In the end, the master and disciple could only pin their hopes on Kazama.
"Kazama-sama, you…"
"Genjutsu: Release!"
Before the duo could finish, Kazama unleashed his immense chakra, effortlessly dispelling the genjutsu trapping everyone.
"Holy crap, that's insane!"
Utaka, who had been helpless against the genjutsu, was floored by how easily Kazama solved the problem. He knew he'd picked the right guy to follow.
"Kazama-sama, where's your Otogakure located?"
"The Land of Water!"
"But we're in the Land of Fire right now, and with so many people, we'd probably need dozens of carriages to get there, right?"
Hearing Hotaru's concern, Kazama just chuckled.
With his Hiraishin no Jutsu and infinite chakra, no distance was too far for him.
"Carriages? No need. Everyone, hold hands—I'll get you there in a flash!"
"Wha—"
Hotaru barely got the first syllable out before, *whoosh*, she, Utaka, and the others found themselves in the bustling streets of Otogakure.
Hotaru, Utaka, and the group were dumbfounded, proclaiming Kazama a god descended to earth.
Kazama then tasked Orochimaru with arranging accommodations for Hotaru, Utaka, and the others.
As for himself, he was ready to head home and crash. After all, he hadn't had a proper night's sleep in ages, what with constantly hunting Tailed Beasts.
But the moment he stepped inside his house, a swirling vortex appeared in front of him.
"Obito, seriously, can't I get a single moment to rest?"
Kazama sighed as Obito stepped out of his Kamui dimension, looking apologetic.
"Sorry, Kazama-sama, I didn't want to disturb you. But I just got word—Sasuke's already started his mission to kill Itachi, way ahead of schedule!"
"What?!"
Kazama was genuinely shocked.
"Sasuke just took my Sennen Goroshi Barrage! He shouldn't even be able to get out of bed, and now he's already making moves?"
"It's because Sasuke wants to kill Itachi as soon as possible to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan. He's dead set on getting revenge on you!"
Kazama had to admit, Sasuke's determination was impressive.
He was the first person to keep fighting after enduring the Sennen Goroshi Barrage.
"Alright, if Sasuke's that desperate to settle the score, I'll give him what he wants!"
Kazama followed Obito to the location of Sasuke and Itachi's battle.
By the time they arrived, the fight was reaching its climax.
Itachi, severely weakened by his terminal illness and deliberately holding back, was no match for Sasuke.
Even with his Susanoo powered by the three sacred treasures, Itachi was brought down by Sasuke's relentless physical attacks.
Sasuke, oblivious to Itachi's condition, genuinely believed his own skill had surpassed his brother's, avenging the Uchiha clan's deep grudge.
As Itachi collapsed, too weak to continue, Sasuke showed no mercy. He moved to desecrate his brother's body further.
But at that critical moment, Kazama arrived just in time to block Sasuke's attack.
"Your brother's already dead, and you're still trying to mutilate his body? Sasuke, that's cold, even for you!"
Sasuke, seeing Kazama, didn't get angry—he laughed.
"Black Zetsu was right! You and Itachi were in cahoots all along. I knew if I attacked Itachi, you'd show up. Too bad you're a little late—your pal Itachi's already dead! What…"
Sasuke's maniacal laughter froze as something unbelievable unfolded before his eyes.
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