While Orochimaru was lost in thought, Kimimaro attacked again.
Seeing his bone blade was useless, Kimimaro swung his body back, raising both hands toward Yuto.
Shikotsumyaku—Teshi Sendan (Ten Finger Drilling Bullets)!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The finger bones shot out like bullets, incredibly fast and powerful.
Watching this, Yuto's face showed only helplessness as he allowed the attack to strike him.
The moment the bones touched his body, they lost all force, sliding down his clothes as if powerless.
Seeing Kimimaro's attack had no effect, Orochimaru's eyelid twitched.
"Enough, Kimimaro. Stop."
At Orochimaru's command, Kimimaro froze mid-attack. Though unwilling, he still stopped.
Without waiting for Yuto to act, Orochimaru raised his foot and stomped down.
Squelch!
Blood splattered.
In Yuto's surprised gaze, Orochimaru crushed Ukon's head underfoot.
"Without any use, there is no need to exist."
Orochimaru's voice was calm. Lifting his head, he looked at Yuto with a mocking smile.
"Surely, Yuto-dono hasn't come here today just for a few worthless subordinates of mine."
Yuto smiled lightly, glancing at Kimimaro. "I want two people."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, curiosity flashing across his face. He had already guessed Yuto came for Kimimaro, but now Yuto said two. Who was the second?
"Who?" Orochimaru licked his lips, eyes deep.
"Kimimaro. Hozuki Suigetsu."
Yuto's eyes narrowed with a faint smile as he asked, voice laced with accusation:
"Tell me, why is it that your Otogakure captured shinobi of Kirigakure?"
Kimimaro could be argued—he was abandoned by Kiri, and Orochimaru only picked him up.
But Hozuki Suigetsu was clearly captured.
At Yuto's words, Orochimaru lowered his head and chuckled.
"Some time ago, I happened upon a member of the Hozuki Clan. Out of curiosity, I invited him as a guest. If Yuto-dono wants these two, they are free to go with you."
Behind his lowered face, a flicker of killing intent passed through Orochimaru's eyes. The Hozuki Clan held considerable standing in Kiri.
He had captured Suigetsu in secret—no outsider should know. That Yuto did, meant there was a leak. Orochimaru thought grimly: time to clean house in Otogakure.
Yuto rolled his eyes at Orochimaru's shameless lies, unwilling to bother arguing.
Hearing their exchange, Kimimaro stiffened, disbelief on his face.
"Orochimaru-sama… you don't need me anymore…"
Before Orochimaru could answer, Yuto spoke firmly.
"You are Kimimaro of the Kaguya Clan of Kirigakure. You were never Kimimaro of Otogakure."
But Kimimaro wasn't even looking at him. Yuto sighed inwardly. Orochimaru's brainwashing ran too deep. He had no "Talk no Jutsu" to easily undo it.
So instead, Yuto fixed Orochimaru with a sharp, threatening stare.
Feeling that gaze, Orochimaru's eyelids twitched, though his face stayed calm as he said to Kimimaro:
"You can no longer serve as a vessel. You have no value."
"No value…?" Kimimaro trembled, muttering blankly under Orochimaru's cold gaze.
Orochimaru turned away without another glance, forming a seal. A small snake slid from his sleeve and slithered off into the distance.
As Kimimaro sat stunned, a hand gently patted his shoulder.
He looked up mechanically into Yuto's warm expression.
"A person's worth is not for others to decide. It lies in oneself."
"Kirigakure needs you. I need you."
Hearing those words, seeing he was needed, a spark of light flickered back into Kimimaro's dead eyes.
Yuto stopped there. Changing Kimimaro's heart wouldn't happen overnight, but he wasn't in a rush. He had time.
Step—step—
Footsteps echoed from afar.
Hozuki Suigetsu was puzzled. Today, Orochimaru had suddenly removed all his shackles and even sent two ordinary Otogakure shinobi to escort him out.
Neither escort was strong. Even weakened, Suigetsu was sure he could crush them.
But thinking of Orochimaru's terrifying power, he decided to behave for now.
Soon, Suigetsu came into view of Orochimaru—and a young man standing casually opposite him.
"Lord Orochimaru, we've brought Hozuki Suigetsu!" the two escorts said, eyes burning with devotion.
Orochimaru nodded lightly and waved them off. They bowed and left quickly.
"Here, Yuto-dono. The one you wanted." Orochimaru's tone was respectful.
Suigetsu's eyes widened. He couldn't grasp what was happening. Orochimaru's words… did that mean he was free?
Impossible.
"Hey, little brat from the Hozuki Clan, what are you staring for?"
Yuto's voice cut through his daze.
Suigetsu blinked, glaring at Yuto, who looked about his own age. "You don't look much older than me, brat."
Yuto froze. Since his revival, it was the first time anyone had called him that.
A strange smile spread across his face.
"Good. I like your spirit."
"Of course! I'm the man who will revive the name of the 'Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist'!" Suigetsu jabbed his thumb at himself proudly.
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