"Why are you so agitated?" Kimimaro looked at Suigetsu curiously.
"Kurosuki! Kurosuki! That might be Kurosuki Raiga!"
"Kurosuki Raiga? The former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist who wielded the Kiba blades?"
"Exactly! The old lady's description sounds just like him. Kimimaro, let's go find him!"
"Is that so…" Kimimaro rubbed his chin and turned to the shop owner. "Granny, can you describe your son Shinji? Maybe I can help you find him."
"Really? That would be wonderful. Thank you so much!"
"I do have one condition."
"Name it."
"When I bring Shinji back, I'd like to learn your curry recipe. Don't worry—I won't open a restaurant to compete with you. I just think it's delicious and want to make it for myself."
"What a silly request. My shop won't be around forever. If Shinji doesn't want to take over, the place will close. Young man, if you bring Shinji back, I'll give you the recipe—and even teach you how to make the Curry of Life!"
"Curry of Life? What's that?"
Kimimaro was caught off guard. He'd only meant to make a small request, but now he was hearing something unusual.
He blamed his past self for skipping all the side quests in life that weren't part of the "main storyline."
"It's a special curry that restores vitality and boosts recovery! But the ingredients are rare, so I can't just make it for anyone."
Restore vitality?
Kimimaro's eyes gleamed. That was perfect. Ever since his comrades had suffered life force depletion, he hadn't dared use that ability again out of concern for their health. If this Curry of Life really worked, it would be a perfect solution.
And in a world where things like soldier pills and chakra beasts existed, magical curry didn't seem far-fetched at all.
After talking more with the shopkeeper, he learned her name was Sansho—"Grandma Sansho"—and her son was still a teenager, likely under twenty.
Kimimaro blinked. She looked well over seventy. Could her age be misleading, or had Shinji been born when she was older? Perhaps stress and years of running a shop had aged her prematurely.
"Kimimaro, you're really cunning."
As they walked, Suigetsu kept grumbling. "We came to find Kurosuki Raiga, and you turned it into a side quest for curry!"
"Grandma Sansho never said Raiga was involved in her son's disappearance. These are two separate matters."
"Huh? Actually, that… makes sense."
"Of course. Big Brother always thinks clearly." Hanabi nodded earnestly.
"But are we seriously going to take on Raiga? He's one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen!" Guren asked.
Kimimaro smiled. "What, are you scared?"
"Of course not! I'm just worried you'll get in over your head and need my help." She trailed off, realizing Kimimaro now outclassed her.
"Sigh. The Kiba blades are lightning-based. That's my natural weakness," Suigetsu admitted. "I'm counting on you this time."
"Hmph, you acted all tough earlier." Karin crossed her arms.
"Mind your business! Keep yapping and I'll ruin your bond with Kimimaro!"
"You wouldn't dare!"
Kimimaro chuckled. "Enough. Learn from Jugo. If the Kiba swords only conduct lightning, they're manageable. Shikotsumyaku and Mokuton both have natural resilience to lightning. Guren's Crystal Release also neutralizes electrical current. So Suigetsu, do you finally agree Guren is stronger than you?"
"I admit it. I can't beat Big Sis Guren either," Suigetsu sighed.
"Then our main objective isn't Raiga or his swords—it's Shinji. I still want that curry recipe."
Before long, they arrived at the Kurosuki hideout. It wasn't hard to find; the group didn't exactly keep a low profile.
"Hanabi, check who's inside."
Hanabi activated her Byakugan. "No high-level chakra. They're likely just his subordinates."
Kimimaro patted Suigetsu's shoulder. "Your turn. Don't kill anyone."
"Why so merciful? The Kurosuki clan are bandits."
"I'm being cautious. Shinji might be among them. Just subdue them."
"Wait, didn't you say these were unrelated?"
"They are, technically. But if Shinji left home chasing strength or purpose, Raiga could easily have inspired him. He's charismatic, powerful, and commands loyalty. It's logical Shinji would be drawn in."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes but got to work. He subdued the Kurosuki followers in record time—without a single casualty.
Kimimaro glanced over the captured group but found them unworthy of expending his life force extraction.
They were just ordinary civilians.
But as their hoods were peeled back one by one, a youthful face caught his attention — matching the description Grandma Sansho had given him.
"You're Shinji?"
The boy stiffened. "W-Who are you?"
"No doubt about it," Kimimaro said flatly. "Your grandmother asked me to bring you home."
"I'm not going back!" Shinji yelled, stepping back defiantly. "You dared to ambush the Kurosuki clan? When Lord Raiga returns, he'll slaughter all of you! Just wait — I'll be attending your funerals!"
Suigetsu scoffed and reached for his blade. "Kimimaro, why waste time talking? Knock him out and haul him back."
But Kimimaro shook his head. "Suigetsu, we accepted a commission — we finish it properly. If we just drag him back, he'll run away again. He needs to return willingly." His gaze shifted back to the boy. "Shinji, do you think Kurosuki Raiga is strong? Are you scared of turning against him and clinging to him for protection?"
"I… I'm not… I mean, my loyalty to Lord Raiga is unquestionable! Heaven and earth can testify!"
A sharp bone spike extended from Kimimaro's wrist, touching Shinji's neck with mechanical precision. "Think carefully before you answer again."
"I—! Yes, you're right!" Shinji stammered, his voice cracking as his defiance melted away.
Guren watched coldly. "A mouthy little brat with delusions of grandeur. Why bother bullying someone like this?"
"I'm not bullying him. I'm helping him face reality. He wants power but lacks both talent and discipline. He clings to Raiga because he can't stand on his own."
Kimimaro's eyes narrowed. "Once we defeat Kurosuki Raiga, you'll go back to your grandmother. No more excuses."
"…U-Understood."
"Someone's approaching," Karin suddenly alerted, sensing chakra through her Kagura Mind's Eye.
Hanabi's Byakugan activated in tandem. "I see them too… wait. Something's strange. My vision just changed — there are more targets now, closing in from different directions."
Karin frowned. "Odd… I only picked up a single chakra signature just now, but it's fluctuating. This isn't one person…"
Kimimaro stepped forward, his stance alert. "Get ready. Raiga might be using the mist."
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