Elsewhere.
Tenten finally pulled the last Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei) body into the Benihisago (Crimson Gourd) and let out a long breath.
With Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique), she could easily snatch a target's kotodama (word-tag): either wait for them to utter their "cursed phrase," or, if they kept silent long enough, the gourd would naturally draw them in. So while this Six Paths "three-piece set" looked fussy to use, it was basically unstoppable. Compared with the simpler Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Pot), the three-piece combo was nastier by far.
Still, she really had to thank her chakra battery—without it, her own reserves would have been drained after only a few swings of the Six Paths tools.
"So yeah, my darling husband is the best!"
Tenten thought of Natsuki with a soft smile—then worry bit at her. She locked onto the last enemy: Kisame. Better finish that one off and then hurry to Natsuki's side.
Naruto, Gaara, and Fū were already tangling with Kisame when Tenten flicked a marked kunai, flashed in with Hiraishin, and whipped the Kōkinjō (Golden Canopy Rope) straight at the shark's head.
Kisame reacted fast, bringing Samehada up to block.
Then something no one expected happened—Samehada convulsed and spat out its own kotodama. Tenten reflexively drew Shichiseiken (Seven Star Sword) and sliced the kotodama clean; the severed "word" was instantly sealed into the Benihisago.
Kisame's face changed. "Oi, oi! Even Samehada's kotodama got taken? Don't tell me you can seal Samehada too?!"
"Uh… probably? It's a living thing, right?"
Tenten wasn't totally sure. She eyed the garbled script glowing along the Seven Star Sword—likely Samehada's habitual phrase.
A beat later, Samehada's maw opened by itself and muttered something—probably its catchphrase—and then whoosh, the Benihisago dragged it in and sealed it.
Kisame stared at his suddenly empty hands, then at the not-so-friendly faces surrounding him. He knew he was done.
A scream tore the air; Fūton: Rasenshuriken (Wind Release: Rasenshuriken) from Naruto, Gaara's Renkuudan (Drilling Air Bullets), and Fū's devouring insect swarms hit like a storm. Kisame wasn't walking away from that.
"Phew! All wrapped up~!"
Tenten stretched lazily and stowed the Six Paths tools.
Naruto whistled in awe. "Tenten, those Six Paths tools are insane!"
Tenten planted fists on her hips, smug. "But of course! These were left by the Rikudō Sennin (Sage of Six Paths). Normal folks can't even use them. Only a ninja-tools master like me knows how to wield them!"
"So cool!"
Fū's eyes sparkled with stars. She was already head-over-heels after watching Tenten fan four of Kakuzu's heart-monsters to bits with the Bashōsen (Banana Palm Fan) and then seal him like it was nothing. For someone from Taki—where Kakuzu was still a whispered nightmare who once fought the First Hokage and butchered people like a reaper—it was unreal to see such a "legend" beaten so easily, even as an Edo Tensei.
Gaara, though, kept to business. "Where's Kabuto?"
Naruto snapped back to it. "Right! I gotta pound that snake-head flat! Where is he?!"
Tenten spread her hands. "No idea. But the fighting's easing up—we should have plenty of people free now. Let's fan out and hunt him down. That creep inherited Orochimaru's will; he's dangerous. Just his Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) makes him the biggest threat. We must find him and end him."
All nodded at once.
Just then, Hinata, Sakura, and Megumi hurried over.
"Tenten-neesan! Everyone! You're okay, right?" Megumi called.
"Tenten asked, curious, "Why'd you come? I thought med-ninja weren't supposed to approach the front lines."
"The battle's in its final phase," Sakura explained, scanning the wreckage around them—scars everywhere, proof of how fierce it had been. "The main battlefield's that way. Other zones are mostly secure, and the medical corps barely has any patients now. Tsunade-sama sent us to find you."
Sighting Kisame's mangled corpse, Sakura finally exhaled. Looked like this area was handled.
"Perfect timing," Tenten said. "Help us look for Kabuto's trail. He slipped away. We have to snuff that snake out—fast."
Hinata gathered her courage. "I-I'll help! I was assigned to guard the med corps and barely did anything. It's my turn to contribute!"
She clearly felt guilty. It wasn't her fault—Tsunade had to staff the medical and intel corps, and Ino was with her father on intel. Hinata wasn't the strongest in raw combat, but with the Byakugan (White Eye), she was ideal at the med-camp. Still, she wanted to do what she could.
"Okay then," Tenten said briskly. "We split into teams—no solo runs. Kabuto's stronger than you think. If he grabs you, you're either a lab rat or an Edo Tensei sacrifice. Don't play hero—got it?"
Her tone turned sharp as she swept her gaze over everyone. Only after they all nodded did she relax.
(…Her going alone "doesn't count," though. If Kabuto shows his face, she'll break him.)
Back on the main battlefield.
Natsuki set Neji down and glanced at Hiashi. "Neji, let me take it from here. Your Tenseigan (Reincarnation Eye) needs more development. Don't force it."
Hiashi chimed in, "Right, Neji. Your Tenseigan is crucial. Don't push yourself. If someone old has to go, I will. You're done fighting for now."
Branch-house guards added their voices, and Neji's Byakugan all but rolled. He wasn't stupid—if he couldn't win, he wouldn't keep swinging, especially with Natsuki here. No need to grandstand.
Natsuki looked up at Tendō Pain floating stubbornly above. If he wouldn't come down… fine.
He unrolled a scroll, Kuchiyose (Summoning) roared, and a storm of iron sand poured forth. Jiton (Magnet Release) chakra flared as he forged the sand into a vast black greatsword. He stepped onto the blade and rose, cool as the night—drawing every eye on the field.
Only now did everyone realize Natsuki also wielded Magnet Release.
Sasuke muttered, "Lightning + Water is Ranton (Storm Release), Water + Earth is Mokuton (Wood Release), Lightning + Earth is Jiton (Magnet Release)… You've basically checked every box. Wouldn't even be shocked if you whipped out Kekkei Tōta (Bloodline Selection) next."
(He was wrong—no Kekkei Tōta, not yet. But this much was more than enough to handle Pain.)
Natsuki rose until he leveled with Tendō—and then a head higher. "Pain, stop. You can't beat me. You won't capture any jinchūriki. Akatsuki's plan is finished."
（End of Chapter）
[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on "Zaelum"]
[Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]
[Thanks for Reading!]