"Ahhh, I'm so mad!"
"Karin, that's the eighth time you've said that," Suigetsu sighed.
"Shut up!"
When they'd parted ways earlier that morning, Kurotsuchi had whispered something into Karin's ear. Whatever she said had left Karin frozen in place, face pale and eyes wide. It wasn't until Kurotsuchi had long disappeared from view that Karin exploded in rage.
Since then, she'd stormed along in silence, occasionally venting with a sharp yell. No one dared to approach her.
Most of the group didn't know what had happened, but Guren seemed to have a vague idea. She gave Kimimaro a sideways glance, but he kept quiet, silently staying close to Karin.
Suddenly, Karin grabbed Kimimaro by the wrist and dragged him off into the nearby woods.
"What's she doing?" Suigetsu asked, confused.
"Don't poke your nose in their business unless you want to die confused," Guren warned coldly. "Look at Ranmaru and Shinji—they're keeping their distance for a reason."
"Hmph. Those two can't fight. If not for Kimimaro, I wouldn't be scared of ten Karins."
Deep in the forest, Karin pulled Kimimaro to a stop and began tugging at his collar.
"Karin, calm down! What are you doing?"
"I feel cheated," she snapped. "We're together all the time, and yet Kurotsuchi beat me to it. Then she had the nerve to brag about it to me this morning! She only did it to get back at me for teasing her about that kiss we shared. But still—this is too much! She went straight to the final stage!"
Kimimaro embraced her gently. "Don't worry about what others think. Fix your clothes—we still have to travel. What happened with Kurotsuchi... she was drugged. If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't have done it. You know this. You were the first person I met, the first person I cared about... and my first kiss was with you. I always thought, if I was going to go that far with someone, it would be you."
Karin's breathing slowed a little.
"Try not to overthink it," Kimimaro added. "For men... the idea of a 'first time' is different."
As a medical ninja, Karin understood the physiological implications. Though still upset, her anger began to fade.
"You really wanted to do that with me?" she asked, cheeks flushed.
"I swear."
"But you never made a move!"
"You were too young then."
"I'm not a kid! I'll be fourteen in a few months! Some people get married at fourteen!"
"Exactly. In a few months. I didn't want to take the risk of being arrested."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing… just saying, most people don't get married that young. You're still growing."
"Hmph. Bet it's because you like her long legs."
"Next time, I'll let you touch them too."
"Next time? You're already thinking ahead to her? And you want me involved too?! You—ugh! I'm only willing to touch her legs, that's it! Wait... why does this sound so—no! No way!"
She turned away, face burning. Still, her heart thudded in her chest.
"Let's go. Everyone's waiting," Kimimaro said, gently tugging her back.
As they returned to the group, Karin muttered under her breath, "It's not that I'm against you being with Kurotsuchi. I just hate that she beat me to it. I haven't even gotten a sample yet."
"Didn't you already have a taste?" Kimimaro teased.
"That was different! That taste was—ugh, shut up! You really want me to taste that?!"
"Didn't know you were so quick to catch the joke."
"I'm a medic! I know anatomy, okay?"
"You're also the smartest. And Karin's the most open-minded girl I know. Purely metaphorical."
"Of course I know that's a metaphor! What else would it be?"
"Some people are physically open-minded too."
"Huh?—You—ugh! You've gotten way too smooth lately, Kimimaro! This is all Kurotsuchi's fault!"
When they rejoined the group, still bickering, everyone finally relaxed. The atmosphere lightened, and they resumed their westward journey.
As they walked, Kimimaro reflected on his internal status.
After completing the life energy conversion, he had used the Hagoromo Clan bloodline serum. The cost was steep—his life force was nearly depleted.
His status had changed:
Name: Kimimaro
Bloodline Abilities:
Shikotsumyaku (Complete – still contains hidden instability)
Senju Bloodline – Wood Release (Incomplete)
Hōzuki Bloodline – Hydrification Technique
The Sharingan serum still required over eight months to mature. The Byakugan serum needed about four more months. The Sage Body had just been initiated and would also take over eight months. A Red Eye serum lay in reserve, yet to be activated.
For now, his abilities were sufficient. He planned to wait for more test tubes from the system each month, gradually selecting compatible bloodlines for his companions.
Another test tube had already been generated, but with no life force left, it couldn't be turned into a serum yet. He'd stopped draining life energy from his team—doing so too often felt wrong.
Even though Shinji's life curry could accelerate recovery, they hadn't had the time or resources to prepare it recently.
Once they settled somewhere, that would change.
"We're near the western border of the Land of Earth," Guren said. "Beyond here is the Land of Demons. If we angle northwest, we'll hit the Land of Snow. Which path are we taking?"
After passing through the Land of Demons or the Land of Snow, they would be far from the Five Great Nations and could find a suitable location to set up camp.
"Land of Snow… Land of Demons…" Kimimaro murmured thoughtfully. He vaguely recalled these countries from old mission records and hearsay. The Land of Snow had once been ruled by Koyuki Kazahana, a princess-turned-daimyō who brought reform after a civil conflict. And the Land of Demons was protected by a shrine maiden named Shion, known for her unique spiritual powers and ability to predict death. Both were said to be strikingly beautiful—Koyuki with her graceful elegance and Shion bearing a quiet, reserved charm reminiscent of Hinata.
Kimimaro shook his head. What was he thinking?
Ever since his relationship with Kurotsuchi deepened, he found his thoughts wandering more than usual.
Perhaps this was just a phase…
"We're about to cross into the smaller nations," he said. "This is a good chance to relax a little—and show our strength. Let's stop by the local intelligence outpost and check for any missions we can take on along the way. It'll help build our reputation."
What Kimimaro didn't know was that his name had already surfaced on the desks of several village leaders.
Especially in Kusagakure—the Hidden Grass Village—where he was now at the top of their wanted list.
But Kusagakure dared not act rashly. The Land of Earth had issued strong diplomatic warnings.
Dare lay a hand on the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, and you invite war.
"You want to take missions?" the outpost shinobi asked skeptically.
"Yes," Kimimaro replied calmly. "We're heading west anyway. If there are escort or delivery jobs en route, we'll take them."
"Well... you certainly look capable," the shinobi muttered, scanning Kimimaro's unusual attire and sword. "But I don't see any official mission records under your name, so I can't assign anything with a high reward."
"We're not doing it for the money," Kimimaro said with a faint smile. "Just give us what you have."
"Alright then…" The shinobi flipped through a small ledger. "Here's one. See those three over there? Traveling merchants bound for the Land of Vegetables. They need escort protection—basic rank. If you're willing, the job's yours."
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