Naruto and his growing clan were eating breakfast in his kitchen that seemed to have more fancy kitchen equipment than he remembered. He knew he could thank Haku for that. They were enjoying the last breakfast together before they were all too busy or tired to. He and Hinata would be returning to shinobi duty, Haku would be going back to the hospital. Hinabi would be going to the academy, and Yakumo would be joining her team for her first day as a shinobi. It would also be the first mission Naruto was leading, as a jounin no less.
The council and other shinobi had expressed their disagreement with him and Hinata's high promotions multiple times so he knew his mission results would be scrutinized. He didn't care how the village saw or ranked him, but the reputation of his clan was on the line. As the future strongest shinobi to ever live, head of the strongest clan to ever exist, Naruto wouldn't accept failure.
The clan dispersed and Naruto and Hinata headed towards the hokage's office. They met shino on the way and were directed to the hokage once they arrived at the building. They entered the hokage's office to find Sakura and the hokage waiting for their arrival. They entered the room and took their place across from the elder Sarutobi and next to Sakura.
"Ah, just in time, your mission is prepared. As you can see, Sakura will be filling in as your last teammate. I'm assuming you're all set to go." Hiruzen said. "Yes, Hokage-sama," Naruto's team chorused. Naruto didn't meet the man with any warmth, he still hadn't forgotten all the lies the old man had fed him.
"Before your mission briefing I want you all to know we're implementing a new program due to the upcoming war. That being said, a medical-nin will be placed on every team going forward. Hinata will be trained as a med-nin being Tsunade's apprentice along with Sakura and Haku, but with her strength in combat, another medical ninja on the team would be more beneficial to fit the role. Hinata will more than likely be one of the first and last to engage in combat so she wouldn't be ideal for the role of medical-ninja. Sakura is here to fill that role." Hiruzen said.
"Hokage-sama, may I ask? I'm assuming she's been recommissioned as a genin. Every other member on this team is chuunin level or above which would give us clearance to complete higher ranked missions. Will her addition limit the missions we'll be able to take, and if not, will she be able to participate in higher ranked missions?" Shino asked. Sakura frowned slightly but quickly corrected her expression.
"Yes, you have valid concerns my boy but although your ranks are different, there isn't much of a gap in experience. Naruto's and Hinata's promotions have already received many objections and the council believes he should be able to protect a full team, even a genin. Even those who voted for the promotion expect Naruto and to a lesser extent Hinata, to be strong enough to make up for the lack of experience.
I warn you, team 7, your mission results will be heavily scrutinized and all members of the team are expected to return in relatively good health. Sakura will be able to pull her weight so do not worry. She's trained with Kurenai since becoming a medical-nin and excels in medical ninjutsu. As long as she's utilized correctly, she'll be a proper asset to the team." Hiruzen responded, prepared for such questions as they were expected.
"So, she's a test? If she lives, I pass, if she doesn't I don't?" Naruto asked, getting straight to the point. Hinata giggled and Sakura silently gasped, she'd thought about it in the back of her head but it was real when Naruto confirmed it. "It can be seen that way, yes. I hope this won't be a problem my boy." Hiruzen responded.
"No, it's fine. What will be our first mission?" Naruto asked. "Your mission will be in the land of noodles, at least 5 days' travel from here. It was requested by the Kishimoto family that resides in a small village called tanga. The Kishimoto family have guarded the demon sealing gourd since before the times of shinobi villages. The gourd is said to seal a powerful demon that terrorized the elemental Nations and until now, it's been sealed and protected." Hiruzen said, when he ensured they were all paying close attention he continued.
"You see, there's a cult set up within a system of caves near Tanga and they worship the demon sealed in the gourd. For decades, they simply observed and made small attempts at retrieving the demon sealing gourd but the Kishimoto family believes they've actually been waiting for a way to bypass the protective seals used to protect the gourd as well as the ones on the gourd. Apparently they've found just that because they've not only stolen the gourd but they've killed a majority of the Kishimoto family. The only survivor is Mai Kishimoto who was able to escape to a hidden safe house." The third Hokage paused to let that sink in than continued.
"Since stealing the gourd and possibly releasing the demon, Tanga villagers have been disappearing and are being kidnapped in broad daylight. Your mission is to take care of the cult, every last member must be killed. Second mission objective is to deal with the demon however you can and if possible, bring the sealed demon back in the gourd. Your second objective is flexible. As far as we know you aren't a master at sealing although you can do things a master couldn't.
We don't have enough information on the demon and our sealing teams aren't suited for such a hostile environment so if you need to retreat or call for backup, I'll leave that decision to you, Naruto. This is an A-ranked mission, do you accept?" Hiruzen finished with a question that everyone knew was rhetorical. Sakura was wide-eyed and Shino seemed to take on a low buzz. Hinata narrowed her eyes and Naruto remained impassive. "We accept the mission, Hokage-sama," Naruto said without missing a beat.
"W-Wait, Hokage-sama. An A-ranked mission? Isn't that too much, I mean I've only been on one c-rank before being removed from shinobi duty and they're strong but I doubt even they've been on hire ranking missions." Sakura said almost frantically. "Hokage-sama, I agree. Wouldn't sending such a rookie group on a mission such as this be illogical?" Shino added. "Yes, I understand your concerns, but as I said earlier, much is expected of this team with such promotions. There has never been a shinobi promoted to Jounin, or tokubetsu jounin for that matter after a chuunin exams. To skip ranks like that is unprecedented and unfortunately your team must prove itself." Hiruzen said in an attempt to seem empathetic.
He was actually only giving them half of the information that konoha had and the mission should've been assigned the moment they received the request which was almost a week before. He knew there would be backlash but the elder kage wanted nothing more than to push Naruto's team in an attempt to make them as strong as possible.
He'd allowed Naruto to be tested as a child to grow stronger, sometimes ordering tests himself, and now was the time for the boy to realize his strength. No training wheels, no steps, he would be thrown into the deep end with those he cherished to see exactly how strong he'd become. The mission was more complicated that the young shinobi even knew, and that's why Hiruzen chose it.
When he failed, like he likely would, Jiraiya would be there to offer him the strength to grow stronger. The boy would be humbled and shown his place as the village's weapon. If the boy lost a teammate or two so be it. It would only make the boy easier to control which the village needed most during times of war. Hiruzen had done what's best for the village and will continue to do so until he handed over the hat very soon. It was Jiraiya's turn to complete his end of their scheme and ensure Naruto's loyalty to the village.
Long ago, they'd agreed to turn the 4th hokage's last gift into the village's ultimate chess piece and it was time for that agreement to come to fruition, the old man thought. Hinata looked at Naruto and saw that he wasn't worried. She was sure there was some scheme being played, something nefarious. But as always, Naruto was unwavering and she wouldn't either. They'll deal with whatever is thrown at them, together, she thought. "Are we to meet the contact here in Konoha or in Tanga." Hinata said evenly. "She's currently in a hotel here in Konoha, you'll find her location in the mission scroll, retrieve her when you leave the village. Remember, there are many people awaiting the results of this mission. Dismissed." Hiruzen handed Naruto the scroll before he dismissed them.
At the hokage's dismissal, team 7 left via shunshin except for Sakura who walked out. Sakura saw her new team members waiting for her outside of the building waiting for her and made her way to them. "Um, Naruto-san, are you sure about this mission? It's an A-rank and I'll probably be dead weight. We might not be able to complete it." Sakura said hesitantly. She feared Naruto just as much as the mission. Naruto could sense the fear coming from Sakura and wanted to tell her to go home and let them complete the mission themselves. What could he do with such a weak girl but he knew she was a test, just as much as the mission.
He also knew that if she were to die on his team, a certain council member might force his hand and jeopardize his clan's position in the village. He didn't care for Konoha but he knew he wasn't strong enough to defend his clan from anyone and his compound in Konoha was the safest place for now. "Sakura, you're not going to die on this mission. Though, if you can't stand the rain with us. I'll drop you from the team." Naruto replied while looking into Sakura's eyes and reading her emotions. Sakura understood not dying on the mission and that made her feel better but she was confused about the rest of what he said.
Hinata saw her confusion and didn't need to be able to sense emotions. "Sakura-san, Naruto means you don't have to worry, we'll protect you. The rain part possibly wasn't literal but you don't have to worry about that for now, you'll understand soon." Hinata added which earned a hesitant nod from the pink haired kunoichi. "Meet at the main gates in 30 minutes with supplies for a 2 to 4 week mission including camping gear, rations, ninja tools, medical supplies, and anything else you'll need. I'll meet you with Mai Kishimoto." Naruto ordered casually.
As soon as Naruto finished speaking they all disappeared via shunshin except for Sakura who couldn't help but feel inadequate. 30 minutes later, they were all gathered at the village gates. Hinata was able to grab supplies for her and Naruto since they already prepared mission storage scrolls prepped with everything they'd need in advance. She'd even brought more sealing scrolls for Shino, Mai, and Sakura's belongings as well. Naruto had met Mai and brought her to the meeting point though none of his team had been introduced yet. "This is Mai Kishimoto, we'll be escorting her back to the land of noodles with us." Naruto said, motioning to the girl standing next to him.
The girl was around 16, she had long grayish, silver hair that would've reached her lower back if it wasn't tied by a purple ribbon into a messy yet attractive bun. She wore a purple traditional kimono and sandals similar to what a priestess would wear and had light gray eyes behind a pair of round glasses that seemed to suit her well. "Mai, this is Hinata, Shino, and Sakura, we'll be the team taking the mission." Naruto motioned to his team members and they exchanged greetings with Mai.
"We'll protect Mai until we deliver her to her family's safe house where she'll erect her family's protective barrier until we complete the mission. We don't have much to go on so we're going to have to gather information as quickly as possible. Is everyone ready?" Naruto received nods from everyone and began walking towards the village exit.
"Naruto, will we travel at civilian speeds or will we carry Mai?" Shino asked as they followed behind Naruto. "It would be best to have a clone carry Mai although we won't be able to travel as far as we would ourselves." Naruto turned to face Mai before asking her permission. "Mai-san, is that fine with you?" "Yes, Naruto-san, the faster we reach Tanga the better. Thank you for your help, my family would want nothing more than to keep the demon sealed, even in death." Mai said solemnly. Naruto nodded and led the group out where they presented their mission paperwork to Kotetsu and Izumo before leaving the village.
They traveled until Mai was uncomfortable so they settled for walking until sundown. The group covered a good distance for 8 hours and he was surprised that she'd lasted that long being carried at shinobi speeds, he could also tell that Sakura was exhausted but felt fortunate that she hadn't complained even once. They were in a diamond formation with Naruto in front, Hinata in back, Sakura on the right, and Shino on the left. Mai was in the middle. While they were walking Hinata decided to learn more about Mai and the mission.
"Mai, do you mind telling us more about your family and any details that may help us with this mission? I understand this may be hard but it's necessary. How did they find a way past your family and the gourd's barrier seals?" Hinata asked politely, giving the silver haired Kishimoto a smile. Mai nodded but took a couple minutes to gather herself.
"My family has guarded the demon sealing gourd for generations. We're mostly known for our barrier seals and our women's innate ability to manipulate their yin chakra, spiritual energy. The women in my family are priests due to our techniques and massive reserve of spiritual energy. Our family's unique barrier seals and techniques have aided us in protecting the gourd and our family. Until now our skills in the shinobi arts along with our barriers have kept us and gourd safe, even from the cult intent on releasing the demon and being granted power. Unfortunately." Mai's next words were caught in her throat, but she forced them out.
"Unfortunately, they've found a way to destroy our barriers. The cult calls themselves the Tamashi no suhai-sha and they've found something called the Hairu totem. My family didn't think it was real although we've heard of it years ago. It's a totem that allows one to break any barrier or restrictive seal as long as the user has enough chakra. It's real, I saw it as I was sent away while the rest of my family fought to protect the gourd. My parents, Uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, all.. Gone." Mai couldn't stop the flow of tears but she still continued.
"It was a surprise attack in the middle of the night, there were easily 50 cultists there, they must've been planning it for some time. My mother was the family priestess and I was still in training but now the responsibility to keep the demon sealed is mine as the new priestess. If the demon is completely unsealed, I'll have to give my life as well to reseal it. Miryo can't be released into the world." Mai finished.
"Do you know where the cultists operate? And Why would you have to give your life to reseal this demon, Miryo?" Hinata asked. "Not exactly, but I can point you in the right direction. The seal has a high price to place. Very few people can place the seal and it must be done alone, even seal masters wouldn't be able to place the seal used to contain the demon in the gourd. You'd need to be able to produce enough yin chakra which only priests of my clan can do.
I've studied my family's seals since before I could read. My Yin chakra is highly abundant and I'm still unsure if I can place the seal. I'm still a priestess in training and I'm not at the level where I'd realistically be able to reseal it but I have no choice. The chakra cost is so high, I will have to use my life's energy itself and hope." Mai replied.
"Do you have a copy of the seal? Naruto-kun is somewhat a genius when it comes to sealing and he has more chakra than our Kage. If it comes down to it, we may be able to prevent your death." Mai was hard pressed to believe he could do it, but Hinata had given her a sliver of hope that maybe her family wouldn't end with her just yet. "Yes, it's a bit large but I have the whole sealing ritual in the safehouse." Hinata nodded then broke formation to comfort the now sobbing Mai. Soon after, they settled for the night and made camp. Mai erected an impressive barrier over the whole camp that didn't require a constant power source and was strong. No one could enter within 30 feet of their camp without violently breaking the barrier if they even could.
Naruto reinforced their camp's security by placing wood clones throughout the camp and surrounding area that would hide in trees and guard tent entrances. He summoned crows to scout the area through the night. He was about to place traps but saw that Sakura had already started rigging some up with impressive speed. Even Mai had already placed privacy and alarm seals that would somewhat cover their presence and alert team 7 if anyone came within 50 feet of their camp. Useful, very useful, he thought.
Hinata summoned a few toads to scout ahead through the night from the sky. Finally, With Shino's bugs constantly scouting out the area from the sky, no watch schedule was needed. They were still in friendly territory so they made a fire and cooked fish from a nearby river. The next four days went generally the same and Mai seemed to get along well with Hinata. Sakura had become more comfortable around Naruto after seeing how normal he was in actuality. In fact, if he was an Aburame she would've thought he was completely normal, not the psychotic killer she'd seen in the exams but she was still wary.
Shino and Naruto spent much of the time discussing a new theory for using old-blood that Shino had come up with. The theory was similar to his jolt-step and Shino had already made some progress. The group was on their last day of travel and were moving at civilian speeds so they would have the energy to face whatever lay ahead. According to Mai, they were only an hour away at their current speed.
Mai was nervous the closer they came to Tanga. The shinobi with her were young after all, though the fact that she'd learned Naruto was an Uzumaki made her more comfortable. Her family revered the Uzumaki clan and were once considered friends with the clan before Uzushio was destroyed. The uzumaki respected the Kishimoto's barrier seals and purification jutsu and the Kishimoto's respected the uzumaki's unrivaled sealing prowess. Hopefully the blonde Uzumaki could help them all survive and she might even gain his clan as a friend, she thought.
As they came to the outskirts of Tanga village, Naruto sensed the chakra signatures of 6 people. 5 of them didn't have much more chakra than a genin while one of them seemed to be mid to high chunin. Naruto stopped walking, prompting the rest to follow suit. He said, "Hinata," and pointed to a place in the trees much further down the path they were on. Hinata activated her byakugan and searched in the general direction. "Six men in robes with hoods covering their faces, they're all bald and have a tattoo of a multi-headed dragon on their right shoulder." She said, causing Mai to gasp.
"I think it would be logical to assume they're members of the cult we're here to eliminate." Shino said as he adjusted his glasses. "Ambush tactics?" Hinata suggested. "Yes, Number 2. Take one or two alive." Naruto responded with a nod. Sakura was wondering what plans they had because she wasn't informed of all their formations. "Sakura, just stay in formation and defend Mai. Shino and Hinata know what to do." Naruto said knowing Sakura was once again confused. Sakura nodded and noticed Hinata' and Shino's bodies flicker for a moment. "Were those just substitutions?" Sakura thought.
"Mai,just stay calm, we will improve your chances of survival." Naruto said, turning to Mai who now looked bewildered. They started walking like nothing was wrong, Sakura was wondering if Naruto had just given her and Mai reassurance, in his own way. Sakura had spoken enough with Haku to know what Naruto meant by improving chances of survival. He did it by killing those who posed a threat now or in the future. While pretty radical, in a way it made sense, sakura thought.
Her mom had called Naruto a heartless demon. He didn't seem very demonish up close. The group was getting close to Tanga and Naruto sensed the cultists closing in. They must've finally noticed their presence. The cultists jumped onto the path from the trees with three in front and three behind Naruto's group. Naruto held up a hand having his group stop.
A cultist in front of the group stepped forward and addressed them with a deep raspy voice. "Return to your village now! Leave the priestess an-." The cultist didn't have time to finish his sentence because Naruto closed the distance in a jolt and quickly beheaded the shocked man with furaijin and impaling on close to him with a few chains. The third cultist was quick and was already backing away as Naruto beheaded the first.
When shino and Hinata saw Naruto make his move, which took longer than they thought, they made theirs. Hinata used her own jolt-step to appear next to one of the cultists behind the group. She launched a blurring flurry of jyuken strikes, closing all his major tenketsu before he could put up significant resistance. Shino appeared next to another and sliced through his jugular with his tanto while his bugs attacked the other cultist. The man instantly panicked when confronted with a swarm of bugs and tried to jump away. He was intercepted by the shino who was in formation with Mai. The othe shino grabbed the cultist before dispersing into a cloud of bugs and they quickly drained his chakra.
Shino's bugs would leave him alive and conscious so they'd have two to interrogate. Naruto wasn't leaving any of his alive, Shino and Hinata figured. Mai was restraining the urge to scream seeing the quickly unfolding battle around her. The Hinata guarding her in formation dispelled into a pile of water after giving Sakura a wink.
Naruto gave a blank look to the final cultist as he scanned the hooded man's chakra with his seigan. The man's chakra was heavily tainted by a foul chakra. He was a high chunin level if his chakra was anything to go by. "You. You blasphemer. Miryo-sama will destroy everything you love. I'll offer him your soul. You will die!" The cultist screamed as his eyes went black. The cultist's chakra spiked with that foul chakra and he went through hand seals. "Raiton, Mutsu Shuppatsu painless departure!" He screamed before clasping his hands together and slowly pulling them apart.
Naruto went through his own hand seals keeping in mind he had everyone behind him. Mokuton interlocking-dome wall, he thought as he clasped his hands together and stomped a foot on the ground. A large half dome erupted in front of him as he saw lightning sparking violently between the cultists hands. The cultits thrusted his hands towards Naruto and sent large bolts of raiton chakra, twisting into a powerful spiral towards the wooden defense.
Sakura had taken it upon herself to take Mai further back and behind shino and Hinata. She did her best not to think about all the blood that could come from a human's body so quickly as she led the shaky Mai. Sakura and Mai nearly dived for cover when they heard the large boom that resulted from the cultists jutsu. Naruto saw the cultist just standing there waiting for the dust that rose in the air from the collision to fall.
He couldn't really believe that one attack just ended it all, could he, the blonde thought. Naruto sent out wooden spikes from the front of his dome wall towards the cultist and when a few of them hit, he could tell the man wasn't even on guard. They definitely weren't shinobi despite some possible training. They were as strong as bandits at best although there was something giving them strength.
What he needed to know was how these regular men got this mysterious power boost. Naruto lowered his wall and used a futon de-tappa to clear the rest of the dust. The cultist had a spike in his abdomen, his leg, and his shoulder, but to Naruto's surprise, he was smiling at him while going through hand seals as if he hadn't felt anything. Seeing the man mold more raiton chakra, Naruto removed furaijin and sent a powerful wind slash before the cultist discharged another strong lightning jutsu.
Naruto's jutsu had the elemental advantage and cut through the raiton attack and continued towards the cultist. The cultist tried dodging but was hindered by his injuries and lost an arm. Naruto jolted next to the seemingly culted monk and prepared to behead him when he felt a pulse of chakra and a rush of emotion from furaijin. For a slight moment, he felt hunger, and longing from his sword, or at least he thought he did but he didn't have time to mull it over.
The Cultists used Naruto's moment of hesitation to spit out a bolt of lightning at Naruto who took it head on. The cultist smiled but it didn't last when Naruto exploded into pieces of wood. Naruto then appeared above him and plunged his furaijin into the man's back. Naruto was momentarily distracted, but not enough to let trash catch him off guard. He was about to remove his furaijin from the cultists chest when he felt a small surge of chakra.
He watched, through his seigan ,as all the man's chakra was absorbed by his sword. Furaijin even absorbed the foul chakra that was feeding the otherwise normal genin or cultist. How could a sword do that on its own? He thought "You just turn out to be more and more interesting ningin," Kurama added with a deep hearty chuckle in his head. Naruto questioned the fox but received no response.
When he returned to his team, he found two of the cultists already tied up and gagged. Naruto created a clone to dispose of the bodies from the other cultists while they took the two they had in custody further into the woods. Sakura was instructed to stay with Mai a distance away while they interrogated the cultists. "Naruto, how do you intend on interrogating them? The aburame have techniques for such circumstances." Shino said.
"I'd like to try out a mind release technique so you're free to have one of them. If possible keep him alive, I have plans for his death." Naruto said nonchalantly. Shino nodded and Hinata pouted verbally. "Aww, I don't get one." Naruto gave her a blank expression, he held back the urge to smirk but replied with a bit of mirth. "Next one's all yours."
The two cultists' eyes were wide and they were panicking, hoping for their Miryo-sama to rescue them from these psychotic humans. Shino dragged his away and Naruto went to work there. He ran through a short set of hand seals and placed his hands on the cultists head. Instantly he was able to gain access into the man's mind.
Naruto was in a large circular room that didn't have solid walls, just darkness. Naruto looked around and saw the cultist standing behind him. The cultist didn't seem to notice him. Naruto focused more and activated his seigan before taking another look around the room. Out of the darkness appeared mirrors all around the circular room. More and more mirrors began to appear as the darkness was replaced.
Naruto willed a mirror to come closer and as he looked into it he could see some of the cultists memories. They weren't the ones he wanted so went to the next mirror and so on until he found a pattern. The newest memories were the smaller mirrors and they were more detailed. It took him a while to be able to sort through the memories to find the ones he needed and he doubted he'd have gotten so far without his seigan. It made things easier to manipulate mindscapes.
Eventually Naruto began to find what he needed. He was so focused, he never even noticed the screams of the cultist taken away by shino. Shino's interrogation had finished before Naruto's because his prisoner was "Illogically weak willed," as shino called it. Naruto's took nearly 30 minutes because he wasn't used to poking around an unformed mindscape without Kurama's help.
Shino got the important information they'd need, the cults headquarters, their goal, some of their progress, their hierarchy, and a few more pieces of information that would be useful for their mission. Naruto was able to learn the same but in much more detail. He'd seen the Hairu totem, the gourd, and witnessed a sacrifice to the demon Miryo. The cultists couldn't generate enough chakra to completely remove the seal on the gourd so they're sacrificing human souls to the demon Miryo.
Once Miryo regained enough strength, they believed it'll be able to break the rest of the seal on its own. Naruto instructed Hinata to watch Mai and brought Sakura before the two interrogated cultists. "Um, do you need my help with something, Naruto-san?" Sakura asked.
"I sent a clone to look at your mission records and you've never killed anyone. I want you to kill these two cultists." Naruto said firmly. Sakura looked at the two cultists and one seemed out of it while the other seemed to be missing a whole hand except for the bones. Awkwardly enough, the arm wasn't bleeding. "But why do you want me to do it? Can't one of you?" Sakura said, less than willing to kill two people at that moment.
"Yes, we could be you're going to do it. Our mission is to completely eliminate a hostile group and if you hesitate in the face of a kill, you'll become a liability. If you freeze after a kill, you'll become a liability. You're going to get your first kills out of the way now or I'm sending you back to Konoha." Naruto said. Sakura's eyes widened. She never thought Naruto would force her to kill so nonchalantly. Could she do it? Sakura thought.
"Sakura-san, Naruto is right. If you're to be on our team and take the missions they're undoubtedly going to give us, then you'll need to be able to kill. Not only to defend yourself but to complete the mission. It's the most logical option." Shino added in hopes she'd see reason and follow the team leader's order. Sakura nodded slowly and removed a kunai from her pouch.
She started with the cultist that seemed out of it. For a moment she just stared at the man with the kunai trembling in her hands. Every second she became more unsure of killing these two men like she'd just seen the rest of her team do. She was a medical-nin, not a killer. Naruto didn't want to deal with the girl but knew keeping her on the team and returning successful would be best for his clan.
Naruto channeled mokuton chakra through his seigan and leaked it into the atmosphere. He used it to influence Sakura's chakra system. Sakura was ready for the walk of shame back to the village and was beginning to lower her arms to stop them from shaking so much. Suddenly she felt a sense of calm. Her breath became steadier and her hands stopped shaking.
She took a few deep breaths and looked at their prisoner. Using her moment of calm to make the decision, Sakura plunged the kunai into the man's chest and through his heart. Despite the sense of calm, Sakura received a rush of adrenaline and used it to continue on doing the same to the last cultist.
As she removed the kunai, the sense of calm vanished and she quickly realized the gravity of what she'd done as she saw the lifeless eyes and blood gushing from the dead cultists chests. Naruto went through a few hand seals before placing his hand on one of the cultists before a flame engulfed the body until all that was left were ashes. He did the same to the next one and left to regroup with Mai and Hinata.
They traveled straight to the Kishimoto safe house, ensuring not to leave traces once they were close. The safe house was under a hidden door in a seemingly abandoned house deep in the woods. It had 2 rooms that were larger than they expected. There was also a hidden passage for escape in one of the rooms. Naruto felt it was adequate considering the isolated location of the shack so they settled in.
Once enacting the same precautions they used for camp, the group met to discuss their next steps. "From what we now know, there's roughly 70 cultists left and their leader is a man known as Kagiro. Kagiro's a jounin level combatant and seems to be the strongest but as a whole they don't seem to be very combat oriented. Their religion is based on sacrifice, specifically to the demon Miryo.
As far as we know, 5 of them total have what is called the blessing of Miryo. Naruto fought one with the blessing. It gives them chakra, enhanced physical abilities, and takes away their ability to feel pain. Anyone could receive the blessing although it wasn't given out generously. Most of the cultists have little to no shinobi training even though Miryo's blessing is able to allow them to fight on high chunin level.
Despite having power, they'll think and fight like bandits so it shouldn't be much of a problem unless they all obtain the blessing. We know they're kidnapping villagers to sacrifice their souls to the Miryo. We also know where their base of operations is. What we don't know is exactly where to find the totem and the gourd, but it'll be in the base. We don't know if anyone they've kidnapped is still alive. And most importantly we don't know if the demon's been freed or not which means we need to move fast. Does anyone else have anything to add?" Hinata said, outlining the situation.
"The cultists have stationed members throughout the village in search of Mai. There will also be some looking to find more human sacrifices. We'll need to eliminate those in the village, as well as their base." Shino said. "This means we'll either need to split up with one pair eliminating those in the village and one pair scouting the enemy base or move as a team which would take longer but could be more efficient." Naruto said.
"Every minute that we wait may be the minute Miryo's unsealed and if he's released and grows too powerful, my life may not even be enough to seal it back away." Mai said emphatically. "Yes, but if we move as a team wouldn't we have a higher chance of success?" Sakura asked. "Yes we would but time really is of the essence. We need to confirm whether or not the demon is unsealed. Also whether it is or isn't, we need to stop them from taking people for human sacrifices. I think we should split up." Hinata said.
"I agree, it would be most logical to split up and move carefully. There will be no need to place ourselves into a disadvantageous situation even when we split up." Shino added. Naruto had already decided their next course of action but wanted to ask one question first. "Mai, tell me more about the demon, how bad would it be if it was released and regained power? And exactly how did they steal the gourd?" Naruto asked.
Mai's face showed a range of emotions. "Catastrophic! Miryo of the tempest once almost destroyed the land of noodles after rampaging through the land of wind, fire and lightning. They say he's the one who created the whirlpool Islands by breaking it off from the mainland. He caused devastating wind and lightning tempest storms in his wake and can change landscapes with his white lightning.
To make things worse, he steals the souls of those he's killed and it only grows his power. He was only defeated because my ancestors trapped him in a near continental barrier that slowly sucked away his chakra. Being unable to absorb souls, the demon was greatly weakened and they were able to seal it away. A Whole decade after trapping it and it still took the help of the Uzumaki." Mai said, stealing a glance at Naruto.
"I see, and your family had a relationship with the Uzumaki clan?" Naruto replied. "Yes Naruto-san, we had a great relationship based on mutual respect of the sealing arts. Our clan and your family were long time allies. " Mai said with a slight sense of pride. Naruto took that in to account and that small revelation changed the whole situation for him but only if they survived.
Naruto only nodded at her response before addressing his team. "We'll split up, Shino and Sakura will take care of the cultists in the village while me and Hinata scope out the cave system. We'll take out as many as we can covertly while gathering the information we're missing. I want the two of you to work as a team and make sure no more of the villagers are taken while eliminating those searching for mai." Naruto said to Shino and Sakura.
"Mai, do not leave this safe house. My privacy seals and your barrier seal should keep you hidden and safe along with a team of clones I'll leave behind." Naruto received verbal confirmations from his team but heard nothing from Mai so he gave her a stern look. "But what if I need to reseal Miryo? You couldn't possibly learn the seal in time." Mai said.
"I'll leave a clone here to look over the seal and if we need you to help with the sealing, the clones will bring you to us. Acceptable?" Naruto asked in a tone that said it wasn't really a question. Mai could tell she really didn't have a choice and she wasn't eager to join her family in the afterlife so she reluctantly agreed, nodding her head.
"Does anyone else have anything to add?" The young leader of team 7 asked. Hinata did, "If we're choosing the fast option it would be best to eliminate as many enemies as possible before they're aware the cult is under attack and begin to organize a defense. The cultists in the village have to be taken out swiftly and as quietly as possible to prevent them from banding together.
From what we know they're working in pairs or small groups which won't pose much of a threat although ten or so of them together could be a problem. While we're investigating their base we'll only be able to kill those whose bodies we can seal away or dispose of. Our objective is to be unnoticed or we risk them moving locations, setting up a trap, or reacting unexpectedly. Be careful." Hinata said, earning nods from everyone.
"Return here when you're done with your objective." Were Naruto's only words before he and Hinata disappeared via shunshin. Sakura was wondering if Shino would do the same and leave her but she was relieved when he placed a hand on her shoulder before they both disappeared via bug shunshin.
When Shino and Sakura reappeared in Tanga, Sakura had to restrain the urge to gag and hurl. She'd never liked bugs and absolutely hated the feeling of a bug shunshin. Turning to the bug user, Sakura got closer and gave him a glare before speaking in the most intimidating tone she could muster.
"Don't ever take me along with a bug shunshin again. Regular shunshin or none. I'd rather walk!" She said, her hand twitching to her senbon pouch. "Sakura-san, it would be more logical to direct that energy to our enemies. We will have to kill." Shino said plainly.
Sakura's anger immediately vanished, her first kills were only a couple hours ago and now she was expected to do it again. "Shino, I don't know how I feel about this." Sakura said tentatively. Shino didn't have time for this, he didn't understand why anyone would've thought it was logical to have this girl on his team but he'd need to get her in shape or he might die on this mission, shino thought.
"Sakura-san, do you know why Naruto sometimes feels the need to improve his chances of survival?" He asked. "Kind of. I mean Haku said it was something about him actually needing to kill to survive. Killing enemies before they could kill him right." She replied. "Naruto kills because leaving those he views as an enemy alive may result in him receiving a knife in his back later on. Most of the civilians who tried to kill him as a kid, had already beaten, berated him, or threatened his life previously. If he'd killed them the first time, his life never would've been in danger the next.
I'm not saying kill anyone who harasses you but in this case his logic is correct. These cultists will kidnap and sacrifice every last man, woman, and child in tanga to release that demon if we leave them alive. You are a shinobi, you must kill to improve the survival of your comrades and others."
Shino finished silently lamenting being paired with the girl but encouraging her to do her duty was the most logical course of action. Sakura was surprised that shino could even string together that many words. She'd never seen him say much at all but she could see that he was right. She could also see that Naruto allowing her two chances to acclimate to the prospect of killing wasn't cruel. It was actually thoughtful especially when being able to do it in such controlled circumstances.
Sakura steeled her resolve and gave Shino a nod. Shino could see the determination in her eyes and thought that when the time came, the kunoichi might just bask in the rain with them. They set off to complete their objective, and not long after, Shino was impressed by how crafty and supportive Sakura could be in a fight. They took care of all the easily isolated targets first.
The village was old and spread out. Most residents were farmers or fishermen, so they weren't able to put up much of a fight which left cultists nearly free reign. They thoroughly planned their attacks, especially with groups. Shino used his stealth and kikaichu to carry most of the weight and it was going smoothly thanks to Shino's new, seemingly superbugs. Sakura's taijutsu and use of poisoned senbon kept her safe and allowed her to hold her own.
Naruto and Hinata were hiding in the branches of a large tree outside the main entrance of the cult's cave system. Naruto could tell due to the amount of residual chakra he found on this hidden path. It was by far the most traveled into the cave system. They'd observed the enemy's movements for a couple hours from the outside while picking off anyone who left.
With Hinata's byakugan, she could see nearly the entire cave system and was attempting to map out the layout. Finding the whereabouts of the demon was relatively easy because they could feel his presence a kilometer away. It was like a Biju but less powerful although just as malevolent in the way it felt.
Pinpointing the source was easy for both konoha-nin and now they were close to getting the information they needed. "I'm finished Naruto-kun," Hinata said, handing Naruto a drawing depicting the layout of the cave system roughly. "Perfect, as always. Have you found the location of the gourd or the totem?" Naruto said plainly.
Hinata always loved when her Naru-kun praised her, but she had to focus so there was no blush. "The demon's still tethered to the gourd, I don't think it's fully released yet. The totem's on a string hanging around a man's neck a few chambers away from the demon. He's probably Kagiro, he seems to be the high priest or at least the cult equivalent." Naruto nodded and then thought for a second.
"I have a feeling the demon already knows we're here. His presence has been more focused in our area since we arrived so I don't recommend going in without the whole team. The demon seems close to breaking free too, so we should go back and help the other team finish. We'll need at least a few hours rest, minimum, since we don't know exactly what we'll face there.
I'm sensing well over a dozen with the blessing and Kagiro may be trouble but the other 40 or so are basically overhyped bandits. What do you think?" Naruto finished. Hinata took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "I think you're right, but I'm surprised that we're just going to leave. I was sure we would've improved our chances of survival with more than a few stragglers." Hinata said in genuine curiosity.
She had her answer when she saw Naruto's devious smirk. "I never said we wouldn't improve our chances before we left." Naruto then looked towards the entrance and Hinata followed his eyes. Side by side, in front of the cave entrance, Three Naruto clones stood going through hand seals. "Hinata, what do you see in the tunnels?" Naruto asked. "Right now it seems like they've mobilized a group and are heading towards the entrance. You're right, I'm pretty sure they know we're here," she replied.
"Thought so, I can feel its presence getting heavier in the air. I have a bad feeling about this one Hina-hime. Let's help the other team clear out the village." "We'll make it Naruto-kun. We have to, we will. They're getting close to the entrance; we should leave or prepare an attack." Naruto nodded in confirmation before pointing to his clones at the cave's entrance.
"Futon jetto kiryu, jetstream," "Futon detappa, great breakthrough," "Futon Kazewokiru, eviscerating winds." The three clones said, respectively. Then the clones combined their jutsu's to create an absolute chaotic force of destructive and slicing winds that traveled deep through the cave system. Naruto was sure he'd gotten his jutsu through a third of the cultists base and at least 16 were dead or heavily injured. Hinata looked over at Naruto and raised an eyebrow at her future husband's ingenuity.
The cave system had no wind until Naruto added it and it had nowhere to go but further into the cave. The cave system essentially acted as a funnel for his futon jutsu that took minimal effort on Naruto's part. "See, nothing is going to get in our way Naruto-kun, we'll beat it together." Hinata gave Naruto an encouraging smile and received a nod before they made their way to Tanga.
They arrived in Tanga just in time to finish off the last couple cultists before returning to the safehouse with Shino and an exhausted Sakura. No one faulted the pinkett and she'd earned respect amongst the group when Shino described her use of genjutsu and poisons combined with her intellect.
Kurenai had done an impressive job with the girl. Her three kills earned Naruto's respect the most even though he can sense her inner turmoil. Mai was frantic after hearing how close Miryo was to being released but Naruto was adamant on having his team somewhat rested before taking on the demon.
He was sure he could reseal it but not if it grew too powerful. Mai wouldn't have a chance even if his team were defending her if that was the case. The silver haired girl was hysterical when Naruto forbade her to return with them, but the situation was solved when Sakura hit her with poison senbon to put her to sleep. Hinata and Shino gave their best attempt at persuading the young priestess but in the end, Sakura's exhaustion and direct approach won out. No one complained. Naruto gave his team 3 hours to rest while he left a clone on guard and joined them. Crows in the village would alert them if the cultists returned.
