"Over the years, Kimimaro learned quite a few Strong Fist techniques from Konoha's taijutsu ninja, Might Guy."
"Not only that, he combined my Orochimaru Style Taijutsu with Konoha's Strong Fist, creating a taijutsu style unique to his bloodline."
"He named it Shikotsumyaku Style Taijutsu."
Guren watched as Jugo was repeatedly slammed into the ground. His gaze gradually shifted from berserk rage to innocence, then blank confusion. Kimimaro had forcibly beaten Jugo out of his rampaging state, leaving her deeply moved.
"So this is Kimimaro's taijutsu?"
"It's terrifying indeed..."
Memories of his childhood with Jugo kept drifting through Kimimaro's mind. The more he thought about them, the harder he slammed Jugo down.
Until he heard Jugo's half-dead groans.
"Ki... ah!"
"Ki, Ki, Ki... Kimimaro!"
"Stop throwing me!"
Only then did Kimimaro prepare to stop, but unfortunately, the final throw was already halfway through and could no longer be halted.
Carried by inertia, Jugo was still smashed heavily into the ground, landing squarely in the half-meter-deep human-shaped crater.
Kimimaro stepped forward to help him up, his tone slightly apologetic.
"Sorry, Jugo."
"I couldn't stop in time. Are you all right?"
Jugo took several deep breaths, using the last traces of Natural Chakra in his body to slowly heal the scrapes on his skin. He spoke weakly.
"I'm... I'm fine."
"You finally came, Kimimaro."
Then Jugo raised his head to look at Orochimaru.
"Lord Orochimaru, you finally came."
With that, he fainted from Chakra exhaustion, his head dropping heavily.
Suddenly, Orochimaru seemed to remember something and turned to Guren.
"By the way, where's Karin?"
Guren was immediately at a loss for words, stammering as she hesitated.
"Karin... she left not long ago."
"She said she'd found her destined man, then went off to pursue her love..."
Orochimaru raised a brow. Karin had actually