Naruto saved Kakashi.
On Kakashi's neck, the cursed mark of Hiruko's enslavement still lingered.
However, for Naruto, removing the mark was a simple task.
With the immense chakra of the Nine-Tails, he was able to obliterate the enslavement mark in an instant.
As Kakashi regained consciousness, he looked at Naruto with a dazed expression. "Did I fail?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Naruto smiled warmly. "No, Kakashi-sensei. You didn't fail. I defeated Hiruko!"
Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise.
He knew all too well how powerful Hiruko was.
Could Naruto really have defeated him? he wondered. Sasuke is incredibly strong... but has Naruto surpassed even me? Kakashi couldn't help but marvel at the potential of his students.
Are all the disciples I've trained destined to become this powerful?
Seeing the confusion on Kakashi's face, Naruto explained further. "Kakashi-sensei, ever since my friend died, I've been training hard. I sought out Jiraiya-sensei, who took me to Mount Myoboku. While I was there, I mastered Sage Mode. And now, Kurama—the Nine-Tails—has agreed to lend me his power. Sage Mode combined with Kurama's power creates a brand-new form... the Kurama Link Mode!"
Kakashi was stunned. Sage Mode? And the Nine-Tails cooperating? All of this... and so quickly?
...
Suddenly, a shadow loomed overhead as a figure descended from the sky. In an instant, a large bird appeared, releasing explosive feathers that detonated upon impact.
Naruto quickly summoned a massive nine-tailed fox head made of chakra, shielding both himself and Kakashi from the explosion.
As the dust settled, the figure approached Hiruko. Placing a hand on Hiruko's body, the figure—revealed to be "San"—spoke with a cold, detached tone.
"Lord Hiruko, you've failed. You no longer have any value. This is what you taught me. Now, you will become my strength."
San then shouted, "Chimera Technique: Merge!"
Hiruko's body began to merge with San's, his expression one of shock and disbelief.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "That's the third of Hiruko's creations..."
San continued, "Lord Hiruko, one has already been absorbed by me. He was no match for me. Two is missing, but if she were here, she would be absorbed as well. Lord Hiruko, why do you resist?"
At that moment, a Kusanagi sword pierced through San's body. San looked back in disbelief, only to see a pale face behind him.
It was Orochimaru. He smiled darkly, his voice dripping with malice. "Hehehe... even insignificant insects dare to devour my friend?"
San collapsed to the ground, unwilling to accept his fate.
Orochimaru extended his hand toward Hiruko. "Hiruko, you look pitiful. Don't you want the perfect body? Come, let's work together and see who can achieve true perfection."
Hiruko's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. He never expected that in this moment of life and death, it would be Orochimaru who came to his aid.
With a hesitant but grateful heart, Hiruko grasped Orochimaru's hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. The two of them then walked away together, disappearing into the distance.
Kakashi watched their retreating figures, his mind racing. He didn't act rashly—both Orochimaru and Hiruko were S-rank rogue ninjas.
Kakashi knew that even with Naruto's strength, taking them down would be nearly impossible.
Naruto, on the other hand, felt a pang of sadness as he watched them leave. His eyes grew wet with unshed tears.
To Naruto, it seemed like a tragic story of two people who had disagreed decades ago, only to find themselves lost in darkness. Now, after all these years, they were relying on each other to survive.
What a touching story of friendship, Naruto thought, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions.
...