"Predictable. That trash was a mistake on my part."

"The problem isn’t Hōma—it’s Uchiha Chisaya, who defeated him," Black Zetsu stressed.

Obito furrowed his brows in confusion. To him, Uchiha Chisaya was unremarkable. When it came to the Uchiha, only Sōgen, Shisui, Fugaku, and Itachi had ever caught his attention.

Chisaya and others like him? They didn’t even register.

"Chisaya awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan," Black Zetsu declared, enunciating every word.

That statement carried weight.

Obito’s expression darkened instantly. As an Uchiha, he fully understood the difference between a Mangekyo Sharingan user and an ordinary Sharingan user. The unique ocular powers awakened by the Mangekyo varied greatly in danger and utility.

"What kind of ability does he possess?"

"From what we’ve observed, it seems to be the power to control ‘wind’ with devastating offensive potential. The exact details remain unclear. But even with this partial understanding, it’s already concerning. Furthermore, it appears the Uchiha clan now possesses a method to prevent Mangekyo blindness due to overuse."

Black Zetsu paused deliberately before adding,

"If more of them awaken Mangekyo Sharingan..."

He let the implication hang in the air.

It was no exaggeration; the threat was very real.

The Uchiha clan now boasted four confirmed Mangekyo Sharingan users, all of whom seemed immune to blindness. On the battlefield, this translated into four Susano’o users. While none might match Uchiha Madara individually, together they could likely pose a challenge even to him.

"So, you want to strike first?"

Obito finally understood why Black Zetsu supported Pain’s decision.

"Yes. Sooner is better than later. The longer we wait, the greater the risks. Even if this exposes the Akatsuki to the world and pits us against the ninja nations... it’s preferable to facing an even stronger Uchiha clan in the future."

Black Zetsu’s resolve was unshakable.

Having lived for millennia, he understood how dangerous the Uchiha could be.

To be honest, the balance between the Uchiha and the Senju was a recent development, thanks to Hashirama and Tobirama’s rise to power. Historically, the Uchiha had often dominated the ninja world, with clans like the Senju and Uzumaki only able to hold their ground by joining forces.

"Don’t underestimate Uchiha Sōgen. That guy... he’s more dangerous than you think," Obito warned. "And let’s not kid ourselves: whether it’s a home-field advantage or not makes little difference to us."

"As long as the move isn’t utterly pointless, it’s worth a shot," Black Zetsu countered, mentally dismissing Obito’s cautious tone as fear of Sōgen. He didn’t voice this thought but instead steeled his determination to back Pain’s plan.

To Black Zetsu, Obito, Pain, and even Madara were mere tools—pawns on his grand chessboard. Their survival was irrelevant, so long as the ultimate goal—his mother’s resurrection—was achieved.

"At this point, I almost hope Konoha strikes first. If they do nothing, the eventual confrontation could be far worse," Black Zetsu mused aloud. To Nagato, the dream of collecting the nine tailed beasts and forging the "ultimate weapon" to birth peace through pain was paramount.

His gaze shifted back to Obito.

"Since the decision’s already made, there’s no use complaining," Obito conceded after half a minute of silence. "If Konoha truly acts, I won’t oppose a battle between the Akatsuki and them."

Uchiha Obito stood up, extended his hand to push open the restroom door, and began to walk out. Just as one foot stepped outside, he suddenly stopped and said, "But, Black Zetsu, don’t just focus on watching Konoha. Don’t forget to keep tabs on Orochimaru and Sasori as potential risks. Also... I know saying this repeatedly can be annoying, but I’ll say it one more time: don’t underestimate Uchiha Sougen. I didn’t lose to him because I was weak; it’s because he’s monstrously strong!"

With that, he stepped forward again.

"Alright, I’m heading out. If I don’t, Deidara might think I fell into the toilet. That brat would probably come in and fish me out for real."

He washed his hands at the sink.

As soon as Obito stepped out of the restroom, he heard a youthful voice.

"Obito-senpai, you’re so slow! If I hadn’t heard anything happening in there, I’d have thought you were under attack."

"How could that be? It’s just that I ate too many dumplings yesterday, and my stomach’s not feeling great."

"Huh? Really? Good thing I’m not that into dumplings. Even though they’re round like tempura, the taste of tempura is far superior. From a nutritional standpoint, tempura also provides more protein than those sticky dumplings..."

The rambling chatter gradually faded into the distance.

On the rooftop of the restroom, a large pitcher plant-like figure emerged, watching Obito and Deidara’s backs disappear into the distance. "Uchiha Sougen... Perhaps it’s indeed worth taking extra precautions. Although I can’t imagine how the Rinnegan would lose..."

Still,

Over these millennia, I’ve seen the impossible become possible more than once.

Miracles,

Are not mere fantasy.

---

*Konoha Village*

*The old laboratory beneath the Naka Shrine*

Unlike Obito, who had an unfortunate encounter with Zetsu during his time in the restroom, Sougen’s luck was considerably better. As he observed the injection of the Mangekyo Sharingan Chakra Stabilizer into Uchiha Chisaya, Shisui arrived at his side holding intelligence reports.

The Mangekyo Sharingan Chakra Stabilizer, as the name suggests, was a special drug designed to stabilize the chaotic ocular power of clan members who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, preventing them from going blind.

This was the first result of Sasori’s research under Sougen’s persistent "guidance."

The white cloak and other creations came later as unexpected bonuses.

The special drug had been Sougen’s initial and only goal. He never expected Sasori to work sincerely for him; his minimum expectation had been for Sasori to find a safer, gentler method to utilize White Zetsu’s body to stabilize the Mangekyo Sharingan powers of Shisui and Elder Fugaku. This would avoid over-reliance on the “Samehada.”

Although the Samehada could absorb and refine chakra,

It required time, and the number of prisoners in the detention facility was ultimately limited. Supporting one person was manageable, but when two pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan demanded chakra refinement to repair ocular damage, the Samehada started to show its limits.

Living weapons weren’t human,

But even they needed rest, right? Operating 24/7 would exhaust even the sturdiest machine. The Samehada was a stopgap measure; a long-term solution to the Mangekyo Sharingan’s blindness problem was essential.

"How do you feel? Any unusual reactions?"

Sougen asked softly, looking at Uchiha Chisaya, who lay on the hospital bed.

"Well, my muscles feel a bit warm, but it’s not uncomfortable. Actually, it feels quite nice," Chisaya replied honestly. "And the soreness in my eyes... it’s almost gone now."

"Excellent."

Sougen nodded with satisfaction. Sasori truly lived up to his reputation as a genius in both puppetry and pharmacology. This drug, with its long and straightforward name, had shown outstanding effects. To date, neither Shisui, Fugaku, nor Chisaya had experienced any adverse reactions.

This was much safer than crudely implanting White Zetsu’s body tissues.

"For the next week, don’t move around unnecessarily. Rest here. After that, I won’t stop you from stretching your legs however you like."

"I understand."

Chisaya lay contentedly on the bed.

She felt immensely pleased. The thought of freely wielding her ocular power in the future and fighting alongside Sougen and Shisui made the idea of a mere week of recovery seem trivial. She had plenty of patience for this.

Once Sougen was certain there were no abnormal reactions from the drug, he pulled Shisui aside into the corridor. Seeing the grave expression on Shisui’s face, he teased, "What’s wrong? You look terrible!"

"It’s about Naruto."

Shisui took a deep breath and spoke in one go, "The Communication Division received an urgent high-priority message from the northeastern border defense forces. Kakashi Hatake’s Team 7 encountered the S-rank rogue ninja Orochimaru, who recently joined the Akatsuki, along with another individual, while on a mission near the coastal border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves."

"After a fierce battle, Kakashi Hatake was critically injured, while Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha went missing, likely captured by Orochimaru. Only Sakura Haruno managed to escape unscathed and, following Kakashi’s orders, reached the command center of the northeastern border defense forces in Yugakure. Through their channels, she relayed this information back to the village."

After finishing, Shisui took a deep breath, replenishing his depleted oxygen.

Sougen froze for two seconds, then scratched his head with a helpless expression.

"Orochimaru, huh?"

That guy just doesn’t know how to stay still.

After abandoning his plan to destroy Konoha, he’s up to new schemes. It’s as if he lives by the motto, ‘If I’m alive, I’m causing trouble.’  

"What’s your plan for this, Sougen?" Shisui asked softly, his composure restored.

"Hmm, hard to say."

Sougen shook his head.

"There’s too little intel right now. Let’s wait until Kakashi and Sakura are rescued... So, Shisui, I’ll have to trouble you to make a trip. You have the necessary credentials for the northeastern border forces, right? Remember, rescuing them is the priority. Especially Kakashi—don’t let him die. If their medical resources aren’t enough, bring him back to the village for treatment immediately."

"Understood."

Shisui nodded decisively.

In the next moment,

Sougen blinked, and Shisui, a living person just a second ago, vanished into thin air. Left alone in the dim corridor, Sougen watched as his solitary shadow flickered in the wavering light.

"Orochimaru, huh? That guy really knows how to stir up trouble. Kidnapping Naruto is one thing, but he had to take Sasuke too. Now he’s just making things difficult for me."

He thought of Sasuke, the prodigy he once held no affection for and even considered eliminating early on. The prospect of Sasuke’s disappearance becoming public was sure to unleash chaos.

*Chapter 354: The Fifth Pair of Mangekyō Sharingan*

The news of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki being abducted spread rapidly among Konoha’s top brass.

This was not something that could be kept secret.

Kakashi Hatake, lying in the intensive care unit of Yakushi’s hospital, had already drawn attention. As someone responsible for protecting the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, his condition was enough to raise suspicion. With the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki not returning to the village, but Kakashi himself gravely injured, the situation spoke volumes.

Moreover, many in the northeast border defense forces were privy to the details of the incident. While hiding the matter wasn’t impossible, it was incredibly difficult. Furthermore, once exposed, the fallout would only worsen. Although the Sixth Hokage, Sōgen, did not face the opposition that Danzo once did, he wasn’t about to rule as a tyrant ignoring the voices below.

Thus, rather than let rumors run wild, Sōgen decided to release limited information to control public opinion within the village, preventing panic and rampant speculation.

Under Sōgen's directive, the ANBU and police force collaborated to develop a meticulous strategy, ensuring the news of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki’s abduction spread in a controlled manner. The result? The villagers were informed, but panic was avoided. This was a stark contrast to the absurd spread of the rumor years ago that Naruto was a demon fox—a tale that remarkably managed to remain consistent despite the typical nature of rumors to evolve.

This consistency, an anomaly in itself, highlighted the Third Hokage’s remarkable grip over the village's narrative.

---

“Hokage-sama, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki must be retrieved immediately. Regardless of Akatsuki’s intentions, Konoha cannot be without its own Jinchūriki.”

Speaking was Hyūga Masayuki, one of the elder advisors. Despite his advanced age, the influence of power invigorated him, and his booming voice interrupted Sōgen’s wandering thoughts.

“Mm, I agree. We must rescue them,” Sōgen nodded in acknowledgment.

“Hyūga-dono, don’t oversimplify the matter,” countered another advisor, Kime Kudō. “The Akatsuki isn’t just any small-time group. If they can accommodate someone like Orochimaru, they’re no shallow waters. A reckless move could be disastrous. We need to plan thoroughly.”

“Plan thoroughly? Do you think we have that luxury? If we delay, forget retrieving the Nine-Tails—we may not even find Uzumaki Naruto’s bones!”

“And yet rushing in will only waste lives unnecessarily.”

“Konoha shinobi do not fear sacrifice! If the mission succeeds, some loss is acceptable.”

“Acceptable? Are you saying our comrades' deaths are justifiable?”

“Isn’t that the essence of being a shinobi? We live by the blade, and sacrifice is inevitable. Recovering the Nine-Tails to prevent greater future losses is the more pragmatic choice.”

The two advisors, representing vastly different factions, argued heatedly. Masayuki, a prominent figure of the Hyūga clan, stood for the interests of the noble families, while Kime, from a modest family, spoke for the smaller clans and civilian ninjas. Their ideological differences only fueled their disputes.

The scene was the Hokage’s office.

Present were the Sixth Hokage Sōgen, the two advisors, and two other special guests: Uchiha Fugaku and his son, Uchiha Itachi. Both were there because the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto, wasn’t the only one abducted—Uchiha Sasuke, his teammate, had been taken as well.

This wasn’t an official meeting, but a private discussion.

Sōgen, who disliked formal gatherings, had the power to decide matters on his own, provided the advisors didn’t strongly oppose him. Even if they did, he had ways to resolve their concerns before they left the room.

The Hokage tuned out the advisors’ quarrel, contemplating his next move. Orochimaru’s unexpected capture of Naruto and Sasuke had thrown things off course. If it were just Sasuke, he could attribute it to the mysterious “force of destiny.” But with Naruto also taken, the situation had become increasingly chaotic.

---

“Hokage-sama.”

Breaking the deadlock between the advisors was Uchiha Itachi.

The usually reserved and composed prodigy of the Uchiha clan stood, his expression uncharacteristically grim. The calm warmth often seen in his demeanor was replaced by a sharp intensity. His gaze, piercing and resolute, silenced the room.

“Itachi, what is it you wish to say?”

Sōgen met the gaze of this young man he had once despised.

“I want to know where Orochimaru’s Akatsuki base is located.”

“What for? Are you planning to storm in alone?”

“…”

Itachi didn’t answer.

Instead, his jet-black eyes suddenly turned a vivid scarlet, with black tomoe swimming together, forming a distinct three-bladed windmill pattern—Mangekyō Sharingan.

“This… is?”

Hyūga Masayuki stared in shock.

Another Mangekyō Sharingan? The Uchiha clan must be basking in divine favor.

According to Hyūga clan records, in over a millennium, the Uchiha had never had more than three Mangekyō users simultaneously. Now, with Hokage Sōgen, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Fugaku, and now Uchiha Itachi, the number had reached an unprecedented four!

Four Mangekyō Sharingan users?

Even if the First Hokage were resurrected, would he stand a chance against today’s Uchiha clan?

Beside him, Kime Kudō gaped, equally stunned. Though his knowledge of Mangekyō Sharingan came mainly from the Second Hokage’s documented warnings, it didn’t diminish his awe of the Sharingan’s power.

“When did you awaken this?”

Sōgen asked calmly, unfazed by the revelation.

Itachi’s potential had always made awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan a matter of circumstance. A sufficiently intense emotional trigger would naturally bring it about.

Itachi’s answer confirmed Sōgen’s hypothesis.

“When I heard that Sasuke had been taken by Orochimaru.”

"So, this happened this morning?"

Sougen tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

What defines a genius?

This is a genius—unlocking the Mangekyo Sharingan as if it were as simple as eating or drinking. If Uchiha Ranshan heard about this... he'd probably be so furious his face would distort.

"Around 7:06 AM," Uchiha Itachi replied with precision.

"Since even you have awakened it... there's no need to consider the plan anymore. Elder Fugaku, have you told him about that yet?"

"Not yet. Without your permission, as clan leader, I haven’t told anyone," Uchiha Fugaku said, sitting steadily on the sofa.

"Alright, looks like I'll have to take some time to explain things," Sougen said, glancing at Hyuga Masayuki and Kime Kugato. The Uchiha clan's secrets were best kept within the clan. Certain things couldn’t be discussed here.

"Let’s move to another location."

Beneath the Naka Shrine.

Uchiha Itachi silently observed the scene before him, entirely different from his memories. After passing through the secret meeting room once used by clan members, they entered a much larger and more open underground space. The deep corridors and flickering lights made it look far from welcoming.

He glanced at his father, whose expression remained unchanged, and realized that his father must have been here before.

However, Itachi was certain:

The space beneath the Naka Shrine hadn’t been this vast before—at least not when his father was still clan leader. Back then, there hadn’t been so many passageways.

"Itachi, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. You now have the qualifications to learn some of the clan's secrets," Sougen suddenly said as he led the group forward.

"Clan leader, when are we going to rescue Sasuke?" Itachi asked directly, changing his address from “Hokage” to “clan leader.”

The question made Sougen shake his head with a wry smile. Truly, a great older brother willing to abandon the clan for his younger brother.

"In a week."

"A week?" Itachi frowned deeply.

"Why wait a week?"

"Because if all goes well, in a week, you won’t have to worry about going blind and can fully utilize the power you gained today," Sougen replied, stopping at the doorway of a room. He knocked on the door and said, "Chihaya, we’re coming in!"

"Sougen?"

Inside, Uchiha Chihaya sat on a hospital bed with a manga in hand. "Elder Fugaku? And Itachi?" She seemed puzzled by the sudden group of visitors. But the moment her eyes landed on Itachi, her expression shifted.

As Sougen’s trusted confidant, Chihaya had known about this research base even before unlocking her Mangekyo Sharingan. However, Itachi wasn’t part of Sougen’s inner circle. Even though he was the most talented Uchiha after Sougen and Shisui, there were things he hadn’t been allowed to access.

The fact that he was here could only mean one thing.

"A genius..." Chihaya murmured. If she hadn’t awakened her own Mangekyo Sharingan, she might have felt envious of Itachi’s talent. But now, her mindset had changed.

"Itachi, have you awakened yours too?"

"'Too'?"

That one word immediately made Itachi realize why Chihaya was here. "Do all members of the clan who awaken their Mangekyo Sharingan come here?"

"For now, yes," Sougen replied, nodding. "Shisui’s been here, Elder Fugaku’s been here, Chihaya’s here now, and now you. If nothing unexpected happens, every clan member who unlocks their Mangekyo Sharingan will eventually come here."

"Even though you’ve only had it for a short time... with your talent, you’ve probably already noticed the instability in your eyes’ power, haven’t you?" Sougen picked up a pear from a fruit basket on the table, wiped it with his sleeve, and took a big bite. The sweet juice moistened his throat.

"So, there’s a way to solve that issue here?"

Itachi raised an eyebrow slightly. "And this method will take at least a week to resolve?"

Talking to someone as smart as Itachi always made things easier. Sougen didn’t need to spell everything out—Itachi pieced the clues together on his own.

"Exactly. If all goes well, in a week, you’ll be able to use the Mangekyo Sharingan without any worries. By then, with me, Shisui, Chihaya, Elder Fugaku, and you—and maybe others joining in—we’ll have a strong enough force. That said, I don’t plan to rely on outsiders. The mission to save Naruto and Sasuke isn’t something we can win just by numbers. Orochimaru and the Akatsuki won’t be easy to handle."

Sougen wasn’t exaggerating.

Even with the Rinnegan, he didn’t consider himself invincible. If Black Zetsu and Obito managed to resurrect Uchiha Madara and restore him to peak form, Sougen knew he’d struggle to defeat the ancestor. After all, both wielded the Rinnegan, and Madara’s understanding of its power far surpassed his own.

So, caution was essential.

If they acted, they needed overwhelming strength to ensure victory, leaving no room for their enemies to play their trump cards.

"But a week... what about Sasuke?"

"If Orochimaru didn’t kill Sasuke immediately, I’m confident he can hold out for a while. Orochimaru is reckless, but he doesn’t do meaningless things. Taking Naruto is one thing, but capturing Sasuke too? He must’ve forgotten my warnings and set his sights on our clan’s eyes."

As he spoke, Sougen cast a deep look at Itachi, then turned to Fugaku.

"Elder Fugaku, I’ll need you to keep an eye on Itachi this week. Make sure he doesn’t act impulsively."

"I’ll watch him closely," Fugaku replied solemnly.

Sougen nodded, skipping the pointless threats. Instead, he turned to Itachi again and said gently, "And Itachi, don’t forget—your little sister is waiting for you at home. Favoring one sibling over the other isn’t the mark of a good brother!"

(End of chapter)

Chapter 355: Naruto and the Beauty

Walking home along the pathway paved with bluish-gray stone bricks, Fugaku Uchiha slid open the door to find an adorable little figure sitting on the wooden floor of the entryway. The moment the sound of the door opening reached her, she raised her head. When she saw Fugaku entering, she let out a cheerful cry:

“Daddy! Welcome home!”

The little girl leaped up excitedly, standing on tiptoe and stretching out her plump, tender little arms for a hug.

Her sweet demeanor almost melted Fugaku’s heart.

Indeed, daughters were undeniably more lovable than sons.

“Shoko, have you been a good girl at home today?”

The stern and frosty visage Fugaku usually wore melted away, replaced with a doting smile. He spread his arms wide and pulled his little daughter into a gentle embrace, as if holding a fragile treasure. His favoritism toward his daughter was blatant, a privilege neither Itachi nor Sasuke had ever experienced.

“Where’s Itachi?”

The little girl peeked out from Fugaku’s embrace, glancing toward the other rooms but seeing no sign of her older brother.

“Itachi... is out on a mission,” Fugaku replied, his ears catching the faint clinking of dishes in the kitchen. His tone softened further. “Itachi and Sasuke both went out on missions. They’ll be back after a while.”

At barely five years old, Shoko Uchiha didn’t pick up on the nuances in her father’s words.

She merely hugged his neck tightly, her voice full of aspiration. “One day, I’ll become as amazing a ninja as Itachi and Sasuke!”

“Is that so? Then Shoko must study hard at the Ninja Academy!” Fugaku said, patting her head affectionately.

Of course, the "mission" story was a convenient fabrication.

Itachi was currently undergoing observation and recovery in the research base beneath the Naka Shrine, having received an injection of a certain serum with a name too long to remember. Though tasked with monitoring their “golden boy,” Sozeng nonetheless insisted Fugaku return home briefly to comfort his wife and daughter.

If Fugaku didn’t handle the matter personally, there was a high chance Sozeng would have to visit the Uchiha residence himself to explain the situation—a prospect far less convenient.

---

After dinner, Shoko was invited out by friends to play.

With the clan’s improved living conditions, a baby boom had ensued, and it was common to see families welcoming second or third children. Shoko was one such example. The Uchiha compound was no longer just a place of quiet old men taking strolls or playing chess; now it was alive with the laughter and chatter of children.

Not just classmates from the Academy—Shoko had plenty of friends within the clan itself.

---

Once their daughter had left, Mikoto Uchiha, having deftly cleaned the kitchen, approached her husband. Her face bore a serious expression.

“Fugaku, what happened to Itachi?”

Fugaku, now sitting cross-legged on the tatami, sighed heavily. “Itachi’s fine. In fact, something good has happened to him—though it’s not something I wanted to happen.” His tone carried a trace of helplessness.

The awakening of Itachi’s Mangekyō Sharingan, born out of the anguish of losing his younger brother, was anything but a cause for celebration.

“Itachi... awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan?” Mikoto asked softly. Though she had long devoted herself to being a homemaker, she was no stranger to the clan’s affairs. Fugaku never kept secrets from her, and the significance of the Mangekyō Sharingan was well known to her.

She immediately understood her husband’s sigh.

“It’s not entirely bad,” Fugaku reassured her. “The stronger our clan becomes, the greater our chances of bringing Sasuke back safely. The village is already devising a rescue plan. Naruto and Sasuke both remain priorities.”

“... I understand.”

Mikoto’s face turned slightly pale.

The thought of her youngest son, missing and unaccounted for, had become her greatest nightmare. When she first heard Sasuke had been captured by the rogue ninja Orochimaru, she had fainted on the spot from the shock.

“Do you really think Sasuke can come back?” she asked in a trembling voice.

“He will come back,” Fugaku declared resolutely. “Itachi and I will bring him back. Whoever stands in our way—” his voice grew cold, “—will be eliminated.”

---

Meanwhile, in an unfamiliar place...

Naruto’s consciousness emerged from a deep black void, his mind foggy and sluggish. Staring blankly at the dull gray ceiling above, it took him a while to shake off the stupor. As his mind awakened, his thoughts began to race.

“My right hand...”

Fragments of pain flooded his memory—sharp, searing pain like being engulfed by a tidal wave. Instinctively, he tried to lift his right hand.

It was a struggle.

Every part of his body ached with a dull, throbbing soreness. Moreover, his chakra felt dense and heavy, almost like mercury, making it impossible to control.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he expended great effort to bring his hand into view. He stared at it, astonished. There was no bandage, no wound—not even a scar. It was as if the injury he remembered so vividly had been nothing more than a nightmare.

“Your body has remarkable healing abilities,” came a soft, soothing voice from nearby. “When I first saw your hand, I could see the wound straight through from the back to the palm. Yet in just three days, you’ve healed completely—not even a scar remains.”

Startled, Naruto turned toward the source of the voice.

Turning his head in the direction of the sound, what greeted his eyes was the icy gleam unique to steel—a set of cold, imposing iron bars. Alright, it seemed he wasn’t dreaming. Had he really become a prisoner?

He quickly grasped and accepted his situation.

This outcome wasn’t entirely unexpected.

As he grew older, Naruto had gradually come to understand the weight of his identity as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. Both Grandpa Jiraiya and the Sixth Hokage had repeatedly warned him that this status would bring endless trouble.

So, in some ways, he was mentally prepared for this.

“Still, I wonder how Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei are doing?”

Naruto took a deep breath, pushing aside his useless distractions. He shifted his attention to the person who had spoken.

It was a beauty!

With just one glance, he formed this impression.

The figure had long, raven-black hair tied into a waist-length ponytail, a complexion as fair as if sunlight had never touched it, and features so striking they blurred the line between masculinity and femininity. Clad in a fitted, moon-white robe and carrying a small blade at the waist, the figure radiated elegance.

Truly, breathtakingly beautiful!

This might be the most beautiful person Naruto had ever seen.

“It’s been three days since I passed out?” Naruto pushed aside his swirling thoughts and focused on the information revealed in the stranger’s words.

“Lord Orochimaru captured you four days ago on the eastern coast of the Land of Fire,” the beauty said directly, offering Naruto the information he sought without hesitation. This frankness left Naruto stunned for a moment, unsure of this stranger’s intentions.

“You don’t need to worry about me deceiving you. There’s no benefit for me in doing so,” the beauty added. “Of course, I have no proof that what I say is true. Whether you believe me is entirely up to you. My role here is simply to guard you.”

Naruto studied the person carefully. “I think you misunderstand me. I’m less concerned about truth or lies and more curious why a guard like you would share this with a prisoner like me. Aren’t you worried about angering your superior?”

“My duty is to ensure you and your companions stay alive and remain here. Beyond that, what I do is my choice. Lord Orochimaru doesn’t interfere,” the beauty replied. “Oh, by the way, my name is Haku. You can call me that. And, I’m male.”

Naruto froze for a solid thirty seconds before recovering from the revelation. “You mentioned my companion earlier? Sasuke? How is he? Is he alright, Haku?” Naruto, still uneasy about Haku’s lack of malice, awkwardly addressed him by name.

“For now, he’s fine,” Haku said with a nod. “Unlike you, he doesn’t have your regenerative abilities, so the injury to his leg hasn’t fully healed. However, he did wake up before you. Likely due to his Uchiha lineage. And no, I can’t take you to see him.”

Hearing that Sasuke was alive, Naruto let out a long sigh of relief.

That’s good.

At least Sasuke was safe.

The tension in his heart finally eased, and the adrenaline in his system began to fade. Exhaustion overtook him.

“And Kakashi-sensei? What about him?” Naruto asked after calming down.

“I don’t know,” Haku replied, shaking his head. “According to Lord Orochimaru, ‘Cold-blooded Kakashi’ didn’t die on the spot. He was gravely injured and escaped. Whether he survived is uncertain.”

“I see.”

Naruto wasn’t overly disappointed.

Knowing Sasuke was alive was already a blessing. Kakashi-sensei was strong; he’d probably be alright. And if the worst had happened… well, there wasn’t much he could do.

“Naruto, if I may,” Haku suddenly said, his tone turning serious. “I must warn you against any reckless actions. If you need anything, tell me. As long as it’s within reason, I’ll do my best to accommodate. But do not entertain any ideas of escape.”

Haku stepped closer, his gaze sharp as he stared at the exhausted Naruto lying on the bed. “Though I detest fighting, I’ll follow Lord Orochimaru’s orders without hesitation. As your guard, I won’t let you leave this cell.”

As he spoke, pale frost spread from his feet, quickly coating the iron bars with a thick layer of ice.

“Rest well, Naruto. Call out if you need anything; the guard room is nearby,” Haku said, turning to leave. But after a few steps, he paused and added, “Your body must be too weak to move right now, but shouting shouldn’t be a problem.”

With that, Haku disappeared down the corridor.

Naruto closed his eyes, deciding to sleep. His body still felt drained, and his mental clarity didn’t last long. Oddly, he wasn’t hungry or thirsty, perhaps due to being fed through a drip while unconscious.

For now, rest was the best way to regain his strength.