Naruto / Ichumi's POV (Southern Swamps of Irminsul - Terra)
Naruto and Kiba stared each other down intensely. Naruto wasn't sure why Kiba seemed so gung-ho about fighting him. The two were distant friends, not too far from strangers. And yet, while he was being controlled, Naruto felt an odd sense of honesty from Kiba. As if his frustration wasn't purely born from his control but amplified by it… (1)
Naruto glanced over to the clone carrying the downed Yuno, snapping his eyes back to ensure Kiba hadn't moved. But the Inuzuka had not moved and seemed amused by his concern.
"This fight has been a long time coming, maybe not for you, but certainly for me," Kiba barked. "So it's fine you put her out of the way. We men have a pecking order to establish. Then the masters will use you as nothing more than a second string for me…"
The Blonde didn't quite understand Kiba's ramble, but it made things easier. Naruto jerked his head to the side; understanding his meaning, Kiba joined the blonde as the two raced off a decent distance from the tree the Blonde's clone was guarding the downed Yuno. The two stood in an area of murky water mostly clear of debris except small tries and large stones.
"Kiba," Naruto yelled. "What the hell?! You were never the kind of guy I imagined letting himself be ordered around! What are you some kind of goon now?! Are you really gonna let some bastard make you hurt your friends?!"
"Shut up, Blondie," Kiba replied mockingly. "Sure, the masters are the reason we're both here. And I'd be lying if I said I'd normally do this, but rest assured. There is a part of me that loves this."
"You don't mean that," Naruto spat. They influence your mind, making you irate towards me to support their own will. Can't you see they're merely using you?"
"Of course the Masters are." Kiba flippantly responded. "However, I'm using them too. I may have to do their bidding, but at least I won't fall behind. At least now I can be the alpha I always should've been…"
"Why does any of that matter?! The Kiba I thought I knew would never take a shortcut or bow to anyone!" Naruto spoke patiently.
"You're right, of course…" Kiba admitted with ease. "Perhaps their control makes me indifferent, but I can swallow my indignation in exchange for power. You, in particular, are not allowed to surpass me, Blondie…"
Naruto was stunned by his words, which seemed to only amuse Kiba, as he chuckled wildly. The Blonde felt indignant fury at this. Kiba had been friendly before; had he always looked down on him? Naruto could feel his patience snap. The pressure of the last few duels fueled him as he bitterly responded, "So it's like that aye? I thought we were rivals…"
"Fuck that!" Kiba roared indignantly. "You seemed alright to me; Shikamaru spoke up for you, but you're nothing! You're just a clanless nobody with a monster sealed inside you! You were supposed to be the pathetic oddball. The one we all feel bad for as we surpass you! Yet you wouldn't fulfill that simple role… Yuno told me what happened in the exams… after my pathetic defeat…"
"The exams?" Naruto asked, confused. "The hell does that have to-"
"I fought a monster not dissimilar to yourself. Gaara of the Sand, my training and skills were meaningless; he crushed me with ease. Yet you won with ease, even making it to the semi-finals against that beast…" Kiba ranted. And you had the gall to do better than me… Yuno told the masters of the Leaf Genin you were the strongest… even stronger than the infamous genius Sasuke Uchia." Kiba finished his rant with a growl.
"Why does any of that matter?" Naruto responded indignantly.
"A nobody like you, surpassing a proud Inuzuka member like myself…" Kiba murmured as if speaking to himself. "It's not right; it invalidates my efforts and accomplishments. Does it mean my potential is small? Are my skills truly so unremarkable? My efforts and knowledge all for nothing? Does the pride of the Inuzuka amount to anything?! But then, the masters provided the clarity I needed. It's all so clear to me now…" (2)
"Sounds like they filled your head with nonsense." Naruto countered. "If I'm stronger than you, you merely need to catch up. Train harder and work with your allies. It's not the end of the world, I'm sure you can-"
"Shut up," Kiba said morosely. "The masters may have taken control but, in doing so, made me stronger. Unlike the trifling level of power Yuno got, they saw potential in me and offered me an entire new style. One that, even without Akamaru, will make me more than strong enough to stomp out a trash fire like yourself," Kiba said as he dropped to all fours with a wide, maniacal smile.
"Fine, if you don't listen to my words, I'll beat some sense into you!" Naruto roared as he sheathed Riptide and then launched himself forward.
"Putting away your little blade is unwise!" Kiba roared as he charged forward as well.
"Like you said, I'm stronger. Besides, I don't need to hurt you, just kick your ass!" Naruto retorted as the two closed in.
The two met, both throwing wild right haymakers that met with a dull thud of bone and flesh colliding. Both stumble back from the clash; their force causing the water below them to ripple violently. However, Kiba recovers faster, lashing out with a clawed left hand for Naruto's face. Naruto deftly swiped the hand away with his left, leaving Kiba open up for another haymaker from his right. But to Naruto's shock, as he took the opening Kiba jumped up, allowing the blow to hit his left foot, "Wild Counter!" he screamed and, in an impressive display of body control, twirled with the powerful punch and used the momentum to land a powerful backhand to Naruto's face. Naruto stumbled back, as Kiba gleefully called. "Fang Over Fang!" Naruto cried out in pain as the whirling blur of Kiba smashed into his ribs, his powerful speed taking his breath and sharp claws shallowly cutting into him all the while. The force of the blow sent Naruto skipping along the water before he fell in. As he sank into the murky depths, Naruto thought over the initial clash.
'He's much stronger and faster than I remember,' Naruto gathered as he let his feet touch the soft mud beneath the water. I gotta conserve chakra, but without going all out, this won't be easy—' Naruto suddenly substituted with a log as a boulder smashed into the bottom of the water he'd been hiding in. Naruto appeared on the surface, wasted no time, and rushed the chuckling Kiba, who held a smaller boulder in one hand.
As Naruto attempted to draw close, Kiba flung the boulder in an impressive display of power and skill. The large stone speeding through the air right at Naruto. However, the Blonde did not flinch as he pulled out a metal cup and thrust it toward the stone. "Wind Style: Implosive Rejection!" Naruto cried as the familiar sound of screeching wind and suction sounded; within an instant, the boulder was crushed by the pressure, some of the bits being sucked within the cup, warping the metal before the wind and stone contained within boomed. As the cup was destroyed it spat out a mix of wind, metal, and stone. The blast sending the debris flying into the stunned Kiba. (3)
Stone and wind sent Kiba flying back, covering him in bruises and cuts as the technique overpowered him. However, Naruto did not allow him any reprieve. He needed to end this now and keep enough strength to fight later.
Naruto appeared below the flying Kiba and roared as uppercutted the Inuzuka in the gut. The power of the blow stopped the flight and caused Kiba to slowly go up; the Inuzuka spitting out blood from the force of the blow. Naruto grunted as he launched another uppercut into Kiba's midsection. The Blonde then grabbed the Inuzuka by the collar, and with a heave launched him headfirst into the water below. Causing a massive splash, the water softened the collision with the mud below, burying Kiba only slightly; the water parting from the force allowed Naruto to vision Kiba. The blonde stayed on the surface, making a hand sign. He spawned a clone and had it grab Kiba's feet. The original Naruto grabbed the clone's feet and, with a grunt of effort, whipped both the clone and Kiba through the air, slamming both into the water again on his opposite side. The two massive impacts within such proximity caused the water to whirl as waves sent Naruto floating back from the effects. 'Surely that was enough to keep him down… I'll save him from drowning, and hopefully, when he wakes up, he's back to normal…'
But before the Blonde could pursue his assumed defeated opponent. The water suddenly writhed as Kiba shot to the surface. His forehead was bleeding, and his body was beginning to look battered, but he had a smile on his face all the while. "HAHAHAHA!" Kiba chuckled as if his near-death was a hilarious joke. "To think I was telling you not to hold back, then nearly died while holding back. Touche Blondie, touchie."
"Are we done now?" Naruto said impatiently. "You wanted a fight, and I showed you you couldn't handle it. It doesn't matter who's stronger; we're comrades and friends."
"I'll admit Yuno must be telling the truth. Even after the master's gift, you managed to momentarily overwhelm me. I guess I'll get to show you everything I've learned…" Kiba warned. "Firstly, you've felt my Fang Over Fang, but are you ready for the new version?"
"I'm ready to knock you out," Naruto warned darkly. "Y-"
Kiba suddenly disappeared, Naruto was sent flying through the air, a painful thud hitting his head. 'Did he just hit me?' Naruto's thoughts were interrupted again as another impact sent him spiraling into a small tree, smashing through it, and landing on the water's surface. 'He did!'
"Howling Fang Over Fang is much faster than the normal version. Faster than even I can move; you're faster than me, but are you fast enough?!" Kiba taunted as he continued his merciless barrage. (4)
Naruto could not respond as another volley of Kiba's new technique hit him; each stunned him, and Naruto could feel fresh bruises and welts forming from the blows. 'He's fast, I can barely see him, if I used a personal atmosphere I'm certain I could keep up! But… If I can stop him as he hits me, I can finish this!' Naruto thrust his hands behind him and garnered chakra; right as the impact hit, he allowed wind chakra to fly from his hands, a massive gust shooting from them and stopping both Naruto and Kiba directional energy, canceling out the momentum from Howling Fang Over Fang. However, Naruto was stunned when Kiba called out. "Wild Counter!" Kiba spun around Naruto's left arm, instantly putting the Blonde in an odd armbar.
"You bastard! You even had an answer for that!" Kiba laughed. "Luckily, my final trick is one you can't muscle out of. This is a submission-style taijutsu created by my masters. Once I flex my muscles, I'll dislocate your elbow, then maybe I'll start snapping bones!" He threatened cockily.
"I'll just force my way out!" Naruto countered as he strained his muscles and attempted to pry off Kiba's hands with his free one. However, Kiba just chuckled, as Naruto's efforts seemed pointless. In fact, with a mere shift, Kiba strained Naruto's entire arm, the Blonde crying out in pain.
"Unlikely, the only way you get out is when I let you go!" Kiba mocked. Before he tightened the hold, the pain and weight overwhelmed the Blonde, who dropped to his knees as Kiba rested against the water's surface. "This little fight is over, Blondie; the alpha has been established."
Naruto didn't answer, however. Instead, with roaring pain and fury, he stood up and lifted Kiba up as well. With grunts of effort and pain, he ran, with the two of them quickly closing towards land.
"Clever, you intend to slam me!" Kiba taunted. "But too late!" With a chuckle and flex of his entire body, he pulled his armbar tight, and with a pop, it seemed clear his earlier threat had not been idle. However, the Inuzuka was shocked when Naruto continued charging. With incredible speed and grace, Kiba switched to Naruto's right arm. However, before entirely securing and dislocating the other, Naruto finally reached dry land in his sprint. And with a roar managed to raise Kiba's entire body and arm into the air before slamming it down. By proxy, driving Kiba into the hard stone below, cracking it. Kiba spat out blood but with a crooked smile kept in the new armbar. "Gonna take more than that! And you're down an arm!" However, in a feat of pure willpower, Kiba froze as Naruto raised the injured left arm before bracing it. 'No fucking way…' Kiba thought before, with a shout of rage and pain, Naruto slammed the injured arm into the face of Kiba. Another distinctive pop sounded as Kiba was brutally slammed into the stone again. The force was so great that Kiba bounced off it, consciousness barely holding on as Kiba's mind whirled.
'He managed to fix his dislocated arm with that insane punch…' Kiba thought dimly. 'He really is stronger than me…'
Naruto watched as Kiba landed as he massaged his somewhat still injured arm. 'I'm lucky that actually worked. Best knock him out for now and figure out what to do with the two of them.'
Naruto stood and sighed as Kiba dully laughed, no longer standing firm on the water but now floating, showing that Inuzuka was out of chakra. "This fight is over. I don't know what they did to you, but I'll fix you." He promised Kiba as he prepared to march over/
"Doesn't matter!" Kiba laughed. "First the Krookorook Clan, then me. Even a juggernaut like you must be running low on fuel!"
"Your point?" Naruto asked. Before he suddenly had to dodge back as several giant wolves burst into the scene. Naruto watched angrily but cautious as the wolves surrounded Kiba. Each looked pretty normal if not for the dark streaks in their fur, which looked unnatural. 'Are they under control too?'
"The Masters made it clear not to let these two be taken. You will leave, or we will feast on you. The Masters will deal with you eventually…"
"The Masters were smart enough to send back up. Within minutes, dozens and dozens of these wolves will appear." Kiba explained. "Are you certain you can fend them off while defending Yuno in your state?"
Naruto growled to himself. As much as he hated to admit it, the endless fighting thus far affected his tank; the day wasn't getting younger either. But he wouldn't just leave Kiba behind. "You haven't seen anything yet!"
"Nor have you, soon the Mosquito clan will show as well, with so much blood spilled it's practically guaranteed. Can you fend off two clans at once, and find shelter after for the three of us? Not to mention your clone is all that is defending Yuno…" (5)
Naruto glanced back worriedly as a disturbing realization set in. He couldn't afford to risk this fight right now. The day must be ending soon, and with an unknown number of opponents coming, it would be risky for him, let alone his clone and Yuno. Besides, he likely would need to fight more…
"I'll be back for you, Kiba!" Naruto promised before he dashed off to gather Yuno and retreat.
Kiba laughed as the wolves gathered him and took off as well.
Naruto lost sight of him as what seemed to be a living cloud of darkness came from the sky, seemingly beelining for the corpses of the Krookorook Clan.
? (Nearby)
Ichumi was not an apex predator; it was something neither he nor his Clan could claim. A creature as graceful and noble as the Blechumi Clan had never resorted to such grizzly methods. They fed upon those of lesser nature, giant insects, small mindless animals; they were sophisticated like that.
As such, the display beneath him had been almost hard to stomach. A mere single human had managed to destroy the Krookorook Clan single-handedly. Then battled another seemingly strong human before it was interrupted by the Wolf Clan and Mosquito Clan. The Wolf saved the second weaker human, and the Mosquito feasted upon the litany of blood left in their wake.
As distasteful as it all was, Ichumi felt a certain satisfaction. The Krookorook Clan had been the rulers of the Southern Swamp of Irminsul. One that had kept his own more sophisticated Clan down and in hiding. Their deaths would indeed ensure a better future for his own. The Mosquito Clan had been fed and would likely be of their usual hunting routine while they feasted and rested. This blonde human had created a beneficial circumstance. It seemed the Blechumi Clan would not be able to claim their home again…
So Ichumi followed him. He was confident that this human would be helpful to the Blechumi Clan. He watched the human meet a copy of himself guarding over an unconscious female human. He felt the beginnings of a plan form inside his head.
Ichumi was certainly he and this human could be staunch allies…
With a shuffle of his special feathers, he flew over in a short glide and landed in front of the humans. The Blonde one quickly turned and raised a blade toward him. But Ichumi felt no fear; he was sure the Blonde was no ignorant buffoon. He was somewhat sophisticated just like himself. (6)
Naruto's POV
Naruto landed in the tree upon the unconscious Yuno and his clone. With a nod to the clone, it faded, and Naruto sighed as he crouched low and prepared to gather Yuno. Suddenly, a thud landed on the branch.
Naruto whipped around and faced the threat, pulling Riptide free from its holster and sheath in an instant. He did not allow his surprise to show as he faced the newest threat. In any other situation, Naruto would have been impressed with the creature before him. He had heard of peacocks, but their descriptions did them no justice.
It was roughly the size of a large dog. Its body was plumb at the center but slimmed out into a long neck and small beaked head. It was enhanced by the large and, frankly, beautiful feathers. They looked silky brown with large, beautiful circular spots throughout them. So long and thin were the feathers that they hung off the branch and all around the place.
"I'm tired, stressed, and frankly done with this bullshit," Naruto warned darkly. "If you intend to try to eat or enslave me I'm kicking your ass!"
"No need to fear human, a sophisticated creature like myself has no need to engage in pointless violence. Instead, I sense a business opportunity for the two of us." Ichumi reasoned.
"Attacked, betrayed, then haggled," Naruto complained. "Fine, I'll hear you out too. But make it quick, I got business to get to."
"Most reasonable indeed human. See, I, Ichumi Blechumi, and by proxy, the Blechumi Clan somewhat owe you and could need your strength." Ichumi explained his offer.
"I am already a summoner." Naruto cautiously offered. Remembering the fury of the Krookorook Clan upon hearing that question.
"No bother, we merely wish to use you to protect us briefly. In exchange, we will offer you shelter." Ichumi offered kin"ly. "Otherwise, I worry you will face a most complex problem by nightfall."
"Nightfall? What happens, then?" Naruto asked, interest now peaked
.
"Something that would likely cost the life of your injured friend there. Come with me and enjoy our sophisticated lodgings, and ensure your safety. Or risk it on your own…" Ichumi finished.
Naruto only considered it briefly before his worry over Yuno and empty stomach chose for him.
"There better be food. And if you try anything, I'll kick your asses." Naruto reasoned as he hefted Yuno over his shoulder and nodded at Ichumi.
"Unsophisticated, but as long as you follow me, it should work," Ichumi responded.
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Hiruzen's POV (Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)
Hiruzen, Shisui, and Jiraiya sat in tense silence in their camp. Each was transfixed by the recent disappearance of personnel and the potential chaos that would result. It had been a full day now. Explicit action was needed, and there was no good news or sign of a solution coming.
If Hiruzen was honest, he was not nearly as affected as the other two. Jiraiya was worried because his godson was missing, and Shisui was ill because one of his relatives was missing. But Hiruzen needed help to afford to be overwhelmed by this. He acknowledged that his perspective might be warped, but he did worry for those missing; any Hokage worth their salt would worry other than those they command. However, he was also the leader of this organization. He could not afford to let his worry meddle with his mind.
Besides, he wasn't quite there yet. It seemed Naruto had caught wind of the problem and attempted to solve it. While the Blonde was a bit goofy and reckless, he had shown his worth during the exam. The Hokage was certain that even an experienced Jounin would struggle to match up to him. So Hiruzen did harbor some hope the situation may fix itself. However, it would be foolish not to prepare some counterplay.
Two plans buzzed in Hiruzen's weathered mind. One was undeniably risky, and if it failed, it may lead to the fall of the Leaf. The other was more realistic; however, it may fracture the fragile peace Hiruzen had worked for. Achieving such had been costly and led to enemies likely holding a grudge even now. If he used the leverage he had found, then he could recover and buy the Leaf time to adapt and recover.
What was the better plan? Did he trust his men or his instincts? Hiruzen inwardly sighed as he flexed his chakra to pop Jiraiya and Shisui out of their stupor. It was clear to the Hokage that he needed to discuss it with his trusted allies. Jiraiya was one of his most reliable and loyal. Nearly as experienced as himself and an expert in covert activity. His guidance and opinion were of great use to him. Shisui was wise for his age, and while likely still upset with him, his sharp and young mind may be helpful for creative thinking.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
"Jiraiya and Shisui, I need your earnest feedback and thoughts regarding the current situation and how we should respond." Hiruzen barked out as the two flinched before focusing on the Hokage. "I recognize you both have incredibly valid reasons to be concerned. But this situation is a complex and incredibly volatile one. Regardless of the fate of those gone, we must prepare to move to save those left."
"Sasuke wouldn't be in danger if you had kept your word. You had tirelessly assured us our students would be safe in these accursed exams. Yet it has been one of the most dangerous ones I've ever seen. I will do what's necessary to protect my home. But rest assured, old man, if Sasuke and Yuno perish, you will pay…" Shisui spat darkly. (7)
"About that…" Jiraiya interposed, seeming to have regained his calm. "I'm pretty damn concerned too, or at least I was."
"Of course, you're probably preoccupied thinking about women now." Shisui sniped at the sage rolling his eyes to further disrespect him.
"It's not inaccurate, but just think it over for a second," Jiraiya interjected. "Besides, you're looking at someone who had been to Irminsul himself."
"You didn't even know it existed," Hiruzen responded with a raised brow.
"Of course," Jiraiya acknowledged with ease. "However, the existence of it and Terra as a whole has made a previous adventure of mine much more meaningful." (8)
"Do we really have to waste time reminiscing in a time like this?" Shisui impatiently interrupted.
"It IS important," Jiraiya assured. "Remember when I wandered off searching for a summoning clan all those years ago?"
"You're talking about stumbling upon the Toad Clan, right?" Hiruzen asked, and Jiraiya nodded happily. "Though if what Emna said about Irminsul and Terra is true…"
"Then I didn't just happen upon the Toad Clan accidentally; I somehow managed to find my way into Terra, which makes my little journey make a lot more sense. When I returned and gave the report, much of it was discredited."
"That would be because you reported wooing nearly endless women and fighting giant-sized animals and insects that could talk. Not to mention you were in your juvenile years," Hiruzen said with a deadpan.
"Hey, I didn't say I blamed ya. The situation was crazy to me, too, and I actually lived it. Plus, I will admit there were not nearly as many bodacious babes as I had claimed. But I was never lying about the creatures I had encountered. But with no one else ever encountering them or any evidence to prove what I had seen, I let it go. Convinced myself it must've been a dream or something. Now it seems clear somehow back then I had found my way to Irminsul; that means I've actually experienced what they are encountering." Jiraiya explained. "It's why I'm currently so relaxed; while fierce, the wildlife there isn't something that should overwhelm competent shinobi. The Clans, maybe, but with those who have moved to make the save, I have doubts they would even be a real threat. Naruto is no joke; Sasuke is a close second, not to mention the rest aren't slouches. Honestly, I imagine they'll find a way out."
Shisui hummed in contemplation. "Well, they all are quite the unit; with both Sasuke and Naruto, I'm sure they could take anything but a true threat like a veteran shinobi; even then, they would likely be able to survive. But the problem isn't that simple."
"Indeed, while it alleviates my concerns about my men's eventual return, it still leaves us with the concern of our rivals' movement —a concern one must admit is a bigger problem than their disappearance." Hiruzen agreed.
"The others don't know yet, do they?" Shisui asked.
"No, surely not yet, but it is only a matter of time." Jiraiya agreed with ease. "Surely they have spies nearby and will eventually confirm the news."
"So, would the other Great Villages really forgo a truce?" Shisui asked, somewhat doubtful. "Each war has arguably gone largely in the Leaf's favor. Surely they are not looking to repeat their mistakes…"
"The Sand likely will not make a move; they have been our allies for long, and with how costly war can be, they couldn't afford to start a fight with us; they would merely leave themselves open to an attack by the others. And frankly besides the power of Rasa and Gaara would be of little challenge. The Mist similarly is not a true threat at the present moment. Intel suggests they are still engulfed in a more than-supposed civil war. They likely have their hands filled at the homefront, and even if they did move, it would likely be noncommittal." Hiruzen explained. "The true problem is the Stone and Cloud. While I have some leverage I can use, I worry if the opportunity is too golden, it won't affect their decision-making."
"The Stone is still sensitive over what Minato did to them. Likely, that old fence sitter Onoki won't move unless it's a safe move. But if he gets confirmation, we're missing a jinchuriki and future prospect, hehe will either go for the opportunistic play or prepare to do so." Jiraiya further explained.
"What if we bluffed that they were missing at all?" Shisui wondered out loud.
"Go on." Hiruzen politely allowed.
"Well, if our enemies discover our newly weakened state, they'll likely make some sort of play. But if we're able to convince them it wasn't an issue, we wouldn't need to worry about them," Shisui pointed out. Jiraiya nodded in agreement while Hiruzen smirked.
"So plan one it is," Hiruzen said. "I had briefly considered this myself, but with you coming to that conclusion as well. I feel it must be the correct move. We need to fool the observers… Jiraiya, does this sound wise to you as well?"
"Sounds like the best choice we have…" Jiraiya said with a troubled frown. "But precisely how are we gonna achieve that?"
"Excellent question." Hiruzen said, standing confidently as he marched to the other side of his large tent. "Then the choice is clear; we will leave the Land of Iron immediately. This will make it appear all is well, and even if our enemies suspect the truth, it serves to mislead them. For surely, if we leave the site where my men supposedly went missing, it would suggest such was not true. Second, starting from this moment, we must be wary of espionage. This action will further aid that as well. Time to begin our first step, eliminating the current spies before we leave…"
"Ah, so we do all sense them. I figured if I could, the two of you could. I'm assuming you want us to take care of them?" Shisui said with a small smile.
"If you can, either way, it will be done." Hiruzen said sweetly.
"I get left side; you get right?" Jiraiya asked with a jovial smile, one that Shisui matched as he nodded. The two suddenly dashed off to their agreed-upon sides, chakra filling the tent as their intent to attack became clear.
"Please just surrender next time. It is always a bother to hunt spies down." Hiruzen said loudly but pleasantly as Shisui and Jiraiya prepared to unleash attacks. (9)
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? (Nearby Hiruzen)
"Please just surrender next time. It is always a bother to hunt spies down."
As the world left the tent, a collective chill went through the group of four's backs. They all froze; surely they hadn't been detected so easily…
"DODGE!" The group's sensors roared, and three reacted instantly, jumping back. However, the fourth was too slow, and as a massive orb of chakra burst from the tent's side, he was engulfed in it. With a boom, he was sent careening into the snow, the power of the technique rocking the mountain they were on. There was no question the man was dead. The rest of them had landed in the nearby forest. Perched on a massive branch of one of the trees.
"Dammit, he had the recording of their talk!" The assassin of the group roared. "We must make it back to our lord, fear not capture or death; they won't be able to gain any info from our bodies even with torture!"
"I could stall them; our lord made sure all our distinctive traits couldn't be traced," the frontline combatant declared fearlessly.
"Screw that; we need to run! I recognized that technique as the famed Rasengan! Jiraiya of the Sannin is hunting us-" The group sensor didn't get to finish, but suddenly Jiraiya appeared among them, a smokeless body flicker allowing him to close the distance in a mere instant. Mercilessly shoving a Rasengan into the face of the sensor. Immediately caving it in and killing her in an instant. Her headless corpse collapsed in a heap falling from the branch.
The last two were shocked, the frontline fighter frozen, but the assassin had more guts. He managed to activate his own unique bloodline, put a hand on his comrade's shoulder, and shouted out his own technique: "Human Current!" The two suddenly compressed into volts of electricity before shooting off with impressive speed.
Jiraiya, as a Sannin, however, reacted in frighteningly quick time. Firing off several kunai with perfect speed and accuracy, the kunai hit their targets in what would normally be lethal zones, however though they seemed unaffected in their odd form. The volts raced off into the night.
"Huh, neat trick," Jiraiya concluded dumbly as he turned to the body before him. "Sheesh, this is a mess. This is while I prefer subtle work…"
The two shaken and desperate spies landed in a snowbank a short distance away. The assassin panted heavily, his chakra reserves low. Their unique bloodline was useful for escapes like that but rather costly. The frontline fighter helped him to his feet and fed him a soldier pill to keep him moving.
The two regrouped and warily scanned their surroundings. It seemed they had gotten away. With a nod to each other, they prepared to dash off, both leaping forward to race back to their leader. With an excited leap they seeked safety.
However, both were stopped in their place, as both men suffered powerful blows to their faces, sending them crashing back into the snow. Both men raced to their feet, fearfully staring ahead at a man who hadn't been there a mere second ago. His hands shone in the moonlight, bladed knuckles now covered with the blood of both. 'Genjutsu? It's the only way he could've snuck up so easily?' They thought as they defensively stared at the man.
The large bearded man was smoking a cigarette pleasantly. He casually removed it from his mouth after a long puff, placing it back once finished and allowing it to rest on his lips. "Don't know what's more annoying. The fact that the old man asked me to guard the woods around this place in sub-zero temperatures. Or the fact he was right to do so." The man complained as he dropped into an aggressive combat stance. "Anyway, my name is Asuma Sarutobi, a Jounin of the Hidden Leaf Village, tasked with ensuring any non friendly personnel in the area are dealt with. That being said either surrender or die. Preferably surrender, not the biggest fan of killing. Especially the defenseless." (10)
The assassin seemed utterly overwhelmed, frozen to the spot. However, the frontline fighter seemed more enraged than frightened.
"Like we would simply give up! Our Lord needs to hear our news. We'll simply kill you and be on our way!" The man yelled angrily.
"We?" Asuma asked, confused. "Pretty sure your buddy is preoccupied."
The man looked back at the assassin, only to see a woman with an arm wrapped around his mouth and another digging a kunai into his neck. The woman's red eyes drove fear in his heart. Cold and lifeless as she killed the man in front of her. The sight of his ally being killed silently shatters his hopes for escaping.
"Sorry to interrupt your ally like this, sir. Name's Kurenai Yuhi, also a Jounin of the Leaf." Kurenai said politely as she slit the man's throat and allowed his body to bonelessly collapse to the ground.
'First, this big bastard comes out of nowhere now, this bitch!' The man thought utterly panicked. He whipped out his massive curved sword. 'I need to escape; I don't stand a chance against them both. The woman managed to sneak up and overwhelm our assassin in an instant. Surely the man would be the best bet.' With a roar, the man raced forward toward the reluctant Asuma.
"See, I get being scared of her, I was too, but honestly, I would've just let her do it. I don't do things nearly so cleanly." Asuma warned as the man drew close. But once it was clear, the man would not be convinced; he merely sighed as he raced toward him.
The man smiled; he would cut this bastard in two and make his get-
Suddenly, the man appeared behind him; he had barely seen him move at all, only managing to raise his blade to block Asuma's own. However, he gasped as a sharp pain suddenly raced through his body. He breathlessly gasped as his massive curved blade fell in two. Somehow, having been cut clean through. However, the man offered no complaint as he also fell in two, hitting the snow with a silent thud. Asuma, still smoking, stared down at the body. As Kurenai radioed into the Hokage.
Asuma hated it when his father was proven right; it happened much too often. He hated even more when his father had him kill like this. Necessary it may be it always weighed heavily on his shoulders. Especially when Kurenai had to dirty her hands as well.
"Hokage-sama," Kurenai respectfully said as she activated her earpiece. "Just as you suspected, we caught a group of unidentified shinobi attempting to flee from the Leaf Camp."
"Any clear indication of who sent them?"
"No clear indicators yet, though we did witness them using a lightning-style bloodline jutsu. While not a guarantee on its own, it suggests Cloud shinobi." Kurenai dutifully informed.
"Truly, the identity doesn't matter. Excellent work, you two, dispose of the bodies and report back to camp." (11)
? (Nearby Hiruzen)
"Please just surrender next time. It is always a bother to hunt spies down."
There was a grunt of effort and surprise as the Hokage's words left the tent. The group of four quickly began to scramble, each realizing their escape had become the number one priority. But even as their feet left the ground, an angry voice belted out a jutsu faster than two of the spies could react.
"Fire Style: Roaring Breath of the Dragon.'' Shisui uttered as a massive writhing dragon of flame burst from the tent's wall the spies had been next to. It incarcerated the tent nearly instantly and caused steam to rise off the snow. The two slower spies manage to dodge its initial arrival, however mid air as they were helpless when the dragon eyed them, and with almost a lazy indifference huffed out a jet of flames, coated both in what seemed to be a flowing river of flames. The spies could scarcely scream out, the flames smothering and incinerating them near instantly.
The other two landed a short distance away from the burning death of their allies. Neither being foolish enough to attempt to fight or save their allies they both raced for the forest, each using a body flicker to reach the edge of the forest near in mere seconds. The dragon, having noticed their fleeing, took a breath before unleashing another inferno which pursued them into the forest. Both scrambled desperately branch from branch to avoid the inferno. They quickly outpaced the flames and made good distance. Only suffering small cuts and burns from their desperate scramble.
They both somewhat were able to breathe easier, with them having covered a decent distance during the scramble and the flames covering their escape; they were likely out of the woods for now.
The group leader signaled for them to split up and reunite at the established meeting spot with the lead commander. It was clear their enemies had expected there to be spies even in the exams. And while they could not be traced to the overall group, their information was much too valuable for them to be unable to reach their leader.
Both prepared to split off, nervously looking to the distant flames. Surely, a shinobi that popular would pursue them further, if not Anbu, whose attention had been drawn from the powerful shinobis' jutsu. But they had made great distance, with a whole forest to search. Surely, whoever sought to find them would have to struggle. With so much ground to cover and the possibility of them using jutsu to escape, finding them was nearly impossible.
"It seems the old man had been correct to think the Leaf would allow such terrible things to happen," the leader said morosely. "With their previous sins during the last war, I'm almost certain this will lead to the slow and painful death of the peace we've enjoyed so far."
"So be it." The younger man spat back. "Those damn hippies nearly crippled us in the last war. Not to mention that damned blonde bastard that had cost us it. As far as I'm concerned this is good news. Maybe this will motivate that damn fence sitter to make a move."
"It is nothing short of awful news." The older man countered. "You did not see the wars of the past. You do not know of the great toll everyone pays during such. Nor the generations of pain and hatred it breeds." The leader stopped his lecture seemingly freezing in place. His younger subordinate flinched as he witnessed the forest fire in front of them stopped instantly, as if an unseen giant had simply blown it out. In fact the younger man could even feel a gust of wind push through the forest.
"The hell! Hey leader, what the hell was that, and what's wrong?!" the younger man asked. His leader seemingly stunned for an unknown reason. Then, suddenly, a powerful crack of wood and wind sounded again. The rookie watched in intrepid fear as several trees were split in two, following the two in a straight line carving its way through the forest. The young man's eyes widened in fear as even his leader fell in two. Wordlessly, as he fell, he mouthed for the young man to run.
"For the record, your leader was right. War is something no one should wish for. Doing so shows your lack of wisdom and sense. But worry not I won't allow you to start a war…" Shisui informed the man now standing on a branch above him. (12)
"Ho- How the hell did you find us?! How the hell did you catch up so quickly, how did you kill my leader so easily?!" The man panicked.
"Unfortunately for you two mostly, I recognized the chakra signature of a body flicker, I am Shisui of the Body Flicker. Few could hope to outspeed or outdistance me using my own mastered technique. I simply raced through the forest at top speed slashing every hiding spot down as I did. Catching and finding the two of you was easy. Now I hate to break it you-"
"Fire Style: Flaming Spear!" The young man called, during Shisui's rant he had blinked, and the man recognized he could not hope to escape. Had reacted with what he believed to be the best course of action, to kill the strange man before him. It would surely buy him enough time to earn his freedom. He watched with glee as the bolt of focused flames impacted Shisui. Bursting as it did, the man stumbled back as the flames began to feast on his flesh. Soon the entire branch was covered in smoke and flames, the man watched with glee but flinched when he realized there was no body. Before he could even move he felt a painful thud hit his back. Spitting out blood and hunching over, the man looked at his attacker with shock and fear.
"That was rude," Shisui countered as he stood behind the man. With a merciless twist of the tanto he had sheathed within the spy, he withdrew his blade. The man, devoid of life or parting words, fell to the ground below. Shisui cracked his neck as he sighed and tapped on his earpiece.
"Hokage-sama, I have killed the spies on my end. Need I route back to aid Jiraiya, Asuma, and Kurenai?"
"No need," Hiruzen's tinny voice through the machine sounded off with audible ease. "They have reported total success as well." (13)
"It's lucky you had set them up as secondary guards in case of something like this," Shisui responded jovially as he cleaned his blade with a cloth. "Though it would've been nice not to have to dirty my hands, it's worth it to make sure the Leaf stays safe."
"My thoughts exactly. Report back to me. We will begin moving soon. First, we will confuse our observant enemies, and then we will ensure we cannot be pinned to the disappearance of their spies," Hiruzen ordered.
"Aye." Shisui agreed as he raced back to his leader.
Below him lay the two corpses of the spies. Each still as their souls had left their bodies, however one of the bodies began to twitch. Before it fell apart into a human sized pile of loose stones and mud.
The leader climbed from the ground below slowly and cautiously. Once he was certain he was alone, he fully emerged and began to race away from the scene as silently as possible.
'I am sorry, young man,' the man thought as he ran for his life. 'With the famed Shisui Uchiha after us, our chances of escape were nearly nonexistent. I needed to sell my own demise and their success. Your death merely made such possible. So fret not, you served your home well. For while the others have fallen, I still live. Iwa is not so fragile after all, ' the man thought as he raced back to his waiting superior.
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Hiruzen's POV (Hokage Camp - Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)
There was a grim satisfaction Hiruzen felt as each of his men returned.
Having Jiraiya and Shisui with him hadn't merely been for theorizing. Being known to be close to him publicly, made their gathering an appealing lure to spies. With him being aware of such, detecting them had been child's play. It had been risky however, if the spies did escape it would surely complicate matters. But Hiruzen had prepared for such a case back when Ikam had exposed Naruto.
Hiruzen had asked Asuma and Kurenai had been asked to secretly trail him as hidden secondary guards. Something they were happy to do, likely loving the excuse to be together in private, even in the field. Which had served well to ensure no spies would escape. Luckily everything had gone as planned. While it pained Hiruzen to so easily have blood spilt, it was a necessity to protect their home. Besides, a mere eight or so bodies added to his long list would not damn him much, not when he had nearly hundreds or thousands.
Likely the masters of the spies would be aware something had happened to them. Spies were a risky venture, more often than not they were caught eventually. But while in cover their value could not be overstated. And with some extreme training and even culling, a man's or woman's origin of birth can be almost impossible to determine. This allows spies to be used without worrying about them being discovered and cracked. As such spies were often not saved or even acknowledged when captured. Better to not raise a fuss and admit to such a riling act, instead when a spy was caught, that was that. They would die or live as their enemies please, an often tragic fate indeed.
So, if they moved as if there was no issue, not acknowledging the spies despite the potential for an international incident, they could very well sell the idea that the rumor of the Leaf losing men was just that, a rumor.
All as he had planned, perhaps he need not use his blackmail yet again… (14)
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Sasuke's POV (Northern Mountains of Irminsul - Terra)
Sasuke trekked through the icy gust of winds mechanically. Each flake of ice and snow pattered against his face felt like a needle stabbing into it. And based on the frequent and audible complaints of Muri, even the protective coat of a beast could not fend off the blizzard that raged. So cold the beast was that it had wrapped itself around his neck. Sasuke could not afford to use his heating jutsu to keep them warm now, they were journeying to another clan that would likely be violent. Sasuke could not afford to be wasteful with chakra. As such he allowed the cuddling, besides it did generate extra heat for him. Though he would never admit to enjoying it slightly.
"Kami why would any foolish creature live in these cold lifeless peaks! Everything looks the same, smells the same, sounds the same! Not to even mention the cold! My entire being is numb, my soul frozen, even my descendents will be born chilled! Are you listening to my raving?! Nevermind I can feel your annoyance! I am blessed to have a summoner unlike you!" Muri ranted with utter fury. Sasuke had read of some people who became irritable in extreme heat or cold, and supposed it wasn't limited to humans. But Yuno could be quite the whiner when agitated, so Sasuke ignored such with practiced ease.
Spleen Feaster was silent like Sasuke, but the Uchiha suspected it was due to dread. While Muri was distracted with his misery it seemed Spleen Feaster was ruminating over Sasuke's ploy. The Uchiha could admit it was less than ideal, certainly less than moral. But Sasuke was tiring and if he wanted to guarantee a smooth interaction with the next clan he would need a gift of sorts. Even the Uchiha had no wish of exterminating every clan he ran into.
"Sasuke! We're drawing close to the Moon Bear Clan's home base. Please tell me you're not going on another murderous rampage. You realize that's no true way to solve your problems, right?! I mean seriously you humans are infuriating, how does a fool create therapy for humans only for them to ignore it! Maybe if you didn't, so many of you wouldn't be psychos!"
Sasuke felt a grim smirk grace his face as they marched over the peak of a snow bank and saw his destination. While the ranting was annoying it made the journey go by quicker. And he had spotted a sign they were almost done.
A rough giant wall marked some sort of settlement. A flag with a moon on it confirmed it was the home of the bears he seeked. The wall was assembled out of frozen trunks of trees, as if they had been ripped from the ground and stabbed into another spot. Ice seemed to somehow be utilized to hold the trunks together. Flags with moon emblems were raised over the wall to let it be known their identity. 'A massive fort built with rough materials… well surely they'll be more accommodating than the "Bloodthirster Clan" At least they seemed civilized.'
Spleen Feaster seemingly realized such as well. The beast writhed in terror, desperate to get free before being hand delivered to his enemies. Muri seemed to notice such and Sasuke could feel the animal tense, however it mattered little. Until the Uchiha could guarantee the safety of Yuno he would do what is necessary.
Sasuke and his crew of reluctant furry friends drew close to the fortress in tense silence. The fortress had what seemed to be a large entrance, but the Uchiha couldn't help but notice it seemed crammed full of ice. He only briefly pondered how to get in before he heard two roars in sync.
Two massive shapes leapt over the wall and fell before the trio. Muri and Spleen Feaster screamed in terror as Sasuke merely looked over the bears. Even on all fours, each of the creatures was easily three meters tall. They were covered in black thick fur, their chest bearing (not on purpose I swear) a pale colored symbol that Sasuke supposed did look like something like a crescent moon. Their faces were also highlighted by the same pale fur.
"We are New Moona and Wax Moone of the Crescent Moon Clan," an apparent female bear said. "We see you seem to want to visit our home." We would ask why you intend to do so," the bear named Moona asked.
"That being said, we know of the trouble you brewed with the Bloodthirster Clan. I Moone of this great clan will not allow you to do such here." Moone declared.
"I am no enemy of yours, nor do I wish or intend to cause you any grief. However, I am on a dire mission. As such, I intend to check your home and question you regarding any humans you may have encountered, only for peace of mind. However I am insistent, and likely will not take no for an answer." Sasuke explained.
"We are glad you mean no harm." Moona spoke happily.
"However we cannot allow you to merely march around our home. It would be shameful and surely you recognize the risk with a violent degenerate like yourself." Moone countered.
"I figured you may not be so keen." Sasuke admitted with ease. "However I have it on good authority that this gift of mine may smooth things over." Sasuke raised the panicked Spleen Feaster to the bears.
Immediately Moona seemed to drool, while Moone seemed somewhat stunned.
"You may have heard I caused a ruckus at the Bloodthirster Clan cave. But that would be an understatement, I not only kidnapped their leader, but I single handedly wiped out their primary hunting pack." Sasuke spoke with a smirk. "I heard the two of you are bitter enemies, and this saying where I come summarizes it best. The enemy of my enemy is a friend." Sasuke replied with ease. Despite his body language however he was tense, the exhaustion weighed heavy, but Sasuke was ready to fight them if needed. Muri seemed content to be silent, not liking the situation but recognizing its wisdom. Though Sasuke could feel a slight unnatural breeze around them.
Moone and Moona seemed to argue over the information for a few minutes. Before they faced the Uchiha with what seemed to be the bear version of a poker face.
"We shall allow you to see our leader and provide you with lodging for the night. Regarding your demands for information and the ability to search within our home, that will be our leader's choice. We only offer you such kindness due to the gift you offer." Moone spoke.
"But we won't do it unless we get the bastard!" Moona chimed in hatefully.
"PLEASE I STILL HAVE FEAST LEFT TO ENJOY! PREY LEFT TO HUNT! I'VE BARELY EVEN FEASTED ON THE SPLEENS OF MY LIVING PREY!" Spleen Feaster pleaded.
However Sasuke and Muri merely nodded as the Uchiha tossed Spleen Feaster to a cruelly smiling Moona. The four then walked up to the ice-filled doorway.
"Watch this, Uchiha," Muri whispered into his ear. "If things go south, you must remember their unique ability."
Sasuke rolled his eyes but watched intently as Moone approached the ice and nonchalantly placed a paw upon it.
There was a massive cracking sound, a split appearing in the ice, before with a deafening grinding the massive blockade of ice seemed to split in half and merge into the walls. Once fully done effectively opening, it was clear it functioned as what Sasuke figured they'd call a "door".
"Welcome to the home of the Crescent Moon Bears~!" Moona excitedly sang as the odd group marched into the icey fort. Sasuke somehow not flinching as the ice blockade sealed behind him. (15)