DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (DON'T)

Ch.44 - Food Chain

In the heart of Konoha (Hidden Leaf), a tranquil evening settled, cloaking the village in a soothing darkness. Most had succumbed to the embrace of sleep, but a select few remained vigilant, their duty to safeguard the village guiding their steps.

Amidst the quietude, a gentle procession unfolded - the duty-bound shinobi taking their watch. These silent sentinels treaded softly through the village's deserted paths. Among them were capable Chunins (Middle/Journeyman Ninja), occasionally joined by a Tokubetsu Jounin (Special High Ninja), though such instances were few and far between.

On that particular night, their route led them into the proximity of the village's training grounds, an assortment of arenas that ranged from average to exceptional. Yet, amid these training venues, one site radiated a distinct aura, setting it apart with a reputation of monumental significance. Within its boundaries, nature's offerings formed an extensive repertoire of training experiences. A place where even the most seasoned shinobi, those well-versed in techniques and skill, cast wary glances around them, an inherent caution woven into their very beings by the atmosphere of this place. It wasn't just a training ground; it was a domain laced with an air of unease, where nature's elements conspired in a sinister symphony.

This was a realm of traps, where the very flora and fauna seemed to collaborate with an ominous agenda. The aim was to ensnare unsuspecting intruders, transforming them into hapless pawns in this cruel game. It stood as a bastion of danger, where peril reached its zenith. This wasn't a realm for the timid; it beckoned only those possessing the indomitable courage to step into its jaws.

"Damn..." one of them muttered.

"What's wrong?..." his companion asked.

"I left behind the pack of smokes I bought earlier..." he confessed.

"Bummer... Well, can't go back now, Takuya," his friend remarked, leading Takuya to exhale in frustration. He couldn't help but notice his buddy lighting up a cigarette with practiced ease, stoking a twinge of envy in Takuya.

"Hey, Naoto... You mind if I snag one of your cigarettes?..." Takuya ventured.

"'Hell no, you still owe me from those other times I spotted you," Naoto recalled.

"I'll pay you what I owe this time around, I promise," Takuya insisted, but Naoto's response was a dismissive snort.

"*scoffs* 'I'll pay you what I owe this time around', right..." Naoto parroted in a taunting tone, provoking laughter from another friend.

"Seriously, I'll pay you back, I swear!" Takuya implored.

"I ain't buying it. Go bug Daisuke or some shit, I bet he's carrying some," Naoto suggested.

Daisuke's laughter abruptly ended as he was reluctantly drawn into their dispute. "Wait, what?!... Why the hell am I getting dragged into this?!..." he retorted.

"Quit yapping... Just toss the guy a cigarette to shut him up," Naoto interjected, urging Daisuke to refocus on Takuya, who was looking at him with an expectant grin, eagerly anticipating his prize.

With an exasperated sigh, Daisuke relented. "*sigh* Alright, fine... I'm already regretting this," he conceded, extracting a cigarette from his stash and handing it over to Takuya.

Takuya expressed his gratitude and made promises about replacing the cigarette. "Sure..." he said.

"Keep your expectations low, my guy. I'm willing to bet that he'll forget to return the favor in a couple of days," Naoto quipped, and Daisuke nodded, understanding the dynamic all too well.

"You're an asshole, Naoto, you know that?..." Takuya shot back.

"How's that me being an ass?... I'm just keeping it real; I'm also giving sensible advice to Daisuke over here. You're the one being an ass for not coughing up what you owe," Naoto countered.

"I said I'd pay you back, Naoto. It's just that money's real tight at the moment, just give me some time," Takuya defended.

"'Tight,' he says, bullshit... I spotted you knocking back drinks at the bar the other night, fuckface!" Naoto retorted, igniting a verbal brawl between the two.

Daisuke observed his two friends going at each other, feeling a heavy sigh escaping him. This seemed to be a nightly occurrence. Just as he was about to step in and mediate, a sound reverberated, as if something had struck the chain-link fence of the 44th Training Grounds (Daiyonjūyon Enshūjō in Japanese).

The 44th Training Grounds, known as Shi no Mori (Forest of Death), presented itself in a perfect circle, its expanse stretching across a radius of 15 kilometers. Along its circumference stood a formidable chain-link fence, crafted from the very same robust metal employed in the making of kunais and shurikens. This fence stood at an imposing height of 16 feet. Yet, the enclosure's defenses didn't conclude there; overhead loomed an additional layer of security, a barrier designed to confine whatever existed within its bounds. This was none other than the Kekkaimon Gofujutsu: Shimon Heijo (Barrier Gate Five Seals Technique: Castle Closing Four Gates). A scaled-down rendition of the protective barrier shielding all of Konoha, the Kekkaimon Gofujutsu: Hachimon Heijo (Barrier Gate Five Seals Technique: Castle Closing Eight Gates).

"Did you hear that?..." Daisuke interjected, causing a momentary pause in the ongoing squabble between Takuya and Naoto.

"Hear what, exactly?" Naoto retorted.

"Sounded like something smacked against the chain-link fence of the 44th Training Grounds," Daisuke responded.

"Probably just some critter or the wind. Now, where was I? Oh right, AND ANOTHER THING!-" Naoto continued his passionate rant.

Daisuke eventually gave in to the notion that Naoto was probably right; perhaps he was merely letting his nerves get the better of him. He chose to dismiss the creeping thoughts. Redirecting his focus, he found Takuya and Naoto still entrenched in their regular spat, as if they adhered to a scripted routine of intentionally bickering every single night. At first, Daisuke had managed to overlook their quarreling with relative ease. But then, it was a fight again on the following evening, and the evening after that, and the next one, spiraling into a pattern where he could no longer stand the constant friction between them.

Before he joined a patrol unit, he noticed an empty slot consistently present in Takuya and Naoto's group—a vacancy that no one seemed eager to fill, a missing piece that would complete the three-person cell. Now, having borne witness to their nightly clashes, Daisuke understood why.

Daisuke, stationed at the sidelines, observed his two comrades locked in a heated clash over something trivial. Their ongoing dispute had managed to stall the progress of their patrol unit, the minutes ticking away. Daisuke was well aware that their team needed to conclude their rounds that very evening, ensuring they covered the designated sectors of the village efficiently and avoiding any needless time wastage.

Just as he was mentally preparing to step in and mediate, a reverberation echoed once again, even more forceful than before. This time, the sound seemed to carry more weight, more urgency. It reached not only Daisuke's ears but also those of Takuya and Naoto, compelling them to halt their quarrel in shared astonishment.

"What the hell was that?!..." Takuya's voice was tinged with surprise.

"It's coming from the 44th Training Grounds!..." Naoto answered succinctly.

"Well, what the fuck are we waiting for?!... Let's go!" he said which prompted both Naoto and Takuya to follow him to check what was going on.

- Earlier in the 44th Training Grounds -

(Hours Ago)

Deep within the shadow-draped heart of Shi no Mori (Forest of Death), stood the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) (Ironscale Armadillo), a living testament to nature's indomitable spirit. Its rugged ironscale armor adorned a sinewy form, a fusion of strength and endurance sculpted by time. With eyes that held the weight of ancient wisdom, it surveyed the realm, embodying the essence of a guardian shaped by countless seasons.

In the dance of survival, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) traversed the undergrowth with a robust grace, its clawed limbs unearthing the hidden secrets of the forest floor. The air was thick with the humidity of untamed life, and the symphony of nature enveloped its journey – a symphony of calls, rustles, and echoes. Amidst this symphony, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) moved with purpose, a symbol of the unyielding resolve that defined the wilds it called home.

Amidst a Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) focused indulgence in its meal, another entity was stealthily tracing its steps from a distance. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), absorbed in its feeding, remained unaware of the vigilant presence tailing it—a master of the shadows, emerging from the dense undergrowth with a grace that matched its silence. Eyes resembling shards of moonlight gleamed in the darkness, riveted onto the plated quarry. Then, in a burst of seamless, rapid motion, the stalker lunged forth, its claws poised for a lethal strike. Yet, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo)'s primal instincts pricked with a heightened awareness, and it responded with a sudden surge of vitality, deftly sidestepping the imminent attack.

In the wake of the failed attempt, the assailant landed upon a moonlit patch, where its form was revealed - a Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) skidded to a halt, its armored bulk an undeniable display of resilience as it faced its predator. To turn away from such a confrontation would be an invitation to certain doom, and thus it held its ground. The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), a master of shadows, emitted a hiss that seemed to slice through the air. Its dark fur melded with the night, and its eyes gleamed like twin embers, fixed on the armored creature before it. With an air of eerie menace, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx)'s gaze spoke of unyielding determination, as if already consigning the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) to its demise.

The stillness of the scene held its breath, a hushed anticipation that clung to the air. Then, like a bolt of urgency, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) sprang into motion, a desperate streak of survival racing away from its relentless pursuer. The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), undeterred by its prey's resolve, surged after it with a grace that spoke of unyielding determination. The pursuit played out, a relentless dance where the gap between hunter and hunted steadily diminished. Its lithe form allowed it to rapidly bridge the gap, steadily closing the distance between predator and prey.

In a calculated maneuver, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) employed its agility to ascend the tree branches, positioning itself above for an advantageous strike. Biding its time, it chose the opportune moment to descend upon its quarry once more. As the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) sprinted frantically, the chaos causing it to overlook a hidden rock on the ground, a stumble that briefly impeded its escape. Despite recovering swiftly, that minor delay was sufficient for the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) to gain ground. Seizing the moment, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) leapt from the branches, its intent clear as it aimed to utilize its sharp appendages for an aggressive assault.

Contact was made, and the forest floor bore witness to their struggle. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) writhed, its efforts to escape matched by the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx)'s resolve to maintain its hold. The Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) weight bore down, its teeth and claws poised to engage in a deadly duel. Its teeth found their mark, clamping onto the Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) back.

But luckily for the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), its resilience was evident as its protective exterior thwarted the initial assault. However, this armor was formidable but not impenetrable. Its regenerative abilities were designed to mend wounds and restore damaged scales over time, but this capacity was closely tied to its stamina. A prolonged battle could exhaust its regenerative powers, potentially leaving its vulnerable interior exposed. Such a vulnerability now manifested as the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) persistence began to wear down the Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) defenses.

In a fervent bid to breach the Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) defenses, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) persisted, its determination unyielding. Yet, amidst this struggle, a sudden turn of events unfolded. With a swift, calculated move, the Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) tail struck the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx)'s head, prompting a momentary flinch. Seizing this opportune moment, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) rolled and twisted, evading the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) grasp and breaking free from its hold. Backing away, it created a gap, a space that allowed it to recuperate and regain its dwindling stamina.

A venomous hiss escaped the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) lips, an expression of its mounting frustration. In a final surge of determination, it lunged once again, but this time, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) altered its response. It curled into a defensive ball, a shield against the impending strike. A temporary safeguard, although it recognized the limitation of this form, knowing that it couldn't sustain this state indefinitely. The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) launched itself with unwavering force, colliding with the Yoroi Urokemono's (Ironscale Armadillo) ball-like form. The impact was forceful, propelling the protective sphere with great speed. It ricocheted off tree branches, an erratic path that eventually led it to collide against a cavern wall, a sound resonating through the surroundings.

This unexpected collision stirred a dormant presence within the cave's depths, rousing a creature from its slumber, a malevolent entity stirred to life by this unforeseen disturbance. From the shadows, another creature emerged from the darkness, a Kurokama (Obsidian Bear). possessed a presence that demanded attention. Its obsidian fur glimmered like a sea caught in moonlight, its massive frame exuding an air of robust power. Muscles coiled beneath its thick coat, offering a sense of strength that was both undeniable and understated. Eyes resembling molten gold emanated an aura of animalistic intelligence, a testament to its seasoned survival within the forest's depths.

The Kurokama (Obsidian Bear), awakened from its slumber by the disturbance, assessed the scene that lay before it. Its gaze fell upon the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), the unwitting cause of its disrupted rest. Contemplation ensued, as the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear) weighed its options, deliberating what course of action to pursue. Were the intruder a mere small creature, the beast might have retreated back to its den, resuming its slumber without a second thought. However, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) stood as no trivial creature—it was a substantial meal, capable of satiating the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear)'s insistent hunger. Days had passed since the beast last ate, and now it felt the pangs of starvation keenly. With this in mind, the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear) roared, a formidable sound that reverberated with power. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), just having unfurled from its protective ball form, was startled by this thunderous announcement. In contrast, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), observing from a distance, simply watched its potential competitor.

Caught between two imposing predators, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) found itself in an unenviable position. The odds seemed stacked against it, leaving it in an almost unescapable scenario. Without warning, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) sprang into action, fleeing with every ounce of strength it could muster. The ironclad creature propelled itself forward with a burst of speed, aiming to build enough momentum to enact its escape using the protective ball form, an accelerated roll that would grant it a critical edge. Under normal circumstances, such a tactic might not have been its primary choice, as evidenced earlier in the face of a single predator. But the presence of two relentless hunters altered the equation, leaving the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) little option but to resort to this drastic maneuver. While effective in enhancing its velocity, this strategy came with drawbacks. The energy expended would rapidly drain its stamina, thereby diminishing the regenerative capabilities of its formidable exterior.

The Kurokama (Obsidian Bear), defying its bulky build, proved unexpectedly swift in its pursuit of the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo). Its sizable form did not hinder its agility, allowing it to maintain its relentless pursuit without losing sight of its quarry. Meanwhile, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) continued its chase, keeping a safe distance from the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear), fully aware of the perils of exposing itself to a potential rival. The Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) instincts steered it to remain hidden, as the presence of another predator demanded caution.

Both predators continued their advance, their target fixed solely on the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo). The ironclad creature maintained its rolling evasion, putting distance between itself and its pursuers. Abruptly, it collided with a chain-link fence, the impact resounding through the air. Stunned momentarily, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) swiftly recovered, resuming its flight with a renewed determination to revert to its protective ball form. Despite its fatigue, it persevered, its survival instincts propelling it forward.

As time wore on, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) transformed once again into its ball state, executing a calculated maneuver. It circled back, targeting the same weakened section of the chain-link fence. The collision inflicted substantial damage, but the fence still clung to its structure, stubbornly resisting the onslaught. However, it was clear that a single, forceful push could spell its demise. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) repeated the charge twice more, each impact gnawing away at the fence's integrity.

In the midst of this intense standoff, the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear) continued its ground-based pursuit, while the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) utilized the treetops, maintaining a position above the fray. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), now poised for its final attempt, propelled itself toward the fence with all its might, speed, and weight converging into one critical moment.

In its final bid for escape, the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) gathered every ounce of remaining energy. With a resounding roar that echoed through the forest, it surged forward, striking the chain-link fence with incredible force. The impact reverberated, a decisive blow that finally shattered the weakened barrier. The Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) burst through, emerging beyond the confines that had ensnared it.

- Earlier With Daisuke, Takuya, and Naoto -

The trio's footsteps resounded with urgency as they made their way toward the origin of the peculiar sound, a shared determination to uncover the truth fueling their steps. The journey was not brief, the distance stretching out before them, but their resolve remained unwavering. Upon reaching their destination, their eyes fell upon the damage to the chain-link fence, an unmistakable sign that some force had collided with it. The metal bore the indents of a powerful impact, its once-rigid structure now twisted and compromised. Focused on the task at hand, they weighed their options, contemplating their next move. Daisuke emerged as the guiding voice, proposing the need to notify the Hokage without delay. The importance of containing whatever lay within the forest echoed in his words.

However, before they could finalize their strategy, the ground beneath them shuddered, a portent of approaching danger. Their awareness sharpened, three substantial chakra signatures drawing nearer. Swiftly, both Daisuke and Takuya identified the three figures rushing toward them, while Naoto, caught off guard, spun around only slightly too late. The chain-link fence succumbed to the onslaught, a breach that offered escape to the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo), Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), and the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear).

Takuya's reflexes proved crucial in the impending chaos. With a timely warning, he dove into action, pushing Naoto to safety and preventing the Yoroi Urokemono (Ironscale Armadillo) from becoming a grim ornament on the ground. Naoto's vision cleared to a scene of destruction; the trail left behind by the creatures painting a vivid picture of their rampage. Takuya's figure emerged, dirt-streaked and worn, a testament to his timely intervention.

"Are you alright?" Takuya inquired; his voice laced with concern.

"Yeah..." came Naoto's reply, shaky but steady.

"Good" Takuya retorted.

"T-Thanks for saving me there..." Naoto acknowledged.

"Don't mention it... Guess we're even now," Takuya responded, a nod exchanged between them.

They picked themselves up, dusting off the remnants of the encounter, their attention then drawn to the gaping hole torn in the chain-link fence. It was an emblem of chaos and freedom, a path forged by the trio of creatures, an indelible mark of force.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the three of them understood the paramount importance of reporting this incident to the Hokage. The path ahead was clear; they had to relay this newfound threat as swiftly as possible.

(A/N: Hope you liked this set-up for the next chapter/s, it was kinda hard to come up with creatures that might live in the forest of death, if any of you remember the spider wolf from the beginning yea that also took time to come up with, I'll also change its name so that its cooler lmao. I also added a barrier on top of the 44th Training Grounds to make it more secure and whatnot. This chapter is a set-up for a joint mission so yea, good luck to me on that since this would technically be my first time writing a joint mission chapter/s. Regardless, thank you for the continued support, just reached 110k views and almost to 400 on favorites. I just wish I do a good enough job so that in the future, the fandom would consider this fic a classic per se. To the point where they'd be like:

"Yo dude, I'm looking for a Naruto fic, got any recommendations?..."

"Ayooo, I gotchy my guy, this fic by Ahkiraa is pretty good, you should def give it a try!"

"Ohh sweet! Thanks man!"

"Don't mention it!"

Kinda like that HAHA. Tell me if I made any text errors like repeating stuff or unformated terms and shit. Regardless, I love ya and take care! Cheers! ^^)