DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (MAYBE IF I USE KOTOAMATSUKAMI ON KISHIMOTO THEN MAYBE HE WOULD HAND THE IP OVER TO ME, JK)
The Lost Archives: Shinobi Chronicles I
Ch.31 - Good Girl
The atmosphere in Konoha was shrouded in clouds, hinting at an impending rainstorm. Strong winds swept through the village, adding a touch of restlessness to the air. In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, begrudgingly attending to the seemingly endless stack of paperwork that had become an unwelcome part of his daily routine. Letting out a weary sigh, he took a puff from his pipe, briefly attempting to find solace in the smoky tendrils that curled around him.
Lost in his thoughts, Hiruzen was caught off guard by a knock on his door. Normally, his keen awareness would have alerted him to the presence outside his office, but the weight of his responsibilities had momentarily consumed him. "You may enter," he called out, allowing the door to open. Stepping into the room was Tsume Inuzuka, matriarch of the Inuzuka Clan and a formidable Tokubetsu Jounin (Special High Ninja) of Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village). Tsume was also a devoted mother to her two children.
Tsume was known for her tough exterior, described by those who worked with her as wild, impatient, and uncompromisingly strict. But beneath that hardened exterior lay a loving mother who cared deeply for her family and village. Accompanying her was Kuromaru, her loyal canine partner. Kuromaru, with his black and white fur, resembled a wolf and bore the scars of countless battles—his left ear missing and an eyepatch concealing his right eye.
"Ah, Tsume, Kuromaru. It's good to see both of you. How can this old man be of assistance?" Hiruzen greeted warmly.
"The pleasure is mine, Hokage-sama. I wanted to inform you that I have dispatched several members of our clan to assist in detecting hidden Iwagakure bunkers along the borders of Hi no Kuni," Tsume reported.
"I see, excellent work. Thank you for promptly informing me. Is there anything else?" Hiruzen inquired, extending a hand to beckon Kuromaru closer. The large dog approached the Hokage, settling down in front of him.
"I also have a mission report from Asuma. I ran into him at the gate with his students, and he asked me to deliver it to you. I usually don't do favors for anyone, but I happened to be coming this way, and he seemed like he could use a break," Tsume explained while Hiruzen affectionately patted Kuromaru's head.
"I see... If that's all, you are dismissed," Hiruzen replied.
Tsume bowed respectfully and called Kuromaru to follow her as they exited the office. As the door closed behind them, Hiruzen found himself alone once more. He couldn't help but notice Tsume's sense of urgency and, after a moment of contemplation, recalled the reason behind it.
"Kisuke Inuzuka..." Hiruzen murmured.
Kisuke was Tsume's husband, a valiant shinobi who had tragically lost his life during the Third Shinobi World War. This day marked the anniversary of his death. Hiruzen vividly remembered reading the mission report that chronicled the events leading to Kisuke's ultimate sacrifice. Filled with a sense of purpose, Hiruzen rose from his seat and began to search for the specific report.
After a diligent search, he located the dusty folder that had remained unopened for thirteen long years. With care, Hiruzen flipped it open, his eyes scanning the faded pages as he delved into the contents of the report, reliving the bittersweet memories it held.
- Mission Details -
Mission ID: J2-3445B
Type: Extraction
Members:
- Inuzuka Kisuke - (KIA)
- Yamanaka Futaro - (KIA)
- Shinohara Tomio
- Morishighe Yuji (KIA)
- Hironaka Yasuo (KIA)
Status: Successful
- Thirteen Years Ago -
In a state of anxious urgency, Shinohara Tomio, a young man with a hint of apprehension in his eyes, scoured the building in search of his assigned team. This was his maiden venture onto the battlefield, leaving him disoriented amidst the unfamiliarity. Undeterred by the challenge, Tomio clutched the scroll he had received, hoping it would provide a clue to locate his comrades. However, in his distracted state, he collided with a passerby, losing his balance and landing unceremoniously on the floor.
"Oh gosh... I-I'm terribly sorry... I didn't mean to..." Tomio's words trailed off when he realized the man before him was scrutinizing his every move. His gaze, with vertical slits for pupils, bore into Tomio, unsettling him to the core.
This enigmatic man stood tall, reaching a height of six feet, his unkempt brown hair adding to his wild demeanor. Adorned with crimson fang markings on his cheeks, he sported a modified trench coat of ebony hue, its hood lined with fur. A dark green shirt peeked from underneath his coat, complementing his black pants. Tomio couldn't help but feel intimidated by the man's imposing presence and distinctive attire.
"Oi, watch where you're going, will ya?" the man interjected, revealing his pronounced canine teeth.
Trembling with fear, Tomio stammered his apologies, bowing repeatedly in an attempt to seek forgiveness. To his surprise, the man erupted into laughter, tears streaming down his face. Perplexed by this sudden change, Tomio lifted his gaze, only to find the man wiping away his tears, regaining composure, and introducing himself.
"Relax, kid... I know we're in the middle of a war, but try to lighten up, will ya? The name's Kisuke Inuzuka," he said, extending a hand to Tomio.
Recalling Kisuke's name from the scroll and realizing he was their squad leader, Tomio straightened himself, saluted, and respectfully introduced himself.
"Shinohara Tomio, a Chunin (Middle/Journeyman Ninja) and an iryo-nin (medical-nin), sir," Tomio replied.
"Ahhh, so you're our team's medic, huh? That's good to know. But, uh, there's something you should be aware of," Kisuke remarked, pointing towards a room where his canine companion, Yukimaru, sat patiently. "Over there is Yukimaru, she's also part of our team. If she gets injured, can I count on you to treat her?" he inquired.
"I-I'll do my utmost, sir," Tomio responded earnestly.
"Good to know. Yukimaru is quite well-behaved. She won't bite... well, not too hard, at least," Kisuke jested, casting a hint of unease over Tomio. Sensing the young man's discomfort, Kisuke chuckled. "I'm just pulling your leg, don't worry," he reassured, patting Tomio on the back for being a good sport.
"Anyway, I'll be briefing the team on the mission details. While you wait, why not introduce yourself to the others?" Kisuke suggested, to which Tomio nodded in agreement.
Curiosity piqued, Tomio stepped into the room, where most of the team members had gathered. One by one, he introduced himself, and in turn, learned a bit about each of his comrades. In the span of a few minutes, they began to acquaint themselves with one another, forging the first threads of camaraderie.
- A Few Minutes Later -
Kisuke stood at the forefront while his team members remained seated, their attention fixated on his every word. The gravity of the imminent operation weighed upon them, and the air brimmed with anticipation.
"Listen up, I'm Kisuke Inuzuka, known as Konoha no Kuroi Inu (Konoha's Black Dog/Black Dog of the Leaf). For this mission, I'll be your commanding officer. It seems that they've provided me with three shinobi, which should be more than enough to accomplish our objective. Before we proceed, does anyone have second thoughts about joining this mission?" Kisuke's inquiry hung in the air, but no hands were raised.
"Since none of y;all raised any objections, then it must mean I have your unwavering commitment to see this mission through. From this point onward, there is no turning back. However, let me brief you on our simple task at hand. We are to extract the reconnaissance team that has been covertly observing Iwagakure's (Hidden Stone Village) forces over the past week," Kisuke explained, pausing briefly as one of the team members raised a hand to ask a question. Kisuke acknowledged the individual's curiosity and invited him to speak.
"What's your name?" Kisuke inquired.
"Futaro Yamanaka, sir," came the prompt response.
"And your question?" Kisuke prompted further.
Futaro posed his query, "Where can we find the location of this team?"
"Their exact whereabouts remain unknown, but intel suggests they are somewhere along the border between Takigakure (Hidden Waterfall Village) and Tsuchi no Kuni (Land of Earth). My hunch leads me to believe they might be situated in the southwestern region of Takigakure's (Hidden Waterfall Village) territory. Multiple Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) camps have been detected in that vicinity, and it seems the team's safest route back to friendly territory would be through Fukushima Pass. Once they've passed through, they could trigger an explosion, causing the path to be blocked by falling boulders," Kisuke explained, with nods of understanding rippling through the team. He continued to provide additional information.
"They are deeply entrenched within hostile territory, which poses challenges for us. Not only do we have to operate with utmost stealth but we must also act swiftly. The recon team managed to contact headquarters, stressing that they don't have much time left. They also informed us that Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) is aware of their presence. Regrettably, that's the extent of the information they conveyed before our communication was severed. The longer we delay, the greater the likelihood of them ending up dead. We have a limited window of opportunity—approximately five hours—before daybreak. Extracting them under the cover of broad daylight is wishful thinking," Kisuke elaborated.
Another team member raised a hand, seeking clarification. Kisuke once again sought the individual's name.
"Hironaka Yasuo, sir," came the response.
"And your question?" Kisuke inquired.
Yasuo pondered aloud, "Why didn't they relay the intel when they contacted HQ, and how can we be certain they're still alive?"
"According to them, the vital information is sealed within a scroll. Unfortunately, the reconnaissance team lacks a specialist in fuinjutsu, which necessitates our intervention to retrieve them. As for your second question... well, the ironic truth is that we don't know if they're still alive," Kisuke replied, eliciting a stir of concern among the team members. Kisuke promptly slammed his fist on the table, demanding their attention.
"ENOUGH!" his voice boomed, successfully capturing their focus. After clearing his throat, he continued, "I don't want to hear another word from any of you unless I specifically ask for it. And if I do hear any unwarranted noise, Yukimaru would like to have a word with you." As Kisuke spoke, Yukimaru snarled, revealing her sharp teeth. The menacing display silenced the team members once more.
Kisuke sighed, realizing the weight of the task at hand, and proceeded to provide further details of the mission. The team engaged in brainstorming sessions, formulating contingency plans and fail-safes in case their mission encountered obstacles. These discussions extended the meeting by several more hours, as they refined their strategy to ensure their success. Satisfied with their collective plan, they began preparing their equipment, knowing that they would embark on their mission within a couple of hours.
- Somewhere West of Takigakure –
(5 Hours Left)
"I swear to Kami, the barrier team is fucking incompetent. They had one job, and they blew it. Now, we're the ones left to clean up their mess by tracking down those damn tree-huggers," grumbled an Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) shinobi to his partner, who nodded in agreement. Both men were dissatisfied, being forced to rectify the failures of another division.
"*sigh* I couldn't agree more, Kei-san. They get sit on their asses at the base where its safer and much more comfortable, yet they still managed to botch the damn j-" the man's sentence was abruptly interrupted by a sound.
He heard the rustling of a nearby bush and alerted Kei to the noise. However, his partner dismissed it, attributing it to the wind. Perhaps he was right; it was likely just a figment of the man's imagination. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face, prompting him to retrieve a towel from his pocket. He wiped away the perspiration, and just as he did, he heard the sound again, this time closer. Paranoia crept into his mind, urging him to address the situation with urgency.
"I heard it again... I swear I'm not imagining things," he insisted.
"*sigh* If it were an enemy shinobi, we would have sensed their chakra by now. Don't get worked up. Let's keep moving. I want to finish our patrol and return to camp," Kei replied, brushing off his partner's concerns.
The man sighed, deciding to drop the subject. In retrospect, he felt he had been overly tense during their patrol. Perhaps a good night's sleep would alleviate his unfounded worries. Finishing his task of wiping off the sweat, he returned the towel to his pocket. However, in an instant, a hand emerged from the darkness, covering his mouth and stifling any sound he could make. He struggled to call out to his partner, but the cloth pressed against his lips prevented coherent noise.
*Mumbling sounds*
No matter how loudly he attempted to yell, his efforts were futile, reduced to inaudible murmurs that failed to reach Kei. The man's breathing became labored as the cloth covered his mouth and nose, forcing him to inhale through the fabric. To his dismay, he noticed an unusual scent emanating from the cloth—an unfamiliar substance laced within. As he unwittingly breathed in, his eyelids grew heavy, weighing him down like stone.
"Shhh... Sleep," whispered the stranger, and a sense of drowsiness engulfed the man. Desperately fighting against the encroaching darkness, he struggled to stay awake. However, his resistance proved futile, as his eyes finally closed, succumbing to the overpowering lethargy, and the man slipped into unconsciousness.
Another figure emerged from the shadows, assisting in dragging the man's body away. Once hidden from sight, the man vanished, leaving no trace behind.
Kei continued walking, oblivious to the absence of his partner. He reached for a cigarette, eager to pass the time with a smoke. Plucking one from his pocket, he searched for his lighter. As he flicked it, he realized that the device was nearly out of fluid.
"Damnit... This damn thing is almost empty... Hey, Hisao, lend me your lighter, will ya?" Kei called out to his missing partner. Attempting to ignite his cigarette with the diminishing fluid, he grew increasingly frustrated. However, the absence of a response from Hisao caught Kei's attention. He turned around, only to find himself alone in the forest.
"Ha ha... Very funny, Hisao. Come out from wherever you're hiding. If this is a prank of yours, I'll fucking kick your ass," Kei declared, his words echoing through the stillness. But there was only silence. Droplets fell from the sky, landing on Kei's shoulder, leading him to believe it would rain.
"Enough with the hiding, you bastard. It's about to rain, and we need to get back to base or risk being stranded here all night," he spoke, growing increasingly suspicious. However, something felt amiss. Kei expected more raindrops to follow, yet none materialized.
Kei's gaze shifted upward, only to be met with an engulfing darkness. Suddenly, he glimpsed piercing red eyes gleaming in the blackness. Reacting swiftly, he reached for his sword, but it was too late. The creature lunged, its jaws closing around Kei's neck, ending his life in an instant, before he could make a sound.
"Good girl," a voice praised.
"What's our next move, Inuzuka-san?" another voice asked.
"We should probe the other guy's mind. He may possess valuable information we can use. Tomio, inform Futaro that he can initiate his jutsu. You and Yasuo will serve as lookouts in case more Iwagakure shinobi approach. Yukimaru and I will stand guard while Futaro does his work," commanded Kisuke. Tomio saluted, carrying out his orders without hesitation.
Yukimaru approached Kisuke, sitting obediently by his side. He scratched behind her ears, and she wagged her tail in contentment. Kneeling down, Kisuke adjusted her collar.
"Looks like we need to replace your collar, girl. What do you think?" he asked, to which Yukimaru responded with a bark, conveying her thoughts.
"Yeah, yeah, I know it still works. I was just saying that your collar has seen better days," Kisuke explained. Yukimaru barked again, as if playfully protesting the notion of a leash. She nipped at Kisuke's arm in a playful manner, expressing her disapproval of the idea.
"Haha, I'm only teasing, girl. I know you don't like leashes. Besides, you're already a big girl. Big girls don't need leashes, right?" he said, affectionately squishing her face. Yukimaru barked in joy, her tail wagging. Kisuke returned the smile, continuing to pat her head while they watched over Futaro.
- An Hour Later –
(4 Hours Left)
Futaro opened his eyes and approached Kisuke to share his findings. Kisuke awaited his report, eager to learn what Futaro had discovered. "So? What did you learn?" he inquired.
"You were right about their presence in the southwestern sector of Takigakure (Hidden Waterfall Village). They've dispatched multiple pairs of shinobi to search the area for the recon team," Futaro informed Kisuke. A sense of satisfaction washed over him, but he restrained himself from showing it through a smirk. He then turned his attention to Yukimaru, commanding her to fetch Tomio and Yasuo. Yukimaru barked in acknowledgment and carried out the order.
Within moments, Tomio and Yasuo returned with Yukimaru. Kisuke stood up, brushing off the dust from his clothes, and asked the two if they had detected any nearby enemies.
"We spotted two more pairs while we were out there. One was headed towards Kusagakure (Hidden Grass Village), and the other was heading north," Yasuo explained.
"Okay good. We need to get a move on before sunrise. We still have enough time to work with," Kisuke stated firmly.
"But sir... What about..." Tomio hesitated, glancing at the man whom Futaro had probed earlier. Without hesitation, Kisuke drew his tanto and swiftly ended the man's life, driving the blade into his neck. Tomio was taken aback, unsettled by Kisuke's lack of hesitation in killing a man in his sleep.
"I know what you're thinking, but I'm doing the guy a favor. If his superiors were to find out about him, he would suffer much worse. I chose to end his life while he slumbered, sparing him any pain," Kisuke explained. Tomio absorbed Kisuke's reasoning, gaining a new perspective on the situation.
Team Kisuke continued their journey towards the probable location of the recon team. They moved cautiously, remaining concealed and avoiding drawing any unwarranted attention. Being discovered would jeopardize their entire operation, unleashing chaos.
As they traversed through a vast portion of the forest, the team maintained silence, engaging only when necessary. The endeavor took an additional hour before they reached their destination, leaving them with three precious hours to execute their plan. Time was dwindling, but Kisuke held firm in his belief that they could accomplish their mission.
- Southwestern Sector of Takigakure -
(3 Hours Left)
Now that they had arrived at their destination, the recon team remained their only hurdle. However, they had no clue where to begin their search. That is until Kisuke came up with an idea. He approached the corpse of an Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village)shinobi they had recently eliminated, examining the flak jacket closely. Kisuke noticed that the jacket was made of a different material. He tore off a piece of it using a kunai and took a sniff to confirm his theory. After smelling the fabric, he smiled and dropped it to the ground.
Confusion clouded the minds of the other team members. Why was Kisuke sniffing random objects? What was the purpose? Kisuke then approached Futaro and ripped off a piece of his own flak jacket using the same kunai.
"What the hell?!" Futaro exclaimed.
"Stay quiet. I need to borrow a piece of your flak jacket for a moment," Kisuke instructed, beckoning Yukimaru to come to him. The large dog complied and approached Kisuke.
"Here, girl. Smell this," Kisuke said, handing Yukimaru the torn fabric. The team members remained in the dark, clueless about Kisuke's intentions.
"I'm sure you're all wondering what I'm doing. Allow me to explain. I smelled the flak jacket of the fallen enemy to determine if it was made of different material from ours. And I was right; it is made of a different material, likely more abundant in their territory. With that in mind, I tore off a piece of Futaro's flak jacket and gave it to Yukimaru. She will track down a similar scent, hopefully leading us to the location of the recon team. This method may not work if the team has discarded their vests for some reason. In that case, we'll have no luck," Kisuke explained to his subordinates, all of whom nodded in understanding.
"Alright, girl, do you have the scent?" Kisuke asked Yukimaru, and she barked in response. "Good, you can return it now," Kisuke said, tossing the piece of fabric back to Futaro, who didn't bother catching it.
"Lead the way, girl," Kisuke commanded his dog. Yukimaru sprinted off in a certain direction, and Kisuke instructed the others to follow closely, as Yukimaru was fast.
The team dashed through the forest, following Yukimaru's lead. They didn't know where she was taking them, but they trusted her instincts. Time was running out, but they held onto hope that they would find the recon team in time. After some time, Yukimaru abruptly stopped in front of a cave. She turned and barked at Kisuke, who knelt down to communicate with her.
"Is this the place?" Kisuke asked, and Yukimaru barked in affirmation.
"Are you sure?" he probed, and Yukimaru barked once again.
"Alright, if you say so. Yasuo, light up a torch," Kisuke ordered one of his team members. Yasuo complied, conjuring a flame and preparing a torch to illuminate their path. The team entered the cave, embarking on their search for the recon team.
The cave was damp and musty, its silence only interrupted by their footsteps and water droplets hitting the cave floor. Team Kisuke ventured deeper into the cavern. Just as Tomio was about to voice his thoughts, his sentence was abruptly cut off when he felt the cold tip of a kunai against his neck.
Kisuke and the others noticed Tomio's sudden silence. Yasuo pointed the torch towards Tomio, illuminating the area. There stood a man, holding Tomio hostage.
"Don't make a move, or he gets it!" the man yelled.
They realized he was an ally, wearing a Konoha flak jacket and hitai-ate bearing their village's insignia.
"Calm down... We're Konoha shinobi, and we've come to rescue you. I am Kisuke Inuzuka, the team's commanding officer. What's your name?" Kisuke addressed the man.
"H-How do I know you're telling the truth? And why should I answer your question?" the man responded frantically.
Kisuke glanced at Futaro and nodded. "Futaro, show him," he commanded. Futaro activated his clan's jutsu, sharing his memories with the man, showcasing the team's entire mission. The man calmed down after witnessing the shared memories.
"Now that we've proven ourselves as allies, where are the others?" Kisuke inquired. However, the man didn't respond immediately. Distraught, he struggled to compose himself.
"I'm Morishige Yuji. Unfortunately... I'm the only one left," he replied. Kisuke quickly grasped why the man had been tense and paranoid earlier. The fate of the rest of his team was of no consequence at the moment. The priority was to evacuate quickly, as they only had two hours remaining.
"Tomio, go patch him up," Kisuke ordered. Tomio hurriedly approached Yuji and began treating his wounds. While Tomio worked, Kisuke questioned Yuji.
"Do you have the intel?" Kisuke asked, and Yuji confirmed that he possessed the scroll mentioned by the recon team.
"Good. Mind if I take a look?" Kisuke requested. Yuji handed over the scroll, and Kisuke thoroughly examined its intricate sealing marks.
"Damn... This is one tought nut to crack. Where did you get this?" Kisuke inquired.
"We stole it from one of the enemy camps. A friend of mine disguised himself and infiltrated an office. Out of all the documents present, this scroll was the most secure. It led us to believe it contains valuable information. After all, why would they go to such lengths to protect something insignificant?" Yuji explained, and Kisuke nodded in agreement.
"So... what's next?" Yuji asked.
"Now that we have secured the intel, our only task is to get out of here. We'll take Fukushima Pass, setting off an explosive tag to seal the path once we pass through," Kisuke said.
Finding the recon team had not been the most challenging aspect of their mission. The true difficulty lay in returning to base with the acquired intel, especially with the imminent sunrise casting a time constraint over their operation.
"There... All done," Tomio announced.
"Good. It's time to move now that you're finished," Kisuke replied.
As their team prepared to exit the cave, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears. "Shit..." Kisuke muttered.
"Hide. We'll take them out when they get closer. Yasuo, extinguish the torch," Kisuke ordered, and darkness enveloped the cave once more.
"The tracks end here," a voice said from outside.
"Light a torch. We're going in," another voice replied.
"Cover my back," the voice commanded, and within the darkness, their eyes caught a glimpse of beaming red eyes. "There!" the man exclaimed. He began performing an earth-release jutsu, but before he could complete it, Yukimaru swiftly leaped at him, sinking her teeth into his shoulder, eliciting cries of pain.
"GET IT OF ME! GET IT OFF ME!" he shrieked in agony, while Yukimaru continued her assault. The man's comrades moved to intervene, but Kisuke and his team intercepted them.
"Hijutsu: Bubun Kemono Henge no Jutsu (Hidden Jutsu: Partial Beast Transformation Technique)," Kisuke declared as his left arm transformed into a werewolf-like appendage. He cocked his fist and swiftly slammed one of the Iwagakure shinobi against the wall.
"Kanashibari no Jutsu (Temporary Paralysis Technique)," Futaro followed, momentarily paralyzing an enemy. Unsheathing his sword, he aimed for the man's neck, only to have his blade intercepted by the ally of his target. Retreating to regroup with his teammates, Futaro relinquished his attack, allowing the previously paralyzed man to move freely.
Their adversaries retaliated by hurling a barrage of shurikens. Yasuo positioned himself in front of Futaro and Tomio, executing a jutsu of his own. "Doton: Doryuheki (Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall)," he announced, conjuring a wall of earth to shield them from the projectiles. Yuji seized the opportunity to strike back with a fire jutsu, unleashing a massive "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)."
Witnessing the impending danger, their opponents promptly responded by employing Doton: Doryuheki (Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall) as well. The giant mass of fire collided with the earthen barrier, causing the cave to tremble. Rocks fell from the ceiling, and dust filled the air, prompting coughs from the enemy. As the wall they had erected cracked in the middle, Kisuke utilized his anthropomorphic canine arms, slashing through their defenses with his sharp claws, eliminating them.
Meanwhile, Yukimaru continued her relentless assault on the man she had caught earlier. Despite his cries and struggles, she refused to release her grip. Desperate, the man reached for something in his flak jacket, hoping to break free. However, his arm suddenly went limp, and he met his demise under the relentless onslaught of the ninken.
"Are there any more?" Kisuke inquired, but his attention was diverted as something rolled to his feet. It was a scroll, containing a written word that made his eyes widen—baku (kanji for "explode"). Kisuke recognized it as a live explosive tag scroll.
"EVERYBODY OUT OF THE CAVE, NOW!" he bellowed. Each member of the team swiftly fled the cave just before it crumbled, trapping and killing their adversaries inside. They managed to escape, but the price had been paid. Unfortunately, the loud explosion had revealed their position to the enemy.
The sound of sirens wailed in the distance, signaling that Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) forces were now aware of their whereabouts. "Shit..." Kisuke cursed.
"W-What do we do now, sir?" Tomio asked, his voice laced with concern.
"We run," Kisuke replied.
- Somewhere In The Forest -
Team Kisuke sprinted through the forest, their hearts pounding with the urgency of their situation. They battled and defeated numerous enemies along the way, but the enemy's numbers seemed to replenish endlessly. Their team was outnumbered, and fatigue was taking its toll. Kisuke sensed a powerful chakra signature beneath them, but before he could react, disaster struck.
The ground cracked open, and Yasuo and Yuji were ensnared by an enormous dragon made of earth and stone. Helpless, they were devoured, leaving the team with only four members. Though grieving, Kisuke knew they couldn't dwell on their losses. Yasuo and Yuji's sacrifice must not be in vain, and their mission still needed to be completed.
Pressing forward, the team faced relentless assaults. The ground trembled violently, causing them to lose their balance and fall. Struggling to rise, they heard the distant voices of Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) shinobi performing the Doton: Retsudo Tensho (Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm) jutsu. Their combined efforts shattered the earth below, creating treacherous rifts and cracks that Team Kisuke had to navigate.
After a grueling struggle, they managed to regain their footing. But their respite was short-lived. The same voices called out once more, unleashing the Doton: Tsuchi Zuhan Danmaku (Earth Release: Earth Plate Barrage) jutsu. Projectiles of broken earth flew through the air, narrowly evaded by the team. However, one struck Futaro, crushing him instantly. Tomio froze in shock at the sight, paralyzed by the loss. Kisuke, torn between leaving him behind and his sense of duty, forcefully shook Tomio to snap him out of his stupor.
"TOMIO! LISTEN TO ME! FUCKING SNAP OUT OF IT!" Kisuke shouted, grabbing Tomio's attention. Trembling in fear, Tomio struggled to process the devastating events that unfolded before him. Kisuke's firm words broke through, finally rekindling Tomio's resolve to move forward.
The trio raced through the forest, Fukushima Pass within reach. Suddenly, an unexpected muddy river emerged. Kisuke recognized it as the Doton: Doryu Taiga (Earth Release: Earth Flow River) jutsu. Thinking quickly, Kisuke ordered Tomio to use chakra to secure his footing while holding onto something sturdy.
"Brace yourself!" Kisuke commanded, as they prepared to face the oncoming torrent. The rushing water broke a nearby tree trunk loose, hurtling toward them. Acting swiftly, Kisuke instructed Tomio to jump at the right moment. However, Yukimaru's leg became trapped in the mud, and the collar broke as Kisuke tried to rescue her. Yukimaru was carried away by the current, desperately struggling to stay afloat.
"YUKIMARU!" Kisuke yelled, chasing after her. The raging river carried Yukimaru downhill until Kisuke heard a resounding crash and her pained cry. Her leg had been crushed between a rock and the trunk that swept her away. Kisuke transformed his arm using the Hijutsu: Bubun Kemono Henge no Jutsu (Hidden Jutsu: Partial Beast Transformation Technique) and shattered the trunk, liberating Yukimaru. He carried her on his back, making his way back to Tomio just as the jutsu subsided.
"Let's find a safe place for now," Kisuke suggested, and Tomio agreed.
The duo located a secluded area where Tomio could tend to Yukimaru's injured leg. With urgency, Tomio cleaned and disinfected the wounds, eliciting pained whimpers from Yukimaru. Once the treatment was complete, he fashioned a makeshift splint to support her leg. Though her leg had been treated, Yukimaru still couldn't use it effectively.
Kisuke assessed their situation, realizing they had left a trail that would surely be followed. He looked at Yukimaru's condition and Tomio's fatigue, knowing that at least one of them had to stay behind to bring the intel back to Konoha. After a moment of contemplation, an idea struck Kisuke. He stood up and regarded Tomio with a determined gaze.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)," Kisuke declared, creating a perfect clone of himself. The clone then transformed into Tomio's appearance.
"Why did your clone transform to look like me?" Tomio asked, perplexed.
Kisuke handed the scroll to his clone. "Take this," he said.
Confusion etched across Tomio's face. "Why?"
"Take it back to Konoha. I'll keep the enemy distracted," Kisuke explained firmly.
Tomio hesitated, reluctant to leave his comrades behind. But Kisuke's commanding presence convinced him to accept the mission. With a heavy heart, he accepted the scroll from Kisuke's clone.
"I'm counting on you, kid. It's been a pleasure working with you. I hope to see you on the other side," Kisuke said, his voice filled with gratitude and determination. Tomio nodded, resolved to fulfill his mission, and set off alone toward Fukushima Pass.
Once Tomio was out of sight, Kisuke turned his attention to Yukimaru. Finding a nearby cave, he carefully placed her on the ground. Kneeling down, Kisuke spoke to her softly.
"Yukimaru, listen to me. You need to stay here, okay? Can you do that for me?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. Yukimaru barked in response, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and loyalty.
"I'll deal with the enemies that follow us. You can't fight with a broken leg. Just stay here, alright?" Kisuke pleaded with her, trying to hide his emotions. Yukimaru protested, barking in defiance.
"Don't give me that attitude. You know very well you can't fight in this condition," Kisuke scolded gently, his voice tinged with sadness. Yukimaru continued to bark, unwilling to accept the idea of being separated.
"YUKIMARU, I SAID NO!" Kisuke's voice rang out, filled with determination. Startled, Yukimaru whimpered, realizing the urgency of the situation. Kisuke's voice softened once more.
"I promise I'll come back, okay?" he assured her, his voice tender. Reluctantly, Yukimaru agreed, her trust in Kisuke unwavering.
"Good girl," Kisuke said, giving her a reassuring scratch on the head before he departed.
Kisuke and his clone sprinted through the forest, their footsteps pounding against the earth. They weaved through the trees, expertly maneuvering to stay a step ahead of their pursuers. Kisuke's senses were honed, allowing him to track the movements of the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) shinobi.
As the enemy closed in, Kisuke let out a thunderous shout, his voice echoing through the dense foliage. "OI ROCK-HUMPERS! OVER HERE, YOU BASTARDS!"
The taunt pierced the air, immediately capturing the attention of the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village)shinobi. With a renewed vigor, they redirected their pursuit toward Kisuke and his clone. One by one, they emerged from the shadows, their determination etched across their faces.
- With Tomio -
Tomio remained hidden in the dense foliage, his eyes fixated on the two Iwagakure shinobi guarding the pass. Uncertain about his ability to either sneak past or engage them in combat, he deliberated his options. Suddenly, a distant yell caught his attention. It was Kisuke's voice. The guards also heard the call, their curiosity piqued as they reached for their earpieces, likely receiving orders or updates from their superiors. Taking advantage of the distraction, the guards swiftly abandoned their post and hurriedly departed to join their comrades in pursuit of Kisuke.
Realizing the opportunity before him, Tomio seized the moment and cautiously emerged from his hiding spot in the foliage. He carefully surveyed the surroundings, ensuring that no other enemies lurked nearby. With the guards now preoccupied with Kisuke's commotion, Tomio made his move, quickly and silently advancing through the pass. He meticulously left behind half a dozen explosive tags along his path, strategically positioning them for maximum impact.
Once he had safely distanced himself from the area, Tomio triggered the detonation sequence. A series of powerful explosions followed, shaking the ground and dislodging boulders. The path was effectively blocked, hindering any immediate pursuit.
Taking a moment to catch his breath and collect his thoughts, Tomio knew he couldn't afford to linger. The mission weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he understood the importance of delivering the vital intel to Konoha. Determined to honor the sacrifice of his fallen comrades, he tightly clutched the scroll and resumed his journey.
- With Kisuke -
While Kisuke was distracting the Iwagakure shinobi that were chasing him, he heard an explosion in the distance, indicating that Tomio had successfully made it through the pass. A brief smile formed on his face, relieved that his comrade had reached safety. However, his joy was short-lived as he realized he was surrounded from all directions.
A commanding voice echoed through the air, ordering Kisuke and his clone to stop where they were. Kisuke decided to dispel his clone, as it had served its purpose, leaving him to face the enemies alone. The Iwagakure shinobi were taken aback to find that Kisuke stood alone against their entire group. Kisuke smirked as he swiftly threw a smoke bomb onto the ground, shrouding his position and creating a diversion.
With the smoke concealing him, Kisuke initiated the Hijutsu: Kemono Henge no Jutsu (Hidden Jutsu: Beast Transformation Technique), transforming into an anthropomorphic canine. His new form granted him enhanced speed, strength, and heightened senses. As the smoke dispersed, revealing his canine appearance, the Iwagakure shinobi stared in awe and hesitation.
Without wasting a moment, Kisuke pounced on one of his adversaries, swiftly biting and killing them. The other shinobi reacted, charging towards Kisuke with determination. Kisuke skillfully maneuvered through their attacks, slashing and scratching them with his sharp claws. Their projectiles were no match for his agility as he effortlessly dodged them, running on all fours.
The battle raged on for hours, Kisuke's ferocity leaving a trail of carnage in his wake. The forest floor became stained with the blood of his fallen enemies. However, Kisuke was not invincible. His body bore numerous wounds and injuries, with cuts and bruises adorning his form. Shurikens and kunais protruded from his back, resembling a pin cushion. As exhaustion took hold, Kisuke struggled to catch his breath, his energy waning. With a final thud, he collapsed to the ground.
Iwagakure had succeeded in bringing Kisuke down, but he had achieved their mission's objective. The price he paid was evident in his battered state, but Kisuke's unwavering determination had ensured the success of their mission.
(A/N: Sorry for not uploading in a week, I suffered from writer's block and Conjunctivitis. I wasn't able to create stories both mentally and physically, I just wasn't satisfied with the stories I created these past few days since I wanted to try out something new. As you can see I made an OC character and this is Kiba's father, who according to the wiki, ran away from his responsibilities. I wanted to change that, also I took some inspiration from Sakumo and the Akimichi Clan, I made his name similar to White Fang of the Leaf (Konoha no Shiroi Kiba) also the Partial Multi-Size Technique is similar to what Kisuke did, also its the reverse of what Kiba does. Instead of turning his dog into a human, he turns himself into a dog. Also, he could make parts of his body into a mix of human/canine parts so kinda like a werewolf but not really. I also wasn't able to write physically, I had to go to the doctor and have my eyes checked and the doctor advised me to take a break also my right eye was extremely swollen lately. I felt bad for not updating in a while so I decided to finish this experiment, don't tell my doctor. I will upload again once my eyes have fully healed, again sorry for the long wait. Also Ogremen, sorry for not replying right away, my eyes really hurt that time sorry about that. Anyway, I hope y'all liked this experiment of mine, it's called TLASC (The Lost Archives: Shinobi Chronicles). I hope all of you still support my fic even though I'm such an inconsistent uploader, again I apologize for that. That's all, please RnR and cheers! ^^)