Chapter 44:
"Let's move," Fugaku commanded, his voice resolute. With the team in motion, they seized the opportunity to adapt to their new identities, shrouded in the art of Henge no Jutsu.
As the whole team activated the transformation technique, Fugaku, wielding the Powers of Envy, skillfully feigned the same Jutsu, concealing his true ability. In a moment of focused intent, his body underwent a remarkable transformation on a cellular level.
Lost in contemplation, Fugaku pondered the vast possibilities of this world. He questioned his own methods, wondering if he strayed too far from the path of fairness. But then he remembered the existence of individuals like Orochimaru, capable of resurrecting the dead—a feat even the alchemists had only dreamed of achieving. It reminded him of the vast untapped potential of Fuinjutsu and alchemy, knowledge he yearned to acquire once his mission as the perfect child soldier was complete.
A thick cloud of smoke enshrouded them, unveiling a team of Suna Shinōbi, their disguises flawless, seemingly en route to the Sunagakure supply base. The illusion was seamless, their new identities firmly in place, ready to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead.
Despite the versatility of Henge no Jutsu, Fugaku found solace in the fact that he did not have to contend with its inherent limitations. These shortcomings, while frustrating for those who relied on the technique, served as a reminder of the complexity of mastering such an art:
1. Fragility: The illusion created through Henge no Jutsu is delicate and easily disrupted by physical contact or external forces. One wrong move could shatter the illusion, revealing the true identity underneath.
2. Sensory Limitations: The transformation is primarily visual, lacking the ability to mimic the full range of sensory experiences. Close inspection or engaging in conversations that require touch, smell, or taste may expose the deception.
3. Energy Drain: Sustaining the transformation consumes a significant amount of chakra. Extended use can quickly deplete one's energy reserves, leaving the user vulnerable and fatigued.
4. Limited Duration: The duration of the transformation is finite and dependent on the user's chakra control. Maintaining the disguise for extended periods can be challenging, requiring precise management of chakra flow.
5. Incomplete Mimicry: Henge no Jutsu can replicate the outward appearance of an object or person, but it lacks the ability to perfectly mimic their intricacies. Subtle details, such as the texture of skin or the sound of a voice, may give away the illusion upon closer inspection.
6. Incompatibility with Combat: Engaging in combat while maintaining the Henge no Jutsu is risky. The technique's fragility, energy drain, and limited sensory feedback make it impractical for prolonged battles or situations that demand intense physical exertion.
Understanding these limitations, Fugaku appreciated the alternative paths he had chosen, allowing him to navigate the world without being bound by the constraints of Henge no Jutsu.
As Fugaku's team immersed themselves in their new identities, they meticulously adopted the mannerisms and traits of the Shinōbi they were impersonating. Each member remained acutely aware of their Chakra reserves, for a single lapse in their Henge no Jutsu could spell certain doom in a critical moment.
Fugaku, in the guise of Kurosa, occasionally found himself scratching his right cheek with his right hand—an unconscious habit borne from childhood encounters with pesky mosquitoes. His eyes darted vigilantly from side to side, his body poised defensively, a display of utmost caution.
A wealth of information on various Kurosas swirled in Fugaku's mind, gradually shaping his demeanor to match his assumed role. As the Sunagakure stronghold loomed in the distance, the six individuals seamlessly blended into their roles to the best of their abilities.
"Welcome back, Captain Kurosa," a gatekeeper Suna Shinōbi called out from afar. "How did the operation go? Any encounters with Iwagakure or Konoha Shinōbi?"
Fugaku, now in character as Kurosa, adeptly responded, "Ah, Kiriko and Heisawa. Fortunately, we encountered no Shinōbi from Iwagakure or Konoha. However, we did engage in several skirmishes with teams of Rain Shinōbi. The clashes were fierce, resulting in a stalemate before both sides retreated."
Kiriko chimed in, "Those Iwagakure Shinōbi are slippery, and it seems Konoha is joining the fray as well. Captain Kurosa, we're to inform you that you have to go to the logistics office today, immediately after arriving, so we won't keep you long."
Fugaku nodded, seamlessly maintaining the charade as he played along with their conversation, his transformation and adaptation a testament to his cunning and resourcefulness.
Within the stronghold, Kurosa's cautious nature had earned him already a bad reputation as a coward among the Shinōbi. He seldom interacted with his fellow villagers on the battlefield, and preferred strategic retreats over engaging in a deathly confrontation unless victory seemed assured.
When questioned about encountering Shinōbi from other villages, Fugaku responded with a negative, as one would expect from Kurosa. It was a response carefully crafted to avoid arousing suspicion. In truth, engaging in battles would only raise doubts about Kurosa's true nature—a Shinōbi who preferred revelry and entertainment over life-or-death struggles.
Kurosa's boldness and arrogance were legendary, and he often spent his mission rewards on treating his comrades to drinks and feasts. Many Shinōbi teams within the stronghold had already experienced his generosity during their time in Sunagakure. Meet Kurosa, a Shinōbi with a dubious reputation on the battlefield and a notorious spendthrift within the base.
Fugaku's team was briefed about the members of the Logistics Department, which included the formidable Jōnin Kurosawa. It was no secret that Kurosawa harbored a deep animosity towards Kurosa, and his sentiments were echoed by the other skilled Shinōbi of Sunagakure. As expected, many of them excelled in Wind Release and Puppet Technique, displaying their mastery over these formidable arts. A subtle air of disdain lingered whenever Kurosa's name was mentioned, a testament to their frustration with his overly cautious nature.
Accompanied by Hyūga Tazumo, Fugaku entered the tent within the logistics office, leaving the other team members outside. Inside, a modestly decorated space greeted them, with a table holding writing materials. Kurosawa sat behind the table, flanked by the two Chūnin on duty, Murakami and Inoue.
"Welcome back, Captain Kurosa and Shimoto," Murakami greeted with enthusiasm. "How did it go this time?"
Fugaku replied, maintaining his guise, "The situation with Iwagakure remains uncertain, and rumors about Konoha's involvement are circulating in the field. The Hidden Villages have bolstered their forces, and these ongoing skirmishes risk provoking the wrath of Hanzō of the Salamander. We're essentially challenging him on his own turf."
Kurosawa's cold voice interjected, "Hanzō is unaware of the developments concerning Konoha, Iwagakure, and us. Shimoto, following Kurosa, will only hinder your growth; he lacks the courage to act. If you need me to write a letter to Sunagakure, requesting your removal from Kurosa's team, don't hesitate to ask."
"Kurosawa," Kurosa said sternly, "you'll only put Shimoto in danger. As a talented Shinobi, he doesn't need to plunge into brutal battles just yet. He requires time to evolve into a proper Jōnin, one that survives, to become adaptable instead of just recklessly charging ahead."
Kurosawa took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and declared, "I have nothing more to say to you, but I want to convey this. The current situation is transient, and as the battles intensify, casualties will climb."
Hyūga Tazumo, caught in the middle of the heated argument, felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. The clash between Fugaku and Kurosawa seemed to revolve around the future of a man who was already gone, their self-interests clouding the air.
Annoyed, Fugaku abruptly turned and exited the tent, his departing words lingering in the air. "I'll be waiting outside," his voice echoed, the frustration palpable.
Unbeknownst to Kurosawa, this quarrel was part of Fugaku's cunning plan all along—to divert attention and manipulate the situation to his advantage.
Inside the tent, Tazumo mustered a smile and addressed Kurosawa with gratitude. "Captain Kurosawa, I appreciate your concern for my path. However, Captain Kurosa is a skilled Jōnin, and I have learned invaluable lessons under his guidance, despite the caution you perceive as timidity."
"Hmph, I still believe he's too fearful and overly cautious," Kurosawa grumbled, handing Tazumo a prepared certificate. "Here's your promotion and mission certificates for your last successful mission. Congratulations on reaching the Jonin rank. But I sincerely hope you won't follow in Kurosa's footsteps."
"Thank you, Captain Kurosawa," Tazumo replied with a bow, his smile radiant and genuine.
As Tazumo stepped out of the tent, a collective sigh of relief swept through the team. Obtaining proof of Tazumo's promotion marked a significant milestone in their mission. Now, their focus shifted finally, to sabotaging the supplies within the Sunagakure warehouse.
Silently exchanging glances, the team understood the gravity of the situation. Maintaining composure was paramount, especially in moments of great risk. They forged ahead, six determined figures converging towards the imposing stronghold's warehouse.
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