In Bloom and in Battle

by Privation

After an untimely death, a woman awakens in a world she knows only from manga and anime—Naruto. Reborn as Kimiko Yuhi, the younger sister of Kurenai, she must navigate her new life in the Hidden Leaf Village, grappling with the disorientation of infancy and the reality of a ninja's world.

42. Chapter 42: Red Tulip

Chapter 40: Red Tulip (Sound Four Liquidation Arc Part II)

Travelling with the Sound Four was an exercise in tension.

Though they remained perfectly courteous—speaking only when spoken to or when requesting directions—the silence that stretched between them was suffocating. Sasuke moved closest to her, their proximity a subtle reassurance, but neither of them dared to speak more than necessary. They couldn't risk anything that might arouse suspicion, not when the entire success of their mission hinged on maintaining this delicate ruse.

The group moved swiftly, leaping from branch to branch through the dense forest, the towering canopy above them gradually blotting out the moonlight. Kimiko had ensured to guide them along the deepest parts of the wilderness, emphasizing both stealth and speed in their route. Each passing second pulled them farther from Konoha, deeper into enemy territory.

And yet, no sign of their pursuers.

Kimiko's pulse thrummed with unease. She had every confidence in Shikamaru and Neji's ability to track them, and surely they would have selected a team capable of keeping pace. But the absence of even the slightest indication that they were being followed was unnerving. Were they simply that skilled at concealing themselves, or had something gone wrong?

She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to focus. Worrying wouldn't change the reality of the situation.

Then, Sakon's voice shattered the fragile quiet.

"Kimiko-sama, Sasuke-sama, a moment, please."

Kimiko flicked her gaze toward him, arching a brow.

What does he want now?

She landed lightly on the forest floor, Sasuke touching down beside her an instant later. The Sound Four followed, fanning out in a loose circle around them.

Kimiko folded her arms, her expression cool. Something about this feels off.

"What is this about?" she asked, her voice neutral.

Sakon's gaze swept toward Sasuke. "Before we continue," he began, "there is something that must be done. Sasuke-sama must die—at least once."

Kimiko's eyes widened slightly, but before she could respond, Sasuke did.

"I must die… once?" he repeated, his tone unreadable.

Sakon reached into his pocket, moving deliberately slow as if to assure them he wasn't drawing a weapon. When he pulled his hand back out, he held a small glass vial between his fingers, filled with dark, murky pills.

"These are awakening pills," Sakon explained.

Kimiko narrowed her eyes.

"And what exactly are they meant to awaken?" Sasuke asked.

"That mark on your neck is only the first stage of the Curse Mark," Tayuya said smoothly. "These pills will stimulate its power, unlocking its second stage."

Kimiko inhaled sharply. Damn it. I almost forgot about this part.

Sakon continued, his voice carrying an air of detached professionalism.

"Of course, there's one problem," Sakon said. "Strengthening the Curse Mark will magnify its effects on your body. The process itself is excruciating, and the sudden influx of power is enough to kill you instantly."

Sasuke tensed beside her, but his face betrayed nothing.

"That's why we'll need to give your body time to acclimate," Sakon went on. "Several hours at least. After that, your power will exceed even ours. Unfortunately..." He sighed theatrically, rolling the vial between his fingers. "The fact remains that, no matter the preparation, you will still have to die first."

"So... I die. And then what?" Sasuke asked, his tone carefully neutral.

"Not to worry," Sakon assured him with a smirk. "Why do you think we're here?"

He stepped forward, rolling the small glass bottle between his fingers before pressing it into Sasuke's hand.

"We'll perform a Barrier Ninjutsu to control the transition," he continued. "Instead of dying outright, you'll be suspended in a state of near-death while your body adjusts. When it's over, you'll awaken stronger—reborn."

Sasuke glanced down at the vial, his grip tightening around it. His expression was unreadable, but Kimiko caught the tension in his shoulders when he turned to her.

"And I'm just supposed to trust you to make sure this 'near-death' doesn't become permanent?"

"Listen, Sasuke," Kidomaru interjected, stepping forward with an easy confidence. "Don't forget who we are—Orochimaru-sama's personal guard. If there's anyone who understands the Curse Mark, Barrier Ninjutsu, and all the precautions that come with it, it's us." He jabbed a thumb toward his chest. "Besides, we've got Kimiko-sama here. If anyone tries to interfere, she'll handle them."

Kimiko forced her face into a mask of neutrality even as her thoughts whirled.

Sasuke's real question wasn't about trusting them. It was about trusting her.

Can you handle this alone?

Kimiko swallowed the instinctive impulse to hesitate. Mission parameters had changed. The risks had just multiplied. Sasuke would be incapacitated, leaving her as the only real wildcard if things went sideways. There was no guarantee that Naruto and the others were still tracking them, and if they weren't...

No. Don't think like that.

There was no turning back. They were in enemy territory, already past the point of retreat.

She steeled herself.

"Do it," Kimiko said, her tone arch and decisive.

Sasuke studied her for a beat longer before his expression settled into determination. Without another word, he cracked the vial open, tipping a single dark pill into his palm.

"Guess I'm in your hands."

He tossed it into his mouth and swallowed.

The reaction was instantaneous.

Sasuke's entire body seized, his eyes widening as raw agony wracked through him. His hands clawed at his chest, fingers digging into his skin as he choked out a gasp.

"We need to act quickly or we'll lose him!" Sakon barked, already unfurling a massive scroll. "Kimiko-sama, step back!"

Kimiko did as instructed, her expression impassive even as she cataloged every movement.

Sakon slammed the scroll onto the ground, pressing his palm to its center. A plume of white smoke erupted from the sealing array, revealing a large cylindrical wooden coffin, its lacquered surface bound by a deep purple sash.

Jirobo hoisted Sasuke up as if he weighed nothing, lowering him into the open coffin. Sasuke convulsed, his breaths ragged and shallow, his skin deathly pale.

"Get into position, now!" Sakon commanded.

The Sound Four moved in perfect synchronization, each dropping to one knee, hands clasped. The moment they released their seals, dark purple chakra surged from their palms, coalescing into thick tendrils of black mist that snaked through the air.

The mist gathered above the coffin, swirling and churning, tendrils of inky vapor stretching down to latch onto Sasuke's body like ghostly fingers.

Then, with a final snap of power, the four slammed their fists against the earth.

"Four Black Mists Formation!"

The black cloud collapsed downward in a spiral, funnelling into the coffin like a sentient force. The moment the last of the mist was absorbed, the wooden lid slammed shut.

Sakon pulled out five blank sealing tags, biting his thumb before scrawling intricate kanji across each slip of parchment.

Kimiko narrowed her eyes. The final step.

With a sharp flick of his wrist, Sakon tossed the tags forward. They hovered for a breathless second, then shot toward the coffin's surface, each one adhering to a different side.

With that, the ritual was complete.

"There," Said Sakon, smirking. "That will hold him for now,"

"Alright," said Kimiko, trying to center herself. "We'll be continuing on the same path we had. Let's move."

None of them moved, however, looking at her.

"Actually, Kimiko-sama," said Sakon. "We decided to go back to our original path here. We feel that this path you're taking us is… delaying us."

Kimiko arched a brow. "And who decided that?" she asked. "I am in charge, according to Orochimaru-sama. So my word is ironclad."

"If it serves the mission," said Sakon. "In this case, we don't think it does… unless you think to force the issue?"

Kimiko narrowed her eyes. And then it dawned on her.

That pale worm is testing me.

Orochimaru had deliberately asked these four to challenge her the moment she was alone, to see what she was made of. If she was worthy to be his disciple, or if she would fold without Sasuke at her side. She had no illusions—failure would mean her death.

Perfect. That gives me the excuse I need.

"I will," said Kimiko. "It's you who suggested this route, Sakon?"

"Yes," said Sakon. "So, do you intend t—"

Kimiko disappeared in a flash, reappearing behind Jirobo. The moment he turned, her hand shot out slamming against his face in a vicious backhand, she continued her momentum into slamming her other arm's elbow across the side of his head. With another counter clockwise twist, she pivoted, swinging her leg back, her heel slamming into Jirobo's broad torso and sending him hurtling across the ground.

In another instant, she materialized behind Tayuya, her sword pressed against the girl's neck, its edge wreathed in her scarlet, noxious chakra. With her free hand, she seized Tayuya's arm, yanking it behind her back in an iron grip.

"Kimiko-sama!" snarled Sakon.

"Disobedient retainers get punished," said Kimiko, her voice carrying imperious disdain. "I have shown mercy by not maiming."

Jirobo grunted, blinking the stars out of his face as he struggled to his feet.

Good. I can frame it as cruelty. It'll slow them down and make the fight easier later.

"Yes," said Sakon, stiffly. "But—"

"But nothing, fool," said Kimiko sharply. "I am Orochimaru's chief disciple. My word is law. To disobey me is to disobey Orochimaru-sama."

"You didn't have to hit Jirobo that hard!" snarled Kidomaru. "Now—"

Kimiko lifted her foot and drove her heel down onto Tayuya's right ankle, grinding it in. The girl let out a strangled scream.

"Another word from you, and I kill Tayuya," said Kimiko coolly. "I punish you as I see fit. You belong to Orochimaru, and as his heir, you belong to me. If we are delayed because of injuries, then so be it. None of Konoha's jonin are around. Anyone else they send after us, we can handle." She paused, letting her words settle. "Let Jirobo's shame and the pain that comes with it be a reminder of what happens to disobedient servants."

Sakon and Kidomaru glared at her, but said nothing, even as she threw Tayuya down to the ground. With swipe of her blade, she let the blood drench the ground, before wiping it clean.

"I'll give you time to get your bearings and bind Tayuya's ankle," Said KImiko. "Then, we'll make our move. Set up traps to defend our perimeter,"

Kidomaru was quiet, as was Sakon as Tayuya struggled to her feet, limping towards them. However, they did not, pulling Jirobo to his feet before flickering away.

Kimiko let out a loud sigh. Good. Alright. That should keep them busy.

The Sound Four proved adept at laying traps. As they moved, Kimiko noticed them setting up caltrops, explosive tag barriers, and tripwires—meticulously placing each to delay potential pursuers. To their credit, they remained silent unless confirming her orders, maintaining an air of discipline she wasn't sure was natural or simply forced by Orochimaru's command.

Meanwhile, Kimiko never let Sasuke's coffin out of her sight. Every second that passed was a battle against her nerves, but she forced herself to appear composed. The hour they spent fortifying their defenses, she spent expanding her sensory net, stretching her awareness outward in search of any sign of Naruto and the others.

Nothing.

Damn it. Naruto, where the hell are you?

Just as frustration began creeping in, Sakon suddenly appeared before her, lowering himself onto one knee, head bowed.

"Kimiko-sama," he addressed smoothly. "Tayuya's injury has been treated, and the traps have been set to slow down any pursuers. What are your orders?"

Kimiko took a moment to think, pushing away her unease. "Acceptable work. We move immediately."

She cursed internally. Trusting the plan was crucial, but a gnawing feeling in her gut told her she had miscalculated something. Was it her choice of route? The lack of resistance on their path? The eerie silence in the forest? Had she led them too well, giving Naruto's team no opportunity to catch up?

"Yes, Kimiko-sama," Sakon acknowledged, preparing to depart—

Then, suddenly, she felt it.

A flicker at the furthest edge of her sensory range. Then another. Then more.

Her eyes remained impassive, but inside, she exhaled sharply in relief.

Finally.

She quickly scanned the incoming signatures, analyzing their movement pattern—a V-shaped formation, fast and methodical.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five… wait.

Her breath hitched as recognition set in.

Kiba, Shikamaru, Naruto, Choji, Neji… Hinata?

A flicker of alarm crossed her mind before she suppressed it.

Why the hell did they bring Hinata?

"Kimiko-sama?" Sakon's voice cut through the silence, his gaze flicking over his shoulder to her.

Kimiko forced herself to stay composed. "It's nothing," she replied smoothly. "Go on, prepare the others. I'll make sure we're not being followed."

Sakon lingered a beat longer than usual, his sharp eyes scrutinizing her. Then, with a small nod, he turned back to bark orders at the rest of the team.

Jirobo looked the purple sash securing Sasuke's coffin around his waist, adjusting its weight in preparation for travel. Kidomaru and Tayuya moved into formation, leaving a gap where Kimiko was expected to fall in. Without hesitation, she stepped into place, her posture calm, yet coiled like a blade ready to strike.

"You four are ready, then?" she asked, her tone even.

She could feel them now—Naruto and the others drawing closer. Just a little more…

"As ready as we'll ever be," Tayuya muttered, her voice clipped and cold. Clearly, she was still bitter about her bruised ankle, but smart enough not to voice it outright.

Kimiko hid her relief as her sensory net picked up Naruto's team halting just outside the perimeter. Good. They managed to evade the traps.

"Alright," she continued, keeping up the act. "How long until Sasuke can fight?"

"He should be waking up in a few hours," Sakon replied. "By then, we'll be in Orochimaru-sama's hideout an—"

Sakon's head snapped to the side mid-sentence.

In a single fluid motion, his hand flicked to his kunai pouch, fingers deftly wrapping around a kunai—three explosive tags dangling ominously from its hilt. With a sharp pivot, he hurled it toward a cluster of shrubbery just beyond their position—

Right where Kimiko sensed Neji and Shikamaru hiding.

The explosion tore through the air, sending a blast of heat and dirt rushing toward them. Kimiko remained impassive, her expression locked in cool detachment even as the debris settled.

From the smoke, two figures burst out, sliding across the ground belly first—

Shikamaru and Neji, now directly in front of her and the Sound Four.

Shikamaru coughed, brushing dust off his vest as he straightened up.

Sakon sneered, his gaze flicking between him and Neji. "Well, well. I thought I was flushing out snakes, but all I got were a couple of mice."

"Wait, wait," Shikamaru held up his hands in mock surrender. "We came here to negotiate, not fight. Can't we talk this over like reasonable people?"

"Heh," Kidomaru scoffed. "Sure, let's negotiate… right after we deal with your friends."

Two of his six arms twitched—and in an instant, nearly invisible spider silk snapped tight, pulling taut in the air.

Kimiko barely had time to register the trap before she heard Naruto's startled yelp. The fine, almost imperceptible threads ensnared him, Kiba, Chōji, and Hinata, yanking them toward the Sound Four's formation like caught prey.

But before they could be fully drawn in—

Kiba, grinning even in midair, pulled a small metal sphere from his pouch. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it downward.

A smoke bomb.

It detonated with a sharp pop, engulfing the battlefield in a thick, choking purple haze.

"Tch, what good is that gonna do?" Kidōmaru laughed, barely fazed. He flexed his fingers, the thin threads attached to them quivering in the air. "Throw all the smoke bombs you want, I still have you. These threads are so fine they're nearly invisible—but they're stronger than steel." His smirk widened. "You already learned that back in the forest."

Kimiko's lips pressed into a thin line as the smoke began to clear, revealing Naruto, Kiba, Chōji, and Hinata now standing alongside Neji and Shikamaru, their bodies still partially entangled.

"Damn it…" Naruto growled, tugging at the threads binding his arm.

Shikamaru exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "So that double layer of tripwires back there... was actually a triple trap." He gave a small, begrudging chuckle. "Gotta admit, that's clever. I guess that makes you the smart one of the group?"

Kidomaru grinned, flexing his fingers again. The threads tightened.

"Yep," he said smugly. "And you're about to be the dead one."

Kimiko's eyes flickered as she felt the shift before she saw it—Kidōmaru stiffening, the others following suit.

Then, she glanced down.

Their shadows… all connected.

A long, dark tendril stretched from Shikamaru's feet, binding them in place.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu," Kimiko murmured, her gaze snapping to Shikamaru, who stood coolly observing the battlefield.

So that's why he caught me in it too—to make sure they don't suspect anything. Smart.

"Man, that worked out perfectly!" Naruto grinned, shaking off the last remnants of Kidōmaru's threads. "Kiba distracts them with the smoke bomb, and you trap 'em with your shadow! Genius!"

Shikamaru smirked. "Yeah, well. You're not the only ones who can set a trap." He cast a mockingly appreciative glance at the Sound Four. "Thanks for making me look good in front of my squad. Really, I owe you one."

Sakon chuckled. "Very impressive." His tone was almost amused, his smirk widening. "I'd be even more impressed… if I hadn't mastered that technique myself."

Kimiko's breath hitched.

Wait. Crap. Ukon.

Before she could even warn them, a barrage of shuriken tore through the air from the shrubbery, spinning toward Shikamaru.

He barely managed to lunge away—breaking his hold on the shadows.

The jutsu was undone.

Jirōbō's hands flashed through a seal, then slammed into the ground.

"Earth Style: Earth Dome Prison!"

The ground split apart, and two massive forks of rock erupted from the earth, twisting around the Konoha team. Kimiko could feel the tremors beneath her feet as the walls lurched higher, curving inward, creating an impenetrable dome.

Crap…

"Since I caught them, I get to finish them," Jirobo said, stepping toward the dome and pressing his palm against its surface. "Anyone got a problem with that?"

"Go ahead," Sakon replied dismissively. "But we're not waiting. When you're done, catch up with us."

Kimiko's gaze snapped to him, sharp as a blade.

"I didn't give that order, Sakon." Her voice was cool, authoritative, layered with subtle menace.

Sakon blinked, his smirk faltering slightly.

"It would be wiser to eliminate them quickly and move on," she continued, voice even. "Leaving a member behind is a tactical misstep. What if they escape?"

Kimiko held their gazes, keeping her expression impassive. She had to shut this down now.

She wasn't about to let this turn into a war of attrition. She had no intention of following the same, exhausting sequence of battles where each of them faced off one by one, bleeding themselves dry.

They had the numbers advantage—wasting it would be foolish.

And the longer she lingered in their presence, the greater the risk they started questioning her. Not to mention, that dragged-out fight nearly killed half of them in canon. She wasn't about to let that happen.

Sakon held her gaze, his expression unreadable before tilting his head slightly.

"…That's a good point," he admitted. "Alright, then. We kill them all." He paused, then smirked. "But of course, as our leader, you should have the honor of doing it."

Kimiko barely stopped herself from tensing. She knew what this was—a trap, a test.

Her expression remained cold, imperious. "And who are you to question me, Sakon? Do you require another lesson in obedience?"

Sakon raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk widening.

"Kimiko," he said smoothly, deliberately dropping the honorific. "We've been noticing some… odd behavior."

Kimiko felt her senses sharpen, but kept her expression neutral.

"Orochimaru-sama and Kabuto told us about your… unique sensory abilities," Sakon continued. "You don't even have to knead chakra to detect people. In fact, they say you're one of the best trackers in Konoha because of it."

His smirk twisted into something colder.

"And yet, somehow… you failed to notice these six?"

"Some might say," Kidomaru added from a few paces away, carefully maintaining his distance, "you deliberately failed to inform us."

Kimiko's gaze flicked to him subtly. He had positioned himself at sniping range, far enough to avoid immediate danger from her, but close enough to land a clean shot if she made a wrong move.

More concerningly, he was the one now carrying Sasuke's coffin.

Crap. He's either about to fire at me, or run with Sasuke while the others pin me down.

Kimiko stepped back slightly, maintaining the illusion of casual confidence.

"Are you questioning Orochimaru-sama?" she said coldly, her tone carrying a veiled threat.

"Not at all," Tayuya sneered. "We're just asking you to prove your loyalty."

She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing.

"This is the best way to do it, right?"

The trap had sprung. Now she had to get out of it.

"Very well," Kimiko said, placing her hand on Byakko's hilt. "Jirobo, drop the barrier. I'll kill them the moment you do."

Jirōbō smirked. "No need. I can manipulate this dome however I like. I'll create a small opening—just big enough for you to flood it with your poison gas."

Kimiko kept her face impassive, but internally, her mind clicked into Plan B.

"Alright," she said, stepping beside Jirōbō. "Make the opening."

Jirōbō stepped back from the dome, and a small hole appeared in its surface. Through it, Kimiko caught a glimpse of her friends inside—frantic, searching for an escape.

She closed her eyes, kneading chakra in her stomach, raising her hands as if preparing a jutsu…

Then, in a blur of white and red, Byakko flashed from its sheath. The blade sliced downward, aiming for Jirobo's arm.

Jirobo barely managed to jump backward, dodging at the last second. But Kimiko was already moving, twisting toward the rest of the Sound Four, her mouth opening as a barrage of blood-red water senbon shot toward them from her throat.

The three jumped back, but they had anticipated her strike.

Jirobo charged forward, fist cocked.

Kidōmaru opened his mouth, a golden arrow launching straight at her.

Sakon lunged directly at her, aiming for a frontal strike.

Tayuya's hand moved for her flute.

Kimiko twisted, launching herself onto the top of the dome—but Kidōmaru had already predicted her move. Another golden arrow sliced into her left arm, leaving a deep gash.

Kimiko didn't even wince.

Instead, she slid her thumb across the wound, smearing blood onto the formula array inscribed on her forearm.

"Stop her!" Sakon roared, leaping into the air the moment he landed where she was, fist reared back to strike and knock her head clean off.

But he was too slow.

Kimiko's palm slammed onto the dome.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

In an instant, the familiar form of Ibuse exploded into existence—from inside the dome.

The massive, mottled salamander surged upward, shattering the prison, freeing Kimiko's allies.

At the same time, Ibuse's giant mouth snapped shut around Kimiko, shielding her from the incoming attacks.

The moment she was safe, Ibuse spun violently, then spat her out like a missile—straight toward Kidomaru and Tayuya.

Kimiko tightened her grip on Byakko, using her momentum to rocket toward them.

Tayuya's eyes widened in panic, her flute barely halfway to her lips—

But before Kimiko could strike, Jirobo flickered in front of her, arms crossed in a defensive guard.

Byakko slashed through the air in a white-and-red blur, carving a deep gash across his forearm.

To his credit, Jirobo didn't hesitate. He immediately spun, launching a brutal back kick

Kimiko slid backward, evading—

Only to sense Sakon already behind her.

She whirled, but before she could react, both he and Jirobo lunged simultaneously, aiming to crush her between their fists.

A flurry of black and red petals exploded where Kimiko had been.

She reappeared atop Ibuse, standing tall as the salamander licked his lips, while behind her—her team was finally free.

"Ah! Finally!" Naruto exclaimed, dusting off his flak jacket before moving to do the same for Hinata. "Took you long enough, Kimiko!"

"You try pretending to be a traitor," Kimiko replied coolly, her eyes never leaving the Sound Four.

She noted Jirobo festering wound, the red veins pulsating and spreading across his arm—her chakra's virulent decay eating away at him. Good. That'll make things easier.

"Hng," Tayuya scoffed, spitting to the side. "I told you this bitch was playing us."

"I know," Sakon muttered. "But it was Orochimaru-sama's orders." He sighed, glaring at Kimiko. "Kabuto did warn us how dangerously conniving you are."

"He's right," Kimiko arched a brow, her tone imperious and steady. "And now, we have you surrounded. Surrender. We'll be taking you back to Konoha."

Sakon grinned, his red-tinted eyes gleaming. "Oh, no. You might be a lost cause, but we still have Sasuke-sama."

Kimiko's eyes flicked to the coffin—now unslung from Kidomaru's back, beside him.

"Shikamaru," she said, her voice low but firm. "We need to secure Sasuke first. If even one of them escapes with him, this mission is a failure."

"I know," Shikamaru replied grimly, analyzing their positioning.

Kimiko frowned. "And why the hell did you bring Hinata with you?"

"I insisted on coming," Hinata said softly, moving behind Kimiko and grasping her hand. "I... I w-wanted to h-help you and N-Naruto-kun… Kimiko."

Kimiko pressed her lips into a thin line. Not the time.

"Hng," Kiba muttered, his sharp eyes scanning their battlefield. "By the way—since when do you have a new summon?"

"Oh yeah!" Naruto piped up, finally turning his gaze to Ibuse. He poked the giant salamander's side. "This is the summon you said beat the Sannin's? He doesn't look that impressive."

Ibuse let out a low, grumbling laugh. "Impudent child," the salamander rumbled. "I'll have you know that my previous master gave them their title only after mercifully sparing them."

Then, Ibuse's blind, sightless head tilted toward the Sound Four, nostrils flaring.

"Child," he murmured. "These four… I smell that snake's foul chakra within them. Are they his descendants?"

"In a way," Kimiko confirmed. "But we're on a mission to capture them alive and extract information. Would you lend me your aid, Ibuse-sama?"

Ibuse let out a deep, considering growl.

"Mm… yes," he rumbled at last. "You have proven to be an adequate summoner. I will aid you."

Kimiko nodded before turning her gaze back to the Sound Four. "So, what will it be?"

"Heh, you already know our answer," Sakon sneered. "We will never betray Orochimaru-sama."

"Then prepare to suffer for him," Kimiko answered coldly.

For a moment, there was only silence. Tension crackled between the two sides.

Then, they moved at the same time.

Sakon flicked his wrist, launching a kunai straight at her. Kimiko reacted instantly, snapping her fingers and flinging two senbon to intercept it. The kunai clattered to the ground with a metallic clang.

From somewhere else, a smoke bomb was hurled into their midst. It exploded on impact, engulfing the battlefield in a thick, black fog.

"Oh no, you don't!" Naruto growled. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

A powerful gust of wind roared from his mouth, blasting the smoke apart in an instant. But the scene that greeted them left everyone stunned.

There were now four identical coffins, slung onto the backs of each of the Sound Four.

"What the—?!" Choji sputtered. "Four coffins?"

"And I can't see which one contains the real Sasuke," Neji muttered, his Byakugan veins pulsing.

Kimiko's mind raced. They're trying to force us to split up.

"They're going to divide us," Kimiko said quickly. "Ibuse-sama! Stop them! Everyone else—stay back!"

Ibuse reacted instantly, opening his massive mouth. A thick cloud of purple, toxic mist gushed out, surging toward the Sound Four, aiming to engulf them completely.

However, it barely slowed them down. Even as the poison cloud rolled forward, the four darted in different directions—Sakon and Kidomaru splitting off separately, while Tayuya and Jirobo took off together.

"What?!" Kimiko's eyes widened. That shouldn't have been possible. Ibuse's poison was potent enough to paralyze Kankuro, who had built-in resistance to toxins.

"Gas masks," Ibuse rumbled, as if sensing her thoughts. "I felt them hold their breath, but I never sensed them inhale again. They were prepared."

Kimiko clenched her jaw. Damn it. They had countermeasures. Probably because of Kabuto.

"Great," Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples. "And just when I thought we had them. What a drag." His eyes darted toward the disappearing trails. "We don't have a choice—we'll have to split up. We don't know which one has Sasuke, but if we stay grouped together, they'll get away."

"Never mind that!" Naruto growled. "If we sit on our butts, they're gonna escape! And they're gonna take Sasuke with them!"

"I know," Shikamaru snapped back. He took a deep breath. "Kimiko, any ideas?"

Kimiko shut her eyes, thinking fast. Failure wasn't an option. Not now.

"Alright," she exhaled. "We have to split up. I can still sense them, but they're moving fast. The pair went north. The other two split east and west. That means they likely paired up to force us to commit more numbers to tracking them down."

"Yeah," Shikamaru nodded, his expression grim. "And judging from the intel you gave us—that girl and the big guy complement each other. Brawn and genjutsu. That means we need a well-balanced team to take them down."

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Kimiko asked.

"Yup," Shikamaru said. "Choji and I are the best match-up against them. They're a mirror of us in terms of tactics—but if we go in as a duo, we might be biting off more than we can chew."

"Which is why you'll take Naruto with you," Kimiko decided. "Naruto's unpredictable and versatile—he can be the ace up your sleeve when things turn ugly."

Naruto smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Got it!"

"Okay," Kimiko continued, shifting her attention. "Shikamaru, what about the others?"

Shikamaru nodded. "Neji, Hinata—you both have the Byakugan. You'll track that spider guy. He fights at long range, so you're the best suited to handle him."

"Y-yes," said Hinata, obviously nervous, nodding her head.

Kimiko forced herself not to flinch. Hinata is a ninja. Like you. Trust her.

Shikamaru turned to her next. "That leaves you, Kiba and Akamaru, and your summon on the one with a twin."

Kimiko exhaled. "Guess so. Guys," she turned to them. "Don't be a hero. And if you need to be one? Don't be the type that dies to stop the bad guys. Be safe."

It didn't take long for Kimiko's sensory net to pick up Sakon… and Ukon, now fused together.

"You smell that?" Kimiko murmured, standing atop Ibuse, who crashed through the dense forest, tearing through trees with each step. Below her, Kiba and Akamaru kept pace, weaving through the underbrush.

"Yeah," Kiba growled, sniffing the air. "What's the plan?" Akamaru, nestled inside his hoodie, let out a low bark.

Kimiko hesitated. She could handle Sakon and Ukon alone. The problem was explaining that to Kiba without insulting him.

"I…" she started, weighing her words. "I'm more than a match for them."

Kiba scowled. "Tch. We came here as a team. You can't just dismiss me. Besides, Akamaru and I have been training—we can pull our weight!"

Kimiko frowned. Normally, she'd take the time to reassure him—but Sasuke was suffocating inside a coffin, and every second wasted was another second closer to failure.

"I'm not dismissing you," she said firmly. "But you and Akamaru aren't the best match-up for someone like him. Sakon's a taijutsu specialist, and he's got Ukon literally inside him. Fighting them head-on is exactly what they want." She exhaled, gaze snapping back toward the enemy's position. "I'm stopping them now."

Kiba tensed. "How? Your poisons won't work on him."

"Heh," Ibuse rumbled, smashing through another tree. "This girl inherited more than just poisons from my master. You're planning to use one of the jutsu from that scroll, aren't you?"

Kimiko nodded. "Hanzo the Salamander was famous for his poisons, sure. But one skill doesn't make a great ninja. He had other tools in his repertoire. Like…" She smirked. "Genjutsu. There's a reason Amegakure is feared for its illusions."

She formed a series of hand signs, focusing on the terrain ahead—a stretch of dense treeline where Sakon and Ukon were waiting, likely aware of her presence given the giant salamander beneath her.

"Genjutsu: Rainy Night's Haze."

Kimiko pressed her palm outward, expelling chakra in a controlled wave, casting a wide net over the area. The forest ahead remained unchanged to the naked eye, but—

Sakon suddenly stopped moving.

Kimiko smirked. Got him.

Her illusion took hold. To Sakon, the world was no longer the same. A rolling black haze blanketed the horizon, obscuring his vision, blinding him from the correct path while ghostly whispers swirled around him, creeping into his ears.

As they reached Sakon, they found him exactly as Kimiko had hoped—trapped inside his own mind. His wide, unfocused eyes darted frantically from left to right, lost in the depths of the illusion.

"Hm," Ibuse rumbled, surveying the scene. "Acceptable. Your genjutsu is effective, child—but it won't hold him forever. Finish him."

"Right," Kimiko said, raising her hand. Between her fingers, she held two scarlet-wreathed senbon, laced with a potent paralytic.

"I'll hit him with this," she murmured. "It'll keep him locked down until we recover Sasuke—then we can secure him as a prisoner."

"Got it. You want me to grab the coffin?" Kiba asked, shifting his stance.

Kimiko nodded. She watched as Kiba and Akamaru leaped forward, heading toward the discarded coffin—oddly far from where Sakon had stopped.

Wait. Why did he drop it so far away?

A cold realization shot down Kimiko's spine.

"KIBA, GET BACK!" she shouted, launching her senbon toward Sakon in a desperate bid to stop him.

But it was too late.

Sakon snapped his head aside at the last second, letting the poisoned needles slice across his cheek and bury themselves into a nearby tree.

Then he grinned.

Before Kiba could even react, Sakon lunged forward, fist cocked to strike.

Instead of retreating, Kiba and Akamaru charged forward.

"Don't underestimate us!" Kiba growled, bending his knees before launching into a spin.

"Fang Over Fang!"

The two of them blurred into motion, spinning like twin drills—one striking from the front, the other from behind—a perfect pincer attack.

Except…

Sakon's hand shot out, catching Kiba mid-spin, fingers digging into his shoulder like iron claws.

At the same time, Ukon went active, arms burst from his body, grabbing Akamaru in midair.

"Heh," Sakon sneered, tightening his grip. "You should have listened to Kimiko, trash."

Sakon twisted sharply, his enhanced strength hurling Kiba through the air like a ragdoll. Ukon followed suit, flinging Akamaru away with just as much force. The two crashed through tree branches and dense undergrowth, landing hard on the forest floor.

He grinned.

"My brother and I get along very well," Sakon said smugly, stretching his arms. "Usually, my older brother Ukon sleeps inside me, but when there's a fight—" He flexed his fingers, allowing Ukon's grotesque extra limbs to slither free from his back. "—he emerges to help. He can extend his arms, legs, and head anywhere from my body to attack and defend."

Kimiko remained still, her grip tightening on Byakko.

"I figured as much," she said coolly, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Not that it'll save you from me."

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, in a burst of motion, Kimiko's hands blurred through a series of seals.

Sakon and Ukon reacted instantly.

Sakon lunged forward, feet pounding against the dirt, closing the distance in seconds. His muscles tensed, the markings of his cursed seal writhing across his skin as his form bulked.

He sprang into the air, twisting mid-leap, before he came crashing down toward Kimiko, fists cocked back, veins bulging.

"MULTIPLE FIST BARRAGE!"

His fists became a blur, striking like a flurry of hammers, each blow strong enough to shatter bone.

But in the blink of an eye, Kimiko and Ibuse vanished—

A whirlwind of black and red petals swirled in the air, and before Sakon's fists could connect, Kimiko had already repositioned.

They reappeared to his right, just beyond his striking range.

Sakon's eyes widened in realization as his fists pounded into the earth, splitting the ground open beneath him, sending shockwaves through the trees.

But Kimiko was already moving.

Ibuse formed a quick seal, his throat expanding.

Kimiko inhaled deeply, gathering her chakra.

"Combination Style: Sludge Tide!"

Ibuse unleashed a powerful jet of thick, putrid sludge, a stream of dark brown liquid surging toward their enemies. At the same time, Kimiko released a spiraling torrent of high-pressure water.

The two attacks merged violently in midair.

The water became tainted, thickening with toxic viscosity, twisting into a spiraling surge of acidic sludge, sizzling as it carved a path through the air. The force alone tore through tree trunks, liquefying leaves in its wake.

"Damn it!" Ukon's rough, gravelly voice snarled in alarm.

"Sakon, split! We can't take a direct hit from that!"

The curse mark markings on their bodies pulsed, spreading like dark tendrils, twisting their forms grotesquely. Their flesh bulged unnaturally, bones elongating, skin hardening into a deep crimson hue.

Ukon's body peeled away from Sakon, separating entirely, standing beside his brother.

Then, in perfect synchronization, both pressed their metallic hands against the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu: Rashomon!"

The ground trembled violently beneath them.

A massive, crimson gate erupted from the earth, its twisted, demonic face glaring down at them. The ancient steel creaked ominously as it fully emerged, towering above the battlefield.

The Sludge Tide smashed against it.

A deafening shriek filled the air as the corrosive mixture hissed and melted through the enchanted gate, blackening the steel and causing rivulets of molten metal to drip down the surface.

"What?!" Ukon roared, his monstrous voice twisting in disbelief. "How—how is she burning through Rashomon?!"

The sound of tearing steel split the air.

A gaping hole melted through the gate, the corroded structure groaning as it buckled inward from the acid and concussive force, collapsing in on itself.

Sakon and Ukon barely had time to react—

—before they were forced to leap backward, dodging the collapsing structure.

Right into the waiting arms of Kiba and Akamaru, who were perched on a tree over looking where the ylanded

"Now, Akamaru!" Kiba barked, his voice sharp with determination.

Akamaru growled low, perched on Kiba's head.

In a burst of white smoke, the two merged, transforming into a towering, monstrous two-headed wolf, its red eyes glowing menacingly in the dim light as it crashed through trees.

Sakon and Ukon tensed, their bodies shifting in preparation to dodge.

"Too slow!" Sakon snarled, muscles bunching as he prepared to jump—

But he didn't move.

"What—?!"

The corrosive sludge had spread, coating the battlefield in a thick, adhesive layer.

Their legs stuck fast, trapped beneath them.

Their expressions twisted in realization—too late.

Above them, the two-headed wolf spiraled in midair, transforming into a massive, rotating drill of chakra and fangs.

"Fang Wolf Fang!"

The titanic bullet of pure force tore through the air, howling like a feral beast as it spiraled toward its prey. The ground quaked and splintered apart under the sheer pressure, forming deep fissures as Kiba and Akamaru's attack ripped through the battlefield. Even from a distance, Kimiko felt the violent winds whip against her, a testament to the raw power behind their technique.

Then, at last, it ended.

A thunderous crash resounded as the attack finally lost momentum, sending a plume of dust and debris into the air. As the cloud settled, Kiba and Akamaru reappeared, panting, their bodies hunched from exertion. Meanwhile, Sakon and Ukon lay within the massive crater left behind, their bodies contorted at unnatural angles, twisted and broken.

"Heh…" Kiba exhaled heavily, wiping his brow. "We did it, Akamaru."

He reached out to ruffle Akamaru's head, the little pup giving a weak yet triumphant bark in response.

Kimiko smiled in relief, finally allowing herself to exhale.

Kiba turned toward them, grinning and throwing up both hands. "Heh, did you see that?! I told you—we've gotten strong!"

"Sorry for doubting you!" Kimiko shouted back, laughing slightly as Ibuse stomped forward, closing the distance.

She glanced toward the coffin, her focus snapping back to the mission. "Alright, now. Go ahead and check the coffin. Sasuke mi—"

Her senses screamed at her.

Her eyes darted to Sakon, who suddenly jerked upright, his body twitching unnaturally before he lunged forward, metallic arm cocked back for a brutal strike—and Kiba was completely unaware.

"KIBA!" Kimiko yelled, her voice sharp with urgency.

Kiba whipped around, eyes widening, body tensing to dodge—

But Ukon moved first, launching himself up from the crater, his arms snaking around Kiba from behind, locking him in place.

"Going somewhere?!" Ukon sneered, his grip tightening.

Kimiko reacted without thinking.

She pushed off Ibuse's head, her body becoming an arrow as she streaked toward Kiba—

And just in time.

Sakon's fist slammed into her face, the force knocking her sideways, pain blooming across her jaw as she stumbled from the impact. Such was the impact that Sakon stumbled as his fist soared, forcing him into one knee.

But he wasn't the only one with a backup.

Akamaru sprang into action, launching into the air like a white blur.

Before Ukon could react, Akamaru lifted his leg—

—and pissed directly into Ukon's eyes.

"ARRRGH!" Ukon shrieked, jerking away as the acidic urine burned his face, his grip loosening instinctively.

Kiba took advantage of the moment, driving a brutal elbow into Ukon's gut, then pivoting and landing a solid punch to his jaw, sending him reeling backward.

"Kimiko!" Kiba snarled, casting a glance at her as Ukon staggered away, cursing. "You okay?"

Kimiko rubbed her jaw, her eyes locking onto Sakon, who was already pushing himself back up.

"Don't worry. This is a good thing," she said, rolling her shoulders, voice steady. "Your attack injured them badly. That was their last-ditch attempt to kill you before escaping."

Sakon wiped the blood from his mouth, glaring at her. "Meddlesome bitch," he spat.

Kimiko narrowed her eyes, not even bothering to glance at Kiba and Akamaru as she spoke.

"Kiba, whatever happens, don't let them near each other."

Sakon's eyes flickered at that, his expression darkening.

"So," Kimiko continued, ignoring him. "You and Akamaru handle the twin. I'll take care of this one. And remember, don't let him get too close."

It made sense. The twins thrived as a unit, constantly healing each other. Separating them crippled their advantage and forced them into a fair fight. More than that, Ukon was significantly weaker than Sakon, lacking the same refined combat instincts. That meant Kiba and Akamaru stood a real chance of taking him down.

Kiba grinned, baring his fangs. "Leave it to us."

Akamaru barked in agreement.

Ukon, still rubbing his eyes, hissed in frustration. "Brats," he growled. "Like we're gonna let yo—"

Kiba cut him off with a brutal knee to the gut, following up with another swift punch to the face, knocking him back again.

Sakon flinched at the sight, his body tensing, his stance shifting—

Kimiko read the movement instantly.

Before he could act, she flickered in front of him, twisting on her heel, her leg whipping out in a perfect spinning back kick.

Her heel smashed into his stomach, sending him crashing backward into a tree, bark splintering from the force.

She straightened, rolling her shoulders.

Sakon, already battered and bloodied, struggled to stay on his feet. Blood dripped freely from his chin, his breath ragged and uneven. Kimiko watched him closely, noting the faint tremors in his limbs—he was on his last legs.

From behind, she could hear Ukon grunting in pain, each impact from Kiba and Akamaru drawing another strangled gasp from his twin.

Sakon gritted his teeth. "Y-You really think you've won?" he rasped, his voice hoarse. "Even if you kill us... Orochimaru-sama... won't rest... until he has you... and Sasuke..."

Kimiko's gaze remained cold, her voice even colder.

"What can a crippled, decaying husk like that white worm do?"

Sakon glared at her, fury flashing in his eyes, but his body betrayed his weakness—he spat more blood onto the ground before charging forward, fists cocked back in a desperate attack.

Kimiko, however, anticipated the reckless lunge.

She bent her knee and sidestepped left, slipping just past his outstretched fist as he stumbled forward. The instant her feet touched the ground, she was already moving—her hand flashing to her pouch, fingers closing around a set of senbon.

She coated the fine needles in her water chakra, laced with one of her acidic corrosives.

Then, with a snap of her wrist, she hurled them.

The senbon spiraled through the air, streaking toward him, each one enveloped in a twisting ribbon of water.

Sakon twisted to dodge the first, jerking his shoulder back.

The second skimmed across his cheek, carving a deep gash.

The third buried itself in his stomach.

A fist-sized hole exploded through his abdomen as the senbon punched through flesh, tearing out his back, before striking the earth behind him—where it detonated in a corrosive explosion.

"AAAHHH!" Sakon let out a guttural scream as his flesh sizzled, acid eating away at his insides. His body convulsed in agony, but when his bloodshot eyes snapped open again—

Kimiko was already in front of him.

Their eyes met.

"Konoha Style Kenjutsu: Moonlight."

A white arc flashed, Byakko's blade whistling through the air, aimed for his neck.

But Sakon, in a desperate bid to survive, threw himself backward, the tip of the blade skimming across his throat, leaving a thin, bleeding gash.

Kimiko, however, had anticipated the retreat.

She bent her knee and lunged after him, closing the gap instantly. Her knee shot up, striking him dead in the gut.

Sakon gagged, eyes bulging as blood splattered from his mouth.

His body shot upward, weightless, his limbs flailing as he sailed through the air.

Kimiko's gaze followed him.

She formed a single hand seal.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu."

Two identical clones materialized on either side of her. All three wielded their swords, their forms flickering as they blurred forward, leaping into the air.

As Sakon began to plummet, his vision hazed with pain, the three Kimikos appeared, the three streaks of white and black converging on him—

One rushing in from the left, blade arcing from the side.

Another from the right, mirroring the movement.

And the last—Kimiko herself—lunging dead center, Byakko aimed straight for his heart.

"Konoha Style Kenjutsu: Dance of the Crescent Moon!"

The two clones slashed first reappearing behind him as they charged, two white crosses appearing on the path of their sword, their blades carving a perfect X across Sakon's chest, blood spraying outward in twin streaks of crimson.

And then—

Kimiko put her sword away.

Her left hand clenched, n her fingers glowing with her noxiou chakra

Sakon barely had time to react before she flashed forward.

Her hand plunged into his chest—

Straight through the bloody X-gash.

Her fingers closed around his heart.

Then she squeezed.

Kimiko pumped his heart full of her most potent venom, her chakra coursing through his veins like a death sentence.

I'll have to trust that the others kept enough alive for interrogation.

They landed hard, the force of their impact cratering the earth beneath them.

Her hand was still buried in his chest.

Sakon twitched violently, his body seizing, his fingers clawing weakly toward her throat— but he could barely lift his arm. His heart spasmed, his body rejecting the toxin flooding his bloodstream.

He convulsed, a strangled gasp tearing from his lips—

And then his body went still.

Kimiko ripped her hand free, tearing his heart straight from his chest.

The darkened, half-beating organ pulsed weakly in her grip before blackening entirely, shriveling into a rotted husk.

She let it drop to the ground with a wet thud.

Below her, Sakon's lifeless husk turned its head to the side.

"Good," Kimiko muttered to herself. "That's taken care of."

She turned her attention to the remaining fight, her sharp eyes locking onto Ukon—battered, bruised, and barely standing. He staggered backward, his body trembling from exhaustion and pain. Across from him, Kiba and Akamaru—now identical in appearance—moved like a perfectly synchronized pack, closing in on him.

Kimiko noted the deep gash on Kiba's left leg, the wound shaped like a kunai strike.

Ukon attempted to retreat, stumbling back in desperation—but Kiba and Akamaru capitalized instantly, slamming their shoulders into his midsection with brutal force. The impact sent him soaring through the air, his limbs flailing.

Kimiko's fingers twitched toward her senbon pouch. End it now. She flicked her wrist, two poisoned needles gleaming as she aimed for his throat—

Before the ground suddenly split open.

Ibuse emerged in an instant, his massive form bursting upward. His enormous jaws clamped down, swallowing Ukon whole.

A muffled scream echoed from within the salamander's stomach, but it quickly faded into silence.

Kimiko let her hand fall, her grip on the senbon loosening. That works too.

"Hey!" Kiba barked, limping toward Ibuse as a puff of smoke surrounded Akamaru, returning him to his usual form. "We were handling it just fine!"

Ibuse snorted, unimpressed. "A shinobi does not fight honorably. He fights to win. I saw an opening, so I took it."

Kimiko crossed her arms. "Well, now he's dead."

"He is not," Ibuse corrected. "I modulated the poison in my system. He's merely comatose. Once I expel him, he will recover—slowly."

Kimiko dipped her head. "Thank you, Ibuse-sama. That's one more we can take back alive."

However, before she could say more, Kiba suddenly winced and collapsed onto one knee, clutching his bleeding leg.

Akamaru let out a concerned bark, nudging him.

Kimiko moved without hesitation, placing a hand on his shoulder and steadying him. "You alright?"

"Y-yeah," Kiba grunted. His breath was ragged, his grip tight on his wound. "That bastard tried to pull that possession thing on me, so I had to—" he motioned toward the bleeding wound and the discarded kunai on the ground. "I figured stabbing myself was the fastest way to force him out. After seeing you—uh…" He hesitated. "Well, after watching you rip his brother's heart out, I think that spooked him enough to let go."

Kimiko exhaled slowly, nodding in approval. "Smart thinking. Hold on, let me bind that," she offered, stepping toward Kiba.

Kiba raised a hand, shaking his head. "Never mind that. I'll do it myself. Just check the coffin and see if it's Sasuke."

Kimiko hesitated for a moment but nodded, turning her attention to the discarded coffin a short distance away. As she approached, however, it suddenly vanished in a puff of smoke. Her brows furrowed.

"Ah, crap. A fake." She clenched her fists, scanning the area. "But why did it dispel?"

Kiba, who had just finished bandaging his leg, limped over with Akamaru perched on his shoulder. "Well," he muttered, "guess that means we still have to find the others and—" His voice cut off abruptly, his nose twitching. "Hold on. Someone's coming."

Kimiko had already felt it, the familiar flicker of chakra approaching fast. She turned toward the treeline, her senses sharpening.

A figure leaped into view.

Naruto.

But beside him was someone Kimiko hadn't expected to see.

"Wait," Kiba narrowed his eyes. "Isn't that the Kankuro guy?"

"That I am," Kankuro replied dryly, adjusting the puppets wrapped on his back—three this time, rather than his usual one.

Kimiko's gaze flicked toward them briefly before she met his eyes. Reinforcements.

"What are you doing here?" Kiba asked, his voice cautious.

Kankuro smirked. "Haven't you heard? Our villages didn't just sign a ceasefire—we signed a peace treaty. The Acting Kazekage wants stronger relations with Konoha, especially since my sister was returned unharmed." His eyes flickered toward Kimiko for a brief moment before looking away. "That's why we were sent to your village. Your lady Hokage figured you might need backup."

He glanced at Sakon's lifeless body on the ground, raising a brow. "But… looks like you had it handled."

Kimiko remained quiet, watching him.

Kankuro crossed his arms. "I ran into this knucklehead on the way," he nodded toward Naruto, "and he sent a shadow clone to lead me here while he went ahead. Something about some other guy running off with the real coffin?" His voice had a questioning lilt at the end.

Kimiko's stomach dropped.

Shit. That means…

"That's…" Kiba hesitated before shaking his head. "Thanks. Seriously."

Kimiko dipped her head slightly in a polite bow. "We appreciate the help."

Kankuro studied her for a beat, something unreadable flashing across his face before he nodded.

The Naruto clone grinned, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. "Alright, no time to waste! Let's move!"

Without another word, they all leaped into the trees, following the trail, Ibuse poofing into smoke besides them.

As they followed the Naruto clone, it quickly launched into a rough recounting of what had happened on their side.

Apparently, it hadn't taken long for Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji to corner Jirobo and Tayuya. However, the two had been determined to make a last stand, resulting in a brutal battle. Choji had sustained serious injuries, having been forced to resort to the secret Yellow Pill of his clan. Jirobo, ever the taunting brute, had mocked him one too many times—leading Naruto to put a Wind-Style Rasengan straight through his chest, blowing his heart open and killing him instantly.

Tayuya, realizing her situation was hopeless, had attempted to flee. But Shikamaru—distraught over Choji's condition—had caught her in his Shadow Strangulation Jutsu. The clone recounted how Shikamaru had almost killed her then and there, but at the last moment, he had regained his composure and released the technique.

However, in the chaos, an unknown figure had managed to snatch the coffin containing Sasuke. When Naruto and Shikamaru attempted to pursue, the assailant struck them both down before escaping.

That was when the Sand Siblings had arrived. According to the clone, Naruto and Gaara were now in pursuit of the thief, while Temari and Shikamaru had stayed behind to secure Tayuya.

She had a sinking feeling she already knew who had taken Sasuke.

Her heartbeat quickened, tension curling in her gut at the thought of facing someone like him .

And if she was right—if he was truly the one who had taken the coffin—then this battle was far from over.

As they broke through the dense foliage, the roar of rushing water filled Kimiko's ears, growing louder with each passing second. Then, the treeline parted, revealing a vast, rocky expanse bathed in the mist of a towering waterfall. The sight was breathtaking—the Valley of the End.

Two colossal statues stood across from one another, their weathered faces locked in eternal confrontation. The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. The Uchiha progenitor, Madara. Titans who had shaped the world with their will, their ideals etched into history itself.

Kimiko exhaled, her gaze lingering on them. She had always known this place was a battlefield of legends—a place where destinies collided. And she knew, in the near future, she would meet these two men. Perhaps battle one of them.

Kimiko's awe at the legendary battleground was quickly shattered as her gaze locked onto the scene unfolding below.

Gaara stood with his arms crossed, his ever-present sand floating above him, poised to strike at a moment's notice. Beside him, Naruto's posture was tense, his usual bright, golden chakra tainted—its once warm energy now laced with something darker, something distinctly Kurama's. His red-glowing eyes confirmed it.

Next to Naruto, clad in unmistakable green spandex, was Rock Lee, his stance firm, one hand raised in the classic defensive posture of the Strong Fist. Oh good. He got better.

Yet, most surprising of all was the fourth figure standing beside them—Sasuke. His Sharingan gleamed like twin, burning coals, his grip firm on the weapon in his hand. A blade of lightning, white-blue like heavenly fire, crackled to life, forming an edge of pure energy. So..he's using the Nidaime's sword, huh?

But the true threat stood opposite them.

A tall, eerily beautiful young man with striking bone structure and an unsettlingly calm demeanor. He held a bone sword, freshly pulled from his own body, the grotesque elegance of the act almost mesmerizing.

Kiba muttered beside her, "Who the hell is that guy…?"

Kimiko didn't answer. Her grip on Byakko tightened.

"I'm going in, stay here. You'll get in the way." she declared, before leaping from their vantage point, landing effortlessly beside Sasuke.

Naruto and Sasuke turned to her, relief flashing across their faces.

"About time," Sasuke muttered, shifting his stance slightly as she joined them.

Kimiko shot him a dry look. "You literally got to sleep while the rest of us were busy kicking ass."

Naruto grinned, something feral in his expression. "She's got you there, Sasuke."

Kimiko's gaze remained locked on their opponent, who regarded her with mild curiosity.

"So," Kimimaro mused, his voice smooth yet eerily devoid of emotion. "You're the poisoner. The one Lord Orochimaru had chosen to be his disciple."

"I was," Kimiko replied coolly. "But I think I'm taking a different path now."

Kimimaro tilted his head, unfazed. "So, like this Uchiha, you spit on Lord Orochimaru's generosity and betray him." He exhaled, almost as if in disappointment. "Still, I must thank you for handling those useless former comrades of mine. To be delayed by trash like them…" His gaze flicked to the others in clear disdain.

"We're not trash!" Naruto snarled, his voice edged with Kurama's influence. "And I'm about to prove it by breaking your face!"

Kimimaro ignored him, his sharp, pale-green eyes settling on her once more. "It doesn't matter. Whether you come willingly or screaming, I will deliver both of you to Lord Orochimaru."

Kimiko exhaled, rolling her shoulders, loosening her muscles. "Yeah, no. I've got zero intention of going anywhere." She smirked, tilting her head. "Especially not when Orochimaru's disciples turn out to be as pathetic as you and your little squad. What was it Sakon called himself? 'The West Gate?' I tore his heart out of his chest while his brother watched. Then I made his brother eat his still beating heart."

She watched as Kimimaro's expression remained perfectly unchanged, as if entirely unmoved by the death of his comrades.

That only made her push further.

Kimiko let out a quiet, contemptuous laugh, tilting her head as she regarded Kimimaro with a gaze of icy derision.

"A pack of groveling hounds, clawing over one another for the smallest shred of their master's favor," she mused, her tone edged with mocking amusement. "It's almost pitiful—watching you all scurry at his feet, desperate for the scraps of power he throws your way, shackled like the mindless, obedient beasts you are."

Her lips curled into a slow, taunting smirk.

"But you? You're the worst of them. The last pathetic remnant of a clan of brutes, too blinded by their own barbarism to realize they were running themselves into extinction." Her gaze darkened, cold and imperious as she stared him down. "No wonder Orochimaru found it so easy to lead you around by the nose. Give a savage from a backwater wasteland a moldy shack, and he'll think he's been gifted a palace."

She paused, letting the insult settle, her expression twisting into something mockingly thoughtful.

"So tell me, Kimimaro, is it—how did he buy your loyalty? A rusted kunai? A pair of sandals? Or am I giving you too much credit?"

For the first time, Kimimaro's grip tightened on his bone sword.

Good. Get him mad.

She felt Naruto and Sasuke shift beside her. Gaara remained impassive, his expression unreadable, but she could sense his brief glance in her direction. Lee, however, was not as silent.

"Your words are… very cutting, Kimiko-san," he murmured, his usual warmth tempered with unease.

Kimiko didn't look away from Kimimaro. "Cutting words for those who deserve them."

"Tch," Kimimaro scoffed. "Doctor Kabuto always said you had a sharp tongue. That you were the most dangerous among them—not because of your poison, but because of your mind." His pale green eyes regarded her coolly. "A shame I won't be able to kill you right now."

Kimiko arched a brow. "Oh?" Her fingers tightened around Byakko's hilt. "As powerful as you may be, there are five of us and one of you. You wouldn't last long. I'd have my sword through your eye before you could even lift a finger."

Kimimaro's lips curled into something resembling amusement. "Were I at my full strength… I could kill all five of you without so much as blinking."

He coughed then, a wet, rasping sound. But there was no fear in his eyes, only cold certainty.

"But," he continued, straightening as he wiped the blood from his mouth. "You're not the only one with comrades."

Kimiko's breath stilled.

From behind him, another figure landed—a massive man, broad-shouldered and towering, nearly as large as Jirobo. He moved with controlled stillness, his presence unnervingly calm. His chakra was steady, too steady, like a quiet sea before a violent storm.

But there was something else—something familiar about the nature of his chakra.

Something akin to the Curse Mark… but different. Purer.

"Took you long enough," Kimimaro remarked.

The man lifted a hand, pulling down his hood.

Long, orange hair spilled past his shoulders.

Kimiko's stomach dropped.

Oh… Oh no.

"Forgive my delay," the man said, his voice steady yet carrying an underlying weight. "I had to assure Orochimaru-sama and Kabuto-san that I wouldn't kill the one we were sent to retrieve."

"It doesn't matter," Kimimaro replied, unbothered. His gaze remained locked on Kimiko and the others, unwavering. "I trust you to cover my back, Jugo."