The applause thundered on, relentless and almost deafening. Kimiko, however, found herself stifling a yawn as she watched Naruto, who had been locked in a life-or-death struggle moments ago, now flailing his arms and running in circles like a kid high on sugar. His grin was enormous, his energy boundless, as if he'd forgotten the beating he'd just endured.
"Man, Naruto beat Neji," Shikamaru muttered, leaning against the railing and staring down at the arena. His voice was heavy with resignation. "And here I thought he was just like me—a dorky, uncool guy."
"Dorky and uncool?" Shino echoed, his tone deadpan as he gave Shikamaru a sideways glance.
"Now everyone's acting like he's gonna be something big," Shikamaru continued with a sigh. "Just great. I doubt I can even beat him now. This is so depressing. What a drag."
Kimiko giggled softly, bumping Shikamaru's shoulder with hers. "Naruto is strong, yes. Very strong. But don't sell yourself short, Shikamaru. I know exactly what you're capable of when you put your mind to it."
Shikamaru sighed again, his gaze distant. "Yeah, well, I blame you and Sasuke for this. Put an idiot on a team with two hardworking, smart people, and it's bound to rub off on him."
Kimiko smirked, her amusement bubbling just beneath the surface. Below, the medics appeared, accompanied by a familiar figure—Sakura. They moved swiftly to lift Neji onto a stretcher, carrying him off toward the infirmary. Genma, meanwhile, was ushering Naruto toward the side entrance, likely to guide him back to their platform. But Naruto, ever the distraction, was craning his neck, scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.
Looking for Hinata, huh? Kimiko tilted her head with a knowing smile, watching him disappear from view.
The crowd's roaring cheers didn't subside, their energy now spilling into anticipation for the next match—Gaara vs. Sasuke. It was the match everyone had been buzzing about, the highlight of the Chuunin Exams. And yet…
He's still not here, huh? Kimiko's brows furrowed. Will it play out like it did in the anime?
She sensed Naruto's chakra as he began to climb the steps, his energy still as bright and exuberant as ever. Kimiko turned just in time to see him appear, a massive grin splitting his face. Without warning, he launched himself at her, wrapping her in a tight hug and lifting her off the ground. He spun her around, laughing so loudly it echoed in her ears.
"Oof—congrats!" Kimiko managed between breaths, laughing as Naruto finally set her back down. Shikamaru gave an idle smile of approval, while even Shino nodded slightly at Naruto's triumph.
Naruto puffed out his chest proudly, his grin somehow growing wider. "I'm super strong now! I bet I could take you and Sasuke down with one hand tied behind my back!"
Kimiko giggled, reaching up to ruffle his unruly blonde hair. "You were amazing, Naruto. Your training really paid off."
Naruto leaned into her touch for a moment, his confidence radiating off him like heat. "It totally did! Believe it!"
Kimiko cupped his cheek, her eyes twinkling with affection. "We'll see about that, future Hokage."
However, around them, the applause had morphed into a wave of murmurs, impatience simmering across the massive crowd. What started as scattered comments of curiosity was quickly becoming audible dissatisfaction.
"Hey, what's the hold-up?" someone shouted.
"Start the next match already!" another voice demanded.
The murmurs grew louder, transforming into a chorus of complaints. Kimiko's sharp gaze flickered toward the Sand Siblings. Kankuro and Temari were both looking at Gaara, their expressions uneasy. Kimiko caught the faintest flicker of doubt in their eyes.
Right. Gaara went to visit Sasuke before the match. They're probably wondering if he killed him, Kimiko thought, a faint smirk curling her lips.
"That Sasuke…" muttered Shikamaru, leaning heavily on the railing, his face furrowed with irritation. "What does he think he's doing? Forfeiting?"
"A wise man never courts danger," Shino replied cryptically, his monotone voice blending with the tension around them. "It may very well be a wise decision."
Naruto leaned forward on the railing, shaking his head vehemently. "What are you two even talking about? There's no way Sasuke would skip this! He's definitely gonna be here."
Kimiko slid between the boys, resting her forearms on the railing as she gazed at the restless crowd. "Naruto's right. I trust him. Sasuke-kun wouldn't miss this, especially not after all the hard work we've put into training."
Naruto let out an enthusiastic sound of agreement. As he glanced at the arena, his eyes suddenly locked onto Gaara's. A silent intensity passed between them like a spark catching fire. Kimiko followed Naruto's gaze, her own eyes narrowing slightly as she observed Gaara's calm but unnervingly focused expression. The tension between them was palpable.
Shikamaru glanced between Naruto and Gaara, rubbing the back of his neck.
Kimiko's attention shifted, however, to Kankuro, who was leaning over to whisper something in Temari's ear. The pale expression that overtook Temari's face was telling.
They're nervous. Kimiko realized. If Sasuke doesn't show, their entire plan to attack Konoha falls apart. Little do they know what's really going on behind the scenes.
Her sharp eyes darted to the Kage viewing box. Hiruzen Sarutobi was speaking to Orochimaru, who was still disguised as Rasa, nodding along with the Third Hokage's words. The exchange was too subtle for most to notice, but Kimiko caught the flicker of tension in Hiruzen's brow.
Her focus snapped back as Hiruzen gestured to his bodyguard, Raido. Raido bowed and disappeared in a puff of smoke, reappearing moments later next to Genma in the arena. The two exchanged quiet words, and Genma nodded before turning to address the arena.
"Excuse me, everyone," Genma announced, his voice cutting through the noise. The crowd hushed. "One of the competitors for the next match has not arrived yet. Therefore, we're going to postpone this battle temporarily and move on to the match scheduled afterward."
Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly. "That just means my fight is much closer now… What a drag."
Naruto let out a sigh of relief. "Whew! At least they're not canceling Sasuke's match."
Genma raised his voice again, looking toward the competitors' platform. "Aburame Shino and Kankuro of the Sand, please step into the arena."
Kimiko turned her gaze to Kankuro, her eyes catching the slight stiffening of his frame. His jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Shino, meanwhile, placed a hand on the railing, ready to leap down.
Kankuro doesn't want to reveal his tricks this early. Tough luck, but predictable. If he follows through…
"Proctor," Kankuro said abruptly, his voice carrying across the arena. "I withdraw."
The murmurs on the platform were instantaneous. "What?" Shikamaru said, his eyes darting to Kankuro. Naruto spun toward him as well, incredulous. Even Shino, his calm demeanor unbroken, turned to face his opponent.
Kankuro didn't acknowledge them, his gaze fixed firmly on Genma. "I withdraw," he repeated, his voice even. "Please advance to the next match."
The arena erupted in a cacophony of boos, a collective wave of dissatisfaction crashing down on Kankuro. The Sand ninja, however, remained unshaken, stepping back without so much as a flinch. His stiff resolve only seemed to fuel the crowd's displeasure further.
Genma sighed, visibly weary of the growing tension. "Due to Kankuro of the Sand's withdrawal, Aburame Shino wins by default."
Another round of boos met the announcement, but Kimiko barely registered them. Her mind was already shifting gears, anticipating what came next.
If that's done, then the next match is—
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp sound of wind tearing through the platform. Beside her, Temari unfurled her giant fan with a dramatic flourish, a powerful gust sweeping across the competitors' platform. Naruto and Shikamaru raised their arms to shield themselves from the wind, but Kimiko stood unmoving, her eyes cool as a strand of her hair fluttered across her face.
Temari leaped off the platform with practiced ease, balancing gracefully atop her fan as the wind she commanded carried her downward in a controlled descent. Her poise was undeniable, her confidence palpable. She landed beside Genma, folding the fan and slamming its edge into the ground with a deliberate display of strength.
Genma glanced at her with mild irritation. "And you are?"
Temari smirked, tilting her chin up. "It's my turn, right?"
"Well, you're sure an eager one, aren't you?" Genma sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, let's start the next match the—"
Before he could finish, a storm of black and red lotus petals spiraled into existence beside him. The petals swirled like a mini-maelstrom before dissipating, revealing Kimiko standing impassively, her gaze locked on Temari.
Another sigh escaped Genma. "Two eager ones, huh? Alright then." He turned to address the restless crowd. "The next match: Yuhi, Kimiko versus Temari of the Sand!"
Polite applause rippled through the arena, noticeably subdued compared to earlier matches. Kimiko noted the difference but remained unfazed. It wasn't an insult, not truly—she understood that the crowd's attention was largely fixated on the highly anticipated Gaara versus Sasuke fight. And, as Kurenai had warned her, many in the crowd might not take her seriously, expecting a lopsided battle in her favor or dismissing it outright because both competitors were kunoichi.
"Hmph," Temari sneered, her sharp gaze raking over Kimiko. "Did you miss the memo? Showing up with your hair all done and full makeup, like this is a beauty pageant instead of a fight."
Kimiko's expression didn't flicker, "I know perfectly well what this event is. I simply wanted to present my best self to the crowd."
She let her words hang for a beat, then added coolly, "I only wish I could say the same for you."
Temari's scowl deepened, her hand tightening on her fan. "Tch. Let's see if you're still feeling so high and mighty after I wipe the floor with you. Let's see how your makeup helps you then."
Kimiko took a deliberate step forward. Her eyes glinting with imperious disdain. "How curious. You seem so fixated on my appearance—almost as if it's a reflection of your own insecurities. Then again,"
She tilted her head slightly, "I shouldn't expect much else from a third-rate, petulant kunoichi with neither refinement nor grace."
Temari bristled, her teeth gritting audibly. The tension in the arena reached a fever pitch as the two stared each other down.
Genma rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "...W-well, alright then. Any time now."
"GO KIMIKO!" Naruto's enthusiastic yell echoed from the platform, causing heads to turn. Kimiko, however, kept her focus locked entirely on Temari.
Temari didn't waste time. She struck first, swinging her massive fan in a powerful arc. A wall of wind tore toward Kimiko, ripping up dirt and scattering loose debris in its path. Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she blurred out of the way, vanishing in a burst of speed before reappearing to Temari's right.
"Wow, she's fast!" a voice from the crowd shouted, and murmurs of awe rippled through the spectators.
Temari didn't falter, twisting smoothly to intercept Kimiko's advance. She swung her fan again, its movement precise and commanding. "Wind Scythe Jutsu!" she barked. Blades of wind screamed through the air, slashing toward Kimiko.
With no way to change direction mid-charge, Kimiko flickered once more with her Blossoming Escape, vanishing in a swirl of black and red petals. She reappeared to Temari's other side, her hand already gripping the hilt of Byakko. The threads surrounding the blade unfurled and unspun, forming a protective forearm guard while revealing the bone-white sword beneath.
Gasps erupted from the crowd as Kimiko charged, Byakko gleaming faintly in the light. The blade carved a graceful, ghostly arc through the air, trailed by a white streak of chakra, aimed directly at Temari.
Temari's reflexes, to her credit, proved up to the there wasn't enough time to summon another jutsu, she snapped her fan shut and used it as an improvised shield. The clash was deafening as metal met metal, the shock of the collision sending vibrations through both weapons. Kimiko's eyes met Temari's gaze in a moment of locked intensity.
With a grunt, Temari shoved Kimiko's lighter blade away using the weight and leverage of her fan, creating space between them. She leaped back, landing gracefully several feet away.
"Hng, new sword, huh? It's pretty," Temari remarked, her tone cool but tinged with irritation.
"Yes," Kimiko replied, her voice even and measured. "It's made from the shattered pieces of the White Fang's personal blade. I believe your people are familiar with it?"
The casual mention made Temari's face twist in anger. Kimiko knew all too well about the White Fang of Konoha. His fearsome legacy was a bitter stain on Sunagakure's history, particularly the stories of his victories against Temari's people. The most infamous of these was his slaying of the Second Kazekage—a tragedy that birthed whispers of a cursed lineage for the Kazekage's line.
Temari's knuckles whitened around the hilt of her fan. "Tch," she spat, her composure cracking ever so slightly. "Don't think a blade with a bloody history will save you."
Kimiko raised Byakko, the faint glow of its edge glinting in her poised stance. "We'll see,"
Temari's shoulders shifted, signaling her intent to summon another wind jutsu. But before she could act, Kimiko's fingers flashed through a one-handed seal.
"Wind Scythe Jutsu!" Temari shouted, unleashing another whirlwind of cutting winds.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!" Kimiko's voice rang out.
Gasps erupted from the crowd as Temari's slicing gusts surged toward Kimiko. However, moisture around Kimiko began to coalesce, spiraling into a cyclone at her feet. The whirlwind of water grew, twisting upward until it formed a massive serpentine dragon, its torrential body roaring as it surged forward to meet the cutting winds.
The two techniques collided violently, the water dragon pushing relentlessly against the razor-sharp gales. Temari's eyes widened as her jutsu began to falter, the dragon forcing its way through the resistance. Realizing the danger, she leapt back, retreating further as the dragon crashed down, creating a deluge that flooded the arena. A river of water rippled outward, soaking the battlefield.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement at a fever pitch. Kimiko, however, didn't react to the noise. Instead, she stepped onto the now waterlogged ground, the surface rippling as she glided toward Temari with astonishing speed.
Temari, still off balance from her retreat, barely had time to react. Kimiko was already upon her, both hands gripping the hilt of Byakko, the blade glowing faintly with her virulent red chakra. Their eyes locked for an instant before Kimiko's voice rang out:
"Konoha Style Kenjutsu: Moonlit Tide."
Kimiko's form blurred, her sword flashing in a crescent arc of white and red. In an instant, she was behind Temari, the white blade dripping with blood and coated in her ominous chakra.
Temari gasped, falling to one knee. Across her stomach were two deep, precise cuts, their edges glowing red as Kimiko's virulent chakra pulsed through the wounds.
"So fast," murmured a voice in the crowd.
"She can perform a water-style jutsu without a nearby water source?" another whispered in awe.
Kimiko turned her head slightly, her voice calm and confident. "It's over."
But Temari wasn't finished. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to her feet, her fan trembling in her grip. "Go die," she snarled, swinging her weapon around in a complete arc as she turned towards Kimiko.
"Cyclone Scythe Jutsu!"
Kimiko's eyes widened as the air around her erupted into a massive, spinning blast of colliding winds. The sheer force of the attack cut into her cheek and arm before she could fully react. Damn, Temari got stronger too, compared to canon. She realized, weaving hand signs as quickly as she could.
"Water Prison Jutsu!"
The water below her bubbled and rose up, forming a sphere that encased her. The dense liquid struggled against the onslaught of Temari's winds, holding steady for a moment before finally collapsing under the pressure. Kimiko's drenched form emerged from the broken sphere, a cut on her arm dripping blood as she glared at Temari.
Shit. It's that strong, huh? Kimiko thought grimly, bracing herself for the next attack.
As expected, the wounded Temari refused to relent. She leapt high into the air, using a powerful swing of her fan to propel herself to a commanding vantage point. Spinning like a top, the weight of her fan carried her as she swung again, unleashing a massive blast of wind hurtling down toward Kimiko.
Kimiko's hands flashed through a series of seals, her eyes never leaving Temari's.
"Water Style: Thousand Needles of Death!"
From the water-soaked ground, hundreds of sharp water senbon materialized around her, shooting upward in a deadly barrage. The needle-like projectiles met the wind blade midair, resulting in a pressurized explosion that scattered raindrops across the arena like a brief summer storm.
Temari flicked her fan downward, skillfully using it as a makeshift surfboard to glide toward the ground. Kimiko, however, wasn't idle. Twirling Byakko, she infused it with her water chakra and swung it in fluid arcs. Ribbons of pressurized water spiraled outward, surging toward Temari in a crescendo of deadly crescents.
Temari veered sharply, redirecting her descent to avoid the onslaught. Kimiko didn't miss the slight wince on her opponent's face or the tremor in her hand as she maneuvered her fan. The cuts Kimiko had dealt earlier, laced with her virulent chakra, were clearly beginning to take their toll.
Good, Kimiko thought, her crimson eyes narrowing. The paralytic I used is slow-acting, but it's taking effect. Still… it's not enough. I need to cut her more.
Temari landed directly in front of her, planting the half-open fan between them like a shield. She glared at Kimiko, a smirk playing on her lips despite the sweat on her brow. "Not as easy as you thought, huh?"
She won't make this easy, that's for sure, Kimiko mused. And I can't keep relying on ninjutsu. Not when she's clearly learned a few new tricks.
Her gaze flicked downward, noting the slick surface of the ground beneath Temari. The soaked terrain shimmered faintly in the light. Alright, time for a different approach.
They burst into motion once more, a blur of chakra and sharp intent. Kimiko leapt back, her fingers moving fluidly through one-handed seals.
"Water Style: Noxious Cloud!"
She opened her mouth, exhaling a thick, blood-tinged mist that spread rapidly across the battlefield. The poisonous cloud hissed and sizzled in the air, the acrid smell wafting out as the mist enveloped the space. Kimiko had infused her chakra with the properties of the Blood Lily Flower, ensuring the corrosive fog would be both toxic and disorienting.
Temari jumped back, her fan sweeping in front of her as she studied the growing cloud. Her expression was unimpressed. "Ha! A poison mist? Against me? Seems you're too pretty to be smart. Cyclone Scythe Jutsu!"
Kimiko vanished into the cloud as Temari swung her fan, the cutting winds slicing into the mist and dispersing it in an explosive gust. The poisonous vapor burned away into the air, leaving the arena floor slick and damp, but Kimiko was nowhere in sight.
Temari's head whipped around, her eyes scanning the area. "Where the hell did that bitch—"
Her words cut off as her instincts screamed. Kimiko descended from directly above, her hand gripping three senbon between her fingers, their edges glowing with her blood-red chakra. Trailing streams of dark water enhanced by pressurized chakra spiraled behind the needles, creating streaks of deadly precision as she flicked them downward.
Temari dove to the left just in time. The senbon struck the ground where she had been standing, detonating on impact with a burst of corrosive water and leaving three deep gouges in the arena floor. Kimiko landed in a crouch atop the smoking craters, her sword drawn, but Temari was already recovering.
"Cycle Scythe Jutsu!" Temari snarled, swinging her fan to send another wave of razor-sharp wind slicing toward Kimiko.
Kimiko's hands blurred through seals. "Water Prison Jutsu!"
A swirling sphere of water rose around her just as the cutting winds struck. The sphere shuddered under the force, cracks forming as the winds tore into it. Kimiko felt the prison collapse, stray blades of wind grazing her shoulder and arms, forcing her to retreat a few paces.
Temari didn't let up, swinging her fan again with a fierce battle cry. Kimiko's expression tightened, and she decided to follow Jiraiya's advice: offense for offense.
Her hands moved swiftly, weaving through complex seals. "Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!"
The arena floor churned as water surged upward, forming into a massive, serpentine dragon. The dragon roared as it charged forward, colliding mid-air with Temari's cutting winds. The two forces wrestled for dominance, the impact creating a shockwave that sent droplets of water and gusts of wind spraying across the arena. The clash ended in a violent explosion, the aftermath raining down a deluge of water onto the battlefield.
The crowd erupted in applause, captivated by the intensity of the ninjutsu exchange.
"Heh," Temari panted, smirking as she steadied herself. "Told you not to underestimate me. Maybe you should've thought twice about showing off in make-up."
Kimiko tilted her head, her expression neutral but her eyes sharp. Before she could retort, Temari unfurled her fan fully, her movements deliberate. What came next sent a chill through Kimiko's spine.
Temari bit her thumb, smearing blood across the fan's surface. As intricate seals began to glow along the fan's body, Kimiko's mind raced.
Fuck. She learned that jutsu. Crap, crap, crap.
Temari planted her foot firmly, gripping her fan with both hands before swinging it in a wide, deliberate arc.
"Wind Style: Quick Beheading Dance!"
A hurricane-force gust exploded from her fan, the strongest yet. Kimiko raised her forearm to shield her face from the violent winds as debris flew wildly around the arena, tearing entire sections of the ground into an explosion of dirty, and shearing the trees dotting the arena in half because of its sheer power.
From the vortex emerged a white weasel with a wicked gleam in its single, uncovered eye. The creature held a razor-sharp sickle in its paws, spinning chaotically in the wind as it carved arcs through the air with alarming precision.
If that thing so much as grazes me, I'm dead.
Kimiko's mind raced as her eyes darted to the battlefield's slick surface. An idea sparked, and she leaped to the side just as the winds threatened to engulf her. Her hands blurred through the final seals of her jutsu.
"Water Style: Black Water Dragon Bullet!"
Kimiko let her toxic chakra flow freely, the virulent energy merging with her water chakra. From the ground beneath her, a colossal dragon surged upward, its serpentine body an abyssal black that shimmered with an ominous sheen. The air sizzled as the dragon's toxic essence radiated outward, a manifestation of polluted fury.
The dragon roared, diving headfirst into Temari's windstorm. The sheer force of its advance created a tremor through the ground, but the wall of cutting winds halted its descent. The eyepatch-wearing weasel darted around the dragon, its sickle slicing into the blackened water with unnatural speed, carving away chunks of the massive creature's form.
Kimiko's eyes narrowed as the dragon thrashed and writhed, its abyssal body struggling against the relentless force of Temari's winds. The two opposing jutsu reached their breaking point, colliding in a deafening impact. The black water dragon dissolved in the clash, cascading downward in a torrential rain of corrosive liquid that hissed and sizzled as it struck the ground.
The battlefield was momentarily obscured as the pressurized explosion transformed much of the water into a dense, black smog. The toxic mist spread rapidly, cloaking the arena in an opaque, shadowy veil. The cries of the crowd grew distant, muffled by the heavy shroud as it enveloped everything in its path.
A powerful gust tore through the arena, then another, and another still, until the dense, obscuring smog dissipated entirely. Standing amidst the now-clear battlefield was Temari, clutching her wounded stomach with one hand, the other gripping her planted fan for support. Her shoulders rose and fell heavily, her sharp eyes darting across the scarred terrain.
On the ground lay Kimiko, head tilted to the side, seemingly unconscious.
"Heh," Temari sneered. "Bet you didn't see that coming, huh? Should've kept your mouth shut about my homeland, bitch."
From a safe distance, Genma cautiously re entered the center of the arena,anoiding the pools of corrosive water and the gouges in the ground. He surveyed the scene with a raised brow.
"Well, what a match," Genma remarked, sliding the senbon in his mouth to one side. "Looks like we've got an upset." He raised his hand. "The winner of this match is—"
The prone Kimiko exploded into a cloud of smoke.
From the shadows of a nearby crater—the one carved out during Naruto's clash with Neji—a familiar figure emerged.
Kimiko rose from the dirt, her face alight with a wicked grin. The grime smeared across her skin only made her crimson ringed eyes blaze brighter. Genma instinctively leaped back, his instincts screaming. Temari's eyes shot wide open as Kimiko lunged, too close for her to retreat, Byakko gleaming in her hand.
Temari swung her fan up just in time to intercept Kimiko's descending slash. The clash of steel on steel rang out, and the weight of the fan proved formidable. With a fierce shove, Temari knocked Byakko free, the blade spinning through the air before embedding itself into the ground several meters away, far beyond Kimiko's reach.
Temari seized the opportunity, shifting her grip on the fan and preparing a brutal swing aimed squarely at Kimiko's face.
"Too slow, bitch!" snarled Temari
Kimiko finished weaving her one handed seals, right under Temari, away from her sight.
Kimiko's eyes locked with Temari's—and the Sand kunoichi froze. The fan stopped mid-swing, inches from Kimiko's neck. Temari's eyes widened, her body betraying her as it seized up completely.
Kimiko leaned close to her face.
"Genjutsu: Abyssal Depths."
Kimiko capitalized on Temari's frozen state, her hand snapping out to grip Temari's wrist—the one clutching her fan. Her fingers clenched with crushing force.
A sickening crunch echoed in the arena.
Temari's anguished yelp pierced through the air, jolting her out of the genjutsu's hold. Instinctively, she tried to retreat, but Kimiko's grip was unyielding, like iron shackles pinning her in place.
Before Temari could formulate any counterattack, Kimiko's other hand shot up—pale, delicate, deceptively gentle—only to wrap around Temari's throat. Her nails, painted in pristine white, dug into soft skin.
"You were stupid," Kimiko hissed, her voice cold and cutting. "The moment I saw you flaunt that wind jutsu of yours, I had your defeat mapped out."
Her imperious gaze bore into Temari's widening eyes. The Suna kunoichi's breath came in ragged bursts, her attempts to struggle futile against Kimiko's relentless grasp. Kimiko tightened her grip, forcing Temari to feel every calculated ounce of pressure.
"I obscured your vision with the noxious mist for a reason," Kimiko continued, her tone laced with disdain. "To blind you long enough to allow me to manuver and attack you at the perfect angle angle—which was meant to bring you to this very place, beside the hole Naruto created."
Temari managed to muster enough strength to repeatedly kick at Kimiko's stomach, her legs striking out with desperation. But Kimiko didn't even flinch, her stance unwavering, like a rooted mountain. She lifted her foot and brought it down hard on Temari's ankle.
Another sickening crack followed.
The yelp of pain that would have escaped Temari's lips was strangled into silence as Kimiko's hand clamped tighter around her throat, her fingers like vices. Temari's body jerked, but the tightening grip cut off her ability to do much more.
"Then," Kimiko continued coldly, "I used the Water Prison Jutsu. Oh, I knew it wouldn't stop you—your winds would shatter it with ease. But it wasn't meant to stop you. It was meant to inflate your ego."
Her nails pressed deeper into Temari's neck, the sharp tips puncturing skin and drawing thin trails of blood that dripped onto the arena floor. Temari's struggling hand trembled as it clawed weakly at Kimiko's arm.
"I'll admit," Kimiko mused, her lips curling into a faint smirk, "that summoning trick of yours was unexpected. That weasel caught me off guard. But it didn't matter. I adapted. I blinded you again, so you wouldn't notice me jumping down the other hole. By the time you cleared the smog, I already tunneled to the hole I led you to. You were reckless. You failed to read the battlefield.
Kimiko's voice dropped lower as her toxic chakra began build onto her fingertips, a dangerous red hue flickering around her nails. Meanwhile Temari, as if understanding what's about to happen, let out a feeble gasp. Her free hand pushed against Kimiko's shoulder, but the effort was futile.
"A shinobi needs to be aware of their surroundings, Temari. But then again," Her nails dug deeper into the Sand kunoichi's throat, "a little sand-dwelling dust rat like you wouldn't know the first thing about being a proper shinobi, huh?"
Her toxic chakra began to seep into Temari, the sickly red glow flowing from her fingertips into the entry wounds she created on Temari's neck. Kimiko had prepared for this moment meticulously, crafting a poison specifically for this fight—designed to cause maximum pain while ensuring no permanent injuries. The venom surged into Temari's system, weaving agony through her veins.
"All you savages know is how to prey on children and defenseless people," Kimiko tilted her head mockingly, her eyes boring into Temari's. "Where's that cutting tongue you're so proud of? Huh? Why so quiet now?"
Her voice dropped into a chilling whisper, ensuring only Temari could hear. "Guess what? Take this as payment for your dear jonin-sensei almost killing my senpai. A student for a senior," She smirked, leaning even closer. "He's alive, by the way. We know all about your pathetic plans to attack us." Kimiko's smirk widened into a sneer. "And we're letting you charge straight into slaughter. By the time you wake up, your village will be nothing but ashes. Enjoy that thought."
Temari's strangled scream rose in her throat, but it came out as little more than a hoarse whimper. Her eyes bulged as veins began to darken and swell beneath her skin, spider-webbing across her face and neck in a fiery red. The visible spread of the toxin left her features twisted in pain, her body trembling as her strength failed her entirely.
Finally, Temari went slack, her limbs limp and unresponsive. Kimiko glanced at her in disgust, the image of Tenten's crumpled form after Temari's casual dismissal flashing in her mind. With an air of disdain, Kimiko released her grip and carelessly flung Temari's lifelessly poisoned body toward the arena wall.
The Sand kunoichi hit the stone with a dull thud, crumpling to the ground in a graceless heap, like a broken doll. Kimiko brushed her hands together as if wiping away dirt.
Genma cleared his throat "…Winner of this match is Yuhi, Kimiko."
The crowd erupted into applause, though a few murmurs rippled among the delegations. Kimiko noticed several individuals watching her intently, their expressions a mix of intrigue and unease. From the nobles' box, a man with striking resemblance to her mother tilted his head, scrutinizing her with a curious intensity.
Genma leaned in slightly, his voice low and dry. "You could've ended that five minutes ago, Yuhi. Don't make a habit of turning matches into performances."
Kimiko tilted her head, her tone soft. "Sorry."
Genma straightened with a faint sigh. "It's fine. I get it—payback for Hayate-kun, right? Just try to keep it clean next time. Now go on, back to the platform. Congrats."
Kimiko offered a slight nod in acknowledgment and turned to leave, but her steps slowed as she sensed movement.
Her calm was disrupted as Kankuro leaped from the platform, landing with a heavy thud and charging toward her, his face twisted in rage.
"You bitch!" he snarled, fists clenched tightly.
Kimiko's eyes narrowed, her hand moving to draw three senbon. She raised them with measured precision, ready to end the threat before it reached her.
But Naruto moved faster, jumping down from the platform and rushing between them. Positioning himself as a barrier, he swiftly summoned shadow clones, the group forming a protective wall as Kankuro slammed into them, his fury unchecked.
Kimiko, still poised, arched a brow. "Your sister put up more of a fight than I expected—still pathetic, though."
Kankuro growled, his voice straining with anger as he shoved against the clones. "You'll pay for that!"
"I'll kill you! I swear I wi—"
"Talk is cheap," Kimiko cut in, her tone slicing through his threats. Her gaze locked onto him with unwavering disdain. "Your trash of a sister should be grateful Konoha's med-nin are taking care of her. She might survive—if the fever doesn't get her first."
The venom in her words wasn't born from malice but precision. Kimiko knew exactly what she was doing, rattling Kankuro to keep him unbalanced. The poison she had used on Temari wasn't lethal, designed only to incapacitate. Allies they might someday become, but friendships were not in the cards.
"Fuck you!" Kankuro snarled, his composure slipping further. "I swear, I—"
"Get over yourself," Kimiko interrupted again,"If you want a fight, wait for your turn. Otherwise, step back, or I'll end you right here."
Kankuro faltered, hesitating as her merciless stare bore into him. Finally, he stepped back, his rage boiling but impotent.
From the platform, Gaara's impassive gaze met Kimiko's briefly before shifting away, unreadable.
Naruto dismissed his clones, letting the tension diffuse as he turned to Kimiko, his expression somewhere between uneasy and impressed. "...That was pretty cold, Kimiko-chan."
Kimiko shrugged, her slim shoulders lifting with casual grace. "Payback for Konohamaru. Besides, Temari wasn't exactly a saint. I gave her a taste of her own medicine." She flipped her hair over her shoulder, the motion smooth and deliberate. "Call it a lesson in humility."
"I guess," Naruto muttered, scratching the back of his head.
Kimiko glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "Which reminds me, there's still another match left."
Naruto blinked, tilting his head in confusion. Then, realization dawned, and his eyes widened. "Oh, yeah… but where the hell is he?"
The crowd's cheers had once again devolved into murmurs and complaints, growing louder with each passing moment. The most anticipated match—Uchiha Sasuke versus Gaara of the Sand—still hadn't begun, and impatience was palpable.
Kimiko and Naruto remained in the middle of the arena, both ignoring Genma's lack of instruction to return to the viewing platform. Naruto shaded his eyes with a hand, squinting toward the stands as if hoping to spot Sasuke amidst the throng of onlookers.
Genma, standing nearby, didn't bother to reprimand them. Instead, he scanned the viewing platform, his gaze flicking between the Hokage and the Kazekage, clearly awaiting further orders.
Behind him, Raido flickered into view again, appearing out of a puff of smoke. He leaned in to whisper something to Genma, who nodded in response. Raido's gaze then met Kimiko's, and he gave her a warm smile, one that she returned with a slight nod. Without a word, Raido disappeared again, teleporting back to his position beside Hiruzen.
Genma sighed, pulling a circular watch from his pocket and glancing at the time.
Naruto, meanwhile, growled beside Kimiko, his impatience boiling over. "Man, if he doesn't show up, I swear I'll kill him!"
"Calm down," Kimiko said, her tone even. Her eyes scanned the crowd, which was growing increasingly restless. "He'll be here."
The chorus of boos and jeers grew louder, the arena starting to rumble with discontent. Kimiko turned to Genma. "How much time did the Hokage give him?"
Genma blinked, then raised a brow at her. "Now how did you—never mind. Of course you'd know." He sighed again, clearly exasperated. "Ten more minutes. If he doesn't show by then, he's disqualified, and we move on to your match with Nara."
The boos intensified, rippling through the stands like a wave of discontent.
"Man, this crowd's gonna tear him apart if he doesn't show!" Naruto shouted, throwing his arms up in frustration. "And if they don't, I will!"
Kimiko's gaze didn't waver as she replied. "He'll show."
Her confidence wasn't purely rooted in her knowledge of the anime's events—it was deeper than that. She trusted Sasuke and Naruto with her life. Their pride, their drive, their unyielding determination were things she knew intimately. Sasuke would never quit, and he would never fail to appear.
In his own way, his pride matched Naruto's. And that meant he would show up.
A few minutes later, Naruto, who had been pacing restlessly, finally stopped and threw his hands up in exasperation. "What's he thinking? I bet he's planning some big entrance or something. Well, I'm not gonna be impressed!"
Kimiko remained silent, standing with an air of calm that belied the tension she felt. She had already retrieved Byakko, the threads of her forearm protector unfurling smoothly to wrap around and sheath the blade. With the tip resting on the ground and both hands steady on the hilt, she stared upward.
Come on, Sasuke. Any time now…
"Time's up," Genma announced, glancing down at his watch with a tone of finality. "Alright, the time limit has expired. So I'm officially calling this match—"
Kimiko's eyes widened as she felt it—a sudden surge of chakra, unmistakable and potent.
"He's here," she said simply.
The shift was palpable; even Genma paused, raising a brow as a knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Naruto froze mid-pace, his jaw slack, clearly awestruck by the energy now radiating through the arena.
A single leaf fluttered in front of Kimiko, spinning lazily. Then ten more followed. Then a hundred. Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swirled through the empty space before her, carrying a flurry of leaves that danced in an elegant whirlwind.
Kimiko's hair lifted with the breeze, but she didn't flinch, her gaze steady. As the winds dissipated, the leaves settled into a lazy spiral around two figures now standing in the clearing.
The first was unmistakable—Kakashi Hatake, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, his demeanor as unruffled as ever. Behind him, standing back-to-back, was the boy Kimiko knew so well. Their teammate. The genius of their year.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Dressed in a sleek black shirt, Sasuke stood with a commanding presence, his arms at his sides, face impassive as the leaves continued to fall in slow, deliberate arcs around him.
Kimiko's lips twitched into a grin, the sharp edge of pride and anticipation in her expression.
The entire arena fell silent, the collective breath of the crowd stolen in awe. Naruto's slack-jawed stare quickly shifted into an irrepressible, wide grin. Genma's smile grew broader, clearly amused by the spectacle.
"Sorry we're late," Kakashi said casually, as if addressing an old friend. "You wouldn't believe the traffic."
Naruto trembled with excitement, his grin threatening to split his face. Kimiko tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes fixed on Sasuke and Kakashi.
Genma, perhaps forgetting what he told Kimiko about theatrics, took a step forward, his tone carrying deliberate weight. "Your name?"
Sasuke finally spoke, his voice cutting through the stillness with quiet confidence.
"Uchiha, Sasuke."
The arena erupted with riotous applause, louder and more energetic than any before, shaking the very stands. The intensity of the cheers made it clear that this was the match everyone had been waiting for.
"Show off," Kimiko muttered with a dimpled smile, her tone playful.
"Heh, so you decided to show up after all," Naruto said, grinning. "I was betting you wouldn't because sooner or later, you'd have to face me!"
Kimiko cast a sidelong glance at Naruto, shaking her head in exasperation. As if he wasn't just worried Sasuke wouldn't come…
Sasuke's eyes slid toward Naruto, a smirk tugging at his lips. "What about you?" he asked. "Did you win?"
"You know it!" Naruto barked, nearly vibrating with excitement, his grin threatening to split his face.
"Well, don't get too full of yourself. You're still a loser," Sasuke replied, his smirk softening into something almost fond.
Naruto didn't seem offended in the slightest. If anything, his grin widened, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of competition.
Sasuke turned his gaze to Kimiko. "You won too, huh?"
She flipped her hair over her shoulder with a flourish. "Obviously. I wouldn't embarrass our sensei after coming this far."
Sasuke's smirk lingered, his expression filled with subtle warmth. "Good. I want to beat you too."
"Fat chance, Uchiha," Kimiko replied, her tone equally teasing, but with an undercurrent of fondness.
Kakashi cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Well, would you look at that? One more win, and our entire team takes their rounds." He smiled under his mask, turning toward Genma. "Sorry if we kept you waiting, but uh… how late are we? Sasuke's not disqualified, right?" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, though Kimiko noticed something behind his casual demeanor.
No, Kimiko thought, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked to Kakashi. You're hoping he's disqualified so he doesn't have to face Gaara.
Genma sighed, fixing Kakashi with a dry look. "Like master, like student—right down to your lousy sense of time."
Kakashi laughed nervously, his hand still at the back of his head. "Well, what about it?"
"You know you were so late we extended the deadline for you. Twice, in fact," Genma deadpanned. "And it's lucky for you we did, because you just made it. No, he's not disqualified."
"Ohohoho, what a relief," Kakashi sighed, visibly relaxing. "You really had me worried there for a minute. So we're good, then?" He turned his gaze toward the viewing platform. Sasuke followed, and Kimiko and Naruto's eyes tracked after him.
Gaara stood there, arms crossed, staring down at Sasuke with an intensity that made the air feel heavier. Naruto glared at Gaara in return, while Kimiko's gaze stayed steady, observing the Sand shinobi closely.
"Just make sure you don't lose to him," Naruto growled.
Kimiko tilted her head slightly, her eyes never leaving Gaara. "He's been looking forward to this match. Don't disappoint him."
Sasuke nodded, his expression hardening. "Got it."
After a tense moment, Sasuke broke his gaze with Gaara and turned back toward Naruto. Naruto didn't hesitate. "Hey, Sasuke!" he shouted, his voice brimming with emotion.
Sasuke raised a brow, giving Naruto his full attention.
"Don't lose," Naruto said firmly, his fists clenched. "Because I want to fight you myself."
"And me too," Kimiko added. Despite knowing deep down that she likely wouldn't get to face Sasuke here, something stirred within her. The desire to truly test herself against him was undeniable.
Sasuke smirked faintly at the two of them. "Maybe we'll see who's the strongest in our team, then."
The arena erupted in loud cheers again, the crowd clearly loving the prospect of Team 7 members potentially meeting each other in the finals. But Kimiko's focus wasn't on the excitement around her. Her sensory abilities honed in on something distinct, something familiar.
Well, hello there, Kabuto-senpai.
The chakra signature stood out to her immediately. Her eyes flicked toward the stands, skimming past a figure cloaked in black with a mask obscuring their face. She didn't linger, instead quickly diverting her gaze to avoid drawing attention.
"Alright, Gaara," Genma called out, his voice carrying through the arena. "Come on down here."
Kimiko turned to Naruto. "Naruto, let's leave. Free the arena for them. You go first, I'll follow."
"Huh? Oh, right, right," Naruto replied, jogging toward the entrance that led to the stairs up to their platform. Kimiko lingered for a moment, stepping closer to Kakashi, who stood watching the scene unfold with his hands in his pockets.
"Sensei," she said softly, her voice low enough not to carry. "I need to tell you something. Come closer."
Kakashi instinctively leaned down, his demeanor as casual as ever, though she could feel his attention sharpen. She tilted her head slightly, keeping her voice to a whisper. "Kabuto and Orochimaru. Kabuto's disguised as an ANBU—black cloak, unknown mask. Orochimaru is the Kazekage."
She felt Kakashi stiffen ever so slightly, though he didn't let it show. He straightened, placing a hand lightly on her head, as if in an affectionate gesture. "Got it. Leave it to me," he said, his tone light but firm. "Focus on your matches. You've got the most ahead of you."
Kimiko gave him a slight nod, her expression unreadable, and turned away, heading toward the stairs to the viewing platform.
As Kimiko reached the stairs leading to the viewing platform, her senses flared, picking up on two distinct chakra signatures—Naruto and Gaara. She ascended the steps, her hand brushing the hilt of her sheathed sword as she spotted Naruto standing frozen, his wide eyes fixed on a shadowy hallway.
"Naruto?" she called softly, stepping closer behind him. "What's—"
Her words cut off as her gaze snapped toward the dim corridor, her senses immediately zeroing in. Two other signatures flickered in the darkness alongside Gaara's. Before she could react, one of them vanished, accompanied by a guttural scream that echoed through the hallway. The second signature moved quickly, panicked footsteps rushing toward them—only to be seized mid-flight by Gaara's sand. The grains pulled the unlucky victim back into the shadowed abyss, and the signature disappeared moments later.
The air grew heavy. Quiet, deliberate steps, each tapping against steel, broke the stillness. Gaara emerged from the darkness, his expression unreadable, his sand gourd silent but ever present at his back.
Kimiko's sharp gaze traced his face, unwavering and imperious, while beside her, she felt Naruto tense like a taut bowstring. Gaara's bloodlust hung heavy in the air, almost suffocating. But she knew. He wouldn't attack—not yet. He'd just killed two people. For the moment, his bloodlust was sated.
For now.
Even if it wasn't, she thought coldly, between herself and Naruto, their odds were strong.
Gaara stepped past them, his impassive gaze fixed forward. The space between Kimiko and Naruto felt charged as he brushed through it, his presence radiating menace. But then, he stopped, his back to them.
"I want… to kill you two… after… Sasuke."
His voice was low and deliberate, dripping with malice.
Kimiko's hand tightened imperceptibly on the hilt of her sword, though she didn't turn. Instead, she smirked faintly, her voice steady as steel. "You'll have to get through Sasuke first. And if you kill him?" Her voice dropped low. "I'll make you wish your father succeeded in trying to kill you."
Naruto, fists clenched, growled under his breath, but Gaara didn't respond. He walked away, his steps fading as he disappeared down the hallway, leaving behind only the lingering weight of his words.