i am kimimaro

"Based on the information Kimimaro just provided, Zabuza's injuries have almost healed. I suspect that in the next few days, he will likely launch another attack. Therefore, starting today, until the bridge is completed, we need to protect Mr. Tazuna closely."

In the room, Kakashi made the arrangements, and Sasuke's group nodded.

Kimimaro, however, said, "In addition to Mr. Tazuna, his daughter Tsunami and grandson Inari also need protection. Gato is a ruthless businessman, and it's not impossible for him to use Mr. Tazuna's family to threaten us."

Kakashi nodded slightly, agreeing with Kimimaro's statement.

"In that case, we need to split into two groups."

Splitting into two groups wasn't easy.

Kakashi himself definitely had to stay with Tazuna, that went without saying.

And among the remaining four, Kimimaro was the one who needed to be watched.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, no matter which one, probably couldn't keep an eye on him.

Then he could only bring Kimimaro with him.

From the current situation, Gato shouldn't have hired any other ninjas, so any of the remaining three should be able to protect Tsunami and Inari.

"Why split into two groups? Wouldn't it be better to have Mr. Tazuna's family move with us?"

At this time, Kimimaro suddenly said.

Kakashi was taken aback.

Right.

Why not let them come along?

It would also be convenient for protection.

"That's true, then it's decided. I'm just afraid Miss Tsunami and Inari won't be willing."

"Now is not the time for them to be willful, I believe they should be able to distinguish the priorities."

Kakashi nodded slightly, expressing agreement.

"I'll take care of persuading them."

Sakura volunteered for the task.

Naturally, the others had no objections.

After their discussion, it was completely dark outside.

Starting tomorrow, the five of them would protect Tazuna together as he built the bridge.

In the room, Team 7 gathered.

"Kakashi-sensei, it's so late, why did you call us here?"

Naruto yawned, looking sleepy.

"That Sound ninja suddenly appeared, and I can't be sure if he's friend or foe. So, during tomorrow's operation, you all need to be careful."

"Kakashi-sensei, are you saying he might be Gato's man?"

Sakura exclaimed.

"That possibility can't be ruled out. Even if there's only a one percent chance, we need to be careful. The Sound Village is too mysterious, I don't know much about it, and I'm not clear about their methods, so I can't make an accurate judgment.

But this person's strength is definitely not that of an ordinary Genin. From his fight with Naruto, it can be seen that his strength far exceeds the Genin level. But as for how strong he is specifically, he didn't reveal much, so I can't judge. What's certain is that the three of you together are no match for him."

Kakashi's words surprised Sasuke's group.

Especially Sasuke, who clenched his fists, feeling somewhat unwilling.

"Kakashi-sensei, I don't think Kimimaro seems like a bad person."

Naruto felt it was wrong to doubt a new friend like this, so he spoke up.

"No matter what, it's better to be safe than sorry. If this person is a friend, that's the best. But if he's an enemy, then this mission will be troublesome. We must be prepared to fight to the death."

Kakashi's expression was serious, and he was definitely not exaggerating the danger.

Worry appeared on Sakura's face, and she looked at her teammates.

But she saw that neither Sasuke nor Naruto showed any fear, only excitement.

They seemed to be from a different world.

"Kakashi-sensei, don't worry, that drunk old man's life will definitely be protected. I said it!"

Naruto was full of confidence.

"No matter how powerful the enemy is, they can't make us back down. Through this period of training, we have become stronger. Powerful enemies will only make us progress faster!"

Sasuke's smile turned into an arrogant curve, and he was even less afraid.

"I... I won't easily give up either!"

With the atmosphere like this, Sakura also felt she should say something to echo them.

Kakashi laughed.

"As expected of my students."

Team 7's pre-battle meeting ended.

At this moment, Kimimaro was in his room, unaware of what Team 7 was doing.

He didn't care either.

He could see that Kakashi was wary of him.

That wasn't strange.

It would be strange if Kakashi didn't have any suspicions about him.

Kimimaro took out the Poké Ball from his ninja tool bag and released Pikachu to get some air.

He didn't want to expose Pikachu in front of Kakashi and the others for the time being.

After all, there was a risk of Tsunade finding out.

Kimimaro hadn't figured out how to explain it to Tsunade yet, so he didn't want to add unnecessary trouble.

Pikachu, who had been cooped up all day, climbed onto his shoulder and rubbed against his cheek.

Pikachu's smooth fur felt extremely comfortable to Kimimaro.

Kimimaro didn't know the joy of petting a cat, but petting Pikachu was truly joyful.

"If nothing unexpected happens, tomorrow both the Demon Brothers and the Yuki Clan will become history, which is a bit of a pity. But, aren't I the biggest unexpected factor?"

Thinking of this, Kimimaro smiled slightly.

"If I can get that Executioner's Blade back, Suigetsu would probably like it very much. I haven't seen him in two years, it wouldn't be bad to get him a gift.

As for Jugo, I need to speed up the research on the Cursed Seal."

In these two years, Kimimaro hadn't given up on researching the Cursed Seal either.

However, the research on the Cursed Seal reached a deadlock half a year ago and couldn't break through for a while.

But now there was a new breakthrough.

That was the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

The Yin Seal could store chakra in a certain part of the body, and the Strength of a Hundred Seal could perfectly release the chakra within, achieving a hundred percent utilization rate while also improving various physical attributes.

If these two could be perfectly combined with the Cursed Seal, it would be the most perfect Sage Cursed Seal.

So, whenever he had free time these days, Kimimaro would try to incorporate the Strength of a Hundred Seal into it.

Tsunade told Kimimaro not to teach the Yin Seal and the Strength of a Hundred Seal to others, but after the fusion, it would be his own thing, a brand new technique, so it wouldn't violate his oath.

Furthermore, Kimimaro only planned to implant the Cursed Seal in Jugo, not teach him how to create it, so there was even less of a problem.

"At this rate, I should be able to create a trial version of the Controlled Cursed Seal by the time I return to the Sound Village. After implanting it in Jugo, I still need to observe his reactions to make corresponding adjustments."

However, Kimimaro was still very satisfied with this progress.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next day, the group headed towards the bridge in a grand procession.

"In two more days, this bridge will be completed. At that time, the Land of Waves will usher in a new life."

Tazuna looked at the bridge being built in his hands, his heart filled with pride.

This was the courage of the entire Land of Waves, and also their last hope.

Although others didn't dare to support him openly, they were all silently paying attention to all of this in secret.

Watching the bridge being built step by step, everyone's hearts were filled with hope.

The group stepped onto the bridge, only to find it empty, without a single person in sight.

"Strange, where did all the workers go?"

Tazuna looked puzzled.

Kakashi and Kimimaro both raised their guard at the same time.

"Fog is rolling in."

(End of Chapter)