Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

While Shikamaru and his team were risking everything to retrieve Sasuke, back in Konoha Village, Kirito had just completed Rock Lee's surgery.

The procedure was an eye-opener for Kirito. For the first time, he witnessed the level of precision and skill a world-class medical ninja like Tsunade could achieve in the operating room.

Although Kirito often worked at Konoha Hospital, he had never performed such a complex operation himself. His usual tasks involved healing patients with basic medical chakra, an effortless routine for him.

Patient after patient would enter, he'd assess their injuries, heal them with his chakra, and move on to the next. For most medical ninjas, relying solely on medical chakra was exhausting, but for Kirito, it was almost like second nature.

As Lee was wheeled back to the ward, Tsunade approached Kirito outside the operating room. "You have exceptional talent in medical ninjutsu," she remarked. "How about becoming my apprentice?"

Her offer caught Kirito off guard. During the operation, he had impressed her more than once by rapidly activating Lee's muscles, even outpacing her own speed. This level of skill was rare—even Tsunade herself needed to activate Creation Rebirth to achieve similar results.

Moreover, as the hospital director had noted, Kirito's medical ninjutsu had already surpassed the institution's capabilities. Tsunade couldn't let such a talent slip through her fingers.

"Thank you for the offer," Kirito replied after a moment's thought. "I'll consider it."

Tsunade was momentarily stunned by his ambiguous answer. Then, waving her hand dismissively, she said, "Suit yourself. Opportunities like this don't come often. Think it over carefully."

After the operation, Kirito approached Tenten. "Do you want to come with me to support Shikamaru and the others?" he asked.

Tenten blinked in surprise. "Aren't you exhausted? You just completed a surgery. Shouldn't you rest?"

Kirito shrugged. "Don't worry. It wasn't that tiring—it felt more like routine work. So, what do you say? Ready to go?"

Knowing there weren't many active shinobi left in the village, Kirito had already decided that he and Tenten would be the only ones available to help Shikamaru's team. With Sakura and Shizune recently returned from their missions, they were unlikely to leave the village again so soon.

After making her preparations, Tenten agreed to join him. However, when they reported to Tsunade, the Hokage insisted Shizune accompany them.

"It's too dangerous with just the two of you," Tsunade said. "Two of our Jōnin were gravely injured by those enemies. If the enemy hadn't withdrawn, they might not have survived. Shizune, go with them and ensure their safety."

"Understood!" Shizune replied.

Thus, the support team—Kirito, Tenten, and Shizune—set out with Shizune as their leader, determined to assist Shikamaru and retrieve Sasuke.

Their journey was swift. Thanks to the trail left by Shikamaru's team and the absence of enemy ambushes, they quickly reached the previous battlefield. However, what greeted them was shocking—a scorched wasteland of blackened trees and hardened lava.

"What happened here?" Shizune asked, leaping down to examine the area. She picked up a cooled chunk of lava, her mind racing. "This... this is lava release, isn't it? Did a ninja from Iwagakure join Orochimaru?"

Lava Release was a signature kekkei genkai of Iwagakure, originating from the Four-Tails. For Shizune, the presence of lava meant there could be an alliance between Iwagakure and Orochimaru—a troubling thought.

Nearby, faint traces of frost caught her eye, confirming the involvement of an Ice Release user. She immediately thought of Kirito, the only Ice Release user in Konoha.

"Shikamaru and the others must have fought a fierce battle here," Shizune concluded. "We need to move quickly."

While Shizune examined the scene, Tenten whispered to Kirito, "You used Lava Release here, didn't you? Did you encounter someone that strong?"

Kirito nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. The Sound Four shouldn't have forced me to use it. Maybe Orochimaru sent additional reinforcements."

Shizune, unaware of Kirito's abilities, urged the group forward. "Let's hurry. Shikamaru and the others could be in serious danger."

The three pressed on, guided by Kirito's Byakugan. They soon reached Kiba and Choji, who were both incapacitated.

"What happened here?" Shizune asked, her eyes widening at the sight of the forest of bone spires in the distance.

"It's Orochimaru's subordinate," Kiba explained weakly. "He uses some sort of bone-based jutsu. Shikamaru and Naruto went after Sasuke, while Kirito's clone is still fighting in that 'bone forest.'"

Shizune prepared to head toward the battlefield, but Kirito stopped her. "You stay here. They need healing, and you're the best for that."

"Be careful," Shizune warned. "We thought it might be an Iwagakure ninja using Lava Release, but if it's not—"

"It's me," Kirito interrupted. To prove it, he raised one hand, which turned into molten lava, and his other hand, which formed a block of ice.

"Eh?" Shizune froze, stunned by the revelation.

"It's fine," Kirito said calmly. "I'll handle this. You focus on healing them."

Without waiting for her reply, Kirito dashed off toward the battlefield.

In the distance, Kirito's Byakugan picked up a familiar figure confronting Shikamaru and Naruto. His expression darkened.

"Why is she here?" he muttered.

Tenten, who had followed him, glanced at him curiously. "What's wrong?"

"Stay here," Kirito said firmly. "I need to confirm something."

Before Tenten could respond, Kirito disappeared into the trees, leaving her and Shizune to tend to Kiba and Choji.

(End of Chapter)