Time passed, second by agonizing second. Kabuto Yakushi had no idea how many times Itachi had stabbed him. From the incessant screaming at the beginning, he now no longer had the strength to even groan. His consciousness began to blur.

When he woke up, he found himself back in reality. Itachi Uchiha stood before him, cold and emotionless, his face like that of a devil.

"Hah… hah…" Kabuto could no longer support his own body and fell to his knees with a heavy thud. "Lord… Lord Orochimaru… I'm sorry… I… I couldn't protect you…" With that, Kabuto fainted.

With Kabuto defeated, the only one Orochimaru could rely on now was his own crippled self. He spat the Kusanagi sword from his mouth, preparing to make one final, desperate struggle.

"It's useless, Orochimaru," Itachi said. "You'd be better off just surrendering."

A crow appeared at Itachi's side, and just as he was about to attack, Tsunade suddenly rushed in front of Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru is a traitor to Konoha. If he is to be dealt with, it will be by our hand. And you, Itachi, you are also a traitor. Since you're here today, don't even think about leaving!"

"Lady Tsunade," Itachi said slowly, "you cannot stop me."

"Hmph," Tsunade snorted, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "Times really have changed. Why don't any of you young people take me seriously anymore? I think you're all the same. You only learn your lesson after you've been taught it the hard way!"

Tsunade, enraged, swung her iron fist directly at Itachi.

CLANG!

Kisame Hoshigaki quickly appeared, planting himself in front of Itachi and blocking Tsunade's attack with his massive sword, Samehada.

"Well, tsk tsk tsk… this woman is truly strong," Kisame said, gritting his teeth, a wide, shark-like smile still on his face.

"You're not so simple yourself, to be able to withstand my monstrous strength," Tsunade sneered. "However, I only used fifty percent of my power in that punch. The next time I attack, I'll use one hundred percent!"

"What?" Kisame was shocked. If that was true, there was no way he could defend against it. It seemed a head-on confrontation was out of the question.

Kisame quickly took a few steps back and began to form a series of hand seals. "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu!" A dragon made of water roared up from the ground.

"With this kind of technique, what can you possibly do to me?" Tsunade leaped into the air and punched the dragon square in the face. The powerful force of the blow instantly shattered the water dragon into a fine mist.

"Hehe…" Looking at Tsunade fighting in front of him, Orochimaru said softly, "I never expected you to do this for me. It's been a long time, Tsunade."

"You narcissistic bastard!" Tsunade said angrily. "I'm not protecting you! After I deal with these two, I'm taking you back to Konoha to be punished!" With that, she rushed forward again. This time was different; her fists were glowing with a powerful, concentrated chakra.

Itachi immediately noticed the change and whispered a warning, "Kisame, be careful. Don't let her fist hit you."

"Hehehe…" Kisame grinned. "Mr. Itachi, have you forgotten my ability? My Samehada's sense of smell for chakra is no worse than your eyes!" Ignoring Itachi's warning, Kisame swung his massive blade and rushed forward.

"Your chakra is mine now!"

Tsunade frowned. She knew about Samehada's abilities. However, she had no intention of backing down.

BOOM!