Chapter 5

The Land of Rivers was unnervingly quiet as Team 7 made their way through the dense forest. Indigo's senses were on high alert, her Raigan flickering faintly as she scanned the area. The rogue shinobi's cryptic words echoed in her mind: *"By now, your precious village has already been marked."*
"Something's wrong," she murmured, her eyes narrowing.
Naruto glanced at her. "You feel it too, Indigo-chan?"
She nodded. "The air... it's thick with chakra. Someone's nearby."
Yamato raised his hand, signaling for everyone to stop. "Indigo's right. There's a strong chakra presence nearby—too strong for us to ignore. Everyone, stay sharp."
Sai pulled out his scroll, ready to summon his ink beasts, while Naruto formed a Rasengan in his palm. Indigo felt the familiar surge of adrenaline as they prepared for an ambush.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows, their face obscured by a mask. The stranger wore a dark cloak with the symbol of Orochimaru's snake etched into the fabric.
"Well, well. Konoha's little team has made it farther than I expected," the masked figure said, their voice smooth and mocking. "But I'm afraid this is as far as you go."
"Who are you?" Indigo demanded, her Raigan glowing brighter as she prepared to strike.
The figure chuckled. "Just a humble servant of Orochimaru. And I have a message for you, Raigeki girl."
Indigo's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her clan. She tightened her grip on her kunai. "What does Orochimaru want with me?"
"You'll find out soon enough," the figure said, raising their hands. In an instant, a swarm of snakes erupted from their sleeves, slithering toward the team with terrifying speed.
"Get back!" Yamato shouted, forming a barrier of wood to block the snakes' advance.
Naruto leaped forward, his Rasengan colliding with the swarm and scattering them. "You're not taking Indigo anywhere!" he yelled.
Indigo darted to the side, her Raigan activating fully. She focused on the masked figure, her speed increasing as she charged toward them. The figure barely had time to react before she unleashed a pulse of electricity, forcing them to retreat.
"You've improved," the figure said, their voice filled with amusement. "But you're not ready to face what's coming."
Before Indigo could respond, the figure formed a series of hand seals. A massive plume of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, they were gone.
*Later that evening...*
The team set up camp near a small river. Yamato had created a sturdy shelter from wood, but the tension in the air was palpable. Indigo sat near the edge of the river, staring at her reflection in the water.
Her thoughts were a storm of confusion and worry. Why was Orochimaru so interested in her kekkei genkai? And why did the masked figure seem to know so much about her?
"Can't sleep?" a voice said behind her.
She turned to see Naruto approaching, his usual grin absent. He sat down beside her, the moonlight reflecting in his blue eyes.
"I'm just... trying to make sense of everything," she admitted. "Why me, Naruto? Why is Orochimaru targeting me?"
Naruto frowned, looking down at the water. "I don't know, Indigo-chan. But we'll figure it out. Whatever Orochimaru's planning, he won't get away with it."
She smiled faintly at his determination. "You're always so optimistic, even when things feel impossible."
"That's because I have faith in my friends," he said, his voice soft but firm. "In you. No matter what happens, I know we'll get through this together."
Indigo felt a warmth in her chest at his words. She placed a hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Naruto. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Naruto blushed slightly but grinned. "Hey, that's what best friends are for, right?"
*Elsewhere...*
Sasuke stood on a high ledge overlooking a vast valley. The wind whipped through his hair, but he barely noticed. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Indigo. Orochimaru's obsession with her kekkei genkai was dangerous, but what troubled Sasuke more was his own reaction.
He had tried to bury his feelings for her, to convince himself that he no longer cared. But the truth was unavoidable: he couldn't stop thinking about her.
"What are you doing up here, brooding as usual?" Suigetsu's voice broke through his thoughts.
Sasuke didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Suigetsu sighed, leaning against a nearby rock. "Let me guess: you're worried about your little girlfriend."
"She's not my concern," Sasuke said coldly, though his tone lacked conviction.
Suigetsu smirked. "Sure she isn't. That's why you're standing up here looking like someone stole your favorite sword."
Sasuke's Sharingan flared as he turned to glare at Suigetsu. "If Orochimaru so much as touches her—"
"You'll what?" Suigetsu interrupted, his grin widening. "Turn on him? Abandon your quest for revenge? Face it, Sasuke, you're stuck. You can't save her and achieve your goals. You'll have to choose."
Sasuke clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "I don't need your advice."
"Fine, fine," Suigetsu said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But you'd better make up your mind soon. Orochimaru doesn't wait for anyone."
As Suigetsu walked away, Sasuke stared at the valley below, his thoughts a tangled mess. Could he really protect Indigo without sacrificing everything he had worked for?
*Back with Team 7...*
As the group approached their destination, Indigo couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong. The air was heavy, the tension almost suffocating.
"Stay close," Yamato instructed. "We're almost at the hideout."
Indigo's heart pounded as they neared a large stone structure embedded into the side of a cliff. She could feel the overwhelming presence of Orochimaru's chakra, oppressive and suffocating.
"We're here," Yamato said grimly. "Everyone, be ready for anything."
Indigo took a deep breath, steeling herself for the battle ahead. She couldn't let fear or doubt hold her back—not now.
As they stepped into the hideout, the darkness seemed to swallow them whole.
*To be continued.*