Facing the Ninjutsu attack, Kimimaro quickly swung his nichirin blade to defend. He hadn't learned any Ninjutsu beyond the Three-Body Technique yet. One reason was his young age and limited Chakra; even Naruto only started showing large amounts of Chakra around twelve or thirteen.
Kimimaro was only about two years older than Naruto and his peers. While Naruto and Sasuke were around eight, Kimimaro was about ten or eleven.
However, his Shikotsumyaku defense, against Ninjutsu other than Fire Release, wasn't that strenuous. At the same time, Uchiha Nagi had also taught him Water Breathing sword techniques, which were water-attributed.
"Water Breathing, Sixth Form: Twisting Whirlpool—"
Kimimaro's body twisted with an incredible flexibility, unleashing the Sixth Form: Twisting Whirlpool, blocking all of the opponent's Earth Dragon Bullets one by one with his bone sword.
Occasionally, a few stray Earth Dragon Bullets hitting his body wasn't a big deal; his Shikotsumyaku could defend against two or three, as long as it wasn't a large-scale impact.
Because his body was still young, it hadn't reached the strength to withstand Gaara's future tens of tons of pressure. Too dense Earth Dragon Bullets, although unable to penetrate his Shikotsumyaku, could cause severe physical damage to his internal organs.
However, Kimimaro was still a bit green, with too little combat experience. When the Earth Dragon Bullets densely targeted him, several Exploding Tags were hidden among them... *Clang!*
A metallic clash sounded as Kimimaro's bone sword struck a Kunai, which had an Exploding Tag tied behind it.
"Oh no!!" Kimimaro finally saw the Exploding Tag, his pupils constricting, but it was too late.
"Boom!!"
Several explosions occurred, and Kimimaro was blown away, coughing up a little blood. Although he wasn't visibly injured, the impact still caused some shock damage to his internal organs.
But the opponent showed no intention of holding back. Several Kunai with Exploding Tags attached were fired at Kimimaro. At this moment, Kimimaro hadn't recovered and could only watch as the Exploding Tags flew towards him.
"Watch out—" Yukihime instinctively rushed forward, blocking in front of Kimimaro, but still closed her eyes in fear.
However, the anticipated attack did not come. After several explosions, Yukihime cautiously opened one eye, only to see a giant bone hand, formed from Chakra, blocking in front of them.
"Susanoo's bone hand..." The elderly Ninja looked at the opponent in surprise, and said in a deep voice, "Uchiha Clan?"
There was no other reason for recognition; those red eyes were a conspicuous mark wherever he went, just like the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan.
"Hmph!" Uchiha Nagi sneered, immediately drew his nichirin blade, and prepared to swiftly eliminate this person.
But at this moment, Yukihime grabbed his hand, "Don't kill him, he is my father's guard, Elder Edota Ichiyo."
Uchiha Nagi was astonished, "Hmm? The Daimyo's guard? Your father sent someone to kill you?"
Originally, he thought it was a bounty hunter or Root, but he didn't expect it to be sent by the Daimyo. But wasn't Yukihime his daughter? Why would he send someone to kill his own daughter?
"That's right, this is Lord Daimyo's order. However, since you are from the Uchiha Clan, I believe Lord Daimyo would not object. Miss Yukihime, you can return with me, Lord Daimyo will surely be very pleased."
The Ninja named Edo explained that his reason for coming to kill Yukihime, whom he had watched grow up, was also the Daimyo's order. He felt that Yukihime, who had eloped, had disgraced their family, regardless of whether she was still pure.
For the sake of the family's honor and the Kazekage's honor, he dispatched the only few trusted Jonin, intending to kill both Yukihime and the person who abducted her.
As for how they found them, Yukihime grew up in the Daimyo Palace, leaving behind many personal belongings. Coupled with Edo Ichiyo being an experienced tracking Ninja, they naturally found this place easily.
Uchiha Nagi secretly cursed himself, having only focused on himself and Kimimaro, he had forgotten to mask Yukihime's scent as well. He had been careless—
"However, if Miss marries someone from the Uchiha Clan, Lord Daimyo will surely be very happy. Miss, please return with me and apologize to Lord Daimyo. As long as this Uchiha gentleman can stay in Daimyo City, I can guarantee that Lord Daimyo will not hold any grudges for all offenses, and will instead help cover up the news, because Lord Daimyo has always been eager for talent..."
After speaking, Edo Ichiyo looked at Uchiha Nagi with fervent eyes, as if he was looking at a pile of gold, or rather, a breeding boar... Uchiha Nagi: "..."
He was numb. Another person coveting his body. The Hidden Mist Village was like this, and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was also like this. Is the Uchiha bloodline so popular?
"Um, Elder Edo, you misunderstood, he's not, no, we don't have any relationship..." Yukihime said incoherently, blushing, "Anyway, you go back. I won't marry that old man, the Kazekage."
"Understood, understood~" The old Ninja Edo glanced at Uchiha Nagi, a handsome and young strong man, and then at an old man whose wife had died and had three children... No young girl would choose an old man, right? Every young girl dreams of romance.
"This old man will now go back and report to Lord Daimyo. Miss can return whenever she wishes..." Edo nodded, and left with a Body Flicker Technique.
As for the two Ninja killed by Uchiha Nagi, no one mentioned them... After the opponent left, Uchiha Nagi turned to look at them.
"Are you alright, Kimimaro?" Uchiha Nagi asked.
"I'm fine, sensei. I'm sorry, I'm too weak..." Kimimaro scratched his head in embarrassment, feeling guilty for not being able to help.
"It's alright, as long as you're both safe—" Uchiha Nagi stepped forward and used Mystical Palm Technique to examine Kimimaro.
The problem wasn't big. Although he coughed up a little blood, it was bruised blood. His internal organs only suffered minor shock injuries from the Exploding Tags. For Kimimaro's physique, he would recover within a day.
"Hmm, good that you're fine. Let's go to the center there~" Uchiha Nagi nodded.
He then led Kimimaro towards the central area of the ruins. Yukihime followed closely behind, not knowing what she was thinking, occasionally looking up at his face... "Sensei, why are we going to the center?" Kimimaro asked.
"My Shadow Clone sent back a memory. Something was found beneath the ruins..." Uchiha Nagi said.
The three walked into the building in the center of the ruins. Uchiha Nagi led the way into a dark, collapsed passage. This way, even if danger arose, he could protect them immediately. When it was Yukihime's turn, she looked at the broken passage with difficulty, because she couldn't jump across.
Uchiha Nagi had no choice but to silently walk over and grab her...