Paralogue I: Yuffie Entering Midgar

The outskirts of Midgar loomed like a steel jungle, its massive plates casting long shadows over the broken landscape. Smoke billowed in the distance from the recent Mako Reactor 5 explosion, the faint hum of Shinra's operations carrying on as if nothing had happened. For most, the sight of Midgar was a warning—a place of danger and corporate oppression. For Yuffie Kisaragi, it was a challenge.

Yuffie crouched behind a crumbling wall, her sharp eyes fixed on the entrance to Sector 7 Slums. The teenage ninja adjusted her oversized shuriken on her back, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"This is it, Sonon!" she whispered excitedly, glancing back at her companion. Sonon Kusakabe, her mentor, stood with his arms crossed, his expression one of quiet exasperation. His dual staffs rested on his back, and the look he gave Yuffie was a mix of concern and resignation.

"'This is it,' huh?" he muttered. "This looks like trouble waiting to happen."

Yuffie waved him off. "Come on, don't be such a downer. We're gonna steal that Materia, stick it to Shinra, and show everyone that Wutai's got what it takes to fight back!"

Sonon sighed. "It's not about showing off, Yuffie. This is about the future of Wutai. The Materia is important, but we can't afford to make reckless moves."

She rolled her eyes, her youthful exuberance brimming. "Relax, I've got this! You worry too much."

Sonon muttered something under his breath but followed as Yuffie darted toward the slums, her boundless energy carrying her forward.

The Sector 7 Slums

The slums were a stark contrast to the polished towers of Shinra's upper layers. Narrow alleys and makeshift homes were crammed together in chaotic harmony, the air filled with the sounds of life—vendors shouting, children laughing, and the occasional clang of machinery. Yuffie's eyes darted everywhere, taking in the sights.

"Wow, this place is a dump," she said, though her tone carried a hint of fascination.

"Keep your voice down," Sonon said, his hand resting lightly on one of his staffs. "We're not here to sightsee."

They passed through the bustling market, where Yuffie's attention was drawn to a group of people huddled around a map. The group consisted of four young adults and an older man, their clothes and demeanor marking them as outsiders, much like herself. She nudged Sonon and whispered, "Check out those guys. They look interesting."

Before Sonon could protest, Yuffie crept closer, her keen ears picking up their conversation.

Overhearing AVALANCHE

The group was none other than Tifa, Barret, Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge, huddled together as they discussed the recent events surrounding Cloud's fall from the reactor.

"We need to find him," Tifa said, her voice tinged with worry. "Cloud's tough, but who knows where he landed."

Barret grunted. "If that fool's still alive, he'll show up. We can't let this mission go to hell just 'cause he decided to go flyin' off a bridge."

Jessie chimed in, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "Barret's right. We have to focus on the bigger picture. Shinra won't stop after what we did at Reactor 5."

Wedge shifted nervously. "Still… he's one of us. We can't just leave him out there."

Biggs nodded. "We'll keep our eyes open. Let's get back to the base and figure out our next move."

Yuffie's interest was piqued. She leaned in closer, her curiosity about this "Cloud" mixing with her excitement over the mention of Reactor 5. But her lack of subtlety caught Sonon's attention, and he grabbed her shoulder.

"Yuffie," he hissed. "What are you doing?"

She waved him off. "Relax, I'm just listening. They're talking about Shinra! It could be important."

Meeting Zhijie and the Others

Before Yuffie could eavesdrop further, a voice called out behind them. "Hey, you two look out of place."

Yuffie spun around, her hand instinctively moving to her shuriken. Standing there was a tall man with a confident smirk. Zhijie, a liaison for Wutai operatives in Midgar, gave them a knowing look.

"Relax," Zhijie said, raising his hands. "I'm on your side. The name's Zhijie. Word's already reached me about you two. The rookie ninja and her bodyguard, right?"

"Bodyguard?" Yuffie exclaimed, glaring at Sonon. "He's not my bodyguard! I'm the one leading this mission!"

Sonon sighed, muttering, "That's debatable."

Zhijie chuckled. "Whatever you say, kid. I'm just here to help. Come with me—I'll introduce you to some people who might make your lives easier."

Reluctantly, Yuffie and Sonon followed Zhijie to a quieter part of the slums. There, they met Nayo, a resourceful young woman with sharp eyes; Billy Bob, a laid-back but skilled fighter; and Polk, an eager but inexperienced recruit. Each had ties to Wutai's underground network in Midgar.

The First Skirmish

As they discussed their plans, a Shinra patrol entered the area, their uniforms pristine against the backdrop of the slums. Yuffie couldn't resist the urge to act, leaping out with her shuriken and attacking them head-on.

"Yuffie!" Sonon shouted, rushing after her.

The battle was chaotic. Yuffie's speed and agility allowed her to dart between enemies, landing precise strikes, but her overconfidence led her to take unnecessary risks. Sonon was forced to step in multiple times, covering her as more troops arrived.

"Don't get cocky!" he growled, deflecting a blow aimed at her back.

"I've got this!" Yuffie replied, though her breathing was heavy.

Eventually, they managed to drive the troops away, but the effort left them winded and exposed.

The Warning

As they regrouped, Sonon's frustration boiled over. "Yuffie, you can't keep doing this! You're treating this like some game, but it's not. Midgar isn't Wutai, and Shinra won't hold back. This mission isn't about you proving how great you are—it's about our people."

Yuffie looked away, her expression a mix of guilt and defiance. "I know that," she muttered. "I just… I want to make a difference."

"You will," Sonon said, his tone softening. "But only if you stop acting like a lone wolf. We're a team, Yuffie. Don't forget that."

She nodded reluctantly, her confidence shaken but not broken.

As they prepared to move deeper into Midgar, Yuffie couldn't shake the words she had overheard about Cloud and Reactor 5. The pieces of a much larger puzzle were falling into place, and she was determined to uncover the truth. For now, though, she knew she had to prove to Sonon—and to herself—that she was ready for the challenges ahead.

The shadows of Midgar were closing in, and Yuffie was just beginning to understand the weight of the mission she had undertaken.