"I'm so sorry, Kazama-sama. I never imagined Kabuto would cause you this much trouble," Orochimaru said.
"I thought Kabuto was completely loyal to you. Why would he betray you?" Kazama asked.
"Truth is, Kabuto was never truly loyal. Back when I was dodging Akatsuki's pursuit, I had him infiltrate as a spy under Scorpion. But Kabuto got greedy for Akatsuki's power and started scheming to betray me. Later, during the Sannin battle when you defeated me, Kabuto took the chance to fully turn on me."
"Do you know what Kabuto's planning by kidnapping Naruto?"
"He's likely after Kyūbi's chakra to boost his own strength. But don't worry, Kazama-sama. I know Kabuto. He's aware that taking Naruto will enrage Konoha, so he won't dare escape with him personally. He's using his lackeys to do it, which means Naruto's life isn't in danger for now."
"Alright. You track down Kabuto and deal with him. I'll handle Naruto."
"Yes, sir!"
"Found him!"
It didn't take long for Kazama to locate Naruto, thanks to his powerful super-sensory abilities and thousands of Mokuton bunshin. Just as Orochimaru predicted, Yakushi Kabuto wasn't personally involved in Naruto's capture.
The one holding Naruto was Kimimaro, one of the Sound Five, wielder of the kekkei genkai Shikotsumyaku. At that moment, Rock Lee, who was fighting Kimimaro, was battered and bruised from the bone blades Kimimaro wielded like swords.
"Give up! You're strong, but in the face of a genius, all your effort and sweat are worthless!" Kimimaro taunted.
"Shikotsumyaku: Teshi Sendan!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Just as Kimimaro's finger bones were about to strike Lee, a figure appeared out of nowhere, blocking every single attack.
"With enough effort, even the most ordinary person can surpass a genius!" Kazama declared.
"Sorry for the trouble, Kazama!" Lee gasped before collapsing from exhaustion.
"What?! He blocked my Teshi Sendan with his body?!"
Kimimaro, who'd always prided himself on his attacks, was stunned by Kazama's incredible defense.
"Kimimaro, I know you're fiercely loyal to Orochimaru. So why betray him now and side with Yakushi Kabuto?" Kazama asked, genuinely puzzled by Kimimaro's defection.
"Nonsense! I've never betrayed Orochimaru-sama! It was Orochimaru-sama who told Kabuto to have me capture Naruto!"
"I see," Kazama said, realizing Kimimaro had been manipulated by Kabuto.
"Kimimaro, you've been deceived. Orochimaru never ordered Naruto's capture."
"Utter lies! How dare you try to sow discord! Let's see how I tear you apart! Shikotsumyaku: Yanagi no Mai!"
Without another word, Kimimaro launched an attack at Kazama.
"Fine. If you're too stubborn to listen, I'll just have to knock some sense into you!" Kazama sighed, watching Kimimaro charge.
Now that he'd found Naruto, Kazama had plenty of time to play around with Kimimaro. Plus, he'd been itching to acquire Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku abilities. Sure, Kazama already had a ton of powerful skills, but his motto was simple: you can never have too many techniques, and free skills are too good to pass up.
Ding! Successfully absorbed Shikotsumyaku: Yanagi no Mai. Congratulations, host, for obtaining Shikotsumyaku: Tsubaki no Mai!
Ding! Absorb six more ninjutsu to obtain the twelfth strange flame, Kyūryū Raigōka!
"Perfect! You're my ticket to Kyūryū Raigōka!" Kazama laughed.
No matter how fiercely Kimimaro attacked, Kazama stood unshaken, completely unfazed.