Bab 27: Chapter 27
Sakura looked at Naruto, tears in her eyes sparkling in the insufficient light as she nodded. Wiping her tears away, she relaxed, comforted with his resolute words. Her shoulders sagged slightly; the tension was visibly leaving her body.
Nearby, Hinata watched the blood-soaked ground, her eyes wide and lavender. There was fear dancing in their depths, but she didn't shake. A silent strength was in her, the determination to not give into her overwhelming emotions before her.
Naruto's eyes swept over the squad, resting briefly on each before moving to Tazuna, standing at the back and sweating profusely. The heavy silence was broken by his calm, yet firm voice. "Let's move. We don't have the time to wait here," he said shortly, turning on his heel and forging ahead.
The squad followed behind him, the sound of their footsteps muted by the dirt path. Tazuna trailed behind them, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel his shirt sticking to his back with sweat as he cast a cautious glance at Naruto's back. The boy's unwavering stride and the aura of authority he exuded sent a chill down Tazuna's spine.
Scared as he was getting, there was still a part of Tazuna that was relieved. This kid is scarily powerful. but at least he's an ally, Tazuna told himself as he attempted to find consolation in that. But a nagging apprehension chewed within him. Does he know? Does he know I lied about this mission?
He couldn't shake the guilt of his lie. This wasn't a simple escort mission of C-rank, not when they're being pursued by forces this sharp. It was definitely B-class or even A-class work. He had, after all, lied through his teeth to the team, because, well-he simply couldn't afford shinobi better than these "brats." Yet, by that curious God's will, or curse, a prodigy somehow joined these same "academy brats."
If not for Naruto, I'd have been dead the moment Gato's men found me.
The thought offered little comfort. Tazuna's gaze returned to Naruto, whose back seemed larger, more imposing, with every step. Who do I fear more now—Gato or this kid? He swallowed hard, his throat dry despite the flask of alcohol he'd sipped moments ago. His fear of Naruto grew with every second.
He walked as if he knew it all, spoke as if he could predict every word that would escape our lips. Tazuna's determination solidified. If he comes at me, I need to be prepared. No more second-guessing. He stood a little straighter, the fogginess from his drink finally wearing off.
Much later in the night, the squad camped for the night. Too exhausted from the morning's bloodbath, all went to sleep, leaving Naruto for his watch. Despite the fact that everyone tried to look untroubled, a tense atmosphere lingered on.
Naruto sat cross-legged not far from the fire, dancing light illuminating his face in rapid shadows. He stared into the burning wood, his eyes unreadable; every now and then, he tossed a twig into the flames, keeping it alive.
The night was quiet, with the only sound coming from the soft crackling of the fire and the rhythmic breathing of his companions. Drawing the Bloodline Purification Pill-a small, unassuming thing-from his inventory, Naruto turned it over in his hand, the faint light catching on its smooth surface.
I've had this for a while now. Naruto mused. With all the missions and training, I barely had time to think about it.
He held the pill between his fingers, contemplating its purpose. Finally, with a decisive motion, he swallowed it. At first, nothing happened. There was no taste, no immediate reaction. He almost dismissed it as insignificant when, suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through his body.
His mind went hyperactive, and thoughts whirled in his head with clarity he had never known before. His muscles tensed as his body began to emit faint popping sounds, and weird, worm-like lines appeared beneath his skin, writhing as if alive. Surprised yet intrigued, Naruto poked one of the lines, watching it ripple under his touch.
The longer it went on, his hair grew the farther it fell down his neck as well; amid strands of gold, dull-colored marks the color of red colored, with parts of it gleaming at fire's reflection. His chakra reserve poured over expounding with an increase more proportional than a six-tail, astounding Kurama. Curious or appalled, whichever of which made the first time this generation.
"Oi, brat, what is going on?.
"It's nothing to worry about," Naruto said calmly. "I've just awakened some new power. I've got it under control."
Despite the reassuring words, Naruto was astounded by the transformation. His senses were heightened to an incredible degree; every sound and scent in the forest was magnified. His reaction speed became almost instantaneous, and his already formidable strength felt magnified tenfold.
He clenched his fists experimentally, feeling the raw power coursing through him. This is. incredible. I didn't expect the pill to be this effective.
Kurama chuckled lowly. "You've become even more of a monster, kid. Don't let it go to your head."
Naruto smirked faintly, his eyes glowing faintly in the firelight. "I don't intend to. There's still work to be done."
He looked back at his sleeping squadmates. The weight of his responsibility was heavier now, but so was his resolution. This power wasn't just for himself; it was for them, for the mission, and for the future he was going to shape.
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone