News of the spectacular battle between Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi spread throughout the Shinobi World, redefining the meaning of 'genius' and the power of the Uchiha name for the other villages.
For generations, rumors in the shinobi world had claimed the Uchiha clan possessed exceptional combat prowess, a natural talent exceeding ordinary shinobi. Activating their Sharingan further enhanced their abilities significantly.
However, these rumors faded over time, especially after the Uchiha clan's downfall, with many dismissing the tales as mere exaggeration.
But now, as details of Uchiha Sasuke's clashes with the Fourth Raikage and Shimura Danzō, along with the recent battles involving Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi against Konoha forces, came to light, people finally understood the truth behind the old legends.
...
In the Land of Rain, by a river, Uchiha Itachi stood in the light rain, recalling the recent battle where he fought alongside Shisui.
The experience had reinforced his conviction. Just as Shisui believed, a true shinobi is one who supports peace from the shadows, unknown and unseen!
What price wasn't worth paying for the peace he believed in?
However, Itachi didn't realize that while many paths might lead towards peace, he had chosen a dark route, one stained with actions difficult to condone.
...
Near the northeastern border of the Land of Fire,
Hatake Kakashi and his team closed in on the Sound Ninja group.
Naruto impatiently urged, "Kakashi-sensei, let's just charge in!"
"Wait a moment! Someone's coming!" Kakashi cautioned.
Just as Kakashi finished speaking, a young man with white hair similar to his own, green eyes, and two distinct red dots on his forehead leaped down from a tree branch.
As he landed, the four Sound Ninja lowered their heads respectfully. "Lord Kimimaro!"
"You're too slow!" Kimimaro stated flatly. "Lord Orochimaru is waiting! Give me Sasuke!"
Jirōbō, who carried the container holding Sasuke, moved to hand it over, but Kimimaro held up a hand.
"Wait. There are pursuers behind us. Continue on. I will stop them."
Kakashi realized their presence had been detected. He immediately ordered Naruto and the others, "After them! Chase!"
The four Sound Ninja sprinted away, while the white-haired young man calmly removed the top part of his attire and waited for Kakashi's team.
"Stop right there," Kimimaro said calmly, facing the five Konoha shinobi without any sign of fear.
"It doesn't matter who you are, give Sasuke back!" Naruto shouted, pointing at Kimimaro.
"I am Kimimaro, a subordinate of Lord Orochimaru," he replied evenly.
"My orders are to bring Sasuke to him. Turn back now, and I might spare your lives."
Kiba, standing nearby, couldn't contain himself and scoffed, "Who does this guy think he is, acting all tough?"
"Naruto, let's go!" he added. "Let's teach this guy a lesson!"
Naruto readily agreed, charging forward with a yell, fist extended. Kiba and Akamaru attacked from the flank, Kiba launching a kick.
Thud!
Whiff!
Kimimaro effortlessly raised an arm, blocking Kiba's kick. He deflected Naruto's punch with his other palm, then shoved, sending Naruto stumbling back.
Kakashi noted Kimimaro's superb taijutsu skills. It was surprising that someone so young could possess such strength and precision, reminiscent of the skilled young shinobi, Haku, whom he had encountered during the mission in the Land of Waves.
"Damn it! Take this! Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
With several puffs of smoke, dozens of Narutos appeared, surrounding Kimimaro completely. "Let's see you handle this!" Naruto yelled.
Kimimaro remained standing calmly in the center.
"Go!" the Narutos shouted, charging forward.
However, the clones were instantly dispelled as they made contact, one after another. As the number of clones dwindled, the reason became clear. Sharp, dense bones protruded from Kimimaro's body, forming a natural armor. Furthermore, anyone attacking him directly with taijutsu risked being impaled on the bone spikes.
Kakashi, with his extensive mission experience, recognized the ability. It was the Kekkei Genkai of the infamous Kaguya clan: Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse).
This ability allowed the user to freely manipulate their osteoblasts and osteoclasts, controlling their body's skeletal structure and bone density.
'So, the Kaguya clan wasn't completely wiped out...' Kakashi thought grimly, '...and this survivor serves Orochimaru! This is troublesome.'
Seeing the four Sound Ninja disappearing in the distance, Kakashi felt a surge of urgency.
He glanced at Chōji and Neji; their fighting styles wouldn't be effective against Kimimaro's defense, while Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kiba were clearly outmatched. He realized he was likely the only one present capable of defeating, or at least delaying, Kimimaro. He had to make a difficult decision.
"Shikamaru!" Kakashi commanded. "I'm putting you in charge! Take Naruto, Kiba, Neji, and Chōji and pursue the Sound Four! I'll handle Kimimaro and catch up as soon as I can!"
Shikamaru looked momentarily stressed by the sudden responsibility but then nodded seriously. "Understood, Kakashi-sensei!"
"Go!" Kakashi urged.
Kimimaro moved to intercept the departing group, but Kakashi stepped into his path, revealing his three-tomoe Sharingan!