A sudden explosion rocked the cavern, dust and debris billowing as Dongsuk and his squad burst into the boss room. Their eyes widened in shock at the sight of Itachi and Jinho, both very much alive. The squad members exchanged bewildered glances, their voices rising in confused speculation.
"How... how did the boss die?" one of them stammered, his voice echoing in the vast chamber.
Another scoffed, running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, "Maybe the spider was just big with no real power. All show and no substance."
A third squad member eyed Jinho's expensive armor and sword, the high-quality gear glinting even in the dim light of the cavern. "Perhaps the rich kid took it down? That equipment looks like it could handle anything."
Dongsuk's eyes narrowed as he focused on Jinho, a predatory gleam in his gaze. "I did some research," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You're the son of Yoojin Construction's chairman, Yoo Myunghan, aren't you?"
Jinho nodded hesitantly, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed nervously. "Yes, that's correct."
A cruel smile twisted Dongsuk's features, revealing teeth that seemed unnaturally sharp in the shadows. "Well then, if you want to survive, kill the kid." He jerked his chin towards Itachi, who stood calm and unmoving.
Jinho's face contorted in shock, his eyes widening as the implications of the demand sank in. "What? I can't-"
"If you don't," Dongsuk cut him off, his voice as cold as ice, "you both die. What's the matter? Is the mighty D-rank scared of an E-rank kid?"
Jinho turned to face Itachi, their eyes meeting. The cavern seemed to grow quieter, the tension palpable in the air. "Itachi..." he began, his voice trembling with the weight of the decision before him.
Itachi's expression remained impassive, his dark eyes unreadable. "I understand. It's a basic human emotion to want to survive."
But to everyone's surprise, Jinho stepped closer to Itachi, positioning himself protectively. His stance was shaky, but his voice was firm as he declared, "I won't do it. I can't betray someone who saved my life."
Dongsuk's face darkened, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Killing the son of a wealthy family... tsk. Your choice." He signaled to his squad, and they advanced menacingly towards Itachi and Jinho, weapons drawn and glinting in the low light.
Suddenly, Itachi's vision was flooded with system messages, urging him to defeat Dongsuk and his squad. The barrage of notifications momentarily obscured his view, leaving him vulnerable. The mage Kyuhwan, unaware of Itachi's predicament, unleashed a blinding burst of light magic, the energy crackling through the air.
Unable to dodge, Itachi took the full brunt of the attack. The force slammed him against the cavern wall with a sickening crunch, the impact shattering the rock behind him. Dust and small fragments of stone rained down around him as he slumped to the ground.
As he lay amid the rubble, Itachi's mind raced. How could he have forgotten the fundamental truth of existence? Survival of the fittest. He had survived Konoha because of his strength. He had survived the Akatsuki for the same reason. Since coming to this world, he had allowed himself to soften, to hope for peace. But now, reality came crashing back with brutal force.
The system's message flashed again, more insistent this time. It read: "Eliminate Dongsuk and his squad. Failure to comply will result in immediate termination. Your heart will stop if you do not complete this task." The words pulsed urgently in Itachi's vision, a stark reminder of his precarious situation.
Itachi's resolve hardened. System or not, he would eliminate this threat. Mercilessly. There was no room for hesitation now.
As Itachi rose from the debris, one of Dongsuk's men gasped in disbelief. "He's still alive?" The disbelief in his voice was tinged with fear, his eyes widening as he took in Itachi's unharmed form.
Itachi noted the system's apparent need for his survival but pushed the thought aside. There were more pressing matters at hand, and he couldn't afford to be distracted by the mysteries of this new world.
Two of Dongsuk's men bickered among themselves, their voices low but tense. "How could Kyuhwan fail to take out an E-rank kid with one hit?"
Dongsuk scowled at the mage, his displeasure evident in the set of his jaw. "You should have done better."
Kyuhwan stammered, "Y-you're right." But in his mind, confusion reigned. 'I thought I used full force. How did he survive that?'
Itachi advanced towards the group, his eyes cold and determined. His voice, when he spoke, was low and menacing, carrying easily across the cavern. "Foolish. You don't understand the consequences of your actions. But I don't blame you. I see your desperation, your rage... However, attacking me was a mistake."
One of Dongsuk's men sneered, his hand tightening on his weapon. "What's this idiot going on about?"
Itachi's reply was calm, but laden with warning. "I'll give you one chance. Walk away now, and avoid the pain that follows. I've seen enough death. I don't wish to add yours to that list."
Another of Dongsuk's men approached Itachi, wrapping an arm around him in false camaraderie. His breath was hot and rank as he leaned in close. In a flash, Itachi produced a kunai from his pocket and plunged it into the man's neck. Blood sprayed as the body crumpled to the ground, the sound of it hitting the stone floor echoing in the sudden silence.
The others recoiled in shock, their eyes fixed on the strange weapon in Itachi's hand. "What is that?" "Where did he get it?" Their voices overlapped in a cacophony of fear and confusion.
Dongsuk's eyes widened in disbelief. Even if Joontae had let his guard down, an E-rank shouldn't have been able to kill him so easily. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he reassessed the threat before him.
"The first one fell without understanding," Itachi murmured, his voice barely audible over the drip of blood from his kunai. In his mind, a grim realization settled: "There is no peace for someone like me. Only the burden of my actions."
The weight of the situation pressed down on Itachi. He couldn't back down now. If he failed to eliminate Dongsuk and his men, the system would stop his heart. It was kill or be killed. As the remaining attackers readied their weapons, Itachi's mind cleared. The hesitation, the hope for a peaceful life - all of it faded away. In its place, the cold, efficient mindset of a shinobi took over. His eyes, now glowing with the crimson of the Sharingan, swept over his opponents.
"You've made your choice," Itachi said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Now face the consequences."
The air in the cavern grew thick with tension as both sides prepared for the inevitable clash. Itachi stood alone against Dongsuk's squad, but there was no fear in his stance. Only a cold, deadly purpose. The true battle was about to begin, and only one side would walk away.