(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Naruto had used the [Shadow Clone] training method as before.
Hundreds of Naruto clones practiced the Chakra Nature Transformation together, directly stunning Yugao.
When a [Shadow Clone] disperses, all its exhaustion and memories return to the original body.
Too large an impact at once could definitely overwhelm a ninja's body.
That was why the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] was a forbidden jutsu, while the basic [Shadow Clone Technique] was not.
"Is that really okay?" Yugao asked Colt, concerned that he might get hurt under her watch.
"Don't worry. There aren't many who can train this way, but Naruto is one of them," Colt replied, unconcerned.
Naruto's Uzumaki lineage and unique mental makeup qualified him for this training method.
Seeing that Colt had no objections, Yugao had to accept it.
In just two days, Naruto had taken his wind nature Chakra mastery to a high level.
He was just short of Colt's goal of cutting the waterfall.
However, they were set to depart the next day to meet Sasori's spy, so Colt halted Naruto's training.
As the two left the training ground, they encountered Sakura waiting there.
"Is something wrong?" Colt asked, looking at Sakura.
She should have been on duty at Konoha Hospital at this time.
Had she skipped out on her own mentor?
"Colt-san, I heard from Naruto that you're going to find Orochimaru tomorrow. Can you take me with you?" Sakura looked hopeful, wanting to meet Sasuke too.
Colt glanced helplessly at Naruto.
It was obvious who had leaked this information.
"Yeah Colt, let Sakura come too. Her determination to bring Sasuke back is definitely no less than mine," Naruto chimed in.
"Naruto, this isn't a Team 7 reunion. We're looking for Orochimaru, not Sasuke," Colt explained.
"Sakura hasn't participated in combat missions for two years and is now just a regular medical ninja. Do I have to protect her as well as fight a Sannin?"
Colt had no plans to let her participate.
Looking at the dejected girl, Colt said seriously.
"Don't try to impress Sasuke with words alone. You don't even know what burdens he's carrying."
How could someone consumed by revenge understand a young girl's love?
If she truly cared for him, she'd either wait for him to complete his revenge and follow him then, or join him in his vengeance.
Sakura clearly only had the first option.
Naruto scratched his head, realizing that Colt had a point.
Orochimaru was indeed a very dangerous person.
"Sakura, just wait for me to bring Sasuke back. I promise!" Naruto declared.
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Sakura's dejected face.
"Then I'm counting on you, Naruto."
After this exchange, the two returned to their respective homes.
The next day, when Naruto saw the other team member Colt had mentioned, he realized he didn't know her.
"Colt, who's this?"
"Yakumo Kurama, my direct subordinate. She's skilled in Genjutsu."
Yakumo smiled and greeted them, in high spirits.
This was her first mission with Colt.
With the [Flying Thunder God Technique], the three quickly arrived at the coordinates closest to the Tenchi Bridge.
It took half a day to reach their destination from there.
"Yakumo, I'll give you Sasori's information. You're responsible for our disguise," Colt instructed.
"Understood, Colt-san."
Colt shared Sasori's appearance and speech patterns with Yakumo using the Sharingan's genjutsu.
Soon, she was drawing vividly on her sketchpad.
A small figure dressed in an Akatsuki robe with a black background and wearing a hat appeared before them.
Naruto was stunned by the Sasori that appeared out of nowhere.
"Is this some kind of jutsu? You can create a ninja just by drawing?"
Yakumo explained with a smile, "This is my [Kekkei Genkai]. It's only useful as support; its combat effectiveness is very poor."
"You don't need to fight. Just lure them out," Colt said.
"Naruto, hide here and wait for my signal to rush in."
After Colt gave his instructions, his body rapidly shrank and slipped into the wide sleeves of the painted avatar.
This was an ability of [Sukunahikona], which could shrink his body to a tiny state.
Two steep cliffs connected by a long wooden bridge created a perilous scene.
The Tenchi Bridge, true to its name, led to heaven if crossed, or hell if one fell.
As noon approached, a figure in a wide-brimmed hat emerged from the far end of the bridge.
"Let's go, Yakumo."
"Yes."
The bell on the hat jingling, "Sasori" slowly walked towards the center of the bridge.
"It's been a while, Sasori-san."
The spy finally revealed himself - silver-gray hair and glinting glasses.
It was Kabuto Yakushi.
Yakumo didn't know Kabuto, but Naruto was excited.
Wasn't Kabuto the one who took the Chūnin exam with him before, later revealed to be Orochimaru's spy?
Why was he Sasori's spy now?
This guy was so complicated!
"It's been about five years," Kabuto mused.
"How have you been?"
As they conversed, a gloomy snake emerged from beneath Kabuto's feet, attempting to strangle Sasori sneakily.
'Sasori' however, remained indifferent.
"Foolish trick, Orochimaru."
Seeing Orochimaru appear behind Kabuto, Colt no longer hid and returned to his normal size.
Clearly, Kabuto had broken free of Sasori's control, and this time they had deliberately lured out Sasori to kill him.
It was a collision of conspiracies.
"Sasori's" body turned into a mass of colorful paint, scattering across the ground.
"I really thought it was Sasori..." Kabuto was stunned.
"I didn't expect Konoha to pay so much attention to me, actually sending you, Colt-kun, to find me."
"Tsunade really doesn't show mercy to her old comrades."
Orochimaru was surprised at first but quickly regained his composure.
Naruto also jumped out.
Yakumo, being a support type, found a more concealed position and continued to lie in wait.
"Where's Sasuke? Give him back!" Naruto yelled with great unconcealed rage.
Chakra boiled on his body, his eyes once again turning into the vertical pupils of the Nine-Tails.
It could be seen how agitated this guy was. Nothing happened yet, and he was already transforming.
A chakra tail also slowly formed behind him.
Strong winds whipped around them, even breaking the bridge's wooden planks.
Kabuto raised his hand to shield himself, shocked.
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was so strong.
Orochimaru remained unmoved, but the corners of his mouth showed a hint of sarcasm.
"Is that all? Naruto Uzumaki, you're far inferior to Sasuke."