In Bloom and in Battle

by Privation

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

39. Chapter 37: Camellia

Chapter 37: Camellia (Land of Tea Arc)

"Give it time," Kimiko murmured as she perched on the stool beside the medical table, her sharp eyes fixed on the white rodent scurrying inside the glass enclosure. It nibbled on a chunk of cheese, seemingly unaffected by the toxin coursing through its body—or so it seemed.

"It's already five minutes past the deadline," Sakura countered, her hospital whites pristine and her tone patient, though her gaze was locked on the same little creature.

"I know, just… wait a bit longer. Look, its tail's twitching." Kimiko leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Mouse tails are supposed to twitch, Kimiko-chan," Sakura said, her voice tinged with humor.

Kimiko let out a long sigh, leaning back in defeat. "Fine. You win. Again. Prodigies are just plain unfair," she muttered, earning a triumphant clap from Sakura.

This little game had started as a way to help both of them hone their respective skills. Kimiko would concoct a toxin and test it on a mouse, while Sakura would work to create an antidote capable of neutralizing the effects. At first, Kimiko had the upper hand, but it didn't take long before Sakura's knack for medical ninjutsu and chemistry leveled the playing field.

"That was a tricky poison, Kimiko-chan," Sakura said with a grin, tucking a strand of pink hair behind her ear. "Why'd you use Skull Lotus Extract this time?"

"It's meant to disorient the target," Kimiko replied matter-of-factly. "The poison causes intense pain while keeping the victim just lucid enough to answer questions. Good for interrogation." She paused, her lips quirking into a reluctant smile. "Anyway, I think that makes the score… what, four to four?"

"Yup!" Sakura chirped, her small smile growing. "Thanks for this, Kimiko-chan. Nothing like turning work into something fun."

Kimiko nodded, her expression softening as she watched Sakura. When the girl had first approached her for help with her toxicology course, Kimiko had agreed without hesitation—not just to lend a hand, but also because she wanted to check in on her. And perhaps more importantly, she had another, less professional purpose in mind.

"...Sorry to bring this up, but how have you been doing since… you know?" Kimiko asked gently, her voice tinged with concern.

Sakura blinked, her smile fading. She looked away, her hands clasping together tightly. The silence stretched long enough for Kimiko to worry she'd overstepped, but then Sakura finally spoke.

"...It's been difficult, Kimiko-chan," she said quietly. Her voice wavered, and she stared at the mouse enclosure without really seeing it. "I can't stop replaying it in my mind. Watching those Oto-nin cut them down. Sensei tried to protect us, but…" She closed her eyes, her breath hitching. "I still have nightmares. I've been talking to some of the medical-nin about it, but… I guess it's just a part of shinobi life, right?" Her voice cracked on the last word.

Kimiko's expression tightened, her fists clenching slightly in her lap. "Well… yes," she said, choosing her words carefully. "Death is part of shinobi life, but it doesn't have to be." She glanced at Sakura, her tone taking on a firm resolve. "Not when you're strong enough."

"...Yeah," Sakura said idly, her fingers lightly drumming on the edge of the table. "But… honestly, being promoted to chuunin has made things a little easier to handle. I've been so busy, I barely have time to think about… well, you know. And now, with the Hokage back…"

"Oh, right," Kimiko interjected, leaning forward. "I heard the Hokage's considering taking you on as a protégé after hearing about your performance during the Crush?"

Sakura flushed, her cheeks turning pink. "Well… not officially. But she's been asking Shizune-san to guide me and give me some specialized training—a sort of crash course in areas she thinks I'm lacking in medically." Her eyes lit up, and her voice gained a touch of enthusiasm. "That, and she's letting me work on a project."

"A project?" Kimiko echoed, raising an eyebrow. Sakura sat up straighter, clearly eager to explain.

"Oh, it's something I came up with!" she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Are you familiar with soldier pills?"

"Of course," Kimiko replied immediately. "I've used them on missions before. Why?"

"Well, they're incredibly useful, right? They force your body to operate at peak performance for up to three days, even when you're completely exhausted."

Kimiko nodded slowly. "They are, but… they taste awful, and the aftermath is brutal." Her expression darkened as she remembered the crash she'd endured after taking a soldier pill during the Crush. It had left her physically drained—and emotionally shattered when she learned about her father's death. "The blowback is terrible," she muttered, almost to herself.

Sakura gave a small, knowing nod. "Exactly. That's because they're packed with hyper-stimulants. They supercharge your body, but the crash is… significant. And… it's not really discussed much, but…"

"Ninjas who rely on them too often can become dependent," Kimiko finished for her, her voice tinged with disdain. "I know. Over time, their bodies degrade, and they're no longer fit for combat. It's why I only use them when I have no other choice."

"Right," Sakura said, her tone growing more animated. "So… what if there was a way to replace the stimulants with something that doesn't have those side effects, but still retains all the benefits?"

Kimiko blinked, caught off guard by the question. "What?" she asked. "Explain."

Sakura leaned forward, her hands moving as she spoke. "Okay, so you know how these pills work, right? The stimulants skyrocket your stamina, which then gets converted into chakra."

"Yes," Kimiko replied. "But the stimulants are what makes them dangerous."

"Exactly," Sakura said, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "So what if we replaced those stimulants with something safer? Something like high-caloric foodstuffs or caffeine. They'd still fuel your body but without the harmful crashes or long-term damage."

Kimiko's eyes widened slightly, her mind racing. Sakura's idea was deceptively simple, yet ingenious. "That's… interesting," she admitted, but then frowned. "But there are challenges. First, you'd need to find a way to compress all those calories into a pill-sized ration. And second… calories take time to digest. Even if you manage to make them compact, the delay in digestion could render them useless in an emergency."

Sakura nodded, biting her lip in thought. "I know. That's where I'm stuck. I need to figure out how to make it digestible almost instantly, like a stimulant, but without introducing anything harmful." She smiled faintly. "But that's why I wanted to work on this with Shizune-san and Tsunade-sama. If we can crack this… it could be revolutionary."

Kimiko waved a hand dismissively. "No problem. Let me know how it goes. If you need a second brain on this, I'd be happy to help… though I doubt I'd be as useful as you." She grinned, adding, "I'm more of a front-line fighter and scientist. But I'll do my best."

Sakura chuckled, appreciating the gesture. "I'd love the help, honestly. Two minds are better than one, right?" Then she hesitated, as if remembering something. "Speaking of which, how did Shizune-san react to the notes you sent her from Ame?"

Kimiko let out a small sigh of relief, masking her inner tension. She was glad they hadn't grown suspicious about the true origins of the scrolls. "Oh, she was shocked at first. Though apparently, it made more sense to her when she found out they came from me." Kimiko shrugged nonchalantly. "I think the Lady Hokage was more surprised that my summon had access to something like that. Did they say anything else?"

"Well," Sakura started, "Tsunade-sama was curious why you transcribed everything onto a different scroll instead of just handing over the original."

Kimiko's expression didn't falter, but internally, she braced herself. "Ah, yes, Ibuse-sama made me swear never to hand over the original scrolls. It's some kind of personal code of his, I think—he's pretty protective of the knowledge within. He did say I could transcribe what he deemed appropriate, though." Kimiko smiled faintly. "That's why I made those copies instead."

Of course, Kimiko had no illusions. Tsunade was more than aware of what could be in the scroll…but wasn't making a fuss out of it. At least, not now.

Sakura nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. "That makes sense. And, honestly, it's incredible. Some of those medical techniques are so advanced! Shizune-san's been poring over them nonstop. Still, I'm surprised Ame had access to such knowledge. The conditions there don't seem ideal for research, you know?"

Kimiko shrugged again, careful not to give away too much. "It's surprising, sure, but even desperate places can produce genius in the right circumstances. I'm just glad it can be put to good use here in Konoha."

As if on cue, the door to their private room slid open, revealing Shizune, dressed in a crisp white lab coat and holding Tonton comfortably in one arm. Her usual calm demeanor was accompanied by a warm smile.

"Sakura-chan, it's time for our rounds," Shizune said before turning her attention to Kimiko. "Oh, and Kimiko, the Hokage wants to see you. It's about your mission."

Kimiko blinked in realization. "Oh, right. I almost forgot about that. Thanks, Shizune-san."

Standing up, Kimiko turned to Sakura, offering her a fond smile. "I'll see you around, pretty. Do good!" she said, stepping closer to wrap Sakura in a quick one-armed hug, their cheeks brushing briefly.

Sakura laughed lightly, her cheeks tinged pink. "You too, Kimiko-chan. Don't keep the Hokage waiting!"

---

It didn't take long for Kimiko to spot Naruto and Sasuke outside the Mission Assignment Desk. The two boys seemed to have been waiting for her, though she quickly noticed something new about Naruto's outfit.

"Hey, you two," Kimiko greeted, her eyes flicking to Naruto. "Huh, you're wearing a headwrap now?"

"Yep!" Naruto said proudly, tilting his head up to show off the Konoha headplate fixed on the front of the wrap. "Genma-san said it'd look cool on me—and it helps hide my hair!"

"Huh," Kimiko murmured, tilting her head to get a better look. "Yeah, it suits you. It actually goes pretty well with the flak jacket." She smiled faintly, silently noting how different this felt from Naruto's usual bright orange attire. Another ripple her presence in this world must've caused, no doubt.

"Come on, you two," Sasuke interjected, his arms crossed. "Are we doing this or what? It's our first mission together since that thing with Gaara."

"Yeah!" Naruto pumped his fists, his grin practically splitting his face. "Can't wait! Maybe we'll get another super cool mission!"

The three of them entered the Mission Desk, Kimiko noting that one of the central chairs at the front was empty. Naruto, as always, positioned himself squarely in the middle of their group. He squatted down, clenching his fists in excitement.

"Alright! A mission! I'm so ready for this!" he said, nearly vibrating with enthusiasm.

"Heh," Sasuke smirked, glancing at him.

Naruto shot him a flat look. "What?"

Kimiko looked around curiously. "Huh. But where's Kakashi-sensei? Didn't he come back from Suna yesterday?"

"Is he late again?" Naruto added, standing back up.

"Oh… wait," Kimiko muttered, realization dawning on her. "We're chuunin now, so…"

"Exactly," a voice said from behind the desks. Tsunade entered the room, her commanding presence immediately drawing their attention. "Kakashi won't be joining you this time. Three chuunins should be more than enough for this mission."

"Oh, Tsunade no baa-chan!" Naruto greeted with his usual enthusiasm.

"Don't call me an old lady," Tsunade snapped, rubbing her temples before taking the empty chair. "As you all know, most of our jonins are either out on critical missions or stationed in Kusagakure."

Kimiko frowned slightly. She knew her sister was one of those jonins. If she wasn't mistaken, Kurenai had been sent with Asuma to the capital on a high-risk mission. But she pushed the thought aside. Her own missions were waiting.

"Besides," Tsunade continued, lifting a scroll from the desk, "judging by the impressive track record you three have, I trust you'll handle this just fine." She held up the scroll for emphasis. "This is a B-Ranked Mission: escorting a VIP."

"A B-Rank, huh?" Kimiko said, nodding. That seemed appropriate for a team of three newly minted chuunins.

"Of course," Tsunade began, "as you three may already suspect, the mission carries the possib—"

"Possibility of becoming an A-Rank," the trio said in unison, their voices dry with exasperation.

Kimiko folded her arms. "Honestly, Hokage-sama, that's happened in nearly every mission we've done so far. At this point, it feels like the norm."

"Yeah," Sasuke added, his tone equally dry. "So, who are we protecting this time?"

"Don't know," Tsunade said, shrugging.

"What do you mean you don't know?!" Naruto exclaimed, furrowing his brows.

Tsunade lifted the scroll in front of her, reading directly from it. "In the neighboring Land of Tea, they're preparing for a dedication ceremony at the Todoroki Great Shrine. This event only happens once every four years, and as part of the ceremony, they hold a special race. We've been requested to escort the runner participating in the race."

Kimiko frowned slightly, her brows knitting together. Land of Tea? She had read about it in books, but something about the mission sounded oddly familiar.

Tsunade continued, "The problem is that an assailant from the opposing side attacked the messengers before they could deliver the full details of the request."

Kimiko's frown deepened. It wasn't uncommon for rival factions to sabotage requests to prevent shinobi intervention. Still, it was unsavory at best.

"Assailant?" Naruto asked, his face twisted in confusion.

"So, what exactly does the mission require from us?" Kimiko asked. "I'm afraid I don't completely understand."

"You'll be getting the full details from someone at the Land of Tea," Tsunade explained. "Specifically, Boss Jirocho."

"Boss Jirocho?" Naruto perked up. "Oh yeah! That boss from that one time!"

"That's right," Tsunade said, standing up and pointing toward the door. "Now that you're up to speed, you need to leave immediately. You're to reach the Land of Tea by today."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" the three said in unison before darting out of the room to prepare for departure.

---

The journey to the Land of Tea required them to traverse the southern thoroughfare, which led to the southern border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Tea. However, given how congested the thoroughfare often was—passing through major cities, including the capital—Kimiko, who had somehow been chosen as the de facto team leader, decided they'd take the "ninja route." By cutting through the forests and using the trees for swift travel, they could avoid the bottleneck caused by caravans, carts, and herds of donkeys clogging the main roads.

Their progress was smooth, and as expected, they were waved through the checkpoint without incident. Kimiko noted how relaxed the guards were, far more so than those stationed at the border with Kusagakure. She speculated aloud to her teammates that this was likely because, unlike many other nations, the Land of Tea didn't possess a local shinobi force, making the threat of an attack insignificant.

As they crossed into the Land of Tea, Kimiko observed its similarities to the Land of Fire. The region was lush with forests, but what stood out were the countless tea plantations stretching across the landscape—undoubtedly the source of the country's name.

"You know," Kimiko said as they continued down the road, "our family's teahouse gets its tea from here. I heard this country produces the best tea in the world."

"Man, speaking of tea, I'm hungry," Naruto said, looking at her. "Are you hungry, Kimiko-chan?"

"Well, I suppose, but—"

"Then it's settled!" Naruto declared, cutting her off as he pointed to what looked like a roadside teahouse, the faint aroma of tea wafting through the air. "Perfect timing! There's a teahouse right there!" Before either Kimiko or Sasuke could respond, Naruto bolted toward the establishment, leaving his teammates no choice but to follow after him in a sprint.

The interior of the teahouse was, to put it simply, quaint. Unlike her family's high-class establishment, this teahouse was clearly designed as a stopover for weary travelers. Still, it had its own charm—rustic and welcoming. The matronly attendant who greeted them only added to its appeal, her warm demeanor embodying the essence of hospitality.

Kimiko's gaze briefly shifted to the only other patron nestled in the corner of the room. His chakra signature was developed enough to draw her attention, immediately marking him as someone potentially dangerous—a shinobi, perhaps.

"Welcome," said the matronly woman as she laid down a tray of teacups, handing each of them a cup with a gentle smile.

"Oba-chan, I'll have the sweet bean soup!" Naruto said enthusiastically, grinning ear to ear.

"Just rice balls for me, thank you," Kimiko said, turning to Sasuke. "How about you?"

"Hmm…" Sasuke mused, his gaze flicking to the menu. "Do you have coffee jelly?"

"Of course," said the woman. "Please wait a moment." With that, she turned and walked toward the back of the teahouse.

Kimiko's eyes flickered back to the patron in the corner as soon as the woman was out of earshot. The man, partially obscured by a wide conical hat, was running a knife across a piece of wood in slow, deliberate strokes.

"I'm going to work so hard!" Naruto declared with a grin, breaking the quiet. "I'm so excited!"

"Hm," Kimiko murmured, keeping her voice low. It was almost second nature for her now to be wary of shinobi who didn't seem to belong to the area—especially those who remained quiet despite the presence of other shinobi. "You two, don't look directly, but the person in the corner has a chakra signature strong enough to suggest they're a shinobi."

Naruto and Sasuke didn't respond verbally, but Kimiko could tell they had caught her message. Their subtle shifts in posture indicated they were on guard, even as they remained casual.

Before they could dwell further, the man in the conical hat stood and approached their table. His robe was loose and well-worn, and as he took his hat off, Kimiko noticed how his tanned skin and long brown hair looked…out of place, in the Land Of Tea.

"Just sitting here in the shade, enjoying sweet bean soup. A ninja's life sure is cushy," the man said with a faint smirk.

"What did you say?" Naruto asked, his voice sharp as he narrowed his eyes at the stranger.

"...I guess you don't get much action in the Leaf Village, judging by how out of shape you look," the man added, his tone bordering on taunting.

To Kimiko's surprise, Naruto didn't explode into his usual hot-headed response. Instead, he eyed the man carefully, saying nothing.

The man then turned his attention to her, his gaze lingering for a moment longer than she liked. "Hey," he said, his smirk widening. "Where'd you come from, sweetie? I didn't see you sitting there earlier. I didn't mean you, of course," he added, waving dismissively toward her teammates.

"Thank you," said Kimiko, flashing a dimpled smile.

"Hello there, I'm Idate Morino," the man said, leaning forward and propping his elbow on the table. His cheek rested on his hand as he kept his gaze fixed on her. "So, uh, what do they call you?"

Kimiko's smile didn't waver, but her mind immediately started piecing things together. Morino… Hmm. Same family name as Ibiki-san. Oh, wait. This must be that part of the anime, huh?

"You want to take care of this guy, or should I, Kimiko?" Naruto chimed in, his voice laced with irritation.

"Kimiko, huh? What a beautiful name," Idate said, his voice turning smooth as he ignored Naruto. "Well, Kimiko, don't you think it's time we talk about our future?" He added a wink, clearly attempting to be charming.

"And what future would that be?" Kimiko asked, tilting her head slightly, her voice calm but edged with curiosity.

"Oh, you know, the part where you give up this ridiculous ninja business and run away with me," he said, flashing what he probably thought was a dreamy smile.

Kimiko met his gaze, her expression unwavering. Then, she smiled—a sweet, practiced smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "No thanks. Unlike some people, I don't abandon my comrades or my responsibilities."

Idate's smile faltered, replaced by a scowl. He stood up straight, irritation flashing across his face. "Tch. I was just kidding around," he muttered, though his tone suggested otherwise. "But the rest of it's true. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's a ninja. You'd better go on back to where you came from, or there'll be trouble. Consider this your warning."

"Uh-huh. Why wait? Why don't we settle this right here?" Naruto shot back, standing up with a challenging grin.

Kimiko, however, remained seated, her tone turning idle but pointed. "Morino, huh? Same family name as Ibiki-san. Wonder what the story behind that is."

Idate stiffened slightly but said nothing. Sasuke, observing the exchange with his usual cool demeanor, added, "Yeah, but we might not have time to deal with this punk. Let's not get distracted."

Kimiko's senses sharpened as she caught it—a sudden burst of movement, the displacement of chakra. Without looking, her hand darted out to the side, her manicured fingers wrapping tightly around a wrist. She gripped it firmly, stopping Idate mid-dash. Sasuke and Naruto turned, noticing her hold on the man, who was already halfway out the door. At that exact moment, the matronly attendant returned with their order.

"Here you go," the woman said warmly, placing their food on the table. Her eyes flicked to Idate. "Oh, is your friend leaving now? He mentioned you'd be covering his bill."

Kimiko offered a polite smile, her grip on Idate's wrist remaining unyielding. "Of course," she said sweetly, before subtly tightening her hold, careful not to break his wrist but applying just enough pressure to make him wince. As the woman walked away, Kimiko yanked him back, forcing him into the chair next to her.

"Gotta hand it to him," said Sasuke, his tone dry. "He's fast. I didn't even notice he was about to make a break for it."

"Yeah, well, it's pretty dumb to try running from shinobi," Naruto said, leaning forward with a squint. "So? What do you have to say for yourself?"

Idate winced under their scrutiny. "I'm sorry," he said quickly, his voice dripping with feigned sincerity. "I lost all my money, and, well… you guys were here, so…"

Naruto's demeanor softened, much to Kimiko's disbelief. "Well, why didn't you just say so?" Naruto said with sudden kindness.

Kimiko, unimpressed, gave Naruto a flat look before turning her gaze back to Idate. "Save it," she said curtly. "Let's just see what else you're hiding."

Standing, she ran her hands methodically across Idate's shoulders, chest, and sides, patting him down. Her fingers brushed over something solid tucked near his ribs. Her brows furrowed as she pulled out an engraved switchblade. Holding it up to the light, she examined the intricate etching on its surface.

"And what's this?" she asked, her tone cool but suspicious.

Idate's free hand shot up, snatching the blade from her grasp. "That's mine!" he barked, his eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and desperation.

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of annoyance and curiosity, while Kimiko's grip on the man's wrist tightened, her patience clearly wearing thin. However, with a swift motion and surprising dexterity, the man twisted his wrist and slipped free. Before anyone could react, he unclasped a hidden weight from his boot and dashed off, moving so fast that even Kimiko couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration.

"Whoa, did you see that? We should go after him!" Naruto exclaimed, already half-standing as if ready to sprint.

Kimiko, however, shook her head, her tone calm but firm. "No need. Sasuke's right—we've got a mission to focus on."

She sat back down, her attention returning to her tea as though the fleeting encounter hadn't fazed her. "Let's finish our food and get to the client. No point wasting time on someone like him."

Naruto hesitated, glancing between Sasuke and Kimiko before slumping back into his seat with a huff. "Man, that guy was weird."

Sasuke smirked faintly. "Weirder than you, Naruto? Doubt it."

Naruto scowled but said nothing, and the three of them returned to their meal, the brief distraction already fading into the background.

---

The journey to the capital passed uneventfully, much to their relief. As they approached the city gates, two armed escorts awaited them, their sharp uniforms and disciplined demeanor marking them as professionals. The guards silently guided the team through the bustling front gates and toward a sprawling wooden manse in the heart of the city. Its size and the number of stationed guards made it clear this was the residence of an influential figure.

As they walked through the house, Kimiko's sharp eyes roved over the decor, catching glimpses of framed portraits along the walls. Each one depicted a serious-looking individual in traditional garb.

"Generational," Kimiko muttered under her breath, noting the telltale signs of a lineage steeped in local history. "This family's roots go deep here."

Eventually, their escorts brought them to a private room. The attendant slid back the paper door with practiced ease and bowed, gesturing for them to enter. Inside, a middle-aged man in a finely embroidered blue haofu sat waiting, his warm smile welcoming them.

"Welcome, and thank you all for coming," the man said, his voice steady and hospitable.

Naruto immediately stepped forward, his arm extended theatrically, palm outward as he offered a deep bow. "I bid you greetings and offer you my services! I hail from Konohagakure, my beloved home and birthplace. Raised on ramen and hard work, I bear the family name Uzumaki. But to everyone, I'm known as…"

"The knucklehead," Sasuke interrupted dryly.

Naruto nodded enthusiastically, only for his eyes to widen as the words registered. "HEY! Very funny!" He groaned and started bonking his own head in frustration. "I can't believe I fell for that!"

The man chuckled heartily, his laugh filling the room. "You haven't changed a bit, I see, even with that chuunin vest on."

"And you haven't changed much either, big guy," grinned Naruto, slipping his hands behind his head as he relaxed.

Kimiko couldn't help but smile at the exchange, her tone lightly amused. "Naruto, be polite," she chided before stepping forward and offering a graceful bow. "Jirocho-dono, we are in your care. Thank you for welcoming us into your home."

Jirocho waved his hand dismissively, still chuckling. "It's alright. The boy has spirit—I like that. Besides, it seems you more than make up for any lapses in manners."

Sasuke, ever the pragmatist, crossed his arms and spoke up. "Now that introductions are out of the way, perhaps we should get down to business? The Fifth Hokage told us you'd provide the details of the mission."

Jirocho nodded, his expression growing serious. "Alright then… you're familiar with the dedication ceremony held at the Great Todoroki Shrine every four years, aren't you?"

"Well…" Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Not really."

Jirocho gestured for them to sit. "Go on, have a seat," he said with a sigh. Once they settled onto their knees, he began. "It all started long ago…"

He paused for a moment, his tone taking on a more solemn edge. "The legend tells of a terrible storm that ravaged the land. In desperation, the people dedicated the Ryochu Jewels to the Great Todoroki Shrine, praying for salvation. Their prayers were answered—the storm subsided. Ever since, the ceremony has been repeated every four years to honor the shrine and preserve the peace."

Kimiko nodded, her expression thoughtful, while Naruto leaned forward with curiosity.

"At first, it was just a rededication of the jewels," Jirocho continued. "But over time, it evolved into a festival and a race, with the winner hailed as a great hero. What was once a friendly competition, however, has taken on a more troubling aspect in recent years."

He sighed heavily, his brows furrowed. "For generations, Port Degarashi has been divided between two rival families—the Wasabi and the Wagarashi. Both are prominent gambling organizations, and their disputes over control of the port naturally escalated over time." He paused. "These conflicts became increasingly violent, eventually leading to outright battles. The townspeople were caught in the crossfire, many of them injured… or worse."

Naruto frowned, his usual lighthearted demeanor dimmed by the story.

"Finally," Jirocho continued, "our district leader intervened, calling both sides to negotiate a truce. It was agreed that control of the town would no longer be decided through violence, but through a competition."

"What kind of competition?" Sasuke asked, her tone measured.

"The race held every four years during the dedication ceremony at the Great Todoroki Shrine," Jirocho explained. "Four years ago, the Wagarashi family defeated us by hiring a ninja. This year, we've learned they've done the same. That's why we sent messengers to your village, seeking your help—to level the playing field. But before they could reach Konoha, they were ambushed."

Suddenly, Jirocho bowed deeply, his hands pressed firmly against the floor in prostration. "I beg you, please lend our family your strength. If we lose again, the Wagarashi will control the port for another four years."

"Not gonna happen," Said Naruto. "We're on the job!"

Kimiko glanced at her teammates, noting the resolve in Sasuke's expression and Naruto's clenched fists. After a brief pause, she turned back to Jirocho and nodded. "We understand the stakes, Jirocho-dono. We'll do everything we can to ensure your family's success."

"So, who exactly are we supposed to escort?" Sasuke asked.

Jirocho leaned back slightly, his expression lightening as he clapped his hands twice. "Excellent. I take it that means you'll accept the job."

The sliding paper door opened, and in stepped Idate. Though Kimiko had anticipated this—both from her foreknowledge of the situation and her ability to sense chakra—it still felt surreal to see it play out.

"Yes, boss? You called for me?" Idate said as he entered, his eyes sweeping the room. The moment his gaze landed on the team, he froze. His and Naruto's eyes locked in a moment of mutual recognition before they both yelped and pointed at each other.

"You?!" they shouted in unison.

Jirocho chuckled at their antics, clearly amused. "Ah, so you've already met. That will make things much simpler."

---

To better understand the plights of the locals and familiarize themselves with the area, Kimiko suggested splitting up to explore the city. She instructed Naruto to accompany Idate for rapport-building with their charge, while she and Sasuke checked out the bustling market district.

Standing in front of a colorful stall, Kimiko found herself eyeing an array of toys shaped like familiar summons—Gamabunta, Katsuyu, Manda, and even Pakkun.

Sometimes, since dying and ending up in this world, I think the universe is trying to make sense for me. Then things like this happen. She picked up a Manda figurine, turning it over in her hands. Seriously, who thought making plush versions of legendary summons was a good idea? How do people even know about them?

Kimiko's eyes lingered on the toy for a moment before an idea struck her. I guess I'll have to work on getting Ibuse merchandise someday. However, her enthusiasm waned as she caught sight of the price tag.

"I know what you're thinking," came a warm voice from behind her. Kimiko turned to see a kindly old woman smiling faintly at her. "Too expensive?"

"Oh, forgive me," Kimiko said with a polite bow. "It's not that. It's just…"

The woman sighed and gave a weary smile. "Believe me, I'd like to make things more affordable. But the Wagarashi family…"

A sudden loud clang echoed in the distance, cutting the woman off. Kimiko's head snapped toward the sound, and her eyes met Sasuke's. Without another word, they both moved toward the source of the commotion.

As they arrived at the scene, they saw a man sprawled on the ground while three burly goons loomed over him.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" the man stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

"What's wrong with you?" spat one of the goons, his face twisted in contempt. "When we want something, we take it. You wouldn't even be in business if it weren't for the Wagarashi!"

"I know, I know," the man said weakly, looking away in shame. "But... taking things without paying for them…"

One of the thugs cracked his knuckles ominously, stepping closer. "You're not getting it, are you?" He grabbed the man by the front of his shirt, hauling him up with little effort. Behind him, the other two thugs began sauntering back toward the store they had just ransacked.

"No, please," the man begged, struggling to stay on his feet.

"Let me help you understand! " the thug growled, pulling his fist back, ready to strike.

Before the punch could land, Sasuke blurred into action, intercepting the strike with his palm. The thug's knuckles hit Sasuke's hand with a dull thud, and the boy didn't even flinch.

"Who the hell are you?" snarled the thug, his sneer faltering slightly as he looked at Sasuke's calm yet cold demeanor.

"Why don't you and your friends take a hike?" Sasuke said evenly.

From behind them, the woman fom the stall called out, her voice tinged with fear. "Get him out of here! Those are the Wagarashi's men!"

Kimiko stepped forward, her expression calm. "Please, don't worry," she said softly to the vendor. She didn't even look at the thugs as she spoke, her confidence radiating. Honestly, at this point, it wouldn't matter if a hundred of them charged us. None of them could touch us.

Of course, as expected, a few blurring strikes, and the men were bruised and on the ground, limping away.

Sasuke moved to help the man on the ground up, and Kimiko couldn't help but smile. Hm. Just a softie deep inside, huh?I

"Look at them run!" said the woman as she and Kimiko approached Sasuke and the other man "Now, if only the Wasabi family can win the race, we'll be through with them for good!"

"Well make sure to do our very best, said Kimiko quietly." said Kimiko, looking back at the running men in the distance. And just like that, she was reminded of how good their lives were compared to these people. No ninja starved as long as they could work. And ninjas like them? They were quite wealthy compared to the rest of the world, comparable to nobles and the wealthy merchants.

"...Speaking of," said Sasuke. "We ought to find Naruto and Idate and make it to the harbor, race is starting soon," With a nod, they both made their way to the port in the distance.

–

The harbor was alive, a tapestry of light and noise that spilled across the night sky, fireworks blooming like brilliant flowers over the dark waters. The festival was in full swing, a chaotic symphony of laughter, chatter, and haggling. Stalls lined every corner, their proprietors shouting over one another to peddle wares, trinkets, and skewered delights that sizzled over open flames. Kimiko and her team stood slightly apart, shadowing Idate as he stretched and muttered to himself, his focus razor-sharp.

By the rock near the harbor's edge, a priest clad in white robes prepared for the race. Beside him, an attendant fussed with ceremonial items, their movements precise and deliberate.

Naruto broke the spell of the scene, his voice rising with uncontained excitement. "Whoa! I had no idea this was such a big deal! So, uh, what kind of race is this anyway?"

Kimiko smirked and waved him closer, pulling out a weathered map that she spread across her palm. The parchment detailed the Land of Tea, with two islands to its east marked in bold strokes. "It's not too complicated," she began, her finger tracing their current location. "The starting point is right here, the harbor at Port Degarashi."

Her hand moved northeast, gliding over the map. "From here, participants race to Modoroshi Shrine on the island. That's the midpoint."

Naruto leaned over the map, eyes wide. "Wait—they run across water?"

Kimiko giggled, shaking her head. "Not quite. The first leg of the race is by boat. After they retrieve the Ryochu Jewels from the shrine, the real fun begins. The first one to make it to Todoroki Shrine wins."

She folded the map and gave Naruto a conspiratorial grin. "Simple enough, but there's a catch. Anything goes—shortcuts, dirty tricks, sabotage. It's all fair game."

"That's why hiring ninja is allowed," Sasuke added, his tone measured but his eyes scanning the crowd.

Naruto squinted toward the throngs of festival-goers. "Okay, so where are these ninja the other side hired?"

Kimiko closed her eyes and exhaled slowly, expanding her sensory range. Faint pulses tickled her awareness, scattered and faint but present nonetheless. Her crimson-ringed eyes opened after a moment. "They're around," she said simply. "But for now, we stick to our job. Idate is our charge, and he's our priority."

"I don't care what you guys do," Idate muttered, glancing over his shoulder. "But stay out of my way. I've got a race to win, and I don't need any of you messing things up for me."

Naruto's voice rose in an instant. "What?! You've got some nerve—"

"Enough," Kimiko snapped, her voice cutting through the brewing argument like a blade. She leveled a sharp gaze at both Idate and Naruto, her tone brokering no argument. "We're here to do a job. Petty squabbles are over. We're working together now, and if I have to drag every one of you to the finish line myself to get it done, I will. Understand?"

The tension hung for a moment before Naruto sighed, and even Idate had the good sense to look away, muttering something under his breath.

Before any of them could speak further, a crackling announcement blared through the speaker system, cutting the air with its booming voice.

"Attention, attention! The Great Todoroki Shrine race is about to begin! Representing the Wasabi family: Idate Morino!"

A roar of applause erupted from the crowd, loud and fervent, most of it coming from what Kimiko assumed were the Wasabi supporters. Kimiko exchanged a glance with Sasuke, who tilted his head slightly, a questioning look in his dark eyes. Kimiko answered with a subtle nod.

Wonder what Ibiki would think, knowing his missing-nin brother is here…

"And representing the Wagarashi family: Fukusuke Hikyakuya!"

The crowd responded with scattered, less enthusiastic applause as the other runner, Fukusuke, raised a hand in acknowledgment. His posture exuded confidence, but Kimiko caught the brief flicker of arrogance in his eyes as he turned toward Idate.

Both runners moved toward the wooden gate, bending low into sprinters' stances, muscles coiled and ready to explode into motion. The energy in the air was electric, the murmurs of the crowd building into an anticipatory hum.

"Runners, take your marks!" the announcer's voice echoed as the wooden gate creaked open, revealing the shimmering harbor ahead. Two boats waited in the water, their oarsmen standing by with steady hands.

Kimiko's gaze narrowed, her focus moving to one of the civilians with green hair, smirking at the contestants. Gotcha. So you're the ninja, huh?

"GO!" Suddenly boomed the announcement, and the two ran towards the pier. Kimiko turned to Naruto.

"Guess that means we better get going too!" Naruto declared, his energy as relentless as ever. Kimiko and Sasuke exchanged a glance but nodded in agreement. Without another word, they burst into motion, sprinting after the two contestants.

Kimiko's sharp eyes caught something strange as they raced forward. Idate veered sharply to the left, away from the docks and the boats. She blinked in surprise.

"Hey, what are you doing? Are you crazy?!" Naruto yelled after him, already speeding up to follow.

Idate didn't reply, his focus entirely on his path. Kimiko's senses, however, flared. She felt something—a familiar presence, no, three distinct chakra signatures. They were trailing them, like ghosts in the shadows.

"Hey, Idate! The ocean's the other way! Where the hell do you think you're going?!" Naruto snarled, his frustration mounting as he chased after the errant runner.

"You can forget about it! There's no way I'm turning around!" Idate yelled back, his tone defiant as he pushed further ahead.

Naruto opened his mouth to retort, but Kimiko's voice cut through. "Hold on! I think we need to trust him."

"What?!" Naruto looked back at her, incredulous.

"Listen." Kimiko's voice was steady. "If Jirocho trusts him enough to represent his family, we have to trust him too. That's our mission."

Sasuke nodded curtly. "Agreed."

Naruto groaned but didn't argue further. "Fine! But I'm going ahead to talk to him!" He surged forward, closing the gap between himself and Idate.

The group transitioned from the harbor's bustle into dense forest. The towering trees shielded them from the open sky, and the air grew cooler. Kimiko felt a prickling sensation crawling over her skin, an almost invisible presence.

"...You feel that?" Sasuke asked, his tone sharp.

"Yep," Kimiko replied grimly. "Three chakra signatures, distant but close enough. And there's a genjutsu blanketing the area. It's layered."

Without hesitation, she brought her hands together. "I'll break it."

Kimiko recalled a tip from Hanzo's scroll about dispelling wide-scale genjutsu: flare chakra through your entire body and release it outward in a sharp burst. The trick was brute force—the less intricate the genjutsu, the more effective the disruption.

"Kai!" she commanded, her voice firm as her chakra surged outward like a wave. The scenery flickered and shattered, revealing the truth. They were running along a perilous cliff edge, the drop sheer and deadly. Ahead, Idate's footing failed, and he tumbled off the edge.

"Idate!" Kimiko gasped, but Naruto was already moving.

With practiced precision, Naruto formed seals in rapid succession and slammed his palm against the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke revealed Gamaseki, the familiar blue toad. Without hesitation, Gamaseki's tongue lashed out, coiling around Idate's leg and pulling him back up. He hung upside down, looking both irritated and embarrassed.

Naruto crossed his arms and glared at the suspended runner. "You know, I have half a mind to leave you dangling here and let Gamaseki finish the race for you!"

Idate scowled, avoiding their gazes as Gamaseki set him back on solid ground. "Tch. I didn't need your help, okay?"

Naruto bristled. "You didn't need it?! Listen here, fat head! How about a little 'thank you' for saving your life?"

Idate's glare hardened. "You only saved me because it's your duty. There's no need for me to thank you."

Naruto took a step forward, fists clenched. "What did you just—"

"Stop it, Naruto," Sasuke interjected. "He's absolutely right." He stepped closer to Idate, meeting his gaze. "But look; if you don't want to end up dead, then I suggest you stick close to us."

"Hng," Idate grunted, turning on his heel.

"Hey, where are you going?" Naruto called after him, frustration clear in his voice. "What happened to Port Degarashi?!"

"What about it?" Idate replied, glancing over his shoulder. "Forget the port. I'm heading north from here."

Kimiko's brow furrowed as she matched his pace. "Do you know a route that's faster than going by boat?"

"That's right," Idate said with a smug smirk, confidence radiating from him.

Naruto crossed his arms and huffed. "Yeah, sure. And how do we even know we can trust this guy?!"

Idate's smirk turned into a frown. "That's the problem with you ninja."

"What?" Naruto said flatly, his irritation simmering.

"Look," Idate started, gesturing toward the sky. "At this time of year, the seasonal winds blow hard across the sea. Back at the starting point, I noticed the clouds. The winds were blowing toward us."

Kimiko tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "And?"

Idate paused for effect, clearly enjoying the moment. "On top of that, there's a port to the north where the ocean current flows directly to Nagi Island," he explained, his smirk returning as he tapped his temple with his index finger. "That's what I was saying—you ought to use this a little more."

Naruto squinted at him, unimpressed. "Big deal. You just noticed some clouds."

Kimiko, however, gave a small nod. "It makes sense. The winds and currents would give him an edge if he knows how to take advantage of them. It's worth trusting his instincts—for now."

Sasuke shrugged. "We'll see if he's as clever as he thinks he is."

Idate didn't seem to care about the skepticism, his focus already back on the path ahead.

As they continued their journey, Idate's claims began to hold water—quite literally. Kimiko could hear the distant crashing of waves growing louder with each step.

"Hey, I can smell salt on the wind!" Naruto exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

"Yeah, that's the ocean," Sasuke replied coolly as they arrived at a wide, stone staircase that led down to a sandy beach. To the side stood a weathered wooden house, and several small boats rested on the bank. Further out, a larger wooden schooner swayed gently, anchored in the calm waters.

"What's that out across the water?" Kimiko asked, pointing toward a faint structure on the distant horizon.

"That's the halfway point," Idate answered, gesturing toward it. "Modoroki Shrine on Nagi Island."

Kimiko's eyes lingered on the horizon, the pristine ocean stretching endlessly beneath a clear sky. A gentle breeze carried the tang of salt. Looks like he knows what he's doing, she thought.

"We'll get there within the hour," Idate continued, nodding toward the wooden house. "Hold on a sec." With that, he jogged up to the door and knocked briskly. "Hey, Gramps! It's me—Idate of the Wasabi!"

The door creaked open, revealing an older man with a warm smile etched onto his weathered face. "Well, if it isn't Idate. I've been expecting you."

"It's going just as I planned," Idate said confidently. "I'll need to borrow a boat."

"You've got it," the old man replied, pointing to the schooner anchored nearby. "That one's ready and waiting for you. There isn't a faster boat around."

"Thanks a lot, Gramps," Idate said with a grin.

The old man chuckled. "No trouble at all. Jirocho's done plenty for me over the years. Just make sure you don't lose to the Wagarashi. The way they've been running things around here... I've had all I can stand."

"Don't worry about a thing," Idate said, his chest puffed up with confidence. "I may be the underdog, but you're looking at the Wasabi's right-hand man. I won't let you down. I promise."

"Yeah, right," Naruto muttered under his breath.

---

Thankfully, it didn't take long to get the schooner off the beach, and soon they were sailing across the wide, open blue. The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean as the schooner cut through gentle waves. Kimiko moved to secure one of the ropes at the far end of the boat, tying it with practiced ease to steady the sails above. Naruto was doing the same on the other side, while Sasuke was on the rear, adjusting the sails.

Idate stood at the wheel, his focus fixed on the horizon, his expression distant and contemplative, as though weighed down by unspoken thoughts.

Kimiko glanced toward him briefly before turning her attention to Naruto. She crouched beside him, her tone measured but curious. "Hey, Naruto. Have you figured it out yet?"

"Figured what out?" Naruto asked, blinking at her, clearly puzzled.

Kimiko leaned closer, her voice dropping to ensure Idate wouldn't overhear. "Idate," she said, her patience tempered with a hint of urgency. "He's not just some ordinary guy. The speed he was running at earlier? That kind of pace isn't something you just stumble upon. It takes specialized training."

Naruto tilted his head, his brows furrowing as he processed her words. "Specialized training? You mean, like… ninja training?"

Kimiko nodded, her crimson eyes flicking toward Idate again, gauging his demeanor. "Exactly. He's skilled. If I had to guess, I'd say he's spent time in a ninja village. And given his surname…"

"...Maybe," Naruto muttered, his gaze flickering toward Idate. "But didn't he say he hated ninjas? And besides, how could a loudmouth like him ever become a ninja?"

Kimiko turned to him with an incredulous look, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Uh-huh, says the guy who not even a month ago was running around in a bright orange jumpsuit and couldn't even manage a proper Clone Jutsu." She reached out and pinched his cheeks firmly. "Growing a little arrogant, are we?"

Naruto swatted her hand away, rubbing his now reddened cheeks. "Well, yeah! I mean, I did make it to the final rounds of the Chuunin Exams, didn't I?"

From the front of the schooner, Idate suddenly turned his head, his expression shifting into a mix of skepticism and amusement.

"You didn't really make it to the final round, did you?" Idate asked, his tone dripping with doubt.

Naruto puffed out his chest, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I did! And if we hadn't been interrupted in the middle of it, I would've won the whole thing! And guess what? We're all chuunin now—our entire team!"

Idate raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah, well, whoever your proctor was must've been a real pushover." He crossed his arms smugly. "Sounds like Konoha's been lowering its standards for who gets to become a chuunin."

The words hung in the air like a taunt, and Idate's eyes widened slightly as if realizing he might have overstepped. He quickly turned away, pretending to focus on steering the schooner.

Kimiko folded her arms, watching him carefully. "...I see. That pretty much confirms it."

Sasuke glanced over from where he was securing the ropes, his voice calm and measured. "Yeah, we've got the right theory."

Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she tilted her head toward Idate. "Idate Morino… So, you're related to Ibiki-san, aren't you?"

At that, Idate froze. His hands gripped the wheel tightly before he spun around, his face contorted in a mix of disbelief and hope. "What did you just say? My brother—he's alive?!"

Kimiko nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Yep, alive and still one of Konoha's fiercest shinobi."

For a moment, Idate seemed stunned, his gaze searching hers as if to confirm the truth of her words. Kimiko, however, couldn't help but recall how this piece of information had slipped her mind earlier. Of course, this is where that filler arc kicks in , she thought, suppressing an inward sigh.

"Well, of course he's still alive," Naruto interjected, grinning. "The guy hit us with the craziest curveball in the Chuunin Exams! That tenth question? A total nightmare!"

"And," Naruto added with a teasing look at Kimiko, "he always drags her in for interrogations whenever she stumbles on weird stuff. Like, always. "

Kimiko shot him a glare but couldn't hide the faint smirk tugging at her lips. "It's not my fault I happen to uncover important things." She turned her gaze back to Idate, her voice softening. "Your brother's alive, Idate. He's a good man… and a good shinobi."

Idate turned back to the horizon, his shoulders stiff. "...Good man, huh?" he muttered, almost too softly for them to hear.

Kimiko exchanged a glance with Sasuke, and for once, even Naruto fell quiet.

A sharp thunk echoed across the schooner as a crossbow bolt struck its side, quivering in the wooden hull. Kimiko, unfazed, turned her gaze toward the source. Another boat was cutting through the water toward them, its occupants unmistakable—three Ame-nin, their faces hidden behind rebreather masks.

"Hey," Naruto muttered, squinting. "Those guys look familiar… Wait a second!" His eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Aren't those the guys whose scrolls we took during the Chuunin Exams?!"

"Yup," Sasuke replied dryly, reaching for a kunai as more crossbow bolts whistled through the air toward them. He caught one mid-flight with his weapon, deflecting it into the water.

Kimiko stepped forward. . "Allow me," she said, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a practiced elegance. "After all, a kunoichi must protect her teammates." A playful smirk tugged at her lips as she clasped her hands together, fingers flashing through a quick series of seals.

"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!"

The ocean stirred violently around them, water erupting upward in massive, translucent walls that encircled their ship like an impenetrable shield. The crossbow bolts thunked harmlessly against the barrier, splashing into the sea as the water walls rippled with impact.

As the protective walls collapsed back into the ocean with a resounding splash, Kimiko's hands blurred through another set of seals, her focus sharpening.

"Water Style: Giant Vortex Jutsu!"

The air seemed to pause, a tense stillness settling over the sea. Then, without warning, the water beneath the Ame-nin's boat churned violently. Bubbles rose to the surface as the ocean itself rebelled against their presence.

Suddenly, a titanic whirlpool erupted from beneath their vessel, spinning with a ferocious roar. The boat groaned and splintered under the immense force, its wooden planks snapping like brittle twigs. The Ame-nin barely had time to leap into the water before the vortex swallowed their ship whole, dragging its shattered remains into the depths.

Naruto and Sasuke watched the spectacle in stunned silence, the remnants of the destroyed boat swirling away into the now-calm sea. Kimiko dusted her hands off, turning back toward her teammates with a satisfied smile.

"That should keep them out of our hair for a while," she said nonchalantly. "Now, everyone get ready, we're almost at the shore."

---

The moment they reached the shore, rain began to fall, heavy and unrelenting, soaking them to the bone as they hurried up the stone steps leading away from the beach. Idate led the group, his pace relentless, while Naruto muttered behind him, frustration evident in his voice.

"Why should I thank you?" Idate sneered, glancing over his shoulder. "If those ninjas had boarded us, I bet you would've just abandoned me!"

"What? Are you serious?" Naruto snarled, clenching his fists. "What is with you? For someone who—"

"NARUTO," Kimiko cut in sharply. "Focus. I feel more people up ahead."

It didn't take long for her words to ring true. As they rounded a bend in the path, they were met with a chilling sight. Four figures blocked their way: the three shinobi they had faced on the ship, now drenched and glowering, and a new figure at their head. He wore an Amegakure headband, his long green hair plastered against his face from the rain. An umbrella rested in his grip, exuding an almost theatrical menace.

"You…" Idate snarled, his eyes widening as he recognized the leader.

"Me indeed," the green-haired man drawled with a smirk. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Idate?"

"Hey! I don't know who you are, but you'd better let us through!" Naruto snapped, stepping forward and clenching his fists.

The man's smirk deepened, his sharp eyes flickering to the three shinobi. "How droll. Konoha sent three Chuunin to deal with me? I see the village really has gone downhill. A pity—I made the right decision in leaving."

"What did you just say?!" Naruto yelled, his fists trembling.

"That's Aoi Rokusho," Idate growled, glaring daggers at the man. "He was my sensei during my days in the Leaf Village. Now…" His voice turned bitter. "Now he's a Jonin in Amegakure. He sold information he stole from my brother to buy that rank."

Kimiko's gaze flickered toward Idate, taking in his trembling anger, before settling impassively back on Aoi. She didn't speak, she didn't need to.

"Correct," Aoi confirmed, his smirk widening. "And did you really think I'd let you finish this race, little Idate? Dream of being a man of integrity all you like—this is where it ends."

A tense silence hung in the air as the rain pounded around them, the sound mingling with the distant roar of the ocean. Kimiko assessed the situation. While the three Ame-nin from the Chuunin Exams wouldn't pose a major threat, Aoi's presence complicated matters. Worse, Idate was a vulnerable liability in any clash here.

The plan solidified in her mind.

I need to separate Idate and my team, she thought, her gaze narrowing. I'll hold Aoi here and let them continue. Besides, I'm going to need him for my plan.

"Naruto, Sasuke," Kimiko said suddenly, her voice cutting through the tension. "I'll hold their leader here. You two take Idate and protect him. Get him moving."

"What?" Naruto protested. "Kimiko, this guy's a Jōnin! He—"

"Naruto," Sasuke interrupted coolly. "Kimiko is our team leader. Trust her decision."

Naruto hesitated, his eyes darting between Kimiko and Aoi, before he finally looked away, muttering, "Fine… but don't get yourself killed."

Aoi scoffed at the exchange, his smirk morphing into a sneer. "Impudent little girl. As if you three will even get the chance to leave!"

He leapt into the air, spinning his umbrella with precision. A torrent of water surged toward them, tearing through the rain like a roaring beast.

Kimiko's hands blurred through a series of seals.

"Water Style: Water Formation Wall."

The rain droplets around her swirled and condensed, forming a towering barrier of water that met the oncoming attack head-on. The torrent slammed against the wall, exploding in a cascade of mist and spray, drenching the ground around them.

The wall collapsed with a resounding crash, but Kimiko stood firm, her gaze locked on Aoi. "Go!" she barked, glancing over her shoulder at her teammates. "Get him to the finish line. Leave this to me."

Naruto and Sasuke didn't waste another moment, grabbing Idate by the arm and pulling him forward. Aoi's eyes flickered toward them, his expression darkening. "You think I'll just let them leave?"

Kimiko stepped forward, her chakra flaring. "You won't have time to stop them," she said coolly. "Not while you're dealing with me."

Naruto and Sasuke sprang into action without hesitation, moving as a well-practiced team. Naruto's hands blurred through a series of seals as the three Ame-nin charged forward.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

With a thunderous pop , a plume of white smoke erupted in front of him, revealing Gamaseki. The large, blue toad crouched low, his tongue shooting out to wrap securely around Idate's waist. With a powerful hop, Gamaseki launched himself away from Aoi, bounding toward the forested path.

The three Ame-nin moved swiftly to block their escape, but Sasuke anticipated them. In a flash, he appeared behind the trio, his own hands forming seals with lightning precision.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"

With a deep exhale, a massive sphere of roaring fire erupted from Sasuke's mouth, barreling toward the Ame-nin. The blazing inferno illuminated the rain-soaked battlefield, forcing the three shinobi to scatter in different directions to avoid being incinerated. Their sudden retreat created a clear path for Gamaseki, who bounded forward with Naruto and Idate in tow. Sasuke darted after them, covering their flank.

"Not so fast," Aoi growled, pivoting sharply toward their retreating forms. His hand darted into his pocket, retrieving three senbon. But before he could throw them, Kimiko's voice rang out like a whip.

"Not on my watch."

In a swift motion, Kimiko pulled out her own senbon, her scarlet, corrosive chakra flowing over the steel like a living flame. She hurled them with precision, aiming for Aoi's head. He reacted quickly, leaning back to avoid the deadly projectiles, but one grazed his cheek, leaving a thin, smoking gash that sizzled ominously. The other senbon embedded themselves in a nearby tree branch, their tips hissing as they burned into the wood.

The brief distraction was enough. Naruto, Sasuke, and Idate disappeared into the distance, leaving Kimiko alone with Aoi.

Aoi touched the bleeding cut on his face, frowning as he stared at the faint steam rising from the wound. His eyes flicked toward Kimiko, cold and angry

"Oboro," he commanded without looking back, his voice low and dangerous. "Take your teammates and stop them. I'll handle this one."

Without a word, the three Ame-nin sank into the ground, fading from sight. The rain continued to pour as Kimiko and Aoi faced each other, the battlefield quiet save for the rhythmic patter of water on leaves and stone.

The rain fell steadily, each droplet adding to the tension crackling in the air between them. Aoi's sneer deepened, his green hair slick against his face as he gripped the hilt of his blade. He tilted his head, his lips curling into a cruel smirk.

"Well, no matter," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I'll kill you first, then I'll deal with those brats after. It'll be easy enough."

Kimiko didn't flinch, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of Byakko strapped to her back. Her crimson eyes locked onto his, steady and unyielding. "If you can," she replied coolly.

Aoi's sneer faltered as he studied her face, a flicker of recognition sparking in his eyes. "You…" He growled, his expression hardening. "You look familiar. Old man Shinku's whelp, aren't you? Kurenai's little sister?"

Kimiko remained impassive.

"Figures," Aoi spat, his voice laced with venom. "Another Yuhi whore promoted to Chuunin at a young age just because she had the right father."

The insult hung in the air, but Kimiko's composure didn't waver. Her grip on Byakko's hilt remained steady. "Aoi Rakusho," she said. "I can't say I've heard of you."

A muscle in Aoi's jaw twitched, his irritation visible. "Of course not," he snapped. "I wouldn't expect Konoha to remember someone like me."

Kimiko tilted her head slightly, her voice dripping with mockery. "Or maybe," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips, "you're just that inconsequential. To betray your village for what? A mere Jonin rank?" She scoffed, the sound cutting through the rain. "It speaks volumes about your character—talentless, deluded, a worm who believes the world should bow to him despite being utterly mediocre."

The insult struck like a blade, and Aoi's face twisted in fury. "You'll regret those words, girl," he snarled, stepping forward, the rain hissing against his blade as he drew it.

But Kimiko didn't move. Her fingers tightened on Byakko's hilt. "Then come," she said, her voice low. "Let's see if you can prove me wrong."

With a sudden flick of his wrist, Aoi tossed his umbrella high into the air, the motion deceptively casual. The moment it reached its peak, it spun violently, a blur of steel and motion.

"Ninja Art: Senbon Shower!"

A hailstorm of razor-sharp senbon rained down toward Kimiko, a deadly deluge from above. Her left hand moved swiftly, fingers flashing through a sequence of seals with practiced ease.

"Water Style: Thousand Needles of Death."

Raindrops around her froze midair, hovering as if time itself had stalled. In an instant, they sharpened into crystalline needles, suspended like stars against the storm. With a flick of her wrist, they shot upward, intercepting the falling senbon with pinpoint precision. Each collision rang out in sharp metallic notes, the water senbon bursting into harmless droplets upon impact.

But one slipped through the chaos.

Kimiko barely had time to register the projectile before it struck, slicing through her right shoulder. For the briefest moment, she felt the venom bite into her bloodstream, a searing, corrosive heat spreading through her veins. But just as quickly, the sensation was snuffed out, devoured by the poison furnace intertwined with her chakra network. The toxin, meant to cripple, became nothing more than fuel.

Aoi didn't notice. He saw only an opportunity.

He was already lunging, three senbon protruding between his knuckles like claws, poised to rake across her throat.

Kimiko's response was immediate.

Her hand snapped upward in a vicious backhand, meeting his charge with brutal efficiency. The impact sent Aoi hurtling backward, his body skidding across the rain-slicked earth. He tumbled through the mud before finally stopping, coughing wetly, crimson staining the rainwater pooling beneath him.

Kimiko didn't pursue. She merely tilted her head, watching with mild curiosity. If she didn't need him alive, she could have taken his head right then and there.

"Hm," she exhaled, the sound edged with derision. "No wonder you ran from Konoha. If this is what passes for a Jonin in Amegakure, then I almost feel sorry for them."

Aoi staggered to his feet, swiping a hand across his mouth before spitting blood onto the ground. His eyes burned with fury, his pride wounded more than his body. "You bitch," he snarled, "I'm ending this."

His hand shot to his hip, fingers curling around a hilt—a strange, handle-like object. With a flick of his wrist, lightning crackled to life, a brilliant yellow blade extending from the vajra-shaped grip. The storm around them paled in comparison to the volatile energy humming along its edge.

Kimiko's eyes flickered, her expression unreadable.

Aoi grinned, reveling in the moment. "That's right," he drawled, his voice thick with arrogance. "The Sword of the Thunder God—The Second Hokage's greatest creation. This is a weapon of legend." He pointed the crackling blade at her, confidence brimming in his stance. "None can stand against it."

Kimiko exhaled softly, her tone placid, unimpressed. "Fool."

The word cut sharper than any blade.

"A sword, no matter how well-made, is only as good as the one who wields it."

The threads around Byakko's blade unraveled, the bone-white blade gleaming under the storm's dull light as she pulled it free. The rain hissed as it touched the steel, evaporating in silent wisps of steam.

Aoi lunged forward, his face twisted in frustration. "Shut up!" he snarled, swinging the crackling blade with reckless fury.

Kimiko, however, barely seemed to register his aggression. With a fluid grace, she slid backward, her feet gliding across the slick ground as though she were weightless. Each arc of his sword sliced through empty space, meeting nothing but the whisper of falling rain.

And as she watched him, the realization settled in.

Mediocre.

Not incompetent , not weak , but entirely, utterly mediocre .

His movements were refined enough, trained, but rigid. Textbook footwork, predictable follow-throughs, a reliance on his weapon rather than his own ability. Aoi was the kind of shinobi who would have been doomed to stagnate as a middling Chūnin for the rest of his life—at least, in a real village. But with the right betrayal and a stolen relic in hand, he had wormed his way into the ranks of a minor nation's Jōnin corps.

Pathetic.

He lashed out again, slamming the tip of the Lightning Sword into the ground, and the current surged outward, racing across the rain-slicked surface toward her. A perfectly logical move, given the terrain.

Kimiko was already moving.

She vanished in a flurry of crimson and black petals, the storm momentarily obscured by the whirlwind of color. Aoi recoiled, eyes narrowing as the phantom blossoms swirled around him, scattering through the air.

A heartbeat later, she reappeared several meters away, arm already raised.

Three senbon gleamed between her fingers, their tips pulsing with her scarlet, rotting chakra. She flicked her wrist, sending them streaking toward him.

Aoi's response was immediate—he lifted the Lightning Sword and slashed through the air, the sheer force of the electrical discharge disintegrating the projectiles mid-flight. The acrid scent of burnt metal filled the air, mixing with the petrichor.

Kimiko smiled. Not out of amusement, not even malice—just cold, clinical satisfaction.

"Well," she mused, tilting her head. "If you're intent on fighting me with stolen power from Konoha…" Her grip on Byakko tightened, her stance shifting. "Then I suppose it's only fair I return the favor—using what I took from Amegakure's vaults."

Aoi's expression darkened. "Tch, stupid girl." He lunged again, the Lightning Sword arcing through the rain-soaked air.

Kimiko didn't move. Instead, she clasped her hands together, closing her eyes briefly before opening them again.

Scarlet light gleamed within her irises.

Aoi's body locked in place mid-charge.

The world around him shifted .

Suddenly, the battlefield was no longer theirs alone.

The storm was gone—replaced by an endless war.

A thousand warriors, clad in battered armor, hacked and butchered one another beneath a blood-red sky. Rain mixed with gore, pooling in the mud beneath countless corpses. The air reeked of decay, the buzzing of flies a grotesque symphony against the ceaseless cries of agony and rage. Metal clashed, bones snapped, flesh was torn.

And he was in the middle of it.

Surrounded.

Trapped.

Everywhere he turned, another faceless combatant fell, only for more to take their place. Every time he tried to step forward, the bodies of the dead seemed to shift, blocking his path. The scent of blood thickened, the cries growing sharper, rawer. The panic set in, clawing at his mind, irrational, primal.

Kimiko's voice cut through the carnage.

"Genjutsu: Endless Battle Slaughtering."

A technique she had unearthed from Amegakure's forbidden scroll. An illusion of eternal war, crafted not to simply disorient, but to break . To drown the target in the chaos of an endless slaughter, to overwhelm their senses with the sheer, oppressive weight of war.

Aoi stood frozen in place.

Paralyzed.

Helpless.

Kimiko exhaled, watching as his breath hitched, his eyes darting wildly as he was consumed by the vision. And then suddenly, she was in front of him, Byakko inches away from his shoulder.

The genjutsu shattered in an instant, and Byakko cleaved downward in a diagonal arc. The bone-white blade shimmered with a twin glow—one part white, the other a deep crimson—as it sliced through Aoi's shoulder and carved its way down his chest. Blood sprayed into the air in long, arching droplets, spattering against Kimiko's cheek, warm and thick. The scent of iron mixed with the dampness of the rain, the sound of his flesh splitting apart drowned beneath the steady patter of water against rock.

Aoi staggered back, gasping, his breath coming in shallow, stuttering gasps as he clutched the wound. His fingers, slick with his own blood, trembled as he traced the deep gash, watching with dawning horror as dark veins began to spread from the festering wound, creeping outward like rot overtaking a dying tree. His skin blanched. The poison was already working.

"W-What… did you do to me?" His voice was raw, strangled, his strength visibly waning with every heartbeat.

Kimiko tilted her head, a small smile curling her lips. "Oh? Shouldn't you know?" she said, voice lilting with amusement. "You should be quite familiar with this particular poison. After all… it's yours."

Aoi's breath hitched. His pupils constricted as realization dawned. She had turned his own weapon against him. The poison that coated his senbon—the one meant for her—had been absorbed into her chakra system, refined, and sent back through Byakko's bite. Now it was coursing through his body, spreading through his bloodstream like wildfire. A slow, burning death, crafted by his own hand.

Kimiko flicked her wrist, sending the blood from Byakko's blade splattering onto the rocky ground. What remained on the weapon sizzled, the blade's surface drinking it in hungrily before it vanished into nothingness. Aoi's gaze flickered from her sword back to his wound, and for a moment, pure, undiluted fear flashed across his face.

Then he did what all cowards do. He ran.

He turned and bolted into the trees, crashing through the underbrush in his panic. Kimiko watched him go, expression impassive. His blood left an easy trail to follow, splattered across tree trunks and damp leaves, his erratic movements betraying the pain slowing him down.

But he was still fast. Faster than she expected. His movements were frantic but determined, desperation pushing him forward. If she let him run too far, he might slip away, forcing her into a drawn-out chase. That wouldn't do. The race wasn't over yet, and she had no intention of letting this drag on.

Kimiko inhaled, steadying herself. Her hands moved in a blur, flashing through seals with practiced ease.

"Water Style: Rain of Decay."

The sky churned. The clouds, once merely gray, deepened into something darker, blacker—thick, roiling masses of venom-laced storm clouds. The first raindrops fell in a whisper, delicate, almost gentle.

Then the downpour came.

But it was not water.

The rain fell black and red, thick as ichor, staining the earth like old blood spilled across battlefield soil. Wherever it touched, it ate away. Leaves shriveled upon impact, their once-green surfaces curling inward as they withered into blackened husks. Tree bark hissed, sizzled, crumbled. The ground festered, holes bubbling where the droplets pooled, the soil itself giving way to the rot spreading beneath. The very air smelled acrid, metallic—like corrosion, like death.

Somewhere amidst the trees, a scream tore through the storm.

Kimiko turned her head toward the sound, her senses honing in on the chakra signature flickering in the distance. She had him.

She moved.

When she arrived, there was nothing but the remnants of burned flesh and discarded, half-melted clothing, the fabric blackened and shredded by the caustic rain. But no body.

Her red-ringed eyes narrowed. No, he's still here.

Hiding. Desperate. Dying.

She would find him. And when she did, she would finish what she started.

"I am tired of your cowardice, Rakusho Aoi."

Kimiko's voice cut through the rotting rain like a blade, sharp, imperious, dripping with disdain. The storm hissed around her, its caustic drizzle eating away at the trees and soil, yet she stood untouched, unbothered, as if she were the only thing immune to the decay she had wrought.

"Emerge, or suffer a death far worse than what mercy might grant you." Her crimson-ringed eyes scoured the darkened treeline, unblinking, predatory. "Do not insult me by thinking you can hide, much less outrun me. You're already dying, Aoi. Your cowardice only prolongs the inevitable."

For a moment, silence.

Then—three senbon sliced through the air, streaking from the shadows, aimed for her throat, her heart, her eye.

Kimiko did not flinch.

Her hand flashed upward, fingers closing around the projectiles mid-flight. Her chakra pulsed. The moment her venomous energy surged through the metal, the senbon sizzled, corroding in her grasp, melting into black droplets that pattered onto the ruined earth at her feet.

She barely even looked at them.

"Enough."

Her voice rang cold and final, reverberating against the skeletal remains of trees. She was done entertaining his pathetic attempts at resistance.

"Fight. Flee. Or grovel in dogeza." Her eyes narrowed, her tone now like ice over steel. "My patience is thinning."

A beat of silence. Then—his voice, ragged and bitter, drifted from the darkness.

"I have seen the 'mercy' of your kind," Aoi spat, hidden in the shadows. "It is worth nothing. You shatter what you will, take what you want, and call yourselves generous for leaving behind scraps for the rest of us to starve on! What are you, without the legacy of your father? Of your sister?"

Kimiko took another step forward, unhurried.

Her tone was placid, almost amused.

"Your estimation is not incorrect." Her words were soft yet absolute, each syllable weighted with the certainty of someone who did not need to justify herself. "But you speak as though that makes us equal—as though I lack what you lack."

She stepped into the shattered tree line, the dying light glinting off Byakko's silk-wrapped hilt as she rested a hand on it.

"You," she continued, eyes glinting, "fled Konoha like a coward. You sold secrets to slither your way into a place that would never truly respect you. And then, when you saw only three inexperienced chuunin, you thought yourself a king returning to his old kingdom."

She tilted her head slightly, voice lowering into something almost mocking.

"The fault, Aoi, was not in your betrayal. It was in your arrogance. And that is why I won."

"Then choke on your victory, you bitch!"

The words came from behind her, venomous and raw, but Kimiko did not flinch.

She turned, unhurried, placid, her crimson-ringed eyes drifting to the ragged, dying husk that was Aoi Rakusho. He stood there, trembling, his breath ragged and wet, yet he still clung to delusions of defiance. With the last of his strength, he raised the stolen relic—the Second Hokage's Sword of the Thunder God—aiming a desperate overhead slash meant to carve her in two.

He was too slow.

A blur of black and crimson—Kimiko stepped into his guard, the flash of motion like a wraith moving through mist. Before the blade could even descend, her pale hand lashed out—

A single, vice-like grip around his wrist.

The lightning blade fizzled out, its power cut off, and with a hollow clatter, the weapon hit the rain-slicked ground, its stolen legacy as meaningless as its wielder.

Aoi's eyes widened in raw panic.

Kimiko met his gaze with the cool disinterest of someone peering at a specimen under glass. "No tricks. No escape," she murmured, fingers tightening, skin whitening over bone. "Now you're treated as all traitors should be."

Aoi gritted his teeth, straining against her grasp, but her strength was absolute.

"You—You think you'll get away with this?!" he spat, desperation turning to sputtering rage. "I'm a jōnin of Amegakure! A god rules over our village! He'll make your pathetic Hok—"

CRACK.

His wrist snapped backward, a grotesque angle of twisted bone and ruptured flesh. A strangled, miserable yelp tore from his throat, and his knees buckled, sending him crashing down to the soaked earth.

Kimiko exhaled through her nose, watching as deep purple bruises bloomed beneath her fingertips, a stark contrast to the gleam of her ivory-painted nails—immaculate, unsullied, even as the flesh beneath them ruptured and festered.

"A god rules you, huh?" Her voice was silken, laced with something darkly amused.

She lowered herself slightly, her fingers ghosting over his ruined wrist.

"How interesting," she murmured. "You can tell Ibiki-san all about it when you wake up in an interrogation chamber."

And with one final twist, her nails sank into his flesh, toxic chakra flooding his veins. This time, a different venom—refined from the Ironspine Pufferfish, carefully cultivated for moments like this. It worked swiftly—a numbing paralysis creeping through his limbs like frostbite, rendering him utterly still, though the panic in his eyes betrayed his screaming mind.

His body refused to move. His mind was still very much awake.

How miserable.

Just then, a familiar presence entered her sensory range—Sasuke, striding toward her, his flak jacket stained with blood

"Figured you were here," he said as he stopped a few feet away, arms crossed. His gaze flickered to the surrounding devastation—the rotting trees, the poison-scorched earth, the rain that fell in shades of black and red. He sighed. "Just follow the destruction and the overwhelming stench of venom."

Kimiko rolled her eyes.

"Very funny."

Sasuke's eyes slid to Aoi's trembling, half-paralyzed form, who could only glare hatefully in return. "Surprised you didn't kill him" Sasuke noted.

"We need him," Kimiko muttered, standing fully upright as she released Aoi's mangled wrist. A flick of her fingers sent droplets of his blood splattering onto the mud. "And I have no interest in carrying him. That's your job." She looked back at her fingers, disgusted.

Sasuke raised a brow. "You'd make me carry this sack of meat?"

Kimiko wiped the last of Aoi's blood off her fingers, looking disgusted. "You're the one with the Fire Style. Burn off the filth when we're done with him." Kimiko barely spared the fallen ninja a glance as she bent down, fingers curling around the handle of the Sword of the Thunder God. The relic hummed faintly in her grasp, residual energy crackling at its core. She turned it over, inspecting it with a detached curiosity, as if evaluating a museum artifact rather than a legendary weapon.

Sasuke exhaled through his nose, reluctantly stepping forward and yanking Aoi up by the collar.

"What about the others?" She asked, nodding toward the distance.

"Naruto's handling Idate," Sasuke replied. "Had some heart-to-heart moment with him. Whatever he said must've worked—Idate's way ahead of his opponent now."

Kimiko tilted her head. "The prisoners?"

"Took care of them," Sasuke said flatly. "Bound, gagged, and out of the way. I dropped them off before circling back for you." He looked hesitant, "What do you want to do to them?"

Kimiko shrugged. "Slit their throats and be done with it. We don't need them."

Sasuke didn't argue.

Aoi, however, tried to—his mouth opening as if to protest, to curse, to plead.

Kimiko barely spared him a glance.

"Save your breath," she murmured. "You'll need it for when the real pain starts."