Boom!
A cloud of dust burst into the air as the sound of collapsing buildings echoed ahead of Kaito.
Tsunade and Kaito halted mid-step, eyes narrowing.
Kaito's expression remained neutral but serious.
Is it starting?
From within the dust, a massive white snake slithered forward—its phosphorous-like scales glinting under the sun, tongue flicking through the haze.
Perched atop the serpent, a pale figure stood with eerie grace.
"Long time no see, Tsunade," Orochimaru rasped in his cold, familiar tone.
"Orochimaru!" Tsunade's voice trembled with rage. "How dare you show your face in front of me?"
"I'm not here for a reunion," Orochimaru said as he raised his sealed hands. "These were sealed away by Hiruzen during our battle. I came to ask you for help. Heal them."
His tongue flicked across his lips. "In return… I'll bring your brother, Nawaki, back to life."
Tsunade's breath caught. Her entire body tensed as if struck.
"You… you can really bring Nawaki back?" she whispered, shaken.
Of all the regrets Tsunade carried, the greatest was losing her younger brother. As the last direct descendant of the Senju clan, Nawaki's death had ended a bloodline that traced back to Hashirama and Tobirama Senju. She had failed to protect him during the war.
It was a wound she had never truly healed from.
Then—
Bang!
Tsunade was pulled into a firm embrace.
A soft voice whispered near her ear.
"Tsunade-sensei, don't fall for his lies."
Kaito's tone was calm but steady, grounding.
"The technique he's referring to is called Impure World Reincarnation. It's not true resurrection. It forcibly summons a soul from the Pure Land into the living world and binds it to a host body. That host is coated in ash and chakra to resemble the dead."
He held her gently but firmly.
"There's no heartbeat, no warmth, and the person's will can be overridden. They become puppets, controlled by the summoner. Even if they retain fragments of their personality, they can't pass on unless sealed."
Kaito paused before continuing, voice low and respectful.
"This technique was labeled forbidden by the Second Hokage for a reason. He knew disturbing the dead's rest was a violation—especially for those who gave their lives for peace."
"Do you really think Nawaki would want to come back like that? As a tool for Orochimaru?"
Tsunade's trembling slowed. The fog in her mind began to clear.
From atop the snake, Orochimaru narrowed his yellow eyes. "Impressive. You seem well-versed in forbidden techniques, Ayanami Kaito."
His voice was soft but laced with curiosity.
He's absolutely right, Orochimaru thought. The boy described every detail of Impure World Reincarnation flawlessly.
I spent years researching that technique. How does a child know this much?
He stared intently at Kaito, fascinated.
Tsunade slowly steadied herself.
As the greatest medical ninja of her time and one of the Legendary Sannin, her mind was not easily swayed—but Orochimaru had struck a painful nerve. Still, thanks to Kaito's words, she snapped out of it.
She took a deep breath.
"Don't expect an answer later," she said, eyes sharp again. "You want a response? Here it is. I won't heal your hands. I'm not interested in any deals."
"And most of all… I've had enough of you."
She vanished.
Whoosh!
Tsunade reappeared above Orochimaru, her leg raised high. Chakra surged around it, compressing with lethal force.
"This one's for Hiruzen-sensei!"
She swung her leg downward with devastating momentum.
Orochimaru scowled.
Still the same as always… so hot-headed.
He raised his palm, sluggish due to his crippled arms, and bit his thumb. Blood instantly flowed from the wound.
But Tsunade's eyes locked onto that blood—and her body froze.
Her chakra scattered, her limbs trembling uncontrollably.
Kaito frowned.
This hemophobia again… it's really her biggest weakness.
He moved without hesitation, appearing beside her in a flash. He caught her midair and gently laid her on solid ground away from Orochimaru.
Then he stepped forward and faced them.
"Orochimaru. Do you want to leave peacefully, or should I make you?"
His voice was cold, even.
"You should know your current condition. You're no match for me. Neither is Kabuto Yakushi."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed again. "I'll take the kindness and walk away—for now," he said softly, locking eyes with Kaito.
The massive white snake shifted under him, and under Kabuto's command, it slithered swiftly out of sight.
He's strong, Orochimaru thought. Even in my prime, this would be a risky battle. With my arms sealed and Tsunade hemophobic… this is not the time.
And that boy—Kaito. He nearly killed me once already. I won't forget what happened in the Forest of Death.
---
Aftermath
As Orochimaru and Kabuto vanished, Kaito gently carried Tsunade back toward the house.
"Kaito! What happened to Lady Tsunade?" Shizune rushed out, alarmed.
"It's nothing serious. Her hemophobia acted up again," Kaito replied calmly.
"But that's impossible," Shizune said, surprised. "She never goes anywhere near blood. Did something happen while you two were at the casino?"
She paused, concern etched on her face.
---
Thanks for the Powerstones.