Chapter 7: Pruning and Grafting

Manda shot forward as the summons and sages took their fight beyond the trees. Leaving Naruto, Yakumo, and Isaribi to fend off Danzo and his Root division. With Naruto charging forward at the old fossil.

Danzo calmly looks at the disobedient weapon before activating his Sharingan's ultimate ability. Expecting the Uzumaki to pause and obey his true master. However, what happened next only gave him a split second to activate his other multiple hidden Sharingan and one failsafe jutsu.

The green eyes glowed gold as the protective lenses peeled away. Scaring Danzo for the first time as he 'revived' close by. Only to curse himself at underestimating the potency of the jinchuriki's ocular powers. Powers that have destroyed his own eye and the former eye of Shisui Uchiha.

"I'm surprised. And also annoyed that you are still alive after seeing my cursed eyes. The eyes that bring death to all who look on them at full power. It seems the fox was right when he sensed your abomination of an arm. The only reason your alive is you still have a few more eyes left for me to destroy before I make your trip to the afterlife permanent." Naruto glares as he catches up and readies Orochi-Kodami to cut Danzo to pieces.

"I was meant to be the one true ruler of the Leaf! And you were to be my weapon to destroy all in Konoha's path! Sarutobi was a fool when he thought you were meant to be more than just a tool! Root to me!" Danzo cries as he utilizes wind jutsu blindly.

Preventing Naruto from getting close to him while he awaited his forces to grab him and retreat to one of their underground operations. However, all the Root agents were being subdued, bound, and forced unconscious after Isaribi and Yakumo got through with them. Being stronger than the drones because of Naruto and Anko-sensei's training. And having home advantage in fighting in the Forest of Death than most shinobi.

Danzo grew impatient as he could not see or sense his security force coming to bail him. Too cautious to reveal his remaining Sharingan on his covered arm or else those deadly eyes destroy him completely. Never had the Warhawk believed such a thing could happen. That another set of eyes could be more powerful than the legendary bloodline of the Uchiha Clan.

He prepared to use his hidden wood jutsu to trap and bind the Uzumaki that dared remove his precious eyes that he gained for the good of the Leaf.

Naruto sensed that Danzo was up to something as he got closer. Not wanting to give the shadow warmonger another second, he disoriented the old fossil with several hits from his fist and pommel before kicking him into a tree. The trunk cracked at the force of the kick as Naruto once again raised his sword to cut off Danzo's arm before taking his corrupt head.

Danzo for the first time in forever let out his anger and frustration as he summoned an orange elephant like monster. The baku. It opens its large mouth as it starts to devour anything in its vacuum range. Having Naruto and the girls hide behind the large trees that were resisting the beast's pull.

"I will not die here! My summon will devour you before you can ever use your infernal eyes against me! Once the devourer of nightmares traps you in its stomach, I will have my other hidden forces ready to bind you and extract your miraculous eyes and implant them in me to make up for the ones you destroyed. Then I will become the most feared after taking the Hokage seat and be known as the death bringer to all who look upon me or Konoha as their enemy!" Danzo raves as he hides behind the baku's front legs as the Summon continues to devour ripped roots, bushes, and anything else in its tunnel path.

Speaking of summons, the battle between Toad and Snake waged a good distance while keeping an eye on the other fight.

Jiraiya had hopped on Manda's back as the towering snake had gotten his tail in Gamabunta's blind spot. Wrapping the toad in his coils. But the Toad summon wasn't struggling like a scared animal as he unsheathed his tall tanto to pierce the snake's scales and get himself free. Unfortunately, Manda saw this and had his fanged jaws grasp the blade preventing Gamabunta from piercing his scales.

The two Summons were in a stalemate as Jiraiya worked to free his summon by searching for Manda's weak spots. However, he also searched for Orochimaru who had slithered out of sight while the summons fought a battle of will and endurance. His caution paid off as he jumped up. Avoiding a back strike from the pale sage that grinned in hunger and excitement.

The two began fighting using Taijutsu while also using their sharp tongue and spiked hair. Orochimaru retracted as he hated that buffoon's annoying yet effective defense. The White Snake Sage summons the Kusanagi into his hand before covering it in wind jutsu to give the super pervert a well needed trim.

Only to stop as the sages sensed the summoning of the baku. The beast with an appetite bigger than Manda's had its mouth opened in their direction as it slowly started to pull them in its gaping mouth.

"It seems Danzo must be desperate to capture the troublesome Uzumaki. Yet he always seemed to have the worst luck when it came to dealing with that clan when they have special eyes. I wonder which is more powerful. The Eyes of the Ruler of Snakes, or the Rinnegan that the S-rank Akatsuki have as their leader?" taunted Orochimaru.

"Stop lying, Orochimaru! You can't fool me into believing that my former students are alive after the report of their deaths when Hanzo had captured them. Besides, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan would never reform their rebellion group to spread fear and terror that continues the cycle of hatred. I taught them better.

Just like I taught my other student that became a more worthy Hokage than you ever would have been. And once I have removed the eyes and the poisonous teachings of the Snakes, I will make certain Naruto learns the proper way and surpasses Minato that he will become not just the savior of Konoha, but the savior of the world!" Jiraiya declares.

Orochimaru scoffs at his naïve fellow student of Sarutobi. "I honestly wonder how foolish you are to believe that the boy will ever accept you or your teachings. It is because of your teachings that Minato foolishly believed that the village's hate would die after learning of his son's burden while hiding his identity until you finished training him to protect himself. I too have experienced how hatred and prejudice are not so easy to dismiss when they see or know that you are different than them.

Instead of passing your spy network to your most trusted spy and focusing on the boy's growth, you let the village harm him to make him a more malleable apprentice for you to mold when you no longer let the face of your Namikaze student haunt you. You didn't even go back to Ame to verify if your previous students were truly dead. The report you were given only was half-true. One of your students did die to protect the others.

And because of Yahiko's death, the bearer of the Rinnegan awakened to the world around him as he unleashed his full power. Going underground and reevaluating your teachings until he decided that the only way to save the world was by destroying it. Even allowing me to join their ranks for a time until I got too anxious in gaining the dojutsu that was less dangerous from the Akatsuki. Nagato has become a frightening opponent. Even that he believes himself to be a god that will destroy all corruption. That is your legacy, Jiraiya. Instead of a Savior of Salvation, you raised a God of Pain and Devastation."

Jiraiya was shaking in fear and realization that the prophecy now had two candidates. One that was set on bringing destruction while the other was following his own path that was not following Jiraiya's. If Nagato truly is the Akatsuki leader known as Pain, he needed to stop him before the Elemental Nations paid the price for his mistakes.

But he needed help if the Rinnegan was involved. If Naruto's new eyes had the power to overcome the Sharingan than maybe it could rival if not eliminate the corrupting power of the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. Jiraiya had to trust his sensei and his passing student again after it was shaken from recent events.

Getting closer to the baku's mouth Jiriaya, Orochimaru, and the two boss summons spotted Naruto holding onto a tree vine and his imbedded sword. Seeing that his eyes were green, since the boy decided the death gaze would not be effective in this scenario, and full of determination in facing the baku and its master. The Uzumaki heir did something unexpected as he aimed directly into baku's mouth. Unleashing a dark colored mist that soon was swallowed by the baku.

The baku's eyes widened as it ate a poison never tasted before. Feeling its life slipping quickly. It closed its mouth shut and vanished back to the summon realm to die while leaving Danzo bewildered and alone. Taking the initiative, Jiraiya kicks the Kusanagi out of Orochimaru's hand and delivers a Rasengan to the face. Only for the pale sage to reveal himself to be a simple Mud Clone while the real Kusanagi fell and landed near where Isaribi and Yakumo hid with their captive Root agents.

Manda not wanting to leave the fight in a stalemate, he uncoils the end of his tail to smack Gamabunta in the face. The Toad lets go of his sword as the Snake boss tosses it away before striking his opponent on the arm. His fangs injecting their venom into the giant amphibian before removing them and using his coils to throw Gamabunta across the Forest of Death.

The Toad Boss quickly retreated so the other Mt. Myoboku toads could help neutralize the venom and heal his injuries. Leaving Manda to shake the remaining sage off his body before focusing his attention on Naruto who now was charging Danzo. Not giving the warhawk time to unseal his last trump card as Naruto slices the Hashirama-cell arm before delivering a horizontal slash that freed Danzo's head from his shoulders.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief that the most likely instigator of his early childhood torment was finally gone. Looking forward to Harry-niisan sending that old man to his deserved afterlife. He turns to look at Jiraiya who stood there staring at him.

The Toad Sage gives a look not of disappointment, but of confusion and sorrow. He then reverse-summons himself to his summon's realm to ponder on things. Leaving Naruto with Manda, his teammates, and the real Orochimaru who appeared.

Manda laughs in joy at having his victory now gaining him favor to the Basilisk Queen. As well as the great accomplishment of his summoner that had defeated the legendary baku and its contractor.

"I hope that my victory over the stinking toad has proven my power boy. It will take days for Gamabunta to recover from my poison and inflicted injuries."

"You have done well, Manda-sama. You also stood your ground against the gaping maw of that summon that almost ripped the giant trees from the floor. Kendra-chan will view you in a more favorable light than Garagara." Said Naruto before bowing respectfully to the horned serpent.

Manda accepts the praise before vanishing back to Ryuchi Cave to declare his victory and continue his conquest to woo Kendra. Naruto then had his full attention on Orochimaru. The two of them staring at the other's serpentine gaze for several moments.

"You let Jiraiya escape." Naruto points out.

"But not intact. I always liked to deal deep wounds of the mental nature than of the physical. He is now broken at now wanting to confirm that he inadvertently created the Akatsuki that is preparing to hunt and capture the jinchuriki and their respective Tailed Beast." Orochimaru retorts.

Naruto mulls it over before speaking again. "I suppose that 'wounding' the pervert would get him to question if his quest to reform me is worth it if he tries to talk sense to his former pupils. Undoubtedly. But his next decision will still have his fate judged by me. A win-win I guess. Which means I will convince my godmother to examine and heal your subordinate."

Orochimaru smiles before looking at the other members of Team 9 that gather their prisoners before jumping to Naruto's side. The sage then walks over to Danzo's remains. Looking at Danzo's lifeless eyes before picking up the prosthetic arm full of Sharingan that had unraveled from their bandages. Revealing only one eye was dim compared to the others.

Orochimaru then walks over to his latest test subjects before looking at Team 9. "I look forward to our future arrangements that we will discuss."

"Are you leaving without this?" Naruto shows the Kusanagi that Isaribi picked up by the handle and given to her teammate.

"I was going to gift it to Sasuke-kun, but I wished to see how special your powers were that I only was able to give him my curse mark. And what I have witnessed has surpassed my expectations. You even spared me a few Sharingan that Danzo forced me to graft for him. So, keep it. As a gift and apology to my former pupil." Orochimaru chuckles before vanishing into the forest floor along with his captives.

After taking a few moments to check to see if their area was secure and vacant Naruto was tackled by his teammates. Hugging him in a grip that seemed to compare to Tsunade's bone crushing hugs. Naruto accepted it and returned it before discussing their next course of action.

"Well, this has been an exciting day. Why don't we make a break for the tower. We should arrive in time to get first place as the finishers of the Second Exam in record time. And surprise Anko-chan with our gift from the pedo snake."

"But can we trust Orochimaru? He is known far and wide in getting what he wants in his shady dealings and forgetting projects that say they work for him, but he never visits. Like how I was part of an experiment from one of his scientists before Tsunade and Shizune saved me." Said Isaribi.

"Maybe. But I have a feeling that the traitor will soon get himself cornered with no escape from his punishment. Leaving his village and resources to the ones that now own his sword and summoning contract. A hidden refuge that not even the pervert has been able to find. Making it a backup hideaway if Konoha blows over and my ancestral homeland is too obvious for the Akatsuki or my parents' enemies in locating me." Said Naruto.

"Why don't we hold off on this discussion for Anko sensei, Lord Hokage, and Lady Tsunade to be a part of. After we reach the tower and finish the Second Exam. Then we should inform them of what happened and your deal you made with the leader of the Sound Village. If you still have your head and your manhood." Yakumo leaves for Naruto as she and Isaribi started tree walking up the tree before tree hopping to reach the tower.

Naruto's eyes shrink at realizing that he was in trouble for making a devil deal with Orochimaru. He quickly follows them as he uses his communication seal to tell them to wait up for him. Only hearing the giggles of his two teammates in his head as he accepted that they had got back at him for the First Exam.

Scene Change

To Team 9's shock, they had reached the tower in 'second' place. Team Gaara having finished before them and getting Anko to berate Naruto for making her lose her bet with the other Jounin. It was the Kusanagi that saved his bacon as he then took Anko and his team to discuss what happened in the Forest of Death to the Hokage and Tsunade who was in his office when they arrived.

To say that Tsunade was angry would be an understatement. She punched Naruto through the office door before pouncing on him and demanding what her good for nothing godchild was thinking. It was thanks to Anko and Shizune that restrained the Slug Sage further before Yakumo and Isaribi quickly explained things further. While adding the fact that Danzo was no more, and Jiraiya had retreated after learning of his past students that may be still alive.

The mention of the Ame trio got Tsunade's attention as she remembered those three orphans. The young kids that Jiraiya took pity on and raised before they left Rain Country after the Second Shinobi War. Tsunade was not amused that her snake of a teammate had verified their survival and revision before he left the Akatsuki.

Nevertheless, she knew that Jiraiya would now start to think more clearly than trying to force her godson into being his prophesied savior. Hopefully he would be his old caring self for his comrades than being a toad fanatic. Time would tell.

The Senju princess had other concerns now that she was required to heal one of Orochimaru's ill subordinate. Her oath as a doctor would not allow others to suffer due to illness or other kinds of pain. Having accepted to take in the new patient when Team Dosu made it out of the Forest of Death in one piece a few days later. Meeting Naruto and the others in the Hokage Hospital.

The Sound ninja pledged their loyalty to Naruto and to the Uzumaki Clan. Naruto accepted this as he told Dosu to bring the patient. Confusing Kin and Zaku who were not told of the new arrangement via their spy. Dosu vanishes in a swirl of wind before returning with another person.

Tsunade and Shizune were shocked to see that the person that required medical attention had the distinguished cranial zigzag pattern between his white hair and two scarlet dots on his forehead. The markings of the infamous Kaguya Clan that was believed to have become extinct. Except Orochimaru found the last living member.

"A living member of the Kaguya Clan. I thought it impossible. But only Orochimaru could have got his hands on a rare bloodline user like yourself. Tell me, can you actually use the Dead Bone Pulse?" asked Tsunade.

"Dead Bone Pulse?" Isaribi asks.

"It is said that those of the Kaguya Clan have a special bloodline that allows them to use and manipulate their bones and entire skeletal system to fight. Making them a lethal force to enemies. Especially when there are also able to regenerate their bones and strengthen them to be as strong as steel." Shizune explains.

Her answer has Team 9 and Team Dosu have a jaw dropping scene. Not knowing such a bloodline existed. The Kaguya named Kimimaro stepped forward and answered Tsunade before clarifying Shizune's words.

"I can use my clan's Kekkei Genkai. However, it is more accurate to compare and surpass my bone's strength to that of tempered steel that shows no signs of being brittle. Lord Orochimaru saved me and gave me purpose until I became ill that gives me trouble when breathing. Even sometimes coughing up blood" Said Kimimaro.

Tsunade narrows her eyes as she takes in the information. Getting a vial and needle ready as she receives permission nod to take some of his blood. Afterwards she hands the vial to her student/assistant who worked quickly to begin analyzing.

"You could be diagnosed with the rare case of having Tuberculosis disease. We won't know until I get the results. It's not common in the Elemental Nations, but I have almost developed a cure for it after having my fear of blood gone thanks to my sweet godson. Who from what I have been told is to be your new lord." Tsunade pointed to the blindfolded Uzumaki.

Kimimaro takes several steps before being in Naruto's face. His eyes narrowed at the strange Uzumaki that didn't share the clan's distinct red hair. "I will not pledge to one who cannot look me in the eye. Are you a selfish boy compared to my selfless master? What is your reason for living?"

Anko looks ready to unsheathe the Kusanagi that Naruto had given her, only for him to stop her. He slowly removes his blindfold before revealing his protected green slit eyes to the Kaguya and Team Dosu. Seeing the green with no white sclera in the background, made Dosu and Zaku hesitant at seeing a more monstrous snake man than Orochimaru.

Kin and Kimimaro didn't see the hungry eyes of a predator, but akin to that of a noble dragon that showed might, majesty, and humility. Although the Kaguya sensed that there was a hidden side that would bring fury and death to any that looked to be the Uzumaki's enemy. That did not prepare them for the response that Naruto would give.

"I am not one to covet for things that are not given to me. I'd rather prove my strength and my heart that I am worthy of the gifts and blessings that I have received. I know what it's like to be ostracized and hated for being different, even before I got these new eyes. But I will always honor my words with my actions by protecting the family I never had growing up. To the one I am slowly growing by making them and myself stronger to be more than just tools to be thrown away when aged or broken.

I ask you not to be my slave or my servant. I ask that you be my fellow comrade that I can rely and depend on to protect those that are not as strong as you and I are. And maybe someday, when you are cured from your affliction revive the Kaguya Clan to be better than what it once was. With the Uzumaki's as your first and longtime ally for generations to come in bringing something that this world needs more than bloodlines. Peace."

After hearing this Kimimaro is surprised along with Team Dosu. Tsunade smirks as she looks forward to more great things that Naruto and his increasing precious people will bring to the war-torn Elemental Nations. Anko is grinning at how charismatic her Snake King has become after surviving her ex-sensei and the old shadow fossil. That she pounces on the unsuspecting boy as he tries to free himself from her playful strong headlock. Having Isaribi and Kin try to break the snake slut from their potential boyfriend.

Zaku and Dosu are inwardly cursing at the Uzumaki's good fortune with the ladies. While Kimimaro looks at the scene with awe and inner turmoil. He then looks to the remaining member of Team 9 who has been placed in a medical wheelchair. Having pushed her body when running and fighting in the Forest of Death. She seemed to look at the Kaguya with envy and admiration much to Kimimaro's surprise before Yakumo quickly hides a blush forming on her face. She looks again in anticipation on what will happen next.

After thinking it over, Kimimaro takes a bow that it stops the banter.

"I, Kimimaro, last member of the Kaguya Clan, do hereby swear loyalty to Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. To the protection and restoration of the Uzumaki Clan and Kaguya Clan. May my vessel serve as your retainer to accomplish your greatest goal." vows Kimimaro.

Naruto gets free from the girls to raise Kimimaro up. Having accepted the vow and then going to take Yakumo to her room with Isaribi and Anko following. Hoping that their whole team can participate in the final Third Exams tomorrow.

Anko would not be there to watch as she was heading to Ryuichi Cave to begin her training with the snakes at now having the Kusanagi and no curse mark. So, she was spending as much quality time with her hubby and little sisters before then. Leaving Tsunade to direct the sound ninja to the Namikaze/Uzumaki compound to rest and prepare for tomorrow.

Happy New Year! I apologize on my slow updates to my stories. This one was a needed update that required much thinking. I hope that this satisfies those who have been waiting patiently for the King of Snakes to update. I still am figuring out how to finish Uzu-Udun while not making it sound rushed. The Rings of Power has got me anxious for Season 2 and hoping to see more of the balrog and other fantastical creatures of Middle Earth. The other fanfictions are not forgotten, while new ones have popped in my head.

Stay Healthy and Stay Safe this new year of 2023!