My Techniques are a bit off

"Go do what you need to do—"

Kurenai Yuhi held a kunai in her hand and said, "Link, you still remember the Medical Ninja Code, don't you?"

"We'll handle this battlefield," Asuma added, landing beside her with his chakra blades, their edges stained with blood. His sleeves were soaked with crimson as he and Kurenai took positions on either side of Link, shielding him.

Although their efforts were meant to block him from view, Link's head and muscular arms stuck out conspicuously.

These two...

Link found it hard to look at the pair. Their obvious, overflowing... something, was it affection? It was difficult to describe.

More Sunagakure Jonin soon arrived, and the two sides entered a standoff. The Konoha Jonin, with confidence bolstered by the sight of the rejuvenated Third Hokage single-handedly suppressing three Kage on the rooftop, showed no intention of making the first move.

Likewise, under Baki's leadership, the Sunagakure ninja grouped together, clearly hesitant to continue fighting.

As for the Otogakure ninja? They were already wiped out.

"Kankuro, Temari," Baki said, placing a hand on his subordinates' shoulders. "Go find Gaara. If—"

If things go south, surrender to the Konoha ninja.

Temari's expression shifted slightly as her teacher's private words before the mission floated into her mind.

Has the situation really deteriorated this much?

She couldn't help but glance at the distant rooftop, where the battle between Kage seemed like a clash of divine. The Fourth Kazekage was visibly struggling, barely holding his ground. If not for the reanimated Hokage summoned by Orochimaru disrupting the fight with large-scale ninjutsu, he might have already lost.

How could anyone break through hardened sand as if it were foam?!

Not only was the Third Hokage suppressing three Kage, but moments ago, he had even spared enough energy to send a shadow clone to eliminate the Otogakure ninja escorting Orochimaru.

BOOM!

The already crumbling arena finally gave way under the clash of the four Kage. As the structure collapsed, dozens of figures leapt into the air, scattering to their respective sides.

As soon as Link landed, he sprinted without hesitation, following the trail left by Shukaku. The main battlefield was clearly under control, transitioning into a phase resembling the manga—where the outcome of the Kage battles would decide the day.

What remained was stopping the rampaging Jinchūriki within the village.

And perhaps collecting some trophies along the way.

…

THUD!

A masked monkey-faced man was sent flying several meters.

Huff... Sasuke Uchiha let his right arm hang, his expression tense.

"Such remarkable talent," the masked man said, steadying himself. He removed his mask, revealing the face of Kabuto Yakushi. Somehow, he wore glasses under the mask, and a faint, ambiguous smile played across his lips.

"Just seeing your growth makes me pity other so-called geniuses."

He adjusted his glasses and continued, "Given more time, even I might fall to you."

His palm's chakra severed the muscles in my arm. I can't feel my right arm at all...

Sasuke analyzed the situation calmly. Without the ability to form hand seals, even his Sharingan couldn't turn the tide. His opponent's strength was overwhelming.

"Are you with Orochimaru?" Sasuke asked, stalling for time. After spending over a month with Link, he had picked up some basic medical ninjutsu knowledge. As he spoke, he began refining his chakra, attempting to reconnect the severed muscles.

"Don't waste your chakra," Kabuto said amicably. "The muscles severed by a chakra scalpel can't be reattached with your current level of medical ninjutsu."

"Come with me. Lord Orochimaru will grant you the power to exact your revenge."

No hesitation...

Kabuto studied Sasuke's expression and gaze. Despite experiencing both Orochimaru's power and the strength of the curse mark, this avenger showed no interest in the promise of power.

Moreover—

Why has this guy's gaze changed?

Before, his eyes had been filled with the malice of hatred, but now they were different.

Orochimaru?

Sasuke's eyes betrayed disdain. From Iris and Ami, he had heard stories of Orochimaru—how Link had destroyed Orochimaru's arms and driven him into retreat, leaving him to prey on weaker genin like Team Seven.

Though this guy's injuries heal almost instantly...

Sasuke noticed the wounds on Kabuto's arm disappearing before his eyes.

"!"

The sound of a projectile cutting through the air forced Kabuto to step back. A kunai embedded itself into the nearby wall.

"Hey, you!" Naruto Uzumaki shouted as he charged forward, impulsive as always.

Everyone's here... Looks like this mission is a bust, Lord Orochimaru...

Kabuto wore a false smile. Sensing the arrival of the other genin in his peripheral vision, he planted his foot to retreat. But suddenly, he froze in place.

Shikamaru Nara stood nearby, looking exhausted, his shadow linked to Kabuto's.

Is this change because of his comrades or... Link?

Kabuto pondered, dazed. If you've abandoned the identity of an avenger, then who are you now?

"You bastard!" Naruto roared, landing a punch squarely on Kabuto's face.

POOF!

A shadow clone exploded on impact.

Shikamaru winced, leaning back. "Naruto, come on. When you do that, even I get hit, and it's just a shadow clone anyway—"

An odd enemy with no killing intent.

Shikamaru glanced at the real Kabuto, standing silently on a distant rooftop, watching them. When Kabuto noticed Shikamaru's gaze, he returned it with a seemingly gentle yet hollow smile before disappearing.

…

WHAM!

Rock Lee crashed into a tree, shattering two more before finally stopping.

Damn... My body... can't take it anymore...

He half-opened his eyes, most of his body numb. The Eight Gates technique had been forcibly deactivated due to his physical condition.

Though it was meant for short bursts of overwhelming strength, his attacks hadn't been enough to defeat the monster before him. Now, all he could do was use his life-risking taijutsu to stall for time, utterly draining his body.

CRASH!

The monstrous form of Gaara stepped closer, crushing trees underfoot. His eyes burned with murderous rage.

"I'll kill you!" Gaara's voice was deep and distorted but conveyed his intent clearly.

To protect... what's important... Guy-sensei...

Lee's trembling hand clenched into a fist, but his body refused to move. His consciousness began to fade, yet he still tried to make one last stand.

"Die!"

Shukaku's massive claw descended from above.

SLASH!

A flash of light cut through the air.