146-150

Chapter 146 Re-entry into Konoha

In the early morning, a thin mist shrouded the land. Konoha was just waking up from the night.

At the main gate, the two men known as the Konoha Gate Gods, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki, were already on duty. Kotetsu yawned, and Izumo stretched, clearly still a bit sleepy.

"I only slept for three hours yesterday, I'm so tired." Izumo said.

"Me too. Ever since the Third Hokage passed away, there's been so much going on in the village, I'm busy every day. I hope the new Hokage takes office soon." Kotetsu replied.

"I heard that Jiraiya-sama has already set off to find Tsunade-sama. If nothing unexpected happens, the Fifth Hokage should be Tsunade-sama."

"Really? That's great! Tsunade-sama is the legendary strongest medical ninja. If she can become the Fifth Hokage, we ninjas will definitely have better medical care when we're on missions."

The two were chatting excitedly, dispelling the sleepiness of early rising.

But at this moment, they suddenly felt a bit dazed, and the sleepiness that was about to dissipate suddenly surged up again.

This process was very fast, and it was over in less than ten seconds. It was so fast that they didn't even notice anything wrong. After all, they hadn't been getting enough sleep these days.

And in those ten seconds, two people swaggered through the gate and into Konoha Village.

The two figures were one large and one small, but both were wearing black robes with red clouds and hats that could cover their faces.

They were members of the Akatsuki organization, Uchiha Itachi and Kisame Hoshigaki.

"Mr. Itachi, is this the village you grew up in? It's really different from Kirigakure." Kisame, with his shark-like face, looked around with interest.

"Let's go, Kisame." Itachi looked at the familiar streets, but didn't have much nostalgia.

According to the plan, he shouldn't have come to Konoha at this time.

But the death of the Third Hokage forced him to come back.

After his deal with the Konoha elders, the Third Hokage was an important figure in ensuring Sasuke's safety, but now that the Third Hokage was gone, he needed to come back and check on Sasuke's situation.

At the same time, find an opportunity to intimidate the Konoha elders and make them remember their promise not to harm Sasuke.

Having dealt with the Konoha elders for so many years, Itachi knew very well that these people only responded to force.

There was no more effective method than intimidation through force.

And not long after they passed through the Konoha gate, Kimimaro also arrived.

There was a barrier around Konoha Village, which could prevent other ninjas from spying and sneaking in.

The gate was the only entrance and exit.

Outside the village, even the Byakugan couldn't use its telescopic vision to see what was inside.

"Excuse me, who are you? What business do you have in Konoha?" Kotetsu asked Kimimaro, starting his routine questioning.

"I'm Kurosaki from Karakura Town, here to post a mission. I wonder if Konoha is still accepting missions?"

Kimimaro was quite familiar with pretending to be a civilian posting a mission.

"Of course we are, please follow me."

What followed was the same operation as in Kumogakure.

After posting the mission, Kimimaro gained the right to move freely.

Of course, the Anbu in the shadows would keep an eye on this outsider.

Kimimaro wasn't surprised by this.

He just needed to find an opportunity to create a shadow clone to distract them.

He had already used this trick in Kumogakure.

It didn't matter if the trick was old, as long as it worked.

"That's..."

On the way, Kimimaro was looking for an inn to stay in when he suddenly saw the eye-catching Akatsuki uniform.

"Itachi and Kisame are really blatantly wandering around the streets of Konoha, as if they're afraid of not being seen by acquaintances."

Itachi had worked in the Anbu for two years, and there were quite a few Anbu members who knew him.

Even with the hat covering his face, it was easy to expose his identity.

Moreover, it would be strange if such an unusual outfit didn't attract the attention of the Anbu.

Itachi's actions were similar to Kaito Kid wearing a white suit to steal things in the dark night.

As if sensing Kimimaro's gaze, Itachi also looked over.

Their eyes met, and the two passed each other.

"This person..."

In that instant, Itachi sensed something unusual about Kimimaro.

This person was definitely not ordinary.

And Kimimaro was secretly delighted.

"Fate is really helping me. I actually came at the same time as Itachi. This way, once Itachi attracts Konoha's attention, the defenses in other areas will weaken, which is perfect for me to act."

Kimimaro, who was originally a bit worried about this operation, suddenly felt much more relaxed.

Thanks to Itachi for the assist.

"Mr. Itachi, is there something wrong with that person?" Kisame was curious when he saw Itachi staring at someone.

"That person looks quite formidable, possibly a spy sent from another village. Konoha is really in a precarious situation. At this time, I don't know how many people have infiltrated."

Itachi's expression was indifferent as he stopped and looked at a shop on the side.

It was a sweet shop selling three-colored dumplings.

"Let's get something to eat, I'm hungry."

After Itachi finished speaking, he walked in without waiting for Kisame's response.

"A sweet shop? Mr. Itachi has such a hobby."

The seemingly cold and aloof Itachi actually had a fondness for sweets, which surprised Kisame.

It didn't match his image.

Not to mention Itachi's side, Kimimaro found a hidden place, created a shadow clone, and then his real body headed towards the Mask Storage Temple.

The Mask Storage Temple was located about three hundred meters behind the Hokage Rock.

After the Konoha Crush plan, the higher-ups not only didn't reduce the number of missions, but they actually took on a large number of missions. Their goal was to show the ninja world that the village hadn't suffered from a lack of combat power due to this incident and could still complete missions.

It was a typical bluff.

But it could also make outsiders uncertain about the true situation.

Of course, such an approach would lead to a shortage of manpower within the village.

So this Mask Storage Temple, which originally not many people knew about, didn't even have a ninja guarding it.

This made things much easier for Kimimaro.

He quietly entered the Mask Storage Temple and saw the masks covering the entire wall.

Each mask had slightly different features.

Obviously, these masks had different uses.

But it was also possible that only one of them was useful, and the other twenty-six were just there to confuse people.

Kimimaro didn't know which one was the mask for the Reaper Death Seal, so he took all of them.

"Mission accomplished."

After getting what he wanted, Kimimaro didn't retreat immediately.

He activated his Kagura Mind's Eye!

Kimimaro quickly locked onto Itachi's location.

A brief encounter was enough for him to sense Itachi and Kisame's chakra.

And beside them was another familiar chakra.

"It seems Kakashi has discovered Itachi. Once they start fighting, it will be the best time for me to escape."

Chapter 147: A Deal

The battle erupted without any surprises.

Itachi and Kisame fought against Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.

The outcome goes without saying; the future Sixth Hokage experienced one of the few frustrating battles in his life.

A misjudgment led to his three-tomoe Sharingan being completely overwhelmed by the Mangekyo Sharingan.

If not for Guy's timely arrival, Kakashi would have been taken away by Itachi and Kisame.

The sounds of the battle attracted the attention of the Konoha Anbu, and a large number of them quickly arrived.

Itachi and Kisame immediately retreated.

Outside Konoha.

"I didn't expect the Jonin of Konoha to be somewhat capable. The Blue Beast? I'll remember that kick. One day, I'll return it to you."

Kisame looked at Konoha, which was gradually disappearing behind him, and touched his left cheek that had just been kicked.

That kick really hurt.

And that kick also made Kisame remember one person.

Might Guy, Konoha's Blue Beast.

"That person is strong. It's best not to provoke him if you can avoid it."

Itachi said with an indifferent expression.

"Hehe..."

Kisame chuckled dryly, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Itachi didn't say anything more about it.

He had a bigger question in his mind now.

"Strange, I've been back for half a day, but I haven't seen any Root members. Where did they all go?"

Itachi was once an Anbu member and had dealt with Danzo many times, so he was very familiar with the behavior patterns of Root members.

But this time, he hadn't seen any trace of them at all.

This was very strange.

You know, the main target of Itachi's intimidation this time was Danzo, but he hadn't even seen any Root members.

This made Itachi a little worried about the effectiveness of his intimidation.

But he had already severely injured Kakashi, and Danzo would know about it sooner or later.

At that time, he would also understand his intentions.

Itachi had been scheming here for a long time, but he didn't know that Danzo was already dead.

Although Danzo had a bad reputation, he was also a deterrent to other villages.

If other villages knew that not only the Third Hokage had died in the Konoha Crush plan, but also the leader of Konoha's Root, there would be even more trouble.

The current Konoha preferred to avoid trouble if possible.

So, the news of Danzo's death had been sealed off by Konoha.

Outsiders wouldn't be able to know for a while.

Of course, you can't wrap fire in paper.

But by then, the Fifth Hokage would have taken office, and the situation would be much better than now.

As Itachi and Kisame were quickly leaving, a person suddenly appeared in front of them.

This person was Kimimaro!

"Uchiha Itachi, Kisame Hoshigaki, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

"Who are you?"

The two stopped, and Kisame looked at the white-haired boy in front of him, gripping his Samehada tightly.

"From Otogakure, Kimimaro Kaguya."

"The Kaguya clan?"

Kisame was a bit surprised.

Coming from Kirigakure, he naturally knew about the Kaguya clan.

He was also familiar with the name Kimimaro.

He didn't expect that the genius of the Kaguya clan from back then was still alive.

Interesting.

Itachi looked at Kimimaro, his crimson eyes filled with scrutiny and contemplation.

Kisame's attention was on the word "Kaguya," but he caught the word "Otogakure."

"Are you a subordinate of Orochimaru?"

Others might not know the details of Otogakure, but Itachi did.

Or rather, the Akatsuki did.

Zetsu's methods of gathering information were truly exceptional.

"Sort of."

Kimimaro didn't deny it.

"You're stopping us here, what do you want? Did Orochimaru send you?"

Itachi asked directly.

"Stopping you is true, but Orochimaru didn't send me. I'm here to say hello to you two. And I'd like to ask you two for a favor."

"Interesting kid, why do you think we would do anything for you?"

Kisame revealed his shark teeth, showing great interest in Kimimaro.

"I'm not sure about Mr. Kisame, but Mr. Itachi, I can make a deal with you. And for the sake of being from the same village, I think Mr. Kisame wouldn't make things difficult for me after Mr. Itachi agrees."

Kisame looked at Itachi, clearly waiting for his response.

Although Kisame was older than Itachi, Itachi's powerful strength made Kisame willingly address him as Mr. Itachi and follow his instructions.

A flicker of emotion passed through Itachi's eyes, and he said, "What kind of deal do you want to make with me?"

"It's very simple. In the near future, I will probably betray Orochimaru. At that time, I will inevitably be hunted down by him. I want to join the Akatsuki and seek its protection."

Kimimaro directly stated his purpose.

Joining the Akatsuki in the near future.

Of course, betraying Orochimaru was just an excuse.

The Akatsuki was in need of people, and as long as one had strong power and attracted the organization's attention, it was easy to be absorbed into it.

After all, none of the Akatsuki members were truly loyal.

Pain and Obito only cared about the members' strength.

And Kimimaro's purpose for wanting to join the Akatsuki was also very simple.

He needed to come into contact with these people.

The photo rewards were one aspect, but he was also very interested in the abilities of Hidan, Kakuzu, and Sasori.

The abilities of these three people were all more or less related to the path of immortality that he was pursuing.

From them, Kimimaro might be able to gain new insights.

Using Itachi and Kisame as a channel to contact the Akatsuki was also convenient.

Kimimaro's words surprised both Itachi and Kisame.

"Mr. Itachi, it seems this kid knows quite a bit. Should we get rid of him?"

Kisame was a bit eager to act.

The Akatsuki's affairs were confidential, and since Kimimaro knew about them, Kisame had enough reason to take action.

"Wait. Let's see what his conditions are."

Itachi wasn't in a hurry to act.

Since the other party appeared in front of them so fearlessly and said such things, they naturally had enough bargaining chips.

"The conditions are also very simple. My medical ninjutsu is quite good. From Mr. Itachi, I can see the presence of an illness. If this illness is left untreated, Mr. Itachi's lifespan will only be about four years.

But if I intervene, although I can't guarantee a cure, I can definitely help Mr. Itachi live for two more years."

Itachi's heart skipped a beat.

His illness had just started to manifest, and no one except him and Kisame knew about it.

He didn't expect the other party to see through it at a glance?

Such medical ninjutsu was truly terrifying.

"What an interesting thing. The Kaguya clan, who only know how to fight, actually has someone who knows medical ninjutsu?"

Kisame couldn't help but start mocking, clearly not believing it.

The next moment, blue chakra appeared on Kimimaro's hands.

Kisame could only immediately swallow the mockery he had just spoken.

Mystical Palm Technique!

There weren't many medical ninjas in the entire ninja world who could freely use such high-level medical ninjutsu.

This ninjutsu alone was enough to prove Kimimaro's medical skills.

"Why do you want to betray Orochimaru?"

Itachi asked his question.

Although he didn't like Orochimaru, he also knew that Orochimaru's subordinates rarely rebelled.

"I don't want to become a vessel."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 148: Tacit Understanding

"In the battle with the Third Hokage, Orochimaru won, but it was a narrow victory. His body was severely damaged, and he will definitely perform the Living Corpse Reincarnation within a month. And I should be one of his backup vessels.

So, there's a high chance that I'll become the official vessel, and I don't dare to gamble on that. Before that happens, I need to prepare a way out for myself. The Akatsuki organization, which even Orochimaru fears, is my best retreat."

Kimimaro gave himself a plausible reason.

This reason is completely valid for those who understand Orochimaru.

Others don't know the actual relationship between him and Orochimaru.

Living Corpse Reincarnation!

As Orochimaru's nemesis, Itachi knows a lot about Orochimaru.

He also understands what Kimimaro meant by the word "vessel".

Hearing this, Itachi couldn't help but have other thoughts in his heart.

Orochimaru wants Kimimaro to be the vessel?

Then Sasuke is safe?

The next reincarnation will be three years later.

This time is enough for Sasuke to grow up.

Compared to that, his own lifespan is insignificant.

Even if there are only four years left, it's enough to wrap up the previous plans.

Just as Itachi was about to make a decision, Kimimaro's voice suddenly sounded in his mind.

"Mr. Itachi, you don't have to worry about Sasuke. He won't be able to catch up with Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation ceremony. Orochimaru doesn't have enough power to kidnap Sasuke from Konoha now."

Magic, telepathy!

Itachi was startled, but Kimimaro didn't open his mouth at all, just looked at him.

Kisame obviously didn't hear what was just said.

The voice sounded in his mind?

What kind of technique is this?

Genjutsu?

No, it's not genjutsu.

What does that mean?

Kimimaro seems to understand his feelings for Sasuke very well?

For a moment, Itachi's heart was full of doubts.

"What exactly do you want to do?"

"I just want to join the Akatsuki organization to seek refuge, and I hope Mr. Itachi will help me."

A strange glint flashed in Itachi's eyes, and the two looked at each other.

Good opportunity!

Itachi immediately activated his genjutsu.

Tsukuyomi was just used against Kakashi, and his pupil power hasn't fully recovered yet.

But ordinary genjutsu can still be used.

Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique!

For a moment, Kimimaro only felt that the world suddenly turned blood red.

Countless stakes were driven into his body, sealing his movements.

Itachi made his move.

Kimimaro's strange behavior gave Itachi a feeling of being out of control.

Especially since the other party seems to know a lot about him and Sasuke.

This made him feel a sense of crisis.

He wanted to see how much more this young man was capable of.

If possible, he wouldn't mind killing him directly.

Kimimaro, who was under the genjutsu, didn't show any fear or anxiety, his expression didn't change at all from beginning to end.

"Mr. Itachi's genjutsu can be considered the best in the ninja world. If it were Tsukuyomi, it would indeed be difficult for me to resist, but this level of genjutsu can't hurt me. I hope Mr. Itachi believes that I have no ill intentions."

Byakugan!

Pupil power activated!

Magic: The Clow nullifies!

In an instant, this blood-red world disappeared.

The genjutsu was dispelled!

Itachi's pupils shrank, and beads of cold sweat involuntarily appeared on his forehead.

His genjutsu was ineffective?

Although his pupil power had just been consumed a lot and the genjutsu couldn't be exerted to its fullest, it wasn't something ordinary people could break.

This person's strength is definitely not simple.

Moreover, the other party actually knows about Tsukuyomi?

Could it be that he saw the battle between him and Kakashi just now?

But he didn't sense anyone else's presence at that time.

This person's hiding ability is also outstanding?

The most bizarre thing is that the other party's eyes also have pupil power, very similar to the Byakugan, but stronger than the Byakugan, and also has a special kind of power.

For a moment, many thoughts flashed through Itachi's mind.

To sum it up, Kimimaro is not to be trifled with.

And with such strength, there's no need to worry about Orochimaru taking over his body.

How could the injured Orochimaru be a match for this young man in front of him?

This guy definitely has ulterior motives for wanting to join the Akatsuki organization.

But if such a person joins Akatsuki, it seems to be a good thing for him.

The murkier the waters of Akatsuki, the better.

Through the conversation just now, Itachi could also confirm that Kimimaro should have no malice towards him.

"Mr. Itachi, what's wrong?"

Kisame saw that Itachi's state was not right and quickly asked.

He had no idea that Kimimaro and Itachi had already had a brief confrontation.

Genjutsu is probably the most unfriendly technique to the audience.

Because it's completely invisible, there's no way to appreciate the value of the battle.

Itachi shook his head slightly, didn't respond to Kisame, but looked at Kimimaro and said, "Kimimaro, is it? I agree to the deal with you. When you need to join Akatsuki, go to Crow Town and find me. Kisame, let's go."

The conversation ended.

Itachi left with Kisame.

Kisame was still a bit puzzled but didn't ask any further questions.

Looking at the backs of the two leaving, Kimimaro smiled faintly.

Goal achieved.

Through the brief conversation, Kimimaro and Itachi had reached a tacit understanding.

Three days later, he returned to Otogakure.

"Mr. Orochimaru, these are the masks I retrieved from the Uzumaki clan's Naka Shrine. However, which one of them is the Shinigami Mask for the Reaper Death Seal, I'm afraid we'll need to study it further."

"You've worked hard, Kimimaro. Kabuto has already found some clues about how to use the masks. It shouldn't be long before we figure it out."

Orochimaru looked at the twenty-seven masks in front of him and licked his lips in satisfaction.

"By the way, on my way back to Konoha this time, I encountered Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki from Akatsuki."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's pupils shrank.

Itachi Uchiha!

A name he won't forget.

"He went to Konoha? Hehe, he really is a good brother. Did he cause quite a stir in Konoha?"

Orochimaru seemed to have expected it.

"Yes, he severely injured the Copy Ninja Kakashi Hatake before leaving."

"Itachi Uchiha, he's really not an easy guy to deal with. It seems he's targeting Sasuke, so my plan to bring Sasuke back will have to be delayed."

Orochimaru pondered.

"Mr. Orochimaru, I want to discuss something with you."

"Hmm?"

"I'm interested in Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki..."

Orochimaru showed a hint of nostalgia.

That organization is very mysterious.

Even Orochimaru, who had been there for a few years, hadn't fully figured it out.

He only knew that the core members in there were all as strong as Kage, and their leader even possessed the legendary Rinnegan.

"You want to join Akatsuki?"

Orochimaru instantly understood Kimimaro's thoughts.

"Yes. This requires Mr. Orochimaru's cooperation to put on a good show."

"Hehe, interesting. Since you have this interest, I don't mind cooperating with you. I also have a considerable interest in that organization. But if you want to infiltrate them, danger will also befall you at any time, so be careful."

"I understand."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 149: Let Me Explain

Kimimaro was going to join the Akatsuki organization, but not now.

On the one hand, he hadn't finished his business in Otogakure yet.

On the other hand, now wasn't the right time.

He would leave only after Orochimaru completed the Living Corpse Reincarnation.

And now, he had something to deal with.

When he parted ways with Tsunade, he said he would return in three months.

Now that three months had passed, it was time for him to go back.

Kimimaro knew very well what he would face when he returned.

But some things couldn't be avoided.

The Land of This.

Tsunade and Shizune had been living here and hadn't left.

Since wandering the ninja world, this was the first time they had stayed in one place for more than two years.

At first, it was to treat Kimimaro, and now it was to wait for Kimimaro to come back.

"Lady Tsunade, tomorrow is the day he promised to come back. Kimimaro should be arriving soon, right?"

"Probably."

Tsunade replied casually, pouring the wine in her hand into her mouth.

For some reason, she had a bad feeling.

It seemed like something was going to happen in the next two days.

This feeling had been there since the day Kimimaro left and continued until now.

"Tsunade!"

At this time, a familiar voice came from the tavern.

Tsunade looked up and saw an acquaintance.

"Jiraiya!"

"Hahaha, I finally found you! It wasn't easy to find you."

Jiraiya, along with Naruto, walked up to Tsunade.

Naruto was looking at Tsunade curiously.

"What are you looking for me for? Shouldn't you be traveling the ninja world, writing your unhealthy novels?"

Old friends reunited, and naturally, there was some teasing.

"That's too much. Those aren't unhealthy novels, they're good books that are essential for a man's growth."

Jiraiya defended his Icha Icha series.

"Tsk, you're still the same as always. Tell me, what's the matter? You look lively, so you shouldn't need me to heal you, right?"

"Hahaha, there aren't many people who can injure me. Tsunade, I came to you this time for something important."

Jiraiya's expression suddenly turned serious as he laughed.

"What is it?"

Tsunade frowned slightly.

The usually frivolous Jiraiya suddenly became serious, which gave Tsunade a very bad feeling.

Because in this situation, it's usually not good news.

"On behalf of the Konoha higher-ups, I ask you to immediately return to Konoha and assume the position of the Fifth Hokage."

"Fifth Hokage? What about the old man?"

Tsunade gripped the cup in her hand tightly. She already had the answer in her heart, but she still couldn't believe it.

She looked into Jiraiya's eyes, waiting for his answer.

"The old man is dead."

Crack!

The cup was crushed in Tsunade's hand.

"The Third Hokage is dead?"

Shizune was shocked.

"Half a month ago, Orochimaru, along with Sunagakure and Otogakure, launched the Konoha Crush plan during the Chunin Exams. He used the Edo Tensei technique to summon the First and Second Hokage and besieged the old man.

In desperation, the old man used the Reaper Death Seal. But in the end, he only severely injured Orochimaru and didn't take his life."

After listening to Jiraiya's words, Tsunade fell silent, not knowing what she was thinking.

"Tsunade, now tell me your answer. Are you willing to accept the position of the Fifth Hokage?"

Jiraiya asked again.

"Let me think about it for two days and then I'll give you my answer."

"Okay. Konoha is short of people everywhere right now, so I hope you can make a decision soon."

Jiraiya said.

"Okay."

Tsunade's knot had already been untied by Kimimaro, so she didn't reject becoming Hokage like in the original story, but she wasn't enthusiastic about it either.

Her attitude naturally displeased Naruto, who saw becoming Hokage as his dream.

The conflict between the two erupted at this moment.

After some minor squabbles, Tsunade and Naruto made a bet about the Rasengan and went their separate ways.

"Lady Tsunade, you seem a bit absent-minded. And why would you bet your necklace with someone?"

Shizune didn't understand Tsunade's unusual behavior today.

Could it be because she heard the news of the Third Hokage's death?

If that's the explanation, it's not impossible.

"Shizune, I'm a little tired. Let me be alone for a while, you go back to the hotel first."

After Tsunade finished speaking, she left on her own.

Seeing this, Shizune didn't dare to follow and could only return to the hotel first.

Tsunade walked and walked, unknowingly arriving in front of a waterfall.

This was the place where Kimimaro trained before.

"Could it be related to you? Kimimaro."

Tsunade muttered to herself. Suddenly, a figure was slowly approaching from afar.

It was Kimimaro, who had come to find Tsunade with his true face.

"Tsunade-senpai, long time no see."

Although his face was different, Tsunade recognized Kimimaro at a glance.

"Is this your true face? Kimimaro."

Kimimaro nodded slightly.

Tsunade smiled faintly.

"Not bad."

After saying that, Tsunade's face immediately darkened, and she punched Kimimaro!

The fist wind rushed towards him!

Blowing Kimimaro's white hair away.

This punch was aimed directly at his cheek.

But he didn't dodge or evade, and actually took the punch head-on.

Bang!

With a solid punch, Kimimaro was sent flying, crashing into a tree before finally stopping.

Dust rose, and the white-haired boy slowly stood up, a smear of crimson on the corner of his mouth.

"Why didn't you dodge!"

Tsunade shouted angrily.

"I deceived Tsunade-senpai, this punch is what I deserve."

"Hmph, you're quite self-aware."

Tsunade snorted coldly and slowly walked up to Kimimaro.

"Tell me, did you leave this time to participate in Orochimaru's Konoha Crush plan?"

"You already know that I'm Orochimaru's subordinate."

Kimimaro wasn't surprised to hear this because he had guessed it before.

Before he left, Tsunade said she wanted to see his true face next time.

That meant Tsunade already knew his face was disguised.

And in the ninja world, the only person who could make him disguise himself like that and come up with this method was Orochimaru.

Of course, in reality, this matter had nothing to do with Orochimaru, but Orochimaru was the most reasonable guess for Tsunade.

It was a coincidence.

Deducing that Kimimaro was Orochimaru's subordinate, coupled with the time he disappeared, it wasn't hard for Tsunade to guess that he went to participate in the Konoha Crush plan.

Kimimaro's answer clearly admitted that he did participate in the Konoha Crush plan.

"I never thought that the person I desperately tried to save almost destroyed Konoha. Kimimaro, you've gone too far!"

Tsunade's anger surged, and she threw another punch.

But this time, Kimimaro didn't choose to take it head-on.

He stretched out his right hand and steadily caught Tsunade's angry punch.

The fist wind dissipated, and several surrounding trees were blown down.

"Tsunade-senpai, please listen to my explanation. I participated in the Konoha Crush plan for another reason."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 150: I Wish You Happiness

"Another reason? What other reason could you have?"

Tsunade's anger had yet to dissipate.

In her eyes, Kimimaro's words were all excuses, but she didn't attack him again.

With Tsunade's strength, if she really went all out, Kimimaro wouldn't have been able to block it so easily.

"When I escaped from Kirigakure, Orochimaru took me away. Since then, I've been training in Otogakure. I learned various ninjutsu, and I especially craved medical ninjutsu.

Because I knew that medical ninjutsu was the only way I could survive. But after I mastered it, I found that I still couldn't find the cause of my illness. So I could only come to you, Tsunade-senpai.

I know that Tsunade-senpai wouldn't bother to treat a traitor from Kirigakure. So under Orochimaru-sama's guidance, I changed my appearance to win your sympathy.

I admit, it was despicable. But at that time, I had no other choice. I just wanted to live."

Speaking of this, Kimimaro's expression was somewhat lonely.

If he could survive through honorable means, why would he choose such a despicable method?

Survival can change a person beyond recognition.

Even forcing them to do things they despise.

Seeing Kimimaro like this, Tsunade felt a bit of heartache for a moment.

An orphan in the ninja world, how many choices could he have?

Tsunade had also thought of this at the time, so even after discovering that Kimimaro's face was fake, she still didn't get angry.

"As for the Konoha Crush plan, I had no other choice. Orochimaru-sama has shown me kindness, and I couldn't not repay him. But I also know that he didn't really want to destroy Konoha, he just wanted to kill the Third Hokage.

Otherwise, Konoha's losses wouldn't have been so small. He wouldn't have teamed up with me to kill the Fourth Kazekage. Killing the Fourth Kazekage was to control Konoha's losses from exceeding his expectations.

Orochimaru-sama still has feelings for Konoha, he only has resentment towards the Third Hokage. Even so, he wanted to give the Third Hokage a very dignified death.

I know you also have resentment towards the Third Hokage and Danzo. You couldn't convince yourself to face them, so you chose to leave Konoha and wander the ninja world.

These past two years, I've seen the pain in your heart. Your fear of blood has been resolved, but the knot in your heart hasn't been completely untied.

The outside world is wonderful, but it's not where you want to be the most. The Konoha Village that your ancestors fought for is where you want to live, isn't it?

The village that your grandfather protected his whole life, the place that your most important brother and lover in your life also want to protect, don't you want to go back?

I want you to return to the place you want to be the most and fulfill the life you desire. So, I cleared all the obstacles for you. Orochimaru-sama killed the Third Hokage, and I killed Danzo."

Hearing this, Tsunade was shocked.

"You killed Danzo?"

Kimimaro nodded slightly.

Tsunade couldn't help but look at Kimimaro with admiration.

Although she despised Danzo's character, she had to admit that Danzo's strength was not weak.

Kimimaro was actually able to kill Danzo in Konoha, this level of strength seemed to have surpassed hers.

Along with the shock, there was also gratitude in Tsunade's heart.

Just as Kimimaro said, this Konoha Crush plan had practically removed all obstacles for Tsunade.

The remaining two elders had no real power and posed no threat to Tsunade.

For a moment, Tsunade's blame towards Kimimaro had completely vanished.

The fake identity was forced by circumstances, participating in the Konoha Crush plan was half to repay Orochimaru and half for Tsunade's sake.

How could Tsunade blame Kimimaro for this?

After all, the two years they spent together had long made Tsunade see Kimimaro as her own younger brother, even her son.

Regardless of whether his identity was real or not, this feeling was real.

Moreover, the culprit of the Konoha Crush plan was Orochimaru, and it had little to do with Kimimaro.

"Tsunade-senpai, originally I should have said that I'm willing to use my life to beg for your forgiveness. But I'm a person who's afraid of death, so I won't say that. If you can't forgive me, I can only fight."

"Alright! Then let me see how much you've learned from Orochimaru all these years!"

As Tsunade spoke, her sandbag-sized fist punched over.

She understood everything Kimimaro had done, but the anger in her heart hadn't completely disappeared.

The best way to vent her anger was, of course, to have a fight.

Facing Tsunade's terrifying fist, Kimimaro didn't choose to dodge.

Fist-to-flesh combat was the most satisfying way to vent anger; otherwise, punching the air would only make one angrier.

Facing this punch, Kimimaro also threw a punch!

Strength Clow Card!

Boom!

The two fists collided, and they were evenly matched.

The airflow generated by the collision of the fists scattered around, knocking down many leaves.

"Good boy, you have quite the strength. Then I won't hold back, let me see how many punches you can take!"

Tsunade's face was full of surprise, but then she punched even more excitedly.

Super Strength Fist!

Full of anger!

Tsunade had never encountered an opponent who could exchange punches with her, and this fight was incredibly satisfying.

The collision of fists was the most extreme battle romance.

In this battle, there were no tactics, no ninjutsu, no genjutsu, and not even fancy taijutsu.

There were only collisions between fists and fists, legs and legs.

A pure contest of strength.

Such a battle might seem a bit boring, but it allowed one to release their emotions.

Half an hour later, both of them were tired and stopped, lying on the ground together.

They both had some minor injuries on their bodies, and there were traces of blood at the corners of their mouths, but it was nothing serious.

For them, as medical ninjas, these were injuries that could be easily healed.

They weren't even as serious as their usual training injuries.

"Brat, what's your real name? Your face was fake before, so your name can't be real, right?"

Tsunade turned her head and looked at Kimimaro beside her.

Kimimaro said, extending his right hand in front of Tsunade.

In his palm, a crescent moon-shaped bone condensed.

"Tsunade-senpai, this is for you. Consider it a memento of our acquaintance. After parting today, I don't know if we'll have a chance to meet again."

Kimimaro's words made Tsunade feel a bit sad.

Yeah, after today, would they have a chance to meet again?

"Kimimaro, how's your bloodline disease?"

Tsunade asked with concern.

"I found a treatment method and have temporarily suppressed it. But to completely resolve it, I still need some time."

Hearing this, Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good."

Placing the crescent moon bone in Tsunade's palm, Kimimaro got up and left.

"Tsunade-senpai, I wish you happiness."

I can't stay up late anymore...

(End of Chapter)