Seeing Kimimaro effortlessly dodge her attack, Natsuhi's pupils contracted.
*Such quick reflexes.*
Evading with such precise movements showed immense confidence in his abilities.
"I don't want to hurt you. Please leave," Natsuhi repeated.
"I won't leave until I get what I want. Don't worry, this is a transaction. I'll offer you satisfactory compensation. For instance, curing your illness and your child's."
Natsuhi was taken aback once more.
This young man seemed to know a lot about her.
But how could a teenager, barely sixteen, cure the aftereffects of Star Training?
"Do you think I'll believe you? If you won't leave, then don't blame me for being impolite."
Natsuhi attacked again.
Purple chakra transformed into a ferocious beast, lunging at Kimimaro.
"As expected, fists speak louder than words. Before a transaction, one must first subdue the other party."
Kimimaro shook his head slightly and charged towards the purple chakra beast.
His right hand extended, forming a bone sword, which he gripped tightly.
A jet-black aura enveloped the bone sword.
*Sonic Impact!*
The bone sword pierced the head of the purple chakra beast.
*Tear!*
Wherever the black bone sword touched, the chakra beast was sliced apart like tofu.
The Mysterious Peacock Method was instantly broken!
"What?!"
Natsuhi's eyes widened, only to see Kimimaro already standing before her.
With a twist of the sword, the blade pointed backward, and the hilt slammed into her abdomen.
The sudden impact caused Natsuhi to double over in pain, her gas mask falling off, revealing her delicate face.
However, at this moment, her delicate face was contorted in agony.
*Thud!*
Natsuhi collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Kimimaro picked her up and carried her into the cave.
An hour later, Natsuhi slowly awoke on the bed.
"You're awake?"
Hearing the voice, Natsuhi, who was still groggy, instantly became alert.
She looked at Kimimaro, who was sitting on a chair nearby, with wariness.
"Who are you? What did you do to me?"
Recalling Kimimaro's terrifying strength, Natsuhi was filled with fear.
She knew she was no match for him.
He was frighteningly powerful.
"Try circulating your chakra."
Kimimaro didn't answer her question but instead asked Natsuhi to sense her own body's condition.
Natsuhi was puzzled but complied.
The next moment, her eyes widened.
"This... how is this possible? My illness is cured?"
"The terms of the transaction remain the same. You give me the Star, and I'll heal you and your child. Now that your illness is cured, it's time for you to make a choice.
"If you agree, then everyone's happy. If you disagree, you'll die here first."
Kimimaro's killing intent enveloped Natsuhi without reservation, sending shivers down her spine.
Natsuhi knew he wouldn't stop until he achieved his goal.
In a fit of rage, he might even destroy Hoshigakure.
What good would it be to protect the Star then?
It was better to turn an enemy into a friend than to antagonize him.
The injuries caused by Star Training were the biggest problem plaguing Hoshigakure.
And this person could solve that problem.
Handing over the Star for that wasn't a big deal.
People were always more important than objects.
After a moment of contemplation, Natsuhi made her decision.
"Alright, but I have one condition. You need to heal everyone injured by Star Training."
"Deal."
"Follow me."
Natsuhi led Kimimaro out of the cave.
Using the Mysterious Peacock Method, a pair of purple chakra wings appeared on her back.
"I'll fly you there."
"No need, just lead the way."
Kimimaro said, then leaped into the sky.
*Shunpo!*
Mastering Shunpo to a certain extent allowed one to achieve flight.
Natsuhi's pupils shrank in slight surprise.
In such a short time, this white-haired youth had surprised her countless times.
Without further ado, Natsuhi guided Kimimaro to where she had hidden the Star.
Ten years ago, the Third Hoshikage discovered the side effects of Star Training and banned it.
At the same time, he tasked Natsuhi and Hotarubi with hiding in the shadows, protecting Hoshigakure and preventing anyone from restarting Star Training.
Unexpectedly, the Hoshikage died the next day, and Natsuhi and Hotarubi were accused of assassinating him.
Since then, they could only protect the village from the shadows.
A year ago, Hotarubi succumbed to the side effects of Star Training, and now Natsuhi's lifespan was also limited due to the same reason.
Yet, half a year ago, Akahoshi, the acting Hoshikage, restarted Star Training.
Helplessly, Natsuhi stole the Star a few days ago.
She wanted to use this method to completely eliminate the possibility of Star Training.
After a few minutes of flight, Natsuhi brought Kimimaro to Hotarubi's grave.
She formed hand seals, and a massive rock opened, revealing a stone coffin.
Inside the coffin was a corpse and the Star, brimming with purple chakra.
"This is the Star."
Natsuhi took out the Star and handed it to Kimimaro.
Taking it, he immediately sensed the immense chakra within.
*What a treasure!*
Kimimaro was inwardly delighted; his mission was accomplished.
This wasn't a suitable place to study the Star, so he prepared to store it away.
But at that moment, someone approached.
"Natsuhi, it was you after all. You intend to give the Star to an outsider? You traitor!"
The newcomer was Akahoshi and his two subordinates.
"Akahoshi, the Third Hoshikage banned Star Training years ago. You shouldn't have restarted it."
"Hmph, that old fool was short-sighted. His foolish actions have caused Hoshigakure to decline all these years. What's a little injury compared to gaining great power? These are necessary sacrifices.
"If you don't want those children to die, you should hand over the secret to successful training instead of spouting nonsense. As long as they succeed in training, they can at least live to thirty. That's enough for Hoshigakure!"
"There's no secret to Star Training; it all depends on talent. I've told you before, but you didn't believe me. Akahoshi, it's not too late to turn back. Abolish Star Training."
"Hahaha! How ridiculous! I killed the Third Hoshikage who abolished Star Training years ago. It seems you want to follow in his footsteps!"
"What! You killed the Hoshikage?"
Natsuhi was shocked.
"It's too late to know now! Natsuhi, prepare to die!"
Akahoshi and his two subordinates simultaneously used the Mysterious Peacock Method. Akahoshi even absorbed all the Star Chakra from his subordinates, causing a surge of immense chakra.
"Hahaha! See this? This is such wonderful power, and you wanted me to give it up? What a foolish thought!"
Akahoshi laughed maniacally and soared into the sky.
"This guy..."
Natsuhi's eyes were filled with seriousness.
At that moment, Kimimaro extended his left hand, instantly forming a bone bow.
His right index finger elongated into a bone arrow, which he pulled back on the chakra bowstring.
*Drawing the bow and releasing the arrow!*
*Whoosh!*
The white bone arrow turned jet-black the moment it was shot!
Akahoshi was startled and immediately used his chakra wings as a shield.
But it was useless.
With a cracking sound, the wings shattered instantly!
*Piercing the heart!*
Akahoshi looked at the wound in his chest in disbelief; his heart was completely destroyed.
"This... how is this possible..."
In the next moment, he plummeted from the sky, crashing onto the ground.
Natsuhi looked at the indifferent white-haired youth beside her in shock.
"What a noisy fellow. It's much quieter now."
Kimimaro commented expressionlessly.
(End of Chapter)