Thus It Was

Under the guidance of information provided by Ming Jing, Kanon Kurama, Chiyo, and Hinata Mai found Kabuto's hiding place. However, by the time the three of them arrived, the battle had already ended.

"What happened? Did someone besides us find Kabuto Yakushi?" Chiyo asked fearfully as she looked at the terrifying traces left behind by the battle.

"With this level of destructive power, no ordinary shinobi could have caused it!" Hinata Mai activated her Byakugan and only then barely managed to see the edge of the enormous crater.

"So, can we find Kabuto Yakushi here?" Kanon asked with a frown. She had come bearing a mission. If she failed, how could she face Young Master when she returned?

Hinata Mai observed the area for a while, then shook her head. "He's not here. Let's widen the search."

"Alright!" The three women immediately got to work, searching around the massive crater.

Kyōmu Kurama sat atop a rock, quietly watching the three girls circle the same spot again and again. Once their stamina had nearly run out, she snapped her fingers and dispelled the Genjutsu. She leaped down from the rock, pinned Hinata Mai—the strongest in close combat—to the ground, then restrained Kanon with one hand just as she tried to cast a Genjutsu. Chiyo had only drawn her tachi halfway when Kyōmu Kurama glanced back at her. Her entire body instantly stiffened, leaving her unable to move.

In the blink of an eye, Kyōmu Kurama had easily subdued all three. She casually patted Hinata Mai's soft rear and asked with a smile, "Those distinctive eyes... little girl, you're from the Hyuga Clan, aren't you? And what about you two?"

"When you ask who someone is, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?" Kanon struggled as she spoke.

"You're quite stubborn, little girl!" Kyōmu