When news of Yugito Nii's capture reached the Hidden Cloud Village, the Raikage's desk was immediately smashed into splinters.
"Damn it! How dare they target the Jinchuriki of our Cloud Village! They must have a death wish! Issue a command immediately—investigate the Akatsuki thoroughly!
I want to see just what kind of lunatics we're dealing with. And tell Killer Bee to stay put in the village! He's not allowed to leave for the time being!"
The Fourth Raikage roared in fury.
The Cloud Village's Anbu began their investigation, but their efforts were destined to fail.
Kimimaro was clean and efficient. The barrier left no traces, and no one could track them.
---
A day later, in a secluded cave, the Gedo Statue appeared once more.
"Kimimaro, I didn't expect you to be so quick," Kisame's holographic image said, glancing at the drained Yugito Nii.
"The Two-Tails Jinchuriki wasn't particularly strong, and there wasn't much protection around her. The operation went smoothly," Kimimaro replied casually.
Pain's holographic image, however, turned to the vacant spot nearby.
"Deidara, where's Sasori?"
"Master Sasori is still sleeping," Deidara replied.
"Sleeping? What's going on?"
Kimimaro interjected, "I know about this. After the battle against Chiyo and Sakura, Master Sasori suffered severe losses. Even his core was damaged. Though I helped repair part of him, his injuries were too severe. He'll need about three months to fully recover."
"Three months?"
Pain frowned. This was a critical time, and having a core member out of commission for three months was unwelcome news.
"Pain, let Tobi temporarily take Sasori's place," Zetsu suddenly suggested.
"Tobi?"
Their gazes met, and Pain understood—it was the masked man's impatience to get involved.
"After the sealing is complete, inform Tobi to team up with Deidara temporarily."
"Understood, Leader."
"Now, let's begin the sealing!"
With growing familiarity, the process began. Yugito Nii became the Akatsuki's second victim.
---
Three days later, the sealing was complete, and the group dispersed. However, Itachi glanced at Kimimaro before leaving.
That glance held a multitude of unspoken words.
Understanding the message, Kimimaro activated his **Tentei Kuura** technique to communicate with Itachi once the cave was empty.
"Itachi, what's the matter?"
"How is Sasuke?"
"Orochimaru sent word two weeks ago—Sasuke now has the strength of an elite Jonin."
"That's sufficient. It's time to put my plan into motion."
"Oh? So soon?"
"Better to be prepared early, so any unexpected developments can be managed."
"Fair enough. I need to return to the Sound Village anyway. I'll make the necessary arrangements for you."
"Thank you."
---
Outside the cave, Suigetsu stared forlornly at his shattered sword.
"Sigh, how many people will I have to chop through before this thing is restored?" he muttered, his voice dripping with frustration.
His gaze shifted to Pikachu nearby—or more specifically, to the Lightning Blades strapped to Pikachu's back.
"Hey, Pikachu, let's make a deal," Suigetsu said with a sly grin.
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted its head in confusion.
"Those Lightning Blades you're carrying—why don't you give them to me? I'm way better at using swords than you are."
"Pika!" Pikachu crossed its arms in front of itself, decisively refusing Suigetsu's outrageous demand.
"Don't be so stingy! Look at your tiny hands. Dual-wielding those blades is a waste—they're better off with someone like me!"
Pikachu's eyes narrowed. Drawing the twin blades, it stood ready, a serious expression on its face.
"Pika!"
"Whoa, whoa, what's that supposed to mean? You wanna settle this with a duel?"
"Pika!"
"Fine! But don't say I didn't warn you. If I win, the Lightning Blades are mine. If you win... I'll give you 100 free water massages. Deal?"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed without hesitation.
"Alright, don't say I bullied you. Even though my sword's two-thirds broken, it still packs a punch! Here I come!"
Suigetsu charged at Pikachu with his sword, fully aware of the little creature's dangerous abilities. He couldn't afford to underestimate it—every time he did, Pikachu would leave him humiliated.
But this time, Suigetsu was determined to give it his all. The prize—those Lightning Blades—was worth it.
The sword slashed downward, but Pikachu's eyes glinted sharply. Moving with incredible speed, it crossed its twin blades to block the attack.
"Pika pika!" (Translation: **"Starburst Stream!"**)
Suigetsu's sword was deflected, and Pikachu became a blur of yellow lightning, launching a rapid series of slashes.
Sixteen consecutive strikes!
Suigetsu could barely react. He dodged ten strikes by a hair's breadth, but the remaining six hit him squarely.
Thankfully, his **Hydrification Technique** activated just in time, leaving him unscathed but thoroughly rattled.
Pikachu spun the twin blades dramatically before sheathing them with a confident flourish.
"I... I lost..."
Suigetsu slumped in defeat, his confidence shattered.
Not only was he no match for his boss, Kimimaro, but now even Pikachu was leagues ahead of him—both in strength and swordsmanship.
"Great. I can't even beat Pikachu anymore..."
Suigetsu felt like he had no hope left.
"When did you ever get the delusion you could beat that little guy? Haven't you been getting wrecked by it from the start?"
At that moment, Kimimaro appeared.
"Boss! That's harsh. I've been meaning to ask you—what kind of summoning beast is Pikachu anyway? Its power is ridiculous."
"That? It's from Pallet Town."
"Pallet Town? You mean that legendary land of summoning beasts? In that case, I'll have to try my luck there someday."
Suigetsu silently made up his mind.
"Good luck with that. Get ready; it's time for us to go."
"Where are we going? The jinchūriki targets have been dealt with. There's no news on the Three-Tails or Four-Tails either, so it seems like we've got nothing to do for now."
"To the Hidden Sound Village."
The Hidden Sound Village.
A rarely visited village now welcomed two guests.
Four shadows flashed past, landing in front of the two.
These four were the Sound Four, figures of considerable influence within the Hidden Sound Village.
After three years of growth, the Sound Four had become significantly stronger.
Together, they could now stand toe-to-toe with Kage-level opponents.
Yet, these four powerful individuals were now kneeling respectfully in front of the two guests.
"Greetings, Lord Kimimaro!"
The four spoke in unison, their voices filled with reverence.
Looking at the four before him, Kimimaro felt a wave of emotion.
The Sound Four, who were supposed to have died three years ago, had not only survived but had grown even stronger.
"Stand up. Take me to see Lord Orochimaru."
"Yes, Lord Kimimaro, please follow me."
Tayuya spoke up.
At seventeen, Tayuya had become much more attractive. Her striking red hair was smooth and radiant.
Under Tayuya's guidance, Kimimaro soon met Orochimaru.
"You're back."
Emerging from his experiments, Orochimaru scrutinized Kimimaro before smiling. "You've grown stronger again."
"So-so. But Lord Orochimaru, you seem to be looking younger and younger."
Kimimaro keenly noticed that Orochimaru's aura was different from before.
This body exuded vitality.
If he wasn't mistaken, it was likely infused with Hashirama's cells.
It seemed Orochimaru had undergone another body transfer.
Or perhaps he had perfected the drawbacks of his body transfer technique altogether.
"Heh heh, I have you to thank for this. This body, cultivated from Hashirama's cells, is more compatible with my soul than any other vessel. I've found the key to immortality."
Orochimaru licked his lips with his long tongue, clearly excited.
"Congratulations, Lord Orochimaru."
"Heh heh, enough about that. Have you returned to activate the plan we discussed earlier?"
Kimimaro gave a slight nod.
"Yes. It's about time. The One-Tail and Two-Tails have already been sealed. Next is the Three-Tails. With Yūkimaru on our side, capturing the Three-Tails will be much easier.
Using the Three-Tails as leverage, Lord Orochimaru will be able to approach that mysterious man who calls himself Madara and establish cooperation.
That way, we'll have contact with both the overt and covert leaders of the Akatsuki. No matter how the situation changes, we'll be able to make the best decisions."
"You've thought this through."
Kimimaro's plan, discussed with Orochimaru a year ago, aimed to hedge their bets.
By aligning with both sides, they could ensure access to first-hand information regardless of who ultimately controlled the Akatsuki.
Orochimaru approved of this strategy and had already made the necessary preparations.
"This time, let Sasuke and Neji handle the Three-Tails. Let them experience the power of a tailed beast—it will be good for their growth."
Kimimaro continued.
"Fine. You can handle the arrangements. Those two are quite confident in their strength now. They might even want to test themselves against you."
Orochimaru grinned mischievously.
Kimimaro could tell Orochimaru wanted to see them spar and measure their growth.
Scratching his head, Kimimaro sighed. "Alright, I'll talk to them about it. I also have something else to discuss with them."
"Oh? What's that?"
"I've organized a reunion for them."
"A reunion? Heh heh, you really have a twisted sense of humor. Don't mess it up."
"If they're strong enough, I'm actually looking forward to it."
"Alright, they're in your hands now."
Having secured a new vessel, Orochimaru's interest in Sasuke had waned.
At the moment, he was more intrigued by the Akatsuki.
Sasuke, to him, was no longer a necessity.
"Kabuto, take Kimimaro to find Sasuke and Neji."
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto, who had been silent until now, received Orochimaru's order and led the way for Kimimaro.
Before Orochimaru's death, Kabuto had been an exemplary manager of the Hidden Sound Village.
Yet Kimimaro couldn't help but feel that Kabuto's talent was being wasted here.
The peak of Kabuto's potential, the transformation into "Kabuto the Dragon," was still untapped.
"Senior Kabuto, it seems your progress has plateaued."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, their glare obscuring his eyes, though the corners of his mouth curled into a faint smile.
"Indeed. I'm not a kekkei genkai user, and I've reached my limits. But I'm satisfied with using my advanced medical skills to serve Lord Orochimaru."
"Is that all your ambition amounts to? There's a much greater path ahead of you. In this world, strength is everything."
Kimimaro's words were pointed.
"What are you suggesting?"
A gleam of interest flashed through Kabuto's glasses.
"If talent isn't enough, we can create it ourselves. We're medical ninjas, after all."
Kimimaro smiled faintly.
Kabuto froze, then quickly understood the implication behind Kimimaro's words.
"Sasuke and Neji are in that training room, aren't they? I'll go in alone."
Kimimaro gestured toward the distant training room and spoke softly.
As he passed by Kabuto, Kimimaro's voice lingered.
"Senior Kabuto, in my eyes, your limits are far beyond what you think. A helmet can protect the head, but it can also crush the enemy."
With that, Kimimaro pushed open the door and stepped into the training room.
"My limits, huh?"
Kabuto muttered, deep in thought. After a moment, he adjusted his glasses again, his smile turning enigmatic.
"This guy really knows how to stir up desires. No wonder Lord Orochimaru said Kimimaro is a lot like him. It seems I can't let his expectations down either."
Kabuto murmured to himself before heading back the way he had come.
He had things to prepare, and he needed Orochimaru's assistance.
In the dark training room, flames flared up, lighting nearby candles.
"Impressive Fire Release control," Kimimaro remarked.
Two figures emerged from the shadows: Sasuke Uchiha and Neji Hyūga.
Before their forms were fully visible, their crimson and pale white eyes gleamed like moons in the darkness.
"Kaguya... Kimimaro."
Sasuke slowly spoke Kimimaro's name, his right hand resting on the hilt of his Kusanagi sword.
With those words, a chill filled the air.
Sasuke exuded an icy coldness, while Neji, though silent, unleashed a terrifying aura with the power of his Byakugan.
"Not bad. It seems you've both grown quite a bit."
Kimimaro smirked.
"'Not bad'? I suggest you watch your tone when speaking to me!"
The Kusanagi sword flashed from its sheath, and in the blink of an eye, Sasuke had it poised at Kimimaro's neck.
A bone-chilling cold emanated from Sasuke.