Chapter 61: Back to Irminsul?!
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Shino's POV (Okama Outpost - Eastern Forest of Irminsul)
Afternoon
Shino, Sakura, Lee, and Hinata strolled into the small hut at the edge of the Okama hideout where the wasp was being kept. They were silent, mostly affected by the rough battle they had witnessed and the battles they had already endured. Lee and Hinata seemed particularly squirmish about the idea of an interrogation on top of it all, even against a nonhuman target.
Shino inwardly sighed, it was shocking how often his fellow shinobi became sentimental. The career they had signed up to do was anything except personable, it was a job they were supposed to be more than human. They were to become living weapons and tools for their home to use as needed. Yet his allies did not seem to see it the same as him. However, the powerful spirit of his allies made him proud to be around them, even if he did find him envious of how easily it came to them. Perhaps that is why Shino stopped the others on the pathway just shy of the shack where the wasp was kept. Shino sighed inwardly as he prepared himself.
"Why are we stopping Shino?" Hinata asked curiously. "It's best if we… push forward. We do need to find the others."
Sakura seemed to glance at Hinata subtly. She had noticed Hinata's hesitation, though Sakura's impatient tapping foot gave away her determination to see this through. It seemed she was not only perceptive but more gutsy than he had given her credit for. Lee, however, was silent and noticeably at the back of the group. His lack of input made it clear he would go with whatever the group decided. But the two of them clearly had no stomach for the cruelty this called for…
"We've made an error," Shino declared calmly; his usual demeanor proved helpful in selling his indifference and ignorance to their hesitation. "While we have pushed back the initial raid of wasps, they are likely to return. I acknowledge that our Okama allies are not defenseless, it would still be wise to set up a perimeter to ensure their safety. Lee is quick enough to cover a vast amount of ground. Hinata's Byakugan will allow her to guard equally well. While you two do so Sakura and I will handle the interrogation."
Lee and Hinata's eyes drifted down; despite what he believed was a believable tone, they seemed to have reached the negative conclusion all the same. Shino grit his teeth as he attempted to compose a saving response.
"Shino's right." Sakura helpfully chimed in before he could. "It only makes sense; besides, I'd be pretty useless for guarding half the outpost myself…"
"Worry not, fair teammate. We will aid you to our fullest capability! I know you'll succeed in your own endeavor!" Lee cried, ever the simple man. The simple suggestion of his teammate needing aid overrode any suspicion he had. Hinata blinked as Lee dashed off, bowed to them apologetically, and raced off in the other direction. Her resolution to aid and be useful to her comrades could offer no resistance to his suggestion. Besides deep down they both knew they wanted to avoid this.
"An Aburame with a heart?" Sakura asked with a raised brow. "Now I've truly seen everything. You're always so composed it's hard to realize what you're feeling. Never would've thought you could be so caring."
"It is necessary to maintain morale among comrades; this was merely my efforts of leading this team. The leader is responsible for not only the physical but mental well-being of his team after all." Shino replied with ease, his sunglasses hid the fact that he rolled his eyes at her. He detected her sarcasm, which was not nearly as subtle as she thought. "We are not in the business of having hearts; I merely wish to conduct business with my allies in mind. That is all."
"There's nothing wrong with admitting you care about your friends, Shino," Sakura said with a roll of her eyes. Shino inwardly balked at the audacity of her. "I can appreciate you are sparing Lee; he's a sweetheart who never does well with what he considers "unyouthful tactics." And despite Hinata being brave enough to fight a jinchuriki, she doesn't like hurting just about anything. Especially when they are defenseless."
Shino grunted as he allowed his mind to ponder over this conversation. "It is unbecoming of a shinobi…"
"Even us shinobi are people, Shino." Sakura countered.
"You didn't let me finish." Shino interrupted her. "And yet, I find myself not resenting them but wishing I was more like them…"
"Shino, you are one of us," Sakura assuredly said, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Hell, at least you made it to the exams and even got promoted. You're one of our stars."
"I agree to a certain extent. I went to the exams to uphold the reputation of the Aburame and receive a promotion to establish my status as heir. I achieved those two goals, but I find myself frustrated with my performance all the while. My bout against Yuno left me little option of displaying my best, I could not crush my ally for my own aims. This emotional thinking of mine makes me feel weak and is also unbecoming… Yet people seem to appreciate such, and I found myself prideful in holding back against a dear friend… more than I would've if I crushed her as I had planned." Shino admitted.
"Maintaining morale is important, remember Shino? Even for ourselves… I won't pretend I don't recognize as shinobi. We will time and time again make hard decisions. But I've always thought it's okay, even if we must, we'll do it to protect those we care about from doing the same. You recognize that too, accept it." Sakura chided with a wag of her finger. "Anyway, let's get to the gritty stuff. This is fitting for shinobi, sacrificing their humanity for the people they care for… we all struggle for the ones we love in our own way."
"Well said." Shino briskly responded fast, walking over to the shack. He felt embarrassed to have been so furrowed and informed by a kunoichi that he bluntly considered himself above. Humbling but inspiring all the same. He supposed being a shinobi was about balance. Be that as it may, it was time to tip the scales a bit…
They walked into the dim shack lit only by a single candle in the back. Compared to the others, this shack was bare and undecorated, only holding some dust boxes and a recently created body cuff for the wasp. Though there were several open barrels of clay. Which explained the garish-looking clay brace that held the wasp. The artful yet cruel creation must've been crafted recently. As the clay prison extended all six legs of the wasp as well as all four of its wings. The wasp gnashed helplessly as it angrily buzzed at them. Mono and Muuni stood before it, looking grim as they turned to face them.
"Hello, humans." Mono greeted through gritted teeth. "It seems our enemy moved quicker than they were ready for. We managed to capture this one before us. It explained its actions but won't give away the location of its hive nor why it's decided to make an enemy of the Okama…"
"We can't do this, Elder." Muuni suddenly objected but went silent. The female raccoon's face seemed to shift as if hearing an inner dialogue. She grunted but nodded her head all the same.
"We called you here because of its stubbornness. It appears the waps has been outfitted with some sort of Fuijutsu, which stops me from being able to invade its mind; that only leaves us with one option to get critical information." Mono trailed off as his shoulders seemed to sag.
"You want us to handle the interrogation." Shino finished for him. "For whatever reason the Okama object to such drastic measures even when in peril. Admirable I suppose, but also undeniably foolish. As your allies we will handle it."
"Aye," Mono admitted with a sigh. "We of the Okama have no problem defending ourselves, nor are we above vengeance. However, as empaths killing alone carries a great toll, outright torture would cause most critical psychological damage. Whatever member I forced to do it likely would suffer greatly if not be driven outright insane."
"Grim but a reasonable request," Sakura admitted. "I can attempt to monitor its vitals, but a wasp's anatomy and medical treatments are beyond me. Even with my newly discovered Medical Ninjutsu I'd struggle to do much."
Mono nodded as he and Munni tensely left them with the helpless wasp. It silently and intelligently observed them as they plotted. Occasionally it would twitch as it spent their time speaking as an opportunity to try to escape. Shino admired its composure but he could tell there would be no escaping its bind.
"No true concern," Shino assured. "As do all members of the Aburame, I have spent much of my free time studying most species of insect in this world. Using the link between my allies and I, we will guide your chakra effectively; ensure our victim does not perish to the best of your abilities. I will be rough so prepare to do your best." As she walked behind the bound wasp, Sakura nodded and gently set her hands behind its head. Her hands began to glow as they allowed her medical chakra to flow through it. The wasp buzzed angrily, its attempts to struggle increasing with her touch.
Shino hummed as his allies flew off him and began to crawl through the wasp's body. Sakura gasped as she realized they were tracing its body both inside and out releasing near microscopic chakra pulses to guide her own.
Shino could not blame her for being shocked it worked. Despite his assurances, he was shocked when his allies reported that Sakura managed to follow their guiding path even with its obscureness. The chakra control it took to form medical chakra alone was impressive, and accurately pushing it through a foreign body even more so, doing so through the guidance of a micro chakra burst accurately was downright shocking. Confident now in the assurance the wasp would be fine, Shino marched toward it coldly. Steeling his heart as he prepared to break the helpless victim in front of him.
Interrogation was a unique and challenging craft to master. The idea being simple enough, using physical and mental techniques to cause just enough harm to the opponent to crack them and get what you wanted. Too much and the victim would perish or shatter both physically and mentally, they were useless then. Too little, and they would hold, emboldened by their own success. Leading to a much longer and crueler path. It was a craft only briefly touched upon in the academy. The pursuit was usually left to senior and specialist shinobi; field interrogations sanctioned ones did occasionally happen but were rarely all that successful. So difficult and rare was the opportunity that most shinobi simply did not bother pursuing it. Most figured they could merely wing this anyway. Shino knew better, he had come prepared for this day.
"My name is Shino Aburame; as you can see, I am a human in alliance with the Okama Clan. I would ask you to identify yourself as well." Shino asked politely. Interrogation was a process regardless of the target. It was best if the user knew their mark relatively well. Building rapport with them allowed them to learn about the target while subtly changing their perspective of the user to the victim. Shino did not have that previous experience to count on, so he would have to build some minor rapport before he got into things. It was best to ease into an interrogation, it was just as important not to show weakness all the while…
The wasp was silently buzzing angrily from within its bind. Shino noticed it straining against its binds; it had yet to accept it was helpless…
"I understand, why?" Shino mused. "That would be because I understand how life works for a wasp like yourself. You work to produce more of your young, feed yourself and them and your beloved Queen, and spend your life diligently serving your Queen. As such, I recognize your current position. You have been captured after a failed raid, and no rescue is coming from the hive. To them you are effectively dead, even if you were alive you are not worth the risk of saving. Better to write you off as dead. Soon, that decision will be proven correct."
"You understand nothing of me nor my life, human." The wasps angrily spat back. "Do not assume I am so weak in mind that I would betray my hive by giving you information. I have accepted my death; it is an honor to die for my own."
Shino had expected this sort of reply but was pleased by his progress. The wasp likely did not realize it, but Shino had yet to begin to truly prod at it for information, yet it was not responding to him. With a little careful work it now was speaking openly, even expressing itself. Slow but steady worked best. Time to lower it guard before turning up the pressure.
"Of course," Shino admitted with a shrug. "However, we merely wish to know why for now." Mono had said it had explained its actions. That meant this was a safe topic for the wasp. It would respond openly to this to appear compliant, there was no risk as far as it could see. Shino could see the situation more clearly however.
"Because our Queen demanded it." The wasp icily replied. "I do not question orders, that's not my place. I merely follow."
"Interesting, Mono found you have some defensive fuijutsu in place. One's particular tailored to defend against the Okama. I am somewhat familiar with the wasp clan, and they are not known for their mastery of such an art." Shino exposed their knowledge of such suddenly. Right when the victim grew comfortable with your approach shifting it, Shino ruthlessly knocked it off balance. This would keep it in check. Badgering it relentlessly like this would ensure success. It would either willingly or unwillingly give up information eventually.
The wasp must have realized that Shino was gaining ground and was on to him. Even with its buzzing, it went silent as its intelligent eyes narrowed on him.
"I believe you weren't under the orders of your Queen." Shino pushed forward regardless of the silence. Slowing down now would ruin it, he needed to shatter it's confidence and inspire terror and anxiety at once. "I believe a third party has either gained your support of your clan or forced you all to aid them, perhaps by leveraging the safety of your Queen."
"Silence human; I have no more words for you!" The wasps responded simply.
"Then I'm afraid it's on to more drastic measures." Shino calmly stated that he drew a kunai and sliced a leg from the wasp off within an instant. He knew from the start mere mental prodding would not be enough. But the lessons had stressed escalation in torture. The wasp buzzed, cursed, and writhed in equal measure in response. However, as it writhed, it did not say what they wanted to know. Even in incredible pain the loyalty of its Queen reigned supreme. "I'm sure you realize that the Okama are likely gonna kill you regardless of if you hold out, how awful that death will be is your choice. Worse yet I doubt one of the stronger clans will stand idly by. Your hive will also be in peril soon enough…"
"Fuck you human! I will not give you anything! My hive will remain safe, especially now! Our business is none of yours. Do. Your. Worst."
"You made it our business when you attacked us." Shino countered plainly. "I ask again. I don't wish to go much further but I will."
No answer was forthcoming, so Shino blurred forward. The wasp buzzed and threatened him as it grasped one of his legs, but he offered no mercy nor care. Even with a burst of chakra into his muscles the hard bone-like leg offered resistance. But with a grunt of effort Shino crudely snapped it in two. The limb barely hanging on and a slowly slowing flow of blood bleeding from such.
The wasp visibly sagged in place at such, its buzz now holding a miserable tone. Yet it still kept its mouth shut.
"I see your resolution is no small thing." Shino mused. "Sakura, how's it doing?"
"Its vitals have weakened, I think, but I stopped the bleeding… but anything too traumatic and I will only be able to delay the inevitable. " Sakura answered with a pant. "Try to make this quick if you can!"
"Excellent work Sakura. I appreciate it," Shino complimented before snapping his fingers once. The allies from within the wasp reacted to his command instantly. Not realizing his ploy the wasp laughed at such a thing, a broken, tired laugh that went on for seconds and seconds. "Laugh while you can; you'll feel it soon…" Shino promised darkly.
The wasp's laughter turned into screams as he finished his words. It struggled twice as hard against the hardened clay. But the prison did not give, nor did Shino alleviate the pressure he had applied. The wasp cried out for mercy, for its queen.
"Something I discovered throughout my research is a unique way bees defend themselves from wasps. Wasps being larger and more formidable in most ways prove too much of a challenge for a single bee, even a group but when bees are gathered with absurd numbers they developed a collaborative defense tactic, they have evolved over the years a unique way to deal with them…" Shino began to monologue as the wasp writhed chaotically. No longer even attempting to escape as much as thrashing around due to the pain. It no longer even screamed.
"They will surround the wasp in question with overwhelming numbers."
Sakura cut in, seemingly aware of this fact. Shino allowed her to continue, deeply impressed by her knowledge. "Completely surrounding and burying it in their bodies, as if smothering it, they don't bother with attempting to sting or bite it to death; instead, they vibrate so fast with their unique biology that they create heat."
Shino blinked, stunned Sakura had known; it was as if he was seeing her for the first time. Perhaps he needed to connect with her after this. She had called him a friend, one of them. "Correct. A mere hundred-degree environment sustained will cause a wasp's body and organs to fail. Death normally occurs in mere seconds. However, your larger size takes more heat and increases the time to take effect. That is perfect for you'll suffer through a seemingless endless sea of pain before death takes you. See my allies are inside and throughout your body; many of them can generate heat through vibration. Slowly, they will raise your internal temperature, causing the very fate I spoke of. If you tell me who ordered this honestly and their location, I'll stop it and spare you the pain…"
The wasp screamed more. "It's not the hive's fault! Our Q-... Queen! She's been captured by some strange shi-shinobi! There in the west near the Chakra Anchor! Please help my hive."
"Thank you. I assure you these shinobi will pay for this. Though I cannot promise the safety of your hive, if they stand in our way they will be dealt with." Shino assured gravely.
"Great, we got what we need, Shi," Sakura began, lifting her hands and wiping sweat from her brow. She blinked, and was shocked as her eyes opened as Shino sliced the head off the wasp with a single slash of his kunai. Shino should've warned her.
"It may seem harsh, but my allies had already raised its internal temperature too high. Even with sustained aid from both of us, it likely would've slowly died, but I offered it a cruel mercy."
"I… yeah, I know," Sakura sighed. "Just was… intense…"
"Indeed," Shino acknowledged with a heavy sigh before he turned and began to leave the shack. "But we had no choice; we could not afford to let a lead go. Not when our allies' fate lies in the balance. Steel your heart, Sakura. This is likely not the last time we do something… despicable."
"I know…" Sakura sighed as she walked away from the corpse of the wasps. "Though I'm not the only one affected…"
Shino raised a brow before he looked at his gloved hand. It was shaking… "Let's meet up with the others…" Best to stay busy…
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Naruto's Group POV (The Den - Western River Plains of Irminsul)
Noon
Yuno's POV
It had been a tense and conniving morning. Retracing their steps to find the home of the wolves had been easy with the aid of Taka and Sasuke and her unique eyes. The wolves dwelled within what seemed to be a small cove that ended in a cave, the river which flowed into it ended falling into the cave. Swarming around the area were wolves, some slept mostly the eldest and young and several presumed guardians all rested in piles atop another in sunlight. The rest had left in the morning for a hunt, something Yuno as morning shift watch had observed. Others feasted upon dregs of former conquest in bushes or pits to keep it to themselves or their group. The last of them bathed in their river. The place would have seemed relatively wild without the wisps of firelight shining from within the cave. The wolves had some kind of inner structure, it was not something they used or even some interested in. It could be storage, or even more interesting a place to keep captives…
Sasuke and Naruto were sure of their ability to simply barge in and conquer the camp, with half their forces missing it would be a simple matter. Besides it would ensure they could take their time and search for clues or provide aid to their allies. But Yuno had insisted they wait for noon and the others to return. The duo of powerful Chunin seemed hesitant. But Yuno had insisted they needed all of them present to seek information, but they couldn't afford to approach this head-on. They'd likely attempt to risk their allies to gain control if they genuinely had their allies. The wolves weren't mindless after all, if they were like most the other animals they were nearly as smart as them. It would occur to them to use their friends as hostages.
Instead, Yuno had devised a deceptively simple plan: wait for the hunters to return, subtly take two of them out, and replace the wolves with two of their own party in disguise to infiltrate the camp; those two would find and assure the safety of their friends before the other two launched a bold assault. During the chaos the second group and first group would combine their efforts and conquer the cove with ease. With such a plan in motion, their roles were easy to ascertain. Yuno, with her genjutsu ability, and Muri, with his transformative ability, would take out and replace the wolves, infiltrate the camp, and free or save their allies and flee. From there, Sasuke and Naruto would use their ability of gross overkill to take out the camp in one swoop. Simple.
So when most of the pack returned with several slain animals of various types, Yuno and Muri had struck silently, dragging off the two wolves in the back without them noticing. Wolves often paid little attention to stragglers, they were considered low value, the pack would ignore them if they went missing. With some genjutsu and henge, Yuno became a convincing female wolf; Muri did the same into a male wolf. They would blend right in to the indifferent main pack.
The two crept in with the pack easily; their strange smell and behavior were easy to conceal with the other wolves. It took a lot of work to maintain said cover, with Yuno having to weave three layers of genjutsu, but such was the life of a kunoichi. As a Uchiha she must strive for excellence or whatever Sasuke would say. Muri and Yuno followed the others as they dropped off the meal, bathed, and joined them in feasting. At the back with the other submissive wolves it wasn't strange for them to refrain in partaking. They waited for the pack to indeed tear into the fortunately dead animals; the hunger and bloodlust overtaking them provided the perfect distraction. As the wolves eagerly tore into the well-earned meal, they were naive to the traitors creeping toward the cave.
However, much to Yuno and Muri's dismay, a small group of guards seemed to be in front of the cave. The guard matched eyes with them, making Muri flinch. Yuno nudged him to the side, the two subtly diverted their path, swinging around the cave instead. Hoping to pretend they had merely been loafing around. However it was for mute, as one of the guard left it's post, blocking their path the wolf suspiciously stood before them. It was marked with painted fur stripes on its snout; it must've been some sort of alpha or something. Both of them bowed their heads, attempting to bore the alpha off; however, it growled as if somehow discovering something was wrong with them. Apparently the wolves were just as intelligent as Yuno had thought. The wolf tensed, perhaps preparing to alert the others. However, Yuno did not allow it to do much more as she lost her wolf form and blurred forward. With a flick of her custom kunai, she slit the wolf's throat right as it went to howl. Yuno lifted the dying wolf in the same motion and threw it into some thick bushes near the river. So sudden was the action that little blood or noise had been made. The hiding spot was less than perfect but she didn't have the luxury of time to find a better one.
Muri whined as a wolf before popping back into his raccoon form and hopping on Yuno's left shoulder. "Sorry." Yuno earnestly apologized. "Can't afford them to raise the alarm before we're ready."
"I understand that!" Muri complained. "I don't like it, but it barely matters now! Wolves have a supreme sense of smell; in minutes, they'll smell the fresh kill and alert the entire pack!"
"Interesting point," Yuno admitted. "Alright, then, we need to move fast. If we're expected to be discovered regardless, it opens up our options. Let's head for above the entrance of the cave. Surely, they would keep our friends and master there. If we grab them quick enough, we can still stick to the plan. Before they even realize what's happening our artillery will hit!"
"Right!" Muri agreed as Yuno athletically leaped up to the top of the cave entrance. The two peaked over it as Yuno slowly weaved hand signs.
"Bemusing Illusion: Suggestive Wave," Yuno whispered as her hand signs finished. Muri seemed to squint in an attempt to see what she did, but as the caster, Yuno saw it all. The wolves guarding and surrounding the cave flinched as strangled glowing deer raced by them. Their predatory instinct kicked in as a few raced after them, cheering in amusement. Most of the wolves could not see the deer. The ones trapped in her genjutsu did, yet the chant of hunger and hunt overtook the ones that didn't. Her chakra enhances their instinct to focus their attention on the supposed hunt. Quickly, the cave was abandoned as the wildly chasing wolves smashed into the already feasting wolves; hunger, excitement, and anger burst from the crowd as they fought over fake and real prey alike. Chaos ensued as the wolves all fought, most seemingly forgetting the reason in the first place. They cared not for what they were doing or had been doing.
"Impressive!" Muri complimented as Yuno dropped the two before the now unguarded cave entrance. "Naruto and Sasuke would've just raced in and taken them all out. Likely while seeming like walking disasters all the while."
"Yeah, I prefer a less head-on approach." Yuno chuckled as the two slowly drifted inside the dimly lit cave. Various roughly ripped skins from previous conquests littered the floor as some sort of rough padding. Torches of wood and fat burned from the walls, and two men were seated on the floor, seals burning on their skin. There were no chains that bind them yet they sat patiently and absent mindedly. They both seemed healthy however, it seemed the Master hadn't been too rough with them. Yuno would make his death mildly less painful as thanks.
"Choji! Kiba!" Yuno called excitedly as she raced forward. Her Sharingan spun as she prepared to use her Genjutsu to free them just as she had done for herself. But she stopped as her instincts flared and jumped back.
It proved prophetic as a massive snout smashed through the cave wall. Yuno and Muri fled from the cave as it collapsed before Muri suddenly transformed into a giant eagle and took them to the sky. 'How the hell did it fit in here?!'
Their new viewpoint allowed them to see the massive wolf that had smashed the cave to bits. The entrance had collapsed and been buried, and from the rumblings below, the entire cave system had followed suit. The river began to pool around the area as the debris created a natural dam. Yuno and Muri both cried out in dismay, horrified to have witnessed their allies being crushed in front of them. Before in a twisted turn of fortune suddenly, from the remnants of the entrance, a massive and roaring Choji burst free, an equally amused Kiba standing on his shoulder.
"So Kiba and Choji are here but still under control." Muri mused. "I did not remember the leader of the wolves being this massive or powerful, however. Did he somehow grow? Just who the hell is this master?!"
"Get us away from them!" Yuno called urgently from Muri's back. "Knowing those two, they'll see this as an opportunity to strike!"
"But they'd risk Choji and Kiba!" Muri cried as he flapped desperately, getting the two high above the chaos below.
"It's the two of them, they'll figure it out!"
"So there are interlopers within the home of the Runic Wolves?!" The boss summon like wolf roared. "Daring to anger Fenrir so shortly after my last outing?! Slaves kill these fools!"
"Been looking forward to another outing after Blondie got the better of me!" Kiba cackled. "Time to go wild!"
"Get down here bitch!" Choji roared angrily at Yuno. She was shocked, Choji had never been less than polite with her before.
"Mind-controlled or not, you'll pay for that, Choji." Yuno roared back. "In fact, it's coming right NOW!"
Her call was timed perfectly; a massive gust of wind hit the duo of Kiba and Choji, sending the odd duo flying back, the gust so powerful even the giant was sent smashing through the rock cover of the cove. Fenrir growled at such but was silent as a gigantic fireball appeared over the camp. The heat and light from it were so great they all flinched at its might before screeching blades of wind raced forth and cut the fire to smithereens. The fiery remnants fell from the sky above the cove just narrowly below Yuno and Muri; the now clumps of flame rained toward the ground, raining fire.
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Fenrir, however, howled as he spun in place, causing the ground to rumble. Choji echoed its cries as he charged back in, in sync with the two to lash out at the river. The swing of Fenrir's tail and Choji's massive palm flung a ginormous clump of water at the firestorm. The absurd amount of water met the rain of flames in a boom of heat and mist. The raw amount of water actually managed to diffuse the flames.
"They defended it!" Yuno cried as Muri flew down to where the attacks had originated. However, as Choji's massive frame burst from the smoke, they cried out yet again in alarm. Choji laughed as he attempted to smack them to the ground, but with a burst of wind, Naruto appeared in front of them. Smiling as he faced a giant head on.
Naruto offered his own roar as he raised back his fist, wind chakra visibly pouring through it as he met Choji's massive palm with a punch. With a boom of wind enough to send Muri and Yuno careening gently to the ground as the two powerhouses clashed. The sound of their impact rang hollowly throughout the clearing. Naruto roared triumphantly as his punch overpowered Choji's, sending Choji's hand back. However, it was cut off as Choji's other hand swatted Naruto out of the sky and to the ground below. Choji laughed as he chased after him. Yuno winced, easy to forget how quick Choji was even in giant form.
"Naruto!" Yuno and Muri called in stereo as they stood and began raking after the blonde. Sasuke appeared by their side, matching their stride as they raced by the river toward where Naruto landed.
"Help the idiot. I'll take care of Fen—" Sasuke started before he was suddenly smacked away by a blur. Yuno blinked, tracking Sasuke flying through the air and the blur racing after him. Kiba seemingly bounced off the air and battered Sasuke in a barrage of blows.
"Sasuke!" Yuno cried out as Muri jumped off her shoulder.
"Help him! I'll help Naru—" Muri started. However, Yuno interrupted him as she ripped him into her arms and dived wildly to the left. The ground they had been standing on was crushed as Fenrir's tail smashed into it.
"Fenrir of the Runic Wolves shall swallow you whole, human and Okama!" Fenrir promised as he raced in after them. The plan had been so simple!
Naruto's POV
Naruto groaned as he climbed out of the crater Choji had smashed him into. If he hadn't managed to put up a cushion of wind chakra around himself before the blow, it would've likely killed him.
"Fist-fighting a giant isn't the best idea, I guess." Naruto groaned as he rose. His eyes found Choji mere feet away, the giant throwing a powerful soccer kick right for him! It took every ounce of speed he had to cartwheel past the deadly blow. Naruto considered drawing Riptide but didn't wanna risk killing Choji; as he pondered, he jumped above a punch and began racing up the giant's arm. He would have to do this the old-fashioned way. "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Fifty Narutos spawned and raced all over Choji's body, unleashing blows and slicing thinly with kunai, which only aggravated Choji. The real Naruto meanwhile weaved more hand signs as he launched himself off Choji's shoulder above his head. "Yuno was supposed to free you guys, but plans never pan out for us!" Naruto joked as Choji slowly spun off and swatted off his army of clones. "So I'm gonna just kick your ass and hope it works!" Allowing his wind chakra to boost him, he stood above him, and eight others followed him and stood with him. "Dance of the Nine!"
Choji roared as he saw the clones above him. He dipped his hands low, ripped earth free, and hurled two massive pieces of stone, mud, and dirt at them. Naruto and the clones merely narrowed their eyes as they didn't bother to budge. They all flowed around, forming a circle and raising their palms towards the debris. "Dance of the Nine: Pulse!" They cried, the two pieces seemingly flattened against the air itself before both suddenly reversed at great speed, being deflected back at Choji. The giant coughed as his own attack sent him stumbling back.
Two clones raced through the dust of the attack, and both speared into Choji's chest with flying kicks. The mighty blows and wind they carried knocked Choji further off balance, making him stumble back. Two pairs of three clones flew in from behind and sent massive blasts of wind into the back of Choji's knees, making him kneel. The last and real Naruto channeled chakra into his fist from above. Naruto was simply too fast for him, and had the punch to back it up…
The clones were heedless of their master, peppering Choji with blasts of wind, making the giant guard himself as they slowly rejoined Naruto.
"I always liked you, Choji," Naruto said to the now-guarded giant. Choji heedless of the fact he was being held in place for an attack "Enough to where fighting you sucks. I'm gonna end this now…"
"I refuse! Even if I'm a mere slave, I'm done being weak!" Choji hollered through grunts of pain. "I was too weak to be of any true use against Mizuki, too weak to be useful in the exams, too weak to keep up with Shino and Yuno! But now I can stand beside them! We can all be stronger with the Master!"
"Strength is something you've always had, Choji…" Naruto calmly countered as his clones joined him in the same pose, each clutching the air around their fist as if preparing for some absurdly overthrown punch. "You were strong enough to be yourself, strong enough not to let others dictate how you acted, strong enough to keep my secret even when you gained nothing from it… You'll become stronger, but only by and as yourself! Dance of the Nine: 9 Caliber Naruto Gun!" Naruto punched the air in front of him, and as he did, each clone did the same dispelling as they did. The punches unleashed a massive howling fist of wind. It sped through the air and smashed into Choji, grounding him fully. The ground beneath Choji gave an enormous crack as the blow flattened out and buried Choji into the ground. "Suppose you can fist-fight a giant after all." Naruto snarked as he watched Choji slowly shrink to his normal size.
Sasuke's POV
Sasuke was really over this entire mission. The constant twists and turns were becoming tiresome, and the endless opponents even more so. This current one may have been the most shocking of all. Kiba Inuzuka, a less-than-notable Genin, one that both Naruto and Gaara had apparently defeated with ease, was pushing him, a Uchiha back.
His first blow had been sudden and managed to catch Sasuke off guard; the entire body of the Inuzuka had sent him careening away from his cousin. The next, a kick to his back sent him high up. But by then, Sasuke had recovered; as he rose into the air, he managed to draw two kunai. A glint of light off of Kiba's claws allowed Sasuke to weave his head around the claws and slash at his body; though he narrowly missed flesh, Kiba had to redirect himself away to avoid the counterattack sparing Sasuke another blow. Sasuke watched as Kiba seemed to kick off the air before blurring away. Retreating for now. Sasuke took the reprieve to regroup as he continued to fly through the air above the river plains.
'He uses his wind technique to make a platform out of the air, fang over fang to travel between hops, so he can rapidly attack from any angle.' Sasuke thought as he traced Kiba's path around him. 'He wasn't nearly this fast before, nor as skilled. If Kiba had been, Gaara may have actually been tested. I'm certain I can defeat him, but if he had this latent potential within, where was it before? Once again someone surpasses the limits I had set for them. Are my peers always been like this?'
Kiba laughed as he suddenly rushed in from behind. Sasuke scoffed as Ash Stepped out of the way, appearing just above Kiba and stomping for his head. Even if Kiba was stronger than he had gave him credit for, Sasuke would be damned before he allowed him to defeat him. However, Kiba pushed off the air, twisting as he unleashed a spinning kick for Sasuke's head as he dodged around the stomp. "Deceitful Dodge!" Sasuke cried before being batted away by the powerful kick. Or so Kiba had thought. Sasuke Ash Stepped in front of Kiba's shocked face, snapping his head back with a jab. Sasuke mercilessly followed up with a kick to Kiba's body, smashing his elbow into his face. Kiba began to descend, stunned by the blows; Sasuke blurred ahead, smashing his shoulder into Kiba's ribs. This was the difference, the dominance in combat provided Sasuke with the confidence that motivated him. Perhaps his eyes didn't always show him everything about his foes, they allowed him to surpass them all the same. As the two drew close to the ground with Sasuke slightly above Kiba, he spun as he prepared to finish the fight. The fall plus his finished spinning kick would break Kiba's bone and knock him out, but it wouldn't kill him… "Lion's Barrage!" He cried right as Kiba was about to impact the ground; however, he flinched as Kiba growled out his own technique.
"Wild Counter!" Kiba roared gleefully as his foot flexibly rose and took the brunt of Sasuke's blow. Sasuke watched with grim amusement as Kiba, somehow spun with the force of the blow, throwing a wild hook as he spun. Sasuke could only blink as it smashed into his face. Kiba had shocked him again.
His vision blacked as his body flew from the force of the blow. 'He uses his leg to prepare himself to spin. Using wind chakra, he spins with and maintains the force of a blow; he then lashes out, returning it. Not dissimilar from my Deceitful Dodge.' Sasuke blurred through the clearing, smashing into the river with a massive splash. He sank to its shallow bed, stunned as Kiba darted above him, stopping above him and standing in the air. Sasuke shook his head as he recovered, Kiba should've pressed his advantage. A power boost wouldn't change his mind.
"Bet you heard from Naruto how he kicked my ass!" Kiba spat venomously as Sasuke breached the water's surface with a gasp before climbing to his feet and glaring at Kiba. "I'll admit that bastard got the better of me, but had I shown everything I could do, he would've stood no chance!"
"I considered you weak before but respected your guts and loyalty. You were proud and determined, two things I consider myself to be. I now see you aren't nearly as weak as I had thought… It keeps happening recently. I can tell by your behavior you are ashamed of yourself and looking for redemption… a feeling I can relate to. The control they have you under must amplify negative emotions…" Sasuke monologues as he faces Kiba. "Either way, I cannot afford to lose anymore; just like yourself, I have fallen short of my expectations as of late. As such, I will not take you or anyone else lightly anymore. Besmirched Flambe!" Sasuke summoned his familiar blade of flames with a flick of his wrist.
"Now that's more like it, Uchiha! Once I kick your ass, I'll have finally proven myself!" Kiba retorted excitedly.
"You're strong now, fast as well… but far from being a true threat to a Uchiha." Sasuke calmly replied.
"A fallen clan; my legend will surpass theirs soon enough!"
"Blinded by the control of another and your own self-loathing," Sasuke said with a shake of his head. "I pity you, I shall free you, and hopefully, you grow from this."
"I've grown plenty! Allow me to show my full power!" Kiba roared, tossing up a beast pill. He savagely bit into it and Sasuke could feel his chakra pulsing from within.
'He wasn't using the unique soldier pill of the Inuzuka?' Sasuke thought, surprised. 'It allows them superb conditioning and beastlike strength, speed, and senses. That means he's due another boost…' Kiba laughed as he dropped to all fours, his voice deeper, and fangs grew from his mouth as his claws lengthened.
"Time to show you my final technique. My Air Platform, combined with Fang Over Fang and now my increased output of air chakra, allows me an absurd increase in speed and mobility. Combined now with my beast form and I'm on an entirely different level! Even your fancy eyes and teleportation will fail to keep up! I'll tear you to shreds!" Kiba declared before he stepped; a boom sounded as Sasuke blinked, and Kiba was gone. Another boom sounded behind Sasuke, who whipped around and caught a fleeting glance of Kiba. Another boom allowed Sasuke to catch Kiba as he continued to zoom around him at absurd speeds, each change in direction marked by a thunderous boom. Even now Kiba was playing with him, he was being enraptured by his own power.
"You are fast…" Sasuke announced. "Fast enough for even me to struggle with… at least before…" Sasuke's Sharingan whirled as he suddenly disappeared. Kiba gasped, stopping and landing where Sasuke had stood in shock. He now realized Sasuke had instantly reversed their position. For now, around him, a red line blurred in all directions. The fiery line moved so fast it created a perimeter of moving flames around him. So fast was Sasuke now he watched as Kiba helplessly whipped his head around. Even now he couldn't keep up. "This trip has proven worth the effort. We've found most of you, and I've managed to become stronger. Just like you, I won't hold back and face defeat, prepare yourself Kiba…"
"I won't be looked down on anymore!" Kiba roared as he raced around, attempting to match Sasuke's speed and catch him. However, each time he drew close, he was smacked away before he could see the attack. Sasuke not even bothering to use his Besmirched Flambe to tear him apart.
"I don't look down on you, Kiba Inuzuka!" Sasuke roared as the orb contracted around the now airborne Inuzuka. In truth Sasuke was simply moving closer and closer at speeds Kiba could scarcely perceive. "I didn't before, but now I recognize your strength. I simply have no choice but to be stronger… Fiery Reappearing Shadow Death!" The orb contracted, and Kiba screamed as Sasuke began a barrage of attacks.
So much faster was Sasuke that Kiba could scarcely react between strokes of Besmirched Flambe. Sasuke struck with care, shallow slices avoiding vital areas. But the pain and amount of blows caused Kiba to scream as he passed out. The human body's way of preserving itself when overwhelmed with intense stimuli. Sasuke caught the unconscious Kiba, ending the blows as soon as Kiba faded. He gently lowered him to the ground as he sighed. He needed to stop underestimating others; if Kiba had landed a more substantial blow earlier, Sasuke would've lost…
Yuno's POV
Yuno blinked as both her allies were rushed off in combat. She dived again narrowly, avoiding being crushed by Fenrir's giant paw. She rolled through the impact, and the power of the stomp sent the two flying. Yuno cradled herself around Muri as they impacted the ground. Cursing as she attempted to stumble, she watched helplessly as Fenrir chuckled in glee and swiped his claws to crush and tear the two equally. However, with a squawk, Fenrir's head snapped back as an eagle smashed bodily into it. Another call sounded as Yuno and Muri were snatched into the ground. Taka had saved them!
Both cried out in shock as they were suddenly lifted from the ground. Tossed up higher into the air, they suddenly landed on the feathered back of another eagle.
"It is fortuitous that we kept an eye on our summoner's party as he asked. It would be sure to displease him if his kin were to be slain." Screeching Eyes spoke to them as he flew around Fenrir. "So our enemy is Fenrir of the Runic Wolves… quite the adversary indeed much different than what I heard…"
"The boss of the Runic Wolves is no foe to take lightly." Crushing Talons added as he swooped in sync with his eagle brother. "I always crush prey with that charge, yet he hardly flinches. It may be wise to retreat for now."
"We need to stall!" Yuno disagreed vehemently. "Sasuke and Naruto won't take long; with their help, we can beat him. Besides, we still need to investigate the camp for signs of the Master!"
"She is one of the Uchiha." Scanning Eyes spoke to his clanmate. "Our contract binds us to the Uchiha now; it would be improper of us not to aid her."
"Aye." Crushing Talons admitted.
"But how can we hurt him!" Muri asked in fear. "He's more like a Summoning Boss now! Even our leader would struggle against him!"
"We have to pester and relentlessly punish him," Yuno decided. "If we maintain pressure he'll be stuck reacting instead of attacking. Crushing Talons, can you keep his attention without being caught and killed?"
"Not for long. His size makes us much quicker, but he's no slouch himself. Eventually, he will catch me." The eagle answered.
"Do your best, if you suspect your in danger retreat. Scanning Eyes, get us under him!" Yuno commanded. "I have a plan. He should be sensitive to his stomach; its instincts will be our weapon! Even the mighty fear a painful death!"
The Taka clan, to their credit, showed no fear or hesitation. Scanning Eyes and Crushing Talons swooped in sync. They spun through the air, kicking with their talons and sending blades of wind flying forth at Fenrir.
The wolf, however, merely bared its fangs, now prepared for their speed. It howled, and several strange symbols flew from its gullet, efficiently meeting the wind blades and breaking through them. But the Taka merely flew past the counter attack, using it to close the distance. Scanning Eyes and Crushing Talons parted as they drew close; Crushing Talons raced into Fenrir's face, cutting into its nose as it flew by. Fenrir howled in fury and snapped its jaws at Crushing Talons racing after the eagle. As it did, Scanning Eyes flew beneath it, flying beneath its belly as the beast attempted to scarf down his ally.
"Good work, Taka!" Yuno complimented as she weaved hand signs and raised a hand to her mouth. "Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire!" She cried, spitting small fireballs into the beast's underbelly as they flew. Each had a shuriken within it that stabbed into and allowed the flames to take the purchase of Fenrir. The beast's size ensured the spread attack achieved minor actual damage. But Yuno was confident it wouldn't feel good. Which would play nicely into her next attack.
Her thoughts proved right as Fenrir howled in pain and attempted to drop to his belly to stop the burning. But Yuno wasn't done yet; she needed Fenrir defenseless to ensure their final blow worked. Genjutsu on such a massive creature was no small task; on one, she sensed some sort of defense in place even more so. However, she found genjutsu was at its strongest when it reinforced something the victim found to be a part of reality. With the burns it was facing, it was sure to be in pain and panicking. Convincing it the injury was worse than it indeed was would be easy. Instead of some dying flames on its stomach, Yuno weaved a Genjutsu that the flames were growing. In fact, Fenrir was convinced he was fully alight.
"The wolf seems oddly shaken." Crushing Talons remarked.
"It's trapped in my illusion," Yuno explained. "We won't have long before it catches on. Muri, Crushing Talons, and Scanning Eyes, I need you to unleash a huge blast of wind nature chakra. Muri help them out. I'll follow up with the fire, we'll make the illusion a reality…"
The creatures listened dutifully. Muri spat a wad of wind as the Taka eagle flapped many from their wings; the subsequent blast merged into a giant orb of wind nature chakra that flew forth toward Fenrir. Yuno followed up, spitting out the most significant fire technique she could. "Fire Style: Great Dragon Fire!" A massive head of a dragon shot from her and joined the orb. The potent fire nature and wind nature chakra combined and exploded before the enormous orb of explosive flames engulfed Fenrir. "Collaborative Jutsu: Explosive Dragon Aura!"
The howls of the wolf exploded short before it did itself. The massive explosion sent smoke, debris, and dust through the air; the enormous wave of debris blocked their vision of the wolf. Yuno sighed, slightly worn out from the effort. As Muri and the Taka cheered in joy. Even a giant wolf would surely have perished from that. It was lucky Yuno had back up… However her hope was not rewarded, as through the cloud burst a burnt and angry Fenrir.
"I will enjoy eating you more now!" It roared gleefully. The airborne four could only watch, caught off guard. Shocked that Fenrir had survived, let alone attacked after that blast. The wolf's jaws slowly closed the distance. They would be swallowed whole…
"Eat this!" A voice countered. "Dance of the Nine: 9 Caliber Naruto Gun!" Fenrir was slammed with a whine into the ground by a massive fist of wind. Yuno could only blink as Naruto floated before them, calmly staring down at the wolf. "Sorry about that. Choji can seriously take a punch; he's okay, though."
A whoosh of wind announced the arrival of Sasuke and Scanning Eyes. "Uzumaki, you have my thanks for saving Yuno."
"Again."
"Yes," Sasuke said with a roll of his eyes. "Again, just as the idiot did, I defeated Kiba without great injury. Unlike him, there's no need for you to break the control; I managed it myself."
It was Naruto's turn to roll his eyes. "So why don't you free Choji Yuno? Sasuke and I will handle the mutt." Yuno could only nod, Crushing Talon doing the same before taking off for the crater Naruto had left Choji.
Yuno could scarcely believe it; Naruto and Sasuke had been holding back, yet they easily defeated Kiba and Choji. Naruto had just batted away the equivalent of a Boss Summon. But besting it was another task entirely. Most summoners were so powerful and complex to deal with shinobi capable of rousing them, and they were considered Jounin level at least. Yet two Chunin confidently stood before it, looking more bored than anything…
She swallowed her shock as she ran to Choji. The man's armor had been shattered, leaving him in the red cloth of his clan. The man was somewhat battered, and the area around them more so. It was clear, though brief, that Choji and Naruto had quite an intense battle. Yuno jumped off Crushing Talons, rushing to Choji. Despite the crater, it was clear Naruto had ended their bout in his usual explosive way.
Choji's face was locked in a sneer Yuno was not used to seeing. Realizing she was here to deal with him, he cursed and rolled over, attempting to drag himself away. Yuno could not believe what had been done to her friend.
Choji was the kindest man she had ever met. He was a gentle, caring, and loyal friend. One Yuno could admit she relied on, who never treated her as anything less than family. She saw him almost as a brother. To see him beaten and looking at her with such venom was heartbreaking.
Yuno blitzed over to Choji, rolling him over gently. She stood in his arms to restrain him, stopping to lift his chin and make him meet her eyes. "It's over, teammate, Sharingan…" With a flex of her chakra and a whirl of her eyes, she quickly ensnared Choji in a genjutsu.
However, this Master controlled their friends; it had something to do with their mind. When she ensnared victims with ocular genjutsu, she was able to gaze into their minds. Visually speaking, the sight was confusing, but once with Kiba and now with Choji, she could see chakra deep inside it. Somehow, the caster used the chakra to amplify negative emotions, making the user more compliant and exceptionally violent. Solving such was shockingly easy. Yuno merely soothed the emotions with sights she was certain brought Choji peace. Soon, his face relaxed as his body did; the lazy smile Choji was known for returned as he laughed deeply and wildly.
"You okay?!" Yuno asked, panicking, helping Choji stand.
"Of course!" Choji joked out between shrinking chuckles. "It's just crazy. First, I was kidnapped, then survived with Sakura, then captured again, and then hell, I fought Naruto!"
Yuno smiled as his excellent mood returned, though she would admit it was strained. "Choji… it's okay to not be okay…"
Choji stopped laughing but kept a bitter smile all the while. "Before you freed me, I was planning to use all of the food pills of the Akimichi to kill you all. I didn't want to, but I was so angry and jealous… I couldn't stop it. It was like I was lost… It's so shameful. Fitting for me I guess…"
"Choji-"
"But it's over; it was horrible and it will stick with me for a while, but it's over." Choji continued with a much more honest smile. "I didn't hurt anyone too bad; you saved me, and… well, I hate how it happened. But there's no doubt I'm stronger now… dad always says look at the bright side!"
Yuno smiled much more honestly at that. "You always do see things so positively."
"We have a lot to be thankful for!" Choji responded confidently.
Both flinched, however, as a crash sounded. The two turned to see Naruto and Sasuke zooming around Fenrir as he wreaked havoc in the camp, attempting to kill them. Each blow from the wolf teared up the ground, and trees from it sprayed violence.
"You should help them." Choji surprised Yuno with the suggestion. "I would, but honestly, I'm worn out. I could take the second to rest."
Yuno did not smacking him with a shake of her head. "No need, dummy." She smiled. "Those two have gotten even stronger since the exams. Somehow."
"It's something about people like them." Choji decided. "Even back when Mizuki was revealed to be a traitor, Naruto was something else. Naruto and I were way over our heads; I tried my best but couldn't keep up; I didn't think Naruto would either, but somehow, someone the academy considered the weakest of us was trading with a Chunin evenly. Lee, considered weaker, still straight-up outshined them. Some people just don't seem to have limits!"
Choji's speech was verified as Naruto and Sasuke appeared before Fenrir. The wolf, enraged at their speed, howled deeply as it raised its head to the sky. Yuno and Choji could only watch in awe as its maw began to glow with visible chakra. Naruto seemed to sheathe Riptide as the very air around him trembled. Sasuke blurred in place as Besmirched Flambe burned the very air around him. There was a boom as both suddenly disappeared. Even with Yuno's Sharingan, she lost sight of them.
Fenrir howled in pain, unable to unleash his attack as a red and blue line crisscrossed around his body. The lines stayed in place even as they zoomed by. Eventually however the wind and fire nature chakra. The entire body of Fenrir was covered in flames and cut all over as the volatile natures mixed and reacted. Fenrir stumbled forward as the fire died out; he bled from what looked to be dozens of deep cuts; his fur had been burnt to ash in place, and deep red welts exposed how deep the burns were. It whined pathetically as it collapsed in a heap.
"Bastards are something else, aren't they?" Kiba's voice interrupted their awe as he limped over to them. "Sasuke tore me apart, Naruto Choji, and yet here they are doing even more work, making it look easy, too.
Yuno's eyes narrowed as she tensed.
"Oh, stuff it." Kiba declared with a roll of his eyes. "I'm back in control now. Sorry, I was an ass; I guess I have some baggage to deal with. But the first step is getting out of here. Won't matter how much I've grown if we die here."
"Easier said than done," Yuno replied with a sigh of relief. "We attacked this camp, but the Master isn't here. We think we may have found our way home. But it's more than likely we'll have to deal with them to do it."
"We couldn't just leave anyway; this master took us," Choji spat. "He's likely to take others, too. Wouldn't be right to ignore it."
"Don't be downers, you two!" Kiba barked with laughter. "We've made it this far and seem to know the path forward. Besides," As he finished, Naruto, Sasuke, and Scanning Eyes arrived with a boom, smiling at the group. "We have the strongest duo from the Leaf with us!"
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Rasa's POV (Kazekage Mansion - Village Hidden in the Sand)
Early Evening
Rasa stared off the roof of his mansion, watching wisps of sand drift between his village. The constant barrage of grains of sand during windy days was a constant concern. It was why his home was circular to prevent the buildup of sand. It was why the buildings of his village rose high into the sky with barricaded windows. Such strength, even if comfort had been the essence of his village.
The desert they lived in was brutal, switching from blazing hot to icily cold, the violent sandstorms that would rob vision and threaten to bury even buildings in the sand, and the lack of water kept nearly everything dry. There were no large game to hunt, and the people matched the roughness of their environment. This was the reason why the Sand did poorly in tourism.
But Rasa loved his homeland; the desert was like himself. Rough and unappealing to the unobservant, but for those who preserved? Their land was even more prosperous than the Land of Iron regarding metal resources. Why did they lack hunting? They also lacked pests. Besides, the desert was no barren wasteland, just as humans had animals adapted to the desert as well. The land could feed, shelter, and provide for one if they only proved able.
Typically, Rasa was a fan of sandstorms. While a nuisance and, at times, deadly, they were incredibly unique. Nowhere else in the world suffered from them, and as such, they were a unique trait to his home. But this one was different…
Ever since the birth of Gaara, this land has nearly doubled in the number of sandstorms. It was easy for Rasa to detect when his son was responsible, the intensity and longevity of the sandstorm, and the trace amount of chakra in the air. Rasa doubted his son even realized he had done it, a testament to the power of the weapon Rasa had created. Just his moods affected the desert, a shinobi who wielded it as a weapon…
Rasa was also starting to test his son's temper. Gaara sat behind him as silent; he was likely not to speak unless he had to; his behavior and the intense glare made it clear how deep his hatred ran. But Rasa refused to allow his son to be his usual insubordinate self, not today. Not after what he suspected Gaara to have done. Once hearing the impatient tap of Gaara's foot, he knew he was aggravated. Gaara was nearly as intelligent as himself, but his temper toward Rasa permanently blinded him. Force him to be on the back.
"I received an interesting correspondence this afternoon, Gaara," Rasa spoke in a tone betraying none of his thoughts. He did not face his son; humanizing Gaara would only advocate his less-than-ideal aspects. Treating him as a tool and leveraging his control over him ensured Gaara worked best for the Sand. Perhaps that was why Rasa struggled to hold back his fury as he spoke.
"I care little for the political games you play, father." Gaara snapped back. "It is no concern of mine."
"Whatever I say is your concern will be so, son," Rasa replied icily. "Besides, I believe it does. The Stone sent the message; they detailed an apparent attempt for friendly communications, an apparent potential alliance. They sent such a small group of Anbu and a notable politician and veteran of their forces. Do you know how it went?"
"I fail to see how I could." Gaara stiffly offered.
"The Stone said the representatives had yet to return. In fact, they seemed quite certain they were slain. They allege they had a status seal in place, which directly alerted them to their demise. They accuse us of being responsible. Of course, such an accusation should be untrue; none of my men reported intruders nor correspondence, and all the usual scouting groups reported all clear… that's when your little move became clear to me."
Gaara scoffed. "That the Stone is too pathetic to even trek the desert?"
"That you killed them, Gaara; in fact, I'm certain your siblings aided you. As much as I had thought the accusations were meaningless bluster, I decided to investigate personally anyway. Once I did, I happened upon an interesting fact. One of the scouting teams was headed by yourself; you brought your brother and sister."
"That much is true," Gaara admitted; Rasa could sense his sand shifting around him as Gaara floated to face him directly. "As any Chunin of the Sand, I have mandatory scouting missions; I merely did so. You are aware of how much I detest humans, so it seemed wise to bring my siblings along to avoid meaningless theatrics. Besides, you should know better than to assume my siblings would aid me; you ensured they kept their distance after all."
"I have doubts; my tails on you have reported the three of you spending more and more time together. And even if my suspicion was untrue, forcing their compliance and silence would be a trivial matter." Rasa retorted.
"Stop with the posturing father," Gaara replied with a shake of his head as he slowly descended to the streets below. "If you had any true proof or even choice in the matter, you would've killed me yourself. You, humans, have always been paranoid creatures."
"Perhaps it is paranoia," Rasa admitted as he stepped to the edge to look down at his son. His gold burst from the folds of his robe as several spears surrounded his son. "But combined with the recent bounty on yourself, it has placed us in great turbulence. While navigating these difficult times, I intend to investigate further and closely monitor you. If you should betray the interest of the sand in any way, let me assure you it will cost you dearly. I can find another vessel after all."
"Meaningless bluster, father," Gaara replied fearlessly. "You need me now, and now you can't rely on mere politicking to get you through. The Stone hates us more than ever, the Cloud sees us as nothing more than a hurdle to get to the Leaf, and the Mist is too dysfunctional to even matter…"
"I see…" Rasa mused. "That was your game… you wished to ensure I would be stuck allianceing with the Leaf. Unless I somehow could reconcile with the Cloud, I'd have no choice."
"Whatever you say… father."
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Yahiko's POV (Lair of God - Village Hidden in the Rain)
Early Evening
People were predictable creatures. Reactive to their very core, most spent their lives responding: repaying kindness, cursing cruelty, and pursuing justice. It all was a circular way of life that resulted in frequent, repeated outcomes, one of which was war.
Yahiko stood in the rain, allowing it to soak his robes fully. He had come to love the constant downpour of his home village. The water was clean and wiped away the filth. Rain was pure. It was fitting that their homeland built homes that reached for the heavens. He hoped the downpour brought them the peace it brought him.
The war was something more; Yahiko had seen some himself. It was something more significant than the mere human lives it cost. An ancient and all too human ritual. It could be waged over hate, politics, revolution, fear, love. And yet, it always resulted in the same ending. There would be a victor and the defeated, the conqueror and the conquered, but it was inevitable only devastation, death, and despair would be spread after. Those who arranged such would benefit greatly; those spared were left ignorant of the hell they narrowly avoided. The world always seemed to move on…
But the victims of war, the innocent and guilty alike, ravaged and tainted for years to come, were stuck. The wounds and scars of the past would weigh on them from then on. Helpless to escape the cruel, meaningless life they were left with. Yahiko had experienced it himself, after all. That wound left would be remembered even by them by the defeated and cursed. Even if the two parties made peace afterward, it set the seeds. War was never truly over. Another would always be waged; if not from the one trapped in hatred from before, a new one would be born. Humans seek to always choose to relive past mistakes.
There had been a period in which Yahiko doubted what he had learned. With the lack of care or eyes on their village, it was shockingly easy for Yahiko to move discreetly, placing flawless spies within nearly every hidden town to keep track of international affairs. Over a decade ago, his spies had learned of an exciting move made by the Hokage.
The old fool had somehow managed to create a tense standstill to combat between the Five Hidden Villages. Somehow, the old decrepit fool had done it. While his sources spoke of the peace being paper thin, Yahiko had been shocked to see a relic of the past finally achieve his own goal. He had been no fool, of course. Yahiko had spent the past years waiting and preparing for it to break. But he had nearly lost faith that such was necessary. Perhaps his dream was merely an unneeded and unrealistic pipe dream.
But the new information gathered had shattered that small hope. His spies had confirmed quite the turbulent decision made by the Raikage. Bounties had been placed upon the new generation of shinobi, ones that had prospered during the standstill. His intention was clear: to stir up controversy and tension to lead to a grave decision. It seemed he was preparing to end this peace; he was getting ready for war.
"It pains me to see they have thrown away the potential new world they had created." Nagato bitterly spat. "The bastards finally wise up to the needless waste of war, only to willingly relapse to their violence." He and Konan had emerged within the building. They lacked his love of rain but were used to speaking.
"It is nothing we didn't already know," Konan added. "The people of this world can't be blamed for their suffering. The current leaders and the influence of the people's world doom are the ones who repeat this dark pattern. Besides, this saves us some effort."
"The jinchuriki." Yahiko sighed heavily at the thought. "It pains me to target the people affected by this broken world. But they represent the very flaws of it…"
"It is unavoidable, Yahiko." Konan decided with ease, his face and body portraying none of the stress it brought him. "They are needed for our plan to ever work."
"It brings me discomfort as well, brother." Nagato chimed in. "But it is just as you had declared before. To bathe this world from sin, we must embrace them ourselves…"
The three of them had survived countless bouts, tackled endless problems, successfully assassinated Hanzo, and replaced him as leaders; they had even formed their newest force for their vision together. It was their unity that gave them strength. Yahiko was their leader. It was his passion that inspired him; Nagato was their heart. He felt the pain of others deeply and
ensured they never would become the monsters they sought to destroy; Konan was their balance; when either of them fell short or lost vision, she guided them back.
"It seems the time we suspected will come soon. With this pressure placed upon each village, tensions will surely rise. Konan has Kakazu hire missing shinobi and bandits to target these new bounties. Increasing the payload and offering them assistance should ensure we accelerate the shattering of this false peace."
"Of course, Yahiko, though the greedy man will demand that we refrain from paying. Knowing him, he's likely to hunt him down to rebuild lost funds." Konan replied.
"Such is fine; his skill and financial ability were why we acquired him anyway," Yahiko said. "Nagato, I need you to have Sasori's spies keep an eye on this jinchuriki and get us as much information as possible."
"Understood," Nagato replied evenly. "Naruto Uzumaki, Gaara of the Sand, and Fuu of the Waterfall, our information regarding them was scarce before. With the new bounties in place, however, gathering information should be simple."
"Excellent. I also intend to send Kisame and Juzo to wage chaos in the Mist. If we do this correctly, we can weaken and distract the great villages. Leaving them helpless to even realize we are the true threat… for the New Dawn!"
"For the New Dawn!"
"For the New Dawn!"