No, I think, the traps aren't necessary, with their earth release I'm not sure it will work.
Before that, I had also made a fortress of earth and stone in front of the village entrance. It was at least strong enough to protect me and the village behind me, from the effects of the explosion.
Although it's called a fortress, it's just a pile of dirt and rocks.
"...."
Not only that, I have also marked all the land around this area.
"...."
It's a good thing I can use explosive tags, otherwise, we might have left long ago.
*Caw*
The sound of Ranko's cry pierced the stormy night, and I knew it was time.
"Here we go again." I murmured to myself as I saw Ranko flying back towards me, her wings beating against the rain.
"Good job Ranko, you can go back to the village now," I said, patting her gently as she landed on my shoulder.
Ranko looked at me and she cawed again, then flew towards the village.
"They're coming," I murmured.
I stood on top of the wall of my fortress.
The storm raged on, as the Hidden Rock ninjas approached.
"Captain! There's someone at the entrance!" A voice called out from the shadows, jolting the Hidden Rock ninjas into action.
I stared at the ninjas from the hidden rock as they approached.
They looked at me, their eyes glinting with malice as they drew their weapons. "It's just a kid," one of them sneered.
"Kid! Go back to your house before you get hurt!" one of the Hidden Rock ninjas yelled, his voice barely audible over the storm.
Ignoring his warning, I stood firm, my eyes scanning the approaching figures. "I'm sorry, I need to know, what is your purpose in coming here?" I called out.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "We're looking for two Hidden Leaf ninjas," he shouted over the wind. "If you tell us where they are, no one gets hurt."
"They're my patients," I said, my voice steady despite the tempest around us. "And they are still recovering."
"I won't give you a second chance, so please, if you still want to live, please leave." I added, "You can catch the two ninjas from the hidden leaf, of course, after they have recovered and left this village, I will not interfere with that."
"What's your answer?" I asked.
The leader's eyes grew colder, and he nodded to his men. "Then we'll take them by force," he declared.
"So... That's your answer." I muttered with disappointment.
"Captain, let me do it," a young ninja from the back spoke up, eager to prove himself.
The other looked at him, "You are young and the one you are going to kill is much younger than you. For a mental training this is pretty good."
Young ninja? This is so sad, he probably has family and friends waiting for him at home. But I was forced to kill him and let his family and friends fall into sorrow.
"...."
I can only apologise, because I also have a family waiting for me at home.
The young ninja's face turned red with embarrassment, but the leader didn't care. He was focused on the task at hand. "Take him down," he ordered.
The young ninja took a step forward, He took the kunai from his pouch. I just stood still and waited, to see what he would do.
As he rushed towards me. From a distance he threw the kunai with precision, aiming for my chest.
*Swoosh*
Why did he throw his kunai?
I dodged the kunai easily.
"...."
I threw five shurikens at him.
*Swish* *swish* *swish*
The shurikens flew through the air, their movements barely visible in the storm. The young ninja's eyes widened in shock as he saw them coming. He tried to dodge, but it was too late, cause he went too fast towards the shurikens and because it was dark, he could not see clearly either.
*Thwip* *thwip* *thwip*
The shurikens embedded themselves in his chest, stopping him in his tracks. He looked down in disbelief before collapsing to the ground.
*Thud*
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas eyes widened, He hadn't expected their youngest ninja was easily defeated.
"What the...!" Another ninja shouted, before the sound was drowned out by the storm.
I can only close my eyes about that.
They fell silent, watching their comrade's lifeless body on the mud. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it, the moment i had been preparing for.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas took a step forward, his gaze hardening. "You will regret this," he yelled over the storm.
"Kill him! He's just a kid!" the leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas roared, his voice carrying through the storm.
*Hidden rock ninjas Roars*
The remaining Hidden Rock ninjas rushed forward, their weapons drawn and eyes filled with rage.
Why they don't use the earth release jutsu? That was the first question that came to my mind.
But before I could think of anything, the ninjas were already rushing towards me.
"...."
Sorry, but I had to do it.
"...."
One million explosions.
I piled up a million explosive tags that were about to explode in my inventory, then pulled them out suddenly, right where they were.
*Boom!!!!*
A huge explosion occurred, with the ground shaking violently as a result. The sound was deafening. The Hidden Rock ninjas were caught off guard, they vanished in the explosion, their cries for mercy lost in the roar of the explosion. The explosion I had unleashed was overwhelming, and the force of it pushed the rain and wind back.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas looked at the explosion, his eyes wide with shock. "What kind of jutsu was that?!" He shouted.
But there was no time for answers, because I'm preparing to make my next attack.
The leader and the remaining ninja move away from the explosion range.
My eyes never leaving the remaining Hidden Rock ninjas. They had no idea what was coming.
Explosive Fest.
This time, I showered them with the ignited explosive tags, with a one-second pause in each explosion.
*Boom* *boom* *boom*
The ignited explosive tags adorn the battlefield, each tag a promise of destruction. The Hidden Rock ninjas screamed in terror as they tried to dodge the unrelenting barrage, but their movements were hampered by the mud and the ferocity of the storm. One by one, they were consumed by the explosions, their cries echoing through the night.
The leader quickly moving again, for the other ninjas they couldn't use any jutsu to protect themselves as the explosion happened so quickly.
"No!" The ninja who was hit by the explosion screamed.
"Help!!" The ninja, who survived but lost his arms and legs, called for help.
*The sound of peoples in pain*
The smell of burning flesh filled the air as the explosive tags continued to rain down on the Hidden Rock ninjas. The storm's fury was matched only by the chaos and destruction wrought by the explosions. The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas watched in horror as his men were torn apart, their cries of pain piercing the night.
"Let's go! Kill that kid!" The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas Yelling, his voice a mix of anger and fear.
But his words fell on deaf ears, as the remaining ninjas lay scattered and disoriented, their bodies bruised and burned from the explosive onslaught.
"You bastard!" The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas roared in anger and despair.
I came down from the top of the wall.
*Thud*
When I landed easily, the leader use his hand to make a series of hand seals, then place his hand to the ground, "Earth Release: Earth Flow Spears!"
*Crack*
The ground in front of me began to crack and then spikes emerged from the ground, aimed directly at my position.
*Zuu*
Finally! A jutsu.
But before the spikes touched me, the spikes disappeared.
The leader's eyes widened in shock, his jutsu had failed.
He narrowed his eyes, "My jutsu, suddenly disappear?!"
I had no idea that it would work. I kept the jutsu in my Inventory, maybe it worked because he manipulated the ground that I had marked before.
I threw my kunai at him.
*Swoosh*
The leader of Hidden rock ninjas waited for the Kunai to hit him.
"...."
Why is he not moving?
Switch, spikes.
The kunai that I was throwing, instantly turned into spikes.
The leader of the Hidden rock ninjas widened his eyes.
*Boom*
The spikes hit him.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas didn't see it coming. He was impaled by the spikes. His eyes went wide with shock, his body trembling as the explosive tags embedded in the spikes detonated. The force of the explosion sent him flying back, his body a mass of Rock.
Rock?
*Woosh*
I dodged a Kunai slash from my side. The slash was very fast, but unfortunately, I'm used to it, thanks to Kashiki being my sparring partner.
It was a close call.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas had tried to retaliate with a surprise attack, but my reflexes and observation haki had served me well. The spikes apparently hit the Rock clone and not the real him.
"You're good," the leader said, his voice strained, "but you're still just a kid."
"Is that so? But sorry, I want to end this quickly." I said.
"But before that, can you tell me your name? I just pity the Author, who has to write 'The leader of hidden rock ninjas' every time he includes you in the story, it's long... man." I asked.
The leader of the Hidden Rock ninjas sneered at my audacity, but he was also confused by my words. "Ishiyama," he spat out.
"Think of it as your death gift from me. A name to remember before you die," Ishiyama said with a smirk.
I took a step forward, my eyes locked on his. "Thanks for the gift," I said, "but I think I'll pass."
Ishiyama smirked, he used one hand seal, "Earth release: bottomless swamp!"
The ground beneath me started to soften, but I was ready for this. I jumped up high into the air, evading the swamp.
Ishiyama not stopping there, he used another jutsu.
"Earth release: earth and stone dragon."
*Roar*
I watched as Ishiyama's hands danced through the hand seals, and a monstrous dragon made of earth and stone emerged from the ground, dashing towards me while I was still in the air. It's fierce eyes and jagged maw promised a brutal end to the battle.
But I had a trick of my own.
Store it.
"...."
I landed on hard ground. The dragon disappear as I stored it into my inventory, leaving Ishiyama stunned. "That jutsu again?" he murmured.
I threw the shurikens at him.
*Swish* *swish* *swish*
Ishiyama also throw shurikens to change the direction of my shurikens.
*Ding* *ding* *ding*
The shurikens clashed.
"...."
Ishiyama dashing toward me, he slashed his kunai at my face.
*Whoosh*
But I parried it with my Kunai.
*Clang*
Our weapons met in a clang, sparks flying as we engaged in a fierce exchange of blows.
Ishiyama was fast, his strikes precise and powerful.
Our strengths are different, if I fight with her any longer, I will definitely lose. But, I want to give it a try anyway.
"Your jutsu might be handy, but in close combat, you're just a child," he taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"I agree about that." I replied.
The battle was intense, our weapons clashed again and again, creating a symphony of steel in the chaos of the storm. Ishiyama's experience was evident in every move he made.
I narrowed my eyes, I feel something strange, what is this?
Ishiyama aimed his kick at my face, but reflexively, I moved my arms across my chest.
*Bang*
I blocked his kick with both my arms. I even had to be pushed back, due to the force of his kick.
Damn, that's hurt.
The impact of the kick was so intense, it felt like a boulder had just smacked into my arms. Despite the pain, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of satisfaction. His kick didn't connect with my face.
But why did I see it aiming at my face earlier?
"...."
Ishiyama charging at me. He swung his arm, aiming to crush my skull.
This time too, my body moved on its own, avoiding something beside me. I tried to see what it was, but there was nothing.
I also dodged a punch from Ishiyama, my body moving in a way that seemed almost unnatural to me.
The storm's intensity reached its peak, the lightning flashing, and the thunder echoing through the night.
"Why was he able to avoid that?" Ishiyama's voice was filled with astonishment as he studied me closely.
"...."
I frowning, the storm's lightning flashed, and I realized.
"Genjutsu: Kai." I murmured.
"...."
I looked around and could see it clearly. I think I was hit by a genjutsu earlier.
"!" I move away from the ground where I stand.
There's a hand from the ground, trying to grab me, but fortunately, I was able to avoid it.
I threw shurikens at the hand that came out of the ground. Then that hand turned into a rock crumble.
"Damn, He dodged it again, what was wrong with this kid ability." Ishiyama murmured to himself.
"Rock clone jutsu." Ishiyama made three rock clones and they attacked me simultaneously.
The first rock clone threw a Kunai at me.
*Swoosh*
I dodged it, not to mention that there was an explosive tag on the Kunai.
"Explode." Ishiyama activated his explosive tag.
Earth wall.
*Boom*
*Woosh*
I had to be thrown away due to the effects of the explosion, fortunately my earth wall was in time.
This becomes more dangerous.
Amidst the smoke, three Ishiyama broke through the smoke and darted towards me.
*Bang*
The first one tried to hit my head, but I parried it with my left hand.
The second one tried to hold me back, but I managed to avoid it.
*Stab*
But the third one came from behind, he stabbed me in the back with his Kunai, I felt it but my reaction was too slow to dodge it.
*Stab* *stab*
The first and second stabbed me with Kunai from the front.
Substitution jutsu.
"...."
"Finally." Ishiyama Relieved with the result.
*Poof*
What they stabbed, however, turned into a log with three explosive tags on it.
Ishiyama widened his eyes.
Explode.
*Boom* *boom* *boom*
I emerged from the trees and saw that the three Ishiyama attacking me were just rock clones.
I need to end this.
*Swoosh*
I ignored his confusion and launched myself at him with surprising speed, my fists enhanced with chakra. Ishiyama deflect it with his left hand. "Rock armour!" he exclaimed, his skin turning into a hardened rock-like substance.
*Bang*
He countered me with his right hand, and I saw the hint of a smirk on his face, which disappeared quickly when I attached the explosive tag on his left arm.
"What?" He looked down at his left arm.
I took distance from him.
Explode.
*Boom*
The explosive tag on Ishiyama's arm detonated, the explosion sending a shockwave through the air. The ground around us cracked and trembled as the smoke cleared, revealing Ishiyama unscathed. His rock armour was still solidly wrapped around his body.
"Impressive," he sneered, "but not enough to stop me."
"It's impressive, indeed." I said, admiring his defensive technique. "But let's see how you handle this."
I charged toward him at full speed, my fists enhanced with chakra.
"It's useless," Ishiyama said, his voice tinged with anger as he saw me charging towards him. He raised his right hand, to deflect my fist again.
*Bang*
It's hurt actually, even my hand shaking.
But, this is the time.
Store it.
Ishiyama frowning, he feels something off.
I attached the explosive tag in his right arm.
"What did you do?" He asked, looking at his right arm.
"Nothing." I answered.
Explode.
Ishiyama who sensed the danger was too late to react.
*Boom*
The explosion was massive, engulfing Ishiyama. The ground quaked beneath us as the shockwave expanded, knocking down trees and sending dirt flying in every direction. When the dust settled, there was nothing left of the Hidden Rock leader but a charred crater in the ground.
---|||---
Fortunately, the trick worked, otherwise I might have to use Deathly Gift to end this battle.
*Caw*
The sound of Ranko's cry pierced through the aftermath of the battle, pulling me back to reality.
I turned to the battlefield, my eyes scanning for any sign of movement. Not a single sign of life remained from the Hidden Rock ninjas. The storm continued to rage, but the sound of rain and thunder were now muted by the silence of victory.
"...."
Perhaps this is what is known as plot armour.
"...."
*Sigh*
---|||---
-3rd POV-
"Will Haruto be okay?" Fuso asked, her voice quivering with worries.
"He'll be fine, I trust him." Konan's voice was firm despite the fear in her eyes.
"Konan was right," Ise added, "We have to believe in Haruto."
Although Nagato didn't say anything, he also nodded his head, agreeing with what his father said.
However, Konan sensed something, she tried to sense the chakra in the surrounding area.
"There were three ninjas, one of them seemed to be hiding." Konan said.
"What are we going to do?" Fuso asked, her voice filled with tension.
"Let me deal with them." Gentoku said, his voice calm amidst the chaos.
"No Gentoku-san, It's better if I deal with them." Konan refused gently, her gaze firm.
"I can't leave you alone to face them, after all, they came because of us, at least let me help." Gentoku insisted, his voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins.
Konan thought about it first, then agreed.
Nagato who saw that also wanted to help.
Although Konan and the others, advised Nagato to stay at the clinic with Ise and Fuso, Nagato, however, insisted to help, which made his parents both worried and proud of their son's development.
The decision was made, as the three of them set out into the storm to find the remaining ninja.
---|||---
"It looks like they are coming for us." One of the Hidden rock ninjas said, his voice barely audible through the storm.
"How many people?" The ninja's voice was tense as he tried to assess the threat.
"Three, one of them looks like a ninja, maybe he's one of the ninjas from the hidden leaf. The other two are unknown to me." The hidden ninja whispered to his companion, who nodded solemnly.
"Could it be their reinforcements?" the Hidden Rock ninja murmured to himself.
"After the sound of the explosion, I only felt a little chakra from our ninja. Could they lose?" The other ninja said.
"Impossible! How could they lose? They could have retreated because of a trap or something." the Hidden Rock ninja said to his companion.
"But if they really lose, should we continue our mission? Shouldn't we retreat?" the hidden ninja's companion questioned, his voice quivering with fear.
"Silence," the Hidden Rock ninja hissed, his eyes scanning the area, "We're not retreating without orders."
*Swish*
"Watch out!" The Hidden rock ninja Pushing his partner away from a paper shuriken that flew towards them.
"Explode." Konan activated her explosive paper shuriken.
The hidden rock ninjas didn't have time to react as the explosion threw them back into the damaged buildings. The storm's rage seemed to pause for a moment, as if even it was surprised by the sudden, violent intrusion.
"Are they still alive?" Gentoku asked, his voice tight with concern as he watched the smoke from the explosion dissipate.
"Please cover me, while I sense their chakra." Konan requested, her eyes closed as she focused her senses.
Gentoku nodded, standing guard with his Kunai and same for Nagato. Their eyes searched the shadows for any movement.
'Damn, They defeated Izuki and Ishin in an instant. Should I retreat?' Hidden rock ninja Which is not far from there, contemplating his next move.
Konan opened her eyes and performed a series of hand seals, "Paper Rats: Homing blast." She made three rats out of explosive tags, then marked the chakra signatures of three Hidden rock ninjas nearby.
Then, the three rats moved by themselves towards the three Hidden rock ninjas.
The Hidden Rock ninjas, unaware of the dangers approaching them, were unable to react in time. The rats found their targets with precise accuracy, and as they made contact, the explosive tags detonated with a series of deafening booms. The already-damaged buildings around them crumbled into dust and rubble, swallowed by the ravenous maw of the explosions. The storm's fury was briefly overshadowed by the fiery blasts, as the ninjas' screams were abruptly silenced.
The aftermath was a destruction. The rain fell heavily on the shattered remains of the buildings, hissing as it hit the hot earth. Smoke billowed into the night sky, obscuring the moon and stars. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning wood.
Gentoku was speechless at what Konan had just done.
'What the hell is wrong with these kids.' Gentoku said in his heart.