In many cases, the truth simply didn't need to be known. Kakashi believed that Shigure didn't need to know what kind of deal he had made with the Sixth Hokage. Nor did Tsunade-sama need to understand all the details. In the end, it could all be reduced to a single phrase: various circumstances, or perhaps simply, he wasn't meant to die yet.
Losing his Sharingan meant Kakashi could no longer use the famed Lightning Cutter that shook the ninja world. All he had left was the swordsmanship he had long abandoned. But he was still Kakashi. Even without Raikiri, he was not "nothing."
A faint green glow spread across his back as medical chakra sealed a wound so deep it reached the bone. Had he not met Tsunade by chance, he would have died on the roadside. And dying in a place like that meant nothing. But if he died, then what would happen to those still living?
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama." Bandages were wrapped around him again and again. Two layers would've been enough, this is wasting material.
"Just what happened to you? Who did this to you?" Tsunade asked after finishing the treatment. Her eyes then lingered on something even more troubling, the prosthetic arm.
Kakashi had never been injured like this in all his years as a shinobi. So why now, after "retiring," had he lost an arm? He didn't answer. Instead, he stood, ignoring Tsunade's attempt to stop him, and put on his black coat. Black was convenient. It hid the blood.
He had to return quickly. To report to Danzo that he was still alive. That he hadn't run. "It was just an accident," Kakashi said with a strained smile.
BOOM. A voice cut in from the shadows. "Good thing you collapsed near my base, Kakashi." Orochimaru.
Kakashi finally looked around. The dim interior was unmistakably Orochimaru's style. The Land of Sound had already been absorbed by the Land of Fire. Small nations were disappearing one after another. Kakashi had always known Orochimaru used hidden bases in minor countries, but he hadn't known the man even had facilities in the Land of Iron. Why is Tsunade with Orochimaru? It was a question that made no sense. But Kakashi didn't want the answer. It no longer mattered.
He bowed slightly, but his injured back refused the motion. So instead, he simply said: "Thank you."
Tsunade looked like she understood something, but not everything. "Kakashi?" "I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama. I've defected from Konoha." Silence.
Orochimaru, however, only tilted his head slightly. "So that's it." Then he asked casually: "How is Karin?" That single question told Kakashi everything. Orochimaru already knew.
"Neither good nor bad," Kakashi replied. "I promised a certain girl I would look after her," Orochimaru said. "Can you bring her out?"
Karin, escape is possible, but unlikely. Jofuku Flower poison makes fleeing meaningless. Kakashi explained honestly.
Tsunade, listening, finally understood the situation. Danzo. Of course it was him. A man like Danzo would never hesitate to turn war into profit. She could only condemn it in words. Nothing more.
Orochimaru, however, only smiled faintly. "If she's still there, then come to me directly." Kakashi bowed deeply. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama." Orochimaru stepped aside. He did not accept the gesture. Kakashi left quickly.
A small slug crawled out from Tsunade's sleeve and onto her shoulder. Orochimaru noticed. "Still not giving up?" "I have no reason to give up," Tsunade replied.
Orochimaru chuckled. "Shizune's medical jellyfish were already perfected before she left. If she truly abandons Konoha, she won't summon Katsuyu again. Your reverse summoning idea is pointless." Tsunade's expression tightened. She said nothing.
Orochimaru shrugged. "I suppose I'm not one to judge. I've done nothing to save anyone either." Then, almost casually: "Want a drink?" "I've already stopped gambling, alcohol too." "Pity."
Kakashi returned to Amegakure quickly, carried by Obito's clay bird. The journey didn't take long. But the moment he stepped into the village, his wounds split open again. Pain surged through his body like fire. His missing arm throbbed dully.
It doesn't matter. What mattered was simple. He had to reach the women's prison. He had to get Anko out.
He had made many requests to Danzo before: change the prison conditions, provide winter clothes, transfer Anko and Neji. Danzo had replied: "One thing at a time."
Kakashi understood. So he chose. Neji or Anko. He chose Anko. Because Anko's methods were unpredictable, uncontrollable, and because Danzo had given her to the prison system in the first place.
So Kakashi pushed harder. And now, he was here.