26: The Land of Grass

_________________________________

Please support me on Patreon at p@treon.com/LawnmowerMan and get access to

- Up to 50 exclusive chapters ahead of public release

- Early updates and behind-the-scenes insights

Let's grow this community together!

________________________________

Kira sat cross-legged in his room, the quiet of the morning enveloping him as he prepared for another day. His mind was still processing the rigorous training from the day before, his body still aching slightly from the intense sessions. Yet, he knew there was no time to rest—his path required constant effort, constant vigilance.

As he focused on his breathing, centering his chakra, a sudden ripple of energy caught his attention. Kira opened his eyes just in time to see a shadow flicker across his window, followed by a light tap at the door. A familiar presence lingered outside.

With a swift motion, Kira rose and crossed the room, sliding open the door to reveal a clone of Takeshi, his Jounin instructor. The clone's expression was serious, its tone urgent as it spoke. "Kira, the Hokage has summoned you. There's a mission. Meet us at the Hokage's office immediately."

Kira nodded, his mind already shifting to the task ahead. "Understood. I'll be there shortly."

The clone dissipated into a puff of smoke, leaving Kira alone once more. Without wasting a moment, Kira quickly gathered his gear, securing his storage scroll and ensuring his weapons were ready. He didn't know the nature of the mission yet, but he knew better than to be unprepared.

Moments later, Kira was moving swiftly through the streets of Konoha, his thoughts focused on the upcoming task. As he approached the Hokage's office, the imposing structure standing tall at the heart of the village, Kira couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Missions were becoming more frequent, more challenging, and each one brought him closer to his goals.

He entered the office and was immediately directed to the meeting room where his teammates, Hyuga Hiro and Uchiha Mei, were already waiting. Both Genin were seated quietly, but their eyes showed the same eagerness and determination that Kira felt.

"Kira, glad you could join us," Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, greeted him warmly as Kira took his place. The Hokage's presence was calm but commanding, his experienced gaze sweeping over the team. "I've called you here for a mission of considerable importance."

Kira nodded, his attention fully on the Hokage as he continued.

"The mission involves an infiltration into the Land of Grass," Hiruzen began, his tone serious. "Our intel from spies within Kusagakure suggests that Cloud Shinobi have been conducting an excavation there. They've unearthed something that resembles a large stone pillar, and their behavior suggests it is of great importance. Your task is to investigate what they are doing and, if possible, gather more information on this pillar."

Kira's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened. A stone pillar? His mind flashed back to the last time he had used the System to randomly place a Poneglyph in the Shinobi World. He hadn't expected it to be discovered so soon. But whatever the case, as the orchestrator behind the scenes, he needed to ensure that everything proceeded according to his plans.

Hiruzen continued, unaware of Kira's internal thoughts. "This mission is classified as B-Rank due to the potential threat posed by the Cloud Shinobi. You'll need to be cautious and avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary."

Kira glanced at his teammates, noting their focused expressions. Hyuga Hiro, with his Byakugan, would be crucial for reconnaissance, while Uchiha Mei's Sharingan would provide the team with the visual prowess needed for both offense and defense. Takeshi, their team leader, stood beside the Hokage, his eyes assessing the team's readiness.

"This is a delicate mission," Hiruzen concluded, "but I have confidence in your abilities. Move quickly, gather the information, and return safely. Dismissed."

The team bowed respectfully before dispersing to prepare for their departure. Kira moved swiftly, his mind already calculating what he would need for the mission. The stakes were higher than usual, and he knew that being adequately prepared was crucial.

Back at his home, Kira meticulously packed his supplies. He ensured that his storage scroll contained at least four swords, knowing full well that Thunder Breathing would take its toll on the blades. He also packed chakra pills and other essential items, making sure he was ready for any scenario.

When everything was in order, Kira headed to the village gates, where his team was already waiting. Takeshi, Hiro, and Mei stood ready, their expressions serious as they prepared for the journey ahead.

Takeshi nodded at Kira as he approached. "We're ready to move out. Let's go."

The team departed quickly, moving with the practiced efficiency of seasoned shinobi. The journey to the Land of Grass was long, but the team maintained a steady pace, their senses alert to any potential threats along the way.

---

After several hours of travel, the team arrived at a small town near the border of the Land of Grass. The town was unassuming, a place where travelers passed through unnoticed. It was here that they would meet their contact—the spy who had provided the initial intel.

In a secluded inn, the team met with the spy, a nondescript man with a wary expression. He greeted them with a nod before quickly getting down to business.

"The Cloud Shinobi are excavating something that looks like a large stone pillar," the spy began, his voice low and hurried. "They've tried everything—various jutsu, tools—but the pillar is indestructible. After they managed to dig out part of it, they seemed shocked by what they found. Immediately, more shinobi were summoned, and the whole area was sealed off. They're treating it like they've found a treasure."

Takeshi listened intently, his brow furrowing in thought. He turned to Kira, a subtle but pointed look in his eyes. "What do you make of this, Kira?"

Kira considered the situation carefully, weighing the options. He knew that the Poneglyph's presence had caught the Cloud Shinobi off guard, and now they were guarding it closely. The mission was growing more complicated by the minute.

"We're already outnumbered," Kira began, his tone measured. "Whatever they've found, it's important enough for them to increase security significantly. There are at least four squads of Chunin and four Jounin overseeing the operation. The best course of action would be to request reinforcements from Konoha. Until then, we should lay low and observe. Any direct confrontation at this point would be too risky."

Takeshi nodded, clearly impressed by Kira's ability to assess the situation. "I agree. We'll send a message back to the village for reinforcements and maintain a low profile until they arrive."

The team agreed with the plan, their respect for Kira's strategic thinking evident in their expressions. Takeshi quickly composed a message and sent it back to Konoha using a carrier hawk, ensuring that the village would be informed of their situation.

With their immediate course of action decided, the team settled in to wait for further instructions. The tension in the air was palpable, but Kira felt a sense of calm. He knew that the mission had taken an unexpected turn, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they waited for reinforcements, Kira's thoughts drifted back to the Poneglyph and the chaos it was likely to cause. The wheels were already in motion, and he knew that the storm that was brewing in the Land of Grass was just the beginning.

The small inn was silent, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards as Kira stood and made his way to the door. His mind was sharp, his thoughts calculated as he prepared to put his plan into motion.

"I'll be out keeping watch," he announced, his tone calm and steady.

Takeshi, the seasoned Jounin who led their team, gave him a cautious look. "Be careful, Kira. The situation is unpredictable."

Kira nodded, acknowledging the concern. "I will."

With that, he slipped out of the inn and into the cool evening air, the shadows quickly embracing him as he moved into the nearby forest. He had something specific in mind, something that required careful execution and the right persona.

Finding a secluded spot among the trees, Kira halted and took a deep breath, focusing his chakra. He visualized Byakuya Kuchiki—a persona he had crafted with meticulous detail, embodying elegance, power, and a cold, calculated demeanor.

With a surge of energy, Kira created a clone, perfectly formed in the image of Byakuya. The clone stood tall, its eyes sharp and penetrating, the Gotei 13 captain's uniform it wore adding to its imposing presence.

Byakuya regarded Kira with a calm but critical gaze. "Kira," he began, his voice low and measured, "you are too weak. If you wish to maintain control over the events you're setting into motion, you must gain more power. The Ryūmyaku is essential for that. You need to acquire it as soon as possible."

Kira met the clone's gaze, understanding the urgency behind the words—words that were, in truth, his own thoughts. "I know. But right now, you need to disrupt the Cloud Shinobi and ensure that they know that there are forces who know about what they're digging."

Byakuya gave a subtle nod, his expression unwavering. "Understood."

Without another word, the clone turned and vanished into the night, moving with the silent grace of a shadow. Kira watched him go, his mind already working on the next steps he needed to take. The Byakuya persona was vital to his plans, a force that could operate in the open without drawing attention back to Kira himself.

---

Byakuya moved swiftly through the dense forest, the dark canopy above him casting long shadows on the ground. The air was thick with tension, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal animals. The Cloud Shinobi had set up a perimeter around the excavation site, but Byakuya's presence went unnoticed as he approached.

As he stepped into the clearing, the Cloud Shinobi immediately sensed the intrusion. The atmosphere shifted, becoming charged with anticipation as they turned to face the newcomer. Byakuya's presence was palpable, his aura one of cold authority and power.

"Who are you?" one of the Chunin demanded, stepping forward with a kunai at the ready. His voice was laced with tension, his posture defensive. "What's your purpose here?"

Byakuya's expression remained stoic, his eyes scanning the area with calm detachment. "Byakuya Kuchiki," he replied, his voice cool and composed. "I'm here to retrieve the Poneglyph."

The Chunin's brow furrowed in confusion. "Poneglyph? What are you talking about?"

Byakuya's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. "So, you're digging up something you don't even understand. How typically shortsighted."

The Chunin's grip tightened on his weapon, his anger flaring at the condescension in Byakuya's tone. "You'd better surrender peacefully," he warned, his voice hardening.

But Byakuya remained unruffled, his eyes locked onto the Chunin's with an almost predatory intensity. "Tell me," he said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "is what you've uncovered a Road Poneglyph, or a History Poneglyph?"

The Chunin's eyes widened in shock. He had no idea what these terms meant, but it was clear that the man before him knew exactly what they had unearthed. The realization that this stranger had knowledge of their secret excavation left the Chunin unnerved, but also more determined to defend their discovery.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the Chunin snapped, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "But you're not going anywhere near it."

Byakuya's eyes narrowed slightly, his patience thinning. "You are out of your depth. Stand down."

The Chunin, fueled by a mix of fear and pride, decided to act. He rushed forward, his kunai gleaming in the dim light as he aimed for Byakuya's chest. But Byakuya was faster.

With a fluid, almost effortless motion, Byakuya sidestepped the attack, his hand reaching out to grip the Chunin's wrist with a vice-like hold. In the same motion, Byakuya twisted the Chunin's arm behind his back, forcing him to drop the kunai with a pained gasp.

Byakuya's other hand struck swiftly, the edge of his hand connecting with the Chunin's neck in a precise, controlled blow. The Chunin's eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The remaining Cloud Shinobi froze, their eyes wide as they watched Byakuya dispatch their comrade with such ease. The air was thick with tension, the fear palpable as they considered their next move.

But Byakuya did not press the attack. Instead, he turned his attention back to the large stone pillar that was partially uncovered in the center of the clearing. He approached it with calm, measured steps, his eyes scanning the ancient inscriptions that adorned its surface.

The remaining Chunin and their comrades watched in stunned silence, unsure of how to proceed. They had been outmatched, their authority shattered by this enigmatic figure who seemed to know more about their excavation than they did.

Byakuya paused in front of the Poneglyph, his expression unreadable. He had no intention of actually retrieving the Poneglyph—his purpose was to plant the seed of doubt, to make the Cloud Shinobi aware that there were forces far more knowledgeable and dangerous than they could comprehend.

"You're digging in the dark," Byakuya said, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. "You don't know what you've found, and you don't understand the consequences of your actions."

Before the Cloud Shinobi could respond, the atmosphere shifted once more. A new presence entered the clearing—one far more formidable than the Chunin who had fallen. A Jounin appeared, his expression cold and calculating as he assessed the situation.

The tension reached its peak as the Jounin locked eyes with Byakuya. There was a brief, charged silence as the two assessed each other, the air between them crackling with unspoken challenge.

Byakuya remained calm, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. The Cloud Jounin, however, was not so easily intimidated. He stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Byakuya's.

"Who are you?" the Jounin demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "And what's your interest in this excavation?"

Byakuya's response was a small, enigmatic smile, his eyes glinting with cold amusement. "You'll find out soon enough," he replied, his tone sending a chill through the air.

The Jounin's eyes narrowed, his muscles tensing as he prepared for the confrontation that was sure to follow.

And with that, the scene hung in suspense—a tense standoff between two powerful forces, the outcome uncertain, the next move poised to set the stage for chaos.

The storm that Kira had unleashed was only beginning.