"Really? But why?" Ranmaru looked up, his eyes filled with doubt. "Aren't I your enemy?"
Kimimaro's gaze softened. He's not much different from me back then.
"Why? I could say it's because you're useful and I want to recruit you," Kimimaro muttered under his breath. But aloud, he said, "Is there such a thing as an honest enemy like you? You're clearly a good kid, just dragged into this by Raiga Kurosuki."
"Raiga... he treats me well."
"That's because he sees you as someone who shares his pain. But outside of that, he's cruel. He's taken countless lives with those Lightning Blades. To the rest of the world, Raiga is a monster, not a hero."
"Then... to others, are we villains?"
Kimimaro corrected him calmly, "Not we. Raiga is the one who's chosen that path. You're just being used. But for now, forget that. Eat the Life Curry. Don't waste Granny Sansho's kindness."
Ranmaru hesitated, then nodded. No one besides Raiga had ever spoken to him this way. In this unfamiliar group, he found no hostility—only acceptance.
Soon, he had finished a whole plate of curry.
"How do you feel?" Kimimaro asked.
Ranmaru stood up shakily. "Strange… but comfortable." He took a few steps, then broke into a light jog, surprised by his own mobility.
"It worked that well?" Suigetsu blinked.
Granny Sansho chuckled warmly. "This boy's always had strong life force. But his kekkei genkai suppressed his physical development. The curry just unlocked what was already there."
Kimimaro nodded. That explains it. Someone with the Red Eye kekkei genkai couldn't possibly be weak in vitality.
"Come on, eat," he said to the rest of the group.
Jugo took a bite and paused, frowning in concentration. "My body… it's resonating. This stuff really stimulates life energy."
Karin patted her belly. "Yeah, I feel great. Hey, Kimimaro, now's a good time if you want to absorb more from me. I can take it."
"Later," Kimimaro said with a rare, gentle smile. He, too, was feeling the effect—not a massive power-up, but a deep restoration. His fatigue was gone. His mind felt razor-sharp.
Then Ranmaru turned to Granny Sansho, his voice low. "Granny, do you really think Raiga is… bad?"
She paused, stroking his hair. "Child, I've heard what happened to you. What you've done isn't unforgivable. You followed someone who saved you. That doesn't make you evil."
"I see…" Ranmaru murmured. His voice was small, but something had shifted.
"He's got a good heart," Karin sighed, leaning against Kimimaro.
"Don't be fooled by appearances," Kimimaro said. "Ranmaru's likely older than both of us. His body just hasn't developed normally."
"But mentally, he's still a kid. That's what matters." Karin grinned. "Anyway, since I can't fight much, I'll help you in my own way. Absorb more life force from me. I'm ready."
Kimimaro looked at her, genuinely moved. She always wanted to help him, even if her strength didn't lie in battle.
On impulse, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.
Karin froze.
He kissed me? He really kissed me!
But a second later, her eyes narrowed with determination. No… that was just a peck. I'm taking his first kiss properly!
She lunged forward, wrapped her arms around his head, and kissed him full on the lips.
Everyone nearby was stunned.
Hanabi's mouth dropped open. "Is… is that a kiss? Why does it look like she's biting him?"
Guren swiftly covered the girl's eyes. "Don't look! You'll be corrupted!"
Suigetsu groaned. "Great. Just great. Their relationship is officially unbreakable now."
Granny Sansho laughed, eyes misty with nostalgia. "Hehe, my Life Curry really does awaken youthful passion. Brings back memories…"
When they finally separated, Karin collapsed into Kimimaro's arms, breathless.
The kiss had shaken her—but so had the fact that, during it, Kimimaro had absorbed a portion of her life energy. The warm sensation from the curry had hidden the usual discomfort.
"It really increased a lot. As expected of the Uzumaki clan… One-tenth of her life force used to be around 5000, now it's closer to 6000."
Cough, cough—
The two pulled apart.
"What are you staring at? Haven't you ever seen a couple being affectionate?" Karin snapped, face flushed red as she tried to mask her embarrassment. "I'm talking about you, Hozuki Suigetsu!"
"You stupid woman! You're asking for a beating!"
The moment Suigetsu cursed back, Kimimaro sent him flying with a swift kick.
Karin beamed in satisfaction.
Jugo stepped forward, blocking Kimimaro's path. "Kimimaro… this time, don't absorb my life force just yet. I have something to ask."
"Oh?"
"I want to get stronger," Jugo said seriously. "I already told you, I don't care what kind of bloodline ability I fuse with—as long as it makes me stronger."
Kimimaro's expression softened. "I understand. You're my closest comrade. Even if you're not good with words, I can still hear your heart." He shook his head slightly. "But I haven't found a suitable bloodline for you yet."
Jugo hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Actually… I think Guren's Crystal Release might be a good fit."
"…?" Kimimaro blinked. "You sure this isn't just because you've been spending more time with her? Wanting something in common to get closer?"
"No! It's not like that…" Jugo denied it, but the redness creeping up his cheeks told a different story.
Kimimaro scratched his head, amused. Guren really did attract the loyal muscle type. He remembered clearly—in one of the few anime arcs he had paid attention to—Guren had a huge subordinate who was completely devoted to her. In the end, that man had risked everything to save her.
Jugo with Crystal Release… that might actually work, Kimimaro quickly thought.
Originally, he'd considered giving Jugo a chakra nature Kekkei Genkai like Scorch Release, Boil Release, or Lava Release. Something raw and destructive that aligned with his berserker nature.
But the more he thought about it, the more Crystal Release made sense.
Jugo already had immense destructive potential when he went berserk—he didn't lack firepower. In contrast, Crystal Release offered excellent control, battlefield awareness, and especially defense—things Jugo lacked in his wild state.
Of course, even with Crystal Release, Jugo wouldn't become invincible.
But Kimimaro never intended for his comrades to be perfect in every area. After all, with their current experimental method, each person could only fuse with one Kekkei Genkai. The key was synergy, not perfection.
In that regard, Jugo's instincts were spot-on. What mattered wasn't how flashy the ability was—but whether it compensated for his weaknesses.
Kimimaro made his decision.
Without delay, he gathered everyone.
It was also the perfect chance to boost morale—and the confidence of a certain newly joined companion.
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