"Are you Kimimaro?"
On the top floor of the Mizukage Building, in Karatachi Yagura's office, Karatachi Yagura and Shimura Danzō stood on either side of the Mizukage's seat. Sitting in the seat itself was the true ruler of Kirigakure, Shisui Uchiha.
Standing before the three of them was five-year-old Kimimaro.
"I am Kimimaro, sir." In the young boy's eyes, the older brother across from him—who held all the authority—was only a few years older than him. Yet the Mizukage and the mysterious man who had rescued him both stood at his side. This sparked Kimimaro's intense curiosity.
"Do you know? I was the one who ordered the Anbu to attack your Kaguya Clan and kill your clan leader, Taketori Nihi."
Facing the boy he hoped to bring into his service, Shisui chose not to hide anything. He also appeared before Kimimaro in his true form.
Though he was only five, Kimimaro had grown up amid adversity and had learned early how the world worked. He knew that what came next would be a life-or-death choice for him.
"Ever since I could remember, the people in my clan feared my unusual talent. In their eyes, I was a monster." The boy's green eyes grew distant as he recalled everything that had happened over the years.
"But I was still useful to them. The clan treated me like a weapon and kept me under control. I know my talent is my greatest asset. As long as I can be useful, that's enough." The boy's reasoning wasn't hard to understand. What was remarkable was that it came from a five-year-old's own mouth.
"So if there's anything about me you can use, sir, then please treat me like a tool and make good use of me." After speaking, the white-haired boy lowered his head