XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Shino's POV (Eastern Forest of Irminsul - Terra)
Shino felt annoyed as his new foes carried him away. The large man wasn't even all that quick; he had merely caught him off guard. Shino, however, wasn't one to crack and allowed several allies to sneak aboard. He drew and trusted a kunai for the man's neck. The man chuckled before throwing him with both arms like a lawn dart.
Shino was shocked by how hard he was thrown, the force causing him to nearly collide with a tree headfirst. He was only saved by a last-minute substitution, though the log in his place was smashed to bits against the tough bark. Shino panted on a branch just above his potential death, staring at the opposition in front of him.
The two were dressed in standard gear for Iwa Jounin. The blonde one smiled cruelly, while the one with black hair and a beard glared hatefully.
The bearded one, seemingly the leader of the two, spoke first. "Your answer will not save your life but will affect your death." He spat bitterly. "Are you a member of the cretinous Aburame clan? Do not try to lie to me, boy; you will likely be dying regardless."
"Of course he is!" Jibachi said with joy! "Those freaks all look the same, dark brown hair, thick clothing to hide their disgusting bodies, and those tacky shades. Sucks to be born a freak, aye? Though if you renounce your clan and family now, we may offer some sort of mercy to you yet!"
As he spoke, Shino subtly checked himself for the number of allies present and injuries. "Renounce? No, I am a member of the Aburame clan; in fact, I am the heir of it. And will one day lead the very clan you openly hate. In fact, I am intending to make you answer for your words regarding my family…"
"So you are…" Kurobachi said seriously. "Then prepare yourself, Aburame. For you have encountered your rivals and bane of the Aburame! The Kamizuru Clan!"
Shino's eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses. He was outnumbered by Jounin, who was part of the Kamizuru clan. He had heard of them somewhere before… but where? "Why do you quarrel with us?" Shino stalled. The others would need time to deal with Choji before they could help. It would be better if he took care of them himself…
"You rats slaughtered us during the last war!" Jibachi spat.
"Truthfully, it matters little," Kurobachi answered. "We recognize you are in no way connected to such and that almost anything in war is justifiable. As mere soldiers, we have no free will regarding such. However, it led to the downfall of our clan. Regardless of the reason, as a proud member of the Kamizuru clan, I must avenge the offense. Something you all will answer for one day. An eye for an eye, and you will be the eye today…"
"I see your point," Shino answered. "I cannot allow you revenge, but I assure you I will not die today." He replied that their information was new and somewhat concerning but, for now, unimportant. Shino had to help his friends so these two men would fall…
Sasuke's POV (Northern Mountains of Irminsul - Terra)
Sasuke and Muri traveled with their captive in relative silence. It was clear to the Uchiha the small raccoon was bothered by the earlier battle. Or at very least his conduct and decisions during such. Before, it had almost incessantly spoken, seemingly a social being that needed to fill the silence. Now, it only offered the occasional info about where to go and how to tend to their captive. It tended to… Spleen Feaster with oddly tender care. Ensuring the weasel did not escape but doing its best to do so with great kindness and gentleness. It made it clear what the issue was for the creature.
Muri was obviously a softy and objected to what he felt was cruel and needless behavior. However, Sasuke wasn't bothered by such; he wasn't blind to it. In fact, Sasuke readily admitted to the moral compromise of his actions. That battle had been unneeded, and by proxy, the death of their foes had been wasteful. Sasuke simply was willing to live with the sin; it was a small price to pay to ensure his family's safety. To hesitate would be to reject his entire ideology. And Sasuke had too much to suffer death and or defeat.
As a child, he had promised to do whatever it took to protect and raise the Uchiha. Now, he must stick to that road; many who would oppose or hamper him may die by his own hand. But for Sasuke, it was merely the cost of his ambition. He may commit innumerable sins and may cross the lines of many. But Sasuke would do so as long as it served his clan. Such was the duty of the Clan Head of the Uchiha.
As such, Sasuke accepted the awkward nature with ease. Muri may judge him as he pleases; his opinion matters little. In fact, silence was preferable for what came next, for Sasuke may need to act harshly to ensure the best result…
Spleen Feaster and Muri quickly led them back to a massive cave suspiciously clear of ice yet coated in snow. There was so much snow, and the entrance seemed entirely buried. Sasuke took the lead with Muri, carrying the tie-up, and now gagged Spleen Feaster behind him. As soon as they drew close to the massive entrance, its apparent defenses were launched. The enormous pile of snow burying the entrance fell apart as dozens of weasels burst. Several more crawled from cracks and crevices around the entrance; the Snow Weasels growled and hissed in anger as they tensed and seemed likely to attack the group.
"Muri, display the hostage," Sasuke ordered as he tensed, prepared to do his best to defend them if the tactic failed.
Muri did as asked silently, holding up the tied-up Spleen Feaster above his large form's head; he removed the gag to allow Spleen Feaster to speak, who did not disappoint. "My Children!" It bellowed. "I have been captured! Free me at once, then we feast!"
The Snow Weasels seemed incensed further by this order. The group slowly moved forward in sync. Their pure killing intent weighed heavily on Muri, though Sasuke had been expecting such.
Sasuke reacted swiftly, cuffing Spleen Feaster and raising a kunai to his throat above his head. "I would not follow that order; based on your reaction, many of you are incredibly loyal to Spleen Feaster here. Well, I assure you if you attempt to kill us, it will lead to his death. I am solely responsible for the death of your hunting party earlier, and now have your leader. Test me if you wish." He warned the group, summoning Besmirched Flambe with a flick of the wrist and his Sharingan with a blink.
The weasels froze with that rebuke, seemingly unsure what to do. Spleen Feaster thrashed within its binding, screaming indignant rage. "Screw that; kill these humans slowly!" Sasuke did not use the verbal rebuke again, instead using his free hand to slash Spleen Feaster's face shallowly. Silencing its complaint with a shriek of pain as his fur was singed off his face. Somehow causing both an audible uproar from the guards as well as a strong silence.
"Perfect," Sasuke said, pleased. "We've established you do not want your leader dead, nor do you wish to cause it. Do not get it mistaken, I'll do so without hesitation or remorse. So here are my demands: the highest ranking member of your clan shall escort me and my friend here through your home; once we've seen everything, you'll offer us directions to the closest clan, at which point we'll leave dear Spleen Feaster with you all safe and sound."
Spleen Feaster maintained silence as the large group of weasels discussed it. Eventually, one step forward, it was a larger one covered in scars and gray fur.
"I am the one named Rib Sucker. I am the eldest member of the Snow Weasel Clan. I am most suited to handle this situation, and we will accommodate your demands. But will feast upon you should you show weakness or betray your word." Rib sucker offered.
Sasuke felt his left eye twitch in annoyance as Muri silently chuckled. 'Rib Sucker and Spleen Feaster… these truly are beasts.' Sasuke thought disappointedly. "That is only as expected. Begin leading us through your home."