Chapter 5: Plan
"Heh, quick and easy. Those Konoha idiots didn't know what hit them."
"Didn't even put up a much of a fight either." A female Iwa shinobi with short brown hair snorted, covering their trail with earth release jutsus while her ally created a path, "Still, what's up with this kid? He didn't even hesitate picking a fight with us by himself."
"Either he was arrogant in his abilities or completely over his head. Though he wasn't listed as a shinobi, you think he's a civilian?"
"Not with that kind of strength, probably an oversight or something from our intel. If we're lucky, he might be from a clan."
Another Iwa shinobi snorted at the unconscious group of clan heirs and heiresses, smirking cockily, "Not that it would help that much. As long as these baits do their job right, the Yellow Flash's brat is the only one we need for the plan."
Far from the outskirts of Konohagakure, the group of shinobis exited the tunnels and travelled the forest by jumping from tree to tree, though not before setting up more decoy trails in case there were any pursuiters. After a nod from their allies, they split up into two groups. The larger group comprised of most of the fighters, going west where Iwagakure is located, whereas a smaller group of two shinobi brought the hostages somewhere in the north-west direction.
After hours of travelling, the sun was setting as the latter group reached a small hideout hidden in a small path with foliage. With a few hand signs, a cliffside opened up which revealed a secret entrance. They entered before shutting the door, carelessly tossing the children in a dark empty room.
"Be careful with them, we don't want to have brats crying on us all night long."
"Quit worrying, they're knocked out in a genjutsu. They're sleeping like the dead." The Iwa nin lit up a few candles and took a gourd of alcohol, downing the drink, "Finally, after planning for months, we can finally have our revenge. The Yellow Flash is gonna get what's coming from him."
"Tomorrow will be the day. Once we get the signal from the other group, the Fourth will watch his whole village go down in flames by his own little princess."
"Wish I could see his face when that happens." A malicious visage appeared, imagining the sweet despair on Minato, "That soft hearted fool cares about his village as if it was his family? Let's see what he'll do when his own family is the one who brings it to ruin."
"And even if the Kyuubi does get stopped again, Konoha will be too weak to protect themselves from an outside invasion. The other villages holding a grudge against them will utilize this opportunity to wipe them out."
"You ever thought about doing it with our own hands aniki? It would be so much sweeter to rip the Yellow Flash apart like how he did with Oga."
"I already told you Koro, we're nowhere strong enough to kill him ourselves. We need to be smart or everything we've prepared for will be for naught."
"Tch, whatever. As long as he gets what's coming, then I'm down with it." The Iwa shinobi called Koro had another gulp of alcohol before calling it a night, they've worked hard for this and the finale will be tomorrow.
As the candles were extinguished, the only source of light was from the moon shining down through the cracks from the top of the cave. The Iwa nin went to their beds, leaving the children lying on the cold hard stone floor.
...
After waiting for at least 20 minutes and hearing them snoring, I opened my eyes and got the kinks out of my body, acting like getting caught in a genjutsu for so long really made my muscles stiff. All those chakra control exercises really came in clutch. These guys must be really underestimating us, they didn't bother tying us up that tightly or even gagging us. Not like I can blame them, my head still aches from that chokeslam.
Forget fighting two, I couldn't even beat one of them, and that's if I don't have to consider the others getting caught in the crossfire. Taking them head-on is out of the question, I need to be smart about this. Let's assess the situation.
They're currently asleep, I can just take one of their weapons and slit their throats but without them, there won't be any doton users to open an exit. And I doubt I'm strong enough to break through boulders that solid by myself. Besides, I'm not exactly comfortable with killing. I did leave a trail after waking from the genjutsu when we're at the forest, but I don't know if they'll be able to find it.
The way that those Iwa nin navigated around Konoha territory was too familiar to be a coincidence, and the way they said about their 'intel'. They even ambushed the academy and knew where and what the clan heirs look like, especially when Minato is away on an important business. Either they've managed to infiltrate the village deep enough or we have a traitor feeding them info. Either way, Konoha is compromised.
Was it Mizuki? I didn't see him during the outdoor class, but he shouldn't have this much important information.
My attention went to the Iwa nin for a second, confirming that they're still dozing. So they want to destroy Konoha by unleashing the Kyuubi to wreck havoc, they even know about Naruko's jinchuuriki status. Worst come to worst, we need a sharingan user proficient enough to stop Kurama though Naruko's and many innocent people's lives will still be at stake. I can't let that happen.
For now, I can't do this by myself. Other than me, the Rookie 9 (minus Sakura) are here. Snapping everyone out at once wouldn't be a good idea, a group too big would be difficult to organize, and not to mention that some of them are loud in nature. A smaller group more specialized in planning yet level headed enough to think calmly under these conditions would be better. Alright, in that case...
Satsuki, Shikamaru, and Shino are first.
Silently walking to the Aburame, I placed a hand on him with my other hand to do the half ram hand sign, concentrating to funnel chakra to break the genjutsu. It took me a while to recognize his chakra flow and counter the foreign energy, and eventually, "Kai."
Shino was in a dazed at first until he narrowed his gaze at me, "Ken-san?"
I quietly placed a finger to my lips and thumbed at the sleeping enemies, he immediately understood and nodded. Grateful for his quick understanding, I then woke up the lazy genius and ice queen. I gave them a brief run down, except for everything related to the jinchuuriki's status, "And that's the gist of it."
"You got to be kidding me, we got into a really troublesome problem."
"So we're stuck here?" Satsuki scowled in half anger half fear, "We can't force them to open an exit for us. Should we just run for it the moment they try to leave the cave?"
"Not a reliable option. With a group this big and how much faster they are than us, we'll just get caught again. Besides, they said something about finishing the plan tomorrow, I don't think we can find a chance."
"Wait, tomorrow?" Shikamaru got a suspicious expression, "Ken, are we in Iwagakure right now?"
"No. And going by the way they were talking, I don't think they're planning to take us there."
"How strange. Why? Because if we have crossed the borders, Konoha would have much fewer options."
Must be a shinobi topic because I'm lost, "What do you mean?"
While Satsuki raised an eyebrow, she explained anyway, "The Hidden Villages are not just governed by the Kages, the daimyos have the most political power and in certain situations, even more than the Kages. Konoha can't cross the borders illegally or else the daimyos from both Konoha and Iwa would be upset, ensuing a possible war. At best, budget and economy would be affected and that is already enough to put a serious blow to Konoha."
"The fact that they didn't bring us past the borders means that their daimyo doesn't know about this kidnapping."
"Then is the Tsuchikage giving this order in secret?"
"That is unlikely as well. Why? Because why would they keep us here when they can trap us more effectively in their own village?"
Gears in my mind were turning, "So that means these guys are acting on their own."
"In other words, we won't have to worry about an all out war with Iwagakure. These guys could be just rouge nins or even impersonators for all we know." Shikamaru deduced, yet that frown never left his face, "Doesn't change that our lives are still in danger. Ken, what are the odds that they'll find the trail you left before these guys can finish their plans?"
"To be honest, I'm not very confident about that. I don't know how far we were travelling underground before surfacing but it'll take time for them to track our scent. Considering how well they got in, they might have some method to get around the Inuzuka's nose."
"What kind of trail did you use anyway?"
In response to the Uchiha's question, I shifted my vision to the sleeping Naruko who was now a few strands of hair less. It was really fortunate that those Iwa nin underestimated us or else they might've noticed. It wasn't much, though I hope the blonde won't be mad with me for messing with a girl's most important aspect.
Satsuki stared coldly at me.
Impressed, Shikamaru grinned, "I'll admit, you have real guts for doing that."
"You have my condolences Ken-san. Why? Because Naruko-san will destroy you for violating her hair."
"Give me a break, it was the only thing I could grab while pretending to be unconscious." A moment later, my stomach growled, "Guh- After the tension subsided somewhat, I realized that I'm pretty hungry. We didn't get any dinner... or a bathroom break."
"Come to think of it, you're right." A small growl came from Shikamaru's own tummy, "We can't work on an empty stomach."
"We can scour for their food, they must have something here we can use."
The four of us nodded, stealthily rummaging what we can find while staying as quiet as possible. There were a few cabinets containing food rations, tasteless and not enough for everyone but better than nothing. Unfortunately, their weapon pouches are near them, getting close would be riskier.
"Shikamaru, you got any plans?"
Disbelieving, "You're asking me? The guy who's got the least motivation for anything?"
"I wanted ask you as well Ken." Satsuki gave me her disapproval, "He always sleeps and slacks off on everything, why do you think he could help us come up with anything?"
"It's because of his laziness that he always found the easiest and most efficient way to get the job done. Shikamaru, I know this is a lot of pressure though I'm betting my life on you, you're our best shot. I've seen what can think up at the Academy, just do what you always do."
...
He grimaced, understandable since he's still a little kid, not even a full fledged shinobi yet. Shino added his own thoughts, "If Ken-san believes in you then so would I. Why? Because he was the one who brought us together in the first place, his insight and abilities can help us see the light in the tunnel."
"Fine, it's two against one, so I'll comply and follow Ken's lead. Shikamaru, what will it be?"
"Regardless of how crazy whatever plan you come up with is, I'll follow it down to the letter as long as it ensures everyone's survival. You have my word."
"This is such a drag..." The lazy genius sighed from my last convincing, bringing his fingers together as his hands were together in a specific gesture, "Give me some time, I need to think."
Everyone was now awake, we can't afford to carry someone if we need to run or dodge. Moonlight shone as sweat dripped and heart pumped wildly, we were nervous as heck for our first life or death battle. While it took a while to get them up to speed and convince them to fight, we got them on board with their honor as future shinobi on the line. This is our formation:
Hinata and Ino are at the back, they have the least combat capabilities so once we snatch their weapons, they'll support by throwing kunai and shuriken while hoping that they don't accidentally hit us. Shino and I will be in front of them while Shikamaru will be in front of us as the middle people. As for the rest, Naruko, Choji, Satsuki, and Kiba will be the frontliners.
The frontliners will steal the weapons and stab that Koro guy's hands, we only need one of them to open an exit for us. Even if we can't beat them, we can point kunais at their throats and threaten them. And if that doesn't work, we still got backup plans.
"Don't mess this up mutt."
"Same to you ice queen."
Satsuki and Kiba whispered to each other, tiptoeing to the weapon pouches. Each step was akin to stepping on twigs, as if the Iwa nins could wake up at any moment. Stretching out their hands-
*BAM*
The two were punched squared in the jaw, sent flying to the rest in great pain. Koro scowled, glaring at us in anger, "You brats, how did you get out of the genjutsu?"
"Worst possible situation right from the start. How troublesome." Shikamaru tried to crack a joke while sweating in distress, watching that half of them were already trembling in fear, "Everyone don't falter, stick to the plan!"
"Aniki! Rise and shine! These kids are overdue for their bedtime."
His apparent elder brother heard the noise and now we got more problems, "I knew we should've tightened those ropes."
Choji gulps, "H-here they come!"
Everyone got into fighting position, except for Naruko. The blonde was shellshocked, quaking and gaping, too horrified to think straight.
"Dope! Snap out of it!"
Koro flashed to right in front her, kicking up to her chin and launching her back. None of us could keep up. He on the other hand laughed at the downed kid, "I was expecting more from the Yellow Flash's brat but in the end, a brat is just a brat. You wanna go next fatso?"
"... What did you just call me?"
"What? Are you as deaf as you are fat?"
Fire lit in the Akimichi's eyes, steam blowing out of his nostrils in fury, "I'm not fat you jerk! I'm just big boned!"
Choji charged with all his might as Koro simply side stepped, grabbing his arm and swinging his body as a bat to deflect incoming pebbles. Kiba sped forward to scratch him, only to be slammed back as the Iwa nin threw Choji at him. Satsuki appeared behind for a swift jab though he leaned left to dodge. The Uchiha clicked her tongue in irritation and kept up with a barrage, all avoided easily by weaving around her strikes.
Before her fist could reach him, Koro gripped her wrist. In contrast to us giving all we got, he was just toying with his food, his brother didn't even bother joining in for the fight. Lifting Satsuki up, he punched her in the gut, making her cough saliva before tossing her at Naruko. He then set his sights on me, "What's wrong brat? Too afraid to fight after I beat you down last time? If you won't come to me, I'll come to you."
Koro propelled, fist set to knock the wind out of me. As he made a clean hit, 'I' poof'd out of existence. He widened his eyes, "Clone jutsu?"
"This is for the chokeslam asshole!" Releasing the transformation jutsu, I let go from the wall and launched myself, punching him square in the face hard enough to throw him back. The sound of flesh smacking skull echoed loudly through the cave, putting smiles on the children as part two of the plan has set in motion.
After Ken snapped them back to reality, Shikamaru gave them the details of the plan, "I'll be blunt. Even with all the tricks we can do, Jounin level strength is way out of our league. However, we still got an ace in the hole."
He turned to the only civilian kid in the group, prompting the rest to do the same. Kiba made a weird face, hands going up to pat Akamaru out of habit until he remembered that they got separated at the Academy, "Are you serious? Him?"
"In case you've forgotten, Ken was able to break out of the genjutsu by himself and he's also the one who got us out of it. Not to mention the kind of power he showed when he tried to save us back at the academy."
"Hey yeah, how did you get so strong Ken? And you can use chakra."
"It's... a long story."
"Now isn't the time for this Ino." Shikamaru got the hint and backed me up, "Ken, I won't ask for the troublesome details after this, but do you think you can win?"
"Not on a one-on-one, he needs to be at least weakened if I want to stand a chance."
"We'll handle that part, except our options are severely limited." Everyone looked down in frustration at Shikamaru's comment, "Even the whatever shinobi related skills we can currently do are too weak to be used against those guys."
Hold on, my chakra control is already good enough to break out of genjutsu right? "Anyone here can show me the hand signs for the clone jutsu?"
"Like this, ram, snake, tiger. Why?"
To answer Satsuki's question, I mimicked her movements and remembered the info from my previous world. Controlling my chakra, a perfect doppelganger appeared right next to me, smirking exactly the same way I was smirking. They were gaping in disbelief.
"No way. You can do it on your first try dattebayo?"
Oh right, Naruko was struggling with this jutsu at the beginning of canon, "Having good chakra control helps. If it's just simple jutsus, then I can pick them up immediately. What about the ones for transformation and substitution?"
"In that case, our options have expanded a bit. Ken will be the main force. Everyone else, here's what we'll do."
Koro's nose bled as he saw me coming, glowering in rage, "You're dead!"
Just as he threw a straight punch, I sent chakra to my feet, flashing to behind him. Before he turned around, I was already above him, using my small size to my advantage and axe kicked his head to the ground.
"What are doing Koro!?" Before the brother could go help, he noticed he was tired despite not doing anything, finding insects on him, "Are these Kikaichu!? With this few, it's still not-"
"You think we don't know that?" With the Nara having a clear path to the other Iwa shinobi under the moonlight, he was able to capture his target, "Shadow Possession Jutsu, finally complete. Now!"
Satsuki and Kiba grabbed his kunai knives, stabbing his hands and feet to effectively neutralize his ability to make hand signs as well as mobility. They had to get out of there quick because Shikamaru couldn't maintain his jutsu for more than a few seconds on a target that strong.
Noticing that he also has Kikaichu slowly crawling onto him too late, Koro gritted his teeth in frustration. He thrusted forward at me which I blocked with my left hand before roundhouse kicking his head. Leaning back, Koro made a downward punch, right upward kick, left hook and elbow charge. All dodged as I read his moves.
With a roar, he tried to stomp me though I jumped back to avoid it. The ground on the other hand, was cratered as dust and debris was kicked up. A heavy silence permeated the cave as we got them cornered. Satsuki and Kiba had kunais by the elder brother's throat. It was a rough start, but now we won.
I smirked, "What do you say baldy? You want to end this easy or you want to end up buried?"
AN: That's a wrap. To be honest, I'm not even sure if Shikamaru and Shino can use their clan techniques yet but I thought that among the Rookie 9, they would be the most probable. Naruko would've done the Sexy Jutsu if she wasn't so paralyzed in fear like Naruto did against the Kiri rouge nin when he first guarded Tazuna. Next chapter will wrap up this arc, if not the chapter after the next.
Ja Ne.
