9 Chapter:- 9

"You're right... you're naive and clueless, but it's a shame you're strong and full of potential. Who knows what you could become," Azula said, shaking her head. She approached the shinobi, leaning in close to his face. She blew hot air in his ear, causing Naruto to shudder. "I could even say you're kinda cute," she whispered. Stepping away from him, she turned her back on the boy, crossing her arms. "Let's see if a few weeks locked up without food or water changes your mind about my offer," she added, pausing and then bending down to pick up his bandana. "In the meantime, I'll hold onto this." She tied the bandana around her neck.

Naruto remained silent, his expression dark, as he watched several soldiers enter the room.

Ty Lee, uncertain, gazed at the shinobi. He had been fun and lively – he didn't deserve this treatment. Frowning, she felt Mai's intense stare on her neck. "I'm sorry," Ty Lee muttered to the boy before leaving the room. Mai followed her, and as they departed, the soldiers began to unchain Naruto, preparing to take him to the dungeon.

"Make a move and we'll slit your throat," threatened one of the firebenders, pointing a spear at Naruto's neck. His wrists were encased in steel shackles, secured tightly. Just as the soldiers were about to escort him out of the room, the determined pre-adolescent had different plans. Swiftly turning 360°, Naruto used the heavy shackles to strike the soldiers. Without hesitation, he dashed towards the nearest window, crashing through the glass. As he emerged outside, he realized he was atop a tower that stood over 50 meters high, surrounded by colossal walls – a fortress of the Fire Nation.

Descending from the tower's pinnacle, Naruto managed to land his feet against the brick wall. Employing his chakra, he clung to the surface and moved downward. With each passing moment, he skillfully shifted his weight, eventually leaping to solid ground below. Yet, a resounding alarm bell pierced the air.

"The prisoner's escaping!" echoed the cry of a firebender. Throughout the fortress, soldiers mobilized, urgently searching for the fleeing shinobi. Naruto's mind raced as he considered his predicament – his wrists were confined by unyielding steel shackles, their formidable strength impossible to overcome with mere physical force.

Searching all around, Naruto's only goal was to escape. He ran as fast as he could, dodging arrows and spears that aimed at him. "Ouch! Darn it!" he cursed out loud as he felt an arrow hit his back. He didn't stop, reaching the nearest wall. Looking back, he saw about fifty soldiers chasing him.

But something surprising happened. The soldiers stopped when they saw the boy running sideways on the wall, like it was the ground. "Archers, shoot his legs! The princess wants him alive!" someone shouted, and a group of archers stepped forward and started shooting arrows.

Luckily, Naruto reached a watchtower before the arrows got him. Inside, there were five soldiers waiting. "Stop!" Three of them attacked with fire, but Naruto jumped and stuck to the ceiling to avoid getting hit. He came back down, pushing one of the soldiers off the tower. He kicked another opponent, but he got hit on his right arm.

Snarling, he confronted the assailant, then sprang forth with a dual-footed kick, propelling them both out of the tower. The clash ended with Naruto hitting the ground and rolling, swiftly regaining his footing to flee into the surrounding forest.

As things calmed down and Naruto disappeared into the trees, Azula stood on top of the main tower, looking serious as she watched him go. She touched her neck where she had the bandana she took from him.

A wicked grin appeared on her lips as she gently touched the bandana. It seemed her chase wasn't finished yet. "Keep this just among us soldiers. No one else needs to know a kid got away from here," Azula commanded. She turned and walked toward the door, her two friends following closely behind.

"But, Princess, shouldn't your father be told? We can't hide this," one soldier tried to convince Azula that this incident should be reported beyond the fortress. Azula fixed the soldier with a sharp look. She raised a finger, and a small bolt of lightning zapped through the soldier's chest. He crumpled to the ground like a sack of potatoes. The room grew tense.

"Did I not make myself clear?" the tricky black-haired girl inquired. She watched as another soldier nodded, quickly stooping to pick up the fallen comrade's body and carry it away. Ty Lee and Mai observed with uncertainty.

"What's our next move?" Mai finally spoke up, her gaze fixed on her friend who was toying with the bandana she'd taken from the boy.

"He might be strong, but he's a bit of an idealist. War isn't his game," the black-haired woman said, sliding her hands behind her back and strolling toward the broken window. She peered out, her eyes following the path the shinobi had taken to escape. "We don't know what he's after or where he's headed, but we'll catch up with him eventually," she finished, turning away and making her way to the door.

"We'll tail him, no matter where he goes... Fun, right?" Ty Lee's enthusiasm was palpable; she practically radiated excitement at the thought of chasing after Naruto. It sure beat tangling with earth or waterbenders. With a grin plastered across her face, she hurried after her leader, her footsteps echoing in the room.

Mai, however, remained quiet, her eyebrow raised as she followed Azula. She found it strange that her friend was so eager to pursue someone. Did that boy leave such an impression that Azula was fired up to hunt him down? Frowning slightly, Mai trudged behind her two companions, her steps silent against the floor.

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