Taking the Fall

Boom! The explosion soared into the sky as Orochimaru's most formidable technique, the White Snake Technique, was abruptly halted by a Great Fireball. 

Kazuya's mastery of Fire Style was unparalleled, with a 100% damage bonus on all Fire Style jutsus. Moreover, his chakra reserves were on par with Orochimaru's. If it came down to a one-on-one fight, Kazuya might have the upper hand.

As the smoke cleared, Kazuya appeared, carrying Jiraiya and moving them tens of meters away to safety.

"Kazuya-kun..." Jiraiya said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "It's a good thing you showed up when you did. I was in real trouble this time..."

Kazuya responded lightly, "It's fine." 

He was used to it. Jiraiya, Naruto, even Obito before his corruption—they all had that foolish, impulsive nature. Yet, he couldn't stand by and watch Jiraiya die. Jiraiya was a crucial figure, significant to the future. Besides, Kazuya had a soft spot for him.

"Senior Jiraiya," Kazuya said firmly, "Leave the rest to me. I'll capture Orochimaru and bring him back to the village to face justice."

"Capture..." Jiraiya sighed in relief.

"Orochimaru," Kazuya called out, his tone unwavering. 

Orochimaru, standing at a distance, sneered. "So, you're Anbu Kazuya? The one with the Flying Thunder God Technique. I've learned not to underestimate you..."

Before Orochimaru could finish, a flash of white light appeared. Kazuya vanished and reappeared in front of Orochimaru, striking swiftly. 

Pfft! 

Kazuya's kunai pierced Orochimaru's lower abdomen.

"Senior Orochimaru," Kazuya said softly from behind his mask, "You were careless."

Orochimaru coughed up blood, eyes wide with shock. "When...?" He glanced down and saw a Flying Thunder God kunai at his feet. The speed was astonishing—he hadn't even noticed.

With a final gasp, Orochimaru collapsed, seemingly on the brink of death. 

Kazuya's expression under the mask turned puzzled. Could a kunai really kill Orochimaru? It seemed too easy, almost reminiscent of the First Hokage pretending to commit suicide with a kunai in front of Madara. An absurd thought, yet here was Orochimaru, supposedly dying from a similar wound.

**[You picked up 200 points of Chakra]** 

**[You picked up 200 points of Chakra]** 

**[You picked up Ninjutsu: Orochimaru's Body Replacement Technique]** 

**[You picked up 1000 points of Serpent Flow Body Replacement Technique skill experience]** 

**[Your Serpent Flow Body Replacement Technique has been upgraded to a level, currently: lv2 (0/1000)]**

Suddenly, clusters of golden light flew toward Kazuya. In his vision, he could see these lights originating from the explosion site, gradually moving farther away.

"Orochimaru is using Body Replacement Technique and escaping with Earth Style," Kazuya realized. 

Smirking inwardly, Kazuya understood that Orochimaru wasn't truly dead. He had used his technique to slip away. Orochimaru couldn't die yet—not with so many future opportunities and experiences to gain from him.

Maintaining his composure, Kazuya declared, "Orochimaru, you are under arrest!"

He pulled out a pair of handcuffs, ready to restrain the elusive ninja.

"No need..." Jiraiya interjected, walking over with a somber expression. "Orochimaru has already escaped. What you see here is just a shell he left behind."

"Senior Jiraiya, what do you mean?" Kazuya feigned shock. "Orochimaru escaped?"

"Yes," Jiraiya nodded. "It's not your fault. This technique is extremely rare. Few know about it."

Kazuya paused before asking, "Did you let him go on purpose, Senior Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya sighed deeply, "Kazuya-kun, I'm sorry. I couldn't bring myself to capture my old friend."

"I understand," Kazuya replied softly. "If it were Rin, I might hesitate too."

"No," Jiraiya shook his head. "Your sister is a hero of the village..."

Jiraiya began to explain, but Kazuya interrupted, "Senior Jiraiya, I'll take the blame for Orochimaru's escape in my report. You don't need to worry. Just tell the Hokage that you were exhausted from the battle."

"Absolutely not!" Jiraiya refused vehemently. "Kazuya-kun, I cannot shirk my responsibility. I'll bear all the consequences. A man who can't take responsibility is incompetent."

"But..."

"Enough!" Jiraiya's tone was firm. "I'll handle this, Kazuya-kun. Don't say otherwise."

Reluctantly, Kazuya nodded, "Alright, if you insist."

Inwardly, Kazuya was grateful. Jiraiya was taking the fall, giving Kazuya a reprieve. Thank you, Jiraiya, he thought.