DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (OR AS YODA WOULD SAY IT: OWN NARUTO, I DO NOT)

Ch.39 - Forest Pandemonium I


- Somewehre North of Inaho Village -

(Early in the Morning)


As the first rays of light painted the horizon, the group set out on their journey to visit Tamayori's brother, Oujirou, who, according to reliable sources, resided in Post Town, situated in Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields), east of Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water). The mission was taking them on an extensive tour of three different countries in one grand expedition: Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire), Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields), and Yu no Kuni (Land of Hot Water). With an early start, the group hoped to gain a head-start on their quest, allowing them enough time to conclude their investigation and return to Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Waterbefore day's end.

Fortuitously, Post Town wasn't too far from Inaho Village; it nestled cozily in a corner of Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields). Nevertheless, the journey posed a challenge as there were no established roads connecting the two locations, only makeshift forest paths guiding them towards their destination. Undeterred, the group pressed onward, determined to find some closure to their investigation.

With the revelation that Otake Nao and Nishimoto Kou were innocent of the threat endangering Tamayori's life, a mix of relief and sorrow filled him. Relief came from the knowledge that their investigation was drawing to a close and two of his three suspects had been cleared. However, the growing possibility that his own brother might be behind the recent events weighed heavily on his heart. Still, despite the evidence accumulated so far, Tamayori clung to doubt, reluctant to believe that his brother could harbor such sinister intentions.

Noticing Tamayori's troubled expression, Kurenai stepped in to offer comfort, assuring him that they would support him throughout the mission, regardless of what unfolded. Her words eased Tamayori's worries, and with newfound reassurance, the group continued their journey towards their destination, with hope and determination as their guiding companions.


- Hours Later -


As the group continued their journey, they made remarkable progress, already halfway to their destination by early morning. Kurenai estimated that they would reach Post Town before noon, and with Iku's procedures not expected to be overly time-consuming, they could return to Yugakure (Village Hidden in Hot Water) by sundown. The prospect of a timely return lifted the spirits of Kurenai's students, who had been traveling for quite some time.

Tamayori, however, harbored a lingering concern. What if his brother turned out to be innocent as well? The thought troubled him, and he voiced his worries about the real culprit still being at large. Kurenai offered reassurance, mentioning alternative ways to apprehend the mastermind behind the events.

This conversation triggered a memory in Iku's mind from their earlier discussion. He recalled suggesting that Tamayori consider those he trusted as potential suspects. Curious about Tamayori's progress, Iku brought up the question once more, hoping that Tamayori might have identified some possible individuals. Tamayori pondered for a while, his mind deep in thought, but unfortunately, his answers remained unchanged. Iku acknowledged his efforts and encouraged him to take more time to deliberate.

Grateful for Iku's understanding and patience, Tamayori silently wrestled with the idea of one particular person, even though he firmly believed that they couldn't be involved in such nefarious activities. Despite his inner conflict, he chose to keep this suspicion to himself and remained silent as the group continued their journey toward their destination. The road ahead held both answers and uncertainties, and Tamayori couldn't help but brace himself for what lay ahead.


- Somewhere In The Woods -


"Iku, can you check your map and see if we're still on the right path?" Kurenai inquired, and Iku promptly fetched his map from his bag, studying it intently to avoid any missteps that could cost them valuable time.

After a few moments, Iku finally finished and reported, "Yep... Still on the right path, Kurenai-san."

"Great. While we have a moment, I'd like to talk about our next course of action," Kurenai addressed the group, capturing their undivided attention.

"As this is our last stop in the investigation, we must remember that there's still a possibility Tamayori Oujirou might be innocent. That means the true culprit is still out there, so don't let your guard down. After some thought, I've come up with a plan for this scenario," she continued, outlining her strategy. "If the investigation yields no results, my team and I will pretend to conclude the mission, making it seem like Tamayori is vulnerable once more. In reality, we will remain hidden and vigilant, waiting for the intruder to strike. When they do, that's when we'll intervene and question them. And before anyone says something, I am aware that it's risky, as it uses Tamayori as bait, but if any of you have alternative suggestions, I'm all ears." she said but no one proposed an alternative.

During Kurenai's discussion, Kiba found himself distracted, pondering when they would get the chance to eat. They had skipped breakfast, and the previous night's dinner had been quite heavy. His stomach growled, drawing Choji's attention. "You're hungry too?" Choji asked with a grin, and Kiba nodded. Choji then fished out a bag of barbecue-flavored chips and offered some to Kiba.

"What flavor is it?" Kiba inquired.

"Barbecue," Choji responded promptly.

"Got any other flavors in there?" Kiba asked hopefully, hoping for a different taste. Choji obligingly rummaged through his bag again to check for other options.

"Are you two even listening?" Sakura interjected, noticing her teammates' distraction.

"Relax, Sakura... We can multitask," Kiba retorted.

"Oh yeah?... Repeat what Kurenai-sensei just said," Sakura challenged.

"Wait... There's a plan?" Kiba asked, feigning ignorance.

"What plan?..." Choji chimed in with his mouth full.

Sakura sighed in exasperation, rubbing the bridge of her nose, and reprimanded Kiba and Choji for not paying attention to their sensei and instead goofing off. She reiterated what Kurenai had said for their benefit, and both of them thanked her for the recap. However, their momentary distraction was cut short when Sakura heard something unusual in the distance.

"Did you hear that?" she asked, her senses on high alert.

"Hear what? Kiba's fart last night?" Choji teased, earning a stern look from Kiba that made him stop before a potential fight.

"No, not that. It sounded like someone's hiding in a brush, following us," Sakura suggested.

"It's probably just the wind," Kiba countered.

"You're a sensor, right? Why don't you check what it is?" Sakura challenged.

"Ughhh... Fine, gimme a sec," Kiba reluctantly agreed, and he and Akamaru sniffed the air.

"Huh... That's strange," Kiba remarked, sensing something peculiar.

"What is it?..." Sakura inquired, curious.

"Yeah, what is it?..." Choji asked, his mouth still full of chips.

"I'm pretty sure I smelled twelve different scents," Kiba reported.

"And?..." Sakura pressed for more information.

"What I'm saying is that there are eight of us, but I'm senseing four unknown scents near us," Kiba explained, realizing the significance of the situation. Concerned that they might be followed, Sakura promptly informed their sensei, Kurenai.

"Kurenai-sensei, Kurenai-sensei, I think we're being followed," Sakura alerted her quietly.

"How so?" Kurenai inquired, her attention now fully focused on the possible threat.

Sakura gently nudged Kiba, urging him to share his findings to their sensei. He willingly obliged, "I was able to pick up twelve different scents in the area, sensei" Kurenai, ever resourceful, decided to confirm Kiba's findings using her own jutsu, the Kanchi no Jutsu (Sensing Technique). With a skilled manipulation of chakra, she shifted it to the sensor type, allowing her to detect nearby chakra signatures. Her discovery aligned with Kiba's; they were being followed.

The implications weighed heavily on Kurenai's mind. They were a small group, merely eight individuals, including Iku, Tamayori, and his two guards. The realization of their pursuers concerned her.

Wary of alarming Tamayori and his guards, Kurenai discreetly informed the rest of the team about the situation. She calmly relayed the information to Iku, who understood the gravity of the circumstances.

Despite the looming danger, they chose to continue their journey through the forest, pretending ignorance of their trackers. As they pressed on, the sound of rustling bushes caught Kurenai's attention, and she turned to Kiba, seeking confirmation. He nodded, signaling that someone was indeed hiding there. Acting swiftly, Tamayori instructed one of his guards to investigate the potential threat.

The guard approached the bush with his sword drawn and demanded the hidden individual to reveal themselves. However, upon closer inspection, the bush turned out to be nothing more than a lone squirrel seeking sanctuary. Akamaru, Kiba's loyal companion, growled at the innocent creature, prompting a gentle reprimand from his master.

As they regrouped, the guard reported finding nothing, but Kiba remained resolute, insisting he had sensed a presence nearby. Doubt began to creep into the minds of some, but Tamayori offered a plausible explanation, "Perhaps those scents are just local hunters in the area, searching for game." His words provided comfort to the group, and they decided to press on towards Inaho Village, each step cautious, and their senses on high alert.

As they journeyed through the captivating landscape, patches of water reflected the gentle sunlight, a reassuring sign that they had finally entered Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields). Unlike Yu no Kuni (Land of Hot Water), where rain was a rarity, here, the occasional drizzle graced the land, nurturing its beauty. Suddenly, a figure emerged from one of the puddles they had just passed, revealing two individuals who seemed identical in stature. Both brandished clawed metal gauntlets, emanating an air of danger and tension. One of the figures swiftly propelled his companion at an alarming speed, the ominous sound of chains slicing through the air.

In an instant, everyone turned around to see an assailant rapidly closing in on Tamayori. The danger was palpable, and Tamayori had little time to react. But before he could make a move, one of his guards acted bravely, pushing him out of harm's way. In the blink of an eye, the assailants' sharp chain weapons, resembling deadly shurikens, ensnared the valiant guard, rendering him immobilized and vulnerable.

The assailants moved with deadly swiftness, positioning themselves strategically to surround their target. Their eerie voices echoed in chilling unison, "FIRST ONE!" In an instant of merciless brutality, they violently yanked their victim, tearing him apart, creating a horrifying scene of blood and gore. Tamayori's face was stained with crimson drops, his core gripped by shock and fear. The efficiency with which one of his guards was dispatched left him paralyzed with terror. The attackers, undeterred by their gruesome work, turned their attention to the remaining guard, ready to unleash their deadly chains upon their new prey.

But just as they prepared to strike, Iku sprang into action, expertly hurling a kunai with precision. The blade found its mark, lodging itself into one of the chains' openings and securing it to a nearby tree, effectively halting their assault. The assailants struggled to free the stuck chain, triggering a mechanism within their menacing gauntlets that severed the connection. Despite this setback, they pressed on, determined to eliminate the last guard. Before they could get close, Kurenai intervened, casting her jutsu, "Kanashibari no Jutsu! (Temporary Paralysis Technique)" Her command stunned the attackers momentarily, providing a crucial opening for her students to retaliate.

The three students acted swiftly, hurling their shurikens at the assailants. To their surprise, a strange purple mist-like creature materialized before the attackers, shielding them from harm. This mysterious being exhibited human-like features within its misty form, an enigmatic guardian protecting its masters.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT THING?!" Kiba's voice trembled with astonishment, but there was no time for pondering. The enigmatic creature, still enveloped in the purple mist, prepared to counterattack. "Kujaku Myoho: Zan! (Mysterious Peacock Method: Destroy)," the voice within the creature commanded, and a cascade of purple feathers shot towards them menacingly.

Reacting swiftly, Iku leaped in front of Kurenai's students, his eyes focused and determined. "Doton: Doryuheki (Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall)," he proclaimed, summoning an earthen shield that deflected the deadly feathers, sparing them from harm.

"Thanks, Iku-san," Choji expressed his gratitude.

"Don't thank me yet; LOOK OUT!" Iku's warning came just in time as another purple mist-like creature lunged at them. Swiftly, they evaded the attack, realizing that they were facing not one but two formidable foes.

Amidst the chaos and pandemonium, Tamayori's fear was palpable, but his loyal guard stood unwavering by his side, ready to defend him at any cost. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Kurenai quickly made a decision—to ensure their client's safety, her students needed to take charge of his protection while she and Iku confronted the assailants head-on.

With determined nods, her students grasped the weight of their responsibility. However, the cunning first purple beast saw the plan unfolding and ordered its companion to pursue them. The second mist-like creature complied without hesitation, leaving Kurenai and Iku to face a daunting two versus three situation. The two clawed gauntlet-wielding attackers, accompanied by the menacing purple beast, closed in, presenting an intimidating challenge. The odds were undoubtedly stacked against them, but their resolve remained unyielding.


- With Kiba, Choji, Sakura, and Tamayori -


The group pressed forward, their hearts pounding as they fled from the eerie, purple mist-like monster that relentlessly pursued them. Their objective was clear: find a secure hideout for Tamayori, safeguarded by his loyal protector, while the rest of them confronted the creature or held their ground to avoid a direct confrontation. Despite Tamayori's lack of agility, the vigilant guard managed to keep pace, though he struggled to navigate the dense forest.

Undeterred by the challenge posed by Tamayori's limitations, their utmost priority was his safety. Racing through the thick woods, Kiba stole a glance backward, only to find the beast's presence had vanished. He quickly relayed this unsettling news to his comrades, raising concerns about losing sight of their dangerous adversary. Sakura promptly ordered everyone to encircle Tamayori, maintaining a vigilant watch in case of a surprise attack. Silence enveloped them, and they guarded each other's flanks, anxiously awaiting the impending danger.

Through the forest canopy, sunlight sporadically peeked, casting an erratic pattern of light on the forest floor. This only heightened their tension, waiting for the imminent threat. Unsure of their next move, Kiba's senses were heightened, and he caught faint sounds of wings flapping and noticed a shadow dancing across the ground. Looking up, he saw the purple mist-like creature take a different form, now transformed into wings carrying a stranger aloft.

With a mysterious air, the newcomer declared, "Kujaku Myoho: Zan! (Mysterious Peacock Method: Destroy)," as a flurry of purple feathers cascaded downward. Reacting swiftly, Choji summoned his own jutsu to shield the group, invoking the "Doton: Renga no Jutsu (Earth Release: Practice Brick Technique)" to create an earthen wall for protection. The wall proved insufficient against the onslaught of feathers, crumbling under the heavy assault, revealing its limited endurance.

Gracefully landing on the forest floor, the winged figure now confronted them, his voice muffled by a gas mask that concealed his face. Clad in dark apparel, including a blue flak jacket with scroll pouches, gloves, pants, and kunai holster, he seemed poised and unyielding. "Now if I were you, I'd hand over the old man," the mysterious man cautioned, his intent shrouded in darkness.

Refusing to back down, they stood firmly before the stranger, determined to protect Tamayori at all costs, a duty entrusted to them by their wise sensei. Kiba's fiery spirit blazed as he retorted, "And if I were you, I'd go back where I came from!"

The man smirked dismissively in response, belittling Kiba's words, "Big talk for a kid. Let's see if you can back up your words," he taunted, initiating another jutsu. "Kujaku Myoho: Kyoka Suru! (Mysterious Peacock Method: Enhance)," he declared, gathering chakra that enveloped him in a fierce purple aura. Bewildered by his actions, the trio seized the opportunity to strike while he remained stationary. Simultaneously, they hurled a flurry of shurikens, unleashing the "Gen'ei Taju Shuriken no Jutsu! (Multiple Phantom Shuriken Technique)." The projectiles multiplied, some merely illusions meant to confound their opponent.

In retaliation, the man executed yet another jutsu, "Katon: Kaen hosha-ki no Jutsu (Fire Release: Flamethrower Technique)," unleashing a scorching stream of fire their way. The previous jutsu's enhancement extended the range and intensity of the flames, surprising them all. Swiftly dodging the fiery onslaught, they barely managed to evade the brunt of the attack which caused portions of their clothes to be singed. On the other hand, their shurikens were either dispelled or consumed by the blaze.

Kiba couldn't hide his astonishment, exclaiming, "What the-?! Since when did C-Rank jutsus become this strong?!"

As the flames died down, the man vanished from their sight, keeping them on edge. They regrouped, forming a defensive line to shield Tamayori. However, before they could fully fortify their position, a sinister purple chakra rope snaked out, ensnaring Choji's leg and causing him to stumble. Realizing the source of the attack, they spotted their opponent as he performed another jutsu, "Kujaku Myoho: Chakura no Nawa! (Mysterious Peacock Method: Chakra Rope)," retracting the rope with sudden force, dragging Choji along with it.

Choji let out a desperate scream, struggling to resist being dragged away. He dug his fingers into the forest floor, but the mysterious man's chakra rope was relentless, pulling him with unyielding force.

"CHOJI!" Sakura's voice echoed with concern as she swiftly grabbed hold of her teammate. Kiba, Tamayori, and the guard also rushed to aid Choji, refusing to let him be taken.

"Hold on, Choji!" Kiba yelled, releasing his grip on Choji, much to Sakura's surprise. "What're you doing, Kiba?!" she questioned him, but he didn't reply.

Performing a series of hand signs, Kiba activated one of his jutsus, "Hijutsu: Jujin Bunshin! (Hidden Jutsu: Beast Human Clone)," causing Akamaru to transform into his likeness. Together, they joined forces to stop the man from pulling Choji away. As an extra measure, Kiba handed Akamaru a military ration pill, granting him a surge of energy which increased his strength. Despite their combined efforts, the man still managed to gain ground, pulling Choji closer to his grasp.

Sakura swiftly drew a kunai and tried to cut the chakra rope, but her attempts proved futile as the rope resisted her efforts. Frustration mounting, she heard Kiba urging her on, "Come on, Sakura! Any minute now!"

"I'm trying! But it won't cut!" Sakura retorted, her determination unwavering.

"Well, think of something!" Kiba demanded.

"What the heck do you think I'm doing, dog brain?! If you're so smart, why don't you use that big brain of yours?!" Sakura's retort sparked an idea in Choji's mind. He seized the opportunity, releasing his grip on the ground and invoking a jutsu that might set him free.

"Hijutsu: Bubun Baika no Jutsu! (Hidden Jutsu: Partial Expansion Jutsu)," Choji exclaimed, making his leg grow larger, causing the chakra rope to stretch with it. The rope slowly expanded until it was large enough. With a quick maneuver, he withdrew his leg from the large hole his leg created which allowed him to regain his footing. Choji breathed heavily but reassured Sakura that he was okay, emphasizing that the battle was far from over.

The man was undeniably impressed with their display of skill. "Let's see how you fare against this," he declared, executing the "Doton: Goremu no Jutsu (Earth Release: Golem Technique)." Earth chunks rose from the ground, coalescing into a formidable golem suit enveloped in a cocoon of purple chakra. The golem roared, unleashing a powerful gust of wind upon them.

With a nod, the three comrades directed Tamayori and his guard to take cover, deciding it was time to employ their secret tactic. Sakura threw a smoke bomb, creating a thick veil of smoke that concealed their movements. When the smoke cleared, three sets of identical copies rushed towards the man, confusing him. In response, he stomped on the forest floor to disrupt their balance, dispelling the clones. However, the real Kiba, Sakura, and Choji had already vanished, leaving the man momentarily paralyzed by Sakura's "Kanashibari no Jutsu! (Temporary Paralysis Technique)."

Seizing the opportunity, Kiba and Choji launched their simultaneous jutsu, "Hijutsu: Gatsuga! (Hidden Jutsu: Fang Passing Fang) / Hijutsu: Nikudan Sensha! (Hidden Jutsu: Human Bullet Tank)." With relentless ferocity, they attacked from multiple angles, tearing apart the earth golem and leaving their opponent vulnerable. As a final flourish, Sakura delivered a decisive heel kick to his stomach.

Thinking they had triumphed, they observed the fallen figure on the forest floor, believing they had defeated him. However, their jubilation was short-lived when the man unexpectedly rose from the ground, surviving their assault. Determined not to let him escape, Kiba invoked the "Hijutsu: Shikyaku no Jutsu! (Hidden Jutsu: All-Fours Technique)," enlisting Akamaru's help in pursuing their adversary. But the man had one last trick up his sleeve, activating his "Kujaku Myoho: Yoku (Mysterious Peacock Technique: Wings)," allowing him to fly away.

Kiba chased after him with his boosted chakra-enhanced limbs, but the man cunningly used a smoke bomb to disorient Kiba, granting him a chance to escape and vanish into the forest, leaving the team on alert, knowing the battle was far from over.

Getting back on his feet, Kiba dusted himself off, his frustration evident as he kicked a nearby rock for not managing to finish the job. However, his dependable teammates quickly offered reassurance, reminding him that they had succeeded in keeping Tamayori safe, their primary objective. Encouraging him to regroup, they stood vigilant, ready to protect Tamayori in the event of another attack.


- To Be Continued -


(A/N: YEP, THREE CHAPTERS AT ONCE, WHAT?! BUT ALL JOKING ASIDE, TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT VILLAGE THEIR ENEMIES CAME FROM, FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ABOUT IT AND YEAH, IT TOOK A WHILE FOR ME TO COME UP WITH SOME JUTSUS ABOUT THE MYSTERIOUS PEACOCK METHOD OR THE KUJAKU MYOHO, ITS A FILLER JUTSU FROM THE ANIME SO YEAH, I WORKED IT IN THIS STORY BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS COOL AND ALL, REGARDLESS, HOPE YOU ENJOYED, CHEERS!)