The explosion's intensity sent shockwaves through the area.
**"Boom!!!"**
With a deafening sound, Pakura and the figure she was protecting were hurled away by the blast. The sudden explosion left the captain and another team member in utter shock—they hadn't anticipated the puppet's self-destruction.
Pakura, caught in the explosion at close range, was flung across the battlefield, landing heavily on the ground. Her head buzzed as she struggled to process what had just happened.
Two shadowy figures approached swiftly.
Pakura, dazed and wounded, spit out a mouthful of blood before collapsing. Darkness claimed her as she lost consciousness.
With their target secured, the enemy's puppets stopped their assault and retreated methodically into the forest, carrying Pakura away.
The remaining team, still stunned, could only watch the retreat in disbelief.
**"Oh no! They've kidnapped Pakura!"** the captain exclaimed in horror, realization dawning on him.
The enemy's true target wasn't the team—it was Pakura all along. Destroying a single puppet in exchange for capturing her was a trade the enemy clearly found worthwhile.
---
Shinki monitored the situation from afar, controlling his giant eagle puppet. He didn't expect Pakura to be taken down so easily, but in retrospect, she inadvertently contributed to her own capture. By incinerating the puppet, she triggered its self-destruction, which left her vulnerable.
As the mission puppets returned one by one, Shinki counted them, noting the absence of the destroyed unit.
Pakura, unconscious in his grasp, was taken aboard the giant eagle puppet. Shinki guided it toward Konoha's camp in the River Country, his mind already strategizing his next move.
---
### Early Hours at Konoha's Camp
Shinki landed a few miles outside the camp, careful not to provoke a misunderstanding. He stored the eagle puppet and began walking toward the camp, carrying Pakura.
**"Who goes there?!"** a voice rang out as a patrol team intercepted him.
**"Anbu, Hyuga Shinki,"** Shinki announced, presenting himself confidently.
The patrol team leader stepped forward cautiously. **"Master Shinki, may I see your ninja ID?"**
Shinki tossed his ID over, watching as the captain inspected it by torchlight. After confirming its authenticity, the captain returned it with a nod.
**"To confirm your identity, we need someone from the camp who knows you. Please wait here."**
**"So strict?"** Shinki remarked, raising an eyebrow.
The captain explained, **"Recently, an enemy infiltrated the camp disguised as one of us. After being discovered, Tsunade-sama and Orochimaru-sama tightened security measures."**
Shinki nodded in understanding. **"I see."**
This level of inspection wasn't standard for regular entries and exits. But for outsiders, especially those visiting for the first time, such precautions were necessary—regardless of rank or reputation.
---
Shortly after, Goro, a familiar face from the Rain Country campaign, arrived to confirm Shinki's identity.
**"Lord Shinki! It's been a while,"** Goro greeted him warmly, quickly verifying his chakra aura.
The patrol team dispersed, and Goro led Shinki into the camp.
**"Planning to stay long?"** Goro inquired as they walked.
Shinki sighed. **"Tsunade-sama claimed she's too tired and asked me to take over her duties. You know how our Konoha princess can be..."**
**"What was that about the Konoha princess?"**
Tsunade's voice cut through the conversation. Shinki turned to see her approaching, her expression unreadable.
**"Ahem! I mean, of course, Tsunade-sama is ever so righteous and hardworking,"** Shinki backpedaled quickly.
---
Tsunade, who had been about to rest, had come running upon hearing of Shinki's arrival. She dismissed Goro with a wave.
**"You're here already? What brings you to this camp?"**
Shinki gave her a knowing look. **"You tell me."**
Tsunade smirked. **"Fair enough. Let's walk and talk."**
She gestured for Shinki to follow her toward the medical department. **"Come on, fill me in. Has the war situation changed?"**
Shinki fell in step beside her, preparing to share his insights as they headed deeper into the camp.
>>>>>
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[Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki]