What Kind of Illness Could Even Orochimaru Not Cure?

It was as if they'd been enemies one second and friends the next.

The kind of friends who'd trust each other with their lives.

Zabuza especially—he immediately stepped forward and slung an arm around Uchiha Sora's shoulders, his face full of emotion.

"Boss! You really are something! That weapon's insanely cool. Could you give me one someday?"

Haku, standing nearby, also took off his mask.

A breathtakingly beautiful face was revealed.

And in this world, Haku really was a woman!

She hurried over to Uchiha Sora.

"Brother Sora! Are you on a mission? I could escort you!"

"Can I learn more about this weapon?"

The scene left everyone present stunned.

Kakashi blinked hard, looking from Haku to the Icha Icha Paradise tucked inside his vest.

What the heck?

How had this kid grown up?

How had he won over a beautiful girl's heart so quickly?

And hadn't they been enemies just a moment ago?

How had they suddenly become good friends?

More than that, Haku had already grabbed Uchiha Sora's hand with both of hers!

Watching this, Kakashi was furious!

"That damned kid! How did he pull this off? He's a freaking heartbreaker!"

Jiraiya's eyes widened too.

But his attention was fixed on Zabuza.

"Holy crap! That looks like one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Even if they're not the strongest in the entire Ninja World, they're still famous far and wide!"

"Good grief, they've only just met. How did he tame them already?"

"Wait! Could Sora have secretly used the Sharingan's genjutsu to bewitch them?"

"What terrifying talent! He's so young, yet his genjutsu has already reached such a level. He can control two grown men in an instant!"

For a moment, Jiraiya looked at Uchiha Sora as if he were a monster.

As for Sasuke, he was completely dumbfounded.

His big brother had only been talking with them for a little while.

How had he suddenly become the boss according to Zabuza, and Brother Sora to that girl?

No way!

Could his big brother have secretly used the Sharingan again?

But that didn't make sense. Why couldn't Sasuke see through it?

"Could it be... that my big brother has secretly awakened one of the strongest Sharingan techniques, Kotoamatsukami?"

Deidara, meanwhile, looked completely awestruck.

"Just as you'd expect from my master! That battle was a work of art. There might not have been any art on display, but—"

"He handed over his weapon first and won the enemy's goodwill. That's called knowing how to handle people!"

"Just as you'd expect from my master!"

Everyone there was deeply shocked.

They couldn't understand how the enemies in front of them had suddenly become allies.

Uchiha Sora simply turned his head and offered an explanation.

"It's nothing! It's all technology!"

And so, Uchiha Sora completed his mission and, along the way, gained the friendship of two people.

Zabuza chose to let them pass. He also agreed to follow Uchiha Sora's orders and gather the remaining Seven Ninja Swordsmen here.

Once they returned to the village, he would assist with Uchiha Sora's research.

As for Haku, Uchiha Sora brought her along on the spot.

Of course, it definitely wasn't because of her looks!

Uchiha Sora shook his head and thought resolutely.

It was because Haku was a well-rounded ninja.

She was also good at killing herself, and she had plenty of talent. Keeping her by his side as an assistant was well worth it!

And so, the group set off again, escorting the Bridge Builder.

This time, with no one blocking their way, they completed the mission without a hitch.

After receiving their reward, they were just about to head back.

Suddenly, Jiraiya's ear twitched. He slapped the ground, and a toad appeared.

It handed him a paper talisman.

Jiraiya glanced at it, and his expression instantly turned grave.

"Bad news! Tsunade's in danger. Come with me and help rescue her!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiraiya performed the Summoning Technique, and a gigantic toad appeared.

Jiraiya stepped onto its back, and it quickly raced off into the distance!

Behind him, Uchiha Sora was completely baffled.

What was going on?

Was Tsunade in danger?

Uchiha Sora's eyes flickered as he instantly recalled the original storyline.

According to the original plot, Orochimaru had just invaded the village.

Although the Hokage hadn't cut off both his arms, he had been affected by the radiation.

By now, he was probably living a life worse than death, so he also needed to find a powerful medical ninja.

It was only a matter of time before he found Tsunade.

Uchiha Sora couldn't help reflecting that, even with him in the picture, the plot seemed to be moving toward the same outcome of seeking help.

That was a good thing. It meant that as long as he didn't go too far with his meddling—

As long as he didn't kill off important characters ahead of time, the plot should still remain under control.

Without hesitation, the group immediately hurried toward their destination.

In a bustling city somewhere in the Naruto World.

Shizune and Tsunade sat in a small courtyard, their expressions grave.

Across the courtyard stood Orochimaru, dressed in a black robe, and Yakushi Kabuto!

"You two... how did you find us?"

Shizune stared coldly at Orochimaru, on guard at all times.

Yakushi Kabuto spoke up.

"It wasn't Orochimaru. I tracked you down based on your reputation, Lucky Lady!"

"You mean her, right, Lady Tsunade?"

Shizune froze, then was at a loss for words.

Good grief. They hadn't found them through some brilliant ninja technique.

It was simply because Tsunade had terrible luck?

Tsunade cut Shizune off.

"It's fine. We were classmates, after all. Orochimaru hasn't gone so far as to want to kill me."

Orochimaru gave a sinister smile.

"Heh. It seems you understand. I imagine you also know why I came."

Tsunade frowned, then spoke after a moment.

"You want me to treat you? Have you been injured lately?"

Orochimaru nodded.

Then he held out his hands. There were no obvious wounds, but anyone with eyes could see that they were ruined.

Tsunade's pupils contracted.

"What kind of jutsu did this to you? Even you're suffering this badly. Didn't you use that disgusting reincarnation method of yours?"

To Tsunade, Orochimaru was like an unkillable cockroach.

Ordinary jutsu usually couldn't hurt him.

But now, he was in such a sorry state.

As a medical ninja, Tsunade could clearly tell that Orochimaru's injuries were strange.

She couldn't quite put it into words. They seemed like some kind of ongoing damage. Even the air around his exposed hands seemed to be affected.

Shizune's pupils also contracted.

"That's such an evil aura. Just being near it makes me feel unwell. My whole body feels awful!"

Tsunade's expression darkened. In all her years as a doctor, she had never seen symptoms like these.

"Is it a curse? Or has your Cursed Seal flared up?"