Chapter 349
Kakuzu, in the original work, can be considered a legend!
He is perhaps the most unique member of the Akatsuki! Looking through the entire history of Naruto, he is also quite special because this guy lived through the Warring States period and did not truly die until the Fourth Great Ninja War!
He lived for more than ninety years before finally perishing!
Yet he remained in peak condition the entire time!
This was due to his mastery of an extremely unique secret technique—Earth Grudge Fear!
By controlling chakra to extend black tendrils within his body, he could seize other ninjas' organs and hearts, prolonging his life by replacing his own heart.
He even once attempted to assassinate the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Even more astonishing, despite failing, he managed to escape alive and return to his then-affiliated village, Takigakure!
When analyzing the original story, Haruto Saito once speculated that Kakuzu's ability to escape from the First Hokage had much to do with Hashirama's personality. It was likely that Hashirama did not want to cause excessive destruction or harm innocents, allowing Kakuzu to flee!
Otherwise, killing Kakuzu would have been too easy for Hashirama!
If, instead of Hashirama, Kakuzu had tried to assassinate Madara Uchiha... he would have been obliterated, reduced to ashes! Madara's temperament would have never allowed him to escape!
Now, it was the early days of Konoha's thirty-third year!