Kitagawa Minamoto was a man of action. Once he decided to set off, he immediately returned home to prepare.
"A mission in Kumogakure, huh? I wonder what I'll gain from this."
He created a Divine Tree Clone to handle some tasks while he sat down to ponder.
The greatest value Kumogakure held for him, aside from experiencing Storm Release once again, was likely the Tailed Beasts.
"Besides that, I might as well investigate the whereabouts of the Yata Mirror."
The Yata Mirror was something he hadn't had time to retrieve. Perhaps this trip would be a good opportunity to consider it.
As for summoning beasts...
Originally, his target had been a certain "Masashi Kishimoto's" giant lizard. But now, it didn't seem all that important anymore.
"After all, I already have Wood Release. Why bother with summoning beasts?"
Kitagawa chuckled softly, then turned to his Divine Tree Clone.
"While I'm away, you'll handle things here. Also, help me get a better understanding of Storm Release since I don't have the time."
"You're treating me like a Shadow Clone, aren't you?"
The Divine Tree Clone pouted but ultimately complied.
"Fine, I'll do it."
"Good. Oh, right, I think I forgot something—Kabuto Yakushi and that White Zetsu impersonating Kisame."
Kitagawa stretched lazily, suddenly remembering two unresolved matters.
He was quite curious whether White Zetsu could be used as a vessel for a "Karma Seal." After all, it was top-tier material!
Even in the case of Tobirama and Hashirama Senju's Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, White Zetsu could bring their strength close to its peak.
Of course, whether that "close to peak" claim was exaggerated was another matter.
"But overall, it's still impressive. Plus, I have My Own Reincarnation. I wonder if that technique could work on Impure World Reincarnation."
Kitagawa had many ideas. It was a shame he hadn't had many opportunities to use My Own Reincarnation yet.
If this technique could be applied to Impure World Reincarnation, its value would skyrocket!
"And could I exploit a bug with Izanagi?"
For example, after reviving with My Own Reincarnation, could Izanagi erase the state of death?
These were all questions worth exploring!
But for now, the priority was preparation. He definitely wasn't going to let Kabuto Yakushi slip away.
In a forest near Konohagakure, Kabuto Yakushi wore a grim expression.
"So much time has passed, and there's still no news of Orochimaru-sama?"
He muttered anxiously.
Kabuto understood that Konohagakure was likely on high alert and that Orochimaru might need to stay hidden.
But even so, the lack of news left him feeling uneasy.
"Maybe I just need to wait a little longer..."
After a long pause, he murmured to himself again.
"I never expected Kitagawa Minamoto to be this strong."
Kabuto had always known Minamoto was powerful—after all, he had defeated Orochimaru.
But to take on three Kage-level opponents and the One-Tail, defeating them all and killing two Kage?
No matter how he thought about it, it seemed absurd!
"Kitagawa Minamoto... is practically inhuman."
Kabuto muttered under his breath. But just then, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"While I appreciate the compliment, your words don't exactly make me happy."
The sudden voice made Kabuto freeze.
He turned sharply, only to find Kitagawa Minamoto standing behind him, seemingly out of nowhere!
"Minamoto Jōnin?"
Kabuto broke out in a cold sweat but forced himself to remain calm.
"What are you talking about? I—"
"No need to pretend, Kabuto."
Kitagawa shook his head lightly and sighed.
"Why do you think I've found you? And do you think I don't know about your connection to Orochimaru?"
"..."
Kabuto fell silent, staring at Minamoto intently. After a moment, he suddenly chuckled.
"You must be joking, Minamoto Jōnin. If I were truly connected to Orochimaru, you wouldn't have come alone."
"Is that so?"
Minamoto smiled back and took a step closer.
"Or maybe... I'm far more terrifying than the ANBU?"
Kabuto's smile froze.
If anyone else had said that, he would have laughed it off.
But coming from Kitagawa Minamoto, he didn't dare treat it as a joke!
As Minamoto stepped closer, Kabuto's body began to tremble involuntarily.
When they were less than a meter apart—
Buzz—
Kabuto suddenly moved!
A scalpel-like blade of Chakra appeared in his hand—the Chakra Scalpel.
He swung it swiftly toward Minamoto's neck!
"Decisive. But you're still far from Orochimaru's level."
Minamoto merely shook his head calmly.
Kabuto's eyes widened in shock as he realized he couldn't move.
Countless vines had emerged from the ground, binding him tightly in an instant.
Even his Chakra was being drained rapidly, leaving him weak and powerless.
"Wood Release?"
Kabuto stared in disbelief, while Minamoto smiled nonchalantly.
"Just Wood Release. It's merely a combination of Water Release and Earth Release, with perhaps a touch of Yang Release. It's not particularly difficult—like Dust Release."
"Dust Release?"
Kabuto was utterly stunned.
Dust Release was a Kekkei Tōta, a Bloodline Selection technique. In the entire ninja world, only Ōnoki and Deidara were known to use it.
And now, not only did Minamoto possess Dust Release, but he also had Wood Release?
"L-Lord Minamoto, this must be a misunderstanding!"
Kabuto struggled weakly, trying to explain. But Minamoto raised his hand, and a blue Chakra sphere appeared in his palm.
"I know who you are, Kabuto Yakushi. You're the child adopted by Nonō Yakushi, abandoned by Danzō Shimura."
"!!"
Kabuto's eyes widened in shock. How did this man know such things?
"Danzō disguised someone with another's photo to deceive Nonō Yakushi, tricking you into killing each other. I know all about it."
Minamoto's voice dropped, but his words made Kabuto's breathing nearly stop.
"And I also know that when you were lost, it was Orochimaru who gave you a reason to live. You see yourself as his shadow."
"..."
"I even know you were a spy for Sasori. Oh, but not anymore—since Sasori is dead."
"..."
Kabuto's mind buzzed, his breathing rapid.
He stared at Minamoto for a long time before finally whispering,
"Who... are you? How do you know all this?"
"Danzō is dead. His files are open to me. You have no secrets from me."
Minamoto lied casually, then added,
"And instead of asking dumb questions, why not think about who you'll become?"
"...What do you mean?"
"Because I don't have time for 'redemption games.' I only have one goal."
Before Kabuto could react, Minamoto's Chakra sphere plunged into his body!
In an instant, Kabuto felt excruciating pain in his mind. A strange energy was invading, eroding his will.
And he couldn't resist at all!
"All done. Karin, it's over."
Satisfied, Minamoto turned to the side.
"Thanks to you, I found him so quickly."
"Minamoto-senpai..."
From behind a tree, Karin timidly stepped out.
"This guy... is he with Orochimaru?"
"Yes, but probably not anymore."
Minamoto shook his head.
The effectiveness of his Chakra Spirit Ball had already been proven on Kisame.
Even a resolute ninja like Kisame couldn't resist its control.
Kabuto, while formidable and a future mastermind, was still far from his peak.
"By the way, about today's events..."
Minamoto glanced at Karin, but she quickly smiled.
"Don't worry, Senpai. I won't say a word!"
Karin understood without needing a reminder.
After all, Minamoto had saved her and given her a life in Konohagakure. She would never betray him.
"Good. Now head back."
Minamoto waved her off, then turned his attention back to Kabuto.
"Now, do you know who you are?"
"Yes... Lord Minamoto..."
Kabuto, still weak, nodded obediently.
"Good. Act as if nothing happened. Continue contacting Orochimaru. I want everything he has."
"Yes, I understand."
Satisfied, Minamoto smiled.
With Kabuto under his control, Orochimaru's secrets were as good as his.
And who knows? Those secrets might even inspire new ideas.
With that, Minamoto's figure disappeared, leaving Kabuto bowing toward where he had stood.
"Finally! I thought you ditched us."
On the other side of the forest, Deidara grumbled as Minamoto arrived. Mei Terumi also looked curious.
"Did something come up?"
"No, just a little preparation."
Minamoto smiled faintly before declaring,
"Now that we're all here... let's set off!"
(End of Chapter)
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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