Having gone through so much, Naruto knew that Kimimaro was telling the truth. In this world, strength ultimately dictates the rules.
"I will definitely get Sasuke back from Orochimaru!" Naruto declared resolutely.
Kimimaro shook his head slightly.
"Naruto, you still don't understand. Sasuke left on his own; no one forced him. If you don't understand why he left, even if you have the power to defeat him, you won't be able to bring him back."
Naruto was stunned.
Kimimaro flashed and appeared beside him, placing his right hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"You have three years to think about it. When you understand, then go find Sasuke."
With that, Kimimaro was about to leave.
"Wait!" Naruto suddenly called out.
"Hmm?"
"I want to know, are you and I friends?"
Their previous interactions had been harmonious, and Naruto truly considered Kimimaro a friend. But now, everything seemed to have changed. Naruto wanted to know if their friendship was real or not.
Kimimaro looked into Naruto's bright blue eyes, filled with longing and innocence. He rarely smiled, but he did now.
"Perhaps one day, we'll have the chance to eat ramen together at Teuchi's again. I still remember you owe me a bowl."
Kimimaro didn't answer directly, and after saying that, he left.
But for Naruto, this answer was enough.
A few days later, in the Village Hidden in the Sound.
Sasuke and Neji had completed the training plan Kimimaro had designed for them. During their training, they were surprised to find that following this plan was extremely efficient.
Their plans were slightly different but perfectly suited their individual fighting styles. This showed how well Kimimaro understood them.
Perhaps few people in the ninja world possessed such teaching ability.
Kimimaro was able to achieve this thanks to the max-level teaching ability he had obtained from Ebisu. This ability wasn't useful for himself, but it was quite effective for nurturing talent.
He had also designed training plans for Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin, and their progress was equally rapid.
Getting stronger every day, Neji and Sasuke were very satisfied.
"At this rate, within three years, I should be able to have the power to defeat Itachi."
Sasuke felt more and more that leaving Konoha was the right choice. Otherwise, how could he have progressed so quickly?
On the other side, Kimimaro had found Orochimaru.
"Are you preparing to go to the Akatsuki?"
Orochimaru saw through his intentions at a glance.
Kimimaro nodded slightly.
"Everything is arranged. It's time to go. If I delay any longer, the excuse I made up before won't hold up. Even though it's just a flimsy excuse, it still needs to be somewhat believable."
"Hehe, you're right. Take this."
Orochimaru tossed a ring over.
Kimimaro reached out and caught it.
It was a peach-colored ring with the character "空" (Kū, meaning "Sky" or "Emptiness") inscribed on it. It looked quite exquisite.
"This is..."
"An Akatsuki core member's ring. There are a total of ten. This 'Kū' represents the codename - Kūchen. I always thought these rings had some special use, but after researching them, I found nothing.
Over the years, Deidara and Sasori of the Akatsuki came after me as a team, aiming for this ring.
You take it and join the Akatsuki, saying you took it from me as a gesture of your sincerity to join."
"Just for this?"
"Of course not. I also want to know what the use of this ring is. Maybe you can uncover this secret after you take it back."
Orochimaru had always been interested in such things, so Kimimaro wasn't surprised.
"Understood."
"Are you going alone again this time?"
"Yes. It's a defection, so it's not convenient to bring people along. Others going to the Akatsuki with me would just be a burden. I'll leave Suigetsu and the others in your care for now, Orochimaru-sama."
For Suigetsu and the others, the Village Hidden in the Sound was the most suitable place for training.
"Hehe, if you're entrusting them to me, then leave them all here."
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."
"The leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, possesses the Rinnegan. He's powerful and mysterious. I still remember his face; he should be one of the disciples Jiraiya took in back in the Land of Rain.
But at that time, he didn't have the Rinnegan. I joined the Akatsuki before to investigate the Rinnegan. Unfortunately, because of Itachi, I had to leave early.
You can also investigate Pain this time. My intuition tells me this person is not simple."
Kimimaro nodded slightly.
"I understand."
"Go then, and be careful. Don't lose your life because of your curiosity about the Akatsuki."
"Don't worry about that, Orochimaru-sama. I've always cherished my life."
With that, the two exchanged smiles.
Because they were both people who valued their lives.
The next day, Kimimaro left the Village Hidden in the Sound.
Before that, he had made proper arrangements for Suigetsu and the others.
A day later, news reached Zetsu, a member of the Akatsuki.
Kimimaro of the Village Hidden in the Sound had defected!
The reason was unknown, suspected to be a complete fallout with Orochimaru.
A few days later, in Crow Town.
A white-haired youth slowly stepped into this remote town.
"So this is Crow Town? It's really a fitting place for Uchiha Itachi."
Kimimaro muttered, taking off his hood, revealing his delicate face and the ninja headband on his forehead.
The headband had a musical note symbol, but now there was a scratch running through it.
Dozens of crows gathered, forming a human figure.
The figure's face gradually became clear.
It was Uchiha Itachi!
"You're here."
Looking at the appearing Uchiha Itachi, Kimimaro's lips curled into a slight smile.
"You're on time."
"Where's Sasuke?"
"He's training with Orochimaru. Don't worry, he's safe now."
Itachi looked at Kimimaro, feeling that he seemed a bit stronger than the last time they met.
What an elusive guy.
"Come with me. Pain has agreed to let you join the Akatsuki."
"Thank you."
Drip...
In a dark and damp cave, water slowly dripped from the stone wall above.
"Why did you suddenly call us all here? Is there some big mission?"
Deidara asked curiously.
"The last time we were all together like this was when Orochimaru betrayed us."
Kakuzu said coldly.
"There's a new member joining, and there's also something to announce."
Kisame, who had obviously received the news beforehand, answered everyone's questions.
"A new member? Who?"
At that moment, Pain and Itachi walked in with Kimimaro.
"A missing-nin from the Village Hidden in the Sound, Kaguya Kimimaro. From today on, he's a member of the Akatsuki. He will take Orochimaru's former position, codenamed Kūchen, the Dawn of the Akatsuki."
(End of Chapter)