"Haa…" Sasuke leaned against a tree, exhaling. After his talk with Itachi, he had finally pieced everything together. The kind brother he once knew had returned. Understanding it all, he no longer wanted his brother to bear the burden alone. He had to grow stronger—to catch up, so he could help him.
"Asuma, shouldn't you ask why Kakashi is mixed up with Zabuza?" Kurenai, newly awake, leaned on Asuma's arm.
Kakashi helped Zabuza to his feet. "It's a long story. Zabuza isn't what you think. I have my reasons. The shinobi world isn't as peaceful as it looks. Take Itachi and Kisame just now—they're from Akatsuki, an organization hunting the jinchūriki. They came to take Naruto. We need to prepare."
Asuma and Kurenai both froze. "Akatsuki? Jinchūriki? Kakashi—where did you hear this?"
"From Jiraiya-sama. He's been gathering intel for years."
"Then why capture the jinchūriki?" Asuma pressed.
Kakashi wasn't certain—even knowing much of what was to come, there were limits. Still, he analyzed: "The jinchūriki seal tailed beasts inside them. Each beast has power rivaling—or exceeding—a village's Kage. Collecting them means Akatsuki is after that power. What they'll do with it, I don't know. But with all of them, they'll be the strongest force in the world."
Asuma was speechless, then nodded. "Kakashi—if you need help, I'm here."
"I'll call if I need it."
"…Good."
They parted ways. Kakashi saw Zabuza home, then left. He still had to speak with Sasuke. Loosing a hawk skyward, he sent their signal.
"Kakashi—you called me?" Sasuke appeared swiftly.
"What did you decide, after talking with Itachi?"
"I want to grow stronger. I won't let my brother live like this forever."
Kakashi nodded. "With your current mindset, you can probably handle the cursed seal."
Sasuke nodded back. "What do I do?"
"Withdraw the chakra reinforcing the Fūja Hōin (Evil Sealing Method)." Kakashi uncovered his Sharingan.
The seal pulsed like a heartbeat. Sasuke gritted his teeth, clutching his neck. "Aaah—!" He collapsed.
"Don't resist it. Let it develop," Kakashi urged.
Under the Sharingan, Kakashi saw the black markings flicker like flame, spreading across Sasuke's skin. Then he noticed something more: the seal was absorbing some unseen substance from the air. As it fed, it reacted more violently. The curse marks spread, nearly engulfing Sasuke.
"Sasuke—how do you feel?"
Sasuke's face twisted. "I… want to kill…"
Kakashi stiffened. Too wild.
"Kakashi—I can't hold it… my chakra won't work…"
Kakashi pressed his hand to Sasuke's neck, flooding the seal with chakra to reapply the Evil Sealing Method.
Sasuke slumped unconscious. The markings receded. Kakashi's eye widened. Inside Sasuke, a mass of white chakra occupied the space where his own chakra should be. It was the same color as Jiraiya's Senjutsu chakra—but unstable. Could the curse seal be natural energy—senjutsu power? Kimimaro had a seal too, and when it raged, he sprouted a tail. Just like Jiraiya's face shifting toward a toad's in Sage Mode.
The thought chilled him. The curse seal forcibly drew in natural energy without training the body first, unlike Jiraiya. No wonder it clashed with Sasuke's chakra—if not for his will and Kakashi's sealing, it would've killed him.
When Sasuke awoke, he whispered, "Sorry, Kakashi. I couldn't hold on."
Kakashi shook his head. "It's my fault. I pushed you into this without knowing what the seal was. Forgive me."
Sasuke managed a faint smile. "You'd never hurt me. I know."
Kakashi's eye curved. "Thanks, Sasuke."
Sasuke suddenly stiffened. Don't tell me Kakashi has… odd feelings?
Kakashi sighed at the look on his face. "Don't think weird things. I just believe I've got a good student. And I've figured out the seal's secret."
"Tch. Then say it."
Kakashi explained his theory, then added, "I'll consult the Third. He may know more—Jiraiya and Orochimaru were his students."
Sasuke nodded.
At the retired Hokage's home, Hiruzen welcomed Kakashi in for tea. "Kakashi, already met with Itachi?"
"Yes. I learned some things about Akatsuki."
"Good. Discuss it with Tsunade. You didn't come just for that."
Kakashi relayed Sasuke's situation.
The Third frowned. "It makes sense. The ninja world has three Sage lands: Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest."
"Can you find them, Sandaime-sama?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "They're protected by barriers. Only fate leads you there. Jiraiya and Tsunade had their chances. Ask them. Oh—and Anko. She has a cursed seal too. Perhaps she can give insight. Orochimaru once valued her highly."
Kakashi blinked. "I understand. Thank you."
As the evening set in, he sought out Anko.
"Hey, Kakashi. Why drag me out?"
"To buy you dinner."
"Oh? You're not usually this generous." She gave him a scornful look.
Kakashi scratched his silver hair. "Today's an exception."
"Is that so?" Hands on hips, eyes narrowed, she looked skeptical.
"Come on. Enough talk." Kakashi pushed her into a restaurant.
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