Chapter 11: Escape Konoha
Chapter Text
I lean back against the wall, my eyes fixed on the arena as I watch the intense battle between Neji and Naruto unfold. It's a tough and close fight, and I can't help but be engrossed as I witness the back-and-forth exchange of power between the two warriors. Their impressive displays make it clear why they're both formidable opponents. Glancing over at Amara, I see her watching the fight with keen interest, her obvious support for Neji Hyuuga evident. I smile, knowing that she has a soft spot for the icy, stoic man.
I can see the power Naruto possesses with his unique ability, as well as the control Neji demonstrates with his Hyuuga techniques. The excitement within me grows at the thought of facing either of them. I know it will be challenging to keep up with their skills, and my odds of winning might be low. However, that's what makes it so interesting and challenging to think about how I'll fight and handle each of them in battle.
As the battle reaches its climax and Naruto emerges victorious against Neji, I watch in amazement at their intense struggle. I realize that these two have pushed themselves harder than I did against Shikamaru. With my next match against Temari approaching, I feel prepared. I know how to combat her wind chakra, and I believe my sword skills will be the key to countering her techniques and gaining the upper hand. However, I'm taken aback when I glance over and see Kankuro forfeiting his match against Shino. I wonder why he would give up a fight that he potentially could have won. This turn of events means that if I advance against Temari, I'll be facing Shino next.
As I glance around the arena, I notice that Amara is no longer present, probably off checking on Neji to ensure he's alright. Little did I know, this would turn out to be a significant blessing in disguise. Just as I process this, another surprise hits me: Sasuke is running late, and they're moving my match up next against Temari. As I prepare to enter the arena, yet another shock awaits me: Temari is forfeiting her match too. Something feels off, something is definitely not right about this situation. I look around, my senses on high alert, trying to decipher what exactly is unfolding in this tournament. While I've made it to the semi-finals, the uncertainty leaves me uneasy.
"Kin, something doesn't feel right," I express, a sense of unease settling in as the unexpected match between Gaara and Sasuke is announced. Sasuke's sudden appearance adds to the mystery surrounding the situation. Despite the unfolding events in the arena, my attention remains elsewhere, consumed by a growing sense of foreboding.
Kin's eyes widen with concern as she listens to my words. She observes the unfolding events in the arena with a furrowed brow, sensing the tension in the air. "You're right, Miraju. Something feels off," she responds, her voice laced with worry. "We need to stay alert and be ready for whatever happens next." She stands by my side, her posture tense as she scans the surroundings, ready to react to any unexpected developments.
"Kin, is there something you're not telling me?" I inquire, my gaze fixed on hers. I sense that there's information she's withholding, something she's been keeping from me for some time now.
Kin hesitates for a moment, her eyes darting away before returning to meet mine. "I... I don't know, Miraju," she admits reluctantly. "I've been told to keep an eye on you, but I don't know the details of what's happening. I'm just following orders."
"So um, you were just following me and being nice to me because of orders," I say a good bit hurt at that idea, as I let out a soft sigh, as the intense battle between Sasuke and Gaara continues inside the arena.
Kin's expression softens, and she reaches out to gently touch my arm. "No, that's not it at all," she reassures me. "Yes, I was given orders, but... I genuinely care about you, Miraju. You're not just some assignment to me." She meets my gaze with sincerity, hoping to convey her true feelings despite the complicated situation.
I listen and look into her eyes to try to see if there is anything I can see, but of course I can't. I am not a master of figuring out people by looking into her eyes. "Okay, good, cause you're an important friend to me too, Kin-chan," I reply, not saying more than that as I think about the location of the arena, and its spot in the village. It is obvious, Kin, your boss, is he the type who would use this event to launch an attack perhaps?"
"I don't know," Kin responds honestly, her expression troubled. "Orochimaru-sama is unpredictable, and he's capable of anything. But I haven't heard anything specific about an attack during the exams. Still, we can't rule out the possibility." She glances towards the arena, her concern evident. "We should stay vigilant and be prepared for anything."
I am so focused on Kin at that moment and my worries that I don't notice either the end of the Sasuke-Gaara fight or the strange man entering the arena. I am lost in thought about what Kin said and the endless possibilities of what could be happening. As I go to reply, I suddenly feel lightheaded and collapse forward. I pass out right then and there, for how long, I'm not sure. But I am woken up by Kin, who looks at me with concern. As I regain consciousness, I see that we are in the midst of a battlefield, surrounded by sand and sound ninja. This is an attack, and I am standing at ground zero, an enemy surrounded by far stronger ninja who could hunt me down at any moment.
I don't have time to be afraid. If I get scared, I'll freeze up, and someone will kill me. I look at Kin, and I can tell she is shocked by this. She wasn't informed about this attack, obviously. She is not important enough to be included in the information. We are both just simple pawns on the board.
"Kin-chan, let's move. We have to move fast. Watch my back, and I will watch yours. Let's avoid combat as much as we can. We have to get out of here," I say softly as I move quickly to exit the arena area. I hope I am not important enough to notice, or that those who do take pity on me as I make my move to escape the battleground.
We navigate through the chaos, dodging skirmishes and keeping low to avoid drawing attention. Kin follows closely behind me as we weave our way through the battlefield. The sounds of battle echo around us, a constant reminder of the danger we're in. I try to stay focused, pushing aside my fear and uncertainty as we press on towards safety.
Danger is all around, I can't let up for a moment, I move towards the woods or into them quickly, but I don't know how large but they will give protection as I turn, I notice a fireball flying at Kin behind me. I know this is not what I want, but I have to a have to protect Kin.
With a swift and precise motion, I draw my sword and intercept the incoming fireball, slicing it cleanly in two before it can reach Kin. The flames dissipate harmlessly on either side of us as I stand defensively in front of my friend. "Stay close, Kin-chan," I urge, my voice firm with determination as we continue to navigate through the chaos.
Moving into the forest offers us temporary safety, but I know it won't last long. There are countless dangerous foes lurking in the shadows, any one of whom could end my life in an instant. My heart races with fear and urgency as I realize the gravity of our situation. I must escape, I must survive, and above all, I must protect Kin Tsuchi at all costs.
We press on through the dense foliage until we emerge into a clearing, only to find ourselves confronted by a group of Konoha ninja. I steel myself for the coming challenge, knowing that the odds are stacked against us. Can I emerge victorious from a prolonged battle? Unlikely. Can I win at all? Perhaps not. But I have a duty, a commitment I've made to myself, and I intend to see it through to the end.
"Kin, I'm going to engage them in battle. While I do, I want you to seize the opportunity to escape. Head to the right, move swiftly, and make your way out of here. Keep going until you reach the path the Suna used to get here. I'm sure they're regrouping there. Take my Suna headband with you," I instruct, handing it to her firmly. "Tell them what happened, and that I gave you this. Don't question it. Your priority is to get out of here and survive. I'll handle things on my end."
"But, Miraju..." Kin starts, looking torn between concern for me and the urgency of the situation.
"No buts, Kin-chan," I interrupt firmly, meeting her gaze with determination. "This is non-negotiable. You have to make it out of here. I'll do everything in my power to ensure your safety. Now, go. Trust me."
"I am Miraju of the Sand," I declare boldly, unsheathing my sword with a determined smile. "I will not go down without a fight. If you wish to challenge me, let us go." My words echo through the clearing, drawing the attention of the Konohagakure ninja nearby. Despite knowing the slim odds of survival, I am resolved to buy enough time to ensure Kin's safety. If I must face my demise, I will do so with the bravery of a hero.
As I thrust my sword forward, I launch a fireball from the one I had blocked, causing an explosion at the tree line. Moving quickly, I channel all my chakra into my feet for an extra boost of speed. I can't afford to slow down or stop fighting. Doing so would give them the chance to focus on Kin. This is everything now; there's nothing left for later.
I attack, dodging under a strike coming at me and cutting into a ninja as I slide past him, leaving a cut on my target. Turning, I see more fireballs heading towards me. I cut through them swiftly, ensuring they don't make the same mistake twice. "Flame Slash!" I call out, infusing my sword with the fireball's chakra as I execute a flash move, hitting a couple of ninja and leaving slight burns. This isn't good; I have to keep going.
I turn and notice a barrage of shuriken coming at me. Using my sword, I block them one by one as they come. However, I'm not skilled enough to block all of them, and I feel the metal cutting into my arms, legs, and chest, the pain searing through my body.
However, I can't give in. I can't stop, and I won't stop. I push on, exchanging blows with another ninja. For my trouble, I end up with a cut across the right side of my chest, blood slowly trickling out. I wonder if I will bleed to death here, or if they will kill me first.
I slam my foot into the ground, focusing as I see two more attacks coming: an air bullet and a fire bullet. I have to deflect those. Moving quickly, I cut them, feeling the heat intensify from the combination attacks. As I cut through them, they burn, the heart of them hurting like hell.
Turning, I give a wide sweeping attack, the fire of my sword magnified by the wind chakra as it delivers a massive strike to the area around me. I have no idea what it has done or how effective I have been. How long it has been since the start of this fight, I have no clue. How long I can keep going, I have no clue. I just have to keep going despite this, to protect, to help, and to make sure I live up to my word.
I dodge an incoming strike by a ninja, his knee just missing my head by an inch as I counter with a fast elbow, knocking him to the side, though I know it didn't do any real damage. I can feel my breath slowing as I realize my body is hurting and I am running out of power slowly.
"Lightning release, grand homing bullet barrage," I say, holding both of my hands up in the air. I had been saving this one for the big matches. I funnel all my chakra into my hands as I let loose. The light flies up first into the air in streaks of light, knowing it will draw more attention and likely doom me, but ensuring I keep my word. I see the light fly downward from its apex in the sky towards many directions, feeling lightheaded as I fall to one knee, breathing hard. This is where I might die, I hope not. I don't want to die here. I want to live. I want to grow old. I want to win the heart of Kin Tsuchi and make her as happy as possible.
I look up and think I see the movement of cloth for a moment. I'm not sure what it is, but I sense someone next to me and a wall of cloth around us for a moment before I pass out. I don't know what's happening, but I figure this is it for me.
To my utter surprise, I open my eyes again and find myself in immense pain, lying there with a number of bandages across my body. I'm on a caravan moving through the desert, with the sun blazing above me. I have no clue how long I've been out or what's going on. So, it seems my journey will continue. The pain and memory of that fight, however, will stay with me forever.