"You mean, that 'Sora'?" Kimimaro asked, brows slightly raised. "Karin, you're starting to sound more and more like a hostess."
Though Kimimaro indeed envied the quality of ninja Kazuma could recruit, he hadn't focused much effort on recruiting Kazuma himself. Kimimaro understood that someone like Kazuma wouldn't be swayed by emotional appeals—he only cared about whether his goals could be realized.
While their visions for the world weren't exactly the same, they aligned on major points. Kazuma was curious to see how far Kimimaro could go, and that curiosity was reason enough for him to observe rather than oppose.
Still, since Karin mentioned Sora, Kimimaro decided to follow up. With Fubo tagging along, the journey would certainly not be dull.
Thus, five core members—Kimimaro, Karin, Fubo, Hanabi, and Jūgo—led a group of young ninja from the Land of Bears, setting out for their first destination: the Land of Fire.
"Big Brother, look at my new technique!"
Hanabi formed hand seals and released a burst of smoke.
Cough cough.
"Not bad," Kimimaro replied, waving the smoke aside. "You've grasped the basics of Lava Release in just one month. Impressive."
"You're just humoring me," Hanabi pouted. "I'm almost ten. I'm not a kid anymore. I even made cement yesterday."
Lava Release wasn't something mastered overnight. Hanabi could now generate heavy smoke, while Kurotsuchi—who had once trained with Kimimaro—could form cement. The fully realized form of Lava Release, molten lava, still lay ahead.
Both Lava and Crystal Releases were fire–earth combinations, but one manifested as a fluid and the other as a solid. Kurotsuchi's control over her fire chakra still lacked finesse, preventing her from achieving the lava state.
In truth, chakra nature manipulation sometimes mirrored scientific logic. Ninjutsu mastery wasn't just about brute strength—it demanded understanding.
Kimimaro silently reviewed his current abilities:
Name: Kaguya Kimimaro
Bloodline Abilities:
Kekkei Genkai – Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse)
Senju Clan Lineage
Wood Release (Incomplete)
Water Transformation Secret Art
Uzumaki Clan Lineage
Ice Release
Crystal Release
Byakugan
Red Eye (custom variant)
Sharingan
Sage Body
Lava Release
Lava Release hadn't improved his overall combat power as dramatically as Sharingan or the Sage Body had. Still, it had its merits. Unlike Hanabi, Kimimaro could directly manipulate true lava.
Unfortunately, lava was extremely destructive—unsuitable for environments like the lush and peaceful Land of Vegetables.
Several days later, the group crossed through the Land of Demons and entered the Land of Bears.
Kimimaro treated the journey as a trial run, an opportunity to gauge the growth of the young ninja he'd taken in.
"Subaru, your strength now matches that of a Chūnin. I'm entrusting the others from your village to you."
"Yes, Lord Kimimaro!"
"The rebuilding of the Star Village depends on your efforts."
After giving instructions, Kimimaro pulled aside a few others.
"Nanto, if Subaru hesitates or grows soft, you know what needs to be done. If necessary, rely on Hiki and Shizuka."
Hiki and Taketori Shizuka had joined them as well, intending to form a small squad with Nanto. Uniting ninja from different backgrounds was a vital part of Kimimaro's ideology.
The deeper reason was simple: these three were the most outstanding among the ninja educated in Kimimaro's system. He needed them to ensure a smooth ideological transformation of the old Star Village.
Nanto nodded solemnly. "I will make sure the Star Ninja uphold your philosophy. If anyone refuses to accept it but still tries to profit from us, I won't show mercy."
"Good. I trust you."
Kimimaro didn't linger in the Land of Bears. The reformation of the Star Ninja was a test. If they succeeded, they'd become key figures in the future; if not, Kimimaro would simply find more committed replacements.
Taking the rest of the group with him, Kimimaro traveled through the Land of Earth and the Land of Grass, eventually entering the Land of Fire.
This time, they deliberately avoided the Land of Birds. Yomaru's agents were already working there in secret. Passing through that region would mean crossing the Land of Rain, potentially running into Akatsuki—a confrontation Kimimaro wasn't ready for, especially with Sasori of the Red Sand.
That grudge would be settled eventually—but not today.
In the Land of Fire, the group made their way toward Konoha.
"Lord, aren't we going to the Fire Temple?" Fubo asked respectfully.
Despite being one of Kimimaro's women, Fubo never presumed too much. She addressed him as 'Lord' out of both reverence and insight—she hadn't been with him from the beginning, nor could she offer land or political weight like others. For her, humility was a form of loyalty.
"The Fire Temple can wait until we return from the Land of Water. I don't intend to bring excess baggage on this trip. I don't know what kind of person this Sora is yet, and I don't want unnecessary complications."
"Shall I go scout ahead?" Fubo offered.
Kimimaro considered it for a moment. "Alright. As for Konoha, Hanabi and I will go. The three of you would only be able to follow secretly anyway, so just one of you should stay close. Ranmaru, you and Fubo will head to the Fire Temple. Remember, stay out of sight—your goal is only to gather intelligence on the situation there."
"Understood," Ranmaru replied.
Suigetsu grinned. "Kimimaro, what about me? You're going to Konoha—surely you're not just going to drop Hanabi off and leave, right? There's no point in me tagging along like this."
"You're skilled in infiltration with your Water Release techniques. Stick to the outskirts and do some low-profile scouting. You've been working hard lately, so treat it like a break—expenses covered."
Suigetsu gave a toothy grin. "Heh, sounds like a sweet deal."
Hanabi pouted. "Big Brother, is it really okay to talk about spying on Konoha right in front of me?"
Kimimaro gently pinched her cheek. "Don't forget—your father already gave you to me in promise. Once you grow up, Konoha will only be your maiden home. More accurately, the Hyuga Clan is your true origin. And Konoha... it might even become an enemy. If that day comes, will you side with Konoha?"
"Of course not! I'll help Big Brother," Hanabi said without hesitation.
"Good girl. Hanabi is so well-behaved."
When Kimimaro and Hanabi entered Konoha, they made their way to the Hyuga compound.
"Uncle Hiashi, it's been a while."
Hyuga Hiashi nodded. "Indeed—almost a year. Hanabi, let me see... you've grown taller."
Hanabi ran into her father's arms. "Father, I missed you very much."
"I missed you as well," Hiashi said, a rare warmth in his tone.
In his heart, Hiashi had always held great hopes for his younger daughter. Hanabi's talent in the Gentle Fist had already surpassed Hinata's at the same age, and her temperament was more fitting for the heir of the Hyuga main family.
Although Hinata had grown stronger—especially after training during the time skip—Hiashi still found her overly soft-hearted. Her skills still couldn't match Neji's, and her attachment to Uzumaki Naruto troubled him. That boy showed no clear signs of reciprocation, and his brashness was worrisome.
However, from a clan perspective, Naruto was a distant member of the Uzumaki Clan, which once had close ties to the Senju. The possibility of a future link to the Fourth Hokage through him made Hiashi wary—but not entirely dismissive. He had heard faint rumors that Naruto might even be the Fourth's son.
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