"It's not a complete recovery!" Nagato examined his body and spoke, "The injuries have healed, and the cell activity has returned, but the life force drained by the Gedo Statue can never be regained. Nevertheless, my body is in excellent condition now."
Suddenly, a spatial distortion occurred, and Uchiha Obito materialized.
"Uchiha Obito, what brings you here?" Nagato inquired.
"As a member of the Akatsuki, why are you so suspicious of me?" Uchiha Obito replied, still concealed behind his mysterious mask.
He approached Nagato, observing the Angel's Heart embedded in Nagato's chest and his rejuvenated body.
"It can even restore your deteriorating body to its original state, a feat that not even the most skilled medical ninja can achieve."
"Angel's Heart does indeed possess remarkable abilities. The secrets of the Golden List go far beyond our imagination. It not only grants insights into the entire ninja world but also conceals countless treasures. However, the appearance of the Golden List could also give rise to formidable individuals in the ninja world, which may pose a threat to our plans," Nagato solemnly stated.
"Therefore, we must expedite the capture of the Tailed Beasts," Uchiha Obito suggested.
"The locations of some other Jinchūriki have been determined. Once confirmed, we will apprehend them immediately," Nagato informed.
"Very well," Uchiha Obito nodded.
At that moment, Nagato asked with solemnity, "I must know, is Uchiha Madara involved in the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan?"
"Yes," Uchiha Obito admitted, "To execute the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan, we require Uchiha Madara's Impure World Reincarnation. Otherwise, we would lack the power to contend with the entire ninja world."
"Understood," Nagato acknowledged.
"Nagato, Konan, I must be on my way. Goodbye!" Uchiha Obito activated Kamui and disappeared.
Shortly afterward, Nagato transmitted an order through the Akatsuki organization's ring, instructing Akatsuki members to form teams to capture the remaining Tailed Beasts.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Might Guy had arrived in the Land of Waves and were rapidly heading to the burial site.
Suddenly, the face of a scout ninja in their group changed.
"Kakashi, Guy, I sense a chilling presence, as if a colossal serpent is eyeing us, and there's a distinctly human aura nearby," the scout ninja reported.
Kakashi and Might Guy immediately realized who was approaching—Orochimaru!
"It seems Sasuke divulged this location to Orochimaru. We can't waste any time. Orochimaru likely just arrived. Let's retrieve the Kubikiribōchō immediately," Kakashi declared.
"Agreed!" Might Guy replied.
Kakashi was more familiar with the area, while Orochimaru was visiting for the first time, so he was less acquainted with it.
It didn't take long for Kakashi to locate the uncut burial site.
Might Guy shattered the ground with a powerful kick, revealing the Kubikiribōchō.
Kakashi stepped forward and retrieved the sword.
"Kakashi, Guy, leave that sword. It's my weapon," Orochimaru declared.
"Orochimaru, aren't you afraid we'll defeat you?" Might Guy questioned coldly.
"Afraid?" Orochimaru sneered. "But do you dare to unleash the Eight Gates? Opening them would drain your life force. Is it worth sacrificing your life for a mere sword?"
"Guy, there's no need to unlock the Eighth Gate," Kakashi intervened.
He was genuinely concerned that Might Guy might go to extreme measures and activate the Eighth Gate.
"Summoning, commence!" Orochimaru performed seals and summoned a massive serpent, the Ten Thousand Snakes from Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru's personal summoning beast.
"Orochimaru's sealing abilities are truly impressive," Kakashi thought to himself, acknowledging the challenge that lay before them.
"This isn't good news for us," Kakashi added.
"Kakashi, we still have a good chance of winning. I've absorbed those dragon and tiger pills. My physical strength and chakra are far superior to before. Even without unlocking the Eighth Gate, I'm much stronger now. Combined with your abilities, we may not be weaker than Orochimaru," Might Guy reassured.
Kakashi and Might Guy exchanged glances and decided to keep the Kubikiribōchō.
Kakashi proposed, "Orochimaru, Might Guy and I will face you. Might Guy won't activate the Eighth Gate. If we win, the sword is ours. If you win, the sword is yours. Does that sound fair?"
Orochimaru considered the offer for a moment. It was certainly in his favor.
"If Might Guy doesn't go all out and unlock the Eighth Gate, he'll be at a disadvantage. Now, they promise not to use it, and if I defeats both of them, I can claim the Kubikiribōchō," Orochimaru thought.
"Very well, but I don't trust you completely. Let's make it a live broadcast for the ninja in the Golden List Live Room to witness. How about that?" Orochimaru suggested.
"Don't trust us? Well, we don't fully trust you either," Kakashi responded coldly.
Orochimaru's request made sense, though.
"Then let's start the live broadcast!"
Both Orochimaru and Kakashi had the authority to initiate the live broadcast.
Soon, the live broadcast began, and numerous ninjas tuned in, intrigued by the unfolding events.
[Fourth Raikage: The live broadcast has started! It features Kakashi from Konoha, Might Guy, and Orochimaru.]
[Third Hokage: How did Might Guy and Orochimaru cross paths?]
[Orochimaru: Everyone, Kakashi and Might Guy are competing for the Kubikiribōchō. I need you to witness this. If I defeat them, the sword will be mine. If they defeat me, I'll relinquish the sword.]
[Fourth Raikage: Orochimaru, can you beat Might Guy? If he unlocks the Eighth Gate, you're finished!]
[Hidan: As Orochimaru's former comrade, I must admit his survival skills are impressive. While he may not beat Might Guy in the Eighth Gate state, he has a chance to escape. Plus, Might Guy might not necessarily unlock the Eighth Gate, as it's a last resort for him and a hidden ace for Konoha.]
[Zabuza Momochi: How dare you try to steal my Kubikiribōchō! Let it go!]
[Fourth Raikage: If you don't give it up, you're a dead man. Protests won't help.]
[Third Hokage: Kakashi and Guy are formidable, but if Guy refrains from using the Eighth Gate, even with Kakashi's assistance, they might not be a match for Orochimaru.]
[Tsunade: Sarutobi-sensei, please have faith in Kakashi and Guy. I believe they can defeat Orochimaru!]
With many ninja watching, Kakashi, Might Guy, and Orochimaru were about to engage in a decisive battle.
**********
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
patreon.com/PirateKing24