Naruto: Saving the Uchiha

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A single month of Tsukuyomi once left Kakashi bedridden in the hospital for half a month.

The Judgment of Will is no less terrifying than Tsukuyomi—perhaps even more so. The destruction of one's will and the damage to their soul is far more frightening than mental torture.

Mental damage might leave lasting effects, but with proper treatment, recovery is possible, albeit slow. However, the soul... That is an entirely more elusive matter.

"Throw some water on him."

Seeing Jiraiya nearly shaking Orochimaru by the neck, the Third Hokage abandoned the idea of waking Orochimaru that way.

Sure enough, splashing cold water worked. 

Under the icy stimulus, Orochimaru finally regained consciousness. 

With his hair matted against his face and neck, his complexion pale, and his facial muscles twitching uncontrollably, Orochimaru appeared to have gone through something unimaginable in the genjutsu.

It felt as though someone had been carving into his brain with a knife, tearing it apart. 

Confusion was only the beginning. 

That was Orochimaru's most vivid impression. Still, as a seasoned warrior, he didn't collapse so easily. After some time, his mind cleared somewhat.

Realizing where he was and who surrounded him, he chuckled lightly. 

"Kazuki's dojutsu is truly powerful—an extraordinary Sharingan."

After that compliment, Orochimaru turned his gaze toward the others with a faint smile. 

"It's been a while, Sarutobi-sensei, elders, Tsunade, and Jiraiya…"

"It has been a while," replied the Third Hokage stoically, suppressing his emotions.

The others remained silent.

"Orochimaru, Kazuki mentioned that he interrogated you. You've already confessed—joining the Akatsuki and confirming that the mysterious masked man responsible for the Nine-Tails Night is also a member of that organization?" 

Tsunade skipped the pleasantries, diving straight into the matter.

At her questioning, Orochimaru's body convulsed violently, startling Jiraiya.

"..."

What now?

Orochimaru suddenly rolled his eyes, his entire body convulsing. Everyone instinctively turned their gaze toward Kazuki. 

Kazuki broke into a cold sweat. 'These aftereffects are a bit much.'

"It's likely post-genjutsu trauma. I intensified the sensation of pain in the illusion several times over, so…"

"…"

'What kind of cursed genjutsu is this?!'

The group silently pitied any future victims of Kazuki's interrogations and tests. They could only hope those people wouldn't end up like Orochimaru—rolling their eyes and twitching uncontrollably.

After some time, Orochimaru's convulsions finally subsided. 

Panting heavily, veins bulging on his face and neck, he appeared utterly miserable.

"Hehehe… Kazuki's dojutsu is indeed terrifying."

"Terrifying, my foot!" 

An enraged Tsunade stormed forward, punching Orochimaru before grabbing him by the collar and yelling. 

"Orochimaru, answer my question!" 

"You already know the answer, don't you?" 

By this point, Orochimaru saw no reason to resist. He decided to come clean. He had already been exposed, and whether he could even escape Konoha was still uncertain. In fact, overcoming the aftereffects of the Judgment of Will would take him a long time.

For now, he had no choice but to remain in Konoha obediently. 

"I was following orders from the organization to locate the person selling Konoha's information. As for the mysterious masked man claiming to be Uchiha Madara, he is indeed a member of the organization."

Orochimaru divulged what he deemed necessary, though he concealed some things. Kazuki, understanding this, chose not to expose him. His objective had already been achieved, and the rest wasn't important.

Still, it was audacious of Nagato to consider recruiting him into the Akatsuki.

"The Nine-Tails Night incident was entirely his doing," Orochimaru concluded.

"Why did he do it? And what kind of organization is the Akatsuki?" Tsunade pressed on.

Unexpectedly, Orochimaru began convulsing again—this time worse than before.

"Can't you go easier on people?" Tsunade glared at Kazuki in exasperation.

Kazuki feigned innocence. "Go easy? If I went easy, do you think this snake would tell the truth? He'd probably just be scheming how to fool you."

'Though these aftereffects seem a bit excessive.'

Kazuki suspected Orochimaru was exaggerating.

The post-Judgment trauma was severe, but it shouldn't cause constant convulsions and fainting. This snake was likely faking it.

"Damn it. Take him to the hospital for treatment. Ensure no one but the medical-nin are allowed near him," Tsunade ordered in frustration.

Orochimaru's current state made interrogation impossible. Tsunade resisted the urge to kick him out of annoyance.

Yet, his condition didn't seem entirely fake. 

"Kazuki, you've done well this time. I'll issue a public statement to clarify the misunderstanding between the village and the Uchiha."

"Understood."

With his task complete, Kazuki prepared to leave. Some discussions weren't meant for him to hear.

Besides, he still had unfinished business—Danzo awaited him in the prison.

Thanks to Orochimaru, his plans for a relaxing hot spring soak were ruined. Kazuki headed back to Konoha's prison without hesitation.

"Tsunade, isn't it premature to issue an announcement now? Shouldn't we conduct a thorough investigation first…" Koharu couldn't help but voice her objection after Kazuki left. The village had wronged the Uchiha for years, and admitting to a misunderstanding would be a slap in the face for people like her.

"Oh?" Tsunade smirked. 

"When there was a misunderstanding, it led to targeting and discrimination against the Uchiha. Now that the misunderstanding is resolved, do you propose continuing to target them? 

What exactly are you trying to achieve? 

Do you wish to push the Uchiha to the brink of rebellion, forcing a conflict with the village and weakening our strength?"

"And don't tell me this is the will of my granduncle. He never stooped to such pettiness." 

Senju Tobirama didn't trust the Uchiha and believed they were a potential threat, hence his caution. Yet, even he took Uchiha Kagami as a disciple and didn't openly target the clan.

But in the Third Hokage's generation? They relentlessly antagonized the Uchiha as if determined to drive them to rebellion.

"That's not what I meant," Koharu stammered, her face reddening under Tsunade's scornful remarks.

"Enough, Koharu," the Third Hokage interjected, raising a hand to silence her.

"Tsunade, I agree with your proposal. However, I think we should confirm everything through further interrogation of Orochimaru. For now, we can lift the surveillance on the Uchiha."