Among the tailed beasts, while the number of tails doesn't directly equate to power, it's undeniable that the Nine-Tails is the most powerful in one-on-one combat. It's also the most aggressive and volatile of them all.
The Nine-Tails harbors deep resentment toward humans, especially ninjas.
So when Orochimaru entered Kushina's mindscape, the beast didn't hesitate to express its hostility through direct action.
However, Orochimaru wasn't just anyone. His current strength placed him firmly at the pinnacle of the ninja world. Provocations like this didn't faze him in the slightest.
Kushina, witnessing the Nine-Tails' ferocious strike, was momentarily stunned. She even felt the urge to warn Orochimaru.
But to her shock, Orochimaru remained calm and unmoving, his expression indifferent as the beast's claws came to a screeching halt just a centimeter from his heart, trapped in the gap of the iron gate that sealed it.
"The temper of tailed beasts truly gets worse with each one I encounter," Orochimaru mused aloud, unbothered by the near-lethal attack. His gaze shifted to Kushina. "You haven't been able to control it yet?"
Kushina, still processing what had just happened, was momentarily flustered by the question. "Control it? Are you kidding me? It's the Nine-Tails we're talking about!"
Orochimaru chuckled faintly. "Of course, I understand. The Uzumaki Clan's power can suppress the Nine-Tails, but it can't purify its negativity." He turned his attention back to the massive fox. "Nine-Tails… shall we talk?"
The Nine-Tails let out a low growl, its eyes narrowing in suspicion. However, it slowly retracted its claws, its earlier rage seemingly tempered."You're able to enter Kushina's consciousness and suppress my power so easily? And that Sharingan… truly unsettling. You humans and your cursed eyes."
"This is the power of the Uchiha, yes," Orochimaru replied coolly, "but I am not an Uchiha."
The Nine-Tails' eyes narrowed further in disbelief. "Not an Uchiha? That's impossible. The power radiating from those eyes… it's stronger than any I've encountered."
"Oh?" Orochimaru smirked. "Stronger than Uchiha Madara?"
The mention of Madara caused a flicker of recognition in the beast's gaze.
It was true that the strength of the Sharingan varied from one wielder to another. The Nine-Tails had once been under the control of Uchiha Madara, its chakra bound by Madara's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
But now, the power Orochimaru exuded was clearly on another level.
"Madara…" the Nine-Tails muttered, its voice laced with bitterness. "You're no ordinary human to know so much."
"I know many things," Orochimaru replied, his tone calm yet laced with confidence. "So, can we talk?"
---
Five minutes later, the scene shifted.
Orochimaru and Kushina returned to reality, sitting once again in her house. Orochimaru appeared deep in thought, while Kushina was still struggling to process what had just transpired.
She had heard countless stories about Orochimaru's genius and strength, but witnessing it firsthand was entirely different.
The Nine-Tails—a beast that struck fear even into the hearts of Konoha's top brass, had not only calmed down in Orochimaru's presence but had even conversed with him?
How was that possible?
Moreover, Orochimaru wielded the Sharingan… and he could activate it at will?
"Kushina, have you made up your mind?" Orochimaru's voice interrupted her swirling thoughts.
"Made up my mind?" she repeated, blinking.
"You understand the situation now," Orochimaru said matter-of-factly. "If you follow me, I'll save Konoha. Simple as that."
Kushina hesitated, her expression conflicted. "So, you'll only help the village if I leave with you?"
"Of course," Orochimaru replied bluntly. "You're the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Your strategic importance is unparalleled." He leaned back slightly, his tone becoming more casual. "If we didn't have history, Kushina, I wouldn't even bother talking to you like this. But it seems even you don't trust me anymore. That's… disappointing."
Kushina immediately shook her head, guilt flashing across her face. "That's not true! I do trust you, it's just…"
Orochimaru raised a hand, cutting her off. "It doesn't matter. Pack your things. We leave at dawn."
Kushina hesitated for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright."
There was no doubt in her mind that Orochimaru's words carried weight.
Given what she had just seen in the mindscape, if Orochimaru truly wanted to take her away by force, he wouldn't have needed to go through so much trouble.
And with Konoha on the brink of collapse, she couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.
Silently, Kushina began gathering her belongings. Meanwhile, Orochimaru reclined on the sofa, closing his eyes as if preparing for the day ahead.
---
By the time dawn broke, Konoha was already in a state of chaos.
"Check every corner thoroughly!"
"Damn it, how could someone infiltrate the village at a time like this?"
"Be alert! This intruder is dangerous!"
The voices of anxious ninja filled the streets as the village mobilized in response to an apparent breach.
In Kushina's house, Orochimaru opened his eyes slowly, glancing at the blanket that had been placed over him. His gaze shifted to Kushina, who stood nearby, looking nervous.
"Did someone knock on the door just now?" he asked nonchalantly. "The village's defenses have grown even weaker, it seems."
Kushina was fully dressed, wearing a form-fitting outfit that highlighted her readiness for travel. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob, before nodding. "I'm ready."
"Good." Orochimaru rose, brushing off the blanket and placing a hand on her back. "Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
---
Moments later, the door to Kushina's house was kicked open with a deafening crash.
A squad of ANBU stormed inside, their animal masks glinting in the dim light.
The leader scanned the room carefully. Two cups of tea sat on the table, cold and untouched. The blanket on the sofa was slightly messy, but still warm to the touch.
"They just left," the ANBU muttered, piecing together the scene. His frown deepened. "Who was staying here…?"
---
Ten minutes later, the report reached Konoha's top brass.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had been taken.
As the realization set in, Koharu and Homura, both already weary from the ongoing war were left utterly dumbfounded.
**
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