Yuki narrowed her eyes as she increased the intensity of her attacks. The daggers came faster, slicing through the air with an audible hiss, their sharp edges gleaming like frozen stars in the cold winter light.
Kenshin, enveloped in his wind chakra mode, darted through the onslaught with precision, his movements fluid and unyielding. Yuki's sharp gaze never wavered, observing his every move, calculating how to outmaneuver him.
She didn't hold back—there was no need for hesitation. Kana had mentioned Kaede's near-instantaneous healing, and Yuki used that knowledge to push Kenshin to his limits.
She wasn't cruel, but in battle, she thrived. Her nickname as the "Ice Queen" wasn't for her temperament alone but her cold, calculated efficiency in combat.
Kenshin weaved through the barrage, occasionally countering with bursts of fire release. Yuki's sharp eyes noticed his deliberate control, ensuring the flames never touched his wind chakra mode.
She smirked faintly, impressed despite herself. "He's learning," she thought, but that didn't mean she'd let up.
After minutes of relentless movement, Kenshin abruptly came to a halt, landing with a soft thud. Yuki arched an eyebrow in curiosity as he drew his katana.
"This is getting boring," Kenshin said, his voice carrying over the battlefield. "Dodging all day isn't my style. Let's fight head-on. Though, let's be honest, if I could use Gust Bullet, this would already be over."
Yuki's smirk widened, but before she could reply, the air around them thickened with an ominous mist. The temperature dropped further as visibility disappeared. Her eyes widened slightly as she recognized the technique.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu…" she murmured, a faint note of surprise in her tone. "He is from a village that specializes in water release after all. But this mist isn't thick enough. Even I could blow it away."
The mist cloaked the area, shrouding them in silence. Yuki's instincts kicked in, her stance shifting as her ears strained for any sound.
A sharp burst of wind chakra erupted from her body, dispersing the mist in all directions like a crashing wave. The battlefield cleared, revealing Kenshin—his katana's blunt edge pressed lightly against her neck from behind.
Yuki's heart skipped a beat, her body momentarily frozen in surprise. "Looks like I win, Sensei," Kenshin said, his tone teasing but calm.
But Yuki's expression didn't falter. Her lips curled into a sly smile. "Think again."
With a flick of her fingers, a sharp spike of ice erupted from the ground beneath Kenshin. It pierced his thigh, and his body disappeared in a puff of smoke. A shadow clone.
"Knew it," Yuki said under her breath, her smile widening slightly.
From behind a tree, Kenshin stepped out with an exaggeratedly shocked expression, one hand resting on his hip. "Sensei, what kind of teacher impales her student like that? That spike was huge! I could've been seriously hurt!"
Yuki shrugged nonchalantly, crossing her arms. "You can heal, can't you? You're so confident in your abilities, even claiming that you 'simply cannot die.'" She mimicked his voice mockingly before continuing, "So I figured I should match your claims. A big mouth deserves big attacks."
Kenshin let out a low groan, running a hand through his hair. "You're ruthless."
"That's what made your sister who she is now," Yuki replied smoothly. "Now, are you done complaining, or should I prepare a few more spikes?"
Kenshin sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. Despite her tough exterior, Yuki's teaching style worked—pushing him to grow while keeping him on edge. The match wasn't over yet, and both of them knew it.
Kenshin and Yuki were preparing to resume their sparring match when a voice interrupted them.
"Kenshin-kun! Yuki!" Shizune called out, her tone urgent as she approached, slightly out of breath.
Both of them turned toward her, brows furrowed in confusion. Shizune jogged closer, taking a moment to catch her breath before speaking.
"Danzo has received word from the Akatsuki through his contacts," she said quickly, her voice tinged with both urgency and disbelief. "The Hokage has asked for you to come immediately."
Kenshin exchanged a glance with Yuki, who shared his surprise. "Danzo? Already?" Kenshin asked, incredulous.
Shizune nodded, her expression impressed despite herself. "Danzo claimed he would have information within 24 hours. That was almost 20 hours ago. He was right."
Yuki glanced at the sky, shielding her eyes from the sun. "That means it must be close to 3 PM now."
Shizune nodded again, gesturing for Kenshin to follow her. "Come with me. Tsunade-sama is already waiting."
As Kenshin stepped forward, Kira and Kaede, still in their small cat forms, darted out from the bushes. They leapt onto his shoulders, Kira perching on the left while Kaede settled on the right, their movements graceful.
"You won't even ask for permission? Well it's not like I wasn't going to do this anyway." Kenshin remarked, earning a faint smirk from Yuki as she followed.
The group made their way to the Root base. As they entered, the cold, sterile atmosphere of the underground bunker greeted them. Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, her presence commanding as she waited alongside Shikaku Nara and several ANBU members.
Danzo was seated on a chair in the center of the room, his face a mask of blankness, though his expression darkened slightly when Kenshin entered. The slave seals quickly restored his face to neutrality whenever Kenshin was near, robbing him of the ability to express hostility.
Kenshin noticed the slight shift in Danzo's demeanor but said nothing. Tsunade, equally quiet, acknowledged Kenshin with a brief nod before turning her attention back to Danzo.
"Talk," she ordered, her voice firm.
Danzo's monotone voice cut through the silence. "I contacted someone I know who has ties to the Akatsuki. Through them, I was able to convey a brief explanation of the mission—without revealing anything sensitive. The Akatsuki have agreed to take on the task. Their price is 10 million ryo."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, his calm, analytical mind quick to question. "Only 10 million? That's surprisingly cheap for a mission of this magnitude, especially considering the risks involved."
Danzo remained impassive. "It is in line with how the Akatsuki operate. Additionally, they have requested a meeting at the border of the Land of Grass to discuss the mission further."
Tsunade frowned slightly, her fingers tapping against her crossed arms. "And the timing of this meeting?"
"Tomorrow morning," Danzo replied. "They will wait at the location for two hours after dawn. If no one arrives, they will consider the deal void."
Kenshin looked to Tsunade, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Do we know who from the Akatsuki we'll be meeting?"
Danzo shook his head. "That was not disclosed. Only their leader knows the details of who will attend."
Kenshin's gaze lingered on Danzo, searching for any hidden intentions, but the seals held firm, leaving nothing for him to read. Yuki, standing beside him, whispered, "This is moving faster than expected."
Kenshin nodded slightly before turning to Tsunade. "Your orders, Hokage-sama?"
Tsunade's eyes flicked between Danzo and Shikaku before landing on Kenshin. "As agreed, you're in charge. Don't make me regret this. Do what you need to."
Kenshin bowed his head. "Understood."
As the meeting concluded, a sense of unease lingered in the air. This mission had begun, and the stakes were growing higher with every passing moment.
As the meeting concluded, Tsunade ordered the ANBU to remain with Danzo. "You're to stay put," she said firmly to the former Root leader, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Do nothing unnecessary until Kenshin returns."
Danzo's expression remained neutral, but his presence seemed to darken the room as the seals continued to suppress his hostility. He couldn't go against a direct order, even if he wanted to.
Kenshin, Yuki, Shizune, and the others made their way back to the Hokage's office. Kaede and Kira, still perched on Kenshin's shoulders, remained silent as the group moved through the village.
Once inside the office, Tsunade turned to face Kenshin. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hokage-sama," he began carefully, "I have a request."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"I'd like you to keep my family out of this," Kenshin said. "Especially my sister. I don't want them to worry—or worse, interfere." His voice hardened slightly. "This mission involves the Akatsuki, and Akane… she would have a personal issue with that."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Daichi....." she said, her tone heavy.
Kenshin nodded. "She lost a close friend and teammate to them. If she finds out, I'm afraid she won't stay out of it. It's better if they're kept completely in the dark."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "You're right. This isn't something she should know about. I'll tell your family that you're on a classified mission with the ANBU. Nothing more."
Kenshin let out a small breath of relief. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the village. "You'll leave this evening. That gives you enough time to prepare. By traveling overnight, you'll reach the meeting place by dawn tomorrow."
"Understood," Kenshin said with a bow.
Shizune stepped forward. "I'll help you gather any supplies you need, Kenshin."
Yuki, leaning against the wall, spoke up. "I'll go and meet up with your mom. It'll be better if I tell them."
Kenshin glanced at both of them, grateful for their support. "Thank you."
Tsunade turned back to Kenshin, her expression softening slightly. "Kenshin, you've been given full authority for this mission, but remember, this is the Akatsuki you're dealing with. Don't let your guard down, even for a moment. I won't allow you to get yourself in unnecessary danger."
"I won't," Kenshin promised, his voice resolute.
Kenshin returned home with Shizune close behind, her steps quiet but deliberate. Upon entering, the house felt unusually empty. He glanced around, noting the absence of familiar presences.
"Akane hasn't returned yet," Kenshin murmured to himself, more as a mental note. That likely meant she was still with Kakashi.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the village, Akane sat across from Kakashi at a small restaurant table, her arms crossed and a satisfied smirk on her face. Kakashi sighed as he looked down at the rapidly accumulating bill.
"You really don't look like you can eat so much. You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he remarked dryly.
Akane grinned. "You promised lunch. I didn't say it would be cheap! I want another serving."
"It's already your sixth!"
Back at home, Kenshin gathered kunai, shuriken, and other essential tools, organizing them carefully into a storage scroll. Shizune watched quietly from the doorway, her arms crossed, observing how methodical he was in his preparations.
As Kenshin secured the scroll, an idea struck him. He handed the storage scroll to Shizune. "Hold onto this for me. I need to check something."
Shizune nodded, accepting the scroll, but her curiosity was piqued when Kenshin pulled out a different scroll from his pocket. He unrolled it, activating its seal.
In an instant, Kenshin disappeared from sight.
Shizune let out a startled yelp, her eyes wide. 'Is that space-time ninjutsu?! Since when can he use space-time ninjutsu?!'
Inside the Uzumaki library, Kenshin stepped into the serene and ethereal space. The air hummed faintly with ancient energy, and the rows of scrolls and books stretched endlessly into the distance.
Near the center of the library, Yukari sat cross-legged, studying a scroll intently under the guidance of Ashina Uzumaki's spirit. When she noticed Kenshin's presence, she immediately stood, bowing respectfully.
"Kenshin-sama," Yukari greeted, her voice warm yet formal. "Welcome back. I must apologize for not being at home when you returned. Kana-sama is training with Yuki-sama, and I thought to use this time to study sealing jutsu here."
Kenshin gave her a small smile. "You don't need to apologize, Aunt Yukari. You were already interested in learning, and I'll need your help in the future too. Good luck."
Ashina turned to Kenshin, his spectral form imposing yet benevolent. "What brings you here, Kenshin? I assume this isn't a casual visit."
Kenshin's expression grew serious. "I have a mission—a dangerous one. I'll be working with some.... dangerous mercenaries to infiltrate the Hidden Grass Village and assassinate its leader, along with the daimyo of their land. I need to know if there's anything in this library that could help me."
Ashina stroked his chin thoughtfully. "This mission is no small task. Return here once you've finalized your plans, and I will see what I can provide to assist you."
Kenshin nodded, but Ashina suddenly paused, as if struck by an idea. "Wait. I might already have something that can aid you."
Ashina gestured for Kenshin to follow, leading him deeper into the library. They reached a concealed section where Ashina revealed a set of gear neatly preserved in a sealed compartment.
"This," Ashina began, "is the hidden Whirlpool ANBU uniform. While similar to the Leaf's ANBU attire, it has unique properties. It can suppress the wearer's chakra signature, reducing it to that of an ordinary civilian.
Furthermore, it's imbued with a special sealing jutsu that makes the wearer nearly undetectable by sensory techniques, unless they possess extremely advanced abilities. Even then, it will appear as if you're a mere civilian."
Kenshin reached out to touch the uniform, feeling the lightweight yet durable material. He looked up at Ashina with gratitude. "This is perfect. Thank you."
After bowing respectfully to Ashina and bidding farewell to Yukari, Kenshin used the entrance scroll to leave the library.
Back in his room, Kenshin reappeared without warning, startling Shizune once again. "It really is space-time ninjutsu!" she exclaimed.
Kenshin shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's complicated. But I got something useful."
He handed Shizune the uniform and gestured for her to step out of the room. "Give me a moment."
Shizune nodded, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
Alone, Kenshin changed into the hidden Whirlpool ANBU uniform. The fit was perfect, and as he adjusted the armor, he marveled at its lightness and flexibility. The material felt almost weightless, yet he could sense its durability.
From their quiet perch, Kaede and Kira observed with amusement. Through their telepathic link, Kira commented, 'It suits you.'
Kaede's voice chimed in. 'You look good in it. Finally, some proper attire. I was getting tired of you wearing that bright red jacket all the time.'
Kenshin smirked faintly at their remarks before opening the door.
Shizune's eyes widened in surprise at the unfamiliar attire. "What is that?"
"It's the hidden Whirlpool village's ANBU uniform," Kenshin explained. "The village may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the Uzumaki library—a place that only direct descendants of the Uzumaki can access."
Shizune looked intrigued but quickly shook off her surprise. "Well, if you've taken everything you need, let's head to the Root base."
Kenshin nodded, adjusting the mask that came with the uniform and ensuring his katana was secured. "Let's go."
Kenshin and Shizune arrived at the Root base, stepping into the cold, dimly lit chamber where Danzo remained seated in his chair, unmoving, as if he had been waiting for them in that same position since their last encounter.
The room was filled with a quiet tension as the ANBU guards stationed around the room watched Kenshin closely. He glanced at them briefly before addressing them.
"Leave us," Kenshin said, his voice calm but firm.
The ANBU exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. "With all due respect, it's better if we remain here or at least tail you from a distance. We can provide backup if needed."
Kenshin's gaze hardened. "The Hokage has given me full authority over this mission. I don't need backup. I already have more than enough."
He tilted his head toward Kaede and Kira, who were perched on a nearby table in their cat forms, their eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
The ANBU hesitated for a moment longer before bowing slightly and retreating. "Understood."
Danzo watched the exchange silently, a small smirk forming on his face. As he stood and began preparing supplies for the journey, he finally spoke. "You're awfully confident, boy. I didn't expect you to be this calm, especially when dealing with me."
Kenshin's eyes narrowed, his Sharingan gleaming dangerously as he turned toward Danzo. "Turn to me."
Danzo looked up, his brows furrowing slightly in confusion, but he complied, turning toward Kenshin.
The moment he did, Kenshin's foot shot out in a powerful arc, striking Danzo's neck with enough force to send him flying across the room. He slammed into the wall with a sickening thud, blood splattering from his mouth as his body crumpled to the ground.
Shizune let out a startled gasp, instinctively stepping forward.
"Stay back," Kenshin ordered, his hand raised to stop her. His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth or compassion.
Danzo groaned, blood dripping from his lips as he struggled to lift his head. Kenshin stepped closer, his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan glowing menacingly in the dim light.
"Get up," Kenshin ordered, his tone devoid of emotion.
Danzo gritted his teeth, forcing his battered body to stand despite the pain and broken bones. Blood continued to flow from his injuries, but Kenshin didn't care, and neither did Danzo show any sign of hesitation.
"Listen to me carefully," Kenshin said, his voice low and ice-cold. "You are a slave. Nothing more. Whatever scraps of pride or ego you have left, throw them away. There's nothing I want more than to skin you alive and throw your body into acid, but I won't. Do you know why?"
Danzo remained silent, his head lowered in a submissive posture, but Kenshin's gaze burned into him, demanding an answer.
"Because you're useful," Kenshin continued, his tone like a blade. "The only reason you're still breathing is because you can still serve a purpose. The moment you stop being useful, the moment you make another dumb decision like the one that led to this, you're done."
Danzo's visible eye widened slightly as a chill ran down his spine. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to run, to flee from the unrelenting, icy gaze that pinned him in place. For the first time in years, true fear gripped him.
Danzo lowered his head further, bowing in submission. "I understand. Forgive me."
Kenshin's eyes remained locked on him, unblinking, for several long moments before he turned away. "Good."
Danzo straightened his posture, his expression returning to its usual stoic mask, but the lingering fear in his body betrayed his calm facade.
Shizune, who had been frozen in place, finally exhaled, her eyes darting between Kenshin and Danzo.
She had never seen Kenshin's cold side before, and the sheer dominance he had just displayed left her uneasy. Still, she knew better than to question him in this moment.
Kenshin turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "Let's move out. We've wasted enough time here."
Shizune nodded, following him closely as they exited the base. Behind them, Danzo silently gathered the last of his supplies, his mind racing as he processed the cold reality of his new existence under Kenshin's control.
Kaede and Kira, meanwhile, exchanged silent thoughts, both amused and satisfied at the display of dominance Kenshin had just exhibited.
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Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support and power stones. And as always, please give me your power stones and comment your opinions. They make a big difference and motivate me to write more.