章節 340: Chapter 340 - Leaf’s Military Operation 01
The strongest Genin of the Leaf Village was standing out in the halls of the Hokage tower, waiting for his teacher to finish his meeting with the Hokage. Soon he saw Kakashi coming out of the room.
'Is it just me or does he seem less tense?' Daichi pondered as he gazed at the silver haired man.
"Is everything alright sensei?"
Hearing the boy's question Kakashi merely smiled. "Everything's fine Daichi. Let's head to the analysis wing."
Daichi looked at the man and nodded. They began making their way towards the Leaf Intelligence Division building.
"So Lord Hokage has already sent teams to attack Orochimaru's hideouts huh." Daichi began to run simulations of the outcome of this event in his mind.
"Yes. Don't worry. They'll be successful." The Jonin spoke af if reassuring the boy.
"They will be successful in taking down those bases and capturing everyone. But saving Tsunade sensei and Shizune senpai… I'm not so sure about that."
"Because you believe they're in the Land of Earth. That possibility is high but it's still a theory. Besides, the seven bases are secondary targets. There is another base Orochimaru created meant to contain you. They might be in that location." Kakashi said with a calm tone as he took out his orange book. 'This might be the last time I get to read this. Guess I better make good use of it.'
Daichi stayed silent and thought about the military actions of the village. 'It's been a little over 25 hours since I got the quest to save them. But in that time the Hokage was able to quickly gather intelligence and launch a counter attack... So the old man can work fast when he wants to huh… But still, that was way too fast. That means… Unless I'm mistaken, he already had his eyes on Orochimaru. His Anbu spying on Kabuto is proof of that. So it's also possible he knows more than he says.'
"What are you thinking Daichi?" Kakashi asked as he glanced at his student from the corner of his eye.
"This attack… I'm wondering how it will go."
"Don't worry. We've dealt with these kinds of situations before."
Kakashi replied and Daichi turned his head with a questioning look.
"During the Second and Third World war, enemy shinobi or other organizations with significant resources would kidnap a high value target to gain an advantage. We know how to respond to such situations."
Daichi nodded. "I know. But the military response would be highly dependent on the specific circumstances, including the country, jurisdiction, enemy strength and target involved, wouldn't it?"
"It seems you've been expanding your horizons." Kakashi wasn't surprised Daichi was looking up information on Military tactics.
Daichi had a smirk as he replied. "Like I said earlier. Last night was very productive. But still, I only know the general steps. Intelligence gathering, Planning, Deployment, Execution."
Kakashi nodded and began to explain the basic process. "We have special tracking and reconnaissance teams. Lord Hokage had already sent them yesterday. The intelligence department would come up with several strategies and a detailed plan. Even contingency plans would be developed for potential obstacles or complications. Once the plan is developed, the selected unit would be deployed to the target location, possibly with support from additional units if necessary. Stealth and surprise would be key factors in ensuring the success of the operation."
"Is Anbu in charge of creating these strategies?"
"In some cases, yes. The entire operation would be under their command. But this is different. The man tasked with creating an attack strategy is Shikaku Nara."
That name immediately brought a face to Daichi's mind and he nodded. "That guy huh."
"It seems you know the man." Kakashi didn't know Daichi had already crossed paths with the Jonin commander.
"We've met once some time ago."
Kakashi nodded and turned his focus back to his book. "Well, he's as smart as they come. So you don't need to worry too much."
"It's hard not to… Our enemy this time is Orochimaru. He knows our playbook."
Hearing Daichi's words, Kakashi internally sighed. 'He's not wrong. Orochimaru knows our resources, capabilities and has an intimate knowledge of our operational tactics. He would already have defensive strategies in place.'
Daichi meanwhile was thinking about how Orochimaru would defend himself from the Leaf's attack. At that time his sensei spoke.
"You like coming up with interesting theories and strategies? What do you think Orochimaru would do to protect himself?"
"Constantly moving the target to different locations to make it difficult for the military to locate them would be one strategy." Daichi replied after a few moments of thought.
"But the targets in Orochimaru's hand are Lady Tsunade and Shizune. They're not regular shinobi or high value civilians. Many things could go wrong with that strategy. So that's out of the question. He can't move from where he is…" Kakashi made a counterpoint.
"Orochimaru will have to keep an eye on any large-scale action and military response from our side. He'll have to protect himself from infiltration attempts. He'll also use deception tactics and will be baiting us with false leads to buy himself some time."
The silver haired Jonin nodded. "Yes. Employing counterintelligence and surveillance. Right now we've already taken such a large action. If he has spies hidden in the village, he most probably knows about the upcoming attack."
Daichi nodded. "If we do have his real location, he won't go down easily. He'd have powerful guards and other robust security measures."
"Yes. And a confrontation would be to his disadvantage. So he'll need a way out. Well, it's not like he can just vanish into thin air…" Kakashi muttered the last part and Daichi agreed but then their eyes suddenly widened in realization.
"Son of a bitch! Reverse summoning! Orochimaru has the Snake contract. If he wants to, he can use them to reverse summon himself and anyone with him." Daichi clenched his fist. 'Damn it, how could I forget about that. If someone manages to get close he might just reverse summon himself to safety.'
Kakashi was only momentarily surprised. "Don't forget, Daichi. Lord Hokage also uses summoning creatures to fight. So he would know of such an escape strategy. I'm sure he would have a contingency in place."
Daichi slowly nodded but his mind was still on the issue. 'If Summoning or reverse summoning is possible why hasn't Tsunade used it. Or Katsuyu?... Is it possible that they can't?... I'll need to look into that.'
The conversation between the two ninjas faded and they quickly made their way to their destination. Kakashi quickly found and spoke with the Jonin in charge.
"We've received word that you two would be coming." A member of the Analysis division greeted them and led Daichi and Kakashi to another room filled with books, scrolls and several other documents. "Let me know if you need any assistance."
Kakashi gave the man a polite nod. "Thank you" and looked at his student. "Well, we better get started."
The Genin nodded and two immediately got to work.
—-
The early morning sun cast a pale light through the window over the bustling communication center within the Hidden Leaf village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the heart of it all, like a steady pillar of calm in a storm of activity. His hands were clasped behind his back and his eyes were focused but weary as he surveyed the scene before him.
Every person in the room could feel the tension. Hiruzen knew that any mistake could become fatal for the hostages under the rogue ninja. 'Tsunade and Shizune's lives are hanging in the balance. Orochimaru… This time you made it personal. I won't forgive you for this transgression.'
The Yamanaka in charge of communications sat cross-legged in the center of the room, glowing faintly with chakra as he kept the mental link active with the seven teams scattered across the Land of Fire. All of them had arrived at their designated positions an hour ago and were waiting for the signal to begin their coordinated assault.
The Hokage turned and glanced at the shinobi standing around him. His sensei's, teammate's and students' faces, although older, flashed briefly in his mind.
'Time slows for no one. Now, it's the new generation carrying the burden of my decisions. They're going to face whatever Orochimaru has in store. I have to trust that they're ready.'
He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. The decision weighed on him, but there was no other choice.
He snapped his eyes open and gazed at the nearby shinobi. "Are they ready?" Hiruzen asked. His voice carried a calm authority despite the turmoil within.
"Yes. They've been studying the defenses around the base for hours, Lord Hokage," one of the Jonin replied, reading a report. "They're now waiting for your order."
The Yamanaka opened his eyes briefly and nodded. "We're in contact with all seven teams. Standing by awaiting your orders.."
Hiruzen took a step forward, straightening his Hokage hat. His gaze hardened, his battle-scarred hands clenched into fists as he prepared to give the final command. He could sense the outcome of his inaction all those years ago weighing down on his shoulders.
'I had lost Orochimaru once, and now the price might be Tsunade. I can't afford to hesitate this time.'
"Begin the assault."
The Yamanaka's eyes snapped shut again as he transmitted the order, and almost immediately, the echo of battle surged through the communication links.
Hiruzen could almost hear the clash of steel. He envisioned the thundering of jutsu, and the grunts of exertion as the seven teams launched their attack on the seven bases Orochimaru had set up to stall them.
—-
Team 03. Asuma Sarutobi's team.
Asuma's team moved swiftly, crashing through the dense underbrush like a gust of wind. His trench knives gleamed in the morning light as he signaled his team to spread out. The base loomed ahead and was half-hidden by thick forest, but the presence of enemies was unmistakable.
The former Guardian twelve ninja could feel the pulse of chakra signatures just beyond the clearing—many of them faint but dangerous. 'Based on Genma and Anko's report, these guys would most probably have some sort of a curse seal. That would make them unpredictable and a volatile enemy.'
"Spread out, and remember. If possible, capture. But if not, kill." Asuma muttered, his cigarette smoldering between his lips. "They're waiting for us. Stay sharp."
His team nodded in silent acknowledgment, their faces tense but focused. They were experienced, but Asuma knew these mercenaries wouldn't go down easily. 'Orochimaru's influence and power has made them loyal to the point of being fanatics. That makes these guys more dangerous than ordinary thugs.'
As the Leaf ninjas waited, the first wave came, surging out of the base with wild, feral energy. Asuma Sarutobi lunged forward, trench knives sparking against a mercenary's blade as they clashed head-on. The man's eyes glowed with the power of the curse mark and his movements became erratic but powerful.
Asuma's grip tightened. The power of his chakra-infused knives protected him as he deflected a series of rapid strikes. 'Above average strength. Orochimaru sure knows how to create good meat shields.'
"Persistent bastards," Asuma growled and suddenly ducked low as another mercenary swung a massive club down toward him. The curse seal was active and his body was bulging grotesquely due to the sheer power flowing through.
Asuma parried another attack with a small grunt, his muscles slightly straining against the sheer force.
Orochimaru's minion laughed with a twisted and distorted sound coming from his throat. "You Leaf ninjas don't stand a chance! Lord Orochimaru's power flows through all of us!"
"Yeah?" Asuma's voice was cool, but a metaphorical flame burned in his eyes. "Well, today that won't be enough to save you."
He spun in place, his trench knives crackling with chakra, and slashed through the mercenary's defenses with ease. Blood splashed in the air, and the cursed man crumpled to the ground with a large gash on his chest.
Without waiting for the other enemy to react, Asuma rushed ahead and pierced through the left side of his torso. The sudden brutal attack took the mercenary ninja by surprise and he lost the grip on his sword as he fell to the ground.
'More of them are coming.' Asuma sensed a dozen more rushing out of the base, all wielding the power of the curse seal.
The Leaf Jonin and his team spread out, engaging the swarm of enemies. As the fight raged on, a member of Asuma's team, Jogan, stood back and was analyzing the battlefield with his sharp eyes while the other teams moved to intercept another wave coming from the north side.
The sheer number of enemies was overwhelming, but Asuma was unfazed and even grinned. "Come on, then," he muttered, gripping his knives tightly. "Let's see what you've got."
The Leaf ninjas were outnumbered but they had several advantages. A Yamanaka and a sensory ninja were standing back relaying key intelligence to them and they had an advantage in the quality of shinobi on their team.
More mercenaries poured from the hidden base and their bodies surged with curse seal power. Some sprouted grotesque limbs, others had chakra-enhanced muscles bulging beneath their skin.
"Die!" One large enemy ninja swung his fist but Asuma easily evaded it.
The enraged man sent powerful fast punches but Asuma weaved through them with ease and soon went on the attack. His knives were like a blur of sharp steel as he cut them down one after another.
Just as he was about to move forward, he sensed movement behind and immediately evaded to the side.
The Jonin saw a sword slashing down where he stood a second ago. Asuma turned around and saw the enemy he injured standing up even with his stomach bleeding. A few seconds later the bleeding slowed down and stopped.
"Hahaha. Do you see now? This is the power Lord Orochimaru gave us. Now we'll be able to fight anyone." Arrogance was overflowing from the man and Asuma frowned in displeasure. He glanced around and saw the fallen mercenaries getting up and standing ready for round two.
'As expected. This won't be easy. But still, if they're anything like the ones Genma encountered, then they can be killed.'
He glanced at his own teammates and saw that they were not too surprised or flustered. 'They've all ready the reports. So they've expected this. Good.'
The former Guardian twelve ninja turned his gaze back to the enemy in front. He gripped his trench knives and stood ready.
Time the Leaf began the attack: 7:45 am.
—-----------------
Author's note.
For any of you worried about any dungeon chapter coming before the end of this arc, let me put you at ease. No dungeons before the end of this arc and possibly the end of the next one.
And I also won't drag out this operation by showing the fight scenes from all the seven teams.
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre on.com/MonkWithAPen (No space)
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MonkWithAPen
MonkWithAPen Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!
章節 341: Chapter 341 - Leaf’s Military Operation 02
The air around the base was filled with killing intent. The faint rustling of the leaves in the wind made a poor disguise for the brutal fight that laid ahead.
Jonin Asuma Sarutobi stood at the forefront of his team. His sharp eyes scanned the mercenaries gathered before them. He let out a deep calm breath and it formed steady small clouds in the cool morning air. His ever-present cigarette was clenched between his teeth.
Asuma could feel it. The pulse of hostile chakra, twisted and unnatural, emanated from the enemies that stood between them and Orochimaru's lair.
The son of the Hokage quickly assessed the situation. 'According to the scouting team's report, there are a total of 26 enemies in this location protecting that base. And it looks like out of those 26, 14 of them came out to greet us. Judging from the mutation and strange protrusions on their bodies they're not doubt Orochimaru's experiments. Need to capture a few alive.'
Asuma's team, six strong, spread out around him in a loose formation, prepared for the onslaught. His team was balanced.
Genjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu specialists, all well-trained. But the mercenaries were different. These weren't proper ninjas but they also weren't ordinary fighters. They had tasted Orochimaru's twisted power, and it had warped them into something monstrous.
Asuma locked eyes with the three men who approached him, their bodies bulging and contorting with the activation of the curse seal.
One had grotesque arms, nearly twice the size of his body, covered in bone-like protrusions. The second, a wiry figure, was crouched low to the ground, his limbs elongated unnaturally, moving with an unsettling insect-like grace. The third had a face half-transformed, one side human, the other a grotesque mass of scales, his fingers twitching with dangerous chakra.
Asuma held a cool face even as he realized he was about to face 3 strong opponents at once.
"You!" The one with the grotesque arm spoke pointing at Asuma.
"What?" The Leaf Jonin was curious as to what the man wanted with him.
"That waist cloth you have has the Fire emblem etched into it. That means you were once a Guardian Twelve ninja weren't you?"
Asuma cocked an eyebrow. "So what? That information won't help you here."
"Haha! I've never killed anyone as famous as you. Once I take your head everyone will know my name."
The arrogance of the enemy surprised the Leaf nins. They knew just how strong Asuma is and were insulted.
"How arrogant. It seems these guys have severely underestimated you captain." One of the Leaf ninjas standing behind Asuma spoke.
"Yeah." Asuma nodded as he looked at his enemy. "Out of curiosity, what is your name?"
"Thunderhead!" The one with the large hand shouted proudly.
A few seconds of silence filled the area as everyone processed that name.
"Pfft- HAHAHAHAHAAA…"
Nobody was sure who cracked first but the next second everyone in the Leaf ninjas and even some of Orochimaru's men started laughing hard.
"SHUT UP!" The man roared in anger and embarrassment.
"That sounds like the name of a hooker who's great at giving heads." One of the Leaf ninjas commented.
Even Asuma was chuckling despite the seriousness of the situation. "Really? Out of all the names, you couldn't have come up with something better."
"STOP LAUGHING! I'm gonna kill all of you." The man was getting ready to attack.
The laughter died down and Asuma got serious. "Alright. Enough with the games. Remember the mission. Pick your targets and attack. I'll handle these three clowns." He gave the order and the 5 ninjas behind him immediately sprung into action.
"You're not leaving here alive, Leaf scum," growled the one with the massive arms, his voice thundering with rage.
Asuma didn't reply. His grip tightened around his trench knives, the familiar hum of his chakra flowing into the blades, making them crackle with energy. He exhaled slowly, focusing. There was no room for hesitation now.
Without warning, the man with the oversized arms charged. His speed was unnerving for someone so massive. He swung one of his grotesque limbs toward Asuma with enough force to break a large tree in half.
Asuma sidestepped just in time and he felt the wind from the strike whipping past his face.
'Close.'
Before Asuma could counter, the second mercenary—the one with elongated limbs—darted in from the side. His movements were quick, almost insect-like, and his legs whipped out at impossible angles, striking toward Asuma's ribs.
The Leaf Jonin blocked with one of his trench knives. His jaws clenched as the impact sent a shockwave through his arm. Asuma's eyes narrowed as he looked at the man. 'That kind of force from a leg strike. It's unnatural. This guy is much stronger than his lanky frame suggests.'
The third mercenary hung back for the moment, his scaly hand twitching as he began weaving hand signs.
'Damn it.' Asuma cursed under his breath. 'I can't afford to get caught in whatever jutsu that one is preparing. I need to finish this fast.'
With a sharp exhale, Asuma parried another strike from the insect-like mercenary, spinning to avoid the massive arms of the first. In a fluid motion, he channeled wind chakra into his trench knives, the blades glowing brighter with an almost visible sharpness. With a single swing, he slashed across the massive arm of his first opponent. The blade cut through the cursed flesh with ease, sending a spray of blood into the air.
"Aaarg!" The mercenary howled in pain, stumbling back.
Watching this scene, the one with the half-transformed face sneered. 'You fool. This is what happens when you attack with no plan in mind.'
He had no sympathy, even for the person on the same side. His focus quickly shifted to the former Guardian twelve ninja.
Meanwhile, before Asuma could take advantage of his opening, the elongated limbed mercenary was on him again. His limbs were moving in a flurry of kicks and punches, each strike coming faster than the last. Asuma blocked and dodged, but the attacks were relentless. His opponent's movements were too erratic, too unpredictable.
Asuma tilted his head and avoided a brutal strike coming for his eyes. 'This guy is not only fast but he has unusual strength behind his attacks. Moreover, his movements are too erratic, too unpredictable.'
But despite these challenges, the Leaf ninja kept a cool head and waited for his opportunity. Several moments later, Asuma saw an opening.
As the mercenary swung a long leg toward his head, the Leaf Jonin ducked low and slashed upward, slicing clean through the man's calf.
"Aaaahhh!" A scream tore from the mercenary's throat as he collapsed, blood spurting from the wound. But even on the ground, he still reached out with those unnaturally long limbs, trying to claw at Asuma.
It was then, the third mercenary attacked.
"Rhaaa! Take this you bastard!" With a guttural shout, the half-scaled man unleashed a wave of crackling chakra from his palm.
It shot toward the leaf ninja like a bolt of lightning, fast and deadly. Asuma's instincts kicked in, and he threw himself to the side, rolling just in time to avoid the brunt of the attack.
The ground where he had been standing exploded in a shower of earth and debris.
But even as Asuma dodged, the first mercenary, his arm bleeding but still functional, charged in again with his rage fueling his power. His oversized fists slammed toward Asuma in a brutal overhead strike.
A mad grin was on his face as his massive fist came closer and closer to its intended victim. 'This is it. He has no time to dodge. He doesn't even have time to think. I'm going to kill him. This is your punishment for laughing at me.'
Asuma stood his ground and chakra flooded into his trench knives. Just before the massive fists could connect he swung both blades upward in a cross slash, unleashing the full force of his wind-infused chakra.
The impact created a shockwave that sent the mercenary stumbling back, his arms sliced deeply by the wind blades.
Before the third mercenary could unleash another jutsu, Asuma flicked his trench knife forward, sending a blade of wind straight toward him.
The man's eyes widened as he saw the speed with which the wind blade was coming. 'Too fast. Can't dodge.'
The sharp wind attack sliced through the air and hit its mark, cutting through the man's chest. The scaled mercenary gasped, clutching at the wound as blood poured from it.
Asuma didn't give him a second glance as he fell. He had no time to waste. The elongated-limbed mercenary was still trying to crawl toward him, his eyes wide with desperation, but Asuma stepped forward and drove his trench knife into the man's chest, ending it swiftly.
That left the one with the massive arms. He was bleeding heavily now, panting, his body barely holding together after the chakra-infused slashes from Asuma's knives. But his eyes still burned with fury.
"You… you're nothing… compared to Lord Orochimaru's power!" the man snarled, raising his oversized arms for one last desperate strike.
Asuma's eyes hardened. "Orochimaru can't save you now."
With a final burst of speed, Asuma lunged forward, his trench knives blazing with wind chakra. The mercenary swung his fists down, but Asuma was already inside his guard. With one swift, decisive movement, he slashed both knives across the mercenary's chest, cutting deep.
The man staggered, his eyes wide in disbelief as his body gave out. He collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, the curse mark fading from his skin as life left his body.
Asuma straightened, his breathing heavy but controlled. He looked around at the carnage—three cursed mercenaries lay dead at his feet. But there was no time to rest. His team was still locked in battle with the others. He wiped the blood from his trench knives and glanced toward the entrance of the base.
'Has the other team entered the base?' Asuma asked the Yamanaka ninja connected to him.
'Yes. They're currently disabling traps and dispelling illusion barriers. Their team is on the west side and is engaged with 4 enemies.' The communications ninja replied.
'They'll be fine. Focus on the team going inside. Make sure they do a thorough sweep from top to bottom.' Asuma ordered.
'Yes captain.'
Asuma then focused on the others of his team. 'Time to see if I can complete the other part of my mission.'
—-
The clash of steel and the crackle of jutsu echoed through the forest as Asuma's team engaged the remaining Orochimaru mercenaries. The battle was chaotic, bodies moving in a deadly dance of violence and skill. The cursed seal-enhanced enemies fought like rabid animals, but the Leaf ninjas were well-trained, precise and held their ground.
Asuma entered the party and the pressure on the Leaf ninjas lessened. Among the five Leaf ninjas fighting alongside was Jogan Himaki. Asuma had been secretly pushing a few stronger enemy ninjas towards Jogan.
The Leaf Jonin was secretly keeping an eye on the man's abilities and as more time passed Asuma became shocked.
Jogan was an average-looking shinobi, typically quiet, unremarkable in most ways, a background figure in many missions. On paper, he was just another chunin—nothing more, nothing less. But as the battle unfolded, something became glaringly clear.
'His movements. They're too sharp, too refined. His strikes hit with deadly precision and his reactions are faster than what I'd expect from someone of his Rank.
Even Asuma, who had always prided himself on his ability to read people, felt a flicker of surprise. 'It's not obvious unless someone is observing closely. He's making it look like he's having a difficult fight but he's in complete control.'
"You won't defeat us Leaf ninjas that easily." Jogan shouted as he stepped forward to engage two mercenaries, his hands weaving through rapid hand seals. A torrent of fire erupted from his mouth, blasting the two cursed seal users backward, their twisted bodies alight with flames.
Asuma's eyes narrowed as he observed Jogan. His suspicion had been correct. Jogan wasn't just an ordinary chunin—he was far more dangerous than he let on.
'He's showing just enough skill and a bit more. This is an important mission. Maybe he's looking to gain merits and a higher position. Root training, no doubt.'
Asuma was given a simple yet grim task: ensure Jogan didn't come back from this mission.
No one else on the team knew. And as Asuma watched Jogan slice through two mercenaries with deadly efficiency, he could feel the weight of that burden pressing down on him.
The Leaf Jonin had read the man's file and he internally sighed.
'He's secretly a Danzo loyalist and fanatic. If I hesitate or show mercy now, it could cause problems later.'
Around him, the rest of the team fought hard against the curse-seal enhanced mercenaries. One of his teammates, a kunoichi specializing in Genjutsu, had trapped a group of enemies in a visual illusion.
It allowed another teammate to break through with a flurry of taijutsu strikes. Another Leaf ninja used earth jutsu to deflect incoming projectiles, keeping the others covered.
But Jogan was to the side and away from the team. He was efficient even as he battled the enemies on his own. Asuma could feel his heart race with the urgency of the situation.
'Dad made his move against Danzo. If Jogan returns to the Leaf and he finds out what happened, then there is no telling what he might do.'
Asuma quickly steeled his heart and made the decision. The chaos of the current battlefield presented the perfect opportunity for him to act.
'Sorry, Jogan.' Asuma thought, his expression unreadable as he observed the battlefield. His hands moved subtly, weaving a quick, discrete set of seals. His attack hit Jogan just as the Root agent prepared to strike at the two mercenaries.
Suddenly, the Root sleeper agent faltered. His attack slowed as confusion clouded his features. His eyes widened slightly, just a flicker of uncertainty crossing his usually cold demeanor. 'Genjutsu?'
It was a genjutsu—quick, subtle, nothing flashy, but enough to throw Jogan off balance for just a few precious seconds. A well-placed distortion of his perception, so small that no one else would notice in the chaos of battle.
The two mercenaries, one with jagged spikes protruding from his forearms and the other with elongated claws, didn't waste the opportunity.
They lunged forward with savage grins, sensing blood. "Yes! Die you Leaf bastard."
Jogan tried to recover, but it was too late. The spiked mercenary slammed his arm forward, the sharp, bone-like protrusions tearing through the Root ninja's chest with a sickening crunch.
Blood sprayed across the forest floor. The other mercenary followed up, raking his claws across Jogan's throat in a brutal finishing move. His body stiffened, his eyes wide with shock, and then, slowly, he crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap.
Asuma's expression remained neutral as he watched it unfold, the mercenaries pulling back, grinning with victory as they returned to the fray. None of the other Leaf shinobi noticed anything unusual; in the heat of battle, it looked like Jogan had simply been overwhelmed by the enemy.
The kunoichi, still engaged with a cursed mercenary in the distance, shouted in frustration when she noticed Jogan fall. "Jogan! No!"
Another teammate rushed to cover her as she tried to refocus, but there was no time to mourn. "Don't get distracted!"
The fight raged on around them, but Asuma felt a strange sense of calm settle over him. He had done what needed to be done. 'Hokage's orders Jogan. It had to be done.'
Jogan Himaki, the Root sleeper agent, was gone.
The battle continued and Asuma's trench knives flashed as he engaged the remaining mercenaries, his focus shifting back to the mission at hand. The team would mourn Jogan later, perhaps over sake and quiet words. They would speak of his bravery, his skill in battle, how he had fought fiercely against Orochimaru's cursed soldiers.
But only Asuma, the Hokage and a few high level ninjas in the Leaf village would know the truth.
That Jogan and others like him were never meant to return.
—---------------
Author's Note
I'm not sure how the humor at the beginning of this chapter will work out. I'm trying out a few things. Tell me your thoughts on the chapter. I wont show the battle of the other 6 teams too. That would be too boring.
But Jiraiya, Tobirama and Ox are about to go into battle. Try and guess who their enemies will be...
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre on.com/MonkWithAPen (No space)
創作者的想法
MonkWithAPen
MonkWithAPen
Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!
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