Chapter 37: Mid-Mission
The journey to the Land of Whirlpools was entirely within the Fire Country's borders.
The monotony of the endless green forest was starting to get tedious.
Naruto's initial excitement over leaving the village had worn off. He looked at the never-ending green prison and complained, "Why is it so far? When are we going to get there, Kakashi-sensei?"
"Idiot." Sasuke, resting with his eyes closed against a tree, scoffed. "This is what shinobi missions are like."
"What did you say?!" Naruto rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge, but Shikamaru grabbed the back of his collar.
"Save your energy," Shikamaru said, pointing to the faint outline of mountains ahead. "According to the map, once we cross this forest, we'll reach the coastal plain. We should see the Uzushiogakure ruins by tomorrow."
Kakashi leaned against another tree, flipping a page of Make-Out Paradise. "Shikamaru is right. Conserving energy is key. Besides, this forest isn't just 'tedious'."
The moment he spoke, a rustle came from the distant bushes. Sasuke's eyes snapped open. His hand clamped onto his ninja pouch, his pupils flashing with alertness.
Naruto instantly perked up, all traces of complaint gone, replaced by a ready-to-fight look. "Is it an enemy?"
"Don't worry," Kakashi lowered his book, scanning the area. "Just some wild animals passing by. But it does mean we're getting closer to the edge of the forest. Animal patterns shift with the terrain."
He stood up, dusting himself off. "We'll walk for another half hour, find a good spot to camp, and leave early tomorrow. We should reach the coastal plain by noon."
Shikamaru stretched, casually pulling Naruto closer to stop him from running off. "For a campsite, we need a high vantage point with a clear view. We also need to avoid damp low-ground so we don't get eaten by bugs."
He took out a map and inspected it in the sunlight filtering through the leaves. His finger traced a line. "There should be a small stream ahead. Easy access to water."
Naruto leaned over, instantly getting a headache from the dense lines. "Well, as long as Shikamaru's planning, I'll just follow! Hey, will the Uzushiogakure ruins have anything fun? Like powerful jutsu scrolls, or maybe treasure?"
Sasuke scoffed, closing his eyes again. "Your head is full of useless things. The mission comes first."
"I was just asking!" Naruto retorted, annoyed.
"Yo! Naruto, you're full of spirit!"
"How about a youthful competition?" Might Guy suddenly leaped down from a tree.
Lee immediately shot from the back of the group to the front, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "Guy-sensei! Please allow me to join this youthful challenge!"
"Of course, Lee!" Guy flashed a thumbs-up. "Let us commence with five hundred push-ups!"
"Wait!" Tenten grabbed Lee's arm. "Are you two insane?! We're on a mission!"
Neji opened his eyes slightly. "Excessive physical exhaustion will compromise mission efficiency. This sort of pointless contest is..."
"Neji-kun!" Lee spun around, tears welling up as he grabbed Neji's hands. "Are you worried about my health? This precious team bond..."
Hearing Guy's suggestion, Naruto's interest was piqued. "A contest? What are we competing in, Guy-sensei?"
Kakashi's eye peered over the top of Make-Out Paradise. "Ah... so much energy."
He turned to Asuma. "How about they compete to see who can find the best spot to camp?"
Kurenai covered her mouth, smiling. "That's a good idea. It lets the children burn off energy and advances the mission."
"Excellent! Everyone, listen up!" Guy slammed his fist into his palm. "The rules: the first person to find a spot that meets the three criteria—high ground, clear view, and near a water source—wins! Bet on the name of Konoha's Noble Blue Beast!"
"Wait!" Shikamaru raised his hand. "I nominate myself as the judge."
He mumbled to himself, "That way, I do the least work..."
"Arf, arf!" Akamaru poked his head out of Kiba's jacket, barking excitedly.
"Akamaru says he wants to join too!" Kiba held Akamaru above his head. "We're definitely going to win!"
Sasuke watched the suddenly boisterous group and twitched his lip almost imperceptibly. "A bunch of idiots..."
Sakura leaned in. "Um... Sasuke, do you want to join..."
"No interest." Sasuke sped up, walking to the front of the group, but as he passed Naruto, he lowered his voice. "Don't hold us back."
"Hold you back? I never hold anyone back!"
"You two better not be the ones holding us back."
"Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist, and Raiga Kurosuki."
Inside the Uzumaki clan shrine in the Land of Whirlpools, four figures stood.
"You know our names and yet you dare speak such arrogant nonsense?" Zabuza's Executioner's Blade scraped against the stone floor as he jammed it between the tiles.
"And you call yourselves the Akatsuki? A laughable name." He looked them up and down, pointing at their black-and-red-cloud robes. "And this idiotic... uniform?"
"Idiotic uniform? I wholeheartedly agree with that, Zabuza. You have great taste," Hidan said, suddenly excited.
As one of the fashion-conscious ninja of the Land of Hot Water, his greatest complaint about their organization was the tacky outfit.
He tugged at the red cloud on his sleeve. "The fabric is terribly non-breathable, and it rustles when I move. It's a blasphemy against Lord Jashin's aesthetic!"
Kakuzu glanced at his jabbering partner. "Shut up, Hidan. Remember the mission."
"Does this mission require such attention? A few brats and their parents." Hidan smirked. "Why don't you let me test the strength of these two men first?"
Zabuza, a hardened killer who had dared to assassinate the Mizukage, would not tolerate this insult. The edge of his Executioner's Blade pointed at Hidan's throat.
"You've got a death wish!"
"Hey, hey, don't be so aggressive." Hidan laughed, narrowly dodging the blade. "I was seriously inviting you to join a ritual for Lord Jashin!"
"Ninja Art: Hiding in Mist Jutsu!" Zabuza made a hand seal, and a thick fog instantly swallowed the entire shrine.
Raiga Kurosuki's silhouette appeared faintly in the mist, twin swords crackling with blinding lightning.
"Pointless parlor tricks," Kakuzu commented.
He plunged his hands into the ground. Countless black threads burst up, flipping over the stone tiles in a ten-meter radius.
"Lightning Style: Thunder Kiba!" Raiga unleashed his jutsu.
But the moment the lightning flashed, Hidan rushed toward the attack, laughing hysterically.
His arm was scorched by the lightning, but as he was struck, his Triple-Bladed Scythe swung toward Raiga.
"This pain! Give me more!"
"Lunatic!" Raiga quickly retreated, only to find his feet bound by Kakuzu's black threads.
Kakuzu emerged from the shadow. "Your bounties are mine."