"He really has the tenacity of a cockroach—still clinging to life after all that." Mizuki muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips—whether bitter or relieved, even he couldn't tell.
Kabuto Yakushi slowly regained consciousness through a haze of unbearable pain. As the noisy croaking of frogs and chirping of insects reached his ears, his eyes fluttered open to see the bright moon shining above.
"So it's already night?"
Struggling to sit up, Kabuto quickly realized his entire body was bound tightly in thick layers of bandages, completely immobilizing him. His strength was gone, every muscle drained. Even that small movement sent waves of sharp pain coursing through him, nearly knocking him unconscious again.
"I must be covered in comminuted fractures, but at least I'm still alive."
A wave of relief washed over Kabuto as he recalled his fight with Mizuki. He had taken an enormous risk, ultimately relying on the hope that Mizuki would show mercy. It had been quite some time since he'd felt such utter helplessness.
"Well well, you're finally awake. What a lucky guy," Mizuki smirked, flicking ash from his sleeve. "I remember your underlings didn't even twitch when I knocked them out one by one. Not bad for a behind-the-scenes small boss. Definitely tough enough to take a beating."
With great effort, Kabuto turned his head toward the voice and saw Mizuki sitting near a campfire, skewering something blackened that vaguely resembled grilled meat.
"Want a bite?" Mizuki waved the charred lump around.
Kabuto parted his dry, cracked lips and rasped out in a hoarse voice, "No thanks... Could I maybe have some water?"
"Oh..."
Mizuki gave a noncommittal hum, set his food aside, then grabbed a waterskin and walked over to give Kabuto a drink.
"Feeling better?"
Licking droplets from his lip, Kabuto replied, "Could you help me sit up? It's kind of rude talking like this..."
"This might hurt a little," Mizuki muttered, frowning slightly, then helped Kabuto into a seated position leaning against a tree trunk facing him.
Enduring the intense pain caused by moving, Kabuto paused to recover until he felt somewhat stable, then said to Mizuki, "So I've been spared. Should I thank you for sparing my life?"
"You say that like you're sure I won't kill you. Bold move!"
"This isn't boldness—it's confidence!" Without his glasses, Kabuto revealed more genuine expressions usually hidden. "We share common interests. As long as cooperation still makes sense, that means I still hold value. The fact I'm still alive proves you still have use for me, don't you?"
"Common interests? Fine..." Mizuki smiled faintly. "You're covered in comminuted fractures, your face nearly unrecognizable. Still trying to talk people into your corner—even now, how persistent."
"With my life in your hands, I should at least try to avoid getting beaten within an inch of my life again over the slightest disagreement."
"Next time won't be half-dead—it'll be completely dead!"
Kabuto let out a rare, faint smile. "Never expected Konoha's Jonin elite to have this side. If our positions weren't opposed, maybe we could've become good friends."
"Who knows about that?"
"You don't need to try getting cozy with me. I fought a big battle today and clearly came out worse—so go ahead, tell me, what are you prepared to offer for your life?"
"I definitely don't have anything left on me—if I did, you'd probably just kill me and take it anyway!"
"Hmm, that's a tough one then. How do you plan to make it up to me?"
Since the robbery came up empty, he had no choice but to switch to extortion.
Mizuki hadn't originally intended to go all out and finish off Kabuto Yakushi. But he hadn't expected this guy's caution was only superficial—he actually carried such valuable bargaining chips on him. No wonder Mizuki decided to snatch them directly. After all, they were enemies by nature. Deals would only work when both sides were evenly matched. With Sage Mode activated, if Mizuki gave it his all, there was a good chance he could take down this version of Kabuto Yakushi.
"Seems like I'm the one who suffered greater losses here, right? Didn't you say I've sustained comminuted fractures? What do you expect a dying man like me to come up with?"
"Now that is a bit tricky indeed!"
Right now, the situation was tricky to handle—Kabuto dared not reveal anything for fear Mizuki would seize it violently, while Mizuki wouldn't let Kabuto go either, afraid he'd renege on the deal.
"What if we sign a contract?"
Kabuto suggested cautiously.
"Please! Do you really think that would work for me?" Mizuki scoffed disdainfully. "Even the Stealth Brain Control Sand can be undone. Whatever contract you make, once you turn to Orochimaru, won't it just vanish completely?"
"You actually know about this? Your intel skills aren't bad at all."
Kabuto's expression changed abruptly at Mizuki's offhand remark.
"Shouldn't surprise you," Mizuki replied dismissively. "If I could even defeat the Red Sand of the Desert, what's so strange about knowing this? Regardless, give me something as collateral at least..."
"Collateral? Let me think about it!"
"You take your time thinking—but dawn's coming, and I'll be leaving soon. Once we get to Konoha, I won't be the one in control anymore. I bet quite a few influential spectators will take interest in you."
"You want to hand me over to Konoha?" Kabuto asked in disbelief. "If I survive upon arrival, the things you want will no longer belong to you."
"That remains to be seen!" Mizuki smiled nonchalantly.
『This guy doesn't even realize the real danger—he'd be dead already if those were Cursed Seal Techniques hurled at him. Since he merely used Flying Thunder God Technique, he's been given a chance to extend his lifespan. If he fails to grasp it, well, that's just too bad. Taking him back and extracting a reward or favor from Tsunade should more than cover my losses anyway.』
Kabuto stared seriously at Mizuki, realizing the latter genuinely seemed telling the truth.
"So this is your way of forcing me to decide quickly?"
"Do however you please. Just hurry up and come up with a proposal that satisfies me!"
After finishing the leftover grilled meat, Mizuki began setting up the camping tent.
Observing Mizuki's actions while deep in thought, Kabuto suddenly asked, "What exactly were those two punches that knocked me down—and especially that final grab around my neck?"
Hearing this, Mizuki answered, "Looks like you don't really understand much about Sage Mode after all. I overestimated you."
"Attack without shape or form—this definitely isn't ordinary. Sage Mode..." Kabuto mused silently for a moment before suddenly realizing, "Natural Energy?"
"I'm certain of it. This jutsu must be self-created. Never did I expect you to have grown this strong. I admit defeat without regrets!"
As Orochimaru's top aide, Kabuto Yakushi knew all too well the significance of crafting original Ninjutsu to harness natural powers, knowledge he'd gained through his deep familiarity with both Sage Mode and the Cursed Seal Technique.
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