Chapter 23: Wildflower (Chuunin Exams, Part III, Preliminaries, END.)
There was more fanfare than Kimiko could stomach. Naruto yelled at Neji with a fire that could have burned the entire room, giving his word to prove him wrong. It escalated quickly, with Lee having to physically stand between Naruto and Neji to stop Naruto from throwing a punch. Tensions crackled like lightning in the air until the medics finally wheeled Hinata away, her unconscious body pale and trembling.
Sakura, rushing back from the medics, gave the only news that mattered to her.
"She's extremely injured and barely alive, but…" said Sakura. "She should make a full recovery. It'll take time and surgery, but she'll pull through."
The relief Kimiko felt was profound but bitter. Time and surgery. She should have never been in this position.
Kimiko insisted on going with Hinata, staying by her side no matter what. She didn't care about the exams, the matches, or the rules. But Kakashi gently blocked her path, his tone calm but firm.
"You need to stay here, Kimiko." Said Kakashi. "Your match hasn't been announced yet. It could be called at any time."
Her hands clenched into trembling fists, her jaw tightening, but she knew he was right. Begrudgingly, she stayed. Though present in body, her mind was elsewhere. It was with Hinata.
Lee and Naruto, in their own ways, tried to lighten the air, engaging her in conversation. But every question, every statement, was met with polite yet clipped responses. Kimiko didn't have the energy for pleasantries, nor the patience. She could feel the invisible wall that separated her from Neji, a calculated distance maintained by everyone around them. The jonin, the genin — they all knew better than to let either of them near the other.
As the board flickered again, calling Lee and Gaara for the next match, Kimiko made a point to clap politely. It was automatic, a rehearsed civility. She noticed Kankuro loitering nearby, his posture casual but his gaze sharp, no doubt using the fight as an opportunity to gather intel. Kimiko ignored him entirely, her focus split between the arena below and the storm in her chest.
Her eyes followed Lee as he descended to the battlefield, standing tall with his usual enthusiasm. Gaara loomed across from him, his gaze as heavy as the sand curling at his feet. The tension in the room shifted, all eyes on the fight about to unfold.
And yet, Kimiko couldn't fully immerse herself in the spectacle. Her mind remained with Hinata, her chest tight with guilt and unresolved anger. Even as Gaara and Lee faced each other, preparing to clash, the sound of their names being announced echoing in the chamber, Kimiko's heart and head were elsewhere. The weight of the unfinished battle inside her was heavier than anything happening in the arena.
No, I can't let this beat me. The thought steadied Kimiko, grounding her in the present. At the end of the day, no matter how infuriating Neji was now, he would become an ally. A reliable one. A strong one. Someone who would protect Hinata as fiercely as Kimiko did — someone who might even come to love her in his own way. Her gaze flicked toward Neji, who still seethed silently, his eyes now fixed on the arena below, where Lee was poised to face Gaara.
Kimiko inhaled deeply, letting the tension ease from her shoulders as she exhaled. Her eyes shifted to Gaara, standing unnervingly still, sand swirling lazily at his feet. Even Gaara, as monstrous as he seemed now, would become an ally. Though the thought of what he was about to do made her stomach churn, she knew the future would hold redemption for him. Even if Lee had to endure this painful moment first.
As Lee dashed forward, his kick meeting the unyielding wall of sand that sprang to Gaara's defense, Kimiko leaned forward on the railing, her frown deepening. Sorry, Lee, she thought, gripping the cool metal beneath her fingers. I couldn't save you from this fate, but I know this will shape your Ninja Way. Your resilience will grow stronger than anyone's.
Her gaze hardened as her lips pressed into a thin line. But after this… I'll make sure Gaara doesn't lay a finger on you. Not a single strand of hair.
The arena was cratered and destroyed, its sands soaked with sweat and blood. Gaara stood at its center, his expression one of faint irritation as he regarded Lee, who somehow still stood, trembling and broken. Lee's body was a wreck — battered worse than Hinata's had been — yet even unconscious, he remained on his feet through sheer force of will. It was a testament to his resolve, a feat that drew tears from Might Guy as he cradled his student, holding him close in a grief-stricken hug.
Kimiko watched the scene unfold, her nails pressing into her palms. She had expected this outcome, but it didn't make it any easier to witness. A part of her wanted to blame Guy for teaching Lee to open the Eight Gates, but she knew it was hypocritical. What she had done to herself with her poison experiment was no different. Trading years of her life for power.
Lee and I are the same.
Both of them striving to stand beside those they admired, to close the ever-widening gap between them and their peers. They had just chosen different paths to achieve it.
Beside her, Naruto vaulted over the railing, rushing toward the arena where Guy handed Lee off to the medics. As Naruto ran past Gaara, his gaze flicked toward the sand shinobi with a glare full of quiet fury, but Gaara didn't even acknowledge him. Instead, the medics surrounded Lee's fragile form, carefully placing him on a stretcher. Naruto stood frozen as they worked, his hands trembling at his sides.
Kimiko disappeared in a flicker, reappearing beside Naruto. She placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him as his attention shifted between Lee's battered body and the medics. The lead medic frowned, his expression heavy with unspoken truths as he turned to Guy and pulled him aside. Kimiko's sharp ears picked up every word.
"Though he's breathing on his own, he has compound compressive fractures and torn muscles throughout his body. If that were the full extent of his injuries, we could still hope for a full recovery. But…" The medic hesitated. "The damage to his left and right arms is especially severe. He's sustained irreparable trauma to the chakra pathways there." He paused, his voice dropping further. "He'll never fight again. His days as a shinobi are over."
Naruto's eyes widened, and his fists clenched. Kimiko's face remained calm, though her heart clenched at the news even if she did expect it. Her hand found Guy's, offering a silent comfort as the jonin's shoulders shook. This shouldn't have happened. But it will help shape Lee. I promise.
"It can't be true!" Naruto shouted suddenly, his voice raw with emotion. "Easy for you to say it's over, but what about Bushy-Brows? What's he supposed to do now?!" He turned toward the retreating medics, desperation etched into his face. "Can't you do anything to help him?!"
Before Naruto could follow, Kakashi appeared behind him, his hand covering Naruto's mouth. "That's enough, Naruto," Kakashi said firmly.
Naruto threw his hand off. "But Kakashi-sensei, it isn't fair! All Lee wanted was to prove himself against Sasuke and Neji. How is this fair?!"
Kakashi sighed, his visible eye softening. "Maybe that's what led to his downfall. He fixated so hard on that goal that he sacrificed everything to achieve it — his body, his future." His voice turned quieter. "Remember how you felt when Kimiko ate that poison?"
Naruto's gaze shifted to Kimiko, and for a moment, they both shared a look of understanding. But Kakashi wasn't finished. "You're wrong about one thing, Naruto. It wasn't just Sasuke and Neji he wanted to fight." He glanced at Kimiko meaningfully. "It was you two as well. He risked everything for the chance to meet both of you in combat. Remember that. Be worthy of his sacrifice."
Kimiko's gaze followed Lee's stretcher as the medics disappeared with him. When she glanced back, her eyes met Gaara's.
He stared at her from across the battlefield, unblinking and impassive, but she felt the tension between them. There was no malice in his gaze, only a chilling curiosity — like a predator sizing up its next hunt. Kimiko held his stare, refusing to look away, and eventually, Gaara closed his eyes. The sand at his feet swirled upward, encasing him before he vanished, reappearing beside Temari in the gallery above.
As Gaara left the arena, Kimiko turned her attention to Kakashi, who had approached Guy. She heard Kakashi's quiet, regretful words.
"Guy, what I said earlier… it was out of line. I was being a self-righteous fool. I realize now that if I'd been in your shoes, I wouldn't have been able to stop him either." He placed a comforting hand on Guy's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go back up. They can't start the next match without us."
Kakashi's gaze met Kimiko's as he gave her a small thumbs-up before leading Guy back to the gallery. Kimiko stayed where she was, giving Naruto a one-armed hug as they both processed what had just happened. Her match would be next. Letting go of Naruto, she turned, walking to the other side of the arena.
"Now then," Hayate's voice echoed the moment Naruto and the two jonin left the arena."The last two competitors, will you please step forward?"
She turned on her heel, standing tall as her gaze met Hayate's. With a single nod, she signaled that she was ready.
Across from her, Choji shuffled down from the gallery, his movements hesitant, his posture uneasy. He wobbled to his spot, his gaze flicking nervously between Kimiko and the ground. His expression was a mixture of dread, confusion, and reluctance, as though he wasn't entirely sure how he'd ended up here.
Above, Kimiko's sharp hearing caught Ino's voice, her tone laced with unease as she turned to Asuma. "Sensei… is it really fair making Choji face… her? Shouldn't you make him forfeit before Kimiko turns him into goo with her weird poison chakra or something?" Her face paled as her words trailed off, her eyes drifting to the arena. When Ino accidentally locked eyes with Kimiko, her face turned even whiter, and she quickly averted her gaze, swallowing hard.
Kimiko's faint frown deepened at the reaction but didn't linger on it. Instead, her attention turned fully to Choji, who was shifting his weight nervously, his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route. His unease tugged at something deep in Kimiko's chest. She could see it—this was more than nerves.
He wasn't just facing a classmate from the academy. He was facing her. The girl who had changed so much in the months since they used to play together on the playground. Back then, Kimiko remembered fondly how much she enjoyed Choji's company. His warm, kind energy always made him easy to talk to, and they'd shared countless laughs with Shikamaru and Naruto.
Hell, they'd just talked a week ago, during the start of the First Test about the bento box she'd sent him. The same bento box he still hadn't returned.
Now, though, Choji's expression wavered between fear and confusion, as if he couldn't reconcile that girl from the academy with the shinobi who stood before him now — a kunoichi with toxic chakra and a ruthlessness that everyone seemed to be whispering about. His unease gnawed at her.
"Hi, Choji," Kimiko said softly, her voice breaking the silence.
Choji's eyes widened, startled by the normalcy in her tone. "Hi, Kimiko."
A faint smile played on her lips, gentle and reassuring. For a moment, it felt like things were almost normal again. But then, the smile disappeared as quickly as it had come. Her voice grew firmer, but her tone remained calm. "I can't go easy on you," she said, her gaze steady. "I have to punish you."
Choji's face turned as pale as a sheet. Above, Kimiko caught the ripple of reactions her words caused. Asuma's eyes narrowed dangerously, his chakra stirring faintly. Kurenai's concern sharpened, her presence pressing on Kimiko from the gallery. Ino gasped audibly, her fear clear on her face, and even Shikamaru gave her a glare filled with daggers.
Choji, meanwhile, stood frozen, his hands trembling at his sides.
Kimiko tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes sparkling with mischief as a sly smile curved her lips. "...Because don't think I forgot about the bento box."
For a moment, there was only stunned silence. Then, realization dawned on Choji's face, and a flicker of relief softened his features. Above, Shikamaru let out an audible groan while Ino blinked in confusion. Asuma exhaled quietly, the tension in his shoulders easing, and Kurenai shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Kimiko's smile widened just a fraction as she added, "You owe me one, Choji."
"Heh, I guess I do, huh?" Choji said, a faint, hesitant smile tugging at his lips.
"And I owe you a good fight, too," Kimiko replied, her voice calm but steady. Her eyes softened as she looked at him.
"You're not my enemy, Choji. You're a friend of mine. I sincerely hope you haven't forgotten that, no matter how much you think I've changed." Her voice dipped slightly, the weight of her words pulling it down. "I know you're struggling with how you feel about me, especially after what I did to those shinobi who tried to kill Naruto and Sasuke."
Choji hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I…" He trailed off, clearly struggling to put his emotions into words.
"It's okay," Kimiko reassured him gently. "I would have been scared if I saw what I did, too. But please remember, I didn't make that decision easily." She took a small step forward, her posture still calm but commanding. "I don't owe anyone an explanation, but know this: I'm Kimiko Yuhi. Daughter of Shinku and Kaori Yuhi, sister to Kurenai Yuhi, and Team Seven's kunoichi." Her lips curved into a faint but determined smile. "I am a shinobi of Konoha, and I will never forsake that."
Her words rippled through the arena. Murmurs spread through the crowd, but Kimiko paid them no mind. Gaara's unblinking gaze pinned her with unsettling interest, while Temari crossed her arms with a sharp huff. Kimiko noticed the fond smile that spread across the Hokage's face, even Hayate giving her an approving nod despite his usual somber demeanor.
The moment of quiet reverence was shattered by a familiar, boisterous voice. "HEY, GET ON WITH IT, KIMIKO! BEAT CHOJI UP! STOP ALL THAT TALKING AND START FIGHTING! I WANNA SEE CHOJI RUN AWAY FROM YOU!"
Naruto's loud shout echoed from the gallery, earning him a smack to the back of the head from Kakashi. "Ow! What was that for, sensei?!" Naruto protested, rubbing his head.
Choji waved his fist toward Naruto with a half-hearted scowl, but Kimiko stifled a giggle, raising a hand to her lips to cover it. The tension eased slightly, and she gave Choji a reassuring look. "Well, he's loud, but he's right," Hayate said after a cough, his voice cutting through the noise. "If you two are ready?"
"Yes," Kimiko replied serenely, stepping into position. She met Choji's eyes with calm determination
"Choji, the last few matches have been intense, emotional, and painful for everyone. Let's make ours different. Let's have a good match, shinobi to shinobi." She tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes glinting with sincerity. "I want everyone here to see how strong I am. And I want them to see how strong the heir to the Akimichi clan is, too."
Choji blinked in surprise, her words catching him off guard. Slowly, though, his expression shifted to one of quiet determination. "Yeah," he said, his smile returning, this time with more confidence. "Let's do this."
"Very well, the tenth and final match begins! Akimichi Choji versus Yuhi Kimiko!" Hayate announced, raising both hands to signal the start of the battle.
"You can do it, Choji!" Shikamaru called out from above, his tone casual but supportive.
"Yeah! Go, Choji!" Ino added, leaning over the railing, the fear she'd shown earlier replaced with encouragement.
"GOOOOOO KIMIKO!" Naruto's voice boomed from the gallery, cutting through the noise with his usual enthusiasm.
Kimiko's lips curved into a serene smile, her eyes locking onto Choji as he readied himself to attack. But before he could make his first move, Kimiko disappeared in a blur, reappearing in front of him almost instantly.
"What—?" She heard Ino's voice falter, her shock evident. "She's fast. Really fast."
Within that split second, Kimiko launched two rapid punches, her fists connecting cleanly with Choji's face. The force of her strikes sent him stumbling backward, his expression dazed. Before he could recover, she leapt into the air with fluid precision, spinning mid-flight to deliver a graceful side kick to his head. The impact left Choji staggering even further, clearly stunned by the ferocity of her assault.
Choji blinked, shaking his head to clear the stars clouding his vision. He swung a punch toward Kimiko in retaliation—but before it could even come close, she flickered back to her starting position, her serene smile never wavering.
"...Yeah, no way Choji's winning this," Shikamaru sighed from the gallery, his tone resigned. "She's too far out of his league. What a drag."
"H-Hey, don't count him out yet!" Ino stammered, still holding onto a sliver of hope. "Sure, Kimiko's fast, but…"
"No, he's right," Asuma said, exhaling a puff of smoke. His voice carried a hint of reluctant admiration. "Seriously, Kakashi, you've got two geniuses on your team? Talk about lucky."
"Hey, now you're making me feel bad," Ino muttered, folding her arms.
"Yeah, he does," Naruto chimed in, puffing out his chest with pride. "Me and Kimiko."
"Idiot," Kakashi said flatly, though his voice carried an amused undertone. "But...yeah. Kimiko could've ended the fight already. Notice how she hasn't drawn her sword." He paused, his visible eye narrowing slightly. "It's not that she's not taking him seriously—it's more like...she's being gracious. Giving him a chance to show what he's made of before finishing it."
"Man, if I were her, I'd have just punched Choji once and called it a day," Naruto said with a grin.
Kimiko's gaze shifted back to Choji, her calm expression unchanged. Choji huffed, his determination flickering back to life as he brought his hands together. "Alright… Ninja Art: Multi-Size Technique!" he bellowed.
With a surge of chakra, his body expanded rapidly, rounding into a massive sphere. His arms and legs retracted into his sleeves, his head disappearing as well. Puffs of blue chakra expelled from his sleeves like steam, the transformation complete as he became a colossal rolling ball.
Kimiko tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in thought as she watched Choji prepare to charge. "Interesting," she murmured under her breath.
Kimiko's hands moved in a blur, weaving through a series of seals with practiced precision. "Let's see if I can filter the toxicity out…" she murmured, focusing her chakra.
"Water Style: Searing Torrent."
It wasn't easy. She felt the strain of keeping her toxic chakra at bay, filtering it carefully to ensure only pure water chakra flowed. Without a natural water source nearby, she knew she had to adapt—pulling moisture from the air itself rather than kneading it from her stomach, which would cost her significantly more chakra.
Droplets began to materialize around her, shimmering in the light as they spiraled into a whirlwind. The droplets coalesced into a spiraling column of water that wrapped around her body, curling from her ankles to above her head like a serpentine dragon. The column surged downward, meeting Choji's charge head-on.
The impact was thunderous. The water spiral collided with Choji's rolling form, and an explosion of water droplets filled the air like rain, drenching the arena. The sheer force of the impact halted Choji's momentum, sending him rolling backward instead of forward.
"What?!" Ino's voice rose from the gallery, her shock unmistakable. "How did Kimiko do that? There wasn't even a water source! She didn't expel any water from her mouth!"
"Look closely," Shikamaru interjected, his tone measured. "She used the moisture in the air and gathered it to form her jutsu."
"That's right," Asuma said, his voice carrying a note of approval. "That technique was devised by the Second Hokage, the greatest Water Style user of his time. By drawing water from the air, he didn't need to rely on creating it from his own chakra. But that method…"
"Takes immense chakra control," Kurenai finished, her voice quiet with admiration. Her red eyes remained fixed on Kimiko as she added, "To figure that out, let alone execute it, as a genin not even a year in her career…"
"She's… very talented," Kurenai admitted, her tone carrying a mix of pride and awe. "Water Style and Speed…she fights like Lord Second did,"
Kimiko, noticing her sister's gaze, turned her head slightly. A small smile touched her lips as their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before she returned her focus to the battlefield.
Choji wasn't done yet, however. From within his boulder-like body, he yelled, "Aaaa! Alright! I'm not done yet!"
He rolled toward Kimiko once again, the sheer force of his momentum making the arena rumble.
Kimiko's expression remained impassive, her focus unshaken as she knelt and placed her hand on the now wet, slick arena floor. "Water Style: Starch Syrup Toxic Field."
This time, she unleashed the shackle she'd placed on her toxic chakra, allowing it to flow freely through her body and into the field. From her hand, the moisture covering the arena floor began to change, spreading outward like a living organism. The slick surface turned into a syrupy adhesive, its viscosity slowing Choji's movements. Then, as Kimiko's toxic chakra infused into the syrup, the adhesive shifted to a noxious black hue, exuding an ominous, caustic energy.
"...Now that's something new," Shikamaru murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing as he analyzed her actions. "She used the water left behind from her earlier jutsu's impact on Choji, transformed it into an adhesive field, and then infused her toxic chakra to create a corrosive, caustic trap. All with a single touch."
"She… did all that with a touch?" Ino's voice trembled with disbelief as her gaze fixed on the toxic field. "I always knew she was talented, but… I never expected her to be this strong. No wonder Sasuke always listens to her."
Ino's eyes softened, her expression turning thoughtful. "I guess that's what she meant all those years back when she said Sasuke sees her as a peer. That's why he always talks to her…"
Beside her, Asuma tilted his head, glancing at his student. Reaching over, he ruffled her hair in a comforting gesture, though his own gaze remained on the arena, contemplative.
Choji, undeterred, charged straight into the toxic field, his boulder-like form plowing through the sticky adhesive. Almost immediately, smoke began to rise as the caustic nature of the syrup burned through his expanded body. The adhesive slowed his momentum, forcing him to skid and stumble as the corrosive substance ate away at his protective jutsu. Eventually, his charge came to a halt, his enormous body steaming and stuck fast in the trap Kimiko had laid.
Kimiko straightened, her calm demeanor unchanged as she watched Choji struggle to free himself, her eyes betraying neither pride nor pity.
"Alright," she said softly, her voice carrying across the silent arena. "I don't mean to insult you by asking this, Choji, but…" She paused, her hand moving to the hilt of the tanto strapped to her back. "Do you want to submit?"
Choji, still trapped in the sticky, corrosive field, winced as his chakra reserves were steadily drained. The caustic acid had worn him down, his form shrinking back to its normal size. His face was tight with pain, sweat dripping down his brow. For a moment, it seemed like he was considering her offer, but then he shook his head.
"N-No, Kimiko," he stammered, his voice trembling but resolute. "You said all those cool things before. I don't want to look lame by giving up… so…" He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. "End it properly, please!"
A faint smile graced Kimiko's lips, soft and genuine. She nodded, drawing her tanto in a smooth motion. The blade gleamed as she held it steady. "You're very brave and honorable, Choji. Asuma-sensei couldn't ask for a better student. Thank you for giving me this match. I couldn't have asked for a better opponent."
From the gallery, a low chuckle drifted down. "That's my boy," Asuma murmured, pride tinging his voice.
Kimiko bent her knees slightly, lowering her stance as her hand rested firmly on the blade of her tanto. Concentrating, she channeled her filtered water chakra into the blade. Blue ribbons of chakra coiled and swirled around the tanto, extending its reach like a living entity. The water shimmered under the arena lights, its clarity belying its deadly cutting power.
"Whoa," Shikamaru said, leaning forward from the gallery. "That looks familiar… It sort of reminds me of your jutsu, Asuma-sensei."
"Yup," Asuma replied, his cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. "Kimiko learned how to flow her water chakra into her blade to increase its reach and striking power. It's something I taught her during her kenjutsu training."
"So, let me get this straight," Gai interjected, his voice brimming with admiration. "She can strike you with water ninjutsu from a distance, wear you down with her toxic jutsu, and she's fast enough to stay out of reach. On top of that, she augments her kenjutsu with chakra? Remarkable!" He crossed his arms, nodding sagely. "You're not just raising a beautiful flower, Kakashi, but—"
"A thorned rose," Kakashi finished, his single visible eye crinkling with approval. "Yes. There's a reason Kimiko's the top kunoichi of her year. Among her peers, she's second only to Naruto in chakra reserves and rivals Sasuke in sheer prowess and genius. Beyond that, she sets an example for both of them to follow. She's a…" He paused, his tone softening. "A natural leader. A perfect kunoichi with limitless potential."
Kimiko's smile deepened, dimples forming on her cheeks as she heard the praise. It wasn't about the compliments—it was about knowing her efforts had been recognized. She turned her gaze back to Choji and nodded firmly. "Prepare yourself, Choji."
"Right!" Choji spread his legs, grounding himself as he closed his eyes, awaiting her strike.
Kimiko blurred into motion, a streak of red and black darting across the arena. Her tanto flashed in a lateral arc, the ribbon of pressurized water striking first with a crack that echoed like a whip. The blow hit Choji before the blade even reached him, slicing cleanly through the air. The water's cutting edge tore through his defenses as Kimiko moved past him, her blade completing the motion with surgical precision.
She came to a stop several feet behind him, her head lowered, the tanto held laterally in her hand, blood dripping from its edge onto the arena floor. The ribbons of water dissipated into mist, leaving the battlefield eerily still.
Choji stood frozen, his body trembling as if trying to resist gravity's pull. Then, with a dull thud, he collapsed to the ground. The twin strikes—one from the water and one from the blade—had landed cleanly, sealing her victory.
Hayate stepped forward, kneeling briefly by Choji before rising and nodding. "The winner of the tenth match is Yuhi, Kimiko," he announced, his voice steady despite a slight cough.
"WOAH! GO KIMIKO-CHAN! YOU DIDN'T EVEN SWEAT! THAT WAS COOL! ALL TEAM SEVEN IN THE FINALS!" Naruto bellowed from the gallery, his voice echoing through the arena.
Kimiko glanced up, her lips curling into a faint smile as she tucked her tanto back into its sheath.
"Good job, Kimiko," Kakashi called out, his tone calm but with a note of pride.
"She's… really strong," muttered Ino, her expression a mix of admiration and lingering nerves.
"What a drag," sighed Shikamaru. "Good thing she's ladylike and polite. Choji's lucky she didn't go all out."
Asuma chuckled softly, arms crossed as he leaned back against the railing. "Clean victory. She reminds me of her sister," he remarked, glancing toward Kurenai.
"Come on, don't lie," teased Kakashi with a sly tone. "Kurenai wasn't nearly as poised as her at that age."
"Hey!" Kurenai called out indignantly from the gallery, drawing a round of laughter from the gathered jonin.
Below, Hayate gave Kimiko a subtle nod of acknowledgment as he stepped back. The medical-nin had already moved in to tend to Choji, binding the shallow cut on his body with clean bandages. They helped him to his feet, guiding him carefully toward the stairs where his team awaited him. Shikamaru and Ino immediately rushed to support him, their faces a mix of concern and relief.
"As of this moment…" Hayate's voice rang out again, calling the attention of everyone present. "The preliminaries to the third exam are officially complete!"
After Hayate's announcement, the victors of the preliminary matches gathered at the center of the arena. Kimiko stood to the far left of the line, her posture composed as she glanced at the others. To her immediate right was Naruto, practically vibrating with pent-up energy. Next were Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara, each carrying the trademark presence of Sunagakure's best. Finally, the Konoha finalists Shikamaru, Neji, and Shino completed the lineup. All eight stood facing Hayate, Anko (who was carrying a box), Ibiki (who was carrying a miniature whiteboard), and the Third Hokage, waiting for the next step in the process.
"I commend all those who have advanced to the finals of the Chuunin Exams," began Hayate, "Well, there's one person missing, but still. Congratulations."
The reminder of Sasuke's absence nearly caused Kimiko's carefully composed expression to falter. Kakashi had vanished shortly after her victory, presumably to check on Sasuke, who was still recovering in the infirmary after the sealing of his Curse Mark. A pang of worry flickered through her before she banished it. She had to focus.
Kimiko's thoughts turned analytical. Out of the finalists, six were from Konoha, while the remaining three hailed from Sunagakure. The balance of power was intriguing—Konoha versus Sunagakure. But she couldn't shake the weight of her own impact on the exams. By eliminating the Otogakure team, two by her own hand and one left in Ibiki's custody, she'd disrupted the canon path irrevocably. Dosu, who originally died before the finals, had been replaced. By her.
And she wasn't about to let anyone take her place now.
"Lord Hokage," said Hayate, stepping back with a cough. "They're all yours."
Hiruzen stepped forward, pipe in hand, exuding the steady gravitas of his office. "In the final rounds, each of you will put your battle skills on display," he began. "You'll demonstrate the power and control you've achieved in your respective disciplines." He paused to let his words settle. "Accordingly, the final battle will commence one month from now."
Naruto blinked, confusion clouding his face. "Wait, we're not going to do it right here and now?"
"This is to provide a suitable period of preparation," Hiruzen explained, his tone patient but firm.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Kankuro, crossing his arms.
"Simply this: in addition to informing the leaders of each nation about the preliminary results, we also need time to prepare and distribute summons for the final selections." A faint smile tugged at the Hokage's lips. "And you, examinees, need time to prepare for what's ahead."
Kankuro sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Look, I don't really get what you're trying to say. What's the point of this?"
Hiruzen's eyes sharpened. "You'll need time to know your adversaries and prepare yourselves. Up to this point, you've been fighting unknown enemies, relying on raw skill and adaptability. But now, your opponents are no longer strangers. You've seen their techniques and their strengths."
Kimiko caught Shikamaru side-eyeing Gaara, tension brewing silently in his posture. She couldn't blame him. Gaara's presence was suffocating.
"To make the finals fair and just," Hiruzen continued, "we're granting you this month. Use it to hone your skills, develop new techniques, and prepare strategies. By now, everyone here knows your techniques, so relying on old tricks is a sure way to fail." His gaze swept across the finalists. "And don't forget to rest."
Kimiko dipped her head in acknowledgment. A month was more than enough for her to refine her plans. With her knowledge of their abilities, she could prepare for anyone—and anything. But she also knew that the future was no longer fixed. She'd already shifted the trajectory of the exams. How much more would change before it was over?
She glanced at Naruto, who was frowning as his eyes darted between Neji and Gaara.
Reaching over, Kimiko gently squeezed his hand, drawing his attention. "You got this," she said softly, a warm smile gracing her lips. "I know what you're thinking, but you've gotten so strong. A month is more than enough for you to surpass even your wildest expectations."
Naruto's frown eased, a determined spark lighting up his eyes. "Yeah," he said, his voice low but resolute. "You're right. I've got this."
"I'd like to dismiss you all now," said Hiruzen, his voice calm and measured. "But first, there's one last task we must complete before the finals."
"Aw, come on!" Naruto groaned, throwing his hands up. "I need to start training already!"
"Patience, Naruto," said Hiruzen with a small smile. He gestured to Anko, who stepped forward, holding a wooden box in her hands.
"This box contains slips of paper," Hiruzen explained. "Each slip has a number written on it. You will draw one to determine your place in the finals."
Anko raised the box higher. "Alright, line up and take a slip," she said with a grin. "Don't make me wait."
The eight finalists filed into a line, one by one reaching into the box and pulling out a slip of paper. Kimiko was first, unfolding her paper with a serene expression before stepping back to let the others through. As the last slip was taken, Ibiki stepped forward, his voice sharp and commanding.
"Now that everyone has their number, we'll go down the line from left to right. Each of you will read your number aloud."
Kimiko stepped forward and unfolded her paper. "I have eight," she said before stepping back.
"I have one," said Naruto, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Nine," Temari called out confidently.
"Five," said Kankuro.
"Three," Gaara murmured, his tone eerily calm.
"Seven," said Shikamaru with a sigh.
"Two," Neji said flatly.
"Six," Shino stated quietly.
Ibiki nodded and glanced at Hiruzen. "That means Sasuke will be number four."
"Excellent," said Hiruzen. "Now, let me reveal the match order for the finals."
"Huh?!" Said Naruto.
"Is that what the numbers are for, drawing lots?" Asked Shikamaru.
Kimiko already knew, so she stayed quiet. The advantage I have because of my future knowledge, seriously. I rarely get sandbagged.
"Well, Ibiki, go ahead, show them the pairings." He gestured to Ibiki, who turned a small whiteboard around, revealing the tournament brackets.
Kimiko's eyes scanned the board, noting the pairings. As expected, it followed the familiar pattern she remembered: Naruto versus Neji in the first match, followed by Gaara and Sasuke, then Shino versus Kankuro. But as her gaze moved further down the board, something caught her attention.
Her eyes widened slightly. That's a change.
Instead of Shikamaru having a match right away, Kimiko noticed she was placed in his bracket—but before facing him, she had another opponent.
Her gaze shifted to the side, meeting Temari's sharp eyes.
Temari.
There was a tension-filled silence as the first-round opponents exchanged glances, each assessing the others. The stillness was finally broken when Shikamaru raised his hand lazily, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"May I ask a question?" he drawled.
"You may," said Hiruzen, his gaze steady and welcoming.
Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck. "Alright, if this is a tournament, does this mean there's only going to be one winner? Like, only one of us is going to become a Chuunin?"
Hiruzen smiled faintly, the expression both amused and thoughtful. "Naturally, it's quite the contrary," he replied. "There will be several judges for the final round, including myself, the shinobi leaders, the Kazekage, and the lords from the various countries who will ultimately assign missions to you. Through this tournament, these judges will be evaluating your abilities comprehensively." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It is entirely possible that even someone who loses in the first round could still be promoted to Chuunin."
Temari's sharp voice broke through next, her fan resting casually against her shoulder. "So, you're saying there's actually a chance that all of us who compete in the final selection could become Chuunin?"
"Correct," Hiruzen confirmed, nodding solemnly. "But conversely, there is also a chance that none of you will be chosen."
Kimiko's frown deepened at his words. She knew the practical truth of the Chuunin Exams—they weren't just about the battles but also about demonstrating leadership, strategy, and the qualities of a capable shinobi. Still, hearing the possibility of complete failure made her stomach churn. Even if the invasion changes everything, I… I want to prove myself. I want to become a Chuunin.
Her eyes flicked briefly to Naruto and Sasuke. Their maturity and progress compared to their canon counterparts gave her hope. Originally, only Shikamaru got promoted to Chuunin. But things had already shifted so much, so why couldn't this outcome be different, too?
Hiruzen's voice cut through her thoughts. "The advantage of fighting more rounds in the tournament lies in having more opportunities to showcase your skills in front of the judges," he explained, turning back to Shikamaru. "Does that answer your question, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru gave a small nod, scratching his head and sighing deeply. "Yeah, it does," he muttered, his tone resigned. "What a drag."
"Very well," Hiruzen began, "Thank you all for your participation. Let us adjourn till next month. You are all dismiss—"
Before he could finish, a shinobi flickered into existence beside him, clad in the distinctive gear of Konoha's ANBU. The sudden appearance made Kimiko blink in surprise, her sharp eyes narrowing as curiosity overtook her. The room went still, every gaze snapping to the newcomer.
Hiruzen regarded the ANBU silently, his expression unreadable. The masked shinobi leaned in, whispering something directly into his ear. Kimiko noticed the way their lips moved soundlessly—likely a jutsu designed to muffle the exchange entirely. Not even her sharp ears could catch a word.
The Hokage's eyes widened slightly as the ANBU spoke, his lips pressing into a thin line. After a moment, he nodded sharply and whispered something in return. The ANBU straightened and moved to Ibiki, leaning in to repeat whatever they had just said. Ibiki's brows furrowed deeply, his expression turning from puzzled to grim.
The air in the room thickened. Anko tilted her head in curiosity, Hayate's ever-stoic face betrayed a flicker of confusion, and murmurs began to ripple through the genin standing in the center of the arena. Even the jonin in the gallery, her sister included, seemed intrigued by the sudden shift in mood.
The ANBU flickered away, disappearing as swiftly as they had arrived.
Hiruzen turned back to the gathered genin. "As I was saying, you are all dismissed. Congratulations on advancing to the finals." His tone was steady, but there was a weight to it that hadn't been there moments ago. He paused. "Except you, Kimiko."
Kimiko blinked, a cold knot forming in her stomach. Her puzzled expression turned wary as she caught the sharp shift in the mood of the room.
Ibiki stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. "Kimiko Yuhi, you'll be coming with me for questioning," he rumbled, his voice as firm and unyielding as stone.
A murmur swept through the assembled genin and jonin alike. Naruto's hand tightened around hers instinctively, his blue eyes full of alarm. "What?" he whispered, though the question hung in the air unspoken by many.
"What?!" Kurenai's voice rang out sharply. In a flash, she flickered to Kimiko's side, her red eyes blazing with fury as she positioned herself protectively. "I thought we settled this!" she snarled, glaring at Ibiki and then the Hokage. "She's already explained herself!"
"Kurenai." Hiruzen's voice was calm but commanding, leaving no room for argument. "She will go with Ibiki. That is my order."
Silence fell, thick and suffocating. Kimiko's heart sank into the pit of her stomach, her mind racing. What had she done? Did she overstep with her knowledge of the future? Had Dosu said something in revenge for her actions? Was she considered a threat now?
"Come on, Kimiko," Ibiki rumbled, nodding toward the exit.
Her throat tightened, and her hand slipped from Naruto's. His grip lingered for a heartbeat longer, as if he didn't want to let her go. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, not with the cacophony of emotions swirling in her chest. Her feet moved numbly, carrying her forward as Ibiki led the way.
"Kimiko!" Naruto's voice cut through the silence, sharp and filled with protest. "You can't just take her like that! Hey!"
His shouts were distant now, muffled by the blood rushing in her ears. Kimiko didn't look back, didn't respond, her focus solely on the steps ahead. Each one felt heavier than the last.
The journey to their destination was steeped in an oppressive tension. The first thing Kimiko noticed was the route they took—straight through the village center. Clearly, it was designed to appear casual, as though she was merely accompanying Ibiki on official business. To the casual observer, it was inconspicuous, but Kimiko's sharp instincts told her otherwise. The deliberate path masked a deeper intent, ensuring her "arrest" didn't spark unnecessary alarm or rumors among the townsfolk.
What unsettled her more, however, was the presence of six ANBU silently shadowing their every move. They were concealed expertly, invisible to all but her finely tuned sensory abilities. Each step she took was mirrored, the quiet convoy ensuring there was no chance of escape—not that she intended to try. The level of precaution unnerved her. Was she considered such a threat that six ANBU were required to accompany Ibiki? Or was there something else at play?
Ibiki led her to the Intelligence Division, one of the most imposing buildings in Konoha, rivaled only by the Academy in size. Yet, instead of entering through the prominent front entrance, he veered toward a side door. A masked ANBU stood guard there, motionless, until Ibiki approached. Without a word, the ANBU opened the door, allowing them entry. Kimiko's unease deepened as she stepped inside.
The tunnels beyond were dimly lit, their narrow, damp walls carved from unpolished stone. Flickering lanterns cast erratic shadows that seemed to dance along the walls, further amplifying the oppressive atmosphere. The air grew heavier with every step, the faint tang of metal mixing with the cold humidity. The oppressive silence was only broken by the muffled echo of their footsteps and the occasional drip of water. This wasn't just a journey—it was a psychological gauntlet designed to instill dread in anyone led down these corridors.
Kimiko's unease deepened when the narrow tunnels gave way to wider hallways in the basement level. The walls here were lined with reinforced doors, each one fitted with iron bars and sliding observation hatches. Every door seemed to exude its own aura of malice, as if centuries of suffering had seeped into the very structure. Her sensory abilities told her little—either the rooms were warded or the walls too thick—but the atmosphere alone painted vivid pictures of what might occur behind those doors. The faint, sterile smell of antiseptic wafted through the air, an odd juxtaposition to the grim setting. The faint hum of electrical systems and the distant hiss of ventilation were the only reminders that this place was grounded in the mundane world.
Finally, Ibiki stopped at one of the identical doors, its surface smooth and worn from countless hands that had either pushed it open or tried to keep it shut. Without a word, he produced a ring of keys, selecting one with unerring precision and inserting it into the lock. The metallic scrape echoed loudly in the narrow hallway, and the door creaked open to reveal the room beyond.
The chamber was surprisingly plain, almost unsettling in its simplicity. The stone walls gave way to smooth concrete, painted a dull, lifeless gray. In the center stood a single wooden table and three chairs—two positioned on one side and one isolated on the opposite end. The harsh light of a single overhead lamp illuminated the table, casting deep shadows that swallowed the corners of the room. The air carried a faint antiseptic tang, as if it had been scrubbed clean of whatever horrors had occurred there. It was a room designed to strip away a person's sense of security, not through overt menace but by the oppressive emptiness of its design.
"Inside," Ibiki ordered, his voice a gravelly monotone that brooked no argument.
Kimiko stepped forward, her expression impassive even as her heartbeat thundered in her chest. She lowered herself into the lone chair, the wooden frame creaking under her weight. Her sharp eyes took in the details of the room, filing them away as her mind raced with possibilities. Behind her, the door closed with a metallic clang, the lock snapping shut with a finality that sent a shiver down her spine.
Ibiki settled into one of the chairs opposite her, his scarred face unreadable in the dim light. He leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table as he regarded her with an expression that was neither hostile nor reassuring. His mere presence filled the room with tension, a stark reminder of where she was and who she was dealing with.
The silence stretched, heavy and unbroken, and Kimiko realized this was the first test. Whatever awaited her here, it wouldn't be pleasant.
After a few moments of heavy silence, Ibiki finally spoke, his tone calm but laced with gravity.
"At exactly twenty minutes after the match between Uchiha Sasuke and Akado Yoroi, the body of the jonin-sensei for the Kusagakure Genin team who advanced to the Preliminary Rounds was discovered. She was found dead, discarded behind one of the training grounds."
Kimiko blinked in surprise. Karin's team's sensei? But I saw her watching the match. She disappeared after Sasuke's match concluded, sure, but that's not enough—
Her thoughts froze as a chilling realization dawned on her, and her eyes widened. No. It can't possibly be...
"During this event," Ibiki continued, his voice cutting through her internal panic, "Uchiha Sasuke was undergoing a sealing ritual conducted by your jonin sensei, Hatake Kakashi. Kakashi reported that at the conclusion of the ritual, one of Konoha's Missing-nin and an S-Class criminal, Orochimaru, appeared and confronted him. During this confrontation, Orochimaru expressed his intent to claim Sasuke Uchiha, specifically for his clan's dōjutsu."
Kimiko felt a chill race down her spine. "Wait," she interjected, her voice sharper than she intended. "Are you saying that Orochimaru had been disguised as the Kusagakure jonin this entire time?"
Ibiki nodded solemnly. "Yes."
"But… I didn't sense his chakra signature!" Kimiko protested, her brow furrowed in disbelief.
Ibiki's dark eyes regarded her steadily. "As skilled and perceptive as you are, Kimiko, you must understand: Orochimaru is one of the Sannin. If even a room full of veteran jonin failed to detect him, it's no surprise that you couldn't either. This is no fault of yours."
Kimiko's mind reeled. Orochimaru managed to conceal himself from me? From my sensory abilities? Just how terrifying is this monster? Her fingers curled into fists in her lap. I thought I had outplayed him, even if only slightly, but...
"Kimiko," Ibiki's voice snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts. His gaze bore into hers. "Listen carefully."
She nodded wordlessly, forcing herself to focus.
"As I was saying," Ibiki resumed, "Hatake Kakashi reported that Orochimaru himself admitted Otogakure is a ninja village under his direct control. This corroborates intelligence provided by the prisoner Dosu Kinuta, as well as information from you and Anko Mitarashi."
Kimiko stared at him, her face unreadable. The room was filled with a tense silence until she finally spoke, her tone carefully measured. "So… why am I here? I doubt you brought me here just to tell me I did a good job."
Ibiki's expression remained stoic as he continued. "Due to the threat posed by Orochimaru, and on Kakashi Hatake's advice, the Third Hokage ordered Sasuke Uchiha to be moved from the infirmary to a VIP room in Konoha Hospital. He was placed under strict guard, protected by three ANBU operatives."
Kimiko's stomach sank. I think I know where this is going...
"At exactly fifteen minutes after your victory against Akimichi Choji," Ibiki said, his voice growing heavier with each word, "the alarm at the hospital was triggered. An intruder had triggered the alarm in Sasuke's room, somehow bypassing the guards posted outside Konoha and within, before killing all three guards stationed at Sasuke's room. Sasuke's death or abduction was only prevented by the timely arrival of Kakashi Hatake, who engaged the assailant—Yakushi Kabuto."
Ibiki leaned forward, his presence overwhelming. "Kimiko, this is the second time you've raised the alarm about Yakushi Kabuto. First, during your testimony about Orochimaru. And now, his actions directly corroborate what you've claimed. You suspected Kabuto before anyone else. You brought him into our scope."
His eyes were sharper than a scalpel, cutting through the room's heavy silence. "What I want to know now, Kimiko Yuhi, is how you knew."
Kimiko, however, met his gaze with a flat, unyielding look. "I already told you why I suspected him, and the Hokage backed me up." Her tone was even, but there was an edge to her words, as sharp as a kunai. "Look, you doubted my gut feeling, and look where it got us—a dead visiting jonin and three of our ANBU, dead."
Ibiki's eyes narrowed, but Kimiko pressed on. "Honestly? You can keep questioning me, but my answer will be the same. The more time you spend asking me or trying to corner me in dark rooms like this, the more people we lose. I know how unlikely it sounds, but my instincts told me Kabuto was bad news, and I was right."
She leaned forward slightly, her voice cutting through the tense air. "Now, you can waste time critiquing me, or you can accept that I was right and start planning our next move before Kabuto strikes again."
Ibiki's eyes narrowed, his posture rigid as the weight of Kimiko's words settled in the room. Her defiance wasn't what he expected, and the bluntness of her tone made the tension almost tangible. For a moment, he said nothing, just let the heavy silence hang between them like an unspoken challenge.
The scarred interrogator leaned back in his chair, fingers steepling as he studied her with calculated precision. "You're right about one thing, Kimiko," he said slowly, his voice measured. "Your instincts were right, and Kabuto has proven to be exactly what you warned us about. But there's a difference between good instincts and knowledge that shouldn't exist."
Kimiko didn't flinch, holding his gaze steadily. "And I've explained that knowledge. Everything I said about Kabuto was based on observation, deduction, and Orochimaru's own arrogance." She tilted her head slightly, her voice calm but firm. "Unless you're suggesting I'm secretly in league with Orochimaru, which, frankly, would be the worst cover story in the history of shinobi."
Ibiki's lips twitched, not quite a smirk but close. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But that's not the main reason the Hokage had you sent here." He shifted slightly in his chair, raising his voice. "Shirako, send him in."
Kimiko furrowed her brows. "What?"
A door, previously unseen, creaked open, and in stepped Kakashi Hatake, his usual nonchalant air firmly in place.
"Sensei?" Kimiko asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
"Seriously, Ibiki," Kakashi said with a sigh, lazily waving a hand. "Did you have to go through all this fanfare?"
"Hokage's orders, he wanted her secure to every threat poible. Her encounter with Orochimaru and him leaving a mark on her makes her a high priority intelligence issue." grunted Ibiki. "Besides, I wanted to confirm how she got her intel. Guess it's one of those truly lucky gut guesses, as outlandish as it is." He glanced at Kimiko briefly before returning his gaze to Kakashi. "But enough of that. Tell her."
Kimiko's confusion deepened as Kakashi slid into the unoccupied chair across from her. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice more urgent now.
Kakashi's usual carefree demeanor dimmed slightly as he leaned forward. "Kimiko," he began, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "When I encountered Kabuto—when he was trying to kill Sasuke—he said something." He paused, as if weighing his words carefully. "And… Orochimaru mentioned it too."
Kimiko blinked, her unease growing. "Mentioned what? Please, sensei, speak plainly."
Kakashi sighed, glancing sidelong at Ibiki, who gave a slight nod, his expression grim. Kakashi turned back to Kimiko, his visible eye filled with an unusual weight.
"Kimiko," he said softly, "Orochimaru told me… that he wanted you too."
The words hung heavy in the air, settling over her like a storm cloud. For a moment, Kimiko just stared, her mind racing to process what she'd just heard. Her throat tightened as a cold dread crept down her spine.
"Me?" she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kakashi nodded, his expression unusually grim. "You and Sasuke. Orochimaru wants Sasuke for his eyes, but he wants you…for your mind and your skills."
"You're a lot like him, Kimiko. And I don't mean that in a good way," rumbled Ibiki, his piercing gaze fixed on her.
Kimiko felt her stomach twist, her confidence deflating like a balloon. She closed her eyes, trying to process the weight of it all. What did I do to catch the attention of one of the most dangerous S-ranked missing-nin in history?
"So," Kimiko began, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
"So," Kakashi interjected, his tone softer, "we've already informed your family, including your sister. During the month leading up to the Third Exams, I'll be assigned to watch over both you and Sasuke. That means Sasuke will be staying at your house, and I'll be taking over your training." His eye crinkled slightly in a reassuring way. "Though, Hayate-kun and Shinku-sama have also expressed interest, so you'll have a team of tutors."
Kimiko let out a long, exasperated sigh. "So…why the grand tour of the Torture and Interrogation Force's headquarters? Was that really necessary?"
Ibiki's deep chuckle rumbled through the room. "As I mentioned earlier, we needed to confirm a few things. Orochimaru's interest in you isn't a casual concern. It's an S-class security matter. That meant pulling you out of the arena and into a controlled environment immediately. We couldn't risk handling this in public or anywhere that eavesdropping might occur."
Kimiko raised an eyebrow. "You could've just pulled me aside after the dismissal. Why go for the theatrics and make a spectacle out of it?"
Ibiki glanced at Kakashi, then back at her. "Because we had to rule out every possibility. For all we knew, you could've been under a complicated genjutsu, or worse, had your mind tampered with by Orochimaru."
Kimiko blinked, her gaze flat. "What?"
Ibiki leaned back slightly, his voice calm but firm. "The moment you stepped into this room, a team of my subordinates outside began performing a mind sensory jutsu. We needed to determine if you were under any kind of mental manipulation or control."
"And?" Kimiko prompted, her tone sharp.
"You already know the answer to that," Ibiki said dryly. "No traces of genjutsu or tampering were found. But we also had to consider the possibility that you might've been turned into an agent of Orochimaru without your knowledge."
Kimiko's lips pressed into a thin line. "And?"
Ibiki continued, "We reviewed your files—extensively. There's no evidence, no red flags in your background or your family's. None of your kin ever had direct ties to Orochimaru. Your record is as clean as they come."
Kimiko nodded slowly, but she could tell there was more.
"I know what you're thinking," Ibiki said, anticipating her next question. "What about Kabuto's? His file was just as clean. Adopted by one of the most promising medical-nin in Konoha, mediocre performance on missions, and failed the Chuunin Exams multiple times." His voice dipped. "But... there were patterns. Subtle ones. Things that wouldn't have stood out until we had reason to scrutinize him closely. Once he was on our radar, those patterns started to emerge."
Kimiko furrowed her brows. "Patterns?"
Ibiki nodded grimly. "For example, his uncanny ability to blend in with different teams, his tendency to be present during moments of critical intelligence leakage, and his deep connections to the medical corps—a convenient cover for someone slipping in and out of different circles unnoticed. It wasn't much, but when paired with your accusations and his actions tonight, it all fit."
Kimiko exhaled softly, absorbing the explanation. "So this was all just to confirm I wasn't compromised?"
Ibiki gave a curt nod. "That, and to give us a chance to put all the pieces together in one place." He tilted his head, his voice softening slightly. "You're clear, Kimiko. But understand this—being a target of Orochimaru puts you in a dangerous position. Every move you make from here will be watched."
Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We've got your back. The Hokage spread tracking teams and ANBU all throughout the city to search for any traces of Kabuto."
For once, Kimiko didn't have a sharp retort. She simply nodded, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on her. Orochimaru wanted her, too. But why? Was he serious about making a place for her alongside Sasuke? The thought churned uneasily in her mind.
"Speaking of Sasuke," Kakashi said, his tone lighter but still edged with seriousness, "I should head back to the hospital to check on him." His visible eye turned toward her, his voice softening. "Do you want to come with me, Kimiko?"
Kimiko glanced at Ibiki, her brow raised in question. "If I'm allowed, Ibiki-sama?"
Ibiki grunted, folding his arms. "Yes, you're cleared."
Kimiko nodded, relief washing over her. Just as she turned to leave, Ibiki's voice stopped her.
"Kimiko."
She paused, glancing back at him. "Yes?"
"You did good. Brilliant work with Kabuto and the Sound-nin," he said, his tone gruff but sincere. "It'll help us a ton."
For a moment, Kimiko blinked, the rare praise catching her off guard. Then she inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you."
With that, she followed Kakashi out of the room, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly through the corridors. The gravity of the situation lingered in her mind, but for now, she focused on the one thing she could control: checking on Sasuke.
As Kimiko and Kakashi entered the hospital, they were greeted by the sound of Naruto's voice echoing through the lobby as he argued with a clearly exasperated receptionist.
"Hey! Where's Sasuke's hospital room?!" Naruto demanded, his tone insistent.
"Sorry, no visitors allowed," replied the receptionist, her voice curt and firm.
"Whaaaat?! No visitors?! Are you kidding me?!" Naruto threw his hands in the air, his disbelief as loud as his voice.
"Those are the rules," the receptionist countered in a sing-song tone, clearly unimpressed.
"Naruto, this is a hospital," came Kakashi's voice, calm but pointed. "Keep it down."
Naruto whirled around, his frustration melting into surprise and then joy. "Oh! Kakashi-sensei! And…" His eyes landed on Kimiko, and without hesitation, he sprinted toward her, pulling her into a tight hug.
Kimiko hugged him back just as tightly, her lips curving into a fond smile. "Naruto."
"What did Ibiki want with you?!" Naruto asked, pulling back slightly to look her in the eye, his expression tinged with concern.
"Nothing," Kimiko said lightly, running her hand through his hair. "Don't mind it."
Naruto squinted at her, clearly unconvinced but choosing to drop the subject—for now. "Alright, I'll wait until you're ready to tell me." He paused before turning his attention back to Kakashi, his grin returning. "Boy, am I glad to see you, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I gotta ask you a favor," Naruto said, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Kakashi sighed, cutting him off before he could continue. "Stop right there. I already know what you're going to ask, so I've been looking for someone to oversee your training."
Naruto's grin fell into a pout, and he pointed a finger at Kakashi accusingly. "Hold on. Why can't you train me, sensei?!"
"I have other matters to handle," Kakashi replied matter-of-factly. "I don't have time to deal with you, Naruto."
Naruto crossed his arms, clearly offended, before suddenly pointing his finger at Kakashi again, a spark of realization in his eyes. "Hey, aha! You're going to train Sasuke, aren't you, Kakashi-sensei?!"
Kimiko noticed the slight quaver in his voice, the hurt hidden beneath his bravado. So she stepped in without hesitation.
"He's also training me, Naruto," Kimiko added gently.
Naruto blinked, his gaze bouncing between Kakashi and Kimiko. "So I'm the only one not getting trained by you, Kakashi-sensei?" His tone was flat, unimpressed. "Way to make me feel real special, sensei."
"Hey, come on." Kimiko stepped forward, taking Naruto's hands in hers. "Sasuke's situation and mine are... special," she said carefully. "You remember what we told you, right?"
Naruto blinked, his eyes narrowing in thought before widening in realization. "YOU MEAN THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT CREEPY OROCHIMARU GUY?!"
Heads snapped toward Naruto at the mention of the name, and Kakashi quickly moved to shush him. "Shh, Naruto. Not so loud. Especially not with that name."
Naruto nodded, albeit sheepishly. "Okay, okay. Well, if you put it that way, I guess it makes sense," he grumbled. Then, with a pointed look at Kakashi, he added, "You could've just told me that, sensei."
Kimiko squeezed his hands reassuringly. "He just didn't want you to be burdened with that, Naruto." Her tone was soft, but her smile helped ease some of the tension. She turned her gaze to Kakashi. "So, Kakashi-sensei, you mentioned someone overseeing Naruto's training?"
Kakashi tilted his head down at them, his visible eye curving slightly. "...Yes, I've arranged for someone who's an even better teacher than me, Naruto."
"Who is it?!" Naruto asked, excitement returning to his voice.
"It is I!"
The loud proclamation came from behind them, and both Kimiko and Naruto turned to see a tall, lean man clad in navy blue, a scarf tied neatly on his head, and a pair of circular black glasses perched on his nose.
Naruto's face fell instantly, and he pointed accusingly at the newcomer. "YOU?! YOU'RE THAT SUPER PERVERT!"
The man, Ebisu, pushed his glasses up with a finger, the light glinting off the lenses. "Such insolence," he muttered, though his tone carried a hint of disdainful amusement.
Kimiko, however, let out a soft giggle before stepping forward and bowing low. "Ebisu-sama. It's a pleasure, as always. My father has spoken highly of you."
"Ah-ha!" Ebisu exclaimed, his tone shifting to one of delight. "Such beauty and impeccable manners! Truly nothing less from the youngest daughter of Shinku-sama!"
Naruto's face twisted in disbelief, his jaw practically hitting the floor as he looked between Kimiko and Ebisu. "What is happening right now?!" he shouted, before turning to Kakashi and continuing his tirade.
"Seriously? Out of all the people you could've picked, you went with this guy to train me?!" Naruto jabbed an accusatory finger at Ebisu. "What a joke! He's weaker than I am!"
"Oh?" Kakashi tilted his head curiously. "And what makes you say that?"
"I'm serious! You should've seen him!" Naruto waved his arms animatedly. "The guy took one look at my Sexy Harem Jutsu and crumbled like paper!"
Ebisu, visibly horrified at the memory, lunged at Naruto with lightning speed, clamping a hand over his mouth. "That's enough out of you!" he hissed, his face flushing with indignation.
"Harem Jutsu?" Kakashi echoed, his tone carrying mild interest, though his expression betrayed nothing.
"It's nothing! Just a little joke we share." Ebisu declared, his voice pitched higher than usual. He held Naruto in a tight headlock, whispering frantically into his ear while Naruto flailed helplessly. "Stop talking about that technique, you little—! I promise I'll buy you anything you want!"
Kimiko, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with a hand lightly covering her lips, stifling a giggle. But something else clicked in her mind as she observed Ebisu's arrival. Wait…if Ebisu's training Naruto, then that only means…
Her gaze softened, and a knowing smile tugged at her lips. Ah. It's about time, isn't it? He's coming back to Konoha. And Naruto's about to meet him for the first time.
Kimiko's eyes lingered on Naruto. She couldn't help but smile a little wider. One of his teachers, and one of the biggest influences in his life…
"Naruto," Kimiko interjected gently, her tone soft but firm. "Don't give Ebisu-sama a hard time. Promise me that. I promise you, he'll be able to help you out more than you can imagine."
Naruto, still mid-struggle with Ebisu, glanced over at Kimiko. Her calm gaze cut through his frustration, and he sighed heavily. "Well, FINE. But only because I trust you, Kimiko-chan. And I'll drop by your house for dinner every after training!"
With that, Naruto relented, muttering something under his breath as Ebisu adjusted his glasses and straightened his scarf. The self-proclaimed elite tutor nodded approvingly, ushering Naruto out of the hospital with a mixture of relief and lingering indignation, leaving Kimiko alone with Kakashi.
"You have a way with those boys," Kakashi said after a moment, his voice light with amusement. "They listen to you more than they listen to me."
Kimiko raised a brow, folding her arms. "Well, maybe if you didn't overtly favor Sasuke, sensei," she replied, her tone dry but not unkind. "Even if he is the most like you. But I agree, someone else is a better fit to be Naruto's teacher."
Kakashi tilted his head, his one visible eye narrowing slightly in thought before he reached out and placed a hand on Kimiko's head. "Actually," he said quietly, "that's where you're wrong."
Kimiko blinked, surprised, looking up at him.
"You're my favorite," Kakashi said simply, "Not him."
The weight of his words lingered in the air, and for a moment, Kimiko didn't know how to respond. Then, slowly, a soft, genuine smile spread across her lips.
"Anyway, you heard the medic-nin," Kakashi said, his tone light. "It's too late to visit Sasuke, so you should head home. I'm sure your parents would love to finally hear from you. I'll drop by your house once I've settled things with Sasuke."
Kimiko nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Alright, thank you, Kakashi-sensei. I'll see you soon."
With that, she formed a hand seal with practiced ease and disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Kakashi standing in the now-quiet hallway, his gaze lingering thoughtfully where she had been moments before.
As she anticipated, the news of her experiences during the Chuunin Exams shocked and deeply unsettled her parents. The whirlwind of events—her encounter with Orochimaru, the poisoned gift he gave her, her confrontation with Neji, and her unexpected place in the finals—sent ripples of conflicting emotions through both Kaori and Shinku.
"You're not even a ninja for a year, and you've already experienced things most shinobi wouldn't face in their entire careers," Shinku said, his voice a mix of pride and concern. "Kimiko, it seems your luck is both a blessing and a curse."
Kaori's reaction was less measured, her hands trembling slightly as she struggled to process everything. "I almost lost you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And now you tell me that during this…exam, you've gone through hell? That this Orochimaru—a monster we've only heard about in the worst of stories—has marked you?"
She shook her head, her voice trembling. "No, Shinku. I don't want to hear more. Even Kurenai didn't endure half of what she's been through. My heart can only take so much."
With that, Kaori stood abruptly, her upset palpable as she retreated to their bedroom, leaving Shinku and Kimiko alone in the quiet tension that followed. Shinku sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he regarded his daughter with a mix of frustration, concern, and a trace of admiration.
"I'll speak to your mother," Shinku said gently, patting her head. "Let me handle her. But it goes without saying, Kimiko—I'm extremely proud of you."
Kimiko managed a small smile as Shinku left, heading upstairs to console Kaori. Her gaze shifted to Hayate, who sat in the garden, sipping tea with a calm demeanor despite the occasional cough rattling through him.
He's about to die tonight if I don't do something.
"Hayate-senpai," Kimiko called softly, stepping into the garden and taking a seat beside him.
"Kimiko-chan," Hayate greeted her warmly, though his voice was hoarse, followed by a brief fit of coughing. "It's good to see you're doing well. And your performance in the Chuunin Exams was remarkable. You're bound to surpass me soon, just like I always said."
"Don't say that, Senpai," Kimiko replied, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh?" Hayate raised a brow, setting down his tea with a curious look.
"I heard from Kakashi-sensei that you were interested in training me," she began, her voice carrying an earnest edge. "I want to start as soon as possible since Naruto's beginning his training too." She leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with him. "Can we start tonight?"
Anything to keep you safe, Senpai.
Hayate's expression softened, but he shook his head, clearing his throat. "I'd love to, Kimiko-chan, but I'm afraid I can't tonight. I have an important errand from the Hokage to handle." He coughed again, his tone apologetic. "After that, I promise, we'll start."
Her heart sank. So it's already begun. The mission to spy on Kabuto… I'm too late to stop it.
She quickly masked her unease with a bright smile. "Alright," she said sweetly, "I'll hold you to it. Good luck."
And so, she turned around, the gears in her head turning as she started to build up a plan. I think I'd have to rely on
It wasn't going to be simple. While Kimiko knew the broad strokes of what would happen, the specifics posed a challenge. In the anime, Hayate would tail Kabuto and Baki near Kikyo Castle during the night. There, Gaara would undergo a partial transformation, exposing the meeting. Baki and Kabuto would notice Hayate, and after a brief pursuit and skirmish, Baki would ultimately kill him.
That was what happened in the anime. Ideally, all she'd need to do was intercept Hayate before he bled out, pulling him to safety and giving him the chance to deliver his findings to the Hokage.
But reality wasn't that neat.
First, she didn't know the exact time the confrontation between Baki and Hayate took place—it had never been specified in the source material. Sure, she could theoretically stake out Kikyo Castle until the meeting happened, but that carried its own risks. The moment Baki or Kabuto sensed her presence, they'd either change venues or kill her outright for meddling.
Fortunately, the area adjacent to Kikyo Castle housed a bustling marketplace for ninja tools and gear. It gave Kimiko a convenient excuse to linger near the castle, refilling her supplies after the grueling Chuunin Exams. The market, catering to shinobi who kept irregular hours, operated 24/7, with a selection varied enough to occupy her for hours without raising suspicion.
That's how she found herself leaning over one of the market stalls, her chakra sensory range extended to its limit. She focused intently, tracking two flickering signatures in the distance. One was Hayate. The other, Baki.
And Kabuto's chakra? Not a hint. She scowled inwardly. That bastard's probably masking it entirely, knowing Konoha's crawling with ANBU hunting him. How good is he to evade even my sensory skills?
"How much for this?" Kimiko asked idly, picking up a set of weighted bands for arms and legs. They were heavy—similar to Lee's infamous training gear.
"Two thousand ryos per set," the old woman behind the stall replied with a kind smile. "But for you, I'll give them both for three thousand."
Kimiko nodded absently. She remembered how effective weight training was for Lee. He's fast, but he still found ways to push himself further. I could always be faster, too.
And then, she felt it—a shift in the signatures.
Hayate-senpai's moving. Baki's quickly following.
Without a second thought, Kimiko dropped the weights and flickered away from the stalls, disappearing into the night. Her hands flashed through seals mid-step.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
An identical Kimiko appeared beside her in a swirl of smoke. She turned to the clone, her tone sharp and direct. "Find the nearest shinobi patrol and guide them to Kikyo Castle. There's going to be trouble here soon, but we need them to arrive as quickly as possible. Name-drop Kabuto if you have to."
The clone nodded, vanishing in a blur of motion. Kimiko immediately redirected her focus, honing in on the two clashing signatures she now felt with clarity. The unmistakable sensation of combat rippled through her senses.
It would have been safer to send the clone to track Hayate and for Kimiko to find the patrol herself. Safer, more logical. But Kimiko wasn't taking that risk. A clone would vanish the moment it was struck, and if Hayate needed someone to physically intervene to save his life, it had to be her original body—someone who could withstand more than a single blow.
For her plan to work, she needed to remove all doubt. Her original body had to be the one present.
She lunged across the rooftops, staying carefully at the edges of the two chakra signatures' senses. She couldn't afford to alert either party. As confident as she was, she knew Hayate might get distracted if she interfered, worsening the situation. Or worse, Kabuto might seize the opportunity to grab her for Orochimaru. The stakes were far too high, especially with a Jonin facing off against a Tokubetsu Jonin.
Kimiko pushed herself, tracking the flaring chakra signatures to the northeast. It was a struggle to keep pace with their speed while simultaneously cloaking her own presence. One misstep, and she'd risk exposing herself, not just to Baki but also to Kabuto, who could be lurking nearby, undetected.
Then, she felt it—a flicker in one of the chakra signatures, dividing into three distinct sources. Hayate. He was using Shadow Clones.
Throwing caution to the wind, Kimiko closed the distance, leaping to a nearby rooftop for a clearer view of the battlefield.
She was too late.
Hayate lay sprawled on the rooftop, motionless. Baki was gone, no doubt sensing that help was closing in and retreating before he could be caught.
Kimiko darted toward Hayate's crumpled form, dropping to her knees beside him. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. Deep, gaping wounds marred his chest, stomach, and shoulder, blood pooling beneath him and soaking into the dirt. Her hands hovered over his injuries, panic bubbling in her chest.
Crap. Is he going to die anyway?
She pressed trembling fingers to his neck, holding her breath—and then she felt it. Faint, fragile, but unmistakable. A pulse.
"K-Kimiko…" Hayate rasped, his voice barely audible, every syllable a monumental effort. "Tell...Yugao...I love...her…please…"
"I will," Kimiko whispered, her voice cracking as she reached over to clasp his hand, holding it tightly.
And then his eyes closed, his breathing shallow and uneven.
Not a minute later, the sound of barking grew louder, rapidly approaching from behind her.
"What the…!" a gruff voice barked as she suddenly felt herself yanked back and away from Hayate's body. A woman with red facial markings and a ninken at her side crouched beside him. Her hands glowed with green chakra as she pressed them to his wounds. She had to be an Inuzuka.
"Any later, and he'd be gone by now," the medic muttered, her tone grim. "Even as it is, we need to move fast. He's losing blood too quickly. Whoever did this went for major organs."
Kimiko barely registered the words, her eyes fixed on Hayate's pale, gaunt face.
The other Inuzuka stepped closer, arms crossed as he regarded her with a sharp, appraising look. "Smart move, sending that clone to find us while you tracked the fight," he said. "And good on you for keeping your distance. If the guy who did this to Hayate had spotted you, you'd probably be in even worse shape than he is. You're a sensor, aren't you? So I'm guessing you didn't actually see the fight? Or the assailant? It's impossible if you were keeping your distance…"
Kimiko said nothing, her silence heavy as she stared at Hayate.
Undeterred, the Inuzuka pressed on. "We saw him moving his lips while you were crouched over him. Did he say anything?"
Kimiko's gaze flicked toward the two Inuzuka as an idea suddenly formed in her mind.
"He said Sunagakure is working with Otogakure and that they're planning to attack Konoha during the Third Test."
