Naruto: From Extra to Savior

The Eight Trigrams Sealing Style was originally used to seal the Nine-Tails. Even the strongest tailed beast couldn't do anything against it, so a weakened version like Shukaku, the One-Tail, stood no chance whatsoever. Without any interference, Mizuki's sealing technique worked much more smoothly than expected. As the "Little Shukaku" got sealed into Naruto Uzumaki's clone, Mizuki had finally achieved the main goal of the plan he'd been preparing for a whole month.

He immediately stored both the sealed Little Shukaku and Naruto's clone into a sealing scroll, then walked toward the real Naruto Uzumaki not far away, carried him over, and placed him together with Temari and Gaara, waiting for his comrades to come clean up this mess.

[In the original storyline, among the three Suna ninja only Kankuro suffered severe injuries and fell unconscious with unknown consequences, while Gaara of the Sand was rescued by Temari. This time, however, neither Temari nor Gaara had the chance to escape—they both became captives. This defeat was even worse than in the original storyline.]

...

Just when Mizuki's original body subdued Gaara and Temari, Orochimaru's escape attempt reached a crucial moment. Amidst the chaos, most of the pursuing Konoha forces couldn't keep up with the Sound Four's pace anymore—only a few elite ninja could still follow them closely.

"Lord Orochimaru, the situation is critical. Should we rendezvous with the Suna ninja?" Kabuto Yakushi suggested while using Medical Ninjutsu to ease Orochimaru's pain.

"No need," Orochimaru decided after a brief thought. "My disguise as the Kazekage has probably already been exposed. We are no longer allies with them."

"I see," Kabuto said solemnly, adjusting his glasses with his free hand. "Then our chances of escaping Konoha are quite slim..."

Glancing at the Sound Four stationed nearby, he continued, "Without anyone covering our withdrawal, none of us will make it out alive..."

"Retreat cover? Who will provide rear guard?" Orochimaru snapped impatiently. "You must have someone in mind already, right?"

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto replied. "I've already made arrangements. When news of our collusion with the Sand was leaked to Konoha, I had some bad premonitions, so I took some precautions. Turns out they're finally useful now."

"Oh?" Orochimaru asked. "Whoever you're thinking of won't be among those present here anyway. The only person you could possibly reserve for such a task would be Kimimaro, wouldn't it?"

Kabuto answered, "That's correct."

"Kimimaro's strength isn't an issue, but considering his physical condition—he just helped us kill The Fourth Kazekage not long ago—can he really handle this now?"

Kabuto responded, "All Sound ninja were born for Lord Orochimaru and are willing to die for him without hesitation. Kimimaro is our most trustworthy comrade."

Given Kimimaro's fragile condition, which wouldn't last much longer anyway, applying certain techniques to stimulate him combined with his extraordinary willpower could easily trigger a temporary burst of immense strength. Since he didn't have long to live anyway, dying during this mission to rescue Orochimaru would surely bring Kimimaro great satisfaction in his final moments.

"All willing to die for me? Does that include you too, Kabuto?"

"Of course, that includes me..." Kabuto Yakushi replied.

"Is that so? How reliable indeed," Orochimaru mused. "Especially you—once again taking initiative on your own, aren't you?"

"All of this is for Lord Orochimaru's great purpose..."

"My purpose? Forget it. Anyway, where is Kimimaro?" Orochimaru grew increasingly anxious.

"He's close. Right ahead."

As the group passed through a residential area, they finally saw the proud and cold figure of Kimimaro waiting before them. Upon seeing Orochimaru approach, Kimimaro saluted respectfully.

"There's no time for formalities, Kimimaro. The situation is dire. Lord Orochimaru has suffered an injury—we must leave immediately."

"Isn't this entirely your fault? Because of your incompetence, how else could Lord Orochimaru have been injured?" Kimimaro glared coldly at Kabuto and the Gang of Four behind him, making them shiver involuntarily.

"That's enough," Orochimaru stated plainly without praising Kimimaro or scolding the others. "You'll handle the rear guard."

Orochimaru understood Kimimaro's talents, abilities, and temperament well—giving direct orders was always the best way to deal with him.

"I understand," Kimimaro responded predictably. "Kabuto, the following tasks are now in your hands..."

Only Kabuto could be considered somewhat reliable; in Kimimaro's eyes, the Gang of Four were mere subordinates. The only reason he tolerated working alongside them was out of respect for Orochimaru's wishes.

Kimimaro also clearly understood that Orochimaru had already found a superior soul vessel. Although he himself, once the backup candidate, possessed exceptional talent, his incurable kekkei genkai disease had rendered him no longer the first choice.

'I hope that Sasuke Uchiha proves worthy enough to carry on Lord Orochimaru's will.'

That his dying days could still serve a purpose for the revered Orochimaru—that his fragile life might offer one last contribution—was already more than enough to satisfy Kimimaro.

"Let's go," Orochimaru commanded finally. In an instant, the group vanished, leaving Kimimaro alone to face Konoha's pursuing ninja.

"Kabuto, I remember Kimimaro wasn't supposed to know anything about Sasuke Uchiha. Did you tell him? Although things turned out fine, you've been acting too independently lately." Kimimaro had received the Cursed Seal of Earth long ago and had always been cultivated as a soul vessel. He took great pride in this role, making it difficult to imagine how easily Kabuto must have convinced him to come despite his deteriorating health—and not only that, to risk his life covering their escape. Although the Gang of Four lacked strength, if they rotated properly while holding off pursuers, their performance wouldn't necessarily fall short of Kimimaro's. The only plausible explanation was that Kimimaro had known long ago he was no longer Orochimaru's chosen soul vessel. Before being completely abandoned, sacrificing his life for Orochimaru—this must have been Kimimaro's final devotion.

"Yes, I'm sorry, Lord Orochimaru. Without providing Kimimaro with the proper motivation and the will to push himself, it would be impossible for him to fulfill his final purpose..."

"Although you do have a point, there's one thing you should remember, Kabuto," Orochimaru said coldly. "Only I have the right to decide the fate of my subordinates. I expect this kind of failure won't occur again."

"I understand."

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