Tobirama Senju's Corpse

Konoha's outskirts.

"Lightning Cutter!"

Amid the piercing roar of lightning, Kakashi thrust straight through Kakuzu's Fire Release Earth Grudge Fear.

Squelch!

Kakuzu did not dare linger and kept fleeing outward.

That had been the third heart he had lost. He only had his Earth and Water hearts left.

Is Kakashi seriously going all out? he wondered silently.

But then he discovered that Kakashi's pursuit suddenly slowed. Aside from occasionally throwing a few Hidden Weapons, he did not pick up speed again.

"Storm Release: Lightning Cloud Ripple!"

Forked bolts of lightning struck directly at Kakashi.

Lightning flashed across Kakashi's body. His speed surged as he left the attack's range.

Countless small craters were blasted into the ground.

Kakashi raised the short blade in his hand and warily watched Hiruko. "Hiruko, were you controlling me?"

Hiruko rotated his wrist. "I didn't expect you to break free of the Puppet Curse's control. I underestimated you."

Kakuzu immediately began cursing Hiruko out.

"What kind of lousy technique was that?! Why did Kakashi suddenly wake up? What did you guarantee me? I nearly died here!"

Three of Kakuzu's hearts had been destroyed, and his body was scorched and smoking. He looked utterly miserable.

Hiruko was somewhat at fault. He did not know why the Puppet Curse had suddenly failed.

Otherwise, he would not have come to meet Kakuzu. "Sorry, there was a slight accident. Did you get it?"

Kakuzu snorted, seemingly unwilling to pay Hiruko any attention.

"If you don't replace my hearts, don't even think about taking the item from me."

Hiruko was secretly delighted. After all, the item in Kakuzu's hands was equivalent to a Sharingan.

"Don't worry. Leave your hearts to me."

"Now let's work together and keep Kakashi here."

Hiruko spoke with a confident expression.

Kakuzu had caught his breath, but