The misty air hung heavy over the marshes where the Three-Tails slumbered, the water's surface rippling faintly under a breeze that carried the scent of damp stone and algae.
Naruto, Kakashi, Yamato, and the others of the Konoha squad finally reached their destination. The group fanned out in formation, eyes sharp and alert, searching for any trace of the tailed beast.
At the same time, deep inside Orochimaru's hidden base, Kabuto entered a dimly lit chamber. His footsteps echoed against the cold stone as he approached Guren.
"I've received word," Kabuto said, his tone calm, detached. "Konoha's shinobi are on their way."
He adjusted his glasses, a glint of satisfaction flashing across the lenses. "This task falls to you. Handle it well, and perhaps Orochimaru-sama will grant you more opportunities."
At the mention of Orochimaru, unease tugged at Guren's heart. He was everything to her—master, savior, and purpose. But Kabuto's smug delivery set her teeth on edge.
"You don't need to remind me," she shot back sharply, her voice ringing with defiance. "I'll prove my worth to Orochimaru-sama. Sooner or later, I'll take your place. Just wait, Kabuto."
Kabuto's smile widened ever so slightly as he pushed his glasses up again. "Then I'll look forward to the day you succeed me—and become Orochimaru-sama's most trusted subordinate."
But in his heart, Kabuto harbored no concern. He had already pinpointed Guren's fatal flaw—her emotions. Her care for others, her attachments, her softness. To Kabuto, such things were weaknesses that would forever keep her beneath him.
"Hmph!" Guren snorted, turning on her heel. As she left with two of her men, she called back, "During my absence, you'd better not harm Yūkimaru. If you do, Kabuto, I won't forgive you."
Kabuto did not bother to answer. He simply watched her leave, lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.
Guren led her small squad swiftly through the mist, her heart steeled by determination. Crystal Release gleamed at her fingertips as she prepared to intercept Konoha's shinobi. Her confidence burned bright—her kekkei genkai was rare, formidable, and deadly.
Still, Kabuto wasted no time once she was gone. He slipped quietly into Yūkimaru's chamber. The boy sat up as soon as he saw him, confusion clouding his pale features.
"Where's Sister Guren? Where is she?" Yūkimaru asked, his voice thin with fear.
Kabuto tilted his head slightly, his voice deceptively gentle. "Ah, Guren… she's in danger. There's a chance she may not return."
The boy's eyes went wide, his body trembling. He grabbed Kabuto's sleeve with both hands. "Please! Save Guren-san! I'll do anything—anything—just save her!"
Kabuto smiled, the expression never reaching his cold eyes. "What a good child. If you truly wish to help her… then listen to me. Do exactly as I say, and perhaps she can be saved."
Yūkimaru nodded desperately. "I'll do it! I'll do whatever you ask!"
"Then let's go," Kabuto replied smoothly, adjusting his glasses with a glint of triumph.
He knew the task of controlling the Three-Tails was no simple feat—not with so many shinobi from Konoha involved. And among them was Uzumaki Naruto. Kabuto's mind flickered briefly to that name, a mixture of curiosity and unease stirring. Naruto had already defeated Sasuke—something not easily overlooked.
By the lakeside, Shizune knelt down, scanning the surface. Her sharp eyes and medic's intuition confirmed what Naruto's sensing already hinted at. The Sanbi lurked below, its enormous chakra signature pulsing deep in the water.
"There's no doubt," Shizune said firmly. "The Three-Tails is beneath the lake."
The sealing team immediately began preparations. "Sakura, Ino, Hinata—get ready," Shizune ordered.
"Yes!" the three kunoichi read in unison, determination flashing in their eyes.
Hinata's gaze lingered for a moment on Naruto's back. I have to do well. I can't let Naruto-kun see me as weak anymore. I want him to see… that I've grown stronger. Her resolve burned quietly, hidden beneath her composed exterior.
Nearby, Kakashi turned to Naruto and Yamato. "Once the seal is active, the three of us will handle suppressing the Three-Tails."
But Naruto, standing with his eyes closed in Sage Mode, raised a hand. "Wait, Kakashi-sensei. Someone's coming. I'll intercept them. Have Kiba, Shino, and Sai come here instead to help suppress the Sanbi."
His tone was calm, assured—the voice of someone no longer a reckless child, but a shinobi growing into his power.
Kakashi studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Yamato, call them over. Naruto—be careful."
"Understood, Kakashi-senpai," Yamato said, already signaling to the others.
Naruto released Sage Mode, the strain of holding it too long still lingering in his muscles. He exhaled, summoning two shadow clones, each veering off in opposite directions to continue gathering natural energy.
The faint tremor of unfamiliar chakra signatures reached him. His sharp senses distinguished them clearly—one volatile and explosive, like clay infused with chakra. Deidara. And another… colder, darker, unmistakably Uchiha.
Obito, Naruto thought grimly, his jaw tightening. He hadn't yet seen him, but the chakra alone told him everything. The masked man was here too, hunting the Sanbi.
And as if that weren't enough, another flare of chakra appeared—sharp, crystalline, cutting through the air like glass.
Naruto's eyes narrowed as a figure appeared ahead. Long, jade-colored hair. A woman in an Akatsuki cloak.
So it's true… Orochimaru roes have someone who wields Crystal Release.
His hand tightened into a fist. He was right to trust his instincts. The battlefield around the Sanbi was about to erupt.
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San