Chapter 301 301: Inevitable!

After being struck by a barrage of sealing techniques, Orochimaru was quickly forced to release the Yamato no Orochi form.

Every ninjutsu demanded chakra to sustain, and even that monstrous serpent form was no exception.

With his chakra flow sealed, the Eight-Headed Serpent disintegrated, and Orochimaru’s form shrank back to human size.

Fortunately, the seals remained effective—no matter how small the target became.

“How… how is this possible?”

“The invincible Lord Orochimaru actually lost?”

“What should we do now?”

The Otogakure ninja could only stare in disbelief, their leader—once untouchable—now pinned to the ground by sealing marks.

Moments later, several of Orochimaru’s loyal subordinates surged forward in panic, Guren and Kimimaro at their lead.

Kitazawa raised Zangetsu, its edge glinting coldly. “If you move another step, I’ll make sure he never breathes again.”

The advancing shinobi froze mid-stride, tension thickening the air.

Guren’s jaw tightened. Kimimaro’s grip on his bones slackened. None dared to take another step.

Tsunade walked forward, her expression unreadable. “Orochimaru… let’s talk.”

Orochimaru met her gaze and gave a low, bitter chuckle. He had expected this ending from the start.

“Why so quiet?” Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

“…”

Orochimaru opened his mouth—but no sound emerged.

Kitazawa cleared his throat lightly. “Someone sealed his voice. I’ll remove it.”

The Sealing Squad exchanged uneasy glances. One of them mouthed silently, That someone was you.

But they wisely said nothing.

“Secure all the Otogakure shinobi,” Tsunade ordered, waving her hand.

Her tone left no room for argument. What she was about to discuss wasn’t meant for outside ears.

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

The jonin immediately understood her intent. Within moments, the others began rounding up the Otogakure forces.

With Orochimaru subdued, even Guren and Kimimaro offered no resistance. The operation ended swiftly and cleanly.

When only the three of them remained, Orochimaru finally spoke—his voice hoarse but calm.

“Is there really anything left for us to discuss, Tsunade? Why not just kill me and be done with it?”

Tsunade crossed her arms. “You? Asking to die? That doesn’t sound like you at all.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You have a resurrection method, don’t you?”

Orochimaru’s lips curved faintly. “Ah… so you haven’t lost your instincts after all.”

“Tsunade,” he said, his tone turning mocking, “I am a traitor to Konoha. According to your own laws, you should execute me on the spot.”

“Death would be mercy for someone like you,” she said coldly. “And mercy is something you don’t deserve.”

Orochimaru was momentarily at a loss for words.

Dealing with Tsunade was always… troublesome. She saw straight through him.

“You can’t imprison me forever,” he finally said, licking the corner of his mouth in that familiar reptilian gesture. “Give me time, and I’ll undo any seal you place on me.”

Tsunade’s expression didn’t waver. “Then I’ll lock you inside a prison lined with seals. The Sealing Squad will reinforce them daily. Can you still slither your way out of that?”

“I can always escape through death,” Orochimaru replied calmly.

Before Tsunade could respond, Kitazawa spoke quietly, “Not if we use the Heaven Release Cursed Seal.”

Orochimaru’s heart jolted. His expression, however, remained perfectly composed.

“What’s the Heaven Release Cursed Seal?” Tsunade asked, frowning.

Kitazawa turned toward her. “You’ve seen it before, Sensei—it’s the curse mark on Mitarashi Anko.”

Recognition flickered in her eyes. “Right… I remember. That mark boosted her power for a short time, but it almost destroyed her body.”

Kitazawa nodded. “It does more than that. The Heaven Release Cursed Seal isn’t just a power enhancer—it’s Orochimaru’s resurrection anchor.”

“What?” Tsunade’s eyes widened.

Orochimaru’s expression darkened instantly. “How do you know that?”

No one else knew this secret. Not even his closest subordinates. The Heaven Release Cursed Seal was the foundation of his immortality—his hidden path to rebirth.

Tsunade’s gaze flicked between them, intrigued.

“I specialize in Yin Release,” Kitazawa said smoothly. “When I examined the seal on Anko, I sensed an unusual signature—something that felt… like a fragment of your soul.”

A silence fell.

Then Orochimaru laughed softly, though his tone carried venom. “Even if you know, it makes no difference. Do you think I entrusted my rebirth to only one person?”

Tsunade’s brow furrowed.

He wasn’t bluffing—at least, not entirely. Anko had always remained under Konoha’s watch. Surely he wouldn’t rely on her alone.

It was a troubling thought. Konoha couldn’t possibly scour the entire world to find every cursed seal bearer.

Kitazawa’s voice cut through her thoughts. “As for Anko, she’s already under the Sealing Squad’s protection. The moment you attempt to resurrect through her, you’ll be sealed again.”

He lifted Zangetsu. Its blade gleamed faintly in the firelight.

“Kitazawa,” Tsunade asked warily, “what are you doing?”

“A ninja capable of surviving the Heaven Release Cursed Seal must be both gifted and lucky,” he said steadily. “I’m willing to bet he hasn’t found another.”

Tsunade blinked, momentarily speechless.

Given Orochimaru’s genius, it should have been impossible—but something in Kitazawa’s tone made her believe him.

Kitazawa smiled faintly. “Since he claims to have more than one, let’s make it interesting. I’ll gamble with him.”

His grip on Zangetsu tightened. “If he’s lying, I’ll kill him right now.”

Tsunade hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Very well.”

Orochimaru’s eyes widened in disbelief, his face twisting in fury.

A moment ago, she’d been emotional and hesitant. Now—she was merciless.

No, not her, he realized bitterly. It’s this boy… this reckless brat.

Kitazawa’s blade flashed.

The edge stopped inches from Orochimaru’s throat, its killing intent sharp enough to make even the snake tremble.

“Wait!” Orochimaru’s composure finally cracked.

For all his arrogance, his survival instinct ran deeper than pride. His greatest obsession was knowledge—the study of life, death, and the essence of humanity. But none of that mattered if he was dead.

“What do you want to discuss?” he said through clenched teeth.

Tsunade’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

Her student had done what few could—forced Orochimaru himself to yield.

She had known Kitazawa wouldn’t actually kill him. They had already discussed his fate before the mission.

Death was too easy.

Orochimaru would live—to atone for his sins and serve Konoha under watchful eyes.

Of course, he didn’t know that.

And Tsunade had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding.

After all… Orochimaru’s fear was the best seal of all.

“In a sense,” Tsunade began slowly, her tone calm but firm, “this will be a collaboration. Konoha will provide you with experimental facilities, funding, and resources. In return, you’ll share your research results with us.”

Orochimaru’s golden eyes narrowed. “What are the specific terms?”

He didn’t believe for a second that Konoha could be that generous without strings attached.

“First,” Tsunade said, raising two fingers, “you are forbidden from harming Konoha shinobi or civilians—and you will not use them as test subjects for any reason. Second, you will be monitored. Constantly.”

Orochimaru’s expression darkened. “By whom?”

The first condition didn’t bother him much. After all, Tsunade had only banned using Konoha people as test subjects. There were still plenty of other options—enemy ninja, criminals, or volunteers.

But the second condition was another matter entirely.

Being monitored meant losing his freedom. It meant that every experiment, every secret, every quiet thought could be watched. And if he ever wanted to leave the village again… that would be nearly impossible.

Tsunade’s lips curved slightly. “Someone you know very well,” she said quietly. “The old man.”

“…?”

Orochimaru blinked. “You mean Sarutobi?”

He stared at her, speechless for a moment. You want my former teacher to babysit me?

Kitazawa couldn’t help but laugh under his breath.

He had thought his sealing barrage was harsh, but Tsunade’s plan was on another level entirely. Having Hiruzen personally oversee Orochimaru was both poetic and effective.

The retired Third Hokage had little to occupy his time nowadays, aside from occasionally lecturing at the Academy. More importantly, he knew Orochimaru better than anyone alive. Even if he sent just a Shadow Clone to watch over him, Orochimaru would never have a moment of peace.

Just to be safe, Kitazawa thought, maybe add Itachi to the mix. That would make escape outright suicidal.

“Let’s go,” Tsunade said at last, glancing toward the horizon where the village lay beyond the forest. “We’re returning to Konoha. I’m sure the old man will be… very surprised to see you again.”

Orochimaru fell silent.

For a long moment, he simply stood there, expression unreadable. Deep inside, a complicated feeling stirred—one he hadn’t expected.

Anticipation… and resistance.

Returning to Konoha felt strange, like reopening a wound that had half healed. But perhaps… perhaps it wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

After all, a stable environment and steady resources were all he truly needed for his experiments. And if Konoha was willing to fund him in exchange for results, that was more than acceptable.

In truth, everything Orochimaru ever did—his betrayals, his crimes—had all been for his pursuit of knowledge.

Kitazawa understood that. He also knew this outcome, though premature, mirrored what would have eventually happened in the original timeline.

The butterfly effect, he thought. The story’s just moving faster.

In the end, Orochimaru would still work under Konoha’s supervision—contributing his genius to the village that once cast him out.

“Before you return,” Tsunade said suddenly, her tone sharp, “there’s one more thing you need to do.”

Orochimaru arched a brow. “Oh? And what’s that?”

“Explain yourself to your people,” she replied. “The ninja of Otogakure deserve to hear it from you.”

He paused, then gave a thin smile. “There are many among them with great potential. They could assist me in my research.”

Tsunade folded her arms. “Otogakure will remain operational as a village—but under Konoha’s supervision. Those talented subordinates of yours… you’ll bring them with you to Konoha.”

“I understand.”

Orochimaru turned and walked toward the captured Otogakure shinobi, his voice carrying faint amusement. “I’ll speak to them.”

Tsunade watched him go, then exhaled. “This matter is finally over,” she said quietly. “But if Orochimaru betrays us again, I won’t hesitate next time.”

Her tone was firm—resolute. She knew well that her decision to spare him bent every rule Konoha stood on.

But she also knew the potential gains. Orochimaru’s research could bring Konoha unimaginable power.

Take the Cursed Seal, for example. If they could stabilize it—make it safe—it could form the foundation of an entirely new elite unit. Power without the fatal risks.

Kitazawa chuckled. “Don’t worry, Hokage-sama. With you keeping an eye on him, he won’t dare make trouble.”

Tsunade smirked slightly. “True enough.”

She glanced back at her student. “You’ve done well, Kitazawa. Thanks to you, Konoha just gained a very… dangerous ally.”

“I’ve already given orders for the Otogakure forces to fall in line,” he replied. “They’ll follow Konoha’s command.”

Tsunade nodded, her gaze drifting toward the fading light on the horizon.

For the first time in a long while, she felt the faint stirrings of peace—tinged, of course, with caution.

Because bringing Orochimaru home was never the end of a story.

It was the beginning of another.

A short while later, Orochimaru returned.

“Kitazawa, I’ll leave Otogakure in your hands,” Tsunade said, her tone authoritative but calm. “I’ll take Orochimaru back to Konoha first.”

“Understood.”

Kitazawa nodded, then added, “Bring the Uchiha with you—just in case.”

Even though Orochimaru was restrained by layers of sealing techniques, caution was second nature to him.

Tsunade gave no further comment. With Orochimaru flanked by Fugaku, Itachi, and several elite jonin, she departed toward Konoha.

The remaining Konoha forces stayed behind under Kitazawa’s command.

He turned his gaze toward the assembled Otogakure ninja. Most wore expressions of unease—though a few, like Kimimaro, remained stoic, unflinching even in defeat.

“Who’s in charge now?” Kitazawa asked.

“I am.”

Guren stepped forward, chin raised slightly. “Lord Orochimaru has entrusted the management of Otogakure to me—temporarily.”

Her tone carried a trace of pride.

It wasn’t surprising. Orochimaru had an undeniable charisma, the kind that inspired fierce loyalty even among the broken. To many in Otogakure, being chosen as his subordinate—or even his vessel—was an honor.

In the original story, Guren had grown jealous when Orochimaru picked Sasuke over her. Now, having been left in charge of the village, she seemed almost radiant with purpose.

“I’ll need a list of all Otogakure shinobi,” Kitazawa said evenly. “Especially those with exceptional talent.”

Guren hesitated. “The main building was destroyed during the battle. I’ll need time to recover the records—and additional hands to help.”

“Granted,” Kitazawa replied. “Take whoever you need.”

Without Orochimaru, the village was no longer a threat.

As Guren departed to gather her people, Kitazawa’s eyes swept over the ruined remains of Otogakure’s central tower.

“What a waste,” he muttered to himself.

He had to admit—watching Tsunade demolish the place earlier had looked impressive. But now, standing among the rubble, it felt like an unnecessary flourish.

After all, Otogakure now technically belonged to Konoha.

Under Guren’s leadership, the freed Otogakure shinobi began organizing reconstruction efforts, salvaging what they could from the debris.

If only Tenzo were here, Kitazawa thought with a sigh. We’d have this place rebuilt in an afternoon.

Then, a familiar blue text flashed before his eyes.

Mission: Capture Orochimaru Alive — Complete.

Reward: Yamato no Orochi form — Issued.

A torrent of information flooded his mind. Kitazawa closed his eyes and absorbed it instantly.

The Yamato no Orochi form—a monstrous jutsu. He could now understand its nature intimately:

First, immortality through constant cellular regeneration.

Second, nearly impenetrable defense.

Third, tremendous offensive power derived from sheer size and physical strength.

In short—against ordinary shinobi, it was unstoppable. But against monsters like those who could subdue a Tailed Beast, it was still lacking.

The greatest weakness? The inability to use ninjutsu while transformed.

If that limitation could be lifted, Kitazawa mused, it could rival a Tailed Beast itself.

The idea intrigued him—but for now, it would have to wait.

An hour later, Guren returned, a scroll in her hands.

“Lord Kitazawa,” she said respectfully, offering it to him.

He unrolled it and scanned its contents. A comprehensive list of Otogakure shinobi, categorized by rank and potential.

One name caught his eye—Tayuya.

A red-haired girl skilled in both summoning and genjutsu. Her flute-based illusions were especially rare and deadly—sound-based genjutsu being notoriously difficult to counter.

Kitazawa finished reading. Aside from Kimimaro and Tayuya, the other members of the original Sound Four weren’t listed.

Kin Tsuchi and Dosu Kinuta were there too—but merely as mid-level chunin, unremarkable in comparison.

And then, another name. Jugo.

Now he was worth attention. The natural source of the cursed seal—a man whose body could directly absorb and release nature energy. His Sage Mode was unstable, violent, and uncontrollable, giving rise to a split personality: gentle in calm, murderous in overflow.

“Bring Kimimaro, Tayuya, and Jugo here,” Kitazawa ordered.

“Yes, Lord Kitazawa.”

Guren nodded immediately. Orochimaru had already instructed his followers to obey Kitazawa’s every command, and they took that seriously.

Soon, the three stood before him.

Kimimaro stood motionless, expression unreadable.

Jugo kept his head low, silent as ever.

And Tayuya… glared at him like a cat ready to pounce.

Kitazawa almost smiled. Still the same temper as in the stories.

Proud. Sharp-tongued. Classic tsundere.

Given that he was the one who had defeated Orochimaru, her hostility was predictable.

But it didn’t matter. Once she was put in her place, she’d come around.

“Orochimaru told me your talents are exceptional,” Kitazawa said mildly. “He believes staying in Otogakure would be a waste. He wants you to train at Konoha’s Ninja Academy instead.”

Of course, Orochimaru had said no such thing—but it made for a convenient lie.

Kimimaro didn’t hesitate. “I’ll go.”

Jugo nodded silently.

Tayuya scoffed. “Fine. I’ll go too—so I can rescue Lord Orochimaru!”

“With just you?” Kitazawa said flatly. “You could spend your entire life trying.”

“I definitely can!” she snapped, eyes blazing. “I’m a genius—Lord Orochimaru said so himself!”

At that moment, the familiar mechanical chime echoed in his head.

You have received a provocation from the transfer student Tayuya.

Mission: Defeat Tayuya.

Reward: Demonic Flute – Illusory Sound Locking.

Kitazawa’s eyebrow twitched upward.

A system mission meant only one thing—Tayuya was officially qualified for the Genius Class.

And if she could trigger it, then Kimimaro and Jugo certainly could too.

He smiled faintly. “What about you two?” he asked. “She’s clearly not enough of a challenge on her own. But with your help, maybe—just maybe—you’d stand a chance.”

Tayuya clenched her fists, fire in her eyes.

“Kimimaro! Don’t you want to avenge Lord Orochimaru?!” she shouted, unknowingly setting the perfect trap for herself.

Kitazawa couldn’t help but smirk. Oh, this is going to be entertaining.

——————————–

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