Hinata of the White Lotus
Arrival
The ocean stretched out endlessly before them, a vibrant and shimmering expanse of deep blue that seemed to merge seamlessly with the sky at the horizon. From their vantage point atop the hill, the four of them stood in quiet awe, the sea breeze rushing past, carrying with it the unmistakable tang of salt. Whitecaps danced on the waves, and far below, gulls swooped and cried, their voices faint against the rhythmic crash of waves against distant rocks.
Naruto shaded his eyes with a hand as he gazed eastward, spotting their destination. Kōtō City sprawled along the coastline, a lively port town nestled between the ocean and the rolling green hills they had just descended from. From this distance, it seemed almost quaint, its tightly packed buildings rising in tiers along the natural incline of the terrain. Small wisps of smoke spiraled into the air from chimneys, and the glint of sunlight off countless ships bobbing in the harbor painted the scene with a sense of industrious charm.
"We made it…" Hinata's voice broke the silence, her words carried off in the wind. She exhaled deeply, the weight of her responsibility as leader pressing heavily on her shoulders. She knew their detour had eaten into precious time, but they had managed to stay on track despite the odds. Still, they had no time to rest—not when Kurenai's life hung in the balance.
Naruto, however, was lost in his own thoughts. The guilt gnawed at him, even as he tried to shake it off. This time crunch was on him, and though Hinata had never said so, he couldn't help but feel the burden. Those pursuers had been after him, after the Kyūbi. Hinata had chosen him for this mission, and now her goal of saving Kurenai teetered on the edge of failure.
No. There was no time for self-pity. There was still a chance, and he wasn't about to let it slip away.
"Let's go!" Naruto shouted, throwing an arm in the air as he took off down the hill at full speed, the exhilaration of the moment giving him a burst of energy. The others exchanged glances before quickly following, racing after him as the grassy hillside sloped toward the bustling city. The wind whipped through their hair, and the crisp scent of the sea was sharper with each passing moment. Kiba grinned despite himself, the thrill of the descent breaking through his tension. Akamaru barked from his perch on Kiba's shoulder, as if sensing his companion's mood.
As they neared Kōtō City, its true scale became apparent. What had looked like a quaint town from the hill revealed itself to be a sprawling metropolis, far larger than they had anticipated. Its towering stone walls loomed above them now, weathered and imposing, marked by years of salt-laden winds. The walls were fortified with watchtowers at regular intervals, each manned by sharp-eyed guards whose armor gleamed in the sunlight.
The city gates were massive, carved from thick timber reinforced with iron bands. A steady flow of people moved in and out, forming a chaotic but strangely organized scene. Merchants with carts piled high with goods—silks, spices, and crates of unknown wares—lined up for inspection. Fishermen carried nets slung over their shoulders, their faces weathered from years at sea. Travelers of all kinds passed through, from wealthy nobles in elaborate robes to wandering monks with little more than staves and prayer beads.
The guards stationed at the gates were alert but efficient. Their uniforms bore the insignia of the Land of Fire, marking them as local militia tasked with maintaining order. They moved with the practiced ease of those accustomed to the ebb and flow of Kōtō's busy trade. One guard inspected a merchant's papers, while another carefully examined a crate of imported fruit. The faint murmur of conversation, punctuated by the occasional barked command, filled the air.
As Hinata and her team approached, they moved with the quiet confidence of Shinobi. Their hitai-ate—the symbol of Konoha engraved on their headbands—drew brief glances from the guards. Recognizing their authority, the guards simply nodded and stepped aside, allowing them to pass without question. This small privilege, afforded by their rank, saved them precious time.
Inside the city, the streets were alive with activity. Narrow cobblestone paths wound between rows of tightly packed buildings, their wooden facades adorned with brightly painted signs advertising inns, restaurants, and shops. Lanterns hung from awnings, swaying gently in the sea breeze. The smells of the port assaulted their senses all at once: the salty tang of the ocean mingled with the savory aroma of grilled fish, the sweet scent of baked goods, and the pungent odor of drying seaweed.
Vendors called out from their stalls, hawking their wares to passersby. "Fresh catch of the day! Straight from the nets!" one fisherman shouted, holding up a glistening tuna. "Imported spices from the Land of Wind! A pinch will transform your cooking!" another merchant declared, waving small jars of brightly colored powders. Children darted through the crowd, laughing as they played a game of tag, while sailors and dockworkers haggled loudly over wages and cargo.
Despite the city's bustling energy, there was a sense of tension beneath the surface. Hinata couldn't help but notice how some merchants cast wary glances at the gates, as if expecting trouble to come through at any moment. The news of a battle nearby had likely reached them, and the sight of Shinobi entering the city probably did little to ease their nerves.
Hinata paused for a moment, taking it all in. The sheer vibrancy of Kōtō was overwhelming, but there was no time to linger. Her gaze turned eastward, toward the docks visible in the distance. Forests of masts and sails stretched out along the harbor, bobbing gently in the water. That was their next destination, and they had to secure passage to the volcanic island before the night was over.
"Hinata," Shino's calm voice pulled her back to the present. "We should keep moving. The moon won't wait for us."
She nodded, her resolve firm. "Let's go." The team fell into step behind her, weaving through the throngs of people as they made their way toward the bustling docks.
The team moved through Kōtō with a mix of purpose and uncertainty. The streets gradually opened up as they approached the harbor district, the towering brick buildings giving way to a more open, salt-streaked expanse. The roads here were wider, cobbled with large, uneven stones that bore the marks of countless carts and feet. The salty tang in the air grew stronger, mingling with the unmistakable odor of fish, tar, and the briny sea.
The harbor was a sprawling, chaotic hive of activity. Massive wooden docks jutted out into the glistening blue water, their sturdy planks worn smooth by years of use. Ships of all sizes were moored there, from small fishing vessels with patched sails to towering cargo ships with hulls so large they dwarfed the surrounding boats. Nets and ropes hung from masts, swaying gently in the breeze, while gulls screeched overhead, diving occasionally to steal scraps from the docks.
Workers bustled about with single-minded focus, unloading crates from ships or rolling barrels down long ramps. Each crew seemed to have their own rhythm, a near-constant cacophony of shouted orders, grunts of exertion, and the creaking groan of wood and rope. Merchants haggled with captains over prices, their voices rising above the din as they gestured animatedly to the goods being unloaded. Every now and then, the sharp crack of a whip signaled a cart being loaded with goods destined for the markets of Kōtō.
Naruto was mesmerized by the scene, his eyes darting from the ships to the sailors to the cargo. The sheer scale of it all made the bustling streets of Konoha seem quiet by comparison. "Man, this place is alive," he muttered under his breath, though his words were lost in the noise around him.
Despite the frenetic energy, there was a system to the chaos. Sailors wore bandanas or patches with the insignias of their respective ships, and dockmasters with clipboards walked briskly among them, barking commands and keeping order. The guards here were different from those at the gates. Dressed in lighter, salt-stained armor, they patrolled the docks in pairs, their sharp eyes scanning for troublemakers. Their spears gleamed in the sunlight, but their postures were more relaxed, suggesting they were used to breaking up drunken brawls rather than facing serious threats.
Hinata paused, her gaze drawn to the horizon. The ocean stretched out endlessly before them, glittering like a sea of sapphires beneath the late day sun. Waves lapped gently against the shore, the sound both calming and invigorating. Far in the distance, their destination loomed: Toyama Island. The volcanic mountain at its center jutted into the sky, a faint wisp of smoke trailing from its peak. From here, it looked deceptively small, almost like a mirage floating on the horizon.
As the group stood taking in the view, Kiba broke the silence. "What do we do now that we're here?" he asked, his tone uncertain. Akamaru barked softly, as if echoing his sentiment. Despite their purpose, the sheer scale of the harbor had a way of making them feel small and insignificant.
"We head to the harbor and secure transport," Shino said matter-of-factly, his voice barely audible over the din of the docks.
"Transport?" Naruto scoffed. "We're ninja! Why don't we just run across the water? It's not like we need a boat or anything."
Hinata shook her head, her voice soft but resolute. "The island we're going to is considered sacred ground. We need permission to go there."
Naruto frowned but didn't argue further. He still didn't fully grasp why they couldn't just sneak in, but he trusted Hinata's judgment. Instead, he let his attention wander, taking in the details of the harbor. Everything here seemed purposeful, from the way the docks were laid out to the positioning of the cranes lifting heavy cargo. The people here moved with the kind of efficiency that came only from years of experience.
Just then, a weathered sailor passing by overheard their conversation. "Y'all looking for transport?" he asked, pausing to study the group with a curious gaze. His skin was tanned and leathery, his clothes stained with salt and grime. A rope hung coiled over one shoulder, and his other hand gripped a wooden pole used to push small boats away from the dock.
Hinata hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "Yes," she said politely. "We need to get to Toyama Island."
The sailor's face darkened at the mention of the island. "Toyama, huh?" He scratched his chin, looking them over as if weighing his response. "That's sacred ground. No one goes there without permission from the Hinoshita clan."
"The Hinoshita clan?" Kiba repeated, frowning.
"Aye," the sailor said with a nod. "They're the ones who oversee all access to the island. If you want a boat, you'll need their approval first. They've got a house near the north end of the harbor. Big place with a red roof. Can't miss it."
Hinata bowed slightly. "Thank you for your help."
The sailor waved her off, already moving on to his next task. "Good luck," he called over his shoulder. "You're gonna need it."
As the team exchanged glances, the weight of their task settled over them once more. They had made it to Kōtō, but their journey was far from over.
As the team made their way toward the Hinoshita clan compound, the tension between urgency and uncertainty was palpable. Naruto, never one to keep his thoughts to himself, voiced his frustration.
"Is it really so bad if we just run there?" he grumbled, gesturing vaguely toward the ocean. "At this rate, we're just wasting time." He glanced up at the sun, which was inching its way toward the horizon. It wasn't low yet, but the time to act was quickly running out. They still had to secure transport, sail to the island, and scale a literal volcano before nightfall to find the Moonfire Flower. Every second felt like it mattered.
"For now, let's talk to the Hinoshita clan," Shino replied evenly, his hands in his pockets as he walked at his usual steady pace. His calm demeanor seemed to clash with the pressing nature of their mission, making Naruto bristle. Didn't he care about Kurenai-sensei? Naruto couldn't understand his teammate's apparent lack of urgency—until Shino added, "We don't know what awaits us on the island. For all we know, we'd be running straight into danger."
Naruto fell silent at that. Maybe Shino had a point. Still, he couldn't shake the itch to keep moving.
The Hinoshita clan's compound wasn't far from the main port, but it felt like a world apart. As they left the bustling streets of Koto's harbor district, the cobblestone roads gave way to a dirt path lined with patches of overgrown grass. Ahead, nestled along the waterfront, was a humble wooden house that looked more like an old fisherman's lodge than the residence of a prominent clan. Its simplicity was striking, especially against the backdrop of the towering concrete ports and the colossal ships moored nearby. A solitary wooden dock extended from the property, barely sturdy enough to hold the single small boat that bobbed gently in the waves.
"This really the right place?" Naruto asked skeptically, his voice cutting through the growing quiet. The dirt path and sparse greenery surrounding the lodge gave it an almost mystical aura, like a place frozen in time. It felt out of place here, nestled against the bustling industrial sprawl of the city.
"One way to find out," Kiba replied with a shrug, though he looked just as uncertain. The incongruity of the scene didn't sit well with any of them.
"…This is right," Hinata whispered, though her tone lacked conviction. Naruto glanced at her and noticed the faint unease in her eyes.
As they approached, the door to the lodge creaked open, and a young girl stepped out, looking just as surprised to see them as they were to see her. She couldn't have been more than a few years younger than them. Her short, dark-blue hair was tied back in a simple ponytail that reminded Naruto of Hinata's. The resemblance was uncanny, and her gaze locked onto Hinata almost immediately, as though recognizing something familiar.
"Ah, you're…" The girl hesitated, her words trailing off. Then, as if snapping out of her daze, she quickly said, "Wait here," before darting back inside the house.
Moments later, another figure emerged—a woman who was clearly the girl's mother. Her resemblance to both the younger girl and Hinata was startling, though her hair was streaked with hints of gray, and her movements carried a practiced grace. She approached them with measured steps, her hands clasped in front of her as though performing a ritual. The younger girl trailed behind her like a shadow.
"Oh… you really showed up," the woman said, her voice carrying a note of surprise but also warmth.
"Yes…?" Hinata replied cautiously, mirroring the woman's surprise. The encounter was already stranger than any of them had anticipated.
The woman bowed deeply, her daughter mimicking the motion. "I'm Hinoshita Rei, and this is my daughter, Mio. To be honest, I wasn't ever really sure you would come around."
Hinata fidgeted nervously, pressing her fingers together in a gesture Naruto hadn't seen in a long time. It was the Hinata of the Academy days—shy, unsure, and overwhelmed.
Rei continued, "We heard about you from my mother, of course. She met the last Shrine Maiden who came to purify the Toyama Shrine. I wasn't even born yet—she was just a little girl then, no older than my Mio."
"Shrine Maiden?" Naruto blurted, his confusion bubbling to the surface. "What's this about a Shrine Maiden? We're ninja, y'know?" He flicked his Leaf headband for emphasis. "We're going to the island for a—"
"To purify the shrine!" Hinata interrupted him suddenly, her words spilling out in a frantic rush. Naruto froze, realizing he'd almost revealed their true purpose, but keeping the Moonfire Blossom a secret was critical.
Rei's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Really? I'm so honored you've finally come around. I thought we might have to wait until Mio was old enough to operate the boat."
Hinata gave a small, awkward nod, clearly struggling to navigate the lie she'd just committed to. "Yes… um… the shrine must be purified by twilight."
Rei's expression softened, though a trace of concern crept into her eyes. "I see. That is… unusual timing. But of course, we'll do what we can to accommodate you."
Shino stepped in. "We need to be there tonight. It's of the utmost urgency."
Rei tilted her head, her smile faltering slightly. "I understand. But I must explain: only the Shrine Maiden is permitted to set foot on Toyama Island. Your guards will have to remain here."
"Guards?" Kiba sputtered, clearly offended by the mislabeling. He gestured toward his headband. "We're ninja! Not—"
"It's fine, Kiba-kun," Hinata interrupted softly but firmly. She turned to the group, her expression calm but strained. "Please, wait here. I'll be back tonight."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest but stopped when he saw her face. There was a quiet determination in her eyes that he couldn't argue with. "Fine…" he muttered, throwing his hands behind his head in frustration. "Just don't take too long."
Rei gestured toward the dock, inviting Hinata to follow her. "Shall we, then?"
Hinata hesitated for a moment, turning back to her team one last time. "Thank you, everyone… I'll be back soon."
"Don't worry about us," Kiba said with a grin. "Just do what you gotta do."
Shino gave her a slight nod. "We'll be here."
Hinata's lips quirked into a small, tentative smile as she turned away and followed Rei to the dock. The small boat creaked as she stepped aboard, and Mio untied the mooring rope with practiced ease. The team watched in silence as the boat glided away from the shore, carrying Hinata toward the island. The sight of the lone vessel against the vast ocean stirred an unspoken unease among them.
Naruto and the others watched as the boat disappeared into the horizon, its silhouette growing smaller against the backdrop of the setting sun. The faint sound of waves crashing against the docks filled the silence that lingered after Hinata's departure.
"Well, shall we head inside then?" Mio asked, breaking the tension as she slipped her hands into her pockets. Her tone was casual, almost dismissive, as if she were commenting on the weather rather than addressing three tense Shinobi who clearly weren't at ease. Despite her resemblance to her mother, her personality was strikingly different—sharp and to the point, with none of Rei's warm grace.
She gestured toward the small house, her posture relaxed. "It's just my grandma and me until mom gets back with the shrine maiden, but we can set out some tea and senbei. That work for you guys?"
"Thank you for the offer," Shino replied politely, though he remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the surrounding area rather than the house. "Please, head inside first. We'll follow shortly."
Mio raised an eyebrow, clearly catching on to his unusually formal tone. "You're not gonna, like, run after them or something if I do, are you?" she asked bluntly, suspicion tinging her words. Her gaze shifted between Shino, Kiba, and Naruto, her sharp eyes catching the subtle tension in their stances.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, offering a nervous laugh to deflect the question. In truth, the idea had crossed his mind, but he wasn't about to admit that now. "Nah, we're not that reckless."
Mio didn't look convinced. She turned back to Shino, her gaze narrowing. "I mean it. You guys stay here. That boat's not coming back for anyone, no matter how fast you are."
"It's okay," Shino reassured her, his voice calm but carrying a weight that made Kiba and Naruto both stand a little straighter. "You don't need to worry about us." He paused, and his tone dropped, becoming as cold and sharp as a blade. "But do me a favor: head inside and don't come back out until we say it's safe."
Something in his voice made Mio hesitate. She glanced between them again, her suspicion giving way to a flicker of unease. Whatever Shino saw or knew, it wasn't something she wanted to get involved with. She gave a small nod and turned toward the house, jogging to the door.
As she slipped inside, she cast one last glance over her shoulder. "Don't go dying or anything. Mom wouldn't let me hear the end of it."
With a final click of the lock, the door shut behind her, leaving the three Shinobi alone. For a moment, the sound of the waves was the only thing breaking the silence.
Naruto broke the silence first, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Alright, Shino," he said, his tone clipped. "What's going on? You don't just tell someone not to come outside unless something's up."
Shino adjusted his glasses, the faint gleam of the lenses obscuring his eyes. "I've been keeping tabs on the situation since our last battle," he began, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of urgency. "I left a number of my Kikaichu behind to monitor any Shinobi who entered the area. Five groups have passed through since then."
"Five!?" Kiba interrupted, his voice rising in alarm. Akamaru let out a low growl as if echoing his partner's unease. "And you're just now telling us this?"
"I'm getting to that," Shino replied, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Of those five groups, four have moved away from our location. However, one has been tracking us steadily. My insects confirm that they're moving in this direction and will likely arrive in approximately thirty minutes."
Naruto and Kiba exchanged a sharp glance. The air around them seemed to grow heavier, the weight of Shino's words sinking in.
"Thirty minutes?" Kiba said, his voice quieter now, tinged with disbelief. "And you've known this whole time?"
"I didn't mention it earlier because it was irrelevant to our mission," Shino explained, his tone still calm but carrying an edge of steel. "Our objective is to retrieve the Moonfire Blossom and save Kurenai-sensei. I didn't want to distract Hinata from her role as captain or jeopardize her resolve to go forward. Now that she's gone ahead, the situation has changed. We must decide how to handle this without compromising her mission."
Naruto bristled at the logic, even though he couldn't argue against it. He hated the idea of leaving Hinata to deal with everything alone, but Shino was right. Hinata couldn't afford distractions, especially not now. His fists clenched tightly at his sides as frustration warred with determination inside him.
"We can't let them get anywhere near her," Naruto said, his voice low but firm. He glanced toward the wooden dock where Hinata had disappeared with Rei just moments ago. "She's counting on us."
"Right," Kiba agreed, though his tone was less certain. "But what do we do? If these guys are anything like the ones from last time, we're screwed. You saw what they were capable of."
Naruto turned to Kiba, his face set in a determined scowl. "Then we don't let it happen like last time," he said. "We make sure we're ready for them. This time, we fight them head-on, and we win."
Kiba's eyes widened. "You can't be serious, Naruto. We barely survived before! If these guys are after you, you think they're gonna hold back? They're not here to mess around."
"That's why we've got to stop them here," Naruto shot back, his voice rising with conviction. "If we just run and hide, they'll keep coming. But if we take them down now, Hinata won't have to look over her shoulder while she's on the island."
"Bold, as always," Shino said, his tone unreadable. "But boldness alone isn't enough. Do you have a plan?"
Naruto's grin turned feral, his blue eyes burning with determination. "The plan's simple: I lead them away. They're after me, right? So if I make myself the bait, you guys can flank them. Together, we'll take them out."
Kiba groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "You're insane, you know that? But damn it, you've got a point." He dropped to one knee, running a hand through Akamaru's fur. "We'll back you up, but don't go pulling any stunts that'll get you killed."
Naruto flashed a wide grin, his teeth glinting in the sunlight. "Don't worry about me, Kiba. I've got a lot more tricks up my sleeve than last time."
Shino gave a small nod of approval. "If this is the plan, we need to act quickly. I'll position my Kikaichu in advance to monitor their movements and adjust our strategy as needed."
Naruto clenched his fists, feeling a surge of adrenaline course through him. This was his chance to prove himself, not just to his team but to Hinata as well. He wouldn't let her down. As the team moved toward the edge of the compound to prepare for the inevitable confrontation, he glanced back toward the sea, silently willing Hinata to succeed.
"Alright," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "Let's give them a fight they'll never forget."
Kimimaro stepped out of the forest and into the golden glow of the setting sun. The ocean stretched out before him, a vast expanse of shimmering orange and gold, the waves catching the last light of day as they rolled gently toward the shore. The wind carried the sharp tang of salt, mingling with the faint scent of damp earth from the forest behind him. It was serene, a moment of quiet beauty that felt at odds with the storm brewing in his chest.
He paused on the hillside, his pale hand raised to shield his eyes from the brilliance of the sunlight. He could hear the distant cries of gulls and the rustle of leaves behind him as the sea breeze rolled over the hill. For a moment, it was almost peaceful.
But peace was not for him.
He turned slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the forest's edge where the shadows clung stubbornly to the ground. Their guide, Zetsu, had vanished as silently as it had appeared, melting back into the underbrush without a word. Kimimaro's lips tightened. If Zetsu had disappeared, it could only mean one thing: his target was near.
"Tayuya," he said, his voice low but commanding. He didn't need to raise it; she would hear him.
"I already know," came her curt reply, her figure just barely visible beneath the forest's dense canopy. She stood in the shadows, leaning casually against a tree as if the weight of what they were about to do didn't faze her. The harsh sunlight didn't touch her there, but the tension in her stance betrayed her calm façade.
She lifted her flute to her lips and stepped deeper into the forest's embrace, disappearing into the darkness. Moments later, the haunting notes of her melody drifted out, rising and falling like a sinister lullaby. The sound carried with it an almost tangible force, and soon, heavy footsteps emerged from the shadows.
From the depths of the forest came three hulking figures, their grotesque forms towering over even Kimimaro. They were monstrous, their warped bodies covered in scars and bulging muscles that seemed to twist unnaturally beneath their skin. Each step they took was heavy, deliberate, the ground trembling faintly beneath their weight. They resembled ogres from a myth, creatures born not of nature but of violence and suffering.
Kimimaro's lips curved into a faint smirk as the three creatures lumbered past him, their obedience unquestioning as they marched to Tayuya's tune. He turned to follow, but as he took his first step, a sudden jolt ran through his body. His smirk faltered. It felt as though an earthquake had erupted within him, shaking him to his very core. His knees buckled slightly, and his hand instinctively flew to his mouth.
A wet, ragged cough escaped him, and a spatter of crimson bloomed across his palm. He stared at it for a moment, his blood stark against his pale skin, before closing his fist tightly. The music stopped, and the ogres froze in place, their dull, lifeless eyes fixed on him.
"Pay it no mind," he snapped, his voice sharp and forceful despite the strain it carried. He straightened his posture, ignoring the way his chest burned with the effort, and took another step forward. The music resumed, the ogres lumbering forward once more, and Kimimaro followed, his stride purposeful even as his body protested every movement.
Each step felt heavier than the last, the rhythmic pounding of his feet echoing in his ears like thunder. Breathing itself was an act of defiance, every inhale a battle against the crushing weight that threatened to consume him. His body was betraying him, breaking down piece by piece, and yet his resolve remained unshaken. He had known from the moment he left the hideout that this would be his final mission. The treatments Kabuto had administered to keep his body functioning had been left behind, and with them, any hope of survival.
But hope was never what Kimimaro sought. He had no use for it. All that mattered was fulfilling his purpose, serving Orochimaru until his final breath.
The Hyūga girl had ruined everything, disrupting Orochimaru's plans and leaving a blemish on his lord's ambitions. That stain was his to erase, his final offering to the man who had given him meaning when he had none. To wipe her from existence would be his last act, the culmination of a life lived in service.
His grip on his purpose was all that kept him moving forward. As the hill sloped downward and the port town came into view, Kimimaro's gaze locked onto it with unwavering determination. The town was bathed in the dying light of day, its brick walls glowing a warm orange as smoke curled lazily from chimneys into the twilight sky. The sounds of distant voices and the occasional cry of a gull drifted up the hill, but Kimimaro heard none of it. The world around him had narrowed to a single point, his vision tunneling toward the task ahead.
Behind him, the music of Tayuya's flute swelled, and the ogres moved with an almost mechanical precision, their massive forms casting long shadows in the fading sunlight. For a moment, the thought crossed his mind that Tayuya might have her own motives for accompanying him. Perhaps she sought something in this mission beyond loyalty to Orochimaru. But whatever her reasons, they were irrelevant.
All that mattered now was the mission. The Hyūga girl was near, and his final battle awaited. He would see it through to the end, even if it meant stepping into the abyss with her.
"Yo, I've been waiting for ya!"
The voice cut through Kimimaro's thoughts like a kunai through paper, jarring him back to the present. He had been so focused on forcing one foot in front of the other, each step feeling heavier than the last, that he hadn't even realized he'd reached the shadow of the city walls. The blazing sunlight of the hill gave way to a cool shade, the towering brick walls casting a long, soothing shadow over him.
Kimimaro's gaze shifted to the source of the voice—a figure standing confidently just a few paces ahead. A boy, barely a man, with bright blond hair and an orange jumpsuit that stood out like fire against the muted tones of the city walls. The boy had his arms crossed and a wide, cocky grin plastered across his face.
"You are…" Kimimaro's voice was low, dispassionate, though his sharp eyes scrutinized the figure before him. He didn't recognize him personally, yet something about him was unmistakable. "Blond hair… that orange jumpsuit… There's no doubt about it." He spoke as if piecing together a puzzle, the pieces aligning in his mind. This was the Jinchūriki—the boy Tobi had spoken of.
Yet Kimimaro's interest waned as quickly as it had flared. The boy wasn't his concern. "Where is the Hyūga girl you're with?" His voice was steady, cold, and direct, his question leaving no room for negotiation.
Naruto's confident smirk faltered for just a moment, his bravado giving way to a flicker of surprise. But it was only for an instant. The smirk returned, broader than before, and the boy planted his feet firmly in the ground.
"If you wanna know that… you're gonna have to beat me first, y'know!" Naruto declared, his voice loud and brimming with determination. He jabbed a thumb at his chest, his cerulean eyes gleaming with resolve. The words were bold, reckless even, but they carried a weight that Kimimaro couldn't ignore.
Kimimaro tilted his head, his cold gaze narrowing slightly. "Beat you?" He sighed, leaning his head to the side, exposing his shoulder in an almost lazy gesture. "Well… I did make a deal," he muttered, his voice tinged with mild irritation, as though entertaining this fight was more of a chore than a challenge. In truth, Kimimaro had no intention of honoring any promise to Tobi. He didn't care about the boy or the fox sealed inside him. His only goal was the Hyūga girl.
Still, if defeating this boy would bring her out of hiding, it was worth the effort.
"Don't worry," Kimimaro said, his voice low and cold as the first white shard of bone began to pierce through his shoulder. "I won't kill you."
With deliberate precision, he reached up and gripped the emerging bone, pulling it free from his flesh. The wet, sickening sound of tearing skin accompanied the motion, blood dripping down his arm and splattering onto the dirt below. Almost immediately, his body healed itself, the gory wound knitting back together as though it had never been.
Naruto's confident smirk didn't falter. Instead, it widened as he pointed at Kimimaro. "Eh, don't think you could even if you tried!" he shot back, his voice as bold as ever. He jabbed his thumb at his chest again. "The name's Uzumaki Naruto! And this time, I'm not sitting back and waiting for the fight to come to me! I'm bringing it to you, got that?"
Kimimaro's narrowed eyes flashed with a glint of something between irritation and intrigue. There was no hesitation in the boy's stance, no fear in his voice. And yet, something about this situation felt… off.
He couldn't shake the feeling. This boy had walked straight into his path, standing out in the open like bait on a hook. It didn't add up. Was this a shadow clone, a decoy meant to distract him while the real target slipped away? The thought gnawed at the edge of his mind.
"It doesn't matter," Kimimaro muttered, dismissing the thought as he gestured to the three ogres standing behind him. The massive, hulking figures, still swaying to the haunting tune of Tayuya's flute, moved with purpose as he gave the signal.
The ground trembled beneath their heavy footsteps as they charged toward Naruto, their grotesque forms casting long shadows across the dirt.
"Moku Bunshin no Jutsu!" Naruto's voice rang out, and in an instant, a dozen wooden clones sprang to life around him.
Kimimaro's eyes widened, his cold composure cracking for a fleeting moment. "Wood clones?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the ogres' charge. His sharp mind raced to process what he was seeing. The Mokuton, the legendary Wood Release. This was no ordinary clone technique. That meant…
"This is the real one," he muttered to himself, realization dawning. The boy wasn't a decoy after all. This was the real Naruto Uzumaki, standing before him with the power of the First Hokage flowing through him.
"What are you thinking?" Kimimaro growled, his voice low and menacing as he took a deep breath. Energy surged through his body, the pain and fatigue momentarily forgotten as his blood boiled with the thrill of battle.
Naruto grinned, his kunai gleaming in his hand as he crouched low, ready to charge. "I already told you!" he shouted, his voice echoing with unwavering determination.
"This time, I'm the one bringing the fight to you!"
Kimimaro's lips pressed into a thin line as he prepared for the clash. The ogres swung their massive limbs at the wooden clones, while Naruto darted toward him with blazing speed. Kimimaro tightened his grip on his bone blade, the air around him seeming to crackle with tension.
For the first time in a long while, Kimimaro felt something stir within him. It wasn't excitement, not exactly. It was closer to anticipation—a grim certainty that this battle would decide everything. His last battle. His final act of service.
Chapter End
AN: The Hinoshita（日野下）clan are cousins of the Hyūga（日向）
If the Hyūga clan are those who "face the sun," then the Hinoshita are those who live in the "fields under the sun". Or something like that. I just chose a name related to sun, since it seemed to be an important theme of the Hyūga clan.