That's… that's Yonbi!"
Even Orochimaru, with all his experience, stood frozen in shock as Kazama transformed into the full form of Yonbi.
He'd thought Kazama was joking when he claimed to have Yonbi's power. But now? It wasn't Kazama fooling around—it was Orochimaru who'd been too narrow-minded. What he thought was impossible was clearly nothing for Kazama.
"Next, I'll check with Yūkimaru to see if he's willing to become Sanbi's Jinchūriki," Kazama said, reverting to his human form.
"I'm in!"
When Kazama told Yūkimaru about becoming Sanbi's Jinchūriki, Yūkimaru agreed without a second thought, catching Kazama off guard.
Being a Jinchūriki could boost your strength, sure, but it came with life-threatening risks. Most people wouldn't volunteer for it.
"Yūkimaru, are you sure about this? I want you to be a powerful asset for Otogakure, but if you're not okay with it, I won't force you," Kazama said.
"Kazama-sama, you're overthinking it. I know becoming a Jinchūriki is dangerous, but I want to be strong enough to protect everyone and contribute to Otogakure!"
"Alright, Yūkimaru, I promise I won't let anything happen to you!"
With that, Orochimaru began the process of sealing Sanbi Isobu.
At the critical moment, Kazama transformed back into Yonbi to keep Sanbi in check. With Kazama's help, sealing Sanbi and creating a Jinchūriki was a breeze. Afterward, Kazama infused Yūkimaru's body with a unique flame to further suppress Sanbi, ensuring it wouldn't turn against him.
"Yūkimaru, since Sanbi Isobu is water-based, you can focus on mastering your Suiton ninjutsu from now on. Once you fully sync with Sanbi's chakra, you'll be able to wield its power in battle!"
"Thank you, Kazama-sama! I swear I'll protect Otogakure with my life!"
Kazama nodded, pleased with Yūkimaru's determination.
Otogakure was thriving—its population was growing, it had ten towers that could endlessly boost ninja strength, and now it had a Sanbi Jinchūriki. Finally, Otogakure was starting to look like a major ninja village.
With everything in Otogakure sorted, Kazama headed back to Konoha. After all, he'd left Sasuke trapped in Izanagi for a while. By now, Kazama figured Sasuke had probably overcome the darkness in his heart and escaped the genjutsu.
But when he arrived at the Uchiha clan's compound, Sasuke was nowhere to be found, and the place was a wreck—like a fierce battle had just gone down.
Just then, Naruto and Sakura showed up.
"Kazama, you're finally back!"
"Where's Sasuke?"
At Kazama's question, Naruto and Sakura's faces darkened.
"Sasuke was taken by some mysterious guy. Kakashi-sensei tried to stop him, but he got badly injured and still hasn't recovered!" Sakura said, breaking into tears.
"Take me to Kakashi-sensei, now!"
Kazama had always looked up to Kakashi as an idol, so there was no way he'd let anything happen to him. Plus, if he wanted to figure out who this mysterious person was that took Sasuke, Kakashi was the key—he was the only one who'd seen and fought the guy.
"Tsunade-sama, Kakashi's injuries are too severe. I'm afraid…"
Shizune, who was helping Tsunade treat Kakashi, shook her head helplessly.
"Damn it! We can't give up!"
Tsunade poured more chakra into her medical ninjutsu, but she knew it was barely keeping Kakashi alive. His injuries were just too bad.
Her current medical skills could only buy him a little time. The only hope to truly save Kakashi was Kazama's Yōka (Yang Flame) power.
"Any word from Kazama?"
"Nothing. No sign of him yet," Shizune replied.
"Damn it, where is that kid?!"
"I'm here!"
Just as Tsunade and Shizune were at their wits' end, a clear voice rang out.
Along with it came the life-restoring power of Kazama's Yōka.