*Chapter 13: Poaching Orochimaru’s Targets*

Genryū couldn’t help but question whether such a reckless decision truly came from the wise Mizukage.

This doesn’t seem like Lord Yagura at all!

How can he expect to maintain respect and authority with policies like this?

Baffled but too intimidated to voice his doubts, Genryū reluctantly withdrew.

What he didn’t know was that the moment he left—

A masked man materialized behind Yagura, his voice icy.

"As long as I’m here, Kirigakure will never nurture another genius."

"This is your village’s punishment—doomed to decay, never to prosper."

Unbeknownst to Yoru, his exceptional talent had just earned him a one-way ticket to the danger zone.

---

*Meanwhile…*

Yoru hastily threw on his clothes and bolted outside, leaving Mei Terumī bewildered by his urgency.

"What’s gotten into him?"

Racing through the village, he cursed himself for forgetting something critical.

"Kimimaro… Kimimaro! Please don’t have left with Orochimaru yet!"

"Losing a talent like you would be a colossal waste!"

It wasn’t until after his bath that he remembered—*Kaguya Kimimaro*, ostracized as a monster, had been imprisoned long before the war.

Which meant he hadn’t participated in the conflict.

And if he’s still here…

This is my chance.

If Yoru wanted to revive Kirigakure, gathering prodigies was non-negotiable.

Kimimaro was priority number one.

---

*Kaguya Clan Compound*

Arriving at the derelict estate, Yoru exhaled in relief.

He’s still here.

Caged like an animal, Kimimaro sat quietly, cradling a fragile flower with unsettling tenderness.

"Who are you?! Leave—now!"

"Before I lose control… and kill you."

Despite his feral snarl, Kimimaro’s delicate features—pale skin, sharp bone structure—made it hard to see him as a monster.

Why?

Because in this world, *pretty privilege was real*.

"I’m Yoru. Let’s be friends, Kimimaro."

With a slash, the cage bars split open.

"F-Friends? You’re not afraid I’ll snap and murder you?"

Kimimaro’s eyes widened, hope flickering in their depths.

His clan had shunned him as a freak. Yet here was someone offering companionship.

"Not worried. I can handle you if needed." Yoru grinned, flashing a Might Guy–level smile.

"But more importantly—I trust you won’t harm a friend."

"Just existing… doesn’t give life meaning."

"But if you keep living, you might meet fascinating people… like that flower did for you, and like you just did for me."

"Come on, Kimimaro. A whole new world’s waiting."

Kimimaro’s resolve solidified.

"You’re right. I’ll live—for your sake, my first friend."

Mission accomplished.

Yoru mentally cheered.

*Kaguya Kimimaro: successfully recruited.*

As for his terminal *Shikotsumyaku* degeneration?

Not incurable.

Yoru recalled texts mentioning a rare medicinal fruit in a minor nation that could slow the disease.

I’ll buy him time.

Of course, bringing Kimimaro straight to Kirigakure now would be suicidal.

He struck a deal:

"Lay low near Water Country’s borders. I’ll come for you within three years."

Kimimaro agreed without hesitation.

---

*Bonus Round: Two-for-One Deal*

While sneaking Kimimaro out (and praying to avoid Orochimaru), fate tossed Yoru another gift.

*Haku*—the cross-dressing orphan from another annihilated clan.

(Wait, since when was Haku a Yuki clansman? The manga never mentioned—)

Eh, details.

Haku, adrift and questioning his right to exist, was prime recruitment material.

Enter Yoru, self-appointed *philosopher-at-large*, who promptly:

1. Gave a pep talk about purpose.

2. Secured Haku’s loyalty.

*Two traumatized teens acquired.*

Kimimaro and Haku bonded instantly—kindred spirits in exile.

---

*Extraction Operation*

"Please tell me Tobi didn’t notice…"

Sweating bullets, Yoru exploited his ANBU clearance to smuggle them out via a secondary gate.

The post-war chaos worked in his favor—no one scrutinized a low-ranking ninja’s movements.

*What he didn’t know:*

His scheme had an *80% detection risk*.

(The entire village was Tobi’s surveillance playground.)

But *Orochimaru*, ironically, became his unwitting accomplice.

The Sannin’s simultaneous infiltration drew Tobi’s attention, letting Yoru slip through.

---

*Meanwhile: Distraction Duty*

At Kirigakure’s eastern gate, the Fourth Mizukage and elite forces cornered Orochimaru.

"Bold of you to trespass, Snake Sannin."

"Since you’re here… stay permanently."

Even under genjutsu, Yagura—a perfect jinchūriki—was a nightmare opponent.

Add the entire village’s military?

Orochimaru wisely retreated.

"Reinforce all entry points!" Yagura ordered.

"A Great Village cannot tolerate intrusions!"

But his urgency had an unspoken reason…

---