Ch-18 Uzumaki Kaori

Pain shifted his gaze towards Kakuzu and spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone, "At this very moment, I have been briefed of your recent battle with Karan by Zetsu. His exceptional proficiency in manipulating space cannot be underestimated, for it presents a daunting challenge for any opponent. However, when pitted against a god, such abilities become ineffectual. Therefore, I advise you not to be preoccupied with Karan's threat at this point in time. If an opportunity does arise, I shall personally take care of it. For the time being, your focus should be on acquiring sufficient financial resources that will aid us in our ultimate goal."

After carefully listening to Pain's advice, each person in the room nodded in unison, displaying their agreement with his words. It was evident that they comprehended the dire consequences that could arise from confronting Karan, given his extraordinary talent in the art of space manipulation. Furthermore, his exceptional skill in both Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu made him a formidable adversary, capable of rendering his opponents powerless in the blink of an eye. Given these facts, it was clear that engaging in a battle with Karan was a risky endeavor, one that should only be pursued as a last resort.
.....
It has been precisely forty-eight hours since Karan and Kakuzu engaged in their intense and grueling battle.

After what seemed like an endless journey, Karan let out a sigh of relief as the Grass village finally came into view. "Finally, I have reached the Grass village," he spoke, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and excitement.

"Swish" "Swish" "Swish"

Before Karan stood a team of four ninjas, each one poised and ready for action.

With an air of authority, the head Jonin took a few steps closer and fixed his gaze on the newcomers. "Who are you, and what brings you to our village?" he asked in a firm tone. The other three members of the team stood behind him, their faces masked in a mixture of curiosity and caution as they waited for an answer.

Uchiha Karan smiled as he spoke, "I've heard that this village boasts exceptional medical services that can restore injuries simply by biting someone. I have come seeking treatment, and I was wondering if you could kindly direct me to the person in charge."

The Jonin's expression turned vigilant as he took out his weapon, "That is a well-guarded secret of our village. How did you come to know about it?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion. The rest of his team followed suit, their hands moving to their weapons as they prepared for any possible threat.

Karan's smile remained undiminished as he replied, "I understand that it's a secret, but I am in dire need of treatment. I would be grateful if you could kindly take me to her."

As the team of ninjas surrounded Karan, one of the Chunin spoke up, "Wait a moment, team leader. Isn't he the same person whose portrait you showed to us?" The rest of the team turned to the Jonin, waiting for an explanation. The Jonin's expression changed as he realized the truth.

The Jonin's expression turned from suspicion to recognition, and he asked, "If I'm not mistaken, you are Uchiha Karan, aren't you? What brings you to our village?"

"Ah, I see that you know who I am. In that case, things become simpler. I implore you to take me to the woman you use as a power source for your healing technique. I assure you that my intentions are pure, and I mean no harm."said Uchiha Karan.

"Never!"said the Jonin immediately.

With a sigh, Uchiha Karan swiftly drew out three kunai and infused them with his Thunder Chakra nature. He then hurled them towards the Chunin and Genin who accompanied the Jonin, instantly killing them. The leading Jonin was taken aback by the speed of the kunai and was unable to react in time.

"Trash has been cleared. Take me to that woman," commanded Uchiha Karan, using his Sharingan to directly control the Jonin.

"Very well," replied the Jonin, and proceeded to escort Karan into the village. As a Jonin, he faced no obstacles, and no one questioned the identity of Karan, who was accompanying him.

After journeying for several minutes through the winding streets, the duo finally arrived at their destination, a seemingly nondescript hospital. The Jonin deftly led Karan through the entrance, and they continued their progress down the sterile, white-walled hallway until they came upon the door to the patient's room. "She should be inside," the Jonin stated with a note of assurance in his voice.

With a muffled sound, Karan slit his throat with his kunai and entered the room. The Jonin’s face showed no resistance as he breathed his last breath.

Upon entering the room, Karan laid eyes upon a woman with fiery red hair and a gaunt countenance, cradling a baby in her arms.

"Who are you?"asked the woman.

Uchiha Karan, with a calm yet assertive tone, addressed the woman in front of him and introduced himself. "Greetings, my name is Uchiha Karan, and I have come here with an offer for you," he said, gesturing to the woman to catch her attention. "As an Uzumaki, you possess incredible vitality and strength, making you a highly valuable asset to any team. I would like to invite you to join me, and I assure you that unlike the pathetic people of this Grass village, I will not exploit or misuse your abilities. With your unique talents, you have the potential to become an excellent medical ninja." With these words, Uchiha Karan directly offered the woman a chance to become part of his team.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your offer," the woman replied firmly and without hesitation. "And may I ask how you know that I am an Uzumaki?" she inquired, her tone guarded.

"Isn't it obvious? With your striking red hair and immense vitality, it's quite clear that you are an Uzumaki," Karan responded confidently. He then addressed the woman's refusal to join him. "I understand your concerns about leaving with me, and the fear that both you and your child may be harmed. However, I assure you that I possess the strength and capability to escort you and your child safely out of this village without any issues," he said reassuringly, trying to alleviate her concerns.

After listening to Karan the woman was moved but she still had a hesitation on her face.

Uchiha Karan spoke with a measured tone, trying to convince the woman to reconsider. "Please, hear me out. I understand your hesitation and the reasons behind your refusal. But with your exceptional abilities as an Uzumaki, you have the potential to achieve great things. You can utilize your talents to help people, to save lives," he said, gesturing towards the baby in her arms. "Your child deserves a better future, and you can make that happen."

Karan paused for a moment before continuing, "I know that the people of this village may have mistreated you and left you in a vulnerable state. But with me, you will find protection and support. You will be able to hone your skills and become a powerful medical ninja." He spoke with conviction, hoping to sway the woman's decision in his favor.

The woman listened intently to Uchiha Karan's words, and she felt her resolve slowly begin to crumble. The idea of a better future for her child, one where they could both be safe and protected, was a powerful lure. Finally, after much contemplation, she relented. "Alright, I will leave with you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

A sense of satisfaction washed over Karan as he heard the woman's decision. "You have made the right choice," he said, smiling reassuringly at her. Then, he asked for her name. "May I know your name, please?"

"Uzumaki Kaori"