Naruto Quest: The Endless War of the Shinobi Empires (AU, Rinnegan MC)

[Dayume]

[X] Go see Kimimaro. He's your friend after all, and you hope he's doing alright since the Gaikotsu incident.

 

[Megacookie]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[] Go see Kimimaro. He's your friend after all, and you hope he's doing alright since the Gaikotsu incident.

---

"I'll go see Kimmy. Before we left for the Whirlpool, he told me he had a mission of his own. I wonder if he's back by now." you answered.

"Kimmy? Who is that?" Jiao asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah, I don't think you two have met. Kimimaro Kaguya, of the Kaguya Clan. He's one of the first people I met when I landed in the Mist. Helped him take down another member of his clan who was on a rampage, and he can use the Dead Bone Pulse to manipulate his bones!" you explained to Jiao, who had a disgusted sneer slither across her face.

"Ugh, he manipulates his bones? That sounds disgusting." Jiao groaned.

"Yeah, he pokes them out of his skin to make spears and other stabby weapons! It's pretty cool, actually! I wonder if I could do something similar with my powers?" you said, placing a finger on your chin in thought. Asura Path does grant you the power of body modification after all...

Jiao's entire body shivered and she screwed her eyes shut. "Gah! I do not want to imagine that! I command you to stop making me thing about disfigurement!"

"Says the woman who can probably break someone's bones with a thought." you sighed, rolling your eyes.

That's not the same, and I still don't want to see that!" Jiao whined. "Now as I said, I command you to stop speaking about such things! Go see your weird friend and leave me be!"

"Whatever you say, your majesty." you replied, shrugging your shoulders. Despite your flippant tone, you didn't say anything else about Kimimaro's powers. Instead you and Jiao spent the time either with small talk, or talking about things you saw as you walked through the village. Your memory was a bit fuzzy since you had been gone for such a long time, but eventually you made it back to the inn.

As you and Jiao entered the inn, the surly looking owner put down his newspaper (most likely propaganda made by the Mist Empire) and gave the both of you a glace. After a moment he coughed and said, "your rooms are still the same, made sure to keep it clean while you were gone, and anything you had in there hasn't been touched."

"Thank you, sir!" you happily said, easily catching the room key as the owner threw it towards you. As for Jiao, she plucked her key midair using her telekinesis. Jiao looked towards you for a moment, nodding and floating up to her room. You took the simple route of the stairs and after unlocking your door, you looked at your room with a smile. After closing and locking the door, you undid your hair, letting it flow freely as you transformed into Adachi for the first time in awhile.

"Gosh, it's been awhile, eh?" you said, talking to yourself. It was almost alien to hear your voice, clearly masculine and deeper, compared to the voice you had when you were Maya. You had repressed the feeling for awhile now, but it felt great being back in Adachi's body. You went to the bathroom, looking at yourself in the mirror. A familiar yet almost forgotten face stared back, the one you had grown up with all your life.

"Good to see ya again, Adachi. Sorry for keeping you caged for so long." you thought, smiling. Your reflection did the same. "Gotta turn back into Maya after the bath though, she's the one who's ingrained into everything so far. Heck, Jiao doesn't even know about Adachi! One day she will though, hope she doesn't freak out or anything."

You chuckled at the image of Jiao being shocked that you can switch genders at will before undressing and turning towards the bathtub, twisting the knobs so a stream of quickly heating water began to fill the tub...

---

After a long and relaxing bath, you changed back into Maya and got dressed, wearing a simple outfit of a long sleeved blue sweatshirt and black pants. You tied your hair into its usual upward fanned ponytail and left your room, locking it behind you. The inn owner only gave you a side eye from his newspaper as you left the inn.

It took a bit longer than usual to find the Kaguya Clan grounds, but as you approached the, one of the guards in front of the entrance gate stepped forward, giving you a dirty look. "What are you doing here?"

"I was wondering if Kimimaro was home." you politely said.

"Yeah, I figured. You and that freak getting real close, aren't ya?" the Kaguya guard said with disgust.

"Is that an issue?" you responded kindly, smiling.

"Tch, we don't need outsiders like you trying to befriend freaks of nature like that. Don't know why you'd want to cozy up with a blood lusted murderer like him. He's just going to tear out your spine, just like Hiricho and Gaikotsu. Fuckin' freaks."

"I don't think you should be talking about your clan leader like that. Anyway, I appreciate your concern, but please, is Kimimaro here or not?" you said, still maintaining a kind tone, but your voice was somewhat strained. Kimimaro did tell you how his clan sees him as a freak for his Kekkei Genkai, but you didn't expect Hiricho to be included in the clan's ire.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll let him know." the Kaguya said, realizing his words were falling on deaf ears. He went back to his position and told the guard next to him, who then went through the gate. After a few minutes, the guard came back with Kimimaro following behind him.

"Hi, Kimmy!" you said, running up to him.

"Hello, Maya. It's good to see you again." Kimimaro said, his voice and face as stoic as ever. "Did you just return from your mission?"

"I did! Came back a few hours ago, had a bath and-"

"Could you two go away? You're blocking traffic." the rude Kaguya grunted, clearly uncomfortable being near Kimimaro. You wanted to say something, but Kimimaro spoke up first.

"Of course. Let us go, Maya." Kimimaro said, turning and walking down the crowded street. You stuck your tongue out at the guard before following Kimimaro. He didn't seem intent on talking while surrounded by civilians and eventually broke away from the main street and continued forward until both of you reached a small shore. Other than a few homeless people camping out by the sea, it was practically abandoned.

"What is this place?" you asked, looking around.

"It's a shore that belongs to the Kaguya Clan, although it's really nothing special. In fact, I'm the only one who really comes here anymore. Since it's been ignored for awhile, it's become a de-facto homeless camp." Kimimaro explained, looking around. "I come here when I need a moment alone, or to check if anyone needs help."

"Aw, that's super nice of you, Kimmy! I wish I could help these people out..." you sighed, looking at one of the homeless men trying to keep a fire going by blowing into the quickly fading embers and feeding in waterlogged sticks. You walked over to him and with a bit of fire chakra, managed to stabilize the fire, loud cracking and popping releasing due to the moisture in the sticks being released. The homeless man thanked you, but then turned towards the fire, only focused on its warmth.

"You just did." Kimimaro replied as you came back. "But I know what you actually mean."

"Hmhm." you said. "Anyway, how have you been? If I remember, you were going on a mission yourself before I left."

"I was. I was aiding the Hunter Ninja in assassinating a troublesome deserter, nothing more." Kimimaro tonelessly said. "How was your mission? You were gone for a long time."

"Well, had to due some spy work, can't really get into it more than that." you said, sure that Byakuren would be cross with you if you leaked anything.

"I understand. I am glad you are okay." Kimimaro said, nodding.

"Me too!"

"Ever since I came back, I have been ordered to keep close watch over Gaikotsu. In fact, my time with you is limited, this is considered my lunch break." Kimimaro said, gazing over the ocean and into the thick mist beyond.

"Oh. Yeah that would cut into our time together. But thanks for using your break to see me!" you sincerely said.

"Of course. Actually, now that you're here, I have something to ask you. Gaikotsu has been demanding to see you ever since he came back into the clan's care. I wanted to know, did you want to see him? I already told him it was unlikely, given to your first impression of him was when he tried to kill you, but he seems...adamant."

"Uh...is he...restrained?" you cautiously asked, remembering how Gaikotsu manipulated your own bones in battle. It was quite the uncomfortable experience to say the least!

"He is, the Mist made sure to put on extra strength chakra seals on him, and he's chained to the walls." Kimimaro answered. You thought chaining him to a wall was rather barbaric, but then again, Gaikotsu is an active risk...

What will you do?

[] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

[] You won't see Gaikotsu. He did try to kill you after all, and even with those measures in place, he's broken out before. Too much of a risk.

---

Apologies for the delay. At the start of the month I got Covid, which kinda put a damper on things. But I'm fine and all that. Happy holidays everyone!

 

[Black King]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

 

[canned Tomatoes]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

 

[Giga]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

 

[FortePlus]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

 

[Dayume]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

 

[Kufufu]

[X] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman

 

[Megacookie]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[] You'll see Gaikotsu. You wonder why he wants to see you so badly, it could be important. Or simply the ramblings of a madman.

---

You debated the risk of seeing Gaikotsu, but in the end, you trusted Kimimaro's word that he was properly restrained. You looked at Kimimaro and nodded confidently. "I'll go see him. But will it be alright with your clan?"

Kimimaro released a hidden sigh, sounding quite relieved. "It should be fine, they try to pretend he doesn't exist when he's in the cell. Also, thank you, Maya. I was worried you'd decline."

"Huh? Why's that?" you asked as you and Kimimaro started leaving the beach.

"Because when Gaikotsu doesn't get what he wants, that's when he plans his escapes. Usually it's minor things, toys, books, perhaps a specific meal. We cater to him so keep him calm, or at least I do. I found it's the safest way." Kimimaro explained. "But every so often, he asks for the unobtainable."

"Is that why he went on a rampage before?"

"Yes. He asked for some cats and dogs to keep him company." Kimimaro grimly said.

"...That doesn't sound too bad? If he had pets to take care of, maybe he-"

"Gaikotsu would use those animals to test his ninjutsu. When he grew up, he killed numerous animals in secret, breaking and twisting their bones, making them suffer and and cry for death, all for the sake of experimenting with his Kekkei Genkai. While some of the more callous members might have done so, I...could not. Sending innocent animals to such terrible fates at the hands of a madman is unthinkable."

"...Oh." you muttered. "I wouldn't have done that either."

"But in the end, he escaped and killed dozens of his clansmen. Life was lost either way." Kimimaro darkly said. "Although I guess some would take umbrage at me choosing the lives of animals over my clan..."

"Kimmy, you did what you thought was right. I don't think anyone in their sound mind could blame you." you said, trying to soothe him.

Kimimaro stayed silent for awhile as he pushed through the overly crowed street. Once you both reached the entrance of the Kaguya Clan grounds, he whispered, "Thank you, Maya."

You smiled and nodded, listening as Kimimaro told the front guards that he was taking you into the grounds. They clearly disapproved, but their fear of Kimimaro outweighed their disgust and let both of you through. If it weren't for the fact that the grounds held one of the most bloodthirsty clans in the Mist, you thought it looked pretty nice. The buildings looked older, yet not outdated, and everything was surprisingly clean. Kimimaro continued, leading you through the grounds, and you even went past the area where you and Kimimaro had fought Gaikotsu, which seemed to be something of a training ground for the clan considered the wide, empty space.

"Please wait a moment." Kimimaro said as they reached the outskirts of the clan grounds. Next to one of the large walls that separated the clan grounds from the rest of the Mist was a small hut.

"Is this your house?" you asked curiously.

"It is. I'll be right back." Kimimaro answered. He went towards his house and unlocked the door, vanishing within. You looked around and saw a destroyed flowerbed, petals, stems, and dirt scattered across the ground and on his wall.

"They really hate him that much that he can't even grow flowers?" you sadly thought. You sighed, your mind wandering as you waited for Kimimaro. A short time later, he came back, holding a small metal container in his hand.

"Here." Kimimaro said, unscrewing the top of the container, revealing a white paste within. You flinched as a strong, bitter scent began to waft from the paste.

"Uh...is it some sort of skin cream?" you asked, holding your breath so you wouldn't smell it.

"No, it's a paste made to block foul smells. You'll need it, Gaikotsu isn't allowed a shower or bathroom, so it tends to...accumulate." Kimimaro explained, taking a small chunk of the paste on his finger and rubbing it under his nose.

"Ugh..." you groaned, both at having to constantly smell the paste, and at hearing the terrible conditions, but you trusted Kimimaro, and you'd rather deal with the paste than accumulated human waste. You followed his lead and swabbed the paste under your nose, your eyes tearing up as you tried to get used to it.

"If you need more just ask." Kimimaro said, putting the lid on the container and putting it into his pocket.

"Yeah..." you muttered, once again following Kimimaro. Eventually you reached the farthest corner of the clan grounds, a small wooden shed covered that had a large seal placed on the door. Kimimaro went up to the door and made hand seals. The seal glowed blue and the door slowly swung open, with Kimimaro motioning you to follow him. You did so, seeing that the shed was empty other than having an old, moldy rug on the ground. Kimimaro removed the rug, revealing a trap door with another seal on it. One more set of hand seals from Kimimaro later, the trap door sprung open, revealing an earthen staircase downward.

A wall of warm, moist, rancid air smacked you in the face, cutting through the paste under your nose and making you gag loudly. Kimimaro, seemingly unaffected, simply produced the container once more, and you made sure to have a lot more paste to block the horrific scent. After recovering slightly, you went with Kimimaro down the staircase, which only took a few minutes.

"Schehehehe! I heard you from all the way down here! Always the same reactions! At least this one didn't vomit!" a familiar, shrieking voice said, echoing off the walls. You didn't say anything as you and Kimimaro walked into the small room, which had been cut in half by a thick, iron bars. There was a door on the side of the bars to allow the guards to enter for whatever reason, a third seal also applied onto it.

And there you saw Gaikotsu. He was on his knees, leaning forward as his arms were wrenched backwards, his wrists covered by heavy cuffs with chakra blocking seals on them, connected to the wall by taut metal chains. His white hair which had been so long it reached the floor at his standing height, had been cut, and it now barely went past his ears. He wore a new robe, which was only noticeable because it was still somewhat clean, although filth and grime still was caked on it. You also noticed the iron bars around his feet, which also had the seal, and a deep hole that sat directly underneath his spread legs. You queasily noted that the hole was where the horrific smell was coming from.

Gaikotsu raised his head and now that you weren't in the throes of combat, you managed to get a better look at him. His eyes were baby blue, almost like a child's, which created an unnerving contrast. His nose was long and hooked, and plastered on his face was an unchanging smile, which revealed his deeply stained and yellowed teeth.

"Gaikotsu." Kimimaro said. "You wanted to speak with Maya, right? I brought her."

"Yes, I'm here." you quietly said.

"Wowowowow you actually came through on your word Kimmy! Here I thought I'd need to go see her on my own! Schehehehe!" Gaikotsu giggled, his body vibrating as he did so. "Wonderful, wonderful!"

"Do not make her feel uncomfortable, Gaikotsu. Or we will leave." Kimimaro firmly said. "She is...my friend. I will not humor any disrespect."

"My, my! How cute, little Kimmy has a crush, doesn't he? Or not. In all my years knowing you my dear cousin, I could never get a read on you. Always so stoic, never even cracking a smirk at my antics! How can you even live life when you're such a bore?"

"Your antics cause harm and death, there's nothing funny about it." Kimimaro grunted.

"Says you! What about you, Maya Papaya? You saw my latest act, didn't it make you smile once?" Gaikotsu asked, looking at you expectantly.

You sat down in front of the iron bars, so that you were at eye level with Gaikotsu. "You murdered a lot of people, Gaikotsu. I'm with Kimimaro here, causing such chaos isn't funny."

"Tch, everybody's a critic. Besides, it's not like I murdered anyone of value! The Kaguya Clan is full of murderers and sinners, born to burn! What's wrong with me culling some of them early?!" Gaikotsu spat.

"Gaikotsu-" Kimimaro began, but Gaikotsu interjected with a screeching laugh.

"SCHEHEHEHE! Oh, don't tell me you're going to defend the people who make our lives hell, Kimmy! All because of your stupid little pacifist ideology." Gaikotsu shrieked. "All because we won the cursed lottery, all because we were born with white hair, all because they fear us!"

"Kimimaro...?" you mumbled, looking at him worriedly.

"Gaikotsu, your idea of murdering anyone who causes you issues isn't right. I know better than anyone how cruel and petty our clan is, but wiping them off the face of the earth isn't right." Kimimaro gently said, now also sitting down next to you.

"Schehe, fucking coward, that's what you...you are! Poor baby hates killing but became a shinobi, an obedient tool for the Mist to use as they see fit. Sure, keep preaching peace and love while you put bone bullets into the heads of the Mist's enemies!" Gaikotsu ranted, the smile still etched on his face but his eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets.

"You know better than anyone that if I could escape from the Mist, I would." Kimimaro said, sorrow cracking through his stoic mask.

"That's why I call you a coward! One of the very rare few to have the power we have, yet you side with your abusers! I refuse to live like you, Kimmy." Gaikotsu said, his tone low and seething with hate. "At least I can respect Hiricho, he forced his way to the top of the food chain! But you...beaten and broken like the prissy little bitch you are."

"Gaikotsu, you call Kimimaro a coward, but all he's trying to do is survive this hellish world." you said, suddenly turning both the Kaguyas attention towards you. "I didn't quite know he was a pacifist until now, but can you imagine the pain he feels? Forced to go against his own core or face death. He could easily lash out like you, but he endures. He takes all the abuse for the hope that one day, he can live out his life how he wants."

"...Maya." Kimimaro whispered, his eyes widening.

"I know you were dealt an unfair hand in life, Gaikotsu. I can tell even beyond your clan's behavior, there's something wrong with you. You needed help, but all you were given was scorn, fear, and hatred. The way you feel now...is natural. Understandable, even. You hurt, and the only way to soothe it is to lash out at others, to make them feel the same pain you do."

"A therapy session? You think some sweet words are gonna make me regret everything I've done, Maya Papaya?" Gaikotsu growled angrily.

"No. I suppose what I'm saying is that in all ways, this world has failed you. Your clan has failed you. And I'm sorry." you sincerely said.

"Y-You're sorry?"

You looked at Gaikotsu directly in the eye. "I have big plans for Jihopan, Gaikotsu. I plan to upheave the status quo, and to rid the continent of these pointless wars. I want a world where there are no borders, a world where those suffering can be heard and get the help they need. A world where those who cry out for help can be met by their fellow man who extend their hands freely."

Gaikotsu was stunned, looking at you with utter confusion. All his rage from earlier was gone as he tried to comprehend the words you were saying. It was clear he never had anyone actually sympathize with him before and he didn't know how to react. After a long moment, he managed to speak.

"Maya Papaya, let me ask you something. In your new world...what would you do with the irredeemable?" Gaikotsu asked, tilting his head to the side. "Those who would refuse your world with all their heart and soul."

"I would try to have them rehabilitated, and if they refuse beyond that, imprisoned." you answered calmly.

"And to those who refuse even that? Who would break out and cause their own chaos? Or those who believe in their own idea of the world as much as you believe in yours?" Gaikotsu continued with an odd amount of clarity. "What if imprisonment was impossible? They could not, and cannot be contained."

You took in a deep breath, trying to ignore the vile smell as you did so before exhaling. "It's something I have thought about, in my free time. It would come at heavy cost, but if there was someone truly irredeemable, if there was someone who'd poison the world with hateful rhetoric, with chaos and bloodshed, if there was one who's my idea of the world anathema to them, I would unfortunately be forced to show my hand."

"Schehehehe! Wow, what stupid bullshit! You had me going there for a second! You talk allllll about peace and love, yet you're no better than all the Kage. Sure, sure, you'll rule the world fairly. You're not LIKE those other warlords, you're all peace and rainbows until someone speaks out and you, with tears in your eyes, execute them."

"Gaikotsu!" Kimimaro exclaimed.

"It's fine, that's something I've also thought of. Gaikotsu, I will tell you one thing." you said, closing your eyes.

"What's that?"

"I desperately want to help you, but as you are now, I cannot in good faith free you. That's what you wanted to ask me all along, isn't it?" you knowingly said.

"..."

"That's why you kept asking all those questions about someone irredeemable, and how I'd handle them. You were asking about yourself. Gaikotsu, I have no intentions of freeing you right now, but I also truly, and genuinely believe you can recover."

Gaikotsu only looked at you strangely, his jaw opening and closing as if he was speaking, but nothing came out.

"I honestly don't know how long it'll take to reach my utopia. But with all of my heart, I hope you can be part of it, Gaikotsu." you said, now getting to your feet. Gaikotsu continued to stay silent, and you knew the conversation had reached its end. Your words, in some way, had reached into Gaikotsu, and you could only hope he reflected on them.

With nothing else to say, you and Kimimaro left, with Kimimaro sealing the trap door and the shed door behind him.

"That was quite impressive, Maya. You actually managed to get through to Gaikotsu. I hope it sticks." Kimimaro said as you reached fresh air, rubbing the paste off your upper lip.

"Hopefully. Although what he said wasn't too off the mark. I know I sound like another conqueror, but I really don't want to do that. I have no ambition to rule, only to guide and help." you said, looking into the cloudy sky.

"...Maya, I know it's a ridiculous question considering everything I heard just now but...do you really want to end the war?" Kimimaro asked.

"I do." you replied bluntly.

"Maya, Jihopan is...a terrible place. I've been to the mainland, the scars of war are etched in deep. What makes you so sure you can be the one to save the land?" Kimimaro continued.

"Because..." you sighed. "Everyone is hurting, Kimmy. Even me. But I want to stop that hurt, and I truly believe that I can be the one to do that. Or at least, if not me, then I could inspire people around me to continue my work."

"That doesn't really answer my question. What gives you that confidence to stand against the very world?"

You read between the lines. Kimimaro was doubting how a single person could ever hope to stop every single Empire and Kage, and he was doubting your words. But you could tell, he was asking..., no, begging for an unshakeable answer, one that he could grasp onto. He believed in your ideals, but not in you.

You knew that if you showed him your greatest tool, the Rinnegan, he would find some peace of mind. But inwardly you didn't want to show off your Rinnegan just to make a point, if word got out, then it would be no exaggeration to say you'd have every Empire's attention much too soon.

What will you do?

[] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

[] Tell Kimimaro that your drive and determination to help Jihopan is unmatched, and how you will weather any storm the world throws at you. But beyond that, you will need the help of your allies, as there is no way you can do it alone.

 

[Black King]

[X] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

A familiar laugh from Gaikotsu, but he was spitting low key.

 

[Kufufu]

[X] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

"Match my gaze with your own and behold the eyes of a God ascendant."

 

[canned Tomatoes]

Two can keep a secret...

[X] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

Let's hope that doesn't bit us later

 

[FortePlus]

[X] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

 

[Dayume]

[X] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

 

[Megacookie]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[] Find a private spot and show Kimimaro your Rinnegan. Tell him you had unlocked it after vowing to help Jihopan, and you'll use its almighty power to unite the lands and end the wars, much like how the Sage of the Six Paths did long go.

---

"Kimmy, do you know of a private place? Where nobody can see or hear us?" you asked, looking at Kimimaro seriously.

Kimimaro was somewhat confused by your question, but he nodded. "Yes, my house should be suitable. When I'm home, nobody in my clan goes near it, unless I'm needed for a mission."

You were hoping for something a bit more secure, but you supposed that it was safe enough. You'd just make sure to be alert, and to have your chakra sensing on. "That works, please lead the way."

Kimimaro agreed and took you to his hut. You entered it and noted that for as small as it was (pretty much a single room connected to a bathroom) it was very clean and had a pleasant, floral scent. On one side was a futon with a blanket where Kimimaro slept, and the other had a tiny fire pit with a clean pot hung over it.

"I apologize, this hut was made for only one person to live in it." Kimimaro said, closing the door.

"It's fine, I'll only be here for a moment. Is there anyway to cover that window?" you asked, looking at the small window that was on the wall closest to the fire pit, most likely to properly vent out the smoke.

"One moment."

Kimimaro walked over and grabbed a dark cloth that was sitting on the floor, underneath the window. Making pins with his finger bones, he hung the cloth over the window, dimming the light. You closed your eyes and tried to sense if anyone was within the area, but as Kimimaro said, there wasn't anyone around.

"Kimmy, I want you to promise me something. I want you to keep everything I say and show here secret. I mean it, I'm placing a lot of trust in you." you seriously said.

"Maya?"

"Kimimaro, please. Do I have your word that you'll keep everything here a secret?" you asked, your tone even, staring directly into Kimimaro's eyes.

"...I promise." Kimimaro replied, realizing how serious you were being. "My word is my vow, you can be assured of that."

"Thank you, Kimmy." you said with a small smile. You did one last check and once again, you two were the only people here. "You asked why I have confidence in being able to save Jihopan, to go against every empire for the sake of my ideal world. Despite what I said, my confidence doesn't come from just my determination, or at least not fully. It's because on the day I made that vow, I was blessed, be it by the heavens or by my bloodline."

You closed your eyes and made a hand seal, dispelling the constant transformation jutsu you kept around yourself. You opened your eyes, revealing the Rinnegan to Kimimaro. Whatever composure Kimimaro had instantly broke as he looked into your eyes, his own eyes widening and he covered his mouth in shock. He took a few step backwards, breathing rapidly.

Being honest with yourself, you didn't quite know how to handle Kimimaro's reaction. Anzu was surprised when you showed her when you first unlocked it all those years ago, while Nijuichi and Jiao had rather muted reactions, but Kimimaro seemed to be completely taken off guard.

"T-The eyes of the Sage..." Kimimaro shakily said, his entire body trembling. "Just like in the fairytales..."

"You're right. I have the power of the Sage of the Six Paths. When my home was razed years ago, I realized how...terrible this world is. Even a remote island with barely only a hundred people living on it was burned to the ground. At my parent's graves was where I made my vow, and it was right after that I gained the Rinnegan." you whispered, an extra precaution to make sure if someone somehow slipped past your sensing.

"And you intend to follow the Sage's path. To unite and lead humanity to a golden future. But...there is no Lord of Demons to rally everyone over. This chaos and strife is entirely man made...but...with those eyes, with the Rinnegan..." Kimimaro trailed off.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Kimmy. I only just began to truly unlock the Rinnegan's power, I'm nowhere near ready to face the empires themselves. Which is why I need allies, allies I can trust with my life. Not only to support my own goals, but so they can keep me balanced on the razor thin path towards the future I seek." you sincerely said, placing a hand over your heart.

"Maya..."

"Kimimaro, I can tell you're hurting badly here. You fight for causes you don't believe in, betraying your ideals and your pacifism. I cannot promise a quick end to the fighting, but I can promise that the fighting will end."

Kimimaro didn't respond, but he never took his eyes off your Rinnegan. You could tell he was gaining a new appreciation for your words and deeds. Now he truly believed in you, not just your ideals. He draped his arm over his chest and knelt in front of you.

"Uh..." you muttered, completely bewildered.

"Maya...no, Lady Maya. I believe in you. I believe in you completely. You helped me with Gaikotsu not once, but twice now, when there was no gain for you. You are something rare in these lands. You are a good and just person. That is why I wish to follow you, to help you see your dream through." Kimimaro fervently exclaimed. "I will be yours to command."

"I didn't show you my true power just to recruit you, Kimmy. I showed it to you because you were hurting and needed a light in the darkness. I don't want to command you or force you to fight, nor did I mean to make you feel that way." you replied, worried at the sudden zeal Kimimaro had to work under you.

Kimimaro raised his head, looking at you, his voice now soft and almost hurt. "Then...you do not want me to help?"

"I would love your help, Kimmy. But...I don't want to force anyone, nor do I want anyone to join me just because I have the Rinnegan. If someone wishes to join me, I want it because of their own reasonings, something ironclad. Does that make sense?" you explained, walking forward and placing a hand on Kimimaro's shoulder. "Being at my side will eventually culminate in facing off against every empire, fighting against the best of the best. I just want you to know that, so you can truly understand what you're getting into. I don't want you throwing your life away for a cause you don't believe in, or do not have your heart fully in."

Kimimaro got to his feet, taking in all your words. After awhile he took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I understand. I will think on my choice, go through every risk in my head, and truly decide if I wish to walk this path with you."

+1 Kimimaro

"That's all I ask." you gently said. You reapplied the transformation jutsu and a sudden sense of relief came over you. It felt unnerving being 'naked' for that long of a time, even if it was only for a few minutes at best.

"I have plenty to think about and I must be going back to my guard duty for Gaikotsu. I will guide you out of the clan grounds." Kimimaro said, now sounding more like his usual stoic self. "If that's what you wish, Lady Maya."

"That would be fine. Thank you very much, Kimmy." you replied. After making you had everything sorted out, you followed Kimimaro through the Kaguya Clan grounds, ignoring any glares or scoffs that came your way. Eventually you were brought to the entrance, with Kimimaro giving you a nod, a silent goodbye.

"Bye, Kimmy!" you cheerily said, mostly to annoy the guards in the front, who rolled their eyes in annoyance. You watched Kimimaro turn around and go back into the clan grounds, and you went down the crowded street as not to hear any choice words the guards might say.

"I'm happy Kimmy wants to help me out, he's really strong and all, but he agreed way too fast. I just hope he really thinks it through. Although him calling me Lady Maya...that was a bit weird. Although, I don't hate it~." you thought, giggling to yourself.

---

After your visit with Kimimaro, you decided to take a small snack break, buying some grilled fish on a stick from a small vendor that seemed to be down on its luck. You gnawed on your fish and flicked your eyes upward. Even with the sky being completely gray and cloudy, you could tell you still had plenty of daylight left.

What will you do next? (Choose One)

[] You visited Kimimaro, so the next logical step is to see how Tenryu's doing!

[] You're curious if Amakuni has finished your weapon yet, pay him a visit.

[] Mei Terumi offered you housing within the Terumi Clan grounds, you should follow up on that.

[] You'll take the time to explore the village, maybe meet someone new?

[] You talked pretty big to both Gaikotsu and Kimimaro about how you're going to face every empire, you should probably start getting in some real training.

[] Write In.

 

[Black King]

[X] You talked pretty big to both Gaikotsu and Kimimaro about how you're going to face every empire, you should probably start getting in some real training.

Get swole.

I forget if approval voting is a thing, if so I'd also put in a vote for the weapon maybe.

 

[Megacookie]

I forget if approval voting is a thing, if so I'd also put in a vote for the weapon maybe.

Click to shrink...

Yeah you can, just make sure to put an "or" so it doesn't seem like a double up.

 

[canned Tomatoes]

[X] You talked pretty big to both Gaikotsu and Kimimaro about how you're going to face every empire, you should probably start getting in some real training.

 

[FortePlus]

[X] You talked pretty big to both Gaikotsu and Kimimaro about how you're going to face every empire, you should probably start getting in some real training.

 

[Dayume]

[X] Mei Terumi offered you housing within the Terumi Clan grounds, you should follow up on that.

 

[Megacookie]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[] You talked pretty big to both Gaikotsu and Kimimaro about how you're going to face every empire, you should probably start getting in some real training.

---

"Don't get the wrong idea, Kimmy. I only just began to truly unlock the Rinnegan's power, I'm nowhere near ready to face the empires themselves. Which is why I need allies, allies I can trust with my life. Not only to support my own goals, but so they can keep me balanced on the razor thin path towards the future I seek."

Those words of yours bounced through your mind. While it was true you needed trustworthy allies, you knew that you also had to be strong. If you were going to lead Jihopan to peace, you had to defeat not only the Kages, but the empires themselves. Of course, you'd rather do it by peace and negotiation, but it was fairly clear that even the most diplomatic empire would rather be crushed than surrender.

Your mind flashed through the fights you had. You and Kimimaro had a rather even fight with Gaikotsu, although by the end you were exhausted. If Kaitaikojo hadn't shown up, you didn't know if you could have continued. Speaking of that maniac Kaitaikojo and his equally maniac sister Ishako, you managed to beat him after you figured out their tricks, but you had no idea how a true battle to the death would have gone.

Your fight with the Yakuza went well enough, although you did take some hard hits. You managed to beat Jiao in a single strike, but she didn't make it easy. Kushina had easily defeated you when she got serious during your training, and you could barely call your encounter with Yukari a fight, you were just trying to survive. That rang true with Kotei as well, he didn't even bother to consider you a threat, just a curious insect he was inspecting.

With all your experiences in your mind, you took a deep breath. You couldn't afford to coast by your Rinnegan powers, you had to focus and mold yourself to become even stronger than before. Of course you had to find somewhere to train. You instantly thought of the shore Kimimaro brought you to, but that was Kaguya Clan ground and even if you had permission, you'd rather not disturb the homeless living there.

You moved down the street until you saw a man wearing the standard Mist Empire shinobi outfit sitting down on a nearby bench. You went up to him and he gave you a cautious look. You smiled and asked, "Excuse me? Can you help me?"

"If you want a mission done, put in a request to the Administration Building, I'm on my break." the man said.

"Oh, no nothing like that! Just some directions. Is there a place where I can train?" you asked, looking at the shinobi expectantly. He raised and eyebrow before shrugging.

"You new here?" the man asked.

"Yeah...I'm a refugee who got recruited into the Mist, I still don't know my way around." you explained, scratching the back of your head sheepishly.

"Another conscript, eh? Feels like we've been taking too many of 'em recently. Guess it's not my business though." the man mumbled, shaking his head. "Anyway, there's a training field if you go down the road, then head east. Can't miss it, it's next to a big lake people use to train water jutsu."

"Thank you very much!" you said, winking at the man. He didn't really react beyond nodding, so you followed his directions, making sure to use your chakra sensing to locate a bunch of strong signatures, as no doubt there would be others training as well. Thankfully the man's directions proved true and you found the training field, a large, rectangle shaped land that had been flattened and modified by ninjutsu.

"Wow..." you sighed. Dozens upon dozens of shinobi were training. Some were practicing with their weapons, from throwing them at a practicing dummy, to full on swordfights! Others, as the man said, were practicing their water jutsu on the large, manmade lake, although your chest fell when you saw kids who couldn't be older than six at the edge of the lake, going through their hand seals. You could only hope the Mist wasn't sending children into combat...

You managed to find yourself a small area to yourself and began stretching, Kushina did say that you'd regret it if you didn't limber up beforehand! After making sure you were good to go, you now had to decide what you'd train. Your mind was swimming with ideas, but for the sake of time and focus, you decided on a maximum of three things to work on for now.

What will you train? (Choose up to three, although focusing on only one thing will give it greater gains)

[] Ninjutsu
-[] Fire Release
-[] Wind Release
-[] Earth Release
-[] Lightning Release
-[] Water Release
-[] Ice Release
-[] Wood Release
-[] Metal Release
-[] Work on and improve a ninjutsu you already know. (Write In on which one)

[] Taijutsu
-[] Work on your Strong Fist style.
-[] Work on opening the Third Gate.
-[] Work on your accuracy and speed with weaponry.
-[] The weapon Amakuni is making for you requires you to flow chakra into it, gain more familiarity with the Chakra Flow technique.
-[] Kushina showed you a few taijutsu techniques, try to copy and learn them.

[] Genjutsu
-[] Sight Genjutsu.
-[] Sound Genjutsu.
-[] Touch Genjutsu.
-[] Smell Genjutsu.
-[] Work on and improve a ninjutsu you already know. (Write In on which one)

[] Focus on improving your body.
-[] Work on your speed.
-[] Work on your stamina.
-[] Work on your strength.

[] Work on your hand seals and chakra control to improve your efficiency.

[] Attempt to summon an animal with Animal Path and gain their favor.
-[] Write In. (Most animals are on the table, just keep in mind that not all of them will be friendly. Keep it reasonable, and I have power to veto if you pick something invalid)

[] Asura Path gives you the power of body modification, try exploring what you can do with that.

[] You got something special in mind! (Write In)

 

[Kufufu]

[X] PLAN: Flow like Water
[X] Taijutsu
-[X] The weapon Amakuni is making for you requires you to flow chakra into it, gain more familiarity with the Chakra Flow technique.

Wanna get everything we can from our weapon when it's done and now would be a great time to get started on that

 

[Black King]

[X] Ninjutsu
-[X] Lightning Release
--[X] Lightning Release: Eyes of Indra (Lightning from the eyes)
--[X] Lightning Release: Sparkle Fingers (Lightning from the fingers)

[X] Focus on improving your body.
--[X] Use Metal Release to make weights, increase as necessary, use for strength/speed/stamina training as weights will do.

 

[canned Tomatoes]

[X] Taijutsu
-[X] The weapon Amakuni is making for you requires you to flow chakra into it, gain more familiarity with the Chakra Flow technique.
-[X] Work on your accuracy and speed with weaponry.

 

[Giga]

[X] Ninjutsu
-[X] Lightning Release
--[X] Lightning Release: Eyes of Indra (Lightning from the eyes)
--[X] Lightning Release: Sparkle Fingers (Lightning from the fingers)

[X] Focus on improving your body.
--[X] Use Metal Release to make weights, increase as necessary, use for strength/speed/stamina training as weights will do.