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.

9. Chapter 9: Petals of Perdition

Chapter 9: Petals of Perdition

"Wow, that was really awesome, Kimiko! You were so smart and so fast—Kakashi-sensei was even impressed! You're a really cool kunoichi, you know!" Naruto's voice rang out, as loud and enthusiastic as ever. Kimiko smiled faintly, her crimson eyes meeting his for a moment before she replied, her tone soft but warm.

"Thank you, Naruto. That means a lot," she said, her gaze flickering to Sasuke, who walked silently on her other side, seemingly lost in thought.

Naruto's grin widened, but Sasuke remained quiet, his dark eyes focused ahead. Kimiko wondered briefly what he was thinking—replaying the test, perhaps, or evaluating her performance. He wasn't the type to hand out compliments easily, but his silence was telling in its own way.

The streets of Konoha bustled around them, villagers going about their day as the trio made their way through the familiar paths. Despite the noise, Kimiko's thoughts lingered on Kakashi-sensei.

She wasn't surprised that he'd dismissed them so quickly. He didn't strike her as the type of teacher to hover. Instead, she suspected he'd let them find their own way, stepping in only when necessary. A guiding hand rather than a constant presence. Still, she couldn't help but feel curious—why had someone as renowned as the Copy Ninja been assigned to their team? Naruto and Sasuke's potential was obvious, but did that mean she was expected to meet the same standard? The thought was both daunting and exhilarating.

Kimiko glanced at her teammates. They were an odd trio—Naruto's boundless energy, Sasuke's intense focus, and her quiet determination. But there was something there, she thought. If they could learn to trust one another, to see past their differences, maybe they could truly become a formidable team even early on.

"Oh, Ichiraku Ramen!" Naruto blurted out as they strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha. His face lit up like a child on a festival day as the familiar stand came into view. Pointing eagerly, he added, "Perfect timing—I'm starving! Kimiko-chan, wanna come eat?"

Kimiko glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. His excitement was infectious, even after the long day they'd had. "Sure, Naruto. I'll treat you today."

Naruto's blue eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a delighted whoop, practically skipping toward the stand. "Ramen! You're the best, Kimiko-chan!" he called back, his voice brimming with joy.

Kimiko chuckled softly, her gaze shifting to Sasuke, who followed a step behind them. His expression was as stoic as ever, but his dark eyes betrayed a quiet intensity, as if he were lost in thought. She slowed her pace slightly to match his stride.

"How about you, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, her tone light but tinged with genuine curiosity. "Do you want to eat with us?"

Sasuke's gaze flicked to her briefly, his face unreadable. For a moment, it seemed as though he might join them, but then he shook his head. "I need to train," he said curtly. Turning on his heel, he leapt onto a nearby rooftop with effortless grace. "See ya," he called over his shoulder, disappearing into the evening shadows.

Kimiko's smile faltered slightly as she watched him go. There was a weight he carried, one he never spoke of but that clung to him like a shadow. He's always so driven, always so distant. One day… we'll have to talk about it. His family. Itachi…

She sighed quietly, adjusting her stride toward the stand.

As she approached Ichiraku Ramen, the warm scent of simmering broth and freshly cooked noodles wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. The soft clatter of chopsticks and muted chatter of other customers filled the air, adding to the cozy ambiance. She pulled back the curtain with a graceful motion and stepped inside.

"Teuchi-sama, Ayame-san," Kimiko greeted with a polite incline of her head. The familiarity of the place, with its worn wooden counters and cheerful lighting, immediately put her at ease. She wasn't as familiar with the proprietors as Naruto was, who, undoubtedly, was their favorite customer, but her mother was quite friendly with Ayame and Teuchi, and so Kimiko spent a few moments here.

"Kimiko-chan!" Ayame's voice rang out warmly as she turned from the counter. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the young kunoichi's appearance. "It's been so long—you've grown so much! And you're so beautiful now, just like your mother and sister."

Kimiko felt her cheeks warm slightly, but she responded with a poised smile. "Thank you, Ayame-san. But I think you're being too kind—I couldn't possibly match your charm."

Ayame's cheeks flushed pink, and Teuchi let out a hearty laugh as he stirred a steaming pot of broth. "You've always been a polite one, Kimiko. A bowl for you, coming right up!"

Sliding onto a stool beside Naruto, Kimiko rested her elbows lightly on the counter. Naruto was already halfway through his first bowl, his exuberance evident in every noisy slurp.

"You're the best, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto said between mouthfuls, noodles dangling from his chopsticks.

Kimiko watched him with a soft smile, her eyes warm. His unbridled enthusiasm was a stark contrast to the quiet resolve she'd seen in Sasuke moments earlier. But somehow, it felt comforting—like a reminder of simpler times.

"Itadakimasu," Kimiko murmured, bowing her head slightly as Ayame placed a steaming bowl of ramen in front of her. The rich aroma of miso and soy wafted up, and her stomach gave a faint, involuntary growl. She felt her cheeks warm at Ayame's amused smile but quickly picked up her chopsticks.

The ramen was as delicious as ever, the perfect blend of salty broth and chewy noodles. Naruto, on her left, was already halfway through his bowl, loudly slurping with unabashed enthusiasm.

"Ah, that hit the spot!" Naruto declared, rubbing his inflated belly as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm telling you, this is the best place in all of Konoha!"

Kimiko chuckled softly, setting down her empty chopsticks and turning to Naruto. "Naruto," she began, her tone light yet inquisitive, "why didn't you ask Sasuke-kun to eat with us?"

Naruto tilted his head, genuinely confused. "Huh?" He blinked before scratching his cheek sheepishly. "Oh. I didn't think he'd want to, you know?"

Kimiko sighed softly, shifting in her seat to face him. "Regardless of whether you think he'd want to or not, you should still ask him. He's your teammate."

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms. "Tell him that," he snapped, but the sharpness in his voice faltered when Kimiko raised a single brow in silent reprimand. "...It's stupid," he muttered, slumping slightly. "He just—he just acts like he's better than me, you know? Like I'm not worth his time."

Kimiko studied him for a moment, considering her next words carefully. "I won't argue that Sasuke could stand to be a bit friendlier," she admitted, her voice measured. "But as his teammates, it's our responsibility to find common ground. Sometimes that means seeing things from his perspective."

Naruto glanced at her skeptically. "What do you mean by that?"

Kimiko folded her hands neatly on the counter, her eyes thoughtful. "To him, we're likely nuisances," she said softly, knowing it wasn't entirely true but choosing to phrase it that way for Naruto's benefit. "Sasuke has always been exceptionally skilled, so he probably sees us as holding him back. That's why he isolates himself. But the bell test showed him that teamwork is essential. It planted the idea in his mind—we just have to nurture it."

Naruto scratched his chin, his expression torn between resistance and understanding. "Alright," he said slowly, "but why do I have to be the one to reach out first?"

Kimiko tilted her head, her expression gentle. "You don't have to. But remember what Kakashi-sensei said. Reaching out shows that you care—not just about him, but about the team. It shows you're willing to grow. Sometimes, being a good team mate means taking the first step, even if it's hard."

Naruto slumped a little more, her words sinking in. Finally, he sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine, I'll try. But if he gets all 'I'm better than you' again, don't blame me if I snap!"

Kimiko smiled, her tone warm. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Naruto-kun."

Hopefully, that would make things with her team go a bit smoother.

–

"Thought I'd find you here," Kimiko said softly as she stepped into the training grounds. The air was filled with the faint smell of burnt wood and the metallic tang of shuriken embedded in dozens of training dummies. Two of the dummies bore scorch marks, evidence of Sasuke's fire jutsu. At the center of it all stood Sasuke, panting lightly as he yanked a shuriken from one of the dummies. He turned at the sound of her voice, offering the barest of nods in acknowledgment.

"That obvious?" he asked, moving to retrieve another shuriken.

Kimiko crossed her arms, her gaze thoughtful as she studied him. It was obvious. Sasuke would choose a public training ground over the Uchiha Compound any day. She couldn't blame him—what child would want to linger in a place haunted by memories of unimaginable pain?

"You're still training even after the bell test. As diligent as ever," Kimiko said, her voice quiet but warm. She walked over to one of the discarded shuriken, picking it up and examining its polished surface, where her reflection stared back at her.

"Mmhm," Sasuke muttered. "Do you need the training ground? I was just about to leave."

"No," Kimiko replied, her gaze steady on him. "I was wondering why you didn't join us for lunch earlier." She tilted her head slightly, watching the way his shoulders stiffened at her words.

"I wasn't hungry," he said curtly, his voice flat.

Kimiko frowned. She could always tell when Sasuke was lying. "Be that as it may," she began, her tone gentle but firm, "wouldn't it be prudent to spend time with the team? Didn't Kakashi-sensei just stress the importance of camaraderie and teamwork?"

Sasuke grunted, yanking another shuriken free. "We already proved we can work together. That's all we need."

"How can you expect us to function at our best if you're not even willing to try to connect with us outside of missions?" Kimiko countered, her voice steady. "Or if you're not willing to let us connect with you?"

"You don't need to know anything about me," Sasuke snapped, finally turning to face her. "We just need to make sure Naruto doesn't mess up the mission."

"Naruto isn't dead weight," Kimiko said sharply, her crimson eyes narrowing. "He's reckless, yes, but that doesn't make him useless. He might surprise you—he could even surpass us both someday."

Sasuke scoffed. "We'll see," he said dismissively, turning his back on her.

Kimiko's next words came quietly, almost a whisper, but they stopped him in his tracks. "One of my biggest regrets was not going against my father when he told me not to visit you after…that night."

Sasuke froze, his hand tightening around the shuriken he held.

"I tried to be there for you," Kimiko continued, her voice heavy with sincerity. "But you pushed everyone away, and I…I didn't try hard enough. You didn't deserve to be alone."

"Stop it," Sasuke hissed, spinning around to glare at her, his expression a storm of anger and pain. "You don't understand—"

"I don't," Kimiko interrupted gently, her tone unwavering. "And I won't pretend to. But I'm here now, Sasuke. And I'm not going to let you face everything alone anymore."

She stepped closer, her movements swift but unthreatening, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. Reaching out, she placed the shuriken back into his hand, her fingers brushing his for the briefest moment.

"All I'm asking is for you to give us a chance," she said softly, her crimson eyes meeting his dark ones. "Give me a chance. Give Naruto a chance. Together, we can become stronger. But only if you let us."

For a moment, the tension between them hung heavy in the air. Sasuke's grip on the shuriken slackened slightly, and he looked away, his gaze distant. "You're stubborn," he muttered, his voice low. "Fine. We need to make sure that Naruto won't drag us down, anyway."

Kimiko allowed herself a small, serene smile. "Stubborn, huh?" She shook her head. "You're one to talk."

Of course, they didn't actually have time to train the day after, given they were summoned to the Hokage's office for their first mission that very morning.

The Hokage's office was as grand as Kimiko expected, yet there was an understated charm to it. Scrolls lined the walls, neatly organized yet hinting at the weight of history and knowledge contained within. The large windows let in the morning sunlight, casting golden streaks over the polished wooden floors and the Hokage's ornate desk. Behind it sat the Third Hokage, his red and white hat resting on the side—a symbol of authority quietly waiting.

Kimiko's gaze drifted across the room, pausing at a photograph on the wall. A younger Asuma stood beside an equally youthful Hiruzen and Biwako, her serene smile framed by a light scarf. A pang of emotion tightened Kimiko's chest as memories flickered—the woman who had reassured her worried parents about her chakra maturation, convincing her mother to let Kimiko pursue the path of a shinobi.

Kimiko glanced at her teammates as they sat beside her. Naruto fidgeted restlessly, his wide blue eyes darting around the room with the excitement of a puppy seeing something new. Sasuke, as expected, was stoic, his arms crossed as if he'd rather be anywhere else. Meanwhile, Kakashi leaned casually against the doorframe, raising a hand in greeting.

"Ohayo, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said lazily.

The Third Hokage didn't seem fazed by Kakashi's informality or Naruto's jitteriness. Despite his age, his presence filled the room with quiet authority. His face might have been weathered and gaunt, but his posture remained unyielding. Kimiko felt his chakra—vast and ancient, like a stone mountain weathered by time yet standing resolute, its peak crowned by swirling elemental storms. Beneath it, there was a faint, almost imperceptible rumble—a slumbering ape, observing and patient.

"Hoh," Hiruzen said, his gaze warm as it settled on the three of them. "Your first mission as a team. I must say, it feels like just yesterday that you were all much smaller. Why, young Kimiko-chan over there wa—"

"AAAH, GET ON WITH IT, GRAMPS!" Naruto's loud voice shattered the Hokage's reminiscing. He jabbed a finger in Hiruzen's direction, his impatience written all over his face.

Kimiko sighed inwardly, though a flicker of amusement tugged at her lips. Typical Naruto.

Hiruzen tsked softly but didn't seem offended. Instead, he cleared his throat, his voice gaining a touch of playful gravitas. "Patience, Naruto. A shinobi must learn to listen before they act." He retrieved a scroll from his desk, unfolding it deliberately. "Now then, your mission…" The Hokage lifted his eyes from the scroll, his expression serious. "A request has been put in by the mayor of a town on the outskirts of Konoha. It seems that their town has been under attack…"

Kimiko's chest tightened. Her eyes darted to Naruto, whose jaw dropped dramatically, and even Sasuke leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes narrowing. This is strange... Genin missions are supposed to be simple—catching cats, babysitting brats—not dangerous assignments. Did I somehow mess things up? Have I already disrupted events and triggered something bigger than I imagined?

The Hokage continued, his tone steady, "...by a troupe of mischievous monkeys, who have been stealing food and wreaking havoc in the market square."

Naruto's jaw dropped, and with an exaggerated groan, he flopped backward in his chair, nearly tipping it over. Sasuke's faint scowl deepened as he turned his head, clearly unimpressed. Kimiko blinked, caught between relief and disbelief, before a soft giggle escaped her lips. She quickly raised her hand to cover it as the Hokage's low chuckle reverberated through the room.

"Whaaat?! You made it sound like some big, dangerous mission!" Naruto shouted, leaping to his feet. His finger jabbed at the Hokage, his face scrunched in indignation. "You did that on purpose, didn't you, Gramps?"

Hiruzen's smile widened, his amusement evident. "Every mission has its purpose, Naruto. Even the smallest tasks can teach a shinobi valuable lessons. Every team starts somewhere."

"Yeah, somewhere better than chasing a bunch of monkeys!" Naruto shot back, throwing his hands in the air.

"You'd be surprised, Naruto," Kakashi interjected lazily from his spot by the door. His tone was as nonchalant as ever, but his single visible eye crinkled with amusement. "Sometimes, the simplest missions can be the most challenging."

Naruto groaned again, collapsing back into his chair in defeat. Sasuke, meanwhile, crossed his arms, his dark eyes narrowing as he muttered under his breath, "A waste of time."

"It isn't," Kimiko replied, her tone firm yet measured as she turned to Sasuke, her eyes locking onto his with quiet resolve. "Just because the townsfolk's problems aren't grand doesn't mean they're not important. Every mission matters, no matter how small. Besides, this one actually ranks higher than most D-Rank missions. At least we're not pulling weeds or babysitting."

True enough, missions involving wild animals or their containment were typically classified as C-Rank. However, there was some flexibility in the ranking system. If both the contractors and the shinobi agreed that the animals were more of a nuisance than a true danger, the mission could be adjusted accordingly. This approach allowed for tailored mission parameters, addressing situations that didn't meet the standard criteria for danger but still required skilled intervention to resolve.

Sasuke's expression flickered, the slightest trace of surprise crossing his features before he looked away, his jaw tightening. Kimiko held his gaze for a moment longer before shifting her attention to the Hokage. She inclined her head respectfully, her voice steady and sincere. "Thank you for entrusting us with this mission, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen's gaze softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I see that one of your students is very mature, Kakashi. You are right, Kimiko. A true shinobi understands that even the smallest tasks hold value." He nodded approvingly.

As they were dismissed, Kimiko made sure to give Naruto a pat on the shoulder, Sasuke too. "Cheer up," she said in her serene tone. "Maybe we'd get to befriend a few monkeys along the way. Ain't no business like monkey business," She smirked, and from behind her, she could hear her sensei laugh.

—

It wasn't more than a few hours worth of travel from Konoha to the little town. It was surprising to Kimiko how fast ninja could travel given how their constant training of chakra made them quite fast, faster than any non-trained human could be if they exerted even the tiniest bits of effort. What Kimiko reckoned would have been more than two days worth of travel in a carriage was completed in less than half the time, given how she was pretty sure it was only a little past noon when they arrived at the town's gates.

"Wow, they even called the mayor out to greet us," Naruto whispered loudly as they descended from the treetops, his gaze darting between the portly man and the two spear-wielding guards flanking him.

Kimiko gave Naruto a sidelong glance, her serene smile hiding her own thoughts. The guards' hands tightened around their spears, eyes flitting nervously to Kakashi. Their unease was palpable—likely a reflex from seeing shinobi up close. For most civilians who didn't live inside Ninja Villages, ninja were dangerous and unpredictable, best treated with cautious reverence.

"Konnichiwa," greeted the mayor, inclining his head slightly. Despite his formal tone, he seemed more at ease with their presence than his guards. "Are you the ninja sent to handle our…problem?"

"Konnichiwa," Kakashi replied lazily, raising a hand in greeting. "Yes, we're here about the monkeys?"

"Yes, the monkeys," the mayor said with a sudden scowl. "They've been terrorizing the market, stealing food, jewelry, and anything else they can grab. It's been chaos!"

Kimiko stifled a smile as Naruto tilted his head, fascinated not by the monkeys but by the guards' straw hats. Sasuke remained his usual stoic self, though she noticed the faintest twitch of his eyebrow at the mention of the thefts.

"We can discuss it as we head to the market," Kakashi said, motioning for the mayor to lead the way. The mayor nodded, gesturing for his guards to follow, though they kept their distance from the shinobi. Kimiko fell into step behind Kakashi, her eyes sweeping the surroundings.

The town was smaller than Konoha but bustling with activity. Wooden houses lined the streets, their windows open to let in the midday light. Groups of men carrying axes and lumber passed by, their voices mingling with the sound of children playing before their parents hurriedly ushered them inside at the sight of ninja.

Kimiko couldn't help but notice the industrious air. For such a quaint place, it was alive with movement, the streets filled with workers hauling logs and square stones.

"Has this been an issue before?" Kakashi asked casually.

"Never," the mayor replied over his shoulder. "It started only a few weeks ago. They came in droves out of nowhere."

Kimiko hummed thoughtfully. "Excuse me," she said, her tone polite yet inquisitive. The mayor turned, clearly surprised to hear one of the younger ninjas of the group speaking. "Your town seems quite busy. Are you primarily a lumbering town?"

The mayor chuckled warmly. "Almost every town in the Land of Fire is, given our forests. But recently, we've been ramping up operations. A businessman from the capital invested heavily—wants to build a few inns here and expand the town."

That explained the flurry of construction. Kimiko glanced at Kakashi, who met her gaze briefly, a flicker of amusement in his single visible eye. So far, everything seemed straightforward—but ninja missions rarely stayed that way.

As they made their way across the paved streets, the sounds of monkey chatter grew louder, an almost rhythmic cacophony of screeches, hoots, and playful squeals. The group stopped before a makeshift barrier manned by two guards. Beyond it, the market square was a scene of chaotic hilarity.

Monkeys of various sizes swung through the air, flipping between stalls and balancing on poles. One particularly audacious monkey wore layers of gold and silver necklaces, strutting like royalty while dragging a sack of pearls. Another hurled bananas like boomerangs, cackling as its comrades caught them mid-air. A smaller one scurried across the ground, wielding a broom like a sword, chasing after two others who tumbled away in exaggerated rolls.

Naruto leaned over the railing, laughing loudly as he pointed at the broom-wielding monkey. "Ha! Look at that guy! He's got moves!"

Kimiko reached over and patted Naruto on the head, gently tugging him back from leaning too far. "Try not to fall in, Naruto-kun," she said, her tone light but firm.

The mayor, however, looked far from amused. His face was red, his hands wringing in frustration. "Our town has come to a standstill because of these pests! They steal food, jewelry—anything they can get their hands on. We tried handling it ourselves, but…" His voice trailed off, embarrassment overtaking him. "They proved more…formidable than expected."

Kimiko pressed her lips together to stifle a giggle as the mayor bowed low. "Please, we're counting on you."

Kakashi, book already in hand, gave a nonchalant nod. "Alright, we'll take it from here." He motioned to the guards, who hesitantly moved aside, opening the barrier. As they stepped through, Kakashi paused. "Hmm," he mused aloud. "This feels like a great learning opportunity."

He turned to the team, his visible eye crinkling in amusement. "Show me how you'd handle a situation like this."

Sasuke crossed his arms, muttering, "Ridiculous," under his breath. Naruto, meanwhile, jabbed a finger at their sensei. "You're just being lazy again, Kakashi-sensei! How'd someone like you even become a jonin?!"

Kimiko giggled softly, placing a placating hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto-kun, there's probably a reason he's letting us take the lead."

"Fine!" Naruto huffed, turning back toward the monkeys. With his usual exuberance, he bolted toward the center of the square, throwing his arms wide. "HEY!" he bellowed.

Kimiko sighed. "Naruto…" she started in a warning tone, but it was too late.

The monkeys froze mid-swing, dozens of beady eyes locking onto him. Naruto grinned broadly, flashing a thumbs-up. "Listen up! We're here to gather all of you and take you back to the wild, you know! So why not make it easy and cooperate, huh?"

For a moment, the square was silent.

Then an apple soared through the air, smacking Naruto squarely in the face.

A banana followed. Then another. And another.

"AAAH!" Naruto shrieked, scrambling to retreat as a barrage of fruit rained down on him. Sasuke weaved through the projectiles with his usual grace, though even he grunted in irritation when a particularly ripe tomato splattered against his sleeve. Kakashi, meanwhile, flipped a page of his book, casually sidestepping a flying pineapple without even glancing up.

Kimiko sighed, watching the chaos unfold. "Honestly," she muttered. In one swift motion, she unsheathed her tanto. The polished blade glinted as she moved, tracing precise arcs through the air. A split second later, the incoming barrage of fruit split into neat cubes, raining harmlessly to the ground.

The square fell silent, monkeys pausing to gape at the spectacle. Kimiko calmly sheathed her tanto, dusting her hands. "Now," she said, her tone soft, "shall we try something a bit more…coordinated?"

Behind her, Kakashi chuckled softly. "Impressive."

The monkeys, recovering quickly from the interruption, chattered loudly as they darted in all directions. Their speed and coordination were surprising, turning the square into a flurry of movement. One leapt onto the roof of a nearby stall, hooting mockingly, while another dashed away with a string of sausages slung over its shoulder.

Kimiko turned to Naruto, her eyes sharp. "Naruto, seriously. There are problems you can't just run headfirst into."

Naruto groaned, rubbing the spot on his forehead where the apple had struck him. "Yeah, yeah, I get it," he muttered, his tone halfway between sheepish and defiant.

Sasuke let out an irritated grunt but said nothing, his eyes already scanning the chaotic scene with the cool detachment of a predator sizing up its prey. Kimiko sighed softly. This is going to be a long day.

"Alright," she began, her voice cutting through the noise as she took charge. "Naruto, make as many clones as you can and get them to round up the monkeys. Focus on driving them toward the center of the square and away from the stalls."

Naruto perked up at the directive, grinning. "You got it!" In a puff of smoke, dozens of shadow clones filled the square, each taking off in a different direction with loud cries of, "Alright, monkeys, you're going down!"

Kimiko suppressed a small smile at Naruto's renewed enthusiasm before turning to Sasuke. "You and I will sweep the empty stores. There might be stragglers hiding in places the clones can't reach."

Sasuke gave a curt nod, already stepping toward the nearest stall. "Got it. Just don't slow me down."

Kimiko huffed lightly at his comment but chose not to rise to the bait. Instead, she focused on the task ahead. As the clones scattered to corral the mischievous primates, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of determination. These weren't the kinds of missions she'd dreamed of as a kunoichi, but there was something satisfying about solving even the most unexpected of problems.

Her gaze shifted toward the monkeys, some of whom were already engaging Naruto's clones in a game of high-speed tag.

This was going to be hard work, but Kimiko knew one thing for certain—they'd get the job done.

"THERE, KIMIKO, SASUKE!" Naruto's voice rang out as the final monkey darted past him, agilely leaping onto his shoulders to evade his desperate tackle. The monkey somersaulted through the air with an almost taunting grace.

Sasuke reacted instantly, flashing forward to intercept, only to misjudge the monkey's speed. It sprang off his face like a springboard, leaving a faint footprint on his cheek as it propelled itself higher into the air.

Kimiko's crimson eyes narrowed, and her body flickered in a blur of speed. Her hand shot out, catching the monkey by its tail mid-flight. Pivoting on her heel, she used the momentum to swing the creature in a controlled arc, tossing it neatly into the wooden cage where its brethren sat, chittering in subdued defeat.

Naruto whooped, slamming the cage shut and thrusting his fists into the air. "WE DID IT! That'll show those monkeys! Time to head back and drop them off!" He grinned, sweat dripping down his temples, his boundless energy seemingly untouched despite the hours of pursuit.

Kimiko, however, remained still, her gaze fixed on the captured monkeys. Their antics subdued, they now sat huddled in the corner of the cage, their intelligent eyes darting around warily. Something about it felt…off.

"Well, time to return these boys back home!" Naruto cheered again, his voice breaking her concentration.

"Hold on," she said, her tone measured but firm. "I think it's too simple."

Sasuke, leaning against the cage with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow at her. "What's too simple? We rounded them up. Problem solved."

Kimiko met his gaze, her expression contemplative. "Releasing them back into the wild won't solve the root problem. There's a reason they started raiding the town in the first place." She raised her hand to call their sensei. "Sensei, I think we need to speak to the mayor again."

In a flash, Kakashi appeared in front of her, as if he'd been listening all along despite being engrossed in his book. "Yo," he greeted casually, his visible eye creasing in amusement.

Kimiko wasn't deterred by his nonchalant demeanor. "Sensei, something doesn't add up. These monkeys are smart, too smart for this to be random mischief. I want to know what's changed in this town recently to draw them here."

Kakashi's gaze lifted slightly from his book, studying her with newfound interest. "Hmm. Interesting theory," he said, tucking his book away. "Alright, let's go have a chat with the mayor. Lead the way."

Eventually, they made their way to the town's mayoral hall. The guards ushered them in without question, leading them directly to the mayor's office. Kimiko couldn't help but notice how the space seemed... newly furnished. The polished wood paneling and luxurious decor stood out against the otherwise modest town.

"Oh! The guards told me you've taken care of our problem!" The mayor greeted them eagerly, his round face lighting up as he clasped his hands together, rubbing them with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Perfect! We'll send the rest of the payment to the Hokage for a job well done. Feel free to stay in town for the night—we've reserved two rooms for you!" His bright voice carried an air of forced joviality, like someone keen to tie up loose ends quickly.

Kakashi remained silent, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he leaned back lazily, yet his eyes glinted with purpose as they flicked toward Kimiko. He wants them to take the lead, she realized.

"Mayor-dono," Kimiko began, her tone polite but probing, drawing the portly man's attention. "Forgive me for asking, but when did these attacks start?"

"A few weeks ago—roughly a month," the mayor replied, his brows furrowing slightly. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason," Kimiko said lightly, though her gaze remained sharp. "You also mentioned expanding the town recently. Did you have to clear part of the forest for that?"

The mayor crossed his arms, his expression growing defensive. "Young miss, I'll have you know that we received full approval from the capital before any expansion began. Inspectors came out and verified that we weren't in violation of any environmental laws."

Kimiko's brows knitted together, but she nodded thoughtfully. "And the approval process—how did you handle that?"

"Well, we didn't have to do much," the mayor said with a touch of pride, leaning back in his chair. "The construction company that handled the demolition took care of everything. They managed the paperwork, coordinated with the inspectors, and handled all the administrative requirements behind the scenes. A part of their premium service package, you know. We even had to hire a local contractor for the actual construction—part of the Fire Daimyo's new laws to empower local businesses."

Kimiko frowned, tilting her head slightly as she processed his words. Corruption. Even in something as mundane as town expansion, it was never far away. It seemed likely that the inspectors were in the contractor's pocket—a rubber stamp for operations, no matter the cost to the environment or nearby communities.

"And who recommended their services?" she asked, her tone calm but with an edge of curiosity.

"Ah, they were recommended by our investor," the mayor said, gesturing vaguely as if the details weren't important. "The construction company is associated with some foreign group—the Gato Company, I think?"

Gato Company? The name struck a chord, and Kimiko's eyes narrowed slightly. She'd heard that name before, but she couldn't quite place it. She made a mental note to research them later.

The mayor waved dismissively. "In any case, your jobs here are done! We'll just release the monkeys back into the wild, and—"

"That's unfair, you know!" Naruto interrupted, his voice sharp with indignation. His fists were clenched at his sides, his eyes blazing as he glared at the mayor. "You guys cleared away their homes—of course they're causing trouble now! They've got nowhere else to go!"

Kimiko noted the passion in Naruto's tone, the way he stood so firm even for a group of monkeys. That's what makes him different, she thought, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. That's what makes him Hokage material.

The mayor blinked, taken aback by Naruto's sudden outburst. "Well... the deed's already done," he stammered.

"And their food sources are gone too," Sasuke added in his usual detached tone, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but his words carried an edge of realism. "What do you expect them to do? They'll just move to another village and cause the same problems there."

"Exactly," Kimiko said, her tone measured as she stepped forward. "Releasing them into the wild won't solve anything. They'll either come back here or become a nuisance somewhere else. Calling this a 'job well done' might fulfill the mission by the letter, but it doesn't address the spirit of the problem."

The mayor opened his mouth to respond, but Kimiko raised a hand, her mind already working. "Wait. Would it be possible to house them somewhere near the town? Maybe in a different part of the forest that's similar to the one you cleared?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You want to relocate them? That sounds like a pain."

Naruto stepped forward, his expression resolute. "It's not a pain if it fixes the problem for good. We can find a spot and even build them a shelter or something!"

The mayor looked skeptical. "And who's going to pay for that? We don't have the resources to—"

"We'll figure it out," Kimiko said, cutting him off. Her gaze was steady, leaving no room for argument. "If the construction company is as 'premium' as you say, maybe they can contribute to the solution since they're the ones who displaced the monkeys in the first place. A goodwill gesture for the town they've profited from."

Sasuke scoffed faintly but didn't argue. Naruto nodded eagerly, already fired up. "Yeah! We can make this work!"

Kimiko turned to Kakashi, who had been quietly observing the exchange from the corner of the room, his usual book in hand. "Sensei, would you be able to reach out to the Gato Company and see if we can negotiate something? Or at least send word to the Hokage for advice?"

Kakashi looked up from his book with an approving eye smile. "Not bad, Kimiko. You've thought this through. I'll see what I can do."

The mayor sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Alright, alright. I'll allow it if you think it'll work. But I'm holding you all responsible if this plan backfires."

---

Their mission lasted longer than anticipated, but thankfully, the construction company was quick to respond. Within a day, they had received the requested funds. It helped that Kakashi signed the letter with his name and rank as a Jonin of Konoha. The company likely calculated that the small cost of financing the monkeys' relocation was a pittance compared to the potential trouble of Konoha-nin interference. At the end of the day, merchants and businessmen prioritized protecting their interests over moral debates.

Kimiko didn't know exactly how to feel about it. The company had essentially paid a "fine" to make the problem go away, and the ethical implications gnawed at her. Yet, even in her previous world, such problems often went unanswered. Pragmatism won out; at least they'd managed to provide the monkeys with a new home while keeping the townsfolk satisfied.

The team departed from the village two days later than planned. The journey back to Konoha was mercifully uneventful, giving Kimiko ample opportunity to pester her teammates for training during their camping stops. Early one morning, as the sun cast its first light over the trees, she woke Sasuke and Naruto and dragged them out of their tents.

"I don't know what kind of training we're doing, but it's not like dead last over there can keep up," Sasuke scoffed, arms crossed over his chest in his usual dismissive fashion.

Naruto shot him a fiery glare. "Stop trying to act cool, you know! You're not that special!" he bellowed, clenching his fists.

Kimiko sighed, raising her hand to silence them. "Hold on. We're not sparring. We'll save that for another time," she said calmly, eyeing the pair. Without further explanation, she reached into her pocket and produced a square of pink origami paper. Holding it between her fingers, she channeled her chakra with ease, folding it into a pristine, intricate flower before their eyes.

Naruto gawked at the display, his mouth hanging open. Even Sasuke, though trying to appear indifferent, watched with a flicker of interest.

"This," Kimiko began, holding up the finished flower, "is a chakra control exercise my nee-san taught me before I even entered the academy. You channel your chakra into the paper and direct it to fold the way you want it to."

She handed them each a piece of paper. "It's an excellent way to practice precise chakra control—especially for improving efficiency and mastering fine manipulation."

"Whoa, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, his grin wide with excitement. "That's so cool! I wanna do it too!"

Kimiko smiled, amused by his enthusiasm. "Give it a shot."

Naruto and Sasuke took the papers she handed them, their expressions reflecting equal parts determination and skepticism. Both boys channeled their chakra into the paper—only to fail spectacularly. Sasuke's paper tore neatly in half by the second fold, while Naruto's immediately crumpled and ripped itself apart as soon as he pumped his chakra into it.

Kimiko stifled a laugh. "Yeah… it took me a while to get the hang of it too," she admitted. "But honestly, neither of you may have much use for this exercise. Naruto, you have more chakra than I do, so precision isn't as critical for you. And Sasuke, your control is already pretty decent for the sort of techniques you use."

She stroked her chin thoughtfully before gesturing toward a nearby tree. "But this," she said, pointing at the trunk, "is a much better starting point. Watch."

Without hesitation, Kimiko walked to the tree, focused her chakra onto her feet, and stepped onto its surface. Effortlessly, she began ascending, walking vertically up the trunk as though it were solid ground. She continued until she reached a branch, then walked along it upside-down, her black hair cascading toward the ground. From her inverted perch, she looked down at her teammates with a calm smile.

Naruto stared, wide-eyed. "That's so awesome!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the forest.

Even Sasuke looked suitably impressed, his usual mask of indifference slipping as he tilted his head to study her technique.

Kimiko dropped gracefully to the ground, landing in a crouch before standing and brushing off her knees. "That's the Tree Climbing exercise," she explained. "You have to channel a constant, controlled amount of chakra to your feet—too much and you'll repel yourself, too little and you'll lose your grip. It's a great way to train both your chakra control and stamina."

Naruto was practically vibrating with excitement. "I wanna try! Sasuke, bet I'll beat you to the top! I'll do it before Sensei wakes up!"

"Hn," Sasuke grunted, but his competitive glare betrayed his interest.

Kimiko stepped back, her hands on her hips. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

It quickly became apparent that Sasuke was progressing faster. He was already climbing higher on the tree compared to Naruto, who, while persistent, was making only small increments of improvement. At the rate he was going, it seemed unlikely Naruto would master the exercise before Kakashi woke up—if he even managed it at all.

Kimiko tilted her head, an idea sparking in her mind. Of course.

"Hey, Naruto," she called, waving him over. The blonde, panting and scraped from repeated falls, hesitated but eventually walked toward her.

"Yeah, Kimiko-chan?" he asked, his usual exuberance dulled by fatigue.

"Make a shadow clone for me. I want to test something." Kimiko formed the Ram hand seal, creating her own clone in a puff of white smoke. Naruto blinked at her, clearly confused, but complied. Another Naruto popped into existence beside him.

Kimiko smiled at his clone. "Alright. Tell your clone to follow mine. I'll have my clone say something to yours, and then you'll tell me if you can repeat it back."

Naruto frowned. "Man, this seems like a waste of time, Kimiko-chan."

"Just trust me," she replied patiently. Naruto grumbled but nodded, following her instructions. Their clones walked off into the forest while the original Naruto stood there, still looking skeptical. Even Sasuke, mid-training, paused to watch the experiment.

After a few minutes, Kimiko turned back to Naruto. "Alright, can you tell me what my clone said to yours?"

Naruto squinted, scratching his head. "Not really, Kimiko-chan."

"Release the clone first," Kimiko instructed with a small sigh.

Naruto gave her a wary look but followed through. The moment the clone dispersed, his eyes widened fractionally. "Bridge, Waves, Ichiraku Ramen," he said, the words spilling out in realization. "That's what you told me, right?"

Kimiko nodded, a demure smile on her lips. "Exactly. I figured this out back when we were playing as kids. Even if my clone couldn't keep up with you and Shikamaru when you split up to make me chase one of you, it didn't matter. I'd send my clone after you, release it, and instantly know where you were hiding."

Naruto's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Woah! That's cool and all, but what does that have to do with tree climbing, Kimiko-chan?"

Kimiko blinked. Naruto was intelligent in his own way, but he often needed a nudge in the right direction. "Think about it," she said. "If clones can relay information from reconnaissance, they can relay training progress too. By using clones, you can effectively double—or triple—your training time."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Wait… really?"

Kimiko smiled, nodding. "Exactly. If you train with two shadow clones, you get twice the training experience. That's why I use it for my own practice. But this is just between us, alright? Keep it in the team."

Naruto's excitement was palpable. "But if that's true, why don't more people do this?"

"Because shadow clones are A-rank for a reason," Kimiko explained. "Even with my chakra reserves, I can only manage a few at a time. But you, Naruto? You have more chakra than I do—more than most people I've ever met. That's why you can create thirty, a hundred, maybe even more clones."

Naruto's brow furrowed as realization dawned. "So… if two clones mean twice the training, then three means three times, and four—" His face lit up. "I can learn super fast this way, can't I?"

Kimiko chuckled. "Exactly. But start with something manageable. Try using it for the tree-climbing exercise. Just don't overdo it. Remember, the fatigue transfers back to you too."

Naruto nodded vigorously, already forming the hand seal. With a burst of smoke, ten clones popped into existence and darted toward the trees. Naruto turned back to her, throwing his arms around her in an impulsive hug.

"You're the best, Kimiko-chan!"

Kimiko returned the hug with a fond smile. "Anything for the future Hokage."

She watched as Naruto joined his clones, the forest filling with echoes of his enthusiasm. Sasuke, meanwhile, was still focused on his own training, making significant progress toward the treetops. That one doesn't need my help.

"Have you ever thought about becoming a Jonin-sensei?" a voice drawled from behind her. Kimiko jumped slightly, spinning to find Kakashi leaning casually against a tree.

"O-Oh! Kakashi-sensei! I thought you were asleep."

"I was," Kakashi replied, his single visible eye curving in amusement. "But then my cute students decided to train so diligently this early. Hard to ignore."

His gaze shifted to Sasuke and then to the swarm of Narutos scrambling up trees. "How'd you figure that out?" he asked, nodding toward Naruto's clones.

Kimiko hesitated, then shrugged. "It's not that complicated, sensei. Shadow clones are usually used for reconnaissance, right? I just experimented a bit and realized they work for training too."

Kakashi studied her for a long moment before glancing back at the boys. "A lot of eyes are on those two. The last Uchiha and… well, a certain knucklehead people prefer to pretend doesn't exist."

Kimiko noticed his hesitation and the unspoken acknowledgment of Naruto's Jinchūriki status. His words carried more weight than they let on.

"But," Kakashi continued, turning back to her, "people would be foolish to overlook you. You're a good influence on them."

Kimiko felt a warm flush of pride at his praise. "Thank you, sensei. Oh, speaking of favors," she said, her voice taking on a sweeter tone, "could you sign a waiver and permission slip for me, Sasuke and Naruto? I want to learn a water-style jutsu, and get them to learn other elemental jutsus, but the jutsu archives only let Genin access D-rank techniques."

Kakashi raised a skeptical brow. "You don't miss a beat, do you?"

Kimiko grinned. "Why settle for mediocrity?"

Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, I'll see what I can do."

–

Shadow Clone Training proved to be a game-changer for Team 7. Naruto, for all his usual boisterousness, demonstrated remarkable progress once he began using ten shadow clones to assist with his training. With their collective effort accelerating his learning curve, he began to match Sasuke's pace—a development that clearly irked the Uchiha. Sasuke, to his credit, didn't complain. Instead, he pushed himself even harder, as if spurred on by the idea that the "dead last" might one day rival him.

Kimiko, meanwhile, focused on a different kind of progress. After they collected their payment for the mission, she dedicated the next few days to catching up on her studies. Her shadow clones, as always, were an invaluable asset. She deployed them strategically: one set to refine her jutsu, another to scour the Konoha Library for advanced techniques, and yet another to delve into a topic she was quickly becoming fascinated with—poisons.

Kimiko sat among the attendees in the lecture hall at Konoha's Hospital, her notebook open on her lap. Around her, a mix of genin, chuunin, and even a few tokubetsu jonin leaned forward eagerly, listening as the lecturer—a seasoned medical-nin with graying hair and kind eyes—prepared to share her insights. Kimiko had attended these lectures before, but today's topic carried particular importance to her: the use of poisons in shinobi combat.

The medical-nin began by gesturing to a large diagram pinned behind her, detailing the molecular composition of a toxin. "Poison has been an invaluable tool in the arsenal of shinobi for centuries. It is silent, effective, and can be tailored to incapacitate, kill, or even control its target. There are three primary ways that poison is employed in combat."

Kimiko's pen moved swiftly across the page as she transcribed the words, glancing up intermittently to absorb the details. Around her, she noticed a few older ninjas nodding in agreement, clearly familiar with the basics. A younger ninja near the back whispered excitedly to his friend. Kimiko tuned them out, focusing intently.

"The first method is the simplest and most widely used," the lecturer continued. "Prepared poisons. These are brewed, distilled, or synthesized in advance and applied to kunai, shuriken, tanto, or other tools. This method requires some skill in preparation but is accessible to most shinobi. Its strength lies in its versatility and ease of application."

Kimiko recalled a sparring match she'd once watched between two medical-nin, their kunai tipped with harmless practice poisons. The precision and timing required to make even a simple cut lethal had fascinated her. She scribbled a quick note about studying application techniques later.

"The second method is far more specialized," the lecturer said, raising her fingers to signal a shift. "It involves molding one's chakra to replicate a poison's properties. Some shinobi use this technique to great effect, such as by releasing a poisonous mist or coating their weapons with chakra-infused toxins. This requires not only knowledge of toxicology but also precise chakra control and years of study."

Kimiko's thoughts flickered to Shizune, the former apprentice of Tsunade. In the anime, Shizune had wielded poison mist with devastating efficiency, often turning the tide of battle in an instant. She must have spent years perfecting that technique, Kimiko thought. Could I even come close to achieving something like that?

The lecturer's tone grew heavier. "Now, we come to the third method. The most dangerous, the most extreme, and the one with the highest cost." She paused for effect, her eyes scanning the room. "Direct exposure. Some shinobi have ingested or otherwise introduced poisons into their own bodies, using their chakra to adapt to the toxins. This method forces the body and chakra pathways to internalize the poison's properties, essentially 'teaching' the user how to replicate it."

"This method," the lecturer emphasized, "is not only dangerous but almost universally fatal. Hanzo of the Salamander is often cited as an example of its success. He endured the surgery and used the toxin produced by the venomous sac implanted in his body to familiarize himself with the poison at a high level, allowing him to produce vast quantities of it using chakra." She pursed her lips, still holding their gaze with her eyes. "However, countless others who attempted similar procedures died horrific deaths. Hanzo is the only one known today to have survived a venom sac transplant proceedure."

Kimiko jotted down Hanzo's name, her mind spinning. She'd also read about Sasori of the Red Sand, whose mastery of poison had made him a terror among the Akatsuki. His innovation, however, had been in crafting poisons so potent and tailored that no antidote could counteract them. And Chiyo of Sunagakure, Sasori's grandmother, had been one of the few to match his skill, in fact, Tsunade's fame was largely in part because of her skill in countering Chiyo's concocted toxins.

"Konoha prohibits such practices and proceedures for good reason. Unless you're part of the Aburame clan, who possess Hidden Jutsus which allows them to greatly minimize the risk of damage, the risk to reward ratio for ninjas are too great," She shook her head. "A ninja can still attempt to do it without resorting to surgical procedures, often through poison consumption. But…" She sighed, "Ingesting poisons, even in small doses, is likely to kill you outright. For those who survive, the damage to their organs and chakra networks can render them unable to utilize ninjutsu at all, often times ending with the ninja forced to live the rest of their lives crippled and in agonizing pain."

Kimiko suppressed a shiver. But even in the ominous aura which surrounded the room, a thought played in her head.

Shadow clones could bypass that risk, If a clone ingested the poison and the memories transferred back to me when it dispelled… I'd experience the pain, sure, but I'll learn the toxin's properties without the physical damage.

It was an unorthodox idea, but the logic seemed sound. She resolved to test it later, though part of her wondered if the experience of such pain might have its own cost.

The lecturer paused, scanning the audience with a piercing gaze. "Let me be clear. Poison is a powerful tool, but it is not a shortcut. Those of you who seek to master it must be prepared for years of study, practice, and experimentation. And even then, it comes with risks."

Kimiko leaned back slightly, her thoughts racing. She envisioned combining these methods, refining the principles to create something entirely her own. Could she merge the precision of chakra-molded poison with the potency of Sasori's brews? Could she harness a substance like Hanzo's venom without becoming consumed by it?

The thought played in her head as she left the lecture hall to mull on her lessons.

"Konnichiwa, Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun," Kimiko greeted as she approached her teammates, who were clearly keeping their distance from one another. Naruto waved animatedly, his usual grin plastered across his face, while Sasuke offered only the barest nod of acknowledgment.

"Konnichiwa, Kimiko-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet.

"Took you long enough," Sasuke muttered. "You're late."

Kimiko huffed softly, placing a hand on her hip. "A lady is never late; everyone else is simply early."

Naruto chuckled at her remark, while Sasuke rolled his eyes in faint irritation. "Anyway," Kimiko continued, pulling out a few papers, "I've got our permission slips. Did Sensei help you figure out your chakra natures?"

"Yup!" Naruto said excitedly, his grin widening. "He gave us that special paper to flow our chakra into. Mine's wind-natured! Apparently, it's super rare, you know?" He puffed his chest proudly.

"And you, Sasuke-kun?" Kimiko turned her attention to the quieter boy.

"Lightning," Sasuke replied matter-of-factly. "Not that it was a surprise."

"Well, let's not waste time, then," Kimiko said, gesturing toward the towering building ahead. Together, they approached the Konoha Jutsu Archives.

The Archives were massive, a labyrinthine structure of knowledge and power contained within hundreds of scrolls. Even the reception area was imposing, with rows of chairs and numerous shinobi engaged in quiet conversations. To Kimiko's surprise, a familiar face was seated at the receptionist's desk—a man with slicked-back black hair and signature sunglasses.

"Yo," Aoba Yamashiro greeted them, his tone casual. "Welcome to Konoha's Jutsu Archives. Name's Aoba. How can I assist you today?" He flashed them a lazy grin, clearly unbothered by his current role as the Archives' receptionist. Kimiko, however, couldn't help but wonder why someone from the Intelligence Division was manning the desk today.

Kimiko inclined her head politely. Behind her, Naruto and Sasuke instinctively took a step back, silently delegating the task of speaking to her.

"Yes, we're here to request access to the D and C-Rank Jutsu sections," Kimiko said confidently.

Aoba blinked and crossed his arms, tilting his head as he studied them. "D-Rank's no problem, but C-Rank Jutsus? Those are restricted to Chūnin and above," he said, his tone skeptical.

Without missing a beat, Kimiko retrieved the signed permission slips from her pocket and handed them over. Aoba's lazy grin vanished momentarily as his expression turned serious. He carefully inspected the slips, holding each one up to the light as though verifying their authenticity.

"Huh," Aoba finally muttered, his grin returning. "Can't believe Kakashi's letting his Genin team dip into the C-Rank Archives, but hey, who am I to argue? Guess he wants you kids to have some flair."

Behind her, Sasuke snorted softly, while Naruto bounced in excitement. "Heck yeah!" Naruto exclaimed under his breath, grinning ear to ear.

Aoba motioned for them to follow him, leading the trio down a series of labyrinthine corridors lined with scrolls of various sizes. The air grew cooler as they ascended two flights of stairs, eventually arriving at a large door plated with a bronze plaque that read:

C-RANK JUTSUS: CHŪNIN AND ABOVE ONLY.

Aoba formed a series of hand seals, and the faint glow of seals on the door faded as it unlocked with a soft click.

"Alright," Aoba said, stepping aside to let them enter. "Feel free to browse and borrow. Standard rate applies—1,000 ryō for a week's rental, plus 200 ryō for each additional week if you hold onto them longer." He waved lazily before walking away. "Knock yourselves out."

The trio stepped into the room, their eyes immediately drawn to the shelves upon shelves of scrolls, each containing techniques of incredible potential. Kimiko couldn't help but smile as her gaze wandered across the collection. Let's see what we can find.

"Hey, Kimiko-chan, what do you think about this? Wind Style: Air Bullets?" Naruto asked, leaning lazily over an opened scroll. The diagrams of intricate hand seals and chakra flow techniques looked daunting even to him, but he seemed undeterred. Kimiko glanced over at the scroll before returning her attention to her own selection, her slim shoulders lifting in a nonchalant shrug.

"I think you'd be better off with something that complements your strengths," Kimiko replied, her tone even. "Air Bullets is a long-range technique, and for now, you're more suited to close or mid-range combat. You'd get more out of a jutsu that enhances what you're already good at."

Naruto hummed thoughtfully, rolling the scroll back up and placing it aside. His hand reached for another scroll, and a grin spread across his face as he opened it. "Alright, good idea, Kimiko-chan! I'll take this one, then," he said, holding up a green-trimmed scroll with the title Wind Style: Gale Palm embossed on its surface.

Kimiko smiled warmly at his choice. "That suits you much better. You'll be able to use it creatively in battle."

"Already picked mine," Sasuke said quietly, his voice tinged with his usual confidence. Kimiko turned her attention to him, curiosity sparking as she saw the scroll in his hand. Unlike Naruto, Sasuke knew precisely what kind of jutsu he wanted to master. His choice was deliberate, one meant to keep his enemies from disrupting his preferred fighting range.

"Lightning Style: Static Surge, huh?" Kimiko mused, her eyes scanning the scroll's title. Judging from the name, it seemed designed to paralyze or disorient opponents, giving Sasuke more control in a fight. "Interesting choice," she added, noting the faint smirk that touched Sasuke's lips.

"It's perfect for me," Sasuke replied simply, rolling the scroll up with practiced ease.

"And you, Kimiko-chan?" Naruto asked eagerly, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What'd you pick?"

Kimiko's lips curved into a subtle smirk as she revealed not one but two scrolls, each with deep blue edging.

"Huh? You're taking two?" Sasuke asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Pretty ambitious. You think you can master two C-Rank jutsu in a month?"

Kimiko huffed lightly, flipping her hair over one shoulder. "I can very well try," she replied with confidence. "Unlike you two, I don't have an absurd amount of chakra to brute-force my way through learning, nor do I have an ancient clan archive tailored to my chakra nature." Her quip earned a laugh from Naruto and even a faint chuckle from Sasuke.

The first scroll Kimiko chose was Water Style: Starch Syrup Capturing Field, a utility jutsu that expelled a sticky, syrupy water substance onto the ground. The field it created would immobilize anyone who stepped on it, drastically hindering their movement. It was a practical technique to set up traps, neutralize faster enemies, and exploit her team's superior mobility.

Her second choice was Water Style: Spiraling Rapids, a versatile foundational jutsu. This technique allowed her to generate a spiraling torrent of water around her, either by drawing from a nearby water source or converting her chakra into water. The spiraling water could serve as a defensive mantle, shielding her from attacks, or as an offensive burst to knock enemies back with concussive force.

"These are practical and foundational," Kimiko explained, her tone light but determined. "One will let me control the battlefield, and the other will help me both defend myself and attack with flexibility."

"Fancy," Sasuke muttered, though his tone carried a hint of respect.

Naruto gave her a thumbs-up. "Sounds awesome, Kimiko-chan! Let's see who masters their jutsu first!"

Kimiko smiled, her eyes gleaming with resolve. "I'll take that challenge, Naruto-kun. Let's give it our best."

–

They went their separate ways after checking out their respective scrolls. Sasuke muttered something about heading to train, while Naruto mentioned going to find Shikamaru for advice. Kimiko, clutching her twin scrolls under her slim arms, decided to make her next stop the Yamanaka Flower Shop.

The shop's door chimed softly as she pushed it open. "Konbanwa," she greeted politely. To her surprise, it wasn't Ino manning the counter but a tall, blonde-haired man with sharp green eyes and chiseled features. She quickly bowed her head in respect.

"Inoichi-sama," she said as she straightened up.

Inoichi Yamanaka, head of the Yamanaka clan and Ino's father, smiled warmly. "Konbanwa, Kimiko-chan. Are you looking for Ino, or did your father send you here for something?"

Kimiko paused briefly before responding. "Actually, I was hoping to get an expert's opinion on flowers," she said, offering a polite smile.

Inoichi raised a curious brow, leaning slightly on the counter. "Oh? What kind of flowers? Don't tell me you're planning to confess your love to someone," he teased, his tone lighthearted.

Kimiko giggled softly and shook her head. "Nothing like that, Inoichi-sama. I'm looking for poisonous flowers, actually."

A flicker of intrigue sparked in Inoichi's eyes, and he straightened. "Ah, that's an interesting request. You've come to the right place. Wait here a moment; this will be a good learning opportunity for my daughter."

Turning his head, he called toward the back of the shop. "Ino! Bring your friend and come out here—someone's come to visit."

A moment later, Ino stepped out from the back room, followed closely by a pink-haired girl. Kimiko's breath caught for a split second as she recognized Sakura. That familiar pang of guilt rose in her chest. She'd been so caught up in her own goals, her relentless pursuit of strength, that she'd failed to check in on the girl whose life her presence had displaced.

"Hi, Kimiko!" Ino greeted brightly, her usual energy on full display. Beside her, Sakura offered a small, shy smile and a hesitant wave.

Kimiko returned the wave with a gentle smile, her crimson eyes softening. "Hello, Ino. Sakura. How are you both?" The question, though directed at both, was mostly for Sakura.

"Oh, you know, the usual," Ino said breezily. "We've been on a few D-Rank missions with Asuma-sensei. Nothing major, really. Shikamaru's still as lazy as ever, and Choji's… well, Choji." She chuckled lightly, clearly unfazed by her teammates' quirks.

Kimiko turned her attention to Sakura, who blinked in mild surprise at the inquiry. "O-Oh, I'm doing fine, too," Sakura stammered, then seemed to gather herself. "My sensei—she used to be a captain in the Medic Corps—told me I have really good chakra control. She's been teaching me some medical ninjutsu and even mentioned writing me a recommendation to join the Medic Corps after a year as a genin."

Kimiko's eyebrows lifted slightly. Normally, admission to the Medic Corps required at least the rank of Chuunin. Letters of recommendation were rare and reserved for truly exceptional talent. Kimiko's expression softened into a sincere smile. At least she's still lined up to be a successful kunoichi. That makes me feel better.

"That's incredible, Sakura-chan. You're really talented," she said warmly. "I'm sure you'll make an amazing medical ninja."

Sakura's cheeks turned a faint pink as she looked away bashfully. "Th-Thank you…"

"I keep telling her that!" Ino chimed in with a playful huff, nudging Sakura lightly. "But she's too stubborn to believe me. Anyway, why'd you drag me out here, Dad?"

Inoichi chuckled before motioning to Kimiko. "Kimiko-chan here has an interesting request. I figured you and Sakura might want to help."

Kimiko smiled at the two girls, her confidence returning. "I need help picking out some specific flowers."

Ino's smirk widened as realization dawned. "Poisonous ones, right? Why am I not surprised?"

Flipping her curly black hair over her shoulder with a dramatic flourish, Kimiko flashed a mischievous grin. "You know me too well, Ino."

"Well then," Ino said with a grin of her own. "Let's see what we can dig up for you."

–

Ino led Kimiko through the shop, showing her a variety of flowers. Some were spiked and imposing, others elegant but harboring hidden toxicity. One particularly caught Kimiko's attention—a flower whose sap could be refined into a mild sedative at low doses or induce a coma in higher concentrations. Surprisingly, Sakura chimed in frequently, explaining how to best prepare these flowers as ingredients.

"Natural poisons are fine for basic use," Sakura remarked, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear, "but if you really want something potent, you'll need to mix them. Natural toxins are easier to counter, especially for medical-nin, because they often have simple, plant-based antidotes. A unique blend would make it much harder to neutralize."

Kimiko nodded, absorbing the information. She knew that for her plan to succeed, she would need the most potent strain of poison available as a foundation. A strong, adaptable toxin integrated into her chakra pathways would allow her to refine it into more sophisticated techniques over time. She turned to Ino with a question.

"What's the most poisonous flower you know of in the Land of Fire?"

Ino tapped her chin, a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, there's the Blooming Indigo Flower," she said after a moment. "But that's really intense stuff."

Sakura perked up. "Oh, Blooming Indigo! I've read about that. Medical-nin use it to create anticoagulants and something called Flower's Drop, which helps calm patients in severe pain. But it's a difficult ingredient to prepare."

"Right," Ino agreed. "Its sap is no joke—it can cause muscle inflammation, vascular collapse, and circulatory failure. It's a strong hemotoxin, one of the deadliest in our region."

Kimiko's dark eyes gleamed. "Do you have one in stock?"

Ino shook her head. "That's a pretty rare flower. We'd need to order it for you."

Behind the counter, Inoichi chimed in. "It'd take a few weeks to arrive, but we can secure it if you put in a request now."

Kimiko smiled, brushing her black curls over her shoulder. "Then I'll take it. Let's put that order in."

After bidding Ino and Sakura goodbye, Kimiko made her way to the library, scrolls and books on poisons fresh in her mind. She browsed the section on venomous creatures, searching for an ingredient to complement her plans. One entry caught her eye.

The Tigerstripe Barracuda was a sleek, predatory fish, known for its lightning-fast ambushes. Found near coastal regions, it delivered venomous bites capable of incapacitating prey within seconds. According to the text, its venom had a unique property—it acted as both a potent neurotoxin and an inhibitor of cellular regeneration. This made healing even with medical ninjutsu incredibly challenging. Yet, in controlled doses, its venom was also used in muscle relaxants for severe spasms.

Kimiko's fingers brushed the illustration of the fish, its stripes vivid even in ink. The challenge of acquiring such a rare toxin intrigued her. However, when her eyes went to the next passage under the illustration, her eyebrow arched.

"Hm," She tilted her head, twisting the book on the opposite end. "Interesting…" She muttered.

"The species is native to the Land of Waves, huh?"