Chapter 117 - Chapter 116: Hui Yoruichi Clan, Kimimaro!

Konoha – The Uchiha Clan's Secret Grounds.In the darkness beneath the Nangai Shrine, Sasuke stood silently in front of the ancient Uchiha tablet. His Sharingan spun as he stared at the mysterious inscriptions carved into the stone.> "So… this is the true secret of the Sharingan?"Sasuke clenched his small fists tightly. The difference between himself and Uchiha Itachi... it was even greater than he had ever imagined.Just today, he overheard something shocking—Hatake Kakashi, the elite Jonin of Konoha, was defeated by Uchiha Itachi with just a glance.> "That's the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan…"The idea made Sasuke feel powerless, but also lit a burning desire within him.> "Damn it… how can I obtain that power?""Only with that power can I stand a chance against Itachi!"Frustration welled up in him. Though he had finally awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan, he knew deep down—it wasn't enough. Kakashi had the same eyes, and even he stood no chance.The Sharingan alone wasn't sufficient. He needed more—he needed to surpass his limits, no matter the cost.After a long moment of contemplation, Sasuke turned away from the tablet and began walking out of the underground shrine. As a forbidden area of the Uchiha clan, it was rare for anyone to wander here. Yet, just a few steps out, Sasuke's senses flared.Something was off.> "Who's there? Come out!"From the dim shadows, a man in a white robe emerged calmly.> "As expected of the boy Lord Orochimaru has taken interest in. Very vigilant."Sasuke narrowed his eyes. The man had striking white hair, and his eyes... they were an unusual green, unlike any Sasuke had seen before. He had red markings between his brows, red eyeshadow above his lids, and an unhealthy pallor that suggested a lingering illness.> "Are you one of Orochimaru's lackeys?" Sasuke asked coldly.The man gave a light cough before nodding politely.> "Yes. It is the honor of my life to serve Lord Orochimaru," he said with a faint smile."My name is Kimimaro."> "Hmph. I'm not interested in you at all," Sasuke replied, eyes steely.His thoughts were consumed by only two things:1. Defeating Uchiha Itachi.2. Catching up to Uzumaki Naruto.Kimimaro didn't seem offended by the cold dismissal. Instead, a terrifying murderous aura suddenly erupted from him, heavy and suffocating.> "This… this killing intent..."Sasuke's previous confidence shattered. The aura Kimimaro released was almost on par with Orochimaru's!> "How many monsters exist in this world?!""I'm supposed to be the genius of the Uchiha clan!"Bang!Before he could react, Kimimaro struck. With one swift kick, he sent Sasuke flying. He smashed into a tree trunk, groaning in pain as his body crumpled.> "This guy… is so fast…"Struggling to his feet, Sasuke wiped the blood from his mouth. He hadn't even seen the movement. But he wouldn't let it happen again.His eyes blazed as the Three Tomoe Sharingan fully activated. At the same time, crackling lightning surged through his body, enhancing his speed dramatically.> "Oh? So you do have some strength," Kimimaro said, still calm.In the blink of an eye, Sasuke vanished from sight—his enhanced speed closing the distance instantly. A kunai flashed into his hand, and he lunged forward, aiming directly for Kimimaro's chest.But Kimimaro was already in motion. With a powerful leap, he dodged the blow while his arms transformed. A white layer of bone spread over his hands like armor, and with a piercing thrust, he counterattacked.Sasuke saw the strike too late.Knowing he couldn't dodge in time, he threw his kunai forward and quickly formed seals.> "Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon Technique!"A massive fire dragon surged from his mouth, roaring as it rushed toward Kimimaro with scorching heat and fury.Kimimaro didn't flinch.> "Dance of the Camellia," he whispered.In his hands appeared a blade of pure bone. With precise, fluid movements, he cut through the fire dragon—slicing it into fragments with incredible physical skill alone.Sasuke was stunned. He had never imagined anyone could cut through fire.Before he could react, Kimimaro closed the distance again, the bone blade thrusting forward—and this time, it pierced Sasuke's chest.Blood sprayed from the wound. Sasuke staggered backward, clutching his chest. But again, Kimimaro didn't press the attack. Calmly, he retracted the blade, the white bone sinking back into his body.> "You are no match for me," he said softly."Even though you bear the Uchiha bloodline and wield the Sharingan…"He paused, staring at Sasuke with cold eyes.> "I, too, carry a kekkei genkai—from the Yoruichi clan. This is the power of the Shikotsumyaku—the Dead Bone Pulse."Sasuke remained silent, his breathing ragged.From the trees, a hidden presence stirred.> "Hey, Kurama," Naruto whispered inside his mind, "that guy said he's from the Yoruichi clan?"Inside his mindscape, the Nine Tails opened his eyes sharply at the mention of the name.> "Kaguya…"Even though it was only for a moment, Naruto noticed the change.> "Kurama? You look… scared."> "Hmph…" the beast grunted, then sighed deeply."Kaguya… She lived during the same era as the Sage of Six Paths. But unlike him, her power was far more terrifying.""She was sealed away long ago. I never thought her bloodline would still exist in this world."> "That means… this Kimimaro guy is her descendant?"Kurama growled low in his throat.> "Naruto, listen to me carefully. People from the Yoruichi clan are dangerous. Extremely dangerous. You must kill him. If he's allowed to grow…"But Naruto simply smirked.> "Isn't this interesting, Kurama?""If the Yoruichi clan is this powerful… shouldn't we try to use them?"Kurama was speechless for a moment. Then, with a soft grunt, he muttered,> "You really are dangerous, brat…"He thought back to everything Naruto had done so far, and a chill crept up his spine. Maybe the Yoruichi clan was powerful—but even among monsters, Naruto was something different.> "Fine. As you wish, Naruto. But don't expect me to save you every time. My strength has its limits."Naruto laughed lightly.> "Don't worry, Kurama. I told you—I'll protect you."> "Tch…"Kurama turned away with a scoff, hiding the complicated look in his eyes.