DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (GOOD NEWS! I FINALLY SECURED A SLOT IN MY DREAM UNIVERSITY!)
Ch.24 - A Tactical Retreat
- With Naruto, Shino, and Ino -
Naruto, Shino, and Ino panted heavily, having expended their entire repertoire of jutsu against Kimimaro. Ino's Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Switch Technique) failed to immobilize him, Shino's bugs couldn't latch onto his body, and Naruto found it impossible to land a hit without suffering injuries in return. It seemed their efforts were in vain; Kimimaro remained untouchable.
Meanwhile, Kimimaro remained composed, not even breaking a sweat. It was as if he toyed with them, holding their lives in his hands, and choosing not to end their existence at his leisure.
"Are you all finished?" Kimimaro inquired, his tone filled with condescension.
The remark irked Naruto. He sensed Kimimaro's underestimation and felt that their opponent regarded them as mere playthings, prolonging their lives on a whim. Naruto clenched his teeth and met Kimimaro's gaze, seething with anger. Although he remained silent, his eyes burned with determination. Kimimaro's assumption that they were defeated fueled Naruto's resolve. It was time for him to turn the tables.
Kimimaro assumed a fighting stance, signaling his readiness for the impending battle. "Inago no Mai (Dance of the Locust)," he announced. This stance resembled the earlier Karamatsu no Mai (Dance of the Larch), but it differed slightly. It was an advanced version, causing bone protrusions to emerge from every part of Kimimaro's body. "I shall show you the power of the bones within our bodies," Kimimaro declared as he charged toward Naruto.
Naruto was taken aback by Kimimaro's sudden appearance. It seemed he had intensified his speed this time. Kimimaro unleashed a rapid barrage of punches, aiming for Naruto's body and face. Naruto managed to dodge the initial strikes, but he still suffered injuries in the process. The bones protruding from Kimimaro's arms grazed Naruto's skin, leaving numerous cuts in their wake. Pain seared through Naruto's body as he winced from the wounds.
In the midst of his pain, Naruto couldn't help but question how he had been caught by Kimimaro's bones. He had taken into account all the visible bone protrusions but still found himself injured. The frustration built within Naruto as he realized that Kimimaro had successfully thwarted his every attempt to land a hit. Naruto had finally encountered someone he couldn't simply overpower.
Kimimaro observed the gears turning in Naruto's mind, deducing his thoughts about how the injury had occurred. While they battled, Naruto had initially evaded both Kimimaro's punches and bone attacks. However, Kimimaro manipulated the bones on his arms, extending them further to catch Naruto off guard and strike him.
Ceasing his contemplation, Kimimaro resumed his assault on Naruto. In an instant, he closed the gap between them, intending to strike Naruto's abdomen with a bone extending from his palm. Naruto recognized the imminent danger, but it was too late to react. Kimimaro's palm was mere inches away from striking Naruto until an insect wall materialized between them.
"Hijutsu: Mushiheki (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Wall)," Shino declared. The wall of insects served as a shield, preventing Kimimaro from stabbing Naruto. "Thanks, Shino," Naruto said curtly, expressing his gratitude. Shino nodded in response and swiftly withdrew his bugs. Naruto momentarily distanced himself from Kimimaro, using the opportunity to reassess his strategy. He needed to find a way to harm Kimimaro without engaging in direct physical contact. The question of how to achieve that remained unanswered, but a new chakra signature approached their location.
Naruto glanced at his teammates, confirming that they had also sensed it. The chakra signature belonged to their sensei, Asuma.
Ino employed the Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique), privately communicating with her teammates. "It's Asuma-sensei. What should we do?" she telepathically inquired. She had recently learned this new jutsu from her father, capable of communicating with up to three people at once—perfect for their three-person team. However, she could only establish contact within a limited range, unlike the mastery that allowed communication over any distance with multiple individuals. More recipients required more chakra expenditure, just as distance affected the jutsu's range.
Naruto was still adjusting to this method of communication facilitated by Ino's jutsu. "I'm not sure. Can you reach him?" Naruto asked. Ino replied that their sensei remained out of range. It wasn't the answer Naruto hoped for, but he knew they had to buy time for Ino to gather information from their sensei. Naruto glanced at Shino and nodded, silently conveying their next course of action. Their priority was to distract Kimimaro and keep him occupied, preventing him from reaching Ino. They didn't know how long this would last, but they were determined to hold out as long as necessary.
"Now it's our turn! Taju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)!" Naruto exclaimed, conjuring a hundred clones from thin air. Each clone wielded a kunai, assuming a combat-ready stance. This time, they knew to maintain distance from Kimimaro to avoid impalement by his bones.
A horde of Narutos surged forward, their aim set on overwhelming Kimimaro. Shino, from a distance, provided crucial support by unleashing swarms of insects. Kimimaro stood his ground, his gaze fixed on the incoming onslaught of Naruto's clones and Shino's buzzing insects. As the clones leaped into the air, poised for attack, Kimimaro extended his fingers, ready to retaliate. "Teshi Sendan (Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets)!" Kimimaro proclaimed, propelling hardened finger bones towards his adversaries. The projectiles shattered some clones and decimated a portion of Shino's insect army, but the relentless assault continued unabated.
From behind, two separate swarms of insects closed in on Kimimaro, prompting him to invoke a jutsu of his own. "Suiton: Mizu Shuriken (Water Release: Water Shuriken)," he announced, conjuring multiple shurikens crafted from water. The projectiles found their mark, obliterating Shino's insects. Detecting the imminent threat of two clones poised to strike from behind, Kimimaro swiftly extended the razor-sharp bones protruding from his elbows, impaling both clones in a single fluid motion. With those clones disposed of, Kimimaro's keen senses alerted him to a hail of shurikens hurtling toward him. He pivoted, witnessing a barrage of lethal projectiles. Though he possessed the agility to evade them, Kimimaro opted not to leave it to chance. Extending the bones from his chest, he fashioned a protective barrier, deflecting and dodging most of the shurikens. Alas, a lone shuriken found its mark, slicing through his bone armor and inflicting a gash upon his abdomen.
Kimimaro acknowledged the wound, yet he remained unfazed, shrugging off the pain as a mere inconvenience. While Naruto found solace in at least causing their opponent some harm, he was determined to press the advantage alongside Shino and his clones. Meanwhile, Shino ceased his long-range support, reserving another jutsu in his arsenal for a decisive moment.
Uncertain of its effectiveness against Kimimaro, Shino checked if Ino's Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique) was still active. "Naruto," he mentally conveyed.
"Yeah, Shino? Why'd you stop attacking Kimimaro? I'm running out of clones here…" Naruto responded.
"Keep him occupied. I have a plan, but I need time to prepare," Shino replied.
"Alright, but make it quick. It's getting tough to handle him alone, I don't know how much longer I can keep this up" Naruto retorted.
With that, Shino concluded the conversation and began gathering chakra, focusing on "Hijutsu: Mushimayu (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Cocoon)." He accelerated the growth of his insects, bolstering their numbers and augmenting their strength. This process required him to remain stationary, ensuring the uninterrupted progression. "Once I'm finished with this jutsu, I'll notify you. Keep Kimimaro engaged. I'm counting on you, Naruto," Shino conveyed to his teammate. Unusually, Shino displayed a flicker of emotion, acknowledging the overwhelming odds they faced against Kimimaro, who outmatched them significantly in terms of strength. It wasn't a testament to their growth over the past few months but rather an acknowledgment of their current lack of preparation and resources. Shino was unsure if his jutsu would prove effective against someone of Kimimaro's caliber, but he couldn't afford not to try. After a couple more minutes passed, Shino was finally ready to unleash the jutsu he had discussed. "Naruto, when I give the signal, I want you to flee from Kimimaro," Shino communicated through their mental link.
"Got it," Naruto acknowledged, resolute in continuously replacing the clones that Kimimaro dispelled. Though Kimimaro possessed ample chakra, it seemed he was swiftly mowing down Naruto's clones at an accelerated pace compared to earlier.
- With Ino –
Ino's heart raced with anxiety as she anxiously awaited Asuma-sensei's arrival. "Come on, Asuma-sensei... Where on earth are you? Please, don't be late this time," she muttered, constantly checking for any sign of her sensei within her range of contact. Ino's vigilance persisted until, finally, she sensed a presence drawing near—an indication that Asuma was approaching.
"Asuma-sensei! What's happening?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency and concern.
"We're executing a strategic retreat. Relay the message to your teammates. Stay put, and I'll gather all of you once I arrive," Asuma replied, his words carrying a sense of urgency and determination. Ino comprehended her role in the unfolding plan as she swiftly concluded the transmission, wasting no time in informing both Shino and Naruto about Asuma's intentions and current location.
- With Naruto and Shino –
As Naruto's unending stream of clones relentlessly pressed on, Kimimaro felt the weariness creeping into his muscles. Despite his ability to continue the battle with ease, he couldn't help but find it increasingly tiresome. He began to question whether Naruto intended to transform this fight into a grueling battle of attrition. While such a strategy could eventually yield results, it was an excruciatingly slow process.
Meanwhile, Shino swiftly performed a series of hand seals—Ox, Snake, Horse, Dragon, Ram, Snake—preparing to unleash his hidden jutsu. "Hijutsu: Mushitatsumaki (Hidden Jutsu: Insect Tornado)," Shino announced, commanding a massive swarm of insects to converge on Kimimaro. Amidst the ongoing clash between Naruto and Kimimaro, Shino telepathically alerted Naruto to his plan.
"Now, Naruto!" Shino's voice echoed in Naruto's mind.
Naruto heeded the call, signaling his prompt retreat from the immediate vicinity. Without hesitation, he distanced himself from Kimimaro. To Kimimaro's astonishment, the largest swarm of insects he had ever witnessed descended upon him. The horde enveloped Kimimaro completely, swiftly forming a tumultuous tornado that encircled him. The force exerted by this vortex proved devastating, testing Kimimaro's resilience.
"Prepare some smoke bombs. Asuma-sensei is nearby," Ino conveyed to her teammates via the Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique). Both Naruto and Shino acknowledged her command, retrieving smoke bombs from their pouches. Although Kimimaro remained trapped within the whirling tempest, they tossed the smoke bombs onto the ground, shrouding their tracks entirely. This precaution ensured that even if Kimimaro survived Shino's jutsu, he would have no inkling of their escape route.
A dense plume of smoke filled the area as Shino and Naruto swiftly departed, reuniting with Ino as they sought out their sensei. It didn't take them long to locate Asuma, aided by their ability to sense his presence. To their surprise, they found him heavily wounded, blood staining his body.
"What happened, Asuma-sensei?" Ino inquired, her usual composure momentarily shaken by the distressing sight of their mentor.
"He caught me off-guard, but I managed to use Shunshin (Body Flicker) to escape. I left a clone behind to buy me some time. It's a good thing I made that decision, or else a weight from my shoulders would be taken off, both literally and metaphorically," Asuma responded, his voice laced with a mix of relief and exhaustion.
His three students nodded, acknowledging the significance of his quick thinking. They continued their retreat, heading back to the inn. However, uncertainty loomed over their minds, aware that their stay in Mori no Kuni (Land of Forests) might be jeopardized now that Gato was alerted to their presence. Kushimaru, the hired assassin, would likely report the outcome of their battle to their employer.
Team 10 trudged onward, slowly but surely, as each member grappled with varying degrees of exhaustion and injuries. Their collective determination fueled their steps as they made their way back to the inn, seeking solace and a chance to recuperate.
- At The Inn –
Team 10 quietly entered the inn through the backdoor, keen to avoid raising any suspicion about their presence. Their return to the inn served a specific purpose: retrieving their belongings. Leaving their possessions behind would risk discovery by Gato's henchmen, leading to potential danger for the innocent innkeeper. The thought of what Gato might do to the kind-hearted man troubled them.
As they entered the inn, their appearance was grimy and bloodied, catching the attention of the innkeeper, Kunio. He was taken aback by their disheveled state. "Oh my goodness me... What happened to all of you?" Kunio inquired, his concern evident.
"It's a long story, Kunio-san. We're here to collect our belongings and check out. It's not safe for either party if we were to remain here. I believe Gato has sent his men to search for us in town. If he discovers our connection to you, it would put you in grave danger," Asuma explained, his words laced with a sense of urgency.
Kunio understood Asuma's reasoning, yet his conscience would not allow them to leave without receiving necessary medical attention. "I appreciate your concern, but I cannot allow the four of you to depart without proper treatment first," Kunio insisted, emphasizing the importance of their well-being.
Asuma was inclined to decline the offer, but Kunio's insistence swayed him. He sighed, agreeing to Kunio's proposition, aware that their physical condition required attention. They returned to their respective rooms, knowing that Kunio would join them shortly.
In their rooms, Team 10 patiently awaited the arrival of the innkeeper. Before parting ways, Asuma expressed gratitude to Kunio for his generosity and kindness. "Thank you, Kunio-san. Your willingness to help us is deeply appreciated," Asuma acknowledged, recognizing the retired doctor's altruistic nature.
Kunio smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, Sarutobi-san. I'm a retired doctor, and I believe it's my duty to assist those in need," he replied, gathering medical supplies from his office.
With Kunio on his way, Asuma gathered his students, sensing the need for a brief discussion. Naruto, curious about their sensei's intent, spoke up. "What's the matter, Asuma-sensei?" he asked, eager for clarity.
"Listen closely. Kunio-san has offered to help us, but I still want you all to remain vigilant. When things go south, I want each of you to protect one another without hesitation. Don't wait for me—I'll catch up with you. Do you understand?" Asuma conveyed, his words carrying a serious tone. The three students nodded, comprehending the importance of their unity and swift action.
"Alright, get some rest for now. Remember the plan and the jutsu to use in emergencies. Clear?" Asuma inquired, seeking their confirmation.
"Loud and clear, Asuma-sensei," Naruto affirmed, a foxy grin briefly adorning his face. Asuma smiled in return, entering his own room. Naruto, Shino, and Ino settled in, taking the opportunity to freshen up and rest. Shino made his way to the bathroom, intent on washing away the grime from the battle. Naruto approached the bed he shared with Ino, his earlier grin fading. Observing his change in demeanor, Ino became concerned and decided to address it.
"What's the matter, Naruto?" Ino inquired, tapping his shoulder gently.
"Huh? Oh... Yeah, I'm fine, Ino. Thanks for asking," Naruto replied, his response lacking conviction. Ino, unsatisfied with his answer, persisted, determined to get to the bottom of his troubled state.
"You know I won't stop pressing until you give me an honest answer," she asserted, her gaze fixed on him.
Naruto sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding his thoughts from Ino. He understood the importance of honesty with her, despite her occasional bossiness. Ino's understanding and acceptance had taught him the value of openness.
"I just... I don't like the fact that we keep getting our asses handed to us, y'know? I thought we were improving, but apparently we're not," Naruto admitted, his gaze meeting Ino's eyes.
"Again? Didn't we defeat those brothers back at the ranch?" Ino questioned, seeking clarification.
"Well, technically, we did, but it was a close call. I don't consider that a true victory, Ino," Naruto responded, his tone tinged with gloom.
Ino empathized with Naruto's sentiments, feeling a similar sense of discouragement after their encounter with Kimimaro. She, too, had believed that she was progressing as a shinobi, but the reality proved otherwise. They still had a long journey ahead in their pursuit of mastery.
In that moment, Ino recalled the advice her father had given her during her training with the Shindenshin no Jutsu.
- Flashback -
Ino recalled the training session with her father, Inoichi, in their backyard. His words resonated within her, offering guidance and insight. "You have to concentrate when using this jutsu, sweetheart. It takes time to master it. But once you do, it'll become second nature to you, and you won't have any issues," Inoichi advised, his voice filled with encouragement. Father and daughter diligently worked on forming a mental link, a crucial skill for Ino's Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique).
As Ino immersed herself in the training, she poured all her willpower into creating the connection. Within her mind, she visualized traversing a dark tunnel, with the goal of reaching the light at the end where her father awaited. Ino navigated through the darkness, facing the challenges of maintaining the link. She pressed forward, determined to make progress. Slowly but surely, Ino advanced, drawing closer to her destination. The light was within sight. However, her efforts faltered, and she couldn't sustain the link long enough to reach the end.
"GAHHH! THIS IS HOPELESS, DADDY!" Ino burst out angrily, her frustration boiling over.
Inoichi found his daughter's reaction amusing, causing her irritation to rise. "What are you laughing at?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
Inoichi quickly composed himself, trying to hide his amusement. He assured Ino that he wasn't laughing at her, though she remained skeptical, she chose to let it go.
"It's alright, Ino. You'll eventually get it. Even I struggled with mastering that jutsu when I was your age," Inoichi consoled, patting her head gently.
"You did?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Of course, we all have to start somewhere, right? Being inexperienced and lacking proficiency in something is part of the journey towards greatness. Unless you're a prodigy, but that's not the point. The key is that it doesn't matter if you don't start out strong. What matters is having the will to become strong. That's what counts. Being a prodigy won't matter if you lack the drive to grow stronger and excel. Ino, you were almost at the end of the tunnel, and that's impressive. Just keep practicing, and you'll become as skilled as me," Inoichi assured his daughter, his words filled with wisdom.
Ino absorbed her father's lecture, gaining a new perspective that made everything fall into place. However, one question lingered in her mind. "Daddy?" she called out, seeking clarification.
"What is it, pumpkin?" he responded warmly.
"Does that mean I can be the greatest at something?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Ahh... The thing is, you won't be the greatest at something forever. At least, not indefinitely," Inoichi explained, leaving Ino slightly perplexed.
"Huh?" Ino's confusion was evident.
"You heard me right. You won't remain the greatest at something forever because, somewhere out there, there will always be someone stronger, faster, smarter, and better than you. But that's okay. You can still achieve greatness and be the best in a particular field. However, there will come a time when someone else surpasses you. Look at me, I am currently the head of our clan, making me technically the best member. But that won't last forever. Eventually, you will catch up to me, or maybe even surpass me. Your cousins and other relatives could also outshine me. The point is, you don't have to be the greatest of all time. Comparison is the thief of joy, after all," Inoichi explained, his smile gentle and reassuring.
Ino absorbed her father's words, realizing the value in his perspective. It was a lesson in humility and a reminder that the pursuit of greatness should be fueled by personal growth rather than constant comparison. With a smile, she nodded, grateful for her father's wisdom.
- End of Flashback -
"Naruto, it doesn't matter if we've experienced defeat. What truly matters is that we rise up and keep pushing forward. We'll train together and grow stronger as a team, won't we? There will always be individuals who surpass us in every imaginable way, and that's perfectly fine. Our focus should be on surpassing our own selves, striving to be better than we were yesterday. We'll find a way to overcome Kimimaro," Ino reassured him, her voice filled with determination.
Ino's comforting embrace and encouraging words had a profound effect on Naruto. He felt a sense of warmth and solace enveloping him. "Thank you, Ino. I really needed that," he expressed gratefully.
Ino sighed contentedly, her fingers gently brushing through Naruto's hair. "Don't mention it, Naruto. What would you ever do without me?" she teased playfully, her voice filled with affection.
(A/N: Hey hey hey! I hope y'all liked this one haha. By the way, the hand seals that Shino used? Are made up, I asked my cousin who is a programmer to make me a python file that actually generates random hand seals and it's pretty great haha. Also! I mentioned above the great news I got. I'll be studying in my dream university baby! Wish me luck y'all. Anyway, I don't have much else to say other than I'll try to upload more before summer really ends so yeah. That's all cheers )