Naruto had just Kabuto flying back into a boulder, Tsunade was stunned and Aceso was impressed and proud of him. As the debris cleared, a giant dent was made in the rock from the land, Kabuto's shirt was torn open in the middle, he had burns on his front. Blood seeped out from the wounds, painting the grass. Naruto had mastered the Rasengan in a week, it was pretty powerful. Somehow Kabuto was still standing, then Naruto spat up blood. He then fell back unconscious.

" Naruto!" Aceso gasped as she and Tsunade appeared on both sides of him.

" And you?" Tsunade asked as Aceso put her hand on Naruto. She looked at Kabuto. " How can you be standing after that?"

" I focused my chakra at the point of impact," Kabuto explained. " Before he'd even hit me I'd started healing myself." Steam was coming off from where Naruto hit him. " You see now why Lord Orochimaru values me so highly, not only for my skills and knowledge of Jutsu but most of all for my recuperative powers." The wound on his chest was disappearing as if he only had a few scratches. " No matter how great the injury, I can repair and re-energize any damaged cells." He took a step forward. " Naruto, on the other hand, doesn't have that gift. " Aceso unzipped his jacket as he shook. " He looks finished." Naruto was whimpering badly. Kabuto stepped forward, and let out a cry, his glasses broke, and he then fell to his knees in agony. He then fell flat on his face.

" Lady Tsunade," Aceso pleaded as Naruto began to twitch. She gasped looked over and leaned down to listen to his state of being.

" His heart is failing," Tsunade revealed as she sat up, letting her jacket fall off. Aceso got into a stance and put her hands on his chest as did Tsunade. " The muscles surrounding his heart have been torn to shreds."

" How the heck did it happen and when?" Aceso asked.

" That moment just before they separated," Tsunade recalled. " Kabuto must have struck at his heart." Aceso lifted her hands up as Tsunade made the healing chakra appear and cut open Naruto's shirt.

 " Together," Aceso said as they did the Jutsu and placed their hands on Naruto's body, focusing their chakra. The sealing Jutsu on Naruto's stomach appeared, the one that sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox inside of him. Aceso's hands were on top of Tsunade's hands, combining both of their chakras, making sure to not go overboard.

" You're wasting your time," Kabuto mocked as he lifted up his head. " It's all over for him. With my last strength, I severed his heart's chakra network. I cut him off from getting any help from the demon, the Nine-Tailed Fox. And he hasn't the power to save himself. I'm telling you. He's finished. Dead. All your skills are useless now."

" Oh, shut up," Tsunade growled. " You'll be dead soon. I'll see to that. "

" Don't ever underestimate my brother," Aceso advised. " You are going to be eating your words very soon."

" He's stopped breathing," Tsunade gasped.

 " Come one, Naruto," Aceso urged. 

" No, no," Tsunade cried out. " No!" Tears fell from her face, dripping onto Naruto's body, all over the seal. Aceso noticed a difference, things were starting to improve.

" Keep the tears up," Aceso advised.

" He's dying," Tsunade sniffed as more fell from his face.

" Exact opposite," Aceso shook her head. She let out a gasp as Naruto lifted his hand up, wrapping his hand around her necklace that dangled over him.

" Hey, " Naruto smiled as he opened his eyes, looking at her. " Don't forget our bet." The wind passed softly. " Told you, I'd win."

" He's still alive?" Kabuto asked as Naruto's hand fell.

 " You did great Naruto," Aceso said. " Rest for now."

" Okay," Naruto said without even trying to fight her on it. He closed his eyes again.

" To be Hokage," Tsunade said as she grabbed his hand. " That's still your dream, Naruto, isn't it?" She then healed the cut on his hand. " One more time. Just one more time. " She took off the necklace, lifted Naruto's head, and slipped it around him. " And for the last time. I want those words to be true." A remaining teardrop fell onto the necklace.

" What the devil!" Jiraiya called out, his voice reaching their ears. Tsunade pushed Aceso down on the ground, leaped over, and then a sword appeared through her, Aceso gasped she looked back to see Orochimaru on the other side, as a blue glowing sword went through Tsunade.

" Lady Tsunade," Aceso breathed. She spat out blood, Orochimaru, stood up and took out the sword, the sword appeared out of a snake that appeared in his mouth. He lifted his head back, and let the sword go down along with his long retracting tongue.

" Tsunade, you are the one person I wouldn't want to kill," Orochimaru admitted. " Listen to me. If that brat is allowed to live, it will mean more trouble than you and your friends could ever imagine. Stay out of my way."

" No," Tsunade denied as she shook. " You listen to me. If I do nothing else, I will protect this boy."

" Ha," Orochimaru mocked. " And how do you plan to do that? Look at you. Your body is shivering like a leaf in the wind. Besides, why would you, one of the Sannin, risk your life to save a lowly genin?" She coughed out more blood.

" By saving him, I'm saving my home," Tsunade answered as she looked up at him. " The Village Hidden in the Leaves."

" You really think you're protecting the village?" Orochimaru asked. Tsunade trembled as she looked back at Naruto.

" You see, this boy, this lowly little genin, has been chosen by fate to be Hokage someday," Tsunade said. Orochimaru laughed. 

" What nonsense," He laughed. " Even if it is true, what of it? Who cares about the Hokage? Only a fool would want that job.

" Shut up," Aceso growled. Tsunade looked back at her in surprise. 

" Silly girl," Orochimaru mocked. " Why don't you run along and play with your dolls. A silly little girl."

" Don't call me little girl," Aceso warned. "Being Hokage means you are willing to do anything for your people, the ones you love. The Hokage sets an example of how we should love the village as well and protect it. Naruto loves our village, I for one admire how much love he has for it, and how much he is willing to protect it. Like him, I too would put my life on the line for the Village Hidden in the Leaves. A fool is someone who turns their back on their village."

" From now on," Tsunade began as she stood up. " I'm gambling everything too. She looked up at him. " I'm putting my life on the line." Orochimaru gasped, not happy with what either of them had to say.

" Well, if you're really willing to throw your life away for the sake of one insignificant brat," Orochimaru began as he bent down, ready to fight. I'm happy to accommodate you." He lifted his head up, the sword popped out. He cut her across the shoulder. " Now all that's left is Naruto himself." He was walking toward him. Aceso's eyes glowed green and she put her hand up, a glowing wall appeared before Naruto, Orochimaru's sword hit the wall, putting him at a stop. He looked at Aceso, she was on the same side as him. " Forgot about you." He laughed, he swung his sword up and sliced down.

" Lady Tsunade!" Shizune cried out. The blade hit Aceso, someone had thrown their body in front of her. 

" Lady Tsunade," Aceso gasped when she saw the blade had struck her side.

 " You really are determined, aren't you?" Orochimaru asked in a taunt. " I'm impressed."

" Didn't I make it clear enough, you fool?" Tsunade asked. " I meant before I said. I will die before I let you touch him, her too."

" You're half dead already," Orochimaru growled as he slammed his foot down, kicking her aside. " Ha." He kicked Aceso to the side. " Such brave talk. But look at you, you're still trembling all over. Poor thing. You just can't shake your fear of blood, can you? You see how pointless it is, and all for what? For the sake of an obnoxious little boy, you don't even know? For the sake of a worthless village, you left behind years ago?" She was trembling, then she stopped. " What? No!" Tsunade stood up, giving Orochiamru a kick, sending him back. " You stopped the trembling. How?"

" I finally remembered something," Tsunade answered. Orochimaru stood back up. " I've been chosen as the Fifth Hokage of the Leaf Village." Purple markings appeared on her face, from the little diamond in the middle of her forehead. Aceso's eyes widen as she let out a quiet gasp. She was quite happy to hear those words.

" Wha...what's that mark?" Orochimaru asked. He swirled around, to get back on his feet, his arms were useless. " Whatever you call yourself, it makes no difference. You may have conquered your inner weakness. But what about the rest of you? You can hardly expect to defeat me in your condition." Tsunade put her hands in a sign.

" No," Shizune protested. " Lady Tsunade, wait. Let me treat your wounds. Please, don't break the seal." A purple glowed appeared all over her body, her pigtails lifted up, waving around. The markings turned black, and they retreated. The wounds on her body began to disappear as they did for Kabuto. Except for the blood that remained on her body.

" It seems I'm not the only person who's been spending their time discovering new Jutsu," Orochimaru noted. " This one's very impressive. How's it done?"

" My chakra. For years, I've stored it up in a space behind my forehead, saving it for just such an occasion," Tsunade answered. " With the chakra reservoir, my body's ability to create new cells is accelerated. The cells divide rapidly, spreading throughout my body and regenerating any damaged organs. It's like having the ability to reincarnate myself. You see you can slash your way at me all you want, but I can't be killed." She wiped the blood from her mouth and wiped it on her arm.

" Lady Tsunade!" Shizune cried out.

" Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto yelled out. The man jumped over to him.

" Summoning Jutsu!" All the Sannin yelled as they slammed their hand on the ground. Aceso felt her body leaving the ground, as it rose up higher on top of something white and blue. She glanced to see a giant purple snake, Chief, and a slug, the one she was on.

" How you doing Daddy?" Gamatatsu asked.

" Uh-oh, he's looking at us!" Gamakichi panicked as the snake looked at them. " Watch out! Yo, Gamatatsu! Time to skedaddle!"

" Say what?" Gamatatsu asked as his brother ran off. " But it's just getting exciting. " Tonton followed.

" Shut up and get moving!" Gamakichi ordered.

" Manda and Orochimaru, Katsuyy and Tsunade," Chief noted. " The dear old faces reunited once again." He then blew out some smoke. " Did you bring a hanky, Jiraiya? I think I'm going to cry."

" You old fool," Jiraiya smiled. " I didn't summon you here after all this time just to listen to your stupid jokes. This rivalry's gone on long enough. It's time I end it. Today, I'm putting Orochimaru out of our misery once and for all."

" Well, Orochimaru, why have you dragged me here?" Manda asked. " You know I don't like being summoned. Maybe I should just eat you and be done with it."

" No, please don't talk that way, Lord Manda," Kabuto pleaded. " You'll be well rewarded for your trouble, don't worry."

" Who do you think you're talking to, you little bug?" Manda snapped. " What would the likes of you have that I could possibly want? Bah!" Kabuto kept his mouth shut. " So, Orochimaru, when this is over, I'll expect 100 human sacrifices."

" Katsuyu, see to the boy," Tsunade requested. " Take him to Shizune quickly, and have the girl come along."

" Yes, my lady. At once," Katsuyu agreed. Two smaller slugs appeared below both kids, slid down the giant slug, and fell onto the ground as Shizune stood up.

" Shizune, girl, please look after the boy," A smaller Katsuyu requested.

" Naruto," Shizune breathed as she looked at him, he was in a bad state.

" The battle to come promises to be a most fearful one," Katsuyu informed. " You, the girl, and this clone of myself must take the boy somewhere safe and see that no harm comes to him." Aceso got off the mini slug as Shizune grabbed Naruto, she went and got the other side of him. " This is the wish of your mistress." One of the slugs went back into the big slug as the other three took Naruto off to a safe spot. They watched as the fight ranged on, Jiraiya and Chief let out a big fire, and now Tsunade had Orochimaru by the tongue. She went to go punch and missed, she was panting heavily.

" She's reached the end of her strength," Katsuyu noted

" Everyone has their limits," Orochimaru said with a smile. " Yes, even you."

" Shut up!" Tsunade yelled, she pulled him up by his tongue, let and go, and punched him. He flew back, she jumped forward and began pounding on him.

" Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto cried out after Tsunade landed a big punch, that sent him flying toward the ground. They landed on the giant snake, that had Chief's sword through its head.

" Oh, no, you don't!" Tsunade yelled as Orochimaru tried to get away, they were now on the ground running. " This isn't over till it's over." She jumped in front of him, they began to dodge and throw attacks. " Hold still!" Her kick sent him flying back, he opened his mouth, his tongue shot out, and wrapped around Tsunade, tying her arms to her side. The sword popped out once more, this Tsuande landed on it, put her feet on both sides, and turned, she let him go and he let her go. She didn't waste a second before punching him again. She was now walking toward him after kicking a distance away. She did a Jutsu and a blue chakra built up in her right hand. " Give my regards to hell." She slammed her fist into his face, right below the mouth. He flew back, slammed into the sword, and fell onto the giant snake.

" It's over," Jiraiya noted as Kabuto crawled over to an unconscious Orochimaru.

" Yeah," Chief agreed.

" Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto trembled as he grabbed his master.

" He made me clumsy and careless," Manda hissed. " I'd eat you both right now, but I won't be swallowing solid food for weeks, thanks to this hole in my mouth. But if we meet again--Well, he'd better hope we don't." He then disappeared leaving behind clouds of smoke. Tsunade then fell onto her knees, panting heavily. When they disappeared it was a surprise to see Orochimaru standing on his feet.

" Tsunade..." Orochimaru panted. " So you refuse to heal my arms, do you? Very well, then. I don't need you. There is one other way." He looked up, part of his face was gone, and underneath the skin was a new face. " And I will destroy the Leaf Village. Depend on it. I hope we'll all meet again very soon when I once more walk among you. Until then, my dear old friends." He began to sink into the ground. " When I return with the Elixir of Life, I'll show you what it means to be truly immortal."

" We'll meet again," Kabuto agreed, he did a Jutsu and disappeared. 

" Wait!" Jiraiya called out. Tsunade stood up weakly. But it was too late, the two had disappeared. After a couple of minutes passed, Katsuyu disappeared and they all surrounded Naruto who was still unconscious. 

" Tsunade, you never could recognize a fool's be when you saw it," Jiraiya teased playfully. 

" The jutsu's side effects," Shizune said as Tsunade began to tremble. "Lady Tsunade." Her skin began to age rapidly.

" I see," Aceso breathed.

" It's all right," Tsunade assured. " If I rest a bit, my younger form will be restored. I'll go into town. Then, when Naruto's recovered, we can head back to the Leaf Village."

" Tsunade," Jiraiya breathed.

" No more first names," Tsunade ordered. " You know what you've got to call me now." Aceso looked at Shizune, they looked at each other, nodded, and then looked back down at Naruto.