DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (YES, IT HAS BEEN A WHILE. AND NO, I STILL DON'T OWN NARUTO)
Ch.47 - Animal Control III
- With Team 10 -
(When All 3 Teams Split Up)
After parting ways with the other teams, Team 10, under the leadership of Asuma, diligently pursued the trail of Gouzan, the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear), based on information provided by fellow Konoha (Hidden Leaf) shinobi. Following indications that Gouzan had headed eastward, the team pressed forward, eventually encountering unmistakable signs of the creature's passage: massive tracks, uprooted vegetation, and a swath of destruction carving through the forest.
Navigating through the dense foliage east of Konoha (Hidden Leaf), Team 10 reviewed their strategy, ensuring seamless coordination among them. Consensus formed around Naruto's plan, recognized for its strategic soundness tailored to their collective abilities.
Making swift progress, the team observed escalating devastation as they advanced. Asuma directed Shino to deploy swarms of insects for reconnaissance, confirming their proximity to their quarry.
Mindful of their mission's urgency, Asuma postponed a discussion on the Chunin Exams that had been on his mind. Aware of the Hokage's preparations and the possibility of delays due to logistical challenges in other participating villages, he opted to broach the topic after completing their current objective.
- Somewhere East of Konoha -
As their team trudged through the dense foliage, Asuma's familiarity with the surroundings became palpable. It was as if the whispers of the woods were guiding him, leading him back to a place he had once traversed. With a knowing gleam in his eyes, he decided to disclose the destination to his students—a village nestled within the embrace of a colossal crater.
The revelation sparked a symphony of awe from his students, particularly the two blondes among them. In silence, Shino absorbed the information, his curiosity simmering beneath his composed exterior.
"Whoaaa!..." exclaimed both blondes in unison, their voices harmonizing with the rustle of leaves, while Shino observed quietly, his mind a hive of intrigue.
For Naruto, the newfound knowledge ignited a fire of curiosity within him. "Ne, Asuma-sensei, what's that place called?..." he inquired, his blue eyes brimming with wonder.
"Hmmm... I think it's called Kakogakure (Hidden Crater Village) or something?... Remembering names isn't really my strong suit," Asuma replied with a chuckle, his hand rubbing the back of his head in an endearing gesture.
Naruto seized the opportunity for a playful jab. "Don't tell me you also forgot our names, Asuma-sensei..."
Asuma's laughter echoed through the trees. "Of course not! What kind of teacher would I be if I forgot the names of my dear students?"
Naruto challenged him to prove it, goading his sensei with mischievous intent. "Fine, the one with the glasses is Aburame Shino, the blonde girl beside you is Yamanaka Ino, and you're uhhh..."
Asuma paused, relishing the moment. "Ehhh?!... Oh come on... You know my name Asuma-sensei, quit playing around..."
With a feigned look of contemplation, Asuma teased, "Ahhh! Now I remember, you're name is Haruto Noriaki! Did I get it right?"
Naruto's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Ha... Ha... Very funny, Asuma-sensei..."
Ino couldn't contain her laughter at the exchange, her amusement dancing in her eyes. "Ohhh... Did I get it wrong?... My bad, uhhh..."
She interjected with a mischievous grin, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Asuma sensei, but I believe his name is Moroto Uchimaki," further provoking Naruto's ire.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto, remember it, all of you! In the future, you'll be hearing that name a lot," Naruto declared proudly, a spark of determination igniting within him.
Asuma chuckled softly, recognizing the latent potential within his spirited student. "Whatever you say, Moroto," he teased, his gaze alight with confidence in Naruto's abilities.
"Whatever floats your boat, Ino-pig," Naruto retorted with a grin, their banter echoing through the forest as they pressed onward.
- Moments Later -
After a tumultuous journey fraught with bickering and banter, the two blondes, Ino and Naruto, found themselves finally nearing their destination. A place with a name that sounded like a distant memory but was yet to be explored by them – Kakogakure (Hidden Crater Village). Asuma, their seasoned and bearded jounin (elite ninja) sensei, led them closer to the rim of the crater where the village nestled, its abandoned yet intact structures speaking volumes of a forgotten era.
As they stood overlooking the crater, the village below seemed to evoke a sense of nostalgia in Asuma, as if he had been transported back to a time when the place bustled with life. The remnants of a once-thriving community lay before them, telling stories of a bygone era where people from all walks of life mingled amidst the chaos of war.
"That right there, that's Kakogakure (Hidden Crater Village)," Asuma announced, pointing towards the village below, his voice carrying a tinge of reverence for the history that lay beneath.
Inquisitive as ever, Ino couldn't help but voice her curiosity. "How come we've never heard of this village before, Asuma-sensei?"
Asuma, with the air of someone well-versed in history, enlightened his students. "Well, I'm using the term 'village' quite loosely here. It was a defunct village, only active during the warring states period, if I'm not mistaken. It retained its name for tourism purposes, much like Yugakure (Hidden Steam Village)."
Satisfied with the explanation, Ino nodded, absorbing the newfound knowledge eagerly.
"I can tell all of you more about it later," Asuma continued, "but right now, we have a bear to catch. Shino, send out more of your swa–"
A sudden interruption halted Asuma's words as a deafening roar echoed from the distance, accompanied by the ominous sound of crumbling structures. Their attention drawn downward, they witnessed a scene straight out of a wilderness saga: a massive dust cloud billowing, and from its depths emerged a wild boar, racing desperately for safety. Hot on its heels, a colossal bear with fur as black as midnight pursued its prey with lethal determination.
"Whoa... Gouzan's much bigger than I expected," Naruto remarked, his astonishment evident.
Ino couldn't resist teasing him. "What? Don't tell me you got scared, Moroto..."
Naruto's protest was immediate, his pride wounded by the insinuation. "WHA- Me?! Scared?! No way! I was just surprised, that's all there is to it."
Asuma sighed inwardly, watching the familiar dynamic unfold between his students. Their camaraderie, though laced with jests, held a bond stronger than steel. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder if they would maintain such levity in the face of greater challenges, such as the Chunin Exams looming on the horizon.
"Listen up," Asuma commanded, his tone firm, "we've already discussed our plan, and everyone knows their role. But before we proceed, are there any concerns about our strategy? If so, now's the time to voice them out." but silence greeted his inquiry, a testament to the trust and confidence his students placed in him and each other.
As Team 10 ventured further into Kakogakure, the signs of Gouzan's rampage grew more evident. Destruction marred the once serene village, a testament to the unstoppable force that was the Kurokama (Obsidian Bear). Unlike most predators who preferred stealth, Gouzan's sheer size and ferocity made him unapologetically conspicuous. He moved through Kakogakure (Hidden Crater Village) like a juggernaut, leaving behind a trail of shattered buildings and mounds of debris.
Following the chaos, the team finally laid eyes on their quarry. Gouzan, a behemoth of a bear with fur as dark as midnight, pursued a hapless wild boar with relentless determination. The boar, desperate to escape the clutches of death, darted through narrow passages and squeezed through tight spaces in a futile attempt to evade its colossal pursuer.
With each barrier Gouzan effortlessly demolished, Kakogakure (Hidden Crater Village) suffered another blow. The once abandoned village now lay in ruins, a casualty of the primal struggle unfolding before it.
Exhaustion began to take its toll on the wild boar, slowing its frantic pace. As it reached a fenced enclosure, hope flickered briefly as it attempted to squeeze through a small hole. But fate had other plans, for the boar's hindquarters remained trapped on the wrong side of the barrier, leaving it vulnerable to Gouzan's lethal jaws.
In a moment of brutal finality, Gouzan's maw descended upon the boar, his razor-sharp teeth tearing through flesh and bone with chilling efficiency. A piercing squeal cut through the air, a haunting requiem for the boar's lost struggle. Then, silence engulfed the scene, broken only by the sound of Gouzan's satisfied growl as he savored his hard-won meal.
Asuma's keen tactical mind wasted no time in seizing the opportunity presented by Gouzan's distraction. With a silent gesture, he directed his students to move swiftly and silently, positioning themselves for the most advantageous approach. Time was of the essence as Gouzan feasted upon his latest kill, his massive form obscuring any sign of vulnerability.
With practiced ease, Team 10 maneuvered into position, their movements fluid and purposeful. Each member knew their role in the intricate dance about to unfold. But as they prepared to execute their plan, a sudden outburst shattered the tension like a thunderclap.
"OIII! STEP RIGHT UP! GET YOUR FRESH MEAT, I REPEAT, FRESH MEAT OVER HERE! GET IT WHILE IT'S STILL HOT!" Naruto's voice echoed across the air.
Ino's facepalm was audible, her exasperation palpable, while Asuma couldn't suppress a chuckle at Naruto's antics. Shino, ever the stoic, remained impassive, his silence a stark contrast to Naruto's boisterousness.
Chunks of meat cascaded from Gouzan's gaping maw, crimson rivulets staining his fur as he turned to face the audacious figure atop the hut. Naruto, arms flailing wildly, locked eyes with the colossal bear, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"HERE BOY!" Naruto's voice rang out, a daring challenge to the formidable creature below. "SAVE SOME ROOM IN YOUR BELLY FOR WITTLE 'OL ME..."
The mockery stirred something primal within Gouzan, his massive form quivering with rage. With a deafening roar, he slammed his massive paws into the earth, sending tremors rippling through the ground. In a heartbeat, he charged forward, his powerful muscles propelling him with astonishing speed.
Naruto's heart raced as he scrambled across the rooftops, the gap between him and the relentless predator shrinking with each thunderous step. He marveled at Gouzan's unexpected agility, his mind racing to keep pace with his pounding footsteps. The urgency of his escape was palpable, fueled by the memory of the boar's gruesome fate.
With each daring leap, Naruto pushed his limits, the wind whipping past him as he soared from rooftop to rooftop. Below, Gouzan remained grounded, though capable of scaling the structures, he recognized the folly of such actions, knowing the frailty of the structures beneath his massive bulk which is a testament to his keen intelligence.
- Meanwhile -
(With Asuma, Ino, and Shino)
As Naruto engaged Gouzan in their daring game of distraction and evasion, the rest of Team 10 sprang into action, each member executing their role with precision and determination.
Shino, the enigmatic insect-user, unleashed a swarm of his winged allies towards Gouzan. Their mission: to gradually drain the behemoth's chakra, sapping his strength and hastening his exhaustion. With methodical efficiency, the insects buzzed around Gouzan, their tiny forms a constant menace to the massive bear.
Meanwhile, Asuma and Ino worked in tandem to set their trap. A spool of ninja wire passed from Asuma's hands to Ino's, the metallic threads glinting in the sunlight. With a nod from her sensei, Ino set to work, weaving a complex network of wires across the terrain. Each strand was meticulously placed, ensuring maximum coverage and minimal visibility.
Asuma's instructions were clear: secure the wires to sturdy anchor points and create a web that would ensnare Gouzan once he fell into their carefully laid trap. It was a delicate dance of strategy and precision, each movement calculated to perfection.
As the trap took shape, Asuma and Ino spared no effort, doubling their efforts to reinforce the structure. They knew the stakes were high, and failure was not an option. The ninja wire they utilized bore similarities to those wielded by Kushimaru, yet lacked the razor-sharp edge, designed instead for strength and resilience.
- With Naruto -
In the heart of the tumultuous battle, Gouzan's fury ignited like a tempest, not merely aimed at Naruto but also at the ceaseless swarm of insects that encircled him. With a savage snarl, he attempted to swat away the relentless pests, but their numbers seemed to multiply with each furious blow, mocking his futile efforts. Frustration surged within Gouzan's veins, a torrent of indignation that threatened to consume him.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Gouzan refused to yield. With a steely resolve, he planted himself firmly in place, his muscles coiling with tension as he prepared to unleash his wrath upon his adversaries. Drawing in a deep breath, he felt his very being swell with contained power, the very air around him vibrating with anticipation.
Then, with a primal roar that shook the very earth beneath his feet, Gouzan unleashed the full force of his fury. The sound reverberated through the battlefield, causing Naruto to instinctively clamp his hands over his ears, lest the deafening cacophony shatter his senses. Meanwhile, Shino's insects, their delicate hearing overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the roar, faltered in confusion, providing a fleeting moment of respite amidst the chaos.
Seizing the opportunity with a savage determination, Gouzan surged forward like an unstoppable force of nature, his rage propelling him onward with reckless abandon. Buildings and fences crumbled beneath the sheer force of his advance as he bulldozed his way toward his target, his eyes ablaze with a savage fervor.
Naruto, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, barely had time to react. With a lightning-fast reflex born of desperation, he leapt backward with a graceful flourish, executing a flawless backflip that carried him effortlessly through the air. Landing with fox-like agility, he spared no time to revel in his narrow escape, his mind already racing with strategies to counter his formidable opponent.
Gouzan realized he and the blonde ninja were finally on equal footing. He swiftly charged towards his adversary, jaws agape, ready to consume him. But Naruto, ever resourceful, reached into his pouch and retrieved a smoke bomb. With a swift motion, he threw it to the ground, shrouding the area in a dense cloud of smoke, granting him precious moments to escape Gouzan's grasp.
As the smoke billowed around them, Gouzan swiped furiously, dispersing the obstruction with a menacing growl. Yet, when the haze cleared, Naruto had vanished once more, leaving only the echoes of his fleeting footsteps in his wake. Undeterred, Gouzan unleashed a primal roar, his pursuit unwavering as he resumed his relentless chase after Naruto, the object of his primal hunger.
Meanwhile, Naruto, his curiosity piqued and adrenaline coursing through his veins, risked a glance over his shoulder, only to find Gouzan hot on his heels, closing the distance with alarming speed. With no time to spare, Naruto veered sharply into a narrow alleyway, only to come face to face with a dead-end looming ominously ahead. Determined not to meet the same fate as the unfortunate wild boar, Naruto swiftly enacted his tried-and-true technique, hands weaving through intricate seals with practiced precision.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Shadow Clone Technique)" Naruto yelled, his clones forming a makeshift platform with clasped hands. With newfound speed, Naruto launched himself off the clones' hands, hurtling upwards toward the rooftop of a nearby two-story building. Just as his fingers grazed the ledge, Gouzan's powerful ram shook the structure, sending Naruto tumbling back down.
With lightning reflexes, Naruto enacted his Nebaiken (Sticky-Fist) style, allowing him to cling to the building's walls. Inch by inch, he ascended, the sound of Gouzan's pursuit urging him onward. Finally, with a last burst of effort, Naruto pulled himself up onto the rooftop and resumed his desperate flight.
On the other side of the chase, Gouzan refused to relent, his determination driving him to pursue the elusive blonde ninja with unyielding fervor. Breaking through a wooden fence, he caught sight of Naruto traversing the rooftops, his snarls reverberating through the air as his menacing teeth remained bared.
With Naruto now safely out of reach, he took a moment to assess his adversary from his elevated vantage point. It became apparent to him that the once unstoppable force of Gouzan was gradually losing steam. His movements grew sluggish, a telltale sign of both exhaustion and depleting chakra reserves.
To compound Gouzan's plight, Shino's insects returned to the fray, resuming their draining assault on Gouzan's already dwindling chakra reserves. With each passing moment, the formidable bear found himself increasingly at a disadvantage, his once overwhelming presence now tempered by fatigue and the relentless assault of his adversaries.
Ino's Mind Transmission Jutsu: "Naruto, how are things over there?"
"I think Gouzan's getting tired, Asuma-sensei. I think we can now proceed to the second phase of the strategy" he replied.
Ino's Mind Transmission Jutsu: "Alright, I'll be on my way. Now we can finally lure Gouzan back to the trap."
"Got it, I'll keep Gouzan busy" Naruto responded.
Shortly thereafter, their sensei, Asuma, joined the chase, sprinting gracefully across the rooftops alongside Naruto. Together, they lured the relentless Gouzan towards a trap they had prepared earlier. As they reached the designated location, they descended to ground level, drawing the attention of the massive bear once more.
With a taunting yell from Naruto, they enticed Gouzan into charging towards them once again. But this time, they were ready. Ninja wires, strategically placed, ensnared Gouzan, hindering its movements significantly. Asuma signaled to Naruto, indicating that it was time to initiate the next phase of their plan.
"Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)" Naruto shouted, summoning a multitude of clones to swarm Gouzan, overwhelming it much like Shino's insects had done before. Though Gouzan fought back valiantly, dispelling some clones in the process, their sheer numbers proved too much to handle.
Meanwhile, Asuma's other student, positioned strategically, prepared to execute the final blow to incapacitate Gouzan. However, as the bear struggled against the restraining wires, the strain proved too much for the anchor point. The stone pole, reinforced with metal rebar, began to crumble under Gouzan's immense strength.
Meanwhile, Ino, poised to cast her jutsu, witnessed the collapse of the stone pole. The metal rebar bent, causing the wires restraining Gouzan to slacken, granting the bear newfound freedom to move once more.
In Asuma's mind: "Crap..."
"Shino! Obscure Gouzan's vision!" Asuma's command echoed through the chaos, prompting his bespectacled student to send forth another swarm of insects to envelop and obstruct Gouzan's sight. Meanwhile, Asuma rushed to the end of the wire, attempting to halt Gouzan's movements. Despite his expertise as a seasoned jounin (elite ninja), he found himself struggling against the bear's overwhelming strength. Even with chakra-enhanced grip, he couldn't counter the force of the massive beast.
As Shino released yet another swarm of chakra-draining insects, Gouzan thrashed and bucked violently, dispersing Naruto's clones and hindering Ino's attempt to incapacitate him. In a sudden burst of aggression, Gouzan launched Naruto into a nearby building, his body slammed into a support beam causing the wind inside his lungs to escape. He fell to the ground and then the support beam broke and fell on top of him, leaving him trapped beneath debris.
"NARUTO!" Ino's desperate cry went unheard amidst the chaos.
Seeing Naruto in peril, Asuma strained harder against the wire, his hands grappling with its thin and slippery surface. He knew releasing the wire was not an option, despite the urgency to cast a jutsu to aid Naruto.
In a defiant roar, Gouzan dispersed Shino's insects, gaining clearer vision of his prey. With Naruto within reach, Gouzan charged forward, intent on ending the chase once and for all.
Naruto, trapped and helpless, braced himself for the impending attack. But as Gouzan closed in, a sudden stillness enveloped them. Opening his eyes, Naruto was met with the sight of Gouzan's motionless body mere inches away.
"I-Is... Is it over?..." Naruto's voice trembled with uncertainty.
Yet, Gouzan's body twitched, a chilling reminder that the battle was not yet won. Reacting swiftly, Naruto summoned clones to clear the debris, but it was too late. Gouzan's gaze locked onto Naruto's, uncertainty lingering in the air.
To their surprise, Gouzan made no move to attack. Naruto, bewildered, attempted to communicate with the bear, uncertain if Ino had indeed succeeded in her jutsu.
"I-Ino?... Is that you in there?..." Naruto questioned, hoping for a response.
The bear growled in response, prompting Naruto's jest in an attempt to discern Ino's presence within Gouzan's body. "You know I don't speak bear, Ino... Oh! I know, growl twice if you're really in there" Naruto stated.
A double growl confirmed Naruto's suspicions, eliciting a sigh of relief from both him and Asuma.
With the mission accomplished and their team safe, the only task remaining was to sedate Gouzan and seal his body within a scroll, bringing an end to the harrowing ordeal.
(A/N: Hey there y'all, it has been a long long LONGGGGG while and I apologize. Life got in the way of things, I'm no longer a chemsitry major student, I plan on shifting to Pol Sci. Pretty huge leap if you ask me, meaning I'm gonna be back at square one. Got depressed for a while, no I'm not diagnosed but I guess it has something to do with me being anxious from time-to-time as well as extremely low self-esteem. Got my heart broken for the nth time and I'm getting tired of trying lmao, so yeah... I hope we're still good though, I was able to find some free time lately and have been working on finishing the Anima Control mini arc. I can't promise that I'll be uploading regularly, all I can say is that I'll try my best to update whenever I can. That's all, take care and cheers! ^^)