[8] : Spoils of War! Shin's Speculations

Shin eyed the three remaining Chunin, picking up the fallen Jōnin's sword.

"So, you want to avenge your captain? Come get some."

The three Chunin exchanged glances. None of them dared to make a move.

This kid was creepy. He'd already killed one of them and taken down their captain.

They weren't about to underestimate him now.

"Fine, I'll come to you then."

Shin vanished into the darkness. In the thick forest, his speed and controlled ferocity, much like Toji Fushiguro, rendered him untraceable.

"Watch out!"

But it was too late. Shin's sword pierced the Chunin's heart before he could finish his warning.

Shin withdrew his sword and dashed towards the next Chunin.

"Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu!"

Sensing the danger, the Chunin swiftly formed hand seals, encasing himself in a sphere of water for protection.

The Water Prison Jutsu was a C-rank Jutsu that could trap enemies or be used defensively.

"You think that can stop me? How naive."

Shin channeled Chakra into the sword, enhancing its piercing power. The water prison shattered like a fragile bubble as the sword plunged through, impaling the Chunin's heart.

Another one down.

"Just one left."

Shin looked at the last Chunin. Killing these elite Chunin was starting to feel like swatting flies.

"Kakashi graduated and became a Genin at five, and everyone called him a genius. I'm five, and I'm wiping the floor with elite Chunin. What does that make me? A prodigy? A monster?"

Shin muttered to himself.

"Monster! You're a monster!"

The last Chunin pointed at Shin, his eyes wide with terror. He turned and fled.

"You're the monster! And you're not getting away."

Shin stomped on the ground, creating a small crater. He shot forward like an arrow, chasing after the fleeing Chunin.

This guy was crucial to his mission; Shin couldn't let him escape.

And for his and Kushina's safety, he couldn't leave any witnesses.

"Die!"

Shin quickly caught up, swinging the sword. It wasn't ideal for slashing, but with Shin's strength, it would cleave the Chunin in two.

The sword connected, and just as Shin relaxed, the figure he'd struck transformed into a log. A Substitution Jutsu.

"Substitution?"

Shin hadn't expected the Chunin to use a Substitution Jutsu at the last moment.

"Adamantine Sealing Chains!"

Chakra Chains erupted from Shin's back, snaking through the forest and ensnaring the fleeing Chunin.

"Constrict!"

The Chains tightened, tearing the Chunin apart.

Shin's face paled as he looked at the gruesome sight. He quickly turned away.

He was used to blood, having hunted animals in the forest. He hadn't felt anything when he killed the first Chunin.

The next few deaths had caused a slight ripple in his emotions, but this last one... this was too much.

The Chakra Chains dissipated. Shin leaned against a tree, gagging.

He swore he'd never use the Chains like that again. It was too brutal, even for him.

"Congratulations, Master. Mission complete. You have been awarded one Advanced Replication Card."

"Whew, finally got the reward." Shin composed himself and called out to Kushina. "Come out, Kushina. It's over."

Kushina emerged, looking bewildered. It was over?

It was too dark, and she didn't have the Sharingan. She hadn't seen anything.

She walked over and saw the Jonin's body. "Shin, how did you do it?"

"Doesn't matter. Let's see what loot we got."

Shin started rummaging through the Jonin's pouch while Kushina stood back, a little scared.

Even though the ninjas were dead, she was still frightened. It was a good thing she hadn't seen the Chunin Shin had torn apart with the Chains; she might have fainted.

Shin found several Explosive Tags, a valuable commodity.

There were also Kunai, Shuriken, and two Jutsu scrolls.

"B-rank Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu and Water Style: Hiding in Mist Jutsu."

Shin frowned. These Jutsu gave him a clue about the attackers' identities. They were likely from Kirigakure.

"Looks like Kirigakure is behind this attack on Uzushiogakure."

Only the Five Great Nations had the strength to attack the Uzumaki Clan. Konoha was an ally; they wouldn't be involved.

Sunagakure and Iwagakure were too far away; attacking Uzushiogakure would be logistically impractical.

That left Kumogakure and Kirigakure, both of which could launch attacks from the sea.

Kirigakure's involvement was confirmed. He wasn't sure about Kumogakure, though.

If there was one village with the most ambition, it was Kumogakure. Their involvement was highly probable.

After all, the Uzumaki's Sealing Jutsu were something Kumogakure would covet. No, not just Kumogakure, every village would want them.

Possessing powerful Sealing Jutsu that others feared and desired, yet lacking the strength to defend themselves, was the reason for Uzushiogakure's downfall.

Having something valuable without the power to protect it was a recipe for disaster, no matter the world.

"I wonder if Konoha had a hand in this."

Shin was suspicious of their supposed ally. After all, Konoha had Danzō.

To think Danzō wouldn't be interested in the Uzumaki's Sealing Jutsu was laughable.

Shin shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside. He collected the pouches of the other two Chunin and left with Kushina.

He left the last Chunin's pouch where it was. The sight was too gruesome; he'd lose his appetite if he looked at it.

He led Kushina to a small stream in the forest, the same one where they had practiced Water Walking.

"Are you tired? If you are, get some sleep. We're safe now," Shin said.

Kushina shook her head. After everything that had happened, sleep was the last thing on her mind.

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