Chapter 34: Kakashi Captured, Served a Big Bowl of Noodles!
Not long after Hanare entered the misty forest, Kisame Hoshigaki led a team of Mist ninjas into the area as well.
"They're here again?"
The large-scale movement of Mist ninjas couldn't be concealed in the quiet forest, and Kakashi, as alert as a frightened bird, quickly sensed that he was being pursued again.
With no way out, he thought, What now? Will that mysterious person come to save me again?
Kakashi had never felt so powerless in all his missions. He was so close to finding Obito, yet each time the enemy's efforts to capture him grew stronger. Without the help of the mysterious savior last time, he wouldn't have escaped at all.
"This time, there's no chance," he thought.
"Well, well, it seems you truly are the genius ninja of Konoha, Kakashi!"
A shark-faced Mist ninja appeared in Kakashi's view, casually speaking.
"Kisame Hoshigaki!"
Recognizing the unique appearance, Kakashi immediately identified him.
"Oh, I'm not the only one here!" Kisame grinned, baring his sharp teeth.
As he spoke, more familiar figures emerged from the forest, raising the pressure on Kakashi to its peak. Large beads of sweat trickled down his face, only to be absorbed by his mask.
"Suigetsu Hozuki! Ao of the Byakugan! The head of the Taketori Clan, Taketori Shika!"
"You all must really value me!" Kakashi muttered. Seeing this lineup, even the Third Hokage would likely fall here.
With no thoughts of escape left, Kakashi lowered his mask and prepared to unleash his Sharingan.
"Hahaha! Let me test the skills of Konoha's genius, Kakashi!"
The impulsive Taketori Shika laughed and made the first move.
Seeing Kakashi had no chance of escaping, the others didn't intervene, choosing instead to watch the fight with amused interest, occasionally offering commentary. It was a killing meant to break his spirit.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Kakashi drew his short sword and clashed with Taketori Shika. Each blow against Shika's body felt like metal striking metal, producing a sharp ringing sound.
So tough! Kakashi thought, marveling at the Taketori Clan's endurance. Realizing he would lose in a close-combat match, he quickly changed tactics.
"Lightning Style: Chidori Blade!"
He activated the B-rank Lightning Style technique, a variation of the S-rank Chidori, infusing his blade with lightning chakra to greatly increase its lethality. A single strike would paralyze the target, making it ideal against someone like Taketori Shika, who specialized in taijutsu.
With the piercing sound of electricity ringing through the forest, Kakashi, using his Sharingan, locked onto Shika's movements, seizing the moment to close in for a strike aimed straight at the heart.
"Shikotsumyaku: Dance of the Camellia!"
Sensing the threat of the Chidori Blade, Shika activated his Shikotsumyaku, causing bones to protrude from his body, covering vital areas. Kakashi's attack hit the bones and was unable to penetrate. Additionally, the poor conductivity of the bones reduced the effect of the lightning, causing only a mild tingling.
"Shikotsumyaku: Ten Finger Drilling Bullets!"
Shika immediately counterattacked, extending his fingers and firing bone bullets at Kakashi.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
At close range, Kakashi struggled to deflect the projectiles, and several found their mark, staining his clothes with blood.
"Kakashi, it seems your reputation is overblown!"
Without his injuries, Kakashi could have held his own against Shika, but with his wounds, defeat was only a matter of time.
"What a disappointment! I expected more from the famed genius of Konoha." Kisame shook his head in disapproval.
"Don't underestimate him; he might still have an ace up his sleeve," Suigetsu cautioned.
"Relax. With Ao watching from the sidelines, what could Kakashi possibly pull off?" Kisame replied, arms crossed, completely at ease.
As time passed, Kakashi's strength faded. Finally, he fell, defeated, after a bone spike pierced both his shoulders.
"Why capture me alive? What do you want?" Kakashi asked, gritting his teeth against the pain.
"You'll find out soon enough," Kisame replied, giving him an enigmatic look before walking away as the Mist ninjas led Kakashi toward Kirigakure.
"So, they've captured Kakashi instead of killing him," Uchiha Yi thought, as his shadow clones spread throughout the Land of Water had detected the situation.
"This must be Obito's doing. I wonder what he plans to do with Kakashi." Deciding to let events play out, Uchiha Yi chose not to intervene this time. It was clear that Obito was behind the ease with which the Mist ninjas had found Kakashi. Uchiha Yi's curiosity was piqued, so he followed the group from the shadows.
Before long, they arrived in Kirigakure, where Kakashi was thrown into a cell with the door locked behind him. Realizing he must be starving, the Mist ninjas thoughtfully brought him a large bowl of wide noodles.
Look! Such a big, round bowl! And the noodles—so long and wide!
Kakashi's "prison experience" was certainly something to remember, but his thoughts could only reflect, I could seriously cry right now!
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