Chapter 10: Shadows Within Shadows
The morning sun broke over the village as Jiraiya made his way to the training grounds, his steps light with confidence from his recent successes. He had not only leveled up his abilities but had also outshone his rivals during the joint exercise. But as he approached, an unease crept into him, the faint shadow of ROOT's interference lingering in his mind.
Hiruzen was waiting, his calm presence a stark contrast to the figure standing beside him—Danzo Shimura. Danzo's cold eyes swept over Jiraiya, and Jiraiya felt an involuntary shiver. Why was he here again?
"Good morning, team," Hiruzen said, his voice steady. "Today, we'll focus on infiltration and reconnaissance techniques. These are critical skills for any shinobi. You'll be split into pairs for this exercise."
Danzo stepped forward, his tone sharp and direct. "This isn't a game. A true shinobi succeeds without being seen. Today, we will see who among you can handle the weight of real missions."
Jiraiya clenched his fists, the man's words grating against his nerves. He caught Tsunade's disapproving glance and Orochimaru's calculated smirk. No one seemed thrilled about Danzo's presence.
Hiruzen began assigning pairs. Orochimaru and Tsunade were grouped together, their partnership natural given their contrasting styles. Jiraiya, however, was paired with Kaede from the other team. The sharp-eyed boy didn't react, merely nodding as he adjusted the straps of his pouch.
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The objective was clear: infiltrate an abandoned outpost on the outskirts of the forest, retrieve a marked scroll, and return without being detected. Each pair had their own target, and traps were rumored to be everywhere.
As they set off, Kaede glanced at Jiraiya, his tone clipped. "Don't slow me down."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Jiraiya replied, though his grin masked the irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
The forest grew denser as they moved, the sunlight barely breaking through the canopy. Jiraiya activated Observation, scanning their surroundings.
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Observation Activated
Trap detected: Tripwire, 10 feet ahead.
Small animal nearby (Lv. 1).
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"Hold up," Jiraiya said, stopping Kaede. "There's a tripwire ahead."
Kaede raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"
Jiraiya pointed, and Kaede's eyes narrowed as he spotted the barely visible wire. "Not bad," Kaede admitted. "Let's see if you can disarm it."
With practiced ease, Jiraiya crouched and carefully disabled the trap. The system chimed in his mind.
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Skill Progression: Tool Mastery (Lv. 2)
Progress: 45%.
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They continued forward, their steps quiet but deliberate. Kaede's sharp instincts paired well with Jiraiya's Observation and Stealth, though neither admitted it aloud. As they approached the outpost, the tension thickened. The dilapidated building loomed ahead, its structure overgrown with vines and moss.
"There," Kaede whispered, pointing to a small entrance partially hidden by debris. "We'll go in through there."
Jiraiya nodded, following Kaede's lead. Inside, the air was stale, and the faint glow of the system illuminated the area in Jiraiya's vision. He activated Observation again.
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Observation Activated
Scroll detected: 30 feet ahead.
Trap detected: Pressure plate, 5 feet ahead.
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"Pressure plate," Jiraiya whispered, pointing to the floor. "Step around it."
Kaede nodded, moving carefully. They reached the scroll moments later, its location suspiciously easy. Jiraiya felt a twinge of unease.
"This is too simple," he muttered. "Where's the challenge?"
As Kaede reached for the scroll, a low click echoed through the room. Both froze.
"Trap," Kaede said, his voice low but steady.
The walls began to groan, and small vents opened, releasing a faint hiss. Jiraiya's eyes widened as a notification popped up.
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Emergency Quest Alert: Survive the Outpost Trap
Objective: Escape the building before the gas incapacitates you.
Reward: +100 XP, +2 Vitality.
Failure: Critical injury or death.
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"Move!" Jiraiya shouted, grabbing the scroll and bolting toward the exit. Kaede followed, his composure unwavering even as the gas began to fill the room.
Jiraiya activated Chakra Dash, his enhanced speed giving him an edge as he weaved through the crumbling structure. Kaede moved with precision, his sharp eyes spotting hidden obstacles before they became an issue.
"Over there!" Jiraiya called, spotting a window large enough to squeeze through. He slammed into it with his shoulder, the old wood giving way as they tumbled outside into the fresh air.
Both boys gasped, coughing as the lingering gas left their systems. Jiraiya held up the scroll, a grin spreading across his face. "Got it."
Kaede, still catching his breath, gave a small nod. "Not bad."
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Quest Complete: Retrieve the Scroll
Reward: +150 XP, +1 Agility.
Emergency Quest Complete: Survive the Outpost Trap
Reward: +100 XP, +2 Vitality.
Level Up!
You are now Level 5.
+5 Attribute Points to distribute.
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As they returned to the training grounds, Danzo stood waiting, his expression as unreadable as ever. "You succeeded," he said, his tone devoid of praise. "But success in training means nothing if you fail in the real world."
"Good to see you're so encouraging," Jiraiya muttered under his breath.
Hiruzen approached, placing a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder. "Well done, both of you. You've shown excellent teamwork under pressure."
Kaede gave a short bow before walking away without another word. Jiraiya watched him go, his respect for the sharp-eyed boy grudgingly growing.
Danzo's gaze lingered on Jiraiya for a moment longer before he turned and left. The air around him felt heavier, as if a storm was brewing.
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Later that night, Jiraiya sat in his room, reviewing his progress. The system flashed, offering a new perk.
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New Perk: Enhanced Survival Instincts
You are more likely to detect and evade life-threatening situations.
Passive effect: Reaction time increased by 10%.
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Jiraiya leaned back with a satisfied sigh, though the unease from Danzo's words still lingered. The day had been a success, but it was clear that bigger challenges—and bigger threats—lay ahead.
"Whatever's coming," Jiraiya said to himself, "I'll be ready for it."
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