Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru sped through the forest at full pace. After traveling nonstop for an entire day, Jiraiya, who was carrying Isamu on his back, finally reached his limit. Sweat poured down his face, and his speed began to drop.
Seeing this, Orochimaru spoke up, "Jiraiya, don't push yourself. You're just slowing us down like this. Let me carry Big Brother Isamu."
Jiraiya didn't argue—he really was exhausted. Carefully, he handed Isamu over.
Just as Orochimaru was about to move, Tsunade stopped him. "Wait. Let me check his condition first."
Orochimaru nodded and gently laid Isamu on the ground. Tsunade immediately began examining him with medical chakra. After a moment, her expression darkened.
"No… his condition is getting worse. At this rate, we won't make it back to Konoha in time."
Jiraiya panicked. "Then we can't just watch him die! Tsunade, Orochimaru, think of something!"
Orochimaru stayed silent. He already knew—Isamu was beyond saving unless a miracle happened.
Tsunade, however, remained strangely calm. "Stop shouting, Jiraiya. I have a plan. No matter what, we're getting him back to Konoha."
She bit her finger and formed hand seals.
"Summoning Technique!"
A one-meter-tall white Katsuyu appeared.
"Lady Tsunade? Where are we? Why have you summoned me?" Katsuyu asked, confused.
Because of the memory extraction, it had forgotten everything.
"No time to explain," Tsunade said urgently. "Split yourself and attach to all of us. Heal Isamu and restore our chakra. We need to reach Konoha fast."
Katsuyu moved to Isamu first and began healing him. After a moment, it froze.
"Lady Tsunade… Lord Isamu, he… he…"
"I know," Tsunade cut it off sharply. "Don't say it. Just do as I said."
"…Understood."
Katsuyu split into four. One attached to Isamu, the others to Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru.
With that support, Orochimaru lifted Isamu again, and the three rushed forward at full speed.
Tsunade clenched her fists, staring at Isamu.
As long as we reach Konoha… Grandma Mito will save him. He'll be fine… he has to be.
They ran day and night without rest.
On the fifth day, they finally reached the forest outside Konoha.
On the village wall, Nawaki noticed them. "Someone's coming!"
He jumped down and gathered several veteran Genin at the gate.
As the trio approached, Jiraiya saw the gates and roared, "Konoha! This great lord is back! Ahhhh!"
He burst forward at top speed. Tsunade and Orochimaru followed closely behind.
"Nee-san! It's my sister!" Nawaki shouted, waving.
"And Lord Jiraiya! Lord Orochimaru too!"
The Genin relaxed immediately.
But Tsunade didn't even glance at him. She rushed straight through the gate with the others, heading toward Uzumaki Mito's residence.
"Huh?" Nawaki blinked. "Why did she ignore me?"
The Genin exchanged looks.
"They're in a hurry… something serious must've happened."
"Didn't you see? Lord Jiraiya was carrying someone."
"…Someone injured?"
Nawaki's expression changed.
Only one person could make his sister act like that.
"…It's him."
Without hesitation, Nawaki ran after them.