The Kaguya Clan's rebellion was suppressed, as expected.
Yagura, gravely wounded, did not even make an appearance. Kirigakure's Anbu and elite assassination squads alone slaughtered the entire Kaguya Clan.
However, for some unknown reason, Kimimaro was fortunate enough to escape from the hands of Kirigakure's Anbu. (So I really want to know how he survived in the original story before being taken away by Orochimaru.)
Having lost his clansmen and his purpose, Kimimaro wandered aimlessly through a forest within Kirigakure.
It was not until he discovered a delicate little flower beneath a barren tree that Kimimaro finally stopped walking.
Kimimaro obediently crouched beneath the tree and gazed at the flower with an inquisitive look.
"Why are you blooming here?
"Why won't you answer me?"
His voice echoed through the empty forest, and a sense of profound loneliness rose within him.
After waiting patiently for a while, Kimimaro's expression suddenly turned cold. A fierce glint flashed through his eyes as he raised the bone blade in his hand high.
"Even you're ignoring me? If you bloom here, no one will ever find you!"
"Please stop."
A sudden voice rang out. Kimimaro swiftly turned around, a look of shock appearing on his face.
He seemed to have seen this person before...
Seeing Kimimaro's panicked expression, like a child caught doing something wrong, Orochimaru smiled faintly and spoke softly.
"There's no meaning in staying alive, is there?"
Kimimaro rose to his feet in confusion and looked at Orochimaru and the several figures behind him.
"However, if you keep living, perhaps you'll find something interesting. Just as you found that flower, and just as we found you."
As he spoke, Orochimaru extended his pale hand and gently stroked Kimimaro's face beneath his white hair.
Kimimaro's expression filled with shock and unease.
That hand was