(Kimimaro POV)

I stood there, observing the scene before me with a mix of awe and confusion.

The legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, reduced to such a state.

It was almost surreal to see someone once so powerful now so desperate. He agreed to all of Sukuna's conditions without hesitation. How could someone like Orochimaru fall so low?

I couldn't really pick up the conversation they had after Orochimaru was burned with fire, but Orochimaru ended up being killed. At least, I think so considering that Sukuna hasn't told Orochimaru to stop playing like before.

The seemingly unkillable Sannin has been killed!

I couldn't help but compare his weakness to my own. Despite my strength, I felt weak inside, as if something essential was missing.

Taking a deep breath, I move towards Sukuna. He was strong—unbelievably strong. I had to know why.

"Sukuna," I began, my voice steady but filled with curiosity, "why are you so strong?"

He looked at me and asked instead, "You look like you already have the answer. Tell me why do you think I am strong?"

"You seem to have something that I lack," I replied plainly.

He nodded and eyed me with interest, "I'll help you out a bit there. You lack purpose. Its good that you met me, I think your search ends now."

A purpose? That was it? I felt a pang of longing inside me. I had been searching for something, anything, to give my life meaning. But I hadn't found it.

I needed to understand more.

"What is your purpose?" I asked, hoping his answer would guide me.

Instead of answering directly, Sukuna turned the question back on me. "Why do you want to know?"

"Huh?" I was confused. "Didn't you say just now that you'd help me?"

He shook his head and said, "You didn't answer my first question. So, I want to know if you are simply wasting my time or if you truly are looking for purpose. You lack it, I can see that. But, do you recognize that lack and seek to gain it or not?"

I hesitated, then decided to share my thoughts. "I've always been searching for something to dedicate my life to. When Orochimaru showed up I thought maybe he was the answer, but now... now I see he is not. I need something greater, something worth fighting for."

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Sukuna listened patiently, and then a smile spread across his face. "I want to conquer the world," he said, his voice filled with conviction.

"I want to bring peace to these lands once and for all. I want to create a world that is united under one strong banner that no one can rebel against."

His words resonated deep within me. A great purpose, one that promised a lasting impact on the world. It was exactly what I had been searching for.

"That sounds like a great purpose," I said, feeling a sense of clarity I hadn't felt in a long time. "Can I follow you? Can I help you achieve that peace?"

He smiled, "Why not? After all, that was one of the reasons I came here."

For the first time, I felt a sense of direction, a clear path ahead of me.

I would follow Sukuna—no, Sukuna-sama—and help him achieve his purpose. With that thought, my inner turmoil began to settle. I had found my purpose.

"Sukuna-sama, what shall we do next then?"

He said nothing about the 'sama' I just added to his name and looked at the now destroyed Yashiki.

"You know where the treasury is?"

I shook my head, I was not privy to such information after all. But, I did know a man who knew where it was.

"I know who the treasurer is, I can point you to the place he lives. I had once been transported to his house to fight against one of his attendants."

He nodded and said, "Lead the way then."

I won't disappoint you!

....

(Naruto POV)

The kid called me Sukuna-sama, but I had no desire to make him remove the 'sama' part. Sure, my body was that of a five-year-old at the moment, but I was still an adult. As a ninja and especially as a leader in this world, I believed maintaining an air of respect and authority was vital.

Kimimaro led me through the dense forest, turning and changing directions so many times that an average person would have lost count.

I followed closely, trusting his sense of direction.

He moved with a purpose, and I knew he would lead me to the treasure I sought. Finally, we arrived at a clearing, where a shabby hut stood. I raised an eyebrow, surprised by what I saw.

"Good memory, Kimimaro," I said, genuinely impressed. "But this hut... it's pretty shabby."

I had expected something more grandiose, especially from the treasurer of the Kaguya clan. Lavish and corrupt, maybe.

But this hut? It wasn't even a house. It was just a rundown shack.

Kimimaro gave a small, knowing smile. "The clan leader was very strict. He didn't allow corruption to fester. It also helped that the Kaguya clan members were more interested in fighting and killing than money. This hut was built like this on purpose. People wouldn't expect the treasury to look like this."

I nodded, realizing how smart that actually was. "I always thought the Kaguya clan was full of savages who didn't think much. Looks like I was wrong."

Kimimaro's smile widened slightly. "A few guards and Tatsumaro are mostly inside the underground building beneath the hut. Be careful."

I nodded and approached the hut, pushing the door open and stepping inside. It was dark and cramped, but I quickly spotted a hole in the floor covered with fuinjutsu.

I grinned, recognizing the seals immediately. I was good with fuinjutsu—really good. I was able to instantly unlock them.

The hole revealed itself, and without hesitation, I jumped in.

*Swish! *Swish! *Swish!

As soon as I landed, three figures attacked. They moved fast, but I was faster.

[Shrine]

*Slash!

I used Dismantle cutting them in half instantly. Their bodies hit the ground with a dull thud, and I looked around.

Gold and silver lay scattered around the underground room, shimmering in the dim light. I couldn't help but smile. This was exactly what I had been hoping for.

I made the right decision coming to the Kaguya clan.