Chapter 31: Sunflower
She stood before the memorial stone, her gaze fixed on the newly etched name among so many others.
Shinku Yuhi.
The rain fell in steady streams, soaking her clothes, but Kimiko didn't care. Her trembling fingers reached out to trace the letters of the name—the name of the man who had given her life.
Her father.
A father she had killed.
A voice deep inside whispered that she was being too harsh on herself. That Shinku Yuhi, a character who had barely appeared in the chronicles of the world she now lived in, had been destined for an early grave. He could have died that night during the Nine-Tails' rampage, just a brief flashback in a larger tale. By existing, by intervening, she had extended his life, given him years he might not have otherwise had. A chance for a heroic death.
But those words, however logical, didn't ease the weight in her chest.
The truth was simple: her plotting, her scheming, her desperate attempts to save Hayate and prepare Konoha for the invasion had led to her father's death. Not just any man—a respected shinobi, a dedicated teacher, a loving husband and father. Her actions had robbed Kaori, her mother, of the man she adored, leaving her a widow to mourn for the rest of her days. They had taken Kurenai's father from her, a daughter who now wept for the loss of her pillar, her guiding light.
What kind of daughter does that make me?
A cruel, unfilial one, she thought bitterly, one whose sense of duty had outweighed her humanity. Yet, even now, a stubborn voice whispered that Shinku would have chosen this path willingly, if it meant protecting his family, his village, his legacy.
But how selfish, how arrogant, to believe that.
Kimiko let her hand fall from the stone, her tears mixing with the rain.
"I'm sorry, Father," she murmured, her voice cracking. "I'm so sorry."
The silence was broken only by the steady patter of rain, each drop falling like a soft reminder of her solitude. Kimiko kept her head bowed, her gaze fixed on the ground, lost in thoughts she couldn't quiet. It wasn't until the sound of footsteps approached from behind that her focus sharpened. Even then, she didn't turn—not until she heard the voice.
"A shinobi must always remain aware of their surroundings, regardless of location."
Kimiko spun on her heel, her heart tightening as her eyes locked onto the man behind her. The scarred, bandaged figure stood with the stoicism of a statue, leaning lightly on a stick. His robes, marked by the insignia of the Hokage, were an image she had never thought to see. It was a sight as surreal as it was unwelcome.
Danzo Shimura.
Her jaw clenched. Another misstep. Her meddling had allowed Hiruzen Sarutobi to survive, yet in the same breath, it had paved the way for this man to rise to power. To wear those robes.
Suppressing her emotions, Kimiko bent at the waist, her bow low and deliberate. "Hokage-dono, forgive me. I was careless and failed to notice your presence."
Danzo regarded her with his ever-calculated gaze, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke, his voice even and unhurried. "Acting Hokage, child. And there is nothing to forgive." He paused, his attention shifting to the memorial stone behind her. "A daughter is allowed some leeway when she is in mourning."
For a fleeting instant, Kimiko thought she saw something unexpected flicker across his weathered face—an emotion she couldn't quite name. Sorrow?
His tone softened, though only slightly. "I must insist you not remain in this rain. Come. I have matters to discuss with you."
Wordlessly, Kimiko followed, falling into step slightly behind and to the left of Danzo, matching his pace with practiced precision.
"Hm," Danzo murmured, his gaze fixed ahead as he led her to a shaded section of the training grounds. The trees above provided shelter, their thick branches framing a distant view of Konoha. The village lay serene and pristine, the scars of the recent invasion by Otogakure and Sunagakure already nearly erased by the tireless efforts of its people. "You've inherited your mother's manners, it seems."
"As you say, Danzo-sama," Kimiko replied evenly, her tone betraying neither agreement nor dissent.
Danzo halted at the edge of the overlook, his bandaged arm resting against his side. He didn't turn to her, his gaze instead settling on the village below, a contemplative silence hanging between them.
"Come," he said at last, raising his arm in a subtle gesture. Kimiko stepped forward, joining him at his side, her crimson eyes sweeping over the view. The quiet peace of Konoha stood in stark contrast to the chaos of the invasion mere days ago—a fragile, hard-won tranquility.
After a pause, Danzo spoke again, his voice carrying an undercurrent of measured approval. "It seems we owe you a debt of gratitude for the intelligence that allowed us to prepare for Orochimaru's treachery."
Kimiko inclined her head slightly. "I would not overstate my contribution," she said softly. "I was merely in the right place at the right time. It was Hayate-senpai who successfully tracked and overheard the conversation between Kabuto and the Sunagakure jonin."
"And he would have perished had you not made the decision to follow," Danzo countered, his tone sharp but even. "At great risk to yourself, you informed the nearest patrol, ensuring his survival and the dissemination of critical information. And you were also instrumental in the interrogation of that Sound genin, were you not?"
Kimiko didn't flinch. By now, she had grown accustomed to the whispers of her burgeoning reputation and the tales of her enhanced interrogation methods reaching certain ears. "I was, Hokage-sama," she acknowledged calmly. "Though I doubt I uncovered anything of true value. They were mere pawns in Orochimaru's schemes, after all."
Danzo made a faint sound of contemplation. "Perhaps," he said, his tone measured. "But to show such initiative without prompting is remarkable—especially for one so young."
Kimiko nodded quietly, choosing to keep her silence. The rain continued to patter softly, filling the pause between them. It was some time before Danzo spoke again.
"Your father was a great shinobi," he began, his tone contemplative, "even as far back as his prime."
Kimiko blinked, startled. Danzo knew my father that well? she thought, her brow furrowing. He never spoke of him…
"Yes," Danzo continued, as if plucking the question from her mind. "He would not have spoken much of the past. Shinku was a man who preferred to live in the present." His voice shifted, tinged with a note of reflection. "I remember when he and Sakumo Hatake fought. People sang Sakumo's praises endlessly, but your father… your father had talents of his own. Had we been ten years younger, Orochimaru would be dead now. And your father would still be alive."
Kimiko winced, lowering her head slightly. The weight of his words settled heavily on her shoulders. Danzo made no move to comfort her, but she could feel his gaze linger for a moment before returning to the village below.
"Come," he said, his voice quieter now. "Look at Konoha. Look at how the people sleep, undisturbed. How little remains of the attack's scars."
Kimiko tilted her head, forcing herself to look at the tranquil village below. The sight struck a chord in her chest. Did it even matter? If she hadn't interfered, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have died, but Konoha would have endured. She knew that much from the anime. But by acting, she had spared the village greater losses—while ensuring the rise of this man as Hokage. Was it worth it?
"This peace," Danzo continued, "is the result of your father's sacrifice. Shinku Yuhi was a man who understood the value of sacrifice. He would have gladly given his life to ensure Konoha's prosperity, to shield it from those who seek its destruction."
Kimiko flinched, her fists clenching at her sides. How dare this man speak of sacrifice. The man who had ordered a boy barely old enough to be called an adult to annihilate his own clan. The man who had poisoned the minds of others, planting seeds of distrust and manipulation that would plague the world for decades.
"Danzo-sama," Kimiko said, her voice cold and measured, "I thank you for your kind words about my father. But I would have preferred to hear his thoughts on sacrifice from his own lips, not someone else's. His death has robbed me of that."
The silence that followed was taut, each breath of rain amplifying the tension. When Danzo finally spoke, his tone shifted—sharp, probing.
"Why did you ingest the poison that gave you your abilities?" His gaze was on her now, unyielding. "Why did you continue the mission to pursue the Sand's Jinchuriki, knowing the risks of facing a tailed beast? Why do you risk your life, Yuhi Kimiko, when there is no one compelling you to?"
Kimiko's eyes widened, her heart skipping. How does he know all that?
"I…" She faltered, words catching in her throat. The question hung between them, heavy and unrelenting. She wrestled with her thoughts, searching for the truth.
Why did she?
At first, she thought she knew the answer. It was simple: a desire not to be average, like she had been in her past life. A need to make something of herself, to live a life worth living, to squeeze every ounce of meaning out of her existence.
But as time passed, as she grew closer to the people in this world, she realized her reasons had shifted. At first, she thought it was insecurity—the burden of knowing the future, of anticipating the chaos to come, had driven her to take risks others would deem reckless. Yet even that wasn't the whole truth. The question remained: Why?
Was it pure altruism? A selfless desire to grow stronger because she understood what loomed on the horizon? No, that wasn't it. She already knew the answer, buried deep within her.
"...I wanted to grow stronger to protect those I love," Kimiko said at last, her voice steady despite the storm within her. "Even if it comes at the expense of my own life."
Danzo tilted his head slightly, as though weighing her response. "And who are the people you love?" he asked.
"My family," Kimiko said without hesitation. "My friends. Hinata, Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei." She paused, her voice softening. "Konoha and her people."
"Mm." Danzo's sound of acknowledgment was quiet but deliberate. "And what is that if not sacrifice? To trade your comfort to ensure others do not suffer, to shorten your own life to extend the lives of those you love." His voice hardened. "We shinobi… we are tools, forged for war and battle. Anyone who claims otherwise is deceiving themselves."
He gestured toward the village below. "Your father understood this. He made the ultimate sacrifice a shinobi can make. By laying down his life, he saved hundreds—perhaps thousands. Such is the price of being a shinobi. Every battle may be our last."
Kimiko's hands balled into fists, her heart aching at the reminder. Danzo's words grated against her, but she couldn't deny their weight.
"And you, Yuhi Kimiko," Danzo continued, his voice resolute, "you understand this—even at your young age. You know the sacrifices necessary to protect Konoha. Mourn your father, yes. You have that right. But never forget that his death was for the greater good. Live a life as honorable as his."
At this, he turned to face her fully, his single visible eye piercing. "You have inherited the Will of Fire. You have suffered loss, and you will suffer more. But you must remember this: you are a shinobi of Konoha first and foremost. Your life belongs to the Leaf. And you must do everything in your power to ensure it never falls, just as your father did."
Danzo's gaze darkened, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "The brighter the Will of Fire burns, the longer the shadows it casts. And we must do whatever it takes to keep those shadows from snuffing out the flame—even when those actions haunt us." He paused, tone growing heavier. "Our duty as shinobi demands absolute devotion. It is not a path of privilege or morality. Our lives are tools to shield Konoha and its people from suffering. That is the burden we bear."
Kimiko paused, her gaze lingering on Danzo as he turned and began to walk away. His voice carried over the sound of the rain, calm and commanding. "Reflect on my words, young Kimiko. I must depart—my duties call me to the Daimyo. Your duty now is to help your mother understand the weight of your father's sacrifice. As good a woman as she is, she is not a shinobi. She will never fully comprehend."
With that, Danzo strode away, his figure soon swallowed by the misty veil of rain. Kimiko remained rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the space where he had stood moments ago.
Danzo Shimura. The man whom many whispered had engineered the Uchiha massacre.
The man who, through manipulation and schemes, had likely orchestrated the rise of Pain—the one who would one day destroy Konoha and ignite the war that threatened to obliterate the world entirely.
The man responsible for thousands of deaths, who had permitted and perhaps even facilitated Orochimaru's horrific experiments.
A man she should have, by all accounts, considered eliminating—given what she knew of his deeds.
And yet…
Kimiko exhaled, her breath shaky as her fists loosened at her sides. For all the darkness that surrounded him, for all the chaos his actions had sown, she found herself unable to dismiss the wisdom in his words.
The next few days were, if she were being honest, dreadfully dull.
Her mandated bereavement leave had effectively removed her from shinobi duty, a directive passed along by a Chuunin acting as Danzo's assistant. She was explicitly barred from training or undertaking missions for at least two weeks due to her father's death.
For someone who coped with grief by immersing herself in work, it was a frustrating predicament.
Still, the time away did provide her with an opportunity to reconnect with her family. Kurenai, also placed on leave, stayed home to support their mother, who was inconsolable. Seeing Kaori—normally a figure of poise and grace—reduced to clutching her husband's framed image and weeping broke Kimiko's heart. It had even reached the point where Kimiko and Kurenai considered sending their mother to her brother, the Daimyo, who had extended an invitation the moment he learned of her husband's passing. Yet Kaori had adamantly refused.
"Your father would have wanted me here," Kaori said firmly, her voice trembling but resolute. "My home is with you two. I will grieve my husband in Konoha—with my daughters."
Neither of them had the heart to argue after that. Instead, they focused on spending time with their mother, helping her maintain the tea house that had always been her pride and joy.
Kurenai took charge of working with suppliers and coordinating the staff, while Kimiko stepped into the role of hostess, ensuring the tea house ran as smoothly as ever. She greeted patrons, fostered lively conversations, and attended to the needs of the clientele, finding a surprising sense of purpose in the rhythm of the work.
During quieter moments, Kimiko listened carefully to the chatter of the patrons. The citizens of Konoha, even the civilians, seemed surprisingly resilient in the face of the recent invasion. Their composure was a testament to the culture of a military village—where war, though distant for some, was never entirely unfamiliar. Their proximity to shinobi life had steeled them in ways that outsiders might not understand. For most, life quickly resumed its normal rhythm, as though the invasion had been little more than a passing storm.
What truly caught her attention, however, were the conversations among her fellow shinobi who frequented the tea house. Their discussions about the Sunagakure and Otogakure attack, and the aftermath of the invasion, revealed much about the village's shifting sentiments.
Opinions were divided, she observed. Some spoke with bitterness, angered by the betrayal of former allies. Others voiced cautious optimism, speculating on the political ramifications and the potential for renewed alliances. For Kimiko, these conversations were as valuable as any intelligence briefing, offering her a glimpse into the thoughts and concerns of Konoha's people—both shinobi and civilian alike.
As the days stretched on, Kimiko found herself reflecting on her father's words and the legacy he had left behind. It was a quiet solace, one she clung to amid the stillness of her imposed rest.
One of the tea house patrons caught Kimiko completely off guard. Shikaku Nara, the Jōnin Commander himself, visited one afternoon. When her sister, Kurenai, left the backrooms to speak with him in private, Kimiko's curiosity piqued. She knew well enough that when two jōnin spoke, there was always something worth learning. So, under the guise of hospitality, she decided to investigate, entering their private room with a tray of tea in hand.
"Tea? Nara-sama, Nee-san?" Kimiko asked innocently as she stepped in.
Shikaku sat cross-legged on the floor, his sharp, thoughtful eyes on Kurenai, who turned at her sister's interruption. A faint sigh escaped her lips.
"Kimiko," Kurenai said with mild exasperation. "At this point, there's no need to pretend. If you're going to listen in, just sit down and stop wasting time. Put the tea down."
Shikaku chuckled, his lips quirking into an amused smirk. "She's got a point," he added, giving Kimiko a small nod.
Kimiko blushed but quickly regained her composure, smiling as she set the tray down and gracefully seated herself between them, crossing her legs. "As you were saying?" she prompted, her tone bright but curious.
Shikaku resumed, his voice even and deliberate. "There are growing concerns among the jōnin about recent decisions made by the Acting Hokage." He took a sip of tea before continuing. "For instance, he's declared a reexamination of the Academy curriculum—the one developed by the Third Hokage and your father. He's advocating for its temporary suspension and a return to the curriculum used during the Third Shinobi War."
Kimiko tilted her head, her curiosity deepening. "What's the difference between the two curriculums?" she asked.
Kurenai leaned forward, her hands resting lightly on her lap. "The biggest change involves lifting the minimum graduation age. The Third Hokage raised it to twelve, the reason why you, Sasuke, and Neji didn't graduate early. It was part of his effort to keep children out of combat for as long as possible and provide them with a broader education."
Kimiko nodded absently. She'd learned about that policy during her studies, and it made sense. It was an attempt to shield children from the horrors of war and allow them to enjoy a semblance of childhood while honing their foundational skills.
Shikaku picked up where Kurenai left off. "The old curriculum was highly militarized. The one we use today emphasizes general education and minimizes intermediate war tactics and battlefield conditioning, leaving such to the sensei's discretion.. Back then, the focus was on producing shinobi ready for combat as quickly as possible."
That made sense to Kimiko, given what she'd heard from Danzo. His belief that shinobi were tools forged for war aligned perfectly with such a curriculum. It explained why figures like Obito, once considered untalented, had already been fully trained and capable chuunin at an age younger than she was when she graduated.
Shikaku continued, his tone thoughtful but tinged with concern. "On its own, this change raises eyebrows, but it's not the only issue. The Acting Hokage has also demanded severe reparations from the Land of Wind and Sunagakure. Even though they claim Orochimaru's betrayal—killing their Kazekage—was the catalyst for their attack, the Acting Hokage insists they remain culpable. He argues that their decision to participate in the plan, regardless of Orochimaru's betrayal at the end, still makes them responsible."
Kimiko frowned slightly. "He's using the fact that Kabuto was still in Konoha and Orochimaru hadn't left the Land of Fire yet when Baki delivered the orders to the Kazekage, isn't he?"
Shikaku nodded. "Exactly. He claims those details prove they were fully willing participants in the attack, up until the betrayal. Their culpability, he says, is absolute." Shikaku paused, sighing.
"But that's not all he's doing," Shikaku said, his tone measured.
"Oh?" Kimiko tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her crimson eyes.
"Right after returning from his meeting with the Fire Daimyo, he organized five platoons of shinobi and deployed them to the northwest border of the Land of Fire, near Kusagakure," Shikaku explained.
Kimiko blinked, her brow furrowing. Kusagakure? That didn't make sense. Kusagakure was an inconsequential village among the smaller nations. Invading it would be a waste of resources, especially with Konoha already suffering losses. Kusagakure had historically been an ally, and it posed no threat.
Unless…
"...He's reinforcing the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth," Kimiko murmured, her eyes widening.
Shikaku's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good girl. Yes, that's exactly what he's doing. He said as much."
"But… it doesn't add up," Kimiko said, frowning. "I know Iwagakure hasn't been the most cordial of neighbors, historically, but shifting troops toward them when we're not even at peace with Sunagakure yet? A two-front war is in no one's interest."
Shikaku hummed thoughtfully. "True. But consider this—Sunagakure is in no position to resist. Their failed attack on Konoha cost them heavily. They're likely desperate for peace rather than risking another war and further losses. Besides…" He exchanged a look with Kurenai, who sighed, her expression troubled.
"The troop movements aren't entirely unwarranted," Shikaku added.
Kimiko's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Shikaku exhaled, the weight of his words evident. "During the attack on Konoha, we identified several disguised shinobi among the spectators. Two of them were Iwa-nin."
"What were they doing?" Kimiko asked, her tone sharp with suspicion.
Shikaku hesitated briefly before answering. "They were on a mission. To kidnap Hinata."
Kimiko froze, her heart pounding. "What?"
"They likely wanted to steal the Byakugan," Shikaku said evenly. "That eye attracts a lot of attention. The chaos of the invasion was the perfect cover for them to act."
Kimiko clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She turned to Kurenai, her voice trembling with anger. "Why didn't you tell me they tried to take my best friend?"
Kurenai sighed, shaking her head. "Kimiko, I found out just after I learned about Dad's death. And you'd just returned from fighting a Tailed Beast—a thirteen-year-old girl, fresh off the battlefield. You didn't need more weight on your shoulders."
Kimiko's lips pressed into a thin line, but Kurenai's gaze softened as she continued. "Besides, it was handled."
"How?" Kimiko demanded.
"The Hyuga Elder saw what happened but was too weak to intervene directly. So, he sent a member of the cadet branch to retrieve Hinata."
"Who?" Kimiko asked, her voice quieter now.
"Neji," Shikaku said, a small smile forming. "Even though he was recovering from his match with Naruto, he insisted. He brought Kiba and Tenten with him, and together, they successfully defeated the Iwa-nin and rescued Hinata."
Kimiko slumped back, her tension easing slightly. Neji, huh? I guess he's starting to change already. "It's good to see that his grudge didn't seem to run that deeply,"
"It seems so," Shikaku said. "Though the Iwa-nin didn't go quietly. They're currently with Ibiki, and they've admitted their mission was fully sanctioned by the Tsuchikage. Of course, Iwagakure denies their involvement, claiming the shinobi acted without authorization."
Kimiko's eyes narrowed. "And the Acting Hokage used this as a pretext to move troops near Iwa's border?"
"In a sense," Shikaku said. "The Acting Hokage demanded reparations and a formal apology. When both were denied, he began the troop deployment."
Kimiko leaned forward, her eyes blazing. "He's doing it to send a message. To show the other villages that Sunagakure's attack hasn't weakened us. If we let such an insult go unanswered, they might see it as a sign of weakness—and start getting ideas."
"Exactly," Shikaku said, his expression grim. "It's a calculated move, but one that comes with risks."
Kimiko exhaled, her mind racing. "Risks we can't afford," she murmured. "Not if we don't want another war."
"Yes, so you see, all of this added together points to only one thing," Shikaku said, his tone measured.
"Rearmament and militarization," Kimiko said quietly, the weight of the words sinking in.
The room fell into a thoughtful silence. Kimiko's mind raced as she pieced together the implications. The shift in the Academy curriculum, the aggressive diplomatic maneuvers, and the troop movements—it all painted a stark picture of Danzo's priorities. Konoha was not preparing for peace; it was steeling itself for war. A world where trust was scarce, and readiness for conflict was paramount. And yet... she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
A village had tried to exploit the chaos of an attack to take advantage of Konoha, even attempting to kidnap one of its own. The shinobi world was one of constant power struggles—whether fought openly or through manipulation. Was Danzo wrong to prepare for such a reality? He was a man molded by the unforgiving truths of the shinobi world, someone who had witnessed betrayal and death firsthand. His methods might be cruel, but his motivations seemed clear: to save and protect the village he loved, no matter the cost.
Kimiko's gaze dropped. Could she truly judge him? As much as she wanted to condemn Danzo's ruthlessness, hadn't she done the same? She had lied about Hayate's supposed last words to ready Konoha against Suna and Oto. She had tortured Sound-nin to extract critical information. Pragmatic cruelty—wasn't that just another tool of a kunoichi?
And if it meant preparing the world to face threats like Akatsuki, Madara, or Kaguya, wouldn't she commit atrocities herself?
She glanced between Shikaku and Kurenai. "And the jonin? What do they think?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Kurenai exchanged a glance with Shikaku, who sighed before replying. "Divided. Some see his actions as necessary, a way to ensure Konoha's strength in uncertain times. Others... are more skeptical."
He paused, then added, "I already know where your sister stands. But what about you, Kimiko?"
Kimiko blinked, caught off guard. "I'm not a jonin."
"Not yet," Shikaku said dryly. "But that doesn't mean your opinion isn't worth hearing. What do you think?"
Kimiko hesitated, tilting her head as she mulled over her words. "I'm not sure yet," she admitted slowly. "No one truly wants war, obviously. But..." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "We've enjoyed relative peace for some time now. And yet, Iwa's treachery shows that alliances mean nothing if we can't back them up with strength. The shinobi world still runs on the ideals of power and might. Hoping for peace without being prepared is foolhardy."
She stopped, gauging their reactions before continuing. "And with neighbors as hostile as ours, preparing for the worst makes sense."
Shikaku leaned forward slightly, his gaze keen. "Some might argue that this preparation invites an arms race, locking us in eternal escalation."
Kimiko met his gaze steadily. "The entire shinobi system exists because of escalation," she countered. "We're soldiers, Shikaku-san. Soldiers serving Daimyo who send us to war. Peace, as we know it, is always temporary—an interlude between conflicts. To change that, we'd need to fundamentally reshape the world. And no one's ready for that conversation, not yet."
She paused, her expression sharpening. "Until that time comes, we grow stronger—not just to survive but to build the foundation for a better world. True change requires strength and conviction. The kind of conviction that makes a man—or a woman—defy the will of the heavens themselves. The kind that looks at the way things are and says, 'No.'"
Her words hung in the air, the weight of her determination palpable. Shikaku regarded her with a faint, nod, while Kurenai's eyes inspected her.
"Interesting thought," Shikaku mused, his tone contemplative. "Though it may all be a moot point anyhow." He paused, his expression unreadable. "The Fire Daimyo may be content with Danzo, but Lord Third could wake up soon."
"Oh?" Kimiko asked, tilting her head. "There's been a development in his condition?"
"No," Shikaku admitted, his sigh heavy. "It's the same as ever. His chakra signature is weak—far weaker than it's ever been. For someone his age, his reserves were still respectable. But now… it's as though they've been permanently halved. And his body can't handle the strain. It's not used to operating at such depleted levels."
Kimiko furrowed her brow. "How did this happen? Did Orochimaru do something to him?"
"We don't know," Shikaku replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "The ANBU reported that he used a jutsu on Orochimaru, something that forced Orochimaru to retreat, though Kabuto intervened before it could finish. But here's the thing—they said they couldn't see what he did."
Kimiko's brow arched. "Couldn't see anything? A jutsu invisible to the eyes… and something even Orochimaru wasn't prepared for?"
The pieces clicked into place in her mind. The Reaper Death Seal.
In the anime, Hiruzen used it to permanently seal Orochimaru's arms, employing shadow clones to simultaneously seal the first and second Hokages summoned through Edo Tensei. But with her father and Danzo aiding him in this timeline, it could be that Hiruzen had managed to use a shadow clone to target Orochimaru while sparing his own life—barely.
"But if that's the case," Kimiko said slowly, "why do you think Lord Third might recover soon?"
Shikaku hesitated, glancing at Kurenai before continuing. "Don't spread this around, but… given the severity of Lord Third's condition, the Council authorized a special mission." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "They've sent Master Jiraiya to find Princess Tsunade. The idea is for her to heal Lord Third."
Kimiko blinked, startled. In the anime, Jiraiya went to fetch Tsunade to avoid becoming Hokage himself. To placate the council, he offered her name instead and convinced her to take on the role. But here, she's being summoned to save Hiruzen's life…
Her thoughts churned, and realization struck.
"So that's the Council's play, then?" she asked sharply.
"Pardon?" Shikaku raised an eyebrow, but Kurenai sighed beside him.
Kimiko clicked her tongue, her crimson eyes narrowing. "You people never intended for Danzo-sama to hold the position of Hokage permanently."
Shikaku's expression didn't waver, but his silence spoke volumes.
"The Council wants a Sannin in the Hokage seat," Kimiko continued. "You're using the pretense of needing Tsunade to heal her former mentor as a cover for Jiraiya's actual mission: To convince her to take the position instead of Danzo."
Shikaku chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ah, my son must find you absolutely infuriating—or intimidating. More likely both. How did you figure that out?"
Kimiko's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "A shinobi must see underneath the underneath. It's obvious. We're sparing no expense to save Lord Third, while at the same time there's been no formal announcement about Danzo-sama's induction as the permanent Hokage. Almost as if we're deliberately delaying on officially giving him the position at a time when Konoha should be projecting strength and safeguarding its position in the world to reassure our clients. Not to mention that we're willing to send one of our most powerful shinobi out of the village to find Tsunade. That speaks volumes about our true priorities."
Shikaku leaned back, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes. "Sharp as ever. You're not wrong, but keep that insight to yourself for now. "
"And how does Danzo-sama feel about this?" Kimiko asked, her tone thoughtful. "If I've already pieced it together, he's likely anticipated this as well."
Shikaku shrugged, "If he has, he's keeping his cards close to his chest. He hasn't made any visible moves—no complaints about the mission, no overt interference."
Kimiko shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing. That didn't convince her at all. Danzo wasn't the type to let something like this pass without preparation. His silence was likely a calculated choice, masking his true intentions.
"Well," she said diplomatically, "the Acting Hokage is wise." Her tone carried a veneer of placation.
"Indeed," Shikaku replied, his voice tinged with dry amusement. He stood, groaning faintly as he stretched, then inclined his head toward them. "Anyway, that's all from me. Thank you for the tea, and again, my condolences for your father's death. He was a good man, Shinku-sama."
Kimiko offered a polite nod in return as Shikaku turned and departed, leaving the room in a brief silence. She mulled over the conversation, the pieces clicking into place in her mind.
Finally, she started to speak. "That reminds me, I need to—"
"You're going to find Master Jiraiya to talk to him about the mission," Kurenai interrupted, her tone dry but affectionate. "It's fine. Go ahead. Just make sure you're back before dinner."
"Thank you, I love you." Said Kimiko, smiling at her and bringing her close to a hug before running off.
It didn't take long for Kimiko to locate Jiraiya. She had an inkling of where he might be, and with her sensory capabilities, his chakra signature was easy enough to pick out. What caught her attention, however, was the familiar signature beside him—her own sensei, Kakashi.
Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, she quickly closed the distance, spotting the pair in quiet conversation. Kakashi leaned casually against the railing of the rooftop, while Jiraiya gestured animatedly as he spoke. Both men noticed her as she landed beside them with a soft thud, a polite smile on her face.
"Kakashi-sensei, Jiraiya-sensei," she greeted, inclining her head slightly.
"Hey, kiddo," Jiraiya replied, offering her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Your sensei and I were just catching up. Haven't seen you since the... funeral." His tone softened at the last word.
Kimiko returned his smile with a demure one of her own. "I heard you're heading out on a mission soon," she said lightly. "To find one of the Sannin—Lady Tsunade, isn't it? To heal Lord Third?"
Jiraiya blinked, glancing at Kakashi, who let out a sigh as he crossed his arms.
"Kimiko, you shouldn't say that so loudly," Jiraiya admonished. "This is a high-class mission with—"
"Shikaku-sama told me," she interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "There's no need to dance around the subject, Jiraiya-sensei, Kakashi-sensei. Besides," she added with a small shrug, "I already know the real reason behind your mission."
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing slightly, and Kakashi's posture straightened. "Did Shikaku tell you that, too?" Jiraiya asked, his voice calm but probing.
"No," Kimiko replied, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "I figured it out myself."
There was a brief silence before Jiraiya sighed, shaking his head and turning to Kakashi. "This one's too sharp for her own good," he muttered. "Reminds me of your sensei, Kakashi. That same uncanny knack for piecing things together."
"And the same tendency to use how handsome he was to charm people and avoid trouble," Kakashi quipped dryly, earning a wry grin from Jiraiya.
Kimiko chuckled softly but stayed on topic. "So, you're bringing her back to become Hokage," she said. It wasn't a question.
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck, his smile slipping into something more serious. "Yeah," he admitted. "It's about time she came home. Tsunade's more than qualified for the role, and if she can wake the old man up, I don't doubt he'll name her Hokage and step down."
"Huh." Kimiko tilted her head slightly. "Are you planning to spring the Hokage title on her once she gets here?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "No. Even I wouldn't pull something like that. Besides, Tsunade's no fool—she'll know what it means the moment I explain the situation. She'll understand why Konoha wants her back, and she'll know becoming Hokage is the real reason we're searching for her."
Kimiko nodded thoughtfully, her sharp crimson eyes studying the two men. "And if she refuses?" she asked quietly.
"She will," Jiraiya said with a sigh "But I have a plan for that."
Kakashi nodded in agreement, but his tone was measured as he added, "I hope your plan works. Convincing her won't be easy."
Kimiko's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Then it's a good thing you're the one going, Jiraiya-sensei. If anyone can bring her back, it's you."
Jiraiya chuckled, his earlier tension easing slightly. "Flattery, huh? Maybe you're more like your sensei than I thought. But no, not me, which brings me to my next request."
Jiraiya turned to Kakashi with a faint smile. "The Council gave me the green light. I'm bringing Naruto along for the mission."
Kakashi nodded, his visible eye narrowing slightly in thought. "Hm. I take it that decision has something to do with what we discussed earlier?"
Jiraiya shrugged nonchalantly. "It does. Remember what I said about my plan to convince Tsunade? Well, Naruto's a key part of that plan."
"I trust your judgment, Jiraiya-sama," Kakashi said evenly, though his tone hinted at curiosity.
Kimiko, however, furrowed her brows. She knew Jiraiya had taken Naruto along to fetch Tsunade in the original timeline, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something important this time.
"Sorry," she interjected, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "What were you two discussing?"
Jiraiya chuckled softly, his grin laced with mischief. "Nothing you need to worry about, you nosy little thing," he teased, reaching out to pinch her nose playfully.
Kimiko yelped, swatting at his hand as a faint blush colored her cheeks. "Jiraiya-sensei!" she protested, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.
"Anyway," Kakashi said dryly, clearly amused by their antics, "Naruto and Sasuke have been antsy waiting for you. You wouldn't believe the number of times they've come to me, asking if I could find out how you were. I think... they don't really know how to deal with someone who's lost a family member."
Kimiko's expression softened, and Kakashi reached out to gently pat her head. "Naruto's leaving soon, but Sasuke's still here. If you're up for it, you might want to drop by and let him know you're okay. Actually," he added, as though recalling something, "he's at the Second Training Ground right now. You'll find him there."
Kimiko nodded, offering both men a small, genuine smile. "I'll do that. Good luck, Jiraiya-sensei."
With a flicker of movement, she was gone, darting across the rooftops with practiced ease. The cool evening breeze brushed against her face, but the nagging feeling from earlier remained. Something about Jiraiya's plan still bothered her. Why was Naruto so critical to convincing Tsunade? What was she missing?
Kimiko landed softly on the training grounds, her crimson eyes scanning the area. The destruction was telling. Dozens of trees lay felled around Sasuke, their trunks scarred with jagged cuts. Kunai and shuriken littered the ground like fallen leaves, some embedded deeply into the bark of nearby stumps. Sasuke stood in the center of it all, his chest heaving as he wiped the sweat from his neck with the back of his hand.
He turned just in time to see her approaching, his dark eyes narrowing slightly in surprise. "Kimiko," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "I didn't expect to see you here. How are you holding up?"
Kimiko tilted her head, crossing her arms as she considered his question. "I'm… alright," she replied slowly. "I don't really feel like mourning, you know? I feel like…" She bit her lip, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "I feel like Dad would have wanted me to keep going. He was never the type to mope around."
Her voice wavered slightly, and she wasn't sure if she was trying to convince herself or if she truly believed it. Either way, she knew one thing: she needed a distraction.
"I see," Sasuke said, stepping closer. "Kakashi told you I was here?"
"He did," Kimiko confirmed with a small smile. "Said you and Naruto were asking about me."
Sasuke looked away, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Yeah, I guess we were. I… I don't really know what to say in this kind of situation, but… I understand what it feels like. To lose someone you love."
Kimiko's expression softened, her smile turning fond. "Yeah. It's painful. It feels like they'll still be there when you wake up… but they aren't. And then I see my mom and my sister, just staring off into space, and…" She closed her eyes, exhaling shakily. "It's difficult."
Sasuke nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "It is."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birds filling the space. Finally, Kimiko broke it.
"Do you want to stay at our house for a while? I know my mom could use the distraction, and let's face it—you were always her favorite," she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
Sasuke hesitated, glancing away before nodding. "Alright. But we should bring Naruto along too."
Kimiko shook her head with a smile. "He's leaving the village for a mission with Jiraiya-sensei."
Sasuke blinked. "What kind of mission?"
"Classified," she replied with a mischievous grin.
"Classified?" Sasuke frowned. "Then how do you know about it?"
"I figured it out on my own," she said, sticking her tongue out at him. "You should try it sometime."
Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't argue, instead crossing his arms as she continued. "Anyway, I was serious about you staying with us. That way, we can train together every morning. I'm on this ridiculous mandated leave, and I'm already antsy."
Sasuke smirked faintly. "I can sympathize with that. Especially since Naruto is…"
"Growing stronger?" Kimiko finished for him. "Yeah, he is. It's amazing how someone everyone thought was a failure at the Academy is now…"
"So reliable," Sasuke interrupted, his tone grudging but sincere.
Kimiko smiled. "Exactly. It's almost annoying, isn't it? But it just means we need to step up our game. We should bother Kakashi-sensei for some proper training."
"Or Jiraiya-sensei," Sasuke suggested.
"Mmhm," Kimiko agreed. "Especially since Naruto summoned that huge toad, Gamabunta."
Sasuke's smirk grew. "Yeah. We're going to need to figure out how to summon something like that, or at least something close."
Kimiko gave him a dry look. "Great. That should be easy."
Their laughter broke the tension, and for a moment, the weight of their losses felt a little light.
Thankfully, Kimiko's hypothesis proved correct—her mother appreciated the distraction of having someone else in the house. Sasuke, to his credit, was more than respectful toward Kaori and behaved like the perfect guest. Or, at this point, Kimiko mused, he might not even be considered a guest anymore.
The next morning, Kimiko was surprised to find that Sasuke had already left. A note had been left with her mother, who passed on his message.
"Sasuke wanted me to tell you he went ahead to the training grounds," said Kaori, setting a teacup on the table. "He mentioned needing to stop by Kakashi's house first."
"Ah," Kimiko replied with a nod, taking a seat. "And nee-chan?"
"She's with Asuma-kun," Kaori answered, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Something about buying dango for Anko-chan?"
Kimiko giggled, her smirk mischievous. "Uh-huh. Does she still try to pretend there's nothing going on?"
Kaori chuckled softly. "Your sister has always been difficult to read. I gave up trying a long time ago."
"Well," Kimiko said, standing as she stretched, "if you need help at the teahouse, I can stop by after training."
Kaori shook her head. "There's no need. The trainees are handling it well enough for now. And your sister's going to drop by with Asuma, too. Just focus on your training, dear. "
Kimiko smiled warmly, bowing her head in gratitude before plucking an apple from the table. "Thank you, Mom. I'll eat this on the way."
"Be safe!" she called as Kimiko disappeared through the door.
The path to the training field was quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. Yet, something gnawed at Kimiko's attention. Her crimson eyes flickered upward as she noticed shadows darting across the rooftops—ANBU, moving with purpose. Their coordinated, discreet movements hinted at something unusual.
Kimiko frowned but didn't deviate from her path. Danzo's drills, she reminded herself. Ever since he became Acting Hokage, live drills to improve ANBU response times had become a regular occurrence. Increased security was part of his policy, unlike Hiruzen's more trusting approach. She shook her head. It's probably nothing. Still, her unease lingered.
What truly worried her, however, was Sasuke's tardiness. Sasuke was never one to be late—well, except for that time during the Chuunin Exams, but even then, Kakashi's eccentric timing was to blame, not him. For him to keep her waiting now felt odd, disquieting even.
Her thoughts screeched to a halt as she felt a familiar presence enter her passive sensory range. She turned sharply, a huff escaping her lips. "Took you long enough, making me—"
"We don't have time for this," Sasuke interrupted, his tone sharp, his eyes wide with urgency.
Kimiko blinked, taken aback. "What?"
"Naruto's in danger!" he snapped, stepping closer. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, tension radiating from him like heat.
"What?!" she demanded, her hand instinctively falling to Byakko, the blade sheathed on her back. "What do you mean? He's with Master Jiraiya!"
"I know," Sasuke said, his voice taut with frustration. "But…" He hesitated, his knuckles whitening as he clenched his fists harder. "I heard from the jonin—Itachi is looking for him. He already injured Kakashi!"
Kimiko's eyes widened, and she stumbled back a step, her heart racing. Itachi… after Naruto?
Then it hit her. Oh no… The timeline clicked into place in her mind, and dread flooded her veins like ice water. This is it. This is when Itachi and Kisame come to Konoha. Not just for Naruto, but also…
"Well?!" Sasuke barked, snapping her out of her thoughts. He looked around frantically, his expression a mix of anger and fear. "Come on! I wasted enough time coming to get you. We need to find him! Naruto doesn't stand a chance!"
"Wait, Sasuke!" Kimiko called, but he was already gone, leaping from the ground toward the rooftops.
Shit! Kimiko cursed internally as she sprang after him, her heart pounding. Why didn't I remember this sooner? This is when Itachi and Kisame hunt Naruto… or rather, when Itachi uses the chaos to remind Konoha of their agreement. Her eyes narrowed, her mind racing. But Danzo's in charge now. Maybe he thinks he needs to double down on the warning…
Her gaze fell on Sasuke's back as they leapt from rooftop to rooftop, the scenery of Konoha blurring past them. Her chest tightened. But this is also when… Her teeth sank into her lip, anxiety surging. This is when Itachi uses Tsukuyomi on Sasuke… forces him to relive the massacre over and over again.
The memory of Sasuke's eventual betrayal flickered in her mind. This moment—this Tsukuyomi—was arguably one of the most critical catalysts. If I don't act fast… if I don't stop this…
"Sasuke!" she called, her voice strained as she pushed herself to keep pace with him. "We need to think this through!"
But Sasuke wasn't listening. His focus was singular, his desperation palpable. And Kimiko? She could only follow, her thoughts a storm of fear and resolve.
Not this time. Not like this. I won't let him fall.
Here's a refined version of your scene to smooth transitions, deepen character dynamics, and ensure consistency in tone:
As they landed in the village center, Sasuke's sharp eyes scanned the area. His gaze locked onto Ichiraku Ramen, and his lips pressed into a thin line. "Naruto wouldn't leave without eating here first," he muttered before rushing toward the stand.
Kimiko followed as Sasuke barked questions at Teuchi, who looked startled but tried his best to answer. Moments later, Sasuke emerged, his expression tense.
"Alright," he said, his voice clipped as he turned to her. "According to him, Naruto left with Master Jiraiya not more than an hour or two ago. They're headed to some outpost town with a pleasure district."
Kimiko nodded slowly, already knowing the destination. Otafuku-Gai. It was the only town with a pleasure district close to Konoha. Her mind raced, trying to find a way to keep Sasuke from storming off recklessly. She couldn't very well lie to him; Sasuke would undoubtedly figure out the location himself, and she couldn't risk him heading there without her.
"It's Otafuku-Gai," she admitted. "That's the closest town with a pleasure district."
Sasuke's eyes darkened, and without hesitation, he turned, his body tensing to leap. "Alright, let's go."
"Wait, Sasuke." Kimiko stepped forward, her voice firm. "Shouldn't we warn the jonin or ANBU first? If Itachi's really after Naruto, we'll need backup. I think—"
"We don't have time, Kimiko!" Sasuke snapped, cutting her off. His voice was harsh, his gaze blazing with hate.
"Every second we spend here is a second wasted. Who knows—Itachi might already be there. He could already be after Naruto." His fists clenched, his entire frame radiating tension. "Either come with me or stay behind. I won't let him take anything more from me. Not someone who's been more of a brother to me than he was,"
With that, he launched himself into the air, leaving Kimiko with no choice but to follow.
As she leapt after him, her thoughts churned. It's no use, she realized grimly. Sasuke is still that angry with Itachi. Part of him wants to protect Naruto, but the other part… Her eyes focused on his back as he soared ahead. The other part can't let go of revenge.
"Hold on," Kimiko said firmly as they landed on a rooftop, her eyes scanning the streets below.
"Kimiko, we've already talked about this! Itachi is—"
"Shush," she interrupted, grabbing his hand and prying it open. From her pocket, she pulled a small sphere engraved with the kanji for light and pressed it into his palm.
"What's this?" Sasuke asked, his brows furrowed as he studied the object.
"If we face your brother, use it," Kimiko replied, her voice calm but insistent. "It's something I've been working on—a way to fight against people with dojutsu."
It was a lie. She hadn't developed anything of the sort, but she knew from the anime that Itachi's eyesight was deteriorating rapidly at this point. If there was even the slimmest chance this gambit could work, she was going to take it.
"Thank you," Sasuke said after a pause, slipping the sphere into his pocket. With that, the two of the left.
They leapt from the rooftop, rushing toward the outskirts of the village and onto the main road. Thankfully, the town wasn't far, especially for ninja moving at superhuman speeds. Within moments, the lively streets of Shukuba came into view, filled with bright lanterns and the hum of activity.
The scene was chaotic: merchants peddling wares, taverns spilling out drunken patrons, and gamblers laughing and cursing as they left the casino. Kimiko scanned the bustling streets, her sharp senses on edge.
"It's too crowded," she muttered as two men staggered past, laughing over their losses.
"We still need to find Naruto," Sasuke said, his voice tight with urgency. He turned to her. "Use your sensory abilities!"
Kimiko nodded, closing her eyes as she began kneading her chakra. She focused inward, then expanded her sensory range outward, letting her awareness sweep over the town. Thankfully, the size of the town—a quarter of Konoha—made it manageable. The lack of shinobi signatures aside from their targets also made it easier to pinpoint what she was looking for.
Her chakra spread like a net, and soon she caught what she was looking for: four distinct signatures, large and weathered enough to belong to shinobi. They were gathered in an inn not far from their position. …Four? But the other one's unfamiliar, it isn't Jiraiya-sensei's.
"Well?!" Sasuke demanded, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I sense four signatures nearby," Kimiko replied quickly, pointing toward a cluster of buildings down the street. "They're at an inn. But I don't sense Jiraiya-sensei's chakra."
"There's no time!" Said Sasuke, looking desperate to rush off. Kimiko closed her eyes. Crap. Crap. Is this the day I'm actually dying? Facing Akatsuki? Right after a bloody fight with te One-Tail?
"Fine." She sighed. Well, if this was happening, she should just thrust in their abilities to not die before Jiraiya inevitably found them. "Come on, this way!" Without waiting for a response, she rushed toward the inn, her focus locked on the chakra signatures.
They rushed past merchants, villagers, and travelers crowding the streets, ignoring the startled voices and curious glances. The modest inn loomed ahead, its wooden facade bathed in the warm glow of lanterns. Kimiko and Sasuke didn't slow as they reached the entrance, the door slamming against the wall as they barged in.
"Welcome!" the receptionist called, startled. "I'm afraid our rooms are fully bo—"
Sasuke didn't even glance at him, rushing past with Kimiko hot on his heels. The wooden stairs creaked under their weight as they ascended rapidly, the air growing heavier with each step.
And then Sasuke stopped abruptly, his body rigid. Kimiko halted behind him, her heart pounding. She followed his gaze and froze.
Naruto was there, standing just a few feet ahead. But her attention was immediately drawn to the two figures standing between him and them, their backs turned. Both wore long black robes adorned with crimson clouds. One was eerily familiar: his frame lean, his posture calm, his dark hair cascading around a pale, impassive face.
The other was monstrous. His skin was a deep, unnatural blue, his build towering and muscular. A massive, bandaged sword rested on his back, radiating a sinister presence.
Uchiha Itachi. Hoshigaki Kisame.
Kimiko's breath caught in her throat as her sensory abilities flared. Itachi's chakra was overwhelming—dark and oppressive, like a murder of crows swirling around a blood-red moon, each caw echoing through the still night. A bloody night sky that dared you to look up and be consumed.
Kisame's chakra, however, was something else entirely. It was vast, unending, like an ocean stretching beyond the horizon. But beneath the surface, Kimiko felt the circling of countless predators—hungry, savage, and waiting for prey. A chilling sensation crawled up her spine.
Then she felt the fourth presence—the other source of monstrous energy. Her eyes darted toward it.
The sword. Samehada.
Samehada's chakra wasn't like anything she'd encountered before. It felt alive, chaotic, like a whirlpool consuming everything around it, an insatiable hunger that knew no bounds.
Four chakras… That's why… she thought, her stomach tightening.
"It's been a long time," Itachi said, his voice soft but cold, cutting through the air like a blade. He didn't even turn to look at them. "Sasuke."
Kimiko's gaze flicked to Sasuke. He was pale, trembling with rage. His Sharingan spun to life, crimson eyes burning with hatred as he stared at his brother. She'd never seen him like this—so raw, so consumed.
"Uchiha Itachi," Sasuke hissed, his voice low and venomous.
Naruto, standing just behind Itachi and Kisame, took a step back, his wide eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Uchiha… Itachi?" he echoed, disbelief thick in his voice.
Kisame turned slightly, his sharp, predatory grin revealing rows of teeth. His hand shifted away from Samehada's hilt as he looked Sasuke over. "Well, now," he said, his tone amused and taunting. "The Sharingan, and he looks an awful lot like you. Itachi, who's this brat?"
"He's my younger brother," Itachi said quietly, his voice devoid of emotion.
Naruto's eyes widened further, and his gaze darted between Sasuke and Itachi. "Your brother?" he said, barely above a whisper.
Kisame ignored Naruto entirely, his grin widening. "Funny. The way I heard it, the whole Uchiha clan was wiped out… by you."
The tension in the room crackled like lightning as Sasuke snarled, his rage barely contained. "Uchiha Itachi," he growled, stepping forward. "I hope you're ready to die!"
Kimiko's hand instinctively fell to Byakko's hilt, her knuckles whitening as her mind raced. This is it, she thought, her heart pounding. This is the moment that could change everything.
"Oh?" Itachi murmured, his gaze briefly flickering toward Kimiko. His dark eyes were calm but unyielding, carrying a weight that made her stomach tighten. She immediately averted her gaze, her heart pounding. She had no illusions about what Itachi was capable of—he wouldn't hesitate to cast her into a torturous illusion if it meant keeping his cover.
"This is… ah." Itachi's voice softened slightly, his tone almost reflective. "Kurenai's younger sister. I remember you. You used to have dinner at our house." He paused, tilting his head as if studying her. "You're Sasuke's classmate, weren't you? You've grown into quite the beauty."
Kimiko's jaw clenched, her fingers tightening around Byakko's hilt. The thread binding the blade unraveled with a faint whisper, revealing the gleaming, bone-white edge beneath. She brought the weapon in front of her, her eyes narrowing.
"Itachi-senpai…" she said, her voice low and steady, despite the fear clawing at her chest.
Kisame let out a low chuckle, his shark-like grin widening as his gaze fell on her weapon. "Hoh, now that's a sword," he said, his tone filled with intrigue. He took a slow step forward, his hand resting casually on the hilt of Samehada. "Reforged, but I recognize it. That's made from the White Fang's blade, isn't it?"
Kimiko didn't air between them was charged, her grip steady as she held Byakko at the ready.
Kisame's grin only widened, his eyes gleaming with predatory delight. "Oh, I'd love to take that from her, Itachi," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "A sword like that deserves a real wielder."
"Kisame," Itachi said softly, his tone unchanging but commanding. The single word was enough to halt the towering swordsman in his tracks. Kisame shrugged, though the grin never left his face.
Sasuke stepped forward, his Sharingan blazing, glaring daggers at Itachi. His voice was a snarl, raw and trembling with years of bottled fury. "It's just as you said, brother," he began, his chakra flaring violently around him. Electricity crackled to life, encasing his right arm in a coat of sparking blue light. The air around him grew sharp with the sound of a thousand birds chirping in unison, the familiar Chidori forming in his grasp.
"I've fostered my hatred for you all this time," Sasuke continued, his voice rising, shaking with rage. "I've lived my life for one single purpose!"
Itachi remained still, his expression as calm and detached as ever, his dark eyes locking onto Sasuke's with an unsettling coolness.
"To see you die!" Sasuke roared, taking a step forward, his hand trembling with power. "It ends here!"
Kimiko's gaze darted toward Sasuke, her chest tightening as a mix of panic and disbelief surged through her. And then she noticed it—his eyes. A third tomoe spun in each crimson Sharingan.
Her breath caught. Wait… that isn't supposed to happen yet—not until—
"ENOUGH!" Sasuke screamed, his voice reverberating through the room as he crouched low, the Chidori's glow intensifying. "YOU'RE DEAD!"
He lunged, his chakra-coated hand slamming into the floor as he launched himself toward Itachi. The lightning tore jagged gouges into the concrete beneath him, the sound of the Chidori cutting through the air like a blade.
The shark-like man stood by, watching the unfolding chaos with a grin of amusement, his massive sword resting idly on his back. "Well, this is entertaining," he muttered, his gaze flicking briefly toward Kimiko. "What about you, kid? You planning to jump in, or are you just going to watch your friend get crushed?"
Kimiko ignored him, her focus shifting back to Sasuke. Crap, crap, crap! This is just like how it happened before. I need to move!
But before she could act, the fight was over.
Sasuke thrust his Chidori forward with everything he had, aiming directly for Itachi's chest. The electricity crackled and roared, filling the room with blinding blue light, gouging out concrete from the walls closest to it. But Itachi moved like a phantom, his hand flashing forward faster than Kimiko's eyes could follow.
The room exploded with a brilliant burst of light, forcing her to avert her gaze. The sound of crackling energy and crumbling concrete filled the air, followed by a deafening silence. When the light faded, Kimiko turned back, her heart pounding.
A massive hole gaped in the wall behind Itachi, Naruto, and Kisame, sunlight streaming in and illuminating the scene. Sasuke's arm was outstretched, his Chidori still sparking feebly, but it was gripped tightly in Itachi's hand. The elder Uchiha stood unscathed, his face as impassive as ever, while Sasuke's rage twisted into desperation.
"No…" Sasuke breathed, his voice breaking. "No! Let go of me!" He struggled, but Itachi's grip was unrelenting.
"You're weak, Sasuke." Said Itachi, murmuring.
Kimiko's mind raced. It's happening, just like before. Tsukuyomi. Her pulse quickened as she gripped Byakko tighter. I need to move. I need to stop this before—
Naruto, standing a few feet away, trembled but began weaving hand signs, the faint stirrings of the Nine-Tails' chakra rippling through the room. It was wild and unstable, but potent enough to draw the attention of both Itachi and Kisame. Kimiko saw Kisame's shark-like grin widen as his hand moved toward the hilt of Samehada.
Kisame's hand twitched, and Samehada was halfway off his back when Sasuke's voice cut through the room like thunder.
"Am I, Itachi?"
Kimiko's gaze snapped to him, and her eyes widened as she caught sight of something in the hand Itachi was gripping—a small, round object. Recognition dawned immediately.
The flash bomb. The one I gave him.
"Kimiko, Naruto, duck!" Sasuke roared, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Kimiko's instincts took over, and she dropped to the ground, shielding her eyes just in time. The flash bomb detonated with a deafening crack, the room flooding with blinding white light. The intensity of the explosion sent a sharp sting across her closed eyelids, even as she kept her gaze firmly averted.
For a heartbeat, everything was silent except for the ringing in her ears. Then the sound of shuffling feet and muffled voices broke through. Kimiko lifted her head cautiously, blinking rapidly as her vision adjusted to the dimness that followed.
Itachi was staggering back, one hand over his eyes as he blinked furiously, trying to recover from the sudden burst of light. His composed demeanor was momentarily shaken, his movements more measured as he retreated a step.
Kimiko's heart raced. It worked. Sasuke actually blinded him.
Sasuke didn't hesitate. He crouched low, the remnants of his Chidori sparking wildly in his right hand, but this time, the chakra shifted. The electricity burned brighter, hotter, merging with flickers of white-hot flame. The destructive lance of heavenly destruction formed on his arm, its searing light filling the room with oppressive heat.
He lunged, the lance aimed directly at Itachi's chest.
Kimiko's eyes darted to Kisame, who was already recovered and moving. Samehada swung in a wide arc, its bandage was gone, leaving the scaled blade visible, serrated surface cutting through the air with deadly speed. Sasuke, focused on his target, didn't notice the blade until it was inches from his back.
"No!" Kimiko's mind screamed as she flickered, her body moving on instinct.
She reappeared just in time, her blade Byakko raised to intercept Samehada. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the room, the ground beneath her feet cratering from the sheer force. Her arms trembled as she struggled to hold her ground, the weight of Kisame's monstrous strength pressing down on her like a tidal wave.
"Hoh," Kisame mused, his shark-like grin returning. "So these brats are talented little ones, huh? He almost nicked you there, Itachi. Don't let your guard do—."
He didn't get to finish.
She opened her mouth, her chakra surging wildly as she unleashed her next move. "Water Style: Thousand Poisoned Needles of Death!"
The air shimmered as a blood-red barrage of water senbon erupted from her mouth, each needle laced with her toxic chakra. The senbon glinted in the dim light as they raced toward Kisame, who lunged back with surprising speed, swinging Samehada to block the attack. The monstrous blade absorbed the toxic needles with a sickening hiss, the chakra swirling into its bandaged surface.
Kisame laughed, his shark-like grin widening as his eyes gleamed with amusement. "Well, now! You've got a bite to you, little one."
Before Kimiko could react, Kisame swung Samehada with terrifying speed. She barely managed to lunge away, but the sword's jagged scales grazed her arm, leaving a shallow cut. It wasn't deep, but the moment it connected, she felt it—a cold, draining sensation that made her stumble backward. Her chakra was siphoned, leaving her breathless and heavy with exhaustion.
She gasped, steadying herself, her eyes darting toward Sasuke. He stood a few feet away, panting heavily but still pressing his assault. Lightning crackled around his form as he channeled the Lightning God's Vessel jutsu, moving with furious speed. Each strike of his kunai was precise and relentless, forcing Itachi back step by step as he assailed him like a bolt of lightning coming it at every angle. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, the metallic clang reverberating through the air.
Itachi's calm composure was cracking, his hand clutching a kunai as he deflected blow after blow. But Kimiko could see the subtle shifts in his movements—Itachi was merely biding his time, waiting for Sasuke to falter. And Sasuke was already slowing.
Damn it. We're finished, Kimiko thought, panic rising in her chest. They'll take us seriously now. Crap. Crap!
Her eyes darted back to Kisame, who was advancing toward her with Samehada resting casually on his shoulder. The massive blade writhed, hissing and shaking as if in protest.
"Hah!" Kisame barked, his grin widening. "My Samehada cuts through chakra, devours it too. And it seems like it doesn't like the taste of your chakra, little girl. Too bad." His gaze flicked to Itachi, who was still parrying Sasuke's strikes. "Itachi, I'm going to kill this one. You can do whatever you want with—"
"Wind and Water Cooperation Style: Toad Gun!"
Kisame didn't finish. From the side, a high-pressure jet of water, wreathed in swirling wind chakra, shot toward him with incredible speed. Kisame leaped away, narrowly avoiding the attack as it struck the ground where he had been standing. The impact exploded outward, sending a shockwave rippling through the room.
Kimiko staggered back, shielding her face from the spray of debris. The combined force of the water and wind left the floor beneath them groaning ominously before it finally gave way, collapsing in a cascade of rubble.
Kimiko's stomach dropped as she fell, the ground disappearing beneath her feet. But before she could hit the ground, she felt a strong hand grab her waist, halting her descent. On her peripheral, she saw a tongue shoot past her at lightning speed, wrapping around Sasuke and pulling him toward safety.
The three of them landed with a heavy thud on a lower floor, surrounded by debris and the muffled screams of fleeing civilians. As the dust settled, Kimiko found herself secured in the grasp of the familiar blue toad, Gamaseki. The massive creature's webbed hand cradled her at its side, while Sasuke was gently set down by its tongue.
Atop Gamaseki's head stood Naruto, his form still wreathed in red chakra, his eyes glaring at the two Akatsuki members now standing side by side.
Kisame straightened, brushing dust from his robes. He looked at Naruto with a mix of irritation and excitement. "Hah!" he said, hefting Samehada. "Looks like it won't be as easy. We have to kill those two now, they're pissing me off."
Itachi's eyes flickered toward Sasuke, their expression unreadable as always. He spoke calmly. "You have grown marginally stronger, Sasuke. I see your Sharingan has reached maturation, too. But I did not come here for you,"
Naruto's fists clenched, his voice cutting through the tension. "You're not taking me anywhere."
Kimiko exhaled sharply, her body trembling from the close calls. Her eyes darted toward Sasuke, who was still glaring at Itachi, his determination undiminished despite his exhaustion. We're not out of this yet, she thought, gripping Byakko tightly. But at least we've attracted enough attention to—
Kimiko's thoughts were interrupted as Kisame lunged forward, Samehada raised high overhead. Itachi followed closely, moving to his left. Kimiko felt her knees coil, preparing to push herself away, but before she could act, a sudden cloud of white smoke exploded around them.
When the smoke cleared, Kisame's swing was halted mid-strike. Samehada's jagged scales clashed against the plated arm of a second toad—a large, orange amphibian clad in armor. The toad braced itself, one hand gripping its own forearm for support as it absorbed the force of Kisame's attack.
Behind them, a voice broke through the chaos. "You two don't know me, do you? Should've done your homework."
Kimiko tilted her head back, exhaling sharply as her eyes fluttered shut in frustration. There he was: Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, standing confidently with an unconscious woman draped over his shoulders.
"Jiraiya the Toad Sage falls victim to no woman's charms!" he declared, his free hand striking a dramatic pose, fingers splayed outward toward the two Akatsuki members. "Where beauties drop for me like blossoms in a storm, I stand untouchable! It isn't in my nature to be duped by the wiles of women!" He grinned widely, his teeth flashing as he maintained his flamboyant stance. "When you reach the status I have, the ladies kneel and worship your awesomeness!"
A heavy silence followed.
Sasuke, his rage momentarily quelled, stared at Jiraiya with an expression that could only be described as disbelief. Naruto's response was far less restrained.
"AH, DON'T GIVE ME THAT!" Naruto yelled, pointing at Jiraiya with exaggerated fury. "ONE WINK FROM A PRETTY GIRL, AND YOU TURN INTO A MOUNTAIN OF MUSH! YOU FELL FOR IT LIKE A TON OF BRICKS, PERVY SAGE!"
Jiraiya winced, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I really wish you wouldn't call me that in front of other people," he muttered, casting an awkward glance at Kimiko and Sasuke. "Especially in front of your friends."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Naruto shouted. "WE GOT BIGGER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT THAN WHAT KIMIKO, SASUKE, OR THESE GUYS THINK ABOUT YOU! GET WITH IT, PERVY SAGE!"
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!" Jiraiya roared, his face red with embarrassment.
Kisame chuckled, the sound low and menacing as he adjusted his grip on Samehada. He didn't pull back, keeping the weapon pressed against the toad's arm. "Whatever name you go by, Master Jiraiya, I must say you're something of a disappointment. A lecherous old man with the disposition of a child." His grin widened. "It's almost impossible to believe you're one of the legendary Three Sannin."
"WHAAA?!" Naruto gasped, his jaw dropping. "YOU ALREADY KNOW WHO HE IS?!"
Jiraiya laughed nervously, waving a hand. "Uh, don't be fooled by appearances—or anything this little squirt might say," he added, glancing at Naruto.
Kisame tilted his head, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "So, you somehow managed to release the genjutsu we cast on her, huh?" He gestured toward the unconscious woman on Jiraiya's shoulders. "Impressive."
Jiraiya carefully placed the woman against a wall, propping her up before standing tall once more. His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by quiet disdain. "What kind of coward does something like that?" he said, his tone cold. "Using a Sharingan to trap an innocent woman in an illusion, all to separate Naruto from me."
"It'll fall on deaf ears, Jiraiya-sensei," Sasuke interjected, his gaze locked on Itachi. "That man slaughtered our entire clan."
Jiraiya nodded grimly. "Mmhm. I know he's the one you're really after."
Naruto gasped, his eyes darting between Sasuke and Itachi. "Wait—what?!"
Sasuke's expression darkened as he turned toward Naruto. The weight of Jiraiya's words settled over the group like a storm cloud.
"That explains how Kakashi knew," Itachi said quietly, his crimson eyes narrowing as he studied Jiraiya. "Now I understand. He learned it… from you."
Itachi's gaze shifted to Naruto, his Sharingan gleaming with intent. "You're right. Naruto is the prize that the Akatsuki are after. And we will have him."
A puff of white smoke erupted, and the toad disappeared with a soft pop. Jiraiya stepped forward, his expression turning serious as his sharp gaze swept over the two Akatsuki members. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, charged with unspoken determination.
"There's no way you're getting Naruto," Jiraiya said firmly, his voice carrying a weight that made even Kisame pause for a moment.
Kisame's grin widened, but it was Itachi who responded. "We'll see about that."
"Actually," Jiraiya said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "this is all very convenient. I can eliminate you both at the same time."
Before the tension could snap, Sasuke stepped forward, his three-tomoe Sharingan spinning with intensity. His glare locked onto Itachi, and his voice rang out, filled with unrelenting determination.
"You're not taking another family away from me, Itachi," Sasuke declared, his hands clenching into fists. "Not Kimiko. Not Naruto." He paused, his voice lowering slightly but losing none of its conviction. "But Jiraiya-sensei, the only one who's going to eliminate him… is me!"
Kimiko's heart twisted as she watched the scene unfold. Her eyes shifted to Itachi, whose impassive face betrayed no emotion. But she wondered—Did this strike something in him? Did the sight of Sasuke, after everything he'd endured, finding another family stir pride in his heart? Or did it bring him pain to hear his beloved brother declare that there was no room for him in his life anymore? That the bond they once shared was gone, replaced by these new ties?
Hang in there, Itachi-senpai, Kimiko thought, her grip on Byakko tightening. You're still fighting for him, even if he can't see it.
. "...Go away," Itachi said coldly, his tone dismissive. "You don't interest me at the moment."
"Well, get interested!" snarled Sasuke, his Sharingan blazing as he prepared to charge. But before he could move, Jiraiya was faster.
His hands blurred through seals, and he slammed them onto the ground, both palms pressing firmly against the floor. "Ninja Art: Toad Mouth Trap!" he roared.
The room shifted, and Kimiko watched in awe and horror as the environment around them began to transform. The walls, ceiling, and floor warped, becoming slick and fleshy, as though the entire space had been swallowed by a living creature. The fleshy, pink interior pulsated, closing in quickly around the Akatsuki members. The ground beneath Itachi and Kisame's feet quivered, swelling before pulling their legs into the sticky, living tissue.
"You've both been swallowed by the Mountain Toad," Jiraiya said, standing tall with a smug expression. "Welcome, my friends, to the belly of the beast! He has a very sensitive digestive tract, so try not to upset him." His smirk widened. "Not the most glorious way to die, is it? Must be humbling to know you've been reduced to toad bait."
Kimiko glanced at Naruto, still perched atop Gamaseki. His face was pale as he shifted uneasily, glancing around at the grotesque surroundings. "I'm not liking this at all…" he muttered under his breath.
Jiraiya's voice interrupted him. "Naruto, Sasuke, Kimiko. Stay still. Just remain calm and trust in my jutsu."
Kimiko's grip tightened on Byakko as she took a steadying breath. The atmosphere was oppressive, the fleshy walls moving and pulsating like something alive. Her unease mirrored Naruto's, but she forced herself to focus. Jiraiya-sensei's jutsu hasn't failed yet. Trust him.
"...Kisame," Itachi's calm voice broke through the grotesque surroundings, his tone still eerily composed. "Come."
"Easier said than done," Kisame grunted, struggling against the sticky flesh that clung to his legs. His muscular frame flexed as he wrenched himself free, his feet squelching as he pulled out of the stomach's grasp. He turned, following Itachi as the two began to retreat.
"It's useless!" Jiraiya called after them, his voice ringing with confidence. "The ninja hasn't been born who can survive this powerful stomach!"
The fleshy walls surged forward, closing in faster than Kisame and Itachi could run. The living organism seemed to sense their movement, converging on the two to seal off the only exit. Kimiko glanced at Sasuke, who snarled in frustration, his limbs bound by the toad's powerful esophagus, unable to give chase.
It didn't take long for the stomach's growth to catch up to Itachi and Kisame, wrapping around the exit to block their escape. Kimiko allowed herself a flicker of hope—until she saw it.
Black flames sprouted suddenly at the sealed door, consuming the living flesh. The heat was oppressive, the fire devouring the toad's stomach walls as though they were paper.
Ah… Amaterasu, huh? Kimiko thought grimly, recognizing the inextinguishable black flames.
Jiraiya's eyes widened, his confident expression faltering. "Hm?" he muttered, his gaze snapping to the source of the flames. Without hesitation, he rushed toward the exit, the flesh of the toad's stomach writhing as it burned.
"Hey! Pervy Sage! What the heck just happened?!" Naruto yelled, his voice laced with frustration and worry. But Jiraiya didn't answer, his focus solely on the escape route.
The black flames had already eaten through the barrier, leaving a gaping hole. Itachi and Kisame lunged through the opening, their movements fluid and unhurried. With one last glance back, they disappeared into the shadows, their forms flickering out of sight.
Jiraiya skidded to a halt at the burned exit, cursing under his breath. "Damn it… they got away."
Kimiko let out a shaky breath, her heart still pounding. She glanced at Sasuke, who was trembling—not with fear, but with barely-contained fury. His Sharingan still spun, the three tomoe blazing with an intensity she hadn't seen before.
"Itachi…" Sasuke muttered, his voice low and venomous. His fists trembled at his sides, the embers of his rage still burning. "I let him get away!"
"No, you didn't," Kimiko said firmly, stepping toward him. Her voice was calm but resolute as she turned to meet his glare. "What you did was save Naruto and me from getting killed by Itachi. He took on Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke. The fact that you nearly forced him onto the backfoot says you're on the right path." She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently. "We just need to train even harder. It isn't over yet. There will be more opportunities."
She kept the rest to herself, knowing the truth deep down. It's more likely that Itachi wasn't trying very hard. But the fact that Sasuke's strength surprised him—even for a moment—is proof that he's growing.
Naruto, meanwhile, had hopped off Gamaseki's back just as the toad disappeared in a puff of white smoke. His wide-eyed curiosity zeroed in on the lingering black flames. "What is this stuff, anyway? Some kind of black fire?" he asked, stepping closer to the charred remains of the toad's esophagus. He moved to poke at it.
"STAY AWAY FROM IT!" Jiraiya snapped. Naruto jumped back, raising his hands in surrender as Jiraiya ushered the group away from the fire.
Jiraiya pulled a scroll from his pocket, unfurling it across the ground. His movements were quick and practiced, his brush flying over the surface as he painted intricate characters and symbols. A circular seal formed at the center, arrows pointing inward to its core.
Kimiko watched intently as Jiraiya worked. When he finished, he stood, flashing through a rapid series of hand seals.
"Sealing Jutsu: Fire Seal—Now!"
The scroll activated with a faint glow, and Kimiko watched in fascination as the black flames were drawn into the seal. They swirled and twisted, resisting the pull, but ultimately collapsed inward, disappearing into the empty circle. The flames left behind a single red character that quickly dried to a blackened mark on the parchment.
Jiraiya exhaled deeply, rolling up the scroll as he turned to them. With a single hand sign, the grotesque toad mouth trap began to dissolve, the fleshy walls retracting and vanishing until there was no trace of the technique.
"Kimiko's right, Sasuke," Jiraiya said, stepping toward the boy. His tone softened slightly. "When Naruto and I get back, I'll help you out a little more." He moved to ruffle Sasuke's hair, but the boy ducked slightly, his fists still clenched at his sides, staring at the ground. For once, though, Sasuke didn't protest or push Jiraiya away.
"Good job, you two," Jiraiya said, his voice approving. "Those two are S-ranked missing-nin and criminals. The fact that you managed to hold them off as long as you did means—"
A sudden blur of motion interrupted him. A kunai whizzed through the air, embedding itself in the wall beside them with a solid thunk. All eyes snapped to the kunai, tension spiking, but before anyone could react further, a streak of green rocketed toward Jiraiya.
"DYNAMIC ENTRY!"
"Guy?!" Said Jiraiya.
The shout echoed through the air as a green-clad figure somersaulted into the scene, his leg extended in a textbook flying kick. It connected squarely with Jiraiya's face, sending the Toad Sage flying backward with a surprised grunt.
Kimiko exhaled slowly, trying not to laugh. Well, at least everything's fine now.
"Uhhh," Might Guy muttered, realization dawning as he rushed to help Jiraiya up. "I guess I was a little overly enthusiastic! You see, I was in a hurry, and I didn't see very clearly, hahahaha!" He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Using my head protector to peer into the opening, all I could see were two sinister figures, so…"
"You know what?" Jiraiya growled as he stood, brushing off his robes. "If this is your way of saying sorry, it stinks!"
"It's just a simple misunderstanding!" Guy protested.
"Simple-minded, more like," Jiraiya muttered before shaking his head. "But never mind that now. We need to get Kimiko to a medic."
Kimiko blinked, startled. "Why?"
Jiraiya dryly pointed at her arm. She looked down and finally noticed the cut Samehada had left. Blood still trickled from the wound, staining her sleeve.
"Oh," Kimiko said. "It's nothing, just—"
"The wound itself isn't the problem," Jiraiya interrupted. "But your chakra… it's nearly halved."
"What?" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide. "But you've got tons of chakra, Kimiko! You only used one jutsu. How come it's depleted?"
Kimiko bit her lip. "The sword Kisame had—Samehada. It… eats and cuts through chakra. That's why."
Naruto's expression shifted from confusion to concern. "Ohhh, so that's why…" He frowned, his gaze turning serious as he glanced between Kimiko and Sasuke. "But wait. You two said something about Itachi beating up Kakashi-sensei. What did you mean?"
Sasuke looked at Naruto, his anger fading into something quieter. He hung his head slightly. "I… just saw him. Surrounded by jonin. He was unconscious and…"
"...Well, you're right," Might Guy said, his usual cheer dampened. "This is obviously the same jutsu Itachi used on Kakashi. He's still unconscious. We don't know when he'll wake up."
Naruto clenched his fists, his voice trembling. "Then it's time for a new game plan! I admit, I let those two scare me a little, but it's over. No more running! After all, it's me they're after, right? It's time I give them what they want!"
"Hmph," Jiraiya said, crossing his arms. "Nice speech, kid. But I'm afraid you wouldn't stand a chance against them. Holding them off at your age is impressive enough, but defeating one of them? That's an entirely different ballpark. You're not in the same league. It took all I had just to keep them away from you."
"Is that right?" Naruto snarled. "So what are you suggesting? That we just keep running?! Sit here and wait for them to hit us again? What kind of strategy is that?!"
"Just be quiet!" Jiraiya snapped, his tone sharp. Naruto looked away, his shoulders trembling in frustration.
"You haven't earned the right," Jiraiya continued, his voice steady but firm. "You're still not at the level you need to be. But… if you three focus on your training, you will be. And soon."
"He's right," Guy said, his tone more somber than usual. "With my pupil injured, and in times like these…" He sighed heavily, a rare crack in his usually boundless energy. "I truly wish that medical ninja were still with us."
"You're right," Jiraiya said, his expression softening. "And the woman you're talking about is the one we've come to find."
"Huh?" Guy said, his brows furrowing. "You don't mean…"
"Yes," Jiraiya said with a grin. "That's exactly who I mean. Another one of the legendary Sannin. The Queen of Slugs and Elixirs, the Gambling Fool, and Mistress of the Healing Arts…"
"Lady Tsunade," Kimiko finished.
"Oh, that is glorious!" Guy exclaimed, striking a pose with his hands on his hips. His teeth practically sparkled as he turned to Jiraiya and Naruto. "Well, you two better hurry up and find her!"
Kimiko glanced at Sasuke, who suddenly spoke up. "Can't we come with them?"
Kimiko's brow furrowed as she turned to him, surprised by the request. He probably wants Jiraiya to train him… well, I do too, but…
"I'm afraid not," Guy interjected, his tone taking on an unusual seriousness. He straightened his posture, his arms crossing over his chest. "You see, before I came here, Danzo-sama insisted that I bring the two of you back to Konoha to report to him!"
Kimiko flinched. …Alright, now that's something I should have foreseen.
