Chapter 17

Yugito, weighing the risks and understanding the mission's importance, nodded in acknowledgment. The two-tailed beast within her, Matatabi, had warned her of the potential failure if they continued down the same path. The Inazuka ninja, now healed and standing guard over Asuma, sensed the gravity of the situation. Determined to support his allies, he chose to stay behind rather than retreat with Asuma, his fighting strength restored.

As the tide of battle shifted, Yugito, facing the disadvantage, decided to unleash the full might of Matatabi, the Two-Tails. The transformation unfolded in a blaze of azure flames, revealing the majestic and fearsome form of the ancient cat-like entity. Matatabi, adorned in sleek, azure fur, possessed multiple tails that swirled with ethereal flames. The beast's eyes gleamed with a combination of intelligence and feral intensity, and its whiskers extended gracefully from its formidable visage.

Sensing the impending threat, the Leaf Ninjas tactically retreated. Before Taiki could advise on further action, the Jonin commander Shikaku, and Jin bit their thumbs and swiftly formed hand seals and pressed their hands onto the ground, initiating the complex technique of summoning.

"[Kuchiyose no Jutsu]"

As the ritual concluded, two colossal entities materialised on the battlefield, standing tall and formidable. Shikaku's summon took the form of a Cerberus-like hellhound, boasting three ferocious heads, each with eyes that gleamed with an otherworldly intelligence. Jin's summon, resembling a two-headed Orthrus, exuded an aura of darkness, with pitch-black flames escaping from its menacing maws. Both hellhounds were shrouded in an eerie shadow, and their presence alone sent a collective shiver through the battlefield.

The sudden appearance of these monstrous entities, comparable in size to the Two-Tails, caught everyone except the Nara members off guard. The Leaf and Kumo ninjas alike were momentarily stunned by the summoning, their focus drawn to the overwhelming power the Nara had just unleashed.

"Yugito, these beasts are from the ancient clan of hell beasts, believed to guard the underworld itself," Matatabi spoke, the information laden with a weight that hinted at the beasts' formidable lineage. "It's not going to be easy to bring them down quickly. Their family is known to hunt down their offenders aggressively, and their ancestry goes back even beyond the Three Blessed Lands. It is believed they were responsible for killing the tailed beasts a couple of times. If we couldn't revive continuously, the number of tailed beasts would have been less because of them."

The revelation underscored the dire challenge that lay before Yugito and Matatabi. The hell hounds, manifestations of ancient power and guardians of a sinister lineage, stood as formidable adversaries on the battlefield.

"Damn it, first shadow puppets, and now monstrous summons. What the hell has our intelligence team been doing? How can we be blind to all this?" The Kumo Jonin leader fumed, frustration etched across his face. The mission, intended to assassinate a mere Chunin, had escalated into a maelstrom of chaos with the deployment of a tailed beast. His reputation hung in the balance, and the fury that surged within him overrode caution. In a fit of impulsive anger, he issued a reckless order to launch an all-out attack.

Amidst the tension, Shikaku, the Nara Jonin, betrayed a cunning gleam in his eyes. This was the moment he had been waiting for—an opportunity to unleash the trump cards provided by Kazuki. Properly coordinated, these tactics could turn the tide of the battle, potentially burying the Kumo Jonin team on this very battlefield. With a bit of luck, Shikaku even entertained the thought of dealing a heavy blow or, if fortune favoured him, eliminating the Jinchuriki. Determination radiated from him as he prepared to deploy the main trump card against the tailed beast—the shadow puppets, which looked like simple puppets, held more secrets.

The battlefield became a stage for the impending clash as the two hellhounds, summoned by the Nara Jonin, lunged towards the Two-Tails. The confrontation unfolded on a grand scale, with each side showcasing their might in a symphony of jutsu, claws, and ethereal flames.

The Leaf and Kumo ninjas, caught in the midst of this escalation, felt the seismic shift in the battle's dynamics. The very air crackled with anticipation as the shadow puppets, yet to reveal their full potential, awaited Shikaku's command.

The hell hounds, embodiments of ancient power and guardians of the underworld's secrets, clashed ferociously with the Two-Tails. The forest, once a serene backdrop, now resonated with the clash of elemental forces and the roars of mythical beasts. Shadows danced amidst the chaos, and the moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting an otherworldly glow over the unfolding spectacle.

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Konoha.

The sun hung high in the sky as Hiruzen Sarutobi hurried through the bustling streets of Konoha. The village, seemingly tranquil on the surface, belied the tension that lingered in the air. The elderly Hokage's senses were on high alert, his instincts tingling with the anticipation of troubling news. As he approached the Hokage office, he noted the subtle changes in the atmosphere—the hushed conversations, the occasional glances exchanged among the ANBU guards stationed strategically across the village.

Upon reaching the Hokage office, Hiruzen was met with Tsunade Senju, who had taken charge in his absence. Her expression was a mix of concern and determination, mirroring the gravity of the situation. The room itself seemed charged with an unspoken urgency.

"Tsunade, what has transpired in my absence?" Hiruzen inquired, his voice a low rumble that conveyed both authority and worry.

Tsunade's gaze met Hiruzen's, and without mincing words, she began recounting the events of the previous night. The ambush, the black-clad shinobi, and the treacherous betrayal by one of their own—the Leaf's own sensor ninja. As the narrative unfolded, she also shared that there might be a possible threat to Asuma's life. Hiruzen's furrowed brow deepened in worry, and the lines on his face etched a story of concern and regret.

Hiruzen's eyes widened with a mix of shock and concern. The weight of the situation rested heavily on his shoulders. Before he could process the entirety of the information, Tsunade continued, "Asuma Sarutobi is currently out on a mission with two Chunins and an elite Jonin. The attackers seemed to aim for a direct assassination; it is suspected the mission listed was a trap set for Asuma's life. However, Shikaku Nara is currently leading a makeshift rescue team. The original diplomatic team managed to escape the Kumo trap, and Jonin Choza and two others reported back to the village with Shikaku Nara's plans and requested reinforcements. The Jonin commander must have foreseen the danger and had already set up an intercept team a day in advance to rescue Asuma."

A sigh of relief escaped Hiruzen, but it was short-lived. The realization that his son was in grave danger fueled a surge of anger within him. Tsunade, recognising the turmoil in the elder Hokage's eyes, stepped forward and offered her support. "Sensei, we have already dispatched three squads to intercept and rescue Asuma. Choza Akimichi is leading the mission personally. We are doing everything in our power to bring him back safely."

Originally, Tsunade wanted Choza to rest because the team led by Choza Akimichi had only returned early in the morning. His team of three had to literally go through hell to reach the village, as the black-clad Shinobi were relentless in their pursuit, and without Shikaku's seal tags, there was a high chance they wouldn't have made it back. The team had to kill close to two dozen ninjas to make it back to the village and relay all the details to Tsunade Senju, who was temporarily in command of the leaf village. After realising the seriousness of the issue, the sannin immediately sent three squads of ninjas as reinforcements to intercept the enemies and save Asuma Sarutobi. Choza had personally offered to lead one of the three squads after replenishing himself with the new Nara medicines, and even though he was mentally fatigued, he joined the rescue team to support his friend.

As the weight of the situation pressed down on Hiruzen, he staggered back, the gravity of the news threatening to overwhelm him. Tsunade quickly moved to his side, guiding him to a chair. The aging Hokage, known for his unwavering composure, was visibly shaken by the revelation of his son's peril.

Carefully, Hiruzen asked, "Is there any news from Asuma's side? Have they made contact?"

The atmosphere in the room became charged with a mix of anxiety and determination. As Hiruzen regained his composure, a renewed fire burned in his eyes. "If any harm befalls my son, there will be consequences. I swear it," he declared, his voice carrying the weight of a leader and a father pushed to the edge.

Tsunade nodded solemnly, her expression mirroring the gravity of the situation. "We share your concern, Sensei. Our priority is Asuma's safety, and we will not rest until he is back within the walls of Konoha."

Hiruzen, despite his aged appearance, emanated a quiet strength. "Tsunade, mobilise the forces, and put them on standby. Gather intel on Kumo's movements; I need to know every detail. We can't afford any more surprises."

The once calm and orderly Hokage's office was now a scene of turmoil. The usually diplomatic and dialogue-seeking Sandaime had cast aside his usual approach, opting for a drastic measure. In a rare move, he declared a full-scale war mobilisation, signifying the severity of the situation. Tsunade, perceptive as ever, recognised that this time the enemy had crossed a line that struck a chord deep within her Sensei.

As the Hokage's orders reverberated through the village, the ANBU swiftly sprang into action. Their shadows darted through the hidden pathways, relaying urgent commands to the various ninja clans that comprised Konoha's formidable military force. The village, a well-oiled machine in times of crisis, responded with alarming efficiency. The gears of war started turning, and the intricate clockwork that was Konoha's military apparatus began to hum with activity.

Tsunade, observing the rapid mobilisation, couldn't shake the gravity of the situation. The enemies had not only attacked Konoha's representatives but had also ventured into the sacred territory of the Sarutobi clan, crossing a line that demanded a response. As the village geared itself up for the impending conflict, Tsunade harboured no illusions about the consequences that awaited those responsible for endangering the young Sarutobi.

She knew that if any harm befell Asuma, it wouldn't just be a matter of personal vendetta for the Hokage. The declaration of war was imminent, and the formidable war machine known as Konoha, with its skilled ninja, strategic prowess, and unyielding spirit, would unleash its might upon those who dared to threaten one of their own.

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Root Base, Konoha

The Root base echoed with the destructive symphony of breaking objects as Danzo, in a rare display of losing composure, vented his anger and frustration. The usually composed and calculating leader was now fuming, unable to contain his rage at the failure of the meticulously crafted plans.

The root ninjas, loyal to a fault, knelt in silence, allowing their leader to unleash his wrath on the inanimate objects surrounding him. Danzo's mind raced, grappling with the reality that none of the four-pronged attacks had succeeded. His frustration was compounded by the fact that not even one of the elaborate plans had borne fruit.

"How can you all be so incompetent?" Danzo's voice thundered through the room. He had invested heavily in these schemes, sacrificing deep undercover spies and compromising the security of the village by selling confidential information to Kumo. The loss of nearly two hundred elite Root operatives, though a mere inconvenience to him, added fuel to his fury.

Despite the setbacks, Danzo wasn't one to succumb to defeat. In the midst of his rage, a glimmer of hope emerged. The pursuit of Asuma Sarutobi by Kumo presented a potential opportunity. If the young Sarutobi were to fall, Danzo calculated that it would break Hiruzen, paving the way for him to step into the role of Hokage and lead the village to what he deemed a glorious victory.