Naruto: The Lethal Protector
Chapter 17: The Sound Four and Shadow of Orochimaru
…
The days had passed quietly in the Hidden Leaf Village, with the usual bustle of shinobi activities and the ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances with other villages. However, there was a significant, almost surreal, development that had everyone's attention in regard to Tsunade.
Tsunade sat in the medical wing of the Hidden Leaf Hospital, the doctors faces usual confident demeanors tempered with a hint of confusion. She was eating ramen, her appetite having increased noticeably over the past few days. Shizune, along with other medical ninjas, checked her vitals, their expressions ranging from curious to utterly baffled.
"Her vitals are all normal," Shizune murmured, reviewing the data on her clipboard. "But the pregnancy is progressing much faster than we anticipated. At this rate, she could give birth within four or five months."
Kakashi and Jiraiya stood off to the side, equally puzzled. Jiraiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I've seen some strange things in my time, but this..."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "This is unprecedented. Do we have any theories?"
Kaito sat next to Tsunade, holding her hand, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. "We'll figure this out," he said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You and our child will be safe."
Tsunade managed a small smile, her other hand resting on her slightly rounded belly. "I know. It's just… so strange."
Anko, who had been standing quietly near the doorway, suddenly stiffened. Her eyes narrowed as she focused intently on Tsunade. She stepped closer, her symbiote Mirage subtly enhancing her senses.
"There's something… different," Anko said slowly, her voice tinged with realization.
Kaito's eyes widened slightly. He had suspected something but hadn't been able to confirm it. "What is it, Anko?"
Anko took a deep breath, her gaze locking with Kaito's. "Tsunade's child… It has a symbiote. Or rather, it 'is', part symbiote."
A stunned silence fell over the room. The medical ninjas exchanged bewildered glances, while Kakashi and Jiraiya's expressions turned from confusion to shock.
Tsunade looked at Kaito, her eyes wide. "A symbiote? Our child?"
Kaito nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle finally coming together in his mind. "It explains the accelerated pregnancy and why it's progressing so quickly. The symbiote is merging with our child, enhancing the growth."
Jiraiya shook his head in amazement. "Well, that's certainly different."
Kakashi looked thoughtful. "This could be both a blessing and a challenge. We'll need to be prepared for anything."
Tsunade took a deep breath, her hand gently resting on her belly. "Whatever this means, we'll face it together. Our child is a part of us, symbiote or not."
…
Later that day…
Tsunade sat at her desk, going through reports and paperwork as Hokage. Scream, her yellow and red symbiote, extended her tendrils to assist in filling out the documents, making the process more efficient.
As Tsunade worked, a messenger arrived with a scroll, marked with the seal of the Land of Rice Paddies. She unrolled it, her expression shifting to one of concern as she read the request.
The Land of Rice Paddies has recently endured a devastating war due to the previous lord who listened to Orochimaru's schemes. With Orochimaru now dead and gone, the survivors are in a fragile state. Rumors have spread that a group known as the Sound Four, former associates of Orochimaru, are seizing power in the region.
The people are requesting help from the legendary Kaito, Jiraiya, and Team Seven, who they've heard so much about, for a special S-Rank mission.
Tsunade sighed, feeling the weight of the request. She turned to Scream, who sensed her concern and offered a supportive look.
"We've got another urgent mission," Tsunade said softly, her voice tinged with determination. "And it's a complicated one."
As Tsunade continued to read through the documents, another scroll caught her attention. This one was marked with a personal seal, distinct and somewhat familiar. She opened it carefully, her eyes widening as she read the message.
…
To the esteemed Kaito,
My name is Tayuya, one of Orochimaru's former associates, known as part of the Sound Four. I have heard of your ability to remove curse seals like you've done with your friend Anko, and I desperately request your help. I was present when Orochimaru lost his mind and was consumed by madness, and I realized he was not the leader I thought he was. The curse mark he placed on me is a constant reminder of that darkness. I am willing to take a chance on you, hoping you can free me from this curse. Please, if there is any possibility, help me.
With hope, and respect, I ask, and pray for your help.
Sincerely Tayuya
…
Tsunade's expression softened with sympathy. "This is unexpected. It seems one of Orochimaru's own wants to be free of his influence."
Scream, sensing the gravity of the situation and Tsunade's lingering concern voiced her opinion. "If there's a chance that we can help her, we should try. She took a risk contacting us, and on a more personal note, if she's sincere then she's placing her trust in our hands. Which is no small feat when dealing with Orochimaru's associates.
Tsunade wasted no time in summoning Kaito, Jiraiya, and Team Seven to her office. As they arrived, she handed them the scrolls, allowing them to read through the urgent requests.
Kaito's expression grew serious as he read Tayuya's message. "She's asking for help. If she's genuine, we could gain valuable insight into the Sound Four's plans."
Jiraiya nodded, his face thoughtful. "It's a risk, but one worth taking. If we can remove her curse mark, she might become an ally."
Naruto, absorbed that information and then spoke choosing his words carefully, "If she's genuine, I say we should help her, there's no harm in trying, especially if she wants to be free from that madman's memory."
Sasuke, more reserved, nodded in agreement. "If this helps stabilize the region, it's worth it, and no-one should have to be bound to Orochimaru, even after his death."
Sakura added, "This could be a trap, but if she's sincere, then we should help her."
Tsunade nodded; her expression serious after considering all the details. "Go and may you all return safely. The village and I are counting on you."
…
A day later…
The journey to the Land of Rice Paddies was long and arduous. Team Seven, Jiraiya, and Kaito traveled through varied landscapes, their pace steady but filled with a tense silence. The weight of their mission hung over them, making the atmosphere somber.
After hours of silence, Kaito decided to lighten the mood. "You know," he began, a slight smile on his face, "Since I've lived for millennia I have a lot of stories. Would you like to hear about some of them?"
Naruto's eyes lit up immediately. "Yes! Absolutely!"
Sakura and Sasuke nodded, their curiosity piqued, while Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Kaito cleared his throat, ready to share his story. "There was this one time, a few centuries ago, when I met a remarkable individual. He became one of my good friends over the years. What's peculiar is that he reminded me a lot of Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's interest was visibly piqued. "Really? How so?"
"He had the same hairstyle and was also a toad summoner," Kaito continued. "He didn't reach the level of a Sannin, but his skills were comparable to one. He even carried a scroll on his back, much like you do, Jiraiya."
Kaito's voice carried the group into the past. "His name was... Toichi. He was an incredible shinobi with a heart full of kindness and determination. We shared many adventures together, and he always had this insatiable curiosity about the world, just like you, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly. "Toichi, you say?"
Kaito nodded. "Yes. I still have a photo of him." He reached into one of his compartments and pulled out an old, weathered photograph.
Jiraiya took the photo from Kaito, his jaw nearly dropping as he stared at it. The picture looked exactly like a historical family photo of his ancestor; someone he had heard about often in his youth. "This… this looks exactly like Toichi, my ancestor," Jiraiya said, his voice filled with awe. "He's part of the reason I became a Sannin. Hearing about his hard work and skill inspired me."
Kaito smiled warmly. "He was a remarkable man. It's no surprise that his legacy lives on in you, Jiraiya."
Naruto looked at the photo, his eyes wide with excitement. "Wow, that's so cool! I had no idea you knew someone like that, Kaito!"
Sakura nodded; her interest piqued by the historical connection. "It's amazing how many people you've met, even across centuries."
Sasuke, always more reserved, allowed himself a small smile. "Wow…. At this point you should help build a museum at this rate with all the people you've met."
…
A few hours later…
Team Seven, Jiraiya, and Kaito arrived in the Land of Rice Paddies under the cloak of night, their senses heightened and their guard up. The town was eerily quiet, with only the occasional flicker of candlelight visible through shuttered windows.
They started asking around for information, but everywhere they went, there was an air of tension. People were weary, their eyes darting nervously as they spoke in hushed tones. It was clear they were afraid of giving away too much information.
Naruto approached an elderly man sitting on his porch. "Excuse me, have you heard anything about the Sound Four?"
The man's eyes widened, and he shook his head vigorously, muttering, "I don't know anything. Leave me alone."
Sakura tried her luck with a shopkeeper. "We're looking for information about some recent activities in the area."
The shopkeeper glanced around nervously before responding, "I don't want any trouble. Please, just go."
Finally, they approached a young woman at the edge of the town. Her eyes were filled with fear, but there was a glimmer of determination as she whispered, "One of the Sound Four told me to give this to you should I encounter you." She handed them a crumpled note before quickly disappearing into the shadows.
Kaito unfolded the note, revealing a jumble of nonsensical text. The group gathered around, trying to make sense of it.
Htgx 3h4v jk5pl f8j3k! Ytrew vf76a 8hg64k Qw54p 2j8h dcfj9 x4j8h k7fj! Lk4h ytrew j8f5 oiu34 #$ xghtr 12 3i 4vj8k zty6w kq9d! Tj98 fhty2 4ujkl 98fy 12ds m0pl #$56 lkj4 34ft 9jui!
Naruto scratched his head. "What the heck is this? It doesn't make any sense!"
Jiraiya frowned, peering at the note. "It looks like gibberish."
Kaito's eyes narrowed as he studied the text as he recognized a pattern where the others couldnt. "It's an ancient method of encryption. The letters and numbers are jumbled to make it look nonsensical. Give me a moment."
Kaito focused, his mind working through the patterns and codes. After a few moments, he began to decipher the text.
"This here," he pointed to a section, "is an old technique. The letters and numbers correspond to coordinates and instructions. Let's see…"
He rearranged the letters and numbers in his mind, slowly piecing together the hidden message.
"Got it," he finally said, looking up at the group. "The coordinates are 37°4'N, 138°8'E. The Sound Four are holed up in an abandoned fortress near those coordinates. The rest of the message outlines their recent plans."
Jiraiya nodded, impressed. "Good work, Kaito. We've got our location."
Sasuke glanced at the note, his eyes narrowing. "We should move quickly. If they're planning something, we need to be there before it happens."
Sakura and Naruto nodded in agreement, ready for the next step in their mission.
With the information in hand, the team prepared to head out to the abandoned fortress. The tension in the town had confirmed the rumors about the Sound Four's activities, and now they had a lead that could bring them closer to resolving the crisis.
…
Sometime later…
As Team Seven, Jiraiya, and Kaito made their way towards the abandoned fortress, they traveled through a dense forest they suddenly ran into a momentary problem when a smoke bomb exploded in front of them, obscuring their vision.
A masked ninja, around Naruto's age, appeared amidst the smoke, hurling kunai and shuriken with swift, practiced movements. The team quickly took defensive positions, their senses on high alert.
Sasuke, Kaito, and Jiraiya noticed something peculiar about the ninja's tactics. "She's relying on the smoke bombs too much," Sasuke remarked. "Either she's inexperienced or she's holding back."
Jiraiya nodded. "Something's off here."
Sakura narrowly dodged a kunai, while Kaito stood his ground. One of the kunai plunged into his gut, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, he raised a hand. "Wait? Hold on? Time out?" he said calmly, looking at the masked ninja with a questioning expression.
Everyone paused, the tension thick in the air. From Kaito's back, purple symbiotic tendrils formed, and Violet emerged with her sharp symbiote teeth and big white eyes, examining the situation. Violet, reading the young ninja's mind, spoke through Kaito.
"Ohhh? You thought we were working with Orochimaru? I can assure you that's not the case," Kaito said casually, pulling the kunai from his gut. The symbiotes quickly healed the wound.
"We're from the hidden leaf village and we're investigating the Sound Four's activities in this area."
The masked ninja hesitated, taking a step back. After glancing at the others and considering Kaito's words, she nodded and put away her kunai. Slowly, she pulled off her mask, revealing a girl with long orange hair.
"I apologize… I did not realize that I was in the presence of the legendary Kaito. My name is Sasame Fuma of the Fuma clan."
Kaito nodded reassuringly. "It's alright, Sasame. We understand the situation here is tense."
Sasame's eyes were wide with a mix of awe and relief. "I've heard stories about you and your symbiotes. We've been trying to protect our people from the remnants of Orochimaru's influence."
Jiraiya stepped forward, his demeanor calm and authoritative. "Sasame, we're here to put an end to the Sound Four's activities. Any information you have would be invaluable."
Sasame thought on that for a moment, "I can help. I've been tracking their movements. They're hiding in the fortress ahead, but it's heavily guarded. An old hideout of Orochimaru, but I can guide you there all that I ask in return is that you help me find my cousin, Arashi, he was taken by Orochimaru under the promise that he could restore our clans glory, that was before word came in of Orochimaru's death…"
Kaito gave it a moment of thought and looked at her seriously, "I promise Sasame, we will find your cousin and help him if we can."
…
An hour later, they arrived at Orochimaru's old base of operations. The entrance to the underground hideout was hidden among the overgrown foliage and crumbling ruins it was apparent that Orochimaru hasn't been here for some time even before his end.
Kaito gathered the group, outlining their plan. "To cover more ground, I'll create four Azure symbiote doppelgangers. They'll split into two groups. Sasuke, you go with one pair. Naruto, you go with another. This way, we can search the underground passages more efficiently."
Kaito's symbiotes moved swiftly, and soon four Azure doppelgangers stood ready. "Remember," Kaito continued, "if you run into either Sasame's cousin or members of the Sound Four, keep your eyes peeled for Tayuya. She wants to be free from the curse mark and could be a potential ally."
…
With the plan set, they descended into the underground base. The air grew colder as they moved deeper, the walls damp and covered in moss. The narrow passages twisted and turned, making it easy to get lost.
Naruto, accompanied by two Azure doppelgangers, moved cautiously through one of the passages. "Man, this place gives me the creeps," he muttered, his eyes scanning the shadows.
Sasuke, with his own pair of Azure doppelgangers, was more focused. "Stay sharp, Naruto. We need to find any clues about Arashi and the Sound Four."
The groups moved methodically through the labyrinthine passages. The silence was occasionally broken by the distant dripping of water and the faint rustle of unseen creatures. Each step was taken with caution, aware that danger could be lurking around any corner.
As they ventured deeper, the groups began to uncover signs of recent activity—footprints in the dust, discarded weapons, and makeshift camps. It was clear that the base was still in use.
Naruto's group approached a junction, where the passage split into three different directions. One of the Azure doppelgangers turned to Naruto. "Which way?"
Naruto considered for a moment before pointing to the left. "Let's try this way. Stay alert."
…
Meanwhile, Sasuke's group discovered a room filled with old scrolls and maps. He motioned for the doppelgangers to search the room. "Look for anything that might indicate where they're hiding or where Arashi might be."
One of the doppelgangers picked up a tattered map that he noticed and handed it to Sasuke. "This might be useful."
Kaito, Jiraiya, Sakura, and Sasame moved cautiously through the dimly lit underground passages. The air was thick with the smell of decay, and their footsteps echoed eerily off the stone walls. Eventually, they came upon a cell block, the iron bars rusted and cold.
Inside the cells were bodies of former captives that Orochimaru had acquired or kidnapped. The sight was gruesome; the bodies had been dead for some time, but the signs of experimentation were evident. Limbs twisted unnaturally, strange markings on their skin, and the lifeless eyes of the unfortunate victims stared blankly.
Sakura covered her mouth, trying to suppress the nausea rising within her. "This is… horrible."
Sasame's eyes were wide with shock and sorrow. "These poor people… What kind of monster does this?"
Jiraiya, his expression grim, noticed an old workstation in the corner of the room. He approached it cautiously, sifting through the scattered notes and papers. As he read the contents, his eyes widened in horror.
"Kaito…? I think you'll want to see this."
Kaito stepped forward, taking the notes from Jiraiya's hands. As he read through Orochimaru's meticulous but twisted documentation, his expression darkened. The notes detailed experiments on bloodlines, an attempt to recreate something ancient and powerful.
"Orochimaru… before he died, he tried experimenting with bloodlines," Kaito said, his voice growing more intense with each word. "He was trying to… recreate the bloodline that belonged to my love all those millennia ago, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki."
The revelation made Kaito's blood boil. He clenched his fists, the symbiotes within him reacting to his rage. "Orochimaru...! Be grateful you're dead, or I would kill you all over again…!"
Sasame, sensing the rising tension, placed a gentle hand on Kaito's arm. "Kaito, we need to focus. We're here to stop the Sound Four and find my cousin. We can't let Orochimaru's madness distract us."
Kaito took a deep breath, his eyes closing momentarily as he regained his composure. "You're right, Sasame. I'm sorry. It's just... the thought of what he did, and why, it's infuriating."
Jiraiya nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Kaito's shoulder. "We'll make sure his legacy of horror ends here. But for now, let's focus on our mission."
With renewed determination, they left the cell block, the grim sight and Orochimaru's twisted notes fueling their resolve.
…
A short while later…
As they were passing by a corridor, Jirōbō, one of the Sound Four, emerged from a hidden passage, catching them off guard.
With a swift motion, Jirōbō activated a trap mechanism. Spikes shot out from a hidden container, aimed directly at Jiraiya. In that split second, Kaito pushed Jiraiya out of the way, taking the hit himself. The trap pulled him underground, and the spikes impaled his body.
"KAITO!" Jiraiya shouted, scrambling to his feet.
Jirōbō wasted no time and summoned a massive rock sphere, hurling it at Jiraiya. Before it could hit, Sakura stepped in, summoning her chakra shields that she had been working on with Kaito. The shield blocked the boulder strike, surprising Jirōbō.
"What the...?" Jirōbō muttered, taken aback by the unexpected defense but that was all he got to say before his attention was drawn to where the trap was sprung, or rather, the ground above it…!
The ground where Kaito had been pulled into suddenly ruptured upwards, as if something was digging through the earth with incredible strength. With a resounding smash, the earth shattered, and Kaito, clad in the Carnage symbiote, emerged from the ground. Five large spikes protruded from his shoulder, stomach, gut, leg, and neck.
If it were anyone else, the injuries would have been fatal. Enhanced by the symbiote, Kaito pulled each spike out of his body, dropping them to the ground casually. He brushed himself off and grinned at Jirōbō showing his sharp teeth further.
"So? Got anything else, or is that it?" Kaito taunted, his eyes glowing with the symbiote's energy.
Jirōbō, visibly shaken, tried to regain his composure. "How... how are you still alive?"
Kaito's grin widened, revealing Carnage's sharp teeth even further. "Guess you haven't been doing your homework, it just comes naturally for me."
Kaito lunged at Jirōbō with incredible speed, his movements a blur. Jirōbō barely had time to react, summoning a rock shield to block Kaito's attack. The impact shattered the shield, and Kaito followed through with a powerful punch that sent Jirōbō crashing into the wall.
Jiraiya and Sakura moved in, ready to assist. Sasame stayed back, her eyes wide as she witnessed Kaito's overwhelming power.
Jirōbō, now desperate, tried to summon another rock sphere, but Kaito was faster. He grabbed Jirōbō's arm, stopping the jutsu mid-summon. With a swift, precise strike to the skull, Kaito knocked Jirōbō out cold.
As the dust settled and Kaito set the defeated Jirōbō down gently, and taking away his ninja tools before tying him up with some cords he brought with his ninja gear and picked him up before Kaito turned to his team. "Let's keep moving. We need to find the rest of the Sound Four and Sasame's cousin."
Sakura nodded, her chakra shields dissipating. "Right. Let's go." As the others followed shortly behind Kaito.
…
Meanwhile, with Sasuke…
Sasuke, accompanied by two Azure symbiote doppelgangers, cautiously advanced through the dimly lit underground corridors. The eerie silence was suddenly broken by the sound of rapid footsteps. Sakon emerged from the shadows, his two heads — one on his shoulders and one at the back of his neck — glaring menacingly.
Without hesitation, Sakon launched a flurry of kunai and shuriken at Sasuke. Sasuke, with his Chidori lightning blades, expertly blocked each projectile, the sparks illuminating the dark passage. The Azure symbiotes lunged at Sakon, their powerful punches smashing into the walls as Sakon narrowly dodged.
Realizing he was outmatched since there were two symbiotes accompanying Sasuke which was three against one in his current state. Sakon's expression turned desperate. "I have no choice…" he muttered, activating the second stage of his curse seal. His body began to morph, splitting in half as grey appendages with spikes formed on each side. Both Sakon and Ukon, now separate entities, charged at Sasuke.
Sasuke dodged a jab from Sakon, sliding under his attack. In one swift motion, he hurled his Chidori net at Ukon, electrocuting him and pinning him to the ground. Enraged, Sakon lunged at Sasuke, but the Azure symbiotes reacted quickly. They transformed into puddles, grabbing Sakon mid-air and smashing him into the floor.
As Sakon thrashed around wildly, Sasuke saw his opportunity. Approaching the restrained Sakon, he demanded, "Is Arashi here? Where is he?"
Sakon glared up at Sasuke, his fury evident. "You've ruined everything! Ever since you took Lord Orochimaru from us, everything has sucked! You were supposed to be destined for greatness! Orochimaru was going to make you his prized vessel, and this is how you repay his blessing?! IF ONLY HE BIT YOU INSTEAD OF KAITO! THAT BASTAR-"
Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise at this revelation, but he knew he couldn't let it distract him. He had heard enough. With a resigned sigh, he activated his Sharingan, the red swirls encircling his eyes. "Sleep," he commanded, using his genjutsu to knock Sakon out.
With Sakon and Ukon subdued, Sasuke turned to the Azure symbiote doppelgangers. "Let's find the others. We need to regroup and plan our next move."
The doppelgangers nodded, and together they picked up both the unconscious Sakon and Ukan before moving deeper into the labyrinthine base.
…
Meanwhile, with Naruto…
Naruto, with two Azure symbiote doppelgangers by his side, entered a dimly lit chamber. In the center was a large cell, inside of which was a person with multiple body parts grotesquely fused to him. The sight was both disturbing and heart-wrenching.
As Naruto approached the cell, the person inside stirred and looked up at them with weary eyes. "Are you here to kill me? Did Sakon or Kidōmaru send you?"
Naruto instantly began fiddling with the lock, trying to pick it, but he was having little luck. Noticing his trouble with the lock, one of the Azure symbiote doppelgangers reached forward and, with a powerful yank, ripped the entire barred door off its hinges.
"HEY! A LITTLE WARNING WOULD BE NICE?!" Naruto exclaimed, jumping back in surprise.
Sasame's cousin, seeing the blue, glossy symbiotes with their sharp teeth and big white inhuman eyes, froze in shock. He pointed one of his many hands at them, clearly frightened. "WHAT THE HECK ARE THOSE?!"
Naruto looked back at the symbiotes trying to think of a way to describe them in a way that he could understand. "They're called symbiotes it'll take a while to explain but don't worry, they're on our side."
The Azure doppelgangers stepped back to give the cousin some space. "We're here to help," one of them said in a calming tone.
Naruto approached slowly, trying to ease the tension. "Are you Arashi? Sasame's cousin?"
Arashi nodded hesitantly. "Yes, I am. You know Sasame?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, we do. Sasame sent us after she helped us find this hideout. She's worried sick about you."
Arashi's eyes welled up with tears of relief. "Thank you… I thought I was going to die here. Orochimaru locked me up some time ago, and it's been some time since I saw him, …you can guess what he did to me." Arashi said as he lifted one of his multiple limbs so Naruto could get the rest of the picture.
Naruto and the Azure doppelgangers helped Arashi out of the cell, being careful not to hurt him further. "We need to get you out of here and reunite you with Sasame," Naruto said.
With Arashi free, they began to make their way back through the labyrinthine base. Naruto kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, ready for any sign of the Sound Four. As they moved, the Azure doppelgangers kept their eyes peeled for any other surprises.
…
Eventually Naruto's group, with Arashi in tow, and Sasuke's group, carrying the unconscious Sakon and Ukon, converged with Kaito's group in a wider corridor of the labyrinthine base where they immediately noticed Naruto helping carry Arashi… and his mutated state.
Sasame, Sakura, and Jiraiya stared in horror as they saw Arashi, his body grotesquely altered with eight extra limbs protruding from his back and sides. Sasame rushed to his side, her eyes wide with panic. "Arashi! Are you alright?" she cried, her voice trembling.
Sakura quickly began running an analysis of Arashi's chakra. As she examined him, her eyes widened in shock. "Something about his body... it's been changed on a genetic level," she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Kaito, who had just set down the knocked-out Jirōbō, paused at Sakura's words. The symbiotes re-fused into his body, and white symbiotic tendrils formed out of his back as Ivory emerged, his head forming to examine Arashi more intently.
Ivory's eyes narrowed as he observed Arashi. "I've seen this before on some worlds the symbiotes have visited... stem cells," he said, his voice echoing with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Stem cells?" Sakura repeated, unfamiliar with the term.
Kaito nodded, his expression serious. "Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. With advanced research, you can grow any body part you want if you know how to do it... even organs."
Jiraiya looked thoughtful, absorbing the information. "So Orochimaru was using this knowledge to alter Arashi's body on a fundamental level?"
Ivory nodded. "Yes. By manipulating stem cells, he could essentially create new limbs, organs, whatever he wanted. It's a horrific misuse of a powerful technology."
Sasame's eyes filled with tears as she held onto Arashi's hand. "Can we undo it? Can we make him normal again?" she asked, her voice breaking.
Kaito thought for a moment, considering the complexities of the situation. "Perhaps... but since it's genetic and the limbs are fully functioning, it's possible they'll just grow back if we remove them. And since it's tied to his genetic code, he may have to live with it if that's the case."
The group fell silent, the weight of Kaito's words sinking in.
Sasame's tears flowed freely, her grip on Arashi's hand tightening. "No... there has to be a way..." she whispered, her voice filled with desperation.
Sakura's face was etched with concern. "If it's truly at the genetic level, reversing it will be incredibly difficult. We might need specialized equipment or someone with extensive knowledge in genetic manipulation."
Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination. "We can't give up. There must be someone who can help us."
Sasuke remained stoic, his mind processing the implications. "If Orochimaru was capable of this, who knows what else he might have done."
Kaito raised a valid concern in that one moment as he began to speak. "If Orochimaru was dealing with this level of technology, it's possible he was doing a lot more than just that before his death. Stem cell research is only the first step. There's also animal and human hybridization, cloning, growing artificial people, and much more than that."
Jiraiya's eyes widened as he considered the implications. "If he was dabbling in all of that... who knows what kind of horrors he might have left behind?"
Sakura shuddered at the thought. "Cloning... hybridization... this could mean there are other victims out there, suffering from his experiments."
Naruto's expression turned grim. "We need to find them. We need to stop whatever he started before it gets any worse."
Kaito nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Exactly. We need to be on guard. Orochimaru might be dead, but his legacy of twisted experiments and suffering could still be out there. We have to put an end to it."
Sasame, though shaken, looked at her cousin with newfound strength. "Arashi, we're going to help you. We'll find a way to make things right."
Arashi, though weak, managed a small nod. "I know, Sasame."
Suddenly, they heard a commotion down the tunnel. Someone shouted in disbelief, "YOU BETRAYED US?! AFTER EVERYTHING OROCHIMARU DID FOR YOU TAYUYA?! THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY HIM, TRAITOR?!" The sound of blades clashing echoed through the passage.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "Jiraiya, stay here with Sakura, Arashi and Sasame! Sasuke, Naruto, you're with me!" With that, they sped down the tunnel.
…
As they arrived, they saw Tayuya in the middle of blocking a strike from her teammate, Kidōmaru. The clashing of their weapons was fierce, sparks flying with each impact as she blocked his kunai with her own.
"Orochimaru lost his mind, Kidōmaru! I saw it firsthand! He wasn't the same leader we once knew, if he ever was!" Tayuya shouted, desperation in her voice.
Kidōmaru's eyes burned with rage. "LIES! You'll pay for this betrayal!" He raised his blades for another strike.
Before he could bring them down, Kaito moved with lightning speed, catching Kidōmaru in a headlock. Applying pressure, Kaito held him as he struggled, flailing his arms wildly, until eventually he passed out.
Sasuke quickly moved in, tying up Kidōmaru's six arms and two legs with ninja cords. Naruto checked him for weapons, ensuring there were no hidden surprises.
After that was taken care of, Kaito turned to Tayuya, who was still on guard not sure if this was a trap.
"Tayuya, I presume? We received your message and your plea to have the curse mark removed."
Tayuya, still catching her breath, nodded. "Yeah, that's me. If you can really do it, if you can remove this damned curse, I'll owe you more than you can imagine."
Kaito nodded. "We'll do everything we can. But first, let's get you out of here and somewhere safe. We'll need to make sure the area is secure."
Tayuya looked at Kaito, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank you... I didn't think anyone would come."
…
Kaito, Sasuke, Naruto, and Tayuya made their way back to the others. Jiraiya, Sakura, Sasame, and Arashi were waiting, tension evident on their faces.
"We've got her," Kaito said, setting Kidōmaru down beside the tied-up Jirōbō. "Now let's get out of this compound before any other surprises show up. But before anything else," he added, turning to Tayuya and forming the white symbiotic tendrils of Ivory out of his back which moved to his arm, "let's take care of that curse mark."
Tayuya braced herself, closing her eyes as Kaito's symbiotic tendrils extended towards her. The tendrils sank into her skin, temporarily fusing with her genetics. She felt a strange sensation as the curse mark on her neck began to dissolve. After a few tense moments, the symbiote retracted back into Kaito, leaving her feeling lighter.
Tayuya reached up to her neck, her fingers brushing the now smooth skin where the curse mark had once been. She let out a deep exhale of relief. The lingering malice and darkness that had burdened her for so long were gone. The pain, both physical and emotional, had vanished.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes filled with gratitude.
The group, including Jiraiya, Team Seven, Kaito, Sasame, Arashi, and Tayuya, made their way to the surface. They headed to a nearby town where they could get Arashi some medical attention and ensure he was properly hydrated. The villagers were wary but willing to help once they saw the state Arashi was in.
At the local clinic, doctors and nurses worked quickly to tend to Arashi. He was given fluids, and the medical staff began assessing his condition. Sasame stayed close to her cousin, holding his hand and offering words of comfort.
Jiraiya, meanwhile, sent word to the Hidden Leaf Village, detailing the situation and requesting preparations for the arrival of the three former teammates of Tayuya.
As the group gathered in a small, quiet corner of the town, Kaito looked around at his companions.
"You've all done good today. We've saved lives and taken significant steps towards ending Orochimaru's dark legacy."
Tayuya, now free from her curse mark, looked at the group with a mixture of hope and determination. "I want to help. I know the terrain and the hideouts. If there are any more of Orochimaru's experiments out there, I'll help you find them, it's the least I owe you for helping me when you could have turned the other way."
Kaito nodded at that, "We'll take all the help we can get for now rest up, you've got a whole life ahead of you now."
…
A Few Days Later in the Hidden Leaf Village…
In the Hidden Leaf Village, the team gathered in the Hokage's office. Tsunade, with her yellow and red symbiote Scream assisting her, listened intently as Tayuya provided a detailed rundown of the potential facilities Orochimaru might have used for his experiments.
"We've identified a few more hideouts," Tayuya began, laying out a map with several marked locations. "Orochimaru was meticulous, always moving between labs to avoid detection. I only saw his work a few times, but what I did see was... disturbing."
The room fell silent, everyone absorbed in Tayuya's words.
"One of the experiments I witnessed involved a tank with a humanoid turtle inside it. It's not outside the realm of possibility that he was delving into animal-human hybridization." Tayuya's face twisted with disgust at the memory. "He was experimenting with his own blood as well, though I never saw the results of that work."
Jiraiya, standing beside Tsunade, frowned deeply. "Orochimaru always pushed the boundaries of what was possible. If he was working with his own blood, who knows what kind of abominations he might have created?"
Kaito, arms crossed, nodded. "If he was trying to recreate the bloodline of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, then these experiments could be more dangerous than anything we've encountered so far. We need to investigate these locations and shut them down."
Sasuke, standing beside Naruto and Sakura, added, "We should split into teams again with various ninja from the neighboring villages. Cover more ground. The sooner we find these hideouts, the better."
Tsunade agreed. "We'll need to be careful. Orochimaru's traps and defenses will still be in place. We can't afford to be reckless."
Tayuya pointed to the map. "This location," she said, indicating a spot deep within the forest, "is one of the more secluded labs. It's likely to be heavily guarded, but if we can get in, we might find more information on his experiments."
Tsunade quickly organized the teams. "Kaito, you'll lead one team. Take Sasuke and Sakura with you. Jiraiya, you'll lead the second team with Naruto, Kakashi and Tayuya there will be other teams in the areas ahead of you and we'll have additional support on standby if needed. You'll head out first thing tomorrow morning, rest up, we'll all need it."
…
As the sun set over the Hidden Leaf Village, the teams gathered their strength and prepared for the mission tomorrow.
Tsunade worked tirelessly in her office, making the final preparations for tomorrow's expedition. Scream, her yellow and red symbiote, assisted her by using its tendrils to sort through documents and help with the paperwork.
Kaito stayed behind to lend a hand, knowing how important this mission was and sensing the tension building within Tsunade. "You're doing great, Tsunade," he said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Tsunade looked up from her work, her eyes reflecting the weight of responsibility. "Thanks, Kaito. I just want everything to go smoothly tomorrow. Orochimaru's legacy needs to be ended once and for all."
Scream's tendrils moved with precision, organizing stacks of papers while Tsunade paused to satisfy her unusual cravings. Shizune, standing nearby, watched in disbelief as Tsunade reached for a cluster of poisonous berries and popped them into her mouth.
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune exclaimed, nearly having a heart attack. "Those are poisonous!"
Tsunade waved her off nonchalantly. "Relax, Shizune. With Scream, I'm immune to basically all toxins. Besides, they taste... surprisingly good."
Shizune sighed, still looking worried. "Please, just be careful. We need you in top form for tomorrow."
Kaito chuckled, shaking his head at Tsunade's bizarre eating habits. "You never cease to amaze me, Tsunade. Even after all these years."
Tsunade smiled, a bit of the tension melting away. "Well, I need to keep you on your toes, don't I?"
…
The next day…
The village was quiet as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon. The teams assembled, ready to set out. Guy-Lee and other notable ninja were preparing their own teams, each with a specific role in the mission. Kabuto and several other ninjas were on standby, ready to provide any necessary support or input.
Tsunade stood at the forefront, her presence commanding respect and confidence. "Alright, everyone. This mission is crucial. Stay sharp and work together. We'll bring an end to Orochimaru's twisted experiments once and for all."
As the teams made their final preparations, Kaito took Tsunade aside for a private moment. "You've done everything you can to prepare us, Tsunade. Now, we just need to trust in our abilities and each other."
Tsunade nodded, her resolve shining through. "I know. It's just... the weight of it all. So much is riding on this."
Kaito pulled her into a comforting embrace. "We'll get through this. You're not alone in this, and neither am I."
Tsunade leaned into him, finding strength in his words and his presence. "Thank you, Kaito, I needed that."
With that they slowly parted, and Tsunade watched them leave through the gate to Konoha she silently wished them luck, they needed it for what they're about to face.