My Techniques are a bit off

"Alright, try moving it now. It shouldn't affect your mobility anymore," Link said, using chakra for basic healing before applying a Delicate illness Extraction Technique. This method was particularly effective—unless the injury was too severe, this combination could heal most wounds to a functional level.

The Delicate illness Extraction Technique, though slow and precise, was an excellent complement for standard chakra-based healing, ideal for tidying up lingering damage.

Sasuke Uchiha rotated his arm, testing it, and said, "Still feels slightly off, but it won't hinder combat."

"Take a break," Link advised, not pressuring Sasuke to join him for further battles.

Sasuke's decision to remain in the village wasn't out of loyalty to Konoha. It was simply that he didn't want to abandon the bonds he had formed. Toward the village and others, however, his demeanor remained cold.

"About Danzo..."

Looking at Sasuke, Link said, "I'll find an opportunity soon."

"Leave it to me," Sasuke replied softly. "Whether it's him or Itachi, I'll kill them both with my own hands."

"Don't rush. You're still far behind them," Link said, refraining from discouraging him. Leaving Danzo and Itachi to Sasuke had always been part of his plan.

The Uchiha massacre had its complex reasons, but the two main culprits, Danzo and Itachi, couldn't escape blame.

Itachi's image was more complicated for Sasuke, but ultimately, a confrontation between the brothers was inevitable. Sasuke might overlook the broader conflicts between Konoha and the Uchiha clan, but his focus on personal revenge was unshakable.

Still, Link couldn't help but think Sasuke's determination to carry everything alone mirrored Itachi's misguided ideals.

With a gentle smile, Link said, "Whatever you plan to do, there's no need to bear it alone."

"Hmm."

Sasuke looked into Link's bright eyes, his cold demeanor softening. He stood up and began walking toward the academy. "Let's finish this quickly. We still have training to do."

Trust really is a terrifying weapon, Link thought, watching Sasuke's back.

And my gains this time... quite substantial.

Reaching into his pouch, he touched a pre-prepared scroll. This scroll, when infused with chakra, could seal items placed on it. Link had prepared it before the Chūnin Exams to collect a few mementos.

Sealing the items wasn't difficult, but retrieving them required summoning. His own summoning jutsu, however... best left unsaid.

Fortunately, he wasn't lacking in allies—be it Iris, Ami, or even Sasuke. All were reliable partners.

Now, what to do with the Tailed Beast chakra...

Link mused. Based on the manga, it seemed possible to absorb it. But then again, only freaks like the Gold and Silver Brothers had successfully done so over the years. Perhaps cooking it first?

The absurd thought made him chuckle.

No, sealing techniques are the key. I'll need someone skilled in fūinjutsu.

If summoning with Sasuke can bring forth Fugaku Uchiha, perhaps summoning with Naruto could summon Minato Namikaze or Kushina Uzumaki—both sealing experts.

If not, coming clean to the Third Hokage or the village might be my best option. After all, with this victory, I should at least be promoted to Special Jonin if not a full Jonin.

…

In the Forest Outside Konoha

"Orochimaru-sama, I've failed," Kabuto reported, his expression devoid of guilt. "Sasuke Uchiha has already awakened his three-tomoe Sharingan, and—"

"It's fine."

Despite his plan's utter failure—failing to kill the Third Hokage, destroy Konoha, or capture Sasuke or Link—Orochimaru wore a smile, showing no signs of anger or frustration.

"You didn't want Sasuke to fall into my hands anyway, did you, Kabuto?" Orochimaru exposed his subordinate's true thoughts.

"Still, right now, neither Sasuke nor the Sharingan matter anymore," he continued, laughing softly. "Link-kun keeps surprising me. With his personality, I imagine he'll target us again soon."

Kabuto, puzzled by Orochimaru's intent, asked, "Should we plan to capture him?"

"No." Orochimaru dismissed the idea with a chuckle. "At this point, our current strength isn't enough to capture him. Besides..."

"Until I fully understand that peculiar seal of his, there's no need to provoke him."

"Don't be greedy, Kabuto. We only need to take what we can handle," Orochimaru said cryptically.

As someone who had lived this long and sought immortality, he understood the principle: don't tempt fate.

The allure surrounding Link only made him more dangerous. The boy could destroy curse marks, sever chakra, and harness natural energy. He was a genuine threat to Orochimaru's life.

Given the risks, Orochimaru wouldn't act rashly. Instead, he would bide his time, observe from the shadows, and unravel Link's secrets slowly.

"Understood," Kabuto replied.

They silently watched Konoha from a distance. Moments later, an Anbu ninja in a mask appeared before them, tossing a scroll toward Orochimaru.

"Thud!"

Orochimaru caught it deftly, then threw another scroll back. Smirking, he said, "Tell Danzo I'm very satisfied with this deal."

"Let's go, Kabuto."

…

On Konoha's Walls

Itachi Uchiha stood silently, gazing at the village as the fighting subsided.

"Didn't expect the Third Hokage to be this powerful," Kisame Hoshigaki said with a grin. "Those large-scale jutsu... pretty terrifying, huh?"

"Looks like it's over..."

Kisame observed civilians returning to the streets, the Sunagakure ninja retreating, and a massive toad suppressing the giant snakes near the village gate.

He added with interest, "Itachi, you must be relieved the village survived. But it seems our mission might fail because of it."

Itachi said nothing, his figure vanishing as he leapt off the wall.

Kisame chuckled and followed him without further comment.

Jutsu that can seal someone's ability to form hand seals? Now that's something worth investigating...

~~~

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