Chapter 7 Root

"Here is your tea," Mikoto said as she placed the cup on the table, then sat across from Hiro.

Hiro took the tea, the warmth of the cup comforting in his hands.

He glanced across the table at Mikoto as the gentle sounds of village life filled the air—the distant chatter of villagers, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the faint laughter of children playing nearby. 

Mikoto's eyes followed the sound, a brief shadow of sadness crossing her face as she thought of Sasuke. She often wondered how her son was faring and if he was safe.

"Thank you," Hiro said, bringing her back to the present. 

He took a sip of the tea, savoring the warmth that spread through him. "You've gotten quite good at making tea. It reminds me of the ones back in the village."

Mikoto offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's the little things that keep us grounded, I suppose."

Unbeknownst to them, the Root ninjas, who had been on their trail for weeks, were finally closing in.

Later that evening, after the villagers had settled into their homes and the village had fallen silent, Hiro and Mikoto decided to continue their training in the back mountain. 

The secluded area offered them the privacy they needed to sharpen their skills and remain prepared for any threats.

The moonlight filtered through the dense trees, casting eerie shadows on the ground as the two moved with practiced precision. 

Hiro focused on honing his taijutsu, his movements swift and controlled, while Mikoto practiced her kunoichi techniques, her hands a blur as she performed a series of intricate hand seals.

The air was thick with tension, both aware of the unspoken reality—they were fugitives in a foreign land, and it was only a matter of time before someone came for them.

As Mikoto finished a particularly complex jutsu, she paused, catching her breath. 

Hiro walked over, his expression serious. "You've improved a lot," he said quietly. "But we need to stay vigilant. Something doesn't feel right."

Mikoto nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "I know. I can sense it too… like we're being watched."

They exchanged a knowing glance, the shared understanding of the danger they were in drawing them closer. 

"We should wrap up for the night," Hiro suggested, glancing around the dark forest. "It's best not to push ourselves too much."

Mikoto, now possessing the strength of an average Chunin, was slightly weaker than Hiro but could perform many ninjutsu with ease.

As they turned to head back to the village, a sudden rustle in the bushes made them freeze, their senses instantly on high alert.

Without warning, four figures emerged from the shadows, their faces concealed by white animal masks. The Root ninjas had arrived, their intent unmistakably lethal.

Hiro's eyes narrowed as he instinctively stepped in front of Mikoto, his body tense and ready for combat. "Stay behind me," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

But Mikoto wasn't one to be shielded. She stepped up beside him, her hands already forming seals for a defensive jutsu. "We fight together," she declared, activating her three-tomoe Sharingan.

"Uchiha Mikoto, we've finally found you," the Root ANBU squad leader said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. The three other masked ninjas spread out, cutting off any escape routes.

Hiro's mind raced as he quickly assessed the situation. Even with their combined skills, they were outmatched.

Mikoto was strong, but against four highly trained Root ANBU, their chances were slim. He had to think fast.

"Mikoto, we need to retreat," Hiro whispered urgently. "We can't take them head-on."

Mikoto glanced at Hiro, her Sharingan spinning as she analyzed their enemies. She knew he was right, but the idea of running without a fight didn't sit well with her. Still, survival was paramount.

"We need a distraction," Hiro thought, formulating a plan. The Root ninjas were closing in, and time was running out.

Hiro subtly activated his Shinigami Veil, rendering himself undetectable to the Root ninjas.

He knew he only had ten minutes before the veil would wear off, followed by a 30-minute cooldown. It wasn't much time, but it would have to be enough.

"Mikoto, use your Sharingan to create an opening," Hiro whispered as he moved silently around the Root ninjas, positioning himself behind the squad leader. Mikoto nodded, understanding his plan.

With swift hand seals, Mikoto unleashed a powerful Great Fireball Jutsu, directing it at the three advancing ninjas.

The sudden, intense flames forced them to leap back, creating a momentary gap in their formation.

Despite not being at her full power, Mikoto's jutsu was still formidable, a testament to her skills as a former Jonin.

The squad leader, sensing danger but unable to detect Hiro, ordered his team, "Stay sharp!"

Hiro knew this was his chance. He quickly approached the squad leader from behind, his footsteps completely silent under the Shinigami Veil.

With precision, Hiro struck, aiming to incapacitate the squad leader in one swift move.

With precise movements, Hiro aimed for a vital point, striking with a kunai.

The leader reacted with inhuman reflexes, barely dodging the attack, but Hiro managed to slice through the straps of his mask, revealing the man's cold, calculating eyes.

The squad leader spun around, locking eyes with Hiro.

"So, you're the one hiding in the shadows," he said, his voice icy as he raised a hand to strike. But Hiro was already on the move, disappearing back into the darkness.

"Now, Mikoto!" Hiro shouted, breaking his cover as the Shinigami Veil wore off.

Mikoto didn't hesitate.

Her Sharingan spun rapidly, and she unleashed a Genjutsu on the three other Root ninjas, trapping them momentarily in a disorienting illusion. In that brief moment of confusion, Hiro and Mikoto seized the opportunity.

"Retreat!" Hiro commanded. Mikoto nodded and followed, both of them moving swiftly toward the dense part of the forest, using the shadows as cover.

But the squad leader wasn't going to let them escape so easily. "Pursue them!" he barked, breaking free from the Genjutsu faster than anticipated.

The three other ninjas quickly snapped out of the illusion and immediately gave chase.

Hiro and Mikoto dashed through the trees, their hearts pounding as the Root ninjas closed in. Hiro knew they couldn't outrun them for long. They needed another plan—and fast.