Yo..
Sometimes I wonder when I'll be able to complete this story. We are nearing the end of this war arc (Just a few chapters left now), but even after that I have got 5 major big arcs planned and after the completion of those arcs only we can head into Shippuden.
I'll be returning to the Sharingan Devil once I finish this war arc...and I'll return back to this story after I complete a specific number of chapters for that story.
Hopefully by the end of May I can finish the war...
Then my entire focus would be on Sharingan Devil...and Humanity's Last Stand.
Enjoy the chapter...
Chapter 48
Behind Enemy Lines
A group of 50 ninja were currently standing in a small room. They were currently dressed in their Blacklight uniform along with all their weapons and gear. In front of them was a young girl was who observing each and every one of them keenly.
The weasel masked officer in front of them gave a small nod, as everyone relaxed.
"We have been assigned an important mission behind enemy lines. Have all of you read the mission details?" asked Mikasa seriously,
"Hai" said all the ninja in unison,
"If you have any doubts or questions...now would be the time to speak" said Mikasa calmly, and she patiently watched as Genma stepped forward.
"Captain, is the intel accurate? We do not want the tragedy of Shuri Castle or the last mission to happen again..." said Genma politely, and she noticed the same question in the eyes of almost all her comrades.
"Everyone, I know how you feel. There is a lot of risk in this mission...but we have to do this in order to end this war. We owe this to all of our fallen comrades.." said Mikasa encouragingly,
"What is our plan, Captain?" asked Izumo faithfully, if Naruto believed she was fit to lead...then he would place his faith in Mikasa.
A small smile came on Mikasa's face as she spotted all of her friends faithfully standing in front of her. Genma, Izumo, Rangiku, Hana and the now recovered Shizune, Iwashi and Anko had volunteered to join in this mission in order to support her.
The latter 3 had just joined a few hours ago, and were saddened on discovering Naruto's death. But despite that, they were ready to fight for her...
"We will be dividing ourselves into 2 teams each having a strength of 24 ninja. I will be leading one team, while Wolf you will be leading the other one" explained Mikasa briefly,
"Understood, Captain" said Izumo devotedly, as Mikasa showed a hand made drawing of the enemy position.
"The depot is surrounded by walls from all sides, electricity is constantly passing through the barbed wires making it impossible for us to jump over the walls. That leaves us with only 2 options" said Mikasa seriously,
"We can either attack from the air and land directly within the depot, or attack it from outside" suggested Iwashi (Eagle) analytically,
"Precisely, we don't know what kind of traps the enemy has placed in the ground. So our only option would be a sudden aerial strike. We cannot just drop bombs on the place as it would attract the attention of the nearby enemy forces and we would get boxed in. We need to go in there quietly and finish it off, leave no survivors" instructed Mikasa,
"Hai"
"Captain, we still need to keep a team outside the perimeter of the depot...just in case if some enemy forces that are stationed outside try to get away and get more reinforcements" suggested Rangiku smartly,
"Impressive, Bird (Rangiku)...you do present a very valid point. You are quite skilled in stealth and are an expert marksmen, you will be on the outer perimeter" said Mikasa seriously,
"I'll be her backup...if that's okay with you, Captain?" asked Anko expectantly,
"Be careful out there" said Mikasa worriedly, after all these two girls were her new friends...and she didn't want them to get hurt.
"We'll be starting the mission at 2200 hours, the enemy forces must be neutralized within 1 hour...and after destruction of that place, we will be falling back towards the LZ where aerial transports would be waiting for us at 4000 hours. Make no mistake, don't get separated that forest is one of the most dangerous places of our world...even the Nidaime Hokage (Tobirama) lost his life here" warned Mikasa seriously,
She saw many of her comrades getting a little nervous, their company had suffered casualties throughout the war and now they were reinforced by new Blacklight soldiers who had just finished their training. For many of them, this was their first mission in this war...
And all the veteran soldiers like Mikasa knew that no amount of training could prepare a soldier for the real war.
(A few hours later: Aokigahara Forest)
Rangiku keenly observed the large depot in front of her, she spotted Anko on a nearby tree as her comrade gave her a signal indicating everything was clear on her side. Mikasa had ordered them to communicate only through hand signals.
She spotted the dangerous traps filled with explosive tags which were stealthily hidden in the ground. So, Mikasa was right...it was impossible for them to attack from the outside without alerting every enemy Anbu inside the depot.
There were 4 towers located in different directions and were currently being occupied by 2 man teams of the enemy forces.
Their intel was correct this time, as indeed the walls were fenced through barb wire and there was indeed electricity passing through it that would prevent anyone from climbing the wall.
Plus there was a huge plain devoid of any covers between her position and the walls, so any ground attack by Blacklight would be easily detected even before they could get near the enemy position.
"Snake (Anko), ready your kunai launcher. On my command, you take out the Anbu teams in the west and south towers. While I will eliminate the ones in the north and east towers. Understood?" asked Rangiku through hand signals,
"Acknowledged" replied Anko as she gave Rangiku a thumbs up again.
As per their plan, Rangiku and Anko were in proper sniping positions and were in-charge of taking out the enemy Anbu in the towers, while keeping an eye on any enemy movement from outside the depot and protecting Mikasa and Izumo's teams in case of any counterattack.
Rangiku quickly created her chakra arrows as she set her aim, and the same action was performed by Anko with the help of her kunai launcher.
"Now!"
SLASH
SLASH
SLASH
SLASH
In one single strike all the enemy targets were effectively neutralized as the clouds had now hidden the moon casting a dark shadow over the entire area.
"Snake, change position...inbound Blacklight teams in 30 seconds!" said Rangiku urgently through hand signs,
Both the girls quickly ran towards the top of the largest tree in the area, and they spotted all of their 48 comrades descending towards the ground with Mikasa at the front.
Rangiku and Anko quickly sat side by side on the top of the tree, as they quickly took their aims on the Anbu forces on the ground.
BOOM!
Chaos spread across the entire field as the entire Blacklight platoon landed inside the depot.
Mikasa quickly fired three kunai on a Kumo Anbu and the man fell dead on the ground, but she didn't stop there as 3 more Anbu jumped towards her as a small smirk came on her face.
Thud
Her eyes shifted towards the tall tree, as the 3 enemy Anbu were quickly killed courtesy of Rangiku's chakra arrows.
"Team 2, how are things over there?" asked Mikasa seriously, as she quickly blocked a sword slash from another Anbu.
Many of her team mates had already started fighting with the nearby Anbu, and she was sure that it would be all over soon. But something felt a little off...
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Her eyes widened in shock, when she heard that scream on her radio. It was a Blacklight...one of her own comrades.
"Impossible...AHHHH"
"It can't be..."
"AMBUSH!"
Mikasa freezed in shock, when all the enemy Anbu forces disappeared in puffs of smokes, as numerous powerful chakra signatures rose in the entire depot. What was going on?
"Team 2, Wolf (Izumo) what is going on?" asked Mikasa worriedly,
Genma and many of the other Blacklight heard many screams one after another, as they saw something moving rapidly through the shadows.
"C-aptain..."
BOOM!
A giant explosion occurred in the northern area of the depot...it was Team 2's position. But before they could even digest this shock, Mikasa's entire team found themselves surrounded by 20 mysterious ninja.
They were wearing dark black trousers and light green pants. Their faces were covered by various animal masks and there were large swords strapped on their backs. But instead of having the mark of any village, these ninja had the word ''demon'' written on the top of their masks.
The demonic "Kinkaku Special Ops Unit of Kumo".
"Damn you...Baku" said Mikasa murderously, as she realized what had happened.
"That bastard set us up...this is not a depot, it's a fucking Kinkaku base!" said Genma angrily, to think he would steep to such level.
The remaining soldiers of her team took a step back in fear, the Kinkau Unit was composed of the best ninja of Kumo. Throughout the fourth great ninja war they had destroyed entire companies on their own...these soldiers even killed the Nidaime Hokage a few decades ago.
But still Kinkau were a unit of 28 soldiers...but right now only 20 had surrounded their team. Then where were th-
THUD
Shizune's eyes widened in horror when two bodies were thrown at her feet, and it was none other than Wolf (Izumo) and Dog (Hana). Both of them were hurt badly and she didn't even know if they were alive...
Iwashi saw another 8 Kinkaku soldiers standing over the walls...so, they were the ones who attacked Izumo's team. To think, these 8 slaughtered an entire team of Blacklight soldiers.
Both the enemy forces stared at each other, the KI was extremely high as a tall Kinkaku soldier glared at Mikasa. Their level of chakra was higher than any enemy forces she had every encountered...
"There are 28 of them who have surrounded my team. Izumo and Hana are badly hurt, and I can't sense any other chakra signatures from Team 2 meaning..." thought Mikasa sadly,
This enemy unit was quite dangerous, they were not only the best fighters of Kumo but were masters in psychological warfare as she saw the terrified looks on her remaining soldiers faces as Izumo and Hana's body lay flat on the ground.
Some of her soldiers were rookies, fresh out of training...only Genma, Iwashi, Shizune and a few others had ever seen combat.
"I only have 23 soldiers left, Izumo and Hana are badly hurt...we cannot fight with the enemy. Team 2 is probably wiped out by now...the enemy has tremendous advantage in the current situation. I need to get my team out of here...there is no way these rookies can fight the Kinkaku unit" thought Mikasa calculatively,
Mikasa observed only Shizune and 4 other Blacklight had kunai launchers with them. The Kinkaku unit were famous for their speed and assassination techniques, before any of her soldiers could even think of attacking...the enemy would butcher them.
It was time for Plan B!
SLASH
The Kinkaku unit was shocked when one of their own soldiers fell dead on the ground as a bright blue chakra arrow pierced his brain. Their gaze shifted towards the tall tree on the east side from where two blacklight had already fired hundreds of kunai and several arrows which were heading straight for them.
Mikasa quickly threw several smoke bombs towards the enemy forces, as Iwashi and Shizune instantly grabbed Hana and Izumo.
"Scatter!" yelled Mikasa loudly,
The entire Blacklight team quickly shunshined outside the depot, but they were shocked when the Kinkaku unit was right behind them. So the rumors of their speed were indeed true.
"Captain, we'll hold them for a few more minutes. You get out of here..." said Rangiku urgently, as she and Anko fired another round of attacks
"Doton Doryuuheki (Earth Release: Mud Wall Jutsu)"
A large wall was quickly formed by the Kinkaku unit which protected them from the incoming kunai and chakra arrows. Mikasa saw the enemy unit was currently pinned down...it was indeed quite thoughtful of Rangiku to place herself on the elevated position. If not for her suggestion, then their entire platoon would have been wiped out by now.
"Bird (Rangiku) and Snake (Anko)...keep the enemy forces pinned down. I want to do something..." ordered Mikasa sternly,
"You got it, Captain" said Anko loudly, as she fired another couple of kunai on the enemy forces.
Mikasa quickly performed a set of hand seals as she gave a quick signal to Iwashi and Genma, and the boys quickly followed her by performing a similar set of hand seals.
"Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Mist Technique)"
The trio unleashed a vast thick mist that spread across the entire area but the attack didn't stop there as Iwashi quickly stepped forward and threw a few paper tags towards the large earth wall behind which the enemy forces were hiding.
"Fuuin Hyoushi no Jutsu (Binding Seal Technique)"
Genma watched nervously as those seals glowed brightly. This was one of Iwashi's most dangerous attack, that boy was an expert in Fuinjutsu and had saved their lives with the help of his techniques. The current attack of his prevented any movement in the radius of those seals, by blocking chakra pathways and directly affecting the nervous system of a person.
But it was a temporary technique...meaning they didn't have much time.
He was surprised again as Iwashi performed another set of hand seals, and four seals glowed in different directions.
"Kekkai Kotei Fuin (Four Corner Immobilization Seal)"
Mikasa was stunned, when Iwashi unleashed a tremendous amount of chakra and the enemy forces couldn't even move. But she panicked when Iwashi collapsed on his knees and coughed up some blood.
"Eagle..." said Mikasa worriedly, as she quickly ran towards her comrade.
"We don't have much time...they'll break free in a few minutes" said Iwashi painfully, more than half of his chakra had been used in binding the entire Kinkaku unit...and to say they were strong would be a monumental understatement.
"Understood, let's get out of here" said Mikasa comfortingly, as she helped her comrade.
Rangiku and Anko quickly came beside them, and after one final nod to Genma...the small team quickly shunshined away in order to join with the rest of their comrades.
(Miyasato Island)
Silence reigned in the dark room as two men silently sat in front of each other.
One of them was wearing the traditional Blacklight uniform, with the title "Supreme Commander" attached on his chest. His dark Anbu mask was doing a wonderful job of concealing the man's identity. However every ninja in Blacklight knew him...
For he was the man known as "Baku"
In front of him sat another person who had dark shaggy black hair and a unique x-shaped scar on his chin, one of his eyes was bandaged while the other eye was currently looking at him stoically. The man was wearing a light grey robe and there was a cane in his right hand.
"Everything is going as per our plan..." said Baku lightly, as Danzo gave a firm nod.
"Baku-dono, are you sure no one knows about our meetings?" asked Danzo seriously,
"Affirmative, Danzo-dono...I've made sure our little partnership is kept a secret. Though I must commend you for the idea of creation of Blacklight..." said Baku proudly, as his comrade closed his eye.
"We must do everything to protect Konoha. The fool Minato disbanded my Root, the only shinobi who were vital to protect Konoha. He made our trusted ninja into weaklings. But it is because of ninja like you, that Konoha is still standing today...Hiruzen and his successor have literally destroyed our once great nation. Tobirama-sama would be so disappointed..." explained Baku briefly,
"Yes indeed. Though it has not been easy to deceive Minato...he is a cunning man. But we must do whatever it takes to protect Konoha...I formed Blacklight as per your orders, at first Minato was hesitant but once I explained that it would be different from Root he was on board" said Baku mockingly,
"These Blacklight are more strong than Root, but they are incomplete. They need to lose their emotions if they want to become true ninja.." stated Baku simply,
"Is that why you asked for intel regarding the location of the Kinkaku base?" asked Danzo slyly, as Baku chuckled a little.
"There are a few liabilities that need to be taken care of. That bastard Naruto has made my soldiers even greater emotional fools, but now that Mikasa and her comrades are history...I will recreate the entire Blacklight and make them even more tougher physically as well as mentally. It will be a force that would protect Konoha from the shadows" said Baku proudly,
"But what about the secrets hidden in their bodies? We cannot let the enemy gain any vital information..." said Danzo sternly,
"Don't worry, every Blacklight has similar seals which Root Anbu had, the only difference is that they do not know that they have such seals placed on themselves. They can neither disclose any important information under any circumstances, and once they die their bodies are immediately vaporized. Those few kids are some of the last loyal supporters of Naruto...they need to be eliminated for the greater good" said Baku darkly,
"And what will you tell Minato?" asked Danzo curiously, as a sly smile came on Baku's face.
"He knows Mikasa and her comrades hate me, so it won't be too difficult to convince that they have gone rogue and betrayed Konoha. I've already persuaded a few Blacklight of her company to testify my accusation and prove that Mikasa and her team are traitors. Minato can doubt me, but he can't doubt the testimony of the soldiers of 1st company. Once the other soldiers know that Mikasa and other loyalists of Naruto are gone...they will have no choice but to obey me or suffer same consequences" explained Baku briefly,
"Quite a well thought out plan..." commended Danzo respectfully,
"Whose success depends on the Kinkaku unit's ability to kill Mikasa and her team..." said Baku doubtfully,
"The Kinkaku unit will definitely eliminate them. Even I agree that they are dangerous, and are a problem which we will have to deal with after the end of this war. Also there are a few Kumo Anbu who are providing security to the base and acting as subordinates for the Kinkaku force...so they have the skills and the numbers" explained Danzo briefly,
"I see..." said Baku victoriously, there were no more obstacles in their plans.
"Once this war is over, we shall execute our plan...the time has finally come, where Konoha can rule over the world." said Danzo proudly,
"Indeed"
(Few Hours Later: Aokigahara Forest)
BOOM!
Another powerful explosion rocked the entire forest as 4 other Blacklight soldiers were thrown several feet away.
"We can't hold on much longer, sir..." yelled Rangiku tiredly, she was almost out of chakra.
Mikasa looked around, she only had 15 capable soldiers left. The rest were either injured or killed...plus Izumo and Hana were still under critical condition. For hours, they had ran across the forest with the Kinkaku unit right on their backs.
But they had somehow managed to reach the LZ...only to find themselves stranded.
There were no aerial transports to rescue her team, Baku had planned this entire thing. He set them up...his own soldiers.
"To think you would stoop to such a level...Naruto was right, you are a selfish son of a bitch" cursed Mikasa angrily,
Her team was running on fumes, they were almost out of chakra and their weapons were almost finished. While there were still 20 Kinkaku soldiers left...and they weren't going to let them get away.
BOOM!
"AHHHHHHHHHH"
2 more Blacklight were blown apart as the Kinkaku squad kept on firing their explosive tags on her team. They were avoiding close quarter combat for now...the enemy wanted them to waste all their weapons and chakra, then they would eliminate them in a clean sweep.
The problem was that her team was cornered, they couldn't fall back any more as they were standing on the edge of a mountain cliff and there was a 4000 feet deep valley behind them.
"Captain WEASEL, you gotta get us out of here now!" said a young rookie angrily, the boy was probably just 13 years old, fresh out of training...and right now he was staring at his death.
"Keep on firing. Don't drop your guard, soldier!" said Mikasa seriously,
"Goddamn it, sir! How long do we have to wait? We've lost 10 men already!" yelled Genma angrily, as he dragged an injured blacklight back to cover.
Mikasa quickly ran towards Iwashi, who was constantly trying to get in contact with Blacklight or any Konoha forces.
"Anything?" asked Mikasa hopefully,
"SIR, they are lighting us up like a firestorm!"
Iwashi winced on hearing Anko's loud voice, and Mikasa's heart broke when he looked at her defeatedly.
"I can't get into contact with the command. They've shut us down...Captain" said Iwashi sadly,
Mikasa felt someone gently pulling her right hand, and on turning around she found it was none other than Izumo who was lying on the ground. He had a large hole in his stomach and severe burns on his body...while Shizune was desperately trying to keep him alive, but even she was at her limit.
And looking into that weak, defeated gaze of her comrade brought tears in her eyes.
"They are not coming for us, are they sir?"