DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (THIS IS THE 48TH TIME I'VE SAID THAT I DON'T OWN NARUTO, HOW MUCH HIGHER CAN WE GET?)

Ch.47 - Animal Control II

- With Team 7 -

(When All 3 Teams Split Up)

As the three teams ventured in different directions, Team 7 diligently pursued the trail of the elusive Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). Despite their concerted efforts and covering substantial ground, the tracks inexplicably dissolved into thin air, leaving them at an impasse. They now faced a formidable challenge, with the trail's abrupt disappearance making their task arduous, if not seemingly impossible. While they knew the creature's last known direction, blindly following this lead would prove unwise and wasteful. Various factors could have altered the target's course, and it was plausible that the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) had veered toward an entirely different location, as suggested by sightings reported by other Konoha (Hidden Leaf) shinobi. Mindlessly pursuing the given lead would inevitably result in inefficiency and squandered time.

"Hmmm... The tracks stop here," Kakashi murmured.

"What a drag... Can this mission get any worse?" Shikamaru complained, his irritation palpable.

Sasuke felt a twinge of annoyance hearing Shikamaru's complaint yet again. Despite being on the same team for quite some time, he still struggled to acclimate to Shikamaru's constant bellyaching. Hinata, on the other hand, remained a source of tranquility for Sasuke, her silent and passive demeanor providing a welcome contrast to Shikamaru's incessant griping.

In Sasuke's mind: "Shut the hell up, Shikamaru..."

Team 7 found themselves trapped in their current location, unable to proceed until they either uncovered fresh tracks or devised a new method to continue tracking their target. After a brief pause, Sasuke conceived an idea that might assist them in their pursuit.

"Sharingan (Copy/Mirror Wheel Eye)," he muttered, activating his clan's doujutsu to detect any lingering traces of chakra left by the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). Despite his efforts, Sasuke couldn't discern any traces in their immediate surroundings.

In Sasuke's mind: "No traces anywhere..."

"It's no use, Sasuke. Any residual chakra in the area has likely dissipated by now," Kakashi remarked, noticing Sasuke's frustration. Sasuke ceased his attempts upon hearing their sensei's assessment that his efforts would ultimately prove fruitless.

Following Sasuke's unsuccessful attempt to find a lead, Hinata gathered her courage and proposed an idea. With a nervous voice, she spoke up, suggesting, "K-Kakashi-sensei... M-Maybe I could use my Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) t-to search the area. P-Perhaps we can locate o-our target that w-way." Kakashi acknowledged the potential of her idea but pointed out the limitation that it depended on their target being within her Byakugan's (All Seeing White Eye) range.

Shikamaru added his perspective, saying, "That might work, but that's like finding a needle in a haystack. We also need to consider the strain prolonged use of your doujutsu would put on you."

"Oh... I understand..." Hinata replied, disappointment evident in her tone.

Seeing Hinata's disappointment, Kakashi reassured her by placing a hand on her shoulder. He then revealed that he had a plan for situations like these. Performing a series of hand seals and a summoning jutsu,

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)" said Kakashi as he slammed the palm of his hand on the ground, markings began to materialize on the ground followed by the sudden appearance of a cloud of smoke. Moments later, the smoke dissipated which revealed a small brown dog wearing a blue vest, and a hitai-ate with the insignia of Konoha (Hidden Leaf).

"Everyone, meet Pakkun," Kakashi announced, with Shikamaru and Sasuke intrigued by the summon and Hinata fascinated by the talking dog's appearance.

Pakkun, noticing Hinata's stare, teased her, "Haven't your parents taught you that staring is rude?"

"EEP..." Hinata exclaimed, immediately covering her mouth.

"What? Is this your first time seeing a talking dog?" Pakkun asked, apologizing for startling her.

Ignoring the banter, Kakashi explained the situation to Pakkun and directed him to the last tracks left by the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx).

"I'll handle it," Pakkun assured, sniffing the tracks to memorize the scent while the team observed. Sasuke, curious, asked Pakkun about tracking a scent from old tracks.

"Oi... Relax, kid. I'm a professional. You don't see me questioning your skills, do you?..." Pakkun retorted, silencing Sasuke, though irked decided to let it go and watch Pakkun work.

After a while of sniffing around, Pakkun caught a whiff of the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) scent. He promptly informed Kakashi, who then instructed his students to follow Pakkun as he led the way to their quarry. Team 7 traversed the forest once again, this time following Kakashi's summon through the dense vegetation. They covered another substantial amount of ground, and soon, a large structure loomed in the distance. It was a decrepit castle, clearly past its prime due to nature's wear and years of neglect.

"So that's where the bugger's hiding," Pakkun remarked.

Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Hinata gazed at the imposing structure, amazed at its size – a castle that seemed at least thirty stories high. Despite its dilapidated appearance, it stood tall, defying the odds of collapsing with a mere breeze.

"W-What is this place?..." Hinata asked.

"Hakafurano Castle," Kakashi replied.

"Y-You've been here before, K-Kakashi-sensei?..." Hinata inquired.

"No, but I've heard of it. There are many rumors about it, but that's a story for another time. Right now, let's focus on finding our target. We should pick up the pace before we lose them again. Pakkun, you know what to do," Kakashi instructed, prompting Pakkun to quicken the pace and signaling for his students to keep up.

- Near Hakafurano Castle -

As they approached the castle, its grandeur became more apparent. The ground shifted from dirt to stone, leading them to the castle's entrance. Moss-covered walls showed signs of decay, with vegetation reclaiming its place around the castle grounds.

Reaching the courtyard entrance, they found the gates missing, granting them easy access. The eerie wind added to the castle's atmosphere, heightening the sense of unease.

"Pakkun, see if you can still smell the scent inside the castle," Kakashi requested. Pakkun sniffed again and confirmed the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) presence. Kakashi then advised his students to stick together and be alert given the fact that their target was the most elusive out of the three escaped animals, as well as the fact that the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) excels in being sneaky and stealthy.

As Team 7 traversed the dilapidated courtyard, they were met with a scene of decay and neglect. Mounds of rubble lay scattered amidst overgrown plants, and the remnants of broken wood were strewn about haphazardly. Kakashi led the way, his experienced eye noting the precarious state of the castle's exterior.

Approaching the steps leading to the main entrance, Kakashi took the first tentative step. The aged wood groaned beneath his weight, a disquieting prelude to what lay ahead. Undeterred, he pressed on, only to have a floorboard give way beneath his foot. With a sharp crack, Kakashi's foot plunged through the steps, a stark reminder of the castle's crumbling infrastructure.

"Watch your step," Kakashi cautioned his students, his voice tinged with concern. He extricated his foot from the gap and proceeded cautiously, his senses alert to any further signs of instability. Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Hinata followed suit, their footsteps measured and deliberate as they avoided the weakened sections of the stairs.

Reaching the entrance, Kakashi reached for the door handles. With a firm grip, he attempted to open the door, only to have the handle snap off in his hand. Frustration momentarily clouded his expression before he composed himself, discarding the broken handle and trying the other door.

Inside, they entered a vast chamber that served as the castle's lobby. A grand staircase ascended before them, leading to the upper levels where their mission awaited. Directly above hung a majestic cage-like chandelier, its crystals catching the faint light that filtered through the castle's windows. A gentle breeze stirred within, causing the chandelier to sway ever so slightly, its chain emitting a soft, ominous creak.

"I suggest that all of you avoid standing underneath the chandelier," Kakashi advised, his gaze fixed on the precarious fixture above. The reminder of the castle's deteriorating state weighed heavily on their minds as they prepared to venture deeper into its ancient halls.

My apologies for overlooking your instruction. Let's maintain the dialogue as is and focus on enhancing the narrative around it:

Before they ventured further into the castle's depths, Kakashi assembled his team, flanked by the faithful Pakkun, to devise a plan to ensnare their elusive target, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). Amidst the looming shadows of the ancient fortress, Kakashi briefed them on the intelligence they had acquired.

"Listen up," Kakashi's voice cut through the silence, his gaze resting on each member of his team in turn. "Hinata, your Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) will serve as our eyes. Keep our target within your sight at all times and remain vigilant against any threats. Shikamaru, your shadow techniques will be crucial. Be ready to restrain our quarry at a moment's notice. And Sasuke," Kakashi turned to the stoic figure beside him, "you'll provide backup. Keep watch over your teammates and use these." With a subtle gesture, Kakashi passed a vial of potent sedatives to Sasuke, a silent testament to his trust in the young shinobi's abilities.

"When Shikamaru has the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) restrained, it's up to us to sedate it," Kakashi continued, his tone firm. "You're a good shot, Sasuke. Don't miss." A nod of determination from Sasuke affirmed his understanding, eliciting a rare smile from their sensei.

With their roles defined and their resolve strengthened, Kakashi signaled for their advance. Pakkun, ever loyal, resumed his pursuit of the elusive scent, guiding the team deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the castle. Yet uncertainty lingered as they ascended, the maze of levels and passages obscuring their path.

Undeterred by the ambiguity surrounding their quarry's whereabouts, Team 7 pressed onward, their senses sharp and their spirits unwavering. Hinata, her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) piercing the darkness, remained vigilant, a silent sentinel against unseen threats. As they ascended to the upper reaches of the fortress, anticipation coursed through their veins, ready to spring into action at the first sign of their prey.

On the 39th floor, impatience gnawed at them as the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) continued to evade their grasp. But then, a disturbance echoed from above, signaling their target's presence. With swift precision, Kakashi dispatched Pakkun to pursue the fleeing scent, the rest of the team following in their summon's wake.

Ascending to the 40th floor, they were met with a corridor stretching endlessly before them, doors lining its walls like silent sentinels. Without a word, Kakashi's gaze met Hinata's, a silent understanding passing between them. With a determined nod, Hinata stepped forward, her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) ablaze with purpose as she prepared to uncover the secrets concealed within the castle's depths.

"Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye)!" Hinata's voice rang out with determination, punctuated by the activation of her clan's legendary doujutsu. Veins pulsed around her eyes as she peered into the depths of the castle's chambers, her gaze searching for any sign of their elusive quarry, Yami.

As her heightened vision swept across the rooms, Hinata's keen senses detected a distortion in one of them. Something obscured her view, a mysterious anomaly that stirred a sense of unease within her. Though the Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) granted her remarkable clarity, it could not pierce through all forms of concealment, leaving her frustrated by its limitations.

Relaying her findings to the team, Kakashi turned to Pakkun, their trusty tracker, hoping for confirmation from another perspective. Yet, despite Pakkun's acute sense of smell, the room yielded no scent, leaving them with no choice but to investigate further. With a solemn nod, Kakashi led the team towards the enigmatic chamber, caution hanging heavy in the air as they approached.

Instructing his students to stand back, Kakashi cautiously pushed open the door, revealing a dark empty room strewn with debris. Disappointment mingled with confusion as they found no trace of their target amidst the cluttered expanse.

"Nothing..." Kakashi's voice was laced with frustration as he surveyed the barren room.

"I-I-I swear I saw something in t-this room, K-Kakashi-sensei..." Hinata's words trembled with uncertainty, her disappointment evident.

"Don't worry about it, Hinata. It's alright, we just have to keep searching," Kakashi reassured her, his expression softening with understanding. Before he could offer further consolation, Shikamaru's voice broke the silence, drawing their attention to an unexpected revelation.

"Kakashi-sensei, you might want to see this," Shikamaru called out, pointing towards a series of deep claw marks gouged into the wall.

Approaching the marks, Kakashi's senses were heightened as he ran his fingers over the jagged grooves. The rough texture beneath his touch indicated that the marks were recent, sparking a sense of urgency within the team. Before they could fully comprehend the implications of their discovery, a sudden movement shattered the stillness.

"LOOK OUT!" Hinata's voice rang out, clear and resolute, as a pair of glowing eyes emerged from the shadows, hurtling towards them with deadly intent. Reacting with lightning reflexes, Kakashi and Shikamaru dodged the attack, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike as Yami's claws sliced through the air. Yami then landed and skidded across the wooden floor, its claws scratching the ground and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Yami's hostility was palpable as it stared down Team 7, its sharp fangs gleaming menacingly. With a poised stance, it waited for the opportune moment to strike, every muscle tensed for action. In response, Team 7 remained resolute, their unwavering gaze fixed on their target, ready to react at a moment's notice. Kakashi's glance towards Shikamaru served as a silent cue, prompting his student to execute their plan. With swift hand seals, Shikamaru initiated one of his clan's techniques.

"Hijutsu: Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)", Shikamaru said as his shadow snaked towards the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) in an attempt to ensnare it. Yet, the creature proved too agile, effortlessly evading the shadow's grasp.

As the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) lunged towards Shikamaru, he attempted to sidestep, only to find himself momentarily immobilized as his foot plunged through the dilapidated floor. Before disaster could strike, Kakashi intervened, seizing hold of the beast's hindleg and hurling it aside, shielding Shikamaru from harm. Seizing the opportunity, Shikamaru swiftly freed himself and regrouped with his team, while the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) landed gracefully, poised for another attack.

A deafening roar pierced the air, stunning Team 7 momentarily as they instinctively covered their ears. As the reverberations faded, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) launched itself at Kakashi once more, its claws slashing through the air. Kakashi deflected the onslaught with a well-placed kunai, but the creature was undeterred. With a fluid motion, it scaled the room's walls, disappearing into a crevice in the ceiling.

"Pakkun, go!" Kakashi commanded, and his faithful companion wasted no time in pursuit, with Team 7 close behind, determined to confront the feral menace and emerge victorious from the depths of the ruined castle.

The chase intensified as Team 7 pursued the elusive Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) through the labyrinthine corridors of the decrepit castle. With Pakkun leading the way, they navigated the treacherous terrain with a blend of speed and caution, mindful of the unstable structure around them.

As Yami came back into view, Sasuke unleashed a volley of shurikens, aiming to halt its escape. However, the creature's agility proved too much, and most of the projectiles missed their mark. Recognizing the limitations of their surroundings, Sasuke refrained from using any jutsus, unwilling to risk further damage to the already precarious castle.

Suddenly, Yami let out another deafening roar, but this time, it had a twist. Five identical copies of the feral creature materialized, confusing Team 7 as they struggled to discern the real Yami amidst the illusion. Undeterred, they pressed on, determined to overcome this new challenge.

Kakashi and Sasuke coordinated another attack, hurling projectiles at the copies in an attempt to narrow down their options. Though many missed, a few managed to dispel two of the illusions, leaving three remaining. With the numbers reduced, Kakashi quickly formulated a plan, instructing his team to split up into pairs to pursue the remaining copies.

Without hesitation, Hinata found herself paired with Shikamaru, while Sasuke teamed up with Pakkun. Left alone, Kakashi remained undaunted, trusting in his own abilities to handle the situation.

With each pair venturing into separate rooms, the hunt for the true Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) continued, the stakes higher than ever as Team 7 raced against time to confront their quarry and bring an end to the chaotic chase within the dilapidated castle.

- With Pakkun and Sasuke -

As the sun bathed the dilapidated castle ruins in its warm glow, Sasuke and Pakkun found themselves deep within its decaying walls, on the 43rd level. Heavy pants escaped their lips, adrenaline surged through their veins, fueling their pursuit of the elusive Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). It had led them on a dizzying chase through the labyrinthine corridors, leaving them breathless yet determined.

"Sasuke, keep up!" Pakkun's bark echoed, his stout legs propelling him forward with furious bounds.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, his Sharingan (Copy/Mirror Wheel Eye) piercing the darkness for any sign of their prey. With a burst of chakra, he surged forward, matching Pakkun's pace. Tension hung thick in the air as they raced through the castle's twisting passages.

The wooden floorboards groaned ominously beneath their feet, threatening collapse with each step. Pakkun's keen senses caught a flicker of movement ahead, prompting a low growl and a nod of understanding from Sasuke. They quickened their pace, urgency lending wings to their pursuit.

Yami darted around a corner, claws scrabbling against the wooden floor as it scrambled for escape. Sasuke and Pakkun followed suit, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls. They closed in on their quarry, victory within grasp.

But then, with a sudden swerve, the creature vanished into a side chamber, leaving Sasuke skidding to a halt, his heart pounding in his chest. Pakkun sniffed the air, his senses on high alert.

"That way," Pakkun growled, his hackles raised.

Without hesitation, the feral beast leaped through an open window, disappearing into the bright daylight beyond. Sasuke and Pakkun bounded after it, the wind whipping against their faces as they hurtled through the air.

Outside the castle walls, high above the ground, they spotted the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) leaping from one balcony to another. Determined not to let their target escape, Sasuke and Pakkun gave chase. But as they pursued, they realized they were running out of options. Yami, fearless in its flight, made a daring leap from the balcony, defying the height that threatened its demise. With claws prepared for impact, it gripped the wooden walls, momentarily sliding before regaining control and disappearing into a hole.

"Damnit... We can't let that bugger get away... Oi, kid. Got any ideas?" Pakkun's question hung in the air, met by Sasuke's silent contemplation as he weighed their options.

In Sasuke's mind: "Come on, think... Think."

Surveying their surroundings, Sasuke's gaze landed on a protruding piece of wood from the castle's walls, sparking an idea.

In Sasuke's mind: "I got it."

"Pakkun, get on my back and hold on tight," he commanded his sensei's summon.

With seamless coordination, Pakkun leaped onto Sasuke's back as he performed a familiar set of hand seals. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)," Sasuke whispered. A clone materialized ahead, ready to assist in executing their plan.

Utilizing his clone's outstretched hand as a foothold, Sasuke propelled himself into the air, reaching for the piece of wood to swing across the chasm. The risky maneuver paid off as they sailed through the air, landing safely on the lower balcony.

Re-entering the castle, they scanned for their quarry. There! The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) wove through the rubble, heading deeper inside.

Gritting his teeth, Sasuke's hand darted to his pouch, retrieving his shurikens. With practiced precision, he hurled them towards the fleeing target, determination driving each throw. One found its mark, sinking deep into the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) side.

But to their dismay, the creature shimmered, dissipating into thin air. Sasuke and Pakkun skidded to a halt, chests heaving with exertion.

"Tchhh... It was just a clone..." Sasuke muttered, frustration evident in his tone.

- With Kakashi -

The early morning sun cast long, angular shadows across the worn wooden floors of the ruined castle as Kakashi pursued the elusive Kageneko (Umbral Lynx). Every sense heightened, Kakashi's body was a coiled spring, ready to unleash at a moment's notice as he navigated the treacherous corridors of the 31st level.

Yami, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), moved with an agility that seemed almost supernatural, its lithe form disappearing around corners with a grace that belied its feral nature. Without a moment's hesitation, Kakashi spotted Yami darting through a small hole in the ceiling, and he wasted no time in following, his steps barely registering on the aged floorboards as he ascended in hot pursuit.

With a burst of speed, Kakashi propelled himself off a crumbling wall, using the momentum to vault through the narrow opening above. Landing deftly on the upper level, he rolled smoothly to his feet, his gaze locked on his elusive quarry as he continued the chase.

Ahead, Yami scrambled up a series of uneven steps, its claws scraping against the ancient wood with a frantic urgency. Kakashi followed suit, his movements fluid and precise as he bounded from step to step with the grace of a seasoned acrobat.

Reaching the top, Kakashi spotted Yami disappearing through a small opening in the wall. Determination etched into his features, he launched himself off the edge, his hand grasping onto the crumbling ledge with an iron grip.

With a powerful swing, Kakashi hoisted himself up onto the ledge, his muscles straining against the weight as he pulled himself over the edge. Landing lithely on the other side, he rolled smoothly to his feet, his eyes locked on his target as he resumed the pursuit without missing a beat.

Ahead, Yami darted around a corner, its form flickering in the dim light. With the precision of a seasoned warrior, Kakashi retrieved a kunai from his pouch, his fingers wrapping around the familiar handle with practiced familiarity.

With a swift motion, he hurled the kunai towards the creature, the metal glinting as it sliced through the air. For a heartbeat, it seemed as though the weapon might miss its mark, but at the last possible instant, it struck true, embedding itself deep in Yami's back.

The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) stopped dead in its tracks, its form flickering as if struggling to maintain its shape before finally dissipating into nothingness. Kakashi landed gracefully on the ground, his chest heaving with exertion as he surveyed the scene before him.

But his triumph was short-lived. As the echoes of the chase faded away, Kakashi realized with a sinking feeling that his target had been nothing more than a clone, a clever illusion meant to deceive him.

- With Hinata and Shikamaru -

"Hinata, can you see where the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) went?" Shikamaru's voice pierced the tense atmosphere as they reached a junction on the 23rd level of the castle. Hinata nodded, activating her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) to its full extent, scanning their surroundings with intense focus.

After a moment of concentration, Hinata's eyes widened in realization. "T-There it is, I s-see it," she said, spotting the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) three levels below them. Without hesitation, Shikamaru nodded. "Let's go," he said firmly, following Hinata's lead.

As Hinata and Shikamaru pursued the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx), their chase led them to a section of the castle where the floors were crumbling and unstable. With each step, they treaded carefully, wary of potential dangers lurking beneath their feet.

Suddenly, they reached a gap in the floor, a wide chasm separating them from their quarry. Without hesitation, Hinata and Shikamaru exchanged a determined glance before leaping forward, adrenaline pumping through their veins as they soared through the air.

But as they landed on the other side, the weakened floor beneath Hinata's feet gave way with a loud crack, sending her tumbling towards the edge of the precipice. With a gasp of fear, she reached out desperately, fingers grasping at thin air as she teetered on the brink of disaster.

"HINATA!" Shikamaru's heart raced as he watched her near fall, his mind scrambling for a solution.

Springing into action, he extended his shadow with lightning speed, manipulating it into a makeshift rope. "Hinata, grab on!" he shouted urgently, hurling the shadow rope towards her. With a cry of relief, Hinata managed to catch hold of it just in time, clinging to it with all her strength as she dangled over the edge.

With a grunt of effort, Shikamaru pulled her back to safety, muscles straining as he anchored the shadow rope securely. Hinata breathed a sigh of relief as she scrambled back onto solid ground, heart still racing with adrenaline.

"T-Thank you, S-Shikamaru," she murmured gratefully, looking up at him with a mixture of awe and relief.

Shikamaru nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Don't mention it," he replied casually, despite the gravity of the situation. "We still have a target to catch, remember?" With renewed determination, Hinata and Shikamaru continued their pursuit.

As they pressed forward, unwavering in their resolve, a familiar voice called out from behind them. "Hinata, Shikamaru." It was Kakashi, accompanied by Pakkun and Sasuke, who had managed to navigate their way through the labyrinthine corridors to regroup.

Relief flooded both Shikamaru and Hinata as they turned to greet their teammates. With Hinata's Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) still active, she scanned their surroundings for any signs of danger. "K-Kakashi-sensei, we've located t-the K-Kageneko (Umbral Lynx)," she reported nervously, the adrenaline from her near-fatal encounter still lingering.

With this new information, Team 7 now knew where to go to confront their target once more. But before they could set off, Kakashi devised a new plan, outlining each of their roles. With a shared sense of purpose, the group pressed on, footsteps echoing as they followed Hinata's lead towards the west wing of the castle.

As they reached the west wing, they found their elusive target once more. Despite their efforts, the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) slipped away again, leading them on a chase that brought them back to the lobby. But as they arrived, their target vanished, replaced by a deafening roar that incapacitated them once more.

Yami lunged from the shadows, claws ready to strike. The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) made contact with Kakashi, only to disperse into smoke. "NOW, SHIKAMARU!" Kakashi yelled, prompting his student to complete the hand seals for his jutsu.

"Hijutsu: Kagemane no Jutsu (Hidden Jutsu: Shadow Imitation Technique)," said Shikamaru as his shadow swiftly slithered towards the Kageneko's (Umbral Lynx) shadow, paralyzing their quarry and rendering it unable to move. "SASUKE!" commanded Kakashi, prompting Sasuke to hurl a kunai at the chain attaching the chandelier to the ceiling. With a crash, the chandelier plummeted down onto the trapped Kageneko (Umbral Lynx).

A thunderous noise reverberated through the chamber as the heavy chandelier crashed down, kicking up a large cloud of dust. Visibility became scarce, making it difficult to ascertain the success of their plan. Kakashi ordered Hinata to investigate, activating her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) once more. Through her heightened vision, she saw a chakra signature trapped inside a cage. The plan had worked—the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) was securely captured within the cage-like chandelier.

Kakashi exchanged a glance with Sasuke, signaling their next move. The Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) struggled to break free from the confines of the cage-like chandelier, but its efforts ceased as sedative senbons bombarded it, rendering it still.

"Good work, everyone. All we need to do now is seal the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) inside a scroll, and then we can finally leave this place. I doubt this entire castle will remain intact for much longer," Kakashi remarked to his students. They all nodded, sighing in relief at the successful completion of their mission.

- Moments Later -

After Kakashi sealed the Kageneko (Umbral Lynx) inside a scroll to store its unconscious body, he beckoned for his students as it was time for them to leave the castle's chambers. Kakashi led the way once more, and they all made their way towards the door again. However, as Kakashi reached for the door handle, it unexpectedly got yanked off the door with ease, prompting Kakashi to sigh in response.

(A/N: Hallowww! I'm not Ahkiraa lmao (I'm his cousin and I asked him if I could write the author's notes on this one and he reluctantly agreed lol). I hope that all of you enjoyed reading this chapter he wrote. My cousin has been through a rough patch lately and I hope that you can cut him some slack, though I know that he will do his best to deliver but then again sometimes people need to prioritize some things first. Anyhow, enough rambling and that's all I have to say lol. Always stay safe 33)