"Distraction?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Nanashi's breath caught in her throat. "The village!"
"Yes," the man gasped. "She knew about the informant and your sensei. It was all a ruse to lure you away. Now, please, I've told you everything—"
His words were silenced forever as his body separated into seven distinct parts, each falling to the earth with a sickening finality.
Nanashi shuddered. "That was cold, even for you."
Sasuke's face was an unreadable mask. "We have no time for trivial matters. The village needs us." Without another word, he sprinted into the darkness, Nanashi close on his heels.
As they approached the village, an eerie stillness enveloped them. Not a single light flickered in the windows, not a whisper of life could be heard.
"They're all gone," Sasuke's words hung heavy in the air.
Nanashi refused to accept it, darting from house to house in a frantic search. When they reached Suzune's home, they found Shippo sprawled on the floor, motionless.
"Of course they left him," Nanashi muttered, stepping over the prone figure.
Sasuke's brow furrowed. "You can't just—"
"He's drunk," Nanashi cut him off. "Probably doesn't even realize what's happened."
Doubt flickered across Sasuke's face. With a wave of his hand, Shippo stirred.
"Shippo! Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"
"No! Nothing at all!" Shippo slurred.
Nanashi's expression darkened. "See?"
"Sasuke? Nanashi? What's going on? Where's my family?"
"They're dead," Nanashi's words fell like hammer blows.
"WHAT?!"
Sasuke intervened, his voice a forced calm. "We don't know that. But we believe they've been taken... by Himiko."
"But why?"
Nanashi's eyes flashed dangerously. "To draw me out. And I'm done wasting time."
She stalked out of the house, her form shimmering and growing until a magnificent four-tailed fox stood before them. Each tail tip shimmered with elemental power – earth, forest, water, and fire.
"Are you coming?" she challenged Sasuke.
The air around Sasuke began to ripple and distort. In a blinding flash of silver light, he transformed. Where the shinobi once stood now towered a colossal nine-tailed fox. His fur gleamed like polished moonstone, each tail radiating an aura of raw, ancient power. His eyes, now pools of liquid starlight, seemed to hold the wisdom of ages.
"My master bade me aid those in need," Sasuke's voice resonated with newfound depth. "I stand with you."
"Me too!" Shippo stumbled forward.
Nanashi and Sasuke exchanged a glance. "Fine," Nanashi relented. "But stay close."
To everyone's surprise, Shippo clambered onto Sasuke's back, nestling into the impossibly soft fur. "It's like lying on a cloud, I could die." he mumbled.
"Please do." Nanashi muttered, her tails lashing with impatience.
As the unlikely trio set off into the night, an ominous wind began to howl. The trees themselves seemed to whisper warnings, and somewhere in the distance, a solitary wolf's howl pierced the darkness. The true battle was only beginning, and the fate of the entire village hung in the balance.
As the moon hung low in the inky sky, Nanashi and Sasuke, with Shippo in tow, streaked through the dense bamboo forests and shadowy mountains. Their ethereal forms flickered like wisps of smoke as they passed the lantern-lit streets of Nagasaki, the quiet fishing boats of Arao, and the misty rice paddies of Saga. Their journey ended at the grand gates of Fukuoka, once the legendary Yamatai of old.
Mere steps from the city's threshold, their otherworldly essence coalesced into human shapes. They slipped into the bustling capital, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The Fukuoka night unfurled before them like a vivid ukiyo-e painting come to life. Paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the wooden buildings and narrow streets of the pleasure district. Geisha in elaborate kimono glided by, their faces powdered white and lips painted crimson, while samurai and merchants alike sought refuge from their daily burdens in sake houses and tearooms.
Nanashi's lips curled into a wicked smile as her breathed in the intoxicating atmosphere. "Ah, how I've longed for this," she purred, his voice a low rumble barely audible above the shamisen music floating from a nearby okiya. "This pulsing night, this sea of humanity... their desires practically perfume the air."
Her gaze swept over the throngs of people, each face a mask of pleasure or desperation. "Look at them," she continued, "so consumed by their earthly wants – coin, flesh, escape. They make themselves such tempting morsels for yokai like us, practically begging to be devoured."
The lantern light danced in Nanashi's eyes, reflecting an otherworldly hunger that belied her human guise. "In this realm of fleeting pleasures," she mused, "we need only wait for the ripest fruit to fall into our eager hands."
As the trio wove through the bustling streets, Sasuke's eyes widened with wonder. "I must say, for my first time in such a grand city, it's far more impressive than I'd imagined," he marvelled, taking in the sights and sounds.
Shippo, however, fidgeted nervously. "Um, excuse me, but I don't recall us coming here as tourists. My family is in danger, remember?"
Sasuke turned to shippo, his expression unreadable. "And do you know where they are, Shippo?"
"No..." He admitted reluctantly.
"Have you ever been here before?"
Again, Shippo shook his head. "No."
"So, I suppose that makes us tourists after all, doesn't it?" Sasuke's tone held a hint of amusement.
Before Shippo could protest further, Nanashi interjected smoothly. "They're not far from here. Your family is being held at the castle just ahead."
With renewed purpose, the unlikely group made their way through the crowded streets towards the looming silhouette of the castle. As they approached the main gate, a pair of stern-faced guards blocked their path, hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
Nanashi's eyes glinted dangerously in the torchlight. "I think I should dispose of them right away," she murmured, glancing sidelong at Sasuke.
"No, wait," Sasuke cautioned, raising a hand. "I have a feeling they might let us pass."
Shippo, peeking out from behind Sasuke, piped up unexpectedly. "I actually agree with Nanashi. We should finish them quickly."
"See?" Nanashi smirked, clearly pleased with the support.
Sasuke remained firm. "No. Just wait. There might be a way to resolve this without bloodshed."
The imposing gates of the castle creaked open, revealing a figure cloaked in shadow. A young temple maiden, her face a mask of innocence, emerged from the gloom. "My master awaits your arrival," she said, her voice a soft whisper in the night.
"See, all good things come to those who wait," Sasuke remarked, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
Nanashi's fingers twitched, dark energy crackling between them. "This reeks of a trap. I say we reduce this place to ashes."
Shippo's face paled. "No! My daughter—"
"Trust me, I know Raj. She only wanted me here. She probably took all the people to a different location."
"No, they are still here, my dear student," the Temple maiden said, her head spinning around unnaturally to face them. Her eyes were as black as a moonless night, her voice deeper than usual. "Do you think I do not know you too? I am well aware that you are capable of cold logic, with utter disregard for anything unless it holds some use or value to you. You would not hesitate or waver one second to blow me and every single person in this castle, even this whole town with it, as long as it does not harm what you hold dearest to you. Hence, I decided to keep them in a place where they will definitely disintegrate along with me if you ever decide to take things to the extreme."
Nanashi's eyes narrowed. "Well played, Raj. Well played."
The temple maiden's head snapped back to its original position. "Worry not, I will let the people go, once I have you. Except for the little girl, though. She will be my bargaining chip if things happen not go my way."
"But my…" Shippo mumbled but was soon stopped by Nanashi, who placed her hand on his shoulder, raised her index finger to her lips, and winked at him.
A tense silence fell as they followed the maiden deeper into the castle's bowels. Shadows danced on the walls, and the air grew thick with foreboding. At a fork in the path, The young temple maiden split into two like a paper being torn apart and then turned to face them.
"This is where we will split up. My master senses that the tall one could be a major threat…"
"Oh, he is an extraordinary threat, believe you me." Nanashi commented, nodding in agreement with herself.
"I do not think you are helping in this situation." Sasuke responded.
"Hence," the young lady continued, "I will lead you to where all the captives are. Then, I will lead you to the exit. If you dare to return, we will kill the girl in that very instant. Do you understand?"
"Crystal clear." Sasuke responded.
"Good, now follow me."
"Which one?" Shippo asked.
"Me, because I am walking away."
"Makes sense," Shippo responded.
"I guess this is goodbye then," Sasuke said.
"Nope, see you later and please prepare me a feast. I have a feeling I am going to be extremely hungry after this."
Sasuke scoffed, "Will do so."
"Good luck," Shippo said, giving her a hug.
"Argh, why is he touching me?" she said, but inside she was grateful.
"Thank you. Now go get your wife and tell her not to worry about Akiza. I am with her."
As Shippo and Sasuke reluctantly followed one of the spectral guides, Nanashi turned to face her own twisted fate. The corridor before her seemed to stretch endlessly, swallowed by impenetrable darkness. With each step, the air grew colder, and whispers of ancient malice stirred in the shadows.
'Right!, take me to your leader.' She said swinging her arms around, doing some stretches and shifted her mask on to her face.
"Right, this way." The young lady said, gesturing with her hand.
The temple maiden led them through a labyrinth of corridors, their footsteps echoing in the oppressive silence. Finally, they reached a colossal chamber, its walls adorned with intricate tapestries and statues of mythical creatures. In the center of the room, enthroned upon a gilded chair, sat a woman of otherworldly beauty. Her eyes, like twin pools of molten gold, held a power that chilled the blood.
Without warning, Nanashi lunged forward, her hand a blur of motion. The temple maiden's head, a perfect sphere of crimson mist, exploded like a burst of fireworks.
Nanashi followed, mesmerized by the gardens and the artworks on the walls. They arrived at a grand hall, adorned with magnificent art and pictures. In the center of the room sat her former teacher, mentor, and best friend, Rajabutaka, now known as Himiko. Upon spotting her enemy, Nanashi immediately disposed of her servant, decapitating her with a swift strike, causing her head to explode like a mosquito squashed between two palms.
"Hey ho!" Nanashi exclaimed excitedly, waving frantically at Himiko