Live or Die

Hello Drinor here, If you'd like to become a patron and read the chapters earlier, just head on over to Patreon and search 'Drinor' 

Write 'www.Patreon.com/Drinor' in the Websearch

The Following 11 Chapters are already available for Patrons.

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), Chapter 32 (Immortal Blade), Chapter 33 (A Master of Purple Lightning), and Chapter 34 (A Blacksmith) are already available for Patrons.

NAGI ISLAND 

With the sun beating down on his skin, Idate plunged into the cool and refreshing waters of the Ocean. He swam with a steady and powerful stroke, his eyes fixed on the small island in the distance.

Despite the strong currents and the choppy waves, he deftly navigated his way through the sea, fueled by his determination and will to win. As he approached the shore, he scanned the beach for any sign of his Ninja bodyguards, but to no avail. He searched high and low, calling out their names, but the only sound that greeted him was the gentle rustling of the palm trees and the distant cries of seagulls. Deep down, Idate knew his chances of finding them were slim, but he refused to give up hope. As the waves crashed against the shore, he felt a sense of unease wash over him. He tried to push the thought out of his mind, but he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was not right. Despite his fears, Idate knew that he had to keep moving forward. The Race was far from over, and he had to stay focused if he wanted to emerge victorious.

Idate, with his heart pounding and his body drenched in seawater, struggled to climb up the rocky terrain in an attempt to escape the wrath of the unforgiving sea that was pursuing him relentlessly. As he dragged his exhausted body away from the perilous waters, he suddenly felt a looming presence cast a shadow over him. Looking up, he saw a man with a wicked smirk on his face standing before him.

The man, whose name Idate recognized, was someone who he had not seen in a long time. His cocky tone and smug grin were enough to send shivers down Idate's spine. "Long time no see, Idate," The man says, with a cocky tone.

"Y-You....A-Aoi Rokusho....you son of AHH..." Idate gasped for air and attempted to finish his sentence but was quickly cut off by the brutal force of a grab on his hair, causing him to wince in pain and let out a guttural cry. Despite his best efforts to resist, he was thrown with immense force, tumbling uncontrollably before coming to a stop, breathless and shaken.

"Now, is that any way to treat your old Sensei?" Aoi's voice was laced with disappointment and frustration as he shook his head in disapproval. "Really, how many times do I have to teach you never to trust anyone?" Idate, with a dazed expression on his face, struggled to get back on his feet, but Aoi had already made his move. With quick reflexes, Aoi reached for the heavy Umbrella on his back and began to beat Idate with it. The sound of the heavy rain combined with the thuds of the umbrella made for an eerie atmosphere.

"Such a fool you are," Aoi muttered under his breath as he continued to strike Idate with the umbrella.

Naruto

He and his team were far away resting on a group of rocks. Their mission was pretty much over. Yugito was looking at what they were doing to Idate, Omoi was busy cleaning his sword, and Naruto was busy looking at his own reflection in a puddle nearby. While their fight against the Konoha Shinobis had been unpleasant, Naruto knew they needed to complete their mission.

That was the job of a shinobi, to complete their mission and show that they were capable of doing more, to show they would follow orders and do what was necessary.

You look nothing like the Raikage, Naruto grunted, remembering the words he heard from Aoi. Naruto wanted to say those words didn't impact him, but he would be a liar if he said that. He wasn't blind. He knew he looked nothing like his father and grandfather; even Uncle Bee was much more different than him.

This is just foolish. I'm simply different, that's all, Naruto told himself for the tenth time; suddenly, he heard Yugito cursing under her breath as she kept watching as Idate was being beaten even after falling unconscious.

"Those bastards!" Yugito growled as her hand gripped the pommel of her sword.

"Yugito, stand down. This is not our problem." Yugito turned to face Naruto with clear anger in her eyes.

"He's already unconscious. They are just worthless worms." Yugito almost shouted. She always knew Naruto valued rules, and his desire to make his father proud was always evident, but she didn't understand why he was allowing this to happen.

"Whatever they are is not our problem. I feel bad for Idate, but those Rain Shinobis are not our enemies, and we have no reason to fight them." Naruto explained almost emotionlessly. Omoi frowned but said nothing as he kept cleaning his sword. Yugito knew he wasn't cleaning it anymore. Omoi did that only when he was stressed and needed to occupy his mind with something.

"Naruto. What should I do then?" Yugito questioned. She couldn't believe she was hearing such words from him, one of her best friends.

"Stand down and do nothing. Soon, the mission will be over."

Team 10 Konoha

With their strength and determination, Choji, Ino, and Shikamaru managed to swim vigorously through the rough waves and treacherous waters of the vast ocean, enduring the salty spray and the fear of the unknown until they finally reached the sandy shores of Nagi Island. As they looked back, they could still see the remnants of their once beloved boat, engulfed in flames and slowly descending into the abyss, a painful reminder of the perilous journey that had brought them to this desolate place.

Ino, with her heart racing, gasped for air and struggled to catch her breath as she trudged towards the small cave near the shore. Despite feeling completely drenched and shivering from the long swim, she couldn't help but worry for her team's well-being. "Are you guys alright?" she asked in a concerned tone as she scanned each member's face, hoping to see signs of relief and safety. As she stood there, the salty taste of the sea still lingering in her mouth, a cold shudder ran through her entire body, making her realize just how close they had come to death.

Choji could feel his strength waning as the pain in his shoulder intensified with every movement. Despite his best efforts, he could barely stand up, his body feeling heavy and uncooperative. It was then that he noticed that the wound on his shoulder had reopened once again, blood seeping out and staining his bandages a deep shade of red. The sight of his own blood made him feel lightheaded, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain, refusing to let his injury slow him down.

"Y-yeah, we are fine." Shikamaru's response came out as a stutter, his breaths coming in short and ragged gasps as he fought to regain his composure after the intense battle. His body felt heavy, and his knees gave in, causing him to collapse on the hard, unforgiving rocks beneath him. Despite his exhaustion, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he glanced around at his teammates, relieved to see that everyone was still standing, albeit barely.

"Wait, where's Idate?" Ino's panicked voice broke through his haze, causing him to lift his head to see her frantically scanning the area. Shikamaru's eyes followed Ino's gaze, and he realized she was right: Idate was nowhere to be found.

"It looks like we were separated during the explosion," Shikamaru muttered, his voice strained as he tried to catch his breath. He winced in pain, feeling the sharp sting of his injuries. The acrid smell of smoke and burning debris filled his nostrils as he struggled to piece together what had happened. Despite the chaos and confusion, Shikamaru's analytical mind was already working overtime, sifting through the details to come to a conclusion.

Shikamaru's thoughts were interrupted by a violent coughing fit, and he winced as his whole body screamed in pain. He knew that Naruto had really done a number on him; his whole body felt much weaker, and he felt as if a single slap could knock him unconscious. Despite the pain, Shikamaru tried to ignore it and focused on finding Idate.

As Ino peered through the cave opening, the sound of raindrops tapping against the rocks echoed in the background, a melancholic melody that matched the sadness in her heart. With a soft, mournful tone, she whispered "Ohh" under her breath while wrapping her arms tightly around her torso as if trying to shield herself from the cruel reality outside.

As she stepped further into the cave, seeking refuge from the downpour, her eyes were met with a sight that only deepened her despair. The rain still poured relentlessly, a gray veil that obscured the world beyond the cave. Ino's vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, and she pressed her lips together, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape her.

Surrounded by the deafening silence, Ino was trapped in her own thoughts. Memories of happier times flooded her mind, contrasting with the bleak present and the uncertain future. Despite her best efforts, the tears started to trickle down her cheeks, leaving a trail of saltwater behind. She hugged herself tighter as if trying to comfort the little girl inside her, who was scared and lost.

"Ino!" Shikamaru's voice echoed through the air, a sense of urgency present in every syllable as he called out to Ino with a mixture of shock and concern. The sight before him was one that he had never expected to see - the typically headstrong and stubborn Ino was crying. Despite her lack of natural talent in certain areas, she had always possessed an unwavering determination that inspired her teammates and pushed her to improve. To see her breakdown in tears was a stark reminder of the immense pressure that they were all under and the toll that it was taking on each of them.

As Ino stood there, soaking wet and shivering from the cold, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and responsibility for the current situation. "It's all my fault, Shika!" she cried out, her voice echoing through the cave. Her heart felt heavy as she hugged herself tighter, trying to find some comfort in her own embrace. The rain continued to pour down outside, and the cold ground beneath her seemed to seep into her bones. Despite the freezing temperatures and the biting wind, Ino couldn't bring herself to move from the spot where she stood. She knew that she had made a mistake, a grave error in judgment that had led to this moment, and she couldn't help but berate herself for it.

Shikamaru's inquisitive gaze fell upon Ino as he questioned her with a furrowed brow, "Why did you say that?" Despite his vexation, Shikamaru's lips remained locked, refusing to spill the truth that Ino had been nothing but a burden to the team, contributing very little to their missions so far. He couldn't help but wonder why Ino was even there, tagging along with them. Shikamaru knew that he had to keep his cool and not let his frustration get the best of him, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Ino was only there to cause trouble.

Ino's voice quavered as she spoke, tears streaming down her cheeks and her fingers tangled in her hair in frustration. "It's just so frustrating," she said, "all those years in the Academy, all those hours of training, and what do I have to show for it? All I did was chase after Sasuke. I should have been more focused, more determined, more skilled. I'm ashamed of myself for being such a useless shinobi." She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, but the feeling of failure and disappointment lingered.

Ino's voice cracked as she cried out in anguish, "That's all I'm good for," and her tears flowed down her cheeks like a waterfall. Her heart felt heavy as she continued, "Chasing after someone who wouldn't care less if I dropped dead right now." The pain in her chest was unbearable, and she let out a scream of frustration, her hands balled into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms, but Ino ignored the physical pain. She felt lost and alone as if she was in a never-ending maze with no way out. The world seemed to be closing in on her, suffocating her.

"I-I-I-I really thought I was achieving something. When I became a Genin, instead of training, all I did was think if Sasuke would find me beautiful now that I'm a Genin." Ino cried out in despair; Ino's frustration and disappointment reached a point where she could no longer contain it. She grabbed at her hair, almost wanting to tear it from her own head, as she fell to her knees on the cold, stony ground. Her mind was consumed with self-doubt, and her heart was heavy with regret, realizing that she had let her infatuation with Sasuke overshadow her true purpose as a ninja.

"Yugito was right. She's a true Kunoichi. Me, I'm simply lucky that she didn't kill me. I would be dead now after achieving absolutely Nothing." Ino spoke with despair. The weight of this realization felt like a heavy burden on her shoulders, and her voice grew lower with each word she uttered. As a moment of silence spread in the cave, the only sounds that could be heard were the pitter-patter of the rain outside and the distant waves of the ocean, interrupted only by Shikamaru's growl of annoyance. It was as if the universe itself was acknowledging Ino's defeat, a stark reminder that she had failed to live up to her potential as a Kunoichi

Shikamaru's frustration was palpable as he stood up from his seat and took long strides toward Ino, who was sitting on the ground with her head bowed low in shame. "That's it. Is that all you can say?" he repeated, his voice laced with annoyance. Ino felt her heart sink as she heard his words, knowing that she had disappointed him once again. She struggled to find the courage to look up at him, but her eyes remained fixed on the ground. Shikamaru's pace slowed as he approached Ino, and he stopped just a few steps away from her.

"One loss, and you're ready to throw in the towel? Is that really all you want for yourself? To give up and die here like a coward?" Ino flinched at his words, her heart sinking at the disappointment etched on Shikamaru's face. She had never seen him so angry before, and the realization that she had let him down was a bitter pill to swallow. "I never thought Ino Yamanaka was so useless," he continued mockingly, his words biting and cruel. Ino felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

Choji took a deep breath and attempted to advise his dear friend Shikamaru against his unseemly and unwise choice of words. However, before he could even get the warning out, a sharp jolt of agony shot through his shoulder, causing him to involuntarily wince and step back, his back pressing against the rough, uneven surface of the cave wall. Despite the searing pain, Choji valiantly tried to steady himself and continue his admonishment. Still, the discomfort was too much to bear, and he found himself unable to articulate his thoughts any further.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru, with his steely gaze locked on his target, slowly lowered himself to the ground, leveling his eyes with those of the despondent Ino, who hunched over and refused to meet his gaze. The only sound in the cramped, musty space was the sound of her shallow, uneven breathing, which made her look more like a lifeless corpse than a living, breathing human being.

Shikamaru's voice was filled with disdain and disgust as he stared at Ino, his eyes piercing hers with a cold glare. "You're pathetic," he spat out, his lip curling contemptuously. Ino's expression remained unchanged, but Shikamaru could see the hurt in her eyes. He knew he had to push her to make her understand the gravity of her actions.

"Is this what you truly want?" he asked, his voice low and menacing. "Do you really wish to hear your mother cry, to hear your father cry?" Shikamaru's words hung in the air like a dark cloud, threatening to rain down on Ino's world. "Do you really wish to die as Nothing?" he taunted, sneering at her. Ino still didn't react, but Shikamaru wasn't going to let her off the hook that easily. Grabbing her tunic, he forced her to face him, looking deep into her eyes.

Shikamaru's voice echoed through the abandoned cave as he glared at Ino, his frustration boiling over. With a look of intense anger, he demanded answers from his longtime friend, "Tell me, Ino. Do you want us all to DIE Here? Do you really wish all those years together in the Academy to be for naught? Tell me, Are you Dead, Ino?" The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and Ino could feel the intensity of his gaze as he stared her down. Despite the danger they faced, Shikamaru refused to let their friendship cloud his judgment, and he was determined to get to the bottom of Ino's sudden shift in behavior.

"S-Shikamaru- I-" she stuttered, her words caught in her throat as she saw the growing anger in his eyes. Yet, before she could continue, she was rudely interrupted by the man himself. "You're still alive," he snarled, his voice laced with venom and frustration. With every word he spoke, the grip around her tunic tightened even more, causing her to gasp for breath as she struggled to free herself from his grasp.

"Do you really wish to spit on your Parents' faces, on Asuma-Sensei's Face? On our Faces! Because giving up like this is the biggest insult you can give to all of us." These words echoed in Ino's mind as she stood there, frozen in fear and disbelief. Her eyes widened with shock and confusion as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Shikamaru had just uttered these words, and they had hit her like a ton of bricks. Ino was still reeling from the weight of Shikamaru's words when he suddenly let go of her tunic, causing her to fall roughly onto the stone ground. She winced in pain as she landed, but her focus remained on the words that had just been spoken. She couldn't believe that Shikamaru had said something so harsh, hurtful, and true.

As she lay there on the ground, Ino's mind raced back to the first day she had met Asuma-sensei. She remembered how he had looked at her with kind eyes and a warm smile, welcoming her into the team with open arms. She also remembered the words he had spoken to them.

"I Won't go easy on any of you right now. You're nothing but fodder but with me. I will make sure you become Jonin in no time." 

With a deep breath, she gradually rose to her full height, her muscles quivering with the effort. She could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her, threatening to pull her back to the ground. Nevertheless, she persisted, determination etched onto her features as she stood there, swaying slightly. Slowly but surely, her legs steadied, and she could feel her strength returning to her. It was as if the ground beneath her was lending her support, and she drew strength from it, straightening her spine and lifting her chin.

"This is your sixth birthday, my princess, the joy of our family," Ino's father whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. As Ino looked up at her father's proud smile, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support that surrounded her. 

Memories of her father flooded her mind, and she remembered the times he had cheered her on, encouraging her never to give up on her dreams. With every birthday that passed, Ino knew that she was blessed to have a family that loved her unconditionally.

"Oh, Ino. Trust me, one day you will understand the true importance of being a Kunoichi." 

Ino, her eyes brimming with tears, squeezed them shut as her mother's words echoed in her mind. She could remember the day her mother had told her about the importance of being a Kunoichi, how it wasn't just about fighting skills but about being a protector and a healer. Ino's lower jaw trembled as she felt a sudden burst of determination. She didn't know how or when, but she was going to make her mother proud and become the best Kunoichi she could be.

With her body trembling and her heart racing, Ino looked up at Shikamaru with tears streaming down her face and a look of desperation in her eyes. Shikamaru spoke in a low and calm voice, "Tell me, do you want to be Weak?" His words hung in the air like a weight, and Ino felt the gravity of his question.

But Ino was not one to give up easily. She knew what she wanted, and she was not going to let anyone stand in her way.

Summoning all the courage and determination she could muster, Ino cried out with as much confidence and strength as she could, "I want to be Strong. I Don't Want to Die Here!" Her voice echoed through the cave, and she felt a sense of pride and power that she had never felt before.

Shikamaru's smirk expression melted away, replaced by a look of satisfaction. Choji, who had been silently observing the exchange, nodded in approval. Shikamaru walked up to Ino and gave her a big hug that she gladly returned. At that moment, Ino felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie that she had never experienced before. She knew that with her friends by her side, she could overcome any obstacle and become the strong and confident person she had always wanted to be.

Choji took a deep breath before finally breaking it with his words. His voice was laced with concern as he directed his attention to his comrades, "What will we do about Idate?" However, Choji's attempt to speak was not without difficulty as he winced slightly from the wound on his right shoulder, a painful reminder of their earlier battle. Despite the discomfort, he reached into his back pocket and retrieved a needle and thread, determined to patch himself up before they continued their mission. The simple act of threading the needle proved challenging, every movement of his body causing a sharp jolt of pain to shoot through his shoulder. Nonetheless, Choji persevered, knowing that the success of their mission depended on the strength and determination of each team member.

As Choji struggled to put the thread through the needle, his frustration mounted, and he let out a loud curse, "Damn me!" Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he managed to thread the needle. With painstaking care, he brought the needle tip to the bonfire, and with a controlled hand, he held it over the flames. As the needle began to glow a fiery yellowish-red, Choji winced in pain as the heat from the flames radiated onto his fingertips, causing them to burn. Despite the discomfort, he knew that the needle was now hot enough to stitch his wound.

Choji's face grimaced as he tightly grasped the needle, feeling its weight in his hand and the hot metal surface against his palm. He leaned forward. His gaze fixated on the small wound on his shoulder, the edges slightly swollen and red. The needle glinted in the dim light as he turned it, the sharp point glinting menacingly in the flickering bonfire light. Choji braced himself, knowing that stitching the wound would be a painful process. As he brought the needle closer, he could feel the heat emanating from it, causing his skin to prickle with anticipation. He took a deep breath, his chest expanding as he steadied himself for the first stitch. Just as Choji was about to stitch his wound, Ino stood up and walked up to him.

Ino's voice was hoarse as she approached her teammate, Choji, whose face was etched with pain. Tears had left salty tracks on Ino's cheeks, and her eyes were red and puffy from crying. She walked up to Choji's side and said, "Let me help you, Choji." Despite his reluctance, Choji handed her the hot needle, which Ino took with her fingers, wincing slightly at the heat.

Choji's face was drenched in a cold sweat as he looked at Shikamaru with a pained expression, his hand clutching his wound tightly. "Shikamaru," he said, gasping for breath, "I need you to use your shadow possession jutsu on me. The pain is unbearable, and the last thing I need is to move around and risk opening the wound once again." He winced as another wave of agony shot through his body, and he knew that he was in for a tough time. But he also knew he could count on Shikamaru to help him through this ordeal.

Shikamaru, with his heart pounding in his chest, took a deep breath and then gulped nervously before making the intricate hand signs required for his jutsu. His shadow stretched out and connected with Choji's, causing the larger boy to lose his balance and fall to the hard, unforgiving stone ground with a thud. As Choji struggled to regain his footing, Shikamaru quickly moved to complete the technique, forcing his best friend to sit cross-legged on the ground, completely immobilized.

Meanwhile, Ino's hands were shaking so badly that she was afraid she would accidentally stab Choji with the needle. She knew that stitching up the wound was a delicate process that required a steady hand and precise movements.

Next time, someone that doesn't care might be against you; As Ino stood alone with her thoughts, she couldn't help but replay the words of Yugito over and over again in her mind. She knew the fight they had just been through was tough, but it wasn't just the physical toll it had taken on her that was weighing her down. Ino couldn't shake the feeling that she was a liability to her team rather than an asset.

As Ino stood there, looking at Choji, she knew she couldn't let him down. Her mind was racing, filled with doubts and fears, but she refused to let them take over. With a deep breath, she felt a new sense of determination wash over her.

She knew that she had to be strong and stay focused if she wanted to help him. As she slowly removed the bandages covering Choji's wounded shoulder, she could feel her hand trembling with fear and uncertainty.

However, she refused to let it stop her. Instead, she took a few more deep breaths, channeling all her energy and concentration into the task at hand. "I will do it as fast as possible, Choji!" Ino promised, her voice filled with confidence and self-assurance. And with that, she began to work, her hands moving with precision and speed as she tended to Choji's injury.

Choji winced in pain and gritted his teeth as a sudden jolt of agony shot through his body, causing every little movement to feel like getting stabbed again and again. Ino carefully removed the last bit of the bandage covering the wound on Choji's shoulder, revealing a gruesome sight that made her almost gasp in disbelief.

The wound was deep and oozing with pus, indicating it was badly infected. As she examined the injury more closely, Ino couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her friend. She knew that Choji was tough, but this injury looked like it was causing him an unbearable amount of pain.

Choji, on the other hand, tried his best to remain stoic, but the pain and heat radiating from his shoulder made it almost impossible. "How does it look?" He questioned, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't bring himself to look at the wound, knowing that the sight of it would only make him feel worse. From the pain and the heat coming from the wound, he knew it was bad, but he needed to hear it from Ino to confirm his suspicions.

As Ino laid her eyes on Choji's wound, a wave of nausea swept over her, causing her to feel like she would vomit any moment. The slash wound that ran from his collarbone to the middle of his chest on the right side was emitting an alarming amount of warmth, making her palms sweat with anxiety. The skin surrounding the wound had turned an ominous shade of dark purple, indicating the severity of the injury. Moreover, pockets of white dead cells were forming around the wound, with pus oozing out of it, painting a grim picture of the situation. The putrid smell was enough to make Ino's eyes water as she instinctively knew that the wound was severely infected and would require immediate and serious medical attention to prevent any further complications or potential harm to Choji's health.

Ino's hands were shaking slightly as she held the needle, hovering it over Choji's wound, beads of cold sweat rolling down her forehead. Her breaths were coming out in rapid bursts, and she was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation.

The wound was deep, and it needed to be stitched up quickly to prevent any further damage. Choji, on the other hand, was barely able to control himself. His body was wracked with pain, and the hot needle hovering near his wound was making him feel nauseous. He wanted to scream out in agony, but he knew he had to remain still for Ino to do her job.

"Alright, Choji," Ino spoke in a hushed tone, trying to calm her nerves. "This is going to hurt, but I need you to stay still."

"Just fucking do it!" Choji almost screamed, barely containing himself. He was grateful that Shikamaru was using his Shadow Possession Jutsu on him; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from moving.

Ino, with her steady hands, carefully threaded her needle and began to stitch up Choji's wounded shoulder in a surprisingly swift motion. As she worked, Choji's mind raced with a thousand different thoughts, but the pain was overwhelming. It felt like a thousand needles were piercing through his skin all at once, and he couldn't scream. Every stitch that Ino made felt like a fresh wave of agony washing over him, and he wondered how much more he could take. The pain was so intense that it felt as if his entire body was burning from the inside out, but he knew that he had to stay strong and endure until the end. Through gritted teeth, Choji tried to focus on anything but the pain, but it was a battle he was losing.

"I'm Sorry." Ino's apology was sincere and heartfelt as she patiently and skillfully stitched up Choji's deep and painful slash wound. Despite the excruciating agony that Choji was experiencing, he remained still, unable to move or even scream, as Ino's needle penetrated his delicate skin. As she worked, Choji's breathing became increasingly shallow, his face turning a ghostly shade of pale. Ino continued to work methodically, her hands steady and sure, never once faltering in her task.

Shikamaru was finding it increasingly difficult to keep Choji under the Shadow Possession Jutsu. As the technique took hold, Choji's body writhed with pain, and he tried to let out blood-curdling screams. But even in the midst of agony, Choji refused to give up, making it all the more challenging for Shikamaru to keep him restrained. Ino was working diligently to patch up Choji's wounds, but it was no easy task. The gaping wound on Choji's chest was deep, and blood was gushing out of it alarmingly. Ino's hands moved with practiced ease as she worked on stitching up the wound, her face set in a determined expression.

Choji's scream reverberated through the cave as he writhed in agonizing pain, tears streaming down his face like a waterfall. Ino's nimble fingers deftly threaded the needle, her hand stained with crimson blood as she carefully stitched up his wound. Meanwhile, Shikamaru clenched his teeth so hard that he felt they might shatter under immense pressure. He took a deep breath and focused his chakra, ready to use his shadow possession jutsu to take control of Choji once again. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed his power, and Choji's screams subsided as Ino finished stitching him up. The air was heavy with the scent of blood and sweat.

As Ino continued to stitch up Choji's deep and jagged shoulder wound, she could see the immense pain etched on his face. The beads of sweat on his forehead were a testament to the agony he was enduring. After Five more minutes felt like an eternity as the task felt never-ending.

"It's done." Ino finished the last stitch and looked up at Choji's face, only to see that he had turned paler than a sheet of paper. His once lively and vibrant face was now devoid of any color or expression, making him look more like a lifeless corpse than a living person. Ino couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming relief that the surgery was over but also a twinge of worry and concern for Choji's well-being.

As she took a deep breath and wiped the sweat off her forehead, she heard Choji's breathing become shallow and labored, and before she could say or do anything, he lost consciousness.

WITH IDATE AND AOI

The Ame Jonin and his three genins, fueled with rage, continued to relentlessly pummel the defenseless Wasabi Runner in the middle of the heavy rain area. Idate, the Wasabi Runner, had bruises scattered all over his face and Senbons piercing his skin.

The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed throughout the deserted field, accompanied by the endless pouring rain. But what made the situation even more unbearable was the fact that Aoi, the Ame Jonin, was not content with simply inflicting physical pain on his victim. He relentlessly attacked Idate's self-worth with every blow, calling him a coward, a weakling, and a worthless human being who did not deserve to live. The Wasabi Runner's spirit was shattered, and he could only hope that the brutal assault would come to an end soon.

His breaths came in ragged gasps as he struggled to stay conscious, his vision blurring as he fought to keep his eyes open. With each passing moment, the sense of urgency grew stronger, like a weight pressing down on his shoulders, threatening to crush him.

Suddenly, Aoi's voice rang out, mocking and triumphant. "Time's running out, Idate," he sneered, her tone laced with disdain. "Fukusuke will be at the Modoroki Shrine right about now. Any chance you have is long gone."

Idate felt a surge of anger and frustration, knowing that he was so close to his goal yet so far away. He tried to push himself up, but his body betrayed him, his muscles weak and unresponsive. With a groan, he dropped to his knees, then onto his belly, feeling the hard earth beneath him.

"Your running days are over. You can't even stand up. Once the poison in those Senbons finishes spreading through your body, you will be crossing a different sort of 'finish line.' The last finish-line....of Death," Aoi said, with an evil grin never leaving his face.

Idate felt his will-to-fight was slowly fading away as he tried desperately to reach for the pocket knife that was on the ground in front of him.

"What do you really think you can do with that little pocket knife?" Aoi asked out of pity for the sorry sight of the Wasabi Runner.

Aoi then reached out to grab the pocket knife on the ground, but Idate immediately slapped his hand away as the Wasabi Runner desperately clung to it.

"NO! Don't touch it!" Idate declared as he somehow maintained his defiant spirit.

Feeling annoyed, Aoi continues to beat the helpless Idate. The Ame Jonin stomped his foot on Idate's hand that, was still clinging to the pocket knife and kicked the Wasabi Runner directly in the face.

He then began to stomp on his weakened body.

"You fool. Were you hoping to show the world that you are a man of integrity? You could have just run away. You picked the wrong time to try to 'redeem yourself' Idate." Aoi said with a cold-casual tone.

The Ame Jonin then places his foot firmly on Idate's chest. Waiting to let the poison in his Senbons finally finish the Wasabi Runner off for good.

Idate was weak, and he could feel his consciousness fading; he knew he was done for.

"Aoi," As Naruto landed near the Ame Jonin, Aoi, his sudden call echoed through the air like a thunderbolt, catching him and his team off guard. The sound of his landing echoed through the area, making Idate's unconscious form shift slightly.

Aoi and his team, curious about the sudden arrival, turned around to face the source of the noise, only to find Naruto, Omoi, and Yugito landing beside them with a graceful thud. Yugito, who had been scanning the area, couldn't help but notice Idate's unconscious form lying on the ground, his bruised and beaten body making her heart feel heavy with sadness. Naruto, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to the situation as he took a step forward with an innocent yet wide grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with child-like wonder.

Naruto's curiosity was piqued as he gazed at Aoi with a finger thoughtfully placed under his chin, his eyes focused on the object that was hanging from Aoi's waist.

"Tell me," Naruto began, his voice casual yet laced with a hint of urgency, "are you in possession of the Sword of the Thunder God that was made by the second Hokage?" His question hung in the air, causing Omoi to almost roll his eyes in disbelief. After all, Omoi couldn't understand why Naruto thought that Aoi would actually reveal the truth about such a valuable and powerful weapon.

Aoi's response was immediate and confident, accompanied by a snort that betrayed his arrogance. "Of course I have it," he declared as if there was ever any doubt in his mind. In one fluid motion, he reached into his back pocket and produced the handle of a legendary sword. The blade glinted in the faint sunlight as Aoi held it up for all to see, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction and pride. It was clear that he relished the attention and admiration that came with being the possessor of such a coveted item, and he made no effort to hide his smugness from his audience.

"Why are you asking?" questioned one of the Aoi's teammates in a wary manner, with his hand firmly gripped around the handle of his knife, ready to defend himself and his team against any possible attack from the Kumo Team, who were known for their aggressive tactics.

Naruto, who was known for his mischievous ways, answered with a casual and carefree tone, accompanied by a fox-like grin, which hinted at his playful nature. "Nothing, really," he replied, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly as if the question was of no importance to him. But, he quickly added, "We just received a new order from our Raikage," his voice trailing off as he suddenly vanished from the view of the Ame Team.

As Aoi stood there, his breath caught in his throat as he watched in horror. The metallic scent of blood filled his nostrils as he saw Naruto's sword slice through the air, severing the head of one of Aoi's teammates in a single swift motion. Blood spurted out from the lifeless body, spraying everywhere, some landing on Aoi's face from the right side, making him flinch in disgust and shock. Aoi's eyes widened, and he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed.

"Looks like there has been a change of Plans!"

Somewhere Else

As the rain continued to pour down relentlessly for two straight days, 'Ao trudged through the streets with his head down, seeking refuge from the harsh elements. He finally stumbled upon a dimly lit pub; its windows fogged up from the warmth inside. A thick hood hid Ao's face, but just the tip of his chin was visible from the outside world. As he pushed the creaky wooden door open, the sound of raucous laughter and clinking glasses filled his ears. The warm, inviting scent of ale and roasted meat wafted toward him, and he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope in his heart. Despite the cozy atmosphere, Ao couldn't shake off the cold and bitterness that had taken hold of him, not until he had completed his mission. He approached the bar where he was meant to meet the informer, his eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of danger.

With a swift motion, he activated his Byakugan, and his vision became heightened to the point where he could see everything in his immediate surroundings with crystal-clear clarity. He scanned the dimly lit bar with a keen eye, his mind racing with the possibility of Yagura's spies lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce on him at any given moment. Despite the noise and chatter of the patrons, he remained focused on his task, determined to stay one step ahead of his enemies.

His eyes scanned across the sea of faces, searching for one person. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a lone figure sitting at a table in the corner, shrouded in darkness. The figure wore a black hoodie, and his unruly dark locks stuck out in all directions as if he had just risen from a deep slumber. Intrigued by this mysterious character, he made his way toward him, his heart pounding in his chest. As he drew closer, he realized there was nothing particularly unusual about the guy, but he decided to take a moment to review the note that Mei-Sama had handed him before approaching.

Dark Hoodie, Slightly long dark hair, sitting alone, when you approach, say the word 'Mizu.'

Ao approached the man with cautious steps, his heart pounding with anxiety. As he got closer, he extended his hand and gently placed it on the man's shoulder, hoping to initiate a friendly conversation. However, to his surprise, the man moved with such incredible speed that Ao could barely keep up. As the man lowered his hoodie, Ao caught a glimpse of an eerie red eye shining in the darkness - the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Tsukuyomi." The word's sound reverberated through the air, causing Ao's ears to ring.

Before he could process what had just happened, he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere, and he found himself in a completely different environment. The sky had turned dark, and the moon had turned blood red; below him, there was blood-red water, reflecting the moon's eerie glow above. The air was thick with the scent of death and decay, and the cries of crows filled the air as they all suddenly rushed to the same spot before him.

As Ao approached the crows, he noticed a figure slowly materializing before him. The man's eyes were piercing, and his skin was pale as death. He wore a black cloak that billowed in the wind, and his hair was long and black as midnight.

With his breath stopped in his throat and perspiration pouring down his forehead, Ao couldn't comprehend why his Byakugan had seen an entirely different face behind the hood.

Ao recognized the Butcher of the Uchiha Clan.

Uchiha Itachi

If you want to read the Following 11 Chapters, Check Out the LINK Above