"I was thinking," Kimimaro said with rare playfulness, "since fate brought such a pretty girl my way, maybe I should appreciate the blessing."
Karin blinked, stunned by the sudden shift in tone. Is this... a confession?
She blushed. "If you're nice to me... then maybe," she said, trying to sound coy but her nervous voice betrayed her.
Kimimaro gave a faint, teasing smile. "Seems like something I could handle with one hand."
"Huh?" Karin tilted her head, confused. Then, following his gaze, her entire face turned red. "You're awful!" she half-scolded, lightly hitting his shoulder.
But instead of backing down, she raised her chest with a playful pout. "You think you can grasp this? Just wait — in a few years, you won't be able to!"
Then her voice dropped a note, more earnest now. "But if you want to 'grasp' me as a person… I won't mind."
Kimimaro nearly choked on air. What am I doing? This wasn't something he would've said in the past. Maybe it was the second chance at life, maybe it was strength — but confidence made him bolder than before. Still, Karin wasn't even fourteen. He quickly averted his eyes.
In truth, all the flirting was new to him — more the kind of thing he'd watched from a screen in his past life than experienced himself. But now that he had power and purpose, he could finally face the world on his terms.
Karin's mix of innocence and boldness reminded him of someone — maybe Hinata's early shy demeanor, but with a fiery, teasing twist. She was still changing, and it was clear she'd grow into a spirited, fearless girl in time.
Just as the moment lingered, Jūgo stepped into the clearing, carrying a freshly caught antelope over his shoulders. "I figured you'd be hungry, so I brought something back."
"Perfect timing," Kimimaro said, taking the antelope. "I'll get it ready."
Karin hurried over. "Let me help! I want to contribute too."
"Alright," Kimimaro nodded. "Jūgo, help me set up the fire frame."
Jūgo soon returned with dry wood, stacking some for firewood and shaping others into a roasting rack. Karin, surprisingly deft, cleaned the animal with practiced skill.
"You've done this before?" Kimimaro asked.
Karin nodded. "I lived alone with my mother. I've been doing housework since I was little."
She handed him the meat. "I can't promise it'll taste great if I do it. Want to take over?"
"I'll handle it," he said, taking the antelope. He saw Jūgo watching curiously and added with a smirk, "You didn't know? I can cook pretty well."
"You can?" Karin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He really can," Jūgo said with a chuckle. "He's full of surprises lately."
Kimimaro smiled faintly. "I didn't bring food, but I stocked up on seasonings. Let me show you my secret weapon — grilled antelope. After eating, you might fall for me."
Karin giggled and leaned closer. "Aren't you afraid I'll never let go?"
"No," Kimimaro said softly. "You can cling to me as long as you like."
Jūgo blinked between the two of them, confused. How long was I gone? And why does it feel like I walked in on a love confession...?
Kimimaro stuffed seasoning inside the antelope and fixed it on the spit. As he adjusted the angle, he pulled a small, metal lighter from his pack.
Karin blinked. "You're still using a lighter? Wouldn't Fire Release be easier?"
Kimimaro gave a sheepish laugh. "I've focused so much on taijutsu, I forget I can use ninjutsu too. I'm still working on that."
In truth, elemental ninjutsu had never been his strength — his nature affinity leaned toward Earth, and his body hadn't allowed much training in other types. But that was something he planned to change soon.
Karin offered help. "Want me to do it? I'm not great with Fire Release, but lighting a campfire is no problem."
With a practiced motion, she ignited a small flame and lit the wood beneath the meat. The fire caught quickly, and Kimimaro began turning the spit with careful focus.
Despite his stoic appearance, he grilled with skill — basting, rotating, and checking the heat evenly.
In his past life, he had spent his lonely days experimenting with recipes, even posting cooking videos online. Now, those once-pointless hobbies became real-world assets.
As the rich, savory scent of grilled meat wafted through the forest, Karin's stomach rumbled, and she blushed.
"I swear I'm not always this hungry…" she muttered.
"Don't worry," Kimimaro said with a rare warmth in his tone. "Tonight, we eat like kings."
And for a moment, despite the world's dangers, despite their pasts, they simply enjoyed being together — a flickering peace in the ninja world.
Watching Kimimaro skillfully sprinkle various seasonings onto the meat, Karin's mouth began to water uncontrollably.
(I didn't know he could cook… and this well?)
"So a guy who cooks seriously can be this handsome too?" she muttered under her breath, cheeks slightly flushed.
"It's done," Kimimaro said, tearing off a leg from the roasted lamb and handing it to her. "Eat."
Karin took a bite, and her eyes widened. The tender meat, infused with rich, earthy flavor, melted in her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Kimimaro tilted his head. "You're crying? Is it that good?"
Karin nodded quickly, not trusting herself to speak. "It's amazing," she finally said.
But deep down, it wasn't just the taste. It was the warmth of the moment—the first time in a long while she had felt safe, cared for.
Kimimaro didn't press further. He had already sensed it. The first time he saw her, wounded and wary, he made a decision: he would protect this girl.
(She's strong, but she's been through too much. Just like me.)
Karin was an Uzumaki—a clan known for their powerful chakra and tenacity—but her upbringing had been far from kind.
Then again, in the ninja world, who hadn't known suffering?
Kimimaro thought to himself: Since I've been given a second chance, I'll use it to help those like her... especially the ones who hide their pain behind a smile.
And so, the two stayed in the remote mountain forest, away from the world and its chaos.
Ten days passed quickly.
Kimimaro was in a particularly good mood that morning. His experimental bloodline serum—designed to suppress the illness that had once claimed his life—was nearly complete.
"Kimimaro, what's for breakfast?" Karin asked cheerfully, stretching as she emerged from the cave.
By now, she was completely relaxed around him. Her tone was casual, even teasing. Without hesitation, she rested her hands on his shoulders, leaning slightly over to peek at what he was doing.
In another timeline, perhaps she would've hidden behind a tsundere front, but here—freed from fear and loneliness—her true nature had surfaced: open, sincere, and surprisingly affectionate.
"Beggar's Chicken," Kimimaro replied. "It's a dish from the Land of Earth. Wrapped in clay and slow-roasted. It keeps the moisture in. You'll like it."
"Sounds fancy," Karin said, grinning. "I've only ever eaten food pills and half-burnt rations before. You're totally spoiling me."
"We'll have better soon. Once we get our hands on a sealing scroll for daily supplies, I'll make something different every day. Barbecue every night is getting repetitive."
The aroma of herbs, roasted meat, and clay-charred skin soon filled the cave. Just as Karin leaned in to take another sniff, all three of them suddenly turned toward the entrance.
Footsteps. Then a voice.
"Whoa! That smells amazing! Hey—who are you? Why are you hiding out here cooking?"
A girl stood at the edge of the clearing, her voice sharp with surprise. From the headband half-hidden in her pouch, it was clear she was a wandering genin.
Kimimaro, still squatting by the fire, instinctively looked up—and froze as he saw long, slender legs just in front of him.
(So long… wait. Focus.)
He stood up slowly, eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"