Chapter 9.
Over the six months, Haku and Kimimaro absolutely excelled in the Konoha Ninja Academy. Kimimaro's brutal killing and training with his "family" helped him advance quickly, while Haku had a natural talent for using Ninja weapons (specifically sent on needles) and jutsu and chakra control. Yugao told both of them, "At this rate, you both could reach Tokubetsu Jonin or ANBU by the time you both turn 10!"
"Thank you very much for your praise Uzuki-san," Haku replied.
"Sarutobi-sama said the only reason he has t made me an ANBU or Jonin is because of the unbreakable rules of this village, which is that one has to finish shinobi school," Kimimaro added.
Not everyone was welcoming to the two newcomers. Some people called them freaks due to their abilities, other said they were monsters just like "the demon brat." Others said it's bad enough that the village had one demon, but now it had two more. Usually, Haku and Kimimaro weren't around for these insults spending their time training, and the bone-user was still sent back and forth between the academy and ANBU headquarters due to the threat from Danzo trying to abduct him. Naruto, his three friends, and his surrogate grandmother and sister usually heard them. Sakura, Sasuke, and Ino once said together, splitting their words, "Watch your tongues/and keep Naruto's brother's names out of your mouths/or we'll cut them out!" Tsunade and Shizune didn't bother to warn the haters, they just killed them, Tsunade with her fists or feet, and Shizune with senbon and scalpels. Naruto would throw kunai or shuriken at naysayers, always to kill, never missing despite his lack of talent.
"Nobody bad mouths my brothers!" He would shout at the konoha residents. Naruto and his allies would use chakra enhanced hearing to catch haters, so them whispering didn't help. Neither did complaining to the Hokage, who announced that the penalty for mentioning Naruto's status would be the same for insulting his family or friends. So whenOne day, while eating two of Tsunade's homemade bentos in a training ground clearing, Kaguya, Fuyu, and their grandmother were interrupted by the leaders and heir of the Kurama clan. Shizune and Naruto were away on a separate training mission.
"Lady Tsunade, my name is Yakumo Kurama, and these are my parents. I've heard you're the best medical Ninja there is, and I thought maybe you could help me fufill my dream, please?" the young girl said with a bow while on her knees.
"Our daughter is physically frail and not suited to the life of a ninja," her father interjected.
"But surely you can improve her physical condition with your skills, can't you? Maybe transplant stronger bones into her? Her muscles are fine," her mother added.
"Thanks for clearing that up, sir and Ma'am," Tsunade answered. She motioned for Kimimaro to come with her and walked toward the family.
"You've heard of my grandson Kimimaro right?" the Senju mistress asked.
"Yes Lady Tsunade. He came from the land of Water and can manipulate bones." Mr. Kurama responded.
"His clan was wiped out trying to attack Kiri," Mrs. Kurama added
"They used him as a tool and locked him up when not fighting," Yakumo finished.
"We'll, with his ability, the surgery you stronger bones can be done in a third of the time," Tsuande explained.
Yakumo face palmed and said, "I can't believed it never crossed any of our minds to ask for Kimimaro's help!"
SUMMARY^1: Yakumo Kurama, the Kurama clan heir, approaches Tsunade for help with her physical frailty, aiming to be a ninja. Tsunade suggests utilizing Kimimaro's unique bone manipulation ability for a surgery to transplant stronger bones, which could be performed significantly faster with his assistance. Yakumo is surprised by this revelation.
"Kimimaro, tell me, can you change the genetic makeup of your bones? Yakumo may experience rejection otherwise." the blonde Sanin inquired of her student.
"I'm not sure Tsunade-sobo, but I would have to see Yakumo's bone DNA first," the last Kaguya answered.
Tsunade nodded and then gave Yakumo a serious look.
"The surgery may not be long, but your recovery will. You'll experience pain. In fact, there's no guarantee you'll survive the surgery, I'm not perfect."
With a serious frown of her own, Yakumo responded, "If I can't have this surgery, I can't be a ninja. And if I can't be a ninja, life isn't worth living."
"If either of you want to advise you daughter to pick a different path to follow in life and avoid taking this risk, now's the time," Tsunade said, glancing at the girls's parents.
"We support our daughter's decision 100%."
"We'll do whatever it takes to help her achieve her dream."
Nodding her head, Tsunade responded, "Very well, everyone, let's go to the hospital."
/
Naruto was in a training ground with Shizune, trying to slice the thigh muscles of a dead deer with chakra, so far with no success.
"Dang it! I still can't use chakra scalpel!" said the whisker-faced boy with a frown.
"Calm down Naruto, using this technique takes near perfect chakra control, just like healing," his raven-haired big sister said encouragingly.
"But I've been at this for months neechan!"
"Some people take years to learn it ototou."Naruto sighed, still not having mastered patience, no matter how often Tsunade and Shizune tried to teach it to him.
"Take a break blondie, have some sushi," the Kato woman said sitting down and patting the ground next to her. Once the non-tails jinchurikki was near her she complimented him by saying, "At least you've gotten good at shooting and spitting senbon needles. Plus you've become skilled at herb mixing, knowledge of surgery and stitches, first aid, and resuscitation."
"I appreciate the praise Shizune-sensei," the Uzumaki boy responded. The two had just finished their sushi meal when an ANBU wearing a boar mask appeared out of thin air.
"Excuse me, Shizune Kato, Naruto Uzumaki, Tsunade Senju requests your presence at Konoha general hospital at once. Says she has someone important for you two to meet," the elite ninja explained. The two siblings in spirit looked at each other in confusion and surprise.
/
"This feels really good milady! It's so relaxing!" Yakumo said as Tsunade performed the diagnostic jutsu on her body with glowing green hands. From what tothe blond medic could tell, her muscles were fine and healthy, while her bones were weak and brittle, like glass or a stone knife. Her parents told the Senju mistress that their daughter was born weak, which meant she had osteogenesis imperfects, rather than osteoporosis.
"Okay, here's what we'll do. I'm going to put you under Yakumo, then I'll take a tiny sample of your bone, then I'll look at it under an electron microscope, along with Kimimaro's bones, then he'll rearrange the DNA his own skeleton to match yours," Tsunade explained.
"I understand Tsunade-san," Yakumo responded. Tsunade first rubbed some alcohol on the Kurama heir's arm, the. took a powerful Anesthetic from a medical cart and injected it into the young girl. Within 10 seconds, Yakumo was asleep. Tsunade first took a scalpel, then told the Kaguya orphan who'd become her third grandson to follow her lead, and provide bones when asked. Kimimaro silently nodded. Without further ado, Tsunade sliced open the frail girl's arm, sitting through skin and muscle until she reached bone. Removing a tiny piece of it, about the size of a grain of salt, the slug Sanin took the scalpel to a nearby microscope. Kimimaro followed her so he could know what molecules to make his own bones match.
/
Shizune Naruto came into the hospital, and were almost immediately noticed and greeted by two brown haired adults.
"I'm Yakumo's mom."
"I'm Yakumo's dad."
Shizune and Naruto introduced themselves and said it was nice to meet the pair.
"Yakumo told us so much about you two, especially you Naruto-kun," her mother spoke up.
Her father nodded gravely, saying, "If you hadn't run away from the village, and come back with Tsunade-sama, we would never have found help for our daughter. Thank you for everything."
SUMMARY^1: Tsunade prepares Yakumo for a risky surgery by putting her under anesthesia and taking a bone sample for comparison with Kimimaro's DNA. Shizune and Naruto arrive at the hospital and meet Yakumo's grateful parents, who express their thanks for the help provided by the duo, particularly for saving their daughter.
Naruto nodded in acknowledgment, and they shared the story of their daughter's condition, the unyielding dream of being a ninja despite her fragility.
Two hours later, Tsunade emerged from the operating room, her forehead glistening with sweat.
"It was a success," she said with a tired smile. "Her bones have been replaced, and she'll be able to live a much more normal life now."
The relieved parents looked at her with gratitude in their eyes.
"But she's going to need four weeks to recover, and she'll need to take pain medication to manage the discomfort," she added.
They nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Also don't wake her up prematurely, it will harm her recovery. She should be up in 24 hours."
Yakumo's parents nodded, their eyes brimming with tears of relief. They bowed deeply to Tsunade and Kimimaro, their faces a mix of gratitude and awe.
"Thank you both for saving our daughter," Mr. Kurama whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.
"We're just doing what we can," Tsunade said with a warm smile, her eyes showing the depth of her compassion. "Kimimaro, your bone manipulation abilities were invaluable."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sobo," the last Kaguya said with a rare smile.
The hours dragged on as Yakumo's body began to accept her new bones. Her parents held a vigil by her side, whispering words of encouragement and love. When the clock finally ticked down to the 24-hour mark, Yakumo's eyes began to flutter open. She winced at the sudden light and felt the unfamiliar weight in her limbs. Her mother and father gently leaned over her, their eyes filled with hope and concern.
"Welcome back, Yakumo," her mother whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You've had a big surgery, but it's all over now."
Yakumo blinked sleepily, looking around the unfamiliar surroundings. The last thing she remembered was Tsunade's gentle voice telling her she was going to go to sleep. Her eyes fell on the two figures standing next to her bed, and she recognized them as her parents. They looked tired but happy. She also noticed an IV in her left arm.
"Mom? Dad?" she whispered, her voice cracking from thirst and the lingering anesthesia.
"Yes, sweetheart, we're here," her mother said, her voice trembling.
Her father took her hand gently. "You've done it, Yakumo. You're going to be okay."
Naruto and Shizune watched the heartwarming reunion from the corner of the room, giving the family their space. But after a moment, the young Uzumaki stepped forward, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"Hi there, Yakumo," he said gently. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and this is Shizune, my... well, she's like my big sister."
Yakumo's eyes widened in recognition. "Naruto-sama!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Thank you so much for allowing me to fufill my dream! Had you not run away, Kimimaro and Tsunade would never have bene able to help me! I won't waste this new opportunity! I'll become a strong ninja !"
Naruto chuckled, his whisker marks crinkled.
" Drop the sama, Yakumo. Just call me Naruto."
The room grew quiet for a moment, Yakumo's eyes grew wide, she never thought she'd be on such familiar terms with the hero of the village. She nodded solemnly, "Naruto-san, Shizune-san," she corrected herself.
The next day, the door to Yakumo's hospital room slid open, and in walked a trio of familiar faces. Sakura, her pink hair tied in a ponytail, Ino with her blue hair in a bun, and Sasuke with his raven hair and Sharingan eyes. All three looked tired from their own training, but their expressions brightened when they saw Yakumo.
"Hey, we heard you got some new bones," Sakura said with a teasing smile, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Yeah, thanks to Tsunade-baachan and Kimimaro," Yakumo responded, a hint of shyness in her voice.
Ino leaned in closer, "So, any friend of Naruto's is a friend of ours," she said, a knowing smile on her face.
Sasuke nodded in agreement, his arms folded over his chest. "And we heard you're pretty tough yourself."
Yakumo's cheeks grew a shade of red, "Thank you," she murmured, feeling a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time.
The next morning, as the sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, Yakumo felt a gentle pat on her forehead. She groaned and opened her eyes to find a stern-looking man with a headband that read 'Academy'. He also has a scar across the bridge of his nose and both pf his cheeks. It was Iruka-sensei.
"Good morning, Yakumo," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I've heard quite the story about your surgery. It seems you're going to be joining us at the academy once you're feeling up to it."
Yakumo nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I'm looking forward to it, Iruka-sensei," she replied, trying to hide the fear of failure that whispered in the back of her mind.
Iruka's expression grew serious. "You know, everyone has their own path in the ninja world. Some are born with great power, and others have to work for it. What's important is that you never give up and always strive to be the best you can be."
He paused for a moment, then continued. "I know you've faced a lot of challenges in your life, but if you're willing to put in the effort, I'm sure you'll make a fine ninja. Just remember, I'll be there to guide you, just like I did with Naruto and the others."
Yakumo felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. The support of these powerful ninjas meant the world to her.
The days passed slowly as Yakumo recovered. Her parents never left her side, bringing her food and telling her stories of the great battles that had been fought by the Kurama clan. Her newfound friends would often stop by to check on her, sharing their own tales of training and adventure. Tsuande also used her healing justu to speed up the recovery process
One evening, as the sun was setting, Tsunade and Kimimaro entered her room. "How are you feeling, Yakumo?" Tsunade asked, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
"Much better," she replied, pushing herself into a sitting position with a wince. "I can already feel the difference in my bones."
"That's excellent," Tsunade said with a nod. "You're making great progress. In just two more weeks, you'll be ready to join the academy."
Yakumo's eyes lit up with excitement. She had dreamed of this moment for so long. But then she remembered the whispers and the stares she had faced before the surgery.
"What if the other kids bully me again?" she asked, her voice laced with fear.
"Don't worry," Tsunade assured her. "Naruto and his friends will look out for you. They know what it's like to be different."
Naruto stepped into the room, a wide grin on his face. "Hey Yakumo, how are you feeling?"
Yakumo managed a tired smile. "Better, thank you."
"Good, because we've got a surprise for you," Ino chirped, holding up a set of brand new ninja gear.
Sakura handed her a glass of water. "You're going to need to start training again soon, so we picked these out for you."
Sasuke leaned against the wall, his arms folded. "You're going to be joining us at the academy. We figured you'd need some gear that fits."
The gesture touched Yakumo's heart. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.
Days turned into weeks, and true to Tsunade's word, Yakumo's strength began to return. After two weeks, she could stand and walk with only a slight limp. Her muscles slowly remembered how to work with her new bones, and she was eager to test her limits. By the end of the fourth week, she could run. It was a wobbly start, but she was soon sprinting down the hospital halls, her laughter echoing off the walls.
The day finally came when she was cleared to leave the hospital. Her parents beamed with pride as they watched her perform a set of basic ninja exercises in the academy's training ground. Her new bones had changed her life, and she was eager to start her new journey.
As she put on her freshly tailored gear, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had been given a chance to achieve her dream, but she knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges.
The group of friends gathered around her, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Ready to show them what you're made of?" Sakura asked, her fist raised in a gesture of solidarity.
Yakumo took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go."
With that, she took off, her new bones carrying her swiftly and surely across the ground. The academy students watched in amazement as she performed a series of jumps and rolls, her movements fluid and graceful despite her initial wobbliness. As she finished her demonstration, she turned to face them, her eyes shining with determination.
"This is Yakumo Kurama," Iruka announced. "A member of the esteemed Kurama clan and a survivor of a condition that once held her back. She's proven her strength and resilience, and she's ready to join your ranks."
The crowd murmured, their expressions a mix of awe and wariness. They had heard the whispers about the girl with the weak bones, the one who had to undergo a risky surgery just to stand a chance.
"But let's make one thing clear," Naruto's voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs. His eyes scanned the crowd, his gaze firm. "If any of you dare to bully her or make fun of her because of what she's been through, you'll have to deal with us."
Ino and Sakura nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring his protectiveness. Sasuke remained stoic, his silence speaking louder than any words could.
Haku and Kimimaro stepped forward, standing flanked by their new friend. "We've faced challenges too," Haku spoke up, his voice carrying a gentle but firm authority. "We know what it's like to be different. But we also know that those differences make us stronger."
Kimimaro's eyes narrowed, a hint of the fierce warrior within him peeking out. "You don't mess with our pack," he warned, his bone armor rattling slightly in the still air.
The students took a collective step back, intimidated by the unspoken unity of the group. Yakumo felt a surge of gratitude towards her newfound family. Just as the tension in the air began to dissipate, a gentle voice floated towards them.
"Yakumo, you can sit by me," said Hinata Hyuga, her soft voice carrying a hint of shyness. She had been watching the exchange from the sidelines, her gentle eyes filled with kindness. Yakumo felt a wave of relief wash over her as she approached the young girl with the byakugan, the rare bloodline limit that allowed her to see chakra points.
"Thank you, Hyuga-san," Yakumo replied, bowing slightly.
Hinata blushed at the formality, but she felt a warmth spread through her chest. "You don't have to call me that," she whispered. "I'm just a regular student too."
As Yakumo sat down, Hinata leaned closer and spoke in a low tone that only she could hear. "Don't tell him or anyone else this, but I like Naruto because he's always so brave and never gives up. I think you're like him in that way."
Yakumo felt her own cheeks heat up at the confession. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hinata nodded, her eyes downcast. "I know it's not easy, being different. But if you're a friend of Naruto and his friends, you're a friend of mine too."
The words felt like a warm embrace to Yakumo, who had often felt isolated because of her condition. She looked at the young girl with newfound admiration. "Thank you, Hinata," she murmured.
The first few days at the academy were a blur of new faces and challenging classes for Yakumo. But she quickly found her footing, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of Haku and Kimimaro, who took her under their wing. Under their tutelage, she learned to harness her newfound strength, and her skills began to flourish. Together, the three of them pushed each other to new heights, forming a bond that was unshakeable.
Naruto and his friends, who had become like family to Yakumo, often joined in on their training sessions, eager to see her grow and become the ninja she aspired to be. They encouraged her, offered advice, and sometimes even competed against her, all in good fun. Her determination and their belief in her filled her with a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt since her days in the Kurama clan.
But their joy was short-lived. One fateful afternoon, as Kimimaro was training with Yugao and Ibiki, his body suddenly betrayed him. He doubled over, a fit of coughs racking his frame, and when he brought his hand to his mouth, it was stained crimson. Panic flashed across Yugao's face, and Ibiki's eyes grew cold with concern. This was no ordinary cough; it was a sign of something much more sinister.
The two ANBU members didn't waste a second. Scooping Kimimaro up, they first gave him half of his 8 ounce water bottle, then shunshined to the hospital. They spoke to the receptionist, who immediately called Shizune and Tsunade over the intercom. Mere seconds later, the two women had appeared in the lobby, looking at their respective surrogate, little brother and Grandson worriedly.
" What's wrong Kimimaro-kun?" Tsunade asked, putting her hands on hos shoulders.
Before Ibiki, Yugao, or Kimimaro himself could answer, The last member of the Kaguya clan began to cough violently once again. The Senju mistress took her hands off his shoulders, and then she and her apprentice's eyes widened in alarm as they noticed blood running between the fingers of the hand that covered his mouth.
"Bring him to my office, now!" Tsunade ordered the medical staff, her voice tight with fear.
The young ninjas watched as Kimimaro was whisked away, his face pale and his eyes filled with confusion and pain. They exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on their hearts.
Once in the office, Tsunade laid the bone user down on her blue couch and performed a series of medical jutsus, her expression growing increasingly grim as she worked. After what felt like an eternity to the others, she finally straightened up, her eyes filled with sadness.
"It's a rare disease," she said, her voice heavy. "It's causing your blood vessels to weaken, and it's spreading. If we don't find a way to stop it, eventually your lung sacks will fill up with blood and you won't be able to breathe. In other words, you'll drown in your own blood."
The room went silent, the gravity of the situation settling in. Kimimaro's expression became shocked and fearful, and he coughed again, more blood spilling onto the clean white sheets. Before, he had never feared dying cince he was seen and used as nothing but a tool by his clan. But now that he had a family, he wanted to be with and protect them, as well as forge his own path in life rther than follow someone else's like an attack dog..
Shizune's eyes filled with tears, and she looked to Tsunade desperately. "Is there anything we can do?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Tsunade took a deep breath, her mind racing. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted. "The disease is rare, and I've never seen anything quite like it. But we'll do everything we can to find a cure."
Kimimaro looked up at the ceiling, his eyes distant. "Just... just don't let me die here," he murmured. "I want to go out fighting, not like this."
The words hit Tsunade like a punch to the gut. She knew all too well the desire to leave a mark on the world before it was too late. She nodded solemnly. "I promise, Kimimaro. We'll find a way to save you."
That same day, Haku and the rest of Naruto's friends/family had been training in a field near the outskirts of Konoha. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the tall grass as they pushed themselves to their limits. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the arrival of Ibiki and Yugao, their faces etched with urgency.
"Kimimaro is sick," Ibiki said without preamble, his voice tight with concern. "You need to come to the hospital."
The group exchanged shocked glances, their training forgotten in an instant. They gathered their gear and sprinted towards the hospital, their hearts racing. As they approached Tsunade's office, Haku took the lead, his expression calm but his eyes filled with worry.
He gently rapped his knuckles against the door. "Excuse me," he called out, his voice low and respectful. "Is it okay to come in?"
Tsunade's voice, strained with concern, called back, "Yes, come in."
The door slid open to reveal Tsunade standing beside a hospital bed, her forehead creased with concern. Kimimaro lay there, his eyes glazed over with pain, an IV line snaking its way into the crook of his elbow; he hadn't gotten to eat his lunch due to falling ill. He also had a sputum tube in his mouth to suck up any blood when he coughed it up. His usual pallor had given way to a frightening shade of white, and the smell of antiseptic filled the air. Yakumo's heart clenched in her chest as she took in the sight of her friend, so full of life moments ago, now reduced to a frail figure fighting for his very existence.
Naruto pushed past Haku, his eyes wide with shock and fear. "What happened to him?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"It's a rare blood disorder," Tsunade replied, her eyes not leaving Kimimaro. "It's attacking his vessels. We're doing all we can to keep him stable."
Shizune looked up from her medical scrolls, her eyes red from hours of research. "We're trying to find a cure, but it's... complicated."
Naruto's fists clenched. "Is there anything we can do?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.
Tsunade looked up at them, her expression solemn. "For now, the best thing you can do is let me work. I need to focus on finding a cure."
Naruto nodded, his eyes filled with determination. He stepped closer to the bed, placing a hand gently on Kimimaro's shoulder. "You're not going anywhere, okay?" he said firmly. "You mean the world to me, to all of us. You're my brother."
Kimimaro managed a weak smile, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thanks, Naruto," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
With a firm nod, Naruto stepped back. "We'll all help," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "You're not fighting this alone."
Shizune's eyes searched his, and she could see the determination burning within him. She knew that look all too well. It was the same look he had when he was on a mission, the same look that had saved countless lives during the war. "Alright," she said with a small smile. "We'll work together. But for now, let's leave the medical research to the professionals."
Naruto nodded, unable to shake off the feeling of helplessness. He knew that he wasn't a medical expert, but he had to do something. He couldn't just stand by and watch Kimimaro suffer. That night, unable to sleep, he slipped out of his room and made his way to the quiet, dusty halls of the academy library. The shelves towered over him, filled with ancient scrolls and books that held the knowledge of generations of shinobi.
For hours, he pored over medical texts and scrolls, his eyes scanning the pages for any mention of a cure for Kimimaro's condition. His usually hyperactive mind focused with a sharpness that surprised even him. He had to find something, anything that could help. His friendship with Kimimaro had grown stronger than he ever thought possible, and he wasn't about to let him down now.
As the candles burned low, and the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, he stumbled upon an ancient scroll tucked away in a corner of the library. It spoke of a rare plant, the 'Blood of the Phoenix', that had the ability to strengthen blood vessels and mend them from the inside. The scroll was written in archaic language, but the illustration was clear enough for even someone with no medical background