Chapter 25: Wildflower (Chuunin Exams, Training Arc for Finals, Part III)
Sweat dripped from Kimiko's brow, pooling and falling to the grass below the training grounds.
At the tip of her index finger, a concentrated glow of blue chakra pulsed, meeting the razor-thin tip of a senbon embedded in the ground. Her body, perfectly parallel to the sky, hung motionless. One arm was clasped tightly behind her back, her fist clenched, leaving only the tip of her finger to balance her entire weight atop the delicate needle.
Every muscle in her body screamed with exertion, the ache radiating through her form. She embraced the discomfort, knowing each moment of strain would translate to greater strength, sharper reflexes, and faster movements in the battles ahead.
This wasn't just physical conditioning—it was precision training, a method she had devised with Kakashi's guidance over the past two weeks of intense practice alongside Sasuke. After mastering her earlier chakra control exercises, such as folding origami with her chakra alone, they had become too rudimentary for her skill level. Seeking a challenge that combined physical rigor with advanced chakra control, Kimiko came up with this.
She had started simply, balancing on her palm. Then she advanced to using two fingers—her index and middle—before progressing to this: the tip of her index finger alone. Now, she pushed herself to the absolute limit.
Her body remained motionless, poised like a statue atop the fragile senbon. Sweat slid from her temples, trailing down her jawline. Then, with a deep, steadying breath, she shifted her weight.
Her index finger dipped as she withdrew her other hand from behind her back, pointing its index finger toward the exact position her original hand had balanced. The transition was painstaking—half a second of struggle, of trembling as her core fought to stabilize—but she regained her equilibrium with quiet determination. Now, her previously supporting hand was clasped behind her back, while her new finger bore her weight.
"Good," Kimiko murmured, her voice low and steady, despite the effort written across her face. Sweat trickled down her temple, soaking into her collarbone. "Now…"
She bent her index finger slightly, her body descending as the senbon remained perfectly still beneath her weight. The strain intensified, her muscles quivering with effort as her finger absorbed the pressure. Then, with a deliberate push, she extended her finger again, lifting her entire body back into position.
Up. Down. The repetition was slow, agonizing, and deliberate.
With each motion, Kimiko's focus sharpened, her mind silencing every doubt and distraction. This was her path to mastery, and nothing—not the aching of her muscles nor the trembling of her arms—would stop her.
"Wow," came a familiar voice from behind her. "Would you look at that training? Seriously, you're quite the diligent one, huh?"
A small smile crossed Kimiko's lips despite the exertion. She bent her index finger again, and with a burst of strength, she pushed herself off the senbon, flipping gracefully through the air before landing upright on her feet. Without a word, she walked over to grab her towel, dabbing the sweat from her face.
Finally, she turned to the visitor. "Jiraiya-sensei, I didn't expect to see you here," Kimiko said with a small smile. "Naruto isn't with you?"
The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, he's working on accessing that… second chakra of his. It's the only thing giving him trouble, I think. He's absorbing all the other lessons like a sponge, especially after picking up that Shadow Clone trick you taught him. But for now, he's wiped out and resting."
"Ah, yes. That's the perfect training technique for someone with Naruto's skillset," Kimiko said, her smile widening.
"And Kakashi isn't here to oversee your training?" Asked Jiraiya.
Kimiko shook her head. "He's in closed door training with Sasuke. Something about how to best use his Sharingan. He mentioned that the training will last for the rest of the month," Kimiko tilted her head. "How can I help you, Jiraiya-sensei?"
"Well," Jiraiya began with a smirk, "I did say I'd consider training you, didn't I? And with Naruto resting, what better time to do it than now?"
Kimiko's eyes brightened. That was something she actually didn't expect. "Oh! Alright, wow. It's not every day you get the chance to be mentored by a Sannin."
"Mm." Jiraiya nodded, his expression thoughtful. "From what I just saw, you're already far beyond your peers in chakra control. And from what I can sense, your chakra pool is absurdly large. With those natural advantages, you're building the foundation for a truly powerful shinobi. Honestly, barring those with kekkei genkai, you're sitting on the perfect set of tools for greatness."
He paused, scratching his chin. "That said, I could give you a hundred recommendations, but Kimiko paused, feeling the weight of the question. Mentorship from one of the Sannin, even if temporary, was an opportunity no shinobi in their right mind would pass up—especially a mere genin like her. Yet, the question overwhelmed her. There were countless paths she could take, countless skills she could ask to learn: ninjutsu, advanced tactics, maybe even something groundbreaking.
But she forced herself to focus, considering her immediate situation. The first round of the Chuunin Exams loomed ahead, and her opponent was Temari—a wind-style user. Knowing what she did from the anime, Kimiko understood the Exams would likely be interrupted mid-way through Sasuke's match with Gaara. Still, she wanted to claim a decisive victory over Temari. Injuring or exhausting her now could tip the scales in their favor when Gaara made his escape.
Beyond that, though, she saw areas in her repertoire that needed refining. Not weaknesses, per se, but places where potential could be turned into undeniable strength. And Jiraiya, of all people, might be the one to help her do it.
After a long pause, she finally spoke. "Jiraiya-sensei," Kimiko began. "I've thought about two things I'd like help with. One is for the Chuunin Exams—specifically my first opponent—and the other is more about my overall skillset."
"Oh?" Jiraiya prompted, intrigued.
"For the Exams," she continued, "my first opponent is a wind-style user. She wields a giant fan and specializes in long-to-mid-range, wide-spanning wind attacks." Kimiko paused, organizing her thoughts. "While I'm confident in my fundamentals and my speed to match her, her wide-area attacks nullify my usual defense strategies. Evasion and parrying just won't cut it against her wind jutsus."
"Hmm, smart assessment," Jiraiya remarked, stroking his chin. "And the other?"
"I'd like help with my sensory skills," Kimiko said, her tone growing serious.
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "You're already a better sensor than most ninjas. Your hypersensitivity to chakra allows you to do passively what most sensors can only do actively."
"I know," Kimiko admitted. "But there are still people—like Orochimaru—who can evade my senses entirely. He had to actively conceal his chakra signature to fool me, but there are others who might have an easier time. If I can refine my sensory abilities further, I know I can push through even advanced techniques meant to block me."
She paused, her expression tightening. "If you have any exercises or techniques that could help me strengthen that aspect, I'd be grateful, Jiraiya-sensei."
She knew he must, given that Sage Mode users were naturally extraordinary sensors.
Jiraiya sighed, shaking his head with a bemused smile. "Most kids your age would be asking me to teach them some flashy, over-the-top jutsu, you know."
Kimiko smirked. "Maybe in the future. Like that one you're famous for—the one you use to peep on women?"
The Sannin let out a bark of laughter, shaking his head. "I can see why Naruto likes you—you've got guts, kid." He paused thoughtfully. "The first request is easy enough to handle. Since you favor evasion as your primary defense, I'll assume you rely heavily on speed. And, considering who your father is, I'm guessing that tanto of yours is your main offensive weapon?"
"Mmhm," Kimiko said with a nod. "I usually try my best to close in and use kenjutsu techniques. I apply my toxic and water chakra through my sword to maximize the damage with every swing."
"I see," Jiraiya replied, studying her. "And what do you do when someone stays out of range, especially if closing the distance isn't an option?"
"That's when I rely on my senbons. I channel my chakra into them to enhance their damage potential and throw them at my opponents. Or I use water ninjutsu. I've mastered a few mid-to-long-range techniques—especially since sensei helped me learn some," she said, smiling faintly. She was particularly grateful for her foresight in mastering Searing Torrent, a fundamental water jutsu. It had laid the groundwork for her to learn more advanced techniques, as it required intricate control over water shaping and volume.
"Ah," Jiraiya said with a nod. "So, you're the type of shinobi who believes that an overwhelming offense is the best defense." His lips curved into a smirk. "Your style seems to focus on dealing as much damage as possible to make defense irrelevant."
Kimiko tilted her head thoughtfully as Jiraiya scratched his chin. "Ordinarily, I'd suggest you learn a solid defensive water jutsu. But given your strengths, it might be better to focus on improving the raw power and frequency of your water ninjutsu. That way, you can ensure your attacks overpower their wind jutsu every time—or outlast them in a ninjutsu slugfest."
"Now," said Jiraiya, stroking his chin. "The second request is a bit trickier. Sensory abilities come in all shapes and forms. In Konoha alone, you've got Yamanaka clan techniques, Inuzuka scent tracking, the old man's scrying jutsu, and let's not even get into the countless variations of the basic sensory jutsu," he explained. "But based on what you've told me, yours works by distinguishing chakra signatures—being able to identify someone by their unique signature, and you can do this passively?"
"Yes," replied Kimiko. "Though, I can actively knead my chakra to expand my range, and if I concentrate, I can lock onto a specific signature for tracking."
"...Huh," Jiraiya said, raising an eyebrow. "That's an impressive ability. Very useful, too." He nodded to himself, clearly thinking. "Alright, I've got an exercise in mind that might help refine those skills of yours."
Kimiko tilted her head. "Right now?"
"Right now," Jiraiya confirmed with a mischievous smile. "How do you feel about a village-wide game of hide and seek?"
To Kimiko's surprise, Jiraiya proved to be an exceptionally capable teacher. The "Hide and Seek" training he devised was both innovative and challenging. At first, Jiraiya concealed himself in various parts of Konoha, instructing Kimiko to locate him using only her sensory abilities. Each time she succeeded, he moved farther away, progressively increasing the difficulty to test the limits of her range and precision.
When Kimiko failed to track him after he began hiding near the outskirts of the village while she remained in the city center, Jiraiya made some observations. He noted that her sensory abilities didn't degrade over distance as long as the target remained within her range. Additionally, she could focus on a specific chakra signature with precision regardless of their distance to her, provided it fell within her sensory radius.
Through this exercise, they determined that Kimiko's current maximum range was impressive, spanning several blocks or a significant portion of the village when she concentrated fully. Jiraiya reassured her that this range would naturally expand as she grew older and honed her abilities, with her passive sensory reach also increasing over time.
Once they established her sensory range, Jiraiya shifted the training focus to countering concealment techniques. This proved far more challenging.
Initially, Jiraiya suppressed his chakra to varying degrees, forcing Kimiko to detect the faintest residual traces. The lower he suppressed his chakra, the more intense Kimiko's focus had to become, sharpening her ability to pick up subtle disturbances. Yet, even that seemed simple compared to his next test: disguising his chakra entirely.
In this advanced exercise, Jiraiya modified the way his chakra pulsed, making it feel like an entirely different person's signature. At first, Kimiko struggled, her usual methods of identification rendered almost useless. That's when Jiraiya shared a crucial insight:
"No one can completely alter their chakra makeup—at least, no one we've encountered so far," Jiraiya explained. "Anyone trying to mask or disguise their chakra leaves telltale flaws. Look for inconsistencies: a rhythm that's slightly offbeat, or chakra patterns that don't flow naturally."
Applying his advice, Kimiko began to notice subtle irregularities in the disguised signatures. It wasn't an immediate success, but by the end of the exercise, she managed to locate Jiraiya at least once. That single victory proved that with practice, she could refine this skill. And since only a rare few had the expertise to alter their chakra signatures convincingly, her growing proficiency would give her a significant edge over most foes.
The rest of the week training with Jiraiya followed a similar pattern, but with an added focus on refining Kimiko's ninjutsu. Jiraiya emphasized the importance of optimizing chakra usage—maximizing the power of a jutsu while expending the absolute minimum amount of chakra. This efficiency would ensure her effectiveness in prolonged battles, especially against stronger opponents.
To practice, Jiraiya spat fire jutsu at her, forcing her to intercept and overpower it with her water techniques. Initially, her water jutsu could only cancel out his flames, but Kimiko persevered. Day by day, her techniques improved, and although she ended each session utterly drained, the progress was undeniable.
Kimiko could already tell the effort was worth it. She realized that Jiraiya was, at his core, a natural teacher. While Kakashi's genius was undeniable, his brilliance often made it difficult for him to convey lessons to those who lacked his instinctive grasp of ninja arts. Jiraiya, however, had trained multiple shinobi over the years, and it showed in his adaptable teaching style.
She reflected on how Jiraiya had trained Naruto, using humor and exercises that leaned into Naruto's stubborn perseverance. But with her, his approach was noticeably different. He gave her the freedom to experiment and encouraged her to analyze her mistakes, always asking, "What could you have done better?" While he offered insights and guidance, he allowed her to find solutions independently, serving more as a guide than a taskmaster.
Kimiko admired his intelligence and empathy. He instinctively understood what each student needed: Naruto thrived under clear, direct guidance, while Kimiko flourished when given room to draw her own conclusions. By the end of the week, Kimiko felt a pang of sadness knowing their time together was coming to an end.
"Cheer up," Jiraiya said, ruffling her hair. "When you win your exams, I'll stick around and teach you some more, squirt. You're a better student than that loudmouthed goof Naruto. Can't believe I actually want him to sleep a few more days. He's probably already up and eager to start training again."
"I won't say no to that, Jiraiya-sensei," Kimiko said dryly. "But speaking of that silly goof, say hi to him for me, and let him know I miss him."
Jiraiya gave her a flat look. "Uh-huh. Don't know why you're friends with a loudmouth like him."
Kimiko giggled. "You love him already, don't you? I can tell. He reminds you of yourself when you were younger, doesn't he?"
Jiraiya snorted. "I was a handsome, talented youth, thank you very much. Naruto's just an annoying brat." He glanced toward the horizon. "Anyway, I better head off before he decides to restart training without me. I taught him the basics of drawing on the Demon Fox's chakra, but he was too beat up to safely try it last week. Knowing him, though, he'll try it anyway if I'm not there to guide him properly—"
Before he could finish, Kimiko froze. She felt it before she saw it—a massive influx of chakra that was impossible to miss. Her head snapped toward the source, eyes narrowing as she scanned the distant skyline.
In the far distance, an enormous cloud of smoke billowed up, then began to fade. What it revealed made Kimiko's breath catch: a toad, so gigantic it dwarfed every summon she'd ever seen. Its rust-red skin gleamed in the sun, a long scar ran over its left eye, and it wore a blue happi vest, in its lips was a long, unlit pipe.
Kimiko didn't need to think twice. She knew who the toad was. And from the chakra signature she sensed atop the massive toad, she knew exactly who had summoned it.
So… Naruto managed to draw on the Nine-Tails' chakra all by himself this time, huh? Seriously, just how much could I help to speed up your growth, Naruto?
Jiraiya stared at the scene, dumbfounded. Kimiko smirked and crossed her arms. "You were saying, sensei?"
With only one week left until the Chuunin Exams, Kimiko dedicated the time to rest, knowing she had done everything possible in the last three weeks. Any additional training, she realized, would be futile; she had learned all she could, and rest was essential to ensure she performed at her best.
With Naruto still unconscious in the hospital after overdrawing the Nine Tails' chakra and Sasuke immersed in closed-door training, Kimiko found herself enjoying a rare moment of peace at home. She sat at a table near the family's pristine flower garden, sipping her hand-blended jade green tea. A wide textbook lay open on the table, borrowed from the library—a detailed study of human anatomy and chakra pathways. Though it wasn't for medical ninjutsu, her interest lay in identifying precise points to strike an opponent, maximizing damage to kill or incapacitate efficiently while minimizing unnecessary pain.
"Huh, didn't expect to see you here," came a familiar voice from behind her.
Kimiko didn't look up from her book, instead placing her ceramic teacup on the table with a small clink. "Finished Shino's training earlier than usual, nee-san?"
"Yes," Kurenai said, walking over and taking the opposite seat. "I have a good feeling about that boy's chances in the Chuunin Exams." Her sharp gaze lingered on Kimiko. "And you? It's not like you to be around the house… resting."
Kimiko shrugged casually. "I trained as much as I could with Yugao-san, Kakashi-sensei, and Jiraiya-sensei. At this point, pushing further would only risk injury. Resting will help me more than any extra drills."
"Didn't know you even knew the meaning of that word," Kurenai teased with a chuckle.
Kimiko huffed lightly. "There's no point in stressing my body needlessly. I've done all I could; now, I just have to wait."
"Never thought I'd hear that from you, nee-chan," Kurenai said with a wry smile, leaning back in her chair. For a moment, silence settled between them, until Kurenai broke it.
"So… the Chuunin Exams, huh?" she asked, her tone neutral.
"Mm," Kimiko replied without much enthusiasm.
"I assume you're aiming to win the tournament?" Kurenai prompted.
Kimiko furrowed her brow. "...Obviously, sister. I didn't come this far to do anything less than my best."
"Ah," Kurenai said, a faint smile crossing her lips. "That's just like you."
Kimiko stared at her sister, her gaze steady. "Sister," she began, her voice calm but probing. "Is there something you want to say to me but can't?"
Kurenai fell silent for a long moment, her eyes dropping slightly before she finally spoke. "It's just… I don't know how to put it into words. You promised you wouldn't take unnecessary risks."
"Yes," Kimiko replied, nodding slowly. "And I've kept that promise. I push myself to my breaking point, but no further. I don't experiment recklessly with techniques that might kill me." She paused, her tone firm but measured. "I said I'd stop taking unnecessary risks, not that I'd stop trying to grow into the most powerful kunoichi I can be."
Kurenai let out a soft sigh, leaning back in her chair. "You're right… you've kept your promise."
Kimiko tilted her head slightly, studying her sister. "So, what is this really about, nee-chan?"
Another stretch of silence followed, Kurenai seeming to struggle with her words before she finally admitted, "...I guess…I just don't know when you stopped being my little sister. The one who was so proud of folding an origami flower using her chakra, something I taught her." Her voice softened. "And now, you've grown into this… brilliant genius of a kunoichi." She hesitated, then added, "Did you know my colleagues are saying your match with that Sand kunoichi is the least anticipated of the tournament?"
Kimiko blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Huh?"
Kurenai gave a small, rueful smile. "They think it's a complete mismatch. Everyone's sure you'll crush her. And that's not because she's mediocre—she's actually quite strong—but because you're just that much better."
"I am," Kimiko said, her tone arch, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "But shouldn't you be happy that I'm developing into a great kunoichi? Of course I've changed, but that doesn't mean I've stopped being your sister."
"Does it?" Kurenai countered, her voice carrying an edge of vulnerability. "When's the last time we spent any time together? Or bonded?"
Kimiko raised a brow, her gaze sharp. "When's the last time you weren't with your team?" she shot back. Her tone softened, though it didn't lose its firmness. "I won't apologize for doing my duty and fulfilling my potential. I am a kunoichi of the Leaf, and I take that responsibility seriously."
"That's just it," Kurenai murmured, her voice dropping. "See? I don't know when you started becoming so… intense. And…" She hesitated, struggling to find the words. "Honestly, your rate of growth… it puzzles me. Your skill, your fortune, all of it—it makes me feel… less."
Kimiko blinked, momentarily stunned. What was Kurenai saying? Was her sister jealous of her? The thought was as confusing as it was unsettling.
"You're one of the elite shinobi of Konoha and more than twice my age, Kurenai," Kimiko said slowly, her voice steady. "I don't think I'll be anywhere near your level anytime soon. And when I do get to that point, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to stop pushing myself just because it makes you feel bad. I owe it to myself to be the best person I can be."
Kurenai sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "You can be so cruel and blunt sometimes, you know?" she said softly. "But... you're right. It's just—seeing you do things that would have terrified me at your age, and some that still terrify me even now... It's a lot. You fought Orochimaru and survived. You killed two genin and maimed another without hesitation. You probably saved Hayate's life and gave Konoha intel that would save thousands of lives. It's... stunning."
She paused, her gaze thoughtful. "I was never a genius, Kimiko. So, it's harder for me to relate to what you're doing."
Kimiko frowned slightly but kept her tone even. "You're a jonin, Kurenai. Most shinobi can only dream of reaching that rank. People have died for far less. So, don't sell yourself short. Whatever I accomplish doesn't diminish your achievements in any way. If anything, it reflects well on you, doesn't it?"
Kurenai let out a soft laugh, her expression softening. "You're so mature for your age, it's insane." She studied Kimiko fondly for a moment. "But does it reflect on me? I've watched you fight, and I see Kakashi's influence, Father's, some of your own flair, and even Hayate's. But I don't see any of me in you."
Kimiko tilted her head to the side, her brow furrowing slightly. Was this Kurenai's way of saying she felt left out as if she hadn't contributed to Kimiko's growth as a shinobi?
"Well, we can fix that, if you want," Kimiko said after a moment, her voice softer. "And... we should definitely make time to spend together after the exams."
Kurenai's smile grew warmer, more genuine. "I'd like that."
Thankfully, the rest of the week with Kurenai proved far less tense than their earlier conversation. Kurenai gave her a few pointers in canceling genjutsu, as well as some of her favorite ones for Kimiko to use as a base for her own genjutsu.
She informed Kimiko that Hinata had recently regained consciousness and wanted to thank Kimiko for the embroidery gift. Though Hinata was back on her feet, she remained fragile from her ordeal. Still, she was adamant about attending the Third Exams to support both Kimiko and Naruto.
Naturally, the mention of Naruto's name spurred Kimiko to visit him by the end of the week to check in on his recovery. While she knew he simply needed rest, she wanted to ensure Naruto felt cared for—herself, above all, making the effort.
"Uzumaki Naruto's room?" Kimiko asked the medical-nin at the front desk.
"Oh, yes. I remember him. A huge toad brought him in. Weirdest thing I've seen since I started working here. Third floor, Room 305."
Kimiko smiled politely at the medical-nin before heading to the indicated room. Before even opening the door, she detected another chakra signature inside, a familiar one.
Pushing the door open, Kimiko's eyes landed on a lazy boy seated casually beside Naruto's bed, a basket of fruit resting on the nightstand.
"Shikamaru," said Kimiko, tilting her head in mild surprise. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Yeah," Shikamaru replied dryly. "I was visiting Choji, but I heard Naruto got laid out, so I figured I'd drop by... even though it's such a drag."
Kimiko placed her wrapped bento box beside Shikamaru's fruit basket before taking a seat across from him, offering a polite smile.
"I'm sure he'll appreciate you showing up for him," said Kimiko. "So, how's your preparation for the Chuunin Exams going?"
"It's going fine," said Shikamaru, his tone neutral. "Yours?"
Hm. Keeping things close to the chest, as expected. Smart. He knows we're in the same bracket so he doesn't want to risk giving me any advantage.
"It's going well, too." She paused, glancing briefly at Naruto before turning back to Shikamaru. "You mentioned Choji's here? I hope my attack didn't injure him that badly."
"Nah," Shikamaru replied with a lazy wave of his hand. "He ate too much barbecue after your match and gave himself indigestion."
Kimiko giggled softly. "Well, I'll make sure to visit him. Did the medical-nin say anything about—"
Her words trailed off as a groan escaped Naruto, his eyes fluttering open.
"Mmmngg..." Naruto muttered groggily.
Shikamaru smirked, shooting Naruto an amused glance. "So, you've decided to wake up, huh?"
"Where am I…?" Naruto muttered groggily, blinking his eyes open as he slowly stirred.
"You're in the hospital," Kimiko said softly, her voice gentle as she reached over to run a hand through his messy blond hair.
"They said you've been out for three days straight," Shikamaru added, leaning back casually in his chair.
Naruto squinted at them, his mind still catching up. "...Why am I here with you two? Where's Pervy Sage?"
"Well, we came to visit you," Kimiko replied with a small smile. "Last I saw Jiraiya-sensei was last week, right after that huge toad you summoned. He said he'd keep helping you, but I haven't seen him since."
"You summoned that huge toad?" Shikamaru interjected, raising an eyebrow. "I saw it from my training grounds. That's actually pretty impressive... for a moron like you."
"Heh heh heh… Wait, HEY! I'M NOT A MORON!" Naruto yelled indignantly before looking panicked. "How many days left till the Third Exam anyway?"
"It's tomorrow," Kimiko said nonchalantly, checking her nails.
"IT'S WHEN?!" Naruto suddenly leaped up, standing on the hospital bed, his head whipping between Kimiko and Shikamaru with wide eyes.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TWO WAKE ME UP EARLIER?!" he bellowed.
"Even if we tried, you wouldn't have woken up," Shikamaru replied, unfazed. "You were completely tapped out. Such a drag."
"Oh no, oh no! And Pervy Sage left me all alone!" Naruto groaned dramatically. "He's supposed to oversee my training!"
"Calm down," Kimiko chided, rolling her eyes. "You know he didn't abandon you. I bet you learned a lot this past month training with him, didn't you? Didn't he teach you a couple of new jutsu?"
"Well, yeah, but still!" Naruto exclaimed. "Ugh, I could've done so much more with those three days!"
"Naruto," Kimiko said firmly, pinning him with a pointed look. "Rest is just as important as training. Besides…" She motioned toward the nightstand, and Shikamaru grabbed the fruit basket and the bento box, handing the latter to Kimiko.
"We brought you get-well gifts," Kimiko continued.
"Yeah," Shikamaru added, setting the fruit basket on the bedside table. "I went through all the trouble of getting this for Choji, but the medical-nin said he can't have it. Such a drag. At least the three of us can eat it."
"Wait, Choji?" Naruto asked, blinking. "You mean he's here too?"
"Nothing to worry about," Shikamaru replied lazily. "As I told Kimiko, he's just here because he ate too much barbecue and gave himself indigestion."
"HAHAHAHA!" Naruto burst out laughing. "That's just like him!"
Kimiko chuckled, then placed the bento beside Naruto. "Here," she said, pushing it toward him. "I prepared this for you."
"Oooh, is it ramen?" Naruto asked, peeking into the bento box eagerly.
"No," Kimiko said flatly. "It's vegetables and rice. You need to eat healthier, Naruto. Even if I have to feed you myself."
Naruto puffed out his cheeks in protest, but Kimiko's stern look cut through his whining. Shikamaru sighed, shaking his head.
"What a drag. A girl takes the time to visit you and bring you food, and you act all childish."
"I agree," Kimiko said dryly, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Naruto waved them off. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, catching an apple Shikamaru threw at him. "This looks delicious, though." He was about to bite into it when he suddenly paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"What now?" Shikamaru asked, raising an eyebrow.
Naruto started laughing, covering his mouth. "Let's eat it in front of Choji. It'll drive him crazy."
"Man, that's mean," Shikamaru said, a smirk forming. "I like it."
The two boys were already on their feet when Kimiko huffed, crossing her arms. "It's impolite to ignore a lady or not give her an invite," she declared, standing with a flick of her hair. "I'm coming too. Someone has to make sure you two don't go overboard. What room is he in anyway?"
"Second floor, room two-thirteen," Shikamaru said idly, holding the door open as Naruto waved her ahead with a grin.
The moment Kimiko stepped out of the room, her entire body tensed. Her heightened sensory capabilities, honed by training with Jiraiya, flared to life. A chakra—familiar, unstable, and thick with malice—hit her like a cold wave. It was unmistakable.
And it was heading to the second floor.
"Shikamaru, Naruto," Kimiko said, her tone clipped, halting them mid-step. Both turned to her, Shikamaru raising a curious eyebrow while Naruto looked puzzled.
"My senses just picked up something," she continued. "It's Gaara. He's here, and he's not happy. His chakra's spiking—erratic, even more unstable than usual. And he's headed to the same floor we're going to."
Naruto blinked, his brow furrowing. Shikamaru's expression shifted into something sharper, his lazy demeanor gone in an instant. "Well," Shikamaru said dryly, "let's just be sure to greet him when we cross paths." He started walking again, Naruto close behind, and Kimiko followed, her gaze narrowing.
Kimiko locked onto Gaara's signature, focusing her sensory abilities to ensure she didn't lose him, which, due to his close proximity to her made it much easier, not even requiring much focus thanks to her training with Jiraiya. His chakra pulsed violently, like a storm barely held in check. The closer they got to the second floor, the more erratic and oppressive it became, making her stomach knot.
The silence among the trio was palpable as they descended the stairs. Kimiko's heart raced when she felt Gaara's signature come to a still stop. He had entered a room.
And she knew exactly which one.
Rock Lee's room.
Her blood ran cold as the memory from the anime hit her like a lightning bolt. She could practically see it—the way Gaara would stand over Lee, intent on ending the boy who was already broken and defenseless.
"Naruto, Shikamaru," Kimiko said urgently, her voice leaving no room for argument. "He just entered Lee's room."
"Huh?" Naruto asked, confused. "Why would he go into Bushy-Brow's room?"
Kimiko glanced at Shikamaru, their eyes locking. His face paled as realization dawned.
"Naruto, let's move. Now," Shikamaru said sharply, his voice unusually forceful. "That guy's going to try to kill him."
Without another word, they broke into a sprint, urgency driving every step as they raced toward Rock Lee's room.
The moment they entered the room, the scene was as horrifying as Kimiko feared. Gaara loomed over Rock Lee, his eyes wide with an unhinged intensity. Sand snaked across Lee's fragile body, encircling his limbs and even brushing dangerously close to his face. It pulsed and slithered as if alive, poised to deliver a final, crushing blow.
In a blur, they sprang into action.
Shikamaru's hands moved in a precise formation, his shadow stretching and snapping toward Gaara, locking onto him in an instant.
Naruto lunged, his fist connecting solidly with Gaara's face, sending cracks rippling across his cheek. At the same time, Shikamaru grimaced and rubbed his jaw as if he'd been struck himself.
Kimiko didn't hesitate. Her tanto was in her hand before she knew it, the blade glowing with her toxic red chakra, which hissed and sizzled against the air. She pointed it directly at Gaara's throat, her stance solid and unwavering.
Shikamaru rubbed his cheek with a wince. "Ow," he muttered. "Hey, Naruto, don't forget—whatever you do to him while I've got him in the Shadow Possession Jutsu, I feel it too."
"Oh, sorry, Shikamaru," Naruto mumbled before turning his sharp gaze back to Gaara. "What the heck are you trying to pull?!"
Gaara simply stared at them, his cheek cracked from Naruto's earlier punch. The silence was deafening, and the tension in the air felt like a blade hovering over their heads.
Naruto's frustration finally boiled over. He clenched his fists and snapped, "Well?! Are you going to tell us what you were trying to do?!"
"...I was going to kill him," Gaara said, his voice quiet yet chilling.
Kimiko met his eyes, dull and filled with vicious intent. There was no remorse, no hesitation.
"You already beat him," Shikamaru interjected, his tone sharp. "You won your match against him fair and square. What's your problem? Wasn't that enough for you? Do you have some kind of personal grudge?"
Kimiko's gaze flickered to the shadow binding Gaara in place. Though the jutsu was holding, her instincts told her it wouldn't last much longer.
"No," Gaara said, his voice eerily calm and detached. "I have nothing against him. It's nothing that complicated. I simply want to kill him."
The cold, matter-of-fact way he said it sent a chill through the room. Shikamaru and Naruto both stared at him, stunned and equal parts disturbed by the admission.
"YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU'RE SICK IN THE HEAD! YOU'RE CRAZY!" Naruto shouted, pointing a trembling finger at Gaara.
Kimiko frowned. Considering he hasn't slept in who-knows-how-long, that's probably true.
"You think we're just going to stand by and let you do whatever you want?" Shikamaru said, his voice laced with disgust. "You sick, selfish psycho."
Kimiko took a step forward, her tanto glowing faintly with her chakra's toxic aura. Her voice was quiet, yet every word dripped with cold precision. "If you so much as move a finger, you'll be the one to die."
Kimiko very much didn't want to follow through with her threat. She vaguely remembered a jonin arriving in the anime to stop things before they spiraled out of control. Still, the tension in the room was suffocating. She could feel Shikamaru's calculating gaze flicker between her and Naruto, as if running the odds in his head.
In her own estimation, the three of them might be able to stop Gaara—might—but only if he didn't enter his One-Tailed Form. If Shukaku manifested in the middle of a hospital, it would be catastrophic. Not only for them, but for the entirety of Konoha
Gaara's gaze swept over them slowly, lingering on her. His voice remained disturbingly calm. "If you don't stay out of my way, I'll have to kill all three of you as well."
Naruto clenched his fists, his temper flaring. "Oh, really? Well, let's just see you try!" he shouted, taking a step forward.
"Hey, whoa, Naruto. Take it easy!" Shikamaru quickly interjected, a nervous edge creeping into his tone.
Gaara, however, was completely unfazed. His calm demeanor only seemed to unnerve Shikamaru further.
"Yeah, we saw your last match against Lee. We know you're strong," Shikamaru said, forcing a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "But, you know, Naruto, Kimiko, and I have a few tricks up our sleeves too. We were holding back during the competition. There's a lot you haven't seen yet."
He's bluffing. He doesn't like our odds and is trying to talk us out of this. But Gaara doesn't care. He just wants to kill.
"And on top of that," Shikamaru added, his voice growing firmer, "it's three against one. So don't be a fool, okay? You saw how Kimiko effortlessly beat my teammate. She alone could probably match you. So take our advice, and go. Quietly."
Kimiko's lips tightened into a thin line. Not true. I'd lose unless I killed him in the first minute. It's a bad matchup.
Her grip on her tanto tightened as she stepped forward. Her voice was deathly calm and measured. "I can stab you through the eye before you lift your defenses."
The weight of her words hung heavily in the air before she continued, her tone even colder. "And if it means preventing you from killing innocents, I'm willing to sacrifice myself. I'll flood this entire room with my chakra, tinged with most potent poison I've ever stored inside me and ensure we all go down together."
The quiet conviction in her voice made even Naruto and Shikamaru tense. Gaara, however, just stared at her, his unreadable expression betraying nothing.
"…I'll say it once more," said Gaara, his voice low and chilling. "If you get in my way, I'll kill you."
"AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN," boomed Naruto, stepping forward and pointing a finger at Gaara. "Let's see you try it!"
"Back off, will ya?" muttered Shikamaru, throwing out an arm to hold Naruto back. "We don't wanna go there. This guy fights like he's mad—like he's some kind of demon or something."
"He can act like a demon all he wants," said Naruto, a fiendish grin crossing his face, "but you know what? I've got the real thing inside of me."
Naruto locked eyes with Gaara, his defiance unwavering. Gaara stared back, his expression unreadable, though something flickered behind his dull eyes. Kimiko, standing nearby, side-eyed Naruto, her thoughts veiled.
If only you knew how similar the two of you are…but not now, Naruto. Tomorrow. When you beat him and save Konoha for the first time.
"Idiot," Shikamaru hissed, nudging Naruto with his elbow. "Don't antagonize him. What's the point of getting him mad?"
"A demon, huh?" Gaara's voice cut through the tension. He closed his eyes briefly, as if steeling himself. "...My demon is as real as yours."
Naruto and Shikamaru exchanged uneasy glances, but Kimiko remained silent, her gaze fixed on Gaara.
"From my birth, my upbringing was not something most people would consider happy," Gaara began, his voice flat but laced with bitterness. "To ensure that I became the strongest shinobi, my father cast a jutsu on me, infusing my unborn self with a sand spirit. I destroyed the life of the woman who gave birth to me…" He paused, his words heavy. "I was born a monster."
Naruto and Shikamaru stared at him in horror, but Gaara continued without hesitation.
"Its name is Shukaku. It's the living incarnation of an old monk of the Sand Village who was sealed inside a jar of tea."
Shikamaru grimaced, visibly disturbed. "Yeah…some kind of creepy demonic jutsu. But to use it on a baby? Before it's even born? That's messed up."
Naruto's expression tightened as he stared at Gaara, clearly grappling with the weight of his story. But Kimiko, knowing the truth, stepped in.
"You don't have the complete picture," she interjected, her voice calm but commanding. Gaara's gaze shifted to her, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What's sealed inside of you isn't just the living incarnation of an old monk. You're right about its name—it's Shukaku, and it's a sand spirit. But it's not an old monk; it's a Tailed Beast."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. All eyes were on Kimiko now.
"It's the Ichibi—the One-Tail," she continued. "Sunagakure captured it, but the rest of the Tailed Beasts were captured by Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage. He divided them up among the different villages."
Naruto and Shikamaru's jaws dropped at her revelation, while Gaara's lips pressed into a thin line. For the first time, his mask of eerie calm seemed to waver. But she continued.
"You're a Jinchuuriki. A human who has a tailed beast sealed inside of them," Kimiko said, her voice calm but firm. "And that monk you were talking about?" She paused. "He was likely the Jinchuuriki before you. They were probably conflated together in history."
The room fell silent. Gaara and Naruto both stared at her, their expressions unreadable. It was Shikamaru who finally broke the quiet.
"...How the hell do you know this, Kimiko?" he asked, his tone skeptical yet tinged with curiosity.
Kimiko shrugged lightly. "It's simple history. You can find it in the library. When Gaara mentioned the spirit sealed inside him and described it as a sand spirit, it clicked. The One-Tail has always been described as something akin to a sand spirit because of its abilities. Besides," she added, "I can sense two distinct chakras inside him."
"Well, whatever's sealed inside him," Shikamaru said, his gaze shifting back to Gaara, "your dad must've been one twisted dude to do that to you—his own son."
Gaara's voice dropped, cold and sharp. "You speak of love? Don't measure me by your standards." His tone sent a chill through the room. "Love, family… Let me tell you what family means to me."
The air grew tense as Gaara continued. "The only emotional ties I have to family are the ties I want to wrap around their necks. They're only ties of hate."
Naruto and Shikamaru stared at him, both struck silent as Gaara pressed on.
"Given life by the death of my mother, I was brought into this world and raised as the salvation of the village. As the Kazekage's child, my father taught me the secret arts of the shinobi—one after the other. He pampered and protected me, and for a time, I thought that was love." His voice grew darker. "And that was when everything started."
"When what started?" Shikamaru asked, his face pale, a mixture of horror and disbelief clouding his features.
Gaara remained silent.
"What was it?" Naruto demanded, his tone insistent. "Are you going to tell us or not?"
More silence.
"Come on!" Naruto pressed, his curiosity mixed with genuine frustration. "What started? What was it?"
Gaara lowered his head for a moment, then raised it again, his eyes wide and unblinking, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "In the six years since I turned six, my father has tried to kill me more times than I can count."
The two boys recoiled, the horror written across their faces unmistakable. Shikamaru cleared his throat, his voice uneasy but steady enough to ask, "You just finished saying your father pampered and protected you. So which is it?"
"A presence that is too powerful becomes a presence that is feared," Gaara replied, his words laced with bitter venom. "The jutsu that gave me life unbalanced something in my mind. Even the fools in my village eventually realized I had… emotional problems." He smirked, but it was devoid of humor. "My father, the Kazekage, created me to be his ultimate weapon, but I eventually became a threat to the very village I was meant to save. By the time I was six, I was a figure of terror to the villagers. To them, I was nothing but a relic of the past—a nightmare they wished would disappear."
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. "So you see, I had failed at the one purpose for which I was given life. What, then, was left for me in this existence? Why go on living? For a long time, I couldn't find an answer. But in order to live, you need a purpose. To exist for no reason… is the same as being dead."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Kimiko turned her gaze to Naruto. His wide eyes were fixed on Gaara, his expression one of dawning horror. It didn't take long for Kimiko to understand why.
He knows exactly what Gaara is feeling. He's empathizing with him. And he's horrified at that realization.
"Then in time, the answer came to me," Gaara continued, his voice steady, yet unnervingly hollow. "To put it simply, my reason for living lies in the killing of others. For years, I lived in fear of those sent to murder me. But now, I am at peace. I killed many would-be assassins. And in doing so, the truth became clear. I live solely for myself. I love only myself. Just as it was my mother's death that gave me life, now it is the deaths of others that sustain me. That make me almost happy to be alive. And there's no end to it. As long as there are still people to kill in this great, wide, crowded world, I will never disappear."
He spoke with such conviction, as though every word was carved from the depths of his soul. Silence filled the room, each of them grappling with the weight of Gaara's dark philosophy. Kimiko's gaze flickered to Naruto, who stood frozen, his wide eyes staring at Gaara. It was clear he wasn't just listening—he was seeing himself in Gaara's words.
Kimiko could almost hear the gears turning in Naruto's mind. The realization was dawning on him, sharp and cruel: he could have been Gaara. Before Iruka-sensei. Before Sasuke. Before her. The loneliness, the darkness—it could have consumed him too.
Naruto's breath hitched, and Kimiko saw him take an involuntary step back, fear flashing in his eyes.
"Hey, where are you going?" barked Shikamaru, his sharp tone breaking through the silence. "What's wrong?!"
Kimiko's senses flared a moment before it happened. Her eyes darted to Gaara, who now stood hunched forward, his wild gaze fixed on them. Above him, entire columns and tendrils of sand hovered menacingly, undulating as if alive, poised to strike. His expression twisted into something manic.
"Now… HELP ME FEEL ALIVE!" Gaara roared, and the sand descended in a terrifying rush, forming sharpened tendrils aimed directly at them.
Kimiko's hand instinctively moved to her tanto, her body ready to flicker into action. She could dodge it easily, counter with her toxic chakra-coated blade, and even strike Gaara before the sand reached them. But then she felt it—an unmistakable presence behind her, calm yet overwhelming in its sheer confidence. A green blur shot past her vision, and a familiar voice rang out.
"Alright, that's enough," said Might Guy, his tone calm but firm, as he stepped into the room. "Save it for tomorrow. Don't be in such a hurry—that's when the third test begins."
All eyes whipped toward him. The tendrils of sand froze midair before crumbling harmlessly to the ground, the once-threatening particles now nothing more than a gritty texture underfoot.
"You're just wasting it today," Guy added, stepping fully into the room, his posture relaxed yet authoritative. "Is that what you want?"
Gaara clutched his head, groaning in pain. Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she watched the sand begin to retreat, slithering back into the gourd strapped to his back. His shoulders shook as though an unseen battle raged within him.
Finally, Gaara straightened, his movements slow and deliberate. He limped toward the doorframe, his hand clutching it as he paused to glance back at them. His pale, cracked lips curled into a sinister smirk.
"All the same," he rasped, his voice low and threatening. "I'll kill you all. Just you wait."
Kimiko exchanged a knowing look with Guy, her expression unreadable. With a slight nod, she acknowledged the unspoken understanding between them.
Gaara disappeared into the corridor, his presence leaving behind a suffocating weight. Kimiko turned her gaze to Naruto, whose hands trembled slightly at his sides, his expression a mixture of anger and fear.
Shikamaru sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Man…what a drag," he muttered, but his voice lacked its usual edge of indifference.
Kimiko sheathed her tanto, sighed, and reached over to hold Naruto's hand. "It's going to be okay, Naruto." Said Kimiko. "Come on, let's get out of here. And thank you, Guy-sensei."
She led the two boys out of the room, her hand grasping Naruto's in her own.
Naruto remained quiet, even as Kimiko signed his hospital discharge forms. He didn't say a word when she took his hand and practically dragged him to her house for dinner. He followed silently, his mind seemingly elsewhere, though he didn't resist her gentle grip.
"Tadaima," Kimiko called out as she slid open the door, slipping off her sandals before tugging Naruto toward the living room. "And I brought a guest with—Oh?"
Her steps faltered as she noticed the scene before her. Sitting cross-legged on the floor was her father, Shinku, sharing a hearty laugh with Jiraiya, who seemed to have just cracked a joke.
"Oh, Kimiko-chan!" Jiraiya greeted with his usual boisterousness. "Nice of you to join us. I see you brought the brat from the hospital too. That's good of you. I hope you don't mind, but I took you up on your invitation for dinner."
Naruto's brooding mood snapped for a moment, replaced by outrage as he pointed an accusatory finger at Jiraiya. "PERVY SAGE! WHY DID YOU ABANDON ME?! YOU COULDN'T EVEN VISIT ME IN THE HOSPITAL! I NEARLY DIED TRYING TO STAY ON THAT STUPID TOAD'S HEAD, AND NOW I SEE YOU HERE, LAUGHING?!"
Jiraiya shot back immediately, waving his arms. "BRAT, I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME PERVY SAGE IN FRONT OF COMPANY! YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME! AND DON'T BLAME ME FOR YOUR LACK OF TALENT! YOU OVERDID IT AND SUMMONED THE TOAD YOURSELF! STOP BRINGING UP IRRELEVANT STUFF IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME!"
Shinku roared with laughter, his deep voice filling the room. "Hah! He's just like you were at his age, Jiraiya-kun!"
"He is not!" Jiraiya protested, looking visibly ruffled. "I was handsome, wise, and talented!"
Shinku smirked. "Sure, and Naruto's not a lecher like you. I remember when Tsuna-chan nearly killed you for peeping on her!"
Jiraiya spluttered in embarrassment, unable to form a proper retort. Before the teasing could escalate further, Kaori entered the room, dressed in an informal yukata and carrying a tray of sake. She gracefully set it down on the table before turning her attention to the newcomers.
"Oh, another guest?" Kaori greeted warmly, her smile directed at Naruto. "Nice to see you, Naruto-kun. Kurenai will be helping me cook tonight, so I hope you'll stay for dinner."
"I'll help too," Kimiko offered.
"You will not," Kaori replied with a small smile. "You and Naruto-kun have a big day tomorrow. Neither of you should lift a finger tonight. Your sister and I will handle it."
Kimiko nodded and guided Naruto to sit beside her. He looked momentarily stunned by how naturally he was included in the family's dinner plans, a softness in his expression betraying his surprise. But the surprises weren't over yet. A knock came at the door, and Kaori went to answer it. Moments later, she returned, accompanied by none other than Kakashi, carrying a rectangular wooden case. Behind him, to Kimiko's astonishment, was Sasuke Uchiha.
"Hello, everyone," Kakashi said with his usual relaxed tone. "Thought we'd drop by. Kimiko invited us for dinner once, and I figured this was a good time to show up."
Kimiko's eyes darted to Sasuke and back to Kakashi. She could piece it together: Kakashi likely caught wind of Jiraiya and Naruto being here—probably through Guy—and decided this was the perfect opportunity to temporarily pull Sasuke out of his training. She had no doubt it was Kakashi's way of strengthening Sasuke's ties to Konoha and countering Orochimaru's influence.
"Hey," Sasuke said, sliding into the seat next to them.
"Uh-huh," Kimiko replied with a grin, glancing up at him.
"Hey yourself," Naruto muttered, turning his face away.
"What's his problem?" Sasuke asked, tilting his head toward Kimiko.
She sighed, her expression softening. "Long story, Sasuke-kun. Let's not get into it right now. Dinner's here, and we should enjoy it."
And enjoy it they did. Kaori had outdone herself, preparing an incredible spread that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas. The centerpiece was a large, steaming platter of slow-roasted pork belly, lacquered with a glaze of soy and honey, garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. Beside it sat a bowl of miso soup with silky tofu cubes, seaweed, and a sprinkle of green onion, its warmth filling the room. A variety of side dishes complemented the meal: pickled daikon and cucumber, crispy tempura vegetables, and a plate of hand-rolled sushi with vibrant slices of salmon, tuna, and tamago. For dessert, Kaori presented a simple but elegant dish of mochi filled with sweet red bean paste, dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
The warm atmosphere of the dinner seemed to melt away the tension, with laughter and chatter filling the room. Kurenai and Kakashi spoke quietly in one corner, discussing plans for the next day. Meanwhile, Jiraiya was deep in conversation with Shinku and Kaori, regaling them with tales of his travels and explaining his unexpected return to Konoha.
At their end of the table, the younger shinobi engaged in their own conversation, lighthearted and punctuated with humor.
"Still can't believe that guy's supposed to be a Sannin," Sasuke remarked, his gaze flicking to Jiraiya.
"Ha! Another brat, huh? And an Uchiha this time." Jiraiya leaned back with a broad grin. "I'll have you know I'm a wise and powerful shinobi! I could give you some guidance, if you're interested."
"...No thanks," Sasuke replied flatly, earning a dramatic pout from Jiraiya.
Naruto burst out. "WHY DO YOU KEEP PICKING UP OTHER STUDENTS, PERVY-SAGE? FIRST KIMIKO, NOW THIS IDIOT! WHY CAN'T YOU BE CONTENT WITH ME?!"
Jiraiya shot back immediately. "BECAUSE AT LEAST SASUKE AND KIMIKO HAVE ACTUAL TALENT! YOU'RE A MORON WHO RELIES ON BRAWN AND BLIND LUCK, YOU NITWIT!"
The whole table erupted into laughter as Jiraiya reached over and pinched Naruto's cheeks, the boy squirming and yelling in protest.
"Anyway," Kakashi interrupted with his usual calm tone, cutting through the commotion, "Kimiko, I brought you something. With a little help from Hayate and your sister." He placed a rectangular wooden case on the table in front of her, its polished surface catching the light.
Kimiko furrowed her brow, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What is it?" she asked, running her fingers across the smooth grain of the wood.
"Open it and see," Kakashi said with a slight smile, leaning back in his chair.
With a nod, Kimiko unlatched the gold-plated locks and flipped the case open. Her breath caught as she took in the contents.
Inside lay a sword—a blade somewhere between a wakizashi and a tanto in length. The hilt was a sleek, pure white, while the tsuba gleamed gold, intricately shaped into a blooming lotus. What surprised her most, however, was the blade itself. There was no sheath. Instead, it was encased in delicate ivory silk threads that wrapped from the base to the very tip.
"Take it out," Kakashi encouraged, his tone light.
Kimiko hesitated for only a moment before gingerly picking up the sword. The leathered hilt fit perfectly in her slender hand, the balance almost unnervingly precise. Compared to her tanto, it felt lighter yet more substantial—like an extension of herself.
"Now," Kakashi said, his eye curving with satisfaction, "flare your chakra into it."
Kimiko nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on the hilt. As she did, the ivory threads wrapped around the blade began to unfurl like petals in bloom. The silk threads slid effortlessly across her arm, coiling around her forearm with practiced precision, forming a sleek, protective guard.
Her attention, however, was drawn to the blade itself. It was bone-white, its elegant curve exuding a quiet grace. A faint milk-white glow seemed to emanate from the blade, subtle yet serene, as if the weapon was alive and humming softly in resonance with her chakra.
It was, undeniably, very Kimiko.
A low whistle broke the silence, drawing her attention. "Wow," Jiraiya muttered, leaning forward with an appraising look. "Yeah, there's no mistaking it."
"That… sword," Shinku murmured, his expression slack with disbelief. "The blade—it looks so much like your father's personal sword. The White Light Chakra Saber. The one he wielded before… before it broke in action."
"That's because it is that sword," Kakashi interjected calmly. "Or rather, it's forged from the pieces of it. I contacted a blacksmith from a country over, had the fragments sent to him, and told him to forge something that would fit a short and petite girl like Kimiko. I just got it back."
"You're giving Sakumo Hatake's sword to my daughter?" Shinku's voice rose, incredulous.
"It's her sword now," Kakashi replied evenly. "Besides, that sword was broken in my hand. This is something new—reborn from its shattered pieces."
"But still," Shinku protested, his gaze flitting between Kakashi and the sword. "That is your father's blade. A very famous blade, one that's comparable to the Seven Swords of the Mist. That's the sword Sakumo used to kill the Second Kazekage and the Gold and Silver Brothers. That's the sword that made your father the White Fang!"
"And now," Kakashi said, his voice firm yet tinged with pride, "that sword will make your daughter the kunoichi I know she can grow up to be."
"…Wow," Sasuke muttered, his eyes lingering on the blade in Kimiko's hands.
"It fits you, Kimiko-chan," Naruto added softly, awe in his voice. "It looks so cool."
"It is," Kimiko murmured, her gaze fixed on the sword. Her fingers traced the flawless surface of the bone-white blade, following its elegant curve. Her heart fluttered with a mix of gratitude and excitement. This wasn't just a weapon; it was a piece of history, a legacy. Kakashi had entrusted her with something priceless. Did he truly mean it when he said she was his favorite?
"That sword is priceless," Jiraiya remarked, his tone more serious than usual as he examined the weapon. "As you've heard, it's forged from the remnants of a blade wielded by a shinobi who was said to have equaled, if not surpassed, us Sannin in skill and achievement. A sword like that could ignite wars between clans. It's the kind of treasure worth more than entire mountains."
He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're a very lucky girl, Kimiko."
"I am," Kimiko replied, her voice steady as she turned to Kakashi. Her eyes shone with gratitude. "This is… wow. This is something else, sensei. I promise I'll bring honor to your father's memory. I'll wield this to protect the Leaf."
"You're already starting to sound like my father," Kakashi remarked dryly, though there was a faint note of pride in his tone. "You're welcome. I know you'll do that sword justice."
"But wait," Shinku interjected, leaning forward with a thoughtful expression. "Every great sword—especially a masterwork like that one—requires a name." He paused, letting his words settle. "And since you're its new owner, you should be the one to name it."
Kimiko blinked, her mind whirling. Name the sword? That was a ritual usually associated with samurai or Mist Shinobi—warriors who placed significant emphasis on kenjutsu. Yet, with her father being one of Konoha's foremost experts in swordsmanship, it made sense that he upheld such traditions.
She turned her attention back to the blade, eyeing it clinically. Its elegant design, the serene glow, the legacy embedded in its very steel… She wracked her mind for something fitting, a name that could encapsulate all it represented. Finally, inspiration struck.
"So, as a homage to Konoha's White Fang, while also keeping it original…" Kimiko paused, letting the tension build before smiling. "I'm going to name the sword… Byakko. The White Tiger."
The name rolled off her tongue with confidence, and the room seemed to hold its breath for a moment. Sasuke gave a small nod of approval, Naruto grinned wide, and even Jiraiya let out a low hum of appreciation.
"A fine name," Shinku said, a glint of pride in his eyes. "The White Tiger—a fitting counterpart to the White Fang."
"Byakko it is, then," Kakashi affirmed with a slight smile, his visible eye crinkling with satisfaction.
Kimiko gripped the hilt of her new sword tightly, the weight of its legacy settling in her chest.
"Byakko," she whispered to herself again, the name feeling right in her heart.
This sword was hers now, and with it, she would carve her own path.
After dinner, Kakashi and Sasuke bid their farewells, citing last-minute training before disappearing, likely back to their closed-door regimen. Jiraiya followed soon after, and Kurenai mentioned meeting Asuma for something. Before long, Kimiko found herself alone in her family's flower garden, her new sword wrapped snugly in its ivory threads resting on her lap. The gentle hum of cicadas filled the air, blending with the faint rustle of leaves under the moonlight.
Beside her, Naruto sat in silence, idly rolling a flower between his fingers. His usual exuberance was gone, replaced by a somber mood that Kimiko had grown familiar with.
She didn't press him. She didn't need to. Eventually, Naruto broke the silence.
"Hey, Kimiko-chan?"
"Yes, Naruto-kun?" she replied, her tone patient, her gaze steady.
Naruto hesitated, his fingers slowing as he rolled the delicate petals of the flower. "About that… Jinchūriki and Tailed Beast stuff you mentioned when we were confronting Gaara…"
Here it comes, she thought, bracing herself.
"I was just wondering," Naruto continued, his voice quieter now, "you said something called Ichibi was sealed in Gaara. Do you think that's what made him evil?"
"No," Kimiko answered without hesitation. "It wasn't the Ichibi that made him evil—it was how people treated him because of it."
Naruto nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Right. So, about the Tailed Beasts... I know you seemed to know a lot about Ichibi—Shukaku, the One-Tail." He paused, glancing at her. "Do you know anything about the others?"
"Like who?" Kimiko asked, though she had a feeling she already knew where this was going.
Naruto's gaze dropped to the flower in his hand. "Like... the Nine-Tails."
"The Kyūbi," Kimiko said slowly, watching him carefully. "Yes, people say it attacked the village twelve years ago. Why do you ask?"
Naruto hesitated again, his grip tightening on the flower. "Well, you see... You know how you said you could sense two chakras in my body? The truth is…"
"The Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed inside you," Kimiko finished dryly, her tone matter-of-fact.
Naruto blinked at her, his jaw dropping. "Huh?! HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN?!"
"Since you fought Haku and beat him," Kimiko replied smoothly. "I felt its chakra hovering over you. Then Sensei confirmed it when I asked him about it."
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? THAT COULD'VE CLEARED UP SO MUCH CONFUSION!" Naruto demanded, his voice tinged with petulance.
Kimiko gave him a faint smile. "I know, and I'm sorry. But it wasn't my place to tell you that secret. The Third Hokage kept it hidden for a reason."
Naruto sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "So… is that why the villagers treat me like trash? Like I don't belong?"
"Yes," Kimiko said softly, her voice steady. "People fear what they don't understand. They can't see the sacrifices you've made as an unwilling Jinchūriki." She smiled gently, but Naruto's eyes remained clouded.
"But…you never treated me differently," Said Naruto slowly.
"That's right, I haven't. Because you're an earnest and sweet boy." Replied Kimiko. "Regardless of what fate was forced on you."
"Do you… think I could end up like him?" he asked slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kimiko paused, weighing her words carefully. "Yes," she admitted. "You could—if you forsake all your bonds and friendships." She leaned closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Loneliness isn't part of human nature, Naruto-kun. We're meant to find strength in each other—in love and friendship. As long as you have that in your heart, you'll never become like Gaara."
Naruto exhaled, his breath shaky. "Okay," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. Kimiko reached over, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"It's just… hard, you know?" Naruto continued, his voice raw. "Seeing Gaara like that—it was scary. It felt like I was staring at what I could've become if I hadn't met Iruka-sensei, or you, or Sasuke… or any of my friends." He paused, the flower in his hand trembling. "Sometimes, I feel like giving in, but I don't want to disappoint myself—or anyone else."
Kimiko's grip on his hand tightened slightly, her expression softening. "That's very selfless of you, Naruto-kun. Don't be afraid of those feelings—they're what make you human." She smiled warmly, her eyes meeting his. "And at the end of the day, remember this: You're Uzumaki Naruto. And that name has always been enough for me."
Naruto blinked at her, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. He looked down at their joined hands, then back up at her. "Thanks, Kimiko-chan," he muttered.
Kimiko nodded, her gaze turning to the moonlit garden. The night felt a little less heavy now, even knowing what came after.