NARUTO: I, KIMIMARO EVOLVE MY BLOODLINE LIMIT

"Kimimaro, is this your true strength? I've tested it out," Neji said, panting slightly as he withdrew from another clash.

"Heh, it's still early," Kimimaro replied calmly.

With a sweep of his arm, a massive bone dragon surged up from the ground. This creature, a product of his Shikotsumyaku, was formed from the hardened remains of thousands. As it took flight, it roared toward Neji with bone-shattering force.

Neji's Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation had just ended, leaving him in a crouched stance, vulnerable. The bone dragon slammed him into the ground before he could recover his stance.

He had lost.

"Hey, that's not fair! You used a summon!" Tenten protested indignantly, standing by her teammate.

"Yeah! Even if you're strong, that's not exactly a clean taijutsu duel," Ino added, folding her arms.

But Neji rose to his feet, brushing off dust. "No, Tenten, Ino. I lost. That bone dragon is part of his power. It's not a summon—it's his own kekkei genkai."

Tenten fell silent. She respected Neji's integrity.

"Haha, as expected of Neji—he knows how to accept defeat with dignity," Kimimaro smiled faintly. "But to convince your little admirer and the beautiful Ino over there, I suppose I should show a little more sincerity."

With a surge of chakra, a towering Bone Giant erupted behind him, dwarfing the others and casting a long shadow over the field.

Everyone's expressions changed.

"I'm completely convinced now," Neji said solemnly. "You weren't using your full strength before. The gap between us… is real."

Hinata watched silently, recalling her father's decision to allow Hanabi to accompany Kimimaro.

"So this is why Father trusts him," she murmured. "He really is strong…"

"You're pretty amazing," Ino said, eyes sparkling. "Handsome and powerful! But you're older than us. When Sasuke gets to your age, he'll be even stronger! But hey, you could be my backup plan."

In a flash, Kimimaro appeared before her, gently lifting her chin with a hand. His smile was cold, teasing.

"Backup? You'd better give up that thought. I don't do backups. If I like someone, I want all of them."

Ino's face turned pale—then flushed red. Her heart thudded. What kind of guy talks like that…? she thought. No boys in Konoha are this direct…

Kimimaro had already turned and walked toward Hinata. "Hinata, let's go. I'll take you to the capital of the Land of Vegetables. Hanabi is staying at the daimyo's mansion."

"Mm." Hinata nodded softly. "I'd like that. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Wait a second!" Tenten shouted, cheeks puffed. "You called me a little fan girl earlier—what's that supposed to mean?!"

Kimimaro chuckled. "Isn't it obvious? You've got a thing for Neji. Our two clans have old ties, and Neji's like a younger brother to me. You'd make a great sister-in-law."

Tenten's face turned scarlet. "W-What are you saying?!"

Even Neji blushed. "Kimimaro, that's not appropriate—"

"You don't like Tenten?"

"No—I mean, that's not—"

"Then you do."

"I… uh… Tenten, that's not what I meant! I didn't say I don't like you—wait, no—ugh…"

The usually composed Neji fumbled over his words, caught completely off guard.

Kimimaro smiled in satisfaction. He hadn't forgotten how tragic Neji's fate was in the original timeline. If he could prevent that ending, he would. And forging emotional bonds was a good first step.

In canon, Neji and Tenten had a closeness that suggested potential romance, but it was never confirmed. Both were serious about their roles as shinobi. Neji had been more invested in Hinata's wellbeing, almost like an older brother. And while Tenten was said to be Kishimoto's favorite design-wise, her love interests were vague—she showed hints of affection for both Neji and Lee, but nothing substantial.

After Neji's death, she seemed to mourn deeply. She ran a weapon shop alone in the Boruto era, and fans speculated it was related to her loss.

Kimimaro thought it worth nudging the pairing along.

Just then, Ino hopped over with a grin. "I think Kimimaro's right. Neji, Tenten—you two really are a good match! Don't you think so, Hinata?"

"H-Huh? Um… yes, I guess…" Hinata stammered, her eyes darting to Tenten.

Tenten turned even redder, hiding her face.

They were still young. At this age, a little teasing could send them into flustered chaos.

Sensing it was enough, Kimimaro dropped the subject. Pushing too hard might backfire.

The group stepped into the capital.

"It's so lively!" Ino and Tenten were quickly drawn to the bustling market and aroma of street food.

Hinata remained close behind Kimimaro, her presence quiet but constant.

"You arrived at the perfect time," Kimimaro said. "After the recent battle, the city's finally returning to normal. By the way, I haven't asked yet—are you here on a mission?"

"Yes," Hinata replied. "We…"

Before Hinata could finish speaking, Neji interjected firmly:

"We had a mission in a nearby region. Once it was complete, Lady Hinata expressed a desire to visit, so we stopped by. It seems she wanted to see her sister, Hanabi."

Kimimaro offered a faint smile.

The excuse was flimsy, clearly improvised—but he didn't bother exposing it.

Tsunade's decision to send Hinata meant there was no ill intent. No need to overanalyze their presence.

They were likely aware of the recent developments in the Land of Vegetables and had come to observe the situation firsthand.

"Neji, Hinata is your cousin, not a stranger. Why so formal? Why call her 'Lady Hinata'?" Kimimaro asked, raising a brow.

"That's right, Brother Neji," Hinata added gently, her pale eyes earnest. "You don't need to be so distant."

But Neji shook his head.

"I'm a member of the branch family. It's my duty to protect the main house, to protect Lady Hinata… and the village."

Kimimaro understood—after Neji had read the letter left behind by his father, Hizashi, his view of the Hyuga main family had changed.

Hiashi, the clan head, had also begun training Neji more seriously after the Chūnin Exams, showing greater trust and guidance.

These gestures had clearly left a deep impression on Neji.

"Sigh… he really is the type to be moved by sincerity," Kimimaro thought.

"Respect doesn't always have to be spoken out loud," Kimimaro said. "If it's genuine, it will show in your actions. Everyone sees things differently; no one can be forced to change what they believe."

Neji gave a small nod, silently accepting the words.

Then he asked, with interest, "Kimimaro, your Kaguya clan and the Hyuga have shared history, right? I imagine your clan must have had strict traditions too?"

"The Kaguya clan…" Kimimaro trailed off for a moment. "I don't remember much anymore. I'm the last of my bloodline. The Taketori clan branched off long ago and even altered their kekkei genkai. They're no longer Kaguya in anything but name."

"Sorry," Neji said quietly.

"It's alright," Kimimaro replied with a calm expression.

At that moment, Jūgo spoke up:

"Kimimaro doesn't judge anyone by their status. He neither looks down on nor flatters people based on rank or heritage. Along our journey, the respect people showed him wasn't due to noble birth—it was because he treats everyone equally."

Kimimaro glanced at Jūgo, faintly surprised.

That kind of praise… from someone who usually remained silent?

He had always trusted Jūgo more than anyone, but the two weren't the sort to speak sentimentally. Jūgo was quiet, introverted.

Still, something had changed recently. Kimimaro thought to himself:

"Jūgo… has been more open lately. Is Guren helping him train? Or is he simply growing on his own?"

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