No Other Choice

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The Following 11 Chapters are already available for Patrons.

Chapter 22 (Team Kumo Vs Team Konoha), Chapter 23 (Live or Die), Chapter 24 (Leaving The Land of Tea), Chapter 25 (A Night of Pleasure), Chapter 26 (Similar to Minato?), Chapter 27 (Minato's son), Chapter 28 (The Black Cat of Kumo), Chapter 29 (Purple Lightning), Chapter 30 (Yoruichi's Pleasure), Chapter 31 (A New Flower), and Chapter 32 (Immortal Blade) are already available for Patrons.

THE HARBOUR OF DEGARASHI

The sun had set, and the evening breeze brought a sense of anticipation as the town geared up for the Grand Race, a running competition that had been the highlight of the year for as long as anyone could remember. The entire community was abuzz with excitement, and the atmosphere was electric.

The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as people gathered around the starting line, eagerly awaiting the beginning of the event. As the runners took their positions, the sky was illuminated with a dazzling display of colors as fireworks were shot up into the sky, casting a magical glow on the faces of the spectators.

The noise of the explosions and the cheers of the crowd merged into a symphony of sound that echoed across the town. The rivalry between the two families, the Wasabis and the Wagasagi, was at an all-time high, and the spectators were divided in their support. However, it was the Wasabi family that seemed to have the upper hand, with their runner, Idate, being the favorite to win.

Ino gasped in amazement as she scanned the massive crowd that had gathered for the running race. "Wow, I didn't realize this running race was going to be this big. The whole town is here, so what kind of race is this anyway?" she exclaimed, turning to her current team captain, Shikamaru.

Her captain responded with a sly grin on his face, "You know, the kind that starts and finishes," he quipped, adding a touch of innocent sarcasm to his response. Ino couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend's quip but secretly appreciated his humor, knowing it helped calm her nerves before the big race.

Ino, with a playful grin on her face, admonished Shikamaru for his laziness. "Cheeky, aren't you, lazy ass?" she quipped, poking him in the side. Shikamaru, not one to be bothered by such small jabs, simply yawned loudly, causing Ino to pout in frustration. Despite her best efforts to motivate him, Shikamaru remained unfazed.

Shikamaru let out a chuckle before relaying the vital information to his comrades. "Hahaha, well, according to Jirocho-san's intel, the starting point of this grueling race is none other than the bustling Harbour of Degarashi, teeming with eager participants ready to put their skills to the test.

From this very spot, the runners will embark on an arduous journey towards the mysterious Modoroki Shrine, an ancient structure steeped in legend and lore, located on the enigmatic Nagi Island, which serves as the mid-point of this thrilling competition." With a flick of his wrist, Shikamaru brandished a detailed map, highlighting the precise routes and headings that they must follow in order to emerge victorious.

Choji's eyes scanned the vast expanse of the ocean, realizing that their only means of transportation to the island was a small ship. "I guess we'll be sailing then," he said with a hint of hesitancy in his voice, his gaze still fixed on the daunting horizon.

"Don't worry, Choji," Shikamaru reassured his teammate with a confident grin. His face lit up as he explained the rules and regulations of the upcoming race ahead of them. "It seems the race's first leg is to use a boat from here," he continued, his voice laced with excitement.

"Once we reach Nagi Island, the runner had to take one of two 'Ryuko's Jewels' from the Modoroki Shrine and run all the way to dedicate their jewel at the Great Todoroki Shrine. It's a race against time, and whoever makes it there first wins." Shikamaru's eyes gleamed with fierce determination as he spoke, "That's as far as the basic rules go, but other than that, ANYTHING goes. Shortcuts, obstructions, and secret maneuvers are all allowed."

Choji's voice quivered slightly as he spoke, "So hiring a Ninja is not a violation of the rules either." His mind raced as he recalled the formidable Kumo Team, knowing that his own team would inevitably have to face them in the Race.

Ino's eyes darted around the bustling crowd, scanning each face for any sign of the elusive Ninjas of the Wagarashi family. She couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency and curiosity as she asked, "But where are the Ninjas of the Wagarashi family?" Her mind raced with thoughts of their renowned stealth and skill, wondering if they were hidden in plain sight or lurking in the shadows.

Shikamaru surveyed the bustling crowd with narrowed eyes and an intense focus. His sharp gaze lingered on the group of individuals who seemed to be keeping a low profile, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

"It seems they are keeping a low profile," he murmured to his fellow ninja, the Kumo Team, who had arrived to support the other family. Despite the reassurance that they were there only to protect the runner of the other team, Shikamaru couldn't shake the feeling that there was something sinister lurking beneath the surface.

"They're all very dangerous," he continued, his voice low and serious. "Especially the Naruto guy. If he shows up, be careful." His words hung in the air like a warning, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

As Idate called out to his young bodyguards, his voice was firm and determined. "I don't care what you guys do," he said, "Just don't get in my way. I have a race to win." His eyes were fixed on the gate in front of him, his mind already racing ahead to the glory that awaited him.

"Don't worry, Idate," Ino said, her voice calm and steady. "You just focus on running. We'll be right behind you."

He turned towards Idate, who was standing with arms folded and said, "Besides, it's OUR job to ensure no one gets in your way. But If we encounter any opposition, you WILL do what we say. Understood?" The last word was emphasized to make sure that Idate knew the gravity of the situation.

However, Idate was not impressed and merely scoffed, letting out a derisive sound that demonstrated his lack of concern for the order. Shikamaru sighed inwardly, knowing it wouldn't be an easy mission with Idate's attitude.

As the sun began to rise over the town, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The smell of freshly baked goods mixed with the sound of excited chatter as the locals gathered at the starting line for the annual race.

Suddenly, the sound of a booming voice echoed through the loudspeaker, causing everyone to stop in their tracks. "ATTENTION! ATTENTION! THE GREAT TODOROKI SHRINE RACE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!" The excitement in the announcer's voice was infectious as it spread through the crowd like wildfire.

People pushed and jostled to get a better view of the starting line, eager to see the runners representing their families. And then, amidst the chaos, a name was called out.

"RUNNING FOR THE WASABI FAMILY, IDATE MORINO." The cheers that erupted from the crowd were deafening, as many of the town folk had placed their bets on him. With a determined look on his face, Idate Morino stepped up to the starting line, ready to give it his all and bring glory to his family.

"RUNNING FOR THE WAGARASHI FAMILY, AKNI HIKYAKUYA." Many of the Wagarashi followers cheered for him.

"RUNNERS, TAKE YOUR MARK!"

The announcer's booming voice echoed through the crowd, sending chills down the spines of the two athletes. With their adrenaline pumping, they stepped up to the starting line, their eyes fixed on the large gate in front of them. As they prepared themselves to run, the salty sea breeze whipped through their hair, reminding them of the upcoming challenge.

But just as the runners were about to take off, the large harbor doors slowly opened to reveal their boats still on the dock. Idate, one of the runners, couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. He had to win this race to bring glory to the Wasabi Family. As Idate struggled to push aside his doubts, he noticed a gathering of clouds on the horizon. His heart sank as he realized what he had to do.

With the sound of the starter's whistle, the tension mounted as the two runners stood poised and ready, their eyes fixed on the boats.

"Get set!" shouted the starter, and the runners crouched low, coiled like springs, their muscles taut and ready to explode into action.

And then, with a thunderous "Go!" from the starter, the runners unleashed their pent-up energy and sprinted forward at breakneck speed, their feet pounding the ground with a rhythmic beat as they raced towards their boats, determined to leave each other in their wake.

With every stride, they pushed themselves harder, their lungs burning with exertion, their hearts pounding in their chests, and their eyes fixed on the prize that awaited them at the end of the race.

"That's our cue too. Let's g-WHAT THE!!" in a shocked voice. Confused and concerned, they all turned to see Idate, suddenly veering off to the left instead of heading towards the ships as planned. His sudden change in direction left the group feeling uneasy and unsure of what to do next. They exchanged worried glances before hesitantly following Idate, hoping that he knew what he was doing and that their mission would still be successful.

Ino's voice echoed through the forest as she yelled out in frustration, "What is that idiot doing?!" Her eyes were fixed on Idate's retreating figure as he dashed through the trees, with Team 10 hot on his heels.

The rustling of leaves and the sound of footsteps filled the air as they chased after him, their eyes trained on the target.

Suddenly, Choji's voice boomed out, surprising everyone, "Idate! Where are you going? The boat is that way!" His face was red with exertion as he pointed towards the sea, where their boat was docked. The urgency in his voice made it clear that they needed to catch up with Idate before he got away.

Shikamaru, their captain, looked at his team with a calm expression on his face and said, "Guys, let's just follow him for now. He might know what he's doing."

Ino, who was always quick to jump to conclusions, hesitated before asking, "A-Are you sure?" However, Shikamaru's confidence in his decision and his ability to assess the situation made his team trust him implicitly. His laid-back demeanor and strategic mind had always been the backbone of their team, and they knew that he had a plan up his sleeve. With a nod of agreement, they followed their captain.

"Idate may be a prick, but he's completely loyal to Jirocho-san. He won't do anything to let him down. For now, we just follow him and make sure he's safe. I just hope my hunch is right." Shikamaru said with hope in his voice.

"I hope so too, Shikamaru," Ino said, her voice tinged with frustration. "Because if we fail this mission, it's not just our reputation on the line. It's Jirocho-san's life. And I swear, if Idate messes this up, I'll kill him myself." Shikamaru couldn't help but smile at Ino's fierce determination.

"Don't worry. If we do, I'll help you." Shikamaru said with a soft smile to his blonde friend.

The Genin trio then proceeded to trail the Wasabi Family Runner, keeping a watchful eye on him from a safe distance. As they followed him through the forest, they couldn't help but wonder whether he was still participating in the competition or if he was trying to escape from something.

Kumo Team

Omoi's eyes narrowed, studying the dust clouds in the distance as he turned to his captain, his voice laced with suspicion, "Where do you think they went?" Naruto followed Omoi's gaze, observing the Konoha team's peculiar behavior. Their ship was docked just a few yards away, yet the team had abruptly altered their course, heading towards an unknown destination.

Naruto's attention was fixated on the Rain Village Shinobi, that were on the same ship as him. As he watched their every move, he couldn't help but wonder why they were even there in the first place.

With a furrowed brow, Naruto's thoughts raced as he tried to piece together the puzzle that was the other Shinobi team. He was particularly curious about the identity of one of the Rain Village Shinobi, a man named Aoi, whose name had been brought up in conversation before. Naruto knew keeping a close eye on the group was vital; he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Aoi was Classified as a Missing-Nin A-Rank Shinobi of Konoha because he had somehow stolen the lightning blade of the second Hokage, which was nothing to scoff at. Still, Naruto didn't understand why the Wagarashi family had hired them and Aoi from the Hidden Rain Village.

Naruto's muscles tensed up; his fists clenched tightly as he watched the Shinobi from the Rain Village with suspicion. He didn't like the situation one bit, and his unease was evident to his fellow comrades, Yugito and Omoi. They both understood the gravity of the situation and knew they had to keep a close eye on the Shinobi from the Rain Village, who had a reputation for being as strong as a Jonin.

Naruto turned to Omoi with a stern look and said, "That's not important to us, Omoi. Our job is to protect Akni until the race is finished. We fight only if the Konoha Teams fight back." His words were clear and concise, leaving no room for argument or hesitation. With a sense of duty and responsibility, he urged his team to remain focused and vigilant, assuring them that he would not let any harm come to Akni under his watchful eye.

As Omoi stood on the deck, he nodded in understanding at the captain's orders and watched as the crew diligently prepared the ship for their next destination in the ongoing race. With every sail raised and every rope tightened, the ship soon left the dock and began its journey across the vast ocean.

The sea was calm and peaceful, with the gentle waves lulling the crew into a sense of serenity. As far as the eye could see, there wasn't a single sign of any impending storm, and Omoi felt a sense of relief wash over him as he settled into his role on the ship. With the salty breeze blowing through his hair and the sun shining down on his face, Omoi knew this adventure would be one for the books.

The members of Team Kumo decided to take a break and rest their legs. With the creaking of the wooden vessel and the salty ocean breeze as their backdrop, they made their way to the center of the ship, where they found a spacious area with a smooth wooden floor.

As they sat down, the planks groaned under their weight, but they didn't mind. They were happy to be off their feet, and the coolness of the wood brought a welcome relief to their tired bodies. They leaned their backs against the wall, feeling the rough texture of the wood and the gentle swaying of the ship. The sound of the waves against the hull was a soothing lullaby, and they closed their eyes, savoring the peace and tranquility of the moment.

The atmosphere was tense as Team Kumo's senses were running high, their nerves on edge, and their eyes scanning the rain team. They knew they were being watched, and the way Aoi and his three genins from the Rain Village were eyeing them made their skin crawl. The intensity of their stares made it seem as if Team Kumo was carrying a hefty price tag on their necks, just waiting to be collected by the highest bidder.

He looked up to see Aoi swaggering toward him with a cocky grin that made Naruto's blood boil. His annoyance only intensified as he heard the floorboards creaking beneath Aoi's feet as if the arrogant ninja was deliberately trying to provoke him.

Without a second thought, Naruto sprang to his feet, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his trusty blade. He knew better than to underestimate Aoi's cunning, and he was ready to defend himself if necessary. As Aoi drew closer, Naruto's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes narrowing in anticipation of any sudden moves.

"Now, now," he said, with a sly grin on his face, "there's no need for that. We are allies here. We are friends." He lifted his hands in surrender, indicating that he meant no harm, before his gaze shifted to Naruto. At that moment, Aoi's eyes flickered to the pommel of his sword, which he held firmly in his grip.

As the ship sailed further towards the island, Naruto's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he pondered why Aoi was on the ship. "Maybe," he replied coolly, his voice laced with caution. The ominous dark clouds gathering in the sky above only added to his unease, as he knew all too well that they signaled a storm's imminent arrival.

Despite the impending danger, Naruto remained focused on the matter at hand, his attention fixed on the task of navigating their vessel safely to shore. With a resolute gaze, he turned his attention back to Aoi and asked, "What do you want?" His tone was firm yet tinged with a hint of curiosity as he awaited their response.

"What are your names?" Aoi questioned, with a sly smirk on his face, his eyes scanning Naruto and his friends with a mischievous glint. The group exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of whether to trust him, but Aoi's cocky confidence and mocking bow of his head left them with little choice. Naruto wondered what his game was but figured no harm in saying their names.

"Naruto, Yugito, and Omoi," Naruto answered without missing a beat, excluding their last names intentionally; Aoi's eyes narrowed slightly as if he was trying to discern the reason behind Naruto's deliberate omission. Despite Aoi's skepticism, Naruto remained composed and unfazed, as if he had nothing to hide.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he noticed Aoi's gaze lingering on him longer than necessary. The blonde-haired ninja shifted his weight, his hand instinctively moving toward the hilt of his katana.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Naruto's tone was firm, his voice carrying a hint of warning. His thumb slowly moved the guard of his katana upwards, revealing the sharp blade that lay beneath the scabbard.

The glint of steel caught Aoi's eye, and he took a step back, realizing the danger he had unknowingly put himself in. Naruto's intense glare didn't waver as he spoke again, his words laced with irritation, "Never seen a blonde before?" It was clear that Naruto was not one to be underestimated, especially when defending his friends.

Aoi's gaze lingered upon Naruto before breaking into a small sly smile, "You know what, nothing, you just remind me a lot of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha. I mean, seriously, you look identical to him, from the spiky blonde hair down to the whisker marks on your cheeks, and you look nothing like the Raikage," he spoke in a tone that was almost reverent, as if he was speaking about a hero. As Naruto in front of him looked at him quizzically, Aoi shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

Look nothing like the Raikage, Naruto repeated the words bitterly in his head. He knew that, everyone told him that, and Naruto didn't like to admit that it bothered him more than he liked to admit.

Aoi rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. His frustration was evident in his voice. "But whatever," he muttered under his breath, "I just want to let you know that if the Konoha Shinobi shows up, our duty is to stop them from harming Akni." He spoke with a tone that was both authoritative and condescending as if he was addressing a group of children rather than another team of shinobi. Aoi turned around, ready to depart, when Naruto's voice suddenly reached his ears, causing him to pause in his tracks.

"Their duty is to protect their runner, and ours is to protect Akni. If they don't become hostile, then we shouldn't care what they do," Naruto spoke, with an authoritative voice, sending shivers down Aoi's spine, but he refused to show fear in front of a child.

Aoi, the seasoned ninja, felt his eyebrow twitch involuntarily as he watched the group of inexperienced Genins standing before him, their eyes filled with youthful exuberance and a hint of defiance. He couldn't help but feel annoyed that these young warriors, who were as green as the grass beneath their feet, were daring to disobey his commands.

His gaze shifted to Naruto, who was cautiously looking at him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration at the young ninja's lack of respect for his authority. Despite his irritation, Aoi remained composed, his eyes scanning the group as he considered his next move.

The serene and calm atmosphere was suddenly disrupted as the dark and ominous clouds gathered on the horizon, signaling that a storm was fast approaching. The once placid sea started to churn and froth, and the ship began to sway from side to side, caught in the ferocity of the tempestuous waves.

The sound of the roaring wind and pounding rain drowned out all other noises, and Naruto and his teammates quickly sprang into action, determined to prevent the ship from capsizing and falling into the unforgiving depths of the ocean. They worked tirelessly, their muscles straining and their clothes soaked through, as they battled against the tremendous force of nature.

As the tempestuous storm raged on, Naruto and his teammates battled the fierce gusts of wind that threatened to throw them off balance. The heavy rain poured down relentlessly, drenching them to the bone and leaving them shivering in the cold. After what seemed like an eternity, the storm finally subsided, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos.

As they looked around, they noticed that the ship's deck was still covered in a thin layer of water, making it treacherous and slippery to navigate. However, Yugito came to their rescue. She used her powers to warm and dry their clothes, providing much-needed relief from the dampness and chill. Still, their little resting moment ended when Akni shouted at the top of his lungs.

"They're catching up to us," As the sound of waves crashing against the wooden hull of their ship echoed around them, Akni's voice pierced the chaotic atmosphere, alerting Naruto to the looming danger ahead. With a sense of urgency, he swiftly turned his gaze in the direction of Akni's pointed finger, only to see the shadowy outline of an enemy vessel rapidly approaching theirs. Naruto couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for the Konoha team.

"Stop them now!" Naruto and his teammates immediately halted in their tracks, turning to face Akni with a mix of shock and confusion. However, their faces quickly contorted into expressions of anger and frustration, especially Yugito, known for her fiery temper. The air around them seemed to crackle with tension as the group exchanged glances, silently communicating their shared annoyance at Akni's sudden 'order.'

"Our mission is to protect you, not to engage with Konoha Shinobi." Naruto reminded him with narrowed eyes; his clear refusal to do the job didn't sit well with Akni, who could feel his frustration and anger brewing inside him as he struggled to come to terms with Naruto's unyielding refusal to comply with his demands. His eyes widened in disbelief before he finally exploded with fury, unleashing a torrent of words that echoed throughout the ship and reverberated in Naruto's ears.

"Do I need to remind you that you're hired, Shinobi? What I say goes," Akni continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Your job is to follow orders, not to question them, so either do what I say, or Lord Wagarashi will claim your mission as a Failure." The threat hung in the air like a noose, and Naruto could feel the weight of it bearing down on him.

Akni's triumphant smile formed on his face as he surveyed the ship, relishing the power he held over the Kumo team. Naruto narrowed his eyes, knowing that having a 'Failure' mission wouldn't sit well with his father, and their reputation as a Kumo team would be damaged if they failed missions.

He had always believed in doing what was right, even if it meant going against orders or risking his own life. But as Akni's words rang in his ears, he realized that sometimes, in order to survive, you had to put your own moral compass aside and focus on the task at hand. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but Naruto knew that if he wanted to succeed as a ninja, he would have to learn to follow orders without question.

It wasn't just about bringing in more income for the village, although that was certainly a motivator. It was about protecting his loved ones, his comrades, and his home. Still, the idea of doing something against his beliefs didn't sit well with him. He wondered how many other ninjas were struggling with the same dilemma, how many were sacrificing their own morals for the sake of their jobs. It was a sobering thought, but one that Naruto knew he would have to come to terms with if he wanted to be a successful shinobi.

Yugito's voice trembled with anger as she confronted Akni, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think we are going to obey you?" she questioned fiercely, disdainfully eying him from head to toe. Akni, who had been exuding an air of confidence despite the dire situation they were in, suddenly began to tremble uncontrollably at Yugito's words. As he looked up at her, his face slowly drained of color, his eyes wide with fear.

Yugito's eyes began to transform, swirling into an eerie resemblance to the piercing gaze of Matatabi, the two-tailed cat. As she prepared to strike, her nails elongated into razor-sharp claws, glinting menacingly in the dim light. Her target, Akni, was about to feel the full force of her wrath. As she was about to strike, however, Naruto's hand shot out and landed firmly on her shoulder, halting her in her tracks. He knew they were there to defend, not to attack, and he wasn't about to let her forget it.

"Very well," Naruto declared confidently as he gazed at his teammates, his eyes flickering with determination. "Yugito and Omoi - we will deal with them." His voice was firm and resolute, leaving no room for argument or hesitation. However, as he spoke, he couldn't help but notice the look of disbelief on Yugito's face.

It was as if she couldn't believe his words, and Naruto understood why. He knew his teammates didn't want to do this, but this was how missions worked. It was their duty to follow orders, regardless of how difficult or challenging they might be. After all, a healthy shinobi who couldn't bring anything to the village was considered a liability, and Naruto was determined to ensure that his team was not a liability.

"Yes, Captain." As Naruto commanded his team to follow him, Omoi and Yugito quickly obeyed, shouting out their acknowledgment to their captain. With a swift leap, Naruto jumped from the ship's main deck, and with the power of chakra coursing through his feet, he and his teammates were able to traverse the vast and unforgiving surface of the sea with ease.

As they began to pick up speed and sprint towards their destination, the Konoha Ship, the wind whipped through their hair, and the salty spray of the ocean misted their faces, but nothing could dampen their determination to complete their mission and return home triumphant.

With the wind in his hair and his heart pounding, Naruto charged forward at breakneck speed toward the other ship. He could see the enemy team readying themselves for battle, throwing several shurikens in his direction, but with his ninja instincts kicking in, he deftly dodged each one with ease. With a swift jump, he landed on the enemy ship, his eyes immediately locking onto his enemy Shikamaru and Choji.

The sound of the wind whipping through the ship's sails was the only thing that could be heard as Naruto, Yugito, and Omoi landed on the creaking wooden floor, their feet making a soft thud as they hit the deck. They stood side by side, their eyes scanning the Konoha team warily, ready for any unexpected attack. Naruto's eyes were sharp as he surveyed the surroundings, taking in the salty smell of the ocean and the distant cry of seagulls. Yugito's cat-like reflexes were on full display as she scanned the area with her keen senses, while Omoi's muscular frame exuded an air of quiet confidence, ready for whatever was to come.

As the sound of the lapping waves filled the air, Naruto spoke with a monotone voice, devoid of any emotion, "Well, we met once again." He paused momentarily, taking a deep breath as the salty sea breeze caressed his face. Despite the calming effect of the ocean, there was still a palpable tension between the two teams, like a thick fog hanging in the air, impossible to ignore. It was a reunion that no one had anticipated nor desired, but fate had brought them back together nonetheless.

Shikamaru's voice was laced with caution as he spoke, "Indeed. Naruto was it." His eyes flickered over to Ino, who had gone slightly pale and was now hiding behind him, trembling with fear. Choji, on the other hand, was glaring at the Kumo team, his fists clenched tightly.

"We don't need to fight. How about we just go our separate ways?" he suggested, trying to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand. He knew they were not here to fight, but the Kumo team seemed to be spoiling for a brawl. Shikamaru made sure to keep a wary eye on them, ready to act if necessary, but he didn't want to start a fight unnecessarily.

Despite feeling remorseful about the situation, Naruto maintained a composed demeanor as he explained to the opposing team that their mission required them to stop the enemy's runner.

"I apologize," he said, "but this is our mission." He continued to speak in a passive voice, not allowing himself to convey any hint of sadness, although inside, he knew all too well that his own team, just like their opponents, would not be surrendering anytime soon. Naruto understood the importance of completing their mission, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve victory.

"If you give us Idate, then none of you will get hurt."

Shikamaru's disappointment was palpable as he shook his head in response to the group's suggestion, "No, can't do. I'm afraid we have to do this the hard way."

With a heavy sigh, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a sharp Kunai, readying himself for the challenge ahead. Naruto, not one to be left behind, unsheathed his gleaming sword, the metal glinting in the sunlight. Alongside him, Yugito and Omoi followed suit as Naruto began to channel his lightning chakra into his blade. The air around them crackled with energy.

With a cold and calculated tone, Naruto uttered the words, "It's not personal," as he moved towards the Konoha Team with his sword held high. Naruto's demeanor remained stoic and unemotional. With each step he took, his eyes remained locked on his opponents, surveying their movements and anticipating their next move. As he reached his intended target, he lunged forward with lightning speed, his sword slicing through the air with deadly accuracy.

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