Chapter 13

In the heart of the Nara clan compound, Shikaku was preparing himself for the diplomatic mission assigned by the Hokage. However, Kazuki, feeling a sense of foreboding, had armed his uncle to the brim, expressing his concerns.

"Kazuki, don't you think this is too much? It's not like I'm going to fight an entire army alone. This is just a diplomatic mission, and it might not even come to an exchange of blows. The meeting place is on neutral grounds at the border," Shikaku reasoned, aware of the inherent dangers of such missions but confident in his abilities as the Jonin commander.

"Uncle, I feel like something is not right. The timing of the meeting sounds suspicious. It all might be some sort of trap," Kazuki shared his worries, expressing a deep sense of unease. Shikaku, acknowledging the possibility of a trap, reassured Kazuki, emphasising the intelligence Konoha had gathered to confirm the meeting's validity.

"But, Uncle, where did Konoha gather this information? From what I know, Kumo has been watching us eagerly for any chance to pounce. With Orochimaru's recent defection, why are they still seeking peaceful dialogue? Something doesn't sit right with all this," Kazuki questioned, drawing from his past knowledge and recognising that this was a crucial moment in the timeline, possibly influenced by recent tensions between the Nara clan and Danzo. In this altered world, where the familiar plot didn't apply, Kazuki's unease continued to grow.

Deep in thought about Kazuki's concerns, Shikaku meticulously reviewed all the information regarding the upcoming diplomatic meeting. Most of the information had been gathered through ANBU channels, but the certainty of the entire exchange being limited to ANBU communications couldn't be guaranteed without delving into the records. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented Shikaku from conducting a thorough investigation.

Responding to his lingering doubts, Shikaku decided to take additional precautions. He submitted a request to the Hokage, expressing his concerns and proposing the inclusion of another Jonin team. Alongside this, he enlisted the support of Choza Akimichi and a seasoned Nara Jonin to bolster the diplomatic team. Thus, what initially comprised three members was expanded to a more formidable group of eight.

As Shikaku made his way to the village gate, he passed by several young Chunin squads preparing for missions within the Fire Country. The rising tensions and recent loss of manpower compelled even these young Chunins to take on perilous missions that typically would have been reserved for more experienced Shinobi. The village was adapting to the heightened atmosphere of uncertainty, and everyone, regardless of rank, was feeling the weight of their responsibilities.

As the diplomatic team proceeded towards the Fire Country border, a Root member diligently monitored their movements. Once the team's departure was confirmed, the root operative hastened back to report to Danzo.

"Good, good. Everything is proceeding according to plan. Have all details related to the ninjas been thoroughly erased?" Danzo inquired, his tone authoritative. Aware that he couldn't retain all the root shinobi he had nurtured, Danzo was determined to ensure none of them went to waste.

"Yes, Danzo-sama. All your orders have been executed. Every record has been purged, leaving no trace connecting these ninjas to the root. With this plan, Sandaime will surely perish, and Danzo-sama will rightfully ascend to the position of Hokage." The Root operative praised Danzo sincerely, viewing him as the key to the Leaf Village's prosperity.

"Heh, if only it were that simple. You underestimate Hiruzen. If such a petty trick could end him, do you think the other villages would still fear him? Despite his age, that man remains as sharp as ever. Otherwise, do you believe the Raikage would merely be patrolling the border?" Danzo explained that his jubilant mood was evident. While he typically wouldn't share such information with subordinates, today was an exception. If his plans unfolded successfully, he would achieve his dream.

"If Hiruzen perishes, well and good. If not, as long as my other plans come to fruition, he will no longer pose a threat, and he will step down from the Hokage position voluntarily. One more thing—ensure that none of the bodies can be retrieved. Place self-detonation seals on every one of them," Danzo commanded, and the Root Ninja, without hesitation, set out to carry out the orders.

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The next day dawned with a crisp air as Shikaku's diplomatic team approached the border where the meeting was scheduled to take place. The cliffside chosen for the rendezvous provided a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Jagged rocks jutted out from the earth, and the team could hear the distant rustling of leaves as the wind whispered through the trees. The sheer drop from the cliff made it an ideal location for a clandestine meeting, but Shikaku couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Shikaku signaled for his team to remain vigilant as they approached the meeting place. The Kumo diplomatic team was already waiting, their figures silhouetted against the morning sun. The exchange of pleasantries seemed routine as the two teams met halfway, but Shikaku's instincts were on high alert.

The Kumo Jonin leader, a formidable figure with a stern expression, stepped forward and said, "Ah, Shikaku of the Nara clan, the Leaf's Jonin Commander. We've been looking forward to this meeting."

Shikaku nodded, maintaining his composure. "Likewise, we're here for a peaceful dialogue."

The exchange of scrolls commenced, with each side handing over their respective diplomatic documents. However, just as Shikaku was about to open the scroll presented by the Kumo Jonin, he sensed a disturbance. In a swift motion, he threw the scroll to the side, and before anyone could react, it detonated in a cloud of smoke and debris.

The sudden explosion set off a chaotic chain of events. Both sides, initially gathered for diplomacy, swiftly armed themselves. Shikaku, having anticipated the betrayal, took evasive action, narrowly avoiding the brunt of the blast. As the smoke cleared, the tension escalated. The once peaceful meeting place now echoed with the sounds of drawn weapons and crackling chakra.

Amidst the turmoil, the Kumo Jonin leader couldn't help but smirk, "Well, well, Shikaku. It seems we've caught ourselves a big fish."

Shikaku, bloodied but undeterred, retorted, "You may have sprung a trap, but catching us won't be so easy."

The surroundings revealed a shocking sight: the Kumo team had been joined by a third party. Dozens of shinobi, not all belonging to Kumo, emerged from the shadows. Shikaku's strategic mind quickly assessed the situation.

"Leaf Ninja, reform the defensive formation! We're surrounded, but not everyone here is from Kumo. Stay sharp, and let's figure out who our true enemies are," Shikaku commanded, rallying his team.

The Kumo Jonin leader, now revelling in their supposed triumph, gloated, "You Leaf Shinobi are always so predictable. Falling right into our trap."

Shikaku, with a calm yet determined demeanour, replied, "This may not go the way you expect."

The tension in the air was palpable as the standoff continued. Shikaku's team, battered but resilient, faced a formidable adversary—a collaboration between Kumo and an unknown faction. The cliffside, once a picturesque setting for diplomacy, had transformed into a battleground, and the fate of the Leaf's diplomatic mission hung in the balance.

The ambush intensified as the smoke dispersed, revealing not only Kumo Shinobi but also the presence of shadowy figures, their faces concealed beneath dark hoods. The atmosphere crackled with hostility, and the Leaf team found themselves besieged on multiple fronts.

Amid the chaos, Shikaku's senses picked up a faint rustling behind him. Reacting on instinct, he swirled around, narrowly evading a lethal strike from a familiar figure. The Leaf Sensor Ninja, once an ally, has now revealed himself as a traitor. Shikaku, though swift, couldn't escape unscathed, and the enemy's kunai grazed his shoulder, leaving a searing wound.

"Why?" Shikaku demanded, disbelief etched across his face. "Why betray your comrades?"

The now rogue sensor ninja, his eyes hidden behind a cold facade, replied, "Orders. I was given orders, and I followed them. Nothing personal, just surrender and die."

Shikaku gritted his teeth. The revelation stung, but there was no time for sentiment. The enemy forces closed in, launching a coordinated assault. The Kumo shinobi, skilled in lightning-style jutsu, unleashed a barrage of attacks, while the hooded warriors wielded grim techniques that hinted at a dark and twisted allegiance.

As the battle unfolded, Shikaku's strategic mind kicked into high gear. His team, now encircled, fought valiantly. Choza Akimichi, using his immense strength, created shockwaves that sent opponents flying. The Nara Jonin manipulated shadows to confound the attackers, while the third Jonin utilised wind-style jutsu to create a protective barrier.

Shikaku, with Kazuki's provided tools at his disposal, seized the opportunity to turn the tide. He hurled explosive tags and smoke bombs, creating diversions that momentarily disoriented the enemy. The death warriors, relentless in their pursuit, advanced, their eerie resilience making them formidable adversaries.

In the midst of the chaos, Shikaku activated a series of seal tags, strategically placed beforehand. The tags emitted a radiant glow, and a surge of chakra enveloped the Leaf team. Unbeknownst to the attackers, these seals weren't meant for offence but served as a defensive mechanism. They absorbed incoming attacks, granting the Leaf Shinobi a brief window to counter.

Shikaku's voice cut through the tumult: "We need to break their encirclement. Aim for the openings and coordinate attacks on my signal."

The Leaf team, despite the odds, fought with unwavering determination. Shikaku's quick thinking and Kazuki's foresight had provided them with a slim chance of survival. The battle raged on, a dance of jutsus, clashes, and strategic manoeuvres, each member of the Leaf team contributing their unique skills to the effort.

As the skirmish continued, Shikaku couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and resolve. Gratitude for the timely warnings from Kazuki and resolve to see the mission through, no matter the challenges they faced. The cliffside, once a site for diplomacy, now bore witness to a fierce struggle for survival, with the fate of the Leaf team hanging in the balance.

The battlefield crackled with the intensity of Jutsus colliding, the Kumo Shinobi, and the mysterious black-clad warriors relentlessly pressing against the beleaguered Leaf team. The death squad moved with eerie precision, their attacks devoid of concern for personal safety, creating a chaotic dance of lethal intent.

Amidst the onslaught, the Kumo Shinobi initiated a collective lightning jutsu [Raiton: Jibashi], channelling their chakra into a potent electric surge. The impending attack loomed over the Leaf team, promising devastation. However, Shikaku, ever resourceful, swiftly retrieved a seal tag and hurled it into the path of the impending storm.

The seal tag, activated upon impact, unfurled a pitch-black barrier that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The barrier absorbed the formidable electrical onslaught, leaving the surrounding combatants astonished by the unexpected defence. The Leaf team seized this momentary distraction to regroup and counter.

Capitalizing on the chaos, Shikaku, with calculated precision, directed Choza to create an opening. Choza, his massive form expanding exponentially, became a human battering ram, charging through the enemy ranks with the [Nikudan Hari Sensha] technique. The sheer force of his attack sent opponents scattering, creating a brief respite for the Leaf Shinobi.

However, the enemy forces swiftly regrouped, their determination undeterred. Shikaku, who had momentarily retreated during Choza's assault, prepared to resume the fight. Multiple attacks were hurled his way, and frustration etched his features as he dodged and weaved through the byonslaught.

Meanwhile, the Kumo Jonin commander, discerning the potency of the fallen seal tag, carefully retrieved it. Recognising the threat it posed, he smirked, realizing its potential to turn the tide in their favour. The Kumo Shinobi, now aware of the Leaf team's attempt to retreat, intensified their assault.

Choza, despite enduring the brunt of the attacks, persisted in his mission to carve a path for his comrades. The Kumo ninja, determined to halt the Leaf team's escape, threw a barrage of attacks at the resilient Akimichi. Each blow he sustained seemed to fuel his resolve; his teeth gritted against the pain as he pressed forward.