Otsutsuki (Rebooted)

by greymatter1098

This is a reboot of my story Otsutsuki. This is an alternate universe story where Naruto is an Otsutsuki that is sent to Earth and found by Minato & taken him by him & Kushina. This universe variant of Asura will be Mito Uzumaki (Minato & Kushina's biological daughter) & Indra will be Sayuri Uchiha (Fugaku & Mikoto's daughter & Itachi's younger sister). Mostly NarutoxSayuri centric

11. Forest of Death Part 2

Chapter 10: Forest of Death Part 2: Rumble in the Jungle

Forest of Death

Sayuri and Sakura crouched behind the twisted remains of a tree, their bodies still trembling from the lingering weight of the overwhelming killing intent that had passed through the forest just moments ago. The sheer intensity of it had left them breathless, their minds scrambling to comprehend the malevolent power they had sensed.

Sayuri leaned against the trunk, her Sharingan spinning sluggishly as she tried to steady her erratic breathing. "What… what was that?" she muttered, her voice hoarse. She clutched her arms, as though trying to suppress the tremors that wracked her body.

Sakura, pale and shaken, sat beside her, hugging her knees tightly. She swallowed hard before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know… but it wasn't human." Her hands shook as she reached for her kunai, gripping it tightly to stop the trembling.

The oppressive silence that followed only heightened their unease. The forest, usually teeming with the faint rustle of leaves or distant chirps, was eerily still, as though even nature had recoiled in terror from the presence that had swept through.

Finally, Sakura broke the silence, her voice trembling. "Do you… do you think he's okay?"

Sayuri didn't answer immediately, her crimson Sharingan swirling as she stared into the forest. She thought of all the battles Team Seven had faced, the relentless fights against enemy shinobi and the arguments that nearly tore them apart. Naruto was an infuriating force of nature—stubborn, reckless, and seemingly impossible to kill. He had survived against odds that would have crushed anyone else.

Her lips curved into a dry, humorless smile. "He's too stupid to die," she muttered. "But if he's not okay, I'll kill him myself when I see him in the afterlife."

Sakura managed a shaky laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. It wasn't much, but Sayuri's sardonic confidence gave her a sliver of hope to cling to.

They both knew Naruto needed them asap.

A sharp snap of a twig shattered the silence, sending adrenaline coursing through their veins. Without hesitation, they leapt out from their hiding place, weapons drawn. Sayuri's Sharingan glowed ominously, her hands already bristling with shuriken, while Sakura stood ready, kunai gripped tightly in her hands. Both girls froze as they spotted the figure stepping into the clearing.

Naruto.

Or at least, it looked like Naruto. He was battered, his orange jacket shredded and streaked with blood, his expression a mixture of fatigue and relief. He raised his hands in a placating gesture, his voice rushed. "Whoa, it's me! Don't attack!"

Sakura began to lower her kunai, but Sayuri's eyes narrowed, her Sharingan analyzing every detail. Something wasn't right. The way he moved, the way his voice wavered—small, subtle differences that her honed senses picked up instantly.

"Drop the act," Sayuri said coldly, stepping forward. "You're not Naruto."

"What are you talking about?" the figure stammered, his expression shifting to confusion. "Of course it's me!"

"No, it's not," Sayuri snapped, her Sharingan locking onto the details that gave him away. "Naruto never takes off his goggles. Ever. And your eyes…" Her voice turned sharper. "They're wrong. Too dark."

Sakura's eyes darted to the imposter's face, and she realized Sayuri was right. Naruto's eyes were a bright, unyielding cerulean, brimming with warmth and mischief. These eyes, though blue, were deeper—closer to sapphire. Her grip on her kunai tightened as dread settled in her stomach.

The imposter's lips curled into a slow, sinister smile, and both girls instinctively stepped back. That expression didn't belong to Naruto—it didn't belong to anyone human.

With a puff of smoke, the illusion dissipated, and in Naruto's place stood a figure they recognized instantly: the strange genin who had returned Anko's knife the day before. His snake-like eyes glinted with amusement as he observed their reactions.

"My, my," he drawled, his tone dripping with mockery. "You're sharper than I expected. Impressive, for a pair of rookies."

Sayuri's fists clenched, her Sharingan spinning faster. She had sensed something off about this man from the beginning, but now, standing face-to-face with him, the danger radiating from him was undeniable. She didn't know who he was or why his presence made her skin crawl, but one thing was clear: he wasn't someone to be taken lightly.

Sakura, meanwhile, felt a cold sweat break out across her back. Every instinct in her body screamed at her to run, to get as far away from this man as possible. But she forced herself to stand her ground, her kunai trembling slightly in her grip.

"I was hoping to deal with Naruto-kun myself," the genin continued, his voice light and conversational, as if discussing the weather. "But it seems someone else has beaten me to it. Pity. Still…" His smile widened, revealing sharp teeth. "You two might provide some entertainment."

Then it hit them—the suffocating, all-consuming weight of his killing intent. It was unlike anything they had ever experienced, an oppressive force that seemed to crush the air from their lungs. Sayuri's knees buckled slightly before she caught herself, glaring at the man with defiance even as her instincts screamed at her to flee.

Sakura wasn't so lucky. She stumbled back, her breath coming in short gasps as her vision blurred. The kunai slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground as she fought to stay upright. Her heart pounded in her chest, the primal fear overwhelming her rational thoughts.

"Ah," the man murmured, tilting his head as he watched their reactions with a predator's curiosity. "Not bad. Not bad at all. But you're still far too weak."

Sayuri gritted her teeth, her Sharingan locking onto the man's every movement. She couldn't let him see her fear. "Who the hell are you?" she demanded, her voice steadier than she felt.

The genin's smile grew even wider, his eyes glinting with malevolent amusement. "Who am I?" he repeated, his tone mocking. "Someone far beyond your understanding. But don't worry—you'll learn soon enough. After all…" His gaze shifted to the horizon, where Naruto's battle raged unseen. "He's not coming back."

Sakura's legs trembled as she forced herself upright, gripping her kunai tightly. Every instinct screamed at her to flee, to run as far away from this man—no, this monster—as possible. Yet, she couldn't. Not with Sayuri depending on her to hold the line. Not with Naruto's fate still unknown.

Orochimaru stood a few feet away, his yellow, slitted eyes gleaming with amusement. His posture was relaxed, as though Sakura's resistance was nothing more than a passing inconvenience.

"You've got spirit," he drawled, his voice a sinister purr that sent chills down her spine. "But spirit alone won't save you."

Sakura took a shaky breath, tightening her grip on her kunai. Her mind raced as she recalled the countless hours she had spent training, pushing herself to be more than the burden she always feared she was. Those memories began to flood her mind, pulling her back to moments she had buried deep.

Flashback

She was crouched behind a tree during one of Team Seven's earlier missions. Her kunai was clutched tightly in her trembling hands, her heart hammering in her chest. Around her, chaos raged as Naruto and Sasuke fought off bandits, their shouts and the clang of weapons filling the air.

And there she was—frozen. Useless.

"You need to step up, Sakura!" Inner Sakura's voice rang in her mind, but her limbs refused to move.

She remembered the shame she felt that day, how she had vowed never to be so weak again. How could she stand by while her teammates put themselves on the line? She couldn't—wouldn't—let that happen again.

Flashback end

The memory faded as Sakura's focus returned to the present. Her kunai trembled in her hand, but her grip remained firm. This time, she wouldn't freeze. She wouldn't let Orochimaru see her fear.

"I'm not the same little girl I used to be," Sakura muttered under her breath, a spark of determination igniting in her eyes.

With a sharp cry, Sakura lunged forward, aiming her kunai at Orochimaru's chest. He sidestepped effortlessly, his movements as fluid as water. Before she could recover, he lashed out with a backhanded strike, sending her skidding across the ground.

Sakura coughed, tasting blood as she struggled to her feet. Orochimaru tilted his head, watching her with mild curiosity. "You're determined, I'll give you that," he said. "But determination without skill is nothing more than desperation."

Ignoring his taunts, Sakura pushed forward again. This time, she feinted left, aiming a slash at his side before pivoting to attack his leg. Orochimaru dodged with ease, his hand darting out to catch her wrist.

"Too slow," he whispered, tightening his grip. With a flick of his arm, he hurled her into a nearby tree. Sakura cried out as her back slammed into the rough bark, pain flaring through her body.

Flashback

The memory came unbidden as Sakura slumped against the tree, gasping for air. She was back in the training grounds, sparring with Sayuri. Her body ached from repeated failures, but Sayuri's words rang clear.

"You're too predictable, Sakura," Sayuri had said, her Sharingan spinning lazily as she analyzed every move. "You rely on brute force when you should be thinking strategically. You'll never land a hit on someone faster than you unless you start using your brain."

"But—" Sakura had started, only to be cut off.

"No excuses," Sayuri had snapped. "If you want to be more than a liability, you'll push through this. Now again."

Flashback end

The memory sharpened her resolve. Sakura forced herself upright, ignoring the pain radiating through her body. She tightened her grip on her kunai, her eyes narrowing. Orochimaru might be faster, stronger, and more experienced, but she wasn't going to give up.

"I'm not done yet," she said through gritted teeth.

Orochimaru chuckled, his amusement evident. "Oh? Still standing? Perhaps you'll be more entertaining than I thought."

Sakura hurled a barrage of kunai, each one armed with an explosive tag. Orochimaru's eyes flicked to the projectiles, his smirk widening. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected the kunai, but as the tags detonated, a cloud of smoke and debris enveloped him.

Using the cover, Sakura darted around to his blind spot, forming hand seals as quickly as her shaking hands allowed. She channeled her chakra into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling toward Orochimaru. The earth cracked beneath his feet, forcing him to leap into the air.

It was exactly what she had been waiting for.

With a shout, Sakura launched herself upward, aiming a powerful kick at his midsection. For a brief moment, her foot connected, and she felt a surge of triumph. But that triumph was short-lived.

Orochimaru's body twisted unnaturally mid-air, his hand snapping out to grab her ankle. "Not bad," he mused, "but not good enough."

He swung her like a ragdoll, slamming her into the ground with bone-jarring force. Sakura screamed as pain exploded through her body.

Flashback

As she lay on the ground, struggling to move, another memory surfaced. She was sitting by the river, her hands bruised and bloodied from training. Naruto had plopped down beside her, his face streaked with dirt but his grin as wide as ever.

"You've got this, Sakura-chan!" he had said, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence. "You're tougher than anyone gives you credit for. Just keep pushing!"

Flashback end

She had scoffed at the time, dismissing his words as empty encouragement. But now, as she stared up at Orochimaru's looming figure, she clung to them like a lifeline.

Sakura forced herself to her knees, her body screaming in protest. She grabbed a kunai, her fingers trembling as she raised it in a last-ditch effort to defend herself. Orochimaru's yellow eyes glinted with satisfaction as he closed the distance between them.

"You've fought admirably," he said, his tone almost mockingly gentle. "But every battle must come to an end."

Before Sakura could react, his hand shot out, wrapping around her neck. Her vision blurred as he lifted her off the ground, his grip tightening like a vice.

"Say goodbye, little kunoichi," he whispered.

Sakura gasped, her hands clawing at his arm as she fought to break free. Memories of her teammates, her dreams, and her unspoken fears flashed through her mind. She thought of Naruto's determination, Sayuri's strength, and her own desperate desire to prove herself.

But it wasn't enough.

With a sickening crack, Orochimaru snapped her neck.

---

Sayuri's footsteps faltered as she burst into the clearing, her chest heaving with exertion and fear. The scene before her hit her like a sledgehammer. Sakura lay crumpled on the ground, her neck twisted at an unnatural angle, her eyes staring lifelessly into the distance.

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The sounds of the forest faded into silence, and all Sayuri could hear was the pounding of her own heartbeat. Her chest tightened, and her breath hitched as the horrifying reality sank in.

"No…" she whispered, her voice trembling hating herself for not recovering from their enemy's killing intent sooner. "No, no, no!"

Her Sharingan flared to life, the two tomoe in each eye spinning violently as her emotions surged. A flood of memories overwhelmed her—the missions they had completed as a team, Sakura's quiet determination during training, her occasional witty remarks that lightened even the darkest moments. And now, all of it was gone.

Sayuri clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood. The metallic tang of it filled her mouth as she bit down to keep herself from screaming. A deep, guttural rage began to build within her, unlike anything she had ever felt before.

Orochimaru stood over Sakura's lifeless body, his yellow, slitted eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, the Uchiha," he drawled, his voice like poison. "You're just in time. Your friend put up a fight, but she was no match for me."

Sayuri's gaze snapped to him, and for the first time, she didn't feel fear. She didn't feel the icy grip of doubt that usually crept in when she faced an opponent she couldn't immediately gauge. All she felt was rage—pure, unfiltered rage.

Her Sharingan spun faster, the tomoe beginning to merge and shift. A third tomoe formed in each eye, fully maturing her Sharingan. The clarity was immediate and overwhelming. Every detail of Orochimaru's movements, the way his chakra flowed, the faint smirk tugging at his lips—it all burned into her vision.

"You…" her voice was a low growl, trembling with suppressed fury. "You monster. I'll kill you!"

Orochimaru tilted his head, his smirk widening. "Oh? Such hatred in your eyes. I see it now—the potential I've been waiting for. Yes, Uchiha Sayuri, show me what you're capable of."

Sayuri didn't charge forward immediately. Instead, she dropped to her knees beside Sakura's body. Her hands hovered above her fallen teammate, unsure whether to touch her, to shake her, to somehow wake her up.

"Sakura," she whispered, her voice cracking. "Come on, you can't… you can't be gone. We still have a mission. You still have to prove me wrong, remember?"

Her trembling fingers brushed against Sakura's shoulder, but there was no response. The warmth was already fading from her body.

A tear slipped down Sayuri's cheek, unbidden and unwanted. "You idiot," she muttered, her voice barely audible. "You were supposed to stay back, remember? You were supposed to be safe."

Orochimaru's mocking laughter cut through her grief like a blade. "Touching, truly," he said, his tone dripping with derision. "But sentimentality won't bring her back. Now, why don't you entertain me as she did?"

Sayuri's head snapped up, her tear-streaked face now a mask of cold fury. She rose slowly, her Sharingan glowing with lethal intent. "You'll pay for this," she hissed. "I swear it."

With a scream of fury, Sayuri launched herself at Orochimaru, her kunai flashing in the dim light. Her movements were faster, sharper, more precise than ever before. The clarity of her fully matured Sharingan allowed her to anticipate every twitch of Orochimaru's body, every shift in his stance.

But Orochimaru wasn't fazed. He parried her strikes effortlessly, his movements as fluid and inhuman as ever. "Impressive," he remarked, dodging a slash aimed at his throat. "Your Sharingan has matured beautifully. But anger alone won't defeat me."

"Shut up!" Sayuri roared, spinning into a kick aimed at his ribs. Her foot connected, and for a brief moment, satisfaction surged through her—until she realized it wasn't his real body. The image of Orochimaru shimmered and faded, revealing a log in his place.

Behind her, the real Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, his hand darting out to grab her wrist. Sayuri twisted away, her Sharingan catching the movement just in time. She flipped backward, creating distance between them.

The two clashed again and again, Sayuri's strikes fueled by raw emotion and Orochimaru's counters laced with sadistic amusement. Each time she thought she had an opening, he evaded or countered with terrifying precision.

"You're slowing down," he taunted as he dodged another strike. "Is your anger burning out already?"

Sayuri gritted her teeth, her breathing ragged. She refused to stop, refused to give in. Her mind replayed the image of Sakura's lifeless body, and the rage reignited, propelling her forward.

"You don't get to talk," she spat, her voice venomous. "You don't get to walk away from this!"

Her chakra flared as she wove through hand seals, her Sharingan tracking Orochimaru's every move. She released a fireball jutsu, the flames roaring toward him with intense heat. Orochimaru leapt away, but Sayuri was ready, following up with a barrage of kunai aimed to cut off his escape.

Orochimaru dodged with ease, his laughter echoing through the clearing. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his tone still maddeningly amused. "But you're fighting on emotion, little Uchiha. That will only take you so far."

Sayuri landed heavily, her body aching from the relentless pace of the fight. She was running out of chakra, and Orochimaru hadn't even broken a sweat. He stood a few feet away, watching her with that infuriating smirk.

"Let me give you some advice," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Power comes from embracing your darkness. Your anger, your hatred—these are tools, not weaknesses. Use them."

Sayuri glared at him, her Sharingan still blazing. "I don't need your advice," she snapped. "I'll end you my way."

Orochimaru chuckled, his gaze flicking briefly to Sakura's body. "Is that so? Then let's see how far your way takes you."

He moved faster than she could react, his hand darting out to grab her by the throat. Sayuri gasped, clawing at his arm as he lifted her off the ground. Her Sharingan spun wildly, but her vision began to blur as the pressure on her windpipe increased.

"You'll see things my way soon enough," Orochimaru whispered, his voice chilling. "You'll come to understand what true power means."

With a flick of his wrist, he hurled Sayuri to the ground. She coughed violently, struggling to breathe as she forced herself to her knees. But before she could rise, Orochimaru loomed over her, his shadow swallowing her whole.

"Don't worry," he said, his tone almost gentle. "You'll thank me someday."

Sayuri's world tilted as Orochimaru's laughter echoed in her ears. Darkness crept at the edges of her vision, and for the first time, doubt began to seep into her mind.

But even as the world began to fade, she swore she saw Sakura's face, her friend's determined smile giving her the strength to keep fighting.

Sayuri's Sharingan burned like molten fire in her eyes as she charged at Orochimaru, her face a mixture of fury and despair. She roared as she closed the distance between herself and the snake-like Sannin, her kunai glinting in the dim forest light.

Orochimaru smirked, his serpentine gaze following her every movement. "Oh, how delightful," he drawled, sidestepping her first strike with a languid grace. "Such fire in your eyes, little Uchiha. You'll make a fine addition to my collection."

"Shut up!" Sayuri snarled, spinning into a low sweep with her leg, aiming to trip him. But Orochimaru leapt effortlessly over the attack, his smirk never faltering.

Sayuri's mind raced, flashes of Sakura's final moments playing over and over like a cursed loop. She could still hear the crack of her neck, still see the twisted, mocking grin on Orochimaru's face as he ended her life. The grief threatened to consume her, but she channeled it into her strikes, each one more ferocious than the last.

Her kunai arced through the air in a deadly pattern, slashing and stabbing with precision honed by countless hours of training. But Orochimaru was faster, always faster. He dodged each attack with ease, his movements almost taunting in their casualness.

"You're too predictable," he said, catching her wrist mid-swing. Before she could react, he twisted her arm, forcing her to drop the kunai. "You'll need more than anger to defeat me."

Sayuri gritted her teeth, ignoring the searing pain in her arm. With a burst of chakra, she pushed off the ground, flipping backward and freeing herself from his grip. She landed in a crouch, panting but refusing to back down.

Orochimaru's gaze shifted, his amusement deepening as he observed her resolve. "Ah, the Sharingan has fully matured," he remarked, his tone almost admiring. "Such beautiful tomoe. But even with that, you're no match for me."

Sayuri didn't answer. Instead, she surged forward again, her Sharingan spinning wildly as she tracked his every move. Her mind worked frantically, analyzing his patterns, searching for an opening. But Orochimaru was an enigma, his movements fluid and unpredictable.

She feinted left, then lunged right, aiming a punch at his ribs. He caught her fist effortlessly, twisting her arm again and sending her flying into a nearby tree. The impact knocked the wind out of her, but she forced herself to stand, blood dripping from a cut on her forehead.

"Is this all you have?" Orochimaru asked, his voice laced with mockery. "I expected more from the heir of the Uchiha clan."

"Shut up!" Sayuri spat, blood staining her teeth as she charged again.

As she fought, memories flooded her mind—memories of Sakura. She remembered their training sessions, the quiet moments of camaraderie, the times they argued but still had each other's backs.

"Don't underestimate me, Sayuri," Sakura had said once, her voice firm. "I may not be as strong as you or Naruto, but I'll catch up. Just wait and see."

Those words echoed in her mind, driving her forward. She couldn't let Sakura's sacrifice be in vain.

But Orochimaru was relentless. He parried her attacks with ease, countering with strikes that left her battered and bruised. Each hit sent her reeling, but she refused to fall.

I can't stop now, she thought, her vision blurring from pain and exhaustion. Sakura… I'll avenge you.

Sayuri leapt back, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Orochimaru tilted his head, his amusement never fading. "Running out of steam already?" he asked. "How disappointing."

She ignored him, forming a quick string of hand seals. "Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" she shouted, spitting a barrage of small fireballs at him.

Orochimaru dodged with ease, weaving through the flames like a dancer. But Sayuri wasn't finished. She hurled a handful of kunai, each one attached to thin wires. As the kunai flew through the flames, they ignited, creating a web of fire that surrounded Orochimaru.

"Clever," he admitted, his smile widening. "But not clever enough."

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a massive snake that coiled around him, shielding him from the fire. The flames dissipated, and the snake lunged at Sayuri with lightning speed.

She barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as the serpent's fangs sank into the ground where she had stood. The impact sent shockwaves through the earth, and Sayuri scrambled to her feet, her heart pounding.

Orochimaru appeared beside her in a blur, his hand darting out to grab her by the throat. He lifted her off the ground, his grip unyielding as she clawed at his arm.

"You've fought well," he said, his tone almost pitying. "But this is the end."

Sayuri's vision darkened, her strength fading as his grip tightened. But even as her body weakened, her Sharingan flared brighter than ever, every detail of Orochimaru's face burned into her mind.

With a final burst of strength, she brought her knee up, slamming it into his ribs. He grunted, loosening his grip just enough for her to twist free. She landed heavily on the ground, coughing and gasping for air.

Orochimaru chuckled, rubbing his ribs. "Impressive," he said. "But you're only delaying the inevitable."

Sayuri staggered to her feet, her legs shaking. Blood dripped from her wounds, her body screaming for her to stop. But she refused. She couldn't stop—not now, not ever.

"You'll… pay for what you did to her," she said, her voice hoarse but unwavering.

Orochimaru's smile widened, his yellow eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Then show me, little Uchiha. Show me your hatred."

Sayuri charged again, her movements slower but no less determined. She poured every ounce of chakra she had left into her attacks, her Sharingan tracking Orochimaru's every move.

The fight raged on, the forest around them bearing the scars of their battle. Trees were scorched, the ground was torn, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and blood.

Sayuri knew she was outmatched, but she didn't care. She would fight until her body gave out, until she could no longer stand. She owed that much to Sakura.

---

Naruto's Mindscape

Naruto stood in the void-like expanse of his mindscape, the earlier revelations about his true heritage still weighing heavily on him. The silence felt suffocating, each second dragging on as his thoughts swirled in chaotic loops. He gritted his teeth, clutching his head in frustration.

"This is insane… Everything I thought I knew… it's all a lie," he muttered. His voice echoed back at him, a constant reminder of his isolation in this space.

Before he could spiral further, the stillness was broken by Ichiro's firm voice. "Naruto, focus. There's something more urgent at hand."

Naruto snapped his head up, his cerulean eyes blazing with confusion and frustration. "What now? Isn't dropping the whole 'you're an Otsutsuki' bombshell enough for one day?"

Hikari stepped closer, her voice soothing but laced with urgency. "Naruto, you're not alone out there. Your team… they're still in the forest, facing a grave threat."

The words hit him like a thunderbolt. His heart skipped a beat as memories of Sayuri's fevered state and Sakura's lifeless body flashed through his mind. A pit of dread formed in his stomach. "What do you mean? What's happening to them?" His voice was sharp, frantic.

Ichiro's Byakugan glimmered faintly as he focused. "Through the Kama mark we placed on your palm, we can sense the events unfolding around you. Your team… they're facing an adversary far beyond the likes of the one you encountered in Wave."

Naruto's blood ran cold. "You mean… someone stronger than Zabuza?" he asked, barely able to believe it. Zabuza had been a terror—ruthless, skilled, and deadly. The thought of someone even more dangerous sent chills down his spine.

Hikari nodded, her voice soft but grave. "Much stronger. And unlike Zabuza, this opponent isn't bound by hesitation or moral constraints."

The dread in Naruto's chest morphed into something hotter—determination. "I need to get back to them. They're counting on me!" He clenched his fists, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within him. "Sayuri… she's still not recovered. If anything happens to her because I wasn't there—"

Hikari's hand rested gently on his shoulder, stopping him mid-sentence. There was a faint smile on her lips, tinged with sadness. "Even after everything you've endured, you still care deeply about the people around you. That's who you are, Naruto. Compassionate. Empathetic. That part of you remains untainted, no matter what life or Danzo has tried to take from you."

Naruto looked away, his expression conflicted. "I'm not as good as you think. I've done… things. I've followed orders I didn't agree with."

"You were a child, Naruto," Ichiro interjected, his tone resolute. "But it's your choice now that matters. And your heart… it's in the right place. That's what gives us hope."

Naruto swallowed hard, the weight of their words settling over him. "I've trained myself to handle up to six tails of the Kyuubi's chakra—seven at the absolute max. That's enough to take down anyone short of a Kage or that Jigen… or Isshiki guy." He looked back at them. "So long as this newcomer isn't anything like them, i shouldn't have much of a problem."

Ichiro's lips curved into a faint smile, his Byakugan narrowing. "You underestimate yourself. Since your encounter with Isshiki, your chakra reserves have expanded exponentially. The mark he attempted to place on you inadvertently altered your body to integrate Otsutsuki chakra. When you awaken, you'll find yourself capable of wielding the full extent of the Kyuubi's power."

Naruto froze, his mind racing to process what he'd just heard. "Wait… you're saying I can go full Nine Tails? All of it?" His voice was a mixture of disbelief and anticipation.

Hikari nodded. "Yes. But remember, power alone doesn't define a warrior. It's how you use it that will determine your path."

Naruto opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a strange force began pulling at him, the mindscape shimmering and warping around him. His body felt weightless, as though he were being yanked back into the physical world.

"Wait!" he called out, panic edging his voice. "There's still so much I need to ask—"

Hikari's voice cut through the haze, gentle yet firm. "There will be time for answers later, Naruto. For now, go. Protect your team. And remember, no matter what, we love you."

Her words echoed in his ears as the void dissolved, leaving only a warm, fleeting light.

---

Real World: Forest of Death

Naruto's eyes shot open, and he gasped for air, his body trembling from the strain of re-entry into consciousness. He lay in a shallow crater, the destruction from his battle with Jigen/Isshiki evident in the charred ground and shattered trees around him. His head throbbed, but his thoughts were sharp, laser-focused on one thing: his team.

He pushed himself up, his muscles protesting every movement. The faint aura of his transformation still lingered, but he shoved the thought aside. There would be time to deal with revelations about his heritage later. Right now, Sayuri & Sakura were out there, vulnerable, and in danger.

Without hesitation, Naruto bolted toward the direction he instinctively knew his team was in. The world blurred around him as his newfound chakra reserves propelled him forward with speed he hadn't known he possessed.

Hold on, both of you.I'mcoming.

---

Sayuri, battered and bruised, crouched low amidst the smoldering debris of the forest. Her chest heaved with exhaustion, her Sharingan spinning wildly as she scanned Orochimaru's movements. She could feel the dull ache in her muscles, the sting of shallow cuts on her arms and legs, and the warm trickle of blood running down her forehead. Every nerve in her body screamed for rest, for retreat—but retreat wasn't an option. Not after what he had done.

Her gaze flicked briefly to Sakura's lifeless form, lying crumpled on the ground where she had fallen. The sight reignited the inferno of rage in Sayuri's chest. Her fingers twitched around the remaining kunai in her hand as her mind raced, piecing together a plan. She couldn't afford to keep attacking recklessly—Orochimaru was toying with her, evading her strikes with infuriating ease. If she wanted to make him bleed, she needed to outthink him.

This is for Sakura, she thought, her jaw tightening. I won't let him walk away from this.

Sayuri's eyes darted to the scattered debris around her: fallen branches, jagged rocks, and her dwindling arsenal of weapons. She clenched her teeth, her Sharingan analyzing every detail of the battlefield, searching for an opening. Her plan needed precision, timing, and the element of surprise. Orochimaru's smug expression only fueled her determination.

She retrieved a handful of kunai from her pouch, her fingers trembling slightly as she tied explosive tags to their handles. The process was quick, practiced—something she had done countless times during training. But this time was different. This time, the stakes were life and death.

Orochimaru's voice broke through her focus, taunting and condescending. "What are you scheming now, little Uchiha? Another pitiful attempt to touch me?"

Sayuri didn't respond. Her mind was already several steps ahead. The explosive tags weren't meant to hurt him directly—they were meant to control his movements. She needed him exactly where she wanted him, and she knew he wouldn't fall for an obvious attack. She had to sell it, make him believe she was desperate and reckless.

Taking a deep breath, she sprang into action.

Sayuri hurled the first kunai directly at Orochimaru, aiming for his chest. As expected, he dodged with effortless grace, his serpentine movements fluid and almost mocking. The kunai embedded itself harmlessly in the ground behind him, the attached tag lying dormant.

"Really?" Orochimaru drawled, tilting his head as he sidestepped another kunai. "You'll need to do better than that."

Sayuri gritted her teeth, keeping her expression focused. She didn't let him see the faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips as she continued to throw kunai in rapid succession. Each one was deliberately aimed to miss—just barely—landing in a scattered pattern around the clearing.

Orochimaru's yellow, slitted eyes followed the projectiles, his amusement growing. "You're wasting your weapons," he said. "How disappointing."

But Sayuri wasn't wasting anything.

As the last kunai left her hand, Sayuri sprang backward, retreating into the shadows of the forest. Her Sharingan blazed as she formed a series of hand seals, her fingers moving with practiced speed. She inhaled deeply, her chest burning as she summoned chakra to her lungs.

"Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" she shouted, exhaling a barrage of small fireballs that raced toward Orochimaru in a chaotic, unpredictable pattern.

The flames streaked through the air, their heat warping the space around them. Orochimaru's smirk faltered slightly as he moved to evade. The fireballs weren't particularly strong on their own, but their erratic movements forced him to twist and contort his body to avoid being hit.

Just as she had hoped.

The fireballs ignited the explosive tags on the kunai scattered around the clearing, triggering a chain reaction of explosions that sent shockwaves rippling through the forest. The blasts lit up the night like fireworks, the flames consuming the area in a fiery inferno.

Sayuri didn't stop there. As the explosions disoriented Orochimaru, she pulled thin chakra-infused wires from her pouch, weaving them quickly through the trees around the clearing. The wires, nearly invisible in the chaos, crisscrossed above the battlefield, creating a web designed to ensnare her enemy.

As the smoke and debris began to settle, Sayuri darted forward, her Sharingan locking onto Orochimaru's silhouette. He emerged from the smoke unharmed, his cloak slightly singed but his expression still maddeningly calm.

"Well, that was certainly flashy," he remarked, brushing dust from his sleeve. "But surely you didn't think that was enough to—"

He stopped mid-sentence as one of the chakra wires brushed against his arm. Sayuri yanked hard, pulling the wire taut, and Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly as the web sprang to life around him. The wires glowed faintly with chakra, their sharp edges cutting into the air as they tightened.

Sayuri smirked, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. "Caught you."

Orochimaru's gaze flicked to the glowing wires, his expression momentarily unreadable. He flexed his fingers, testing the restraints, and the wires responded by digging deeper into his clothing, threatening to cut into his skin.

"You've improved," he said, his tone almost approving. "But you still don't understand what you're dealing with."

Sayuri didn't wait for him to break free. She formed another series of hand seals, her chakra flaring as she prepared to launch her final attack. The wires would only hold him for a few seconds at most—she needed to act quickly.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!" she shouted, exhaling a massive orb of flames that roared toward Orochimaru. The fire consumed the wires as it surged forward, creating a blazing inferno that engulfed the entire clearing.

The heat was unbearable, searing Sayuri's skin even from a distance. She fell to one knee, gasping for breath as her chakra reserves dwindled. The flames crackled and roared, the intensity of the attack leaving her momentarily blinded.

Did it work? she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. Please, let it have worked.

As the flames began to die down, a figure emerged from the smoke. Sayuri's blood ran cold as Orochimaru stepped forward, completely unscathed. The massive snake he had summoned earlier coiled protectively around him, its scales charred but intact.

Orochimaru's smirk returned, wider and more sinister than ever. "A valiant effort," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But you'll need more than tricks to defeat me."

Sayuri's legs carried her as fast as they could, her breath hitching with panic as she sprinted through the ruined clearing. The oppressive atmosphere of the forest seemed to close in around her as the memory of Orochimaru's chilling words echoed in her mind.

"I won't let him brand me like that," she muttered to herself, her voice trembling. She clutched the hilt of her kunai tightly, her mind racing. Sakura's lifeless body flashed in her thoughts—a grotesque reminder of how merciless the snake-like Sannin truly was. She shook her head violently, banishing the image. No time to think about that now. Just run.

Her heart pounded in her chest like a war drum. Adrenaline surged through her veins, propelling her forward, but the sinking dread gnawed at her resolve. She knew she was no match for someone like Orochimaru. Still, there was no way she would let him capture her. Not now, not ever.

Behind her, a low, guttural chuckle sent shivers down her spine. Orochimaru's voice slithered through the trees, taunting and suffocating all at once.

"Run as fast as you like, little Uchiha," he called, his tone dripping with malice. "You can't escape me. No one ever does."

Sayuri didn't dare look back. Every instinct screamed at her to flee, to put as much distance as possible between herself and the predator pursuing her. She zigzagged through the dense forest, leaping over fallen logs and ducking beneath low-hanging branches. She thought of Sakura, of Naruto—her remaining teammate who she hadn't seen since the fight began—and a bitter pang of regret surged through her chest.

I have to grab her and get out of here, she thought desperately.

She could see Sakura's body just ahead, still and lifeless among the debris. Sayuri's stomach churned. The sight of her fallen teammate struck her like a physical blow, but she forced herself to focus. I can still bring her back to Konoha. I can't leave her behind.

As her pace quickened, a shadow materialized in front of her—fluid and seamless. Orochimaru stood there, utterly unscathed, his serpentine smile stretching wider as if feeding off her despair. His yellow, slitted eyes gleamed with sinister delight.

"You can't run from me," he said, his voice calm yet cutting.

Sayuri's feet slid to a stop, kicking up dirt and debris. Her crimson Sharingan spun wildly, her chest heaving as she took a defensive stance. Move! Do something! her mind screamed.

But before she could react, Orochimaru blurred forward. His hand extended unnaturally, fingers wrapping around her throat like a vice. The sheer speed of his attack left her stunned, her mind struggling to process how quickly he had closed the distance.

Sayuri clawed at Orochimaru's arm, her fingernails scraping against his cold, snake-like skin as she tried desperately to free herself. His grip tightened, cutting off her air supply. The world around her began to blur, and the cold reality of her situation crashed down on her like a tidal wave.

"You're quite the fighter," Orochimaru hissed, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "But even the strongest flames burn out eventually. And you, little Uchiha, will be my masterpiece."

He hoisted her higher, her feet dangling uselessly as she struggled to breathe. Her Sharingan spun furiously, tracking every minute detail of his expression, every shift in his chakra. But even with her enhanced vision, she couldn't see a way out.

"Let… me… go!" she choked, her voice barely a whisper. Her strength was fading, her arms growing heavy as her oxygen-starved body began to shut down.

Orochimaru's fangs lengthened, glinting in the dim light of the forest. Sayuri's heart skipped a beat as she realized what was coming.

"No!" she screamed, thrashing wildly. But it was no use. Orochimaru's grip was unyielding, his snake-like gaze locked onto her with predatory hunger.

Pain unlike anything she had ever felt exploded through her body as Orochimaru's fangs sank into her shoulder. It was a searing, white-hot agony that tore through her nerves, setting every inch of her on fire. Sayuri screamed—a raw, guttural sound that echoed through the forest. Her vision blurred with tears, the world around her spinning as the pain consumed her.

The mark burned like molten lava, the sensation spreading from her shoulder to the rest of her body in relentless waves. Her muscles seized, her back arching involuntarily as she tried to fight off the unbearable pain. It felt as though her very soul was being branded, tainted by the dark energy pouring into her.

Orochimaru released her, letting her fall to the ground like a discarded toy. Sayuri landed heavily, her body convulsing as the curse mark took hold. The ground beneath her felt cold and distant, her surroundings dimming as her consciousness wavered.

The agony didn't stop. It intensified, growing sharper with every passing second. It was no longer just physical pain—there was something deeper, something insidious invading her mind. The curse mark pulsed with dark energy, sending shockwaves through her chakra system. Her thoughts became fragmented, her mind clouded with whispers of power and destruction.

She gasped for air, her fingers clawing at the dirt as she tried to ground herself. The pain was overwhelming, drowning out every other sensation. Her Sharingan flickered, struggling to stay active as her chakra reserves were drained by the mark's parasitic nature.

For a brief moment, Sayuri's mind was flooded with visions—images she couldn't comprehend. She saw Orochimaru's twisted grin, his voice echoing in her head, promising power and revenge. She saw herself standing alone in a desolate wasteland, her Sharingan burning brighter than ever. And then, she saw Sakura—lifeless and still, her broken body a stark reminder of what she had lost.

Through the haze of her agony, Sayuri became vaguely aware of a new presence in the clearing. She forced her head to turn, her tear-filled eyes locking onto a familiar figure. Naruto stood at the edge of the clearing, his face a mixture of shock and fury. His right eye blazed with the unmistakable power of the Kessetsugan, the swirling patterns within it reflecting his rising anger.

"Sayuri!" he shouted, his voice breaking with desperation. His hand gripped the hilt of a kunai so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Sayuri wanted to call out to him, to warn him to stay back, but the words caught in her throat. Her body refused to move, her limbs heavy and unresponsive as the curse mark continued to spread its venomous influence.

The mark on her shoulder pulsed violently, sending a fresh wave of pain coursing through her body. Sayuri's screams turned hoarse, her voice breaking under the strain. Her skin felt like it was burning, her veins filled with fire as the dark chakra corrupted her system. Her Sharingan flared briefly before flickering out, unable to withstand the strain.

Her mind spiraled, caught in a storm of fear, anger, and despair. She felt as though she was being torn apart, her very essence consumed by the curse mark's insidious power. And through it all, Orochimaru's laughter rang in her ears—a haunting melody that promised nothing but pain and destruction.

As the world began to fade, Sayuri's gaze fixed on Naruto. His right eye glowed brighter than ever, its swirling patterns reflecting his rage and determination. She wanted to reach out to him, to tell him to fight, to protect himself. But her vision blurred, her consciousness slipping away as the curse mark claimed her.

And then, there was nothing.

---

Naruto's breath hitched as his grip tightened against the rough bark of the tree he leaned on for support. His knuckles turned white as splinters bit into his skin, but he barely noticed. Everything around him had faded into obscurity. The world's noise dulled, and all he could hear was the relentless pounding of his own heartbeat, an insistent drum against his ribs as if it was trying to escape.

His gaze was locked on the figure lying prone in the clearing—Sayuri, motionless and battered. Her body collapsed in a lifeless sprawl across the bloodstained forest floor. Time itself seemed to stretch unbearably, forcing him to endure every excruciating detail of what he was witnessing. His breaths came shallow, not from exertion, but from the weight of the horror before him.

The dull thud of her body hitting the ground reverberated through the air, louder in Naruto's ears than the deafening roar of thunder. Each second felt like an eternity, dragging him deeper into the suffocating pit of despair.

Then his gaze shifted, and his heart froze.

Not far from Sayuri lay Sakura's lifeless form, twisted and bloodied, her vacant eyes staring at nothing. For a moment, Naruto forgot how to breathe. The world spun violently, his vision narrowing to the grotesque tableau in front of him. His chest tightened painfully as his legs buckled. He pressed a hand against the tree to steady himself, but the truth was unrelenting. Sakura is gone.

In all the years of Danzo's brutal training, Naruto had been conditioned to suppress his emotions, to endure loss and devastation with a stoic resolve. He had been beaten, broken, and remade into a soldier. Yet nothing—no battle, no test of his endurance—had prepared him for this. A sound rose from deep within his chest, half a sob and half a snarl, as grief and rage clashed within him. Tears burned hot trails down his face as he realized he had failed her. Failed both of them.

Orochimaru's sneer broke through Naruto's swirling thoughts, his voice as venomous as the creature he emulated. The Sannin loomed over Sayuri's unconscious body, his predatory grin widening. His tone carried a sick satisfaction as he mused, "A matured Sharingan. I must say, it's been a long time since I've been this fortunate."

Naruto's stomach churned. His nails dug into the bark of the tree, and his teeth ground together audibly as he fought to suppress the storm building inside him.

A flicker of movement drew Orochimaru's attention. He turned lazily, his expression still smug and unconcerned as he registered the newcomer. His golden, slitted eyes landed on Naruto, his lips curling with dismissive amusement.

"Oh, it's you," he said, waving a hand as if shooing away a fly. "The loud one. You should run along now, boy. This is far beyond your capabilities."

Naruto's body trembled as he stepped into the clearing, his arms hanging loosely at his sides. His eyes shifted between Sayuri and Sakura, each glance striking him like a dagger to the heart. The lump in his throat grew unbearable as he forced his gaze back to Orochimaru.

"What did you do to them?" His voice was hoarse, low, and cold—a tone Naruto barely recognized as his own. His hands clenched into fists, his nails biting into his palms. The metallic tang of blood filled his mouth as he bit down hard to suppress the scream clawing at his throat.

Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly, curiosity flickering across his features. "Hmph, I see you're upset. Understandable, I suppose," he said lightly, almost bored. But then his eyes caught something unusual—something that froze him mid-sentence.

Naruto's right eye glowed with a cerulean brilliance, the intricate pattern of the Kessetsugan unfurling like an endless knot. His left eye shifted before Orochimaru's gaze, morphing unnaturally until it became an Orange Rinnegan. Orochimaru's smirk faltered, replaced by a widening grin of fascination.

"What… is this?" he murmured, taking a step closer. His snake-like pupils dilated as he stared into Naruto's mismatched eyes, utterly captivated. The Sharingan was impressive, yes, but this? This was something far greater. The sheer majesty and depth of these eyes eclipsed anything Orochimaru had ever seen.

"This power… it's magnificent," he whispered, almost to himself. For a brief moment, even Orochimaru, with all his arrogance and depravity, was rendered speechless.

Naruto's head dipped, his fists trembling as the emotions bubbling within him surged to the surface. The air around him grew heavy, suffused with a palpable tension that made Orochimaru's grin falter once more. A golden light began to seep from Naruto's skin, faint at first but growing steadily brighter. His chakra flared, visible to the naked eye as it twisted and swirled around him.

"What did you do to them?" Naruto growled again, his voice louder this time, laced with raw fury. The chakra surrounding him shifted, taking on a fiery hue. His hair lifted as if caught in a strong wind, turning a brilliant shade of gold. His whisker marks darkened and deepened, becoming more feral.

Orochimaru stepped back instinctively, his eyes narrowing as the transformation continued. Golden energy radiated from Naruto, wrapping around him in a cloak of chakra that shimmered like liquid sunlight. Then the first tail formed—a blazing golden construct that lashed the air behind him. It was quickly followed by another, then another, until nine ethereal tails danced wildly in his wake.

The oppressive chakra pressed down on the clearing, making the ground crack beneath Naruto's feet. Frost formed on the surrounding trees as the temperature plummeted, the overwhelming power chilling the air to a biting cold.

Orochimaru's fascination turned to unease. He raised an arm to shield his face from the biting wind and chakra radiating from Naruto. "What is this power?" he hissed, his usually calm demeanor cracking under the weight of the oppressive energy.

Naruto raised his head, his glowing eyes locking onto Orochimaru with a predatory intensity. His voice, now distorted by the energy coursing through him, thundered through the clearing. "You'll pay for what you've done."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a defiant smirk, though his movements betrayed a hint of caution. "Show me, Uzumaki Naruto," he taunted, his voice steady despite the growing storm of chakra around him. "Let's see the full extent of this power."

Naruto didn't respond. The air around him grew thicker, his chakra coalescing into a dense sphere at the end of one of his golden tails. The orb shimmered with destructive energy, crackling with raw power as it grew larger and more unstable.

Orochimaru's hands blurred through a series of seals, the wind around him twisting and howling as he prepared his counterattack. "Wind Release: Windstorm Arrows!" he called, launching a barrage of razor-sharp wind projectiles toward Naruto.

Naruto roared, launching the miniature Tailed Beast Bomb directly at the incoming attack. The two forces collided in a blinding explosion of light and energy, shaking the very earth beneath them. Trees were uprooted, and the ground cracked as the shockwave rippled outward, leaving devastation in its wake.

The force of their clashing attacks sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, uprooting trees and sending debris flying in every direction. Naruto landed gracefully on his feet, golden chakra tails flicking behind him like banners of pure energy. Across from him, Orochimaru stumbled slightly before catching his balance, his arm twitching from the searing heat and force of Naruto's wind-chakra-infused counterstrike. For the first time, there was a flicker of uncertainty in the snake Sannin's usually calm and mocking demeanor.

"You've grown bold, haven't you, brat?" Orochimaru sneered, though the strain in his voice betrayed his irritation. Despite his attempt to maintain composure, his left arm hung limply, scorched from the raw chakra that had coursed through it moments earlier.

Naruto didn't respond. His eyes, the cerulean brilliance of the Kessetsugan in one and the spiraling Orange Rinnegan in the other, locked onto Orochimaru like a predator sizing up its prey. The air around him shimmered with heat as the golden chakra shroud intensified, his nine tails lashing the ground and leaving scorched trails. He was calm, his expression betraying none of the turmoil he had felt earlier upon seeing Sayuri and Sakura, only cold, calculated focus.

With a sudden burst of speed, Naruto closed the gap between them in an instant, his golden tails extending like whips to strike Orochimaru from multiple angles. Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly as he twisted his body unnaturally, dodging the strikes by mere inches. The ground beneath him erupted as the tails smashed into it, leaving craters in their wake.

"Fast," Orochimaru muttered, his amusement returning as he leapt back. "But raw power isn't enough to beat me." His hands blurred through a series of seals, and his neck elongated grotesquely, his mouth opening wide as a massive swarm of snakes burst forth, their fangs glinting with deadly venom.

Naruto's Byakugan flickered to life, his field of vision expanding to encompass every snake in the swarm. With a fluid motion, he spun in place, releasing a gale-force wind that shredded the advancing serpents into nothing more than scraps of flesh. The wind didn't stop there—it surged forward, barreling toward Orochimaru like a hurricane.

The Sannin darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast as it tore through the trees behind him. Before he could retaliate, Naruto was already upon him, his fist glowing with a condensed Wind Release: Rasengan. Orochimaru barely had time to raise his arm in defense before the attack connected, sending him hurtling backward through several trees.

Orochimaru emerged from the wreckage, his body disjointed and mangled, but he smirked as his form twisted and snapped back into place. "Impressive, Naruto-kun," he hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "But you'll need more than that to—"

Naruto didn't let him finish. With a flick of his wrist, a golden chakra arm shot out from his shroud, grabbing Orochimaru by the throat and slamming him into the ground. The impact created a crater beneath him, cracks spidering out across the forest floor.

"I'm not here to entertain you," Naruto said, his voice low and menacing. "I'm here to end this."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a grin even as he struggled against the crushing force of the chakra arm. "Such ferocity," he mused, his body dissolving into snakes that slithered away, leaving the chakra arm grasping empty air.

Naruto didn't hesitate. His Byakugan tracked Orochimaru's movement through the forest, and with a flick of his tails, he sent a barrage of golden chakra projectiles streaking toward the fleeing snakes. Explosions rocked the clearing as the projectiles detonated, incinerating everything in their path.

Emerging from the smoke, Orochimaru formed a series of hand seals, his grin widening as he summoned a wall of flame to block Naruto's advance. "Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation!" he declared, the inferno roaring toward Naruto like a tidal wave.

Naruto's Orange Rinnegan activated, and with a wave of his hand, the fire was pulled into a swirling vortex, extinguished before it could reach him. Orochimaru's expression faltered as Naruto redirected the energy, converting it into a concentrated blast of wind that shot back toward the Sannin with deadly precision.

Orochimaru dodged, but his movements were growing more frantic. He summoned his Kusanagi sword, the blade slithering from his mouth as he charged at Naruto, aiming for a decisive strike. Naruto met him head-on, his golden chakra claws forming around his hands as he parried the blade with ease. Sparks flew as their attacks clashed, Orochimaru's strength meeting Naruto's unrelenting fury.

Orochimaru's lips twisted into a sinister smile as he unsheathed the Kusanagi blade from his mouth, the legendary sword gleaming with an eerie, metallic sheen. The very air around it seemed to ripple with malice as the snake Sannin raised the weapon, its edge impossibly sharp, capable of cutting through nearly anything in existence.

Naruto, surrounded by the fiery glow of the golden chakra shroud, didn't move. His nine tails lashed the air behind him, each one swaying as though alive, radiating raw power. His Kessetsugan locked onto Orochimaru with unflinching focus, while his golden chakra glimmered brighter, forming a shimmering aura of defiance.

"You dare face me with that little toy?" Naruto's voice was calm but carried a biting edge. The faint smirk on his lips only fueled Orochimaru's irritation.

"You'll find the Kusanagi is no mere toy," Orochimaru hissed, his yellow, slitted eyes narrowing. Without another word, he dashed forward, his movements blurring with speed as he brought the blade down in a deadly arc.

Naruto's tails moved instantly, one of them surging forward to intercept the strike. The golden chakra tail wrapped around the blade, halting its descent just inches from Naruto's face. Sparks erupted where the tail and blade clashed, the sheer force of Orochimaru's swing causing the ground beneath them to crack.

"Impressive," Orochimaru admitted, his voice carrying a hint of genuine admiration. But his grin widened as he twisted the blade, forcing the golden chakra to ripple and strain against its edges. "Let's see how long you can keep this up."

Naruto didn't respond verbally. Instead, two more tails lashed out, one aiming for Orochimaru's midsection and the other for his legs. Orochimaru leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding both strikes, the Kusanagi blade still locked in the grip of Naruto's chakra.

In mid-air, Orochimaru twisted his body with serpentine grace, wrenching the Kusanagi free from the tail's grasp. With a flick of his wrist, the blade elongated unnaturally, whipping toward Naruto like a spear. The golden chakra surged to defend, forming a shield-like barrier of tails that deflected the strike with a loud clang.

"That blade won't touch me," Naruto said coldly, his eyes glowing with confidence. He sent two of his tails hurtling toward Orochimaru, their movements too fast for the human eye to track. The first tail aimed for Orochimaru's chest, while the second arced around to strike from behind.

Orochimaru spun in the air, using the Kusanagi to block the frontal strike with a resounding clang. At the same time, his free hand extended unnaturally, catching the tail coming from behind. With a sadistic grin, he yanked on the tail, pulling Naruto slightly off balance.

"Got you," Orochimaru hissed, his blade flashing as he aimed for Naruto's exposed flank.

But Naruto was faster. One of his remaining tails shot forward, wrapping around Orochimaru's extended arm and pulling him down toward the ground. Orochimaru hit the dirt hard, the impact sending up a cloud of dust. Before he could recover, Naruto's tails were already in motion, slamming into the ground where he lay. Orochimaru rolled out of the way just in time, his movements as fluid as the snakes he commanded.

As Orochimaru regained his footing, the Kusanagi blade shifted again, its length retracting to its original size. With a flick of his wrist, he launched into a relentless offensive, slashing and stabbing with lightning speed. Each swing of the blade was precise, aimed to exploit any perceived opening in Naruto's defenses.

Naruto countered with equal precision, his golden tails acting as both shields and weapons. One tail blocked a horizontal slash aimed at his midsection, while another intercepted a thrust targeting his throat. The remaining tails struck back with incredible force, forcing Orochimaru to stay on the move.

The forest around them bore the brunt of their battle. Trees were cleaved in half by the Kusanagi's razor-sharp edge, while the golden chakra tails left deep gouges in the earth wherever they struck. The sound of metal clashing against chakra echoed through the clearing, a symphony of destruction that only grew louder with each passing second.

"You're not bad," Orochimaru admitted, his voice laced with venom as he parried yet another tail strike. He ducked under a second tail and brought the Kusanagi up in a vicious upward slash, aiming to bisect Naruto.

Naruto's tails moved faster than thought, two of them forming an X-shaped barrier in front of him. The blade struck the barrier, sparks flying as Orochimaru's attack was halted once more. Naruto didn't give him a chance to recover; one of his tails whipped around, catching Orochimaru across the chest and sending him skidding backward.

Orochimaru wiped a trickle of blood from his lips, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of annoyance and excitement. "You've mastered that power well, Naruto-kun," he said, his tone almost playful. "But mastery isn't the same as experience."

Naruto smirked. "You talk too much."

Before Orochimaru could retort, Naruto blurred forward, his golden chakra tails surging behind him like a comet. Orochimaru raised the Kusanagi just in time to block an overhead strike, but the sheer force of the impact sent shockwaves through his body.

Naruto didn't let up. He attacked relentlessly, his tails moving in perfect harmony with his fists and kicks. One tail coiled around the Kusanagi, pulling it aside as Naruto delivered a devastating punch to Orochimaru's midsection. The Sannin doubled over, but before he could recover, another tail slammed into his back, sending him sprawling.

Despite the overwhelming onslaught, Orochimaru refused to concede. His body twisted unnaturally as he evaded another tail strike, and with a sharp hiss, he extended his neck, the Kusanagi blade held firmly between his fangs. The sword shot forward, aiming for Naruto's chest.

Naruto sidestepped effortlessly, his Byakugan active once more, tracking the blade's trajectory with ease. One of his tails wrapped around Orochimaru's extended neck, yanking him forward with enough force to snap a normal man's spine. Orochimaru's body followed, his arms flailing as he was slammed into the ground.

"Stay down," Naruto growled, his tails poised to strike again.

But Orochimaru was nothing if not resilient. His body dissolved into snakes once more, slithering away from Naruto's grasp and reforming a few meters away. He raised the Kusanagi, his breathing heavy but his eyes still gleaming with defiance.

"This isn't over," he hissed.

Naruto's golden chakra flared brighter, the nine tails behind him swaying with lethal intent. "It's over when I say it's over."

The battle reached its climax as Orochimaru launched himself at Naruto, the Kusanagi blade glowing with chakra. Naruto met him head-on, his tails forming a swirling barrier of golden light. Their clash sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, the ground quaking beneath their feet.

But as Orochimaru's attacks grew more desperate, it became clear that Naruto was in complete control. Each swing of the Kusanagi was anticipated and countered, each strike of Orochimaru's blocked or dodged with ease. The snake Sannin was being pushed to his limits, and he knew it.

With a final roar of frustration, Orochimaru leapt back, forming a series of seals. "Summoning Jutsu: Manda!"

The earth split open, and the colossal serpent emerged, its massive form towering over the battlefield. Orochimaru stood atop Manda's head, his expression defiant as he prepared for the next round.

Naruto didn't flinch. His golden chakra flared even brighter, and his nine tails lashed the air, ready to meet whatever Orochimaru had planned.

"You can bring whatever monsters you want," Naruto said, his voice steady. "It won't save you."

Orochimaru's grin returned as he formed a series of seals. "Let's see how you handle this," he said, slamming his hands to the ground. "Summoning Jutsu: Manda!"

The earth shook as the colossal serpent erupted from the ground, its scales glinting menacingly in the dim light. Manda's massive head loomed over the clearing, its piercing eyes locking onto Naruto.

"Your little tricks won't save you now," Orochimaru said, climbing onto Manda's head.

Naruto didn't flinch. His tails lashed the air behind him, the Rasengan in his hand growing even larger. "Bring it on," he said, his voice steady.

With a deafening roar, Manda lunged, his massive jaws snapping toward Naruto with enough force to shatter boulders. The speed of the attack was astonishing for a creature of its size, but Naruto didn't flinch. One of his golden chakra tails shot forward, wrapping around Manda's snout mid-lunge and stopping the serpent inches from his target.

The sheer strength of Naruto's chakra tail sent shockwaves rippling through Manda's body, forcing the giant snake to recoil. Furious, Manda twisted his body, his tail whipping toward Naruto like a battering ram.

Naruto leapt into the air, his golden chakra shroud enhancing his agility and speed to superhuman levels. He flipped effortlessly over the incoming tail, landing lightly on Manda's back. His golden chakra tails surged downward, slamming into Manda's coiling body with enough force to create massive craters in the earth.

Manda roared in anger, thrashing wildly in an attempt to dislodge Naruto. The forest around them was reduced to rubble as trees splintered and the ground cracked under the serpent's violent movements. But Naruto stood firm, his chakra tails latching onto Manda's scales like unbreakable chains.

"You're nothing but a big target," Naruto taunted, his voice calm despite the chaos. He raised his hand, golden chakra swirling into a compact sphere. "Let's see how tough your scales really are."

Naruto slammed the miniature Tailed Beast Bomb into Manda's back, the golden orb detonating on impact. The explosion was deafening, a blinding flash of light consuming the battlefield as the force of the blast sent chunks of earth and debris flying in every direction.

Manda let out a deafening hiss of pain as his massive body was thrown backward, crashing into the ground with enough force to create a massive crater. His scales were charred and smoking, the once-impenetrable armor now riddled with cracks.

"You'll pay for that, brat!" Manda snarled, his body writhing as he coiled to strike again. He lunged once more, his jaws wide open and venom dripping from his fangs.

Naruto didn't move an inch. Two of his golden chakra tails shot forward, prying Manda's jaws apart mid-strike. The serpent thrashed violently, but Naruto's grip was unrelenting, his tails glowing brighter as they tightened around Manda's maw.

"Is this all you've got?" Naruto said, his voice filled with disdain. "You're supposed to be Orochimaru's ace? Pathetic."

With a roar, Manda summoned all his strength, his body coiling tighter as he tried to overpower Naruto. But Naruto's golden chakra tails continued to hold firm, forcing the serpent's head to the ground. The sheer force of the impact caused the earth beneath Manda's head to cave in, creating a massive crater.

Manda hissed in frustration, his forked tongue flicking out as his eyes darted toward Orochimaru. "Orochimaru-sama, this brat—"

"Focus on the fight!" Orochimaru hissed, his usually calm demeanor breaking under the pressure.

Naruto smirked, his Kessetsugan glowing brightly as he locked eyes with Manda. "You should listen to him. You'll need all your focus if you want to last more than a few minutes."

Realizing brute strength wouldn't be enough, Manda changed tactics. His body blurred as he moved with impossible speed, weaving through the battlefield like a shadow. The ground trembled with each movement, and his massive tail lashed out, aiming to crush Naruto beneath its weight.

Naruto's Kessetsugan tracked every movement with precision. He sidestepped the tail strike effortlessly, one of his golden chakra tails lashing out in retaliation. The tail struck Manda's midsection, sending the serpent reeling backward with another pained hiss.

"You're quick," Naruto admitted, his tone almost casual. "But not quick enough."

Manda's eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth wide, releasing a torrent of venomous mist. The toxic cloud spread rapidly, consuming the battlefield in seconds. Trees wilted and dissolved under its corrosive power, and the ground sizzled where the venom settled.

But when the mist cleared, Naruto stood unharmed, his golden chakra shroud acting as an impenetrable barrier. "Nice try," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But that won't work on me."

With a burst of speed, Naruto closed the distance between himself and Manda, his golden chakra tails trailing behind him like streaks of light. He leapt onto Manda's head, his tails wrapping around the serpent's neck and constricting with unrelenting force.

Manda thrashed violently, his massive body twisting and coiling as he tried to throw Naruto off. But Naruto's grip only tightened, his tails glowing brighter as they poured chakra into the serpent's body.

"Enough of this," Naruto said, his voice cold and commanding. He raised his hand, golden chakra swirling into another compact sphere. This time, the orb crackled with energy, its surface rippling with destructive power.

"Take this," Naruto growled, slamming the Mini Tailed Beast Bomb directly into Manda's head.

The resulting explosion was even more devastating than the first. The shockwave flattened the surrounding forest, and the ground beneath them caved in, creating a massive crater that swallowed everything in its path. Manda's roar of pain echoed through the clearing, his massive body writhing as he was thrown backward once more.

From his position atop a nearby hill, Orochimaru watched the battle with growing frustration. His usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of desperation. "Manda, get up!" he shouted, his voice laced with urgency. "You're the King of Serpents! Don't let this brat defeat you!"

But Manda didn't respond. The once-mighty serpent lay sprawled in the crater, his body battered and smoking from the relentless assault. His scales, once impervious to most attacks, were shattered and burned, and his movements were sluggish.

Naruto stood at the edge of the crater, his golden chakra tails swaying behind him like flames. His Kessetsugan glowed brightly, and his entire body radiated an aura of unshakable dominance. "This is over," he said, his voice calm but filled with finality. "You never stood a chance."

Orochimaru clenched his fists, his mind racing for a way out. But deep down, he knew the truth: there was no defeating Naruto. Not now. Not ever.

Naruto raised his hand one final time, golden chakra swirling into a massive sphere above his head. The energy crackled with power, its glow illuminating the battlefield. Manda's eyes widened in terror, and even Orochimaru took a step back, his usual confidence shattered.

"This ends now," Naruto said, his voice echoing through the clearing.

And with that, he launched the attack.

The resulting explosion was blinding, a wave of golden light consuming everything in its path. When the light finally faded, the battlefield was silent. Manda was gone, and Orochimaru stood alone, his expression one of utter disbelief.

The explosion had left the battlefield unrecognizable. The crater where Manda had once coiled was vast, its edges glowing faintly with the remnants of Naruto's golden chakra. The air was heavy with the tang of burnt earth and ash. As the dust settled, Orochimaru stood alone, visibly shaken. His once-unflappable confidence was replaced with a rare expression of disbelief.

Naruto's silhouette emerged from the settling dust, his golden chakra shroud illuminating the desolate scene. Nine glowing tails lashed behind him, radiating with an overwhelming energy that distorted the air. His cerulean Kessetsugan gleamed like liquid light, while his left eye shifted, the concentric rings of the Orange Rinnegan glowing ominously.

"You're next," Naruto declared coldly, his voice carrying an unshakable weight. His gaze bore into Orochimaru with unrelenting determination.

For the first time in years, the snake Sannin felt fear.

Orochimaru took a measured step back, his calculating mind racing. This boy… this power… The image of Manda's obliteration replayed in his mind. He had summoned the King of Serpents as his trump card, and yet the boy had dispatched it without so much as a scratch.

Still, Orochimaru's fear quickly gave way to curiosity and greed. His slit pupils locked onto Naruto, his gaze drinking in every flicker of power emanating from the boy. The golden chakra, the glowing dojutsu, and now, the unmistakable aura of the Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku as thin, razor-sharp bone spines began to extend from Naruto's arms and shoulders.

"The Dead Bone Pulse?" Orochimaru whispered in shock, his voice tinged with awe. "I thought Kimimaro was the last… How many secrets are you hiding, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto didn't respond. His focus remained sharp, his thoughts consumed by the image of Sakura's lifeless body and Sayuri's unconscious form lying nearby. The memory of Sakura's broken body sent a fresh wave of anger coursing through him, his chakra tails thrashing violently.

"Sakura... I couldn't protect her. And Sayuri... Whatever he did to her, it ends here. I won't let him take anything else from me."

Naruto vanished in a blur of golden light, the ground beneath him exploding from the force of his movement. Orochimaru barely had time to register the attack before Naruto appeared in front of him, a glowing chakra rod formed in his hand. The rod crackled with energy as Naruto drove it forward, aiming for Orochimaru's chest.

The snake Sannin twisted his body unnaturally, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the tip of the rod grazed his side. Orochimaru hissed in pain as the chakra seared through his flesh, leaving a deep, smoldering wound.

"Impressive," Orochimaru said, forcing a smile as he leapt backward. "Your speed and precision rival even Itachi's."

At the mention of Itachi, Naruto's eyes widened momentarily. Orochimaru's sharp gaze caught the flicker of recognition, and his lips curled into a sinister smile. "Ah, so you know him, do you? The prodigal Uchiha? How fascinating..."

Naruto's expression hardened, and he launched forward without a word, his tails whipping through the air like golden whips. Orochimaru evaded with his usual fluid grace, but the sheer number of attacks made it impossible to avoid them all. A tail struck his side, sending him hurtling into a nearby tree. The impact splintered the trunk, but Orochimaru landed gracefully, his body coiling like a serpent.

Naruto raised his arm, and the air around him grew heavy as a series of sharp bone spikes erupted from his forearm. With a flick of his wrist, the spikes detached and shot toward Orochimaru like deadly projectiles.

Orochimaru formed a series of rapid hand seals, summoning a wall of mud to block the incoming attack. The bones pierced through the barrier with ease, forcing Orochimaru to leap into the air to avoid being skewered.

Before he could recover, Naruto appeared above him, his Rinnegan glowing with power. Orochimaru felt a sudden, crushing force pull him downward as Naruto activated his Bansho Ten'in (Universal Pull). The Sannin's body hurtled toward Naruto, who had already formed a Wind Release: Rasengan in his free hand.

The spiraling sphere of wind chakra slammed into Orochimaru's midsection, detonating on impact. The resulting shockwave sent Orochimaru crashing into the ground, carving a deep trench into the earth.

Despite the overwhelming assault, Orochimaru rose from the rubble, his body regenerating at an unnatural speed. "You've forced me to use this," he said, his voice filled with venom as he summoned dozens of snakes from his sleeves. Each serpent hissed, their fangs glinting with lethal venom as they surged toward Naruto.

Naruto's Byakugan flared to life, his vision encompassing the entire battlefield. His golden chakra tails extended outward, slicing through the swarm of snakes with surgical precision. In an instant, the air was filled with the sound of severed bodies hitting the ground.

Orochimaru lunged forward amidst the chaos, his hands glowing with chakra as he prepared to strike. But Naruto was faster. One of his tails wrapped around Orochimaru's wrist, slamming him into the ground with enough force to create another crater.

"You're not getting away," Naruto growled, his voice low and dangerous. He drove a chakra rod into Orochimaru's shoulder, pinning him to the ground.

Orochimaru hissed in pain, his gaze flickering with desperation. For the first time, he was truly on the defensive. "You're far more troublesome than I anticipated," he admitted, his voice laced with irritation. "I haven't faced this much resistance since Itachi."

Naruto's fury burned hotter at the mention of his first teacher. "Itachi… You left, but not before you taught me to survive. And now, I'll use everything I've learned to end this monster."

Orochimaru's body twisted unnaturally as he slipped free of the chakra rod. He formed a series of rapid hand seals, summoning a torrent of flames that roared toward Naruto. The golden chakra shroud absorbed the attack, the flames dissipating harmlessly against its surface.

Naruto's Kessetsugan glowed brighter, and he raised his hand, summoning a massive bone spear from his Dead Bone Pulse. The weapon radiated with golden chakra as he hurled it toward Orochimaru. The spear struck with devastating force, creating a massive explosion that shook the battlefield.

As the dust settled, Orochimaru emerged, battered but still standing. His breathing was labored, and his regeneration was slowing. "I see now," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "You're a monster in your own right, Naruto-kun."

Naruto's expression remained unyielding, his eyes blazing with an intensity that could pierce through the densest darkness. Slowly, purposefully, he raised his right hand, his golden chakra shroud surging and flaring outward like an inferno. The air around him trembled violently, an unseen force radiating from his being. The chakra condensed in his palm, forming a small, glowing sphere. Though diminutive in size, the Mini Tailed Beast Bomb pulsed with an overwhelming sense of destructive power, its surface rippling like a golden sun barely contained.

The forest around Naruto groaned under the weight of his gathering chakra. Leaves were ripped from their branches and swirled chaotically in the violent winds. The ground cracked and splintered beneath his feet, forming deep fissures as the sheer pressure of his power made the earth itself shudder. The once tranquil surroundings were now a storm of raw energy, a maelstrom heralding the destruction that was to come.

Orochimaru's serpent-like eyes widened in genuine horror as he assessed the energy radiating from Naruto's attack. Even in his long life, filled with encounters against terrifying foes, this moment stood out. The Sannin's instincts screamed at him that this was no ordinary attack; it was pure annihilation, distilled and condensed into one compact orb.

"You… You can't be serious!" Orochimaru hissed, his voice breaking with a mixture of incredulity and fear. The towering arrogance that usually accompanied his demeanor was gone, replaced with a primal, desperate need to survive.

Naruto said nothing. His gaze remained locked on Orochimaru, cold and resolute. His entire being radiated one clear message: There will be no escape.

With a sudden burst of motion, Naruto hurled the Mini Tailed Beast Bomb. The golden sphere tore through the air with a thunderous roar, leaving a blinding trail of light in its wake. The sheer force of its trajectory created shockwaves that flattened the surrounding forest, uprooting ancient trees and hurling them aside like twigs. The ground split apart, deep chasms forming as the attack's gravitational pull warped everything around it.

Orochimaru, desperate to avoid annihilation, flew through a rapid series of hand seals at a speed that defied comprehension. His hands were a blur as he summoned his ultimate defensive technique. With a guttural shout, three massive gates materialized before him, slamming into place with a resounding boom. The Triple Rashomon, towering and ominous, stood as an impenetrable barrier between the Sannin and certain destruction.

The golden sphere collided with the first gate.

The impact was cataclysmic. A deafening explosion rocked the battlefield, its force so immense that it shattered the first gate instantaneously. Splinters of metal and wood-like chakra constructs were sent flying in all directions, embedding themselves deep into the earth. The detonation unleashed a blinding flash of light, consuming everything in its path and painting the surroundings in hues of gold and white.

The second gate fared no better. The shockwave from the first impact had barely subsided before the Mini Tailed Beast Bomb slammed into it with relentless fury. The gate groaned under the immense pressure, its structure warping and buckling as golden energy seeped through its cracks. Then, with a thunderous crack, it disintegrated into nothingness, the remnants evaporating into the storm of power.

By the time the attack reached the third gate, its force had not diminished—it had grown. The golden sphere expanded, feeding off the energy it consumed, now resembling a miniature sun descending upon the battlefield. The final gate trembled, its foundation crumbling as the full brunt of the attack bore down on it. Orochimaru, standing behind it, could feel the intense heat and pressure, his usually calm demeanor shattered by genuine panic.

"Impossible," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos. The sheer scale of the devastation was unlike anything he had encountered. This boy, this child, wielded power rivaling the gods themselves.

The third gate exploded in a final, desperate scream of resistance, the sound echoing across the horizon like the wail of a dying beast. The Mini Tailed Beast Bomb surged forward, its path now unobstructed. The golden sphere struck the ground where Orochimaru had stood, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.

Then it erupted.

The resulting explosion was nothing short of apocalyptic. A dome of golden energy expanded outward, swallowing everything in its path. Trees were vaporized instantly, their forms disintegrating into ash before they could even fall. The ground was torn asunder, massive chunks of earth hurled skyward as if the planet itself was rejecting the force of the attack. The shockwave raced outward, leveling everything in its radius and shattering the air with its deafening roar.

Mountains in the distance trembled, their peaks cracking and shedding massive boulders. Rivers diverted their courses, their waters evaporating into steam as the intense heat consumed them. The sky itself seemed to react, dark clouds swirling and dissipating in the face of the golden light that now dominated the horizon.

---

Team Asuma

Shikamaru's head snapped up as the ground beneath him trembled, the faint rumble growing louder by the second. The strategic calm he always carried cracked as he stared toward the horizon. Chōji paused mid-bite, his bag of chips forgotten, while Ino froze, her hand gripping a kunai tighter than necessary.

"What the hell is that?" Chōji asked, his voice unsteady.

Ino shaded her eyes with her hand, squinting toward the distant treeline. "It's massive. It looks like... gates?"

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, the faint silhouette of three colossal gates forming in the distance. Their sheer size and the malevolent chakra emanating from them sent shivers down his spine. His mind raced through the possibilities, but nothing made sense. "That's not good. Those aren't normal summoning gates."

"Whose jutsu could that even be?" Ino asked, her voice betraying a mix of fear and awe.

Before anyone could answer, the air itself seemed to shift. A high-pitched hum filled their ears, and the oppressive chakra that had been radiating from the gates suddenly spiked. Then, without warning, a blinding flash erupted from beyond the trees, accompanied by a thunderous roar that shook the ground beneath their feet. The explosion sent birds scattering from the canopy, their panicked cries lost in the deafening sound.

The shockwave hit seconds later, a gust of searing wind tearing through the forest. Trees bent and groaned under the pressure, some snapping entirely, while the sky was painted in hues of gold and crimson. Shikamaru instinctively shielded his face with his arm, his shadow stretching wildly behind him as the light illuminated the clearing they stood in.

"That's no ordinary explosion!" he shouted over the roar.

"Who could be fighting with that kind of power?" Chōji asked, his voice barely audible over the chaos.

"I don't know," Shikamaru muttered, his mind racing. "But whoever it is... they're in a whole other league."

---

Team Guy

Lee stopped mid-sprint, his fists clenched at his sides as he turned toward the source of the growing tremor. His sharp senses caught the faint silhouette of the massive gates in the distance. "What... what is that?" he asked, his voice tinged with awe.

Neji, standing nearby, activated his Byakugan, his pale eyes focusing on the phenomenon. "Those gates... they're enormous," he said, his tone unusually grave. "And the chakra surrounding them—it's suffocating."

Tenten lowered her weapon, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. "Do you recognize it, Neji? Is it someone from our village?"

Neji shook his head. "No... This chakra is unlike anything I've felt before. It's dark, twisted, and unbelievably powerful."

Before they could react further, the gates seemed to glow faintly, their edges illuminated by a golden light that grew brighter and brighter. Then, in an instant, a searing sphere of energy collided with the gates. The resulting explosion lit up the sky, the sheer brilliance forcing Neji to deactivate his Byakugan.

The sound that followed was deafening, a thunderous boom that seemed to echo for miles. The ground beneath them quaked violently, and the shockwave sent leaves and debris flying in all directions. Tenten braced herself against a nearby tree, while Lee clenched his teeth, his muscles tensing against the force.

"That... That power," Lee stammered, his voice filled with awe. "I've never felt anything like it."

"It's not just power," Neji said, his tone grim. "It's destruction on a scale I didn't think was possible. Whoever's responsible for this... they're not ordinary shinobi."

---

Team Kurenai

Hinata gasped, her Byakugan activating instinctively as the tremors began. She turned her gaze toward the distant explosion, her breath hitching as the triple gates loomed in her vision. "What... what is that?"

Kiba's ears flattened against his head, Akamaru whimpering at his feet. "It's massive, whatever it is," Kiba said, his voice laced with unease. "And it's giving off some seriously bad vibes."

Shino adjusted his glasses, his usually calm demeanor giving way to a faint crease of worry on his brow. "That level of chakra... It's unnatural."

Hinata's voice trembled as she focused on the gates. "I don't recognize this jutsu. But it's not just one person's chakra—it's layered."

Before any of them could speculate further, the gates vanished in a blinding explosion of golden light. The force of the blast sent ripples through the forest, and the trio had to steady themselves as the shockwave tore through the area. The air grew heavy with residual energy, an oppressive weight that pressed down on their chests.

"Who's strong enough to cause something like that?" Kiba muttered, his voice unusually quiet.

Shino's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "Whoever it is... They've just rewritten the boundaries of what we thought was possible."

---

Team Sand (Gaara, Temari, Kankuro)

Gaara's sand rippled at his feet, reacting to the tremor that coursed through the ground. His teal eyes narrowed as he turned toward the source of the disturbance, the faint outline of the triple gates visible in the distance.

"What the hell is that?" Kankuro muttered, his puppet dangling limply on his back.

Temari's fan snapped open as she braced herself against the growing wind. "Whatever it is, it's big," she said, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "That kind of chakra—it feels overwhelming."

Gaara remained silent, his sand shifting restlessly around him as he observed the phenomenon. His siblings exchanged a glance, recognizing the rare flicker of concern in his otherwise stoic expression.

Then came the explosion.

The golden light consumed the horizon, a radiant sphere that outshone the sun for a brief moment. The sound followed seconds later, a deafening roar that made Kankuro flinch and Temari grit her teeth. The shockwave rolled through the desert-like clearing, scattering loose sand and leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

Gaara's sand wrapped protectively around him, shielding him from the worst of the blast. As the light faded, his gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his thoughts unreadable.

"Whoever's fighting over there," Temari said, her voice steady despite the unease in her eyes, "they're on a completely different level."

Gaara nodded slowly. "We'll find out soon enough."

---

Orochimaru, battered and bloodied, emerged from the devastation. His usually pristine form was tattered, his clothes in shreds, and his body scorched from the residual energy. His regeneration was struggling to keep up, the strain evident in the sluggish pace at which his wounds closed.

Naruto stood at the epicenter of the destruction, untouched by the devastation he had unleashed. His golden chakra shroud flared brightly, the nine tails behind him swaying in the windless void created by the explosion. His Kessetsugan glowed with a celestial brilliance, and his Rinnegan remained locked onto Orochimaru, tracking his every movement.

"You survived," Naruto said coldly, his voice cutting through the dissipating chaos. "Good. I'm not done with you yet."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a weak smile, though his eyes betrayed the fear and awe he felt. "Such… power," he rasped, his voice strained. "You are truly remarkable, Naruto-kun. But even you… will falter eventually."

Naruto's glowing orange Rinnegan in his left eye flared to life, radiating raw power and menace. With a flick of his fingers, black chakra rods materialized in the air around him, each humming with lethal energy. Orochimaru, still recovering from the relentless assault of the Mini Tailed Beast Bomb, attempted to melt into the ground using his Body Shedding Technique, but Naruto was faster.

"You're not escaping this time," Naruto growled, his voice filled with cold fury.

The chakra rods shot forward with unerring precision, piercing Orochimaru's limbs, torso, and shoulders. The Sannin let out a sharp gasp as he was pinned to the ground, his body immobilized. The rods radiated a suppressive force, severing Orochimaru's ability to mold chakra. His body twitched, but the deadly precision of the rods ensured he couldn't activate any of his escape jutsu.

"You—!" Orochimaru hissed, his golden, slitted eyes glaring at Naruto, his usual smugness replaced with a flicker of genuine fear. "You're more troublesome than I thought, boy!"

Naruto ignored the remark. Raising his hand, he focused his Rinnegan's gravity manipulation ability, causing Orochimaru's pinned body to levitate into the air. The Sannin struggled futilely, his movements jerky as he hung suspended like a macabre marionette. The golden chakra shroud surrounding Naruto flared as his tails began to move purposefully.

From the tips of three of his nine tails, golden chakra began to coalesce, forming another Mini Tailed Beast Bomb. The orb spun rapidly, growing larger and more unstable as raw destructive energy filled its core. The air around it distorted, cracks forming in the ground below as the gravitational pull of the bomb began to affect the environment.

Orochimaru's expression twisted into a mix of defiance and panic. For the first time in years, the snake Sannin was truly at a loss. He could sense the sheer finality in Naruto's actions—this attack wasn't meant to wound or incapacitate. It was meant to annihilate.

"You think this will stop me?" Orochimaru spat, his voice trembling slightly despite his bravado. "I am eternal—"

"You're a parasite," Naruto cut him off, his voice sharper than any blade. "And I'm about to end this once and for all."

Naruto's tails adjusted, positioning the bomb directly in front of him. The energy within it crackled ominously, the light from the orb casting deep shadows across the ravaged battlefield. Just as he prepared to release the attack, a sharp jolt in his senses made him pause.

Something was wrong.

Naruto's Kessetsugan flared, its endless knot pattern glowing as his perception extended across the battlefield. He felt a foreign presence—a new chakra signature—piercing through the chaos. His head snapped toward the source, and his eyes narrowed as a figure emerged from the smoke and devastation.

The figure wore an oni mask, its crimson hue stark against the backdrop of destruction. It moved with unsettling calm, stepping into the clearing as if completely unaffected by the chaos. But it wasn't the mask or the figure's composure that made Naruto's breath catch—it was what they held.

Sayuri.

The unconscious Uchiha dangled limply in the figure's grip, her dark hair matted with blood. A kunai was pressed against her throat, the gleaming edge so close to her pale skin that even the slightest twitch could end her life.

Naruto's heart pounded in his chest. His golden chakra flickered erratically as his rage and desperation surged.

"Release her," he demanded, his voice dangerously low, though his hands trembled ever so slightly.

The masked figure tilted its head, their voice muffled but clear. "Release the Sannin, and the girl lives. Refuse, and she dies here and now."

Naruto's grip on his control faltered for a moment, his mind racing. The chakra bomb in his tails pulsed, its unstable energy threatening to spiral out of control if he lost focus. He glanced between Orochimaru, still levitating helplessly in the air, and Sayuri, whose life hung by a thread.

This isn't happening.

His Root training immediately kicked in. Sacrifices are necessary for the mission. Emotions are a weakness. Focus on the goal. The logical part of his mind screamed at him to finish Orochimaru, to end the threat once and for all, even if it meant Sayuri's death. She was a comrade, yes, but the mission—the future—was more important.

But then another voice—quieter, yet infinitely more painful—spoke in his mind. It wasn't logic, but emotion. It was the voice that remembered Sayuri standing beside him in battles, her sharp wit and unwavering determination. It was the voice that couldn't forget how devastated she'd been over Sakura's death. Could he truly let her die here? Could he let another teammate fall?

Naruto's hands trembled as the conflicting thoughts warred within him. The golden glow of his chakra dimmed slightly, reflecting his hesitation.

"Tick-tock, Uzumaki," the masked figure taunted, pressing the kunai harder against Sayuri's throat. A thin line of blood appeared where the blade nicked her skin. "You're running out of time."

Naruto's jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth ached. He felt his control slipping, his instincts screaming at him to destroy the masked figure, Orochimaru, everything in his path. But Sayuri's face—pale, fragile, and so still—stopped him.

"Fine," Naruto growled, his voice filled with reluctant fury. The Mini Tailed Beast Bomb dissipated, the energy dispersing harmlessly into the air. He lowered his hand, and with a flick of his Rinnegan, the chakra rods pinning Orochimaru vanished.

Orochimaru's grin widened as Naruto reluctantly released the chakra rods, the Sannin collapsing to the ground with a mocking groan of exaggerated relief. The golden chakra shroud surrounding Naruto flickered violently, betraying the tempest of emotions boiling beneath his stoic exterior. His hands trembled slightly as he carefully lowered Sayuri to the ground, his focus shifting entirely to her unconscious form. The moment her weight settled onto the forest floor, a surge of helpless rage tore through him.

Orochimaru straightened himself slowly, brushing dirt and debris from his tattered robe with the meticulous care of a man who thrived on theatrics. His golden, slitted eyes gleamed with sinister amusement, as though he hadn't just been moments away from annihilation. He rolled his shoulders, flexing his fingers as though testing the limits of his body after its ordeal. Every movement screamed confidence, arrogance, and a complete disregard for the wrathful presence of the boy standing before him.

Naruto's fists clenched tighter, the urge to obliterate Orochimaru rising like an unstoppable tide. His entire being screamed for vengeance, for action, for justice—but one glance at Sayuri's pale, unmoving form reminded him of the stakes. For now, he had to bide his time.

Orochimaru seemed to sense Naruto's internal struggle, his smirk morphing into an expression of mock sympathy that made Naruto's skin crawl. "How noble of you, Naruto-kun," the Sannin said smoothly, his voice dripping with venomous amusement. "To value the life of your dear teammate over the opportunity to rid the world of me. Truly commendable."

"Spare me your mockery," Naruto growled, his voice low and dangerous. The golden glow of his chakra flared briefly, illuminating the darkened forest in an ominous light.

Orochimaru chuckled darkly, his serpentine tongue flicking out like a viper testing the air. "Oh, but I'm not mocking you," he said, his tone feigning sincerity. "In fact, I'm impressed. Your restraint is remarkable, considering the raw fury emanating from you." His eyes narrowed slightly, their predatory gleam intensifying. "But before my associate returns your precious Sayuri, I have one more condition."

Naruto's head snapped up, his mismatched eyes blazing with unrelenting intensity. The endless knot of the Kessetsugan and the swirling pattern of the Rinnegan glowed with deadly purpose. "You're in no position to make demands," he said coldly, his tone sharper than a blade.

"And yet, here we are," Orochimaru replied lightly, taking a deliberate step closer. His gaze fixated on Naruto's right eye, an unsettling hunger gleaming within. "Tell me, Naruto-kun," he purred, his voice silky and insidious. "What is the name of that magnificent dojutsu? Such a rare and unique power… it defies anything I've encountered before."

Naruto remained silent, his jaw tightening as he glared at the Sannin. The Kessetsugan shimmered ominously, its endless knot pattern pulsating with restrained energy. Orochimaru's fascination only deepened, the predatory grin on his face growing wider.

When Naruto's silence persisted, Orochimaru sighed theatrically and turned toward the masked figure holding Sayuri. "Perhaps a little… encouragement will loosen his tongue," he mused. With a subtle motion of his hand, the kunai at Sayuri's throat pressed deeper, drawing a thin line of blood that glistened in the moonlight.

Naruto's resolve cracked. His fists trembled as he struggled to suppress the volcanic fury rising within him. Finally, he forced himself to speak. "It's called the Kessetsugan," he admitted reluctantly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Orochimaru's golden eyes widened slightly, his grin becoming positively predatory. "The Kessetsugan," he repeated, savoring the name as though tasting a fine delicacy. "How poetic. And… tell me, Naruto-kun, are you… closely related to the Sage of Six Paths? A descendant, perhaps? Or… something more?"

Naruto's entire body stiffened, his mind racing for a way to deflect the question without revealing too much. But the sly glint in Orochimaru's eyes told him that the Sannin already suspected the truth. He ground his teeth together, forcing himself to maintain his composure.

"You're far too perceptive for your own good," Naruto muttered bitterly, his voice low and dangerous.

Orochimaru chuckled softly, his excitement barely contained. "Ah, so it's true," he mused, his tone a mixture of awe and greed. "You share the blood of the Rikudo Sennin. Fascinating. Truly extraordinary."

Naruto's glare darkened, his fists trembling with restrained anger. Before he could respond, Orochimaru pressed on. "Tell me," he said, his tone growing sharper. "The skirmish I sensed earlier—the one that shook the forest and drew me here—was that you? Was it your Kyuubi chakra I felt?"

Naruto's fists clenched tighter, his nails digging into his palms as the memory of Sakura's lifeless body and Sayuri's unconscious form flashed through his mind. The rage simmering within him threatened to boil over, but he forced himself to stay composed. "It was me," he admitted curtly, his voice clipped.

"And who," Orochimaru continued, his expression almost childlike in its curiosity, "were you fighting? Someone who could push you to unleash such power… they must have been extraordinary."

"I don't know," Naruto spat, his patience wearing thin.

The Sannin's expression darkened, his tone turning cold. "Don't lie to me, boy," he hissed.

The kunai at Sayuri's throat pressed harder, and Naruto's composure shattered. Panic surged through him as he blurted out the truth. "His name is Jigen," Naruto said quickly, his voice laced with frustration and defeat. "He's… not human. He's something else entirely."

Orochimaru's interest sharpened, his golden eyes narrowing with keen anticipation. "And how, Naruto-kun, do you know all of this?" he asked, his tone deceptively light but laced with menace. "Surely a mere boy wouldn't have this kind of information… unless…"

Naruto hesitated, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him like a crushing force. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with reluctant resignation. "Because I'm not human either," he said quietly. "I'm Otsutsuki."

Orochimaru froze, his entire body going rigid. For a moment, the Sannin was silent, his mind racing as he processed the revelation. Legends of the Otsutsuki Clan—beings of unimaginable power and otherworldly origins—flooded his thoughts. His lips curled into a twisted smile, his excitement barely contained.

"An Otsutsuki," he murmured, his voice trembling with a mixture of awe and greed. "How utterly magnificent. I've spent my life pursuing knowledge, unraveling the mysteries of the world, and now… I stand before a living legend."

Naruto's glare intensified, his patience hanging by a thread. "I've answered your questions," he growled, his voice low and venomous. "Now let her go."

But Orochimaru wasn't finished. His gaze lingered on Naruto, his tone turning commanding. "Show me your true face, Naruto-kun," he demanded, his voice a sharp command. "Not this… disguise you wear. I want to see the real you."

Naruto's breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock. How could Orochimaru have deduced so much? The Sannin's keen intellect and insatiable curiosity were proving to be more dangerous than any jutsu.

"Enough!" Naruto barked, his golden chakra flaring violently. "Release her now, or I'll end this conversation permanently."

Orochimaru smirked, his victory evident in his eyes. With a lazy gesture, he signaled the masked figure, who reluctantly released Sayuri, allowing her to collapse into Naruto's waiting arms. Orochimaru's twisted grin remained as he began to retreat, his golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"This isn't over, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru said, his voice dripping with malice. "We'll meet again… and when we do, I'll uncover all of your secrets."

As Orochimaru and the masked figure disappeared into the shadows, Naruto held Sayuri close, his mind swirling with anger, guilt, and determination.

A/N:

1)I fixed the editing mistake in Chapter 9. Naruto was meant to fight Lee using the Kessetsugan, not Byakugan.

2)Before anyone gets confused Naruto is switching between the Orange Rinnegan & Byakugan in his left eye while his right eye is only the Kessetsugan.

3)Jigen/Isshiki's attempted implant of a Karma mark on Naruto triggered the emerging of Naruto's True Otsutsuki form & abilities as well as finally triggering the Karma mark they put on him as an infant, carrying their chakra imprints allowing him to meet them in a sense.