Naruto: The Abstract Strategist of the Akatsuki

Chapter 297 Naruto Arrives at Otogakure

A few minutes later.

Naruto walked out of the shop, completely satisfied.

This purchase emptied his frog wallet, but Naruto felt it was worth it.

It's at least more worthwhile than spending money on that lecherous immortal sending him to play with the older women in the brothel.

Naruto isn't ready to take the small pills yet.

In his view, these kinds of ration pills should be stored up and taken at the most critical time.

It's not too late to use it when he needs to quickly enter Sage Mode.

Now, although he's a bit slower to get into the zone, it's insignificant.

As for the "Bottle-kun" that Naruto bought, that doesn't matter.

After all, this is not a consumable item. As long as you use it carefully and don't break it, it can be used continuously.

Naruto's current method for quickly entering Sage Mode is to use the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique to create a large number of shadow clones. Then, the shadow clones take off, the clones are released, and the main body enters a calm state of emptying all thoughts before entering Sage Mode.

Some people might think, "If you only buy one 'Bottle-kun,' what if it creates shadow clones?"

Actually it is not.

The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique creates physical copies of everything.

If you can only replicate the ninja himself, then each shadow clone should be an unclothed clone.

Therefore, Naruto only needs to hold the "Bottle-kun" to allow all his shadow clones to use the physical "Bottle-kun" simultaneously.

This is also the principle behind the Third Hokage's "Shadow Clone Technique".

While everyone in Konoha thought Naruto was still training in Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku, Naruto had already finished buying his things and appeared in the Land of Rice Fields.

"Those four people are the same four guys who trapped the Third Hokage before—Orochimaru's subordinates!"

Naruto discovered the Sound Four practicing the Four Purple Flame Flying Thunder Formation in the wild outside a base.

Just as Naruto was about to step forward and ask them for Sasuke's location, a figure suddenly descended from the sky, landing in front of him and blocking his way.

"They are carrying out Lord Orochimaru's mission; do not interfere."

Kimimaro coldly stood in front of Naruto.

After Kaguya Kimimaro and Ringo Ameyuri were healed, Orochimaru sent him back to Otogakure.

For Orochimaru, Kimimaro was undoubtedly a qualified combatant.

The problem is that Orochimaru has no shortage of fighting power in Amegakure.

Everyone has their own talents.

Kimimaro staying in Amegakure is clearly of no use.

At most, they'll be tasked with some missions related to Amegakure.

Even for slightly more special cases, such as becoming a teacher at a ninja academy, it's impossible.

After all, Kimimaro's strength lies entirely in his Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse).

Aside from that, Kimimaro's purpose in staying here was to be "studied".

However, the current research topic has not yet reached that direction, so Kimimaro was sent back to be responsible for maintaining the security of the Sound Village and assisting Sasuke and the Sound Four in their training.

Sasuke, a newcomer, rode on his head, and the four Sound Four, who were of lower status than him, also became useful, as he himself wanted to be a bodyguard.

If an ordinary ninja were treated like this, they might harbor resentment.

But Kimimaro wouldn't.

He only reflected on himself and blamed himself, feeling that it was all because he was not capable enough to help Lord Orochimaru.

At the same time, he will steadfastly protect Sasuke and the Sound Four.

Because protecting them is protecting what Lord Orochimaru needs, and that is his only value.

-

"Tell me where Sasuke is! I want to bring him back to Konoha!"

Naruto looked warily at the tall man who was several heads taller than him.

"no."

Kimimaro sized up Naruto.

He had already recognized the other party as Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

It was also one of the essential materials for Orochimaru to train Sasuke Uchiha.

I must not die.

But we must not let him take Sasuke away.

"Damn it, don't try to equate Sasuke with your stuff!!!"

Naruto was immediately enraged and threw a punch.

"?"

Kimimaro was puzzled for a moment.

What's going on here?

All he said was "no."

How did they come to the conclusion that Sasuke belongs to them?

However, since the other party had made a move, he naturally had to fight back.

boom--

Naruto was sent flying and crashed into a tree.

Before the emergence of the god-tier healthy Itachi, healthy Kimimaro had also occupied a certain position.

And now, standing in front of Naruto is the healthy Kimimaro.

Naruto's normal taijutsu is completely vulnerable.

"Damn, that's powerful. Looks like I have to use that..."

Naruto wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and reached for his ninja tool pouch behind him.

that?

Kimimaro's expression instantly tensed up.

His opponent was knocked down with a single blow, seemingly weak, but he never underestimated him.

Naruto Uzumaki, just by virtue of being the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, once he unleashes his power, is someone that no one can withstand.

Moreover, he also learned from Orochimaru that the reason Naruto was one of the materials for Sasuke's awakening was because of his own special nature—he was the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths' biological son's chakra.

Now that the opponent is about to unleash their ultimate move, we have to be cautious.

What exactly is it?

Kimimaro's eyes were fixed on the thing Naruto had taken out; it was...

"?"

Kimimaro was once again confused.

If he remembered correctly, that thing seemed to be some kind of disgusting ninja tool.

It is said to be one of the special products that Amegakure supplied to Konoha at the request of Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin who was on par with Orochimaru.

Why is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki taking this out?

Want to take off one last time before you die?

Or is there another use for this thing?

While Kimimaro was confused, Naruto was not confused at all. He immediately grabbed his ninja tools and used the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.

"It wasn't that simple after all!"

Seeing hundreds and thousands of shadow clones appear in the forest, Kimimaro snapped out of his daze and cursed himself for letting his mind wander.

Even if he enters the Cursed Seal state and uses the Dance of the Early Fern, he might not be able to defeat all of these shadow clones. The amount of chakra the opponent has is terrifying.

"Everyone, time is of the essence, let's get started!"

Naruto shouted at his shadow clones.

Hands-on?

It looks like they're about to launch an attack!

Kimimaro held his hands horizontally in front of him, ready to respond.

then……

He only saw thousands of shadow clones of the other party using that ninja tool and performing some incomprehensible actions.

He kept muttering things like, "Sasuke, give Sasuke back to me!"

This scene startled Kimimaro a little.

He never imagined that the bond between the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Sasuke Uchiha was no less than his feelings for Lord Orochimaru!

"I'm sorry, even though I understand your feelings, I must protect my own values."

Kimimaro entered the second cursed seal state without hesitation.