The successive impact of two Tailed Beast Bombs on the fourth Rashomon gate proved too much even for its incredible durability. With a flash of light, the fourth gate disintegrated into nothing.
After releasing three Tailed Beast Bombs in a row, Furen's body reverted from his tailed state, his insect-like wings dissipating as he descended to the ground. Tsunade's gaze at Furen showed a newfound respect. As Jiraiya had noted, Furen was truly worthy of his title as Konoha's current top genius.
"Tsunade-sama, don't let your guard down; Orochimaru isn't that easy to kill," Furen cautioned, his eyes fixed on the dust cloud behind the destroyed Rashomon. Tsunade, a little late to react, nodded, realizing it wasn't yet time to relax.
When the dust from the Tailed Beast Bombs finally cleared, Orochimaru was nowhere to be seen. Tsunade leapt into the now-empty crater, and with a powerful stomp, she struck the ground.
"Heavenly Foot of Pain!"
With a thunderous impact, the ground caved in, revealing a massive hollow chamber beneath. Orochimaru's figure reappeared, standing atop a massive snake, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he looked at Furen.
The surprises Furen had given him were too numerous. Ice Release kekkei genkai combined with the ability to transform into a tailed beast… his body was just as formidable as any member of the Uchiha.
After studying Furen for a while, Orochimaru finally turned his attention to Tsunade.
"Tsunade, even without your help, I have other ways to recover… I am the true immortal…" With that, Orochimaru, standing on his summoned snake, burrowed underground, vanishing from sight.
At some point, Orochimaru had summoned several large snakes to create an underground escape route, allowing him and his followers to retreat.
Among the Sound Four, Tayuya looked back at Furen with a gaze filled with complex admiration and warmth. When Furen had initially aimed to win over Tayuya, he had promised that one day, he would surpass Orochimaru. And now, his strength was clear.
"I knew I chose right," Tayuya thought, a feeling of pride welling up within her.
Tayuya's favorability +10.
During the Tailed Beast Bomb assault, Furen hadn't recklessly attacked. Through his mental interference jutsu, he had warned Tayuya to prepare a defense if Orochimaru couldn't withstand the onslaught.
Tayuya's favorability +10.
This gesture left Tayuya feeling a warm, appreciative bond.
With Orochimaru's retreat, Tsunade chose not to pursue him, instead deactivating the Yin Seal technique, causing the diamond-shaped seal to reappear on her forehead. After overcoming her hemophobia through this battle, Tsunade's spirit had shifted significantly, her former exhaustion and despair replaced by renewed vigor.
"Tsunade-sama…" Shizune's voice echoed from afar, accompanied by Naruto and Jiraiya.
Naruto, worn out from training his Rasengan, and Jiraiya, who was still weakened from Tsunade's secret tranquilizer, had both taken considerable time to arrive.
"Is this… Orochimaru's summoned beast?" Jiraiya picked up a shed skin from Manda, Orochimaru's giant snake, sensing the familiar chakra signature.
"Yes, it was Orochimaru." Tsunade turned to Jiraiya. "From this day forward, the Three Legendary Sannin are no more. Orochimaru is no longer one of us."
Jiraiya paused, holding the snake skin in his hand, a hint of sadness crossing his face. But his expression soon firmed up. "Yes… from now on, Konoha has no Three Sannin."
Furen stepped forward, bowing to Tsunade. "Fifth Hokage Tsunade-sama, Konoha needs you."
Hearing his words, Tsunade paused, her gaze momentarily reflecting her memories of the Third Hokage.
"Return to Konoha," Tsunade commanded.
After collecting their belongings in Tanzaku Town, Tsunade and Shizune set off for Konoha, joined by Jiraiya, Naruto, and Furen. However, it was only a shadow clone of Furen accompanying them; his real body had slipped away into the forest outside Tanzaku Town.
For the past few days, Fu had been training in Tailed Beast Bomb techniques there, making a pact with the Seven Tails.
Inside a mountain cave, Fu held out her hand, channeling the chakra of the Seven Tails through her Ten-Fold Seal, causing a red Tailed Beast cloak to form around her.
"You're amazing, Chomei!" Fu exclaimed happily. Over the past days, her relationship with the Seven Tails had gradually become more friendly. Once coerced by Furen's influence, the Seven Tails had now voluntarily allied with Fu, willingly lending her chakra.
"It seems you've come this far already…" Furen's voice echoed.
Fu's face lit up with joy as she turned and leapt into Furen's arms. "Furen-chan~!"
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T/N:
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