In the Hidden Stone Village
In the heart of the Hidden Stone Village, the venerable Tsuchikage, Onoki, was sitting quietly in his dimly lit office. Moonlight seeped through the windows, casting pale beams across a desk littered with scrolls and strategic maps. The old shinobi's tired eyes traced the lines of borders on the map, deeply concerned by the recent reports about the Hidden Leaf Village's activities. 'What are you doing Hiruzen? What is going on over there?'
Suddenly, a distant but vibrant orange glow illuminated the horizon. The room trembled ever so slightly, rattling the glass of the windows for just a moment.
"What on earth…?" Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, immediately rose from his seat, his chair scraping sharply against the stone floor. With narrowed eyes, he floated several feet off the ground and moved to the window, peering out into the night.
He squinted toward the northern horizon. A radiant orange-red glow illuminated the clouds high above, making them swirl in a strange, unsettling pattern. "Since when do the skies brighten at this hour…?" Onoki rasped, voice betraying the slightest quiver.
The bright, unnatural illumination stretched skyward, flickering like a distant flame from some unknown cataclysm. The clouds gathered darkly around the phenomenon, creating an ominous picture across the horizon.
As he observed, the door to his room burst open. A sensor-nin arrived, panting from exertion, bowing quickly before speaking. "Lord Tsuchikage! We have reports… an immense spike in chakra. It's like nothing we've sensed before." The ninja's voice shook with residual fear. "It lasted only moments, but the aftershock is still resonating."
"What?!" Onoki was shocked and an uneasiness spread in his heart.
"Yes. Our sensor division detected the fluctuations coming from the northern sector near the borders. They say the energy signature is extraordinarily powerful. Far beyond anything we've detected in recent memory."
Onoki's eyes narrowed at the horizon, the swirling orange glow made his concern grow. "High-level ninjas fighting or… something else entirely."
He immediately asked another doubt that had formed in his mind. "Was it Han or Roshi?"
The Stone ninja shook his head. "No sir. We've confirmed it with the sensor nins. They're positive it's not them. It also isn't a tailed beast chakra. They're sure of that."
Onoki frowned deeply, folding his hands behind his back. "Send word to all the patrol teams near the area to be on high alert and tighten their defenses. And prepare a recon unit immediately. I want a full team sent there within the hour. I want to know exactly what's going on."
The subordinate bowed swiftly, "Understood, Lord Tsuchikage!" and vanished in a blur of speed.
Onoki hovered in place a moment longer, scanning the unsettled skies. "Let's hope we're not on the brink of another conflict." A chill ran down his spine as thunder rumbled faintly. 'That ominous glow on the horizon… Something terrible must have happened. Damn it. Why now?'
—-
Dragon at the Western Base - A Few Minutes Ago
Several kilometers away from the fiery carnage, clad in a dark green cloak and a red dragon mask was Dragon (Daichi's shadow clone). He meticulously checked the last of the storage cabinets within the base. Rows of medical machines and vials lined the shelves. He hummed quietly, surveying which to destroy and which to salvage.
"He has quite the collection," Dragon muttered, flicking his gaze at a row of specialized cellular culture tubes. 'These aren't anything useful to me. But it might still be dangerous in the wrong hands… better incinerate it.' He placed a hand on the tubes and channeled a surge of fire-natured chakra, scorching them to ash in seconds.
In a series of swift movements, he stored the more benign but still valuable equipment in his Inventory. The disappearance of each item was overshadowed by the hum of flickering lights. 'No sense leaving his monstrous research behind for some rogue to find.'
He cast a final glance around the base's interior. Charred remains of destroyed equipment lay in corners. The walls showed evidence of scorch marks and half-slagged wiring. "I guess that's everything." Dragon exhaled, stepping through the corridor leading outside.
He stepped out of the underground facility into the open air, the cool breeze feeling refreshing against his skin. The night was relatively quiet, peaceful even. It was a stark contrast to the carnage Daichi was unleashing several kilometers to the north.
Just then he received new memories and chakra from the dispelled shadow clone that paralyzed Orochimaru and was holding him down inside the barrier.
Dragon's Chakra reserves increased to near full as he went over the new images in his head. 'So he's fighting Orochimaru now, huh. Looks like it's the endgame.'
Suddenly in the far distance to the north, he saw a bizarre orange glow in the sky and the flash of a raging blaze. A dull roar of thunder followed soon after.
Dragon immediately understood what was going on. 'He's unleashed it… The Hell-Guard Hydra Jutsu. So it seems the Wind and Fire Rasengans weren't enough. If he used that jutsu then he must be making sure to finish off Orochimaru.'
Just then he sensed two chakra signatures speeding towards him. Dragon's eyes narrowed, instantly recognizing the malicious intent behind them. 'There's two of them. One of them has higher than normal chakra reserve and I can sense chakras of all 5 natures. The most likely people to fit that category are the Zombie duo.'
Dragon barely moved, calmly turning his head to see two figures emerging from the shadows. 'Looks like I was right.'
One was tall, robed in black with red clouds, wearing a scythe strapped across his back. The other had darker eyes, his features partially obscured beneath a hood, but Dragon recognized the distinct stitches marking his skin immediately.
'Hidan and Kakuzu. The fact that you're here so quickly… Zetsu must have been updating you of my status. And there's a good chance I must have also drawn Pain's attention… Looks like I need to send them a message.'
Hidan glanced over his shoulder and looked at the orange glow in the sky. "The hell is going on over there?"
Kakuzu grunted irritably. "That's not our problem. Our concern is right in front of us."
Hidan's eyes flicked dismissively over Dragon. "Oi, Kakuzu, we sure this is the guy we're supposed to kill next, or is he just some random wimp?"
Kakuzu's cold gaze bored into Dragon and then to the entrance of the hidden base. "Doubt he's a wimp if he's got the guts to attack a minister and rummage around Orochimaru's hideout. He's extremely valuable. Or at least his bounty will be in a few days."
Hidan scoffed. "Ugh! All you think about is money. There are more important things in life."
Kakuzu snorted. "This comes from the guy who spouts about a ridiculous religion all the time. Isn't it a bit hypocritical?"
Hidan was immediately angry and snapped towards his partner. "Hey, bastard! You can insult me all you want but if you insult my religion and Lord Jashin, I'll kill you."
"I'd like to see you try." Kakuzu glanced at Hidan and spoke with a cold edge.
"Are you two done?" A voice suddenly interrupted them.
Dragon's expression remained hidden behind his mask. "You're in my way." His voice was flat but Kakuzu sensed a dangerous intent hidden beneath the surface.
Kakuzu's eyes focused on the mysterious man in front of him. 'He doesn't seem that shocked to see us. Is it possible he was expecting us or does he have information on us?'
"You don't seem surprised. I take it you recognize who we are?" The former ninja of the Hidden Waterfall village asked.
Dragon had a cold murderous intent flowing around him as he faced the newcomers. "I didn't expect that Akatsuki would grace me with their presence at this moment."
'So he knows about the organization.' Kakuzu was calm and didn't show any outward emotions but he was trying to figure out the man standing in front of him.
Hidan meanwhile had a cocky smirk and spoke at that moment. "I was hoping for that Daichi brat or Orochimaru himself. But hey, I'm sure we can have some fun with you."
Dragon's eyes slightly narrowed. 'So they got orders to capture me too huh? Looks like I've gotten on their radar. Then it's best if I cripple or kill one of them. It would have been difficult if it was a minute ago but with my chakra levels restored, these two won't be much of a problem.'
At that moment before things could escalate, Kakuzu took a step forward. "Just to make sure this isn't a waste of our time, I want to clarify something. Are you the one going by the name Monkey D Dragon?"
"I am." Daichi's clone replied resolutely.
Kakuzu nodded in satisfaction. "Good. That's good. Now for the reason why we're here. We want you to join our organization"
"Come on Kakuzu. Asking that question is a waste of our time. We know what he's gonna say." Hidan argued with his partner.
"We have our orders Hidan. So I want to hear the answer from him."
Dragon was silent for a few moments but he already figured out several key points from this single question. 'There's no way Obito would want me in his group. Especially after the hostility I showed him. So then this must be Pain's orders. But Obito won't just accept that… So that means if I don't accept, they'll probably try to kill me to remove a potential threat… Or they might try to capture me first. Hmm… I see… '
"Not interested." Dragon crossed his arms and looked at the two condescendingly.
"Haha. Good." Kakuzu laughed and grinned menacingly as he looked at the masked man. "I was hoping you'd say that. Your head's going to be worth a lot of money and I'd hate to give that up."
Hidan looked at the smile on his partner's face and grimaced. "I think that's the first time I've seen you smile, Kakuzu. It's freaking me out."
"Shut up Hidan. In a day or two the Earth Daimyo is going to place an astronomical bounty on his head. So of course I'm happy."
Dragon agreed with that statement. "You're right. Once the Earth Daimyo learns what I did to his minister and the havoc I caused in his country, of course he'd place a good chunk of bounty on my head. But for you to get that bounty, the premise is that you have to capture or kill me."
Kakuzu and Hidan tensed and got ready. "You cocky bastard. You think we can't capture you?"
Hidan laughed harshly, twirling a wicked scythe casually. "Hey Kakuzu, look! This guy thinks he's tough. Maybe Lord Jashin will finally be pleased today!"
Dragon's response was a quick attack. His hand blurred in a single smooth motion, and four kunai shot forth. But Hidan scoffed, easily moving his scythe to deflect them.
"Wow, so you can't aim either, huh?" Hidan taunted.
His partner meanwhile was carefully observing his enemy. 'Something's off. He's far too calm.'
"You dumbass! You really think something that obvious—!" Hidan mocked, but his eyes widened in surprise as the kunai abruptly altered course midair. They were flying around as though guided by invisible hands. Their speed suddenly reaccelerated, whizzing in from oblique angles.
Kakuzu's eyes widened. "What—?"
Dragon's fingers twitched. Fine, near-invisible chakra strings were attached to each thrown blade, enabling him to maneuver them like deadly marionettes. The kunai closed in on Hidan in the blink of an eye. 'No sense in letting him approach me with that scythe. I'll take him out of the fight first and then deal with his partner.'
Before Hidan could blink, two kunai slammed into his eyes. The other two jammed into his ears. A wet crunch echoed. "Ugh…!" Hidan reeled in shock, arms flailing. His sense of balance shattered, his vision and hearing destroyed. He howled, "AAAARRHHHHHHH…. You BASTARD…!"
"Hidan!" Kakuzu snarled, fury igniting in his dark eyes. He lunged forward at Dragon, threads bursting from his sleeves but the enemy disappeared and reappeared in a new position several meters away.
Kakuzu was surprised by that. 'His reaction and response is beyond what I expected. Is it possible he's a speed type shinobi?'
Meanwhile, blood poured from the puncture wounds. Hidan's body jerked and moved, disoriented. "What the actual—?" he roared, voice tinged with panic. "Damn it, I can't see! Fuck it hurts!" He staggered backward, scythe clattering to the ground as he clutched at his face.
"Gaaahh! What the fuck!?" Hidan screamed in agony, stumbling backward blindly, clawing at the weapons now deeply embedded in his skull. Blood streamed down his face as his balance disappeared, the world spinning around him. "What did you do?! My fucking eyes… my ears! I can't hear shit!"
Dragon smiled coldly, hand already forming seals for his next move. "Removing your sense of sight, hearing and balance seemed the most logical way to neutralize your threat."
Kakuzu looked at his partner and then his eyes shifted towards Dragon. 'He must have used chakra strings to move those weapons. He didn't try to cut off his arms or legs or try to stab any vital areas. He didn't even try to cut off Hidan's head with the Kunai. He aimed them precisely at his eyes and ears. I can't stitch that up with my ability… Hidan will need time to recover from those injuries.'
Threads immediately extended from Kakuzu's body and he was ready for battle.
'In one simple move, he rendered that idiot useless. Does that mean he knows our abilities?... Does he know about me?'
Dragon suddenly placed his palms on the ground and Kakuzu tensed, feeling a chakra spike.
"Earth style - Mud River!"
Suddenly the ground all around Hidan and Kakuzu was turned into a flowing river of mud and rocks.
"Aarrrhh Kakazu! What's happening?" Hidan was about to be washed away by the powerful torrent but Kakuzu immediately extended his left and hand and grabbed his partner's body.
He moved and brought them both to safety but suddenly a giant earth hand appeared out of the mud river and quickly grasped Hidan. Just before the capture, Kakuzu was forced to let go.
"You bastard. It fucking hurts like hell. I'm gonna fucking kill you!" Hidan screamed in anger. The immortal's entire body was trapped in the giant rock palm.
"Earth style - Gnome's embrace." Dragon spoke as he stood in his spot.
'Argh! He trapped Hidan.' Kakuzu immediately made several seals for a strong lightning jutsu to break through the earth jutsu.
Dragon smirked. "Too late for that."
Suddenly Kakuzu stopped his movements, seeing something appear on the large rock hand.
Dozens of detonation talismans appeared and covered the fingers surrounding Hidan the immortal. The next moment-
BOOOM!
A large powerful explosion rocked the area and drowned out Hidan's screams. Dust and rock scattered across the land and quickly covered the two combatants.
Kakuzu lost sight of his enemy and thus heightened his senses to find him. He used the Earth Grudge to increase the strength of his body. He was about to move to a more suitable location when suddenly he sensed a faint movement from behind. 'He's going for a blindspot attack, a typical tactic.'
Sensing the movement behind him get closer, Kakuzu whirled around, arms and threads sweeping out to intercept.
Yet it was a decoy. 'No one's there.' Kakuzu cursed under his breath, turning back around just in time to see a flash of steel aimed at his chest. 'He tricked me…'
Dragon increased his speed and before Kakuzu could release his threads to attack, he was struck in the heart.
A single kunai, glinting with intense wind chakra, sharp enough to slice steel drove clean through Kakuzu's torso.
Blood sprayed as the tip emerged on the other side. Kakuzu froze mid-motion, feeling one of his hearts destroyed on impact. "Guh…!" He staggered.
Dragon had a murderous air around him as he looked at the Zombie ninja right in front of him. In a menacing tone he spoke four words.
"That's your first Heart."
—----------
Author's Note:-
He who makes the first decisive move controls the battlefield.
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