NARUTO: I, KIMIMARO EVOLVE MY BLOODLINE LIMIT

"I always had a feeling… the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals technique contains a hint of space-time principles. With enough mastery, I might even be able to evolve it into a long-distance teleportation or at least develop a secure communication method."

Even in the techniques developed by Rōga Nadare under Doto Kazahana, there were rudimentary forms of surveillance using ice mirrors. If Kimimaro could deepen his understanding of the Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals, perhaps he could attempt long-distance image transmission — effectively, video calls.

"I'll give it a try too!" Suigetsu responded eagerly.

Traveling light, Kimimaro reached the border of the Land of Vegetables alone. He didn't need an escort, nor did he rely on cruise ships — he could cross the sea using chakra to walk on water. He carried a compact boat sealed in a scroll to rest when needed.

Walking across the sea was slower than land travel due to constant chakra expenditure to stay afloat. Still, Kimimaro's chakra reserves had expanded tremendously after integrating the Uzumaki bloodline, and his regeneration rate made the journey sustainable. Including the distance from the Land of Vegetables' capital, and factoring in short rests, he reached the Land of Snow in just over two days.

Kimimaro was not entirely alone in this. Though Princess Koyuki had been placed under house arrest by Doto Kazahana, she still had loyal retainers. Otherwise, a request for help wouldn't have made it to Kimimaro in the first place.

"Her Highness is confined to the palace and isn't allowed to leave. Doto Kazahana visits her daily. That traitor is growing impatient. After you previously injured him, Her Highness managed to regain some influence, but Doto responded with brute force. Now, we can only act in secret."

The Snow ninja who welcomed him was a remnant of Sandayu Asama's resistance group — fiercely loyal to Koyuki. Sandayu, however, had been gravely injured in a previous clash and now lingered on the edge of death. With little recourse, he sought help from two individuals: Naruto Uzumaki of Konoha and Kimimaro, who had recently made an impression on Koyuki.

Given Kimimaro's previous battle with Doto and the proximity of the Land of Vegetables, Sandayu prioritized contacting him. A message was also sent to Konoha, but it was uncertain whether it would reach Naruto in time.

"Has Doto made any new moves?"

"He declared yesterday that he will marry Her Highness in one week. Our time is running out."

"I see…"

Kimimaro pinched his brow: "Then we'll have to act quickly. First, get me a way to meet Sister Koyuki. After that… how many fighters can we rally?"

"Half of Doto's forces, at best. Maybe even less."

"That's enough. We don't need to match him in numbers. The wedding will have the tightest security, but that also means there will be chaos if something goes wrong. That's where we strike — during the ceremony. How many of Doto's men are loyal out of fear rather than conviction?"

"Quite a few. His power intimidates them, but their hearts aren't necessarily with him."

"That's all I needed to hear."

Kimimaro had clashed with Doto once before during a naval skirmish and forced him to retreat. Now, with the Ice Release and Uzumaki vitality augmenting his already deadly Shikotsumyaku, he feared nothing. No matter how advanced Doto's chakra armor was, it wouldn't save him a second time.

But the immediate priority was to make contact with Koyuki. Kimimaro had no intention of simply saving her and walking away. He came to change the Land of Snow's fate — permanently.

Inside the Palace...

"Koyuki, have you still not reconsidered?"

"I told you, call me Your Highness!" Koyuki Kazahana's voice was cold as she sat in her private quarters.

"Heh… 'Your Highness'? If I hadn't purged your opposition in the court, you wouldn't be sitting there so smugly," Doto sneered. "Did you think that fossil Sandayu Asama could've done it alone?"

"You may have helped, Doto Kazahana, but you always had ulterior motives. You were never truly loyal."

"Power determines legitimacy. I hold the support of the military and most of the Snow ninja. Why shouldn't I take the throne and marry you? With me as king, the Land of Snow will thrive!"

"You speak of strength, but a ruler's strength lies in righteousness. You are nothing but a usurper."

Doto's expression darkened, but a sinister smile curled his lips.

"You'll change your mind before the wedding. One way or another."

Koyuki Kazahana shook her head, her expression cold but composed. "I understand what you're trying to do. But don't bother putting on an act in front of me. I may be an actress, but I hate being lied to in real life. I can spot a performance from a mile away."

Doto Kazahana smirked. "Come on now. Who hasn't lied before? Even lovers put on a little show now and then to keep things interesting."

"That's different," Koyuki snapped. "Lies meant to comfort are one thing. But your disgusting manipulation? That's just revolting. Get out. I don't want to see you again."

Doto's expression darkened as he took a threatening step forward. "And what if I don't leave?"

A flash of silver—Koyuki had drawn a dagger, pressing it to her pale neck. A bead of blood trickled down. "Take one more step, and I'll kill myself. Without me, your little scheme to seize control of the Land of Snow falls apart."

"Hmph. That old threat again." Doto sneered. "It's already too late. The wedding proclamation's been made public. Whether you live or die, once that ceremony happens, I become the legal ruler. Of course, it'd be a waste if you died now. I still intend to enjoy my prize."

"Get out!" she shouted, trembling.

He leaned in with a mocking sneer. "What are you so proud of? You were just a third-rate actress. They say you're 'pure as snow,' but how pure can you be? Don't think I don't know your type—chasing after every pretty boy you meet, especially the younger ones…"

"Enough!" she roared. "Say what you want, but after you're done, get out!"

"Tch. Still pretending you've got dignity." Doto scoffed as he turned to leave. "It doesn't matter. In three days, I'll break that pride of yours. You'll be calling me master."

When the door finally slammed shut, Koyuki's knees buckled. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

It wasn't just Doto who thought that way. Many people whispered behind her back—assuming Yukie Fujikaze, the famous actress, had paid her price to rise in fame.

But Koyuki had long since learned not to care. Her resolve had been forged in exile and betrayal. She wiped her tears away and took a deep breath.

"Sandayu… Did your message reach them?"

Her thoughts flickered to two faces—Naruto's reckless grin, Kimimaro's calm intensity.

"Which one of you will come?" she whispered.

The wedding day loomed. Sometimes the hours flew by; other times, each second dragged like torture.

Only three days left.

No news yet from Sandayu.

"Maybe… maybe I really will have to die at the wedding," she murmured with a bitter smile. "Perhaps I should've stayed in the Land of Fire. Being Yukie was easier than being Koyuki."

A knock came at the door. One of her maids entered quietly, carrying a tray.

"Your midnight meal, Princess."

"Leave it there. You're dismissed."

But as she turned away, the maid's form shimmered.

"Sister Koyuki, don't you want to talk to me?"

The illusion faded—and standing before her was Kimimaro, wearing a faint, confident smile.

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