Path Of War

Orochimaru's Hideout.

Inside a corridor, the echoes of footsteps could be heard as a shadow walked along. At the heart of this labyrinth lay a room that held someone of great significance: Kimimaro.

Kimimaro lay flat on a table, his pale face covered by the cloth covering his eyes. In his mouth were multiple tubes that snaked to machines. The sight of him was almost haunting.

As the door creaked open, Kabuto entered with a plate of medicine. His expression was professional, having been used to seeing Kimimaro in that state for months now.

Kabuto gently set the plate down before looking over Kimimaro's form. He was painfully aware of the unspecified disease that was killing Kimimaro's vitality, something that not even Orochimaru could cure.

Many fans believed that what he had was some form of cancer, while others offered more obscure diagnoses. That was because he would randomly cough up blood. In truth, the disease was unknown due to never being expanded on.

"Kimimaro," Kabuto began. "I've brought you your medicine."

He began to replace the medical bags while also preparing the necessary sustenance. Had it not been for Kabuto, Kimimaro would have long been dead by now.

Kimimaro stirred slightly on the bed before letting out a faint breath. The cloth over his eyes slightly shifted but remained firmly in place. There was no point in trying to get up, let alone lift a finger.

"You should know," Kabuto began. "Jūgo was attacked not long ago by an unknown intruder at the Northern Hideout."

Almost immediately, Kimimaro's heart raced, and the monitors began to beep faster.