Here's chapter 18: Death, there is only death.

Some of this chapter might seem a bit samey, but it's to demonstrate their evolution in fighting skills, and most of all how actually useful Inohana's no hand seal genjutsu and skill set can be.

Only her chakra keeping her back from being more of a monster then she already is.

This took forever, my apologies, but here it is at least.

As usual I do not own, or in any way have a right to the characters of Naruto or its world. I'm just a lowly fanfiction writer.

Hope you enjoy it!

***

Three months after deployment, Grass country,

The air is chilly as we silently flit from tree to tree, each of us on high alert and straining our senses for any sign of an ambush. The coordinates are close, and my heart pounds with anticipation. Nervous sweat beads on my forehead, the dampness mixing with the cool night air. The fog creeps along the ground, not chakra-based to my senses but lending an eerie feeling to the almost silent forest.

We were leaf ninja, and we knew that a silent forest meant something was wrong.

As we arrive at the coordinates, we hide in the upper canopy of the large trees surrounding the narrow path. We suppress our chakra as best as we can, making me nearly invisible while the boys are… Better than Naruto would have been, at least.

It's a work in progress. Gai is just not the best at reigning himself in. In any manner of the word.

The path itself is unremarkable. There's no sign of recent passage, no traces of chakra, nothing - wait!

I narrow my eyes, focusing on a barely noticeable flicker of chakra from a patch of tall grass near the path. I signal to the boys to hold their positions, letting them know I'll attempt something.

Without knowing exactly what's going on, I don't want to risk gathering to discuss our plan. For all I know, stealth specialist Shinobi or summons could be lying in wait for us to reveal ourselves.

I slowly extend a tendril of chakra, my chakra string snaking toward the faint flicker. Honestly, without my finely tuned chakra sense, I doubt I would have sensed it at all. And I know most Jounin can't feel chakra as keenly as I can, thanks to my training and natural aptitude.

If Kushina-shisou were here, she'd put me in a headlock for even thinking about poking some random chakra. I can almost hear her voice…

You can't just poke some chakra you found laying around, you don't know where it's been, Dattebane!

I bite my lip, hesitating, my chakra string stopping just short of the flicker. Orochimaru-Sensei sent us here for a reason; he wouldn't just randomly send us to our deaths…

Or at least not mine…

I touch the chakra, my string pulsing with intent as I try to discern what it is. But the flicker immediately begins to unravel, making me curse silently in my head. "Trap!" I sign out, jumping back. Gai and Genma immediately put distance between themselves and the path as well.

When no explosion follows, I peek out from behind the tree, frowning. Chakra unraveling like that usually means an explosion. Gai and Genma look to me for direction, and I bite my lip hard enough to draw blood. I am definitely the wrong choice for team lead…

I don't know what the fuck I'm doing…

How the hell we've survived three months of this I don't know.

As genin we shouldn't even be near the war, or at least have our Jounin-Sensei available at all times. But Orochimaru-Sensei was too important to the war effort to babysit us all the time - so we got sent out for scouting missions frequently.

Honestly, if they survived another three months they'd be rich, the betting pool back at camp was already enormous - the only ones that had bet on their survival were themselves, and Sensei.

I look down at Hanako, who has been silent, understanding the importance of stealth for the mission. "Hanako, go explore the path, come back and tell me what's changed," I whisper.

She slithers down my body, disappearing into the foliage. The fog ensures I lose sight of her almost immediately. I signal to my teammates to hold, scouting in progress. They nod stiffly, their higher elevation allowing them to see me easily enough.

The distance between us should make it harder to take us all out in one fell swoop. We've been ambushed enough times now that we rarely talk at all on missions anymore, using hand signs for everything.

The wait is excruciating, but Hanako can't move as quickly as we do. I feel slightly guilty sending her in, but as a summon, she's more expendable. I can just resummon her if something happens.

Feels like I've been saying, and using, that excuse a lot since that cave and 'test' that we went under because of Sensei and Danzo.

Eventually, she returns, slithering up my body until her cool nose presses against my neck, just under my ear. "There's an ambush setup in the tall grass further back. Smells like Iwa ninja, I only smell three," She hisses quietly.

I freeze. Iwa ninja this close to us… This could be an ambush on a Konoha supply line or something more sinister. Good news, a 3 man team sneaking around like this - likely all chuunin - so no Jounin enemy.

Bad news, three likely battle hardened, likely older Shinobi were waiting to ambush anyone that came through, which now was us, because we can't let them be. Nor can we go back for reinforcements, it was on us to clear this roadblock.

I sign to my team, explaining my plan, the good thing about our age is that we are constantly underestimated, so we can spring the trap, and surprise the ambushers with our own immediate counters.

I nod to Gai and Genma, and we shift into position. The plan is simple but effective. As I prepare myself, I can feel the familiar rush of adrenaline. My mind sharpens, focusing solely on the task at hand. The air around us feels thick with tension as we move silently into position.

We land on the ground, acting like we're investigating the small bit of chakra, just rookies not paying enough attention to our surroundings.

Moments later, I see them. Three Iwa ninja emerge from the tall grass, their confident strides and smirks making my blood boil. They're older, battle-hardened, and clearly underestimating us. One of them, a tall, burly man with a jagged scar running down his face, chuckles as he spots us. His companions, a wiry man with sharp eyes and a stocky woman with a cruel grin, follow suit.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" The scarred man sneers. "A bunch of Konoha kids playing ninja?"

It's good that they're like this. Even as I inwardly bristle at their attitude. The stupidity in underestimating anyone in this war is only to our benefit after all.

The woman laughs, a harsh sound that grates on my nerves. "Maybe we should let them run home to their mommies. What do you think, boys?"

My heart pounds, but I keep my expression neutral. This is exactly what we were hoping for after all. I take a deep breath and focus my chakra, feeling the familiar pull as I weave a genjutsu through the chakra strings I'd laid out in wait in the direction Hanako had tasted. The air around us shimmers slightly, and I watch as their expressions change from amusement to confusion as my triple effect illusion takes over.

My chakra, when compressed into the tiny strings, are so miniscule that only a sensor would notice them now, so these chuckle fucks had no idea.

They'll likely get through the first two, but it's amazing how few people ever notice the third.

"What the - " The sharp-eyed man starts, but it's too late. They're already caught in my genjutsu, their movements sluggish and uncoordinated as they feel like the electric signals in their body aren't responding properly.

"Gai! Genma! Now!" I say quietly, already throwing my own kunai at one of the stationary targets, hoping to get them before they come out of the first two stages.

Unfortunately it was not to be, as all three manage to break out, just as we descend on them, or in my case, my chakra string wielded kunai.

In a blur of motion, Gai and Genma get into it with two of the Iwa shinobi. Gai's speed is incredible, his kicks and punches landing with precise force. Genma, with his senbon in one hand and kunai in the other, strikes with deadly accuracy, aiming for pressure points with flicked senbon while keeping up the pressure with his kunai.

The scarred man tries to fight back against Gai, swinging his massive arms wildly - the third genjutsu effect is a minor one, showing us only a foot to the left of where we actually are, but one hard to notice in the heat of things.

Gai is too fast too, dodging effortlessly and countering with a powerful strike to the gut. The man doubles over, gasping for breath, before Gai delivers a final blow that sends him sprawling to the ground, his skull crushed. Gai grimaces, shaking his hand, the new heavy gauntlet Orochimaru-Sensei had insisted on adorning it, and helping him crush skulls.

The woman attempts to draw another kunai on Genma as she was the slowest out of the Genjutsu, but Genma is quicker, their two kunai clashing, his senbon piercing her wrist before she could grab another weapon to end the stalemate. In a swift, fluid motion, he flicks another senbon up into her throat as she flounders on what action to take, piercing her jugular, the poison immediately dazing her, allowing him to stab his kunai inside her guard, killing her.

The sharp-eyed man managed to break free of the genjutsu and immediately clocked me as the culprit, his eyes narrowing in anger and desperation. He charges at me, a kunai in hand, but I'm ready. I sidestep his attack, coalescing fifteen of my chakra strings, and wrapping them around his wrist and yanking him off balance, wincing as I feel my chakra protest. Before he can recover, or I can put him out of his misery, Gai is there, delivering a precise kick to his head that twists his neck completely around.

It's over in seconds. We stand over the fallen Iwa ninja, our breaths heavy but controlled. I feel a surge of relief and pride. We did it.

Once again we walk away alive from a meeting with adult ninja.

"Good job," I whisper, more to myself than anyone else. Gai and Genma nod, their expressions serious but satisfied.

There's a grim countenance to them, as just like me, they've grown used to killing. At the end of the day it's them or us, and we like us.

I quickly search the fallen enemies for any intel, finding a map and some coded messages. These will be useful for the intelligence people. I signal to my team, and we make our way back into the trees.

As we move through the forest, the adrenaline begins to fade, replaced by a profound sense of exhaustion. But there's no time to rest. We need to get this information back now. And we need to stay alert. This war is far from over, and we're just getting started. The three months have felt like three years, and yet we're nowhere near the end of it.

"Let's go," I whisper to my team, leading the way back through the fog-laden forest. "We've got work to do."

***

Days later,

Despite the fact we shouldn't be out here, that we shouldn't be doing missions like this. Orochimaru-Sensei frequently abuses his status to send us on them, constantly prodding us to improve.

So far we've lived.

But I'm beginning to wonder how long we can keep this up, we're stronger, there's no doubt about it. Against Chuunin we consistently come out on top. Even my small reserves are growing from the constant drain and from having to continuously fight on nothing but fumes.

Yet Gai is half the boy he used to be, his gauntleted hands regularly covered in gore. Genma's jokes now have a certain nihilistic touch to them.

And I… I just want to live another day. Nothing else matters as much as that. Me and the boys, us all living. I'll kill everyone in Grass country if I have to, we will live!

The air is still and heavy with anticipation as we lie hidden in the tall grass on the hillside near a small no name town in Grass, watching the Iwa caravan pass by. Two four-man teams of Iwa ninja guard it, their alertness evident in their precise movements and vigilant eyes. My team and I are poised for an ambush, each of us ready to move on my signal.

Eight enemies… Orochimaru-Sensei never fails to deliver a trial.

From the sense I get with my chakra, most of them are Genin thankfully, with two Chuunin 'sensei' leading them. Chakra isn't always the denominator in strength, but I'm rarely wrong so far.

The moonlight casts a silver sheen on the path below, illuminating the caravan as it slowly makes its way through the narrow trail. I focus on my breathing, calming my nerves. This mission requires finesse and precision; we aim to take them down without a prolonged fight.

"Positions," I sign, and Gai and Genma nod silently, their figures barely visible in the grass. Hanako, coiled around my arm, flicks her tongue out, sensing the tension in the air.

We wait for the right moment, the caravan moving closer to our position. I stretch out my chakra, feeling the flow of energy around us. My genjutsu will be the key to our success.

The first Iwa team passes our position, the guards scanning the surroundings. The second team follows, keeping a tight formation around the caravan. I raise my hand, the signal for the first phase, thankful that our ability to hide out chakra has evolved enough we went unnoticed.

With a subtle release of chakra through my strings that I've laid out in the way of the path, latching onto the ninja as they moved past us, I seemingly cast a wide-reaching genjutsu over the area, creating an illusion of a dense fog rolling in from the forest. The Iwa ninja tense, their movements becoming cautious as the illusion takes hold.

There's a few quiet Kai, but my strings are attached to them, and it's a momentary thing to force the illusion back onto them, their chakra not strong enough to completely overpower me.

Luckily for me, it's not a cumulative effect. Each ninja fights against my string separately, not all their chakra reserves combined against mine.

"Move in," I signal and Gai and Genma spring into action, as I rush along beside them, already drawing my kunai.

Gai, with his incredible speed and agility, silently takes out the first guard. He appears like a shadow behind the Iwa ninja, a swift chop to the neck and a precise pressure point technique rendering the guard unconscious before he can utter a sound. The guard crumples to the ground, and Gai catches him, lowering him gently to avoid making noise.

We needed one alive, and Gai was the best choice for that. So one aspect of the mission is already completed.

Genma follows behind Gai, the Iwa ninja panicking, as their sight and hearing is muffled by the illusory fog. His Senbons glinting in the moonlight as he falls on them with nothing but death in his movements. He moves with the grace of a dancer, his strikes precise and efficient. His targets, another two Iwa guards, barely registers the threat before the senbons hit, targeting nerve clusters to incapacitate, leaving them out of the fight while the poison takes care of the rest. The two guards collapse, eyes rolling back as they lose consciousness.

Within two minutes they'll be dead.

The merchants, previously unaware of our presence, begin to react as the illusion of fog disorients their guards further. They murmur in confusion, their voices tinged with fear as they see us flit about, the Iwa ninja ineffective in fighting back. I intensify the genjutsu, creating shadowy figures in the fog to heighten their paranoia.

The remaining Iwa ninja try to rally, their leader barking orders to get into formation back to back. More of my chakra strings weave through the air, attaching to the minds of the guards, deepening the illusion. They see phantom enemies, hear whispers that aren't there, and their cohesion begins to falter.

Gai targets another guard, his movements a blur as he strikes. The guard swings his weapon wildly at the imagined threats, leaving him open for Gai's well-placed blow to the back of the head. The Iwa ninja drops as the back of his head turns into mush, and Gai swiftly moves to his next target.

Genma, meanwhile, takes advantage of the confusion to approach another guard. Lunging forward, his kunai flashing in the dim light. He strikes, ducking under the desperate counter from the genin unable to fully see him, sliding his kunai in-between his ribs.

The Iwa team leader, realizing the severity of the situation, tries to break through the fog and away from the caravan. He sees shadows moving, hears the imagined whispers of an approaching enemy force. Desperation creeps into his voice as he calls for his men to regroup. But my genjutsu has taken hold too deeply, they haven't even bothered with a kai again, they're fully in it.

The leader swings his kunai at the empty air, his movements frantic. I use this moment to close the distance, my hand a blur as I jump up and swipe at the leader's neck, slitting it while acrobatically twirling over his meaty arm that tried to punch me.

One by one, the guards fall to our lethal attacks. Genma uses his senbons and kunai to subdue the rest, while I maintain the illusion, ensuring none of the guards can break free from the genjutsu.

As the last of the guards falls, I release the fog illusion, dispelling the genjutsu. The clearing is silent, the Iwa ninja lying dead around the caravan except for the one exception. We move quickly, securing the guard with ropes and sealing their chakra with a sealing tag.

"Status?" I ask, keeping my voice low.

"All secure," Gai reports, giving me a thumbs up.

"Good work, everyone," I say, feeling a sense of relief. "Genma, check the caravan. We need to make sure there are no hidden traps or alarms, then we can destroy it"

They'd need to destroy it, but there was nothing in the mission that said they'd need to kill the civilians, even though I know Orochimaru-Sensei wouldn't care if we did. But that was a step too far for any of us right now.

Although if the war continued, I knew it would be harder to keep that standpoint.

Genma nods and begins his inspection, while I tend to the unconscious guard, ensuring he is stable and won't wake up prematurely.

The leader might have been a better choice, but this was a quick smash and grab, the captive was for corroboration of already known facts more than anything new - so it was better to grab someone who'd break fast.

Hanako slithers down to the ground, her tongue flicking out as she inspects our surroundings. "All clear," she hisses softly, confirming that there are no immediate threats.

Good, the last caravan had almost killed us when a surprise third team arrived from having scouted ahead.

Genma returns, shaking his head. "No traps or alarms. We're good to go."

I approach the merchants, who are still visibly shaken from what just happened. Their faces are pale, eyes wide with fear. "You're safe now," I say, using a calming genjutsu to ease their anxiety. They visibly relax, their shoulders dropping as the fear ebbs away. "Konoha is not after civilians, only the rapist Iwa ninjas."

Yes… Konoha's intelligence department has instructed us to always say something like that, propaganda, ugh.

"W-who are you?" one of the merchants asks, his voice trembling.

"We're simple Konoha ninja, here to ensure your safe passage even if the supplies must be removed from the rapist's possession," I reply, exhausted. "You'll be able to continue your journey soon." Not much of a kindness, without supplies they'll likely die anyway unless they can squeeze into the tiny village nearby, which I doubt.

I glance back at Gai and Genma. "Let's move out," I command. "We've got what we came for."

The civilians watch in utter desperation as their caravan burns, and I don't have the energy to care. It has happened too much these past few months.

I've aged up to six years old now, but I feel ancient.

We disappear into the night, leaving the Iwa guards bodies behind, we don't have any corpse scrolls. Our mission is a success, our presence undetected by other ninja. As we make our way back to our rendezvous point, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in my team despite everything. We executed the plan perfectly, relying on each other's strengths to achieve our goal.

In the world of shinobi, missions rarely go this smoothly. But tonight, we were in perfect sync, a testament to our training and trust in one another.

The trek back to the Konoha war camp is long and arduous, the weight of our mission's success tempered by the exhaustion seeping into our bones. The dense forest gradually gives way to the outskirts of the camp, where the underbrush is trampled and paths are worn into the earth by the constant movement of ninja and supply wagons. The camp is a flurry of activity, but there is an undercurrent of weariness that is impossible to ignore.

We slip into the camp, drawing immediate attention. As the only children in the camp, our presence is both an anomaly and a reminder of the war's harsh realities. Eyes follow us, filled with pity and concern, expressions that make my skin crawl. We don't need their pity…

"Report to the commander first?" I ask Gai and Genma, who nod silently in agreement.

We make our way to the command tent, passing rows of makeshift tents and lean-tos made from tarps and branches. The ground is muddy and uneven, a stark contrast to the well-maintained paths back in Konoha. Ninja move about with purpose, but their movements are slower, burdened by fatigue and the weight of continuous battle. The air is thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and the faint tang of antiseptic from the medical tents.

Stepping inside the command tent, we stand at attention before the commander, a seasoned Jounin with scars that speak of countless battles. His eyes are bloodshot, and the lines on his face are deep, etched by stress and lack of sleep. He looks up from his maps and documents, his eyes narrowing as he assesses us.

"Report," He commands, his voice gravelly and authoritative.

He's a Nara, but you wouldn't be able to tell most of the time, his work ethic is insane, no matter what time of the day or night we return, there he is, working.

I've never caught him sleeping so far. Ever.

I step forward, bowing slightly before speaking. "Mission accomplished. The Iwa caravan was intercepted and neutralized, our captive has been handed off at the gates. All other guards were eliminated, and the caravan was destroyed."

The commander nods, his stern expression softening slightly. "Good work, Inohana, Gai, Genma. Your efforts are commendable, especially given your age." He pauses, his eyes lingering on us. "Rest and recuperate. You've earned it."

He might not like our presence here, and he definitely did not like Orochimaru-Sensei sending us on these missions now and then - but he respects the results. Never shy about acknowledging our efforts.

One of the few in the camp who doesn't look at us with either pity or disgust.

We bow again, murmuring our thanks before exiting the tent. The weight of the stares follows us as we make our way to a secluded spot by a muddy log and campfire. The camp is a mix of makeshift shelters and hastily dug trenches, the signs of a long and grueling campaign. Supplies are low, evident from the rationed portions being distributed and the thin, worn blankets the ninja use for warmth.

We'd had better supplies once apparently, but this was our second camp, the camp previously completely destroyed shortly before our arrival at this one.

We wash up at a small stream that trickles through the camp, uncaring about nudity, as is the other ninja washing, the cool water refreshing against our tired faces, scrubbing away the grime and blood from our mission. The water is tinged brown with mud and other things, but it's the best we have.

At least we don't use it for drinking water.

Sitting by the campfire, we dig into our rations. The food is meager and barely palatable - rice that's more gruel than grain, and mystery meat that's tough and dry. It's a stark reminder of the camp's dwindling supplies. The warmth of the fire is a small comfort, but it doesn't reach the deep-seated fatigue in our bones.

The campfire flickers weakly, casting long shadows on the muddy ground. The wood is damp, producing more smoke than heat, but it's all we have. The surrounding ninja sit in small groups, their conversations hushed and somber. The weariness is palpable, etched into every face and slumped shoulder. These are warriors who have been pushed to their limits, and the strain shows in every weary glance and heavy step. I wonder if I look the same, but don't have the energy to even bother.

"Do you think they'll ever see us as equals?" Genma mutters, poking at his food with his chopsticks.

Gai, ever the optimist even if it's been flagging as of late, flashes a smile. "We'll prove ourselves, Genma. One mission at a time."

I nod in agreement, though my mind is already on our next task. "We'll keep pushing forward. They'll have no choice but to recognize our strength."

I refused to be seen as a pity case.

With our meal finished, we make our way to Orochimaru's tent. The anticipation is a familiar mix of excitement and dread. Orochimaru-sensei is a demanding teacher, his expectations high, but he has taught us more than we ever imagined, and also taken more from us than I would have ever thought.

Gai had been forced into not only using his gauntlets, but a short sword he carried on his back as well, Orochimaru-Sensei beating into him that only fists was not enough. Gai having no choice but to confirm in the face of the snake sannins wrath.

Gai more than any of us was losing parts of himself in this. Strong as he is, he'd been thrown in the deep end before his philosophy could have completely ruled his career.

We approach the tent, its entrance flanked by two sentries who nod at us, recognizing our purpose. Inside, the dim light casts long shadows, and the air is thick with the scent of incense. Orochimaru-Sensei is seated at a low table, a scroll spread out before him, his eyes flicking up as we enter.

"Sensei," I begin, bowing deeply. "We have completed the mission."

Orochimaru's eyes gleam with interest, a small smile playing at his lips. "Excellent. Come, sit. Tell me everything."

We recount the mission in detail, from the moment we spotted the caravan to the final takedown of the Iwa guards. Orochimaru-Sensei listens intently, his expression unreadable but his eyes betraying a hint of satisfaction.

"You did well," He finally says, his voice a silky whisper. "Your use of genjutsu was particularly impressive, Inohana. Gai, your physical prowess continues to exceed expectations. And Genma, your precision with senbons and poison is remarkable."

His praise, though rare, fills us with a sense of pride. But it is his next words that make my heart race.

"Your next mission will be more challenging. Rest tonight, for tomorrow we move closer to the front lines."

We nod, understanding the gravity of his words. We'll be facing a lot more than missions if we end up at the front lines…

As we leave his tent, the weight of our responsibilities settles over us. We head to our makeshift sleeping quarters, exhaustion finally taking hold. The night is calm, the sounds of the camp a comforting backdrop as I drift into a restless sleep.

In this war, there is no true rest for me, only brief reprieves. But as long as we have each other and the strength to fight, we will face whatever comes our way. Together.

We have to.

I refuse to let them die.

It's us against the world.

***

A month later, Konoha's forward camp, a few miles from the frontlines against Iwa.

We sit together in a small clearing at the Konoha military camp, the ground beneath us cold and hard. The camp is a muddy sprawl of makeshift tents and hastily constructed shelters, surrounded by a dense forest. The air is thick with the smell of damp earth and sweat, and the constant low murmur of tired voices. The campfire flickers weakly, its light barely cutting through the pervasive gloom.

We'd just returned from yet another mission, again punching way over our weight. I don't know how much longer we can manage that.

I glance at Gai and Genma. We're all covered in mud and dirt, our clothes tattered and stained. Dark circles rim our eyes, a testament to countless sleepless nights. The small ration of food we have is hardly enough to stave off the gnawing hunger, but we eat it slowly, savoring every bite.

With constant attacks on supply trains, we're almost reaching starvation point. Ninja eat more than regular civilians, and right now we're not getting enough to feed even a civilian.

Around us, other ninja sit in similar states of exhaustion. Their faces are etched with lines of worry and fatigue. The weight of the war presses down on everyone, a constant, heavy presence that never quite goes away. The pointless skirmishes, the endless cycle of death and suffering - it all feels so futile sometimes.

But we are ninja, so we endure.

I sigh, pushing a stray lock of filthy bloody hair from my face. My thoughts drift to the countless comrades we've lost already, the ones who will never return. The senselessness of it all gnaws at me, a bitter taste in the back of my throat.

"This war," I murmur, almost to myself, "It feels like it will never end."

Gai looks up from his meal, his usually vibrant eyes dull with fatigue. "I know what you mean, Inohana-chan. Sometimes it feels like we're just fighting to survive another day." He admits.

The fact his boundless optimism isn't always there anymore… It hurts. I miss it, just another thing taken away.

Genma nods, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of dried... Something, I didn't ask what, I'm sure I don't want to know, "But we have to keep going. For everyone who's counting on us."

There's a brief silence as we continue eating, the weight of our unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. But then Gai, trying to reclaim his

past optimism perhaps, tries to lighten the mood.

"Remember that time when we snuck into Sensei's tent and switched all his scrolls with prank messages?" He says, a hint of mischief returning to his booming voice.

"That was fun!" Hanako agrees tiredly, my summon as tired as me nowadays, our chakra usage almost constant.

I close my eyes, that had not been my idea, I'd lost a bet, the boys forcing me to help them.

She did not enjoy pissing off Orochimaru-Sensei. Really, she didn't.

Genma chuckles, the sound a rare and welcome break from the somber atmosphere. "Yeah, and he read out loud the one about 'The Great Frog Invasion' in the middle of a strategy meeting. I've never seen him so flustered."

I laugh softly despite it all, the memory a bright spot in the otherwise dark landscape of our minds. "I thought he was going to kill us then and there."

The banter continues, each of us recalling moments of levity, small victories, and shared jokes. It's a way to cling to our humanity, to remind ourselves that there's still life beyond the war. Despite the dirt, the exhaustion, and the ever-present danger, we find solace in each other's company.

As the night deepens, the camp grows quieter. The flickering campfires become fewer, and the sounds of sleep and muted conversations replace the earlier bustle. I lean back against a tree, feeling the rough bark through my worn clothes, and close my eyes.

"We'll make it through this," I say softly, more to myself than anyone else. "We have to."

Gai and Genma nod, their expressions resolute. Together we'll face whatever comes next, and we'll do it with the same determination that has carried us this far.

***

The next morning,

We approach Orochimaru-Sensei's tent with a mixture of dread and resignation. The path leading up to it is lined with more senior ninja, their expressions inscrutable as they watch us pass. The tent itself is larger and more ornate than the others, its entrance flanked by two imposing guards that he doesn't really need. The air around it feels heavier, laden with an undercurrent of menace.

Orochimaru-Sensei has been very irritable lately, constantly drawn to the frontlines and away from his studies, experiments or even teaching us.

The whole camp has felt the effect of it. But us more than anyone.

Inside, the tent is dimly lit by a few flickering candles. Various scrolls and maps are spread out on a table, along with vials of strange liquids and jars containing who knows what. The scent of incense mingles with the sharp, metallic tang of blood, making the air feel thick and oppressive - now that we've been able to stay in one place for a month, it looks more and more like his space back home.

Orochimaru-Sensei sits behind the table, his pale face partially obscured by the shadows. His eyes, those cold, serpentine eyes, fix on us as we enter. He leans back in his chair, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips. His presence is overwhelming, a stark reminder of the power he wields and the precariousness of our position.

I tense, as always unsure of what will happen. My own rapid growth so far in the war has only put me further under his scope, I don't know how much longer I can prevent him from experimenting on me.

Out here there is no Kushina-Shishou or Mikoto…

"Ah, my dear students," He says, his voice smooth and dripping with sarcasm. "How wonderful to see you in one piece. I was beginning to think you might have run into some trouble out there, with how much you've been slacking off lately."

Entirely not fair, we haven't had a single day off. The rest of the ninja get a rest rotation, for us, if it's not a mission or fighting, we're training under Sensei. We haven't rested for months.

I hate him just that little bit more right now, Hanako at my wrist hissing at him. My lovable little summon has begun to threaten to find a way to bite me and have it work, to force me into unconsciousness.

We stand at attention, our exhaustion barely masked by our discipline. Gai and Genma's faces are set in stony expressions, but I can feel the tension radiating from them. For a moment, no one speaks, the silence stretching uncomfortably.

I want to speak up, but I know it doesn't work, so I hold myself back. Barely.

One day… One day I'll be strong enough I'll force him to see how much of a bastard he is, when I pound him into the ground.

Orochimaru's smile widens, his amusement evident. "No need to be so tense. You survived so far, didn't you? Tell me, what did you find on your latest mission, hmm?"

I step forward, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. "We encountered a team of Iwa shinobi attempting to ambush the supply line. We neutralized them and recovered some intel."

All in all it was remarkably similar to other missions we've had so far, except this time we'd all barely managed it by the skin of our teeth.

I place the scrolls and maps we found on the table. Orochimaru's eyes flick to them, and he nods approvingly. "Good. Very good. It seems you are more capable than I initially thought."

His words, though seemingly complimentary, carry an undercurrent of mockery. I clench my fists, struggling to keep my emotions in check. Gai and Genma remain silent, their expressions unreadable. They've learned well, Sensei was looking for a reaction.

"But," Orochimaru-Sensei continues, leaning forward, "I didn't summon you here to congratulate you on a job well done. I have a new task for you, one that will truly test your abilities."

He pauses, letting the weight of his words sink in. The tension in the tent is palpable, each of us on edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"There's a high-ranking Iwa officer who has been causing significant problems for our forces," Orochimaru-Sensei says, his tone turning serious. "Your mission is to eliminate him."

I feel a cold chill run down my spine. An assassination mission. For genin. This is beyond anything we've been asked to do before, and the implications are staggering - a high ranking officer means a Jounin. I glance at Gai and Genma, their eyes widening slightly at the gravity of the task.

"But Sensei," I begin, my voice cautious, "This kind of mission... It's illegal for genin to undertake. Not to mention the risks of sending us against a Jounin, all your hard work is wasted if we die."

Could we take out a Jounin?

Maybe. If we had a trap, or attacked one in his sleep or something.

In battle?

Not unless it was a really weak and new Jounin.

The Jounin out here on the battlefield were not Ebisu types. These men and women were all monsters.

Orochimaru's eyes narrow, and his smile turns predatory. "Illegal? Perhaps. But the rules are often bent in times of war. You are my students, and I believe you have the potential to handle this… If you die from something like this, then you weren't worth my training to begin with."

His gaze sharpens, pinning me in place. "Or do you doubt your abilities, Inohana? Are you saying you can't do what is required of you?" The threat is implicit.

I swallow hard, the weight of his challenge pressing down on me. Doubt and fear swirl in my mind, but I can't let him see that. I straighten my spine, meeting his gaze head-on. "No, Sensei. We can do it."

Orochimaru-Sensei's smile returns, satisfied and knowing. "Good. I expected nothing less." He lets out a small sibilant hiss, smirking at me.

Knowing exactly what I'm thinking.

Kami, do I want to kill this man…

He stands, moving around the table with a grace that is almost unsettling. He hands me a scroll, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary, his touch cold and unsettling. I have still never gotten used to the disgusting feel of his chakra, "This contains all the information you need. The officer's location, his routines, and the best approach for your attack." He gives me a mocking smile, "With your hand held like this, surely you can do that, child?"

I take the scroll, my hands steady despite the turmoil inside. Orochimaru-Sensei steps back, his eyes flicking over each of us, assessing, calculating.

"This mission is a test," He says, his voice dropping to a hissing whisper. "Not just of your abilities, but of your willingness to do what needs to be done no matter what. Do not disappoint me."

With that, he dismisses us with a wave of his hand, turning back to his desk. We exit the tent in silence, the weight of the mission hanging heavily over us.

Outside, the camp is a hive of activity, but it all feels distant, like we're moving through a fog. We find a secluded spot, away from prying eyes and ears, and gather around to discuss our next steps.

Genma is the first to speak, his voice low and tense. "This is insane. We're genin. We shouldn't be doing this kind of mission."

Gai nods, his brow furrowed. "I agree, friends. But if we refuse, what then? Sensei isn't exactly known for his leniency." Gai wearily rubbed his gauntleted hands.

Orochimaru-Sensei had broken his hands over and over again, getting them healed only to break them again - until Gai had consented to begin weapons training, dropping his 'only Taijutsu' goal for now.

I unroll the scroll, spreading it out on the ground between us. The details are meticulous, outlining the officer's routines, his weaknesses, and the best time to strike. It's clear that Orochimaru has put a lot of thought into this. He isn't entirely cruel, he is giving us a chance to succeed, even though no Genin should be doing this.

"We have no choice," I say quietly. "We have to do it. If we fail... Well, I don't want to think about what will happen."

An enemy Jounin… Hopefully our deaths will be quick if we fail…

Gai and Genma exchange glances, their expressions grim but resolute - their go to expressions nowadays, we're all a bit grim. "Fine," Genma says finally. "But we do this together. We plan it out carefully and make sure we succeed, we don't move until we're sure."

I agree easily enough, because that's just common sense, although I don't blame Genma for wanting to vocalize it. We're all a bit tense. A Jounin is a whole other thing to deal with then our usual fare.

Especially as he won't be alone.

We spend the next few hours going over the details, formulating a plan. The officer, Captain Hazuki, is stationed at a small outpost a few miles from the border in an area where the fighting had ebbed. He follows a strict routine, making him predictable. The best time to strike is during his evening visit to the prostitutes when he's alone - meaning without ninja support in the same room.

As night falls, we prepare to move out. The camp around us begins to quiet down, the sounds of battle-weary soldiers settling in for a few hours of restless sleep. We gather our gear, checking and rechecking our supplies.

Before we leave, I take a moment to look at my teammates. Gai's usual exuberance is tempered by a steely determination, while Genma's calm demeanor hides a fierce resolve. I feel a surge of pride and gratitude for their unwavering support - I wouldn't have survived this far without them.

How I ever thought friends were useless. I couldn't live without my boys.

"We can do this," I say, my voice firm. "We've faced worse before. Let's go."

We slip out of the camp under the cover of darkness, moving swiftly and silently through the forest. The moon is a thin sliver in the sky, casting just enough light to guide our way. The path to the outpost is fraught with danger, but we navigate it with practiced ease, our senses heightened and alert.

Sneaking around is one of our specialties thanks to my sensing and genjutsu capabilities.

As we approach the outpost, we slow down, blending into the shadows. The outpost is a small, fortified structure, surrounded by a high fence and patrolled by a handful of guards. Captain Hazuki is known for his paranoia, and it shows in the way the outpost is fortified.

He only sleeps with his hookers alone due to fear of leaving his back to his guards, his paranoia stretching that far. But it also leaves us an opportunity.

We find a vantage point overlooking the area, hidden by my genjutsu. From here, we can see most of the layout of the outpost.

Including the small whore's quarters, not large enough to really call a red light district in just an outpost, but clearly marked and kept separate.

I signal to Gai and Genma, indicating the timing of the patrols and the best moment to strike. They nod in understanding, their faces set in determination, even as they hate this plan we've made.

I'm the best of us at stealth, and I know sealing, there's really only one of us that can complete this mission.

The boys ready to cause a commotion to draw attention if I'm discovered.

We wait, the minutes stretching into what feels like hours. The tension is palpable, every rustle of the leaves and snap of a twig setting our nerves on edge, we just sit, still as can be as we memorize the patrols, no time to make it perfect, because the next few ninjas on shift might go faster or slower - but I've got the route at least.

Within one moment and the next, I'm up over the wall, inside the outpost, my chakra string just barely touching one guard to make him look right, when I go left.

I crouch close to the ground as I hurry towards the small buildings holding the prostitutes, cloaking myself as well as I can in genjutsu, feeling the drain on my chakra from such a high intensity illusion. Not invisibility, just an instinctive reaction to glide their eyes over me and focus on something else.

It won't hold against a ninja for long.

I slip inside just in time, as I see him exit the headquarters.

Captain Hazuki steps out of the building, a tall, imposing figure clad in dark armor. He moves with the confidence of someone who knows he is in control, but also with the wariness of a seasoned soldier.

I hurriedly take out my pre-prepped seals, praying they work, lining the inside of the doorway, knowing he'll for sure enter this building, and that he doesn't allow his guards inside.

If they enter first. I'm screwed.

I finish setting the seal trap, scampering away towards the back, climbing halfway out a window, after quickly disabling the warning seal on the edge.

I have to make sure he's dead before I can leave. The tension is killing me, Hanako trying to soothe me by vibrating against my wrist, but with my pumping blood and dwindling chakra reserves, I'm too keyed up for it to matter.

The Captain steps through the door, to see his favorite prostitute, the seals feel chakra moving in between them, and immediately discharge, lighting him up with enough lightning that he's instantly cooked alive.

I feel his chakra disappear completely, and waste no time in removing myself, the boys not even needing to provide a distraction, we slip away as everyone is drawn to search the inside of the outpost for a traitor.

Mission accomplished, yet I don't feel anything other than exhausted.

Pure luck.

If I had done this mission even two weeks earlier, would I have had enough chakra to stay undetected all the way to the building?

Unlikely.

I'm fighting on the very margins here…

***

A week later,

The war heated back up again after the assassination, this time we were thrown right into it as it was our area that was facing an invasion force.

The battlefield stretches before me as I desperately try to stay alive, a chaotic sea of clashing shinobi and erupting jutsu. The sky is a roiling mass of dark clouds, reflecting the turmoil below. I can barely see more than a few feet ahead through the smoke and dust. The ground shakes beneath my feet, the very earth groaning under the strain of the countless jutsu tearing through it. I am alone, separated from Gai and Genma, and my heart pounds with a mix of fear and determination.

Hanako had been dismissed for the first time, I had refused to let her be part of this, there was nothing she could do but fear for me, and I refused to fear for her when she could be safe in the summon realm.

I dodge to the side as an enormous fireball explodes where I was standing moments before, the heat singeing my clothes. I roll to my feet, my senses on high alert. The Iwa ninja are everywhere, their forces pressing hard against our lines. I have to find my team, but the press of enemy shinobi around me makes it impossible to move in any direction without running into another fight.

"Look at this! A little Konoha rat all by herself!" a voice jeers from behind me.

I spin around to see a trio of Iwa ninja advancing, their faces twisted into cruel smiles. The one in the lead, a tall, muscular man with a burn mark across his cheek, chuckles as he twirls a kunai in his hand.

"You think you can survive out here on your own, little girl?" He taunts, his voice dripping with mockery, a Konoha ninja with long dark hair tries to intercept them, and the other two skewer him before he can do anything worthwhile.

I appreciate the assist, truly…

Why would anyone pick jumping randomly into a stand off as their way of assisting, fire a jutsu, throw weapons, but jumping into the air was begging to be killed. Must be a new Chuunin.

I swallow my fear and focus, my mind sharpening with the clarity of battle. I weave a quick genjutsu, sending a subtle strand of strings of chakra toward them. The muscular man's smirk falters for a split second as the illusion takes hold, making him see me shifting to his left. He lunges, swinging his kunai at empty air.

I dart to his right, stabbing at his exposed side with my own kunai. He cries out in pain, I'd gotten his kidney, but his companions are already reacting. One of them, a wiry woman with sharp eyes, launches a barrage of shuriken at me. I twist and turn, barely avoiding the deadly projectiles as they whiz past.

Another Konoha Ninja paid for my acrobatics, fighting not far behind me and taking the shuriken to the back of his head, his opponent finishing him off.

I need my team! I think, concentrating on my genjutsu, the cost is at least minimal in only changing their perception slightly.

"Slippery little rat, aren't you?" The woman hisses, her voice filled with venom.

I don't respond, my focus entirely on survival. I flick another genjutsu at her, making her see me stumble and fall. She leaps forward to finish me off, but I rise up and thrust my kunai into her stomach. Her eyes widen in shock before she collapses.

The third Iwa ninja, a stocky man with a grim expression, charges at me, his fists glowing with chakra. He's a taijutsu specialist, and I know I can't match him in direct combat. I let him get close, then release a burst of genjutsu through the strings attached to him, that makes the ground seem to tilt and shift under his feet. He stumbles for a second and it's all I need to get within his guard, and I seize the opportunity to drive my kunai up into his throat.

That cost too much, way way too much. I can't afford to use so many differing genjutsu if I'm going to survive this.

I step back, panting and covered in sweat. The sounds of battle are all around me, a deafening cacophony of shouts, explosions, and the clang of metal on metal. I need to keep moving, to find my team and regroup. But the battlefield is a nightmare of confusion, and every direction seems to lead to more enemies.

A Konoha ninja appears beside me weaving through a series of hand signs, summoning a torrent of water from the nearby pond that surges forward, crashing into a line of advancing Iwa ninja. The wave engulfs them, scattering their formation, but before we can capitalize on the advantage, an earthen wall erupts from the ground, cutting off our advance. Iwa's earth release jutsu are formidable, and they use the terrain to their advantage.

I've seen too many crushed bodies as of late. My only focus is not being one of them right now.

To my left, an Iwa ninja summons a massive stone golem, its eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The golem lumbers forward, swinging its enormous fists. Konoha ninja respond with a coordinated attack, a flurry of fireballs and lightning bolts striking the creature. The golem staggers but remains standing, its rocky hide absorbing much of the impact.

In the midst of the chaos, another Konoha shinobi sets off a series of explosive tags as I stumble desperately trying to regain any equilibrium. The ground shakes as explosions rip through the battlefield, sending shockwaves that knock combatants off their feet. The blasts create momentary pockets of silence before the roar of battle resumes, even more frenzied than before.

I dart through the melee, my kunai flashing as I parry an attack from an Iwa ninja. He grins viciously, his eyes alight with the thrill of battle. We exchange blows, our movements a blur of speed and precision. I duck under his sweeping kick and slash upward, forcing him back. He stumbles, momentarily stunned, and I seize the opportunity to press the attack.

Only Chuunin, thank kami, I think of his speed.

But the respite is brief. A barrage of shuriken whizzes past, and I barely manage to deflect them with a flick of my wrist. An Iwa kunoichi emerges from the smoke, her eyes cold and calculating. She hurls another wave of shuriken, each one glinting with deadly precision. I dodge and weave, my heart pounding as I close the distance, wincing as some open up nicks on my arms.

Thankfully my first opponent is busy fighting another Konoha Ninja or I don't think this would end well for me, as I close the distance completely.

We clash in a flurry of steel, her movements swift and precise. I parry her strikes, looking for an opening. She overextends on a thrust, and I step inside her guard, driving my kunai toward her. She gasps, her eyes wide with shock, before crumpling to the ground.

I've lost count of my kills.

I shouldn't, right?

I should know how many I've killed.

But it's just… So many.

Around me, the battle rages on. Summoned beasts roar and snap at each other, their massive forms adding to the bedlam. A giant snake, summoned by Sensei from somewhere, coils around an Iwa bear summon, its fangs sinking into the bear's neck. The bear roars in pain, thrashing wildly as it tries to dislodge the serpent, crushing dozens of ninja in the process.

Overhead to my right, a squad of Konoha ninja leap from tree to tree at the perimeter, raining down explosive kunai on the Iwa forces below. The explosions create craters in the earth, the force of the blasts sending debris flying in all directions. The Iwa ninja respond with a coordinated earth release technique, causing the ground to erupt in spikes that crush through the trees and impale several Konoha shinobi who couldn't get away quick enough.

Despite the chaos, Konoha's tactics are holding strong. A group of our ninja forms a defensive circle, their combined chakra creating a barrier that deflects incoming attacks. Inside the barrier, medics work frantically to heal the wounded, their hands glowing with the green light of medical ninjutsu.

We normally don't do this so close to the battle, but it's been so all encompassing that we simply adapted.

I spot an opening and dart toward the barrier, joining the defenders - and marginal safety. Together, we fend off wave after wave of Iwa attackers. My kunai slashes through the air, parrying strikes and countering with precision. The air is thick with the scent of smoke, the sounds of battle a constant roar in my ears.

We soon press the attack, driving the Iwa forces back inch by inch. The ground is littered with the fallen, both friend and foe, but there's no time to mourn. Every second counts, and the tide of battle shifts constantly. One moment we're gaining ground, the next we're on the defensive.

In the midst of the fray, I catch sight of a familiar figure. Gai, his movements a blur as he takes down one enemy after another, his taijutsu unparalleled - his sword red for when he needed the extra reach. Nearby, Genma fights with the same calm precision, his senbon and kunai striking true with every throw.

My boys had managed to stay together and live, I let out a breath of relief.

Our eyes meet across the battlefield, and for a brief moment, a sense of camaraderie and determination surges through me. We're in this together, and we will not falter. With renewed resolve, I charge back into the fray, my kunai ready and my chakra focused as I make my way across the battlefield to join my team.

The battle is far from over, but as long as we stand together, we will fight on. The chaos, the constant jutsu, and the roar of combat - it's all a part of the struggle for survival. And we will endure.

A sudden rumble shakes the ground, and I look up to see a massive boulder hurtling toward me, propelled by an earth jutsu. I leap to the side, rolling as the boulder crashes into the ground where I stood. Dirt and debris fly everywhere, stinging my skin and eyes.

I push myself up, only to be confronted by another group of Iwa ninja. There are four of them this time, and their leader, a tall man with cold, calculating eyes, sneers at me.

"Alone and scared, aren't you?" He says, his voice cutting through the din of battle.

In my rush I had forgotten to obscure myself with genjutsu, or perhaps it's the fact I'm almost on fumes. I chastise myself harshly inwardly.

I don't let his words get to me. I can't afford to. Instead, I focus on the rhythm of my breathing, the feel of my kunai in my hand, and the flow of my chakra. I weave another genjutsu, targeting the leader's senses. He blinks, momentarily disoriented, and I use the opening to rush forward, aiming for his neck.

He recovers quickly, parrying my attack with a deft movement. His comrades circle around me, their eyes gleaming with predatory intent. I can feel the pressure building, the odds stacking against me.

I'm going to die here.

But I won't let them take me without a cost.

The leader strikes again, his movements precise and deadly. I dodge and weave, my body moving on instinct. I feint to the left, then dart to the right, slashing at his side. He grunts in pain, but his counterattack is swift. I barely manage to avoid his kunai, the blade grazing my throat, just a tiny bit slower and I would have died.

The pain is sharp, but I push it aside. I can't afford to be distracted. I flick another genjutsu at the nearest enemy through my strings, making him see multiple copies of me. He hesitates, confused by the sudden illusion, and I take the chance to throw a set of kunai into his chest, pulled out of my pack by chakra strings.

It's my one and only advantage, I don't need hand seals. But my chakra is forsaking me, I don't have much left.

I have three enemies and almost no chakra. I'm going to die, I have no more chakra pills.

Somehow I don't feel anything at all about it.

The remaining three close in, their attacks coming in a relentless flurry. I parry and dodge, my movements growing more desperate as I throw myself away from death over and over taking lesser injuries in return. A powerful punch catches me in the side, and I feel something crack and break. The pain is blinding, but I grit my teeth and force myself to keep moving, if I stop I die.

"She's tougher than she looks," One of the Iwa ninja says, his voice tinged with grudging respect. "Glad we're taking her now before she can grow old and dangerous."

"But she's still just a kid," The leader snaps. "Finish her off!"

I summon the last of my strength, the last of my chakra, every little drop, weaving a complex genjutsu through my strings that distorts their perception of distance and time. They falter, their attacks becoming uncoordinated and sloppy for just a moment. I dart between them, striking with precision. Another enemy falls, clutching his throat as he gurgles his last breath.

But the leader is still coming, his eyes burning with hatred. He charges at me, his kunai aimed at my heart. I brace myself, knowing I can't dodge in time. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I see a flash of movement.

Gai! He crashes into the leader with a powerful kick, sending him sprawling. Genma appears at my side, his senbon flying in a deadly arc. The remaining Iwa ninja fall back, momentarily stunned by the sudden reinforcement.

"Inohana! Are you okay?" Gai asks, his eyes filled with concern.

I nod, though every breath sends a lance of pain through my side. "I'll be fine. Thanks for the save."

I guess I won't die today.

Or that might be a bit premature. I guess I won't die at this moment fits better…

Fuck this all sucks.

Genma grins, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a fierce intensity. "We couldn't let you have all the fun, could we?" His eyes flicker over my condition with dismay even as he tries to play it cool.

The leader struggles to his feet, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think you've won? This is just the beginning!"

Before we can do anything, he's killed by Orochimaru-Sensei, who's mere presence on this part of the battlefield parts it like a wave.

The remaining Iwa ninja retreat, their morale broken. The battlefield begins to clear, the sounds of fighting fading as our forces push the enemy back.

I slump to the ground, exhaustion and pain finally catching up with me. Gai and Genma kneel beside me, their faces etched with concern.

"We need to get you to the medics," Genma says, his voice gentle.

I nod weakly, the adrenaline that had kept me going draining away. As they help me to my feet, I take a moment to look around. The battlefield is a grim tableau of destruction, but we have survived. For now, at least, we have made it through.

We make our way back to the Konoha camp, the sense of relief mingling with the ever-present tension. The war is far from over, but in this moment, we have won a small victory. And as long as we stand together, we will keep fighting.

***

When we get to the camp, and find Kushina-Shishou and Minato-San deployed to our side of the battlefield…

I cry.

Big ugly tears.

I'm so glad I'm alive.

…Broken ribs though, shishou! You're going to kill me with a hug!

***

Author's note:

So we see some of Inohana's growth as well as a little about the changes in people like Gai.

Unlike canon where these genin likely weren't thrown straight into the very front line, here they're with Orochimaru and he doesn't believe in coddling.

Cheers

JollyHippopotamus