Chapter 35: White Rose (Grass Daimyo Security Arc Part IV FIN)
"Let me get this straight," Kimiko said, leaning back on the wall as she sat on the bunk bed. "You're telling me that when Neji and Sasuke came back with the scroll, they were almost arrested, and only Captain Hayama stopped them from being thrown in jail?"
"Mm-hmm," Karin murmured, her head resting on Kimiko's lap as she stretched out across the bunk. Kimiko absentmindedly ran her fingers through Karin's striking red hair, her tone calm despite the implications. "It was… chaotic, to say the least. Someone tipped Kusagakure off about your unsanctioned recon mission. When Sasuke and Neji arrived, ten of their shinobi were already waiting. The moment they were caught, they were dragged to the Head Ninja's Office. Captain Hayama had to explain everything."
"And then what happened?" Kimiko asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Well… Captain Hayama did his best," Karin continued. "The fact that Sasuke and Neji had those scrolls helped defuse a lot of the tension. Especially since Captain Hayama followed your advice and… subtly implied that if the Head Ninja refused to acknowledge the proof of Iwagakure's collusion with the insurgents, he'd take the uncovered intel directly to the Grass Daimyo."
Karin smirked, "And not just that—he'd make it clear he was forced to bypass the Head Ninja because of his unwillingness to accept evidence showing Iwagakure funding the same rebels who tried to kill the Daimyo and his family. That was a genius move on your part, Kimiko. With their hands forced, Kusagakure now has every reason to be furious at Iwagakure for supporting the insurgents who keep killing their shinobi."
Kimiko nodded thoughtfully, her fingers still combing through Karin's hair. It made sense, and she felt a small surge of gratitude for her own foresight—removing the two scrolls and throwing them to Sasuke and Neji had been a gamble, but it worked out. Even if it meant she'd ended up plunging into the river and drifting into Ibuse's territory. It all turned out fine in the end.
"Speaking of," Kimiko said idly, "I heard only one of those scrolls was an Iwagakure storage seal. What was the other?"
"I didn't hear all the details," Karin admitted, her voice soft, "but from what I gathered, it was intel Iwagakure had on Kusagakure's troop movements, supply routes, and bases. Basically, solid proof that Iwa's been spying on Kusagakure and feeding that intel to the insurgency."
"Oh, that explains why the Head Ninja didn't bite my head off when I showed up in the middle of his village riding a giant salamander," Kimiko said dryly. "Too busy being mad at Iwa, huh?"
"Pretty much," Karin replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Speaking of, what did he say to you?"
Kimiko sighed, tilting her head back against the wall. "Nothing much, really. He just told us he'd be formally requesting assistance from Konoha in dealing with the insurgents now that it's proven that Iwagakure's funding the insurgents. That, and we spoke about the completion of the Daimyo Escort mission."
She paused, her mind flickering back to her conversation with the Head Ninja just hours earlier. When she'd demanded to meet him in public view, Captain Hayama had insisted on being present. Of course, Kimiko hadn't revealed everything—just enough to corroborate Sasuke and Neji's claim. She'd told the Head Ninja that the ANBU responsible for delivering the scrolls was dead, and that she had the body stored within Ibuse. Thankfully, he didn't seem to want to view the body anymore.
"So, the Daimyo," Karin began, leaning back slightly. "I take it you're not going to be the team delivering him to the capital, then? Captain Hayama mentioned the Hokage asking for you guys to return."
"Yup," Kimiko replied. "The mission went way beyond its original parameters, so it's expected we'd be called back to report. The Daimyo will stay here for now—he's much safer in Kusagakure anyway." She paused, reflecting on the broader implications of their discoveries during what was supposed to be a simple B-Rank mission. Given the escalation and the worsening situation with Iwagakure, it was only logical that questions would be raised. Lots of them.
"Well, all's well then," Karin said, though her voice carried a faint undercurrent of sadness. Kimiko caught it immediately.
"…I'd ask you to visit, but with how things are going, the next time you come, we'll probably be in the middle of a full-blown civil war against the insurgents backed by Iwa."
"Hey, don't say that." Kimiko frowned, her crimson eyes softening. "Don't you have faith in your Kusagakure comrades?"
"Heh, comrades," Karin snorted, her bitterness cutting through the air. "Yeah, they're polite now, but the moment you leave, they'll send me back to the hospital, and then it's the same routine. Their wounded ninja will line up to bite me and heal themselves. Why invest in medical-nin when you have someone you can just bite to fix everything?"
She sat up abruptly, drawing her knees to her chest and turning her back to Kimiko. "I hate this place, Kimiko. I really do. I know I keep saying it, but… it isn't home. Not to me."
"They never treated you like their own. Neither your mom, nor you.," Kimiko finished quietly. "I know, Karin." Crawling over to sit cross-legged beside her, Kimiko placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I can't say I know what you're going through, though." She hesitated. "Konoha's always been home to me."
"Must be nice," Karin muttered dryly, resting her chin on her knees.
Kimiko exhaled softly. "Well… who knows? Maybe it'll treat you just as well someday."
"Huh?" Karin blinked, glancing at her with narrowed eyes. "What do you mean?"
Kimiko smiled, turning to face her fully. "You're right—things are getting worse here. And after I gave my report to the Head Ninja, he said something to Captain Hayama about Kusagakure needing to send a group of attaché to Konoha now that they're formally requesting help with the insurgents."
Karin stared at her, eyes widening. "...Kimiko, you didn't…"
"Oh, I did," Kimiko said with a playful grin. "I suggested you be part of the delegation. Since you're already familiar with us. He wasn't thrilled about the idea at first, but…" She shrugged with a sly smile. "Captain Hayama backed me up. He didn't want to make it a point of contention. So…"
She paused, savoring the moment before delivering the news.
"Surprise—you're coming with us to Konoha."
Kimiko held back a squeak as Karin threw herself onto her, hugging her tightly. Kimiko quickly hugged her back, but her thoughts churned.
This one is mine now, Orochimaru. And she won't be the last thing I'll take from you.
At the break of dawn the next day, Kimiko was already awake, quietly packing her things. Karin, however, was up even earlier, eagerly folding and organizing her belongings.
"Really excited, huh?" Kimiko teased, her voice light with amusement as she watched Karin bustling around.
Karin stuck her tongue out in response, eliciting a soft giggle from Kimiko.
Once packed, the two made their way to the reception area, where Captain Hayama was waiting alongside Neji and Sasuke, both fully prepared to depart.
"So," Captain Hayama began dryly, crossing his arms, "you four have been the most troublesome group of genin I've ever had to deal with. I'm not going to miss you." He deadpanned, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. "Still, good job. You did Kusagakure and Konoha a great service. You'll be excellent shinobi in the future. Now get out."
Kimiko smirked, offering a mock salute as the team departed Kusagakure with little fanfare. They exited through the same gate she, Sasuke, and Neji had entered days ago. She didn't fail to note the number of guards increasing, too.
Before long, they were back in the familiar tree canopy of the Land of Fire, leaping from branch to branch. Traveling in pairs for safety, Neji and Karin took the rear to watch for any insurgents, while Kimiko and Sasuke led the group.
It didn't take long for Sasuke to break the silence.
"...So," he began, his voice quieter than usual, "you saved the day again, huh?"
"You and Neji were the ones who delivered the scrolls," Kimiko replied evenly. "I think that was the most important part."
"Well," Sasuke said, frowning slightly, "those scrolls would've been lost if you hadn't pulled them from that ANBU to give to us." He paused, his gaze fixed ahead. "You seriously did that even though you'd fall to your death."
"Hey," Kimiko said calmly, glancing at him. "The mission comes first when your comrades aren't in danger. Not letting your comrades die is one thing. Being willing to die for the mission is another." Her tone softened as she added, "Besides, this mission was bigger than me. I'm always a sucker for a great deal."
Silence settled between them, the rush of wind through the trees filling the space as they lunged forward.
"...I was really scared," Sasuke admitted suddenly. "When Captain Hayama told us you were dead, I couldn't believe it. Not until I saw a corpse."
"I figured as much," Kimiko said, smiling gently. "I hope you know I'd do the same for you, Sasuke-kun."
"I know you would," Sasuke murmured. "You and Naruto." He hesitated before continuing, his voice quieter. "...I don't want to feel that way again."
"What way?" Kimiko asked, her gaze softening.
"...Helpless," Sasuke admitted. "Staring into space, wracking my brain, wondering where you could be. Neji sat with me the whole time. He said it was the first time someone had saved him. He didn't think you were dead either."
Kimiko snorted softly. "He's a better person than me. I would've told you I was in the same hell I told him his father was in."
To her surprise, Sasuke chuckled. "Yeah, he told me about that. After his match with Hinata. He said, 'No way would a kunoichi that brave and cruel be felled by a simple fall to her death.'"
Kimiko smiled faintly, glancing back at Neji, who was silent but seemed to meet her gaze for a fleeting moment before looking past her.
"He said that, huh?" Kimiko mused, her smile growing. "Well, I'll take it as a compliment."
"Uh-huh," Sasuke murmured, falling silent for a moment before speaking again. "...So, you have a summoning contract with a giant salamander, huh?"
"Yep," Kimiko replied with a grin. "Not just any giant salamander—the giant salamander that used to be the summon of the guy who beat the Sannin and gave them their title." She smirked. "Jealous?"
"Shut up," Sasuke sighed, though there was a faint smirk on his lips. "I need to start looking for my own contract."
"Yeah," Kimiko teased. "Why not ask Kakashi-sensei when he wakes up? Maybe he'll let you bind a contract with his dogs."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Not a bad idea, actually. But I'll keep my options open." He glanced ahead as they continued moving. "Anyway, you think Naruto's back with Jiraiya-sensei yet?"
"Hopefully," Kimiko sighed. "We've been here a little over a month. They should be in Konoha already."
"You think the Third Hokage's going to make it?" Sasuke asked, his tone growing quieter.
Kimiko shrugged, her expression thoughtful. Even with her knowledge from the anime, this was uncharted territory. Every instance of the Reaper Death Seal she knew of resulted in death. Hiruzen, to her knowledge, was the first to survive using it—though only barely, falling into a coma from the sheer toll of the jutsu. Still…
"If there's anyone who could bring him out of that coma, it's Princess Tsunade," Kimiko said with confidence. "So, yeah. I'm hedging my bets on yes."
"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Sasuke replied, turning his gaze back to the path ahead. After a moment, his lips quirked upward. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to telling Naruto about our mission. Bet he'll be jealous."
"That he will," Kimiko chuckled, though her thoughts wandered to Naruto.
I wonder how strong he's gotten.
The moment they reached the gates of Konoha, the two Chuunin guards, Kotetsu and Izumo, greeted them warmly.
"Welcome back," Izumo said, stepping forward.
"The Hokage's expecting you," Kotetsu added. "He told us to direct you to his office the moment you arrived."
Izumo turned to Karin, giving her a brief nod. "Oh, and we were told to let you know to wait here. Shikaku-sama will be meeting you shortly to show you where you and the rest of the Kusagakure attaché will be staying. Where are they, anyway?"
"They won't arrive for another day or two," Karin replied. "I came ahead of them."
"Got it," Izumo said.
"Thank you, both of you," Kimiko said politely before turning to Karin with a smile. "I'll see you after you get the rundown, Karin. Take care, okay?"
"You too, Kimiko. Good luck—and thank you, again," Karin said with a warm smile.
Kimiko, Neji, and Sasuke departed, heading into the village. The familiar sight of Konoha's red-and-white tiled roofs greeted them as they walked through the bustling streets. Villagers hurried about, their chatter blending into the hum of the vibrant morning. Ahead, the Hokage building loomed, its grandeur a constant reminder of the village's legacy and power. A legacy and power that stood unmarred because of all of their sacrifices.
I miss you, tou-san.
After a quick check-in at the reception area, they were directed to the upper floor. As they approached the Hokage's office, Kimiko noticed a familiar-looking woman standing near the doors, holding a pig dressed in a tiny outfit. The sight made her stop in her tracks, realization dawning.
Huh, so Tsunade's already here? I guess I'll find out if Danzo yielded power… or if they're stuck in a deadlock.
"Hello," the woman greeted them with a warm smile. "You three must be Kimiko, Neji, and Sasuke. The Hokage is expecting you."
Kimiko returned the smile. "Thank you. Sorry, I didn't catch your name?"
"Oh, Shizune. Kato Shizune," the woman replied, bowing her head slightly.
Kimiko nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Shizune-san." She glanced briefly at the small pig nestled in Shizune's arms. "And your friend here?"
"This is Tonton," Shizune said with a chuckle. "She's… a bit of a handful."
Kimiko smiled at that, bowing her head again. "Nice to meet you both."
With that, Kimiko, Neji, and Sasuke stepped past Shizune and pushed the office doors open.
The scene inside was both familiar and surprising. Danzo stood to the left of the Hokage's chair, his bandaged figure leaning heavily on his cane. Despite his usual authoritative presence, he wasn't seated at the desk. To the side, Jiraiya leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, gazing at them—though his eyes lingered on Kimiko with open curiosity.
And then there was the one seated in the Hokage's chair: Tsunade.
Kimiko instantly understood why Tsunade was called the most beautiful kunoichi in the world. The woman's presence was magnetic. Her full figure exuded strength and femininity, but it was her face that captivated Kimiko. Bright hazel eyes, framed by wheat-blonde hair that seemed to catch the light, looked at them with sharp focus. Her aristocratic features were flawless, but her expression carried something deeper—experience, wisdom, and an unshakable resolve.
What caught Kimiko off guard, however, were the two figures beside Tsunade. Standing to her right was someone Kimiko recognized: Iwashi Tatami, a member of the Hokage Guard Platoon. But it was the man in the wheelchair that truly stunned her—Hiruzen Sarutobi. Dressed in simple black robes, the former Hokage sat quietly, his ever-present pipe resting between his lips.
Looks like the old man did live. At least my father's death prevented that.
Kimiko immediately bowed, pressing one hand into her palm in a gesture of deep respect.
The room remained silent for a moment before Jiraiya broke it with a chuckle.
"...I told you, not all of my students are as bull-headed as Naruto."
"If I have anything to say about it, Jiraiya, you won't be taking on Shinku's youngest as a student," Hiruzen grumbled, "I've had enough trouble keeping you away from the village's women, let alone her." He faintly smiled at her. "...My condolences for the loss of your father, Kimiko. He was a brave and fearles man, his loss will be felt keenly by the Leaf,"
"You honor my clan, Sarutobi-dono." said Kimiko, head still down and bowed.
"Raise your head, you silly girl," Tsunade said, her voice amused. "There's no need for that."
Kimiko straightened, meeting Tsunade's faint smile. The Sannin had laced her fingers together atop the desk, radiating calm authority.
"First and foremost," Tsunade began, her tone measured, "do you three know who I am?"
"Yes," Neji replied immediately, his voice steady. "You're Princess Tsunade, one-third of the Sannin and the greatest medical ninja in the world."
"Careful now," Jiraiya said dryly, smirking. "You don't want her head to get even bigger."
"Enough," Danzo interjected, his voice cutting through the levity. Until then, he'd remained silent, observing. "We brought these ninja here for a reason."
Kimiko noticed both Tsunade and Jiraiya exchange a brief glance, their expressions unreadable, before Hiruzen smoothly took over.
"Yes, Danzo is correct," the elder Hokage said, his tone steady. "Tsunade, if you would?"
"Right," Tsunade said, leaning back slightly in her chair. "Yes, I'm aware that Danzo-sama was the one who sent you on your mission. What was labeled a B-Rank mission turned out to be far more—at least A-Rank, if not S-Rank in scope." Her tone held a faint note of disapproval, though Kimiko couldn't tell if it was directed at Danzo, the mission, or something else entirely.
"However," Tsunade continued, "as of tomorrow, I will officially take the seat of the Hokage."
Kimiko nodded slowly, processing the news. Relief flickered in her chest, thankful that Danzo rip Konoha apart trying to keep his seat ago…though, if she were being candid, the sense of relief she felt wasn't as strong as she expected.
If she were honest, she didn't think Danzo had done terribly as acting Hokage. His refusal to back down from Sunagakure or Iwagakure had been harsh, yes, but understandable—especially after Iwa's attempt to kidnap Hinata and Sunagakure's lingering complicity in the events of the Konoha Crush. Still, Tsunade's leadership offered something different—something the village sorely needed.
Is that what the village truly needed?
"So, I saw it fit to hear the report now to avoid repetition. I've already read Captain Hayama's report, but I want to corroborate it with your firsthand account," Tsunade said, her hazel eyes scanning the group. Kimiko, however, read between the lines. Tsunade didn't trust Danzo to deliver a fully accurate report and wanted to hear the truth from them—the shinobi who had actually lived it.
"So, who acted as team leader during the mission?" Tsunade asked, her tone steady.
Kimiko stayed silent, hoping someone else would speak up. Simultaneously, Neji and Sasuke cleared their throats, glancing at each other awkwardly.
Kimiko sighed and stepped forward, catching the faint flicker of amusement in both Hiruzen and Tsunade's faces.
"Yes, Yuhi Kimiko," Tsunade said with a faint smile. "I've heard a lot about you from Naruto. You look just like Kaori-san did when she first arrived here."
"Hokage-sama," Danzo interjected, his tone clipped, as if to steer the meeting back on track.
"...Yes, so," Tsunade said, her smile fading slightly. "Tell us everything that happened on the mission."
Kimiko nodded. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "The mission started off simply enough. It wasn't until…"
She recounted the mission in detail, describing how they first met the Daimyo, the attack by insurgents, and her interrogation of two captured insurgents, where she extracted information about Iwagakure's involvement. Kimiko noticed the lack of reaction from the room when she mentioned torture, as if they'd all expected it. She then explained the encounter with the insurgents meeting Iwagakure's ANBU representative and how they secured proof of Iwagakure's involvement. She hesitated slightly before describing how the confrontation led to her falling into a ravine and being swept into an unknown forest.
"Hold on," Tsunade said, leaning back in her chair, her brows furrowed. "You're telling me that you fell into a ravine, were swept into some random, uninhabited forest, and while injured, you lugged a corpse around looking for shelter?"
"...An intact Iwagakure ANBU's corpse is a valuable prize," Kimiko replied, her cheeks flushing. "I didn't want Konoha to miss the opportunity to study it."
"She made the right decision," Danzo interjected. "I commend you for going above and beyond, Kimiko. Unfortunately, not all shinobi understand that sacrifice is necessary for Konoha's prosperity. Doing what must be done is the hallmark of true loyalty."
Kimiko felt the tension shift in the room, the air growing thick with awkwardness. Before the discomfort could grow, Hiruzen spoke up.
"...So, as you were saying, you found shelter in a cave. But it was already inhabited. By whom?"
"By an animal," Kimiko said. "It turns out I was swept into what appeared to be a summoning animal's territory, Sarutobi-sama."
"Ah, and I suppose this summoning animal helped you navigate back to Kusagakure?" Hiruzen asked.
Kimiko nodded.
"What animal was it?" Jiraiya asked idly, inspecting his nails.
This is going to be hilarious.
"Oh, it was a giant salamander," she said, pausing for effect. "I… believe you'd be familiar with it. Especially you, Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sensei." She hesitated, then added, "Ibuse."
Silence fell over the room, stretching far longer than she anticipated. Even Danzo was staring at her. But it was Tsunade and Jiraiya's pinned stares that truly unnerved her.
"...Very funny, kid," Jiraiya said at last, his tone disbelieving. "Now really, who was it?"
Kimiko shook her head. "I'm not joking, Jiraiya-sensei. It was Ibuse. He attacked me at first, but when he saw I was resistant to his poison… he extended me the hospitality of the cave."
"Okay, I want to hear this," Tsunade said with a sigh, leaning forward slightly. "How in the hell did you get that overgrown, gluttonous lizard to help you?"
"Well," Kimiko began, glancing briefly at Neji and Sasuke before turning back to Tsunade, "he wasn't alone in the cave. A colony of bats lived there originally, and… well…"
She launched into the story. She described how Ibuse offered to lead her out of the forest if she helped him with the bats. She recounted how they fought side by side, taking down the colony and the bat matriarch, and how, afterward, Ibuse not only kept his word to guide her to Kusagakure but also signed a summoning contract with her.
Tsunade's sharp voice cut through the air as soon as Kimiko said the words. "That's preposterous," she said, her tone carrying equal parts disbelief and irritation. "Seriously, stop wasting our time. How could you have a contract with Ibuse? From what I know about Hanzo, he'd never let his summon's power fall into the hands of a shinobi from the Five Great Nations."
"She isn't lying," Sasuke interjected from behind Kimiko. Neji nodded in agreement.
"We saw Ibuse disappear after he deposited her in Kusagakure," Neji added, his usual stoicism lending weight to his words.
"That doesn't prove anything," Tsunade snapped. "Ibuse could have unsummoned himself."
Kimiko met Tsunade's gaze. "Hokage-sama, I'm telling the truth," she said, rolling up her sleeve to reveal her left forearm. The intricate fuinjutsu contract etched into her skin caught the light, red and black ink forming an elaborate flower-shaped mandala.
The room fell silent as Tsunade and Jiraiya leaned forward slightly, their eyes narrowing to study the array. Even Danzo's gaze lingered on the seal, though his expression remained unreadable.
"...Suppose you're telling the truth," Jiraiya said at last, breaking the silence. His voice was tinged with both skepticism and reluctant curiosity. "That a thirteen-year-old girl somehow managed to convince Ibuse of Amegakure to sign a contract with her. Which, frighteningly enough, I'm starting to believe." His tone turned sharper. "How did you convince him to take you on as a second master? As Tsunade said, he doesn't exactly warm to shinobi from the Five Great Nations."
"That's the other thing, Jiraiya-sensei," Kimiko replied, her voice quieter now. "According to Ibuse, Hanzo's dead."
"What?!" Tsunade and Jiraiya exclaimed in unison. Even Danzo's normally placid demeanor faltered as his gaze sharpened with interest.
"That's impossible," Jiraiya said, his tone disbelieving "Who killed him?"
"A god, according to Ibuse," Kimiko replied. She hesitated briefly, choosing her next words carefully. "He said the last thing Hanzo did was send him away."
Another heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of her words pressing down on them.
Finally, Kimiko spoke again, her tone measured. "You can ask him yourself, if you want."
Tsunade turned to her, pinched the bridge of her nose, before nodding. "Fine. Neji, Sasuke, you two are free to go. You, Kimiko, will show us proof of you being Ibuse's summoner."
They arrived at the training ground after a while. Choosing one secluded enough to avoid prying eyes had taken time, but the real delay came from having to push the Third Hokage's wheelchair along the uneven forest paths—a fact that clearly grated on him.
"Gah," Hiruzen grumbled as they finally stopped. "To think I've grown so feeble as to slow everyone down."
"Well," Tsunade replied with a dry smile, "keep at the physical therapy, old man. Maybe in a few months, you'll be walking again."
She straightened, her tone shifting. "But as for the real reason we're here…"
"Yes," Danzo interjected, "Summon that creature of yours, Kimiko. It is prudent that we hear directly from them about what happened to Hanzo."
Kimiko nodded silently, her expression calm, though her mind raced. They're all watching. Ibuse's presence might answer their questions, but it also raises others.
Taking a deep breath, she bit her thumb to draw blood, smeared it across the fuinjutsu formula etched into her forearm, and clapped her hands together.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
A large plume of white smoke erupted around her, dissipating to reveal Kimiko standing atop a mottled brown giant salamander. The creature rumbled low as it reappeared, its massive, eyeless head swiveling slightly.
"Mm, where are we, child?" Ibuse's deep voice reverberated. "...Ah, this isn't Kusagakure. We're in Konohagakure, then? Why did you summon m—…"
The salamander trailed off as its sightless face turned toward the group standing before it. Kimiko, perched on his head, immediately noticed the stunned expressions on Jiraiya and Tsunade's faces. Their wide-eyed, thousand-yard stares were locked not on her, but on Ibuse. She could almost see the memories playing in their minds—the day they faced Hanzo and his summon in battle, the day they were spared and named Sannin.
"Mm," Ibuse rumbled again, his voice slow and thoughtful. "Ah, I remember this chakra… The slug girl and the frog boy, huh?" He lowered his massive head slightly. "You two have grown powerful. I see that Hanzo was right to spare you."
Kimiko felt a flicker of tension in the air, but before it could settle, Jiraiya's composure shattered like glass. He jabbed a finger at Kimiko, his face twisting in exaggerated indignation—a stark contrast to his earlier grave demeanor.
"YOU UNFILIAL STUDENT! WHY WOULD YOU FORM A CONTRACT WITH THIS BIG, UGLY LIZARD AFTER WHAT HE DID TO ME?!" he bellowed. "IS THIS HOW YOU REPAY ME FOR TEACHING YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SENSORY ABILITIES?!"
Kimiko couldn't help herself. She giggled, lifting a hand to her lips to muffle the sound. She glanced at Ibuse, whose body shifted slightly, exuding an air of faint amusement. If only Jiraiya-sensei realized how much Ibuse enjoys this, she thought.
Beside Jiraiya, Tsunade let out a long, slow sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her exasperation, though muted, was no less palpable.
"...Seriously," Tsunade muttered. "Here I was, thinking Naruto's stories about this girl were exaggerated. Poisoning herself to gain power? Pushing herself like a workaholic, pestering every available teacher for training? If anything, he understated your capabilities."
"Impolite Konoha shinobi," Ibuse grumbled, his massive body shifting again. "To ignore the praise I, Ibuse of Amegakure, have given." His voice deepened, and Kimiko swore she felt the air vibrate slightly as he continued. "Child, why did you summon me?"
Kimiko straightened, brushing off the humor of the moment. "Ibuse-sama," she began, her tone respectful, "I called you because the Hokage and the others wish to hear about Hanzo. Specifically, what happened to him."
"...Mm," rumbled Ibuse, his deep voice reverberating. "Ah, I should have expected you'd tell Konohagakure about that." He sighed, his titanic tail swinging slowly behind him. "Yes, Hanzo is dead."
"Who killed him?" It was Hiruzen who broke the silence, his voice heavy with curiosity.
"A god," Ibuse replied simply. "Nothing less could have defeated us so handily. He discarded us both like trash, and Hanzo… Hanzo had enough kindness in his heart to send me to safety. It is why I fled the Land of Rain, to hide. That god sought to erase all who had any semblance of connection to him."
"Who?" Jiraiya asked sharply. "Who were they? Surely, he must have had help. No ninja alive will be able to take down Hanzo alone."
"...There were six," Ibuse replied after a pause, his tone low and distant. "Six gods who shared one mind. It was… unlike anything I have ever seen." He shifted, his tone turning curt. "Cease your questions. I have no wish to partake in this any further. Child!"
Kimiko glanced down at him, her expression soft but questioning.
"If there is nothing else, I will leave," Ibuse continued. "I was in the middle of my meal when you rudely interrupted me."
"Forgive me, Ibuse-sama," Kimiko said, bowing slightly. She reached down to run a hand across his bumpy head, a gesture so natural it made both Tsunade and Jiraiya stare. "I will be sure to cook for you next time."
"As you ought to," Ibuse huffed, his tone tinged with pride. And with that, he disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Kimiko standing alone before the group.
"Well," Hiruzen said after a moment, puffing on his pipe. His lips curved into a faint smile. "...I can see your fortune is the stuff of legends, Kimiko. And I do not mean that entirely in a good way. To think Ibuse himself would bind a contract with you, a young genin from Konoha…" He sighed. "As I once said, my late wife wasn't wrong about you. You will be one of the pillars this village will lean on in the future."
Surprisingly, it was Danzo who spoke next. "...Indeed. Such fortune and talent," he said simply, his tone unusually neutral.
Jiraiya, however, remained unusually quiet, his face devoid of humor. "...Hanzo, dead? Killed by six people who shared one mind?" He shook his head. "Gah, if this freaky kid weren't standing here with a summoning formula on her forearm, I'd swear I was caught in a genjutsu." He turned to Tsunade. "Do you think it's worth investigating?"
"Yes," Tsunade replied firmly, but before she could continue, Danzo interjected.
"But not now," Danzo said, his voice sharp. "Regardless, I believe we should debrief Kimiko. The girl has earned her rest."
"That she has," Tsunade agreed, her tone softening. "You've done Konoha a valuable service, Kimiko. Not only did you provide critical intelligence on Iwagakure, but you've given us information on Amegakure—something none of our spies have managed to do." She smiled faintly. "It seems Captain Hayama didn't exaggerate when he said you showed great initiative."
Kimiko blushed, but a small smile broke across her face. She scrunched her nose slightly, earning a chuckle from Tsunade.
"Go rest. You've earned it," Tsunade said. "I'll be reclassifying your mission as A-Class—unless there are objections?" She glanced at the group, her gaze lingering on Danzo.
"I object," Danzo said evenly. "An A-Class is inaccurate. Given the value of the intelligence provided, an S-Class ranking is more appropriate. We must also ensure the team receives the proper compensation."
Kimiko blinked, but said nothing. Huh. Our first S-Class mission. Well, I just need to do a few more, and maybe I'd make it into the Bingo Book.
"Now, I still have to see patients. If there's nothing else? " Tsunade asked, glancing around. When no one spoke, the group began to disperse.
Kimiko followed, her eyes trailing on Danzo as he walked away. She hesitated, knowing her thoughts weren't entirely rational. But curiosity seized her, overpowering her sense of caution. Before she realized it, she was running after him.
"Danzo-sama," Kimiko called, her voice steady as she closed the distance.
Danzo slowed his pace, turning his head to glance at her. "Yes?"
"I…" She hesitated for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I had a few questions about the political situation with Iwagakure."
Danzo raised an eyebrow, his expression inscrutable. "...Mmm, yes. Several people have questioned me about that as well," he said dryly. "And why are you asking me?"
"...You were the acting Hokage, Shimura-dono. And you still are, until the day is over." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I believe I can glean more insight from you than anyone else. Aside from Sarutobi-dono, you're the most experienced in dealing with other villages."
A brief silence hung between them. Then Danzo gave a slow nod, his gaze sharp but contemplative. "...It's not every day a shinobi expresses an interest in such matters," he remarked, his tone thoughtful. He paused for a moment before continuing, a flicker of something almost nostalgic in his eyes. "...Your family's teahouse. Do they still serve the black tea?"
The trip to her family's teahouse was short, but the attention they drew along the way was anything but subtle. People stared openly—customers and staff alike—when they saw Kimiko arrive with Danzo. Thankfully, her mother, descending quickly to greet them, was far more composed.
"I had a feeling you'd dive right back into work, even fresh off a mission," her mother remarked with a faint smile, cutting off Kimiko's attempt to apologize for not coming home first. "I'm sure you have your reasons."
When Danzo requested a private tearoom to discuss matters with Kimiko, her mother didn't hesitate, leading them to an available room on the second floor. Privacy, her mother had often said, was one of their teahouse's most valuable commodities, something high-profile clientele were always willing to pay for.
Seated across from each other, Danzo blew gently on his black tea before taking a sip. Kimiko mirrored him, her own honeyed tea warming her hands as she broke the silence. "So, Iwagakure hasn't responded to Kusagakure's demands for an explanation?"
"They have not," Danzo replied evenly. "And I doubt they will. This is Iwagakure's standard playbook when confronted with proof of their misdeeds: silence. They won't respond to any private inquiries, especially given Kusagakure's cordial relationship with us. They likely assume we'll escalate regardless of their reply and see no benefit in addressing accusations privately. It's all for appearances."
He's right, though, Kimiko thought, taking a slow sip of her tea. If he were still Hokage, that's exactly how he'd play it.
Pushing the thought aside, she met his gaze. "I suppose Kusagakure will have little choice but to make the proof public—the evidence of Iwagakure funding the insurgency and spying on troop movements. That would force a response."
Danzo nodded, his visible eye studying her closely. "It would. And what do you think their response will be?" he asked, voice calm but probing.
Kimiko's instincts urged her to go with the obvious answer: denial. Iwagakure would likely claim the evidence was forged, the work of a hostile village—like Konoha—seeking to tarnish their reputation. But something about that felt too simple. She paused, lowering her tea and choosing her words carefully.
"I don't think they'll deny it," Kimiko said evenly, her tone measured.
"Oh?" Danzo asked, his visible eye narrowing slightly. "Interesting answer. Tell me why."
"First," Kimiko began, "the proof we retrieved bears official seals from Iwagakure. Denying its authenticity is possible, but it would raise suspicion. And that's the obvious part."
She paused, her expression thoughtful. "What stops them from denying it is the realization that it's safer to admit the evidence than risk being exposed as liars if more proof is released."
Danzo tilted his head slightly, his gaze unreadable. "And how did you reach that conclusion? Walk me through your reasoning."
Kimiko took a slow breath. "Kusagakure will start by releasing the Iwagakure Storage Seal—straightforward proof of Iwagakure's funding of the insurgency. It's undeniable, and by beginning with this, Kusagakure ensures the focus stays on Iwagakure's material support while holding back the more sensitive intelligence for later."
Danzo gave a faint nod, urging her to continue.
"Iwagakure will likely assume the Storage Seal was lost due to insurgent carelessness," Kimiko said, her voice calm but deliberate. "The failure of their mission to assassinate the Daimyo provides an easy explanation: in the chaos, one of their contacts mishandled it. They won't immediately suspect that the intel came from the ANBU operative we killed. It's easier for them to believe that an insurgent made a mistake than to assume one of their well-trained ANBU agents was compromised."
She paused, sipping her tea before continuing. "But once Kusagakure releases the evidence, Iwagakure will try to confirm the ANBU operative's status. They'll want to verify her safety before deciding whether it's safe to claim the proof is a forgery. When she doesn't respond, they'll realize there's a distinct possibility that the intel came from her."
Kimiko leaned back slightly, meeting Danzo's sharp gaze. "With that possibility hanging over their heads, they'll err on the side of caution. They'll assume the worst: that the evidence came from their operative and that Kusagakure—and by extension, Konoha—likely has more proof in hand. That's why they won't deny it."
For a long moment, silence hung between them. Danzo studied her intently, his gaze unreadable. Finally, he spoke, and Kimiko could swear there was the faintest hint of a smile on his face.
"You think like a strategist," Danzo said quietly, sipping his tea. "It's a rare quality in a shinobi, unfortunately." He paused. "But with all of this in mind, what do you think will happen next?"
Kimiko took a moment to gather her thoughts. In an ideal world, they would retrace their steps and work to de-escalate the situation. But the reality was far from ideal. Iwagakure had tried to kidnap her best friend for her Byakugan—a brazen act that had failed but prompted an aggressive response. In his capacity as acting Hokage, Danzo had convinced Kusagakure to allow platoons of Konoha shinobi to station near Kannabi as a show of strength. A necessary move, perhaps, but one that escalated tensions and indirectly contributed to the insurgency.
"Once Iwagakure admits their complicity, Kusagakure will likely cut diplomatic ties with them, especially given that the funding allowed the insurgents to target their Daimyo," Kimiko began, her tone steady. "With a now openly hostile force right across their border, they'll have no choice but to lean on us. They'll likely permit us to station more troops near their border and formally request our help in dealing with the insurgents. At a minimum, they'll ask us for weapons, supplies, and quiet support for intelligence operations against the insurgents. At most, they might request direct intervention."
Danzo nodded, his expression unreadable. "And what do you think Konoha's next move would be?"
Kimiko's gaze shifted, her voice dropping slightly. "...By the time a formal request is made, the opportunity for de-escalation will be gone. If we deny them support, the insurgency will rage unchecked, potentially plunging Kusagakure into chaos. Worse, the insurgents might succeed in their next operation against the Daimyo and replace him with someone aligned with Iwagakure—a pivot we can't afford."
She leaned forward, her tone firm. "That would give Iwagakure a staging ground right across our border. We can't let that happen. Our only option is to take advantage of the situation: station more troops, assist Kusagakure with the insurgents, and secure them as a close ally. By doing so, we eliminate the threat of their territory being used as a launchpad for Iwagakure's forces and ensure the stability of the region."
Danzo gave a small nod. "Mm, sound reasoning, Kimiko," he said, pausing thoughtfully. "You're right. Clashes with Iwagakure are inevitable now, no matter how long it takes. Regardless of who sits in the Hokage's seat, all we can do is trust in one another and remain strong."
Stay strong? Kimiko thought wryly. Rich, coming from the man who orchestrated this entire situation to unfold exactly as it did.
"Danzo-sama," Kimiko said slowly, her tone deliberately neutral. "I would like to thank you for holding Konoha together as Acting Hokage." She hesitated for effect, then continued. "Though, I must admit, I thought Tsunade-sama was here only to help heal the Sandaime, not to take the position of Hokage herself. I would have thought your capable leadership would make the role permanent," she lied, her words smooth.
Danzo's sharp gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke. "...I did not wish to divide Konoha further," he said evenly. "A more well-known shinobi like Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage and a legendary Sannin, is a rallying figure. Konoha would benefit from unity under her leadership."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "With Hiruzen counseling her, there is no doubt she will lead the village well. She has already expressed her intention to maintain the reforms I've implemented and agreed that my counsel will be invaluable. That is why I will be taking a more active role in village politics moving forward."
Ah. There's the catch.
Kimiko kept her expression neutral, though the pieces fell into place. It was obvious now. Danzo had allowed Tsunade to become Hokage—but not without extracting his price. He had likely maneuvered behind the scenes, leveraging his support to secure conditions: his reforms would remain untouched, and he would gain a more active role in the village's day-to-day governance. In exchange, he had stepped down as Acting Hokage peacefully.
With war looming on the horizon with Iwagakure, and tensions with Sunagakure still simmering due to Danzo's demands for reparations, Konoha couldn't afford the chaos of a prolonged leadership struggle. It was a calculated move, and Hiruzen and Tsunade had no choice but to concede to his demands for the sake of unity. Kimiko had to grudgingly admire his cunning.
"Which reminds me, Kimiko," Danzo said, pausing for effect. "Your performance in the Regular Forces is exemplary, but someone of your skill sh—"
The door slammed open, cutting him off, and Kimiko immediately knew who it was.
"KIMIKO-CHAN!" came the loud, unmistakable voice she had missed—and loved.
Naruto stood at the doorway, fists on his hips and grinning widely. Behind him, Sasuke followed, looking exasperated as usual.
"Idiot," Sasuke muttered. "I already told you, Kimiko's busy with a village elder. Didn't you listen to Kaori-sama?"
"Huh?" Naruto blinked, turning his attention to Danzo and squinting. "You mean this beat-up old man's an elder?"
"Naruto," Kimiko said with a sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Don't be impolite. This is Shimura Danzo. He held the village together as Acting Hokage while you were with Jiraiya-sensei."
Naruto's jaw dropped. "How can an old crippled man be Hokage?!"
"Naruto," Kimiko said sharply, casting Danzo a quick, apologetic glance. "Forgive him, Danzo-sama. He means well."
For the first time, her stomach twisted with unease as Danzo's gaze shifted to Naruto, his expression inscrutable.
This was… Danzo Shimura. A man she had already identified as one of the most calculating, manipulative figures in the village. And, as far as she knew, Danzo had never met Naruto in the anime. By the time Danzo even noticed Naruto, he was already a powerful shinobi and a hero to Konoha.
But now, Danzo had met him. And Naruto wasn't anywhere near that level yet.
"I am sure he does," Danzo said after a long pause, his tone almost dismissive. His gaze lingered on Naruto for a moment longer before he turned to the others. "In any case, I have matters to attend to. Kimiko, Sasuke—admirable work on the mission."
He rose, his cane tapping the floor as he stepped out of the private room. Kimiko's eyes followed his retreating figure, her thoughts spinning, before Naruto's voice snapped her out of it.
"Kimiko-chan!" Naruto pouted, scurrying forward. "You didn't even come to find me first!"
"Hey, I was on a mission," Kimiko said, crossing her arms. "You came back from yours earlier—shouldn't you have come to find me?"
"That didn't stop Sasuke from finding me!" Naruto argued, inflating his cheeks indignantly.
Kimiko smirked and flicked her hair. "Well, I'm a girl, and men should always find women first. That's just how it works."
Naruto sputtered, while Kimiko leaned forward and gave him a quick one-armed hug, which he returned enthusiastically.
"Anyway," she said with a smile, "I'm happy to see you. How was your trip?"
"Oh, it was, you know, nothing big," Naruto said, his grin giving him away. "Hehe, I just found the next Hokage, fought Orochimaru and that Kabuto guy, and learned a super cool jutsu from Jiraiya-sensei that's waaay better than the lame Chidori sensei taught Sasuke!"
"He's been saying that nonstop," Sasuke said flatly, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Yeah?" Kimiko said, smiling mischievously as she reached out and squeezed Naruto's cheeks with her palms. "Well, we weren't exactly idle, you know. Should I tell him?" She glanced over at Sasuke, her smirk widening. Even Sasuke grinned at her.
"Tchell mwe whaff," Naruto mumbled through squished cheeks, his face puffed up like a pufferfish.
Kimiko let him go with a laugh. "The mission Sasuke and I went on? It was an S-Class mission," she said, her tone casual but clearly baiting him. "We had to defend a Daimyo, spy on an enemy village, foil a major plot, and —" she leaned in slightly for emphasis, "I got a summon of my own."
Naruto's eyes widened for a moment, but then he crossed his arms and backed away with a frown. "Hmph. Whatever. I bet it wasn't as cool as what I went through."
"Oh?" Kimiko grinned, leaning forward challengingly. "You wanna bet?"
As Sasuke and Kimiko recounted their mission from start to finish, they deliberately leaned into the most exciting details: saving the Grass Daimyo from assassins, fighting an Iwa ANBU, and Kimiko's dramatic fall into a river that swept her to Ibuse's lair, where she forged her summoning contract. Kimiko made sure to emphasize that Ibuse was the summon of the ninja whose mere survival against him had earned the Sannin their famous title.
"Whaaaa?!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide. "You're telling me you went on this super-cool mission and didn't wait for me?!"
"That's literally impossible, idiot," Sasuke replied flatly. "Besides, Danzo-sama said you were his first pick for the mission, but you were already off with Jiraiya."
"WHAT?! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE THAT OLD PERVY SAGE FOR MAKING ME MISS OUT ON SUCH AN AWESOME OPPORTUNITY!" Naruto shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration. Then, he jabbed a finger at Sasuke. "STILL! I learned a cool new jutsu that surpasses even your Chidori and Heavenly Lance, Sasuke! It's a jutsu developed by the"
"I know," Sasuke said, crossing his arms. "You keep saying that. But we've seen no proof, so how do we even know it's true?"
"IT IS!" Naruto insisted, his fists clenched. "And I'll prove it to you two!"
"...How?" Kimiko asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.
Naruto grinned, rubbing his hands together mischievously.
"...Naruto," Kimiko said, her voice wary as she balanced on the railing of the rooftop. "Are you sure this is safe?"
Below her, Naruto and Sasuke stood facing two water tanks on the roof, each eyeing their respective target.
"Yeaaaah, don't worry about it!" Naruto said, flashing her a confident grin before turning his attention back to the tanks. Then he glanced at Sasuke, his grin widening. "Here's the deal. When Kimiko counts to three, the two of us will hit the water tanks with our jutsu. Whoever does more damage treats everyone to ramen!"
"Doesn't that mean Kimiko wins no matter who wins?" Sasuke deadpanned.
"Stop complaining," Kimiko said in a sing-song voice, swinging her legs casually as she dropped and perched on the railing. "Just get on with it, boys."
"Yeah, Sasuke," Naruto taunted, puffing out his chest and mimicking a chicken by bobbing his head and swaying his hips. "Or are you too chicken because you know my new jutsu is stronger than yours?"
Sasuke's eyebrow twitched as he frowned. "Fine. You're on. But you'd better be ready to treat both of us when you lose."
Kimiko suppressed a laugh as she watched the two prepare to show off. Honestly, she thought, amused. Ideas like this—and their fragile egos—are why people say women live longer than men.
"Okay, on my count," Kimiko said, her voice carrying just a hint of amusement. "One…"
Sasuke began weaving seals with practiced precision, while Naruto produced a shadow clone. The clone hovered near him, its hands mirroring his as they palmed the empty air around his outstretched palms.
"Two…"
Electricity and lightning chakra surged to Sasuke's right hand, crackling like a thousand chirping birds. The sound grew sharper as his Chidori intensified, casting flickering blue light across the rooftop.
In Naruto's hand, the familiar blue sphere of concentrated chakra began to form, solidifying into the dense, spinning orb of the Rasengan. The two of them were focused, their energies filling the air with tension.
"Two and a haaaaalf…" Kimiko teased, her eyes glinting with mischief.
The sound of Sasuke's Chidori grew louder, almost deafening. Lightning chakra poured into his arm, glowing a bright, intense blue. But then it shifted—white-hot flames licked through the Chidori as Sasuke added his fire chakra, the fusion of elements creating a glowing lance of raw, destructive power. The sheer heat radiating from him distorted the air.
Right… Kimiko thought, watching in awe. Even if Naruto learned the Rasengan, there's no way he'd be able to compete with that. Sasuke's gotten so much stronger because of—
Her thoughts were interrupted as her eyes widened in shock. Naruto's Rasengan, spinning steadily, began to grow. From the size of a large orange, it expanded into a bowling-ball-sized sphere of swirling chakra. Then, she felt it—a sudden crackling energy that wasn't there before. The sphere spun faster, its color deepening from blue to a swirling olive green. Pressurized winds swirled around it, sharp and cutting, the sound of whirling gales roaring like a storm. Naruto's hair flew back from the force of the chakra-infused winds.
"What the fuck?" Kimiko muttered under her breath, her heart racing. Did he… infuse the Rasengan with his wind chakra? But how?! He wasn't supposed to do that for another two years in the anime! Even the Fourth Hokage never—
"I need to thank you for teaching me that shadow clone trick, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto yelled, grinning as he held up the sphere of wind chakra. "I mastered the Fourth Hokage's jutsu in two weeks, and I kind of added my own spin to it by accident while practicing. Heh." He shot her a toothy grin. "It's incomplete, but…"
"Kimiko," Sasuke interrupted, his voice low and firm. He glanced back at her, his arm crackling with fire and lightning, burning into the rooftop beneath him. "Are we doing this or not?"
"...Oh, right," Kimiko said, blinking as she snapped out of her shock. "Three!"
In an instant, both boys launched themselves at their respective targets, their voices ringing out in unison.
"Heavenly Lance!"
"Wind Style: Rasengan!"
The rooftop was consumed by a blinding explosion of power. Kimiko instinctively shielded her face with her arm as the force of gale winds clashed with the concentrated energy of flame and lightning, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The air vibrated with the sheer destructive energy of their attacks.
When the dust began to settle, Kimiko leapt gracefully from her perch to the rooftop below. Her sharp eyes scanned the scene, focusing on Naruto and Sasuke, who stood with their arms outstretched, both breathing heavily.
Her gaze shifted to what remained of the water tanks—if they could even be called that.
The first tank, Sasuke's target, was gone. Completely. All that remained was a molten pool of steel at the base where it once stood. The water had been vaporized, the heat of the attack leaving nothing behind.
Naruto's tank wasn't much better. Only a few jagged sheets of metal remained, shredded by the explosive, cutting force of his wind-infused Rasengan.
Kimiko stared at the destruction, a mix of astonishment and exasperation filling her thoughts.
"...Well?" To her surprise, it was Sasuke who broke the silence, pulling her from her stupor. "Who do you think won?"
Kimiko turned to face them, her eyes lingering on Sasuke, searching for any hint of envy—and finding none. Good. So he's not growing jealous of Naruto's progress. That's a relief.
"It's a tie, obviously," Kimiko said with a smile.
"Yup, a tie for sure—considering all three of you are tied for being the biggest idiots," came a familiar, deadpan voice.
The three of them spun around in unison, their jaws dropping at the sight of someone they hadn't seen in a while.
"Kakashi-sensei!" they shouted together.
"Hi, you three," Kakashi said casually as he walked toward them.
"Sensei!" Kimiko said, relief washing over her face. "I'm so glad to see you'r—"
SMACK !
Kimiko yelped as Kakashi whacked the three of them on the head in quick succession.
"Idiots," Kakashi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Seriously. I'm only a few hours out of a coma, and the three of you thought it was a great idea to destroy public property with flashy jutsu no one asked to see?"
"Hey! You should be thanking me, you know!" Naruto said, puffing out his chest. "You'd still be a sleeping zombie if I hadn't found Tsunade no baa-chan for you!"
"Uh-huh. Very thankful, Naruto," Kakashi replied dryly before grabbing Naruto in a playful headlock and rubbing his knuckles into his hair, forcing him to hunch over.
"Now," Kakashi continued, straightening up, "the three of you are going to apologize to the hospital staff for breaking their water tanks, and you're going to pay for it. Out of your own pockets."
"Hey!" Kimiko protested, crossing her arms. "I didn't even do anything!"
"Exactly. I expected you to be responsible. Idiot," Kakashi said, pulling her into a noogie. Sasuke, meanwhile, crossed his arms and scoffed.
"Tch. Cheapskate. Aren't we your genin? That means you should pay for the damages since we're technically your responsibility."
Without missing a beat, Kakashi let go of Kimiko and trapped Sasuke in a noogie instead. "Oh? If the three of you are going to keep on making summoning contracts with legendary creatures and inventing S-Ranked jutsu, then you don't get to call yourselves genin anymore."
Releasing Sasuke, Kakashi stepped back, his single eye crinkling into a half-moon smile as he ruffled all three of their heads. "I missed the three of you."
Kimiko looked up at him, momentarily surprised by the warmth in his voice.
"...But seriously," Kakashi added, his tone flat again, "you're paying the hospital."
