Naruto: The Lethal Protector

by abcd12344321

Kaito was a normal guy, trying to live a normal life. Well, as normal as life could be when you have seven alien symbiotes bonded to you. Who is Kaito? How old is he? Also... what's his history with Tsunade? What things will remain the same, what things will be different as the story progresses? That's the question.

16. Chapter 16

Naruto: The Lethal Protector

Chapter 16: Auction in the Village of Hidden Stone, Symbiotes Unleashed!

…

A few days after learning of Tsunade's pregnancy, the peaceful atmosphere in the Hidden Leaf Village was suddenly disrupted by the arrival of messengers from the Hidden Stone Village. Tsunade was in her office, discussing some routine matters with Shizune, when a knock at the door signaled the arrival of the messengers.

"Come in," Tsunade called out.

The door opened, and two serious-looking messengers from the Hidden Stone Village entered, bowing respectfully. "Tsunade-sama, we bring urgent news from the Hidden Stone Village," one of them said, presenting a sealed scroll.

Tsunade took the scroll, her curiosity piqued. As she broke the seal and read its contents, her expression grew more alarmed. Shizune, noticing Tsunade's reaction, leaned in to see what was written.

The scroll detailed a matter that went well beyond the normal S-Rank mission. It involved what Tsunade had discussed with the Hidden Stone Village leaders about a week or two ago concerning the possibility of other symbiotes being out there. The messengers had also brought copies of documents uncovered during a raid, providing more context.

Tsunade quickly unrolled the additional documents, her eyes scanning the alarming details. The documents described an upcoming underground auction where three symbiotes would be sold.

There were a total of three symbiotes…

Razar: A silver symbiote with jagged spikes on its body.

Berserker: A hulking, oversized symbiote larger than the rest complete with a brutish posture.

Alure: A feminine symbiote that is red with white veins and whip-like tendrils with spikes on the edges.

"This is… this is serious," Tsunade muttered, her face growing more concerned with each passing moment.

Shizune glanced at the documents, her expression mirroring Tsunade's. "If these symbiotes are auctioned off to the highest bidders, it could mean disaster for all of us."

Tsunade nodded, her mind already working on the next steps. "We need to act quickly. Kaito and Anko are our best bet for this mission. Their experience with symbiotes makes them the ideal candidates."

Tsunade immediately called for Kaito and Anko, summoning them to her office. They arrived swiftly, sensing the urgency in the air.

"What's the matter, Tsunade-sama?" Kaito asked, noting the serious expressions on Tsunade and Shizune's faces.

Tsunade handed them the scroll and the copied documents. "We've received urgent news from the Hidden Stone Village. They've uncovered an underground operation where symbiotes are going to be auctioned off. This mission goes beyond the usual S-Rank. It's crucial that we stop this auction and prevent these symbiotes from being auctioned off."

Kaito and Anko read through the documents, their expressions hardening as they took in the information.

"These symbiotes… Razar, Berserker, and Alure… we can't let them be sold," Anko said. Mirage, her purple and black symbiote, formed out of her back and nodded in agreement.

Kaito's eyes met Tsunade's. "We'll handle it. We'll infiltrate the auction, gather intelligence, and take down anyone involved in this operation."

Tsunade nodded, relieved by their determination. "You'll need to leave immediately. The Hidden Stone Village is expecting you, and they'll provide any additional support you need."

After giving Shizune a nod she handed them a final set of details, including the location and contacts in the Hidden Stone Village. "Good luck. This mission is critical for the safety of all our villages."

As Kaito and Anko left the office to prepare for their mission, Tsunade watched Kaito in particular. She trusted them to handle this delicate situation, knowing that the fate of the symbiotes and the safety of their world depended on their success, and as they left her office, she rubbed her stomach containing her and Kaito's child…. "Please Kaito… be safe…"

…

Two days' worth of traveling in their symbiote forms later…

Kaito and Anko moved quickly, making their way to the Hidden Stone Village. Along the way, they discussed their strategy and prepared for the challenges ahead.

"We need to be careful," Kaito said. "The criminal elements involved in this auction won't hesitate to use any means necessary to protect their interests."

Anko nodded, her expression serious. "We'll have to blend in, gather information, and strike when the time is right. No mistakes."

Under the cover of night, Kaito and Anko arrived at the Hidden Stone Village, their cloaks concealing their identities to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. The village, known for its rocky terrain and formidable defenses, loomed ahead, lit sparsely by torches and the occasional lantern.

Kaito and Anko moved swiftly and silently, heading towards the command center where their contacts were coordinating with the village leaders. The command center was a discreet building, guarded by a few stone-ninjas who nodded them through upon recognizing their cloaks.

…

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Stone-ninjas were busy analyzing maps, scanning reports, and communicating via radio. The operation to track suspicious individuals and potential symbiotes was in full swing, but progress was slow.

As Kaito and Anko entered, a stern-looking ninja approached them. "You're the ones the Hokage sent?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Kaito nodded. "Yes. We're here to assist with the symbiote threat."

The ninja gestured for them to follow. "Come with me. We need to brief you."

They were led to a central room where a few high-ranking officials of the Hidden Stone Village awaited. The atmosphere was thick with distrust, particularly towards Anko, given her association with the Hidden Leaf.

One of the officials, a grizzled veteran with a scar across his face, began the briefing. "We've been tracking suspicious activity linked to the underground auction. So far, our progress has been minimal. These criminals are adept at covering their tracks."

Mirage, Anko's symbiote, emerged from her back in a swirl of purple and black tendrils. "We're here to help. Despite your misgivings, this threat requires our combined effort."

Violet, with her own purple tendrils, formed from Kaito's back. "Let's lay down some ground rules. These symbiotes are notorious in the collective. If they bond to a host, that's your cue to run and seal off the area. Even a drop can become its own symbiote and take control of anyone."

The officials exchanged uneasy glances but listened intently.

Kaito continued, "Based on what my symbiotes have told me, Razar is particularly sadistic. He enjoys cutting things. Berserker is similar but prefers mauling his victims. And Alure, while she might flirt with male hosts, is just as dangerous."

One of the officials spoke up, his voice edged with skepticism. "And what about the rumored fourth symbiote mentioned in the documents? If he's real, do you have any information on him?"

Violet's symbiotic expression darkened. "Strategon. He's a tactician, and he can mask his presence from us. If he's here, he's planning something big."

The grizzled veteran nodded, his eyes hardening with resolve. "Understood. We've set up surveillance around the suspected auction site. We'll guide you there and provide support, but you'll be leading the operation."

Anko, sensing the tension, stepped forward. "We're all on the same side here. The sooner we neutralize this threat, the safer all our villages will be."

The room fell silent for a moment, then the veteran spoke again. "Alright. We trust your expertise. Let's move out."

Kaito and Anko, now briefed and with a clearer understanding of the situation, prepared to head to the suspected auction site. The Hidden Stone ninjas handed them detailed maps and communication devices.

As they exited the command center, the night seemed even darker, the weight of the mission pressing down on them. The fate of their villages depended on the success of this operation, and they were ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.

Kaito turned to Anko. "Let's stay sharp and remember, we may be immune to the symbiotes, but they aren't.

Anko nodded as she followed them to the designated spot.

…

Kaito and Anko arrived at the suspected auction site, a seemingly abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the village. The place was eerily quiet, with no hidden compartments or signs of life around. It was too calm, and Kaito's instincts were on high alert.

Mirage, Anko's symbiote, formed out of her back and whispered, "Something's not right… It's too calm. No one has arrived for the past two hours."

Violet, from Kaito's back, added, "I'm picking up thoughts from some passerby around the perimeter, but they're just civilians heading home or to the nearby bar. Nothing suspicious."

Thirty minutes later, Kaito broke radio silence. "Something's wrong… Anything on your ends?"

The other ninja, scattered around the area, all reported negative.

One of the units hesitated. "Wait… Where's Ishikawa?"

A chill ran down Kaito's spine. Genin from this village followed orders without question. It was out of character for one of them to just disappear.

Kaito looked at Anko. "The auction isn't here. We've been misled from the get-go. The documents we recovered were a ruse to throw us off their trail."

Anko's eyes widened realizing they had been played and quickly alerted her allies over the comms.

A few minutes later as they regrouped, the captain voiced his concern. "Where could Ishikawa have gone? He's one of the most loyal and disciplined shinobi I know, this is not like him…"

Kaito and Anko both noticed something off about the ninja who reported Ishikawa's absence. A faint, lingering smell caught their attention—one they recognized all too well.

Kaito stepped closer and sniffed the ninja, who looked puzzled. "What are you doing?"

Kaito's eyes widened in realization. "Shit…! One of the symbiotes must have bonded to your buddy. He's been playing us by controlling him the entire time!"

The atmosphere grew tense as the implications of Kaito's discovery sank in. The ninja began to piece together what had happened, their expressions turning from confusion to alarm.

Anko addressed the group. "We need to find Ishikawa and the real auction site. If a symbiote has taken control of him, then they know we're onto them!"

Mirage, still visible, nodded in agreement. "We only have a few hours left till the auction is held, we have to hurry."

Kaito took charge. "We'll split into smaller groups and search the surrounding areas. Keep in constant communication and report any signs of Ishikawa or unusual activity. Do not engage alone if you find him—signal us immediately."

The captain, now fully aware of the gravity of the situation, nodded. "Understood. Let's move out."

As they spread out to search for Ishikawa and the real auction site, Kaito and Anko stayed close, their senses heightened. The presence of the symbiote and the realization that they had been misled only made them more determined to uncover the truth and stop the auction before it was too late.

Every shadow and sound were scrutinized, and every corner was checked. Kaito and Anko communicated constantly, coordinating their efforts with the other ninja. They knew time was running out, "Damn it…! Where is that auction?" Kaito muttered as he leapt from one stone rooftop to the next while in his Violet symbiote form. Followed quickly by Anko in her black and purple symbiote form.

One of the units radioed in. "We've found Ishikawa! He's exited the village and gone into one of the slum districts."

Kaito and Anko immediately converged on that spot, coordinating with the rest of the team. They decided to enter through the vents, limiting the number of people who could go in at a time. Groups of five would infiltrate while the rest locked down the area.

Kaito, Anko, and three other shinobi crawled through the narrow vents, their senses heightened as they approached their target.

As they emerged from the vents, they heard the unmistakable sounds of an auction in progress. Criminals from all over the elemental nations filled the space, eagerly bidding on the symbiotes.

Kaito and Anko peeked out to observe the scene. In the auctioning booth were three symbiote containers:

Razar, A silver symbiote with jagged edges, exuding an aura of aggression.

Berserker, A bulkier black symbiote thrashing around wildly, desperate to latch onto a host.

Alure, A red and white elegant symbiote that moved with fluid grace.

On the stage stood Ishikawa, his eyes flashing symbiote orange with purple. As the transformation engulfed him, he became Strategon, the symbiote, the symbiote that was rumored to be around the area, but who the ninja didn't know for sure… until now.

Strategon's form was rugged and craggy, with a mixture of orange and purple colors. His body was covered in sharp, rocky protrusions that gave him a menacing and tactical look.

A gaping mouth in his chest, lined with razor-sharp teeth, added to his intimidating presence.

His eyes were sharp and calculating, constantly scanning the room for any sign of trouble. However, despite his intimidating appearance, Strategon didn't seem capable of sensing Kaito and Anko's presence, indicating a unique limitation in his abilities as he continued to scan the room.

Strategon stood on the stage, scanning the room for any sign of trouble but not detecting Kaito and Anko hidden in the shadows as the auction continued, with the criminals unaware of the impending threat from the Hidden Leaf operatives.

Kaito's mind raced as he formulated a plan. They had to act quickly and decisively to prevent these symbiotes from being sold off. The element of surprise was on their side, and they intended to use it to its fullest advantage.

Kaito whispered to one of the shinobi, "Get smoke bombs ready, but wait for my signal. When Anko and I go in, leave Strategon to us while you help restrain anyone that tries to escape in the chaos."

Kaito began counting down with his fingers as the auction continued.

"Three…"

The first container, Razar, was auctioned off.

"Two…"

The second container, Berserker, was auctioned off.

"One…"

The third container, Alure, was about to be auctioned off when Kaito gave the signal. "Go!"

Kaito, Anko, and the shinobi crashed through the vents, followed by additional shinobi who swarmed the space from outside, catching everyone off guard. The room erupted into chaos as smoke filled the air.

Strategon wasted no time. He lunged at Kaito and Anko, grabbing them by the necks with his clawed hands. He snarled as he threw Anko into the stone wall, busting it down. She snarled and flew through the thick stone wall, recovering quickly.

Strategon took one look at Kaito—or rather, the symbiotes inside of him—and growled, "TRAITORS!" before throwing Kaito into Anko, who was still recovering.

In that one moment, Strategon turned and grabbed the two containers that had been auctioned off, containing Razar and Alure. He smashed them, causing the symbiotes to escape. They latched onto a nearby criminal guard and a female member of the underworld.

The silver symbiote known as Razar, with jagged spikes protruded from the guard's body, giving him an aggressive and dangerous appearance.

The red and white symbiote with whip-like tendrils and spikes on the edges took over the female criminal, moving with fluid grace quickly turning into Alure. The newly bonded symbiotes struggled for a moment before gaining control, transforming their hosts taking them over completely.

"ALURE! RAZAR! DISTRACT THEM THEN JOIN UP WITH ME LATER!" Strategon shouted as he picked up the tank containing Berserker.

He smashed through the wall like a battering ram into the street, startling multiple people who screamed, "WHAT IS THAT THING?! MOVE!" Panic spread as multiple shinobi gave chase.

Kaito and Anko, recovering from the initial attack, quickly regrouped. "We need to stop them before they wreak more havoc!" Kaito shouted. "But first we need to take care of these two!"

Kaito launched himself at Razar, busting through the ceiling. They went flying into a nearby market, causing total chaos. People panicked, scrambling to get out of the way as they crashed into two stalls.

Kaito dodged a slash from Razar, who turned his arm into a large, jagged blade. Razar let out maniacal laughter, his voice dripping with sadistic glee.

"I'VE ALWAYS HAD A THING FOR YOU, VIOLET!" Razar taunted, his voice resonating through Kaito's mind. "PERHAPS WHEN THIS IS OVER, I'LL CUT UP YOUR HOST AND MAKE YOU WATCH TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR SPECIAL TIME UNDER MY COMMAND!"

Violet, snarling in fury, took control of Kaito's leg and kicked Razar hard. Kaito picked up a piece of stone and hurled it at Razar, who laughed maniacally before punching right through it.

"YEP! JUST LIKE OLD TIMES!" Razar shouted, his jagged blade arm poised to strike again.

Kaito, fueled by Violet's anger, moved with precision and speed. He sidestepped Razar's next slash and countered with a powerful punch to Razar's side, sending the silver symbiote crashing into a fruit stall. The market was in utter disarray, with people fleeing in all directions.

Razar got up, his jagged spikes glinting menacingly. "YOU CAN'T STOP ME, VIOLET. I'LL ENJOY MAKING YOU REMEMBER WHO YOU REALLY ARE!"

Kaito felt Violet's rage and determination. "You're not going to touch her, Razar!" he yelled, his voice a blend of his own and Violet's.

Razar charged at Kaito, his blade arm slicing through the air. Kaito ducked under the slash and grabbed Razar by the arm, using his momentum to flip him over and slam him into the ground. The impact cracked the stone beneath them.

Razar's laughter echoed as he stood up, unfazed by the pain. "OH, VIOLET, YOU WERE ALWAYS THE FEISTY ONE. BUT YOU'LL LEARN YOUR PLACE AGAIN SOON ENOUGH."

Violet's voice hissed in Kaito's mind. "Not this time, Razar. We're stronger now."

Kaito focused on the symbiotic bond's strength. He launched punches at Razar, each strike landing with bone-crushing force as they collided. Razar staggered back, momentarily stunned by the onslaught.

Seizing the opportunity, Kaito delivered a powerful kick to Razar's midsection, sending him crashing into a nearby wall. The structure trembled, and debris rained down around them.

Razar slowly got up, a twisted grin on his face as he extended his jagged blade like appendages further. "YOU THINK THIS IS OVER? WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED!"

As Kaito and Violet continued their fierce battle with Razar, they noticed a nearby stall filled with oil and lighters. An idea sparked in Kaito's mind, and he shared a quick glance with Violet. Unlike Kaito and Anko's symbiotes, the other symbiotes did not have immunity to fire.

"Violet, we've found our secret weapon!" Kaito whispered, his eyes narrowing with determination.

Violet's tendrils extended, picking up a large jar of oil. With precision and force, she hurled it at Razar, coating him in the viscous liquid.

Razar, initially confused, soon realized the danger too late. He looked around, seeing the flammable materials and oil jars surrounding him. Panic flickered in his eyes as he snarled, "YOU THINK THIS WILL STOP ME?!"

Kaito stepped back, picking up a lantern. "It's over, Razar."

With that, Kaito smashed the lantern onto the oil trail, igniting the flammable liquid. Flames roared to life, spreading quickly towards Razar.

Razar's eyes widened in horror as the fire reached him. The oil on his body ignited, and he let out a scream of rage and pain. The flames danced around him, consuming the symbiote with fierce intensity.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Razar roared, thrashing wildly as the fire engulfed him. His jagged spikes glowed red-hot as the heat intensified.

Kaito lunged forward, delivering a powerful punch to Razar's burning form, sending him crashing into the remains of the oil stall. The impact scattered more oil, fueling the flames even further.

Razar's screams faded as the fire consumed him completely, leaving nothing but ash and charred remains.

…

Earlier…

As Kaito and Razar flew through the ceiling, Anko was left to contend with Alure in the chaotic space below. The red and white symbiote moved with fluid grace, her spiked, whip-like tendrils lashing out with deadly precision.

Anko dodged a slash from Alure, her own black and purple symbiote, Mirage, enhancing her reflexes. The tendrils narrowly missed her, slicing through the air with a menacing hiss.

Alure's voice, mock-dreamy and dripping with malice, taunted Anko. "I CAN SMELL IT ON YOU! YOU HARBOR FEELINGS FOR KAITO, YET HE CHOSE ANOTHER! IT'S SO ROMANTIC IN A TRAGIC WAY, DON'T YOU THINK?!"

Anko's eyes narrowed, her anger boiling beneath the surface. "Shut up!" she snapped, lashing out with a punch enhanced by Mirage's strength.

Alure gracefully dodged, her laughter echoing through the room. "OH, DID I TOUCH A NERVE? POOR ANKO, ALWAYS SECOND PLACE. MAYBE I CAN HELP YOU FIND A NEW LOVE—IN PAIN!"

Alure's tendrils whipped towards Anko again, this time aiming to ensnare her. Anko backflipped, avoiding the deadly spikes, and landed on her feet, ready for the next attack.

Mirage's voice whispered in her mind, "Stay focused, Anko. We can beat her."

Anko nodded, steeling herself. "I know, Mirage. Let's take her down."

Alure lunged, her tendrils striking with lightning speed. Anko met her head-on, deflecting the attacks with swift, precise movements. The two symbiote-enhanced fighters clashed in a deadly dance, each looking for an opening.

"YOU'RE STRONG, ANKO," Alure taunted, her voice a mix of admiration and mockery. "BUT NOT STRONG ENOUGH!"

Anko gritted her teeth, pushing back with all her might. "You don't know anything about me!"

In the midst of their battle, Anko spotted an opening. She ducked under one of Alure's tendrils and delivered a powerful uppercut, sending the red symbiote reeling back. Alure snarled, regaining her balance quickly.

Anko pressed the advantage, unleashing a flurry of attacks. Each punch and kick was aimed to disrupt Alure's rhythm, to break through her defenses.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN WIN?!" Alure hissed, her voice filled with rage. "I'LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THAT—"

While Alure was running her mouth, Anko made a series of rapid hand seals. In a swift motion, she executed a fireball jutsu. Alure realized too late that she had been so busy talking that she hadn't noticed the seal on the ground keeping her pinned in place.

"NOOOOOOO!" Alure hissed through sharp teeth as the flames from Anko's jutsu engulfed her symbiote form.

Anko didn't waste any time. She lunged forward, her hands reaching through the flames. With a powerful tug, she forcefully pulled the unconscious woman out of the burning symbiote. Alure's shrieks of rage and pain echoed through the space as the flames consumed her, leaving behind only ashes.

Anko carried the unconscious woman out of the building, making her way through the chaos. The streets were still in panic, but the presence of the Hidden Leaf shinobi was beginning to restore some order.

She spotted Kaito, who had just finished dealing with Razar. He looked up as she approached, relief evident in his eyes.

"You okay?" Kaito asked, his voice laced with concern.

Anko nodded, setting the woman down gently. "Yeah, I'm fine. Alure's done for."

Kaito nodded, "Good. Let's rondevue with the others, then we find Strategon.

…

Just then, a massive explosion echoed in the distance. The shockwave shook the ground as the commander of the shinobi was hurled through the air, crashing into a wall near them. Anko, reacting quickly, used Mirage to dampen his impact, saving him from a fatal collision.

The commander coughed up a little bit of blood, his eyes wide with fear. "He's… COUGH! Strategon, he's…!"

Before he could finish, a dozen shinobi fell back to their position, faces pale with fear and urgency. "He's coming! Get ready!"

Kaito and Anko immediately sprang into action, positioning themselves alongside the other shinobi. They could feel the impacts of Strategon smashing his way through the stone buildings and walls as he ran like a battering ram. "Stay sharp," Kaito said, his voice steady despite the chaos. "We take him down here."

Anko, her eyes focused and determined, nodded. "We've got this. Everyone, remember your training and stick together."

"Here he comes!"

The ground trembled as Strategon approached, his massive form emerging from the smoke and debris. The orange and purple symbiote looked even more menacing up close, his chest mouth snarling with anticipation.

"TRAITORS!" Strategon roared, his voice echoing through the streets. "YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP WHAT'S COMING?! WE ARE BILLIONS! YOU ARE ONLY SPECKS IN THE COSMOS! MERE ANTS YOU CANNOT STOP WHAT'S COMING!"

Strategon charged, his powerful legs propelling him forward with incredible speed. The shinobi scattered, dodging his initial attack. Kaito and Anko moved in sync, their symbiotes enhancing their agility and strength.

Strategon swung his massive arms that turned into thick, bladed whips that Kaito and the others had to duck to dodge, aiming to crush anything in his path. Kaito ducked under a swipe, countering with a swift kick to Strategon's side. Anko followed up with a flurry of punches, her movements precise and deadly.

The shinobi joined the fray, their coordinated attacks aimed at wearing Strategon down. Kunai and shuriken flew through the air, some embedding in Strategon's tough hide. But despite their efforts, he seemed almost unstoppable, the symbiotic matter just shook off the blades a moment later.

"Keep pushing!" Kaito shouted, dodging another powerful strike from a massive syph arm that impaled the ground slicing into the stone. "We need to find a weakness!"

Anko, using Mirage's enhanced senses, scanned Strategon's movements. "Keep at it! He's powerful, but he's getting tired! His host is getting burning through the energy and it's effecting him!"

Strategon, realizing his weakening state, let out a monstrous roar. He shot out solidified spikes at Kaito, impaling him to the wall. Kaito grimaced in pain but began regenerating, pulling himself off the wall with determination.

With newfound resolve, Kaito lunged forward, grabbing Strategon and pulling on both sides. Anko, seeing the opportunity, punched through the symbiote and pulled in the opposite direction.

"PUUUULLLLLLL!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the chaotic scene.

The shinobi, witnessing the struggle, saw Ishikawa inside the symbiote, desperately trying to free himself. He held onto Kaito's arm as Anko and Mirage pulled with all their might.

The shinobi, driven by a collective will to end the symbiote threat, rushed forward. They grabbed Anko's tendrils and pulled with all their might, their combined strength working to separate Ishikawa from Strategon.

The symbiote let out a screech of rage and pain, its form stretching and distorting under the pressure. Ishikawa, barely holding on, fought to break free.

With a final, tremendous effort, the shinobi managed to pull the symbiote off Ishikawa. Strategon landed on the ground with a screeching, SPLAT!

As the symbiote screeched and writhed, it started to approach one of the shinobi, intent on finding a new host. Kaito, seeing the danger, yelled out, "NOW! HIT IT WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!"

The shinobi responded instantly, unleashing a barrage of fireball jutsus and explosive kunai at the symbiote. The combined attacks engulfed Strategon in flames and explosions, each hit weakening it further.

Strategon's roars of fury and pain echoed through the immediate area as the relentless assault continued. The symbiote writhed and twisted, but the overwhelming firepower was too much.

The flames roared, consuming Strategon completely. The symbiote's form disintegrated, leaving nothing but charred remains. The shinobi lowered their hands, breathing heavily, the realization of their victory settling in.

Kaito and Anko, exhausted but relieved, took a moment to catch their breaths.

Ishikawa, freed from the symbiote's grasp, lay on the ground, barely conscious but alive. The shinobi moved to tend to him, ensuring he was safe.

As Kaito surveyed the aftermath, a sudden thought struck him like lightning. His eyes widened with alarm. "WAIT?! WHERE'S THE CONTAINER CARRYING BERSERKER?!"

One of the shinobi immediately took off through the city, with Anko and Kaito following close behind. The urgency of the situation pushed them to move faster, weaving through the alleys and streets of the Hidden Stone Village.

They reached the spot where the container was supposed to be. Instead of the container, they found only a note. Kaito snatched it up, his heart sinking as he read the message:

"Transaction Approved"

The situation wasn't lost on any of them. Kaito's eyes narrowed in frustration and realization. "Damn it! Strategon knew he was losing and sacrificed himself as a distraction so one of the containers could get away with one of the buyers."

Anko clenched her fists, her frustration evident. "We need to find that container. Berserker in the wrong hands could cause unimaginable destruction."

Kaito took a deep breath, calming himself. "We need to the shinobi and the neighboring villages; We can't let Berserker disappear into the underworld."

The shinobi around them nodded. They knew the gravity of the situation and the potential threat Berserker posed if it bonded with a powerful host.

Kaito, Anko, and the shinobi made their way back to the command center, their minds racing with the implications of what had just happened. As they entered the room, the atmosphere was tense, but focused.

The commander, still recovering from his earlier injuries, looked up. "What's the situation?"

Kaito handed him the note. "Strategon was a distraction. One of the containers got away. We need to track it down, fast."

The commander read the note, his expression grim. "We'll need to mobilize our forces. I'll contact our informants and see if we can get any leads on the buyer's identity or location."

Anko added, "We should also alert the other villages. If Berserker shows up anywhere, we need to be ready to act."

…

Two days had passed since the chaotic battle with Strategon, and the Hidden Stone Village had been on high alert. Despite their best efforts, there was no trace of the container carrying Berserker. Whoever had taken it had vanished without a trace, leaving no leads for the shinobi to follow.

Informants in the underworld had been questioned, but no one knew anything. It was as if the container had disappeared into thin air.

The commander, his expression grim, gathered Kaito, Anko, and the other shinobi. "We've exhausted all leads," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Whoever got the container has vanished. There's nothing more we can do but wait and hope it turns up somewhere—hopefully before it can be used."

Kaito clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. "We were so close," he muttered.

Anko placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a small measure of comfort. "At least we stopped three symbiotes. That's something."

The commander nodded. "Yes, you both did an incredible job. For now, it's best if you inform the Hidden Leaf of the situation. We'll keep our allies here informed."

Kaito and Anko exchanged a glance, knowing the gravity of the task ahead. "We'll head back immediately," Kaito said, "And give them the debrief."

Anko added, "We'll make sure everyone is prepared in case Berserker resurfaces."

With their mission in the Hidden Stone Village concluded, Kaito and Anko prepared to return to the Hidden Leaf Village. As they made their way back they traveled in silence. Knowing that with berserker out there somewhere… they needed to be extra cautious from here on out.

Upon their return to the Hidden Leaf Village, Kaito and Anko immediately sought an audience with Tsunade. The Hokage listened intently as they relayed the events of the past few days.

"Tsunade-sama," Kaito began, "we managed to stop three symbiotes, but one container got away. Berserker is missing, and we have no leads on its whereabouts."

Tsunade's expression was serious but composed. "This is troubling news. We'll need to keep our eyes and ears open and inform our allies. If Berserker shows up, we need to be ready."

The Hidden Leaf Village, now aware of the situation, began coordinating with other villages and allies to keep an eye out for any sign of Berserker. The threat of the rogue symbiote was ever-present, but the shinobi remained determined and prepared.

…

After a long day of running errands and dealing with the aftermath of their mission, Kaito finally returned home. The weight of the missing symbiote still pressed heavily on his mind, but he was glad to be back in the Hidden Leaf Village.

Tsunade, noticing the tension in Kaito's shoulders, approached him with a warm smile. "You've had a long day," she said softly. "Come, let me help you relax."

Kaito nodded, grateful for her presence. He sat down on the edge of their bed, and Tsunade positioned herself behind him, her hands gently starting to massage his shoulders.

Her skilled fingers worked on the knots in his muscles, and Kaito felt the tension slowly melting away. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax under her touch.

"I heard about the tense standoff you had with those symbiotes," Tsunade said, her voice soothing. "You did everything you could. You always do."

Kaito leaned back into her, feeling her warmth and comfort. "It's just… frustrating," he admitted. "Knowing Berserker is out there somewhere."

Tsunade kissed him on the cheek, her lips soft and reassuring. "Regardless of how it turned out, you're still my hero," she whispered. "Now and always."

Kaito turned slightly, looking into Tsunade's eyes. He saw the love and unwavering support she had for him. "Thank you," he said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Tsunade smiled, continuing her gentle massage. "You'll never have to find out," she replied. "We're in this together, no matter what."

Kaito closed his eyes again, allowing himself to fully relax. Tsunade's hands continued their soothing movements, easing the last of the tension from his body.

For now, Kaito let go of his worries, content in the knowledge that, no matter the outcome, he would always have Tsunade by his side. And in her eyes, he would always be a hero.