Kawasaki couldn't recall Kimimaro's exact circumstances. Was he imprisoned in a dungeon, or had he already broken free?
...
In the Land of Water, within a forest on the outskirts of the Kaguya clan's territory.
A white-haired boy leaned against a tree, his green eyes as calm and still as water. A faint blush highlighted his eyelids.
"I'm alone again."
He had been imprisoned in solitude since birth, only released from his cage to fight. After the battles, Kimimaro felt nothing but emptiness. He didn't understand the meaning of being alive.
Kimimaro wandered by the lakeside, pondering the meaning of life. Suddenly, he felt as if he had been here before. That one time, he had found a single flower in a swamp overgrown with weeds.
He took two steps forward.
Sure enough, the flower was still blooming in this desolate place. It was pure white and soft, dotted with a few dewdrops. As the breeze swept by, the flower swayed gently.
Kimimaro stared at the white flower for a long time before asking, "Why do you bloom here?"
Suddenly, anger flared within him. "Why don't you answer me? You're ignoring me too! In this forsaken place, where no one will ever see you!"
He held a bone blade in his hand, ready to destroy the flower as if he were destroying himself.
"Don't do that."
A voice sounded from behind him.
Kimimaro whirled around to find someone standing there.
"There isn't necessarily a meaning to being alive, but if you live on, you might find one," Kawasaki said, pausing for a moment. "Just like you found that flower, and I found you."
Kawasaki slowly approached Kimimaro and gently caressed his face, causing a blush to quickly spread across the boy's cheeks. *Orochimaru truly is a master of psychology. Borrowing your words is much faster than coming up with my own.*
"Come with me."
A figure flickered through the trees. Kurita Kyoko landed, holding Haku, followed by Kisame Hoshigaki.
Kawasaki waved a hand to signal Kimimaro not to be alarmed. "They're allies."
"My name is Kawasaki Uchiha. This is Kurita Kyoko, this is Kisame Hoshigaki, and this is Haku," Kawasaki introduced them simply before asking, "What's your name?"
"My name is Kimimaro."
Kawasaki broke into a smile. "From now on, we're partners."
Kimimaro nodded, but his gaze shifted to Haku. Although Haku was wearing new clothes and had been cleaned up, Kimimaro could still sense his frailty. He particularly noticed the light flickering in Haku's eyes.
Kisame Hoshigaki stood in the back, his shark-like eyes seemingly fixed in a perpetual glare.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for significantly altering Kimimaro's life path.]
[You have been awarded: Dance of the Seedling Fern x1]
[Ding! Kimimaro successfully recruited.]
[You have been awarded: Combat Instincts.]
Kawasaki gasped in surprise. This was a talent every taijutsu specialist dreamed of. For a taijutsu ninja, close-quarters combat was fraught with danger every second. Some special ninjutsu could be activated in an instant, and a single moment of delayed reaction could mean death.
That was why pure taijutsu specialists were exceedingly rare among ninja, with Guy being a special exception. After all, Guy didn't have bones as indestructible as Kimimaro's; one mistake in close combat would be fatal.
With this new talent, Kawasaki's eyes narrowed as he considered whether a certain plan of his could now become a reality.
To his surprise, Kimimaro and Haku quickly grew close. Perhaps it was because they had both experienced the same kind of loneliness. Kimimaro had been imprisoned in a dungeon for so long that he didn't even know his own age. His age couldn't be determined from his bone structure. However, based on his memories from his past life, both Kimimaro and Haku had died at the age of fifteen. Kawasaki deduced they were around the same age.
However, Kimimaro was half a head taller than Haku and in better health. He had at least been fed during his imprisonment, while Haku had been wandering homeless.
Kawasaki tested Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai and found it was practically born for battle. Although Kimimaro had never received formal training and his attacks were without structure, this very fact made his movements unpredictable. After all, every bone in his body could be used as a weapon.
In terms of using his Kekkei Genkai, Kimimaro currently only knew how to pull out his bones to fight. As for the various dances of the Shikotsumyaku, they were already deeply ingrained in his mind. Kawasaki was curious as to who had taught him these dances. While the Kaguya clan all used their bones for combat, a Shikotsumyaku like Kimimaro's was unique to him. It was impossible that secret techniques like the Dance of the Seedling Fern would have been taught to him at such a young age.
Kimimaro's answer surprised Kawasaki. He said the dances had appeared in his mind on their own; no one had taught them to him. This further confirmed Kawasaki's belief that the Kaguya clan were indeed descendants of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, and Kimimaro was a child who had experienced a genetic throwback.
This atavism was certainly not the first of its kind, or else the Kekkei Genkai wouldn't have been named "Shikotsumyaku." Kimimaro's throwback, from his Shikotsumyaku to his fair complexion and pale skin, was remarkably close to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. The current members of the Kaguya clan all had ordinary appearances. Kimimaro's cold and aloof features definitely made him an outlier in the clan.
After consuming the Chakra Fruit, Kaguya's personality had shifted towards a god-like state. A god looks upon humans much like humans look upon animals. That is why one senses her indifference and nobility. The adult Kimimaro would come to fully exhibit this atavistic temperament.
If the eyes of the Uchiha and Hyuga symbolized the Sage's eyes, and the Uzumaki clan's chakra symbolized the Sage's body, then Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku symbolized the Sage's very bones.
Unfortunately, their descendants were unable to withstand such a powerful bloodline. Those who experienced atavism were often unable to bear the genetic mutations. The Uchiha and Byakugan, on the other hand, had relatively stable inheritances. But it was because of this stability that the Uchiha had to break through their bloodline's limitations step-by-step to seek atavism. Even at the Mangekyo stage, the Uchiha couldn't fully control it, which was why the power came with side effects.
The same was true for other bloodlines. The more powerful the lineage, the greater the risks. The Byakugan required no risks because it didn't evolve. If there were a method to evolve the Byakugan into a Tenseigan, it would surely come with corresponding risks.
Hashirama's regenerative abilities were incredibly strong, yet his death remained a mystery. Kawasaki speculated that perhaps the rapid and excessive division of his cells had exhausted his life force.
Kimimaro now faced a similar situation, and Kawasaki planned to send him to Orochimaru as soon as possible. After two years of research, Orochimaru had already made some progress. Perhaps he could find a way for Kimimaro to bear the Sage's essence. If Kimimaro could withstand the genetic mutation, the final evolution of the Shikotsumyaku would be Kaguya's All-Killing Ash Bones.
In his past life, Orochimaru's research into sage arts had only reached the level of the Cursed Seals derived from Jugo. Those were a rudimentary form of senjutsu, which was why they had severe corrosive effects and side effects on the body. Kawasaki's idea was that anyone with the potential to learn sage arts should master them. When the Ōtsutsuki arrived, they could lead the charge with senjutsu.
...
In Konoha.
Classes at the Ninja Academy had ended for the day. The Hokage's direct Anbu subordinates continued their daily surveillance of Naruto. So far, they had observed nothing unusual. His relationship with Sasuke, however, was growing closer. Every day, he would walk Sasuke all the way home before returning to his own apartment.
Today was no different. Naruto and Sasuke chatted as they walked, and Naruto followed Sasuke into the Uchiha Compound. The Anbu could only stand foolishly outside, as the Third Hokage had forbidden them from setting foot in Uchiha territory. Fortunately, Naruto was always quick, leaving just a few minutes after dropping Sasuke off.
Once home, Naruto would diligently do his homework and train, making the Anbu's job easy.
But what they didn't know was...
...
Inside the Uchiha Compound.
"Hah..."
"Puff..."
A dozen of Naruto's clones were forcefully blowing into water-filled balloons, contorting them into various shapes.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was sprinting across the surface of the courtyard pond, running to the other side, stopping abruptly, and then dashing back. After just a few rounds of such high-intensity training, he collapsed to the ground, exhausted.
Looking at the crowd of clones struggling with the water balloons nearby, a trace of envy flickered in Sasuke's eyes. But he quickly turned his head and stared at the water's surface. In his reflection, a single tomoe spun in each of his eyes.
A smirk played on Sasuke's lips before he quickly suppressed it. He rested for a moment and then pushed himself up to resume his training.
From a high vantage point, Fugaku stood with his arms crossed, observing the two boys train. Kawasaki truly had a keen eye. Not only was Sasuke exceptionally talented, but with tailored instruction, Naruto was also improving at a remarkable pace.
At just nine years old, Sasuke had already awakened his Sharingan, putting him on par with Itachi. Itachi had awakened his during wartime, while Sasuke had done so in an era of peace. Of course, Fugaku didn't believe Sasuke's talent surpassed Itachi's; he attributed it all to Kawasaki.
If Kawasaki hadn't revealed the various characteristics of the Sharingan to him and explained how to stimulate them in Sasuke, his son would never have awakened it at such a young age. Before leaving, Kawasaki had given Fugaku detailed training plans for both Sasuke and Naruto, entrusting him with supervising the boys.
Considering the Third Hokage's surveillance of Naruto and Naruto's unique constitution, Kawasaki had specifically instructed Fugaku to teach him the Shadow Clone Jutsu. He arranged for Naruto to come to the Uchiha Compound with Sasuke after school every day, leave clones there to train, while his real body went home to rest.
At first, Sasuke didn't believe Naruto could master a B-rank jutsu. The result, however, shocked him. He couldn't understand why Naruto, who was inferior to him in every other way, could learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu almost instantly. Naruto could even effortlessly create dozens of clones, and their dispersal had no negative impact on him, aside from making him feel tired.
Seeing Naruto's rapid progress using the clones, Sasuke felt a pang of envy. He begged Fugaku to teach him the jutsu as well.
Fugaku sternly refused, emphasizing that only Naruto could use Shadow Clones in such a way and that it would be dangerous for anyone else to try. The young and proud Sasuke remained unconvinced. Seeing how easily Naruto had learned it, he insisted that Fugaku teach him.
Eventually, Mikoto Uchiha couldn't bear to watch and secretly gave Sasuke the scroll for the jutsu. Full of confidence, Sasuke spent an entire week just to learn it. In the end, he exhausted all his chakra just to summon a single Shadow Clone.
Though the small number left him slightly disappointed, the thought of doubling his training efficiency filled Sasuke with excitement. That day, he and his clone exceeded their training quota and even added extra practice. Fugaku stood by with his arms crossed, silent.
However, when the Shadow Clone dispersed, Sasuke fainted on the spot. He lay in bed at home for two days before he recovered. When he woke up, his head was still buzzing, and it took a long time for the feeling to completely fade.
Only then did Sasuke realize that everyone has their own strengths, and one shouldn't force things they don't understand. He recalled Master Kawasaki's lesson about controlling one's abilities. Aware of his own arrogance, he apologized to Fugaku with a sense of shame.
Fugaku said with a faint smile, "Kawasaki was right. The moment you gain a little power or learn something new, you become arrogant. Your mother gave you the Shadow Clone scroll to see if you could recognize your own limits. And you truly were reckless, trying to copy everything you see."
"I told you Naruto's constitution is special and that only he can learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu for now. Why didn't you listen? Kawasaki said that the moment you saw Naruto do something, you would rush to imitate it, regardless of whether it suited you. He predicted it perfectly."
Sasuke stammered, "Master Kawasaki... he even foresaw this?"
"Your master is incredibly wise. When he designed your training plans, he had already anticipated your reactions. You just don't learn your lesson, even when you're told. You wouldn't be convinced until you suffered a setback. Now do you see that the Shadow Clone Jutsu isn't for you?"
Sasuke's face flushed red as he lowered his head, speechless.
Fugaku had intended to stop there, but he remembered Kawasaki's analysis of Sasuke's personality and deliberately continued to compare him with Naruto.
"You're better than Naruto in academics. Is that a reason to be proud? You've received an elite education since you were a child, while Naruto has had no one to guide him. Your foundation is naturally better than his; that's not something to be arrogant about."
"Naruto has to manage his entire life by himself, while you have everything handed to you. You spend a large amount of time every day practicing ninjutsu and shuriken throwing. Shouldn't you be better than others?"
"Naruto has a wind affinity and can use Wind Release. Can you? Yet you insist on comparing..."
Fugaku transformed into the strictest of fathers, tearing Sasuke down until he felt worthless.
Finally, Sasuke tearfully admitted his mistakes. When he looked up, Fugaku noticed that his son had silently awakened the Sharingan. Before Fugaku could even feel a surge of joy, Sasuke fainted again.
After waking up, Sasuke was happy about awakening his Sharingan but was no longer as haughty as before. From then on, he diligently completed every task in the training plan Kawasaki had designed.
All the high-intensity training Sasuke was currently undergoing was to lay the foundation for learning Chidori. As a lightning-natured shinobi, Chidori was undoubtedly the most suitable jutsu for him. Kawasaki hoped Sasuke would learn it early to begin his journey of exploring Lightning Release.
The Uchiha clan naturally had access to Chidori, as Kakashi himself had passed it on to them. Konoha had invested many resources because of Obito's Sharingan, and Kakashi had willingly taught the jutsu to the Uchiha as a gesture.
...
Inside the Uchiha Compound.
"Lord Fugaku!" Uchiha Keimei arrived with new intelligence. "Lord Hizashi's position has been taken over by another member of the Hyuga clan. This is a letter Lord Hizashi asked me to deliver to you."
Fugaku opened the letter. It was an apology from Hizashi. The Third Hokage and the Hyuga main branch elders had reached an agreement to have him replaced. He also warned Fugaku to be careful.
Fugaku frowned. Was the Third Hokage finally making his move?
Just then, another Uchiha member came to report.
"Lord Fugaku, all our Police Force members stationed in the Eighth District have been replaced."
...
Konoha's Eighth District.
That day, when all the Uchiha shops opened for business, they discovered that the patrolling Police Force members had been replaced. The familiar Uchiha faces were gone, replaced by strangers. Their expressions were cold, lacking the warmth of the Uchiha officers.
Well-informed shopkeepers had already found out that these new guards were former Root members who had previously patrolled the First through Fourth Districts.
"The Uchiha were doing a fine job. Why replace them?"
The shopkeepers were quite displeased. Some went to the police station to voice their concerns, only to find that Hizashi Hyuga was gone. In his place was an even older Hyuga clansman. He seemed uninformed about the personnel changes and was unwilling to speak much to the commoners, merely stating arrogantly, "This is a normal personnel adjustment within the Police Force."
He then said no more and waved them away.
The shopkeeper was kicked out, fuming with anger. How could a Hyuga be so arrogant?
On his way back, he ran into Hayato Hyuga. Hayato had built a good reputation during the capture of Jiraiya, and many villagers recognized him.
The shopkeeper grabbed Hayato and complained, "Why isn't Lord Hizashi at the reception desk anymore? You have no idea how terrible that old man's attitude was. He didn't even look me in the eye."
Hayato quickly covered his mouth. "Keep your voice down! That's a main branch member."
"Mmph..."
The shopkeeper lowered his voice. "Since when is your Hyuga main branch managing the Police Force?"
Hayato looked around nervously. "This isn't something a branch family member like me can interfere with. Lord Hizashi has returned to the clan compound. The Police Force is now entirely under the control of the main branch."
The owner said resentfully, "When are you going to bring the Uchiha officers back? You don't know about those Root guys. They're cold and curt. They don't look like good people."
Hayato threw his hands up. "Lord Hizashi is gone. There's nothing I can do."
The shopkeeper could only leave, bottling up his frustration.