Don't feel like making a lame-ass remark. I know, shocker!

Time for a disclaimer: I do not own Naruto! I mean, if I did, you'd find me chilling in a gold bathtub surrounded by manga, casually doing the backstroke in a sea of money. But alas, here I am, crafting this literary piece of gold from the comfort of my humble abode.

Talking: "An Uzumaki?"

Thinking: 'An Uzumaki?'

Naruto scowled, frustration evident in every line of his face as he rose from his seat, openly expressing his displeasure after the defeat he had just experienced.

Shikamaru, however, sported a subtle grin, observing the blonde's animated reaction. Internally though, he found amusement in the situation. He had invited Naruto over to his house, and with time to kill, Shikamaru proposed a game of shogi. He anticipated a quick victory, assuming Naruto's lack of experience in the game, but to his surprise, the match lasted a good five minutes before ending in checkmate. Shikamaru was impressed, very impressed. Usually, someone new to the game like Naruto wouldn't last that long, but as always, he managed to be unpredictable in something else.

Once the initial outburst of frustration subsided, Naruto settled back to his seat, determination replacing annoyance in his features. "Round Two?" it was more of a demand rather than a question.

Shikamru shook his head, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "You're bad at this Naruto. Just accept it. I'd rather not bore myself out."

Before Naruto could retort back, the door's screeching hinges of Shikamaru's bedroom grabbed both their attention,and they turned to witness Shikamaru's dad stepping into the room. "Shikamaru, Naruto, you've been summoned by the Hokage," he said before swiftly departing.

Naruto sighed, and Shikamaru, seemingly unfazed, extended a hand to him. "I bet it's another boring mission. Baa-chan really isn't taking us seriously."

Scouting missions weren't at all what a combat team was meant for, but they had to do it for the sake of the village. Naruto knew that, but he just couldn't keep it in. He wanted to test his skills to know where he stood, and scouting and escort missions were not of any help in that.

"If you ask me, I'd rather much be doing escort and scout missions than actual combat missions."

"Lazy ass."

"Knucklehead."

()

Naruto, already sensing the familiar atmosphere, rolled his eyes, mentally bracing himself as he anticipated the nature of the mission that awaited them. In any case, he had prepared for any outcome by rehearsing a speech as he and Shikamaru made their way to the Hokage's office, aiming to convince the Hokage to assign them a higher ranking mission. If that failed, he was ready to face the reality that it was hopeless to get any other type of mission besides escort and scouting.

"I've got a mission for you."

Tsunade said as she tossed the mission scroll in Ayaka's direction.

"A few days ago, we dispatched a team of chunin to investigate reports of suspicious activities in one of the villages in Ta no Kuni. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive any updates from the chunin team we sent out, so your mission is to head to Ta no Kuni and determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance while also keeping an eye on the village."

Naruto took in every piece of information as his expression shifted into a smug grin. It looked like Kami was finally bestowing a favourable gaze upon him, while additionally sparing him from the potentially embarrassing plea he might have had to make.

"This mission is of B-rank, and I emphasise that failure isn't an option. I trust each one of you to give it your all." She continued after receiving reassuring nods from the four of them. "Ayaka will be the team leader for this mission. Any problems?" The three of them shook their heads. "Good. Dismissed."

()

The team wasted no time gathering at the gates of Konoha and starting their journey to Ta no Kuni. It was a two-day excursion, according to Ayaka, emphasising the tight schedule that left no room for breaks or whatsoever.

Naruto however, was excited at the prospect of visiting another land because as far as his knowledge went, he only knew two: Hi no Kuni where Konoha was located and Nami no Kuni, where he went for his first real mission as a genin. Despite being excited, he knew the importance of being serious. This marked his first real mission as a chunin outside the village, and he was determined to not let his team down.

As the day progressed with intermittent breaks, the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow on the landscape. They decided to rest for the night, setting up their tents and Shikamaru couldn't help but chuckle at the panicked face Naruto was making. "You didn't bring a tent, did you?"

"No one told me anything about it. So, technically, it's you guys' fault."

Kenta shook his head in mild amusement, while Ayaka maintained her serious demeanour, remarking, "You're a chunin, and supposed to be aware of this. No one should tell you what to and not bring. But in that case, since you didn't carry a tent, you'll be on lookout duty tonight."

He accepted, albeit begrudgingly. He realised that getting on Ayaka's bad side wasn't an option he was willing to take, especially after the recent developments in their dynamic over the past few weeks since their team formation. While she wasn't cold to him anymore, she certainly hadn't become overly lenient.

Ayaka had transformed into someone easy to talk to, and considering the progress he'd made to break down the initial barriers, he wasn't about to jeopardise it over lookout duty.

The sun had already sipped below the horizon after the three set up their tents. Naruto's clone returned in time with firewood, ready to kindle a flame for their evening meal. As the blonde rummaged through his bag, he triumphantly pulled out his prize possession.

"We're not eating ramen, Naruto," Kenta remarked, triggering a scowl from Naruto.

If they wouldn't indulge, he certainly would.

()

The minutes ticked by as the fire's warmth dissipated. It had been three hours since everyone besides him went off to sleep and as he gazed at the full moon, an unexpected calm settled within him, coaxing his heavy eyelids which lured him to the edge of sleep.

"Don't sleep when you're on lookout," a voice cut through the silence, jolting him from his drowsy state.

He turned towards the source of interruption, discovering Shikamaru casually leaning against the tree that he was on. "Shika? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Shikamaru shook his head dismissively. "How can I sleep when you're on lookout? Just that is enough to scare me."

Naruto scratched his head, still puzzled by Shikamaru's unusual behaviour.

To be honest, when it came to sleep, Shikamaru was top of the table. But now, he suddenly didn't take the opportunity? And all because of lookout duty? Naruto wasn't buying it. Something was definitely bothering the usually laid-back Nara, and it set off warning bells in Naruto's mind.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Shikamaru decided to voice his concerns. "Something doesn't feel right." Seeing the look of confusion on the blonde's face, Shikamaru decided to elaborate. "The plants… they're acting off."

Upon hearing this, Naruto couldn't help but suppress a chuckle. Plants? Acting off? That had to be the most absurd thing he'd ever heard Shikamaru say. After a moment of amusement, he glanced back at Shikamaru, teasing.

"How do plants act off, Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru noticed it, and he couldn't for some reason, ignore it. The leaves rustled at seemingly odd times, branches swayed without the caress of a breeze, and certain areas held an unusual stillness. Even the behaviour of the deer they encountered hinted at an unsettling message from nature, as if it was warning them about something bad about to happen.

Despite these uncanny signs, Shikamaru, perhaps trying to downplay the unease, let out a sigh.

"Don't worry about it. Just keep your guard up." he advised Naruto before retreating to the solace of his tent.

()

(Elsewhere in the vicinity of Ta no Kuni)

The room, immersed in a profound darkness, seemed to devour any vestige of light daring to breach its boundaries. The walls seemed to absorb the feeble attempts of the moonlight to illuminate the space, leaving only faint glimpses of its eerie features.

Yet, amidst all this, a pair of vibrant yellow eyes pierced through the black veil, with the occasional dance of the moonlight casting silhouettes upon unseen objects.

In the centre sat a man, his left hand cradling his cheek, and in his right, a glass filled with a crimson liquid.

Through the glass, his sharp yellow eyes penetrated, gazing at it with a look of boredom as he let out a yawn.

Setting the glass down, the man rose lethargically, his gaze fixed on the door. He walked towards it, and upon reaching, he nonchalantly grasped the knob, gradually swinging it open to reveal someone standing on the other side.

"Ah, my sweet little boy, Denji. So, what have you got for me?"

"It was as you said, Tsubasa-san. They sent another squad."

Tsubasa's expression remained unchanged as he ambled over, halting beside the boy before uttering, "Excellent. And is 'HE' among them?"

"Yes. And it seems they'll be arriving by noon tomorrow."

Once told, Tsubasa continued walking but came to an abrupt halt. "Bring me those three," he muttered before striding away.

Denji gazed at him before slowly entering the room and returning with three dead bodies marred by blood, with strings attached to them.

()

(Back to Naruto's POV)

After a good night's sleep, the team resumed their journey to Ta no Kuni. The sun's relentless heat bore down on them as they pressed on, not stopping to take any breaks.

Amidst this, Naruto's mind was elsewhere. The information he'd received form Shikamaru yesterday seemed to be gnawing at the back of his mind, as it was the only thing that h3 could think about all day.

The notion of the plant's strange behaviour puzzled Naruto. Was Shikamaru merely playing with him? No, the seriousness in the Nara's warning from the previous night left little room for jokes. Naruto however, struggled to connect the dots, unable to understand what Shikamaru meant by 'plants acting off'.

As he thought about this, his instincts kicked in, propelling him to swiftly dodge and deflect a relentless barrage of kunai with his own.

His guard was immediately up as he scanned the surroundings for the assailant but the onslaught kept on coming his way, forcing him to run and try to look for coverage.

In his attempt to locate cover, he realised that his team had vanished. They weren't anywhere to be seen and he received no responses when he shouted their names.

In his attempt to escape the barrages, a rock caught his eye, and he hastily made his way towards and hid behind it, but once his back touched the rock, his body phased through the solid surface.

The miscalculation caused him to tumble, leaving him vulnerable to the oncoming kunai. Naruto reacted swiftly, forming the ram seal as a shadow clone materialised. However, the clone dissipated instantly as the kunai found its mark.

Promptly regaining his footing, Naruto assessed the situation to try and find a way out of this. His mind quickly went over everything that appeared unusual. The relentless kunai barrage without a visible source, the deceptive objects– it could only mean one thing.

"Genjutsu."

Recognising the trap, Naruto formed the horse seal, and immediately dispelled the illusion.

"Naruto. You okay?" Kenta asked worriedly, receiving a nod in response.

He looked around the area in confusion, and noticed the absence of his other two teammates.

"Where are Shikamaru and Ayaka?"

Kenat shook his head, signifying that he was just as confused as he was. "Looks like a genjutsu was cast on this specific area with the objective of separating the four of us."

"Looks like it worked."

If the sole purpose of the genjutsu was to separate the four of them, it ultimately meant that someone was nearby. And if so, did they set it up before they took the mission or after. If it's the former, it could indicate that someone knew they'd be the ones tasked with this mission and took the time to plan this trap for them.

If it was after however, it suggests that someone might be actively monitoring their movements. In either scenario however, their primary goal seems to be interfering with their mission.

"Looks like you get the idea of what's happening." Kenta remarked. "From here on out, we'll have to proceed with caution. Who knows what other traps might be waiting for us."

()

(Shikamaru's POV)

After dispelling the genjutsu, Shikamaru was barely able to dodge the incoming attack which grazed his cheek. The subtle warmth of his own blood lingered on his fingertips, and another swift dodge spared him from further injury.

Shikamaru surveyed his surroundings, searching for the elusive attacker who had managed to cut him, but the forest was deadly silent, not aiding in his search. The attacker had showcased so much speed that Shikamaru failed to catch a glimpse during that one second attack.

His ear twitched, and he swiftly threw a kunai towards the source of the sound. The rustling Bush fell silent, prompting Shikamaru to cautiously approach. However, disappointment shadowed his face as he discovered he had mistakenly targeted a rabbit, not a human.

'What the hell is going on?' He pondered, deep in thought as he continued his search.

The attacker seemed to be fast and stealthy, and it was uncertain if the assailant knew the area like the back of its head. If that was the case, then he was at a disadvantage, and the chances of victory would be slim.

To enhance his chances of success, he needed more numbers. And he knew exactly who to get.

He reached into his pouch, retrieving four explosive kunai. He assessed his surroundings, considering the crucial factors that could greatly influence his plan.

While appearing to search for the assailant, he planted each of the explosive kunai while taking account of the direction of the wind.

After placing the last kunai, he moved somewhere a little safer and activated the explosives. Controlled outbursts had erupted instantly. All that remained now was to patiently wait for the outcome.

Shikamaru's strategy stood at a precarious 60-40, balancing between success and failure, which hinged on two pivotal factors.

The first, a potential hindrance, lay in the unpredictable nature of the wind.

While for someone else in his position, utilising smoke for teammate location would be an absolutely great strategy that had a one hundred percent success rate, Shikamaru knew better.

The wind played a vital role in his smoke signal strategy. And strong and unpredictable wind could quickly disperse the smoke, rendering his plan futile. The success of his plan relied heavily on favourable wind conditions, allowing the smoke to linger around for much longer.

Should the wind favour him, the success rate would skyrocket. However, there was another layer to this strategy beyond mere location – luring out his opponent.

Shikamaru was aware that if his opponent was clever enough, he or she might discern the purpose behind the plan and prevent the smoke from lingering.

So, his strategy would be a 60-40 chance of success if the opponent took the bait, while conversely, presenting a less favourable 40-60 scenario if the opponent remained unresponsive.

All in all, it mainly depended on his opponents' decisions.

A smirk adorned Shikamaru's face as he witnessed the smoke rise, rendering the wind useless to his plan.

'Now,will you show yourself, or not.'

He scanned his surroundings but after a tense moment, his opponent remained elusive. The smirk on his face disappeared and was replaced by a frown, accompanied by a sigh. If the plan had failed, he'd likely have to resort and consider an alternative strategy.

But as he turned, he immediately sensed a sudden surge behind him, approaching at great speed. He had no time to dodge, only able to turn his head to take a quick look at the unknown attacker.

In a blink, the unknown attacker had disappeared, replaced by a white-haired girl wielding a staff.

"Ayaka?"

After further recollecting his thoughts on what happened, he realised that it was Ayaka who had kicked away the unknown assailant, sending it crashing to a nearby tree.

"I saw your smoke signal. Looks like you're in quite a predicament."

Shikamaru scoffed. "We're both in one now. Listen, there's something you need to-"

Before he could elaborate, Ayaka swiftly kicked him away and ducked a sword aiming to slice her head off.

As Shikamaru stood up and groaned in pain, his eyes landed on the two unknown attackers who had finally decided to show themselves. However…

"There's two of them? And… they're floating?" Ayaka asked in mild curiosity as she turned towards Shikamaru.

"That's what I wanted to tell you."

In that fleeting second of observation, Shikamaru was able to get a small detail of the appearance of their assailant.

"These guys, they're like walking shells in a sense. Humanoid in looks, but mentally empty. They're just things controlled by someone else's strings. They aren't thinkers; just vessels for whoever is pulling the strings."

Ayaka's eyes widened in understanding, and she remarked, "Ah, I get it. Puppets," finally grasping the concept in Shikamaru's straightforward explanation. "And if they're being controlled, then it means the puppeteer must be nearby. We just have to find him."

'Easier said than done,' Shikamaru thought.

Both of them were trapped in a dense forest, where there was limited space for confrontation. They had no clear routes, and their paths were further complicated by the sudden appearance of puppets.

The puppeteer might even have more than two puppets in his arsenal – ten, twenty, or even fifty. They were in a terrible spot and needed to act to free themselves from it.

"Seems like we'll need an open environment if we're to fight. Leave it to me." Ayaka assured.

Having read Shikamaru's mind, Ayaka deftly twirled her staff in her hands before singing it with precision.

"Futon: Reppū no Kikiri! (Wind style: Tempest Timbercleave!)"

Shikamaru watched in disbelief as Ayaka unleashed her Wind jutsu.

His eyes widened in shock as he observed the devastation caused by the power of Ayaka's wind-infused staff. The wind swept through the forest, which before, was a labyrinth of tangled trees, now carried away with the leaves and branches, leaving behind a path of destruction.

"Your staff… it can perform jutsus? Since when?"

Shikamaru couldn't help but ask in amazement.

She grinned. "Always could. But we'll talk about that later. Right now, let's take advantage of the clear space."

Shikamaru, though still processing the revelation, nodded. Questions could wait; they needed to take advantage of this.

However, as he keenly observed Ayaka, he noticed the weariness settling on her body. It became apparent that the execution of the powerful jutsu had taken a toll on her, evident in the signs of exhaustion.

Despite this, the satisfaction in her eyes that the chakra spent was a sacrifice she deemed worthwhile for the strategic advantage gained.

"Can you go on for a bit longer?"

Shikamaru couldn't help but ask. The advantage gained from Ayaka's jutsu would be meaningless if she couldn't sustain it, and that would most likely jeopardise both of their lives.

Instead of a direct response, Ayaka tightened her grip on the staff, a glint of determination in her eyes.

"Of course I can! We can stall until Naruto and Kenta arrive. Don't worry about me."

Even though he admired her confidence, Shikamaru couldn't shake the concern that her assurance might not be enough to stall until their two other teammates arrived. Again, their lives were at stake so every move could be crucial in this situation.

As he turned around to try and locate the puppets, he realised that they had mysteriously vanished and retreated. Realising this, Ayaka, visibly exhausted, dropped to one knee while catching her breath.

Shikamaru, unsure of the situation, moved to assist her, but she raised her hand, insisting that she was fine.

"I just… need a little rest." Ayaka panted, her breaths still heavy from the exertion.

Shikamaru, who was concerned for her well-being, decided to carry her on his back, despite her protests and colourful curses.

They had gotten lucky, narrowly escaping danger. If the puppets had stayed around a little longer, it would've been very bad, and it would be a two versus one situation and Shikamaru didn't even want to think how that would turn out.

He however, couldn't shake the feeling that the puppets' sudden retreat held a deeper mystery, wondering why they would give up such an advantageous position so abruptly.

()

(Back to Naruto's POV)

Naruto's frustration mounted.

After having dispelled the genjutsu and joined Kenta in searching for their lost teammates, the forest seemed to stretch endlessly until they eventually realised that they were lost.

Hope had flickered however, as Kenta spotted smoke in the distance and they resumed their run in search for their comrades.

They had headed towards it, only to be ambushed by four mysterious humanoid creatures hovering in the air.

Of course, the moment Kenta spotted them, he quickly identified the humanoid creatures as puppets, and emphasised that they'd have to cut down the four to get to the puppeteer.

Now, battered and bruised from battling four, Naruto and Kenta sought refuge, trying to find any advantage they could take up while also attempting to formulate plans amidst the chaos.

The puppets however, allowed them no respite, attacking them relentlessly without giving them a chance to strategize.

In moments like these, Naruto yearned for the presence of Ayaka and Shikamaru. Each member had their distinct roles, but shikamaru and Ayaka were the primary strategists, their analytical minds complimenting Naruto and Kenta's more combative approach. Due to their absence however, there was a noticeable gap in their usual synergy.

The thought of using a barrage of shadow clones crossed Naruto's mind, but the realisation that a single powerful strike from the puppets could dispel each clone led him to abandon that idea. Instead, he opted to conserve chakra and strategize, but that decision however, was coming back to bite him.

He couldn't help but wonder if spamming shadow clones from the beginning might have provided a better chance due to their sheer numbers in the fight.

After dispatching one puppet with a kick, Naruto leaped back and summoned a multitude of shadow clones to aid him. They needed a plan so he distributed some clones to assist Kenta, made his way to his teammate and grabbed a hold of him, jumping into the bushes to conceal themselves.

"We need a plan," Kenta said between breaths.

"I could use shadow clones to distract them, but one hit dispells them so I don't know."

Naruto gazed at Kenta, awaiting his strategic input. In place of Shikamaru and Ayaka, Naruto relied on him as the primary strategist.

He himself had improved greatly at tactical thinking, but acknowledged that he still paled in comparison to Shikamaru, Ayaka and Kenta. Thus, the right thing to do was to hear what Kenta had in mind.

"I think I've got an idea, but it's risky." Kenta said after careful consideration.

"Any plan right now is a good one. What do you have in mind?"

()

The forest stood silent, the only sound that could be heard was the gentle breeze of the wind that was causing the leaves and branches holding them to sway. A thicket of trees rounded the area, creating a maze that seemed impassable. Yet, this very terrain held the potential to shift the battle in Naruto and Kenta's favour.

The plan was straightforward, contingent on precise timing. They had to be vigilant about the passage of time while executing it. Failure to adhere to the timeliness meant risking defeat and potentially, their lives.

After summoning a multitude of clones, Naruto's command to let them run wild echoed throughout the forest, accompanied by their loud hollering. With his part to play, he wished Kenta luck before navigating through the thicket.

Hidden in the bushes, Kenta unsealed his sword, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to strike. His role in the plan was a mix of simplicity and challenge – a single strike required on each of the following puppets. However, the difficulty lay in executing the precise action repeatedly.

The additional layer of complexity arose from the possibility that the puppeteer might anticipate Kenta's intention after dispatching one. This heightened the importance of speed, making it a critical factor in their plan. Fortunately, that was what he specialised in. A bit heavy, he was fast although not on Naruto's level, but in a way that he could go toe to toe with the blonde for a while during their training spars.

He lay patient yet observant, awaiting the opportune moment to strike. As one of the groups of clones distracted one of the puppets, Kenta seized the moment, dashing at it, swiftly targeting and striking its joints before retreating to cover. With unwavering focus, he watched as the puppet crumbled down which confirmed the success of his tactic.

The puppet wasn't as fragile as he had hoped it'd be, being more robust and made of durable materials. However, that didn't mean it was invincible. His strike was powerful enough and since the puppet lacked adequate defences, it would be rendered temporarily inoperable until repaired by the puppeteer.

'Thank Kami I listened to this when it was taught back at the academy,' he mused with a smile. Understanding the puppets' weakness proved invaluable and allowed them to gain the upper hand.

Kenta's momentary ecstasy however, quickly shifted to seriousness as he detected a sound behind him. He spun around swiftly, brandishing his sword ready to strike, only to find nothing but empty air.

He heard the sound again, this time, being able to sense the presence nearby, approaching him at great speed. He turned his head as quick as he could and raised his sword in a position of defence. Dodging was out of the question so his best choice was to tank the attack.

As the puppet edged dangerously close, it suddenly halted mid-flight, dropping to the ground with a clatter. Kenta jumped back to create some space as his guard remained up. Was this a trick? The thought crossed his mind but it seemed very unlikely. Why would the puppeteer allow an opening like that?

As he pondered the implications, the sound of victorious cheers grabbed his attention. Turning his gaze, Kenta spotted the source: Naruto's clones celebrating which clouded his mind with confusion. What did they have to do with the unexpected change of events?

Approaching a clone hanging from a nearby tree, who seemed conspicuously uninvolved in the celebration, Kenta couldn't help but ask, "What… did you do?"

The clone hesitated for a moment, weighing his words carefully before deciding to speak. "Well, I kinda felt something weird in the air, like a disturbance in the chakra flow," it admitted, scratching its head sheepishly. "So, I figured I'd take a swing with my kunai and see what happens, ya know? And, well, it worked!"

'Feeling a disturbance in the chakra flow… that's not your usual shinobi skill. Something like, that requires precise chakra control and the people who specialise in that were… sensory ninjas. But Naruto as a sensor? Doesn't quite fit, he's never showed it off during training. Or maybe he just developed it now? Ah, I'm probably overthinking this,'

As Kenta mulled over the unexpected turn of events, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling of curiosity and intrigue. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the evidence before him: Naruto's clone had just exhibited a level of perception that seemed to defy conventional ninja skills.

Brushing aside that with a sigh, Kenta refocused on the present moment. Whatever mysteries lingered around Naruto's clone, they could wait. Right now, they had a battle to finish.

"So, did you get the-" Kenta began, but his words abruptly halted by the sudden thud behind him. Instinctively, he tensed, readying his sword to strike at the assailant, but before he could react, his hand was firmly grasped by another.

"Relax, it's just me," came the familiar voice which instantly calmed his nerves. "I found the puppeteer."

"Great. What about Shikamaru and Ayaka?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment, a subtle shift in his demeanour catching Kenta's attention. "Found the two of them also," he replied, his tone lacking its usual confidence.

Sensing something amiss, Kenta pressed further. "What's wrong?"

Without a word, Naruto heaved a heavy sigh and turned to walk away. "Follow me," He said quietly, his steps purposeful yet weighed down by unseen burdens.

Well, well, well, look who's risen from the literary grave! Yup, it's me, back with a bang and ready to rock your world with some more fanfiction goodness. And before you ask, no, I haven't been off on some epic quest or fighting dragons. Just dealing with the usual chaos of life, which, let's be real, can be more challenging than battling a horde of clones. But fear not, my dear readers, for I have returned, armed with wit, sarcasm, and a renewed commitment to not keeping you waiting for ages. So, buckle up, because the next chapters are coming at you faster than a caffeinated cheetah on roller skates!

Note: if I was in Naruto, I would have the power to summon procrastination jutsu like nobody's business! Seriously, I'd make the laziest ninja look like a workaholic. But hey, at least I'd still find time to binge-watch anime and snack on ramen between saving the world. Gotta have priorities right? Keep on ninja-ing, my friends!

1: Futon Reppū no Kikkiri! (Wind style: Tempest Timbercleave) – A powerful wind-related technique where Ayaka's staff is utilised to cleave or cut through the dense forest like a tempest. A jutsu that had been taught to her by her best friend Kaito.