[Am I... dead?]
With that thought, Kimimaro slowly regained consciousness.
A dazzling white light filled his vision, making him instinctively try to raise a hand to shield his eyes.
Clank.
But the rattle of chains beside him made him realize his situation, and he abandoned the attempt.
"He's finally awake... Shizune, don't forget to record the time."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
At the same time, a slight clamor reached his ears.
Gradually adjusting to the glaring light, Kimimaro turned his head and saw a beautiful blonde woman watching him.
Only then did Kimimaro notice that all sorts of equipment surrounded his entire body—
Was he being treated?
"His heartbeat is too weak, his blood pressure is abnormal, and his whole body is diseased... Tch, his vital signs are still this bad. What a difficult condition." Tsunade frowned at the readings on the equipment. "Go tell my great-uncle... Lord Second that we've at least barely managed to keep him alive."
"Yes!"
The Medical Ninja beside him hurried away. Kimimaro withdrew his gaze and tried to break free of his chains.
But he gave up a second later. He had no idea what they had done to him, but he had no strength left at all.
He couldn't even activate his kekkei genkai.
[Wasn't I... fighting that Neji Hyuga...?]
Kimimaro tried to recall what had happened to him. As he searched his memories, that scene came back to him—
"Eight Gates Released Formation, open!"
Green chakra erupted around Neji's body. The blood vessels in his face swelled, and the veins around his eyes bulged even more prominently. He looked as though he might explode at any moment.
"So this is your full power? Lord Orochimaru, let me serve you one last..."
Having activated Curse Mark Stage Two, Kimimaro was preparing for one final