Chapter 38: Camellia (Land of Tea Arc FIN)
Kimiko stood amidst the crowd, her arms crossed as she watched Idate clear the final stretch of the race. The cheers and celebratory cries of the Wasabi supporters filled the air, but her mind was elsewhere. She had only managed to catch the last moments of his victory—most of her time had been spent elsewhere, ensuring loose ends were tied.
The three Amegakure genin never made it back to their village.
Kimiko had done it herself, kunai in hand, cutting each throat with methodical precision. It was bloody, ugly work, the kind she hadn't wanted Sasuke or Naruto to soil their hands with—not yet. It wasn't about honor or hatred, nor was it some misguided attempt at mercy. Letting them live would have served no one, least of all Konoha. She knew what they would have done. Report back to Konan. To Pain. To the man who would one day hunt Naruto down.
No. Not now.
She'd like to say she had felt something when she did it. But she didn't.
The future Naruto would build had no room for hesitation.
Her gaze drifted toward Aoi, bound and gagged within sight but securely locked in one of the Todoroki Shrine's holding rooms. Aside from the paralytic coursing through his veins, she had stripped him of all his weapons and tools, binding him tight in chakra-sealed ropes. He was too dangerous to be left unattended, yet to keep her eyes on him now would be a loss of face. And so, she stood among the gathered crowd, feigning interest in the ceremony while her mind wandered.
"Now, wait just a minute!"
The voice of one of the Wagarashi men cut through the revelry as he stormed up to the podium where Idate stood. "It's come to our attention that the Wasabi's runner received outside assistance—traveling on the back of a ninja, which is grounds for immediate disqualification! And I have proof!" He raised a photograph triumphantly.
Kimiko barely spared him a glance.
She should have cared. Perhaps once, she might have. Idate had come far, after all—he had found a purpose, sought redemption. But at the end of the day, he was still a man who had abandoned Konoha the moment it became inconvenient.
Maybe it was the time she had spent around Danzō, but Kimiko had little patience for traitors who only found their way when it suited them.
As expected, the Daimyō of the Land of Tea—a corpulent man with an air of measured authority—stepped in to settle the dispute. He exposed the Wagarashi family's corruption, revealing that one of his own ministers had been bribed into rigging the race in their favor. With little patience for deceit, the Daimyō demanded the minister's immediate resignation and issued a decree dissolving the Wagarashi's influence over the port. A predictable but satisfying resolution.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their applause nearly deafening as the Wasabi celebrated their long-awaited victory. It was a clean, neat, and publicly acceptable ending.
But for Kimiko, it was just another job. Their mission was complete, and she had little interest in lingering.
"Naruto, Sasuke," she called, turning to her teammates.
Naruto glanced over, grinning. "Yeah?"
"I'm going to write the mission debrief and send a messenger hawk to Konoha," she said, tucking her arms behind her back. "We need to report that we've secured valuable intel and require transport."
She had no doubt Konoha would send a retrieval team—especially once they learned who they had in custody. A missing-nin. A traitor who had stolen one of the last Senju relics. The village wouldn't ignore that.
"Oh, okay," said Naruto easily, clearly preoccupied with the celebration. "Have fun!" He waved her off before jogging toward Idate, grabbing Sasuke by the wrist and dragging him along.
Kimiko exhaled through her nose, rolling her shoulders. Just a mission. Just another loose end to tie up.
And with that, she turned on her heel and made her way toward the shrine's inner chambers.
As expected, the people of the Land of Tea were more than willing to accommodate her, offering the very room that once belonged to the now-dismissed minister. With her mission debrief written and the messenger hawk released, Kimiko found herself with rare free time.
Naruto and Sasuke had been drawn into the festivities, mingling with Idate and the Wasabi family, leaving Kimiko alone in the inner chambers of the shrine. Seated by an open veranda, a delicate teacup in hand, she watched the celebration unfold below.
The revelry was lively—villagers danced with unrestrained joy, the air filled with the rhythmic beat of drums and the scent of spiced food. In the midst of it all, Naruto stood atop Gamaseki's head, juggling both Gamakichi and Gamatatsu, their tiny limbs flailing comically in protest. Sasuke, meanwhile, stood off to the side, wearing an expression of quiet suffering as a small group of local girls giggled and whispered behind their hands, stealing glances at him.
Kimiko smirked into her tea. Some things never changed.
"Ah, not enjoying the festivities?"
A voice, smooth and composed, broke through the night air. Kimiko turned her head slightly, meeting the gaze of the Daimyō himself, flanked by an attendant. With fluid grace, she set her cup down and stood, bowing with her fist pressed lightly against her palm.
"Forgive me, Daimyo-dono," she said, head lowered. "As much as I would enjoy partaking in the celebrations, my duty calls. I must ensure that all affairs are in order to provide the service your people have paid for. I can only hope this slight is forgiven."
The Daimyo chuckled, a rich, knowing sound. "How very proper. No need for such deference, child. Raise your head."
Kimiko did as he bid, meeting his gaze evenly. There was an earnest curiosity in his eyes—but also a sharp, calculating glint that suggested he was measuring her, as rulers often did with those of interest.
"Ah," he mused, tilting his head. "They spoke of your beauty, but to see it for myself… You are Kaori's youngest, are you not?"
Kimiko blinked, though she did not falter. Of course, he would know . It was foolish to assume the Daimyo of an allied nation would be unfamiliar with the family of the ruling clan in the Land of Fire.
"Indeed, Daimyō-sama," she replied smoothly. "Forgive my ignorance, but you are acquainted with my mother?"
"Quite well," the Daimyō said gleefully. "A dear friend in our youth, as was her elder brother. I suppose your duties as a kunoichi have kept you from spending much time with that side of your family?"
Kimiko smiled, nodding politely. "Yes, indeed, Daimyo-do—"
"Satsuna, girl."
"Satsuna-dono," she corrected without hesitation. "As illustrious and beautiful as the capital of the Land of Fire is, it is a great distance away. A humble kunoichi such as myself has little reason to visit."
Amusement flickered across the Daimyō's face. "Overly modest, aren't you? Considering what I've heard of your exploits, that humility seems… misplaced."
Kimiko's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. My exploits?
"Indeed," he continued, smiling. "I have heard whispers of a young kunoichi who led a band of shinobi in defense of the Land of Grass' Daimyō against a black-hearted army of brigands. They say you felled a hundred men before personally challenging their leader—beheading him with a legendary blade once wielded by a shinobi whose very name struck fear across the Five Great Nations."
Kimiko kept her demure smile carefully in place, though inwardly, she recalled the moment with a different clarity. The great vortex of water she summoned, swallowing both enemy and bystander alike. The reckless, pitiful cries of men crushed under its weight. All of it—just to keep some spineless noble safe.
"I would not be so arrogant as to claim sole responsibility," she said, inclining her head. "My teammates aided me in protecting the Daimyo. Without them, I would not have succeeded."
"And yet," the Daimyo mused, his eyes gleaming with something indecipherable, "the people tell a different tale. They speak of a kunoichi with hair as black as the night and eyes as red as rubies, who rallied men to fight for honor and justice."
Kimiko took a slow sip of her tea, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Honor and justice? Is that what they call it?
"I'm honored that people think so highly of me," Kimiko said, setting her teacup down with deliberate grace. "Though I hardly think I've done anything so grand as to warrant such praise."
The Daimyo chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Modesty is an admirable trait, but there is no need for false humility. Your actions speak for themselves." He leaned back slightly, his tone turning more measured. "I must commend Jirocho for his decision to hire shinobi from Konoha. I truly believe that strengthening ties between the Land of Fire and the Land of Tea would be of mutual benefit to both our nations."
Kimiko inclined her head, a carefully composed smile playing on her lips. "I am beyond honored that a humble team of chuunin such as ourselves has managed to leave such an impression, Satsuna-dono."
The Daimyō hummed in agreement, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Yes… you've more than proven your village's reliability. Rest assured, I will personally ensure that we seek more of Konoha's services in the future." His gaze flickered with something keen—assessing, weighing—before his lips curled into an amused smirk. "And I must say, I will be certain to tell my acquaintances that the stories about you were not exaggerated in the slightest."
Kimiko remained still, unreadable.
"To think," Satsuna continued, chuckling, "that someone of that miserly old man's bloodline would turn out to be a ninja… Quite the unexpected development." He laughed, resting a hand on his ample belly. "I suppose I have kept you long enough. But when such an intriguing individual crosses one's path, how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to converse?"
Kimiko's lashes lowered slightly, a subtle tilt of her head masking the sharp gleam in her eyes. Intriguing, am I? I wonder what use you intend to find for me, Satsuna-dono.
She smiled. "The honor was mine."
As expected, Konoha dispatched a ship the very next day. One of the shrine attendants informed them of its arrival, and they swiftly made their way back to Port Degarashi aboard a vessel generously provided by the Daimyo.
By the time they reached the docks, it took no more than an hour before a ship bearing Konoha's sigil appeared on the horizon, cutting through the waves before docking with precise efficiency.
Kimiko stood near the docks, already waiting. As the wooden bridge was lowered, a familiar figure in a trench coat strode forward, flanked by two Konoha-nin. Ibiki's sharp eyes scanned the group before landing on Aoi Rakusho, still bound in ropes, standing stiffly under Sasuke's grip.
Behind her, she felt Idate's presence—his breathing uneven, his posture rigid. He was staring, wide-eyed, at the older brother he had believed dead for years.
Ibiki's gaze, however, did not spare him a single glance.
Instead, he stopped before Aoi, looming over him with cold scrutiny. "Aoi Rakusho," Ibiki murmured, as though tasting the name on his tongue. His lips curled slightly. "Now this… is quite the reunion."
Aoi scowled but said nothing, his head lowering, shoulders hunched as if to shrink away from the inevitable.
Ibiki tilted his head, mockingly patient. "What? No arrogance now? No gloating? No vicious words?" He stepped closer, forcing Aoi to look anywhere but at him.
Silence.
"No matter." Ibiki exhaled, dismissing him like one would a cockroach. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up." Without turning his head, he ordered, "Take the prisoner below deck."
The two Konoha-nin immediately stepped forward, hauling Aoi up the bridge. Naruto and Sasuke followed behind, exchanging unreadable looks, but neither spoke.
Only then did Ibiki shift his attention to Kimiko. His expression, unreadable.
"Another missing-nin captured," he said, almost amused. "And another valuable source of intel for Konoha." He smirked. "You're doing the village a great service, Kimiko. This one, though? I owe you for him." His eyes flickered toward the bound traitor. "I have history with this rat—rest assured, I won't forget what you've done here."
Kimiko simply nodded. "We all live to serve Konoha," she replied smoothly before stepping past him, walking up the wooden bridge without another word.
Yet before she could fully board, Idate's voice rang out, raw and desperate.
"Nii-san! Nii-san, wait!"
A heavy silence settled over the dock.
Ibiki stopped mid-step. His shoulders squared. His head turned slightly, just enough to glance back.
"…Hm?"
His voice was impassive. Cold. Distant.
"Who are you?" he asked, tone devoid of recognition. "The only one who ever called me that died three years ago."
Kimiko's expression did not shift, but inside, she frowned.
Ah. So that's how he was handling this.
Officially, Idate Morino was a missing-nin, having deserted Konoha. A traitor in name, if not in deed. Ibiki was pretending not to recognize him—because if he did, then by all rights, he would be obligated to arrest his own brother.
Kimiko had little sympathy for deserters. A shinobi who fled their village, no matter the reason, had made their choice. And yet…
Idate had ultimately served Konoha's interests. His victory in the race had ensured that the Wasabi family—now indebted to Konoha—would govern the port for years to come. His actions had put a political ally in place, one with a personal connection to the Hokage.
So, in the end, this was one of those things you simply turned a blind eye to.
Kimiko did not look back as she boarded the ship.
The sea journey back to the Land of Fire took less than a day, their ship docking at one of the southern harbor towns. Once ashore, Ibiki instructed them to head back to Konoha ahead of him, and so they set off.
Their return to the village was uneventful. The chūnin stationed at the gates waved them through without delay, relaying that Tsunade had left explicit orders—she wanted their debrief immediately.
With little fanfare, they made their way to the Hokage's office.
Tsunade sat behind her desk, elbow propped on the armrest, scanning the mission report Kimiko had written during their voyage. Her golden eyes flicked across the parchment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she let out a sigh and set the paper down.
"Well," she muttered, stretching slightly, "another job well done. Capturing a missing-nin who might actually shed some light on this 'god' ruling Amegakure…" She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "I still can't believe that old lizard Hanzō is dead."
She trailed off, then refocused. "And it says here you recovered one of the Senju artifacts?"
Kimiko nodded and turned to Sasuke, who withdrew the vajra-like handle of the Sword of the Thunder God from his pouch and handed it over. Tsunade accepted it lazily, turning it over in her hand, studying it with an almost nostalgic air.
"I remember seeing Lord Second wield this," she mused, a rare flicker of amusement crossing her face. "That was… oh, how many years ago? The things he could do with this…" She spun it in her palm absentmindedly, then, to Kimiko's surprise, held it back out.
"Here," Tsunade said, "you found it, you keep it."
Kimiko blinked.
She hesitated, fingers curling carefully around the handle as if the weight of history itself rested in her palm. How privileged was Tsunade to just—give away—an artifact of the most powerful clan the world had ever known? The clan that had founded Konoha? One of the last remnants of her own bloodline?
"…Hokage-dono," Kimiko began slowly, measuring her words. "This belongs to Konoha. To your clan—the Senju. I can't accept it. Besides, I already have a sword."
She made to return it, but Tsunade merely stared at her, expression unreadable.
"Listen," Tsunade finally said, voice quiet but firm. "The 'Senju Clan' is gone. We're not some relic of the past. We're the foundation of Konoha, its pillars. And our ancestral vault?" She waved her hand dismissively. "It belongs to the village. Every shinobi in this village is a part of our clan now."
Before Kimiko could formulate a response, Naruto—who had been silent for far too long—perked up.
"Uh—what's a Senju?" he asked, blinking.
Sasuke gave him a flat, unimpressed stare. No one else answered.
Tsunade rolled her eyes and continued. "In any case," she said, shifting gears, "this sword is better off being used than gathering dust in a vault. That's probably how it got stolen in the first place."
She rummaged through the drawers of her desk, pulling out a small scroll and tossing it to Kimiko, who caught it easily.
"What's this?" Kimiko asked, glancing at the old parchment.
"The scroll Aoi had Idate steal along with the sword," Tsunade explained. "Apparently, the bastard only managed to escape with the blade itself. The scroll? Ibiki got it back." She leaned back in her chair. "It's the instructions for unlocking the sword's full potential."
Kimiko stared at the weapon in her hand, then at the scroll. So the blade still held latent power? She could only imagine what secrets were written within it…
Tsunade exhaled and waved her off. "Look, if you don't want it, find a way to make it useful. Hand it off, store it, I don't care. But I'd rather see it in your hands than sitting uselessly in a storage vault."
Kimiko barely had time to process before Naruto sidled up to her, grinning as he nudged her side.
"Hey, Kimiko-chan," he whispered dramatically, "if you don't want it, maybe you could… you know, give it to me?" He waggled his eyebrows. "C'mon, we're friends, right?"
Kimiko giggled, shaking her head.
But then… an idea flickered in her mind.
She turned her gaze to Sasuke, tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Hey, Sasuke."
The Uchiha glanced at her, arms crossed. "What?"
Kimiko's lips curled slightly.
"How would you like to learn kenjutsu and wield the Second Hokage's personal sword?"
Silence settled between them. Sasuke studied her face, then the sword, then the scroll—then back to her face.
"...You're serious, Kimiko-chan?" he asked, brow furrowing.
Kimiko simply extended the sword and scroll toward him, unwavering. "Yeah," she said. "You have the form and discipline to master kenjutsu. Maybe not to my level, but still…" A faint smirk tugged at her lips. "It'd be nice to have another person in the team who actually knows how to use a sword."
Sasuke hesitated for only a moment longer before gingerly taking both items, his fingers running over the worn handle of the Sword of the Thunder Good. His grip was firm but reverent, as if he understood exactly what it meant to hold a relic once wielded by the Senju—a clan that had been both enemy and rival to the Uchiha.
There was something poetic about it. A boy destined, in another life, to betray Konoha—now standing here, anchoring himself to it with a weapon of its founding clan.
Kimiko saw it, saw the way his fingers clenched ever so slightly, the tension in his shoulders, the pink creeping up his ears. She smiled. It meant something to him.
Then—
"HEY!"
Naruto's voice shattered the moment as he whirled on Kimiko, jabbing a finger at her.
"I JUST ASKED FOR THAT, KIMIKO-CHAN! WHY ARE YOU PLAYING FAVORITES?! THAT'S SO UNFAIR!"
Sasuke scoffed, turning the sword over in his hand, eyes flickering with amusement. "You and Kimiko get a giant frog and lizard to launch you around like idiots. I get a Hokage's sword. Seems fair to me." He smirked. "Guess I'm closer to being Hokage than you are, dead last."
Naruto bristled.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" He cracked his knuckles, glaring daggers at Sasuke. "You wanna fight, huh?! STOP TRYING TO SOUND COOL!"
Sasuke gave an exaggerated shrug. "Not my fault you don't have a Hokage's sword."
"THAT'S IT!" Naruto fumed. "I'LL MEET YOU AT THE TRAINING FIELD, UCHIHA! LET'S SEE IF THAT STUPID SWORD CAN SAVE YOU!"
Kimiko barely had time to sigh before Sasuke—with the most smug expression possible—casually turned and bolted.
Naruto immediately gave chase.
The two boys tore out of the office, their footsteps echoing down the halls.
Kimiko rubbed her temple. "We're not even done debriefing…"
Tsunade sighed, watching them go with the exasperation of someone who had lived through this exact scenario far too many times. "Seriously, I remember being the only girl in a team. I pity you, Kimiko." She glanced at Shizune. "I really do."
Shizune merely gave her a look.
Tsunade cleared her throat. "Anyway, Boss Jirocho and the Tea Daimyo personally commended your professionalism. Said you were thorough, responsible, and level-headed. Exactly what we want in a kunoichi."
She leaned back, smug. "You remind me of your sister."
Then, after a beat—
"Actually… you remind me of myself when I was your age."
Kimiko stared.
Shizune, without looking up from her clipboard, gave Tsunade the driest look known to mankind.
Kimiko didn't even try to hide her skepticism.
A familiar chuckle echoed from the doorway.
"Hah. Yeah. Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"That's rich, coming from you." said Tsunade, turning to the figure behind her
Kimiko turned just in time to see Jiraiya strolling in, his hand immediately landing on her head, ruffling her hair.
"You called for me?" he asked, glancing at Tsunade, who looked vaguely annoyed at his existence.
"Yes," she said, rubbing her temples. "We need to talk about this Akatsuki business you mentioned. And—" she gestured vaguely toward Kimiko, "—she brought in an Amegakure jonin. One of our old missing-nin. Thought you'd be interested since you wanted to follow up on who took over after Hanzo."
Jiraiya's easygoing expression flickered, a shadow of seriousness passing over his face.
"Oh?"
"He's with Ibiki," Tsunade added. "Getting interrogated."
Jiraiya's lips pressed into a thin line. "..Alright,"
"Yes, you're free to go now, Kimiko." Tsunade nodded, her expression one of approval. "And again, good work."
Kimiko bowed, fist against palm, before turning to leave.
She had barely taken two steps when she felt the faint displacement of air behind her. A familiar presence. She didn't even need to turn before a gloved hand landed on her head, ruffling her hair in a way that was both affectionate and mildly exasperating.
"Kakashi-sensei," Kimiko said, glancing up at him. "Back from Kusagakure?"
"Mhm." Kakashi sighed, his tone dry but tinged with warmth. "And you three? Just back from your mission?"
"A few hours ago," Kimiko replied. "Naruto and Sasuke are off chasing each other and sparring somewhere. I was on my way to train."
Kakashi gave her a pointed look, eye crinkling in what she assumed was mild exasperation. "Only you would think about training the moment you return from a mission."
Kimiko huffed. "Not my fault there's always room for improvement. Besides, there's this one jutsu I'm really having trouble with."
"Oh well." Kakashi sighed again, shaking his head. "Not like I can stop you. You're not my students anymore."
Kimiko frowned at that, turning slightly to face him. "Stop it, Kakashi-sensei. You'll always be our sensei. Even when we're jonin like you."
"Aww, already thinking about being a jonin? It hasn't even been a month since you made chuunin." Kakashi's tone was teasing, but she caught the undercurrent of pride beneath it. "You three were always the ambitious ones."
Kimiko gave him a flat look. "Uh-huh." Then, more seriously, "How are things at the front?"
"That what they're calling it now?" Kakashi sighed, the easygoing demeanor slipping slightly. "Too early to say. The insurgents took one of their southwestern cities, and refugees are pouring into the capital and Kusagakure. The Kusa-nin are stretched thin, but we've managed to keep the eastern front stable. We forced them to retreat into the forests. If we can hold that position, Kusagakure might be able to divert more forces southwest and retake the city."
Kimiko frowned. "And Iwagakure?"
Kakashi's single visible eye darkened slightly. "As infuriating as ever. Hayama is keeping a close watch, but none of them have openly crossed the Kannabi Bridge. That said, they've openly declared the insurgents' so-called 'revolutionary government' as legitimate. And they're funding them. Heavily."
Kimiko exhaled slowly. "A cold war, then?"
"A proxy war." Kakashi ran a hand through his hair. "But… with how things are moving, I can't shake the feeling it's going to turn hot soon."
He wasn't the type to voice concerns lightly. That alone made Kimiko's stomach twist with unease.
"...Well, in any case," Kakashi said, exhaling lightly. "No use worrying about it now." His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he sighed. "I'm actually due back in Kusagakure in a few hours—just stopping by to deliver something urgent to the Hokage."
Before Kimiko could respond, he vanished in a flicker of movement, leaving only the faint disturbance of air in his wake.
She stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space he had occupied, then exhaled quietly.
All the more reason to train harder.
Kimiko hadn't expected to run into Hinata, but there she was, walking toward her with a soft, almost hesitant smile. The pale-eyed girl lifted a hand in greeting, her fingers curling slightly as if unsure whether to wave or clutch the strap of her small satchel.
"Hina-chan!" Kimiko called, her lips pulling into a genuine smile as she closed the distance in a few brisk steps. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around the other girl, pulling her into a warm embrace. Hinata stiffened for half a heartbeat before relaxing, returning the hug just as tightly, her breath a quiet sigh against Kimiko's shoulder.
"Kimiko-chan..." Hinata murmured when they pulled apart, her hands lingering lightly on Kimiko's sleeves. "I heard from Kurenai-sensei that you just got back from your mission. Are you okay?"
Kimiko tilted her head, blinking. "Oh, yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" she asked, shrugging off the concern. "It was just a silly B-rank mission. It'll take more than that to beat me."
Hinata's fingers curled against the fabric of Kimiko's sleeve before she withdrew her hands, clasping them in front of her. Her gaze flickered downward for a moment, her voice quieter than before.
"...You're so strong, Kimiko-chan. You, Shino-kun, Naruto-kun, and Neji nii-san… You're all chuunin already. The first of our year. And I—I feel so left behind…"
She let out a small breath, barely more than a sigh, as her hands clenched slightly over one another. Before she could look away completely, Kimiko reached out, pressing the tip of her index finger beneath Hinata's chin and tilting her face upward.
"You okay?" Kimiko asked, her voice softer now, more careful.
Hinata blinked, her eyes widening just slightly at the gentle touch, before she quickly nodded. "Oh… yes. I was just wondering whether you wanted to… do something together."
Kimiko hesitated. She hated the flicker of disappointment that crossed Hinata's face the moment she spoke her next words.
"Oh, I'd love to, Hina-chan, really. But I was actually heading out to train."
The shift was subtle, but it was there—the small drop of her shoulders, the way her hands twisted in front of her, the quiet flicker of her lashes as she nodded.
"Oh… right. Of course."
Kimiko felt something in her chest tighten, her gut twisting. How many times had she done this? How many times had she promised to train with Hinata, to spend more time with her, only to brush her aside? She thought back to the Chuunin Exams, to Neji's brutal victory, to the way she had told herself she would help Hinata prepare—only to fail her, just like this.
She parted her lips to speak, to say something—anything—but Hinata beat her to it.
"N-No."
Kimiko blinked, startled.
"I mean," Hinata continued, lifting her chin slightly, her grip tightening on Kimiko's sleeves, as if this was taking all of her will power to do. "I r-really want to spend time with y-you, Kimiko. "
Her voice was firm—not demanding, but unwavering. It was rare to hear such directness from Hinata, rare to see the way she held someone's gaze rather than looking away in shyness.
"You h-haven't spent time with me in so long," she went on, her fingers gripping just slightly at Kimiko's arms. "But you find time for that red-haired girl and Sakura-chan… I w-want you to make time for me, too."
Kimiko's breath hitched slightly, caught off guard not by her words, but by how certain she sounded when she said them.
"Okay," Kimiko murmured, her voice softer now. "I'm sorry, Hinata. I've been neglecting you." She reached out, brushing a strand of dark hair from Hinata's cheek before offering a small, earnest smile. "I should be more present. I will be more present."
As much as it pained her to set aside training, she reminded herself that being a shinobi did not mean ceasing to be a person. She had spent so much time dedicating herself to Konoha's safety—fighting, killing, shouldering burdens most would never know—that she had nearly forgotten why she did it. To protect peace, yes, but peace meant little if she never allowed herself to live in it. It wasn't selfish to rest, to enjoy the world she fought so hard to preserve.
"Do you want to do anything?" Kimiko asked, tilting her head as she studied Hinata's hesitant expression.
The Hyuga girl blushed, her fingers pressing together in that telltale nervous habit. "W-Well… You might think it's silly, but…" She looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "No… I—I shouldn't have demanded your time without even having a plan. You must think I'm really silly."
Kimiko sighed, then pulled her into another warm embrace, her arms wrapping securely around Hinata's small frame. "You are silly," she said, her voice full of fondness. "But I love you for that."
She felt Hinata relax against her, the tension in her shoulders easing.
"Don't worry," Kimiko continued, pulling back just enough to meet her friend's wide lavender eyes. "We'll figure something out."
And then, like a light flickering to life, an idea sparked in her mind.
"Actually," she said, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, let's go."
Kimiko quickly realized that she wasn't feeling nearly as guilty as she thought she would. In fact, she enjoyed being with Hinata—just the two of them, away from the pressures of missions, politics, and war.
Even something as simple as strolling through Konoha felt… nice . Carefree, even.
A kind old vendor had gifted them each a snow cone as they passed by, and now, with the sweet chill melting on their tongues, they meandered past the village gates, following the road that led toward the training grounds.
"So," Kimiko mused, lazily licking her snow cone as they walked. "What exactly did Naruto-kun say?"
Hinata's fingers curled shyly around her own treat. "W-Well… he said something about… wanting to spend time together… and eat ramen…"
Her voice grew softer, her cheeks blooming pink as if she had just recounted the most romantic proposal in history.
Kimiko shot her a flat look. "I swear, you'd blush at anything he does. You do realize this is the same boy who once bragged about only owning four pairs of underpants, right?" She sighed, exasperated. "I had to buy him more, Hinata. I did. And don't even get me started on how many times I had to sew that ridiculous orange jumpsuit back together. Or the fact that I still have to remind him to brush his teeth."
Hinata giggled, her blush deepening. "W-Well… Kurenai-sensei did say that part of being a kunoichi is… managing the boys on your team…"
Kimiko gave her a flat, unimpressed stare. "Uh-huh. Tell my sister that when she isn't the one dealing with Naruto and Sasuke's body odor ."
The two girls dissolved into laughter, and for a moment, Kimiko let herself revel in the simple pleasure of it. No missions, no bloodshed—just two friends, walking under the warmth of the afternoon sun.
As they approached the training grounds, Hinata glanced around, tilting her head curiously. "S-So… why are we here again, Kimiko-chan?"
"Oh," Kimiko said, suddenly grinning. "I wanted to introduce you to my summon."
Hinata's face brightened. "O-Oh! You already have a summon? W-Wow, Kimiko-chan, you really are such a talented kunoichi. Is it a ninneko? A panda bear?"
Kimiko's grin only widened.
Hinata's smile faltered. Her hands twitched around her snow cone.
"…It's gonna be something terrifying , isn't it?"
Kimiko didn't offer further explanation. Instead, she clasped her hands together, fingers weaving seamlessly through a rapid sequence of seals. She bit down on her thumb, drawing blood, and slid it across the pulsating summoning formula etched into her forearm before pressing her palm firmly to the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu."
A massive plume of white smoke erupted before them, billowing outward in thick waves. As it dissipated, Kimiko stood proudly atop the enormous form of Ibuse, his towering, slate-colored body dominating the clearing. His eyeless head tilted slightly, nostrils flaring as he took in his surroundings.
Then, his featureless face turned toward Hinata.
A deep, grumbling voice rumbled through the earth.
"Child… why have you summoned me?"
Kimiko crossed her legs, sitting comfortably atop his head. "Ibuse-sama," she said smoothly, running a hand across the cool, leathery skin beneath her. "I wanted to introduce you to my best friend, another kunoichi of Konoha."
Ibuse let out a dismissive snort. "Bah! And why should I care for these pathetic cretins in your village, child? I barely tolerate your presence as it is. Perhaps I should make an exa—"
The great salamander fell silent mid-threat.
His eyeless face angled toward Hinata, who had instinctively darted behind a nearby tree, her petite frame partially obscured.
Ibuse shifted, resting his great head back on the ground with a considering hum. "…Mm. A Hyuga girl, huh?"
Kimiko arched a brow. "You recognize them, Ibuse-sama?"
"Yes," he rumbled. "I killed a few alongside Hanzo in my time. Good warriors, those ones. Though this girl seems… delicate."
Kimiko smiled faintly. "She has her own kind of strength—one unique to her."
Ibuse let out a long, thoughtful exhale. "The delicate strength of a woman. Strength born of vulnerability." A pause. "Something you completely lack."
Kimiko stifled a chuckle.
"I can see why you befriended this one."
Then, suddenly, he turned his head fully toward Hinata again.
"Child."
His voice boomed like a thunderclap, reverberating across the training grounds.
Hinata flinched, peeking out timidly from behind the tree. "Y-Yes?!"
Ibuse grumbled. "Impudent Hyuga. When your elder addresses you, it is only right that you formally present yourself. Has Konoha fallen so low that they no longer teach their kunoichi a modicum of respect?"
Hinata hesitated before shuffling forward. Her movements were small, hesitant, but she managed to bow her head in greeting. "I-It's n-nice to meet you… um… Kimiko's summon."
Ibuse scoffed, a rumbling noise that made the ground tremble.
"Gah! You will address me as Ibuse-sama ."
Hinata stiffened. "I… uh… th-thank you, Ibuse-sama."
"Hmph."
Satisfied, the great salamander lowered his head to the ground once more, exhaling a slow breath that sent ripples across the wet earth.
"You may join your friend on my head, if you wish."
Hinata blinked, looking up at Kimiko with wide, unsure eyes.
Kimiko only grinned. "Come on up, Hina-chan."
Hinata swallowed thickly but nodded, carefully stepping up onto Ibuse's snout before climbing her way to Kimiko's side.
Ibuse, meanwhile, shifted again, his body tensing slightly as if preparing for movement.
"Child," he rumbled.
Kimiko glanced down. "Yes, Ibuse-sama?"
"I wish to explore this part of Konoha. I find it… refreshing. You two will converse on my head while I move. I will dismiss myself once satisfied."
Kimiko smirked. "As you wish."
And with that, Ibuse lifted himself fully, his massive form rising, carrying the two kunoichi atop his head as he began to move forward.
Surprisingly, Kimiko found herself enjoying the ride atop Ibuse's head far more than she expected. The massive salamander moved through the dense forest with complete indifference, plowing through undergrowth and snapping tree branches aside as if they were twigs. And yet, the world around them felt undisturbed, as though nature itself dared not interfere with his path.
Beside her, Hinata nestled against her shoulder, quietly finishing the last of her snow cone. Kimiko did the same, savoring the rare moment of tranquility.
Then, as Ibuse slowed his pace, pausing near the edge of a running river, Kimiko suddenly spoke.
"Hey."
Hinata lifted her head slightly. "Yes, Kimiko-chan?"
Kimiko exhaled, watching the water ripple beneath Ibuse's shadow. "…You know that I love you, right?"
Hinata's breath hitched for a moment. "O-Oh…" She turned to look at Kimiko, a soft pink dusting her cheeks. "Of course I do, Kimiko-chan. I'm just… happy we're finally doing things best friends do again."
Her voice wavered slightly before she hesitated, fingers idly tracing patterns against her sleeve. "I just… felt a little sad, that's all. You've been spending more time with other people than with me, but… that doesn't mean I don't understand why."
Kimiko sighed, rolling the remnants of her ice cone between her fingers. "Still. You were right." She turned her gaze back to Hinata, her eyes softer than usual. "I should've made time for you. I got caught up in everything—the tension with Iwa, these complicated missions, getting promoted, thinking about the future…" She trailed off for a moment, then shook her head. "I didn't mean to neglect you. But I don't want to take you for granted. Not anymore."
Hinata was quiet for a moment, then reached out, hesitantly taking Kimiko's hand in her own.
"…I don't think you do." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I just think… you n-need to take a break s-sometimes. Just breathe. And remember why we're doing all of this in the first place."
"...Your sensei is rubbing off on you," Kimiko murmured, a faint smile playing at her lips. "You sound like my sister."
Hinata giggled softly, the sound light and warm. "O-Oh."
Kimiko glanced at her, eyes thoughtful. "Then again… in a way, you are, aren't you?"
Hinata didn't answer, simply looking at her.
Kimiko squeezed her hand gently, the warmth of Hinata's palm grounding her in a way she hadn't realized she needed.
Perhaps, for once, she could allow herself to simply exist in this moment.
Once Ibuse was satisfied and dismissed himself, Kimiko and Hinata made their way back to the village on foot, arms linked together. The sky had begun to shift into dusk, painting the horizon in rich purples and deepening blues. The air was cool, carrying the soft hum of cicadas as they walked down the quiet, beaten path.
"T-Thank you so much for today, Kimiko," Hinata murmured as they leapt from a branch, landing gently onto the road leading back to Konoha.
Kimiko smiled, a rare, soft expression. "Don't mention it." She gave Hinata's arm a light squeeze. "We'll spend more time together in the future. Maybe even train together," she added thoughtfully. "If you're feeling left behind, then I should help remedy that."
Hinata's face warmed, her fingers nervously twisting together. "I-I'd l-like that very much," she said in a tiny voice.
After a moment, she hesitated before speaking again. "S-So, um… about Naruto-kun."
Kimiko's lips quirked. "What about him?"
Hinata blushed, barely able to meet her eyes. "D-Do you think he's just being friendly, or…?"
Kimiko couldn't help but giggle. "I've seen the way he blushes and fumbles whenever you're around." Her tone was teasing, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"O-Oh, really? You mean that?" Hinata asked, voice rising slightly in excitement.
"Of course," Kimiko smirked. "In fact, I'd be willing to bet tha—"
Kimiko's words died on her tongue. Her smile faded in an instant, her entire body tensing. Her red-ringed eyes snapped toward the treeline, scanning the thick shadows between the trees.
Hinata faltered at the sudden shift in Kimiko's demeanor. "K-Kimiko-chan?"
Kimiko's hand moved instinctively to Byakko's hilt. With a flick of her wrist, the blade was drawn, its silk-threaded sheath unraveling like living tendrils and winding around her arm. Her voice was sharp, urgent.
"Hinata. Get to Konoha and alert the nearest gate guard. Tell him to bring at last two available jonins. Now."
Hinata hesitated. "W-What? What's going on?" A faint tremble ran through her voice.
Kimiko didn't explain. She didn't have time to. She turned, slashing an X into a nearby tree with Byakko's blade, marking their exact position. "Remember this place. Tell them where I went."
When Hinata still lingered, Kimiko gave her a firm push. "Don't follow me. Go."
Hinata stumbled back but, to her credit, obeyed. With a quick nod, she leapt up onto the branches, vanishing toward the village in a blur.
Kimiko exhaled sharply, tightening her grip on her sword. Crap. Crap. Crap. Did I forget about this because I was messing around?
She lunged forward, flickering through the trees in a blur of black and red, her sensory net flaring wide. The moment she locked onto a familiar set of signatures, she adjusted her trajectory and propelled herself toward the disturbance.
Don't be too late. Don't be too late.
Kimiko landed on a high branch, barely touching down before launching herself to a lower one, then finally, down onto solid ground. Her feet hit the dirt with a muted thud, her stance immediately lowering into a ready position.
Slowly, she rose to her full height.
In front of her stood Sasuke, his back to her, a kunai clenched tightly in his hand. His stance was rigid, bristling with tension.
But what caught Kimiko's attention were the figures standing before him.
A heavyset man. A gaunt-faced one with another lurking behind him. A tall, wiry figure with four arms. And a red-haired woman, smirking like she already knew how this fight would end.
Kimiko's eyes narrowed. She knew these faces.
The Sound Four.
"Oh, well look at that," sneered Sakon, eyeing her. "Looks like the other target made her way to us on her own."