Chapter five - Insurgency
EXCERPT FROM AMES NINJA REVISION GUIDE:
"...The past definition of a ninja is that of an agent for a master, acting on their orders in the more deceiving arts of war and battle in remaining unseen and striking at an enemy with precision and skill, not overwhelming power.
This definition has lost some of its very meaning in today's world.
Today, a ninja is not thought of as a shadowy assassin, but as the soldier of any nation's military. As chakra was on the rise since the beginning of the clan wars era more than a thousand years ago, so has the human population and the evolution of war. To begin with, there were many types of combat available for individuals, but by far the most devastating and effective according to historical records were past ninja who could use chakra. As those who learnt chakra were rare to begin with, they could outclass anyone they fought and so became 'ninja' as they had such devastating precision and skill available.
The rapid rise of chakra as enemies began to copy and match one another spawned the age of ninja as more people learned and became part of the profession, eventually transforming the role of a super-soldier assassin/soldier into that of the common-place asset. This led to the creation of the clans as people banded together for protection from the ever-increasing use of the dangerous energy, until finally the ninja villages and lands as no recorded case of a human without chakra has been observed for over three hundred years.
In many ways, this has made the ways of the ninja even more dangerous than ever before. It has combined stealth and precision with overwhelming force and common-place tactics among others, inducing such versality and deadliness into the purpose of a soldier never seen before since the pre-chakra 'dark ages' era. Indeed, the human population has risen to such levels in sync with the variety of chakra usages and techniques that the third ninja world war, the most destructive war on record, had an estimated casualty figure last of that surpassing half of the total deaths from the clan wars era. Fourteen years of war matched up to more than five hundred.
The point that should be taken from the historical context mentioned is to be prepared for anything. Ninja may die in a split second to a stealth technique or overpowering jutsu, or an hour if the opponent can be evenly matched and countered. Readers should be warned that it is more often than not that ninja die under a minute of confrontation with a stronger enemy, making most fights quick.
A rank does not signify the experience, skill or power level of your opponent. A genin could kill a jonin instantly if they had the correct training or technique to do so.
Following the protocol of Ame and orders from your superiors is therefore essential. Believe in your comrades and Leader..."
SIXTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
"Shino, you do realise what you are attempting will go horribly wrong for you if you mess it up? Your young body will not be able to take the backlash if your insects reject this poison." Konan spoke, disapproval evident in her tone as she sat at the table watching Shino slowly swill a vial of poison in his hand. Naruto was stood nearby, the same height as the Fox now as they stood side-by-side in the doorway watching what was going on with interest.
"As I understand, you seem to be underestimating the species of insect that I am host to. 'Rinkaichu', the so-called 'nano-insect' or 'insect of the poison.' They are a curious species that I have already experimented with." Shino spoke back, bringing the vial upwards into the glare of the light to better see the murky orange of the contents that lay within. "They have accepted four poisons already, three of the same type of increasing intensity and a new poison type of weak intensity. This is a continuation of the new poison type, of harsher intensity. By increasing the intensity of the poison, my insects will be able to slowly adapt and become better suited for their purposes. All I can do now is give them it."
Konan only looked at him with an arched eyebrow. Whilst it was not normal for a child to be saying such things - at all - this was a crazy world, with Shino in even weirder circumstances than most. Naruto may not be able to see it as the kid was like a brick at times with his scribbles and dreams, but Shino certainly could, Konan mused. Nagato certainly didn't state it, but Konan could sense his expectations in the two boys in their progress as ninja, and somehow so could Shino. It was like the teenager Itachi Uchiha she was reading about from the spy reports. "You may have done such things before Shino, but as the most medically knowledgeable here I'm still going to object to what your proposing." Konan said to him, in a tone that fully expressed her dissatisfaction with his current course and how she was laying down that she would be accepting not an ounce of responsibility.
"Objection noted, Konan, but trust me." Shino spoke as he slowly began to uncork the vial filled with poison still held up to the light. "I have read the theory. All that is left to do is apply it."
Konan pursed her lips at the young boy, but made no further comment as the insides of the vial met the air at last as Shino slowly placed the lid down upon the wooden surface of the table. Doing the same with the vial, he slowly laid his hand flat against the table, palm up before he then began to run a specific pattern of chakra throughout his palm; just as he'd been practicing with Nagato through exercises like cutting the leaf for years now. Almost instantly, results were yielded as small, metallically purple-glinting insects scuttled out literally from under his palm, exiting through the skin hey pushed aside before flittering towards the vial.
Seemingly each taking a scoopful of the poison, the insects gathered up small droplets of the poison before flying back to Shino's palm and disappearing back within. When the last one was flying back, he commanded it to stop, and instead held up a finger which it landed upon. Observing it, it looked only like a small dark dot with a purple sheen on the tip of Shino's finger. He briefly flicked his eyes back to the basic information page on the Rinkaichu.
Though a species created by the Aburame clan, it should be noted that all that is known on them is on the following document - property of the Aburame clan.
Rinkaichu are massively different to the standard Kinkaichu. The first difference to be noted is that of size, as instead of the larger Kinkaichu size of roughly three millimetres, the average Rinkaichu has a length less than that of a millimetre. Though downsides of this includes lower lifespan and less powerful bite, the Rinkaichu is infinitely deadlier.
Two branches of Rinkaichu exist. the first, more deadly version is that of the nano Rinkaichu. Aptly names, for it is the smallest Aburame insect on record. Having a dark purple matte body, it is known to lack a jaw at all but use a long tongue to 'scoop' material. This branch of the species is known to reproduce asexually, without a queen, and fast as they have been noted to produce clones of one another in roughly two seconds. This requires substantial nutrients and material, which gives rise to its famous attack to those who hear of it of feasting on living targets and multiplying via stolen tissue mass, killing the victim within one or two minutes. Not much else is known, for the only known user in history died at thirty two years of age in battle.
The second branch is more well documented, but still suffers from a lack of knowledge due to low usage, even amongst the Aburame clan. The second branch is known as the toxic Rinkaichu, and as the name suggests uses toxic chemicals/payloads to lethally kill their target. They are similar to their first branch brothers in that they too are dark purple, but are distinct with a metallic sheen on their exterior shells. This branch differs from the first in the two major aspects - this type of Rinkaichu has a jaw to bite targets with, and a powerful one for its size to deliver potent amounts of toxic payload; as well as a queen is relied upon to sustain the colony. Many different chemicals can be utilised by a second branch colony, being adaptive to different payloads.
It should be noted that the second branch Rinkaichu do not just use chemicals as toxins. Traces of bacteria and viruses have also been found to co-exist with the insects, only enhancing the threat they possess.
The reason for the lack of Rinkaichu users is quite apparent. The first branch relies upon a process of familiarisation involving sensory chemicals to get the Rinkaichu to 'see' the potential host as one of their own and slowly adapt to take the host on as a home. This process can take months, and rejection involves the insects reverting to a predatory mindset and eating the potential host from within.
The second Rinkaichu branch hosting process is no less dangerous. Though a queen is involved which makes rejection an unlikely consequence due to them being capable of more reason in using a ninja's chakra as a food source, surgery is involved. Surgery which connects the Rinkaichu queen to the chakra pathways within potential host's skull, which whilst manageable due to this specie's smaller size as compared to the larger Kinkiachu queens; it can be dangerous. Only four known users in history have survived the process.
Rinkaichu are classified as a forbidden species, and whilst their advantages in battle are obvious; implantation is a dangerous process and requires the authorisation of the Hokage.
Shino stopped reading it for a second time, and as if on impulse, his eyes wondered upwards to view what he could of the top of his head.
The Fox gave a snort at what he saw, raising an eyebrow at Shino. "How much of that do you actually understand?" The nine tails asked rather bluntly, a tail swishing behind him.
Shino meanwhile, gave a fleeting glance to the miniature tail beast, gave a nod to his brother before looking back at the document. "Enough." He answered simply with a disinterested tone, his focus clearly elsewhere.
The nine tails watched Shino for a moment more before merely tugging at Naruto's arm and directing him out the kitchen. "Come, let's go do a bit more on the sealing arts. We'll leave your brother do his crazy science experiments in peace."
Naruto gave a smile at that, nodding his head and following the nine tails out of the kitchen. Walking out onto the carpeted hallway, they made their way down it in order to reach the living room, but were stopped by the gentle swish of a door opening on their left; which Naruto recognised as his Uncle's private study/office. Sure enough, the distinct crimson red hair of Nagato Uzumaki appeared in the gap of the doorway, having sensed the massive beacon of chakra that was the Fox, and comprehensible reserves from Naruto for a boy his age.
"Hello, Nephew." Nagato softly greeted, eyes flicking to the Fox then back to the boy. "What are you up to?"
Naruto gave a wave at his uncle, before clapping and speaking. "Foxy is gonna show me how to form more kanji into seals!"
Nagato schooled his features into a happier mindset. "Impressive." He spoke, before looking at the Fox although from the sounds of his voice his question could be directed at the both of them. "Where are you up to now?"
"He'll be having his level two test next week." The Fox responded, cutting off Naruto who was about to speak as he got the hint from Nagato's gaze. "He just needs to learn his final bits of theory first."
Nagato gave a nod, before seeming to ponder, before finally pinning the Fox with a firm gaze. "Make it Friday. I want him to have started learning the basics of level three by next week."
Once more, the Fox raised an eyebrow but didn't object. "As you wish." He answered, before looking at Naruto. "Sorry buddy, but no seals today. Gotta cram that theory in."
Naruto seemed to mope at that, but Nagato strode out the doorway and patted Naruto's shoulders. "Come on now, Naruto, I know you like to see the seals in action but I only want you to do well. Can you do this for me?" Nagato asked with a kind expression, and at seeing his nephew's face lighten up and nod, gave a smile. "Excellent! Now go to the living room and ace that theory!"
Naruto gave a happy nod before dashing off to the living room, but the Fox stayed behind with a serious expression. "What are you really up to, Uzumaki?" The Fox asked with a deadly serious, reverberating tone.
Nagato continued to look at where his Nephew had been , but answered. "Six years." He spoke, drawing a confused look from the nine tails before Nagato looked at him. "Can he achieve all ten levels by six years time?"
The Fox paused to gaze at a clawed appendage before staring back at the rinnegan user. "If you give me the same amount of time allocation as I have currently, certainly. The process would speed up more as he gets older as I'd no longer be teaching a young child's mind complicated sealing theory dumbed down to his level." The tailed beast stated, before posing a question of his own. "But you do realise mastering the branches of the sealing arts would take more time after that, right?"
Nagato only nodded, before striding completely out of his study, locking the door and moving off to the kitchen; leaving the Fox behind. The nine tails only gave a huff before holding up an affronted posture and moving to the living room in the opposite direction.
Konan saw Nagato appear in the kitchen doorway, and quickly stood up from the table, ignoring his questioning expression as she pushed him out and closed the door. Crossing her arms, she let Nagato know she was serious. "This can't go on, Nagato."
Nagato raised an eyebrow this time, wondering what she was talking about. There were indeed many things 'going on.' So he simply gave voice to his question. "What cannot?" He asked.
"The boys!" Konan whispered at him, keeping her voice low but Nagato could hear the dissatisfaction from within the tone of voice. "They cannot spend all their lives restrained to one building, whether you like it for their safety or not. Shino's visibly stunted in that he only sees Naruto as a better friend than his books, and he's performing his so called 'experiments' with his insects as we speak. He's a child, Nagato! And yet its like the only thing he can do is bury himself in advanced science for his age. Naruto is no better - if he's not hanging about with an emotionally stunted boy or a tailed beast, he's training with you or messing about with seals! Neither of them are doing things children should be doing!"
Nagato gave a sigh, before pulling Konan into a hug. Konan seemed affronted at first, before simply leaning into him. "I'm sorry, Konan, but I must ask." Nagato quietly murmured. "Is it really detrimental to the boys, or is this out of your concern for their childhoods?"
Konan stayed silent for a moment before responding. "I admit, it is mostly out of my own wish to see them act a bit more normal. Ten years we've spent with them, Nagato. And yet every time I see them now, I am reminded of how we are going to thrust them into the centrepiece of the plans revolving around the Akatsuki and Ame." Konan sighed this time, shaking her head against his shoulder before letting a curse slip out. "Fuck, the only true family aspect I've seen is Naruto referring to you as his uncle."
Nagato gave a soft chuckle, causing Konan to look at him with a frown. "That's not true, Konan. They may not say it, but your the mother figure they have in their lives. They care, but as you have said they may not just be expressing it to you. I do see your point." Nagato spoke, gently letting go of the woman of his life and putting his arms behind his back. "But unfortunately, I cannot stop their training either. Too much depends upon it."
"Upon two boys, Nagato? I get that they can be strong, but are we literally not forming the Akatsuki to cover the aspect of having strong individuals?" Konan challenged, crossing her arms once more.
"There are many differing factors between Naruto and Shino, and a group of S rank criminals." Nagato bluntly stated with no hesitation, confidence dripping from the words he spoke. "For a few things, they will be stronger. More knowledgeable in what I will have them do. Better equipped. They can be given senior ranks within the armies. But most importantly, will be their loyalty. We are a family, and family does not turn on one another. I have to rule the four Akatsuki members now with an iron fist. I will do no such thing with my Nephew and Shino."
"You raise good points as always, Nagato." Konan stated. "But perhaps we ought to start reinforcing the whole family thing a bit better maybe?"
"Indeed." Nagato conceded to her. "Perhaps we can change up their training now. You, Konan will effectively start training them more. I will train them in physical exercise more from now on, as well as actually start having them apply their chakra in ninjutsu and other ninja fields. You will take over their chakra control training and theory. You'll have to help Naruto with that of course, and perhaps you can connect to Shino more by teaching him medical ninjutsu. But most importantly, we'll let them out of the building from now on."
"You'd allow that?" Konan asked, seemingly a bit stunned by what he'd said.
"Yes, I would." Nagato confirmed. "On the condition that my ninja follow them and the Fox is with them."
Konan smiled. "That seems fair."
KONOHAGAKURE.
Minato Namikaze stood silently staring out of the window of the top floor of the Hokage Tower, inside his own office as he took a momentary break from his work. With his hands behind his back, he gazed upon the street down below that the wide windows of his office allowed a view of.
Ten years. It had been ten years since his son had been taken. He hadn't forgotten.
His very first order had been to immediately declare a widespread manhunt for his son. Though he knew it was most likely that the masked man, or Madara, had killed his son to extract the nine tails for his own purposes, he still held hope. A father doesn't just give up on their children, after all.
However, it was not to be. It was quickly established through the mass searches of the Land of Fire, going through travel reports of major settlements in the Land of Fire and the general widespread negative of ninja all across the country that his son was not in any habitable region of the Land of Fire at least. After a year, the searches were stood down due to high economic expense for no gain but a standing order had been issued to immediately report any semblance to a figure with red hair, blue eyes and/or whisker marks. Now, he was reliant upon Jiraiya's spy network, international missions and any general information such as bingo book entries for any further information. To no avail thus far.
His personality had not changed, but his actions perhaps had. He was not so lenient with the other nations anymore, still willing to achieve his dream but his position did not allow him the freedoms his former teacher held. As far as the other nations knew, Konohagakure was hiding the identity of its jinchuuriki. Combined with the fact that the Leaf held the highest amount of S ranks of any nation, the only ever SS ranked ninja, and the Leaf's military doctrine had visibly changed - no nation had dared yet to poke at them. Even Ame had quickly ground to a halt when the Leaf came knocking.
But not all were quick to let go just because of the Leaf's reputation. Ame had not let go of the three-quarters of the Land of Grass they had seized, quickly giving up the remainder to be taken at anyone's leisure - Iwa taking full advantage and seizing half whilst the Leaf had set up a smaller independent country for the exodus of fleeing refugees in the remainder. A country that was now heavily reliant and allied to them, something he had accepted. Demands for the remainder of Grass was only made by him as Iwa had been happy with their free hand-out, which had been met with a firm denial by Hanzo, which would only mean an escalation of war should the demands continue. Minato had halted further proceedings at that point, not willing to get bogged down in a costly war with an enemy who had clearly thwarted their spy network's estimates, as despite having the most amount of strong individuals, Hanzo was a man he'd struggle against; as well as the fact that the Leaf's own forces had still not been up to strength from the third world war and tailed beast attack at the time.
Sunagakure was not as friendly with Konoha anymore despite being allied, in contrast to the Lands of Earth and Lightning being on good terms despite not being allied. However, dissidents within the Leaf itself knew not to fuck with him, after the public execution of several top ranking officials after they had demanded the identity of the new jinchuuriki with no respect for his position.
Times were getting tougher, he mused. Supposedly just like the build up to the Third World War just like Hiruzen Sarutobi had been discussing with him.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his inner musings, causing him to look at the entrance to the office and wondering who his ANBU had let through - certainly few people were on such a list to see their Hokage without prior invitation in his own office. His curiosity was satisfied when his own wife stepped through the door.
Kushina Uzumaki, a reputable woman with sharp purple eyes and long crimson red hair, eyed her husband and smiled. A ninja of strong standing, her S ranks status was well deserved when her exploits were put in the frame - a sealing master second only to her husband, wielder of the noted Adamantine Chains and one of the Leaf's best water techniques users. But best of all was her skill with swords, rumoured to be even better than even the now missing-nin head of the previous Kiri Seven Swordsmen.
"Kushina, dear. You should be at home resting after that mission you came back from just last night." Minato spoke out with an amused tone, contrasting to the concern his speech portrayed. He knew his wife could look after herself, such a small thing would not stop her.
"Always a fussy one, Minato." Kushina smiled back. "How goes things?"
Minato sighed, before shaking his head. "Things are fine at the moment. There are no serious domestic issues, but foreign issues and affairs seem to get more complicated and troubling with each passing year."
Kushina gave a snort. "I was asking about you."
"Me?" Minato blinked, before then chuckling and scratching the back of his head. "Yes, I am fine thank you. How are you? You must've come here for a reason."
Me, hmmm?" Kushina parroted Minato, deliberately making her face mysterious. "Oh, I'm only pregnant, ya know?"
Minato's shocked face said it all.
BOUNDARY OF AME, ELITE BRANCH TRAINING FIELD SEVEN.
The Deva Path stood watching Naruto and Shino who were currently sitting on a log in a very small wooded section in the grassy field that made up the training field they were in. If one were to remove the top few centimetres of the grass and soil, reinforced netting that bound the soil and material closer and tighter would be discovered - all for the purpose of withstanding the harsher treatment ninja provided; especially that of the elite units that trained regularly there. All that was left was the pond, ten metres across, sitting in the centre of the field, currently host to an abundance of wildlife such as reeds and ducks.
It was of course, lightly drizzling upon everything there, but everyone was used to that by now.
"I have brought you here as it is time to start getting serious about your training." Pain stated with the same neutral tone as always, purple rinnegan eyes gazing down at the two young boys.
"What are we going to be doing?!" Naruto asked excitedly, smiling despite the chill that was present from the ever-falling rain. Shino looked curious as well.
"Practical skills. For one thing, your survival skills need experience. You may have been learning required education like your maths and theory on how to be a good ninja, but all that ends here now. You may know that to start a fire, one needs a fuel and an ignition source; but tell me, what fuel would you use? That is what we shall be focusing upon. Real life application of knowledge." Pain spoke out. "There is also the matter of practically applying and learning your ninja training. These are the two areas we shall be working upon for the next year."
"What practical skills will this be?" Shino asked, wanting to be clear upon what they were learning.
Pain regarded Shino for a moment, having expected that sort of question from him. "In terms of your survival skills, what you learn each day shall differ upon what I plan the night before. It will go over the skills needed to survive by yourselves using only the resources upon you and your environment. Your ninja skills is clearer - you need to work upon your chakra control, your aim in throwing weapons and jutsu, learning basic jutsu as well as hand to hand combat; amongst other things. Basic skills. You need to know when to dodge, block, attack or retreat entirely. Today we shall focus on survival skills, then tomorrow shall be ninja skills - and repeat after that. Today will be all upon the subject of shelter."
Naruto and Shino watched interestedly as the Deva Path pulled out a storage seal upon a scroll from the realms of his Akatsuki cloak. "There is really two parts to it." Deva explained, holding out the storage scroll for them to see - merely a rolled up piece of paper the size of his palm with black kanji formed into a small circle upon it. "What shelter you carry with you, and what you will have to scavenge from the environment."
Sending chakra into the storage seal and throwing it to the floor, a short puff of smoke dissipating from the seal revealing a sheet of strong fabric and a few metal poles strewn on the ground. "This is the average tent given to the head ninja of a squad when a squad departs upon a field mission. Congratulations, it is now yours." Deva spoke plainly, before then gesturing to the trees. "We will also be learning of how to set up shelter using the material provided by nature. From simply caves, to building one from scratch by utilising sturdy support in objects such as logs and covering material likes leaves. What makes for the right type, and what will stand. We shall go over that today, and I expect you to go over it in your own free time for I shall be testing you in a week."
Pausing to allow the boys time to catch up, he then seriously glanced at them and posed them a question. "Are you ready for your first lesson?"
Shino stated an affirmation, as Naruto gave a more resounding agreement.
Nagato's mouth curled into a smirk.
FIVE DAYS LATER.
Sasori and Konan entered into a tavern which was situated in a small village. Nestled within a mountain range on the border between the Lands of Earth and Lightning, the village saw a fair bit of traffic passing through of mainly ninja and tourists. As such, two of the biggest businesses in the village were both the tavern and the bounty claiming station which were next door to one another.
Pushing open the entrance door to the tavern and finding it to be a large front area filled with tables and chairs, piano music lightly being played in the corner by an employee as the manager was obviously behind the bar on the right. A curious eye was glanced over to the confident woman striding in with a masked hunchback following behind her, but that was all. Nobody could do anything when ninja of different nations with many different loyalties were in the room, with guards from the Land of Lightning only a shout away before they could crack down in force. No, it was better not to try anything for the average ninja.
"That's most likely him." Sasori murmured as his eyes swept the bar area of the tavern, finding the ninja around him to be of little threat aside from the group of Rock ninja at the table near the bar, most likely an ANBU squad who could provide a little challenge for him, and a cloaked figure enjoying a drink in the shadowy corner. "The cloak, briefcase and lone attitude all match up."
"Good." Konan spoke. "Allow me to do the talking."
"By all means." Sasori responded, having never been any good at negotiating. Anyway, it wasn't like he was going to countermand the order of someone protected by Pain. Sasori wouldn't admit it, but his Leader scared him on a base level.
The two walked over to the cloaked man in the corner, who seemed to be extremely interested in the briefcase he was fiddling with on the table, seemingly absorbed in some task with it. Sasori recognised that though, having seen the tell-tale shifts of the irises as he kept a constant watch on the crowds around him - one eye becoming solely fixed on them as they approached him.
"That's far enough." The cloaked man growled out in a deep tone of voice, his eyes only narrowing as he slowly closed the lid on his briefcase and put it on the floor as Konan ignored his demand and placed herself in the chair opposite the figure - Sasori himself coming to a stop behind her.
The cloaked figure took a swig of his drink, Sasori noting that one of the vibrant green irises was permanently watching them as he did so before he put the alcohol down and stared at them. "Normally a person meaning no harm in this world of ours simply doesn't approach someone by themselves in a place they obviously want to be alone in. Mind explaining why you two are making an odd exception?"
Konan stayed silent for a moment before shifting her posture to lean back into the chair. "Kakuzu, a missing-nin from the Waterfall village." Konan stated bluntly, getting her desired affirmation as the now-named Kakuzu narrowed his eyes further at her.
"Your intimidation tactics won't work against me." Kakuzu replied coarsely, gazing from Konan to Sasori before speaking further. "If you supposedly know a lot about me as you'd probably continue to say, you should know I've lived a lot longer than you have. I've seen and experienced more than you'll ever see."
Konan only gave a small, disingenuous smile at the man. "Oh no, nothing like that. But we do know you can be a reasonable man."
Kakuzu's eyes lost none of their frostiness, even if the expression of what could be seen of his face from behind the mask relaxed back into that of neutrality. "Ah, your here with a proposition. Is there a specific person you need killing, or something you need retrieving? Just know that my services are not cheap."
Konan only shook her head. "We have heard of that, of course. And well, we would need more of... both really. All I can tell you right now is that there is a group of people we need captured. However, this is not our proposition as you have phrased it."
Kakuzu gave a grunt, Sasori watching the man quietly with curiosity. Even if his fingers were never far from the scroll where he kept his puppets. "You two really are an odd exception. Tell me first of all, do you have the money to afford me?" Kakuzu questioned, raising the glass to take another swig as his mask was gently lowered in a fashion that they couldn't see his face still.
Konan gave another smile as she reached into her cloak, Kakuzu watching all the while from his drink. Nothing dangerous or dodgy came out, as instead a wad of bound cash was put on the table. "$10,000 dollars. I believe that is your usual charge for a job, no?" Konan questioned, receiving only a piercing glance from Kakuzu as he drained the last of his drink. "Just know that we can afford to pay you much more for working with us. Are you interested?"
Kakuzu slowly placed his empty glass on the table, taking a seconds pause to reaffirm his mask back upon his face as he considered it. He knew nothing about these people and their intentions, but then his entire clientele was always going to be at least somewhat dodgy. No actual authority would hire a missing-nin after all. He gave a grunt and spoke. "Tell me more." The coarse tone demanded.
TEN MINUTES LATER.
The shifting apparition appeared before Deva's eyes, his own rainbow coloured projection increasing in the shifting static before it calmed as the projection of Kakuzu appeared before him. Placing his arms behind his back as the two apparitions regarded each other in the wooded are they had appeared in, only a single crackling campfire between them.
"So." Kakuzu began, his narrowed eyes gleaning as much information from the appearance of Deva as he could. Not that there was much to tell in the shifting static forms of a projection, but the tell-tale special eyes of the figure revealed they were indeed someone powerful. "You are the illustrious leader of the organisation I have been invited to join."
Deva regarded Kakuzu with an apathetic stare the likes of which only the dead could achieve - making Kakuzu feel more alert, wary of this figure. "Indeed." The baritone voice sounded out. "Though I'm sure a man of your experience can realise the situation."
"Indeed." Kakuzu repeated, though an obvious undercurrent of distastefulness accompanied it. Kakuzu obviously knew better than to use a tone of bitterness around him, even if he really wanted to. He had been betrayed before the last time he had been a part of something, but there was no helping this one.
As soon as he had recognised the rinnegan in the eye sockets of that man in front of him, he knew he had been press-ganged into the services of this Akatsuki. After all, he had been curb-stomped when Hashirama had pulled out his own pair of special eyes.
"Good." Deva gave a satisfied nod, before speaking. "I am known as Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki. For now, you may continue about your business before I pair you up with a partner." Seeing Kakuzu's eyes narrow, Pain gave a chuckle. "Do not worry. You will find there is much to benefit from, for combined with our knowledge of the world and equipment and other such factors we can provide you, you will be making much more money than ever. However, I assure you, you will not like the consequences of betraying me. No amount of hearts will save you then, Kakuzu."
Kakuzu's eyes widened as the very secret behind his immortality was blatantly stated, but before he could say a word he was thrown out of the projection.
RADIO ROOM, PAINS TOWER.
The jonin operating the radio on the left side of the desk was busy filling out the admin tasks he had been assigned when a notification suddenly popped up on his computer. The man didn't give it much thought, seeing it was one of the reminders for switching over the squads on patrol on the eastern side of the village occupied by the training grounds. Flipping a couple of switches, he quickly tuned into the five chunin squads assigned there and recalled them.
He quickly connected to the second barracks on the Eastern side. "This is Home Base, calling the Second Eastern Ame Barracks. Acknowledge, over." The jonin spoke, waiting a second before a voice spoke in his ear. "That is correct, the patrols for the training grounds need to be replaced. I leave it in your hands, jonin. Over."
Satisfied, the jonin put an affirmation in the order box of the notification that had popped up, unlocking the second and final part of the notification. Flipping another switch, he carried out his last recall order. "This is Home Base, calling Elite squad twenty-two. You are to return to Home Base, escorting your assigned package with you. Acknowledge, over." He waited a second, before frowning.
The reply from an elite squad should have been strict and instantaneous.
"This is Home Base, calling Elite squad twenty-two. Please acknowledge, over." The jonin waited for any sign, but received only the familiar static background in his headphones. Trying for a last time, he spoke once more. "Elite squad twenty-two, respond at once, over." The jonin's face become seriously concerned as the Elite squad failed the third check-in per the protocol for communication, and quickly complied with the rest of the protocol as he checked off the order on the notification as 'unresponsive'.
As soon as he did that, all activities and tabs he had open on the computer immediately saved and closed by themselves, causing the jonin to lean forward in alarm as it did something he had never seen before. As soon as everything had closed, a red-rimmed warning message came up in the centre of the screen, complete with a slowly pulsating, angry triangular warning shape with an exclamation mark.
Danger Alert Alpha-2. VIPs in potential danger. Commander authorisation required.
"Shit." The jonin cursed aloud before launching himself out of his chair and standing straight to attention in front of the jonin commander's desk, somewhat startling the commander who looked up immediately.
"Jonin?" The commander questioned with a strict tone. "Why are you out of your assigned station?"
"The computer, sir." The jonin hastily complied. "It just closed everything, stating 'Danger Alpha-2' and requiring your authorisation, commander."
"Show me at once." The commander ordered as he immediately stood up, clicking his fingers as he did so - causing two bulky figures to appear in a body flicker beside him, both decked out with the signature chakra armour of the elite branch of Ame's forces. Striding around the desk to the computer the jonin had pointed out, the commander set about entering his details.
The warning message didn't disappear as the screen shifted, instead moving to the top as information of the developing incident was displayed.
Two VIPs in potential danger of being killed or kidnapped. All Gold Tier personnel have already been alerted as per protocol.
Location - Elite Training Field Seven.
Description - Two males. Young age.
Authorisation level of VIPs - none.
Protection level of VIPs - Gold-2.
Recommended Action - Immediate pursuit advised. Lock down city of incident, and contain the threat. VIPs can be tracked by Gold Tier personnel. Mobilise elite battalion.
"An entire battalion?" The commander murmured, confusion apparent. "Just how important are two boys?"
One of the elite ninja beside the commander had finished reading herself, and now looked to the commander. "Commander." She spoke, causing him to look at her as he stopped musing. "We need your orders."
The commander gave a nod, thinking for a second before moving to speak - only to be cut off once more.
Another notification box had emerged, this time in the bottom corner of the screen, with the entire box pulsating red.
Level four emergency declared. Ame has been locked down. Initiate lockdown protocols.
"It appears I don't have, not when Leader is already on the case." The commander spoke, before then looking to the elite ninja. "Still, I shall lead the troop movements. Go mobilise the battalion and head to the elite training field seven. Find the missing VIPs."
A nod was his own answer before the small crack sound of the body flicker jutsu hit his ears.
ELITE TRAINING FIELD SEVEN.
It was instant.
"It's quiet..." The nine tails murmured, as he eyed the two boys currently preoccupied with hand seal practice, or as usual, Shino showing his brother how to correctly do it using a diagram from a book. It was great the boy loved books, but the miniaturised tailed beast knew he'd have to quickly make the boy realise not everything could be learned in a book.
It was a common saying that nobody made jonin unless they had some sort of secret.
"No, you've got to bend the finger back, like this." Shino stated, showing Naruto a diagram from a book he had in his backpack - making Naruto confusedly stare at it before correcting his hand sign to match the fourth hand sign of the jutsu sequence they were trying to learn. "That's better. Well done, brother."
"Thanks Shino." Naruto responded, seeing how his hands now looked much closer to that which the picture displayed. For some reason however, his brother never responded.
"Shino?"
Naruto turned around to find Shino on the floor facing away from him, crumpled and laying flat against the ground without moving a muscle. Naruto gasped, before turning over the still body that was his brother - and seeing two senbon lodged within his neck. Naruto's eyes widened at that, before shaking Shino. Yanking out the senbon, he shook Shino again.
The nine tails was just in time to flick away a couple of senbon aimed at Naruto with one of his tails, before he snapped an order at Naruto. "Naruto, move! I can hold them off, but you're going to need to get help!"
Whilst the tailed beast were at the top of the food chain, all beings could be outnumbered, outsmarted or have a vulnerability exploited. In this case, the nine tails had sensed the squads of ninja with jonin-level reserves surround the training field. Certainly, there would be no need to have that many ninja about for two boys, so they were obviously here to counter him - which meant someone had supplied the intelligence and they were prepared. But then again, none of them were S-rank - they were here to hold him off, not to defeat him - but they were obviously here with some purpose in mind. Whilst they'd never be able to beat him, they obviously knew that too, not with the number of tails of chakra he had at his disposal - so they just needed to delay him to get at the two boys most likely. Time was his vulnerability here.
One squad of them leapt down, four jonin ninja in green flak jackets complete with scratched out headbands bearing the Rain symbol, before surrounding the three of them.
Naruto didn't even see them move before they were already close and moving to surround them - but if he thought that was fast, then he had to re-evaluate when the Fox disappeared.
Utilising the superior chakra he had at his disposal, the nine tailed beast rocketed off - already clashing with the closest renegade ninja. Clashing wasn't quite the correct term, as the ninja was caught off-guard and off-balance, having been sprinting towards them at full pelt, and as a consequence could only turn his head slightly and begin to form a horrified expression before a five claws smashed right through the skull and instantly caving in the brain and innards; the snarling red visage of the Fox being the last thing the man ever saw.
The other two ninja on the left received more warning, going back to back to better fare against the nine tailed beast they had to contend with, but they too fell. One of the jonin managed to speed through three hand signs and launch a fireball at the oncoming menace, only for the Fox to plunge right through it and emerge unscathed on the other side, the fire-natured beast experiencing no damage of such an attack. The first swipe of his claws was parried by a kunai, the jonin promptly dropping the now blunted instrument as it was forced to carry along with the swipe with the brute strength behind it.
The nine tails growled as his first attempt did nothing against his target, time slipping by - he'd miscalculated, for had that been a chunin their reaction time would not have been quick enough to dodge. This was proved as the second jonin leapt over the sudden strike of one of the tails lashing out at their midsection, a chakra assisted boost carrying them clear of something that could've crushed their ribs.
The opposing limb came at the first jonin's torso this time, too fast for them to dodge as no claws gouged through in favour of a thrust to carry forth more speed - the superior strength of the nine tails flooring the jonin as they were sent tumbling to the ground. The jonin breathed no more as the Fox's jaw clamped upon the fleshy side of the neck and twisted, ripping away blood and breathing vessels in less than a second in a shower of blood.
The second jonin meanwhile, had safely landed behind the Fox as the beast was distracted, withdrawing a katana and quickly channelling wind chakra right through the blade. The down-plunge of the blade into the rear of the Fox drew nothing however, only a quick turn of the head with a blank look before the jonin was forced on the defensive with an onslaught of tails. The first targeting the head was parried aside by the blade, the man trying to back away all the while but could not get out of range in time. A second tail targeting the torso was pushed aide with a chakra-reinforced hand, but the man burnt himself horribly upon the limb made up entirely of the densest fire chakra known to humanity. A split second distraction and yell of pain was all it took for a third red tail to seal the deal - wrapping around the calf of the jonin's right leg, before swinging the man over the Fox's entire body like they weighed nothing at all. Their skull meeting the ground was the end for them.
The fourth and last jonin was given quite some time, however. Landing close to Naruto, she quickly assumed a ready stance. "Surrender, boy. We need you both." The woman spoke to Naruto, who only stood up and drew a kunai.
"You're not taking my brother!" Naruto shouted back in defiance, but the hand that held the kunai trembled slightly.
The jonin noticed this, the experienced woman merely lifting an eyebrow. "Bold words." She spoke, before darting forwards. No jutsu were used as the woman was trying to bring them in alive, but to a jonin of much higher speed, knowledge and reflexive skill, she simply swept him aside. A quick first contact to block the kunai before she used her free hand to seize the parrying arm of the boy, twist it to force him to let go of the weapon before throwing him to the floor. "But you don't have the strength to back them up. Night-night."
A quick heel strike to the back of the head knocked Naruto unconscious. The nine tails gave a roar as he observed that, quickly tossing aside the body of the now deceased jonin he'd been holding and was about to swiftly dispatch of the offending woman when two further squads leapt down, the remainder keeping the area secured and surrounded. Judging by the metal armour plates they all wore with the majority holding onto standard issue swords, they were all renegade ANBU who no longer had their masks. The nine tails growled as they all locked onto him.
The female jonin meanwhile had roughly grabbed hold of Naruto and was about to do the same to Shino who was lying on the floor when the boy's hand seized hold of the outstretched arm of the jonin. The woman quickly shook it off before gazing at the boy whose eyes had opened and was openly staring at the jonin with hate in his eyes.
"I don't know how your awake after being struck already, but I need you too." The woman spoke as she reversed her grip on a kunai to put the hilt forward, preparing to strike Shino's head too and knock him out.
A chuckle from the boy gave her pause, however. "Of course you do." Shino spoke. "But I'm afraid twenty seconds have already passed."
The woman merely gave a confused expression before taking her time raising the kunai - and instantly regretting it as pain exploded across her chest. Blood was forcefully ejected from her lips as she coughed, before falling sideways and erupting into spasms. Shino slowly stood up, holding his arm out and recalling the few insects he'd manged to place on the jonin as she and his brother fought, before grabbing Naruto and proceeding to try and drag him out of there. The Fox would be fine.
A shadow appeared behind Shino and he knew no further as another squad of ANBU had leapt down.
PAIN'S OFFICE.
Konan quickly rushed into the office, seeing the Human Path at work on the computer. No doubt going through text based orders as well as monitoring whatever reports came through the computer system, a radio sat on the desk next to the computer and tuned to listening in on the main emergency wavelength to hear the orders being dispatched by his ninja.
"Konan. Report." The Path spoke without even looking up. "Why are our forces taking so long to get to the elite training grounds? All I hear on the radio is how squads keep getting held up or entangled in meaningless fights with random missing nin."
Konan gave a nod and placed a piece of paper in front of him, the Path's eyes darting downwards to give it a cursory look at. "They're the remnants of Hanzo's forces, Pain. Over a hundred of them have been sighted in the forests that make up the elite training grounds, with more predicted. The battalion you ordered to secure the training grounds have become bogged down by fighting them."
A pencil that Pain had been holding was utterly crushed in his hand, wood chips littering the floor. "Hanzo.. Even to this day..." Pain muttered. He quickly typed out something onto the computer before gliding the mouse upon the desk and hammering the buttons upon it. "A level five emergency has been declared. This might as well be war." The Human Path declared, before looking at Konan. "I'm moving the first two division of the First Army into the city. We'll need more than the local defenders patrolling Ame if the populous still holds sympathy for Hanzo. I am also authorising the second and last elite ninja battalion to secure the training grounds, I must ensure the boys are safe. What you need to do, Konan, is to authorise the use of Alpha-level project five across whatever we have on the Eastern side of the city. They are to clear training ground seven of hostiles, as well as take out whatever they can from the forests."
Konan gave a gasp. "But Pain, we don't know if its ready, we could lose-"
Pain was staring back at the computer screen. "Go, Konan. The Deva and Asura Paths are already en-route to training ground seven." Seeing Konan still hesitate, Pain's eyes narrowed. "Now, Konan."
AME ROOFTOPS, EASTERN SIDE OF THE CITY.
A couple of Ame's elite jonin were dashing across the low-lying rooftops, arms flung back with heads tucked low, sprinting full pelt towards their objective. Fortunately for them, this was the outskirts of the city mostly made up of single and two-storey buildings that were flat and easy to run over, with the only real danger being the constant slip hazard of the rain - which was negated anyway by the application of chakra to the feet.
"What are we doing out here?! We should be securing the labs and testing facilities!" The elite jonin to the rear shouted to the one in front, getting only a single backwards glance before they leaped onto another rooftop.
Indeed, both of the elite jonin were part of the security detail that secured the notorious research and development facilities that lay in the Western districts of the city, one of four that were spread out across the city. Notorious only to those who had access to files or the facilities themselves, however. Those who found them out without such access disappeared into Ame's pipe system, never to be seen again. Detailed mostly to keep the facilities safe, escort officials about or test the projects themselves, their careers as protectors of the R&D sector was often in a constant flux of boredom and anticipation.
"Project five has been authorised. We're to attend to installation six of it and help deal with the insurgency that has sprung up." The elite jonin in front yelled back.
"It's been authorised?!" The rear ninja seemed astonished. "But it's only begun testing!"
"Why do you think they've been building them across the city anyway?" The front ninja countered back. "It's got promising results and has been stable throughout. So long as we stick to the protocol, nothing should go wrong!"
"That seems really reassuring when it's only had two test runs!" The rear ninja shouted back.
"Well testing is part of our fucking job description anyway!" The elite jonin in front snarled to the back. "Now quit complaining about it and let's get on with it. Lord Pain has personally authorised this and will also personally hear if anything goes wrong! We better make sure nothing goes wrong!"
The ninja continued forth for a minute before they arrived at their destination, which stuck out across the low-lying area they'd run through for a simple reason - they'd arrived at a metal tower that was at least six storeys high. Quickly wall-running up the infrastructure, the two ninja leapt to the top of the tower and halted there. A black tarpaulin cover was stretched out across a prominent object beneath it, at least four metres by three metres from the size of the sheet. The first elite jonin stepped forth and quickly tossed aside the sheet, revealing the deadly weapon still in development beneath it.
"The chakra cannon." The second elite jonin spoke out, before then stepping forth and beginning the preparatory protocol. "I still don't know how they came up with this contraption."
"From what I heard." The first elite jonin grunted out as he slowly lowered the gun barrel on the huge weapon. "It's been reverse-engineered from all the military salvage they found in the 'apocalypse-bunker' Ame was built on."
The 'chakra cannon' was painted metallic black, better to blend into the constant dark and stormy skies that plagued Ame. The entire weapon was mainly built to the left of the centre of the contraption, the large rectangular barrel that made up the weapon supported from the back on a raised box that contained the elevating mechanism, the barrel then running above a pedestal that ran below the entire two metre length of the barrel. The right side of the weapon was mostly taken up by a single seat that sat just in front of the mechanism box supporting the barrel, wires and metal bars running in between. The seat had in front of it two spinning handles that controlled the left and right sway movements of the barrel, and finely-controlled handle that moved the barrel minutely up and down for accurate control. A metal wheel beneath the two handles controlled the rotation of the entire weapon upon its pedestal platform, complete with operator in the seat in all. A lever to the right of the seat, when thrown back, would also cause the weapon to fire.
"Come on, the cannon's all set up." The first elite jonin confirmed. "Help me move it." The second elite jonin only gave an affirmatory nod before placing both hands upon the seat portion of the weapon, the first elite jonin reciprocating upon the mechanism box as the two began to push it forward. With the platform set up on rails that lined the roof of the metal tower, the cannon slowly was pushed forward - two elite jonin being enough to move the incredibly heavy contraption with the assistance of chakra and wheeled mobility.
When the cannon's barrel hung a metre over the edge, they stopped before the second elite jonin then sat down in the seat of the cannon. Rotating the entire weapon right, he aimed down the sight that was at eye-level with the operator before giving a grunt. "Training ground seven in sight." The operator acknowledged. "Prepare the barrel."
"Right." The first elite jonin confirmed before he grasped the entire top of the barrel, before then lifting the top segment away. As such, the rectangular barrel now only had three sides - the bottom and two corresponding sides of the previously cuboid shaped barrel, the back portion awaiting the ammunition and the front obviously open. The insides of the barrel could now be seen, with entire spools of wire seen traversing across both the left and right sides of the barrel that connected to staged rivets set in the bottom of it; seemingly to conduct large amounts of energy down the barrel.
"Lower twenty degrees." The operating elite jonin spoke out, lining up the sights with the ANBU squad that had appeared in the training ground they were targeting.
"Lowering." The first elite jonin acknowledged as he spun the big rotating handle on the outside edge facing them, causing the barrel to slowly yet noticeably inch downwards. Halting at the desired notch set in the steel of the weapon, the elite jonin spoke out. "Done."
"Gun in position." The operator confirmed. "Enter ammunition."
The first elite jonin merely gave a grunt before taking out a scroll from his kunai pouch - unravelling it to see the mass of kanji all upon it. It was a storage scroll, but modified to feed only one item out at a time with each input of chakra. Doing so, the elite jonin quickly wafted away the smoke that emerged before picking up the forty-centimetre long scroll that had emerged. Tucking away the smaller scroll, the elite jonin rolled it out a little bit if only to see the twenty-centimetre long matte-black, dominant kanji for 'transfer' emblazoned in the middle of it, with two smaller dominant 'storage' kanji set into the two corners he'd revealed on the side he'd unravelled; conducting kanji connecting the dominant kanji. The elite jonin quickly rolled it back up, having seen it was indeed the chakra storage scroll that acted as the ammunition for the cannon - the four 'storage' kanji on the scroll containing large amounts of chakra that would be fed through the 'transfer' kanji when it came for the weapon to fire. Opening up a port on the mechanism box, he shoved in the large scroll into the barrel before closing it.
"It's in!" The elite jonin shouted out, getting a nod from the operator who then withdrew a radio from their backpack.
"Project installation six calling home base, project installation six calling home base." The operator spoke into the handset before awaiting a response.
A second went by before crackling could be heard, before a feminine voice was heard. "This is home base, go ahead installation six."
The elite jonin pushed a button down on the handset before talking. "We are in position and ready to fire. We are awaiting identities of VIPs and confirmation to fire, however."
Some piercing static could be heard on the other end as well as some muttering before the lady's voice returned. "Installation six, be aware the identities of the VIPs are restricted to alpha-two level authorisation. However, they are identifiable as two young male children and a large Fox-like animal with nine tails. Please confirm if you are seeing the VIPs."
Peering through the gun sights, the elite jonin could make out barely anything from that far away, before reinforcing their eyesight with chakra to sharped it - seeing a roaring large fox indeed clashing with a squad of renegade ANBU and two children being apprehended by a single ANBU. Pushing the handset button, they spoke once more. "I can confirm, home base. The Fox creature is fighting a squad of ANBU and the children are being taken away by a singular ANBU."
More frantic muttering was heard this time on the other end before the voice issued orders. "You have confirmation to fire at will, I repeat fire at will installation six. However, you are ordered not to risk any danger to the children VIPs, instead you are to keep as many enemies off of the fox as you can. Assist the fox however much you can so that the children may be retrieved, and you are to delay the insurgents for as long as possible for reinforcements to arrive. Acknowledge, over."
"Acknowledged, home base." The operator spoke before placing down the handset and reaching towards the firing lever, removing the restraining safety device that prevented it from moving. "We have confirmation to fire at will." The operator spoke, not even glancing at the first elite jonin as they peered down the gun sight and lined up the barrel as accurately as possible with the fine-tuning handles. "Fix goggles."
"Acknowledged." The first elite jonin spoke, face grimly serious as they withdrew a pair of blackened goggles from a pouch and strapped them around their head, before bracing against the mechanism box.
The operator finished up their movements before slowing down their breathing, taking a last confirming glance through the sights before throwing back the firing lever.
EASTERN DISTRICT STREETS.
A chunin squad leapt down from the rooftops and quickly brought the attention of the civilians around them to them. The small crowd that gathered around had no idea of the developing drama going on, and so the appearance of an armed patrol amidst them was certainly enough to spike their curiosity as the general noise of the area died down to pay attention.
The senior chunin among them stepped forth and spoke in a loud voice. "Citizens of Ame, a city-wide emergency has been declared. We have been instructed to see that the populous is ordered back into their homes, in a safe and organised manner that does not impede ongoing military efforts in the area. Please make your way home in an orderly fashion without running, so as not to cause any obstructions."
Much of the civilians in the area had alarmed reactions to this, shock written on the face of many with fear on those of a few. The senior chunin further reinforced the urgency of the situation when he made a motion with two of his fingers to the rest of his squad, causing the other three chunin to leap up to the rooftops to split up and tackle other areas of the populous. After a few seconds of listening in and muttering, however, almost all of the crowd had complied with the orders, going in opposite directions than they had been. In under a minute, the area had thinned considerably leaving only stragglers about.
The senior chunin was either observing the area or telling people to get a move on when one of his squad landed next to him - giving them only a nod to tell them to report. "The third and fifth streets are clear, sir. The remainder of the squad will only be a minute." They reported.
"Good." The senior chunin responded, gazing down at the street. "The main street should be clear by then, and we can then head to the rendezvous area as ordered."
"Belay that order, chunin." A deep voice spoke out then. "You're coming with me."
The two chunin took a step back, hand going to their kunai pouch in a precautionary measure as they turned around to see who had come up behind them without their knowledge - only to abandon all measures as they bowed and brought their right hands to their left shoulders in salute to the man before them. "Lord Pain." The senior chunin addressed.
"Rise." The Deva Path spoke, Akatsuki cloak fluttering in the windy conditions as the Path's orange hair was matted down by the rain. "I am in need of a squad to guard some VIPs. You will do, as I shall dispatch of the enemies."
"Of course, my Lord." The senior chunin spoke as he rose back to his feet, the chunin behind him only nodding and staying silent.
It was at that moment a flash of light overtook the area, as it erupted from a metal tower a couple of streets away, lighting up the entire area for several streets around in a myriad of white that completely overtook the black of the miserable wet night. Quick as it came, however, it was gone, a fleeting beacon of light that had appeared and dissipated in an instant. Not a single noise had been made, only the light drizzle of the rain pattering upon them as Deva merely turned his head to view the forest. Several of the stragglers below them had stopped to try and pinpoint exactly what happened, a mother and her children being the exception as she hurried her children home with greater urgency - the next event causing the remaining civilians to follow their example.
The area did not light up with same bright and white intensity as before, but instead a weak orange hue washed over the area from the east, only a kilometre away within the forest region accompanied by a sharp crack sound that toned down into a reminiscent rumbling sound that weakened by the second. An orange fireball enveloped above a section of the forest, carrying itself just higher than the tall trees of the forest that made up the training grounds the military used. The fireball burned itself out after a few seconds, a last bout of flame dissipating above the trees before only embers and burning branches were left.
A few of the civilians had screamed at this occurrence, all of the stragglers now running clear back to their homes. The other two chunin had joined up with their squad, immediately questioning the senior chunin before one of them spotted who stood beside their squad leader.
"Leader." The chunin breathed out before quickly saluting, followed by the other member.
Pain did not take any notice, however. "We leave." He ordered. "Follow me, and prepare to fight as soon as we arrive. You will then carry who I point out clear of the fighting to my tower."
The senior chunin gave an affirmatory response that Deva never heard as he was already sprinting across the rooftops to the forested area - the senior chunin merely making a beckoning motion to the squad before following after his leader. They were almost out of the city when another flash of white overtook the area.
TRAINING GROUND SEVEN.
Almost all of the rogue ANBU squad had been incinerated instantly as the mysterious explosion touched down and enveloped half of the small forest section area of training ground seven; the nine tails quickly shaking himself out of his stupor as he realised the explosion had not detonated close to him, making it friendly. It was still too close for his liking, however. The surviving singular ANBU was not so lucky, however, being thrown off balance by being much closer to the rushing winds that had forcefully blown outwards by the explosion with no source.
Taking advantage of their clearly shocked state, the Fox cleaved his claws through half their face before taking off at a fast dash into the flat plain that made up the majority of the training ground. The individual ANBU carrying the two boys over their shoulders must've heard the Fox madly dashing towards them, slowing down only for a moment to toss a kunai with an explosive note behind them before leaping into the river that bisected the training ground. Applying the correct layer of chakra to their feet, they sprinted down the river, zig-zagging to throw off their pursuer as they made towards contact with friendly forces.
The Fox took but a second to bound to the side to avoid the detonation of the explosive note, utilising the change in direction to run along the edge of the river bank parallel to the ANBU, being unable to water walk as they were. The enemy squad awaiting on the river ahead was primed to slow him down as most had kunai out and drawn, with two hanging back with the clear intention to escort the ANBU.
The ANBU had clearly seen them too, putting all their effort into meeting up with their comrades, almost reaching them before all those thoughts were blown from his head as the explosion without a source reciprocated itself.
The entire squad up ahead, spaced out across the river with metres of room in between them as it were, disappeared in a flash of blinding light and a rumbling cacophony, replacing their entire image with that of a fiery explosion signifying their instant deaths. The ANBU was picked up by the forceful gale and tossed aside, their grip on the children failing as they slipped from their grasp, the ANBU themselves landing on the other side of the river in a flop. Going to stand up and move into action once more, their senses were warned only by a snarl as they withdrew their katana, but to no avail - the Fox had not been affected by the explosion as they were. A red tail quickly clung to their wrist and snapped it cleanly, before bringing them to the floor before they could make any further moves; a strong hand quick stomping clean on their skull to shatter it.
PROJECT INSTALLATION FOUR.
"Project installation four, please respond. How is the mission in retrieving the VIPs?" The radio handset spoke aloud to the jonin operating the chakra cannon on a tall rooftop overlooking a more northern vantage point of the forest training grounds. The jonin multi-tasked as they spun a handle whilst simultaneously picking up the handset.
"Home base, we have eyes on the VIPs. Enemy presence in the training ground has been reduced substantially by two strikes from our cannon and what appears to be installation six, allowing the fox creature to successfully dispatch the ANBU with the children. He is currently retrieving them, over." The jonin spoke before putting down the handset to complete the adjustments, pausing only to see their fellow jonin flash a thumbs up to signify a successful reloading.
"Installation four, you are ordered to keep track of the VIPs. Lord Pain is making his way there, you are ordered only to fire when you have a clear opportunity to do so. Do not, I repeat, do not endanger the VIPs." The radio spoke, before falling silent with a hiss of static.
Pushing a button with a finger, the jonin spoke in response. "Acknowledged, home base." They then peered through the gun sight to make sure they were lined up with some of the renegade jonin approaching the VIPs, but stayed their hand on the firing lever as they were now too close to the boys and fox creature.
TRAINING GROUND SEVEN.
The nine tails growled once more as he saw more of the annoyances that had surrounded them closing in, only to let out a roar as the residue chakra detonations in the area had masked the two jonin erupting from the ground below him. One seized a-hold of Shino as he was closer whilst the other took a ready stance with a sword, charging lightning styled chakra into the conductive blade. Unfortunately, they were balanced much better than the tailed beast's previous opponents had been, able to dodge the incoming strikes and deflect the claw swipes with the chakra reinforced blade.
The nine tails after a few strikes at the jonin who did no more than dodge and occasionally strike the sword at a retreating limb, growled in annoyance and revealed a trump card. Lashing out at the jonin with a tail, who merely dodged, before then directing three tails at the jonin to restrict the amount of area they had to dodge with. Quickly assessing the incoming threat, the jonin leapt back - giving the Fox all the time he needed to open his jaws wide and gather chakra within his throat. The jonin had time but to throw several shuriken at the Fox to try and distract him from what he was doing before starting a jutsu sequence as the mouth of the Fox glowed a crimson red with a soft whine-like noise emanating from within.
A simple flick of a tail battered away the projectiles before a deadly scorching laser erupted from the maw of the Fox, a straight beam of destructive, fiery chakra glowing crimson crossing the distance instantly. It cut right through the water jutsu that the jonin had created from the manipulating the water of the river, causing the jonin to throw themselves to the floor to avoid the ray of death.
There was no avoiding it, however, as the Fox just directed his head down and bisected the jonin clean through the waist with it - before swinging round and cleaving through two of the oncoming squad as the rest scattered to avoid it. He directed it primarily at the jonin who dared to go for his charges though, seeing them dodge it a few times but the much faster beam eventually caught their foot as a scream of pain rang out; the jonin falling to the floor. Shutting it off with a small hiss, the Fox jumped up and over to the two boys, bounding the few steps it took to make his way over.
The jonin's eyes widened as she picked herself up from the floor, the debilitating injury to her foot not allowing her to do anything more than crawl. Seeing death approaching her in swift form, she had but time to take her revenge upon those who had oppressed Ame for more than a decade now. Quickly flashing a hand into the jonin vest upon her person, she withdrew a kunai that she kept in there and not in the kunai pouch for good reason - it was soaked in a deadly poison. Throwing it at the blond haired kid and achieving success as it penetrated straight through the ribs, she withdrew another in a flash and thrusted it towards the skull of the other boy she'd been close to picking up.
Only for a red crimson hand that burned to intercept it millimetres from the side of the head and force it upwards, the tip of the kunai being carried away from the skull but unfortunately for the nine tails, swiping straight through the eyes on its trajectory upwards. With a roar, a tail rammed downwards and splattered the jonin's skull innards across the grass.
Explosions erupted around the nine tails as metal cylindrical objects fell from the sky and impacted into the ground around the remaining jonin, the fiery explosions claiming their lives as they could not escape the wide range of fire that roared across the grounds. Deva leapt into the midst of the field, quickly raising his arm and unleashing a rippling wave of invisible chakra that blew back an entire ANBU squad at once.
The Asura Path landed close to the Fox, four arms present and ready to defend the trio, but the nine tails didn't react - merely yanking out the kunai from Naruto's ribs and staring at the boy whose face had unconsciously contorted in pain.