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.

24. Chapter 24: Wildflower Chuunin Exams IX

Chapter 24: Wildflower (Chuunin Exams, Training Arc for Finals, I)

Kimiko's tanto clashed against the cold steel of the katana bearing down on her. Her grip was firm, unyielding, even as the weight of the blade threatened to overpower her. Her heeled foot remained rooted to the ground, and her jaw clenched as Yugao Uzuki leaned in close, their faces mere inches apart, the intensity of their spar reflected in their locked gazes.

"Again," Yugao instructed, her voice calm yet commanding. In one fluid motion, she disengaged, sliding back to create distance before lunging forward. Her katana flashed, aiming for Kimiko's midsection.

Kimiko didn't parry this time. Instead, she blurred, reappearing to Yugao's right just as the katana carved through the air where she'd been standing. Her movements were swift, precise, a testament to the grueling training she'd undergone.

"Around the night of the sixth of July, three days ago, I went to restock my ninja tools after the Preliminaries of the Chuunin Exams," Kimiko began, her voice steady as she recounted her report mid-combat. Her tanto moved in a blur, deflecting the flurry of kunai Yugao launched at her. Undeterred, Kimiko charged forward, her blade descending in a lateral slash that Yugao intercepted.

Yugao spun, her leg sweeping low in an attempt to knock Kimiko off balance, but Kimiko reacted instantly. She jumped, flipping backward in an elegant arc, and landed lightly on the roof.

"My passive sensory abilities—which are well-documented in my personnel file as extensive and hypersensitive—picked up two distinct chakra signatures that night: Hayate Gekko and Baki from Sunagakure."

Kimiko reached into her pouch, her hands a blur as she hurled a flurry of senbon toward Yugao. Yugao zigzagged through the projectiles, closing the gap between them, looking for an opening.

"A surge in the chakra signatures indicated that Baki was engaging Hayate in combat. I immediately created a shadow clone to locate the nearest patrol while I pursued the fight to observe."

Yugao, now surrounded by senbon, seized the moment and darted toward Kimiko like a streak of purple lightning. Kimiko met her head-on, her tanto intercepting the katana mid-swing with a sharp clang. Sparks flew as their blades clashed.

"And why did you choose to pursue them yourself?" Yugao asked, her tone measured even as her blade moved in a relentless flurry of strikes.

"To accurately assess the fight with my own eyes," Kimiko replied, weaving through the strikes with fluidity, her tanto parrying the more precise blows. "And, if necessary, to intervene to save Hayate or recover his body."

Their swords locked again, Yugao forcing Kimiko's blade aside before pivoting to deliver a spinning kick. Kimiko was a fraction too slow, and the kick connected with her stomach, sending her sliding backward across the roof. Yugao paused, her blade poised, awaiting an answer.

"And did you witness the fight directly?" Yugao pressed.

"No," Kimiko admitted, her voice unshaken despite the hit. "Not visually. But my sensei and teammates can vouch for the accuracy of my sensory capabilities."

Yugao lunged again, her katana descending in a brutal arc. Kimiko raised her tanto in a high guard, blocking the strike with practiced precision. The force of the clash resonated through her arms.

"Orochimaru has demonstrated exceptional skill in evading sensory detection," Yugao challenged. "He's shown himself capable of disguising perfectly, first as a Grass-nin and then as their sensei. What makes you so certain he or Kabuto didn't deceive you that night? To drive a wedge between Sunagakure and Konoha in such a crucial event like the Chuunin Exams?"

Kimiko's lips tightened. Her chakra surged within her, unshackling her toxic reserves. She quickly selected one of her signature poisons used in spars, a paralytic, and began weaving one-handed seals with alarming efficiency.

"Water Style: Noxious Cloud Jutsu!"

Thick, blood red toxic fog erupted from her mouth, enveloping the battlefield in a swirling haze. The technique, a derivative of the Hiding in Mist Jutsu, had been adapted with her unique toxic chakra. The poisonous mist served not only to obscure vision but also to irritate and weaken anyone caught within it.

The poisonous mist spread wider, obscuring Yugao's vision. Her coughs echoed through the cloud as she staggered backward, desperate to escape the toxic fog. Once outside its reach, her sharp gaze darted through the haze, seeking Kimiko's location.

"One," Kimiko's voice rang out from within the mist, calm and deliberate. "I detected Kabuto Yakushi's presence, albeit briefly."

It was a lie, though not entirely. She knew Kabuto had been there speaking with Baki, shielded from her senses. Was it really a lie if she stated he was present, even if she hadn't detected him? She pressed on before the thought could fester. "So, I know he did not disguise himself as Baki."

A streak of black slashed toward Yugao from her flank. Her katana swung instinctively, deflecting the blow, but the dark figure disappeared back into the toxic fog. Kimiko's voice echoed again, calm yet steely.

"Secondly, while my sensory capabilities were fooled at the preliminaries, I identified the identical chakra signature shared by Orochimaru and the Grass-nin genin he impersonated. He took precautions after recognizing me as a hypersensitive sensor."

Yugao's breaths grew measured as her eyes narrowed. The fog swirled ominously, and Kimiko's voice rang out once more.

"Third, Hayate-senpai's last words before slipping into a coma confirmed my suspicions. After ANBU brought me to the Hokage following the attack, the Hokage divulged that he sent Hayate to track and spy on Kabuto, to have him uncover any of Orochimaru's plots, and he believes that Hayate likely eavesdropped on a meeting between Baki and Hayate, and that Hayate was compromised and was nearly eliminated by Baki when he attempted to flee with the information.

Suddenly, Kimiko struck like lightning, lunging from behind. Her blade sliced toward Yugao, aiming for a clean diagonal cut. But the figure dissolved into smoke with a soft poof . A shadow clone.

Kimiko's eyes darted upward as she felt it: the cold edge of Yugao's blade pressed lightly against the back of her neck.

"I've repeated this explanation ten times to Ibiki-sama, written it in a report for the Hokage, and gone over it countless times," Kimiko said evenly, her hands lowering. "I have nothing more to add."

Silence hung in the air before Yugao finally spoke, her tone grudging. "I wanted to be certain. …So it was Baki, huh?" A pause. "Anyway, your loss—"

Yugao stopped mid-sentence. From behind her, a water clone of Kimiko materialized, holding a tanto to the side of Yugao's neck. Its watery reflection shimmered in the poisoned mist.

"Nope," said the real Kimiko, her lips curling into a smirk. "Stalemate."

Eventually, the sound of clapping broke through the air, signaling the end of their sparring session. Kimiko and Yugao disengaged, stepping back and bowing respectfully toward one another. From the edge of the fading poison mist, Kakashi emerged, eyes still fixed on the small orange book in his hand.

"Alright, you two. Break time," Kakashi said, lowering the book slightly to meet their gazes. "Kimiko, you're getting even stronger. Even if Yugao was holding back, stalemating an ANBU member at your age is no small feat."

Kimiko smiled modestly, bowing her head. "Thank you, sensei. It's all thanks to your training."

True enough, since her debriefing with the Hokage about Hayate's "last words," Kakashi had thrown her into rigorous training. He'd wasted no time, ensuring her days were packed with drills and sparring sessions. Kimiko wasn't naive—she knew it was partly to keep her busy and away from trouble. Between Orochimaru targeting her and her involvement in exposing the conspiracy to attack Konoha, it was no surprise Kakashi and the Hokage wanted her closely monitored.

Kakashi glanced toward Yugao. "Yugao, could you take over Kimiko's training for the next few days?"

Yugao nodded. "Of course, Kakashi-senpai. I'm assigned to guard her and the Yuhi household anyway. It makes sense to integrate that with her training."

Kimiko blinked in surprise. "Why? Are you going somewhere, sensei?"

"No," Kakashi replied casually. "But I need a week to get Sasuke up to speed. I've received word that he woke up."

Kimiko's eyes widened. In the anime, Sasuke had been bedridden for two weeks after Kakashi sealed his curse mark. Yet now, barely three days later, he was already awake?

Kakashi seemed to pick up on her unspoken thoughts and gave her a knowing look. "Yeah, the medics are stumped too," he said. "Anyway, I'll get him up to speed over the next week. After that, I'll train the two of you together. I already spoke to Shinku-sama, and he's agreed to let Sasuke stay at your house for the rest of the month."

Kimiko raised an eyebrow. "And Sasuke agreed to that?"

"To anyone else, no," Kakashi said, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mask. "He'd claim they were in his way. But if it's you—or even Naruto—he'll go along with it, though he'll make half-hearted protests first. Believe it or not, he looks forward to your weekly sparring sessions. It'll do him good to see you outpacing him a bit. Might light a fire under him."

And show him that you can get plenty strong without giving yourself up to Orochimaru, huh?

Kimiko nodded thoughtfully, though her mind was already calculating the logistics of combining training schedules. "Understood. I'll focus on my training for now."

Kakashi nodded approvingly. "Good. Once Sasuke's caught up, we'll work on—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his attention snapping toward the edge of the training ground. Kimiko and Yugao felt it too—a familiar presence closing in. Moments later, Kimiko's father emerged, fully dressed in his ninja gear and moving with purpose.

Kakashi, Yugao, and Kimiko all bowed their heads in greeting.

"Kakashi, Yugao," Shinku began, his tone grave as his eyes settled on his daughter. "I just came from a meeting with the Hokage." His lined face hardened, his next words weighted with importance. "Hayate has woken up—and he's confirmed everything my daughter reported."

Kimiko blinked, her mind racing. Wait, if they're not pulling me in for questioning about misrepresenting his last words…

"What?!" Yugao's voice broke through her thoughts, sharp and emotional. "Then I need to go to him immediately—"

"No, Yugao." Shinku's tone was firm, his voice cutting through her protest. "Hayate is being kept under lock and key. And…" He paused, his expression growing even more serious. "For all intents and purposes, his survival is to remain a secret until the matter with Sunagakure and Orochimaru is dealt with. No one else can know."

"What?" Yugao's disbelief was palpable, her eyes narrowing. "Why? With confirmation from both Kimiko and Hayate, shouldn't we move to arrest the Sunagakure ninja now?"

Shinku shook his head. "No. Acting now might force them to launch their attack early, or worse—give them the chance to concoct a new plan we can't predict. The Hokage and the council have decided the best course is to quietly bolster our defenses and prepare our forces. When they launch their attack, we'll be ready to turn it into an ambush."

Kimiko nodded slowly, though her thoughts lingered elsewhere. So they're turning this into a trap. But... "Did…Hayate-senpai say anything else, Tou-san?" she asked hesitantly.

Shinku's expression softened slightly, his hand resting on her head in a comforting gesture. "He recounted what he overheard during Baki and Kabuto's meeting," he said. "And he said the last thing he remembered was seeing you rushing toward him before everything became a blur."

Kimiko blinked, her heart skipping a beat. So the trauma and his injuries made him forget his last moments of consciousness? Talk about luck.

"Now," Shinku continued, his tone turning grave once more as his gaze swept over both Yugao and Kimiko, "I need to remind you both that this information is on a need-to-know basis. Absolutely no one else can know about Hayate's survival."

Yugao nodded reluctantly, though her fists clenched at her sides.

Shinku's gaze softened as it settled on Yugao. "The Hokage permitted you to know because of your connection to him,"

Then, he turned to Kimiko, his eyes gleaming with a note of pride. "And you, Kimiko, because your quick thinking and timely report gave us a critical three-day head start on planning for the attack. That information has been invaluable."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "For now, leave the rest to us. You, Kimiko, should focus solely on training for the Chuunin Exams." He gave a firm nod to Kakashi and Yugao before forming a seal. "I only came to update you three. I need to be on my way."

With that, he vanished in a swirl of wind and leaves.

Kakashi exhaled softly, closing his ever-present book. "Well then," he said lazily, his single visible eye curving into a smile. "I'll head out to finalize Sasuke's arrangements. Kimiko, Yugao—you two have the rest of the day to yourselves."

He disappeared in a puff of smoke before either could reply.

That left Kimiko alone with Yugao. A heavy silence blanketed the training grounds, the tension lingering like an unspoken question. It stretched between them until Yugao finally broke it.

"Come on," she said, her voice low but determined. "Let's go another round."

Yugao proved to be every bit as demanding a taskmaster as Kakashi, channeling her energy into Kimiko's training with relentless precision. The ANBU kunoichi, perhaps using the rigorous sessions as a way to distract herself from the ache of being unable to visit her injured lover, gave her all to honing Kimiko's skills.

Her methods were unyielding. From intense drills requiring Kimiko to evade dozens of kunai hurled in rapid succession, to endurance training so harsh it bordered on cruel. One particularly grueling morning saw Yugao demand she run a hundred laps around the training ground at the crack of dawn—without breakfast—while the biting chill gnawed at her skin. "Finish before the sun rises fully," Yugao had ordered, adding the extra precaution of screaming obscene encouragements at her to keep her on her toes. Despite the extremity, Kimiko knew the drills were effective.

The kenjutsu sessions were no less exacting. Yugao drilled her on refining her form, emphasizing efficiency and fluidity in combat. Her keen observations helped Kimiko incorporate her kenjutsu seamlessly into her fighting style, pushing her closer to mastering the delicate balance of swordplay and chakra techniques.

Naturally, such rigorous training necessitated rest days to prevent overtraining, allowing Kimiko's body to recover and rebuild. These breaks usually found her in her workshop, experimenting with new poisons and refining her chakra control. However, with her latest batch of reagents delayed for a few days, Kimiko found herself truly free for once.

Deciding to make the most of the time, she resolved to visit Hinata and Lee in the hospital. After preparing them a gift, a pair of handsewn embroidery set pieces, she set off on foot. The crisp village air was a refreshing change from her usual training ground, and she soon arrived at the hospital.

"Hi," Kimiko greeted the receptionist with a polite smile. "May I please be directed to Hyuga Hinata's room?"

The receptionist glanced at the registry, flipping through a few pages. "Mm, yes. Second floor, room 203. You can't miss it."

True to the receptionist's words, Hinata's room was flanked by two Hyuga clansmen, their Byakugan activated as they stood guard. After a brief examination of Kimiko, they silently waved her inside.

The sight that greeted her was expected yet still heart-wrenching. Hinata lay unconscious on the hospital bed, her pale face framed by her dark hair. Most of the tubes and medical equipment had been removed, save for the rebreather mask gently fitted over her mouth and nose. Kimiko's eyes lingered on her friend's frail form. Though the worst of the external injuries had healed, she knew the internal damage Hinata sustained would take much longer to recover from.

"Hi, Hinata," Kimiko began softly as she stepped closer, her voice careful not to disturb the room's fragile stillness. "I brought you something." She set down a small embroidery piece she had painstakingly crafted—a delicate vase adorned with intricate lavender flowers—on the table beside Hinata's bed. It was simple, but it carried a piece of her heart.

Kimiko lingered for a moment, then pulled the chair beside the bed closer and sat down. She leaned forward, her fingers grazing the edge of the table as she hesitated, unsure of how to put her feelings into words.

"Listen, I'm…" She exhaled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Hinata. I didn't train you harder. If I had… if I had just given you more of my time and attention, maybe I could've helped you prepare better—maybe I could've prevented this." Her hands tightened into fists on her lap, frustration and guilt twisting inside her.

She frowned, her gaze fixed on the embroidery piece she had placed on the table. "I guess… what I'm trying to say is, I love you, Hinata. You're my best friend, and seeing you like this—it hurts. It hurts because I know I could've done more. Maybe it's selfishness, or maybe I just wasn't thinking enough about you… but…"

Kimiko paused, swallowing hard as her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "I promise that won't happen again. I'll do better—I'll be better. I'll make sure you're ready for whatever comes in the future. Because you deserve that."

Her voice cracked slightly, but she continued. "And because I care about you too much to see you like this again." She sighed, her shoulders sagging as she reached out to lightly brush Hinata's hand, careful not to disturb her rest.

For a while, Kimiko simply sat there, the silence between them speaking louder than any words could.

Eventually, Kimiko quietly left Hinata's room, making her way toward the receptionist desk to ask for Lee's location. However, as she passed by one of the open doors, her eyes caught a familiar sight that made it a moot point: Lee, sitting upright in his hospital bed, a determined but weary expression on his face. He wasn't alone. Sakura sat beside him, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Lee," Sakura said gently but firmly. "This is the third time. I already told you—you can't push yourself like this while training."

Lee's face tightened with frustration. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan, but I need to. I still have something to prove." His voice, though steady, held a hint of desperation. "I can't just… give up on my dream."

Sakura frowned, her voice softening. "But, Lee... the damage you sustained in the fight... You need time to recover."

"Please, no," Lee interrupted, closing his eyes. "Sakura-chan, I understand what you and the other medic-nin are saying, but… I just can't accept that."

Kimiko's steps faltered as she overheard the exchange. Though she had known Lee's injuries would happen, just as she had with Hinata, seeing the aftermath firsthand was something else entirely. There was a vast difference between knowing and witnessing. The heaviness in her chest was undeniable.

"Oh, Kimiko-chan?" Lee's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He had noticed her standing in the doorway and smiled weakly. Sakura turned, her surprise clear.

"Kimiko-chan!" Sakura greeted, standing. "How can we help?"

Kimiko blinked, forcing a gentle smile onto her face as she stepped inside. "Oh, nothing like that. I just came to drop something off for Lee," she said softly, reaching into her bag and pulling out an embroidery piece she had prepared. It depicted a lotus flower blooming amidst a field of thorns—a representation of perseverance and resilience.

Lee blinked, his expression softening as Kimiko handed the embroidery to him. He held it reverently, as though it were the most precious thing he'd ever been given.

"Lee," Kimiko began, her voice steady but warm, "I understand you. Probably more than you realize. The drive to push yourself, to keep going even when your body screams for you to stop. But…" She paused, her gaze flicking to Sakura before returning to him. "I'm not going to tell you to give up. I know you wouldn't listen anyway."

"Kimiko-chan!" Lee's eyes burned with resolve. "You are right—I cannot slow down. I have already shown that I am not strong enough against tough opponents."

Kimiko nodded slowly, her expression soft but resolute. "I know. I get it. But if you push too hard and don't give your body the time it needs to heal, you might make things worse, Lee. Worse to the point that even your dream might slip out of reach. All I'm asking is... take the doctors' orders seriously. Just for now." She motioned toward Sakura, who was watching them both with a mix of surprise and approval.

Lee's grip on the embroidery tightened as he looked down at it. A long silence stretched between them before he finally sighed. "...Kimiko-chan," he said quietly, his tone filled with gratitude. "I promise I will think about your words."

Kimiko smiled faintly, patting his hand lightly. "That's all I ask. I know you'll find a way to keep moving forward."

Sakura's expression softened, and she gave Kimiko a grateful look before turning back to Lee. "She's right, you know. Just listen to her for once, okay?"

Lee chuckled weakly, nodding. "Thank you... both of you."

Kimiko stepped back, giving him space. "Get some rest, Lee. You'll need it."

Hopefully, you'll still have the same resolve to make the correct decision.

After her visit to the hospital, Kimiko decided to stop by her mother's teahouse on her way home. Though Kaori was still upset over everything Kimiko had endured during the Chuunin Exams, she had simmered down enough to focus on her work. However, as Kimiko walked past Ichiraku Ramen, a familiar chakra signature tugged at her senses.

"Naruto?" Kimiko called as she stepped into the stall. She spotted Naruto mid-slurp, his face lighting up as he turned toward her.

"Oh! Kimiko-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, grinning widely. "Didn't expect to see you here. How's your training going?"

Before she could answer, Kimiko's attention shifted to the man sitting beside Naruto. He was tall, broad-shouldered, sitting with a relaxed and casual posture. His wild mane of white hair framed his strong features, and the distinct head protector he wore marked him as someone far from ordinary. The older man turned his head toward her, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Ooooh," he said, his voice deep and smooth as he inspected her. "This one is young now, but she'll be a real beauty in a few years. Say, would you like me to train you?"

"PERVY SAGE!" Naruto yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the man. "STOP BEING A CREEP! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE TRAINING ME, NOT HITTING ON MY FRIENDS! SHE'S YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER!"

Jiraiya, the Toad Sage and one of the Legendary Sannin, shot Naruto a fiery glare. "BRAT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ART OF APPRECIATING BEAUTY! IF YOU HAD ANY SENSE, YOU WOULDN'T BE SHOUTING AT ME ABOUT IT!"

Kimiko blinked, utterly unimpressed by the antics of the two. But as her senses adjusted to the room, her attention was drawn to something far deeper—the man's chakra. It was vast and powerful, much similar to Orochimaru's, if bigger. The flow of it was immense, a great and unending current that hummed with life. It wasn't chaotic or overwhelming, but measured and steady, like a limitless chorus of frogs croaking in perfect harmony.

And then she felt it—the center of it all. A gigantic red toad loomed within the vast sea of chakra, its presence calm yet commanding. Its eyes, sharp and curious, seemed to peer into everything around it, seeing far more than its size suggested.

Kimiko's gaze flicked back to the man, her mind racing. This wasn't just any ordinary ninja. Jiraiya, the Toad Sage, was even more extraordinary than she had imagined.

"Naruto, you haven't introduced me yet…to this Pervy Sage, " said Kimiko quietly, her voice carrying just the right amount of feigned curiosity. Naruto glanced at her, then waved dismissively toward Jiraiya.

"Oh, yeah, almost forgot. Kimiko-chan, meet Jiraiya. He's helping me train for the Chuunin Exams. He calls himself a wise sage, but I honestly think he's just a huge perv."

Jiraiya scoffed, puffing out his chest. "I am a wise and powerful sage! You should learn to respect me more!"

Kimiko smiled softly but tilted her head as if in surprise. "Jiraiya? As in, Master Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin?"

The silly grin on Jiraiya's face flickered, replaced for a moment by a sharp, assessing look as his gaze locked onto Kimiko. But just as quickly, it vanished, and his grin returned as if it had never left.

Naruto blinked. "Sannin? What's that?"

"Oh," Kimiko began, folding her hands neatly. "The legendary Sannin. They're three ninja who earned that title after surviving an encounter with Hanzo the Salamander, a legendarily powerful shinobi from Amegakure. They're among the most renowned shinobi in Konoha's history."

"Oooh," said Naruto, before frowning. "Wait. This guy's one of those three? Who are the other two? Are they a bunch of old pervy geezers too?"

Kimiko giggled lightly. "No. One of the Sannin is the legendary medical ninja, Princess Tsunade. The other…" Her face darkened, her voice lowering. "We've already met him. Orochimaru."

Naruto's eyes widened. "You mean the guy who…?" He hesitated, gesturing vaguely to her neck. "The guy who marked you and Sasuke?"

Kimiko nodded solemnly. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Jiraiya's face harden, his jovial demeanor momentarily replaced with somber contemplation.

Naruto's gaze flicked between the two of them before he crossed his arms, grumbling, "I don't know. I still think this guy's too pervy to be a respectable ninja."

Jiraiya's serious expression melted back into his trademark grin as he turned to Kimiko. "A beautiful girl and a smart scholar. Are you sure you don't need a sensei?" he teased.

Kimiko laughed softly, flipping her hair back. "You're flattering, Master Jiraiya. But I already have Kakashi-sensei."

"PERVY SAGE!" Naruto bellowed, pointing accusingly at Jiraiya. "I TOLD YOU, KAKASHI-SENSEI'S ALREADY TRAINING HER AND SASUKE! I'M THE ONE WHO NEEDS A TRAINER!"

Jiraiya shot him a glare. "BRAT! CAN YOU BLAME ME FOR ACTUALLY WANTING TO TRAIN A PRETTY AND SMART STUDENT LIKE THIS GIRL RATHER THAN A MORON LIKE YOU?!"

Kimiko smiled at their antics before interjecting. "Anyway, wasn't Ebisu-sensei supposed to be your teacher, Naruto?" She knew that Jiraiya was bound to find him anyway, but Kimiko wanted to know just what sort of training Naruto did with Jiraiya, and whether it differed from canon

"Huh? Oh." Naruto scratched the back of his head, huffing. "Yeah. He brought me to the hot springs to teach me water walking, but I told him I already mastered that thanks to your help and Kakashi-sensei's training. So we were supposed to work on my ninjutsu, but this guy "—he gestured at Jiraiya—"was peeping! Ebisu-sensei caught him, and then this geezer knocked him out. I told him to take over my training after that."

Kimiko raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"Well," Naruto grinned, "he made me show him my basics first. I showed him my Shadow Clones and the Wind Jutsu I learned when you and Sasuke took me to the archives."

Kimiko nodded thoughtfully, stealing a glance at Jiraiya. The older man was eating his ramen in silence, but his keen eyes betrayed his attentiveness.

"Anyway," Naruto continued, "he said my chakra control and fundamentals weren't bad because of all the training we've been doing. That, and that all of our training really expanded my chakra reserves!" Naruto grinned. "So he said we'd skip the boring stuff and learn some cool jutsu."

"Oh?" Kimiko's curiosity was piqued. "I'm jealous. What did you learn?"

Naruto puffed out his chest, a wide grin splitting his face. "I learned the Summoning Jutsu just today! I even signed my name in blood on the scroll and everything!"

Kimiko's eyes widened slightly in approval. "Really? That's impressive." She knew the Summoning Jutsu was a highly advanced space-time ninjutsu requiring both great chakra control, as well as a considerable chakra reserves to effectively use. Usually, it was used to summon creatures, whether part of an extensive lineage like toads and snakes, or any lone creature willing or able to forge a bond with the summoner. Of course, other things, like the Rashomon Gates, could also be summoned, but regardless, the jutsu wasn't something just any genin could master.

"You bet!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat. "Pervy Sage had me summon a toad just a few hours ago after I signed the contract, and I managed to summon one! It was a pretty big toad, almost as big as the one this geezer was riding on when he was peeping!"

Kimiko's smile widened. Interesting. In the anime, she remembered it taking Naruto nearly the entire month to properly execute the Summoning Jutsu. In that timeline, he didn't have the control or chakra reserves to use the technique with his own chakra. That was why Jiraiya eventually had him tap into Kurama's chakra. But if Naruto had already succeeded in summoning a large toad within just three days, it meant his chakra control—and perhaps his reserves—had drastically improved in this altered timeline. However, it also meant that he didn't get to encounter Gamabunta yet, which made Kimiko slightly worried

"Oh, and Pervy Sage told me that since I'm already sooo advanced," Naruto continued, puffing out his chest, "he's gonna teach me a few new tricks! He even said he's gonna show me how to use my other chakra after I learn a few more jutsu from him!"

Kimiko tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. Ah. So he's going to teach him to tap into that chakra regardless. Perfect.

Naruto, ever eager to share, launched into an explanation.

"You see, Kimiko, I've got two chakras. One is my usual one—the yellow one—and the other is the—"

"The red one?" Kimiko interrupted smoothly.

Naruto blinked, his train of thought derailed. "Huh? Yeah! How'd you know?"

Jiraiya's gaze flickered to Kimiko.

Kimiko smiled gently. "I've known ever since we met, Naruto. I'm a hypersensitive sensor, remember? I can analyze a person's chakra intimately, down to its makeup and unique qualities. I sensed the red chakra in you back then, and I also saw you use it during our A-ranked mission."

"Oh, yeah! I totally forgot about that," Naruto said, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

"Anyway," Kimiko continued, shifting the topic, "remember to maximize the Shadow Clone Training I taught you. It'll help speed up your jutsu learning process a lot."

"Shadow Clone Training?" Jiraiya interjected, his voice finally cutting through the conversation.

"Yeah!" Naruto exclaimed, turning to Jiraiya with an excited grin. "Kimiko-chan taught me this super cool trick with Shadow Clones. It helps cut down on the time I need to learn a jutsu. I just make ten or fifteen clones, have them all practice together, and when the clones poof, I get all their knowledge and experience!"

Kimiko noticed Jiraiya shoot her a contemplative look, his usual joviality replaced by quiet curiosity.

"How are you and Sasuke doing on training?" Asked Naruto.

"Sasuke just woke up," Said Kimiko. "So, he's doing his one on one training with Kakashi-sensei to get him up to speed. So I'm doing my training with Yugao-san now," Said Kimiko. "It's really tough. She makes me run around the training ground at early dawn, we end when the sun's already set. It's good training." Kimiko smiled. "Kakashi-sensei said that he would do me and Sasuke's training after a few days, though."

Naruto nodded, crossing his arms with a determined grin. "I'm gonna be stronger than either of you after this month. Especially Sasuke, if he keeps sleeping at the hospital."

Kimiko giggled. "Oh, please. I could still kick your butt, Naruto."

"That reminds me," Jiraiya interrupted, his tone casual. "Naruto, I forgot to buy ink and some paper for my novels. I also need to restock my scroll supplies. Go fetch me some, and I'll pay you back later."

"WHAT?!" Naruto yelled, glaring at Jiraiya. "WHY SHOULD I BUY YOU ANYTHING? AND HOW DO I EVEN KNOW YOU'LL PAY ME BACK? YOU'RE NOT JUST A PERV; YOU'RE A CHEAPSKATE!"

Jiraiya raised a hand in mock surrender. "Now, now. I guess I'll just ask Kimiko to be my student instead, since you're so disobedient…"

"HMPH!" Naruto huffed, standing up in a flurry of motion. "FINE! BUT YOU BETTER PAY ME BACK, YOU PERVY SAGE!"

With that, Naruto stormed off, muttering under his breath, leaving Jiraiya alone with Kimiko.

Jiraiya sighed, shaking his head. "That kid's got some spirit. So," he said, turning his sharp gaze to Kimiko, "I guess you're the one I have to thank for getting Naruto this strong, huh?"

Kimiko tilted her head slightly, a small smile gracing her lips. "That was all Naruto. I just shared what I knew and helped him whenever I could. He's the one who put in the work."

"Hoh, humble too," Jiraiya remarked, his expression contemplative. "So, you can sense Naruto's second chakra, huh?"

Kimiko nodded. "Yes, Jiraiya-sensei. And…I already know what it is. Kakashi-sensei told me the full story."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed slightly, the teasing glint in them replaced by something much sharper. "...I had a feeling you'd know. But confirm it for me."

Kimiko hesitated, then frowned, her voice soft but steady. "It's the Nine-Tails' chakra. The Fourth Hokage sealed it inside Naruto."

She remembered her earlier conversation with Kakashi, back during their mission in the Land of Waves. After they'd saved Zabuza and Haku, she'd used the opportunity to subtly confirm what she already knew from her foreknowledge. Framing it as her noticing the similarities between Naruto's chakra and the ominous presence she'd sensed as a child during the Nine-Tails' attack, she'd coaxed the truth out of Kakashi.

Jiraiya sighed deeply, shaking his head. "Kakashi told you, huh? I suppose it couldn't be helped. He probably figured you'd already pieced it together and decided it was better to tell you outright."

After a pause, Jiraiya's gaze flicked back to Kimiko. "Orochimaru marked you and Sasuke, huh?" His frown deepened. "What exactly did he do to you? You don't seem to be in pain or discomfort."

"Well…" Kimiko opened her palm, and the air around her hand shimmered as a blood-red aura seeped out, sizzling faintly. The toxic chakra danced around her fingers, radiating an ominous intensity.

Jiraiya's eyes widened as he studied the sinister energy. "Wait…is that—"

"Toxicity," Kimiko confirmed. "Venom. Poison. I'm immune to nearly all poisons now. And more importantly, once I ingest a toxin, I can command my chakra to replicate its effects."

Jiraiya's expression darkened, his features tense as if dredging up an unpleasant memory. "...Orochimaru's always had a sick sense of humor, but this…this is twisted. I didn't think he'd go this far."

"Well, technically, he didn't," Kimiko said, closing her hand to dispel the aura. "I laid the groundwork myself. I ingested various poisons to experiment with my chakra. It failed…spectacularly. Orochimaru just noticed what I was trying to do and gave me the missing ingredient to make it work."

Jiraiya stared at her in disbelief. "You're telling me you did that to yourself? You willingly tried to give yourself such a dangerous ability?"

Kimiko nodded, her expression resolute. "I did. I've always been interested in poisons. Unlike Sasuke, I don't have decades of clan techniques to rely on. And unlike Naruto, I don't have the Nine-Tail's power. I wanted something that was uniquely mine."

Jiraiya exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "So, you basically turned yourself into Hanzo the Salamander, and Orochimaru gave you that final push. Why? Why go so far?"

"Because I want to protect the people I love," Kimiko said, her voice quiet but firm. "My family. Sasuke. Naruto. Kakashi-sensei. Konoha as a whole. Even if it means turning myself into a poison furnace." Her gaze sharpened. "Didn't Hanzo do it for the same reason? To protect Amegakure from larger, more aggressive villages? And didn't he succeed? He singlehandedly stopped you three Sannin, even if you had an entire platoon behind you."

Jiraiya's lips twitched at the mention of that fateful battle. "I bet Orochimaru had a good laugh when he sensed the poison in your body. First time I ever saw him truly scared of an opponent." He muttered, then sighed. "Well… love, huh?" His eyes settled on her, appraising. "You remind me of him when he was younger, but you're different too. You're just as beautiful as Tsunade was back then. But you're too sweet and refined, like an actual princess."

Kimiko raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You got all that after meeting me just once?"

"Hah! I'm a sage, after all. Infinite wisdom, unmatched perception." Jiraiya grinned broadly, puffing out his chest in mock pride.

Kimiko giggled softly, then shifted to a more serious tone. "Anyway, Jiraiya-sensei. Sasuke's staying at my house during the month leading to the finals, and we'll be working together for the most part. Naruto's staying with you, I assume, but…" She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I want him to have dinner at my house."

Jiraiya blinked, tilting his head. "Hm? Why's that?"

"Because we're family—me, sensei, Naruto, and Sasuke. My teammates are orphans, but I don't want them to feel like they're alone." Kimiko's voice softened. "It's been a while since we had a proper team dinner. I'd like to share one with them before the Third Test."

Before Konoha Crush. Before the attack.

Kimiko's smile brightened as she added, "You're welcome to join us too, Jiraiya-sensei. It would be my dad's honor."

Jiraiya snorted, folding his arms. "Judging by those eyes of yours, I'd guess your father's Shinku Yuhi, right?"

Kimiko nodded, her gaze narrowing slightly. "He is, yes."

"Hah! Thought so." Jiraiya let out a hearty laugh. "You know, your dad used to be quite the heartthrob back in the day. Serious type, just like Sakumo-san. Those two were inseparable. Had all the ladies chasing after them." He chuckled fondly, shaking his head. "I wanted to be like them."

Kimiko smirked. "What happened?"

"Let's just say they set the bar way too high." Jiraiya grinned. "Alright, alright. I'll drop by with Naruto. Can't pass up good food, especially if it's made by the daughter of Shinku Yuhi." He ruffled her hair playfully. "Well, you seem like a good kid, Kimiko. Even with that… unusual chakra of yours."

Kimiko looked up at him, hope gleaming in her eyes. "Good enough that you'd give me a lesson or two when you're not busy training Naruto?"

Jiraiya paused, grinning at her enthusiasm. "We'll see, kid. We'll see."

The rest of the week was a relentless cycle of grueling training and painstaking experimentation for Kimiko. Each day began at the crack of dawn, either heading to the training grounds to spar and condition with Yugao or locking herself in her workshop. The air there was thick with the acrid smells of distilled minerals, poisonous plants, and all manner of volatile fluids. Her hands often bore faint stains from the ingredients she worked with, proof of her dedication to mastering the art of toxins.

Her routine was unforgiving—physically taxing and mentally draining. Whether it was Yugao's rigorous drills or the meticulous concentration required to concoct poisons, every hour left her more exhausted than the last. But she endured, pushing herself to the edge of her limits in preparation for what was to come.

However, one morning, just as Kimiko was preparing to head to her usual training with Yugao, her mentor intercepted her mid-way.

"Kakashi asked me to let you know there's a change in plans," Yugao said, her expression neutral but her tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "You're to head to the outskirts of Konoha instead. He'll meet you there to start your new training."

With her curiosity piqued, Kimiko adjusted her course and set out. The area she arrived at was stark and imposing—a dry, desolate expanse scattered with towering rock formations that jutted into the sky like ancient sentinels. The landscape reminded her of something out of a painting, its rugged beauty marred only by the harshness of the environment. It felt isolated, a perfect setting for the kind of rigorous training Kakashi likely had in store.

"Yo," a familiar voice called out from above. Kimiko shielded her eyes from the sun and squinted, spotting a dark silhouette perched on one of the towering rocks. It was unmistakably Kakashi, his relaxed posture a sharp contrast to the environment. Beside him stood another figure, shorter, with hands buried in his pockets, his gaze fixed on her.

"Kakashi-sensei," Kimiko greeted, raising her hand to block the glare. Her gaze shifted to the figure next to him, a smirk forming on her lips. "And nice to see you're finally up and about, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke smirked faintly in return, the glint of confidence in his dark eyes. "Heh. So, you're training with me now? Better bring your A-game."

Kimiko's smile widened. "When have I ever not?" she teased. Her eyes flicked upward to assess the sheer height of the rock formation. "So, I assume my warm-up is climbing up there to join you two?"

"Exactly," Kakashi replied, his voice calm as always. He glanced down at her. "But there's one catch—you're climbing without using chakra."

Kimiko let out a soft giggle, moving to the base of the rock and pressing her hand against a jutting ledge. "No chakra, huh? Alright then. Wait for me up there—I won't keep you waiting."

The climb was arduous, but it was nothing compared to the grueling training that followed once Kimiko reached the peak. Kakashi pushed both her and Sasuke through a punishing routine, conditioning their bodies and sharpening their abilities. The day began with a relentless series of runs down the towering peaks, only for Kakashi to have them scale another massive rock under a strict time limit. This process repeated again and again, moving from one towering rock to the next until they had cleared nearly all of the formations in the area.

The dry, scorching environment made the already brutal training even harder. By midday, both Kimiko and Sasuke were already bruised, battered and sweaty. Kakashi wasn't done, however. He insisted they work on controlling their speed and evasion under duress. From atop the rocks, Kakashi launched kunai at them as they ran through the narrow paths below, dodging obstacles and each other while trying to stay out of his line of fire.

By the time Kakashi called for a break, Kimiko and Sasuke were exhausted, sweat dripping from their bodies as they collapsed onto a shaded ledge to catch their breath. Kakashi descended shortly after, looking down at them with a satisfied nod.

"Great work," Kakashi said. "Tomorrow, we'll do the same drills. The day after that, we'll start specialized combat training for the two of you."

Kimiko nodded weakly, grabbing a bottle of water and pouring it over her head and chest to cool herself off before passing it to Sasuke. He mirrored her actions, tipping the bottle back for a long drink before letting the water cascade over him. That's when Kimiko noticed something odd—despite shedding most of his gear, Sasuke's right arm was still wrapped in bandages.

"Hey," Kimiko said, pointing at his arm. "What's that? Accident during your solo training with Kakashi-sensei?"

"Sort of," Sasuke replied nonchalantly.

Kimiko blinked and tilted her head, leaning closer. She caught a glimpse of bruised and slightly wounded flesh beneath the bandages. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across her face.

"Wait a second," she said, turning her gaze to Kakashi. "Did you teach him your jutsu, sensei? The Chidori?"

Kakashi sighed, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "I can never keep anything from you, can I? Yes, I did. He'll need it, considering who he's facing in the first round."

Kimiko's gaze flicked back to Sasuke. "And you've already learned it?"

Sasuke gave a slight nod, his expression as calm as ever. "I took a page out of your and Naruto's book and used a shadow clone to help. I can't use more than one without risking burnout, but it was enough to cut down the learning time."

"You can only safely use it twice, however." Kakashi interjected before Kimiko could ask anything else. "After that, your reserves are tapped. You still need better chakra control, and your reserves need work. That's what we'll focus on for the rest of the time we have." He paused. "Well, that and how to use that Sharingan of yours effectively.

Kimiko's eyes lingered on Sasuke. He had learned the Chidori—barely a week into training. It struck her how much of an advantage waking up earlier had given him. With three full weeks of training still ahead, his progress was bound to surpass his original counterpart's skill. She thought back to Naruto's rapid growth and smiled faintly. Looks like it's not just Naruto who'll be stronger this time around.

"Now, don't get jealous," Kakashi quipped, glancing at Kimiko, as if assuming she might envy Sasuke for learning the Chidori. "I've got something planned for you too, Kimiko. A couple of jutsus I can teach, probably some that'll complement that toxic chakra of yours."

"I'm not jealous, sensei," Kimiko replied evenly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. Her lips curved into a sly smile. "Besides, you're not my only teacher. Jiraiya-sensei said he has a few things to teach me whenever he's not busy with Naruto."

Both Kakashi and Sasuke turned to look at her, brows raised in unison. Her grin only widened at their reactions.

"You've already met Jiraiya-sensei, huh?" Kakashi said with a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, of course he says that. I should've expected as much. I can't really stop you, though. After all, I've got my hands full with Sasuke. It's only fair you pick up a second teacher while I focus on him."

Sasuke's brow furrowed slightly. "Wait—who's Jiraiya?" he asked.

Kimiko shot him a flat look. "You're as bad as Naruto sometimes. Seriously, read a book." She crossed her arms, feigning exasperation. "He's one-third of the Sannin. You know, a very powerful ninja, alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, and she immediately regretted mentioning the last name. Sasuke's face darkened, his jaw tightening just enough for her to notice. Crap. Is he jealous? Or just pissed that Naruto has a Sannin as a teacher?

Kimiko quickly added, trying to defuse the tension, "...And I invited Jiraiya-sensei to join us for dinner." She gave a cheery smile. "Which means you'll get to meet him. Who knows? Maybe he'll give you some pointers too."

Sasuke's expression relaxed ever so slightly, but he didn't say anything, opting to give a curt nod instead. Kakashi, however, let out an amused sigh, shaking his head at her antics. "You're quite the negotiator, Kimiko. Getting one of Konoha's greatest ninja to teach you and bringing Sasuke along too."

"Naturally," Kimiko replied with a grin.

"Oh, before I forget," Kakashi added, reaching into his pouch and pulling out a folded letter. "Your friend—the girl with the red hair from Kusagakure—left this for you. Had to go through the usual Intelligence Division vetting, you know, standard protocol with how high alert we are right now."

Kimiko nodded absently as she took the letter, her fingers brushing over the worn edges. She unfolded it carefully and began to read.

Dear Kimiko,

I don't know when you're going to get this letter, but I'm probably on my way back to my village by the time you do. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for me during the exams. I wouldn't have made it as far as I did without your help and generosity.

Thank you for treating me like a friend (even though you kind of scared me a little with all that talk about using me as a human meat shield).

We'll likely never see each other again, but please know that I will never forget the kindness you showed me—the first real kindness I've experienced in a long time. You're also the first person to refuse to bite me because you actually cared about what I wanted and how I felt, something no person seemed to think about doing before you.

If fate or a mission ever brings you to Kusagakure, please look me up if you have time. I'd love to catch up in a peaceful setting where we can just relax.

Oh, and please bring Naruto and especially Sasuke with you when you do.

With much respect and gratitude, Uzumaki Karin

Kimiko smiled softly as she finished reading, her fingers tracing the Uzumaki name at the bottom of the letter. "Karin…" she murmured under her breath, a mix of fondness and amusement evident in her voice.

Kakashi tilted his head. "Friend of yours from the exams?"

"Something like that," Kimiko said, folding the letter neatly and tucking it away. "She was… interesting. But she has a good heart. She just needed someone to treat her like a human being."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, his curiosity evident in the glance he shot Kimiko's way. She caught his look and smirked. "She also mentioned that she'd love for me to bring you and Naruto if I ever visit Kusagakure."

Sasuke's lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk forming. "She remembers me?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, his curiosity evident in the glance he shot Kimiko's way. She caught his look and smirked. "She also mentioned that she'd love for me to bring you and Naruto if I ever visit Kusagakure."

Sasuke's lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk forming. "She remembers me?"

"Oh, very much so," Kimiko teased. "Especially you." She turned toward Kakashi, her smile softening. "Anyhow, sensei. If we're done here, I think it's about time the three of us head back home."

Kakashi stretched lazily, shutting his book with a snap. "Yeah, yeah. Come on, Sasuke. And remember, we're both guests at Kimiko's house, so no brooding too much."

"Nah," Kimiko interjected, shaking her head with a playful grin. "Did you already forget? You two and Naruto are family."

Her gaze lingered on Sasuke for a moment, her expression unreadable but warm.

And I'm never going to let Orochimaru take you, Sasuke. I'll make sure his plans turn to ashes.