Faced with the incoming ninjutsu attack, Kimimaro hurriedly swung his sword to defend. He had yet to learn any ninjutsu beyond the three basic academy techniques. One reason was his young age and limited chakra reserves; even Naruto didn't develop his "Chakra-ton" until he was twelve or thirteen. Kimimaro was only two years older than Naruto's group, and since Naruto and Sasuke were about eight, Kimimaro was only around ten or eleven.
However, his Shikotsumyaku's defense against ninjutsu other than Fire Style wasn't that taxing. At the same time, Uchiha Nagi had also taught him the water-elemental Water Breathing swordsmanship.
"Water Breathing, Sixth Form: Twisting Whirlpool!"
Kimimaro's body twisted at an impossibly flexible angle, unleashing the Sixth Form to block all of the incoming Earth Dragon Bullets with his bone sword. The occasional bullet that slipped through and struck his body wasn't a major issue; his Shikotsumyaku could defend against two or three of them, as long as it wasn't a massive, concentrated barrage.
Because his body was still young, it hadn't reached the strength it would have in the future, where he could withstand the pressure of Gaara's attack, which weighed dozens of tons. A barrage of Earth Dragon Bullets, though unable to pierce his Shikotsumyaku, could still cause severe internal damage from the physical impact.
However, Kimimaro was still green. His lack of combat experience showed when, amidst the dense volley of Earth Dragon Bullets, several exploding tags were mixed in.
CLANG!
With the sharp ring of metal, Kimimaro's bone sword struck a kunai, with an exploding tag tied to its hilt.
This is bad! Kimimaro's pupils contracted as he finally saw the tag, but it was too late.
BOOM!
Several explosions sent Kimimaro flying. He coughed up a bit of blood. Although he had no external injuries, the force of the blast had still caused some internal shock damage.
But his opponent had no intention of letting up. Several more kunai with exploding tags attached shot towards Kimimaro. At that moment, Kimimaro hadn't yet caught his breath and could only watch helplessly as the bombs flew toward him.
"Look out!" Yukihime instinctively rushed forward, shielding Kimimaro, but she squeezed her eyes shut in fear.
However, the expected attack never came. After a few explosions, Yukihime cautiously opened one eye and saw a giant, skeletal hand made of chakra blocking the way in front of them.
A skeletal hand from Susanoo…
The elderly ninja stared in shock at his opponent, his voice heavy. "A member of the Uchiha clan?"
There was no other reason he would recognize him. Those red eyes were a conspicuous symbol wherever they went, just like the Hyūga clan's cataracts.
"Hmph!" Uchiha Nagi sneered, drawing his Nichirin Blade, preparing to cut the man down.
But at that moment, Yukihime grabbed his hand. "Don't kill him! He's my father's guard, Grandpa Edoichi."
Uchiha Nagi was stunned. "Hm? The daimyo's guard? Your father sent people to kill you?"
He had originally thought they were bounty hunters or Root, but he never expected them to be sent by the daimyo. Wasn't Yukihime his daughter? Why would he send someone to kill his own child?
"That's right. It was the daimyo-sama's order. However, since you are of the Uchiha clan, I don't think the daimyo-sama would object. Yukihime-sama, you can return with me. The daimyo-sama will surely be delighted."
The ninja named Edoichi explained that he was only here to kill Yukihime, whom he had watched grow up, because it was the daimyo's command. He felt that Yukihime, having run away from her marriage, had disgraced their family, regardless of whether her virtue was intact. For the sake of the family's honor and the Kazekage's face, he had dispatched his few trusted Jonin to kill both Yukihime and the one who had abducted her.
As for how they found them, Yukihime had grown up in the daimyo's mansion and left behind plenty of personal items. Coupled with the fact that Edoichi was a veteran tracking ninja, it was easy for them to find their way here.
Uchiha Nagi silently cursed himself. He had been so focused on himself and Kimimaro that he had forgotten to mask Yukihime's scent. A careless mistake.
"However, if the young lady were to marry a member of the Uchiha clan, the daimyo-sama would surely be very pleased. Young lady, please return with me and ask for the daimyo-sama's forgiveness. As long as this Uchiha gentleman is willing to stay in the daimyo's city, I can guarantee that the daimyo-sama will not hold any of this against you. In fact, he will help cover up the news. The daimyo-sama has always been desperate for talent…"
As he spoke, Edoichi's gaze on Uchiha Nagi became fervent, as if he were looking at a pile of gold. Oh, no, it was more like he was looking at a prize breeding stud.
Uchiha Nagi was speechless.
I'm numb to it now. Another one who's after my body. First the Hidden Mist, now the Land of Wind's daimyo. Is the Uchiha bloodline really that popular?
"Um, Grandpa Edo, you've misunderstood! He's not—no, we don't have any relationship…" Yukihime said, her face flushing as she stammered incoherently. "Anyway, you should go back. I'm not going to marry that old Kazekage."
"I understand, I understand~" The old ninja, Edoichi, glanced at Uchiha Nagi—a handsome, young, and powerful man—and then thought of the Kazekage, a widower with three children.
No young maiden would choose the old man, right? Every girl dreams of a spring romance.
"This old man will return to report to the daimyo-sama. The young lady may return whenever she wishes…" Edoichi nodded and then vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
As for the two ninja Uchiha Nagi had killed, no one mentioned them.
After the old man had left, Uchiha Nagi turned to face them.
"Are you alright, Kimimaro?" Nagi asked.
"I'm fine, sensei. I'm sorry, I was too weak…" Kimimaro said, scratching his head in embarrassment, feeling guilty for not being of any help.
"It's fine. As long as you're both safe." Uchiha Nagi walked over and used the Mystical Palm Technique to check on Kimimaro.
The issue wasn't serious. Although he had coughed up some blood, it was just bruised blood. His internal organs had only suffered minor shock damage from the exploding tags. With Kimimaro's constitution, he would be back to normal in a day.
"Good, as long as you're okay. Let's go, to the center over there." Uchiha Nagi nodded.
He then led Kimimaro towards the central area of the ruins. Yukihime followed closely behind, her head full of unknown thoughts as she occasionally glanced up at his face.
"Sensei, why are we going to the center?" Kimimaro asked.
"My Shadow Clone sent back a memory. It found something underground in those ruins," Uchiha Nagi said.
The three of them entered the central building of the ruins. Uchiha Nagi led the way into a dark, collapsed passageway. This way, if any danger arose, he could protect them immediately.
When it was Yukihime's turn, she looked at the broken passageway with a troubled expression. She couldn't make the jump.
Uchiha Nagi could only silently walk back and grab her.