A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Tsuyna, Guest, U3fan, Ojay1307, Miss Laury, Square Mom Lover, and Lara500. Thanks so much for all of your reviews! :D And thank you to all of my new followers/favorites. I appreciate all of you so much!

"... wake up. Tsunade!"

That voice... Jiraiya? Tsunade groaned and forced her eyes open, though her eyelids seemed to weigh ten pounds. Sure enough, Jiraiya stood at the foot of her bed, arms crossed and expression unreadable. "What are... you doing here?" In her bedroom of all places. It was as if he wanted to be killed.

"Hmm." Jiraiya rubbed his chin. "I admit, I thought I sensed something between you two, but I never expected I would find you in his bed. Tell me truly, Tsunade. What does Hatake have that I don't?"

What? In a surge of rage, Tsunade struggled to sit up, but her arms refused to work. She may as well be made of rubber. "What nonsense are you blabbering about? I would never..."

Everything rushed back.

She was in Kakashi's apartment, because she'd come to ask him to become the next hokage. For reasons beyond her, he'd answered the door shirtless, turning her brain into a hot, muddled mess—not that she'd particularly minded—Tsunade shook her head slightly and closed her eyes, fighting another groan. Focus. Kakashi hadn't taken the news well. He'd had the nerve to carry her to his bed like some kind of... of—well, it had been rather sweet and chivalric of him—and then rushed off, saying something about... a cure.

Orochimaru.

Ice formed in her veins. No. No. Kakashi had gone to find Orochimaru, she was certain of it. Kakashi was strong, but he was no match for Orochimaru, and he had to know that. But he'd gone anyway. Why couldn't he just listen to her? Tsunade opened her eyes, frantic energy quickening her pulse. She had to stop—she caught sight of Jiraiya staring at her, though now a furrow creased his brow. Heat flushed her skin. She'd almost forgotten the fool thought she was sleeping with Kakashi. Something she didn't have time to deal with. "It's not what it looks like. I came here for an important matter, but—" Orochimaru. She shoved against the covers, desperately trying to untangle herself. "I need—I need to go."

Jiraiya's expression shifted, and he moved to the bed. With his help, Tsunade was finally able to sit on the edge of the bed. But her vision swam, and she would have collapsed on the floor if Jiraiya's firm hands on her shoulders hadn't supported her.

Jiraiya's dark eyes burned into her. "Tsunade, what's wrong? You aren't yourself."

Tsunade sighed. It seemed she didn't have a choice but to tell him. "When I got my memories back, it didn't affect the chakra-absorbing seal. I have tried everything, but I haven't found a way to get rid of it. It's been steadily absorbing my chakra and growing stronger while I grow weaker."

Jiraiya swore. "Tsunade... curse you. Why do you always have to do everything yourself? I could have helped you!"

"No, you couldn't have," Tsunade snapped. "Do you really think you could have figured out something the greatest medical-nin could not? Believe me, I tried everything. Everything."

Jiraiya rubbed his eyes wearily. "What does Kakashi have to do with this?"

Tsunade curled her fingers into fists. "He went to confront Orochimaru, who he thinks might be the creator behind the seal." And in her current condition, there was no way she could catch him. Unless... "Jiraiya, you must stop him. It's a suicide mission. He's no match for Orochimaru."

"Why would Kakashi do this? He's always been level-headed," Jiraiya muttered, almost to himself. His gaze slid back to Tsunade, and darkened with understanding. "Ah. I see."

Embarrassment tingled in Tsunade's stomach. Annoyed at herself—and Jiraiya—she demanded, "What are you talking about?"

Jiraiya took in her expression, and his eyes widened. "So... you do care about him." Tsunade opened her mouth to deny it, but the words refused to form. Jiraiya ran a hand down his face and stood. "I'll go after Kakashi, but you need to stay here and rest."

Fury washed away any remaining embarrassment. Tsunade glared after Jiraiya as he walked to the bedroom door. She'd just about had enough of being told to rest. But Jiraiya left without another word, shutting the door firmly behind him. Fine. She'd get out by herself. Tsunade gathered her strength, and shakily pushed to her bare feet. Somehow, she staggered out of the bedroom, using anything she could find as a handhold. Her eyes blurred and the room swam in dizzying circles. No. She had to make it—

Her muscles gave out, and Tsunade collapsed on the floor. She lifted her head, trying to find the front door, but all that greeted her was darkness.

Night had fallen. Kakashi stood in the shadow of the forest, gazing at the entrance to Orochimaru's headquarters, built into the base of a massive tree. It had taken him and his ninken all day, but they had finally found it. Kakashi exhaled slowly. He was no match for Orochimaru's abilities, and he knew it. It was foolhardy to enter with only the barest basics of a plan, but he didn't really have a choice. If only he knew the layout of the hideout... Well. No point in wishing for what he couldn't have.

He mentally ran over his plan again, analyzing for any holes or weakness he could prevent—but it seemed sound. Or, as sound as a half-baked plan on the fly could be. He resigned himself to the fact that it was as good as it was going to get, and turned to face his ninken. "Thanks for your help. Ready to go?"

Pakkun nodded first, followed immediately by the rest of his dogs with a chorus of growls and soft barks.

"Good." Kakashi looked back at the dark entrance. "Remember, split up and look for any room of importance. I'll find Orochimaru."

This time, his ninken only responded with nods. As one, they headed to the entrance and vanished into the darkness. Kakashi pulled out a kunai, and followed silently. He half-expected a trap, but nothing greeted him as he descended in. Kakashi crept along the dimly-lit passageway, every sense alert. No doubt Orochimaru had Zabuki here as well, though whether he'd be a threat or not remained to be seen. Still, he would be ready.

Fifteen minutes later, Kakashi's progress hadn't been threatened. He could only assume that meant Orochimaru knew he was here... and wanted to confront him on the former Sannin's terms. He quickened his pace, but kept his kunai in hand. At last, the passage widened into a massive room with columns stretching to the ceiling. Kakashi slowed, gaze fixing on the two figures waiting for him at the other end of the room. Orochimaru, and his follower, Kabuto Yakushi.

"Kakashi Hatake. I've been expecting you." Orochimaru's reptilian smile split his deathly pale face. His yellow eyes shifted to behind Kakashi, and he frowned. "The nine-tails brat didn't accompany you?"

Kakashi stopped what he deemed a safe distance away, and narrowed his eye. Naruto? What was Orochimaru talking about? "Naruto doesn't have anything to do with this."

"Oh, but I'm afraid he does." Orochimaru gestured above them. "You came for him... didn't you?"

Sasuke stood on a ledge high above them, kunai in hand. Bile surged up Kakashi's throat as Sasuke's gaze met his, but even from a distance he could see in Sasuke's expression that his student had no intention of leaving.

In spite of that, Kakashi couldn't help trying. "Sasuke. Orochimaru is using you. Think of Konoha, and your friends. Don't they mean anything to you? They... they need you back."

Sasuke's face hardened. "I don't need them."

Kakashi sighed, but he wasn't surprised. He kept his gaze on Sasuke, though he sensed Orochimaru's summoned snakes stealthily approaching him from behind. He had to admit, Orochimaru's intention to distract him with Sasuke hadn't been half bad. But Orochimaru had also underestimated him. He'd already known Sasuke wasn't coming back, and Orochimaru would never risk the real Sasuke.

To prove it, Kakashi leaped up and backward, simultaneously hurling his kunai straight at Sasuke. The sharp point hit his former student between the eyes, and Sasuke vanished in a puff of shadow clone smoke. Kakashi landed in a crouch behind the two giant snakes, flinging a kunai—attached to a paper bomb—into each. The bombs exploded, taking the snakes with them. He waited until the smoke dissipated, then said coldly, "That's not why I'm here. Now, tell me where the cure is."

Orochimaru hissed, and Kabuto backed away into the shadows as surprise flickered across both faces. But Orochimaru only held up his hands. "Your words are riddles, Kakashi of the Sharingan. What cure?"

Kakashi lifted his headband, exposing his Sharingan, and answered evenly, "The cure for the cursed chakra seal you left to infect the Land of Fire. The seal that now inhabits the hokage."

His neck prickled in warning. Kabuto was almost upon him. Kakashi spun, forming signs at lightning speed. "Fire release!"

The fireball roared between them, forcing Kabuto back. While his opponent was briefly blinded, Kakashi summoned a shadow clone to take his place, and slipped behind the closest pillar. He needed to get to Orochimaru. The fire dissipated, and Kabuto immediately attacked Kakashi's clone.

Orochimaru watched the fight with interest. "I have no knowledge of this seal, though it sounds interesting." His eyes gleamed. "So, how is affecting my dear teammate, Tsunade? I assume nothing good, as she sent you to me. Well, well. It must gall her, being unable to find a cure."

Anger burned through Kakashi as he continued creeping toward Orochimaru. The snake was lying, and even worse, getting pleasure out of mocking Tsunade's pain. He steadily gained ground as the fight continued behind him. Finally, he was close enough. Orochimaru's attention was still fixed on Kabuto's battle with the clone.

Now. Kakashi leaped out at Orochimaru, kunai raised. A flicker of movement, and Kabuto appeared out of nowhere, blocking Kakashi's strike. They both landed, kunai locked, then sprang apart. Kakashi silently swore. Kabuto, too, must have created a clone.

Kabuto grinned crookedly. "I've always wanted to test myself against the copy ninja."

Kakashi only narrowed his eyes. Any moment now. His shadow clone's hands erupted from the ground—having defeated Kabuto's clone moments earlier—and grabbed the real Kabuto's ankles. "Chidori!" Unable to move, Kabuto's eyes barely had time to widen before Kakashi's lightning cutter pierced through his chest. He collapsed, and Kakashi faced Orochimaru, panting. Now, for the real test.

Orochimaru's eyes were no more than slits. "I know nothing of this seal you speak of. I've been preoccupied... with other matters."

Kakashi shifted into a defensive stance, every muscle tense with readiness. "Enough lies. I'm not leaving without a way to save Tsunade."

Orochimaru stared at him. Then, slowly, he smiled. "Ah, the solitary copy ninja Kakashi cares for someone, doesn't he?" His long tongue slid over pale lips. "Well, Tsuna does have that effect on men. Why, I remember when we were still chūnin—"

Kakashi hurled his kunai at Orochimaru to shut him up. "If you won't give me a way to help my hokage, I'll force it out of you." Though there was a good chance he'd die trying. But he still had his ninken, and if all else failed, they could bring the cure to Tsunade.

Out of options, Kakashi lowered his hand. "Chidori!" A wave of dizziness nearly made him stumble, but he blinked the sweat out of his eyes and braced his legs. He only had enough chakra for Chidori twice more. He clenched his teeth and charged Orochimaru. No. This would work. It had to work.

But Orochimaru crouched with a smirk, placing both palms on the stone floor. "Summoning jutsu!"

No! Kakashi pushed himself faster, but twin snakes erupted from the earth on either side of him. He cursed. With Chidori in hand, he couldn't perform a substitution jutsu. Scaly bodies wrapped around him, snaring his arms and legs. Kakashi thrust his Chidori to the right, just before a coil caught his arm, and the lightning cutter speared one of the snakes. It vanished in a puff of smoke. But it didn't matter. The other snake had already adjusted, twining itself around and through all of Kakashi's limbs, and held him suspended in the air, unable to move even an inch.

Orochimaru stood, and walked toward Kakashi as he struggled fruitlessly. The former Sannin sighed. "I've tired of this, copy ninja." He stopped, and placed a pale hand on top of Kakashi's head. Kakashi jerked his head back, but the coil around his neck tightened, and he choked. Orochimaru's fingers dug into his skull. "I am absorbing your chakra. Soon, you won't even be able to walk."

Kakashi clamped his eyes shut, unable to keep from sagging as his chakra and strength slowly drained away. But he managed to growl, "Do you really think I would come here without insurance?"

Orochimaru's hold loosened. "What?"

Kakashi licked his lips, tasting blood, then gave a shrill whistle. A moment later, a boom, then distant rumbling came from deeper in the caverns. Thank the shinobi gods. Pakkun and the others had done it.

Orochimaru twisted toward the disturbance, and hissed savagely. "What did you do?"

Kakashi managed a slight smile, though Orochimaru couldn't see it. "I have paper bombs set all throughout your headquarters. All I have to do is whistle for my ninken to set them off."

Orochimaru released him and took a step back. Then he laughed. "Well, Kakashi of the Sharingan, it seems you do live up to your reputation."

"Orochimaru, release him!"

Despite the snake's thick coils, Kakashi managed to turn his head enough to catch sight of Jiraiya striding into the room, white eyebrows drawn into a scowl. He sighed, nearly overcome with relief. With Jiraiya's help, doubtless they could wring the cure for Tsunade from Orochimaru.

Orochimaru hissed in irritation again, but he formed the sign and the snake disappeared. Kakashi fell to his knees and gasped, focusing on recovering chakra—and his strength. There was no time for weakness. "Thank you."

Jiraiya stopped next to Kakashi, arms crossed. "Tsunade sent me." He looked down; expression unreadable. "What were you thinking, coming here by yourself, Kakashi-san?"

Kakashi exhaled and pushed to his feet. Had Tsunade hidden her condition from Jiraiya too? "I have to find a way to neutralize the chakra-seal, and I believe it came from Orochimaru. If—if I don't, she will die within days."

Jiraiya's eyebrows lowered even further. "Tsunade failed to mention that."

"I know nothing of this chakra seal," Orochimaru sneered. "Why would I poison all of the Land of Fire? Konoha is all I care about. Besides, I was busy trying to get my own asset."

Zabuki. Kakashi fixed his gaze on Orochimaru. "We know about Zabuki too. What do you plan to do with him?"

Orochimaru laughed again, and uneasiness prickled along Kakashi's spine. What if he had been wrong about all of this? No. He couldn't afford to be wrong. He wouldn't fail Tsunade as he'd failed everyone else he'd loved.

"I failed to get Zabuki as my host body. He overpowered me and escaped, though he was wounded in the attempt. But, that Zabuki hates Konoha almost as much as I do. I expect he'll be heading there for his revenge once he heals from our fight." Orochimaru smiled slyly. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's going there now."

Now? Kakashi's stomach dropped. But Tsunade was there, unprotected and weak. Except... the seal. They still had to find a cure. He met Jiraiya's gaze, and saw his thoughts mirrored in the Sannin's troubled eyes.

Something flickered across Jiraiya's face, maybe... acceptance? "Go, Kakashi. Make sure Tsunade is safe and protect Konoha. I will stay here and deal with Orochimaru."

Kakashi nodded. But Orochimaru's voice whispered in his ear just before he turned away. "I had nothing to do with this chakra seal. But I think we both know someone who would go to great lengths to ensure Konoha's future is secure in his hands. His Root goes deep."

At that moment, Kakashi realized Orochimaru was right. How had he not seen it before? He gave the former Sannin a brief nod, but he didn't have time to contemplate why Orochimaru would help him. He had to get to Tsunade. His chakra-depleted body could hardly do more than stumble, so Kakashi popped a military pill between his teeth and crunched it.

New energy surged through Kakashi's limbs, and he sped out of Orochimaru's hideout, focusing all of his being on making to Konoha and Tsunade, knowing he had to get there before Zabuki. Because if he didn't...

A/N: So, I'm fairly certain it takes longer than one day to get to the Land of Sound from Konoha and vice-versa, buuuut we're going to ignore that for the sake of the story.

Tsuyna: Aww, thank you! I'm glad this is something that can make it more enjoyable. I'm afraid things are just going to get worse for Tsunade in these next few chapters. Well, it looks like Orochimaru isn't behind the seal, so we'll see what Kakashi decides to do. Thank you! I'm happy you're looking forward to more chapters! :)

Guest: Hahaha, I think he would have if he'd gotten the chance. XD But I'm pretty sure there's now someone else he wants to gut even more. Thanks for your review!

U3fan: If anyone can make it through, Tsunade can. But her limits will be tested, for sure. If Kakashi doesn't make it in time, he'll probably never forgive himself. Thanks for reviewing! :)

Ojay1307: Thank you! :D Hmm, I admit, the idea is intriguing, even though I'm mainly a KakaTsu shipper. If I did it, it would have to involve some time-travel, which would be cool. I can't make any promises, but the idea is interesting!

Miss Laury: Aww, yay! It always thrills me when you say how much you enjoyed the chapter. XD But dang, you've got some good ideas. I almost wish I'd thought of them earlier, lol. I agree with Tsunade needing to take better care of herself; if only she wasn't so stubborn. But if she has to choose between herself or the village, she's going to choose the village. Heh, well, I think THEY still have plenty of reasons why they shouldn't get together, but we as readers can see how wrong they are, lol. Yes, Tsunade definitely trusts Kakashi a lot, even more than she realizes, I think. I'm glad I could give you a heart attack, in a good way, of course. XD Aww, thank you! You're so kind. But I am very happy with my 100+ reviews. :)

Square Mom Lover: No worries! Please don't feel like you have to review, though I do love reading them. I really appreciate you taking the time to write one, even if you didn't know what to say. :) Orochimaru's relationship with his fellow Sannin has always intrigued me, and I've always felt like he has a soft spot for Tsunade. Hopefully this chapter answered some of your questions, and as for Zabuki, he'll be showing up in the next chapter. Tsunade doesn't like to admit it (at least, not yet), but she feels safer when Kakashi is holding her, so I'm sure she secretly enjoyed it. XD As for Kakashi's bed, I always imagined it was fluffy and soft. I have no idea why, lol. Thank you so much! :)

Lara500: Thanks, I hope so too. XD Honestly, when I first watched Naruto, I was totally paranoid Tsunade was going to die. (And if she had, I probably would have stopped watching it.) But fortunately, she didn't. Plus, I'm a total sucker for HEAs. And that's all the hints I'll give to how this story is going to go. XD But you're right, Kakashi would be devastated. I'm excited that you're excited!