After many days of hard work, I was finally ready to start learning the special powers of the individual shikigami I had captured. It had taken a lot of effort to capture all of them, but now I could begin to harness their unique abilities without having to summon them every time. I headed to the Nara forest, eager to begin my training.
Water, Healing and Lightning. There are three things which I can learn but I rather start with Healing. Though I really need a good attack under my belt soon but right now I don't have good enough control with Water chakra.
Even if I use Max Elephant's water, I will still need some degree of control over water before using that.
My clone's been busy working on that, so I am getting there but still, it's not easy to master Chakra Nature Transformation that easily. Nor I am a genius like Sasuke to learn lightning under Kakashi for a month and neither I can use thousands of clones like Naruto to cheat in training.
Hell, I don't even have a teacher. So it's gonna take some time for me to start using water Jutsu of any sort.
And don't even let me start with Lightning. Healing is the best out of all three for me right now, period.
As I was about to start practising, a shinobi appeared out of nowhere. It was an ANBU, wearing the signature mask and dark uniform. "Shika Nara," he said, his voice firm, "the Hokage is calling for you."
Confused and a bit concerned, I nodded and followed him to the Hokage's office.
Why the hell that old man is looking for me all of the certain? Why me out of the thousands of ninjas he has under him?
When I arrived, I was surprised to see Team 8—Kurenai-sensei, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino—already there. They seemed just as surprised to see me.
The Hokage, sitting behind his desk, greeted me with a warm smile. "Ah Shika, thank you for coming on such short notice. I have an important task for you."
I bowed respectfully. "Of course, Hokage-sama. What do you need?" I asked with confusion as I looked at Hinata, Kiba and Shino with the intention of asking what the hell is going on but they just kept looking at me. Not telling anything.
"I've recommended you to join Team 8 on a C-rank mission outside the village," the Hokage explained. "Kurenai and her team will be escorting Tazuna, a bridge builder, back to his home in the Land of Waves. You have already taken a few C-rank missions before but I believe you still need to see how a Jonin works in a mission, under Kurenai you can learn many things.
Kurenai's team is a search and investigation team, very suitable for you. What you say, my boy. You will learn many things under her." Said the Hokage, short-circuiting my brain immediately after he talked about the wave mission.
I blink, and can't help but complain internally, asking where is Team 7. How did this turn out like this? I was keeping my distance from Team 7 all this time to not change the canon so how did this happen?
And why team 8 is getting this mission? I just purse my lips.
I glanced at Kurenai-sensei and her team. They looked surprised, but there was also a hint of curiosity in their eyes. It seemed they didn't know who the "promising Genin" the Hokage had talked about until it turned out to be me.
Kurenai-sensei recovered first and smiled at me. "It's a pleasure to have you with us again Shika. Seems like our paths are connected one way or another." Kurenai showed a beautiful smile on her face as she accepted me in her team for this mission.
"Thank you, Kurenai-sensei. I'll do my best." What else I can do besides accepting the mission, now that the cannon is not going like how it's supposed to go, what will happen? I have no idea.
But one thing is clear, if team 8 went to wave alone then they would most likely will die. Kurenai is no match for Kakashi and Zabuza almost had Kakashi in that fight.
I respect Kurenai but she doesn't stand a chance against a really powerful Jonin. Now I have to go with them.
Ahhhh, it's frustrating that even after knowing that the mission is nothing but trouble, I can't say anything about the mission.
"Oh, seems like you already know about Shika." Hokage seeing that both the Jonin sensei and her team were well aware of me, asked in interest in his voice.
Before I say anything, Kurenai spoke first.
"Yes, Shika Kun here has a talent for Genjutsu. I am currently teaching him. And I have to say that he is even better than me when I was her age." Kurenai said, making me blush a little.
Though internally I just wanted to deny the claims, I didn't want others to know what I was capable of if possible.
"Oh, I didn't know that. My boy you give me a new surprise every time I meet you. I knew that you were the right person to entrust to Kurenai. With your excellent tracking ability and genjutsu alongside with your clan shadow possession jutsu, you will be a very important pillar of the village in future. Keep working hard." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a grandfatherly smile.
I just nodded my head, laminating at my luck. Sigh.
The Hokage continued, "I trust you all to handle this mission with care. Tazuna's safety is paramount. There might be unexpected dangers, so stay vigilant."
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino all nodded in agreement, and I felt a surge of irritation, this man was saying almost like he knew what gonna happen.
But on the other side, this also gave me a chance to go on a mission with a team. A new experience.
As we left the Hokage's office, Kiba clapped me on the back. "Welcome to the team, Shika! This is going to be interesting." He came to me and we fist-bumped.
With all this time being with Team 8, I just ended up being good friends with all of them.
Hinata smiled shyly. "I'm glad you're joining us, Shika Kun. Please take care of me." she politely said and bowed a little with a smile on her face.
'Kun ?'
Shino, as usual, was quiet but gave me a nod of acknowledgement. I could sense the respect and trust forming already.
We met up with Tazuna at the village gates. He was an older man with a kind but weary face. "So, these are my protectors?" he asked, looking us over.
Kurenai-sensei nodded. "Yes, Tazuna-san. We're here to ensure you get home safely."
He didn't look satisfied but what else he can do about it.
As we started our journey, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. This mission was the one which taught all of us what being a Shinobi is.
From Zabuza to Haku. All those iconic characters left a very important mark on my life.
What the hell I'm supposed to do here, should I really try to kill both of them?
I don't want to honestly, especially Haku. He doesn't deserve it. But maybe I can stop the so-called fight from ever happening.
Maybe?
.
.
.
The path to the Land of Waves was long and boring. We stayed alert, keeping an eye out for any signs of trouble. Hinata activated her Byakugan periodically to scan the surroundings, while Shino's insects provided additional surveillance.
Kurenai-sensei walked beside me, giving me tips on how to use Genjutsu, she was really helping me a lot.
"Remember, Shika, a mission like this requires teamwork and constant awareness."
As we kept on going, I suddenly noticed the water pit which I had been searching for this long. I remember this mission quite well, to the point that even small details I remember without mistakes.
He got ready but didn't make any moves. I look at Hinata and Shino but both seem like they haven't seen anything.
Shino and Kurenai on the other hand look like they knew. As my eyes connected with Kurenai, she just beautifully smiled towards me saying not to worry.
Well, I wasn't worried in the first place. But still this feeling of someone being there to look after my back feels nice.
Only after passing the small water pit, suddenly the moment takes place. From behind us a shadow appears and then a long chain wraps around Kurenai. Ripping her in pieces.
"Kurenai Sensei," shouted Kiba and Hinata, both surprised at suddenly what happened.
It was two people, two shinobi.
After making sure that the Jonin sensei was done for, those two shinobi rush towards the genin. One shinobi came right at me while the other went directly for Hinata.
Hinata's eyes widen. She was almost frozen in the place. Seeing the kunai coming at her, she couldn't move.
But then just when the enemy shinobi was only a little away from her, he stopped.
Not only that but the other shinobi too who were targeting me stopped.
"Shadow Possession Complete."...
xxx
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