Chapter 18

Anko, with sweat trickling down her face, said, "It all started from....."

Beginning of the flashback...

A few weeks after everyone thought that the Supreme King, the commander of the Kumo front, had died during the fight with the Raikage and the Jinchuriki of the Hachibi, Aki managed to reach the Sand front to meet Anko.

Aki, speaking to the crying Anko with sadness in his voice, said, "He told me to tell you he's sorry, that's all that happened."

Orochimaru, with a hoarse voice, added, "Go and get some rest, Anko."

Aki, bowing his head, replied, "I'm sorry, Orochimaru-sama."

Orochimaru said, "For what? He died a warrior; there's nothing to be sad about."

A few weeks after Anko learned about his death, her state changed from a mischievous Anko to a sad soul with dark circles under her eyes and disheveled hair.

Anko, speaking to Orochimaru with sadness, said, "Sensei, I want the strength to take revenge."

Orochimaru, looking at Anko, replied, "This will cost you a lot."

Anko, staring into Orochimaru's eyes, responded, "I have nothing left to lose."

Orochimaru said, "There's a seal I'm currently working on that will increase the power of its bearer by absorbing natural chakra and helping the person use it, but at the cost of their lifespan."

Anko said, "I don't care."

Orochimaru added, "It's incomplete and still in its early stages."

Anko, with lifeless eyes, stared into Orochimaru's eyes.

Orochimaru continued, "It's your wish," then thought to himself wickedly, "It doesn't matter if she gets it; it won't let her last more than a few seconds against the Raikage."

Orochimaru summoned a small white snake radiating danger from all sides.

It looked into Orochimaru's eyes as he made a small cut on it, then drew seals on Anko's neck and burned the area with chakra.

After several hours, Orochimaru said, "It's done, try using it now."

End of the flashback...

Anko, speaking to Sinbad, said, "I swear that's what happened, and it was my complete choice."

Sinbad, looking at Anko with pained eyes, asked, "Why did you do something so foolish?"

Anko, sadly, replied, "I felt like I lost my soul when I heard the news of your death."

Sinbad sighed and looked at Orochimaru, "Your life was spared today, Sensei," and then withdrew his Haki from the place.

Orochimaru, sweating, stood up and looked into Sinbad's eyes. He opened his mouth slightly to say something but ultimately remained silent and left the place quietly.

Sinbad watched his back and then turned his gaze to Jiraiya, who was approaching.

Jiraiya, scolding, said, "Damn it, kid...," only to be interrupted by the rings on Sinbad's and Anko's hands.

Jiraiya looked again at both rings.

Jiraiya, crying out and sobbing, said, "Damn it, kid, you got married too, just like that traitor Minato," and cried even more.

Sinbad, comforting him, said, "Don't worry, Jiraiya-sama, I know you can do it."

Jiraiya, while crying, said, "Even you're comforting me now."

Anko, with veins of anger showing on her face, shouted, "Damn it, stop crying!"

Sinbad said, "Come on, Anko-chan, don't be so rude," then looked at Jiraiya, "Cheer up, Jiraiya-sama, we didn't get married; we're just engaged."

Anko added, "Don't hang around him too much, or you'll become like him."

Jiraiya walked away sadly, as if a gray cloud was raining on him.

After Jiraiya walked a sufficient distance, Sinbad looked into Anko's eyes and said, "This matter won't pass unpunished."

Anko, looking at the ground sadly, replied, "I know."

Sinbad said, "It's good that you know; you are forbidden from using this seal," and then extended his hand to her, which she held.

Anko, questioning, asked, "Where to?"

Sinbad replied, "To find Kakashi and console him."

After some searching around Konoha, Sinbad managed to locate Kakashi, who looked as Anko did when she lost Sinbad.

Sinbad said, "Yo, Kakashi, you look like a rag."

Kakashi looked at Sinbad with dead eyes, walked past him, and continued on his way as if he didn't see him.

A cheerful voice said, "He's been like that since losing Rin and Obito. Anyway, welcome back, Sinbad-kun."

Sinbad looked at the owner of the voice and smiled widely, "I'm home, Minato-san."

To be continued in the upcoming chapters...