Chapter 10: Web of Fate*

Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Chōji dashed through the trees, each one pushing their bodies to the limit as they followed the trail of Sasuke and his abductors. The sound of their footsteps was drowned out by the howling wind rushing past them. Shikamaru led the group, his eyes narrowed in focus as they raced forward. He couldn't help but feel a gnawing sensation in his gut. Something was off.

Suddenly, Naruto skidded to a halt, his eyes catching something in the trees ahead. "Wait, do you guys see that?"

The others slowed down, their eyes tracking the faint glimmer of something stretched between the branches. Spider webs. Thick, glistening strands, all intricately woven together like a trap.

Before anyone could react, a massive web shot out of nowhere, spreading across the trees with blinding speed. In the blink of an eye, Shikamaru, Naruto, Kiba, and Chōji were ensnared, their bodies pinned against the sticky surface, unable to move.

"What the—!" Naruto struggled, his arms pulling against the thick, web-like threads that bound him tightly. "What is this?!"

"Looks like we walked right into a trap," Shikamaru muttered, trying to keep his voice calm, though his mind was racing to figure out an escape.

A slow, mocking laugh echoed through the forest as Kidōmaru, the spider-like member of the Sound Four, emerged from the shadows. He dropped down gracefully onto the center of the web, a wicked grin on his face as he gazed at his helpless prey. "You brats didn't even notice the trap? Pathetic."

Naruto glared at him, still thrashing against the webs. "Let us go, you freak!"

Kidōmaru smirked, clearly enjoying their struggle. "Why would I? You're all wrapped up so nicely. It'll make killing you a lot easier." His golden eyes gleamed as he looked directly at Naruto. "Especially you… Uzumaki. Orochimaru-sama has some special interest in you, but I think I'll just take care of you myself."

He raised one of his extra arms, forming a small, sharp web projectile aimed directly at Naruto's head. But just as he was about to strike, a blur of movement shot through the trees.

In an instant, Neji appeared, his Byakugan active, and launched himself at Kidōmaru. "Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!" Neji shouted, releasing a wave of chakra from his palm. The force hit Kidōmaru, causing him to leap back and avoid the brunt of the attack. At the same time, Neji's chakra-infused strike sliced through the webbing, freeing the rest of the team.

Kidōmaru landed on a nearby branch, eyes wide with surprise but quickly narrowing as he realized what had happened. "You're faster than I expected," he said with a sneer. "The Hyūga brat. Of course. Should've known you'd be able to see through my webs."

Neji, standing tall with his Byakugan still activated, ignored the taunt. "These webs rely on chakra threads. My Byakugan can see the flow of chakra within them, and I can disrupt it. You can't trap me as easily as the others."

Naruto scrambled to his feet, rubbing his wrists where the web had held him. "Neji, nice timing!"

Shikamaru stood next to him, already trying to form another plan. "Neji, are you sure you've got this? Kidōmaru's tricky, and those webs can hold us all down if we aren't careful."

Neji's eyes never left Kidōmaru. "I'll deal with him. You all need to keep moving and catch up with Sasuke."

Kidōmaru scoffed, flexing his arms as more threads shot from his body. "You think you can handle me alone? Arrogant as always, Hyūga."

Neji merely took his stance, his body calm and centered. "It's not arrogance. It's confidence."

Shikamaru hesitated, but Neji's unwavering determination made the decision clear. "Alright," Shikamaru finally said, "we'll leave this to you. But don't get yourself killed. We still need you."

Without another word, the team bolted ahead, continuing their pursuit of Sasuke, leaving Neji and Kidōmaru behind.

Once they were out of sight, Kidōmaru grinned wickedly. "So, it's just you and me now, Hyūga? I hope you're ready for a real fight. I'll enjoy tearing you apart."

Neji's face remained calm, but his focus was sharp. His Byakugan traced every movement of chakra within Kidōmaru's webs, planning his next move with precision. "I won't be caught like the others. I have to stop him here."

Kidōmaru shot another volley of webbing toward Neji, but the Hyūga prodigy was prepared. With swift, precise movements, Neji struck the webs, severing the chakra threads controlling them. Kidōmaru watched with interest as his webs fell uselessly to the ground.

"Not bad," Kidōmaru remarked. "You really can see everything, can't you? But seeing and stopping are two different things!"

Before Neji could respond, Kidōmaru activated his own cursed seal, his body rippling as dark markings spread across his skin. His form became more monstrous, extra arms sprouting from his back as his chakra flared with greater intensity. "Let's see how long you can keep up with me now!"

Neji's Byakugan focused intently on Kidōmaru's chakra as it surged. He had to be even more careful now. This enemy was dangerous, and the slightest misstep could mean his death.

As the two stared each other down, the forest around them seemed to hold its breath. The real battle was about to begin.

Neji and Kidōmaru continued their battle in the dense forest, the air thick with tension as both fighters tested each other's limits. Kidōmaru smirked, his cursed seal now spreading across his body, making him more monstrous in appearance, with spider-like limbs extending from his back. His speed and strength had increased, and Neji could feel the pressure mounting with each passing second.

"You're pretty tough, Hyūga," Kidōmaru sneered, his voice dripping with amusement. "But you won't last much longer. You're just like the rest—weak against a real predator."

Neji's Byakugan remained fixed on his opponent, watching the flow of chakra through Kidōmaru's body. He dodged another volley of chakra-infused webs, his movements sharp and calculated. But the longer the fight dragged on, the more Neji felt his chakra reserves depleting. He couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

Kidōmaru had been toying with him, testing his abilities, but now it seemed he was done playing. He extended his hand, and a golden chakra thread began to form. It hardened, twisting into the shape of a large arrow. A third eye on Kidōmaru's forehead opened, gleaming with sinister intent as he took aim with his chakra bow.

"This is the end, Hyūga. Let's see how fast you really are."

Neji narrowed his eyes, his focus entirely on the golden arrow now being drawn. The arrow was different—stronger, faster, and filled with concentrated chakra. Neji could feel the intensity radiating from it even before it was fired. He braced himself, his Byakugan analyzing the arrow's trajectory before it was even released. Every muscle in his body was tensed, ready to react.

Kidōmaru grinned widely. "You can't dodge this one."

With a mocking laugh, Kidōmaru released the golden arrow. It shot through the air with terrifying speed, aimed directly at Neji's chest. Time seemed to slow as Neji's Byakugan tracked every movement of the deadly projectile.

Neji calculated quickly—his mind racing as he analyzed the arrow's path. He knew that dodging it would be nearly impossible at such close range. His only option was to shift just enough to avoid a fatal blow.

In a flash, Neji spun to the side, narrowly avoiding the direct hit. The arrow grazed his ribs, the intense chakra tearing through his clothes and leaving a deep, painful cut along his side. Blood dripped onto the forest floor as Neji landed on one knee, clutching his wound. The pain was sharp, but not enough to slow him down—yet.

Kidōmaru's grin only widened. "Looks like I hit you after all."

Neji stood up slowly, his hand pressed against his bleeding side. His breathing was heavy, but his eyes remained focused. He knew Kidōmaru wasn't done yet, and the real test was still to come.

"You're persistent," Kidōmaru said, already preparing another golden arrow. "But it won't matter. You can't dodge this forever."

Neji's mind raced, searching for a solution. The arrows were too fast and too powerful, and his chakra reserves were running dangerously low. But he couldn't back down now. He had to find a way to end the fight before Kidōmaru could fire another shot.

As Kidōmaru drew back the string of his chakra bow once more, Neji knew this next attack would decide the outcome of the battle.

This was it.

With a deep breath, Neji steadied himself for what could be the final exchange, his Byakugan watching every subtle movement Kidōmaru made, preparing for the arrow that was about to be unleashed.

The golden arrow tore through the air, aimed directly at Neji's heart with deadly precision. Kidōmaru's face twisted into a wicked grin, confident that this final attack would be the end of the Hyūga prodigy.

Neji stood his ground, his Byakugan still locked onto the arrow, tracking its every movement. He had no room for error now, but retreat wasn't an option. Summoning every last ounce of chakra he had left, Neji called upon the technique Jiraiya had taught him—the Needle Jizō.

The sharp pain in his side from the previous attack throbbed, but Neji pushed it aside, focusing all of his chakra into his defense. His hair bristled, hardening into sharp, steel-like needles as his entire body became encased in an impenetrable shield of chakra. The golden arrow collided with the Needle Jizō, sparks flying as the impact created a shockwave that reverberated through the forest.

For a moment, the arrow stalled, its incredible force trying to break through Neji's shield. But Neji, his teeth gritted in determination, poured everything he had into reinforcing the technique, fortifying his defense beyond its normal limits.

Kidōmaru's smirk began to fade as he watched in disbelief.

The golden arrow cracked, its immense chakra being repelled by the strength of Neji's defense. Neji felt the pressure mount, but his shield held firm. And then, with a final surge of energy, the arrow shattered into golden fragments that scattered through the air.

Neji, panting and drenched in sweat, lowered his guard, but his gaze never wavered from Kidōmaru. He could see the look of shock on his enemy's face, and Neji knew it was his moment to strike.

"Your biggest mistake was underestimating the Hyūga," Neji said coldly, his voice steady despite the exhaustion coursing through his body.

With lightning speed, Neji closed the distance between them. Before Kidōmaru could react, Neji placed his hand directly on the remains of the golden arrow still connected to the archer. His palm crackled with chakra, and in that moment, Neji pulsed his own chakra into Kidōmaru's body, sending it crashing through his internal chakra network.

Kidōmaru's eyes widened in horror as he felt his chakra spiraling out of control. His body tensed, muscles seizing as the foreign chakra disrupted the flow within him, targeting his heart. The pain was immediate, and Kidōmaru gasped for breath, his hands clutching his chest.

Neji's voice was calm but filled with a quiet menace. "The Hyūga's worst enemy... is always their own weakness."

Kidōmaru's body convulsed violently as his heart began to fail under the assault of Neji's chakra. His knees buckled, and his vision blurred as he staggered backward, falling to the ground with a heavy thud. His breathing became shallow and ragged as he struggled to stay conscious, but it was clear the fight was over.

Neji, swaying on his feet, watched as Kidōmaru's cursed seal slowly retracted, the life leaving his enemy's body. He had won, but at a cost. Every part of his body screamed in agony, and his chakra reserves were dangerously low. He could barely stand, let alone continue fighting.

Reaching into his pouch, Neji pulled out a chakra pill. His hand trembled as he brought it to his mouth and swallowed, feeling a brief surge of energy flood his system. It wasn't much, but it would have to be enough to keep him going. His team still needed him.

As Neji steadied himself, he glanced down at Kidōmaru's lifeless form. The battle had been brutal, but there was no time to reflect on it now. His focus had to remain on the mission.

"I have to keep moving," Neji muttered to himself, his legs shaking as he forced them to move forward. He couldn't afford to rest, not yet. Not until he caught up with the others and made sure the mission was a success.

With one last glance at the fallen enemy, Neji turned and began his journey through the forest, determined to rejoin his comrades—no matter what.