That chakra fuses together, becoming their source of strength. That's why Naruto always ends up completely drained after using this sword.
Naruto nodded and said,
"That's right. This is the source of the sword's power."
He looked down at the sword in his hand, determination in his eyes. "But this sword also has another ability. In its normal state, it can cut through space-time itself, yet I can't see those rifts it tears open."
Tamako tilted her head adorably and asked,
"Can't see them?"
"Madara can," Naruto said firmly, "and the stone tablet said the sword can as well. I should be able to see those spatial rifts through my Sharingan. When I try infusing chakra into it, I feel the sword vibrating, which is probably why I can't inject my wind chakra into it. Every time I attempt it, I end up unintentionally tearing open space-time instead."
Tamako admitted,
"That part goes beyond me."
Despite her unmatched mastery of sealing techniques, all this ninja-related stuff was just too complex for her.
Naruto glanced over and smiled at Tamako.
"I don't really get it either," he said. "But I think we'll figure it out soon enough."
Suddenly recalling something, Tamako asked,
"What about the Nine-Tails then? Aren't you going to keep training and learn how to control its power?"
"Forget that damned fox!"
Tamako was startled by Naruto's words—he had never openly cursed the Nine-Tails like this before.
"It's nothing but a burden to me now, just holding me back. I can't even begin to imagine what it might do during a battle with Madara or Pain."
While talking, Naruto scratched his head and started walking toward the door.
"I need to go track down Ero-Sennin. He said earlier he wanted to teach me something."
"I understand, Naruto-sama," Tamako smiled. "Whatever you need, I will help you with it. Ever since your last departure, I've been researching new sealing techniques for you."
Hearing about sealing techniques reminded him. Naruto's eyes lit up. He pulled a small vial full of blood from an inner pocket inside the Root's uniform jacket.
"There's just one final step," he explained, "before I can remove Anko's Cursed Seal of Heaven. I've already obtained Sasuke's blood, and now I only need to find traces left behind when Orochimaru originally created the curse mark."
##Otogakure##
Deep within a secret underground base in Otogakure, Kabuto stepped carefully over one corpse after another—those who had once guarded Orochimaru's secret lab.
Even though Orochimaru was long dead, they still tried to stop Kabuto from entering the lab.
"Don't these fools understand? I'm the only true heir of Orochimaru left in this world! Whatever—they're useless anyway."
Muttering to himself, Kabuto entered the cold, damp laboratory and began scouring the room for anything useful.
He had become increasingly adept at controlling the cells implanted within his body, but he still needed Orochimaru's research notes to fully harness their power. That was why he had returned to this place—the Otogakure base—which now held no strategic value.
"You dare come back?"
Kabuto stopped in his tracks and turned around. Karin stood in the dim doorway of the lab.
"Karin, what are you doing here? You should've left after Naruto defeated Sasuke…"
"Don't mention that traitor to me!" Karin interrupted angrily. "And don't mention that monster-wielding killer either! You actually helped him!"
Kabuto smiled.
"I only indirectly helped him," he replied coolly. "I didn't even know whether he'd succeed. In fact, I should be thanking him—he did an amazing job."
Kabuto dismissed her completely. Even if she knew about the deal between him and Naruto, what could she possibly do to him? With her current strength, she couldn't even scratch him.
With that thought, he resumed searching the lab, looking for anything useful.
"That kid Naruto truly is promising."
"He's next!" Karin said coldly. Kabuto froze.
"What?" His tone immediately grew threatening as he sharply turned toward her. "Explain yourself—who's next?" He adjusted his glasses.
"After I kill you, he's next—you damned traitor! You gave that cursed Naruto the power to defeat Sasuke!"
As she spoke, Karin stepped into the lab. The dim light shone on her, and Kabuto finally noticed she was wearing the uniform of *Akatsuki*.
Kabuto stared at her briefly before fully turning his body around, revealing half his torso ravaged by Orochimaru's cells.
"I see. Well, your ambitions truly are grand. First, kill me—an old man—and then go after Naruto and everyone around him?" Kabuto laughed loudly. "I'd love to see how you pull off such an impossible task…"
His laughter cut off sharply. He glared viciously at Karin. "But I'd prefer it if you just stayed out of my way. Face reality. You're no match for me."
"Hmm…" Karin pretended to think for a moment. "You make a good point, but honestly, I'd rather take your head back with me."
"By yourself? You must be overestimating yourself. If you want to harm me, you'll need a few more centuries of training!"
Kabuto mocked her. He originally planned to kill Karin and continue his work, but now he changed his mind.
Suddenly, the far wall of the lab blew apart. Kabuto quickly dodged aside, narrowly avoiding flying debris and rubble.
"Who's there?" He shouted, shielding his mouth and nose from the dust.
"It's us," Karin said casually. "And my teammates. Didn't you say it would take an entire squad just to lay a hand on you?"
The dripping sound stopped. Suigetsu appeared beside Karin, while Jugo stepped through the ruined wall.
"So, what do you think? Is our team finally worthy of facing you, Kabuto?"
## Land of Lightning ##
In a secret hideout deep within the Land of Lightning, Naruto and Tamako returned to the office to find their teammates, along with Jiraiya and Yugito, already waiting for them.
Seeing everyone gathered there, a faint smile tugged at Naruto's lips. He stepped toward Jiraiya and said,
"Ero-Sennin, you promised to teach me something before I face Pain. Now's the time—let's get started!"
"Are you sure about this?" Jiraiya asked with a mischievous grin. "You might not even be able to learn it, Naruto. It's such an advanced Ninjutsu that only someone as ridiculously strong as me—who's packed with raw power and masculinity—can master or teach."
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