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Shino's POV (East Forest of Irminsul - Terra)
'Hinata is a shy type who rarely takes risks or initiatives unless fully motivated. For her to be shocked and race off suggests our allies may truly need help.' Shino thought as he cursed and followed after her. He would ensure the situation went as they willed.
The two burst into what used to be another section of forest full of trees and shrubs. However, it had been flattened for lack of a better word; it looked like something had rampaged through the area, trees and shrubs were ripped from the ground or seemingly obliterated. The ground around them was full of pits and holes, as if something had also smashed into it. Yet it seemed oddly erratic. However, that was the least remarkable finding in this newly made clearing. For a ginormous Choji stood on the edge of a clearing, seemingly covered in cuts and bruises. His skin was also covered in dark markings, and his eyes were wide open and glowing red as he screamed in unusual fury. He was now the size of a large building and seemed to have a temper much too small for it. The large man raced along the edge of the clearing with shocking speed, punching at the occasional tree. Shino was shocked; Choji, both in attitude and form, was more than Shino had seen. Such wanton destruction and anger were rare for Choji. And his eyes… what had happened to him?
Hinata tapped his shoulder and pointed out a spot a short distance ahead of the raging giant. There was an equally haggard-looking Sakura. The pink-haired woman dodged desperately and could be heard pleading with Choji. Her shouts strained as she desperately dodged and ran from Choji's dogged pursuit. The wear and tear, bruises, and dried blood made it clear that this struggle had been going on for a while. It seemed Sakura was trying to break through to the giant instead of fighting back.
Shino nodded at the Hyuga as the pair raced off without a word. As they did, Sakura stumbled, having missed a branch on the ground, tripped over it, and fell bodily to the ground. She rolled to quickly recover to her credit, but the irate giant had seen the opportunity. Choji had caught up and mercilessly prepared a finishing stomp. Just as the foot closed in, Hinata appeared beneath it, standing in front of the down Sakura. Boldly seeming to defend her even as death by foot squashing approached both. Hinata spun in place even as it seemed hopeless, desperately calling out, "Kaiten!"
Even with Choji's giant foot, the spinning chakra construct held firm and its power and rotation shot the foot back up, making the enlarged Choji stumble back on one leg. Shino appeared above before he could regain his balance and fired off several kunai with paper bombs attached. Each was aimed along Choji's body, the kunai failing to pierce him however proved enough to undo his balance, the giant roaring in shock as he fell to his back. His mere shortfall made the ground shake with a deep rumble.
Shino landed in front of the two women, and with a nod towards all three, they all raced back to the opposite side of the clearing from the giant. Regrouping, they took a second to discuss things as a dazed Choji slowly shook off the explosions that would've turned any normal human asunder. Slowly climbing to his feet while muttering to himself.
"Thanks for the save; I don't think I've ever been so overjoyed to have a backup," Sakura admitted with a sigh. "It's been nothing but hardship since I arrived in this terrible place. How did you all get here? Better yet, do you know why we're here?"
"There is no need to thank us; we could not allow our teammates and comrades to go missing without extending an effort to reclaim them. Naruto's summons was aware of such, and informed said blonde. Naruto then decided to lead us here to save you all. It seems an unknown individual or group was responsible for your taking in the first place, though we cannot be sure why yet." Hinata answered quickly and with a small smile.
"Where is here anyway? It doesn't seem like anywhere geographically I can remember, whole different biome's exist here in a way that contradicts what is known to be possible. Not to mention the wild and plant life is seemingly overgrown to the max. It's like we're in a whole different world…" Sakura asked the two.
"This is all related to summoning clans; apparently, they are entirely from a different world, unlike the standard theory. Not merely hidden somewhere on ours, but somewhere different yet similar. Apparently despite the fact it is different and distinct from ours they exist somewhat in the same space." Shino started to explain.
"A different world?!" Sakura asked, shocked.
Hinata and Shino took a short while to run Sakura through the situation. Explaining their limited knowledge regarding Terra and the summoning system as a whole as well as their secondary mission.
"Great, this is somehow even worse than I had thought. It's been a massive mess ever since I arrived. First I spawned in some swamp and was chased out by some giant lizard clan. Ended up around here and eventually, I managed to find Choji in this messed-up place. Together, we spent a few days surviving; nearly every hour, something either chased or attacked us, so consistent foraging or even sleep was nearly impossible. Leading to the two of us getting exhausted quickly. So much so we were being tracked by those mutts for Kami knows how long. When we were at our weakest, they finally stopped following and attacked. It was… my fault; I was sleeping, and Choji had taken the first watch. By the time I awoke, they had already started to overrun Choji. I assumed he had boldly defending me to ensure my safety. I dove into the battle trying to stop them. But before I could, they managed to subdue and take him away. I was weak, half delirious and I passed out…"
"That's odd indeed," Hinata replied. "Muri said that these summoning clans see us as a commodity. Even just being a summoning clan seems to offer a litany of benefits, and if they weren't interested in that, surely those wolves would've killed and eaten him…"
"Based on his behavior as well as appearance." Shino started as Choji finally climbed to his feet and roared angrily. "They must've somehow gained control over his actions. My friend and teammate is a gentle soul who just so happens to love nature. He would never so carelessly thrash around; it is beneath him."
"That's what I also concluded," Sakura agreed with a grim nod. "I was searching the area relentlessly, but between the amount of ground to cover, and the ever present threat of the inhabitants I moved slowly however. But suddenly I found him, but he wasn't the Choji we all know. He was screaming and raging, was single handedly fighting off giant birds with ease. Turning from giant to normal with ease and precision. I never realized how scary Choji could be…"
"That's troubling," Shino added. "Choji is quite the skilled shinobi but struggles to do a full-sized expansion jutsu. As well as even engaging in battle outside of rage or desperation. Also my friend isn't a stamina man, he would normally wear out by now. Somehow, this trance they've put him in must empower as well as control him. We must aid him, now."
"But how?" Sakura interjected. "I've tried talking to him, but he seems not to care, he even seems keen on killing me... And believe me when I say he's a tank. I haven't seen much of anything even slow him down. He can tear trees from the ground with ease…
"Well, it seems there is a foreign chakra flowing through his chakra system." Hinata chimed in. She had been observing Choji's chakra system during the conversation. "It seems to be slowly mixing with his own, though it's almost too thick to do so easily…"
"If we exhaust his chakra network or allow my allies to drain it, it should be enough to force all of the foreign chakra out as well, hopefully before it fully accumulates. If we fail to do so timely it will likely make reversing the process difficult if not outright impossible. Assuming we do succeed however it should allow the trance to be broken." Shino concluded the thought. "At the very least, it will force him to shrink, at which point we can detain him much easier, and until such a point, we can reverse the effects of whatever ails him. However I must insist you, Sakura, rest for now."
"I can fight-" Sakura objected strongly. Her face showing her anger at being told to step aside. However Shino had no time to be political.
"You're dangerously low on chakra." Shino countered brutally. Sakura's head fell in shame as he continued. "Maybe enough for a short battle, but someone with your combat level and current stamina would only get in the way. I do not mean to be offensive, merely objective." Sakura froze at the logical breakdown, her mind whirling at his blunt words. Shino felt no satisfaction at such, but would not allow his feeling to comprise his logic. "Do not be prideful; it is impressive that you have survived thus far. Even more so you had the bravery to risk your life for someone who means little to you. Make no mistake I do appreciate it, for now allow your superiors to take it from here." His piece said the Aburame raced forward toward Choji, who was now charging them.
"You are a skilled kunoichi, Sakura," Hinata said with an apologetic bow. But you've been through much. Allow the two of us to handle this." With apologies, the Hyuga rushed off to join the battle. Sakura raised a palm to herself, which glowed as she watched the two begin the fight to aid Choji. Her gaze seeming defiant…