Ch-154 Kakuzu's death.

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"Why can't it be possible?" Sakura exclaimed with an air of incredulity. "After all, doesn't your teammate possess the extraordinary ability to end someone's life with just a single drop of blood?"

In response to Sakura's words, Kakuzu found himself gripped by shock. His mind immediately engaged in a contemplative exercise, attempting to recollect the specific instance when his vital fluid had been extracted. The task proved relatively uncomplicated, and Kakuzu swiftly pieced together the memory. It became apparent that during the confrontation with Kakashi, the latter had penetrated Kakuzu's chest, and in that critical moment, had extracted a sample of Kakuzu's blood.

An expression of unwillingness etched itself across Kakuzu's countenance as he met his demise.

With Kakashi and Sakura exhaling audible sighs of relief, the tension in the air began to dissipate. Concurrently, Naruto, who had been in the formidable four-tails mode, underwent a gradual transformation, reverting to his normal state. However, the aftermath of utilizing the four-tails mode manifested as an evident toll on Naruto. Audible groans of pain escaped him, and he knelt on the ground, his demeanor conveying the intensity of the suffering he endured. This vocal expression of discomfort served as a clear indication that this was not Naruto's inaugural experience with the four-tails mode. Had it been his first encounter, one could surmise that he would have found himself reduced to crawling on the ground due to the severity of the pain.

Kakashi turned toward Naruto and said in a measured tone, "Why don't you take a well-deserved rest right here? Sakura and I will lend our support to the Ino-Shika-Cho trio as they engage in their confrontation with Hidan." As Kakashi relayed these instructions, his back remained turned toward the lifeless form of Kakuzu, a silent testament to the recent intense battle.

Simultaneously, as Kakashi continued conversing with Naruto, a curious transformation took place in Kakuzu's clenched fist, as it gradually darkened. The ominous change signaled an imminent and hostile development. With swift and almost unnatural speed, Kakuzu's hand propelled forward, its velocity surpassing that of a speeding bullet. It was evident that Kakuzu harbored a ruthless intent to eliminate Kakashi with this formidable punch.

Naruto, always quick to react, keenly observed Kakuzu's sudden aggression. In a remarkable display of agility and determination, Naruto swiftly positioned himself between Kakashi and the impending strike. Cloaked in the protective shroud of tailed beast Chakra, he crossed his arms over his chest, ready to absorb the impact. Despite successfully intercepting Kakuzu's forceful blow, the sheer power of the attack compelled Naruto to stagger backward, grappling with its force.

From his vantage point behind Naruto, Kakashi interjected, "You needn't have taken such a risk. I had sensed the impending attack and was preparing to evade it; there was no immediate danger to me." His words carried a tone of reassurance, emphasizing that Naruto's intervention, though well-intentioned, may have been unnecessary.

Naruto did not contest this fact because Kakashi's statement held undeniable truth. Even as Naruto endeavored to defend Kakashi, by that point, Kakashi had deftly shifted away from his original position. Therefore, even if Naruto had refrained from intervening, no untoward consequences would have befallen Kakashi.

Contemplating the lifeless form of Kakuzu, Naruto mused aloud, "It seems your tenacity for life is truly remarkable."

In response to Naruto's words, Kakuzu, who appeared lifeless, unexpectedly rose to his feet, and his fist seamlessly reattached itself to his remaining left arm. Kakuzu's continued existence stemmed from his ability to endure, as the attack from Hidan had pierced his fourth heart.

Despite the various expressions crossing Kakuzu's face, Naruto paid them little attention. With determination, he entered the tailed beast mode of the nine tails, concurrently crafting a Rasengan in his hand. Slowly but steadily, blades materialized around the Rasengan, producing an even more ominous sound. The technique Naruto wielded in that moment was none other than the fearsome "Rasenshuriken." It was worth noting that while Naruto could rightfully claim mastery over the 'Rasenshuriken,' credit for its creation in this particular lifetime rightfully belonged to Jiryoku.

Observing the unfolding jutsu, Kakuzu immediately entertained thoughts of escape. However, evading proved to be no simple task. In a split-second maneuver, Kakashi materialized beside Kakuzu, brandishing a razor-sharp kunai in a swift attack. To Kakuzu's credit, he deftly sidestepped the assault, aiming to make a quick exit. Little did he know, Sakura had strategically positioned herself precisely where Kakuzu intended to retreat. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Sakura unleashed a forceful punch that sent Kakuzu airborne, hurtling in the direction of Naruto. Despite the apparent duration of this entire sequence, the events transpired with lightning speed.

In that ephemeral moment, Naruto, 'Rasenshuriken' poised in hand, launched the swirling vortex of chakra toward Kakuzu. This time, Kakuzu found himself unable to evade the incoming 'Rasenshuriken.' Upon impact, a torrent of wind needles encapsulated within the technique infiltrated Kakuzu's body, instigating destructive forces within. The powerful onslaught of the 'Rasenshuriken' wreaked havoc on Kakuzu's internal structure, resulting in the disintegration of his body from the inside out. The profound impact of Naruto's technique left Kakuzu incapacitated and defeated.

Covered in blood, Kakuzu crumpled to the ground, sealing his fate. This time, there was no doubt about his demise, as all five of his hearts had been utterly obliterated.

"We did it! Another Akatsuki member defeated," exclaimed Naruto, a radiant smile illuminating his face. Witnessing Naruto's remarkable growth in power, Kakashi and Sakura couldn't help but share in the satisfaction, their smiles reflecting a sense of accomplishment.

"Kakashi-sensei, we should make our way immediately to assist Shikamaru and the others. They must be currently engaged in a fierce battle with Hidan," proposed Naruto.

Upon hearing Naruto's insightful suggestion, Kakashi nodded approvingly. Just as they were preparing to depart, a voice resonated, "I had speculated that after Hagoromo's conversation with Kurama, you, Naruto Uzumaki, would undoubtedly undergo a substantial surge in strength. However, the extent of your newfound power has managed to even surprise me."

The unexpected voice introduced a moment of pause, prompting the trio to turn their attention to the source.

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