Sakura Haruno's casual "Big Brother Raizen" earned her a sharp side-eye from Sasuke. I call him Uncle, you call him Big Brother—are you trying to become my elder?
Stunned by Sasuke's sudden coldness, Sakura had no idea how she had offended him. Raizen smiled and said, "Sakura, just stay by my side. I'll protect you."
"Mhm!" Sakura nodded eagerly. "Hmph!" Sasuke turned his head away with a cold snort.
"Start the sweep, Karin," Raizen said, nodding to her. "I understand, Raizen-sama." Karin activated her sensory ninjutsu. "Three unfamiliar, weak chakra signatures near the perimeter wall—likely Genin."
"Leave them to me!!" Sasuke blurred into motion. "Sasuke-niichan, wait! You're not stealing my kills!" Little Mirai, hoisting the massive Tōkijin, chased after him with her tiny, rapid steps.
The Genius of Mirai
Below the spectator stands, three Sound Genin found their path blocked by a boy and a toddler who looked like she barely finished weaning.
"Brats, you've got some nerve," the Sound ninja sneered. "We're the bad guys. Why don't you hide like rats so we can play a game of cat and mouse?"
"Hmph," Sasuke smirked. "Invaders, you're just stepping stones for my rise."
"Arrogant brat! Teach him a lesson," the Sound leader ordered.
"Waste of breath," Mirai piped up, her tiny eyebrows twitching. "Die!" She raised Tōkijin, and a blue dragon phantom roared behind her.
"Dragon Strike!"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A series of lightning strikes reduced the three invaders to charred silhouettes. Sakura and Karin were paralyzed with shock. Is she really only four years old? Even Sasuke was stunned—the output of that lightning far surpassed his Chidori.
Raizen ruffled Mirai's hair as she skipped back. "You're still small, Mirai. Stick to the Genin for now. Let the others handle the big fish."
The Death of the Professor
While Raizen guided the kids, the battle on the roof reached its tragic end. Hiruzen Sarutobi, faced with the reanimated First and Second Hokage, resorted to the Reaper Death Seal.
With a final, agonizing effort, he sealed the souls of his predecessors. "I'm sorry, monkey..." the First Hokage's soul whispered as it crumbled. "It is I who should apologize," Hiruzen panted, "for using this method to trap your souls forever."
Enraged, Orochimaru lunged with his Kusanagi blade, piercing Hiruzen's chest. But the Third Hokage held on, gripping Orochimaru's soul with the Reaper's hands. "I will take your hands, Orochimaru! You will never weave a sign again!"
With a final shout, Hiruzen severed the soul of Orochimaru's arms. "When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames..." Hiruzen Sarutobi died with a smile, the fire in his heart passing to the next generation.
The Hunter Appears
Orochimaru, clutching his gray, lifeless arms, prepared to retreat with the Sound Four. Suddenly, a figure appeared, blocking their path. It was Raizen Uchiha, looking impeccably handsome and cold.
"You killed the Third, and you think you can just walk away?" Raizen's gaze was freezing. "Orochimaru, I heard you wanted my body. I'm standing right here. Come and take it."
Despite his agony, Orochimaru sneered. "Raizen Uchiha... my vessel. Are you so eager to become one with me?"
"A crawling insect like you doesn't deserve my flesh," Raizen drew Sōnga, releasing a wave of pure evil that made even the Sound Four shudder. "Satisfy your desire for immortality... by becoming a mindless corpse under my blade."
Raizen unleashed Shisui's Body Flicker Technique. Dozens of "real" afterimages surrounded the group. Slash!Kidomaru looked down at his chest, a blade having appeared out of thin air to pierce his heart. Thud.Sakon fell next, his heart stopped instantly.
Only Ukon managed to slip away through the sewers in the chaos. Raizen watched him go, a mysterious smile on his face. He had placed a hidden mark on Ukon.
Orochimaru, pray that he leads me straight to your hideout.
Raizen didn't finish the job in the village; Sōnga's power was too destructive, and he didn't want to level his own real estate. He would wait for them to regroup outside the walls, then hunt the serpent down for good.
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