Naruto: The Lethal Protector
Chapter 15: The Race in the Land of Tea and a New Life
…
In the wake of the recent revelations, Tsunade had the privilege and the responsibility of informing the other leaders of the Elemental Nations about the new threat posed by the symbiotes.
The meeting was held in a secure, expansive hall within the village, its walls adorned with symbols representing the various nations. Despite the varying alliances and past conflicts, the leaders of the Elemental Nations had come together, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
Tsunade stood at the head of the table, her presence commanding respect. Kaito, along with a few other elite shinobi, stood at strategic points around the room, acting as her guards. Kaito's eyes were sharp, constantly scanning for any signs of danger.
"Thank you all for coming," Tsunade began, her voice strong and steady. "We face a threat that transcends our individual conflicts and alliances. The emergence of symbiotes is a danger to all of our nations. Recently, we discovered that a notorious criminal, Dotō Kazahana, managed to obtain a symbiote from an entity known as Riot."
She paused, letting her words sink in. The leaders exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from concern to skepticism.
The Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "How widespread is this threat? Do we have any idea how many of these symbiotes are out there?"
Tsunade nodded. "We don't have exact numbers, but we know that if one criminal can get his hands on a symbiote, it's likely others can too. This hints at a larger operation. The underworld in the Elemental Nations may be trying to manufacture or weaponize these symbiotes."
One of the leaders filling in for the now decesed Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village crossed his arms, his face grave. "If these symbiotes fall into the wrong hands, we could be facing a new kind of warfare, one that we are not prepared for."
"We need to work together," Tsunade continued. "Sharing information, increasing our vigilance, and developing strategies to counter this threat. This is not just a problem for the Hidden Leaf Village; it's a problem for all of us."
The Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village nodded slowly. "We will take this threat seriously. Our nations may not always see eye to eye, but in this, we have a common enemy."
Kaito, sensing the meeting was nearing its conclusion, stepped slightly closer to Tsunade, his presence a silent reassurance. He noticed the subtle nods of agreement among the leaders, a rare moment of unity sparked by the severity of the situation.
Tsunade concluded, "I appreciate your attention to this matter. We will distribute all the information we have on symbiotes and continue to update you as we learn more. Together, we can protect our people and our nations from this emerging threat."
The leaders stood, signaling the end of the meeting. They exchanged brief, respectful nods with Tsunade before departing speaking to the gravity of this situation.
As the hall emptied, Kaito approached Tsunade. "You handled that well," he said honestly, "Better than some throughout the ages I've seen."
Tsunade gave him a small, tired smile. "Thank you. It's a lot to take in, but we'll manage.
Kaito nodded, his vigilance unwavering. "We'll keep an eye on things. We're in this together."
Tsunade placed a hand on his arm, a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "Yes, we are."
…
That morning, after the meeting, Kaito set out to run some errands. His first stop was to visit Sasuke, who was on his way to visit his brother, Itachi. Now doing community service, Itachi was in a much better place, with Sasuke supporting him through his healing process. With Danzo exposed for his crimes, the brothers had found closure and were working to rebuild their relationship.
Kaito accompanied Sasuke to the site where Itachi was working. The two brothers exchanged a warm greeting, and Kaito took a moment to appreciate the bond they had mended. It was a testament to their resilience and the strength of their family ties.
After the visit, Kaito made his way to meet Naruto. Naruto had a list of errands to run, and Kaito helped him with the most important one: getting ramen. They visited Ichiraku Ramen, where Naruto ordered his usual large bowl with extra toppings. As they ate, they chatted about recent events and future plans, their friendship as strong as ever.
Next, Kaito went to see Kabuto, who was deeply immersed in his research into his ancestor and Orochimaru's ancestor. Kabuto's work was meticulous, and Kaito offered his insights, helping to connect the dots in Kabuto's findings. It was fascinating to see how history echoed through the present, shaping the lives of those who delved into it.
Later in the day, Kaito joined Team 10 and Team 8 for their training sessions. He gave them input on how to refine their skills, drawing from his vast experience. Rock Lee, in particular, was developing at an astonishing rate. During their training session, Lee managed to activate over half of the chakra gates in his body without any issue. His strength was incredible, lifting three whole tons with ease, which left Guy's jaw almost hitting the floor.
Hinata's progress was equally impressive. With her Byakugan now capable of seeing in 360 degrees, she had a significant tactical advantage. She completed a course designed for top-level Sannin in just two minutes, a feat that highlighted her overwhelming power and precision.
Kaito remembered those training sessions vividly. Rock Lee's raw physical power and determination were awe-inspiring, while Hinata's calm and focused approach made her a formidable warrior. Her symbiote, with its meek demeanor but immense power, was a perfect match for her personality.
…
By mid-day, Kaito decided to check in with the Hokage's office. As he arrived, Shizune informed him that Tsunade had a delicate mission for Team 7. She wished for Kaito to accompany them.
Kaito nodded, heading to the Hokage's office where Tsunade was waiting. Team 7—Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke—were already assembled, awaiting their instructions.
Tsunade looked up as Kaito entered, her expression serious yet welcoming. "Kaito, thank you for coming. I have a mission for Team 7, and given its delicate nature, I'd like you to accompany them."
Kaito gave a slight bow. "Of course, Tsunade-sama. What's the mission?"
Tsunade began, "Your mission is to protect a young man named Idate during a foot race against a rival clan. This race will settle a long-standing feud between the Wasabi family and the Wagarashi family."
Kaito's eyes widened slightly in recognition. "The Wasabi and Wagarashi families? I remember them from my time in the Land of Tea. I had friends from both families a few decades ago. I know Jirōchō Wasabi, the head of the Wasabi family. The last time I saw him, both families were going through some territorial disputes. I suggested that the best way to decide who controls the port would be to hold a race, rather than resulting in more casualties. Looks like they took my advice."
Tsunade nodded. "Indeed. The race is meant to resolve their dispute peacefully. However, tensions are high, and we suspect foul play. Your familiarity with the families might be an asset."
Kaito smiled slightly, memories of his friends surfacing. "It will be good to see Jirōchō again. I'll ensure Idate's safety."
Tsunade handed Kaito a scroll with the mission details. "The race begins in two days. You'll travel to the Land of Tea immediately. Stay vigilant."
Naruto, brimming with excitement, pumped his fist in the air. "A race? This is going to be awesome! Don't worry, Tsunade-baachan, we've got this!"
Sakura and Sasuke nodded, both equally determined to see the mission through.
Kaito glanced at them, appreciating their enthusiasm. "We'll make sure Idate gets through the race safely. Let's get moving."
As they left the Hokage's office, Kaito couldn't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The Land of Tea held many memories for him, and now, he had the chance to help settle a feud he had a hand in resolving.
…
By late afternoon, they decided to take a break at a tea-house. The cozy establishment was a welcome respite, and the team settled into a corner table, enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed tea.
As they sipped their tea, the door to the tea-house swung open, and a young man with spiky black hair and a determined expression walked in. He wore a distinctive outfit for a traveler, and Kaito noticed the heavy weights strapped to his legs. This was Idate.
Naruto, always eager to make new friends, waved Idate over. "Hey, you're Idate, right? We're here to help with the race!"
Idate approached the table, his eyes scanning the group. When his gaze landed on Kaito, his eyes widened in recognition. "Wait a minute… you're Kaito?! The legendary Kaito, who is the talk of the Elemental Nations?!"
Kaito shrugged modestly, a slight smile on his lips. "Yes, I'm Kaito. It's nice to meet you, Idate."
Before Idate could respond, red and black tendrils emerged from Kaito's back, forming into Venom and Carnage. The two symbiotes introduced themselves, their voices a harmonious blend of strength and ferocity.
"We're Venom," the black symbiote said, his voice deep and resonant.
"And I'm Carnage," the red symbiote added, his tone more chaotic and energetic.
The symbiotes' appearance left Idate momentarily speechless, but he quickly recovered. "You mean… you're here to protect me during the race?"
Kaito nodded. "That's right. We're here to make sure nothing goes wrong and that you make it through the race safely."
Idate's initial surprise gave way to a determined grin. "I've heard stories about you, Kaito. It's an honor to have you and your symbiotes here. I've been training hard for this race, and I won't let you down."
Kaito glanced at the weights on Idate's legs. "I see you've been training with heavy weights. Without them, you must be incredibly fast."
Idate nodded proudly. "Yes, I've been working on my speed. This race means everything to me and my those who took me in."
As they traveled to the village where the race would be held, Kaito engaged in a silent conversation with Carnage, Venom, and Ivory inside his head.
"We've picked up on Idate's scent," Venom began, his tone thoughtful. "There's something peculiar about it. It's very similar to Ibiki's… like a blood relative."
Kaito noted this down for future reference. "Interesting. We'll need to keep that in mind," he replied mentally.
…
The group entered the busy village, the atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming race. They made their way to the Wasabi family home, where Jirōchō Wasabi greeted Kaito warmly.
"Kaito! It's been too long," Jirōchō exclaimed, bowing slightly. "You've always had a knack for bringing solutions. I still remember those family dinners you attended in my youth."
Kaito smiled, reminiscing about the past. "It's good to see you, Jirōchō. I'm here to ensure everything goes smoothly for the race."
Jirōchō nodded appreciatively. "Your presence is a great comfort and I look forward to it."
As preparations for the evening festivities began, Kaito decided to visit one of the local gift shops. He noticed that the prices were steep, a sign that the newer generation of the Wagarashi family wasn't heeding his advice as their predecessors had.
Despite the high prices, Kaito selected a few items: candies, a wooden toad figurine/pendant for Naruto, a small summoning scroll pendant for Sasuke, and a pink summoning scroll for Sakura. He paid three times the usual amount without complaint, understanding that the store needed the funds more than he did.
After leaving the shop, Kaito got to work. Donning his Azure symbiote, he created several duplicates to help set up the festivities efficiently. The clones moved with precision, ensuring everything was in place for the night's events.
As Kaito supervised the setup, he was approached by Wagarashi Ikka. Though he didn't know Ikka like he had known his father, he engaged in a polite conversation.
"Kaito, it's an honor to meet you," Ikka began, extending a hand. "I've heard much about your efforts to bring peace to our families."
Kaito shook his hand, maintaining a friendly demeanor. "Thank you, Ikka. I'm here to ensure the race proceeds without incident."
During their conversation, Kaito picked up several verbal and mental cues, thanks to Violet's mind-reading abilities. It became apparent that Ikka had made preparations to sabotage Idate by any means necessary. The hints of deceit were subtle but unmistakable.
Making a mental note of Ikka's intentions, Kaito decided to take proactive measures. He discreetly signaled one of his Azure doppelgangers, who quietly made their way to Jirōchō Wasabi, standing halfway across the area and out of Ikka's line of sight.
The Azure doppelganger approached Jirōchō and whispered the critical information. "Ikka is planning to sabotage Idate during the race. Be on high alert."
Jirōchō's expression hardened, and he nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for the warning. We'll be prepared."
As the evening progressed, Kaito continued to oversee the preparations, ensuring everything was in order. The festive atmosphere masked the underlying tension, but Kaito remained vigilant, ready to act should Ikka attempt any underhanded tactics.
As morning approached, the village was alive with anticipation. The two contestants, Fukusuke Hikyakuya and Idate, prepared to start the race that would determine the future of their families. The crowd gathered at the starting line, their excitement already sky high with the sight of Kaito's symbiotes finishing up their work.
Kaito stood nearby, his senses heightened and his focus sharp. He watched as Idate stretched and ajusted the weights on his legs, ready for the challenge ahead. Fukusuke, the rival contestant, also prepared, his demeanor calm and confident.
Kaito's attention was drawn to Cha no Kuni Akukarō, the Minister of the Tea Daimyō, who stood among the dignitaries. Violet picked up on the minister's thoughts, which were deeply concerning. The minister was recalling a discussion he had with Ikka about sabotaging the race in favor of the Wagarashi family. His memories he thought of while recalling that revealed a history of using his political power to manipulate events to his advantage.
Great, Kaito thought, a person who abuses his position of power.
Kaito sent a mental signal to Violet, who in turn informed an Azure doppelganger nearby. The doppelganger subtly made its way to Jirōchō Wasabi, who was overseeing the final preparations for the race. As the doppelganger passed by Jirōchō, it whispered, "Be careful, Jirōchō. The minister is in on Ikka's plot."
Jirōchō's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his reaction. He gave a slight nod to the doppelganger, acknowledging the warning. The Azure symbiote then melded back into Kaito, along with the other duplicates, ready to act if needed.
The starting line was set, and the contestants took their positions. The air was thick with tension, the crowd hushed in anticipation. Idate glanced over at Kaito, who gave him a reassuring nod.
The referee raised the starting flag. "On your marks… get set… go!"
The flag dropped, and Idate and Fukusuke took off, sprinting down the path with incredible speed. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing through the village as Idate suddenly turned and ran off to the side after going through the gate.
The flag dropped, and Idate and Fukusuke took off, sprinting down the path with incredible speed. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing through the village.
Suddenly, Idate turned sharply and ran off to the side after going through the gate, deviating from the expected route.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura immediately chased after him, their mission to guard him foremost in their minds.
"Idate, where are you going? The boat is that way!" Naruto shouted in confusion.
Kaito, keeping up with them easily, responded, "Actually, it's pretty smart. He noticed a storm forming in the distance and is going around it. My symbiotes can smell thunder in that storm, so it's best that we go around it anyway. Besides, he's not breaking any rules by going this way since it doesn't matter what route he takes as long as he heads to the neighboring island."
Naruto glanced back at Kaito, then nodded in understanding. "Got it! Let's keep up with him!"
Idate's decision to take an alternate route proved to be wise. As they ran, the sky in the distance grew darker, and the rumble of thunder became faintly audible. The terrain was rough, but Idate navigated it with the ease of someone who had trained extensively for such challenges.
Sasuke's keen eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of danger or sabotage. "Kaito, do you sense anything unusual?"
Kaito's symbiotes were on high alert, their senses extended to pick up any threats. "So far, nothing out of the ordinary. But stay on alert. The minister and Ikka might try something unexpected."
Sakura, running alongside Naruto, kept an eye on Idate. "He's moving fast, even with those weights. He's really determined to win this race."
Idate's pace remained steady and strong. The weights on his legs were something he was used to by now so he kept a measured pace, and he used his knowledge of the terrain to maintain an advantage. The storm in the distance loomed ominously, but Idate's detour kept them on safer ground.
Naruto grinned, his energy infectious. "Idate's got this! We just need to make sure nothing stops him."
As they neared the coastline, the path leveled out, offering a clear view of the water and the island they needed to reach. The storm was still visible on the horizon, but it was clear that Idate's route had successfully circumvented it.
Kaito glanced at the others. "He's smart. This route avoided the worst of the storm. Now we just need to get him to the boat and ensure he crosses safely."
They arrived at the shoreline where a boat was waiting, and after speaking with the owner, they were ready to take Idate to the neighboring island.
As they sailed, Kaito noticed a second boat following them at a distance. His symbiotes bristled in anticipation, picking up the presence of water clones lurking beneath the surface.
"Team 7, stay in the boat and guard Idate," Kaito instructed. "I'm going to go for a swim to check out that boat that's following us."
With that, the Venom symbiote covered Kaito, transforming him into a fearsome figure. He lunged into the water with a splash and torpedoed through the depths, moving with incredible speed and grace. Within seconds, he reached the other boat, launching himself out of the water and landing gracefully on the deck.
Kaito stared at the three ninja on the boat and realized they were Team Oboro from the Chunin exams, a team he remembered from the background during the tests. Naruto and Sakura had eventually earned the title of Chunin after those exams.
The three ninja stared back at Kaito, and it looked like they were about to wet themselves—though not just because they specialized in water style jutsu.
Kaito's presence was intimidating, and he could see the panic in their eyes. "Really…? You're going to take on someone who utterly dismantled the legendary Sannin Orochimaru? Really…?"
Oboro, Mubi, and Kagari exchanged nervous glances, their confidence wavering. Oboro stammered, "W-we were just following orders… We didn't know it was you…"
Kaito's eyes narrowed through his Venom guise. "Orders or not, you're in way over your heads. Leave now, and I might consider letting you go without a fight."
Mubi stepped back, his voice shaking. "This… this isn't worth it. We should leave."
Kagari nodded vigorously, the fear evident on his face. "Y-yeah, let's get out of here."
Oboro quickly made the decision. "Fall back! Let's go!"
The three ninja hurriedly turned their boat around, their panic was on full display. Kaito watched them go, ensuring they were truly retreating before turning his attention back to the water.
With the threat neutralized, Kaito dove back into the water, torpedoing back to the boat carrying Team 7 and Idate. He surfaced gracefully, pulling himself back onto the deck.
Naruto looked at him expectantly. "Everything okay?"
Kaito nodded, the Venom symbiote receding. "Yes. Just a few misguided ninja who decided it wasn't worth the trouble. Let's keep moving."
The boat continued its journey, cutting through the waves with ease. They reached the neighboring island without further incident, the path now clear for Idate to complete the race.
As they disembarked, Idate gave Kaito a grateful nod. "Thank you. I couldn't have done this without you."
Kaito smiled, his presence calm and reassuring. "Just focus on the race, Idate. We'll handle any threats that come your way."
Idate was making great progress up the steep hill when they encountered another complication. Out of nowhere, kunai flew through the air, aimed directly at Idate. Kaito barely reacted in time, catching a few kunai with his arm and quickly pulling them out. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura immediately pulled out their own kunai, scanning the area for the source of the attack.
From the shadows, Aoi Rokushō emerged, throwing everything in his arsenal in a single, powerful attack. He aimed to take them out in one fell swoop.
Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he pulled out his dual Chidori blades, which he had trained with Kaito. The lightning-infused swords crackled with energy as he blocked Aoi's strike, the impact sending sparks flying as they blocked Aoi's lightning blade.
Idate's eyes widened in recognition as he saw the sword that Aoi's wielding. "I know that blade!"
Aoi landed back on his feet, assessing the situation. "So… those other ninja chickened out and ran, huh?"
Kaito narrowed his eyes for a moment before a look of genuine bewilderment crossed his face. "Wait a minute… time out…? Aoi, is that you?"
Aoi's expression faltered slightly, but he maintained his aggressive stance. "What of it?"
Kaito sighed, shaking his head. "Jeez, kid… do you realize how hard your parents sacrificed to get you into the Hidden Leaf Village as a Chunin before you tried taking out Ibiki and ran away?"
There was dead silence as everyone processed Kaito's words. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and even Idate stared at Aoi, realizing that Kaito knew his parents.
Aoi's face twisted with a mix of anger and shame. "Shut up! You don't know anything!"
Kaito's disappointment was laughably apparent. "Tsk… tsk… tsk, I'm so disappointed in you. You had potential, Aoi. You could have been a great shinobi, but you chose this path instead."
Aoi's anger flared, and he lunged at Kaito with renewed fury. Kaito deftly sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. "Your parents wanted the best for you, and you've thrown it all away for what? To sabotage a race and dishonor yourself further?"
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood ready, their resolve strengthening with Kaito's words. Sasuke's Chidori blades crackled with energy, prepared to defend against any further attacks from Aoi.
Aoi's desperation was evident in his wild strikes, but Kaito and Team 7 handled him with ease. Kaito's disappointment fueled his determination to end this quickly. He dodged another attack and delivered a powerful blow, sending Aoi sprawling to the ground.
Aoi struggled to get up, his breath ragged. "SHUT-UP!" He shouted.
Aoi struggled to get up, his breath ragged. "SHUT UP!" he shouted, lunging at Kaito with a kunai.
Kaito didn't move, letting Aoi strike him. The kunai pierced Kaito's chest but fell to the ground, unable to harm him. Kaito could only shake his head, disappointed.
Aoi, fueled by desperation, went in for a final strike. Kaito raised his hand in a fist and, with a swift motion, brought it down on Aoi's head.
"Bonk!"
Aoi collapsed face-first onto the ground, knocked out cold. Kaito looked down at him, shaking his head again.
"Okay," Kaito said, turning to Team 7 and Idate, "let's continue the race."
Idate nodded, his determination reignited. He resumed his climb up the steep hill, his pace quick and steady. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stayed close, their senses heightened for any further threats.
Kaito glanced at the unconscious Aoi one last time before following the group. The path ahead was clear, and they needed to ensure Idate reached the finish line without any more interruptions.
As they continued up the hill, the atmosphere grew tense but focused. The memory of Aoi's attack served as a reminder of the stakes involved, but also of their ability to overcome any obstacle.
The climb was challenging, but Idate's training and determination paid off. With each step, he drew closer to the summit, his legs moving with a rhythm born of rigorous preparation. The heavy weights on his legs seemed to have little effect on his pace as he kept going…. Apparently he was making good progress.
Naruto couldn't help but grin. "You've got this, Idate! Just keep going!"
Sasuke, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings. "We're almost there. Stay alert."
Sakura, her eyes filled with determination, nodded. "We're right behind you, Idate."
Idate pushed himself to the limit, his legs moving with a relentless rhythm. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stayed close, their presence a constant source of support and vigilance. As they neared the first shrine, the sight of it spurred Idate to give one final burst of speed.
Naruto couldn't help but grin. "You've got this, Idate! Just keep going!"
Sasuke, ever vigilant, scanned the surroundings. "We're almost there. Stay alert."
Sakura, her eyes filled with determination, nodded. "We're right behind you, Idate."
Idate reached the first shrine, his heart pounding but his spirits high. It was apparent that he was the first one there, earning him quite a few cheers from the villagers who had gathered to watch. Lord Jirōchō, who had arrived earlier and was waiting for the first half of the race to finish, smiled proudly as Idate approached.
Idate placed the spherical gem on the shrine, signifying his arrival. The villagers cheered louder, their excitement filling the air. A few minutes later, the second runner arrived and placed his gem on the shrine, acknowledging Idate's lead, albeit grudgingly.
With the first part of the race completed, it was time for the contestants to rest for the night before picking up the race in the morning. The atmosphere was a mix of celebration and anticipation for the next day's events.
Kaito noticed Lord Ikka slightly scowling as he gave Lord Jirōchō his congratulations. Jirōchō accepted the praise graciously, giving nothing away about the information Kaito had shared with him that morning regarding Ikka's plot to sabotage the race.
As the night settled in, Kaito remained on high alert, his senses attuned to any signs of trouble. He watched as the contestants and their supporters gathered around, sharing stories and preparing for the next day.
Later that evening, Kaito approached Lord Jirōchō. "Everything seems to be going well so far. But we should remain cautious. Ikka's scowl didn't go unnoticed."
Jirōchō nodded, his expression serious. "I agree. We'll keep a close watch tonight. Thank you for the warning earlier. It's been invaluable."
Kaito smiled slightly. "We'll make sure Idate finishes this race safely. He's done well so far."
As the night deepened, the contestants settled into their tents, resting for the challenges of the following day. Kaito took a final patrol around the camp, ensuring everything was secure.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were already asleep, their exhaustion evident after a long day. Idate lay in his bed, his mind focused on the race and the support he had received from his newfound friends.
…
As morning arrived, Kaito was getting Team Seven ready for the second half of the race. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and the contestants were eager to continue. Kaito, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura headed out early, ensuring they were well-prepared for any challenges ahead.
Idate and the other contestant resumed their race, their determination unwavering. Kaito and Team Seven followed closely, their senses heightened for any signs of sabotage or danger.
Eventually as they approached a rope bridge spanning a deep ravine filled with water, Kaito led the way. He stepped onto the bridge, his foot pressing down on something with a distinct click.
"CLICK..."
"BOOM!"
The explosion was deafening. Kaito's leg was blown up, and he was sent flying into the ravine below. The symbiotes within him worked frantically to repair the damage as he splashed into the water.
Both runners and Team Seven stopped dead in their tracks.
"What was that?!" Sakura shouted, instantly going on alert.
Kaito pulled himself up from the water, his leg already regenerating. He reached the ledge and started climbing, his focus unbroken despite the pain. As he neared the top, a kunai flew into his back, exploding upon impact.
Even then, Kaito refused to stop. He continued to pull himself up, the burns and injuries already healing. He dusted himself off as if the burns were a trivial matter.
In the next moment, Aoi Rokushō appeared, his face twisted with rage. He plunged his lightning blade through Kaito's back and chest area, the electricity crackling through his body.
"DAMN IT! WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!" Aoi screamed, his voice a mixture of frustration and madness.
Aoi's eyes were wild, his demeanor completely unhinged. He looked like he was going crazy, consumed by his obsession with defeating Kaito.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura watched in horror and disbelief as Aoi's attacks seemed relentless.
"Get away from him!" Sasuke shouted, readying his Chidori blades.
Kaito, despite the lightning blade impaling him, turned his head to look at Aoi. "Really? Again with this?"
With a swift motion, Kaito grabbed the lightning blade, ignoring the searing pain, and pulled it out of his body. He stepped forward, forcing Aoi back with sheer willpower.
Naruto and Sakura moved to flank Aoi, ensuring he couldn't escape. "We're not letting you sabotage this race!" Naruto declared.
Aoi's eyes darted around, realizing he was outmatched. His breathing was ragged, his sanity hanging by a thread. "You think you can stop me? I'll destroy everything you care about!"
Kaito's expression hardened. "I don't think so..."
As Aoi prepared for another attack, Sasuke and Naruto moved in, disarming him with precision. Sakura applied a swift strike, knocking him out cold.
Kaito looked at the fallen Aoi, his heart heavy with disappointment. "It didn't have to end this way," he murmured.
With Aoi neutralized, Kaito turned to Idate and the other contestant. "Keep going. The race must continue."
Idate nodded, his resolve strengthened by Kaito's unwavering determination. He resumed the race, the finish line now within reach.
As the race neared its conclusion, the intensity grew with each step. Idate pushed himself to the limit, his eyes fixed on the finish line. The other contestant was close behind, but Idate managed to gain a lead of about 13 feet in the final stretch.
The crowd gathered at the finish line erupted in cheers, their excitement on full display.
Idate's determination was evident in every stride as he surged forward, his face a mask of focused resolve.
"Go, Idate! You can do it!" Naruto shouted, his voice echoing above the crowd's cheers.
Sasuke and Sakura watched with anticipation, their hearts racing as they urged Idate on.
With a final burst of speed, Idate crossed the finish line first. The crowd's cheers grew louder, celebrating his victory. Idate's face broke into a triumphant smile, the weight of his hard work and dedication lifting as he realized he had won.
Following closely behind, one of Kaito's Azure doppelgangers carried the unconscious Aoi, ensuring he didn't cause any more trouble.
Kaito approached Jirōchō, who was beaming with pride at Idate's victory. "This is the one who's been causing trouble during the race," Kaito said, indicating the unconscious Aoi. "He tried interfering again, and, well, you can guess the rest. Also, he blew up my leg earlier, so I'd be careful around him if I were you. He's not exactly stable right now."
Jirōchō's smile faded slightly as he looked at Aoi. "Thank you, Kaito. We'll make sure he's dealt with appropriately."
Kaito nodded. "Idate did an incredible job. He deserves this victory."
The villagers swarmed around Idate, congratulating him and celebrating his hard-earned win. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura joined the celebration, their faces lit with pride and happiness.
Jirōchō approached Idate, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've done us proud, Idate. Your determination and perseverance have brought honor to the Wasabi family."
Idate, still catching his breath, smiled widely. "Thank you, Lord Jirōchō. I couldn't have done it without the support of everyone here."
…
As the celebration continued, Kaito remained vigilant, ensuring that everything remained peaceful. The unconscious Aoi was taken into custody, and the villagers began preparations for a feast to honor the victorious Idate.
Kaito took a moment to stand on the outskirts of the celebration, watching with a sense of fulfillment. Despite the challenges and dangers, they had succeeded in their mission.
Naruto approached Kaito, a broad grin on his face. "We did it, Kaito! Idate won!"
Kaito nodded, Sasuke and Sakura joined them, their expressions reflecting their pride in the team's accomplishment. "What's next?" Sasuke asked, always looking ahead.
Kaito looked out at the cheering villagers and then back at his team. "For now, we celebrate. Then we head back."
Kaito reached into his pouch and pulled out the pendants he had bought before the race started. He handed them to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, each wrapped in a small cloth.
"These are for you," Kaito said, a warm smile on his face. "Just a little something to show my appreciation for your hard work and dedication."
Naruto unwrapped his gift, revealing a wooden toad figurine pendant. His eyes lit up with joy. "This is awesome, Kaito! Thank you!"
Sasuke carefully unwrapped his and found a small summoning scroll pendant. He nodded, a rare smile appearing on his face. "Thanks, Kaito. This means a lot."
Sakura's pendant was a pink summoning scroll. She looked at it with admiration, then at Kaito. "Thank you, Kaito. This is beautiful."
Kaito felt a sense of warmth as he saw their reactions. "You all did an incredible job. I'm proud to have you on my team."
The team joined the rest of the villagers in celebrating Idate's victory. The atmosphere was festive, a well-deserved break after the intense race.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura showed off their pendants to each other, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind Kaito's gifts.
The journey back to the Hidden Leaf Village was filled with a sense of accomplishment. Kaito and Team Seven traveled by boat, the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversations about the race and their plans for the future. As they prepared to be debriefed.
When they finally reached the Hidden Leaf Village, Kakashi and Anko were there to greet them, having just returned from their own missions. The surprise on Team Seven's faces was evident.
"Kakashi-sensei! Anko!" Naruto shouted, waving excitedly.
Kakashi gave a lazy wave, his eye crinkling in a smile. "Welcome back, everyone. How did it go?"
"It went great!" Naruto exclaimed. "Idate won the race, and we took care of some troublemakers along the way."
Anko's symbiote, Mirage, formed out of her back in purple and black tendrils, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We have some news regarding Tsunade. After the debrief, she has wonderful news for you, Kaito." Which made Kaito raise an eyebrow wondering what the news was.
…
The debrief was quick and straightforward. Team Seven and Kaito described the events of the race, the sabotage attempts, and their ultimate success in ensuring Idate's victory.
"It sounds like everything went remarkably well," Kakashi said, nodding in approval. "Good job, everyone."
Anko smirked. "And now, Kaito, it's time for you to hear that wonderful news."
Kaito was escorted to a private space where Tsunade was waiting. She had a dreamy look on her face as Shizune put away her checkup equipment. Tsunade shared a nod with Shizune, who smiled warmly before leaving the room.
Tsunade approached Kaito and gently took hold of his hand, placing it on her stomach. Kaito and his symbiotes could feel it—a tiny heartbeat, their child's heartbeat.
Kaito's eyes widened "Is that…?"
Tsunade nodded, her eyes brimming with joy. "Yes, Kaito. We're going to be parents."
Her yellow and red symbiote, Scream, formed out of her back in colorful tendrils and gushed with joy. "It's just adorable! You and my host are going to be parents!"
Kaito's heart swelled with happiness. He pulled Tsunade into a gentle embrace, his symbiotes expressing their own elation. "This is… this is wonderful news."
Tsunade rested her head against his chest, her smile radiant. "I wanted to share this with you as soon as possible. Our child is going to have a life filled with love and strength."
Kaito nodded, his emotions a mixture of pride, joy, and gratitude. "I promise I'll be the best father I can be. We'll raise our child together, and they'll know nothing but love."
Scream giggled through her sharp teeth. "A new life to protect and cherish! It's the beginning of a beautiful journey."