Chapter 12: Team 8
Konoha Academy: Graduation Day
– My name is Izumi Uchiha. Team Eight, come forward – Kiba, Sakura and Shino walked down to meet their sensei. She smiled at them – Follow me – ordered the kunoichi. The new genins followed. As soon as T8 left the classroom – Oi, Izumi-sensei, where are we going? – asked the pink-haired girl – You'll see. Just follow – said Izumi. Once they were outside the academy, Izumi led her team to the stairs at the base of the Hokage Rock – are we seriously going up there? – asked Kiba, who couldn't hide his excitement. He dreamed of being Hokage. He had always wanted to see the village from atop the Hokage's faces. The stairs led to the Konoha Archive Library, built at the mountain's mid-height. Unknown to Kiba and his teammates, it also led to a series of tunnels inside the mountain that served as shelter in case of an emergency. The Archive Library was restricted; only a shinobi with Chunin or higher rank could access it. A surveillance tower, guarded by the barrier team, was located on the plateau atop the mountain, making it impossible for civilians and genins to access. Once they arrived at the access, they found a couple of shinobis guarding it – Stop right there, Izumi. You know very well that genins aren't allowed to access the Hokage Rock – said one of the guards as he pointed at her students. Kiba and Sakura were discouraged by the statement. It was too good to be true. Izumi frowned at the man – You don't want to see me in a bad mood, Mozuku. Besides, I got permission from the council – said Izumi as she pulled a letter from her vest. She offered it to Mozuku, but the other shinobi took it and read it. He seemed surprised to see the seal of the Yondaime and his two advisors. No doubt Fugaku-sama thought highly of Izumi if he had intervened for her to get this permission. He returned the letter to Izumi – Everything is in order, Mozuku, let them pass. However, Izumi, the letter only says your team got permission to access the top of the mountain. You'll have to use the tunnels instead of going through the Archive Library – said the shinobi as he stepped aside to give them access – Thank you, Shimon. C'mon guys – said Izumi as she led her team up the stairs. Once the guards were out of sight, Sakura spoke – Oi, sensei. What tunnels was he talking about? – Kiba, and even Shino, seemed eager to know, too. Izumi just turned around, smiled and said – Just two more landings, and you'll see – said Izumi as she continued walking up the stairs. Izumi stopped at the landing, and her students did the same. The Archive Library was still at least six more landing above them. Kiba, Sakura and Shino looked all around the place, yet they couldn't see any tunnel access – Very well then – said Izumi as she performed a series of hand seals and then placed her hands on the mountain. An opening formed on the surface of the mountain, leading into a series of tunnels – I'd be surprised if any of you knew about the existence of these tunnels. These are only a few of Konoha's many emergency shelters in case of an attack. These tunnels haven't been used in more than a decade – Izumi was explaining when she was interrupted by Shino – so, sensei, does that mean that these tunnels haven't been used since the Kyubi's incident twelve years ago? – Kiba and Sakura shivered at the mention of the Kyubi. Their parents had told them stories about that day and how many lives were lost. The genins had heard how the Yondaime and Sandaime had saved the village. Tsume had told Kiba how the Sandaime expulsed the Kyubi out of the village and fought him, but most importantly, how the Yondaime had taken the Kyubi all on his own using his teleportation jutsu and then sealed him away into a new jinchuriki.
******* NOTE ABOUT EVENTS IN KONOHA *******
After the Kyubi incident, knowing that Naruto would share a link with Kurama and Kushina being the jinchuriki again, Minato decided it was time for the whole village to learn to respect the jinchurikis. Kumohakure was the village that had dealt with their jinchurikis best amongst the Five Great Nations, and Minato decided to adopt some of their practices. Minato kept the identity of Kushina as jinchuriki a secret, as it had always been. However, he ordered to start teaching in the academy and the civilians' schools the importance of a jinchuriki for a village, that they're not a threat, nor a weapon of the village, but a shinobi as any other willing to give their lives for the village's sake. He ordered to teach that a jinchuriki is a silent hero of the village rather than someone to be feared. He made sure everyone in the village knew the incident from twelve years ago had been something that would never be repeated. He couldn't reveal there was a man behind it. It would've only caused chaos. Only the heads of clans and members of the war council knew about the masked man when he informed them the morning after the tragedy when everyone started blaming the Uchihas (Chapter 2).
Izumi stayed silent for a few seconds. Memories from that day flashed through her eyes. She's never been more afraid than she was that day. She lost her father that day. He sacrificed himself to protect her. That's when she awoke her Sharingan. Impulsively, she smiled because she also remembered that was the day Itachi had saved her. The day she fell in love with him. She cleared her mind and continued – That's correct, Shino. I used these tunnels all those years ago, but that's a story for another time. The Shodaime Hokage built these tunnels in the early days of Konoha. The Yondaime and his council restricted this area a couple of years after the Kyubi incident since a new operation center of the Barrier Division was built atop the Hokage Mountain. Typically, it would be faster to access the top of the mountain through the Archive Library. However, you guys are not allowed to go inside. So, instead, we'll use these tunnels since they also have an exit route to the top of the mountain – Izuma explained as she entered the tunnels. As soon as she stepped in, torches lit inside, and they continued lighting up as they advanced. Kiba's and Sakura's jaws dropped. They were astonished. It was hard to say if Shino was surprised, too, given his dark glasses and the fact half of his face was covered by his jacket's collar. Two more shinobis were waiting for them as they emerged from one of the tunnels at the top of the mountain. One of them was a Hyuga; those white eyes were a giveaway. Sakura, Kiba and Shino saw the surveillance tower in the background. The two shinobis standing before them had the symbol of the barrier team engraved on their suits' shoulders – Tasuki, Iroha, is everything all right? – asked Izumi as she stepped out of the tunnel – Iroha Hyuga bowed to Izumi, who seemed uncomfortable with that – Hizashi-sama sent us to ensure you stay away from the tower. Even if the Yondaime-sama, Fugaku-sama and Hiashi-sama allowed you to come here, we must make sure you don't get near our facilities – said the man as he straightened up. Kiba seemed insulted by that, but he knew better and said nothing – No need to worry, Iroha-san. We'll stay at the edge of the mountain for a while, and then we'll leave – said Izumi as she signaled her students to walk towards the edge of the mountain.
Izumi and her team stood right above the Yondaime's face. The sight of the village was breathtaking – Oi, Shino! Take off those sunglasses of yours! You need to see this with your bare eyes! – said Kiba enthusiastically. Shino said nothing. Sakura was speechless. She could see the entire village from there. The breeze gave her a strange feeling of comfort – Mesmerizing, isn't it? – said Izumi as she got closer to her team – I like coming here to see this. It is my favorite place in Konoha – Izumi sat down at the edge of the mountain – No wonder you love it here, sensei! – said Sakura – Do you know why I brought you here? – asked Izumi. Her gaze was still fixed on the horizon. Sakura, Shino and Kiba looked at each other, puzzled. Was this some sort of trick question? They stayed silent for a while until Izumi spoke again – Tell me why you all decided to become shinobis – Izumi's voice was monotone. Kiba was the first to speak – To become the strongest shinobi in Konoha and become Hokage! I'm going to be the best of them all! – Akamaru barked in agreement with Kiba – I want to prove I'm worthy. I'm the first shinobi in my family. I want to prove it doesn't matter if I don't come from an important or powerful clan. I want to be acknowledged for who I am and not what others expect me to be – said Sakura. Kiba looked at her. He had a new sense of respect for Sakura. After that, there was a long silence – What about you, Shino? – asked Izumi, still sitting and looking at the village. Shino stayed silent for a while – I guess I became a shinobi because everyone in my clan is a shinobi – said Shino at last. Kiba, Sakura and Shino couldn't see Izumi's face from where they were standing. She was disappointed. She was about to speak again when Shino continued – However, I think what I really want is to have the strength to protect my family, my bugs, the village, and … – our friends – finished Sakura and Kiba together – Well said, Shino! – said Kiba energetically. Sakura nodded happily in agreement. She didn't think she would enjoy being on this team. It looks like she might be wrong. Izumi smiled and stood to face her students – You still need some guidance, but your heart is in the right place. Kiba, being the strongest shinobi is not enough to be a Hokage. True, the Sandaime and Yondaime are the strongest shinobis in the village and amongst the five great nations, just like the Shodaime and Nidaime back in their days, yet that's not what makes them good Hokage. Sakura, all of us long to be recognized. I'm sorry to say this, but that's an empty dream. You can't let what other people think about you define your life. As for you, Shino, you had me worried for a little bit. I guess you're just like your father. You know, your clan could learn to be a little more expressive with your emotions and thoughts – said Izumi. Then she turned to look at the village again – Most people like to go to the memorial stone and the graveyard to honor their loved ones. I respect that, but I've never liked going to those places. I come here to remind myself what they died for: the village, its people, the growing leaves that will nurture the next generation. I also like what these faces stand for. These are the men who hold the mantle of Hokage. The pillars of the village, its protectors. Their faces stand here where everyone can see them, reminding us that they're here to protect and look over us – Izumi looked down and stared at the faces of the Hokage. "isn't that right, Yondaime-sama, Sandaime-sama?", Izami thought. The genins were speechless. Kiba understood what Izumi-sensei meant when she said being the strongest is not enough. Their sheer will to protect and serve the village made them worthy of the title of Hokage.
– You can all go back home. Our training starts tomorrow morning. Be at training ground twenty-three by dawn – Izumi said to her team. Team Eight left the Hokage Rock.
Hokage Tower: A few months later.
Team eight entered the mission assignment room. Standing before them was the Hokage, flanked by his two advisors, Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga; Izumi and her team bowed to them – Team eight, step forward – said Hiashi as he handed over a scroll to the Yondaime Hokage – You just missed Teams Seven and Ten – commented Minato with a kind smile – What! – Sakura and Kiba said. Shino stayed silent – Damn! It would've been good to see them! We haven't had a chance to catch up since the academy graduation – Kiba said, disappointed. Fugaku frowned – did you think the life of a shinobi was easy, kid? – Kiba, Sakura and Shino straightened up as soldiers. Fugaku's voice transmitted such authority – No, Fugaku-sama, I just meant that – Kiba was interrupted – No need to worry, Kiba-kun. Fugaku's just messing around with you – said Minato, smiling at them. Izumi giggled. She knew Fugaku was not the type of man who would joke. He meant what he said, but there was no need for her students to feel the pressure of man's strictness – Team Eight, you'll get a C-rank mission. There have been some attacks in Horaijma Village by some bandits. The Village is close to the border with Takigakure. We need to confirm the attacks are not coming from there. Captured the bandits alive, if possible, for interrogation – Minato explained the mission and then gave the scroll to Izumi. Team eight bowed and left the building.
Somewhere in the Land of Fire
Team eight headed to Horaijima Village. The village was known as one of the most peaceful villages in the Land of Fire, despite being so close to the border with a non-ally nation. Takigakure was a neutral, small, hidden village. However, their shinobis were known to be strong despite their low numbers. The Shodaime Hokage had acknowledged their strength and gave them the Nanabi (seven-tails). Takigakure was the only village, besides the five great nations, to possess a bijuu. The Daimyo feared Takigakure was behind the bandits attacking the village. Minato didn't share his concerns. He had met the leader and many other shinobis from Takigakure. They are peaceful and only act to defend themselves. However, Konoha needed to deal with these bandits. Once T8 gets rid of them, he will need to send a permanent squad to keep patrolling Horaijima. Most villages in the Land of Fire count on a designated guard patrol from Konoha to protect them. Horaijima's representatives before the Court of Fire rejected the idea of having shinobis living among them because they believed their presence would drag more attacks rather than prevent them. The Daimyo has decided it was time to put an end to that.
It was already dark when Izumi stopped, followed by her team – We'll camp here tonight. Let's start a bonfire – not long after they started the fire – Oi, sensei! Have you ever been to Takigakure before? – Kiba asked as he gave Akamaru a piece of meat from the fire – No, I've never been there, and I don't think we'll get the chance to go there in this mission. It's unlikely Takigakure is involved in this – Kiba seemed disappointed – If it's doubtful they're involved, why are we going on this mission? – asked Sakura. Izumi sighed – it doesn't really matter if Takigakure is behind the attacks. Horaijima needs protection. Most likely, these are just common burglars taking advantage of Horaijima, which has no guarding patrol. However, the Daimyo himself requested an Uchiha to lead this mission – this caught everyone's attention, especially Shino – May I ask why, Izumi-sensei? – the Aburame boy asked. Izumi stared at the fire for a few seconds before responding – The Uchiha clan is one of the founding clans of Konoha, along with the Senju Clan. Takigakure doesn't elect their leader like the Five Great Nations. The leader belongs to a specific bloodline. The clan that rules over Takigakure was an ally of the Uchiha clan during the Warring States Period. The Daimyo believes that if it turns out that Takigakure is involved, an Uchiha would be the best option to settle a truce – The genins were wowed. They had no idea the Uchiha clan would have such influence outside the Land of Fire. However, Izumi, and most importantly, Fugaku, believed that the presence of an Uchiha would harm the chances with Takigakure if they were indeed involved. The Umi clan, ruler of Takigakure, was loyal to Madara, not the Uchiha Clan. After Madara left the village, Takigakure took a hostile position with Konoha. They even sent their strongest shinobi at the time to attempt to kill the Shodaime Hokage. The man lost. However, the Shodaime gave the Nanabi as a peace offering, hoping to gain their trust. Nonetheless, the diplomatic relationship between Taki and Konoha has never been amicable. Minato was confident that Takigakure was not involved in the attacks, so he decided to amuse the Daimyo's request to send a team led by an Uchiha.
Team 8 continued their way to Horaijima at dawn. They removed their headbands and wore civilian clothes when they arrived at the village. Izumi guessed that if a group of Konoha-nins showed up, the bandits wouldn't act, making it hard to track or ambush. They would have to blend into the city as tourists. Sakura and Izumi wore regular kimonos. Kiba had to remove the red paintings from his face, and he and Shino removed their jackets and shuriken holders from their thighs. They also used regular sandals instead of the distinctive shinobi sandals. Shino was, without question, the most uncomfortable with the situation. As they walked through the city, Sakura couldn't hide her excitement. It was a beautiful city, although the streets were mostly empty. Izumi-sensei said Horaijima City was a busy and loud city where people would go to have a good time. The place was full of casinos, there was a huge theater too, hot springs, and bars, and countless local shops. However, the city streets were almost empty, and many shops were closed. People were afraid of having their shops attacked by the bandits, and the tourists were worried about getting mugged. Team eight arrived at the front desk of a small hotel. The receptionist was asleep. Kiba rang the bell several times until the young girl awoke abruptly – Welcome to the best hotel in town! My apologies! Business has been slow lately. It's been boring the last couple of weeks, and I fell asleep waiting for anyone to show up – said the young girl as she cleaned the desk. She was a heavy drooler. Sakura looked at the spit puddle with disgust. Kiba was trying hard not to laugh – Ohh, really? Why is that? We've come a long way to see the joyful spirit of the city – said Izumi with a fake spoiled girl tone. The receptionist got her mouth covered by an older woman who appeared from behind before she could answer – Don't listen to this silly girl, my lady! She's been sleeping too much and's speaking nonsense! – said the old woman – Horaijima city is the place you're looking for if you want to have fun and fill up your pockets! The theater has excellent functions every day, too! You should definitely go at least once! – continued the woman as she pushed the young girl to the side. She just looked at the older woman with annoyance and went to the backroom – Now, tell me, my lady, how many rooms do you need? – asked the woman gently – Izumi and her team noticed the woman was nervous. Surely, things haven't been easy for them for the time being, and she was eager to have new customers even if it meant hiding the truth from them – We'll need two rooms, two beds each – said Izumi. The woman nodded and handed them the keys to their rooms.
Team eight spent that day going from local to local, making themselves noticeable, with money to spare and as easy targets. It wasn't that hard since most locals were closed and few people were in the city. Hopefully, this will get the attention of the bandits. They did the same for a couple more days. Sakura was enjoying herself. More than a mission, this felt like a vacation. Kiba and Shino, on the other hand, were bored. They wanted to get some action. It took a couple of days, but it paid off. They were leaving the theater after a night function when a kunai landed before Izumi. She looked up and saw four men standing atop the building across the street. The tourists panicked. They wore completely black jumpsuits and balaclavas. So, they're actually shinobis, huh? Izumi thought – Hand over all your values, you scum, and you'll leave unharmed! – said the man in the middle. People tried to run away, but two bandits jumped and blocked the street in each direction – are you going somewhere? – asked one of them as he blocked the way to a family – the more you cooperate, the faster you can get back to your hotels safe and sound, people! – yelled one of the men who was still standing on the roof of the building. The one who seemed to be the leader jumped and landed in front of Izumi – what a beauty we have here – said the man as he tried to touch Izumi's face. She burst her chakra. Kiba smiled – Finally! – he yelled as he, Sakura, Shino and Izumi were engulfed in a cloud of smoke. The man jumped backward. When the smoke cleared, Izumi and her team were wearing their regular attires. The men recognized Konoha's headbands – it was about time you Konoha scumbag showed up – said the man as he threw a flare kunai into the air. Izumi and the others were shocked. These men had been trying to lure Konoha's shinobis. But why? Who could they be? Is Takigakure really attacking the Land of Fire? The flare could only mean a call for backups. She needed to get rid of them as soon as she could – Guys! Time to have fun! – said Izumi as she performed a series of hand seals – Ninpou: Kuchiyose no Jutsu! – Bugs started to emerge from Shino's sleeves. Akamaru landed next to Kiba, the sound in the theater bothered Akamaru so he stayed outside. People thought it was a stray dog. Kiba's nails grew and turned into claws. His fangs also grew. Sakura started to gather chakra. Four ninnekos appeared before Izumi after the summoning cloud of smoke had cleared. Denka: a light-colored brown cat with dark markings along his ears, cheeks, paws and tail. He wore a simple blue kimono with mesh armor underneath, held closed by a simple white sash. The kanji for "shinobi" is engraved on his forehead. Hina (Denka's wife): her fur is even lighter than her husband's, and she has only a few brown line marks on her face. She wears an identical kimono to Denka's but pink. Momo: He is Hina's little brother. His fur is mostly dark grey, except for his face, which is light grey. His kimono is a dark blue kimono. Chainya: she's the tallest among Izumi's ninnekos, and unlike her kin mates, she walks on her hind legs. Her fur is entirely black, and she has brown ears. She has a lighting-shaped mark on her forehead. She wears a white sleeveless kimono and grey pants.
– Let's go – said Izumi as she jumped towards the man who threw the flare. Denka and Hina followed her. Chainya went to Sakura's side and Momo to Shino's. Kiba refused to have a ninneko near him. Kiba and Akamaru charged at the man blocking the street on the right side, while Shino charged at the man to the left. Izumi's ninnekos were there mainly as support. They wouldn't engage in their students' fight unless to protect them. The fourth man jumped and charged at Sakura. He pulled a kunai and pierced it at Sakura's chest – You're slow, girl. You didn't even try to dodge – said the man in a vicious mocking tone. However, Sakura wasn't bleeding. She stared at the man. The man was puzzled. Sakura's body turned into a bunch of pink Sakura's petals – What the hell? – said the man, dumbfounded. He looked around, slowly, all the people around him started to explode, leaving only more pink petals behind – What is this? – the man started to panic. He looked for the pink-haired girl or the odd cat beside her. They'd vanished. He searched for support from his teammates, but they were gone too – Show yourself, stupid little brat! – yelled the man – My, my! No need to be so rude! That's no way to talk to a lady! – Sakura's voice echoed in the air. As her voice settled, a whirl of wind blew, lifting all the pink petals from the ground. The petals started flying towards the man – Do you think I'm afraid of some stupid petals? – said the man as the petals started passing through him. He smirked – is this all you've … - the man couldn't finish. He felt as if several knives had pierced his chest. When he looked down, he only saw petals stuck on his jumpsuit. He spat blood, and everything started to blur as if it was a mirage. When his vision cleared, he saw again all the people around him. His teammates were fighting, and the petals on his chest turned into kunais. He was bleeding, but he could see the girl had purposely avoided all vital points. His head felt heavy, and he fell frontward. He passed out – You did well, Sakura-chan – said Chainya as she patted Sakura's leg – Your genjutsu is getting better every day – continued the cat. Sakura's breath was agitated. Her genjutsu was indeed improving, but her chakra reserves were low compared to Kiba's or Shino's. She could only cast a genjutsu like that a few times before collapsing. Izumi-sensei had told her there were ways to increase chakra reserves, but she still needed to perfectionate her chakra control to start those trainings.
Meanwhile, Kiba and Akamaru were having a taijutsu fight with the other shinobi. The man grabbed Akamaru by one of its legs as he jumped, trying to bite his arm, and threw him back at Kiba. Kiba caught Akamaru, but in doing so, he left an opening for his enemy to attack. The man thrust forward and was about to pierce his kunai in Kiba's stomach when a shuriken hit the man's kunai, tossing it away from his hand. He kicked Kiba on the side. Kiba landed on his back, protecting Akamaru – are you all right, buddy? – Akamaru barked, concerned about Kiba – I'm good; this is nothing, pal. Now, let's get serious – Kiba said, and Akamaru barked in agreement. Kiba stood up – Thanks for that one, Sakura – said Kiba as he saw his teammate throwing kunais and shurikens at the other man, who was obviously trapped in her genjutsu. Kiba performed a series of hand seals – Jujin Bunshin! – Akaramu turned into Kiba. Kiba once again performed a series of hand seals – Shikyaku no Jutsu! (four legs technique) – Kiba started moving as an animal in his fours. Kiba and Kiba-Akamaru charged at the man again. Their speed had increased considerably. The man could barely block their attacks. Kiba and Akamaru were like hound dogs chasing their prey. The man was being overwhelmed by them. Sooner than expected, Kiba managed to land a strike on the man. He scratched the man's thigh with his claws. The pain distracted the man, allowing Akamaru to land another strike. Akamaru-Kiba bit the man's shoulder, making him yell in pain. Next, Kiba scratched his other leg, making him fall to his knees. Kiba and Akamaru-Kiba stood before the man. He pulled his kunai to defend himself, but it was pointless. Kiba and his partner attacked him together. Both Kiba's pierced their claws into the man's chest. Blood was dripping from his mouth. Kiba twisted his claws in the man's chest. He yelled in pain. Kiba and Akamaru removed their claws from the man's chest, which started bleeding. He collapsed and passed out – not bad for a dog – said Chainya from behind. Sakura giggled, and Kiba scowled at the comment.
Shino didn't even seem to struggle against his opponent. It looked the other way around. The man made the first move by throwing a couple of kunais at Shino. However, a wave of insects blocked the kunais while Shino didn't even move. The man changed his strategy to taijutsu. He passed through Shino's insect barrier and tried to kick him. Shino dodged, his hands still in his pockets. The man continued punching and kicking, and Shino continued dodging. The masked shinobi got frustrated by the ease with which Shino dodged and blocked his attacks. He focused his chakra on his legs to increase his speed. The man thrust forward at full speed – That's fast! – said Shino as he barely dodged the kunai. A small cut appeared on his left cheek, and a drop of blood slid on his face – You're not so cocky now, huh? – said the man as he charged again against Shino. However, Shino didn't move. The man found Shino's overconfidence annoying. Before he could land his attack, he fell to his knees in pain. He was yelling in pain. He took his hands to his legs and tore apart the jumpsuit. When he uncovered his leg, he saw a bunch of insects feeding from his flesh, emerging from behind his skin – what is this? – yelled the man, trying to push the insects away, but shortly after that, a new shot of pain went through his arm, and more bugs started to emerge from his flesh. He fell to his back, twisting in pain as the bugs continued feeding on him – when? How did you do this? -asked the man. He could sense his senses numbing. The pain would make him pass out eventually – When you passed my insect barrier and kicked me. I let you land that kick so you would gloat over your success and fail to notice a bunch of my kikaichus got into your clothing – Shino extended his right hand, and some of these bugs emerged from his flesh. However, he wasn't in pain. The members of the Aburame clan had a symbiotic relationship with their bugs. They would allow their bugs to live inside their bodies and feed on a reasonable level from their chakras, and the bugs would submit to their will to protect their host – You and those insects. You're as disgusting as that stupid girl! – this caught Shino's attention. Has this man met an Aburame girl before? Before Shino could ask the man what he meant by that, a kunai pierced the man's throat, and a chest a second one pierced his chest.
Izumi jumped to the roof where the man who threw the flare earlier stood. Denka and Hina followed her, landing next to her. Izumi wasted no time; she pulled a kunai and thrust forward. The man blocked Izumi's attack with his kunai – What took you so long, huh? I expected Konoha to respond sooner – said the man as he jumped back and performed a series of hand seals – Katon: Kaen Senpu! (Flame whirlwind) – a spiraling fireball formed around the shinobi and launched toward Izumi. She performed her own jutsu simultaneously – Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! (great fireball) – both jutsus collided, causing an explosion and shockwave that forced Denka and Hina to use their claws to avoid being blown away – This man must be chunin or jounin if he can perform such a strong Katon – said Denka as he struggled to stay on the roof – No kidding! Get ready, Denka! We can't let our guard down! – said Hina as the shockwave eased. Both shinobis thrust forward as soon as the explosion cleared. Clashes of kunais could be heard all over the roof as Izumi and her opponent clashed against each other time after time – You're good for such a young kunoichi – said the man as he jumped and threw a bunch of shurikens; however, just as he launched them - Futon: Tatsumaki! (tornado) – The wind chakra engulfed the shurikens, creating chakra blades around them and making them spin faster. There were so many shurikens. Izumi activated her Sharingan – Denka, Hina! – Izumi yelled, and her cats jumped into action. Izumi jumped upward, out of the reach of the shurikens. Meanwhile, the cats started knocking down all the shurikens from the shinobi. Denka's and Hina's claws were covered in chakra, making them look bigger. Izumi had dodged them, but if they weren't stopped, they'd go all the way to where her students were fighting. With the speed and range they had due to the Futon, her students couldn't dodge all of them and would get severely injured. The man was surprised by the speed and ability of the ninnekos, but most importantly, the kunoichi possessed the Sharingan. Things could go south if the reinforcements didn't get there in time.
Once in the air, Izumi kicked the air and changed her trajectory toward the man as he was descending – What the hell? How did you do that? – the man was shocked. He had heard rumors that the Sandaime Tsuchikage, Ryotenbin no Onoki, could fly and levitate at will. However, he had never seen or heard of someone able to kick the air to propel themselves midair. He had no way to dodge her; before he knew it, Izumi pierced his chest with her kunai. She frowned and bit her lip – damn it! He's good – said Izumi as the man disappeared, leaving a log behind – Kawarimi no jutsu – muttered Izumi to herself. Thanks to her Sharingan, she saw it before landing the attack, but there was no point in stopping it. She would let him think he got away to make him lower his guard. Izumi turned and saw Denka and Hina landing as they finished knocking down all the shurikens. Both cats looked at Izumi and nodded as they disappeared in a cloud of smoke – Breaking the summoning was not a good idea – said the man as he broke the roof, emerging from inside the building. He performed a series of hand seals – Mojoro! (net-shaped prison) – yelled the man as he spat a spider web that formed a dome-shaped structure about to cover Izumi – what kind of jutsu is that? – thought Izumi. She had no time to figure it out – Katon: Hibashira! (fire pillar) – a savage fire dome formed around Izumi. The fire gathered above Izumi and exploded in a geyser-like fire pillar that perforated the shinobi's net trap. The shinobi was annoyed. His spider web should've been hardened enough to resist a Katon with no problem. This kunoichi meant trouble if her Katon could easily melt his jutsu. Izumi smirked at the man. However, something was bothering her. She could see and sense her students were handling their battles just fine, maybe too well. Those other shinobis weren't as near as strong as the man she was facing. It wasn't that she didn't think her students weren't good enough to defeat them, but by the level the leader had shown, she expected a better performance from the others. Her ninnekos hadn't even gotten involved in her students' battles. To make it even worse, reinforcements were on their way to aid these shinobis. She needed to defeat this man soon. She thrust forward with a tanto sword in hand. The man pulled a kunai, and both shinobi resumed their fight. Izumi was overwhelming the man; her Sharingan gave her the upper hand. She saw an opening in the man's stance and pierced her tanto sword into the man's shoulder. He dropped his kunai. A warm feeling went through the man's arms; it was his blood. He raised his head, and his eyes met Izumi's – It ends here – said Izumi as she trapped the man in a genjutsu. She saw from atop the roof how two kunais struck the man Shino had just defeated. She looked up and saw ten men standing atop the Theater's roof – you've got a loose tongue, kid! – said the man standing in the middle of the new nine shinobis.
The man who threw the kunais at Shino's opponent spoke again – so, you all defeated the new recruits – the man continued. They all wore identical black jumpsuits that covered their entire bodies and faces as the previous men. He then looked at Izumi and frowned – an Uchiha, huh? And what do we have here? Ninnekos? I see. You are the Fiery Cat of Konoha. No wonder you were able to trap him in a genjutsu – said the main as he disappeared in a Shunshin no jutsu. The man reappeared right behind Izumi – His shunshin no jutsu is fast – she thought – but not as fast as Shishui's – she thought as she turned with her tanto sword to cut the man as he appeared when he was at his most vulnerable moment. However, the man blocked the tanto with his forearm with ease – Is he wearing armor? – Izumi wondered. Then she saw it, a water vambrace. She had never seen someone using water as armor like that. The man was taller than Izumi. He looked at her from the corner of his eyes and chuckled. Izumi saw what was coming, thanks to her Sharingan. She jumped away from the man just in time to dodge the water needles. The man's water vambraces started launching water needles. Izumi landed back on the street. Her students, Chainya and Momo, joined her. The people had already taken the opportunity to escape as the shinobis fought. Konoha ninjas and the unknown shinobis were alone. The man with the water armor kneeled beside the man trapped in Izumi's genjutsu. He placed his hand on the man's head, and he woke up, agitated – stay still; I haven't finished – said the leader as he manipulated his water to cover the other man's shoulder, where Izumi had pierced him – Thank you, sir. My apologies, I failed – said the man as he stood up. The new man's water technique formed a spaulder on the other man's shoulder. It seemed as if it numbed the pain and prevented the wound from bleeding – Nonsense. That girl is beyond your abilities. Be thankful you're alive – the man walked and stood at the edge of the building and looked at Izumi and her team. The spider-web man stood behind him – As much as it pains me, Konoha had given me no choice. It brings me no joy to kill such a beautiful kunoichi, and such young shinobis. It wasn't my intention – the man laughed hysterically – Although I would lie if I said that I care – he performed a series of hand seals – Suiton: Mizukiri no Yaiba! (watercutting sword) – the man spat water from his mouth and instantly turned into a water sword – Leave none of them alive! – said the man, and the other nine shinobis charged at Izumi and her team.
As the men jumped down to attack Izumi and her team, two shadows came out of nowhere and pierced two of the shinobis' stomachs. They fell to the ground as the others dispersed, dumbfounded. When the bodies hit the ground, everyone saw two small cats standing on them. The cats removed their claws from the men's stomachs. They yelled in pain. The cats' claws were abnormally longer and were covered in chakra – Shut up already! – said Hina as she scratched the guy's head. Denka and Hina hadn't broken the summoning. They'd just hide as a surprise element against the incoming enemy reinforcements. Izumi tightened her tanto sword grip and jumped to the roof again to fight the two men – Don't stay there! Move! – said Chainya as she jumped to attack the new shinobis, followed by Momo – Things are getting messy – said Kiba. Akamaru-Kiba barked in agreement. It was still odd for Sakura to see Akamaru barking as he was transformed into Kiba – You brought this upon us, you moron! Weren't you complaining earlier this was a boring mission? – said Sakura – Kiba just frowned – Enough talking, guys. We can't let Izumi's-sensei ninnekos do all the work – said Shino as he extended his hands, and a swarm of bugs emerged from his sleeves – Huh? It's not common to see you so pumped, Shino – said Kiba. Shino smiled but said nothing. Izumi clashed her tanto with the man's water sword. She pushed him back – Not bad, not bad at all – said the man as he pushed her back with his sword. Izumi jumped to the side. The spider-web man was about to perform a hand seal – Stay out of it! – the water armored man yelled with such command the other man froze – Go down there and make sure these genins get killed! – said the man as he turned to face Izumi – This one is mine – and he charged at her with his water sword.
Momo, Chainya, Denka and Hina were battling the seven remaining shinobis. Hina yelled at them as her claws clashed with one shinobi's sword – be careful, guys! These aren't like the previous ones! These are chunin! – Kiba smirked. He looked at his doppelganger. He nodded – Gatsuga! – Kiba yelled as he and Akamaru-Kiba started to spin at high speed, advancing as small whirlwinds. They targeted the place where the shinobis were fighting the ninnekos. They passed incredibly near to Denka – Watch it, you stinky dog! – said Denka as his whiskers twisted. Kiba and Akamaru landed their attack on one of the shinobis. The impact on the ground created a crater as the force of both human whirlwinds punched the man. After all the dust from the impact cleared, Kiba and Akamaru, now back in his regular form, were standing there – One down! – said Kiba with a big smile on his face. Although that smile didn't last – Suiton: Kuchi! (mouth shot) – two of the shinobis started spitting water shots at Kiba and Akamaru – Dam it! – muttered Kiba. He had no way to dodge, and the ninnekos were too busy. However, before the water shots struck them, a wall of pink petals rose all around Kiba and Akamaru. The petals were not enough to block the water shots completely, but they weakened and slowed them down, allowing Kiba and Akamaru to dodge and block them. Shino trapped one of the shinobi who was attacking Kiba with his bugs. The other one jumped away in time to avoid getting caught – Hijutsu: Mushidama! (Secret technique: insect sphere) – The swarm of bugs covered the shinobi's entire body. He fought to get rid of them, but the bugs were draining his chakra. Eventually, the man stopped moving and collapsed to the ground. Before Shino could retract his bug, one of the other shinobis kicked and sent him away. The kick was too strong, and he was sent flying away until he was caught by another shinobi by the neck – You are indeed annoying, Aburame boy. You have no idea how much I hate bugs – he pressed Shino's neck, choking him – Shino! – Sakura and Kiba yelled at the same time. They couldn't do anything. Two more shinobis blocked their way. They looked around, Kiba had defeated one of the shinobis, Denka and Hina killed two more at before the battle even started, and Shino had defeated another one. Denka and Hina were fighting another one. It looked like they were having a hard time against him. That man was strong. The same is true for the man who was fighting Chainya and Momo. They've never seen their sensei's ninnekos struggle like that against a shinobi. Especially not when they were fighting in pairs. One had managed to capture and subdue Shino, and the other two blocking their way seemed strong as well. On top of that, the man who fought Izumi-sensei before all these men arrived was sitting on the theater's canopy. The man was just enjoying the fight. He was not even trying to help his comrades.
Bugs started to emerge from Shino's neck. The man holding him frowned. He used all his strength and threw Shino to the ground before the bugs could get into his skin. Shino hit the ground with his back. The hit was so intense that he coughed blood as he landed. Shino's bugs created a cloud around him, protecting him from the man. The man had seen what these bugs had done to the other shinobi. He wouldn't risk getting one of those bugs inside his body. He performed a series of hand seals as Shino stood up – Suiton: Mizunami! (water wave) – the man spat a wide wave of water. Shino jumped and landed on the wall of a nearby building. He looked enraged as his bugs were being washed away by the man's jutsu. The bugs inside his body were enraged as well. He could feel the swarm inside him buzzing angrily. He was standing horizontally on the wall. The man looked at him and cursed – You've got talent, kid. I'll admit it – said the man as he performed more hand seals – Suiton: Mizukyu! (water ball) – Shino looked at the water ball coming his way. It reminded him of Izumi's fireball technique. If that hit him, it would be over. He performed a series of hand seals – Shunshin no jutsu! – Shino disappeared from the spot – Huh? Can this genin already use shunshin no jutsu? Impressive – The man took a defensive stance and examined his surroundings, looking for the Aburame boy. Shino emerged from underground behind the man and kicked his back. Shino's kick wasn't as strong as the one he received, yet the shinobi was sent away. Shino was gasping. He hadn't mastered the shunshin no jutsu entirely yet. It took a lot of chakra to do it. He had no time to waste – Bosui no Jutsu! (spindle formation) – the swarm of bugs rose from within Shino's sleeves aggressively. Shino himself looked pissed, an odd event for the Aburame boy who always keeps his cool. The number of bugs that emerged from his body was beyond anything Sakura or Kiba had ever seen before. The swarm of bugs attacked in a spiraling motion as the man was flown away. He tried to perform a hand seal, but the bugs stopped him – Oh no, you won't! – said Shino. The bugs surrounded the man. They didn't drain his chakra. They started feeding from his flesh, penetrating his skin and moving through his muscles. The pain was unbearable. He began to yell, but his scream was shut as bugs emerged from his mouth, suffocating him. The bugs completely covered him. By the time the bugs had left, only his clothes and bones were left. Pieces of flesh still adhered to his bones – You never mess with my bugs – said Shino as the swarm of bugs returned to his body – I've never seen Shino that mad. He can be as ruthless as Tazuna-san and Shibi-san – thought Izumi as she continued her fight. Shino fell to his knees, breathing and sweating heavily.
Sakura, Kiba and Akamaru stared at the two men blocking their way. They wanted to help Shino, but there was no way around these two. Kiba and Sakura looked at each other and nodded. Sakura performed a series of hand seals – Ninpou: Sakura no kaika no uzu! (cherry blossom blooming whirl) – Cherry blossom petal bulks appeared everywhere, gathering until they took human-like shapes. Eventually, the petals turned into several doppelgangers of Sakura, Kiba and Akamaru. Sakura's and Kiba's doubles pulled their kunais – Genjutsu, huh? – both men looked annoyed by the implications of that. The several Kiba's and Sakura's doubles started running all around along with the real ones – This is annoying. Do you have any idea which ones are the real ones? – asked one to the other. The other just sighed – Nah, but we'll find out soon enough – said the man as he pulled his kunai. The other did the same. Sakura's and Kiba's doubles started attacking the shinobis one after another. However, as soon as they came in contact with them, they turned back into cherry blossom petals. The shinobis expected the number of doubles would reduce after they turned back to petals. However, time after time, the petals regrouped, forming a new clone again. They couldn't identify the real ones. But sooner than expected, one kunai clashed with a physical object – finally! – said the man as he held his kunai against Kiba's kunai – You were expecting us to lower our guard with so many fake doubles, huh? That's too basic, boy – Kiba gritted his teeth – Now, where is the girl keeping this genjutsu active? – asked the man as the other one smirked. Kiba kept a grip on his kunai. Akamaru jumped from Kiba's head and spun as he urinated. Kiba jumped away, and Akamaru joined him. Both got lost in the sea of doubles again – Agh! This is disgusting! – said the man as he cleaned Akamaru's urine from his face. The other man laughed – Man! That's pathetic! You got peed on by that dog! – the man continued laughing. He got so distracted that he didn't see the kunai coming his way. The kunai pierced his right hand, forcing him to drop his kunai. He wondered which direction the kunai had come from. Before he could figure it out, Sakura cut his left thigh with a kunai. The man roared in pain – Enough games! – he yelled as he performed a series of hand seals. His teammate recognized the seals and jumped to the wall of the theater – Suiton: Michishio! (high tide) – the man spat a large amount of water. The water rose in a high wave that extended in all directions. The wave washed away all the doubles, causing explosions of cherry blossom petals everywhere. The real Sakura and Kiba were forced to jump away – There they are! – said the man who was standing on the wall. He threw shurikens at them. Sakura had no chance of dodging those shurikens midair. She closed her eyes and embraced herself for what was coming. However, the shurikens aiming at her were blown away. She opened her eyes and saw the shurikens falling. Immediately after that, she heard Akamaru growl. She looked at Kiba as she descended. Kiba had a shuriken pierced on his shoulder and two more on his side and back. Kiba had used his kunais to protect Sakura, but in doing so, he was caught by a few of them. Both of them landed, and as soon as they did, Sakura rushed towards him. She stood before him, and Akamaru joined her – Just give me a few minutes, guys! – said Kiba as he pulled the shurikens from his body. His right hand started to glow in a bluish-green color. He placed his right hand on the wounds and began to heal himself – Look at that! So young and already able to use medical ninjutsu! Konoha-nins are a wonder. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Konoha has Tsunade-hime as head of the medical division after all – said the man standing on the wall.
Kiba needn't heal his wounds completely. He just needed to stop the bleeding – Sakura! Now! – Kiba yelled. Sakura nodded as she pulled smoke bombs from her pouch. She pulled as many smoke bombs as she could fit in her hand. The other shinobis found it odd. Why would she want that many smoke bombs? It was just a waste. She threw them to the ground in different directions, mostly in the direction where the enemies stood. The cloud of smoke covered their enemies and the entire street. However, they stayed outside of the smoke cloud. The other two shinobis gritted their teeth – These are not regular smoke bombs. This is pitch dark. I can't see anything – said the one who cast the Suiton jutsu earlier – Interesting. I can't see a thing. Be careful! One must be a sensor if they're confident enough to trap themselves in this pitch darkness! – said the man standing on the wall. Right after that, a loud clamor was heard – What the hell was that? – yelled the man of the suiton wave – Oi! Are you alright? – asked the man. No answer – Damn it! What did they do? – said the man as he pulled his kunai to defend himself – That's useless against me in this darkness! – said Kiba as he scratched the man's calf with his claws. The cut was deep. He could feel his flesh had been torn. Another hit; Kiba tore his side with his claw. The man had no chance to dodge or block in the middle of this darkness. He tried to perform a series of hand seals, but his arms were scratched before he could do it – Your throat is next – said Kiba, and indeed, after that, the man felt his throat getting cut. He collapsed. As he felt his consciousness start to faint, he realized the smoke was gone – How? – the man managed to say with a weak voice as blood came out of his mouth. Kiba stood next to him – You see, that wasn't a pitched dark smoke. Sakura mixed some hallucinogens in her smoke bombs. Those hallucinogens blind you for a short period. You just thought the smoke was special and caused the pitch darkness you felt. That's part of the trick. However, the smoke is quite real. It would still be hard for me to see through this smoke. That's why Akamaru marked you both earlier – Kiba was impressed by the man's will. He refused to die. With the strength he had left – marked us? How? When? – the man's voice was weaker – The urine. Your partner got the most of it, but you also got some of Akamaru's urine on your jumpsuit. You just didn't feel it. I used my enhanced smell sense to track you two. Akamaru and I killed your teammate with our Gatsuga. I have no chakra left for another gatsuga, but I can still use my beast imitation jutsu. You got a slow death, unlike your teammate – the man interrupted Kiba – but the hallucinogens, you said … – said the man. Kiba knew what he was trying to ask – Sakura and I created those special smoke bombs together. It helps to increase her genjutsu efficiency and allows Shino and me to attack freely while our enemies are blinded. I developed an antidote for hallucinogens. None of us get its effects – the man laughed – I guess, we … we underestimated you, brats – the man said as he lost consciousness. Sakura and Kiba fell to their knees. They were exhausted. With the amount of chakra required for Sakura's genjutsu and keeping it active for so long, she wasn't sure she could do anything more. But there were still more enemies. The spider-web man stood up – It looks like you three are more talented than I expected. I guess I'll have to kill you three myself – said the man as he pulled a kunai.
As the genins fought, Izumi was dealing with her own fight – I never thought I would have the opportunity to fight against the mighty Sharingan so soon – said the man as he nailed his water sword on the roof – but I guess it will serve just fine to test my new jutsu – said the man as he performed a series of hand seals – Ninpo: Nise no Shitsumei! (fake blindness) – The eyes of the man turned grey as if he had suddenly gone blind. He pulled his water sword – what the hell is that? – muttered Izumi to herself – Nothing special, Uchiha. I just blinded myself. If I can't see your Sharingan, I can't be trapped in your genjutsu – said the man as he charged at Izumi with his sword. Izumi blocked the attack with her tanto sword. She was not only surprised to see the man moving so easily if he had blinded himself but also because he had managed to listen to what she said when she spoke to herself. The man had a good ear. She thought about Kessho. He was a blind member of the Yamanaka clan. He was able to move since he was an extraordinary sensor shinobi. He was one of Fugaku-sama disciples. She performed a series of hand seals – Katon: Hiyari! (fire spear) – Izumi spat a shot of flame that looked like a spear. The speed of the spear was incredible. The man raised his left arm, and the water armor that covered him extended, forming a water shield. The clash of the fire spear and the water shield created much steam. The man was pushed back but just laughed – such raw power! – he swung his left arm, and the water shield returned to his water armor. He swung his water sword, and a crescent-shaped water blade was thrown at Izumi. She used her tanto sword to block it. However, the water blade cut the tanto sword, which continued advancing. The blade cut her in two, but it wasn't her. Two pieces of log fell – Kawarami no jutsu. You can't hide from me, Uchiha – said the man as he performed a series of hand seals and turned around – Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu! (water bullet technique) – the man expelled a large water torrent aimed at a random spot on the roof – Damn it! – said Izumi as she emerged from the roof and jumped back. A large area of the roof was shattered to pieces. Izumi formed some hand seals midair – Katon: Shinku no Hono! (crimson flare) – an intense wide flame was thrown at the man – Such intense fire! I expected no less from a Uchiha – said the man as he performed some hand seals – Suiton: Suijinheki! (water wall) – the man spat a stream of water that formed a tall wall. The collision of both jutsus was so intense that the roof below the collision fell apart. The roof was almost torn apart by now. This forced Izumi and the other man to take their fight to another building. Izumi didn't want to get to the streets. Her fight was getting too intense, and her students could get injured – Who the hell are you? Be a man and take off that mask – said Izumi as they launched several shurikens at the man. The man blocked them with his water sword as he laughed – Who I am is unimportant, Uchiha. You'll die here. That's all you need to know – he thrust forward and swung his sword at Izumi. She formed some hand seals. Two claw gauntlets appeared on her hands. The claws were made of a special steel synced with the user's chakra. She blocked the man's sword with her right claw gauntlet – Huh? What is this? – said the man. He could feel his sword had clashed against some metallic device. It wasn't a sword, he was sure of it, nor a kunai. His jutsu blurred his vision enough to prevent him from seeing the Sharingan. However, he could still see shadows, which, along with his sensory abilities, allowed him to fight in this semi-blind state. However, he couldn't distinguish what he had just clashed with – Not every day I'm pushed this bad and be forced to use these – said Izumi as she embedded her chakra in her left-hand gauntlet. The claws were engulfed in chakra. She then aimed to scratch at the man, but he jumped back – That was a close one – said the man, but he barely had time to dodge another strike. Whenever Izumi scratched the air, fire blades were thrown at the man – Katon: Rengokusou! (purgatory claws) – said Izumi as she attacked the man. The jutsu needed no hand seals; her Katon nature chakra mixed with the chakra claws. The man blocked the attacks with his sword. It was getting too hard to keep up with Izumi's speed. The Katon didn't worry him. His water sword had no issue blocking the fire claws. The problem was that Izumi read his moves easily, gaining speed every time she attacked. Izumi needed to finish this fast; her students were reaching their limits. It was annoying her Sharingan wouldn't work against him.
As the man sensed how his shinobis were being defeated, he roared in anger – Those turned out to be as useless as the new recruits. He pulled a canteen from his back pouch and took a sip of it – This should be enough! – said the man after drinking a small amount of water and putting his canteen back in his pouch. – What is that? – wondered Izumi. It couldn't be good. The man's chakra burst - How could he increase his chakra this much? What kind of drink was that – wondered Izumi. She scratched the air repeatedly, sending fire claws towards the man. He made his water sword merge with his water armor. This caught Izumi's attention. Why would he do that? The man just stood there and burst his chakra strongly as the claws approached him. Izumi's claws vanished as they got closer to the man. The man's raw chakra blocked and evaporated Izumi's attack – That's impossible! – said Izumi, flabbergasted. The man laughed – I've had enough of you, Uchiha. I have no time to waste. We'll get company soon. You must be dead by then – said the man as he performed a series of hand seals – Suiton: Suiryudan no Jutsu! (water dragon bullet) – The man spat an insane amount of water, immediately becoming a dragon. She had seen this jutsu before; Itachi, Tenzo, and Kakashi could use it. However, she had never seen such a large water dragon. Where did this man get all this strength suddenly? This was bad news. The water dragon charged at her. She used her Sharingan to see the dragon's path and find the safest route to attack the man, but she saw no opening. She had no option but to dodge. She used a Shunshin no jutsu. However, the dragon immediately changes its direction too. She was shocked. One thing was that the man was a good sensor and had been able to guess where she would appear, but from what she had seen with the dragon jutsu, once it launched, it would go all the way through. This man changed his jutsu's trajectory at midway. The water dragon followed her – It's pointless to escape, Uchiha! I can sense your path. My water dragon won't stop until you're dead – said the man as he kept the hand seal active – so, that's it. I just need to make him break the seal, and the water dragon jutsu will stop – thought Izumi. It was easier said than done, though. She gathered chakra as she ran away from the chasing water dragon and created a clone. The man had said they'd get company soon. Had the Yondaime sent reinforcements? She just needed to stall until they arrived. Her students were managing fine but still had the other three shinobis to worry about. Her ninneko had charged at the two shinobis who posed the greater threat, and even they were struggling to keep them at bay, not to mention the first man she fought was just standing there watching the battle. If he decided to intervene, her students would be in serious trouble – A diversion with a clone, huh? Is that your plan – said the man mockingly as the original Izumi continued being chased by the water dragon, and the clone approached him. Izumi's clone tried to scratch the man with her claws. Being so close, he shouldn't be able to deflect the attack, or that's what she thought. It was as if her claws had clashed against an invisible chakra wall. How could the chakra be so dense? There was something odd about this man. The man manipulated his water armor, launching water senbons at Izumi's clone. The speed of the senbons was too much for the clone. It vanished in a cloud of smoke.
The man gritted his teeth as he sensed how the genins finally defeated the three shinobis. Only the two fighting the ninnekos and the spider-web shinobi were left. Those men were too close. He had to leave. Izumi had been running away from the water dragon for too long. She had been attacking the man from the distance as she did. However, the man didn't even bother to block or dodge any of her attacks. The dense chakra barrier nullified all her jutsus. That man must have enormous chakra reserves to hold the water dragon jutsu active for this long. She flinched when she heard the spider-web man speak and say – It looks like you three are more talented than I expected. I guess I'll have to kill you three myself – her students were at the limit. They stood no chance against that man. She ran towards them. She was getting closer; she could see the man preparing to attack his students when – Suiton: Suiryudan no Jutsu! (water dragon bullet) – Suiton: Mizu shuriken! – A new water dragon emerged and clashed against the one chasing Izumi. The collision of both dragons caused a massive water explosion. Izumi managed to get away from that unharmed. The water shurikens blocked the way of the spider-web man. The other two shinobis fighting the ninnekos, along with the ninnekos, stopped fighting abruptly when they saw the incoming shinobis. They were not from Konoha. They were Takigakure ninjas. The man with the water armor spoke from the roof as Izumi landed next to her students, kunai-handed and looking at the spider-web man – It looks like things didn't go as I planned – he stood at the edge of the building and stared at the man who had launched the second water dragon.
Four men stood atop one of the buildings, alongside a girl. Izumi saw how there were four bulks laying on the roof next to these new shinobis. Corpses? She wondered. The man that created the water dragon had short smooth hair that was greying all on the outside with just the top of his head still having brown hair. He wore a black Takigakure forehead protector. His hair hung over the left and right sides of it. He also had brown sideburns, black-colored eyes and a small brown goatee. The man wore a simple dark blue jumpsuit. The man who used the water shurikens had short, brown curly hair and small back eyes. He wore a violet jacket, with the inside being green, a black top, with his midriff being exposed, and dark pants. He had two holsters attached near each of his elbows. His Takigakure forehead was dark blue. One of the others had short spiky black hair and small black eyes. He wore a dark violet vest, with two scrolls attached to it, a light violet turtleneck, and dark green pants. The third man had ink black eyes and long, dark brown hair. He wore grey pants, a green shirt, a grey shoulder pad on his left shoulder with a brown strap over, and a red scarf around his neck. The girl was maybe a couple of years younger than Team 8 genins. She had tan-skinned, short layered mint green hair and orange eyes. She wore a short sleeveless white midriff shirt with metal mesh armor underneath, long white armlets, and metal mesh shorts with a white apron skirt over it. The girl seemed shy and a little scared. She was hiding behind the longhaired man.
The older man spoke – Remove that stupid mask, Suien, and give back what you stole – said the man firmly. The spider-web man and the other two shinobis jumped to the roof and joined Suien. The man laughed as he removed his mask. He had long, dark green spiky hair, small dark eyes, and a goatee. He had a yellowish-green bandanna holding his hair out of his face – This belongs to Takigakure. Am I not a shinobi of Takigakure, Hisen? – asked the man mockingly. The old man, Hisen, frowned – No, not anymore. You are a rogue ninja. You and your followers will be judged once I bring you back to Takigakure – said the man. Suien laughed loudly – I will return, Hisen, eventually, and I'll have your head, as well as your son's, Shibuki – said the man as he pointed at the longhaired man. The spider-web man removed his mask as well. He had short green hair, black, heavy-lidded eyes and no eyebrows. He spoke – It's time for a change of regime, Hisen-sama. You are weak! Suien-sama will make Takigakure a force to be feared. Hand over the girl. You can prevent the bloodshed If you and Shibuki give up your claim over Takigakure – the girl held tight to Shibuki's leg. She was afraid – Suika, you bastard! I will kill you myself – said Shibuki as he was getting ready to attack. His father, Hisen, stopped him – Quit it, Shibuki. We are not in Takigakure. Starting a fight within the Land of Fire will cause us more problems than we already have – Shibuki gritted his teeth – It's okay, Fu. I won't let them have you – said Shibuki as he rubbed the little girl's head. The girl hugged him around his waist. He smiled. Suien spoke again – Listen carefully, all of you. Konoha's time as the greatest force among the five great nations will come to an end soon, and after I have played my part in it, I will get Takigakure for myself! Your days are counted, Hisen. Enjoy the throne as it lasts – said the man as he and his subordinates disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Izumi and her team stared at Hisen and his people, clueless of what had just happened – Who are you and what was all that about? – asked Izumi. Hisen looked at her and jumped, landing in front of her. Izumi took a defensive stance. She was still wearing her metal claws. Her ninnekos joined her just to disappear in a cloud of smoke right after that – it seems like the summoning got to its limit – said Izumi slowly – Put down those things, girl. I'm not here to attack you. I came here for an explanation. However, I think what I just witnessed cleared up my suspicions – said Hisen as he gave his men a signal. Shibuki and the girl landed next to Hisen. The other two men picked two of the bulks on the roof each. They landed behind Hisen. Izumi saw now what these bulks were. Konoha shinobis. They were alive but unconscious. Izumi and her team frowned and again took a defensive stance – What did you do to them? – said Izumi. Her voice was full of anger and activated her Sharingan – an Uchiha, huh? – said Hisen indifferently. She frowned – After all these years, does Takigakure still hold a grudge against us? C'mon, get over it! – Izumi's statement surprised Hisen. He burst into laughter – I couldn't care less about what happened all those years ago during the formation of the hidden villages system. I care for my people and the now. I don't dive in the past, girl. I was just amused by encountering an Uchiha on my first trip into the Land of Fire – Izumi lowered her claws for a second. Then she remembered the Konoha men these guys had – What did you do to them? – asked Izumi again – Kegon, Yoro, hand them over to these shinobis – said Hisen. The other two shinobis placed the Konoha shinobis on the ground in front of Izumi and stepped back – They are a little beaten up, but overall, they're okay – said Hisen as Kiba rushed forward and started to examine them – These men of yours attacked a small village within my country – said Hisen. Izumi's face paled – That's a lie! Konoha didn't send an attack! You're lying! – Hisen raised his hand – Easy, now, girl. I believe you. That doesn't change the fact that it happened. I was on my way to Konoha to demand an explanation from the Hokage. However, I sensed Suien's chakra on our way and rushed here – Izumi looked at him as if trying to decipher a riddle. Then she looked at Kiba; he looked back at her – They'll be alright, sensei. Nothing serious – Izumi nodded and molded her chakra. Her claws disappeared. Before she could say anything, Hisen spoke again – They must be under a genjutsu or something. This must've been Suien's doing, trying to have Konoha and Takigakure aiming at each other's throats – Izumi was puzzled. Hisen signaled Kegon and Yoro. The shinobis started removing the masks from the shinobis Team 8 had defeated. They were all wearing Takigakure's headband – These are some of the many Suien's followers who abandoned the village months ago. My guess is that they were trying to frame Takigakure for this, the same way they tried to frame Konoha for the attack on our land, hoping to start a war – said Hisen solemnly. Izumi and her genins were shocked. If these men had succeeded, they could've indeed started a major conflict. The great nations are always looking for an excuse for war. If they knew Konoha had attacked a minor village, they could've used it as an excuse to escalate a minor conflict into a war.
The little girl let go of Shibuki and wandered around as Hisen talked with the Konoha-nins. She saw the signs of the battle. She was beyond impressed. Then she ran into the man Shino killed. The skeleton with pieces of flesh hanging over some places. She had never seen something like that. She started to shake. She was terrified. She screamed, and her chakra burst. Her chakra was so intense. It caught everyone's attention immediately – Shibuki! – Hisen said. Shibuki immediately rushed toward Fu. He saw the skeleton and pulled Fu away. He held her close to his torso – It's okay, Fu. You have nothing to fear – said the man. Izumi and the others were shocked by the girl's chakra. Shino was acting oddly – That was close – said Hisen after a relieved sigh. Izumi looked at Shino. Why was he so distressed by the girl's chakra? Shino could sense his bugs inside his body getting anxious – There is no mistake, that girl, she is … – Shino stuttered – Shino? What's going on? – asked Kiba. Shino said nothing and rushed toward the girl – Interesting – said Hisen as Shino passed him by. Kegon and Yoro intended to stop him. However, Hisen ordered them to let him pass. Shino continued. Shibuki instinctively pushed Fu behind him to protect her. She held Shibuki's vest tightly – Stay right there, boy! – said Shibuki. His face was sterned – I mean no harm, I swear – said Shino as he stepped forward with both hands raised to show he had no weapon – I won't repeat it, boy! Stay away from Fu! – but Shino continued walking – Shibuki, it's okay. Step aside – said Hisen. Shibuki was stunned – Bur father, … – STEP ASIDE! – said Hisen again. Shibuki gulped. He took Fu's hand and brought her in front of him. She stepped back, but Shibuki kept her where she was – What's wrong with Shino, sensei? – asked Sakura. Kiba was too stunned to say anything. Shino was acting so weird, and weird was normal for Shino – I have no idea, Sakura – said Izumi. She was also puzzled. She looked at Hisen. The old man smiled at Shino – It is really you! I never thought I would meet you! It's an honor to be in your presence – said Shino as he kneeled in front of Fu and then bowed to her. Everyone was utterly clueless, especially Fu. She blushed – an honor … to meet … me? – Shibuki looked at his father – That boy is from the Aburame Clan, right? – asked Hisen to Izumi – How did you know that? – By the time they arrived, Shino had finished his fight. They didn't see him fight. How did he figure it out? Izumi wondered – Just a hunch – said Hisen. Fu squatted before Shino – Please, look at me – said Fu and Shino raised his head to meet Fu's eyes – why did you say that? – she was still blushing – You, you are the host of Chomei-sama! – Fu stood up and stepped back. Her blush changed into fear again – Chomei? Is that his name? How did you know that thing is trapped inside me? – Shino looked at her – Please, do not speak of Chomei-sama that way! – Shino lowered his head again – Sama? You dared to refer to THAT as sama? That thing has only caused me pain and suffering! – Shino stood up – That's only because of the people's ignorance! Despite what people say, chomei-sama does not hate humans – Shino stepped forward, and Shibuki was about to push him back. Shibuki! I told you to stay out of it! Come here right now! – Shibiki looked at his father. He hesitated but did as he was told and jumped away to land next to his father.
Shino raised his hands, and his bugs emerged from his sleeves again. They were flying around Fu. However, they were not trying to attack her. Slowly, they started to land on her skin. For some weird reason, Fu felt as if they were trying to comfort her, to ease her pain and sorrow – What are these? – asked Fu. She was astonished to see how bugs continued coming from Shino's body – Chomei-sama taught my clan how to become one with the insects so long ago that not even we remember when it was. We, the Aburame Clan, have a symbiotic relationship with all sorts of insects. I'm sure you can learn it too if you try it. Do not fight him! Embrace the gift you've been given! To have such a magnificent being living inside you is a blessing, not a curse! – Fu had mixed feelings. In reality, the monster inside her had never tried anything against her. It didn't bother to talk to her. But because of him, the people from her village hated her. Only Hisen-sama, Shibuki-san, Kegon-san and Yoro-san accepted her. They had taken the risk of bringing her along in this mission because they knew she would get killed by the villagers if they left her alone – I always thought it was a shame the Aburame and Kamizuru Clans didn't join Takigakure. Yet, when the villages were formed, no one knew we would end up with … - Hisen was talking when Izumi interrupted him. It all made sense now – with the Nanabi – finished Izumi. Hisen nodded – Fu could've had a better life if she was surrounded by people like that boy. People that can see beyond the beast – Hisen's eyes saddened. Shibuki looked at Shino. Fu seemed to be having fun with the bugs. She, for the first time, looked truly happy. He wished she could have a happy life. He looked at his father. It was as if they were reading each other's minds – That's impossible, Shibuki. A war among the great nations would break out if Konoha got her, and we would end up in the middle of that war. I will not allow it. I will not drag the entire country to a war. The best we can do is to give her a good life in the village, as good as it can be for someone in her position – said Hisen as he looked at Fu as a father would look at his daughter. For the last couple of years, Hise had had to take Fu into his care since she had already suffered many kill attempts. However, he couldn't risk the life of everyone in his country for the happiness of one girl, despite how much he cared for that girl.
Hisen allowed Fu to spend some more time with Shino until he decided it was time for them to go back – Izumi-san, please make sure the Hokage knows Takigakure was not directly involved in this and that we'll handle Suien. I would also appreciate it if you sent me a report on how your shinobis ended up in Suien's schemes – said Hisen as his subordinates stood behind him – You can count on it, Hisen-dono – said Izumi as she shook hands with Hisen. Before they left, Shino gave Fu a hive of bugs – They can keep you company. If you try hard, I'm sure you'll be able to control them in no time. Remember to feed them with your chakra so they recognize you as their master – Fu took it and nodded with a broad smile. She then gave Shino a big hug. Sakura giggled. Shino didn't like the physical contact and was obviously uncomfortable with Fu's hug – will you visit me? – asked Fu. Shino wanted to say, "Of course," but he knew that wasn't up to him. Shino looked for Izumi's sensei gaze. Her eyes were empathetic, but he understood he couldn't lie – I'm not sure. Our villages are not allies, and I can't just leave the Land of Fire at my own will – Fu's expression saddened – No worries, Fu-chan. I'm sure your and Shino's paths will cross again. I can't tell you when, but my hunch tells me you will meet again! – Izumi rubbed Fu's hair and smiled as the girl returned to Shibuki's side. Shortly after that, the Takigakure ninjas left.
Kiba pulled out the sealing tags and sealed the four shinobis in one tag each – It's all ready, Izumi-sensei – said Kiba as he gave the tags to Izumi-sensei. She took them and saved them in her vest pocket – Let's go back to the hotel. Tomorrow at dawn, we head back to Konoha – said Izumi. Her genins were getting ready to leave when – and guys – Izumi said. They all turned back to look at her – I'm proud of you! You did great tonight! – Sakura and Kiba had big smiles on their faces. Akamaru barked and waved his tail enthusiastically. Izumi looked around at all the destruction their battle had caused. The mayor of the city will be very pissed off. That's something she didn't need to worry about tonight. The Yondaime and the Daimyo can deal with that.
NOTES ABOUT TAKIGAKURE AND FU
I always thought it would've been good to have an interaction between Fu and Shino. I know they met in the filler arch of the new chunin exams. However, I want their relationship to be more meaningful for future events related to Akatsuki (needless to say).
All the named shinobis from Takigakure are from the filler chapters and the novels. I will use them further for something I'm planning. People who saw the filler arc of Shibuki know what the water that Suien drank is. For those who didn't, it will be explained further in future chapters when we dive more into the Rogue Takigakure's ninjas' plot again.
The mission for Team 8 was a little fast-paced, but it was just to settle the foundation for future plots. This will continue.
What's coming next:
Chapter 13: Mission with Team 10
Chapter 14: Back to Team 7
P.D. Chunin exams are getting closer. There will be some major changes in the chunin exams arc. I hope you enjoy it. Also, as more teams are introduced (Team Guy and Team Kessho), more chapters with the other teams will be done. I don't want this fanfic to be entirely and exclusively Team 7.