Chapter 63: 61: Deception
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From Shiraishi's perspective, the situation on the battlefield remained rather ambiguous. While it was a two-on-two scenario, Ayane's combat capabilities had been compromised, her limited chakra barely sustaining her consciousness. Engaging in any form of combat, even the softest punches, seemed a distant possibility.
Having eliminated two of the Root ninja earlier, two adversaries remained, one of whom was undoubtedly the team captain—a formidable ninja. The remaining figure, another Root member, was unlikely to be a run-of-the-mill ninja, given their association with the secretive Root organization.
Efforts to exploit the enemy's carelessness and secure a victory were challenging. The recent encounter had triggered a heightened sense of alertness within their adversaries.
Gradually, the two individuals on the opposing side regained their composure, their eyes still icy but reflecting calculated restraint. While they were driven by a desire to eliminate Shiraishi swiftly, they had to consider the strength the young ninja wielded.
The ninja among the Root members extended his hand, releasing a swarm of black insects from his sleeve. The insects encircled Shiraishi from all directions.
Aburame clan, Bai Shi mused internally.
Recognizing the insect manipulation, Shiraishi deduced the opponent's origins. Only the Aburame clan within Konoha possessed this unique secret jutsu involving insects.
The clan had an allocated forest within Konoha dedicated to breeding combat-suitable insects, each with distinct capabilities suited for reconnaissance, defense, and offense. These insects ranged from specialized reconnaissance bugs to potent venomous varieties, causing considerable trouble when encountered.
As the swarm of insects enveloped Shiraishi, he remained relatively composed, his body swiftly vanishing from sight.
The insects converged on Shiraishi's previous location before redirecting their assault toward the spot he had moved to.
Despite the swarm's swift movement, Shiraishi found their pace rather sluggish compared to his own agility. Evading the insect attack posed no substantial challenge for him.
However, his rival wasn't just any Root ninja; the captain, their most formidable member, observed the unfolding events.
Predictably, the captain discerned Shiraishi's movements and retrieved a sword, holding it in one hand while forming hand seals with the other.
Shiraishi narrowed his eyes, a faint breeze rippling around him.
Swiftly sidestepping, Shiraishi managed to dodge the blade's trajectory, retaliating with a counter-swing of his own.
The captain's gaze gleamed coldly, and he withdrew his blade, parrying Shiraishi's attack with a swift, sealing motion.
A resounding crack echoed as Shiraishi's ninja sword fractured, and the captain's blade sliced through the air with a peculiar sound—akin to glass shattering under pressure.
"Konoha-ryu swordsmanship: Sonic Slice!"
Shiraishi's brow furrowed as he instinctively turned his head, yet a cut marred his face.
The invisible blade of air left its mark on Shiraishi's face, as well as his arms and calves, the sound resembling stone scraping against glass.
The technique was known for its piercing and sharp resonance, causing Shiraishi to take a step back, contemplating the situation.
His ninja sword was visibly weakened, a few more exchanges likely resulting in its destruction.
Undeterred by Shiraishi's retreat, the captain pressed forward with unyielding resolve, brandishing his ninja sword.
With limited options, Shiraishi evaded the captain's strikes, the eerie sound of the blade's passage haunting him.
"Evading, are we?"
The captain's surprise was evident as he observed Shiraishi expertly evade the blade's invisible assaults, narrowly avoiding each one.
Additionally, the captain noted Shiraishi's swift comprehension of his swordsmanship—no doubt an impressive feat.
Nonetheless, Shiraishi responded humbly, "It's merely due to my basic understanding of wind-based swordsmanship. Those air blades—do they trigger upon sound? I've encountered similar attacks before."
"Is that so?"
Their conversation, though juxtaposed with their adversarial stance, conveyed an oddly casual tone.
"Though the second strike proved ineffective, it might actually be to your advantage. A swifter demise awaits you."
The captain's nonchalant tone indicated his willingness to end the battle.
Shiraishi momentarily faltered, a surge of blood spurting from the wound inflicted by the air blade. His body sagged weakly as he collapsed.
"A missed opportunity. A ninja like you, if aligned with Danzo-sama's ambitions, could prove invaluable. Nevertheless, your chosen path is unwavering, even in the face of adversity."
The captain hoisted Shiraishi onto his back, a tinge of regret coloring his words.
"The ultimate error was challenging me in swordsmanship. Within Konoha, only White Fang surpasses me in this art."
The captain lamented the potential Shiraishi exhibited at such a young age.
Not only was Shiraishi an exceptional combatant, but also a rare medical ninja—a unique asset. Should he join Root, the organization's progress towards its grand objective could accelerate, propelling Konoha into a new era—one ruled by Root.
"Shiraishi-kun!?"
Seeing Shiraishi's limp body falling, Ayane's expression shifted to one of shock, and she rushed towards him.
The Captain Ninja didn't halt; Shiraishi's injuries were so severe that survival seemed improbable. When grazed by his airflow blade, his chakra would seep into the enemy's body over time, guided by a curse to launch a fatal internal assault. Yet, this maneuver depleted a substantial amount of chakra, making it a tactic reserved for formidable foes.
In his estimation, Shiraishi warranted the use of this jutsu.
"There's no need to mourn for the passing of your friend, Hyuga girl, at least in this mission record, you will be heroes. Of course, in the form of a heroic battle with Sand Ninja and exhaustion."
This gesture could be construed as an act of compassion, albeit it harbored the deepest malevolence.
The Captain approached Ayane with a sinister killing intent concealed beneath his eyes. This time, he wouldn't err in judgment.
All that remained was to reclaim Uchiha's Sharingan, discreetly disposing of the three bodies, culminating in the mission's successful conclusion.
"Captain! Be cautious!"
The Aburame ninja seemed to sense a threat, anxiously shouting a warning.
"Yes?"
The captain turned his head slightly, scrutinizing his subordinates suspiciously. Then, an eerie sensation crept over him. A shadow loomed before him, and then swept past.
Rip. Blood gushed forth.
The Captain's strangled cry was silenced as he clutched his gushing neck wound, collapsing and convulsing on the ground.
Shiraishi, bereft of breath, crouched by Captain Ninja's side, dragging his bloodied body. Eyes filled with trepidation met Captain's fearful gaze.
Natural energy allowed Shiraishi to perceive the air currents within his body, granting him prior protection against the air blade's assault. Consequently, the resultant injury proved less severe than anticipated.
Crouched over, Shiraishi retrieved a kunai from his ninja pouch and unhesitatingly plunged it into the captain's chest, ending his life.
"I've never been inclined towards heroism, but I humbly accept the title for now."
Shiraishi gazed at the last remaining Root ninja with an icy glare.
The foe was paralyzed by Shiraishi's menacing aura, audibly gulping in fear.
Observing Shiraishi's survival, Ayane's anxiety dissolved.
Shiraishi's feigned demise had momentarily fooled her, a testament to his mastery of deception.
Yet, the simulated bloodshed was genuinely unsettling. Generally, under such dire circumstances, survival was improbable.
Nonetheless, Shiraishi defied the odds, his vitality unyielding.
With one enemy remaining, Ayane matched their fierce gaze.
"You may leave," Shiraishi suddenly stated.
Ayane and the remaining Root ninja exchanged bewildered glances at Shiraishi's unexpected directive.
"Allowing me to leave?"
The Root ninja appeared skeptical of Shiraishi's words.
"I'm wounded and lack the certainty to overcome you. Moreover, you're unlikely to desire your demise here. Let us cease hostilities. After all, you're obligated to report this encounter to your superiors, correct?"
Shiraishi persisted. Ayane, comprehending Shiraishi's intentions, concurred with a subtle nod.
The Root ninja's incredulity persisted. Facing an ostensibly weakened Shiraishi, he anticipated a more formidable resistance.
Unexpectedly, Shiraishi candidly admitted his injuries, causing the Root ninja to waver.
Truthfully, his intent for vengeance lingered, but Shiraishi's imposing aura overwhelmed him.
Ultimately, it was mutually advantageous to cease the battle.
Confirming Shiraishi's sincerity, the Root ninja inquired once more, "You truly intend to spare me?"
"Yes, as I've mentioned. My injuries render me unable to defeat you, and it's unwise for you to perish here. This outcome benefits us both; we shall part ways amicably."
The Root ninja relented, exhaling deeply.
Retreating several paces, Shiraishi and Ayane maintained their positions, prompting the Root ninja to trust Shiraishi's words. Utilizing the Body flicker jutsu, he departed.
Roughly three to five seconds after his departure, Shiraishi abruptly collapsed, panting heavily. Agonizing pain contorted his features, his complexion paling.
The captain's swordsmanship had inflicted grievous harm, only mitigated by Shiraishi's utilization of natural energy. This intervention had spared him from certain death.
"Are you alright?"
Ayane hastened to Shiraishi's side, her expression marked by concern.
"I'll manage; my chakra requires time to recover. Medical ninjutsu is off the table for now."
Shiraishi wheezed, managing a faint smile.
Ayane nodded, supporting Shiraishi as they prepared to depart.
Footsteps resounded from behind—the Root ninja had returned.
Witnessing Shiraishi's weak state, the Root ninja immediately grasped the situation.
"I see. So that was your gambit. You're quite cunning; I nearly fell for it. Had I not returned, your scheme might have succeeded."
Ayane stood in stunned silence. Beads of cold sweat formed on Shiraishi's pallid face.
"Haha, you really aren't afraid of me, are you? I did kill your captain."
Shiraishi's intention to salvage the situation remained unclear.
"Do you think you can manipulate me with your words? You've been dishonest since the day you were born. Regrettably, your deceitful nature renders your words meaningless to me."
The Root ninja gazed upon Shiraishi with eyes that saw through his intentions.
"This is quite ironic, isn't it? I—"
Shiraishi persisted, attempting to guide the Root ninja's thoughts into a dead end, resolving the current predicament.
Yet, his efforts were in vain, as the Root ninja remained steadfast in his suppositions, harboring profound skepticism towards Shiraishi's every utterance.
"Insect Jade!"
A swarm of black insects surged forth at remarkable speed.
Shiraishi swiftly pushed Ayane aside. However, his own evasion was less successful, causing him to tumble along the ground.
Undaunted by the insects, Shiraishi charged towards the Root ninja.
Anticipating Shiraishi's strategy, the Root ninja summoned a torrent of black bugs from his garments, erecting a formidable barrier before him.
He expected Shiraishi to become ensnared within the swarm, succumbing to a gruesome fate.
Footsteps approached from behind.
Startled, the Root ninja swiveled his head, only to witness a ninja's blade slicing across his neck.
Blood sprayed forth, and the already compromised ninja sword finally shattered in the middle.
The splintered blade, now stained crimson, pierced into the earth.
As the sound of the shattering blade echoed, the Root ninja's body collapsed in tandem. His eyes, filled with resentment and defiance, conveyed a message left unsaid: "Liar, you've returned."
Gasping for breath, Shiraishi crouched down, shut his eyes, and sighed softly.
"Forgive me; I am a deplorable individual. You are right; every word I've spoken to you has been steeped in deceit. However, your decision to fall into this trap isn't solely based on your own actions. Is your judgment truly the most accurate?"
Ayane observed the scene from the sidelines, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
Was Shiraishi's conduct reprehensible or merely a masterful display of strategy?
His injuries were indeed grave, but they hadn't incapacitated him entirely. He harbored uncertainty over whether he could definitively defeat his adversary, thus resorting to a ruse—a means to allow the enemy to evaluate and deduce for themselves.
Disbelieving their enemy's words, the Root ninja unwittingly clung to their own convictions.
Only at the final moment did they recognize the intricately laid trap.
It marked Ayane's first encounter with such a battle among ninja—one veiled in deception.
If Ruri's combat was characterized by sheer force, Shiraishi's was a contest of cunning—a battle shrouded in deceit.
Devoid of grandeur or splendor, it exuded malevolence and duplicity.
'I've actually placed my trust in such a person. It seems hopeless' Ayane lamented.
Shiraishi lay sprawled on the ground, devoid of energy.
"What a wretched day. Root... I'll remember you."
Muttering these words, Shiraishi closed his eyes, seeking a moment's respite.E
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