Naruto: The Lethal Protector
Chapter 18: The Clones, and Prison Breakout
…
The collaboration between multiple nations spoke to the magnitude of the seriousness of Orochimaru's hidden laboratories and the horrors they might contain.
The teams were divided, each assigned to a specific base. Sasuke, and Sakura along with various other shinobi were part of the team led by Kaito, focusing on the most fortified base located deep within the forest.
Kakashi, with his strategic brilliance, was leading another team that included Anko and her symbiote Mirage, focusing on a base near the border of the Land of Wind. Asame and Kurenai, known for their sensory and genjutsu abilities, were tasked with infiltrating a base rumored to have advanced security systems.
Guy-Lee and Rock-Lee, along with his symbiote Vigar, were assigned to the base rumored to have high physical defenses, a perfect match for their formidable taijutsu skills.
…
Kaito's team's P.O.V.
Kaito, Sakura, and Sasuke, along with various other shinobi, infiltrated the base deep within the woods. The darkness of the underground facility was pierced only by the faint glow of their chakra-enhanced vision. The air was thick with the stench of decay and chemicals.
As they moved deeper into the base, they encountered abominations that defied imagination. Actual human-animal hybrids, twisted and grotesque, lurked in the shadows, ready to strike.
Kaito, in his Venom form, dodged a slash from a snake hybrid. The creature had a very human-like torso but with scaly, clawed hands. It hissed and lunged at him, its eyes filled with a primal rage.
Sakura and Sasuke were fending off another group of hybrids. They faced dog-bug creatures, their eyes glowing with a predatory hunger. Sakura used her chakra shields to block slashes and strikes, her reflexes honed to perfection.
"Sasuke, now!" she shouted, creating an opening while the Dog-Bug creatures were slashing wildly at her shields.
Recognizing the opening in that one moment, Sasuke took advantage, launching a Chidori at the distracted hybrids, the lightning-infused attack ending their lives in a flash of light and electricity. Yet, more monstrosities continued to pour into the chamber, their roars and growls echoing through the dark halls.
"How many of these things are there?!" Sakura shouted, her voice tinged with both frustration and determination.
"Too many!" Sasuke responded, his focus unwavering as he plunged his chakra-infused blades into a particularly large centipede hybrid, cutting it down.
At the same time a massive carnivorous armadillo-like creature charged at them, smashing through the stone walls after Sasuke and Sakura dodged out of the way.
Kaito, seeing the new threat, shifted his stance. "Stay focused! We need to clear this area and find the source!"
Kaito lunged at the snake hybrid, his symbiote-enhanced strength allowing him to grapple with the creature. With a swift motion, he crushed its windpipe, ending its life. He then turned his attention to the armadillo creature, preparing to intercept its charge.
Sakura, seeing an opening, used her enhanced strength to smash through the shell of a smaller armadillo hybrid, breaking through its defenses and ending its life. "We need to find the lab where these things are coming from!"
Sasuke nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "There must be a central hub or control room. That's where we need to go."
Kaito led the charge, his Venom form tearing through the hybrids with ferocious efficiency. Sakura and Sasuke followed closely, their teamwork impeccable as they covered each other's backs and coordinated their attacks.
There was no sign of it stopping anytime soon.
…
After two grueling hours, they finally started getting the situation under control. The amount of hybrids was staggering. At one point, they encountered a lobster-spider hybrid the size of a full-grown man. By the time they were done, both Sasuke and Sakura were out of breath, covered in yellow, red, and green slop from all the hybrids they had to fight.
They met up with Anko's group, who looked equally shaken. They had encountered hybrids that were human-like but more akin to highly intelligent bugs that could stand on their hind legs. The sight of such abominations was taking a toll on everyone's psyche.
The combined teams gathered before a large, reinforced door, clearly the entrance to the central lab. Kaito could see the look in their eyes—they knew for a fact that the other side of the door might hold even more horrors. The psychological toll of fighting these abominations was evident.
"We've come this far. We can't back down now. Stay strong."
Sasuke, despite his exhaustion, nodded. "We need to end this. Whatever's behind that door, we'll face it together."
Anko, with her symbiote Mirage forming dark purple tendrils around her, gave a firm nod. "We're ready. Let's put an end to this nightmare."
The other ninja, though visibly shaken, steeled themselves for the final push. They formed a breaching formation, ready to storm the lab. Kaito, in his Venom form, took the lead, his symbiote tendrils ready to strike.
Kaito gestured for silence, then signaled the breach. The door was forced open with a powerful blast of chakra, and they stormed into the lab. The scene before them was even more horrifying than they had anticipated.
The lab was filled with tanks and cages, each containing grotesque experiments and hybrids. Scientists and guards scrambled to react, but the ninja moved with swift precision. Kaito led the charge, his symbiote-enhanced strength and speed overwhelming the initial resistance.
Sakura and Sasuke followed closely, their attacks precise and deadly. Anko and the other ninja spread out, securing the perimeter and disabling any remaining threats.
In the center of the lab was a large console, likely controlling the entire facility. Kaito approached it, his eyes narrowing as he realized the extent of Orochimaru's twisted experiments. He quickly disabled the console, ensuring no more abominations could be created.
A man with a wild look in his eyes, clearly the lead scientist, sneered at them. "You think you can stop what Orochimaru started? We'll continue his work, no matter what-!"
Before Kaito bonked him on the head and knocked him out cold, having heard enough. "Enough of that," Kaito muttered, securing the scientist.
As they swept the lab, Anko ventured into a section lined with cells. Most were similar, filled with twisted experiments and failed hybrids. However, one cell stood out. The equipment surrounding it was more sophisticated, and the atmosphere was different.
Anko approached the cell, her eyes narrowing as she read the chart next to it. Her face paled, and she took a step back in shock. "This is...?"
Sakura noticed the sharp intake of breath from Anko as she stared at the chart in her hand. Concerned by the uncharacteristic reaction, Sakura quickly approached her. "What's wrong, Anko?" she asked, her voice hushed, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Anko didn't respond immediately. She continued to stare at the chart, her hands trembling slightly as if she couldn't fully comprehend what she was reading. When she finally spoke, her voice was uneven, filled with disbelief and an underlying horror. "It's... an infant clone... of Orochimaru."
Sakura's eyes widened, her stomach twisting at the thought. "A clone? But why would he...?"
Anko shook her head slowly, her thoughts racing as she tried to piece together the implications. "Orochimaru was always obsessed with immortality, with perfecting his techniques. This... this was his backup plan, a way to ensure that his legacy would live on, even if he was defeated. But to clone himself, starting from infancy..."
Before Sakura could respond, Kaito, sensing the severity of the situation, joined them. Together, they cautiously approached the containment unit. Anko hesitated for a moment before she and Kaito carefully unlatched the unit, opening it to reveal the contents.
Inside lay a small, pale infant. The baby blinked up at them with wide, innocent eyes, its tiny hands reaching out as if to explore the new world it had just been introduced to. The sight of the baby's curious expression, was totally oblivious to the horror surrounding it, sent a chill through the group.
Kaito knelt beside the unit, his expression a mixture of confusion, concern, and something akin to pity. "It's just a baby... looking around, exploring..." His voice trailed off as he tried to reconcile the innocence before him with the dark intentions behind its creation.
Anko, equally conflicted, whispered, "It's hard to believe that something so innocent could be part of Orochimaru's twisted plans."
As the team processed this revelation, Sakura noticed something out of the corner of her eyea faint glimmer from the far side of the chamber. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized there were two more containment units, partially obscured in the shadows. She hurried over to them, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
The first of these new cells was slightly larger, and through the reinforced glass, they could see a child, no older than five, sitting alone in the corner. The boy had a shock of silver-white hair, his skin as pale as the moon. Heavy chains shackled his small wrists and ankles, pinning him to the wall. His eyes, however, were the most disturbing feature—haunted, hollow, and filled with a pain far too deep for a child to bear. He wasn't crying, nor was he frightened; he was simply... broken.
Anko gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Another clone... but this one... he looks... so lost." She struggled to find the words, the sight of the chained child tearing at her heart. This wasn't the Orochimaru she had once known. This was something else entirely—something shattered and unrecognizable.
Kaito, moving to join them, studied the boy carefully. "This child... he's endured something unimaginable. Whatever Orochimaru was trying to achieve with him, it's left him like this... a shell of a person."
The team's attention was then drawn to the third and final cell, which had its own chilling revelation. Inside, standing amidst a sea of high-tech equipment, was a young boy who appeared to be about seven years old. His hair was a bright blonde, spiked in a manner eerily reminiscent of someone they all knew too well.
Anko's clipboard slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor, but she hardly noticed. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the child, her mind reeling. "It can't be..."
Kaito's voice was low, almost disbelieving. "The Fourth Hokage... Minato Namikaze. But how...?"
Sakura, her own shock barely contained, managed to read the label beside the cell. "Subject Alpha-3... a clone of the Fourth Hokage. But why would Orochimaru...?"
Before anyone could answer, the boy, Subject Alpha-3, stepped forward, his eyes clear and intelligent, devoid of the wild malice that had characterized Orochimaru. "You're correct," he said, his voice calm and measured, "I am a clone of the man you know as the Fourth Hokage. But I am not him... not truly. Orochimaru could replicate our bodies, but he couldn't clone our minds, our souls. He... debated using me as a vessel, but he wasn't certain of the outcome. I suppose that's why I'm still here, untainted by his essence."
The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of this revelation settled over them. The implications of what Orochimaru had attempted were staggering, and the ethical questions loomed larger than ever.
Kaito finally spoke, his voice filled with determination. "We can't leave them here. These children they aren't Orochimaru, and they aren't the Fourth Hokage. They're innocent lives, victims of Orochimaru's twisted experiments. We need to take them back to the Hidden Leaf Village, where they can be protected and given a chance to choose their own paths."
Anko, her voice steadier now, nodded in agreement. "They deserve that chance. We need to think carefully about their futures, not just what they might become, but what they could become if given the right guidance."
Sakura added, her relief filling her voice, "We're doing the right thing. Taking them back... giving them a chance to grow up away from Orochimaru's influence... it's the least we can do."
With careful precision, the team secured the infant clone, the young boy chained in the cell, and Subject Alpha-3, ensuring they were safe for transport. The clones were a reminder of the horrors they had just witnessed, but also of the hope that perhaps these children could forge their own identities, free from the shadows of their origins.
…
Some time later…
The journey back was long and filled with a heavy silence, each member of the team lost in their thoughts. The weight of the clones' existence hung over them, mingling with the uncertainty of what awaited them back in the village. The infant slept peacefully, nestled in Kaito's arms, unaware of the world it had been born into. The five-year-old clone of Orochimaru remained silent, his eyes distant, while Subject Alpha-3 walked alongside them, his expression contemplative, as though he were processing the enormity of his situation.
As they approached the village gates, Kaito broke the silence, addressing his team with quiet resolve. "We've done what we can here. Now, we need to trust in our leaders to make the right decisions about these children. Their futures shouldn't be dictated by Orochimaru's legacy."
Sasuke, Sakura, and Anko nodded in agreement. The mission may have been completed, but the real challenge lay ahead—ensuring these children were given a future free from the darkness that had created them.
Upon reaching the Hidden Leaf Village, the team immediately sought an audience with Tsunade. The infant clone was still peacefully sleeping as Kaito presented the situation to the Hokage and the council. The room was thick with tension as the council members took in the sight of the children—each one a living remnant of Orochimaru's twisted ambitions.
Tsunade's expression was a complex mixture of surprise, concern, and contemplation as she examined the children. "This... this is beyond anything I expected. Orochimaru's obsession knew no bounds."
Kaito stepped forward, his voice steady. "These children... they aren't just clones of Orochimaru and the Fourth Hokage. They're innocent lives, and whatever horrors they've been subjected to, they don't deserve to be treated as criminals or experiments. We couldn't bring ourselves to..."
He left the sentence unfinished, but the implication was clear. They had chosen compassion over fear.
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly grappling with the ethical and practical implications of the situation. One elder spoke first, his tone cautious. "This raises many questions. If these children truly are clones, what kind of lives will they have? Can we afford to take the risk?"
Another council member, a woman with a stern expression, added, "Locking them up until we can determine the extent of their genetic inheritance might be the safest option. But even suggesting that feels... wrong. They're still innocent lives."
Subject Alpha-3, standing tall despite his youth, addressed the council with a calm that belied his years. "You're right to be cautious, but understand this: while our bodies may resemble those you fear or admire, our minds are our own. Orochimaru debated using me as a vessel, but he wasn't certain of the outcome. I am not him. None of us are."
Tsunade listened intently, her mind racing with the implications. "This child is not responsible for Orochimaru's actions. We must consider both the safety of the village and the well-being of these children. They deserve a chance to prove that they can be more than what Orochimaru intended."
Another elder nodded, though the tension in the room remained even if it was tempered by the realization that they were not Orochimaru. "If we decide to keep these children here, we must ensure they are raised in a way that promotes a positive and stable environment. But we must also approach with cautious respect, Orochimaru's influence, if present, must be watched carefully."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as the council weighed the options. The ethical considerations were clear, but the potential threat loomed large, casting a long shadow over the proceedings.
Tsunade finally broke the silence, her decision crystal clear. "We will not lock these children up like criminals. Instead, we will monitor and care for them, providing a safe and nurturing environment and if Kaito and Anko vouch for them, then I see no reason to not give them sanctuary."
Kaito, visibly relieved, nodded. "Thank you, Tsunade. We'll do everything we can to ensure these children grow up free from Orochimaru's shadow."
The council murmured in agreement, though the unease lingered. The decision had been made, but the challenges ahead were undeniable. As the meeting adjourned, Tsunade issued orders for a secure but nurturing environment to be prepared for the children. The clones, each carrying the potential for both greatness and danger, were now under the protection and watchful eye of the Hidden Leaf Village.
The infant clone continued to sleep peacefully, unaware of the heavy burden its existence had placed on those around it. The five-year-old clone of Orochimaru remained silent, his haunted eyes reflecting the trauma he had endured. Subject Alpha-3, however, stood tall, his gaze unbreaking as he met the eyes of the council members, silently promising that he would carve out his own path, free from the darkness of his origin.
…
After the council meeting, Kaito found himself lingering in the Hokage's office long after the others had left. The room was quiet now, the weight of the decisions made still hanging in the air. Tsunade had already left to ensure the clones were placed in secure, comfortable quarters where they could be closely monitored. Kaito had volunteered to help, but after seeing the clones settled, he realized he needed a moment to himself.
Standing in the shadow of the Hokage's desk, Kaito tried to make sense of everything they had just uncovered. The infant clone, the young boy with Orochimaru's features but none of his malice, and the clone of the Fourth Hokage... It was all too much. He pressed his fingers to his temples, closing his eyes in an attempt to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.
How could someone as twisted as Orochimaru create something so innocent? The infant's wide, curious eyes kept flashing in his memory, it was different to the horrors Orochimaru had inflicted on the world. And then there was the young Orochimaru clone, the boy's haunted expression etched into Kaito's mind, a reminder of the trauma that lingered just beneath the surface.
Kaito's heart ached as he thought of the possibilities. Could these clones really be free from the darkness of their origins? Could they grow up to be something different, something better? He wasn't sure, but he knew they had to try. They owed these children a chance, a chance to be more than just shadows of the monsters they could have become.
With a deep breath, Kaito straightened up. He couldn't afford to dwell on these questions right now. There were other responsibilities, other lives depending on him. He needed to keep moving, to find some semblance of normalcy in the chaos.
Kaito left the Hokage's office, his steps heavy as he walked through the village. The familiar sights and sounds of Konoha offered a small measure of comfort, grounding him in the present. He needed to focus on the day-to-day, to remind himself of the life that continued outside of Orochimaru's twisted legacy.
His first stop was the training grounds, where several of the village's young ninja teams were hard at work. Kaito took the time to observe and offer guidance where needed. He watched as Team 10 practiced their formations under the watchful eye of their sensei, Asuma. The team's coordination had improved significantly, and Kaito couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he saw them working together so seamlessly. He offered a few pointers on their timing, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication in their maneuvers.
Afterward, he made his way to the private training ground where Hanabi was waiting for him. The young Hyuga greeted him with a respectful bow, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.
"Ready to train, Hanabi?" Kaito asked, while smiling.
"Yes, Sensei!" Hanabi replied eagerly, already slipping into her fighting stance.
For the next hour and a half, Kaito focused on Hanabi's taijutsu and Byakugan techniques. They sparred, Kaito pushing her just enough to test her limits without overwhelming her. Hanabi's progress was remarkable, her movements fluid and precise, her strikes carrying more power and control than ever before.
As they trained, Kaito found himself momentarily lost in the rhythm of their movements. For a brief time, the weight of the day's revelations seemed to lift, replaced by the familiar focus of guiding his student. Hanabi's dedication and determination were infectious, and Kaito found himself smiling more freely as they practiced.
When their session ended, Hanabi looked up at him, slightly out of breath but grinning with satisfaction. "Thank you, Sensei. I always learn so much when we train together."
"You've come a long way, Hanabi," Kaito replied, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Keep up the hard work, and you'll surpass even your own expectations."
Kaito continued his rounds, eventually making his way to the medical facility where Kabuto had taken up a position as a medical-nin. Kabuto's past had been complicated, to say the least, but he had proven himself time and again since choosing to stay in Konoha. The job seemed to suit him, allowing him to use his extensive knowledge of healing and medical jutsu to benefit the village.
When Kaito entered the facility, he found Kabuto hunched over a patient's chart, deep in concentration. The usual sly smile that Kaito remembered from their earlier encounters was gone, replaced by a more genuine expression of focus and care.
"Kaito-sensei," Kabuto greeted without looking up, recognizing Kaito's presence before he even spoke. "What brings you here? Everything alright?"
Kaito leaned against the doorway, watching Kabuto work for a moment before responding. "Just making my rounds, checking in on everyone. How's it going here?"
Kabuto looked up, pushing his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "Busy as usual. We've had a few cases of chakra exhaustion from some of the newer genin, nothing too serious. And, of course, the usual injuries from training accidents."
Kaito nodded, the familiar routine of village life a welcome contrast to the turmoil he had been dealing with. "Good to hear you're keeping things running smoothly. I wanted to check in with you about the clones we brought back today..."
Kabuto's expression shifted slightly, a mix of curiosity and concern. "I heard about that. Quite the revelation. I assume Tsunade-sama is handling the situation?"
"She is," Kaito confirmed. "But I wanted to get your perspective. You've been around long enough to know the kind of damage Orochimaru could do. What do you think about these clones? I assume they have potential… but I know this strikes rather close to home for you, and I wanted to check in with you see how your handling this."
Kabuto paused, the weight of Kaito's words settling between them. His usually composed demeanor softened slightly, revealing a flicker of emotion behind his glasses. He looked down at the patient chart in his hand, tracing the edge of the paper as if grounding himself.
"It's... complicated," Kabuto finally admitted, his voice quieter than before. "Orochimaru was more than just a mentor to me for the longest time, he was a guiding force, for better or worse. Seeing those clones today, especially the one that looked so much like him... it brought back memories I've tried to distance myself from."
Kaito listened intently, his expression one of genuine concern. "I can only imagine how difficult that must be. It's not easy to reconcile the past with what we're facing now. But you've come a long way since then, Kabuto. You've made a life here in the village, and you're helping people every day. That's something to be proud of."
Kabuto met Kaito's gaze, appreciating the sincerity in his words. "Thank you, Kaito. I appreciate that more than you know. It's just... seeing those clones, it's a reminder of how deep Orochimaru's influence runs. But I also see them as an opportunity an opportunity to break free from that influence, just like I did."
Kaito nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Exactly. They're not defined by Orochimaru's legacy any more than you are. They have a chance to carve out their own paths, and with the right guidance, they can become something more. You're living proof of that."
Kabuto offered a small, genuine smile, a rare sight. "It helps to hear that from you, Kaito. I've been trying to focus on the positive, on what these clones could become rather than what they might have been created for. But it's good to know I have someone I can talk to about this."
Kaito returned the smile, clapping Kabuto on the shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. "You're not alone in this. We're all in it together, and I'll be here if you need anything. Just remember that you're part of this village now, and we're all working toward the same goal, to protect what's important and make sure the next generation doesn't have to face the same darkness we did."
Kabuto nodded, the weight of his past seeming a little lighter now. "I will. And Kaito... thank you, truly. For everything."
…
A short while later…
Kaito made his way to the guest quarters where Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro were staying. The siblings, along with their mentor Baki, had been in Konoha for diplomatic talks, but news traveled fast, and Kaito knew they would have heard about the clones by now.
When Kaito arrived at the quarters, he was greeted by Baki, who stood at the entrance with his usual stern expression though his eyes softened as they landed on Kaito who Baki has come to admire in his own way. "Kaito," Baki acknowledged with a nod, stepping aside to let him in. "Gaara and the others are inside. They've been expecting you."
Kaito nodded in return, appreciating Baki's straightforwardness. He stepped inside, finding Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro seated around a low table. The room was quiet, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken questions and concerns. Gaara looked up as Kaito entered, his expression calm but thoughtful. Temari and Kankuro both seemed a bit more on edge, their postures tense.
"Kaito," Gaara greeted him, standing up as a sign of respect. "I assume you're here to discuss what happened today."
Kaito offered a small smile, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Yes, I wanted to check in on all of you. I know the news about the clones must have come as a shock."
Temari exchanged a glance with Kankuro before speaking up, her tone careful. "We've heard the basics, but... we still don't understand. These clones, they're of Orochimaru and the Fourth Hokage? How is that even possible?"
Kaito sighed, taking a seat across from them. "It's true. Orochimaru's obsession with immortality led him to create these clones as potential vessels for his soul. But what's important to understand is that these clones... they aren't Orochimaru. They aren't the Fourth Hokage, either. They're innocent children, with no memories, no personalities of their own that tie them to Orochimaru or Minato."
Kankuro, always the more blunt of the siblings, leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "But they have the same DNA, right? Who's to say they won't turn out just like him?"
Gaara, who had been silent up to this point, finally spoke, his voice measured. "It's true they share his genetics, but as Kaito said, they're different people. Genetics might give them the same appearance or certain abilities, but they don't determine who they are. It's up to us, and the village—to guide them down the right path."
Kaito nodded, grateful for Gaara's insight. "Exactly. These clones were created as backup vessels, but Orochimaru never got the chance to use them. They're essentially blank slates. The young Orochimaru clone we found, for example, he's nothing like the Orochimaru we knew. He's haunted, traumatized by what he's been through. And the clone of the Fourth Hokage... he's already shown signs of independence, of wanting to be his own person."
Temari leaned back slightly, her tension easing as she absorbed Kaito's words. "So, they're not a threat... but they could become one if we're not careful?"
"Possibly," Kaito admitted, "but that's true of anyone. What matters is how we choose to raise them, how we guide them. They've been through enough already, we can't let them become prisoners of their origins."
Gaara nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "You're right. It's... difficult to accept, but I've seen how people can change, how they can be shaped by those around them. If these clones are given the right environment, they could grow up to be something far removed from what Orochimaru intended."
Kankuro still looked a bit skeptical, but he trusted his brother's judgment. "It's just hard to wrap my head around. I mean, we all know what Orochimaru was capable of... but if you say they're different, I'll trust you on that."
Temari, her concern now shifting to something more practical, asked, "What's the plan for them? Are they going to stay in the village?"
Kaito nodded. "For now, yes. Tsunade has decided to keep them here, under careful watch. They'll be raised in a safe environment, with all the support they need to grow up without Orochimaru's influence."
Gaara looked at Kaito with a thoughtful expression, his voice calm. "Kaito, you've always been a voice of reason and compassion in this village. If you believe these children deserve a chance, then I'm with you. I'll support whatever decision the village makes, and I'll do my part to help them find their own paths."
Kaito felt a wave of relief at Gaara's words. Having Garra's support would be invaluable in the days to come. "Thank you, Gaara. Your support means a lot, especially in a situation as complicated as this."
Baki, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up, his tone gruff but respectful. "It seems the village has a challenging task ahead, but with leaders like you and Tsunade-sama, I have confidence that it will be handled with care."
Kaito stood, ready to take his leave, but before he did, he addressed the group one last time. "I know this isn't easy to accept, but I appreciate your understanding and support. These clones are innocent, and they deserve the chance to prove that they can be more than what Orochimaru intended. If any of you have concerns or questions as we move forward, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all in this together."
Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, and Baki all nodded in agreement, the tension in the room having eased considerably. As Kaito turned to leave, Gaara spoke again, his voice filled with quiet determination. "We'll do what we can, Kaito. These children may have been created from darkness, but they don't have to live in it. They'll find their place in this world, just like we did."
Kaito smiled, a sense of peace settling over him. "I couldn't have said it better myself, Gaara."
…
Elsewhere, deep within the village's maximum security prison, the atmosphere was anything but bright. In the dim, shadowy confines of the facility, Mizuki, a disgraced ninja once loyal to Orochimaru, paced in his cell. His mind raced with plans for escape, driven by the desperation that had consumed him since his capture.
The echo of footsteps caught his attention, and Mizuki glanced toward the bars to see a guard passing by. He waited until the footsteps faded before moving to the back of his cell, where the wall was just a bit looser than the others. Mizuki had spent months loosening the stones, and now, they shifted just enough for him to slide a small, hidden note through the gap.
Not long after, in a nearby cell, the note was retrieved by Rajin and Fujin, the legendary outlaw brothers who had been imprisoned for their reign of terror years ago. Known for their brute strength and devastating abilities, the brothers had been isolated from each other, but they had found ways to communicate.
Rajin read the note silently, his massive hands almost crumpling the paper. He nudged his brother, Fujin, who grinned wickedly. The note contained the final details of their escape plan, one that would see them free from this prison and once again able to wreak havoc on the world.
Mizuki had promised the brothers freedom in exchange for their help. With their combined strength, Mizuki's cunning, and the guards' complacency, the escape was set to take place that very night.
Meanwhile, back in the Hokage's office, the sun had started to dip below the horizon, casting an amber glow through the windows. Tsunade sat behind her desk, a stack of reports piled high in front of her. She had been combing through them all day, dealing with the usual administrative work that came with leading the village. But one report in particular caught her eye.
The report was marked as top secret, with a crimson seal that signaled its importance. As she broke the seal and began to read, her expression grew increasingly grim. The report detailed an ongoing investigation in three neighboring villages, each of which had experienced strange and gruesome incidents over the past few weeks.
The first part of the report detailed a seemingly routine murder investigation. But when blood samples were analyzed, they revealed something far more disturbing, traces of microscopic symbiotes within the victims' bloodstreams. The villages had reported small numbers of missing people, but the real horror had come when some of those missing individuals were found.
The survivors, those who hadn't died or disappeared entirely, were found in varying states of deterioration, their bodies gaunt and sickly as if something was eating them from the inside out. The investigators described the symptoms as an unknown illness, but Tsunade knew better.
As she read further, her eyes narrowed. One of the villages had discovered a mass grave, containing the bodies of twenty ninja and four civilians. The scene described in the report was gruesome—their bodies were partially melted, the ground around them scorched. Among the decaying bodies were dead symbiotes, their corpses twisted and deformed.
Tsunade's grip on the report tightened. As she raced through the implications, creatures from another world that could bond with hosts, granting them immense power but at a terrible cost. The dead symbiotes found near the bodies suggested that something had gone horribly wrong.
Suddenly, a voice rang out in her mind. Scream, one of the symbiotes that had bonded with her, communicated with her telepathically.
"Tsunade, this is the work of Riot," Scream informed her, her voice laced with concern. "He's searching for the perfect hosts for his symbiotes. But it's a difficult process. Not every host can withstand the bond, and many end up being consumed from the inside out, even if the symbiote does manage to take hold."
Tsunade's expression darkened further as she considered the implications. "You're saying this is some sort of... infestation?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Exactly," Scream responded. "Symbiotes can't survive long without a host in this environment, but there's some variation. If Riot is burning through bodies like this, we're dealing with a slow-burning infestation, one that could spread if it's not contained. And if Riot's out there, he won't stop until he finds what he's looking for."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. The threat posed by Riot and the symbiotes was grave, but it was compounded by the situation in the prison. Which has been unusually quiet as of late considering the usual escape attempts.
She quickly jotted down a series of orders on a separate scroll, dispatching a squad of ANBU to investigate the prison and prepare for a potential breach. As she did so, her mind turned to Kaito. He would need to be briefed on this immediately. The village was about to face one of its greatest challenges yet, and they would need all hands-on deck to prevent disaster.
…
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a faint glow over Konoha's maximum security prison. The facility, designed to be impenetrable, was cloaked in an eerie silence that seemed almost unnatural. Inside, the guards patrolled their assigned routes, oblivious to the storm brewing in the shadows.
Deep within the prison, Mizuki sat on the edge of his cot, his ears tuned to the distant sounds of the guards making their rounds. The note he had passed to Rajin and Fujin earlier had set everything in motion. Now, it was only a matter of timing. His heart pounded with anticipation, but his mind remained razor-sharp, fully aware that tonight was his last chance at freedom.
In their respective cells, Rajin and Fujin waited as well, their hulking forms barely contained by the tight quarters. The brothers, despite their immense strength, had honed their patience over the years, and tonight, that patience would pay off.
At exactly midnight, when the prison was at its quietest, the plan was set into motion. Mizuki stood and approached the loose stones at the back of his cell. With practiced ease, he removed them, revealing a small tunnel he had painstakingly carved out over the past few months. It was just wide enough for him to squeeze through and make his way to the adjacent cell block where Rajin and Fujin were held.
The tunnel led Mizuki into an old, disused section of the prison, one that had been forgotten by the current guards. Here, Rajin and Fujin had been isolated, but tonight, the brothers were anything but alone. They had managed to loosen the bars of their cells weeks ago, but had waited for the right moment to strike. As Mizuki emerged from the tunnel, he nodded to the brothers, signaling the start of their plan.
Rajin and Fujin moved with surprising stealth for men of their size. Their immense strength allowed them to bend the iron bars of their cells with ease. Once free, the brothers crept through the old corridors, avoiding the main paths where the guards patrolled. They knew the layout of the prison well, having studied it for years, and they moved with purpose toward their target: the armory.
Mizuki followed closely behind, his mind racing with possibilities. The armory was the key to their escape. If they could arm themselves, they would have a fighting chance against any guards who might attempt to stop them. But their plan required more than just brute force; they needed to control the entire facility.
As they approached the armory, the trio encountered their first obstacle: a pair of guards stationed at the entrance. Rajin and Fujin acted without hesitation. With a speed that belied their size, Rajin slammed his massive fist into the first guard's throat, silencing him instantly. Fujin grabbed the second guard from behind, snapping his neck with a quick, brutal twist. The entire encounter lasted mere seconds, leaving no time for the guards to raise an alarm.
Mizuki stepped over the bodies, his hands already working on the lock to the armory. He had stolen keys from a careless guard weeks ago, and now they came in handy. Within moments, the heavy door swung open, revealing the prison's cache of weapons and supplies.
Rajin and Fujin wasted no time. They grabbed swords, kunai, and whatever explosives they could find. Mizuki took a more strategic approach, selecting a set of throwing stars and a katana. They weren't planning a direct confrontation at least not yet, but being armed would give them an edge.
Once they were outfitted, the trio moved to the next phase of their plan: taking control of the prison's security systems. They made their way to the control room, where a skeleton crew of guards monitored the facility's cameras and alarm systems. Mizuki's years of working in the shadows had made him a master of stealth. He led the way, creeping up behind the guards one by one and dispatching them silently with his newly acquired blade.
With the control room secured, Mizuki quickly disabled the external communication systems, ensuring that no one outside the prison would know what was happening, at least not immediately. Rajin and Fujin, meanwhile, worked on locking down the main gates and reinforcing the facility's defenses. If any guards tried to fight back, they would find themselves severely outgunned.
The final step was to secure the hostages. Mizuki and the brothers moved through the prison with cold efficiency, capturing guards and dragging them into the central chamber where they could be easily monitored. The hostages were gagged and bound, left under the watchful eyes of Rajin and Fujin while Mizuki finalized their escape route.
By the time the sun began to rise, the prison was entirely under their control. Rajin and Fujin had fortified the entrances, blocking any potential reinforcements from entering, while Mizuki had rigged several key points with explosives, creating a deadly deterrent for anyone who might try to breach their defenses.
The prisoners who had chosen to follow them were armed and ready, eager to make their escape once the time was right. For now, though, they waited, hunkered down and prepared for the inevitable confrontation with Konoha's forces.
They wouldn't go down without a fight…
…
Back in the Hokage's office, Tsunade was unaware of the full extent of the prison takeover. She had spent the early hours of the morning strategizing how to deal with the symbiote threat detailed in the report. The ANBU squad she had dispatched to the prison was due to report back soon, but until then, she could only wait.
As the first rays of sunlight crept through her window, a messenger burst into the office, his face pale and eyes wide with fear.
"Tsunade-sama! The prison, it's been taken over!"
Tsunade's heart sank as the implications hit her. "How did this happen? How many are involved?" she demanded, already moving toward the door.
"The details are still coming in, but it seems Mizuki, Rajin, and Fujin are leading the breakout. They've armed themselves and taken hostages. The prison is on complete lockdown."
Tsunade cursed under her breath, her mind racing. With the symbiote threat looming and now a full-scale prison break on her hands, the situation was growing more dire by the minute. She needed to act quickly, or the consequences could be catastrophic.
"Kaito needs to be informed immediately," Tsunade ordered. "And prepare a task force. We're going to take back that prison, and we're going to do it now."
As the messenger rushed off to carry out her orders, Tsunade stared out the window, her expression hardening. The village was facing an unprecedented threat, both from within and from without. But as long as she had breath in her body, Tsunade would not allow Konoha to fall. The fight to reclaim the prison, and to protect the village from the rising symbiote threat, was about to begin.