Chapter 103: 99: Hunting and Sage Mode
April 3rd, a sunny day.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, a group of five individuals strolled into a relatively prosperous town in the Land of Hot Springs.
The Land of Hot Springs was renowned in the world for its hot springs and boasted an incredibly beautiful natural environment, making it a prime destination for tourists.
As they walked through the town's streets, they were greeted by numerous hot spring hotels of various sizes. Hot springs were practically everywhere in Yunokuni.
In the town's center stood a three-story pharmacy.
The pharmacy's sign prominently displayed an Purple Rose logo, indicating that it was a branch of the Land Of Demons Purple Rose Medical Company.
In just a year, this company had expanded its influence throughout the ninja world. Even in smaller countries, Purple Rose's nameplates were a common sight, making it well-known worldwide.
Two guards, one male and one female, were stationed at the pharmacy's entrance. They wore black hooded coats, with the distinctive aster logo prominently displayed on the backs of their clothes.
Once the five individuals entered the pharmacy, they proceeded directly through a hidden door, making their way to the third floor.
The first floor of the pharmacy served as the sales area, the second floor was designated as the employee break room, and the third floor functioned as the management workspace.
The leader of the group was the Bug Man. Before reaching the gate on the third floor, he gestured to the other four to stand guard outside. He then entered the room alone, closing the door behind him.
Inside, he found Kakuzu, the financial expert, seated on a sofa.
"Kakuzu-san, it's been a while" Bug Man greeted with a smile.
Kakuzu, still seated, cast a brief glance at him and replied in a low tone, "I've completed last month's financial work, and I'll settle the salaries."
"Of course" Bug Man agreed.
He placed a black leather box on the coffee table in front of Kakuzu. For him, seeing actual coins was essential; he required payment in cash, not mere transfers.
Kakuzu had a preference for the tangible aspect of currency, which was something the Bug man had come to understand over their six months of collaboration.
Ignoring Bug man, Kakuzu opened the box and began counting the coins meticulously.
After counting the money three times, he closed the box with satisfaction. "The amount is correct."
"We've become old friends; you don't have to count it every time in front of me" Bug man remarked.
"No, in this world, only money can be trusted" Kakuzu replied.
In his world, money was his true friend; everything else paled in comparison. He would never betray money, and money would never betray him.
"The next time we meet, I hope your name will appear on my list of high-value targets" Kakuzu added, producing a reward list.
This list contained records of high-value targets. However, the Bug man's name wasn't on it. While his strength warranted inclusion in this category, his reputation had not yet reached that level.
As a result, Bug man's name was currently listed among lower-level reward targets.
"It's quite intimidating to have Kakuzu-san targeting you. Perhaps I should consider a temporary break from my career as a bounty hunter" Bug man mused.
With that, Kakuzu left the room with the suitcase in hand.
Not long after Kakuzu's departure, the four guards outside entered the room and found the Bug man examining the financial documents left behind by Kakuzu.
"We've received some news" one of them reported.
Bug man put down the documents and looked up. "What news?"
"It's related to the Konoha's Anbu, the Root."
"Konoha's Anbu? What are they doing in Land of Hot Springs? It's not holiday season, so they're probably not here for a hot spring vacation" Bug Man remarked, chuckling.
Their organization regarded the Root, a secretive group within the Leaf, with great importance. They had been quietly collecting information about Root for a while. When Root was deployed, it indicated that Konoha was engaged in covert activities.
"I'm not certain. According to information obtained from our informants, they seem to have attacked a small village with fewer than 100 inhabitants yesterday. After that, they've been active in the southern part of the Land of Hot Springs" one of the guards explained.
"Attacked a village in the Land of Hot Springs? It doesn't make sense. What could they possibly gain from attacking such a small village?" Bug Man found the situation confusing.
The ninja from the Root had always acted with strategic objectives in mind. Attacking a small village seemed incongruous with their usual operations.
"The details are unclear" the guard replied.
"Then we should make contact with the Root operatives. We can't underestimate these individuals" Bug Man said.
.....
In the dark forest during the evening, four figures moved swiftly through the dense woods. They wore windbreakers and masks smeared with oil paint on their faces.
Each of the four carried two children, making it eight children in total, as they ran in a specific direction.
Silently, the four of them pushed forward with all their might. In this eerie forest, they sensed an eerie and frigid presence, seemingly emanating from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.
"Be careful!"
As one of them shouted loudly, the other three halted, their eyes scanning their surroundings vigilantly.
Suddenly, a brilliant white light burst forth ahead, briefly illuminating the dense forest. It was a momentary flash that could easily go unnoticed if one wasn't paying attention.
The four members of the team, all from Root, grew more alert. Their eyes behind the masks remained fixed on the sudden intense light, though they couldn't help but feel perplexed.
"Blinding tactics?"
It appeared to be the case. After the bright flash, nothing else happened.
Even though provoking the enemy with such a frustrating method was a low-level tactic, as members of Root, they wouldn't easily be provoked by such tricks.
They carefully placed the children on the ground and one of them quickly formed hand seals to channel their chakra.
Since they didn't know where the enemy was, they intended to use indiscriminate attacks to force them out of hiding.
"Wind Release: Wind Slic-!"
But the Root ninja about to execute a Wind Release jutsu suddenly cried out in pain. A massive, worm-like lump emerged on his chest, an ugly sight.
The other three Root ninjas were taken aback, not understanding what had happened to their comrade.
One of them rushed to his side, green chakra gathering in his palm to heal the injured ninja. However, before he could begin treatment, he, too, screamed in agony, a monstrous worm-like mass growing on his chest.
In moments, he fell to the ground writhing in pain.
Suddenly, the temperature in the dense forest surged. Dozens of fireballs streaked towards them, igniting the air. The flames engulfed them, and the masks of the Root ninja turned a fiery red.
"Watch out!"
The Root ninja who had first been afflicted by the worm-like lump, enduring the intense pain, shoved away his comrade who was also suffering but trying to heal him.
His teammate was a medical ninja, a valuable resource in a time when medical ninjas weren't common. Every medical ninja was precious.
He managed to stand up through sheer willpower, forming hand seals to release more ninjutsu to counter the fireballs.
But this time, the worm-like lump on his chest grew at an alarming rate, until his body swelled like a balloon.
There was a deafening explosion. He detonated right where he stood, his charred flesh and blood scattering amidst the fierce flames.
The other two Root ninja, along with the only medical ninja on the team, barely managed to escape the fireball onslaught.
Suspecting that his comrade's death had something to do with using ninjutsu, one of the remaining Root ninja knew that using chakra would undoubtedly lead to the same gruesome fate.
Making matters worse, the only medical ninja on the team had also been infected. A massive worm-like lump pulsated on his chest, appearing almost alive as it quivered within his flesh.
With a series of swishes, five figures suddenly appeared on the surrounding trees, encircling them.
"You guys are... Bug Men?"
One of the Root ninja, the one who had escaped the carnage unharmed, recognized the figures and their appearance.
Bug Men, a renowned mercenary group in the underground black market, were making quite a name for themselves in recent years.
They provided services for a fee, eliminating threats for those who could afford it.
"It's an honor that the name of our mercenaries has found its way onto Konoha Root's list" said the Bug Man, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he regarded the three remaining Root ninjas.
"Damn It!"
Realizing that the mercenaries from Bug Men were likely responsible for their current predicament, the surviving Root ninjas knew that someone had marked Root for death.
In the heat of battle, it was their comrade who had paid the ultimate price.
Worse still, they were likely to suffer the same fate if they used chakra, given the mysterious worm-like growths.
"Let's go."
Without giving the Root ninjas a chance to formulate a plan, Bug Man and his group descended from the trees to attack them mercilessly.
"Ahhhhhh!!!!!!"
Amidst shrill cries and explosions, the forest bore witness to a fierce and chaotic battle.
Within a minute, only the medical ninja, wracked with pain from the worm-like lump, remained alive. One Root ninja had been killed by an explosion, and the other had died in the flames.
"Take him back and see if he has any useful information."
Bug Man incapacitated the medical ninja, ensuring he couldn't commit suicide before interrogation by breaking his limbs and injecting him with anesthetic.
"What about these children?"
He gestured towards the eight unconscious children, who were now well away from the battle's fury.
"Take them to the nearest town and let the officials from Land of Hot Springs handle it. It's no longer our concern."
.......
Land of Hot Springs stronghold.
An interrogator, clad in an grey-white windbreaker and a faceless white mask with a purple rose emblem on his back, emerged from the interrogation room.
Seeing the interrogator exit, the Bug Man approached and asked, "What did you find out? Did you obtain any useful information?"
"This Root team didn't know much. They were following orders from their superiors to steal children in the Land of Hot Springs.."
"Stealing children? Are they taking them in for recruitment or some other purpose?"
Bugman pondered about this development.
"If that's the case, they would likely target children with special potential. After all, ordinary individuals wouldn't be of interest to the Root."
The interrogator analyzed the situation.
"That makes sense."
Bugman nodded. The eight children stolen by the Root team appeared to be ordinary individuals, without any exceptional qualities. Thus, there was little reason for them to be pursued by Root for recruitment.
"In that case, this one's no longer useful. Dispose of him and leave no traces behind."
It seemed impossible to decipher the true purpose behind the Root's actions in the Land of Hot Springs.. With a hint of frustration, Bug Man gave the order to the interrogators.
"Don't worry; our interrogation department is skilled in handling such matters."
With that assurance, the interrogators headed back into the room, leaving the Bug Man to his thoughts.
....,
In a cold laboratory, a dozen children stared vacantly at the pale walls and the weak light above.
Surrounded by several medical ninjas clad in white masks, they were being injected.
Squelch!
From within these children, a numerous trees sprouted from these children's body causing blood to flow everywhere.
Beyond a glass wall, Danzo watched the proceedings indifferently, flanked by two elite Root Jonin guards.
Before long, one of the medical ninja emerged from the laboratory.
"Danzo-sama, the experiment failed" the medical ninja reported.
"I'm aware. Prepare a new batch" Danzo responded.
"But if this continues..." The medical ninja's face contorted in anguish, head bowed, and body trembling.
"I'll grant you two more months to cultivate an adult. As for the experimental subjects, rest assured, we have as many as you need" Danzo's cold gaze bore into the medical ninja.
"I'm sorry, Danzo-sama, I can't continue. You should find someone else" the medical ninja's voice quivered.
Danzo shot him a cold look and sighed in annoyance.
Just as he was about to speak, a large number of figures burst through the iron gate, rushing in from outside.
Danzo's two Jonin guards swiftly positioned themselves to protect him, but they were momentarily stunned as they recognized the intruders. They donned attire similar to theirs but had different mask designs; they were ANBU ninjas under Hokage.
There were at least four squads and a team among them.
Danzo narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the ANBU leading the charge.
It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen's face bore an air of stern determination as he approached Danzo. He ordered the medical ninjas involved in the experiment, "Cease the Wood Release experiment; all of you, leave."
"Yes, Hokage-sama" the medical ninjas sighed in relief and promptly departed.
"Danzo, two months ago, I ordered you to halt the Wood Release experiment. Why did you persist in secret?" Hiruzen's gaze bore into Danzo, his eyes aflame with anger.
While Hiruzen had reluctantly allowed the Wood Release experiment, it had been under the condition of voluntary participation by Konoha ninja. However, due to its slow progress and dismal success rate, all volunteers had died during the experiments. Danzo had falsified their deaths as being in the line of duty and compensated their families.
At that time, Hiruzen had ordered a stop to the Wood Release experiment. No one was to continue it.
Facing Hiruzen's wrath, Danzo maintained his resolve. "I do this for Konoha's sake. The sacrifices are meaningful if we can cultivate Wood Release ninja. The sacrifices of these people will have meaning"
"The Land of Rain, the Land of Grasss, the Land of Soup, the Land of Tea... In recent days, you've been sending Root into these nations. You know better than anyone what you've done" Hiruzen said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
With a sigh, he added, "Fortunately, this hasn't sparked international disputes. I'll let it slide this time, but this shouldn't happen again. Erase all traces and materials."
"Stopping the Wood Release experiment now, you will regret it, Hiruzen" Danzo retorted.
Danzo knew that Hiruzen was aware of his involvement. Ending the Wood Release experiment spelled the conclusion of the vital endeavor, and he was not pleased.
Though he wasn't Hokage, he had no choice but to obey Hiruzen's orders. He suspected that Hiruzen would increase surveillance on him.
Yet this was not the end. Cultivating a Wood Release ninja held profound significance for Root.
With Wood Release, one could counter the Uchiha's Sharingan and even control the Tailed Beasts.
In that case, the position of Hokage would be within his grasp.
Danzo departed with two Jonin, leaving Hiruzen with a melancholic expression.
Danzo had really crossed the line this time. When did he become so ruthless?
He dealt with the Uchiha incident similarly and persisted with the Wood Release experiment.
'Danzo, this is your last chance. Next time, I will...' Hiruzen resolved as he watched Danzo's departure.
.....
The following day, in the morning.
Hiruzen arrived at the Hokage Building's office early, gazing at the village bathed in morning sunlight. It was a tranquil and serene scene, but his thoughts turned somber as he recalled yesterday's events with Danzo.
After a brief reverie, Hiruzen shook off these thoughts and began his day's work.
As he settled into his routine, ninja arrived at his office to select tasks suited to their skills. Hiruzen was accustomed to this aspect of his duties.
Around ten o'clock, the office door swung open once more.
Ruri entered.
Not long ago, a ninja under her leadership had been accepted into the intelligence division. Yesterday, he had submitted a letter of resignation to Ruri, expressing his desire to work in Konoha's intelligence division.
Ruri had no objections. Compared to standard teams, the intelligence team had a bit more activity, but it offered high security and stable monthly salaries.
Due to its small size, even trainees in the intelligence team received excellent benefits.
"This is the information on the new member of your team. If you find it unsuitable, feel free to replace them" Hiruzen handed Ruri a document containing details about her new team member.
Ruri accepted it casually and gave it a quick glance. It featured a boy with a distinctive kappa-style haircut, bushy eyebrows, and gleaming white teeth.
Seemed like someone with considerable physical prowess.
"What do you think?" Hiruzen asked.
"I guess he'll do" Ruri responded. For her, leading any type of ninja didn't particularly matter, and she didn't seek any promotions.
She primarily embarked on missions with the Uchiha Police Force as a means of personal amusement.
With the information on the new team member in hand, Ruri left the office, heading to the designated assembly point for her team.
"Ruri-sensei" greeted two children of about ten years who were already waiting at the assembly point.
Upon seeing Ruri's arrival, they cheered.
Given that one of their team members had joined the intelligence division, only two ninjas remained in Ruri's team.
"Hayate, has the new member arrived yet?" Ruri inquired.
"Not yet, haven't seen anyone" Hayate replied, a toothpick dangling from his lips.
"I'm guessing they're on their way; there's still half an hour before the agreed time" suggested the boy dressed in black ninja attire and sporting black sunglasses.
After waiting for over ten minutes, a boy with a green leather tunic and a kappa style haircut suddenly rushed in.
"Finally, you made it! You really had us waiting. Let's hope you won't be too much of a hassle later" Hayate teased with a malicious grin.
"I remember this guy..." mused the boy with black sunglasses, pushing them up on his nose as he recognized the newcomer.
The new arrival, panting heavily, stood before Ruri, wearing a grin that showcased his bright, gleaming white teeth.
"Hi, I'm Might Guy. I'm joining this team today. Please guide me!" he greeted enthusiastically.
...
The brightness of those teeth and the eccentric green outfit left an impression on Ruri and her two remaining team members.
"Uchiha Ruri, Jonin of this team and its captain. Proficient in Fire Release and Taijutsu but not that skilled in genjutsu" Ruri introduced himself.
Ruri nodded, her physique and posture matching the information provided. She seemed skilled in physical combat.
"Huh?" Might Guy was confused, A member of the Uchiha clan, Why wasn't she proficient in genjutsu? It seemed odd.
Hayate, patting Might Guy on the shoulder, said with a smile, "You'll understand later, newcomer. I'm Hayate, a fire user. Please teach me more."
"Please teach me more" Might Guy replied with a grin, flashing his bright teeth.
"I'm Ebisu, and my interests..." the boy with black sunglasses introduced himself.
"...involve reading 'H' novels" Hayate added.
"That's right, I enjoy reading 'H' novels... Oh, wait! Why did I say 'H' novels?" Ebisu exclaimed with a flushed face, panting.
"That..." Might Guy interrupted their conversation.
"What?" he asked. "What are 'H' novels? Are they really powerful?"
His expression was serious.
Hayate and Ebisu scratched their heads, struggling to explain.
'Was this guy's head not working properly?'
"You three, stop discussing meaningless topics. It's a rule for newcomers to spar with me first" Ruri stated, standing nearby.
"Yes, Ruri-sensei" Hayate and Ebisu replied, wearing expressions of pity as they moved aside to watch.
"Do you want to spar? Or would you prefer to face a Jonin? Either way, it's just what I've been waiting for. My youth is already aflame" Guy, eager and excited, expressed his willingness to fight Ruri, a Jonin.
Opportunities to practice with Jonin were rare, and he wanted to make a good impression.
Ruri assessed him, took a shuriken from her ninja pouch, and twirled it on her finger. "Very well, let's begin."
With a flick of her palm, the shuriken whizzed toward Guy like a black lightning bolt. Startled, Guy attempted to block it with a kunai but winced as the shuriken struck his arm, causing pain.
Is this the power of a Jonin? A simple shuriken possesses such force?
Guy felt a burning determination to improve.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Without hesitation, Guy launched an aggressive attack on Ruri after blocking the shuriken with his kunai.
Hayate and Ebisu watched with stoic expressions. Although Guy displayed impressive speed and strength, they knew it was no challenge for Ruri, whom they perceived as a formidable adversary.
Unsurprisingly, Ruri easily evaded his kicks.
Guy, undeterred, continued his onslaught. "Eight Inner Gates! - Open!"
His speed and strength surged.
"What?" Guy furrowed his brow as he realized Ruri easily evaded his attacks.
This was too easy. Despite facing a Jonin, Guy had an inexplicable feeling that something was amiss.
Regardless of the attack's type, power, or speed, none could touch Ruri, not even her clothing.
"Ruri-sensei, you're too ruthless" Hayate and Ebisu commented from the sidelines as they watched Guy exhaust himself, gasping for air and sweating profusely Behind them sitting on a stone was someone.
"I just wanted to verify if this brat is that bad at genjutsu as in the information. It seems that the information is correct. But that Eight Inner Gates... Interesting brat."
It was Ruri who was sitting behind them.
"Damn It!!! Why can't i land a hit?!!!"
Though Ruri hadn't actively attacked, Guy found himself in this state.
"I can't go on. I surrender" Guy admitted, lying on the ground, defeated.
"Thank you for your efforts, but Ruri-sensei left two minutes ago" Hayate and Ebisu told Guy as they helped him up from the ground.
"What?" Guy was taken aback. Ruri had left two minutes ago? Then who had he been fighting?
He looked around, but there was nothing.
What was happening?
"That was genjutsu" Hatate explained.
"Genjutsu? Don't joke with me. Ruri-sensei didn't use her Sharingan" Guy protested.
"No, it's really a genjutsu. The moment you used your kunai to block Ruri-sensei's shuriken, you were already ensnared in an genjutsu. It's a unique type that triggers upon contact with an object. We've experienced similar situations in the past, swinging at empty space like fools" Ebisu explained, pushing his glasses up.
Guy recalled Ruri's introduction earlier. "But she said she's worst at genjutsu..."
"If a Jonin is weakest in taijutsu, can you win against them with your own taijutsu?" Hayate retorted, rolling his eyes.
Guy still seemed perplexed. "I thought not being good at it means she's really bad at it. After all, during the mission, she mentioned being weak in genjutsu..."
"Even if it's true, don't evaluate it with a ninja's eyes. Failure to grasp this can be fatal" Ebisu warned.
"Okay, don't dwell on it. This is the money Ruri-sensei left for us to have a barbecue. Let's go" Hayate suggested. He conjured a stack of banknotes from nowhere, making Guy's mouth almost water at the thought of barbecue.
"Ruri-sensei may seem stern, but she takes good care of us subordinates. We need to eat well to have the energy for missions" Hayate said, leading the way.
Guy and Ebisu followed eagerly, their mouths watering at the prospect of barbecue.
BBQ! BBQ!
Back at the Uchiha clan's territory, in the underground laboratory, Shiraishi paused from his work with Bunsen burners and reagent tubes when he noticed someone behind him.
"You're back early from meeting the new recruits. What happened?" Ruri, with her long black hair, inquired.
"I returned to get some medical supplies" Ruri replied, efficiently searching through a cabinet for medical equipment.
Shiraishi put aside his work, turned, and asked, "By the way, Ruri, do you want to try it yourself?"
"Try what?" Ruri paused, perplexed by the unfamiliar term.
"Sage Mode" Shiraishi replied, a smile playing on his lips.
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