251-255

Chapter 251

"Indeed, the Akatsuki is truly a terrifying organization."

Watching Kimimaro and his group leave, Kakashi chose not to pursue them. Instead, he lowered his headband, covering his left eye.

Having refrained from using his Mangekyō Sharingan, he hadn't expended too much chakra this time.

But the formidable strength of the Akatsuki members left him deeply unsettled.

Though Kakuzu wasn't as terrifying as Kimimaro, he was still no easy opponent.

Even with Kamui, Kakashi couldn't be certain of victory.

And if he did win, it would be a pyrrhic victory at best.

The thought of there being ten more enemies of this caliber gave Kakashi a headache.

As the pillar of Konoha, it was likely that he would have to face most of them.

Thus, the battle came to a close.

Kimimaro’s group, carrying Suigetsu who had clashed with Asuma, disappeared completely from Konoha's sight.

Meanwhile, Konoha's forces gathered together.

Both sides had suffered significant losses.

On Konoha's side, Ino and Asuma were seriously injured, Chōji had minor injuries, and Shikamaru and Kakashi were left in a weakened state.

On Kimimaro’s side, Hidan had his head severed.

"Perverted Sage! How did your fight with Kimimaro go?"

Having been blown away by the aftermath of the battle, Naruto and Sakura hadn’t seen its conclusion. Seeing Jiraiya now, Naruto immediately asked.

"He ran off. But if the fight had continued, I couldn’t guarantee I’d win."

Everyone was shocked to hear this.

Even Jiraiya didn’t have the confidence to defeat Kimimaro.

"Not even you, Perverted Sage…"

Naruto was the most surprised.

"Naruto, the storm is approaching. It seems I can’t afford to let you train at a leisurely pace anymore. We’re heading to Mount Myōboku immediately."

"To Mount Myōboku? Why?"

Naruto was puzzled.

"To train in Sage Mode!"

---

Meanwhile, Kimimaro and his group stopped at a safe location to rest.

"We’ll rest here for now."

"Can you reattach my head now?"

Hidan was impatient.

Being in a state where his head was separate from his body was truly bizarre.

"Alright, but you’ll have to agree to one condition first."

"What condition?"

"I’ve outlined a training plan for you. You’ll have to follow it for three months."

"Fine! Just three months, right? I’ll do it!"

Hidan agreed without hesitation.

"Good. But if you slack off, I’ll personally cut off your head again and hang it at the front gate."

"Uh… Kakuzu-senpai, can you help reattach my head instead?"

Hidan faltered slightly.

Despite Kimimaro’s seemingly gentle demeanor, when he got serious, he was more troublesome than anyone.

"No time."

Kakuzu rejected him without a second thought.

Having just lost two hearts, his mood was far from pleasant.

Seeing this, Hidan gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, fine, I agree."

Kimimaro smiled faintly and activated his Thread Binding Sutures.

In no time at all, Hidan’s head was reattached.

Crack, crack, crack… 

Hidan rotated his neck and immediately felt invigorated.

"Ah, it’s great to have my head back on my body."

"Here’s your training plan. Make sure you follow through with it."

Kimimaro tossed a stack of papers to Hidan.

Hidan’s eyes widened. "This is a training plan? If I follow this, I won’t even have much time to sleep!"

"Don’t worry. You’ll have at least six hours to sleep. Since you’re immortal, train as much as you can without dying. Don’t even think about slacking off."

Kimimaro’s innocent smile sent chills down Hidan’s spine.

"I’ll do it!"

The atmosphere became lively once more.

---

In Konoha, inside the Hokage's office:

After hearing Kakashi’s report, Tsunade frowned deeply and glanced at Asuma’s severed arm.

"To think that the Akatsuki members have such strange abilities," Tsunade muttered, walking over to Asuma.

She took the severed arm from Sakura and began channeling chakra threads between her hands.

Thread Binding Sutures! 

Years ago, Kimimaro had taught her this medical technique as compensation for treating his kekkei genkai disease.

In return, Tsunade had taught Kimimaro her Yin Seal and Strength of a Hundred Seal, ensuring the deal was fair.

Now, using the Thread Binding Sutures to reattach Asuma’s arm, her technique left everyone in awe.

Although Sakura had seen Tsunade use this technique before, she still couldn’t help but feel excited.

Having trained under Tsunade for three years, Sakura had learned nearly all her medical ninjutsu.

But this particular technique was something Tsunade hadn’t taught her, much to her envy.

Even so, Sakura knew she couldn’t complain, as Tsunade had already entrusted her with the Yin Seal and Strength of a Hundred Seal.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"

Asuma flexed his newly reattached arm, overjoyed.

He had thought his severed limb was beyond saving, and even if it were reattached, it would never be as flexible as before.

Yet Tsunade had restored it in mere moments.

This level of medical ninjutsu was almost miraculous.

"No need to thank me. You all should rest now; you’ve done well. Kakashi, stay behind."

"Yes."

The others left, leaving only Kakashi and Tsunade in the office.

"Jiraiya took Naruto to Mount Myōboku to train in Sage Mode?"

"Yes. That’s what he said before leaving. But something seemed off about him after his fight with Kimimaro. I’m not sure what happened during their battle."

Tsunade’s expression grew grave. After a moment of silence, she said, "Send out the contact toad. I want Jiraiya to report to me."

"Understood!"

Kakashi acted swiftly.

Jiraiya had left behind a contact toad in Konoha for Tsunade to reach him when necessary.

At Mount Myōboku, as Jiraiya watched Naruto train with toad oil, the contact toad arrived.

"Master Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade wants you to return to Konoha immediately."

Jiraiya sighed. "I knew I couldn’t keep this from her. Contact toad, tell Tsunade I’ll visit her after some time."

"Master Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade anticipated that. She said if you return now, she’ll consider becoming your girlfriend."

"What?!"

Jiraiya’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"A… girlfriend?"

"You heard correctly. Lady Tsunade left you this letter."

The contact toad opened its mouth and spat out a scroll.

Jiraiya quickly unrolled it, reading its contents with a complex expression.

"Tsunade… you really are something…"

Chapter 252

In a dense forest, Kimimaro sat atop the back of a large man who seemed on the brink of death, motionless and barely breathing.

"The Five-Tails Jinchūriki—captured," Kimimaro murmured as he stood up.

According to the Akatsuki’s assignments, capturing the Five-Tails Jinchūriki was originally Hidan and Kakuzu's responsibility. However, Kakuzu had lost two of his hearts and was busy replenishing them, while Hidan was sent off by Kimimaro for training. Thus, the task fell to him.

It was just another way to train his body, so Kimimaro didn’t mind.

The Five-Tails' Steam Release technique was quite interesting, and he had enjoyed himself thoroughly during the capture.

"With this one, I’ve captured four Tailed Beasts already," he said to himself.

The Two-Tails Jinchūriki, the Three-Tails, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, and now the Five-Tails.

Kimimaro was undoubtedly the Akatsuki’s most dedicated workhorse.

Suddenly, white paper fragments materialized beside him, forming the shape of Konan.

"It seems you’ve completed the mission," Konan said coolly.

"Yes. Compared to the others, the Five-Tails Jinchūriki isn’t particularly strong." Kimimaro brushed the dust off his clothes and spoke softly.

"I’ll take over from here. The sealing begins tomorrow."

With a wave of her hand, Konan enveloped the massive body of the Five-Tails Jinchūriki in layers of paper, lifting it off the ground.

"That really is a convenient jutsu," Kimimaro remarked.

Konan didn’t reply and turned to leave.

"Wait," Kimimaro called out.

"What is it?" Konan glanced back at him.

"I fought Jiraiya-sensei recently," Kimimaro stated.

Konan’s eyes flickered at the mention. "And?"

"I told him to meet Pain in Amegakure in a month."

"What?" Konan’s expression darkened like a storm cloud. "What are you trying to do?"

Since Yahiko’s death and Nagato’s transformation, Konan had dreaded the idea of Jiraiya and Nagato meeting. She knew their encounter would inevitably lead to a life-or-death confrontation.

Konan didn’t want Jiraiya to die, nor did she want Nagato to die. Their meeting would put her in an unbearable dilemma.

The anger in her eyes was clear, but Kimimaro remained unbothered, smiling as he replied, "Some problems must be resolved eventually. On Nagato’s path to peace, Jiraiya-sensei is an unavoidable stepping stone. Besides, even if I hadn’t said anything, he already suspects Amegakure."

"Rather than letting him sneak into the village unannounced, why not invite him openly? They can sit, have tea, chat, and reminisce. Isn’t that a more civilized solution? There’s no need for pointless violence between master and student."

"You’ve been talking to Orochimaru too much," Konan said, her tone still cold but less icy than before.

Kimimaro’s suggestion wasn’t entirely unthinkable. Konan had envisioned such a scenario but dismissed it as unlikely, knowing both Nagato and Jiraiya’s stubbornness.

That Kimimaro even knew of their connection made Konan think of Orochimaru, the likely source of this sensitive information.

"Konan-senpai, I know you don’t want Pain and Jiraiya to fight. There’s a way for them to coexist," Kimimaro added.

"And what way is that?" Konan asked, intrigued despite herself.

Kimimaro’s words had struck a nerve. For Konan, Jiraiya and Nagato were two of the few people she deeply cared about. If there was a way to save both, she would do everything to make it happen.

"The solution lies in this upcoming meeting in Amegakure. When the time comes, all you need to do is..."

Kimimaro outlined his plan, and Konan’s furrowed brow gradually eased, though her eyes remained skeptical.

"That’s all it takes?"

"Yes."

"You’re not hiding an ulterior motive, are you?"

"What could I possibly gain by scheming in your territory?" Kimimaro chuckled.

Konan nodded. His reasoning was sound. With Nagato’s restored health and full mastery of the Six Paths of Pain, Konan was confident in their strength. Furthermore, the meeting would take place in their stronghold.

"Alright. I’ll discuss this with Pain."

"Thank you, Konan-senpai," Kimimaro said with a faint smile as he watched her and the Five-Tails Jinchūriki leave.

"With this, half the plan is complete," Kimimaro mused. "Next, it’s time to deal with Itachi and Sasuke. The timing is just about right."

The following day, after the Five-Tails Jinchūriki was sealed, Kimimaro sought out Itachi.

"Sasuke will arrive tomorrow. Is there anything you need my help with?"

Itachi shook his head. "No. Everything is in place."

"You’ve really gone all out as an older brother. Have you ever considered that the future you’ve planned for Sasuke might not be what he wants?"

After a moment of silence, Itachi replied, "In this world of shinobi, no one has complete freedom. I had no choice back then. What I can do now is give him more options. His path will ultimately be his to walk. Perhaps one day, he’ll find a path he truly desires. He’s lucky to have a friend who hasn’t given up on him."

"You’ve met Naruto?"

Itachi nodded.

"It seems you’ve prepared thoroughly. In that case, I wish you success. I’ll be there to watch tomorrow. You don’t mind, do you?"

"Come if you wish. From what I see, Sasuke’s future will not lack your involvement," Itachi said meaningfully.

Kimimaro laughed. "Don’t worry; I won’t harm him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let him live peacefully in Otogakure for three years."

"Perhaps. Few people are as inscrutable as you," Itachi admitted.

"You only need to know I mean no harm," Kimimaro replied lightly.

Itachi said nothing.

Kimimaro’s help over the past three years—stabilizing his illness and caring for Sasuke—was perplexing. The reasons Kimimaro gave didn’t fully convince Itachi, leaving him uneasy.

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Kimimaro said, patting Itachi’s shoulder before leaving.

Watching his retreating figure, Itachi’s eyes were filled with contemplation. Eventually, he closed his eyes, seemingly reaching a decision.

When he opened his eyes again, the three tomoe of his Sharingan had transformed into a spinning Mangekyō shape—a kaleidoscope.

The *Mangekyō Sharingan*!

"By tomorrow, everything will be over," he murmured.

In a dark cave, Sasuke also opened his eyes, revealing his crimson Sharingan. Though the three-tomoe pattern in his eyes seemed less intense, they burned with fighting spirit.

Three years of relentless training, all for the sole purpose of battling Itachi.

Tomorrow, his goal would be within reach, and tonight he was too excited to sleep.

*Clang!*

The blade of his long sword flashed as he unsheathed it, the cold steel reflecting Sasuke's determined face.

"Itachi Uchiha... what kind of truth will I uncover from you tomorrow?"

Thunder crackled!

With a swift slash, Sasuke carved a deep groove into the stone wall in front of him.

"It seems you're getting impatient," came a voice from the cave entrance.

Kimimaro stepped in.

Sasuke shot him a cold glance, speaking icily, "Why are you here?"

"Naturally, to observe. A battle between Uchiha geniuses like this—it's a spectacle one might never see again. I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Sasuke frowned slightly, then swung his sword again!

Kimimaro raised his right hand, using two fingers to lightly catch the blade.

"What’s this? Warming up with me first?"

Lightning surged along Sasuke’s blade, but Kimimaro’s fingers, reinforced with his unique bone ability, nullified the energy completely.

"Do you think this is some kind of performance?" Sasuke snapped.

"For me, there’s no difference between a performance and a life-or-death fight. Besides, you won’t be the only one paying attention to tomorrow’s battle. Calm your anger—it won’t make you stronger. It’ll only fill your techniques with flaws."

Kimimaro released the sword with a flick of his finger.

*Clang!*

The sword vibrated violently, and Sasuke struggled to maintain his grip as he staggered back, steadying the blade in his hands. A wave of realization washed over him—Kimimaro was even stronger than he had imagined.

Recognizing the gap between their abilities, Sasuke sheathed his sword. It wasn’t out of fear but out of caution. Tomorrow’s battle was too crucial, and he couldn’t risk getting injured now.

As he sat by the fire, Sasuke asked without looking up, "Since you're so invested in this, who do you want to win tomorrow—me or Itachi?"

After a moment of silence, Kimimaro replied, "I hope it’s you."

"Why?" Sasuke’s voice carried skepticism.

"Because between you and Itachi, I like you a bit more."

"...Huh?" Sasuke stared at him, bewildered.

"Don’t get the wrong idea. I mean it literally. Itachi is too burdened, too shrewd. For someone like him, death might actually be a release. Some people are better off dead than alive."

Kimimaro’s words carried a hint of familiarity, as if he had known Itachi for some time.

“What has he been doing all these years?” Sasuke asked, sensing the weight in Kimimaro’s tone.

“You’ll find out tomorrow. Right now, you shouldn’t overthink it. Clear your mind and focus on your preparation. The answers you’ve been chasing for years aren’t for me to reveal.”

With that, Kimimaro stood and left.

Sasuke didn’t stop him, clenching his fists instead.

"The truth... what kind of answer awaits me tomorrow?"

For years, Sasuke had been consumed by hatred, yet as the moment of reckoning approached, a new fear emerged—a fear of learning an answer he didn’t want to face.

Taking a deep breath, Sasuke unclenched his fists.

"No matter what happens, I must win tomorrow!"

---

Elsewhere, others were also monitoring the impending clash between Sasuke and Itachi.

"Obito," Zetsu said softly, appearing before him, "I just got word from Kisame. Itachi and Sasuke will face each other tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, huh?"

"And Kimimaro seems to be involved as well, though his motives are unclear."

"That snake and his associates have been meddling for years. But as long as it doesn’t disrupt the Moon’s Eye Plan, it’s irrelevant," Obito said dismissively.

"Are you planning to watch the battle?" Zetsu asked.

"Of course. A fight between the Uchiha brothers isn’t something to miss. If we can secure Sasuke as a pawn, it might even benefit our plans."

"With Kimimaro present, it won’t be easy. He might have his eyes on Sasuke too. If you want him, you’ll need to give it your all."

"We’ll play it by ear. If it’s not feasible, I won’t force it. Sasuke is just one Uchiha—he’s not indispensable."

"Understood. I’ll make arrangements."

As Zetsu vanished, Obito sat alone, lost in thought.

“Sasuke, Itachi—the last two of the Uchiha in a meaningful sense. Such a pitiful clan. Even in the end, the brothers are destined to destroy one another. Truly, this cursed ninja world is a hellish place.”

His cold laughter echoed ominously in the dark cave.

---

Time passed swiftly, and dawn broke.

Sasuke’s eyes snapped open, his crimson Sharingan fading back to black and white. Rising, he stepped out of the cave without hesitation, heading straight for the secret Uchiha stronghold.

His steps were steady, unwavering.

Eventually, familiar architecture came into view—the distinctive structures marking an Uchiha clan hideout.

A figure stood at the entrance, his shark-like features unmistakable.

Kisame Hoshigaki.

"So, you’ve finally arrived. Coming alone—bold of you," Kisame remarked.

"Where’s Itachi?" Sasuke demanded, cutting to the chase.

"Inside, waiting for you. My job was to deal with anyone you brought along, but it seems that won’t be necessary." Kisame stepped aside, revealing the entrance to the base.

Without a word, Sasuke walked in.

Moments later, Kimimaro appeared beside Kisame.

"Quite the loyal teammate, aren’t you, Kisame?" Kimimaro said with a chuckle.

"Thinking of going in?" Kisame asked, raising his Samehada to block the way.

"You’re so stingy. Won’t let anyone watch?"

"Itachi’s orders."

"Fine. I don’t need to go inside to see."

Kimimaro activated his *Byakugan*, his eyes turning pure white as he focused on the events inside the base.

"Always heard you had the Byakugan. Guess it’s true," Kisame commented.

"There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Kisame," Kimimaro replied with a smirk, turning his attention to Sasuke and Itachi.

Inside, Itachi sat atop a raised platform, gazing down at Sasuke as he entered.

"You’ve finally come, Sasuke," he said.

Chapter 253

Sasuke's longsword emerged from its sheath, pointing directly at Itachi, clad in the black cloak adorned with red clouds.

This moment had played out in Sasuke’s mind for nine long years.

Ever since the night of the massacre, he had fantasized about this battle between brothers.

Countless nights, he had awakened from nightmares of this scenario.

There were always two possible outcomes:

One, he would be slain by Itachi, left as nothing more than a cold corpse.

The other, he would kill Itachi, fulfilling his quest for revenge.

Yet, in neither dream did he find any joy. Instead, he awoke with tears in his eyes.

For Sasuke, the path of vengeance brought no happiness.

Success or failure would not bring back the Uchiha clan, his parents, or even the brother who once cared for him.

This was a journey paved with pain, destined to end in pain—a path Sasuke had endured with great difficulty.

There was a time when he had forgotten this pain and lived like a normal ninja, during his days in Team 7.

For a brief period, he considered the possibility of living that kind of life forever.

But each time, he would snap himself out of such thoughts.

Avengers had no right to such fantasies.

The moment Itachi returned to Konoha, Sasuke resolved to sacrifice everything for his revenge.

Now, standing before Itachi once more, Sasuke’s feelings were a storm of conflict.

“Uchiha... Itachi!”

Sasuke shouted angrily, his black-and-white eyes shifting instantly to a crimson hue.

The rage in his voice seemed ready to burst from his Sharingan, its three tomoe spinning furiously.

“My foolish little brother, you don’t even call me ‘brother’ anymore?”

“You’re not worthy of that title! From the moment you killed our parents, you ceased to be my brother. You’re nothing but a murderer drenched in blood! Today, I will avenge them—for our parents, and for the hundreds of lives you ended with your hands!”

Itachi rose to his feet, letting out a low chuckle. “Impressive resolve. But with mere three-tomoe Sharingan, you cannot defeat me!”

The Mangekyo Sharingan activated.

A fierce battle was about to erupt.

Outside the base, Kimimaro sat cross-legged, watching the scene unfold quietly.

“Itachi’s acting and dramatic flair are impressive. If he joined the right production crew, his skills could easily attract a fanbase,” Kimimaro murmured.

“Itachi-san probably has no interest in such things,” Kisame chimed in, leaning against the nearby wall.

“True. Besides, no director would dare give him acting tips. One genjutsu, and they wouldn’t even know how they died.”

Kimimaro shook his head slightly and pulled a bag of sunflower seeds from his pocket, beginning to snack.

“Kisame-senpai, want some?”

Watching Kimimaro’s relaxed demeanor, Kisame couldn’t help but frown.

“You’re just here to spectate, and you’re this laid-back?”

“Spectating should be laid-back. Why get emotionally invested? No need for that.”

Kimimaro quipped.

Kisame had no rebuttal for his logic.

“Kisame-senpai, you’ve been paired with Itachi for a while now. Will you miss him a bit?” Kimimaro asked while munching on his seeds.

“Itachi-san is a true ninja. I respect him deeply. While I’ll miss him, I must also respect his choices.”

Kisame’s tone was serious, his words genuine.

“I’ve heard stories about you as well. Based on those, you and Itachi might be kindred spirits.”

“No, Itachi-san still has ties to his family. I don’t.”

Kisame grinned, revealing his sharp, shark-like teeth, though there was a certain grimness behind the smile.

Despite his sinister appearance, there was a trace of melancholy.

Beautiful things are something most people desire, but not everything is within reach.

Kisame, it seemed, had never been blessed with the chance for such beauty.

“Is Akatsuki your final destination?”

Kimimaro pressed further.

“This organization is quite good. I like it.”

Kisame sidestepped the question, but his response made his answer clear.

Kimimaro couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for Kisame. It seemed like he had never truly lived for himself.

He was like a perfect tool—someone who needed a master to give him a target, and only then would he act.

If asked about his own dreams, he wouldn’t have much to say.

“Kisame-senpai, is there anything you’ve ever truly wanted to do?”

“Something I’ve truly wanted to do?”

The question caught Kisame off guard.

No one had ever asked him that before.

For a moment, he was speechless.

Silence fell between them.

Kimimaro didn’t press him further. He simply continued watching the battle between Itachi and Sasuke.

With Kimimaro suppressing Itachi’s illness, Sasuke stood no chance of victory.

But Itachi planned to hold back.

With his improved health, he could afford to let Sasuke grow through this fight.

Every move was carefully measured—not enough to seriously injure Sasuke, but enough to deplete his chakra and showcase the power of his Mangekyo techniques.

After all, Itachi had decided to use his eyes to help Sasuke unlock the Eternal Mangekyo.

Sasuke would inherit his ocular powers.

By pushing Sasuke to his limits, Itachi also planned to rid him of Orochimaru’s cursed seal.

Though Orochimaru no longer sought Sasuke’s body, the seal contained fragments of his soul, and removing it would eliminate future risks.

In the distance, Kimimaro watched Itachi’s masterful control over the battle and couldn’t help but marvel.

“To manipulate strength with such precision... Itachi is remarkable.”

Indeed, Itachi’s ability to restrain his power and time his techniques was nothing short of extraordinary, even in Kimimaro’s eyes.

Flames erupted into the sky!

Their Fire Release techniques clashed, blowing open the base’s roof. The brothers leapt outside.

“Uchiha Itachi, I’m no longer a child! You won’t defeat me and take my eyes so easily!”

With those words, Sasuke activated the cursed seal.

As the power surged through his body, his appearance became twisted and monstrous, with wing-like extensions unfolding from his back.

Itachi frowned deeply.

This was his first time seeing Sasuke’s cursed seal transformation.

It was just as vile as he’d imagined.

Itachi took a deep breath. He knew the real fight was only beginning.

At the same time, his gaze shifted toward the distant Kimimaro. As expected, he was here.

“It’s escalating,” Kimimaro muttered.

Kisame, distracted from his earlier thoughts, turned his attention to the commotion.

“Quite the spectacle. It seems Itachi-san’s younger brother has grown considerably.”

“Three years of intense training will develop anyone, especially a genius like Sasuke. But compared to someone like Itachi, Sasuke is a late bloomer. If they were twins, perhaps the gap wouldn’t be so vast.”

“There aren’t so many ‘what-ifs’ in the world. A genius who dies prematurely isn’t a genius at all.”

Kisame was born into an era of chaos, in a Hidden Mist filled with bloodline limits.

He had seen too many geniuses and witnessed countless so-called prodigies fall halfway through their journey.

In this world, genius wasn’t worth much.

“You’re right. Sasuke is both unfortunate and fortunate. Losing his clan was a tragedy, but having Itachi protect him is a blessing in disguise. However, the one protecting him now has decided to pave his way with his life.”

Kimimaro cracked open the last melon seed in his hand and stood up.

At the same time, the battle between Sasuke and Itachi reached its climax.

A series of powerful jutsu exchanges left Sasuke exhausted. Even the power of the Cursed Seal was depleted, reverting him to his original form.

But he didn’t despair.

Everything was still within his plan.

“It’s over, Sasuke.”

“No! Not yet! You’ve lost, Itachi!”

Sasuke leapt to a higher point amid the ruins, his left hand radiating blue lightning. The chirping sound of a thousand birds echoed around him.

“Is it time?” Kimimaro thought, focusing intently on the scene unfolding before him.

With his earlier Fire Release setup complete, Sasuke’s ultimate move was ready.

This strike would surpass what he used against Kimimaro back then.

The storm clouds above were even larger this time.

“This is my ultimate technique of revenge! The Lightning Release: Kirin! Uchiha Itachi, die!”

Sasuke swung his left hand, and from the stormy clouds emerged a colossal beast.

*Lightning Release: Kirin!*

Itachi gazed at the thunderous beast with a mix of astonishment and relief in his eyes.

“Sasuke, you’ve grown.”

*Boom!*

Kirin struck the ground!

The speed of lightning left Itachi no time to evade.

He was engulfed by the smoke and ruins.

“Did Itachi lose?” Kisame was slightly taken aback by the sight.

He knew Itachi’s strength well and had never thought Sasuke could surpass him.

But Sasuke’s display had forced Itachi to take him seriously.

That final Lightning Release was indeed extraordinary.

Even Kisame wasn’t sure he could withstand it.

The sheer speed of lightning made it nearly unavoidable.

For the first time, Kisame, who had always been confident in Itachi, felt shaken.

Could Itachi have been defeated?

Sasuke, now weak, knelt on one knee, his energy entirely spent.

“It’s done. Mom, Dad, I’ve avenged you.”

Rain began to fall.

Tears, or perhaps rainwater, streamed down Sasuke’s cheeks.

In this moment, his heart felt empty.

The joy of revenge?

It didn’t exist.

All he felt was emptiness.

It was as if his entire life had reached its conclusion in that instant.

As Sasuke sat dazed, the dust cleared, and movement stirred in the ruins.

“What!”

Sasuke’s eyes widened in disbelief.

A red chakra emerged, forming a massive, armored upper body. Inside it stood Itachi.

*Susanoo!*

Itachi’s black cloak with red clouds was torn, and he looked battered.

But within the protection of Susanoo, his injuries weren’t severe.

“No... impossible!” Sasuke shouted, instinctively trying to summon his chakra for another fight.

But his exhausted body only triggered the backlash of the Cursed Seal.

Pain shot through his neck, and Sasuke collapsed again, barely able to stand.

The Cursed Seal was rebelling!

Itachi frowned slightly. Finally, the moment he had been waiting for arrived.

Susanoo’s right hand materialized a crimson longsword and struck directly at Sasuke’s neck.

*Whoosh!*

The red blade moved with blinding speed, reaching Sasuke in the blink of an eye.

More precisely, it aimed for the Cursed Seal on his neck.

“Ahhh!” Sasuke let out a scream as the sword absorbed the Cursed Seal.

The black markings crawled onto the red blade, completely leaving Sasuke’s body.

Far away, Orochimaru sensed the change and looked off into the distance.

“Well, well, Uchiha Itachi. To think he could forcibly remove the power of the Cursed Seal.”

Orochimaru sighed, finally admitting his defeat to Itachi.

No matter what trick he had, Itachi always seemed to counter it.

It was as if some destiny ensured Itachi would always suppress him.

Annoyed, Orochimaru decided it was best to avoid Itachi altogether.

The man was nothing but bad luck.

With one strike, the Cursed Seal was gone, leaving Sasuke even weaker.

Itachi slowly approached Sasuke, who looked up in terror.

His beloved younger brother was now afraid of him.

His eyes seemed to plead, Stay away!

But Itachi came closer.

He reached out with his right hand, toward Sasuke’s face.

Sasuke tried to back away but lacked the strength.

“No…” he whispered, his mind filled with fear, imagining Itachi taking his eyes.

What happened next was beyond his expectations.

Itachi’s two fingers didn’t take his eyes but gently tapped his forehead, just as he used to do.

“Forgive me, Sasuke. This is the last time.”

A soft smile appeared on Itachi’s face.

Sasuke’s face, on the other hand, was filled with confusion and fear.

In the next moment, something seemed to flow from Itachi’s fingers into Sasuke’s left eye.

Before Sasuke could process it, exhaustion overtook him, and he lost consciousness.

“That’s quite the move. That red sword must be the legendary Totsuka Blade,” Kimimaro remarked, appearing on the battlefield in a flash.

Itachi turned to Kimimaro, his body holding steady in surprisingly good condition, no longer near collapse.

His gaze at Kimimaro was filled with caution.

“Sorry, but I can’t allow you to remain in this world. Your intentions toward Sasuke are unclear to me. So, come to hell with me!”

The Totsuka Blade shot forward!

Itachi intended to seal Kimimaro as well.

Kimimaro’s pupils shrank in surprise.

He hadn’t expected Itachi to go this far for Sasuke.

The Totsuka Blade’s power was something Kimimaro didn’t dare take lightly.

With a burst of speed, he dodged, but the blade kept closing in.

“Bakudō #81: Dankū!” Kimimaro chanted.

A transparent barrier appeared instantly!

*Clang!*

The red blade struck the barrier, which only held for a moment before shattering under the Totsuka Blade’s might.

Kimimaro’s expression darkened.

“Itachi, are you serious?”

Chapter 254

Itachi remained silent, controlling the red Susanoo as he launched another attack against Kimimaro.

The Totsuka Blade came slashing down once more.

However, Kimimaro, now prepared, found it no longer threatening.

With rapid, successive steps, he moved so quickly that even Itachi’s Susanoo had no chance to strike effectively.

Despite his composure, Kimimaro’s mood soured.

After all, he had assisted Itachi on numerous occasions, yet Itachi turned on him without hesitation.

On reflection, though, Kimimaro found it unsurprising.

To Itachi, Sasuke’s safety was paramount, followed by the welfare of Konoha.

Anything that posed a threat to either would be eliminated without mercy.

While Kimimaro had been a great help to Itachi, his attitude toward Sasuke caused Itachi to grow wary of his motives.

To ensure Sasuke could face any future threats, Itachi concluded that eliminating Kimimaro was the only way to secure peace of mind.

As for the masked man, Itachi had left Amaterasu as a contingency.

Watching Kimimaro’s astonishing speed, Itachi furrowed his brows, contemplating a solution.

Meanwhile, Kimimaro stood firm, a cold gleam in his eyes.

“Playing with fire, huh? Seems not everyone follows the rules. If that’s the case, I won’t hold back.”

Without further probing, Kimimaro touched the golden cloud pattern on his forehead with his left index finger, instantly activating Sage Void Mode.

Boom!

An intimidating aura spread out.

In mere moments, white bones emerged from his body.

Within a few breaths, a massive skeletal beast, rivaling Susanoo, appeared before Itachi.

The Zombie Tyrannosaurus!

Roar!

A deafening dragon-like roar shook the heavens and earth.

“What kind of monster is this?”

Kisame, watching from a distance, was visibly shocked.

This level of combat surpassed his comprehension.

Ninja techniques of this scale? Absurd.

Both Itachi’s Susanoo and Kimimaro’s Zombie Tyrannosaurus left Kisame in awe.

Of course, the shock wasn’t limited to Kisame. Hidden observers like Tobi and Zetsu were equally stunned.

“What a terrifying technique, rivaling Susanoo. Could it be a power derived from the Byakugan?”

Tobi muttered.

“Unlikely. It looks more like a Shikotsumyaku ability,” Zetsu speculated.

“A beast formed of bones? It’s indeed more in line with Shikotsumyaku. I didn’t expect Kimimaro to have hidden such a technique.”

Tobi’s wariness toward Kimimaro grew.

“Obito, this is an excellent opportunity. With Itachi and Kimimaro fighting, Sasuke will be left unguarded. We can take Sasuke when they’re both weakened. He might even serve our cause.”

Zetsu suggested.

Tobi’s eyes lit up.

“A good plan. You handle it. No matter what, Itachi must die here today. If they both fall, I’ll take their lives.”

“Understood.”

Zetsu sank into the ground, awaiting the right moment.

Meanwhile, Tobi continued observing, waiting for the decisive moment to act.

When two rivals clash, the third reaps the rewards.

Opportunities like this were rare.

Although Itachi was powerful, Tobi believed Kimimaro would prevail.

The reason was simple: Itachi had recently fought Sasuke. Even if he held back, the battle had drained him.

In such a state, Itachi’s chances of defeating Kimimaro were slim.

It was likely desperation that drove him to this gamble.

Itachi was well aware of this.

However, he had devised two plans to ensure Kimimaro’s death.

The first was to rely on Susanoo’s power to overpower and kill Kimimaro.

If successful, all the better.

If not, he’d move to the second plan.

That plan involved Tobi.

Itachi knew the masked man would be observing. If Kimimaro were seriously injured, Tobi, who already distrusted Kimimaro, would step in to finish him off.

With these two plans, the chances of killing Kimimaro significantly increased.

As Kimimaro unleashed his massive skeletal beast, Itachi’s expression grew serious.

“I didn’t expect him to have such a technique. It seems direct elimination will be difficult. I’ll have to focus on injuring him severely.”

Without hesitation, Itachi controlled Susanoo to attack again.

The Totsuka Blade slashed repeatedly, displaying a surprising level of swordsmanship.

Kimimaro, however, avoided contact with the blade. The sealing power of the Totsuka Blade was too dangerous—even a slight touch could lead to entrapment.

Yet, the Zombie Tyrannosaurus, being a summoned construct, wasn’t afraid to clash with the Totsuka Blade.

A massive bone sword materialized and collided with the blade.

Sparks flew as the two weapons clashed.

Kimimaro’s eyes glowed blue, locking onto Itachi.

At that moment, Itachi activated his genjutsu.

“Tsukuyomi!”

Blood trickled from Itachi’s left eye.

Kimimaro’s vision blurred, and he found himself in a dark void.

The next moment, he was bound to a cross, unable to move.

Itachi’s figure slowly emerged.

“You’re now in my world. Here, I control everything. Time here moves much slower than in the outside world.”

His icy words struck at Kimimaro’s spirit.

A long blade appeared in Itachi’s hand, moving toward Kimimaro’s body.

The ease of activating Tsukuyomi surprised Itachi.

But success meant no mercy.

The blade pierced Kimimaro’s body, attacking his mind as well.

Screech!

The sound of the blade sinking into flesh echoed loudly in the still void.

Despite the attack, Kimimaro made no sound.

Itachi’s face remained cold, though his eyes betrayed some doubt.

Why did Kimimaro seem unaffected?

Tsukuyomi should have worked flawlessly.

Had Sasuke been present, he would have noticed the stark difference between this Tsukuyomi and the one cast upon him.

Itachi didn’t dwell on it, preparing for a second strike.

Just as he raised the blade, Kimimaro slowly lifted his head.

“Is that all Tsukuyomi has to offer? How disappointing.”

“You can still move?”

Itachi was stunned.

“The Mangekyo Sharingan is strong, but it’s far from invincible. Did you really think Tsukuyomi could let you do as you please? How laughable. Break!”

A burst of ocular power erupted from Kimimaro’s Byakugan-like eyes, further enhanced by the golden markings on his forehead.

In an instant, the dark world shattered, forcing Itachi to spit blood.

Even Susanoo appeared to fade.

The Tsukuyomi’s backlash had drained Itachi further.

“It broke… Tsukuyomi was broken?”

### Translation to American English:

Obito, observing secretly from the shadows, was taken aback.

Although he had never been caught in Tsukuyomi himself, he knew well how powerful it was.

Being hit head-on by Tsukuyomi was a dire situation, even for someone with a Mangekyō Sharingan of equal level.

How was Kimimaro able to counterattack using the power of the Byakugan?

These two ocular powers were on entirely different levels.

Obito was deeply puzzled, but at the moment, no one was going to explain it to him.

Itachi, shocked, stared at Kimimaro, who was standing atop the head of the Zombie Greymon, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.

His seemingly invincible Tsukuyomi had failed.

It was something Itachi had never anticipated.

He knew Kimimaro possessed the Byakugan, but even with the Byakugan, it shouldn’t have been able to block Tsukuyomi.

In that fleeting moment, Itachi felt an even more potent ocular power emanating from the swirling pattern on Kimimaro’s forehead.

What was that swirling mark?

It seemed to conceal an extremely terrifying power.

Itachi realized that he understood Kimimaro even less now.

Was today’s decision the right one or the wrong one?

But the battle had already begun, leaving no room for retreat.

No matter what, he couldn’t afford to give up.

Kimimaro let out a cold laugh. With a slap to the Zombie Greymon’s head, the beast bowed down.

The next moment, the orange missile on its back locked onto Itachi.

“Fire!”

Boom!  

The orange missile blasted toward Itachi.

Itachi immediately focused his ocular power again. Though his Susanoo had been somewhat weakened, it solidified once more.

Not only that, a crimson mirror appeared in Susanoo’s left hand.

The Yata Mirror!

The orange missile struck the Yata Mirror, causing a massive explosion, but apart from the resulting smoke, it did no damage whatsoever.

“A sealing weapon, the Totsuka Blade, and the impenetrable Yata Mirror. Itachi has quite the arsenal,” Obito mused to himself.

It was no wonder Obito had always been wary of him. The capabilities of this Susanoo were terrifying.

If it were Obito in Itachi’s place, he wouldn’t have a way to win either.

“Bones of scattered beasts! Spires, crimson crystals, and iron wheels! Movement is wind, stillness is void! Resounding lances clash within the hollow castle! Destructive Art #63: Thunder Roar Cannon!”

Golden lightning quickly gathered in Kimimaro’s right palm as he chanted.

Within moments, a massive golden thunder beast erupted from Kimimaro’s hand!

This Thunder Roar Cannon, infused with sage power and fully chanted, was even more powerful than the earlier orange missile.

Itachi’s pupils contracted as he raised the Yata Mirror once more.

Boom!  

The thunder beast collided with the Yata Mirror, which held firm.

However, the incredible force of the impact forced Susanoo to retreat several steps to dissipate the energy.

“That’s quite a treasure,” Kimimaro remarked, impressed. Such relics were exceedingly rare in the shinobi world.

Compared to this, even the Fivefold Rashomon paled in comparison.

“Yasaka Magatama!”

Itachi extended his right hand, forming jet-black magatama beads within Susanoo. With a powerful throw, the massive spinning beads hurtled toward Kimimaro.

The attack resembled the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, but its power was even greater.

With just one glance, Kimimaro could discern its devastating force.

The Zombie Greymon extended both hands, overlapping them to form a bone shield in an attempt to block the attack.

Yet, the Yasaka Magatama pierced through, severing the Zombie Greymon’s arms before continuing its unimpeded path toward Kimimaro.

Its power showed no significant signs of diminishing.

Itachi’s arsenal of ultimate techniques was truly enviable, even to Kimimaro.

These relentless, overwhelming techniques were one of the reasons Itachi was so difficult to face.

But Kimimaro had already anticipated them and was prepared.

A golden sun symbol appeared on his left hand as he shouted, “Shield of Courage!”

Kimimaro brought his palms together, and two golden shields materialized in the air, merging into one. The sun symbol from his hand also appeared on the shield.

Clang!  

The Shield of Courage emerged.

At that moment, the Yasaka Magatama arrived!

Boom!  

The jet-black beads collided with the golden shield.

The previously unstoppable Yasaka Magatama came to a halt, unable to advance even an inch further.

With a final explosion, the attack dissipated, leaving the golden shield unscathed—not even a scratch.

“This…”

Itachi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The Yasaka Magatama was his most potent attack within Susanoo, capable of penetrating anything.

Yet now, it had been blocked.

What was this golden shield?

Why did it seem even sturdier than the Yata Mirror?

Itachi now realized that Kimimaro’s secrets exceeded even his own.

“This can’t go on any longer.”

By now, Itachi understood he had underestimated Kimimaro’s strength.

His only option now was to burn his life force and unleash his final, ultimate power!

His ocular power surged!

The half-formed Susanoo grew taller.

Wings sprouted from its back!

In its right hand was the Totsuka Blade, and in its left, the Yata Mirror.

By sacrificing his life, Itachi had achieved the Complete Body Susanoo!

Towering like a mountain, the fully-formed Susanoo stood before Kimimaro, emanating a sense of overwhelming awe.

“A full-body Susanoo? Itachi managed to reach this level?”

A full-body Susanoo required the user to push their Mangekyō Sharingan to its limits and possess immense chakra reserves.

While Itachi’s ocular power was sufficient, his chakra reserves were far from adequate.

This transformation came at the cost of his life force and could likely last no more than a few breaths.

Within Susanoo, blood gushed from Itachi’s mouth as though it were free-flowing, and his eyes were already so bloodied that he could barely see.

“The final strike,” Itachi murmured. Black flames of Amaterasu ignited on the Totsuka Blade.

This strike was Itachi’s final act of will.

Whether he succeeded or failed, his path would end in the underworld.

“This guy sure knows how to surprise,” Kimimaro muttered.

A white mask covered Kimimaro’s face, while the swirling mark on his forehead transformed into a golden eye.

The Shield of Courage disassembled, transforming into golden wings behind him.

A powerful ocular energy enveloped him, and the Zombie Greymon dissolved into light, returning to his body.

In the next instant, a golden phantom surrounded Kimimaro.

Kimimaro clasped his hands together and raised them above his head.

“Battle Tornado!”

He began to spin, the golden phantom taking the shape of a WarGreymon as a tornado swirled into existence!

Boom!  

Kimimaro, like a golden whirlwind, collided with the descending Amaterasu-coated Totsuka Blade!

The black flames scattered in all directions, unable to touch Kimimaro.

At the moment the Battle Tornado met the blade, sparks flew wildly!

Chapter 255

*Clang!*

With a resounding crash, the Ten Fist Sword of Amaterasu came to a halt.

The terrifying tornado created by the battle storm did not cease; instead, it continued to crash against the enormous Ten Fist Sword.

Though the two forces seemed disproportionate in size, the tornado’s power was in no way inferior.

At this moment, Kimimaro focused every ounce of his strength into the bone claws he had condensed in his hands, aiming to pierce through the sword with precision and force.

The seemingly indestructible Ten Fist Sword suddenly emitted a cracking sound.

*Crack!*

Fine cracks began to spread across the crimson blade.

“What?!”

Shock surged in Itachi’s bloodshot eyes.

The Ten Fist Sword... shattered!

Scarlet shards scattered in all directions, but the battle tornado remained unstoppable.

The tornado pierced through the Ten Fist Sword and headed straight for Susano’o’s face!

*Zzzzz!*

A piercing noise filled Itachi’s ears as the white tornado spun rapidly before him. It seemed inevitable that it would drill through Susano’o and reach him directly.

But at this moment, he no longer had the strength to fight back.

He couldn’t even muster enough energy to maintain Susano’o.

*Crack!*

Another shattering sound.

In the next instant, the spent and extinguished Susano’o disintegrated into nothingness amid the cracking noise, leaving Itachi vulnerable to the white tornado.

*Boom!*

The white tornado, carrying the power of wind and thunder, slammed Itachi into a stone wall.

Rocks exploded in all directions, and a cloud of dust filled the air!

The intensity of the battle left the onlookers, both hidden and visible, in utter shock.

The techniques the two had unleashed were unlike anything they had seen before, their terrifying power far beyond imagination.

“What a formidable Kimimaro! His strength has reached such a level that even Pain might not have a guaranteed chance of winning.”

Behind his orange mask, Obito’s expression was no longer calm—it was filled with apprehension.

Kimimaro’s growth far exceeded his expectations.

At this moment, Itachi was on the verge of death, while Kimimaro still appeared to have plenty of energy left.

It was evident that Kimimaro had won without much difficulty.

While Itachi’s previous battle against Sasuke played a part, the gap between the two was undeniable.

Obito narrowed his eyes, already contemplating how to deal with Kimimaro.

Kisame, meanwhile, was utterly dumbfounded, his jaw practically on the ground.

To him, Itachi had always been a god-like ninja, yet he had lost.

“Itachi-san…”

Kisame murmured to himself, a torrent of emotions surging through his heart.

However, he had no intention of intervening. He had no reason to join this fight.

Besides, angering Kimimaro could cost him his own life.

Respecting Itachi was one thing; sacrificing his own life was another. Kisame wouldn’t make such a trade.

As the dust settled, the two figures became visible once again.

Kimimaro’s right hand gripped Itachi’s throat, his eyes cold and emotionless.

“I once considered you a friend, but you’ve wasted every chance I gave you and repaid kindness with betrayal.”

Itachi, restrained and near death, could barely move, let alone speak.

“Don’t blame me for what happens next. Enjoy your time in hell.”

The cloud-like pattern on Kimimaro’s forehead fully unfolded, glowing with golden light, resembling a golden eye.

The golden glow enveloped Itachi, who felt his eyes being forcibly taken.

“You…”

Itachi tried to speak but couldn’t.

In the next moment, his Mangekyō Sharingan began to fade, its patterns vanishing completely.

*Devouring ocular power!*

This immense ocular power flowed into the golden eye-like mark on Kimimaro’s forehead.

Seconds later, Kimimaro released his grip.

But at that moment, black flames erupted from Itachi’s body, consuming him entirely.

“Your eyes…”

Itachi tried to say something, but before he could, the black flames reduced him to ashes.

Without a body to preserve, even the Reanimation Jutsu cannot bring Itachi back to life.

As the golden light dissipated, the third eye on Kimimaro’s forehead slowly closed, and the golden cloud-like patterns reappeared.

The white bone mask shattered, revealing Kimimaro’s original face.

However, the coldness on his face did not fade.

Being counterattacked left a sour taste in his heart, even though he had already taught his opponent a harsh lesson. Kimimaro was still in a foul mood.

He turned his head to look at the spot where Sasuke had been lying unconscious.

But Sasuke had vanished.

Kimimaro frowned slightly. During his intense battle with Itachi, he naturally had no attention to spare for Sasuke.

Now it seemed someone had taken the opportunity to whisk Sasuke away.

Who could it be?

It wasn’t hard to guess.

“Byakugan!”

With the activation of the Byakugan, his field of vision expanded.

Everything within a five-kilometer radius entered his sight.

Zetsu was swiftly retreating with Sasuke.

Nearby, Obito was silently observing.

Kimimaro turned toward Obito’s position and said in a low voice, “You’ve been watching the show for quite a while. Don’t you think it’s time to come out?”

With a distortion of space, Obito appeared before Kimimaro.

“What a spectacular fight. I never expected your power to reach this level. You’re not far from the First Hokage’s strength now,” Obito remarked in a tone mimicking Madara.

Kimimaro couldn’t be bothered to expose his act.

“Was it you who had Zetsu take Sasuke away?”

“Indeed. Sasuke is still useful to us. He shouldn’t die here.”

“You think I’d harm Sasuke out of anger?”

Kimimaro sneered coldly.

“No, I simply believe Sasuke is more valuable in my hands than in yours.”

“And if I don’t agree?”

“Then you’re welcome to try defeating me.”

Kimimaro’s icy gaze made Obito’s confidence waver, but he forced himself to maintain a strong front. If he faltered now, the persona of Madara would crumble.

Thanks to his Kamui ability, Obito believed he could remain invincible. Based on current intelligence, Kimimaro showed no signs of possessing spatial jutsu.

As long as his opponent couldn’t counter his Kamui, Obito felt secure.

Fight?

No. Kimimaro had no such intention.

It wasn’t that he lacked confidence in defeating Obito; it simply wasn’t the right time.

Obito was an excellent pawn for drawing the attention of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. If Kimimaro dealt with him here, that responsibility would fall on him instead.

For now, Kimimaro wasn’t interested in such complications.

Moreover, he had no intention of killing Sasuke. A living Sasuke was far more useful than a dead one.

“Hmph. You owe me for this, ‘senior.’ I’ll come to collect someday.”

Feigning a cold snort, Kimimaro turned and walked away.

Watching him leave, Obito let out a sigh of relief.

“I never expected Itachi to meet such an end.”

Kisame glanced at the ashes that remained of Itachi and sighed.

“Even someone as cautious as him could misjudge his opponent’s strength. But who could have guessed Kimimaro’s power would reach this level?” Obito murmured.

The memory of that golden eye sent chills down his spine.

What was that thing?

Why did it feel so dangerous?

And what were those black flames that consumed Itachi’s body?

Could it have been Amaterasu?

But how could Kimimaro control Amaterasu?

This battle left Obito with too many unanswered questions.

Kimimaro’s true strength remained a mystery.