The one most thrilled about Jugo's arrival was Orochimaru.
He'd been dabbling in curse mark research long before defecting from the Leaf, but those early "curse marks" were just soul-binding seals—nothing like the ones later used by the Sound Five or Sasuke.
Well, maybe they had one side effect…
Anko, for instance, never gained weight while she had the Heaven's Curse Mark, no matter how much she ate. But once it was gone? A few years later, she was a 200-pound sweet potato…
Jugo, though, changed everything.
His curse mark transformation was essentially an imperfect Sage Mode.
As a natural Sage Body, he could unconsciously absorb natural energy, skyrocketing his strength in bursts. The downside? He lost his mind, turning violent and erratic. But the power boost was undeniable.
More importantly, this ability could be replicated through a curse mark and grafted onto others.
The results?
The otherwise average Sound Four could take on Leaf jonin, nearly wiping out Neji's team even while weakened. And Kimimaro, already talented, used it to take down the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
Sure, Jugo's arrival was years earlier than in the original timeline.
But Orochimaru saw his potential instantly.
That said…
Hikari Uchiha was the one who brought him in.
She wasn't about to hand him over for free.
Orochimaru would have to cough up something in return.
"…Lady Hikari, the room's ready. Fresh bedding, kitchenware, everything's new. Furniture's still being sorted. Let us know if you need anything else."
"Got it. Thanks for the effort."
That evening, outside the small house where the Uzumaki mother and daughter lived, Hikari waved off Guren and the others.
She turned to Miya and Karin Uzumaki, who were curiously peeking out.
"This kid's Jugo Tenbin, an orphan from another village. I ran into him a few days ago while I was out and brought him back. He'll be staying next door."
"Oh…"
The Uzumaki duo didn't think much of it. "Poor kid," Miya said. "Don't worry, Lady Hikari, Karin and I will look after him."
He was kind of pitiful.
But…
"Let's be clear," Hikari said. "Jugo's usually gentle, but sometimes he goes berserk and loses control. Just give him a good whack to snap him out of it. Karin, if that happens, you're in charge of knocking some sense into him."
"Me?!" Karin's jaw dropped, hesitant.
Jugo was only about ten, but he was almost as tall as Hikari—towering over Karin by a full head.
The girl craned her neck to eye Jugo's bulky frame, looking like she wanted to say something but held back.
"Don't worry," Hikari reassured her. "I'll put a sealing jutsu on him beforehand. Even if he goes wild, he'll only be as strong as a slightly tougher genin. Plus, I'll teach you some grappling moves. Back in the day, your clan's Kushina Uzumaki was beating up genin at six or seven. I know you've got that potential."
Hikari wasn't just hyping her up.
From the original story, Karin's talent was seriously impressive. Chakra Healing, Kagura Mind's Eye, Adamantine Sealing Chains—three Uzumaki clan specialties that even Kushina didn't fully master, yet Karin awakened them all. Despite a rough childhood and a decade wasted in Grass Village, she still reached jonin level in just a few years under Orochimaru.
If she got proper resources and training from a young age, she could probably rival Kushina's legacy.
"Really?" Karin blinked. "The Uzumaki clan's that awesome?"
"You bet."
"…Okay then." Karin glanced at Hikari, checking for any sign of a lie. Seeing none, she pursed her lips, a determined look settling on her small face. "If Lady Hikari needs me to do this, I'll try my hardest!"
"I know it's a bit much for you," Hikari said. "If it's too tough, no pressure—just get Guren or the others to help. I'll let them know it's fine, so don't feel like it's a hassle."
She paused. "Also, I've talked to Orochimaru, the 'mentor' I mentioned before. In a couple of days, you and Jugo will head to his lab and follow his instructions. The guy's morals are sketchy, but he's a knowledge goldmine. Ask him anything you don't understand and try to soak up everything he's got."
"Got it… I'll do my best," Karin nodded again.
After wrapping up with Karin, Hikari pulled out a few scrolls and turned to Miya. "These are from Orochimaru and a friend of mine. They've got some Uzumaki clan secret ninjutsu and sealing techniques. Take a look. If you've got questions, ask me or Orochimaru."
Miya wasn't a ninja.
At her age, starting training now was a bit late.
But that was fine. Hikari didn't expect her to become a pro—just to have enough skills to protect herself.
Miya took the scrolls, her eyes tearing up as she bowed deeply. "Miss Hikari, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, Karin and I would've died at the hands of those Grass ninja. Don't worry, I'll train hard and make sure Karin follows through on your instructions!"
"No need to make big promises," Hikari said with a gentle smile. "I saved you both, sure, but don't let that feel like a chain. If you're not happy here or think my arrangements aren't working, just say so. If you want to explore the world somewhere else, that's fine too. Just let me know, and I won't stop you."
Hearing this, Miya's expression grew even more earnest. "Miss Hikari, you're too kind. You saved our lives. Unless you no longer need us, we'd never betray your kindness."
"…Alright then."
After giving Jugo a quick talk about getting along with Karin, Hikari waved goodbye and left the Uzumaki house. She met up with Eri, who was waiting nearby, and they were about to head back for dinner when Hikari felt a creepy gaze on her.
Orochimaru.
Even after spending some time with him and agreeing to overlook his inner thoughts, Hikari still couldn't stand the way he looked at her. Anyone unaware might think he was some pervy lolicon…
Every time their eyes met, she got goosebumps.
"Eri, head back for now," Hikari told her.
She took a few steps forward to Orochimaru. "What's up?"
"Lady Hikari," Orochimaru bowed slightly, toning down the greed in his eyes just a bit before speaking in his raspy voice. "I just got word from my contacts in the Water Country. Something's going on in the Mist Village."
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