Chapter 41: Kisame, Don’t Take Off Your Clothes

Otogakure.

Kimimaro lay on the bed while Tsunade conducted a thorough examination beside him.

"This is bloodline sickness," Tsunade explained, her voice steady. "It's caused by the immense strain of a Kekkei Genkai that the body cannot handle."

She continued, "This usually manifests during childhood. If a ninja awakens their Kekkei Genkai at too young an age, their body may be unable to bear the power, leading to cellular collapse. That's what bloodline sickness is."

Orochimaru crossed his arms, his piercing eyes fixed on Kimimaro. His voice dripped with curiosity and malice.

"Is there no cure?"

Tsunade sighed, frustration etched on her face. For a medic like her, the inability to save a patient was always a bitter pill to swallow.

"Unfortunately, no. Medicine can only delay the inevitable. Unless his body's cellular strength is fundamentally enhanced, there's no hope."

"Cellular enhancement, you say?" Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile.

Tsunade shot him a sharp glare, her disgust clear.

"Orochimaru, are you still dabbling in that research?"

Her voice betrayed her anger. After all, the experiments on her grandfather's cells were a sensitive topic. How could she remain indifferent when her own family's legacy was being desecrated?

Unfazed by her scorn, Orochimaru responded with a smooth calmness.

"Tsunade, I am merely pursuing the truth. Besides, I'm close to a breakthrough."

"Humph!" Tsunade scoffed but didn't press further. She knew the allure of Hashirama's power was too tempting for anyone to ignore. Even her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had once dabbled in such forbidden techniques.

"Well, since my job is done, I'll be on my way," Tsunade declared, turning toward the exit. "By the way, your bill is three million ryo."

Orochimaru signaled one of his subordinates, who brought over a chest of money. Tsunade snatched it without hesitation and opened it.

Her eyes widened. "What's the meaning of this, Orochimaru?"

Inside the chest was not just three million ryo but an additional two million.

"Who knows?" Orochimaru's voice echoed from the shadows as his figure vanished into the depths of the hideout.

Tsunade glanced at Deidara, who stood nearby. "What are you looking at, brat?" she snapped, her cheeks tinged with the faintest blush.

Damn it! She wanted to crush this cocky little punk right then and there.

After Tsunade and Shizune left, Kisame finally spoke up.

"It seems Itachi-san might have bloodline sickness too. And not even the greatest medic-nin in the world can cure it."

"Blame his idiot father, Fugaku," Kisame continued, his tone light but mocking. "Throwing Itachi onto the battlefield at the age of three, traumatizing the kid and forcing his Sharingan to awaken early. Then came the Mangekyo, and now his body can't handle the strain."

It's no wonder. Even guys like Madara and Sasuke, direct descendants of the Sage, awakened the Mangekyo much later, Deidara added.

And look at Kimimaro here—or Konoha's Yakumo Kurama, for that matter. Awakening a Kekkei Genkai too early comes with a steep price.

"Don't worry," Deidara reassured. "Orochimaru's research into Hashirama's cells is progressing well. Did you see the confidence on his face just now? Once the research succeeds, Itachi can get a transplant, and the bloodline sickness will be cured."

Deidara paused, then muttered, "Although, at this rate, it feels like everyone wants a piece of Hashirama's cells. Mokuton might become as common as kunai soon."

The two left Otogakure's underground lair and began their journey back. But just as they were deciding whether to head to Amegakure or elsewhere, Deidara's ring glimmered faintly. It was Nagato, reaching out via telepathy.

"What's up, Leader?" Deidara asked, curious.

"Deidara, Kakuzu and Hidan have been captured by Iwagakure," Nagato's voice carried a hint of irritation.

"What?!" Deidara exclaimed.

Kakuzu and Hidan weren't exactly weaklings. Unless Onoki himself got involved—or the village dispatched an army—it shouldn't have been possible to subdue them.

"Onoki sent a formal message," Nagato explained. "He's demanding that you, specifically, come to Iwagakure. If you don't, he'll execute them both."

Nagato's frustration was palpable. Were it not for the hostages, he'd have sent Pain to destroy the village without hesitation.

"What's the plan?" Kisame asked.

Deidara sighed. "Looks like I'm heading to Iwagakure. Damn it, always something."

At least it was his home turf. If it had been any other village, things might have been trickier. As the most likely candidate for the Fourth Tsuchikage, Deidara still had some leverage. The real challenge would be convincing that stubborn old fossil, Onoki.

...

When Iwagakure finally came into view after a day's travel, Deidara immediately noticed Onoki waiting outside the village with a group of shinobi. The hostility in the air was palpable.

"Looks like they're here to fight," Deidara observed. "Onoki wouldn't hold a meeting outside the village unless he planned to use force."

Deidara turned to Kisame. "We'll need to split up. One of us holds them off, and the other sneaks into Iwagakure to rescue the prisoners."

"I'll handle them," Kisame said, baring his shark-like grin. "Stealth missions aren't my style. Besides, you know the village better than I do."

Deidara nodded and created a clay clone. His real body silently slipped away toward Iwagakure, leaving the clone to stand beside Kisame.

"Be careful," the clone warned. "If you get hit by that old man's Dust Release, you'll disintegrate instantly."

Kisame chuckled. "Dust Release, huh? Even without direct conflict between Kirigakure and Iwagakure, I've heard of it. Reducing enemies to atoms with a single strike… Not bad."

Kisame flexed, his massive sword Samehada trembling with excitement on his back.

"Don't worry. I'm the type who grows stronger when faced with tougher opponents. See? Even Samehada can't wait."

Deidara groaned inwardly.

guy is a walking disaster.

"See those two over there?" Deidara's clone pointed. "The big guy is Onoki's son, Kitsuchi. The other one's Akatsuchi. Both are skilled earth-style users, which counter your water-style. Be careful."

Deidara sighed. "Knowing Onoki, he'll fight dirty if it means winning. You'll be facing more than just brute force."

"Relax," Kisame replied, his confidence unwavering. "I've got more than just water-style. I've got my sword. And trust me, Samehada doesn't lose."

Deidara facepalmed. "Fine. Just one request."

"What's that?" Kisame asked.

"Don't take off your clothes."

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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