**Early Morning, Departure from Konoha Village**
A lively group of shinobi set off from Konoha Village in the early morning mist.
Kakashi, having overexerted himself with Kamui, was still recuperating in the hospital. Thus, Tsunade assigned Yamato from the Anbu to take his place.
While Yamato's formidable abilities played a role in the decision, the primary reason lay in his Wood Release. Using the First Hokage's necklace that Naruto wore, Yamato could help stabilize Naruto's control over the Nine-Tails' power.
Until Naruto became a perfect jinchūriki, Yamato would likely remain by his side. This duty inadvertently earned him the title of "Jinchūriki Babysitter."
This mission to the Tenchi Bridge involved a notable team: Yamato, Naruto, Sakura, Hinata, Tenten, Rock Lee, and Might Guy.
While Sasuke's whereabouts were a central focus, Neji's disappearance also garnered significant concern, particularly among the Hyūga clan. Hinata, in particular, felt a personal responsibility.
The rest of Team 3 also worried deeply for their former teammate. As a result, Tsunade arranged for a seven-member squad to set out together.
---
**"I wonder how Neji-nii-san is doing right now,"** Hinata murmured anxiously as they trekked through the woods.
**"Don't worry,"** Naruto reassured, patting her shoulder gently. **"Since Kimimaro said Sasuke and Neji are alive, they'll be fine."**
Hinata nodded, her cheeks reddening slightly. **"You're right, Naruto-kun. Thank you."**
---
**"Naruto,"** Rock Lee interjected from the side, concern etched on his face. **"Do you really think we can trust Kimimaro? What if he's deceiving us?"**
Naruto frowned slightly but replied firmly, **"I don't think so. If Kimimaro wanted to harm us, he wouldn't need to resort to trickery. His strength is far beyond ours. During our last encounter, even with me, Kakashi-sensei, Chiyo-baa-san, and Sakura working together, we couldn't seriously injure him. If his jutsu hadn't suddenly deactivated, we'd never have ended that fight so easily."**
Thinking back to that battle, Naruto shuddered. The memory of Kimimaro's overwhelming power was seared into his mind.
Unbeknownst to him, the Kimimaro they faced was merely a clone holding only 30% of his chakra reserves.
---
**"Back during the Chūnin Exams, Kimimaro was already a daunting opponent,"** Rock Lee remarked, his tone mixed with awe and determination. **"But at least we could glimpse his back. Now, after three years, even the four of you combined couldn't match him. It's unbelievable."**
His expression shifted to one of fierce resolve. Rock Lee never feared a challenge.
**"This mission isn't about fighting,"** Yamato interjected, his voice calm but authoritative. **"Our priority is to bring Sasuke and Neji back. Engaging in unnecessary battles, especially against Kimimaro, is reckless. Even Kakashi-senpai admitted that Kimimaro's strength surpasses that of most Kage. Not even Guy-sensei could defeat him without paying a steep price. He's not our mortal enemy. There's no need to risk our lives."**
---
**"A young shinobi near Neji's age, yet he earns such high praise from Kakashi,"** Might Guy said, his eyes gleaming with interest. **"I'd love to face him in battle!"**
Yamato sighed. **"Guy-sensei, please refrain from acting on impulse. The consequences could be catastrophic."**
**"Hahaha! Don't worry, I have it under control!"** Guy laughed heartily, his enthusiasm undeterred.
Yamato, though exasperated, acknowledged Guy's strength. He knew this seemingly goofy man was one of the few shinobi who could rival Kakashi in power.
---
Sakura chimed in, her voice tinged with awe. **"Kimimaro's combat skills are terrifying, but what's even more astonishing is his medical prowess. Three years ago, he performed a surgery on Rock Lee that Tsunade-shishō described as impossibly complex. She admitted she couldn't have done it better."**
Sakura continued, **"Even now, if I attempted that surgery, my success rate would be less than 30%. Kimimaro is only two years older than us, yet he's both a medical and combat prodigy. It's truly intimidating."**
Rock Lee glanced at his left hand and leg, recalling the miraculous recovery he experienced after that operation. He held deep gratitude toward Kimimaro but remained resolute in his mission to rescue Neji.
---
Amidst their conversations, Tenten walked silently, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. She felt a complex mix of hope and fear—hope of reuniting with Neji and fear of seeing someone unrecognizable.
**"Neji… Can we bring you back this time?"** she whispered to herself.
---
**The Destination: Tenchi Bridge.**
With heavy hearts and firm resolve, the Konoha team marched toward their destination.
---
**Meanwhile, in Otogakure...**
Kimimaro, along with Neji and Sasuke, prepared for a different mission. Their destination was not Tenchi Bridge but an unnamed lake—where the Three-Tails had been reborn.
Thanks to Yukimaru, Orochimaru had pinpointed the Three-Tails' location.
At the lake, four figures stood waiting: Guren, Yukimaru, Zabuza, and Haku.
**"Guren-nee, do we really have to face that monster again?"** Yukimaru asked, visibly anxious.
**"Yes,"** Guren replied resolutely. **"Orochimaru-sama wants it, and I will fulfill his command, no matter the cost."**
Her unwavering determination struck a chord with Haku, who saw in her a reflection of his own loyalty to Zabuza.
---
As their preparations concluded, Kimimaro arrived with Neji and Sasuke.
**"Yo, long time no see."**
"Never thought the reinforcements Lord Orochimaru mentioned would be you."
Seeing Kimimaro in front of her, Guren's long-buried memories resurfaced.
Back then, when Yūkimaru was taken by the Hidden Cloud Village, it was Kimimaro who helped her rescue him.
At the time, Kimimaro even stayed behind to cover for her and Yūkimaru, holding off Yugito Nii.
Initially, Guren thought Kimimaro would perish there, but later, she heard news of him again.
By then, Kimimaro had already become Orochimaru's most trusted aide.
When she heard the news, Guren felt a mix of envy and relief.
If Kimimaro had died helping her, she would have felt guilty for the rest of her life.
But back then, Kimimaro hadn't specifically helped her; it was just that their paths happened to align, and he was also interested in Yugito's Two-Tails power.
It was all a coincidence.
Yūkimaru stared at Kimimaro, feeling a strange sense of familiarity, though he couldn't recall who he was.
When Kimimaro had rescued him, he'd kept his face concealed with foundation the entire time, so Yūkimaru had never seen his true appearance.
Yet, his aura felt faintly familiar.
"Guren, I didn't expect that every time I see you, you're always injured."
As Kimimaro spoke, he extended his right hand, releasing a blue chakra that enveloped Guren.
A miraculous sight unfolded.
The wounds on Guren's body began healing visibly to the naked eye.
Guren's pupils shrank in astonishment at Kimimaro's medical ninjutsu, which had clearly advanced to this level.
The others present were equally shocked.
Such a technique had already surpassed the scope of ordinary medical ninjutsu.
"Kimimaro, you've become even stronger."
Zabuza looked at Kimimaro with a wary gaze.
"It's just a little progress. Haven't you made strides as well, Zabuza? You're just one step away from Kage-level strength."
Kimimaro assessed Zabuza's abilities with a single glance.
In the past three years, he'd improved significantly, though he still hadn't broken through that barrier.
Even so, among elite ninjas, he was already one of the strongest.
Of course, even more surprising was Haku.
At this moment, Haku's strength was not inferior to Sasuke or Neji in their base forms.
The last survivor of a bloodline clan truly carried a natural talent.
"That step seems almost impossible to take," Zabuza said with a bitter shake of his head.
Reaching Kage-level wasn't something one could achieve through hard work alone. For someone of his talent, without a stroke of fortune, advancing further would be nearly impossible.
Kimimaro only offered polite words, with no intention of consoling him.
After regrouping, the two teams began discussing how to capture the Three-Tails.
Zabuza glanced at Neji and Sasuke behind Kimimaro, sensing that their strength was on par with his.
The potential of the Sound Village was truly astonishing.
If these people fully matured, which village in the ninja world could possibly stand against them?
More than five Kage-level ninjas, along with numerous elite Jonin-level fighters—such a force would surpass any of the Five Great Nations.
"Kimimaro-san," Haku said respectfully upon seeing him.
Though Haku's utmost respect was reserved for Zabuza, he also deeply revered Kimimaro, who had granted them a new life.
Kimimaro nodded slightly and got straight to the point.
"The Three-Tails is in this lake, correct?"
"Yes. We tried to capture it yesterday but failed. The Three-Tails' greatest strength is its defense. That shell of its is incredibly tough, requiring exceptionally powerful ninjutsu to break through. Ours wasn't strong enough."
Guren briefly recounted the events of the previous day.
"Powerful ninjutsu, huh?"
Kimimaro murmured, looking toward Sasuke and Neji.
"Do you two have any issues?"
"Hmph, it's just a mere Three-Tails. I can handle it myself," Sasuke replied confidently.
"No problem," Neji added, unwilling to be outdone.
"Don't underestimate the Three-Tails. Though it lacks a jinchūriki to fully unleash its power, even a wild-tailed beast is not something below Kage-level can handle. You two will work together against it. There's more to be done afterward, so avoid getting injured now."
Kimimaro's words turned to Guren.
"Bring out the Three-Tails now."
"Alright."
Guren nodded and said to Yūkimaru, "Yūkimaru, just like yesterday, release your chakra and lure out the Three-Tails."
"Okay."
Without hesitation, Yūkimaru unleashed the chakra within him.
A pained roar echoed across the lake as Yūkimaru grimaced in agony.
Seeing this, Guren showed a hint of guilt but steeled herself.
To help Orochimaru capture the Three-Tails, she had no choice.
"I'm sorry, Yūkimaru. This is the last time."
She silently apologized in her heart.
Chakra surged into the sky, forming a massive pillar of light.
The once-calm surface of the lake began rippling, as if a giant beast was stirring beneath.
"It's coming," Kimimaro murmured, as Sasuke and Neji immediately rushed forward.
Zabuza, Haku, and Guren prepared to move as well, but Kimimaro stopped them.
"Let the two of them try first. Follow my command; you'll step in later."
The three reluctantly held back.
Moments later, the Three-Tails emerged!
The massive creature rose from the water, its colossal form towering like a mountain, streams of water cascading from its shell.
Sasuke and Neji launched their attacks immediately.
"Chidori Sharp Spear!"
"Mountain Crusher!"
A blue lightning spear and a white energy beam struck the Three-Tails' shell simultaneously.
Boom!
The attacks landed, but the Three-Tails merely glanced at them, its eyes showing a hint of confusion.
Sasuke and Neji instantly realized the absurd strength of its defenses.
Attacks capable of shattering boulders were little more than tickles to the beast.
The Three-Tails opened its mouth, releasing a massive water jet, forcing the duo to evade.
"This thing's no joke. Breaking through its defense is impossible with ordinary techniques," Sasuke muttered.
Indeed, the Three-Tails' defenses were legendary. Even in the original story, the Akatsuki had sent Deidara, whose explosive clay had immense destructive power, to capture it.
"Byakugan!"
Neji activated his Byakugan, scanning for weak points in its defenses.
"Its chakra is massive, and with that shell, the only way to break through is by targeting weak spots. Found it! The weakest area is its eyes!"
However, the next moment, the Three-Tails curled up, hiding all its vulnerable spots beneath its thick shell.
"Not good!"
Neji cursed internally.
The Three-Tails rolled forward like Chōji's Human Bullet Tank, barreling toward the duo.
The sheer weight, reinforced by its shell and momentum, was enough to crush bones and shatter bodies.
Sasuke and Neji dodged quickly, but the Three-Tails relentlessly pursued them, locking onto their movements even while spinning.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball shot from Sasuke's mouth, hitting the spinning Three-Tails.
The flames, however, were deflected, unable to penetrate its defenses.
"This thing's eliminated all its weak points. We'll have to brute force through its shell," Sasuke said grimly.