Seeing Orochimaru's arms suddenly stretch out, Kazuyama couldn't help but swallow hard.
He used to think he had a strong stomach—after all, he had chosen to become Orochimaru's disciple. But anime is anime, manga is manga, and reality... is something else entirely.
In that moment, he realized he'd been wrong. The visual impact was overwhelming!
"Human joints can be rather limiting sometimes. But with my technique…"
"That's no longer an issue."
"This grants unmatched advantages in the field of human potential development."
"So, Kazuyama, interested in learning it?"
Orochimaru retracted his arms—and then, his neck began to elongate.
The sight was chilling, especially in the dim lighting. Creepy didn't even begin to describe it.
"Uh, sensei, as long as you're happy."
"Your disciple just doesn't have the talent for such advanced ninjutsu. I'll pass."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back. Pakura's waiting on me."
Orochimaru retracted his neck. At the mention of Pakura, he nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Oh? Planning to settle down?"
"Pakura's Kekkei Genkai isn't bad. If the two of you come together, you might be able to pass down both abilities."
"Hm... Kazuyama, bring me some of her blood later."
Kazuyama sighed and nodded. Orochimaru had asked for Pakura's blood before, and at the time, he'd faked it with his own.
Now, there was no way out of it.
"Oh, right—here, take this. I heard Hayate has started school?"
"He's your little brother, after all. Just the other day, Kakashi came to exchange a copy of Konoha Style: Crescent Moon Dance. I figured it was for him."
"While you were gone, your three disciples have been quite diligent."
Orochimaru stretched his arm and retrieved a sword from the corner of the room.
Kazuyama took it and drew the blade—whoa, this was exactly what he'd been eyeing!
A Kusanagi Sword, though simpler than his current one. It had only the blade and hilt, nothing else.
"If you want a handguard, head to the forge and have one made."
"I just collect these. I custom-made the tsuba for my own Kusanagi Sword, too."
This was a long sword modeled after Orochimaru's Kusanagi, not the blade Kazuyama had taken before.
It might've been a backup Orochimaru made for himself—a second sword, not just a weapon.
"Heh, then I'll thank you on behalf of my little brother."
"Hahaha, no need for that. How many things have you taken from me already? Honestly, even if I didn't give it to you, you'd show up and take it sooner or later, wouldn't you?"
Kazuyama chuckled. Of course he would—what student didn't borrow from their teacher?
Holding the Kusanagi Sword, he looked it over curiously.
"What's wrong? Thinking about the sword?"
"Kazuyama, do you know each Kusanagi Sword has its own unique ability?"
Orochimaru had already seen through his thoughts and was ready to explain.
"Each one has a different trait. For example, the one in your hand can connect with its wielder."
"If it truly recognizes you, it becomes a sword of incredible agility."
"You won't even need to hold it—just call, and it'll come."
Kazuyama suddenly recalled Orochimaru's flick-of-the-finger summoning move.
The Longsword of the Sky?
He hadn't expected this to be the one.
"Then, sensei, what about mine? And yours?"
Orochimaru gave a slight smile and continued explaining.
"Your Kusanagi sword has the highest chakra compatibility. It can absorb the user's chakra nature and amplify its power without limit."
"I've tested it with various chakra attributes—its affinity with lightning chakra is the strongest."
"It can even boost lightning-based abilities to a terrifying level."
"As for mine... I'll keep that a secret. Let me leave you with a bit of suspense."
Tch. No wonder that sword ended up with Sasuke in the original. It really was tailor-made for him, huh?
A lightning-attribute Chidori Blade... What a joke. So it's because Kazuyama doesn't have lightning chakra, is that it?
So unfair! So cruel!
And as for Orochimaru's sword—it probably has that ability to extend freely.
Tch, and he still won't tell him? Whatever. Kazuyama knew it anyway!
"Alright, sensei. I'm heading out."
"Mm, go on. Things should stay quiet for a while. If possible, try not to come here too often. No one's likely to come looking for me, but if you're seen with me too much, it'll draw suspicion."
Orochimaru didn't want his situation to affect his beloved student. Honestly speaking, things weren't looking great for him right now.
Kazuyama casually dropped a kunai marked with a seal—next time, he'd just teleport straight in.
"Sensei, what about Yamato?"
"Should we send him to the Academy?"
"Or...?"
After some discussion, the two agreed to report Yamato's situation to the Hokage.
Yamato's case was extremely unique. If they didn't act soon, Danzō would definitely try to pull him into Root—and that was something they absolutely had to avoid.
For now, Yamato would stay at the research lab. Only Orochimaru truly understood his condition anyway.
"Come by and help train Yamato when you can."
"You're better suited than me to guide him."
"You could even bring Hayate along—they're about the same age. Might be good for both of them."
Kazuyama nodded. That was probably the best approach.
...
By the time he left the lab, it was already midday.
He rushed to the Academy, only to find a group gathered in front of Pakura.
Those black, red, and white outfits stood out like a sore thumb.
"Tsk tsk, didn't expect Kazuyama to move faster than me."
"Kushina and I haven't even—"
"Hey hey hey, Kushina! Go easy!"
The redhead had already pinched the soft flesh at the blond's waist, and Fugaku's mouth twitched at the sight.
Meanwhile, Pakura and Mikoto both nodded in sync, clearly in agreement.
"Tsk tsk... isn't that the Yellow Flash and the Uchiha big shot?"
"What are they doing at the Academy?"
Kazuyama flashed over to Pakura's side.
Now it was three pairs—no, two couples and one married pair—reunited all at once.
"Hmph, you've got some guts, kid. That was a Tailed Beast—you weren't afraid of dying?"
"I guess you could say..."
"Hey, Mikoto! Easy!"
Following the blond, the black-haired one got his share of punishment too.
Laughter broke out.
For that moment, the heavy pressure of war seemed to vanish.