111-115

Chapter 111 All Actors

Kaguya Sachiko, now known as Takenaka Sachiko, was the eldest member of the Kaguya clan, already eighty years old.

When Hiashi Hyuga saw her, his face showed a hint of respect.

Upon hearing this, Takenaka Sachiko sighed and slowly said, "Lord Hiashi, everything happened too suddenly. I'm not quite sure what's going on either. The Mist Anbu suddenly appeared, shattering our peaceful life.

Little Kui led the clan in a desperate resistance, but the clansmen haven't trained in a long time, and their strength is lacking. Under the powerful attack of the Mist Anbu, they couldn't hold on for long.

All these years, we just wanted to live ordinary lives, but we didn't expect to still be unable to escape the Mist's pursuit. Little Kui is probably already in their hands."

As Takenaka Sachiko spoke, her eyes were filled with anger and helplessness.

"Grandma Sachiko, Lord Hiashi is here, maybe there's still a chance to rescue the clansmen."

Kaguya Tsuki spoke up at the right time.

"Nonsense! The Mist sent dozens of people, how can Lord Hiashi rescue them? Going there would only add unnecessary casualties!

And I haven't even addressed you yet! Do you know that you now bear the responsibility of carrying on the Kaguya clan? You dared to leave on your own just now, do you think you're worthy of the responsibility Little Kui entrusted to you?"

"I..."

Seeing Takenaka Sachiko angry, Kaguya Tsuki didn't dare to say much.

Hiashi then looked at the other Takenaka clansmen in the cave.

At this moment, their eyes were filled with fear.

Facing thirty Mist Anbu, Hiashi Hyuga really didn't dare to attempt a rescue.

His status prevented him from acting recklessly.

This matter was too risky.

Even if he wanted to, for the sake of the Hyuga clan, he couldn't go.

If they failed, it would mean losing a Hyuga clan head and three Hyuga Jonin.

Even the Hyuga clan couldn't afford such a loss.

"I apologize, but I'm afraid I'm truly unable to carry out the rescue. Moreover, based on the Mist Anbu's usual practices, your clansmen are probably all dead by now."

The Anbu were always ruthless, and the Mist Anbu were even more so.

Unless there was a specific mission requirement to capture them alive, the chances of the Kaguya clansmen surviving were indeed slim.

And the Mist always aimed to exterminate bloodline limit clans, so there was no such thing as capturing them alive.

"Sigh, Lord Hiashi, there's no need to apologize. I had already anticipated this. I come from the Mist and understand their methods better than you. Now, I only hope to ensure the safety of these children. They are the future of the Kaguya clan."

"That's not a problem. I will take you to a safe place."

"Thank you, Lord Hiashi. Haha, it was like this five years ago, and it's still the same five years later. I guess the Kaguya clan is truly destined to fade away."

Takenaka Sachiko smiled sadly, but when her eyes swept over Kimimaro, she was suddenly startled!

"You! You are... Kimimaro!"

Their eyes met, and Takenaka Sachiko's eyes were filled with surprise.

As an elder of the Kaguya clan, she naturally knew of Kimimaro's existence.

Back then, Kimimaro's birth was a major event in the Kaguya clan.

Especially his Shikotsumyaku power, which was so strong that it terrified even his fellow clansmen, and was ultimately sealed in a cave by the clan leader himself.

Takenaka Sachiko was one of the witnesses at the time.

She would never forget Kimimaro's appearance.

Even though he had grown up, she still recognized him at a glance.

She originally thought he had perished in that clan extermination battle, but she never expected to see him alive now.

"I didn't expect anyone to remember me."

Seeing this, Kimimaro didn't deny his identity.

"It's really you! You're alive!"

Takenaka Sachiko was both surprised and delighted, her face full of disbelief.

"No, it's impossible. Even if you didn't die in that battle back then, your bloodline disease would have taken your life. How could you have survived until now?"

Back then, Kimimaro's bloodline disease had been confirmed by the Kaguya clan, and he wasn't expected to live past twelve.

How could Takenaka Sachiko believe that the boy with monstrous talent was still standing alive in front of her?

"Grandma Sachiko, he is indeed the Kimimaro from back then. He was lucky enough to encounter a skilled doctor who suppressed his bloodline disease, allowing him to live until now and even join the Sound Village.

It was because of this Chunin Exam that I learned he was still alive. I brought him here to let him know that there are still survivors of the Kaguya clan, that he's not alone. I just didn't expect to encounter such a situation."

As Hiashi spoke, he also felt a sense of sorrow.

Hearing this, Takenaka Sachiko was still skeptical.

Kaguya Tsuki, on the other hand, was confused, only vaguely feeling that the name sounded familiar.

"Are you really Kimimaro?"

Kimimaro didn't explain much, extending his right hand, a pure white bone blade emerged from his palm.

Shikotsumyaku!

Nothing was more convincing than this.

Takenaka Sachiko's eyes flashed with joy, and she finally believed that the person in front of her was Kimimaro.

"It's really you! That's great! If the clan leader in the Pure Land knew his child was still alive, he would be overjoyed."

Takenaka Sachiko was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes.

Kimimaro could feel that she was genuinely happy for him.

This elder of the Kaguya clan valued the continuation of the Kaguya bloodline the most.

"Welcome back, Kimimaro."

Takenaka Sachiko immediately expressed her welcome to Kimimaro.

"Grandma, I think you misunderstood. I don't really care if there are any survivors of the Kaguya clan. And I have no intention of returning to the Kaguya clan.

The reason I came back this time is solely to obtain all the medical records related to the Kaguya clan's bloodline disease. I want to live, and these medical records are still useful for treating my bloodline disease. If you know where the records are, could you please hand them over to me?"

Kimimaro stated his purpose very directly.

"You! You don't want to return to the clan?"

Takenaka Sachiko was shocked.

"The Kaguya clan abandoned me back then, wouldn't it be strange for me to return now?"

"As a member of the Kaguya clan, you should have the awareness to sacrifice your life. What do you mean the clan abandoned you? That was your honor!"

"I'm sorry, but I don't want that kind of honor. I repaid the life I owed to the Kaguya clan that night. Now, the Kaguya clan has no right to demand anything from me."

"You!"

Seeing that the two were about to argue, Hiashi quickly intervened.

"Grandma Sachiko, Kimimaro, now is not the time to argue. The Mist Anbu might discover this place at any moment, we should evacuate first. We can discuss anything else later."

Takenaka Sachiko suppressed her anger and said in a low voice, "Alright, I'll follow Lord Hiashi's arrangements."

Kimimaro didn't say anything, which was considered an agreement.

Seeing this, Hiashi breathed a sigh of relief and immediately led everyone away.

The journey was smooth, as if the Mist Anbu had given up on this group of Kaguya clansmen.

By nightfall, they had reached a safe area.

"We're now within the Land of Fire's警戒线. The Mist Anbu definitely wouldn't dare to launch a large-scale operation here. Everyone, rest here for the night, and we'll make further plans tomorrow."

Exhausted from the day, everyone quickly fell asleep, but Kimimaro didn't. He was organizing all the information he had gathered so far.

After a long while, he came to a conclusion.

"They're all actors."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 112: Caged Birds

Kimimaro had been observing everything that happened during the day from a bystander's perspective.

Ordinary people could only observe through their eyes, but he had something else: the Kagura Mind's Eye.

The Kagura Mind's Eye could determine whether someone was lying based on the changes in their chakra, making it a secret technique perfectly suited for the Interrogation Department.

After Kimimaro acquired this secret technique, no one could lie in front of him.

During the day, Hiashi hadn't lied, but both Kaguya Tsuki and Takenaka Sachiko were full of lies.

They were acting.

From the moment they mentioned the Mist ninja's surprise attack, they had been putting on a show.

It was evident that they were deeply immersed in their roles, having rehearsed countless times.

Even Hiashi Hyuga, a seasoned veteran of the ninja world, was deceived.

But after realizing they were acting, Kimimaro had another question.

What was their purpose?

This play was clearly staged for Hiashi Hyuga.

But what could they gain by deceiving Hiashi Hyuga?

Kimimaro couldn't understand, but through the Kagura Mind's Eye, he discovered another interesting thing.

About ten kilometers away, around seventy or eighty people were gathered in one place, and their chakra was very similar to that of the Kaguya clansmen in front of him.

If Kimimaro's guess was correct, these people should be the remaining Kaguya clansmen.

They hadn't engaged in a bloody battle with the Mist Anbu, hadn't been injured, hadn't died, and hadn't been captured.

Through this, Kimimaro was even more certain that this was all an act.

It was a grand play performed by the Kaguya clan, working together.

They knew Hiashi Hyuga would be visiting soon, so they planned this whole performance.

Now, back to the original question, what was the significance of this play?

Kimimaro couldn't come to a conclusion for the time being.

He didn't have enough information yet.

What was certain now was that Hiashi Hyuga had other motives for bringing him to meet the Kaguya clan.

And the Kaguya clan clearly had their own agenda as well.

"Indeed, in this world, it's extremely difficult for two clans to trust each other."

Kimimaro shook his head slightly, deciding not to waste time and lay his cards on the table tonight.

So he got up and first sought out Hiashi Hyuga.

Hiashi Hyuga was leaning against a large tree, resting with his eyes closed.

Hearing Kimimaro's approach, he opened his white eyes.

"You're not asleep yet at this late hour? Do you need something from me?"

"Uncle Hiashi, I want to know your true purpose for bringing me here. I'm not stupid, you should know that your previous reasons couldn't convince me."

Hiashi Hyuga sighed, his expression somewhat helpless.

He seemed to be pondering something.

"Is it because the Kaguya clan also has something you need?"

Seeing that Hiashi remained silent, Kimimaro directly stated his guess.

Upon hearing this, Hiashi took a deep look at him.

"You really don't seem like a member of the Kaguya clan. You're right, I did have another purpose for bringing you to the Kaguya clan."

"What is it?"

"For half of a stone tablet."

"Half of a stone tablet?"

Kimimaro frowned slightly. Where did the Kaguya clan get a stone tablet?

"Yes, half of a stone tablet. The Hyuga and Kaguya clans were once one family, each safeguarding half of a stone tablet. This tablet was a treasure left by our common ancestor, containing many secrets and secret techniques, but no one had ever been able to decipher anything from the blank tablet.

Until hundreds of years ago, a genius emerged from my Hyuga main family. He used his extremely strong Byakugan to unlock part of the secrets within the tablet.

That secret was the Caged Bird Seal. The Caged Bird Seal was incredibly ingenious and was later used to control the Byakugan of the Hyuga branch family to prevent it from falling into outsiders' hands. From then on, the distinction between the main and branch families became even more pronounced."

Upon hearing this, Kimimaro was shocked.

He hadn't expected the Caged Bird Seal to originate from this.

No wonder no one from the Hyuga branch family had been able to break it for hundreds of years.

What was even more shocking was that the Kaguya and Hyuga clans actually shared custody of the same stone tablet.

This inevitably reminded him of the Uchiha clan's stone tablet.

The Uchiha clan's stone tablet was left by the Sage of Six Paths. Could the stone tablet of the Hyuga and Kaguya clans be left by Hamura Otsutsuki?

Did both brothers enjoy playing these games?

"So you brought me here, hoping that I could decipher the contents of the Kaguya clan's half of the stone tablet?"

Kimimaro quickly deduced Hiashi's purpose.

Hiashi nodded, not denying it.

"That's right. The Hyuga genius from hundreds of years ago relied on his extremely strong Byakugan to unlock the secrets of the tablet.

So I speculate that the Kaguya clan's half of the stone tablet also requires their powerful bloodline to see its contents. And you're probably the only one who currently meets that requirement."

"You covet the secrets on the Kaguya stone tablet?"

"No, I only want to obtain the method to break the Caged Bird Seal. The Caged Bird Seal technique is recorded on my Hyuga clan's half of the stone tablet, so the method to break it is very likely on the Kaguya clan's half. I want to obtain it."

Hiashi Hyuga's words were filled with determination.

"Hmm?"

This answer was clearly unexpected to Kimimaro.

A member of the Hyuga main family, and the head of the Hyuga clan at that, what did he need the method to break the Caged Bird Seal for?

As long as the Caged Bird Seal remained unbreakable, the Hyuga main family could forever control the branch family.

Hiashi Hyuga didn't want such a good thing?

Kimimaro found it very strange, but through the Kagura Mind's Eye, he knew Hiashi wasn't lying.

"I don't quite understand your purpose in doing this. Is the method to break the Caged Bird Seal important to you?"

"It's important, very important. It's related to my deceased younger brother."

"The Hyuga Hizashi who died in your place back then?"

Seeing Kimimaro mention Hizashi's name, Hiashi was slightly surprised.

After all, at his age, he shouldn't know about this person.

But soon, he laughed self-deprecatingly.

"I didn't expect even people from the Sound Village to know about Hizashi's death. It seems the shame of my Hyuga clan is widely known. Yes, it's my poor twin brother, Hyuga Hizashi.

Back then, it was clearly the Cloud Village's doing, yet my Hyuga clan had to swallow our pride and endure. Fine, to prevent the flames of war from reigniting, I could choose to sacrifice myself.

But!

To prevent the Byakugan from falling into the hands of outsiders, the clan elders and the Third Hokage actually made Hizashi die in my place!

That fool Hizashi actually accepted it for my sake!

I'll never forget the scene that day. Hizashi subdued me and said he wasn't dying for the clan, but only for me, his older brother!

But as his older brother, I still let his son endure the pain of the Caged Bird Seal! And in the future, my own daughter will also have to bear that damned Caged Bird Seal.

I'm not reconciled! The system of this clan makes me feel even more despair! The branch family members are bound by the Caged Bird Seal, and I, the clan head, am also a caged bird!"

As Hiashi spoke, he clenched his fists, filled with anger.

This anger contained dissatisfaction with the Third Hokage and also dissatisfaction with the Hyuga clan itself.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 113: Benefits

Hiashi's dissatisfaction in his words surprised Kimimaro.

He didn't expect the high-ranking Hyuga patriarch to have such resentment.

Back then, Hiashi had just become the head of the Hyuga clan and didn't have enough say. He could only watch his younger brother die for him, which planted a seed in his heart.

The Third Hokage's inaction and the stubborn elders in the clan made Hiashi very angry.

But what could he do?

At that time, he couldn't do anything.

But now, he can have his own choice.

He has secured the position of the Hyuga patriarch.

But to carry out reforms, the Caged Bird Seal must first be broken.

This step directly stumped Hiashi Hyuga.

He simply didn't have the ability.

After years of research, there was no progress.

It wasn't until five years ago when the Kaguya clan asked him for help that he remembered the half stone tablet.

But at that time, there was no one in the Kaguya clan who could help him unlock the secrets on the stone tablet.

They were just a group of women, children, and elderly people who had fled.

So Hiashi could only suppress this thought.

It wasn't until he saw Kimimaro that this thought became active again.

The one who was called the strongest bloodline of the Kaguya clan in hundreds of years definitely had the qualifications to unlock the stone tablet.

He didn't tell Kimimaro in Konoha, firstly because he was afraid he wouldn't agree, and secondly, he was afraid of leaking the news.

But here, he wasn't afraid to say it.

Whether Kimimaro agreed or not, he had to do this.

It was time to show his cards.

After listening to Hiashi's story, Kimimaro knew he had been calculated by the other party.

However, he didn't mind.

He even had a bit more好感towards this Hyuga patriarch.

Because he still had some blood in him.

"I see. But where is that half of the stone tablet, do you know?"

Hiashi frowned slightly and looked at Taketoshi Kozue who was still awake in the distance.

"The Kaguya clan encountered an attack from the Mist Anbu, which I never expected. But if Kaguya Aoi really placed the hope of the Kaguya on these people, they should know the whereabouts of the stone tablet."

"You plan to force them to tell?"

"No, not forcing them. My Hyuga and Kaguya have been friends for a thousand years, and there's still affection. I hope this is a transaction that can be pleasant for both sides.

Kimimaro, I hope you can help me decipher the secrets of the stone tablet. As long as you help me do this, in the future, if you have any needs, as long as it's within my ability, I won't refuse.

Moreover, only they know where the medical records of the bloodline disease you need are."

"Okay."

Kimimaro didn't refuse.

He also wanted to know the secrets of the stone tablet.

Black Zetsu had been staring at the Uchiha clan for a thousand years and probably didn't have time to target the Kaguya and Hyuga.

The content on the stone tablet might be good stuff left by Hamura Otsutsuki. If he didn't take a look, wouldn't it be a waste?

"Uncle Hiashi, let me go talk to Granny Kozue. If she really knows the whereabouts of the other half of the stone tablet, I'm confident I can get her to tell me."

Seeing that Hiashi wanted to go find Taketoshi Kozue himself, Kimimaro immediately took on this task.

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you."

Hiashi didn't object either. It was indeed more appropriate for Kimimaro to handle this matter.

Knowing Hiashi's purpose, most of Kimimaro's doubts were cleared.

The next step was to see what the Kaguya clan wanted to do.

"Granny Kozue, I want to talk to you."

Taketoshi Kozue wasn't surprised to see Kimimaro coming to her.

"Just in time, I also want to talk to you."

"Let's talk somewhere else, this place isn't suitable."

"Okay."

"Granny, I'll go with you."

Taketoshi Tsuki immediately said.

"No need, I believe he won't harm an old woman like me. Tsuki, you stay here and watch over everyone."

"But..."

"Be obedient!"

"Alright."

Taketoshi Tsuki looked a bit aggrieved but still agreed.

The two walked to a secluded place, and Kimimaro got straight to the point, "Granny Kozue, I want to know, what exactly does the Kaguya clan want to do now?"

"Want to do what? I don't understand what you mean."

"Then let me be more clear. What do you want to do after putting on a show for a whole day? The nonsense about the Mist Anbu's sneak attack might fool Hiashi Hyuga, but it can't fool me."

Upon hearing this, Taketoshi Kozue's pupils suddenly shrank!

Exposed?

How is that possible!

For today's act, they had rehearsed for a long time, how could it be seen through?

Even Hiashi Hyuga believed it without a doubt, but this young man in front of her actually saw through the flaws?

What was going on?

Was he bluffing?

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Granny Kozue, I'm very sure this is an act, and I even know that those so-called captured Kaguya clansmen are about ten kilometers away in this direction. So, you don't have to act in front of me."

As Kimimaro spoke, he pointed in a certain direction.

No, it really wasn't!

The direction Kimimaro pointed to was exactly where Kaguya Aoi and the others were.

How did he know?

Did Hiashi Hyuga tell him?

No, impossible, Hiashi Hyuga's Byakugan range was at most three kilometers, he couldn't know what was happening ten kilometers away.

What was going on?

Even Taketoshi Kozue, who had experienced many storms, was panicked at this moment.

The play had just begun, and it was already exposed.

How could they continue acting?

"Are you in cahoots with Hiashi Hyuga?"

Taketoshi Kozue forced herself to calm down and asked the first question.

"No, it can only be said that we each get what we need. I've already told you what I need. I just want to survive. To stay alive, I can do anything.

The fact that I came to you now instead of coming with Hiashi Hyuga should show you my sincerity. Your play is for Hiashi Hyuga. If I tell him the truth, what do you think will happen?"

Kimimaro revealed a sneer.

This smile made Taketoshi Kozue's heart chill.

"You can't do this! You are a member of the Kaguya clan, how can you do something that harms the clan!"

Taketoshi Kozue said angrily.

"Then, please hand over the medical records of the bloodline disease to me. And whatever you want to act out with Hiashi Hyuga, I won't interfere."

Looking at the white-haired boy in front of her, Taketoshi Kozue already understood that this was a guy who wouldn't do anything without benefits.

It was impossible to persuade him with the clan's honor.

What had this guy gone through all these years?

How did he become like this?

At this moment, she let out a heavy sigh and slowly said, "I can give you the medical records you want, but not now. That thing is in Aoi's hands. After this matter is over, I will let her give it to you.

But before that, you can't tell Hiashi Hyuga what you've noticed. Otherwise, you'll never get the medical records!"

"Deal."

Kimimaro was very satisfied, but he didn't end the conversation there.

"Then, tell me now, what exactly do you want to do? Maybe I can help you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 114: Night Bone Island

"We are testing."

"Testing what?"

Kimimaro looked puzzled, not understanding Taketoshi Kozue's meaning.

"Testing what Hiashi Hyuga's intentions are towards our Kaguya clan. In recent years, he has been too enthusiastic towards our Kaguya clan. This enthusiasm makes us very uneasy."

After all, there's not much kindness in the world without a reason. Even a thousand-year friendship has always been built on the premise of equal strength between the two sides.

Now that the Kaguya clan has declined, but Hiashi Hyuga is still so enthusiastic to help, this has aroused suspicion in the Kaguya clan, who have been deceived before.

What exactly is the other party's intention?

This is what the Kaguya clan wants to figure out.

Otherwise, they would be like a piece of fat meat in the mouth of the Hyuga clan, ready to be eaten whenever the other party wants.

Therefore, they decided to take the initiative and make a strategic sacrifice.

If the Hyuga clan really had other ideas, then facing the Kaguya clan with only thirteen people left and not much fighting power, they would definitely take action.

And these thirteen people would become abandoned pawns of the Kaguya clan.

For the sake of the clan's heritage, sacrifice was inevitable.

But if the Hyuga clan had no other intentions, then naturally everyone would be happy.

These thirteen people, with the help of the Hyuga, would find a new place to live in seclusion, or join Konoha, both of which were good choices.

And the other clansmen would completely disappear into the ninja world, and no one would know their identities anymore.

But no matter what the final outcome of this test was, Hiashi Hyuga couldn't know the truth.

Otherwise, the relationship between the Hyuga and the Kaguya would completely deteriorate.

With Taketoshi Kozue's explanation, Kimimaro also understood the purpose of the Kaguya clan's act.

This clan had obviously become a frightened bird.

But it wasn't strange for them to have such worries, and the Hyuga clan wasn't wronged either.

Because Hiashi Hyuga was indeed coveting their things.

Being able to use the strongest bloodline limit user of this generation for a gamble, the Kaguya clan indeed had courage.

No, wait...

The fact that Taketoshi Tsuki was the strongest of the younger generation might not be true.

Perhaps the Kaguya clan had been planning today's events as early as three years ago.

Kimimaro shook his head slightly, these guesses were no longer important.

Now that he knew the purposes of both sides, the matter would be much easier to solve.

"I know what Hiashi Hyuga's intentions are towards the Kaguya clan."

"You know? How could you know?"

Taketoshi Kozue was startled.

"Naturally, Hiashi Hyuga told me. He brought me here for this purpose."

"What exactly does he want to do?"

Taketoshi Kozue raised her guard.

"For half of the stone tablet."

"Stone tablet?"

Upon hearing this, Taketoshi Kozue immediately remembered what it was.

"Is it the stone tablet with inscriptions that no one can decipher?"

"If the stone tablet passed down through the Kaguya clan is only one, then it should be it."

"Does Hiashi Hyuga know how to unlock that stone tablet?"

"Perhaps. He said he needs my power to open it. I think it should be related to the Shikotsumyaku power within me. But he won't say how to do it specifically until we see the stone tablet."

Upon hearing this, Taketoshi Kozue's mind immediately became active.

It was rumored that the stone tablet recorded many secret techniques, perhaps this was an opportunity for the Kaguya clan to rise again.

Only secrets that could be unlocked had value; otherwise, staying there for thousands of years would be useless.

The Kaguya clan had also reached its most difficult moment. If they could really unlock this secret, it would definitely be a good thing.

"Kimimaro, do you still consider yourself a member of the Kaguya clan?"

Taketoshi Kozue suddenly asked.

"Yes. But if you want me to be a slave for the Kaguya clan, I advise you to give up that thought."

Taketoshi Kozue sighed, knowing she couldn't persuade Kimimaro.

"Alright, I understand. I can tell you the whereabouts of the other half of the stone tablet. However, I hope you can tell me the contents after you see the stone tablet. This might be an opportunity for the Kaguya clan to rise again."

"Okay. But if there's anything related to the Hyuga clan inside, Hiashi Hyuga probably wouldn't want others to know."

"I'm not interested in the Hyuga's things, I only want to know the Kaguya clan's content."

"Deal."

Seeing Kimimaro agree, Taketoshi Kozue felt relieved and immediately told him the location of the stone tablet.

"When the Kaguya clan joined Kirigakure, the Kaguya ancestors didn't take the stone tablet with them, but left it in the forbidden area of our original residence. Only members of our Kaguya clan can enter there.

Kimimaro, if you want to get the stone tablet, you must be careful of the trials set by our ancestors in the forbidden area. Only by passing those trials can you see the stone tablet. Besides that, you also need to be careful of Hiashi Hyuga, he might turn against you after learning the contents of the stone tablet."

The original residence of the Kaguya clan couldn't be explained clearly with words.

So Taketoshi Kozue decided to take Kimimaro and Hiashi Hyuga there.

But to complete the act, they needed to arrange for these twelve Kaguya clansmen first.

Kimimaro returned to Hiashi with Taketoshi Kozue's reply, and Hiashi was overjoyed.

Early the next morning, they arranged for the Kaguya clansmen, and then a group of five, plus Taketoshi Kozue, headed towards the forbidden area of the Kaguya clan.

Three days later, on the vast sea, Kimimaro and the others were searching for a small island.

"That small island ahead is Night Bone Island."

Taketoshi Kozue pointed to a seemingly desolate island not far away.

"Byakugan!"

Hiashi Hyuga activated his Byakugan and locked his sight on the small island.

There were no green plants on the island, only rocks and a white bone forest.

Those bones were very similar to the bones of Shikotsumyaku.

"Is this the forbidden area of the Kaguya clan, Night Bone Island?"

Kimimaro muttered to himself.

The small boat gradually approached the island, and under the guidance of Taketoshi Kozue, everyone came to the entrance of a cave.

"The stone tablet passed down through the Kaguya clan is here. But only members of the Kaguya clan can enter. I don't know what it's like inside.

The last time I came here was fifty years ago with the clan leader. At that time, I was also waiting at the entrance."

Hiashi Hyuga had already learned this from Taketoshi Kozue on the way, so he wasn't surprised at this moment.

He activated his Byakugan and looked at the cave.

The cave was covered by a layer of barrier, which even the Byakugan couldn't see through.

Hiashi extended his right hand and placed it on the barrier.

As expected, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't step into the barrier.

The methods of the Kaguya ancestors were indeed extraordinary.

"Kimimaro, the rest is up to you. As long as you can retrieve the stone tablet and learn its contents, you will be a benefactor of my Hyuga clan."

Hiashi Hyuga's words were full of sincerity.

"Uncle Hiashi, please rest assured, having come this far, I don't want to return empty-handed either."

After Kimimaro finished speaking, he walked straight into the cave.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 115: Three Thousand Worlds!

Passing through the barrier membrane, Kimimaro entered a dimly lit corridor.

"The lighting is really poor."

Kimimaro complained, then reached into his ninja tool pouch and took out a Poké Ball.

"I choose you! Pikachu!"

Golden electric light burst out from the Poké Ball, transforming into the long-unseen Pikachu.

"Pika!"

Seeing the light of day again, Pikachu seemed quite excited, jumping directly onto Kimimaro's shoulder and rubbing his cheek.

"Pikachu, illuminate."

Hearing this, Pikachu's tail emitted a golden light, instantly illuminating the area within a few meters.

"That's much better."

Having solved the lighting problem, Kimimaro continued forward.

After passing through the corridor, a bone forest appeared before him.

Kimimaro extended his right hand and touched the nearest bone.

Although it was covered in dust, he could still recognize that it was a bone formed by Shikotsumyaku.

"It's similar to the bone forest outside. It seems this place really has a strong connection to the Kaguya clan. So, where is the stone tablet?"

Kimimaro didn't waste any time and directly activated his Byakugan!

His vision instantly turned black and white, and everything within a kilometer radius became clearly visible.

"There it is!"

Soon, Kimimaro discovered the location of the stone tablet.

It was deep within the bone forest, surrounded by white bones.

"Found it."

The seemingly unexpectedly smooth progress didn't make Kimimaro happy.

On the contrary, he became even more vigilant.

The trial Taketoshi Kozue mentioned hadn't appeared yet.

"Let's go, Pikachu."

"Pika!"

The boy and the beast headed towards the stone tablet.

But they hadn't gone far when Kimimaro sensed something was wrong.

Because the surrounding bone forest moved!

The dust on the bone forest was shaken off, and the white bones formed human shapes one by one.

These bones continuously formed skeletons, increasing in number, surrounding Kimimaro.

"Is this the so-called trial? Interesting."

Kimimaro activated his Byakugan, taking in all the skeletons.

A total of eighty-one skeletons, forming three layers of encirclement.

Before Kimimaro could think further, the skeletons launched their attack!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

One skeleton spread its ten fingers and fired a barrage at Kimimaro.

It was a technique he was very familiar with - Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets!

Ten finger bones shot towards him, their power strong enough to pierce through stone.

Kimimaro made a quick decision, flicking his right hand, and a bone sword flew out from his palm!

Dance of the Willow! Revolving Shield!

The bone sword drew a circular arc of sword light, deflecting all ten finger bones!

But this was just the beginning.

The remaining eighty skeletons simultaneously extended their ten fingers.

A drop of cold sweat rolled down Kimimaro's forehead.

"This is a bit exaggerated."

Kimimaro complained, then eight hundred finger bones shot towards him from all directions!

"Rotation!"

Facing such a dense attack, all the acupoints in Kimimaro's body simultaneously released a large amount of chakra, and his body began to spin at this moment!

A blue chakra shield quickly formed around him as he spun.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Eight hundred finger bones continuously struck the Rotation, but they were all deflected.

It had to be said that a defensive technique like Rotation was simply too useful.

But Pikachu on Kimimaro's shoulder felt a bit dizzy.

"Pika..."

Just as Pikachu was about to faint, the Rotation ended.

As soon as Kimimaro stopped, ten skeletons rushed forward!

Dance of the Willow!

There were no unnecessary movements, each move perfectly integrated with the bones in his body.

The bones extended, retracted, and stabbed, all with perfect timing.

The combined attack of ten skeletons forced Kimimaro, who had just stopped his Rotation, to dodge, unable to find an opportunity to counterattack for a while.

After one wave of attacks ended, another ten skeletons attacked.

They all held a bone blade in their hands.

Dance of the Camellia!

Weapon taijutsu!

The precise and flexible taijutsu combined perfectly with the bone blades in their hands, each strike giving Kimimaro a sense of danger.

He continuously used Shunpo under his feet, dodging wave after wave of attacks.

"This is really a breathless offensive."

Ten skeletons attacked, seventy-one skeletons watched. These skeletons looked well-trained.

As the Dance of the Camellia ended, another ten skeletons rushed forward.

Fists and kicks!

Kimimaro wielded his bone sword, and four sword lights appeared!

Horizontal Square Cut!

The four sword lights struck the nearest skeletons, and four skulls flew up!

But the remaining six skeletons had already surrounded him.

Dance of the Pine!

Dozens of bone spikes grew from the skeletons' bodies, and they launched a spinning attack towards Kimimaro.

Spiked Tops!

Kimimaro's pupils shrank, and he immediately jumped into the air.

The six skeletons couldn't stop in time and crashed into each other, their bones scattering all over the ground.

Kimimaro was in mid-air, but there was not much joy on his face.

Several skeletons simultaneously pulled out their spines, turning them into bone chains, and flung them towards him.

Dance of the Iron Line Flowers!

"Not good!"

Kimimaro thought to himself, flicking his left hand, and another bone sword flew out from his palm.

Both swords moved simultaneously!

Dual Wielding!

Double Arc Slash!

The two swords slashed out, shattering all the incoming bone chains!

But the remaining skeletons wouldn't give him a chance to react.

Just as his two swords landed, another bone chain swept over, binding him tightly!

Another skeleton's right hand had transformed into a bone drill, charging directly at Kimimaro!

It was obvious that it wanted to drill a hole in him.

"If this continues, it won't be fun anymore! Dance of the Pine!"

White bone spikes immediately emerged from Kimimaro's body, and with a spin, the bone chains all shattered.

His two bone swords crossed, turning black.

Sword of Clow Card activated!

Then, the two swords slashed directly at the charging skeleton!

White Bird Cross Thrust!

Cross Slash!

The bone drill was instantly cut off by the black bone sword!

The cross-shaped sword light also sliced through the skeleton!

Kimimaro was getting serious.

"So many skeletons, all using the Kaguya clan's bloodline limit. Could they all be members of the Kaguya clan?"

This guess popped into Kimimaro's mind.

It seemed that only this guess could explain the scene before him.

Eighty-one skeletons, each possessing the strength of a Chunin.

Although not strong individually, their sheer number was overwhelming.

"The ancestors of the Kaguya clan really know how to play. But if you think this is enough to stop me, you're wrong. Let's end this quickly!"

Kimimaro sneered, opened his mouth, and one of his teeth grew rapidly, transforming into a bone sword, which he then tightly gripped the hilt of.

He activated Shunpo under his feet and appeared in front of all the skeletons.

At the same time, he tightly gripped the black bone swords in his hands and spun them rapidly!

Bursts of sword wind emanated from the constantly swinging bone swords.

"Three Thousand Worlds!"

The terrifying sword wind continued to blast out, and the skeletons in front could no longer withstand it, showing signs of breaking.

Three Swords Style! Three Thousand Worlds!

At this moment, the three swords erupted with terrifying power!

Whoosh!

Kimimaro turned into an afterimage, charging into the group of skeletons!

(End of Chapter)