(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"Are you saying Sasori isn't dead yet?" There was genuine surprise in Obito's voice; he had thought Sasori was finished.
He fought Colt after all.
"Yes, according to White Zetsu's information, Sasori had handed over something to Deidara as a trump card," Zetsu replied.
"Both of them are lucky to escape this time."
"Is that so." Obito pondered, "It's a good thing. That way, we can also have more strength when facing Konoha."
The Tailed Beasts capture plan had begun, and he had originally wanted to replace Sasori's position in the Akatsuki since he thought he was dead.
But now he would have to change his plans.
Zetsu's mind shifted slightly as he looked into the distance.
"Deidara is here. I'll leave this to you."
With that, he once again merged with the earth and disappeared.
It didn't take long for Deidara, now lacking both arms, to appear. He looked strangely at Obito.
"Hey, who are you and why are you wearing the Akatsuki's clothes?"
"Senpai! My name is Tobi! I'm an intern for the organization!" Obito reverted to his amusing Tobi persona, giving a funny salute.
"Oh," Deidara eyed him suspiciously, "Did you see my ring?"
"Here it is." Obito took out a severed arm - Deidara's.
In fact, this arm had been sucked into the [Kamui] space by Kakashi while Obito was eating his lunch there.
It nearly splattered him with blood.
However, Kakashi's usage of [Kamui] had still shocked him. For a non-Uchiha to do this...
As expected of his once closest friend, Kakashi.
"Not bad. I'm optimistic about you. Tobi, was it? Help me with this, and when I get back, I'll ask Kakuzu to sew it up for me."
Deidara was pleased, even finding Obito's appearance somewhat agreeable and likable.
"Senpai, Kakuzu-senpai has already gone to the Land of Lightning to capture the Two-Tails. Should I help you instead?"
Looking at the eager-to-please Tobi, Deidara hesitated for a moment but decided to let him try.
"Alright, open my ninja kit and take out the scroll on the left. But don't touch the one on the right."
"That one belongs to Sasori-dana!"
Sasori started to give him directions but after a while…
"Ah! You idiot! You sewed it upside down! Also, that's the left hand! Sew it on the left hand!"
Deidara's screams echoed inside the cave.
The next day, free from pressure, Kakashi and Naruto both slept until noon.
Under Temari's reluctant gaze, Colt brought the two to the village entrance.
Gaara, accompanied by a group of ninjas including Baki and other Sand shinobi executives, came to see them off.
Colt keenly noticed that some people were missing this time.
"Brother-in-law, thank you very much for everything," Gaara said, extending his hand, which Colt grasped firmly.
"I'll visit Sunagakure often in the future. Your sister would be waiting after all," Colt replied.
Temari's face flushed at his words, while Baki smiled knowingly.
Gara also didn't mind, because he could see how happy Temari was.
With Colt's relationship, the bond between the two villages would remain strong, and they could also gain more help to guard against the Rock shinobis.
After that, Gaara turned to Naruto.
When he had awakened, Naruto's surprised look couldn't have been faked.
Seeing Naruto looking a bit shy, Gaara used his sand to lift Naruto's hand.
The two then did a handshake.
"I will work hard to become a qualified Kazekage. So, Naruto, you should work hard to become the Hokage."
"I will,"
Bidding farewell to Sunagakure, the three embarked on their journey back to Konoha.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're so heavy!" Naruto, who was carrying Kakashi on his back, couldn't help complaining. Although Kakashi had regained some energy, he still couldn't manage if they hurried.
"Can't be helped. This new jutsu is too taxing," Kakashi sighed.
It was not like he wanted this situation either.
Recalling Deidara's arm that was twisted by space, Naruto nodded, "It's really powerful."
Looking at the two, Colt had an idea.
"Kakashi-sensei, if there was a way to increase your chakra, would you like to try it?"
Kakashi, lying on Naruto's back, perked up with interest.
"Tell me more about it."
He had more than enough attack power now, but his chakra reserves were lacking for the Sharingan and Kamui. If such a method existed, he had to try it.
"Do you remember Danzo's arm?"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed.
He had been there at the time, and the arm full of Sharingans had left a deep impression on him.
"You're talking about Hashirama-sama's cells?"
Naruto looked confused, not knowing what the two were talking about, but he listened curiously.
"Yes, Hashirama cells not only have a suppressive effect on the Sharingan but can also greatly increase a person's chakra capacity," Colt explained.
"The reason Danzo could retain his fighting power at such an advanced age is largely due to the Hashirama cells."
Colt's tone was somewhat emotional.
In the ninja world, it was difficult to reach the top without the blood of the Senju or Uchiha.
In addition to the plug-and-play function of the Sharingan, uses for the Hashirama cells have also been developed.
Madara Uchiha had taken this the furthest, using Hashirama cells which led to Hashirama's face appearing on his chest.
He had also used them, along with White Zetsu, to replace half of Obito's body without the slightest rejection.
Then there was Orochimaru, who had made the Sharingan implants possible for Danzo.
In general, Hashirama cells could be described as infinitely useful.
If Kakashi could get even a small amount of Hashirama cells, not only would the burden of the Sharingan be reduced, but his chakra capacity would also improve significantly.
In fact, Colt's current [Sage Body] had been developed to its ultimate form, and he had also mastered the [Wood Style].
He believed his own cells would likely have the same effect.
But he would never carelessly offer them for the others to use.
After hearing Colt's words, Kakashi was obviously intrigued but still hesitant.
"Would Tsunade-sama agree? After all, this is the First Hokage's..."
Colt waved his hand.
"Those samples were grabbed from Danzo not stolen by us, and Tsunade-sama herself is having people research them."
"If you're worried about your body, I'll examine you first to see if you are compatible."
Kakashi nodded.
"Then I'll trouble you."
He had grown tired of this state of being exhausted after a short while of using his Sharingan, having to carefully calculate even releasing a single [Raikiri] with it open.
Kakashi had learned all the Chidori-style techniques from Colt long ago.
The reason he didn't use them much was simply due to his limited chakra reserves.
With that matter settled, the three continued on their way.