Chapter 98: Be Careful with Disciples

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Naruto listened to Kurama's words in disbelief.

"If the Yin half of the Nine-Tails came back from the Pure Land, then... does that mean my father would come back too?" Naruto's heart raced as the possibility sank in.

Without wasting another moment, Naruto dashed out of the area, heading straight for the Hokage Building.

His speed was so incredible that he left behind a streak of yellow light—a flash reminiscent of his father's legendary technique.

Upon reaching the Hokage Building, Naruto's breath caught in his throat.

Standing there, talking to Tsunade, was the very man he had seen in his dreams countless times—his father, Minato Namikaze.

Minato, speaking in a low voice to Tsunade, said, "Tsunade-senpai, do you have any disciples?"

Tsunade replied calmly, "Shizune has inherited my medical ninjutsu, and Sakura has taken on my Hundred Healings Technique."

Minato's voice grew even quieter as he said, "Tsunade-senpai, I don't mean to pry, but as Hokage, you need to be cautious about your disciples. The Third Hokage was killed by one of his disciples... and I too fell to the hands of one of mine. Tsunade-senpai, do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Tsunade responded with a dismissive tone, "My two disciples are not capable of killing me."

Minato hesitated, then sighed. "..."

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Minato caught sight of someone with the same yellow hair as his own—Naruto.

For a moment, Minato stood frozen, staring blankly at his son. Before he could react, Naruto rushed forward, landing a punch right in Minato's stomach.

"!!!" Minato was stunned.

But then, without warning, Naruto wrapped his arms around Minato and began to cry uncontrollably.

"Father... you're back! Is this real? Why does it feel like a dream?" Naruto's voice trembled, his emotions overflowing.

Seeing Naruto like this broke Minato's heart. He gently patted Naruto's back and said softly, "Naruto, I'm so sorry for all the pain you've endured."

Tears streaming down his face, Naruto clung to his father even tighter. "What good is an apology? You can't leave me again!"

Minato smiled warmly and reassured him, "I won't leave you anymore, Naruto. As long as I'm here, no one will ever hurt you again."

Though Naruto had grown strong and no longer feared anyone, deep down, he was still a sixteen-year-old boy longing for his father's presence. He nodded, comforted by Minato's promise.

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Meanwhile, at Orochimaru's hidden experimental base in Otogakure...

Inside the dimly lit lab, Orochimaru stood over the dissected remains of his latest experiment—Er.

Even after completely dissecting the synthetic human, Orochimaru couldn't comprehend how Er had managed to gain life.

Frustrated and curious, Orochimaru turned to the one person who might have answers—Hiruko.

Hiruko, now free from his bonds, responded, "Orochimaru, the art of creation is powerful, but even the strongest techniques cannot create life from nothing."

"The Kiyomaru Jutsu you seek is a forbidden fusion technique. Do you understand the implications of such a jutsu?"

Orochimaru frowned and shook his head. He had wanted to study the jutsu, but Hiruko had taken it away before he could fully examine it.

Hiruko continued, "I've killed countless men and women. I chose the finest features—a handsome face, strong arms, a sturdy body, sharp eyes, and even a perfect heart—and combined them into what you see now."

Orochimaru couldn't help but ask, "But why are there no signs of stitching or scarring?"

Hiruko smirked. "That is the unparalleled advantage of this forbidden technique. It allows for perfect fusion without a trace. I even found a suitable soul to bind to this body."

Orochimaru's curiosity deepened. "And what of the original form? How did it become what it is now?"

Hiruko's eyes gleamed with pride. "They were crafted meticulously, each piece chosen with care. The result is a masterpiece beyond compare."

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