(Think of the electromagnetic sensing as Observation Haki)
Through electromagnetic sensing, Kaito tracked Jiraiya's human magnetic field—still unmoving, not far from here.
After everything that just happened, Jiraiya hadn't reacted at all.
This pervy old man... he really never changes.
Black lines formed on Kaito's forehead in frustration.
But just as he was grumbling silently, In Kaito's field, Jiraiya finally shifted. Kaito exhaled in relief.
With Jiraiya's help, it'll be two-on-two. And with Itachi being Konoha's spy, they won't risk going all out. We might even be able to keep Kisame here.
Suddenly, Uchiha Itachi's calm voice cut through the air.
"Kisame, go."
Kaito's eyes narrowed. Itachi's tone was strained—unusual for someone as composed as him.
Kisame glanced sideways. "What's wrong, Itachi?" His expression grew serious. It wasn't often he saw this side of his partner.
"Go. Now. Jiraiya is heading this way," Itachi said sharply before disappearing into thin air.
Kisame hesitated. He stared at Kaito but said nothing, turning to follow Itachi.
The Pervy Sage finally woke up. With him here, plus Naruto nearby, things could get messy.
Kisame understood that if a fight broke out now, they'd be at a disadvantage. The best move was retreat. The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki wasn't going anywhere.
Moments later, Jiraiya finally arrived—carrying an unconscious woman in his arms. His gaze followed the trail of destruction left behind, then narrowed on Kaito.
"They're gone?"
"You lecherous sage!" Naruto shouted. "Where the hell were you?! You just now show up?!"
Jiraiya ignored him, instead stepping toward Kaito with a curious look. "Hey… You're Ayanami Kaito, right? Tsunade's disciple?"
"Yeah," Kaito nodded blankly. He had no patience for Jiraiya's antics. "Anyway, I'm taking Sasuke back to Konoha Hospital."
Before anyone could respond, he picked up the unconscious Uchiha and disappeared in a blur of speed.
Jiraiya blinked. "That kid's got guts…"
He scratched his head. "But why does his voice sound so familiar?"
---
Later – Short Book Street
After dropping Sasuke off at Konoha Hospital and asking Sakura to care for him, Kaito arrived at his next destination—Short Book Street.
He knew this was where Orochimaru would appear to seek Tsunade's medical skills for his ruined arms.
In the original timeline, Tsunade hesitated, burdened by her trauma. But this time, Kaito wasn't going to let history repeat itself. As her disciple—and now family—he intended to protect her in the future.
Activating his electromagnetic sensing once again, Kaito scanned the entire street.
Sure enough, Tsunade's magnetic signature registered clearly—from a nearby casino.
Figures.
Kaito sighed. Old habits die hard.
He didn't rush to see her right away. Orochimaru and Kabuto hadn't arrived yet. He had time.
He found a small restaurant, ordered some local specialties, and ate quietly. Despite the attention he drew by consuming enough for a dozen people, he ignored the stares, finished the meal, paid, and left.
---
Tsunade's Courtyard
When he arrived at Tsunade's courtyard, she was in the middle of a meal with her companion.
Tsunade blinked in surprise when she saw him. "You again? What are you doing here?"
Kaito grinned and took a seat across from her. "I missed you. Just came to see how you were doing."
"Ugh!" Tsunade winced. "Don't say creepy things like that. Gives me goosebumps."
"Really? Sounds like you got yourself kicked out of Konoha again," she teased, cheeks slightly flushed from the sake.
Kaito chuckled. "Not this time. Let's get serious."
He explained everything that had happened over the past few days—Orochimaru's infiltration, the attack on the village, the Third Hokage's death.
Tsunade's expression grew still.
"So... the old man is really gone. Killed by Orochimaru?"
"Yeah."
She picked up her bottle and took a slow sip.
"Ironic," she muttered. "He spent his whole life trying to control things, only to die at the hands of his student."
"So," she continued, eyes narrowing. "You came here just because you missed me?"
"Well… not exactly," Kaito said with a sheepish smile. "Konoha's council wants you to be the Fifth Hokage. Jiraiya is on his way too. I'm here to let you know."
"Hokage..."
She fell silent, eyes distant. There was a softness in them, a flicker of old pain she'd buried for years.
After a moment, she sighed and stretched, the motion accentuating her curves. "I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked to her room.
Shizune, watching from the side, looked worried.
"Don't worry, Shizune-senpai," Kaito said gently. "Tsunade-sensei will bounce back. She always does."
Shizune exhaled. "You're right... You can sleep in your usual room."
"Thanks."
---
The Waiting Game
For the next few days, Kaito stayed in the area, waiting for Orochimaru and Jiraiya to arrive.
On the fifth day, things finally began to move.
That morning, Kaito accompanied Tsunade to a casino. She seemed in high spirits—until her winning streak began.
She won. Again and again.
Kaito's eyes narrowed. Her luck's never this good. That only means one thing...
Orochimaru had arrived.
Tsunade's smile slowly faded as her instincts told her the same.
Kaito kept close behind her. He knew exactly what was coming.
Just moments after they left the casino, a tiny white snake slithered along the ground behind them.
High above, a pale figure stood overlooking the town.
"I found her," Orochimaru whispered, his slit-pupiled eyes narrowing. "And the brat is with her."
"Lord Orochimaru, you mean Ayanami Kaito?" Kabuto asked quietly, standing beside him.
Orochimaru nodded. "That's right."
Kabuto frowned. "Should we wait until Tsunade is alone? Kaito's power is... troublesome."
"There's no time. Jiraiya is already on his way. If he gets to her before we do, everything falls apart."
Orochimaru raised his hand, summoning a massive white snake. He and Kabuto climbed atop it as it slithered forward, heading directly toward Tsunade—and Kaito.
---
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