The village of Konohagakure was ablaze, its once peaceful streets now a scene of utter devastation. Explosions rocked the foundations, sending debris flying in all directions. Panicked villagers sprinted wildly, desperate to escape the carnage. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning buildings.
In a hospital room, a woman with striking short pink hair and piercing green eyes gazed out the window, her expression a mix of concern and determination. A distinctive Yin Seal adorned her forehead, and her red attire was complemented by a crisp white coat – the attire of a skilled kunoichi. She spoke softly to herself, "I wonder who is behind all of this?"
Behind her, a man lay on a hospital bed, his brown hair disheveled, and his brown eyes filled with a deep-seated worry. He wore a simple green robe, and his bandaged shoulder was a stark reminder of his recent ordeal. Yamato, a seasoned veteran of the Hidden Leaf, struggled to sit up, his voice laced with urgency.
"Sakura, I think you should leave me and—"
However, his words were swiftly interrupted by the pink-haired woman, Uchiha Sakura, whose eyes flashed with a fierce protectiveness. She turned to face Yamato, her voice firm but laced with compassion.
"Captain Yamato, how can I leave you in such a state? Who knows if that man comes again and this time takes your whole body instead of just your flesh?" Sakura's gaze lingered on Yamato's bandaged shoulder, a grim reminder of the mysterious attacker who had stolen his flesh – a man with the unmistakable mark of the Sharingan.
Yamato's eyes dropped, his jaw clenched in frustration, as the memory of his encounter with the Sharingan-wielding assailant flooded his mind.
Yamato's voice trailed off, his concern evident. "But—"
Sakura's gentle hand on his shoulder halted his words. Her green eyes locked onto his, filled with reassurance.
"Captain Yamato, it's alright," she said softly. "Sasuke-kun is there, Kakashi-sensei is there, and above all, Naruto is there. I'm sure they can deal with the enemy easily."
Yamato's gaze lingered on Sakura's face, his brow furrowed in doubt. His voice barely above a whisper, he replied:
"I hope so."
The faintest hint of uncertainty crept into his tone, betraying his fears. Sakura's words, meant to comfort, couldn't shake off the lingering memory of the Sharingan-wielding attacker's overwhelming strength.
Sakura's grip on his shoulder tightened, her expression unwavering.
"We'll get through this, Captain. We always do."
The determination in her voice was palpable, but Yamato's eyes betrayed a lingering unease.
The outskirts of Konohagakure village remained serene, a stark contrast to the chaos raging within. A lone figure stood atop a rocky outcropping, gazing out at the village with an unnerving intensity.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by the approach of two figures. One, with vibrant blonde hair and clad in a flowing white cloak, exuded an aura of determination. Beside him, a figure with jet-black hair and a black cloak radiated an air of quiet confidence.
The man on the rock turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in the newcomers. A sly smile spread across his face.
The blonde figure, Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage, spoke calmly, "I see... so you're the real one this time, and all those were your clones." His gaze never wavered.
"We can settle this quietly, without hurting each other," Naruto continued, extending an olive branch. "You still have time."
Sasuke Uchiha, standing alongside Naruto, shot him a sidelong glance. "Naruto, this isn't the time for cracking jokes," he said, his voice low and even. "After all, he doesn't look like he's in the mood to settle things quietly."
Naruto's eyes flicked to Sasuke, his expression thoughtful. "But—"
Before he could finish, the mysterious man interrupted, his voice dripping with malice. "Hokage, your comrade seems smarter than you."
The man's gaze locked onto Naruto, his eyes flashing with hostility. Unlike the Hokage, who sought peace, this man craved conflict.
The man's smile grew wider, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Heh..." He gazed at Naruto and Sasuke, his eyes filled with the unyielding will to fight.
"You think you can stop me with words?" he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "After the condition your village is in?!"
Naruto's expression hardened, recognizing the futility of negotiation. He locked eyes with the Rinnegan-wielding man, his voice firm.
"Looks like words aren't enough to feed you."
Sasuke's voice was icy, his eyes flashing with a battle-hungry gleam. "Then let's feed him some jutsu. Cause the child is hungry now. Let's finish this here, once and for all, Naruto. This place is out of danger, and this time he's no clone."
The air was electric with tension as the man erupted into laughter, his eyes sparkling with malevolent intent.
"Great idea!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Since I am also itching to kill both of you here, at this very moment..."
His words hung in the air, a chilling promise of the carnage to come. The stage was set for a clash of titans, with the fate of Konohagakure hanging precariously in the balance.
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a resolute glance, their bond and determination forged in the fire of countless battles.
The silence was palpable, heavy with anticipation.
Without warning, the Rinnegan-wielding man lunged forward, his fist hurtling towards Naruto with devastating force. The air rippled with chakra as the two enemies clashed.
Naruto, fueled by his unwavering resolve to protect his village, refused to yield. With a fierce determination burning within, he met the attacker's punch with his own.
The two hands collided in a burst of energy, their chakra-infused fists locked in a struggle that seemed to shake the very foundations of the earth. The sound of their impact echoed through the landscape, a deafening crash that heralded the beginning of a legendary battle.
As their hands trembled with the force of their collision, Naruto's eyes blazed with an unyielding spirit, while the Rinnegan-wielding man's gaze burned with an otherworldly intensity.
The outcome hung in the balance, the fate of Konohagakure suspended on the precipice of destruction.
Deep within the iconic stone face of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, lay a hidden shelter, designed to safeguard Konohagakure's citizens during times of turmoil. The unassuming entrance, cleverly concealed within the monument, swung open, revealing a narrow stairway that descended into darkness.
Outside, panic-stricken villagers rushed toward the shelter, seeking refuge from the chaos engulfing their home. Women clutched children tightly, their faces etched with worry, while elderly men and women struggled to keep pace.
Two shinobi, clad in Konoha's standard jonin attires, stood guard at the entrance, directing the fleeing crowd. Their expressions were resolute, yet compassionate.
"Hurry up, please!" one shinobi urged, his voice firm but gentle.
The other shinobi, noticing the growing anxiety, intervened, "Please, don't push! You'll all be safe inside. We've got enough room for everyone."
An elderly woman, trembling, grasped the shinobi's arm. "My granddaughter... she's still out there!"
The shinobi's expression softened. "We'll find her, ma'am. I promise. But you need to get to safety first."
As the stream of villagers continued to pour into the shelter, the two shinobi maintained order, their trained eyes scanning the surrounding area for potential threats.
The sounds of destruction and chaos grew fainter, muffled by the thick stone walls of the shelter. But the weight of uncertainty lingered, etched on every face.
Inside the shelter, a sense of relief washed over the frightened villagers as they found temporary refuge. However, for one woman, anxiety deepened.
Uzumaki Hinata , clad in a light purple coat and a warm sweater, stood with her back against the cold stone wall. Her short, dark blue hair framed a face etched with worry. Purple eyes, usually shining with kindness, brimmed with unshed tears.
A trembling hand grasped the wall beside her as if seeking support. "Oh no! Now what am I going to do?!" she whispered, despair creeping into her voice.
Her thoughts swirled in a vortex of fear. "If they're not here... then where are they? What am I going to do?" Tears rolled down her cheek, betraying her struggle to maintain composure.
She covered her face with a shaky hand, her mind racing. "Where would young children like them be roaming in the village... with all those explosions happening? I thought Moegi brought them to the shelter."
Hinata's eyes flashed with determination, wiping away tears. She had to find her children, no matter the cost.
"First, I'll go home... maybe they might still be there."
With newfound resolve, Hinata turned to leave the shelter. The shinobi guarding the entrance exchanged bewildered glances.
"But, ma'am, it's not safe out there!" one of them protested.
Hinata's gaze swept past them, unwavering. "I have to find my children."
The shinobi stepped forward, attempting to block her path. "Please, reconsider. The village is under attack."
Hinata's voice became steel. "I won't lose them."
Without hesitation, she pushed past the shinobi and stepped into the chaos-ridden village. The sounds of destruction and screams enveloped her once more.
The shinobi watched, concerned, as Hinata vanished into the turmoil.
Senju Park, once a serene oasis within Konohagakure, now pulsed with tension. The air reeked of smoke and sweat, the scent of battle hanging heavy.
A shinobi, clad in tattered flak gear, stood at the park's edge, eyes scanning the horizon. His jaw clenched, releasing a frustrated growl.
"Tsk... there's no end to this."
With a swift motion, he hurled a flurry of shuriken into the distance.
"Take this!!"
Beside him, a fellow shinobi grasped his arm, voice laced with urgency.
"Stop it, you fool! Such tricks won't work on him."
The first shinobi turned, desperation etched on his face.
"At this rate—"
His words died as the shuriken returned, homing in on their sender with deadly precision.
The shinobi tried to dodge, but it was too late. Shuriken struck true, piercing his eyes, chest, and abdomen.
"Argh!" he cried out, crumpling to the ground.
His comrade rushed to his side, concern etched on his face.
"Hey! Are you alright?"
Before he could tend to the wounded shinobi, a carefree voice sliced through the chaos.
"Dammit, why are you guys so lazy? Come on... entertain me more."
The Rinnegan-wielding man emerged from the shadows, an air of nonchalance surrounding him. His eyes gleamed with excitement, as if bored by the shinobi's feeble attempts.
The wounded shinobi's gaze locked onto the newcomer, a mixture of fear and hatred burning within.
Senju Park lay in ruins, pillars and walls shattered, scattered across the ground. The air was heavy with the scent of destruction.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the rubble, his white hair stark against the devastation. Hatake Kakashi, Rokudaime Hokage, stood tall, his black eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.
As he brushed dust from his flak jacket, he spoke, his voice laced with a mix of fascination and concern.
"This Jutsu... it's the same as Pain's!"
Kakashi's gaze locked onto the Rinnegan-wielding man, his mind racing with the implications.
"That definitely felt like Pain's Shinra Tensei."
The Rinnegan man's purple eyes sparkled with interest, his gaze fixed on Kakashi.
Without hesitation, Kakashi charged forward, his hand weaving intricate seals. A lightning-fast jutsu materialized, taking the form of a panther.
"How about this?!" Kakashi exclaimed.
The panther-shaped jutsu hurtled toward the Rinnegan man, only to be absorbed by his glowing purple eyes. The man's expression remained serene.
"It's useless... all your jutsu are useless against me."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, his mind racing to analyze the encounter.
"He can repel both physical attacks and ninjutsu, just like Pain... but there's gotta be a weakness."
His thoughts turned to his comrades, concern etched on his face.
"Naruto, Sasuke, you guys gotta hurry up. My old body won't be able to take such damage like the last time."
Kakashi's eyes gleamed with determination, his resolve hardened.
"I need to buy time... and find that weakness."
The Rinnegan man watched Kakashi, an amused smile spreading across his face.
"Your struggles are entertaining but they'll soon be futile."
Two shinobi rushed to Kakashi's side, their faces set with determination.
"Rokudaime-sama, your orders!" they exclaimed in unison.
Kakashi's gaze swept across the ravaged park, his mind prioritizing the village's safety.
"Evacuate the villagers and get the wounded to Sakura," he instructed, his voice firm and authoritative.
One of the shinobi nodded curtly.
"Roger that!"
The second shinobi added, "We'll also reinforce the shelter's defenses, Hokage."
Kakashi's nod was crisp.
"Do it. Protect our people at all costs."
The two shinobi sprang into action, swiftly relaying Kakashi's orders to their comrades via radio.
As they dispersed, Kakashi refocused on the Rinnegan-wielding man, his eyes burning with a fierce determination.
"I won't let you harm anyone else."
The Rinnegan man's smile grew, his eyes glinting with anticipation.
"We'll see about that."
The battle-scarred landscape seemed to darken, as if sensing the impending clash.
On the other side of Senju Park, a shinobi sprinted through the devastation, his footsteps pounding the earth. He skidded to a halt beside a fallen comrade, injured and struggling to breathe.
The wounded shinobi grasped his arm, voice laced with urgency.
"Leave me! I won't make it! Go evacuate women and children... they come before me!"
The shinobi hesitated, torn between duty and loyalty.
Suddenly, a voice pierced the air from behind.
"He's right... he won't make it... and so won't you."
The shinobi spun around, eyes widening in shock.
"What?" he began, but his words died on his lips.
"Uchiha Sasuke?!" he exclaimed, stunned.
The newcomer's gaze was cold, his features eerily similar to Sasuke's.
"Dammit... just who's this Uchiha Sasuke that everyone's relating me to?" the man sneered, annoyance etched on his face.
The shinobi's confusion deepened.
"You're not Uchiha Sasuke?!"
The imposter's smile twisted, revealing a rod in his hand.
"No."
With a swift motion, he hurled the rod at the shinobi.
The shinobi tried to dodge, but it was too late. The rod struck true, and he crumpled to the ground, life fading from his eyes.
The wounded shinobi watched in horror as his comrade fell.
"No...!" he whispered, his voice silenced by the darkness.
The Rinnegan clone stood over the lifeless bodies, his expression unchanging.
The village's desperation grew. Naruto and Sasuke had to end this battle before all was lost.
Inside the hospital, Sakura stood alongside Yamato, safeguarding him amidst the village's turmoil. The door swung open, and a familiar voice called out.
"Sakura-san... please have a look at..."
Sakura turned, expecting Junior Healer Taro, but instead, she saw Boruto, his face etched with worry.
"Boruto!" Sakura exclaimed, alarm creeping into her voice.
Her gaze dropped, and her heart skipped a beat. Boruto carried a battered Shikamaru, his body limp and bruised.
"Oh my god... what happened to Shikamaru?!" Sakura's voice trembled, horror etched on her face.
With Yamato's assistance, Boruto gently laid Shikamaru on a nearby bed. Sakura rushed to his side, her skilled eyes scanning the damage.
Yamato helped Sakura position Shikamaru comfortably, his expression grave.
Sakura's hands hovered over Shikamaru's injuries, her medical ninjutsu at the ready.
As she began to channel her chakra, Boruto's voice broke the silence.
"Sakura-san, I... I didn't know what to do."
Sakura's eyes locked onto Boruto. "What happened?! How did Shikamaru end up in such a state?" she demanded.
Boruto took a deep breath."A person who looked like Sasuke-san came inside our house... He asked for Himawari's turtle."
Sakura's brow furrowed. "Go on," she encouraged.
"He said Tou-chan was asking for the turtle, and he was there because of it," Boruto continued. "Then, old man Shikamaru arrived, and... and he got hurt by those rods, just like Tou-chan was hit."
Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Naruto also?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "Where was Sasuke-kun at that time?"
Her mind whispered, "Looked like Sasuke-san..."
"Sasuke-san came at the very end," he said. "I don't know where he was, but when he came, I took Shikamaru-san and ran straight to the hospital."
Sakura's gaze lingered on Shikamaru's battered form, her thoughts racing.
Who was this imposter? And what was their connection to Sasuke?
As Sakura continued to heal Shikamaru, her expression turned grave.
"What about your sister? Where is she? Is she with your mom?" Sakura asked suddenly.
Horror dawned on Boruto's face, his eyes widening. "Himawari!! No! How did this...?" Boruto's voice trailed off.
He spun around, dashing towards the door. "I left Himawari and asked her to wait for me!" Boruto exclaimed.
Sakura's eyes flashed with alarm. She couldn't let Boruto rush into danger.
"Boruto, wait!" Sakura called out. "If you're about to tell me that you're going to look for Himawari... then I'm sorry. I have to stop you," Sakura said firmly.
Boruto halted, his face twisted in anguish. "Even if I have to knock you down over here," Sakura added.
Boruto's gaze locked onto Sakura, anger and desperation burning in his eyes.
"Sakura-san, this ain't time for joking!" Boruto protested.
"Himawari must be somewhere, still waiting for me. If I don't go to her, then who's gonna save her?!" Boruto's voice rose.
Sakura's words cut deep, striking Boruto's conscience like a sharp blade.
"Boruto, honestly, if you're worrying about her now, then why did you leave her in the first place? Telling her lies, saying you'd come back?" Sakura's voice held a mix of disappointment and concern, her eyes piercing through Boruto's defenses.
Boruto's eyes welled up with tears as the weight of his mistake crushed him. His shoulders slumped, and his head dropped in shame.
"I-is my fault?" Boruto stammered, his voice barely audible, laced with self-doubt and regret.
Sakura's expression remained stern, her face a mask of disappointment.
"Of course," she said, her words dripping with conviction. "If you had been a little more responsible, she would have been with us right now."
Boruto's gaze dropped, shame washing over him like a tidal wave. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered:
"Hima... I'm sorry... I'm ashamed to call myself your big brother."
His voice cracked, and his body shook with sobs. The weight of his guilt was suffocating.
The past unfolded before his mind's eye, a painful reminder of his mistake
Little Himawari gazed up at Boruto, her eyes brimming with tears. Her small face etched with worry, her voice trembling.
"Onii-chan... you'll come back, right? You're not lying, right?"
Boruto's memory self replayed his response. He smiled reassuringly, trying to alleviate her fears.
"Of course, trust your Onii-chan."
He gave her a reassuring pat on the head, trying to appear confident.
"Now hurry up and go. We'll meet at the place we decided."
Himawari nodded, her face set with determination. Her small voice echoed in Boruto's mind.
"Onii chan, please come quickly... I'll be waiting for you."
The memory replayed, a haunting reminder of his broken promise. Boruto's heart ached, his conscience screaming.
The memory faded, leaving Boruto drowning in regret. He slumped against the wall, overwhelmed by the consequences of his actions.
His body shook with uncontrollable sobs, his mind consumed by self-loathing.
"Why did I leave her? Why did I lie?" Boruto's thoughts tormented him, echoing in his mind like a cruel mantra.
His gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Sakura's eyes. Shame and guilt wrapped around him like chains, suffocating him.
Boruto's face contorted in anguish, his heart heavy with the weight of his mistake.
Sakura's expression shifted, a gentle smile spreading across her face. She laughed softly.
"Goodness, Boruto... Sarada never told me you were such a crybaby."
Boruto's tear-stained face looked up, confusion etched on his features.
"What do you mean?" he asked in a low, uncertain voice.Sakura's smile widened.
"Don't forget, our village still has many shinobi evacuating the villagers. Leave that task to the Jonins of the village."
Her words injected a glimmer of hope into the desperate situation. The village's experienced Jonins were capable of handling the evacuation.
Boruto's gaze locked onto Sakura, understanding dawning on his face.
"You mean... there's still a chance?" he asked, his voice laced with longing.
Sakura nodded. "There is. We just need to trust in our shinobi and focus on finding Himawari."
Boruto's eyes closed, a determined look settling on his face. "Stay safe, Himawari," he whispered.
Sakura's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with connections. A sudden memory flashed, and she turned to Boruto.
"What did the person look like who entered your home?" she asked, her voice steady and calm.
Boruto's confusion deepened, his brow furrowed.
"Why are you asking that, Sakura-san? You already know what happened," he replied, uncertainty lacing his words.
Sakura's gaze remained fixed on Boruto."Just tell me," she pressed.Boruto hesitated before responding. "He looked like Sasuke-san."
Sakura's expression didn't change, but her thoughts whirled. She shifted her gaze to Yamato, who stood by the window, his eyes scanning the chaos outside.
"Captain Yamato," she called out.Yamato turned, his expression calm. "Yes, Sakura?"
"How did the man look who had the Sharingan?" Sakura's voice held a hint of urgency.
Boruto's eyes widened in shock."Sharingan? No way! I thought only Sarada and Sasuke-san had Sharingan," he whispered, awe and fear mingling.
Yamato's eyes clouded, memories resurfacing. "He looked like Sasuke, but older," he said, his voice measured.
The room fell silent.Horror dawned on Sakura's face, her skin pale.
"The same person...," she whispered, her thoughts reeling. "The one who stole Captain Yamato's flesh and attacked the Uzumaki residence."
Her mind connected the dots – the Sharingan, the resemblance to Sasuke, and the sinister intentions.
Boruto watched, sensing Sakura's unease. "Sakura-san, what's wrong?" he asked.
Sakura didn't respond, lost in thought. Yamato's words echoed in her mind: "He looked like Sasuke, but older."
A chill ran down her spine.
---
Quiz Question:
What is the primary reason behind Sarada's initial hesitation to join Mitsuki in evacuating the villagers?
A) Fear of her own safety
B) Doubt in her abilities
C) Concern for her mother's whereabouts
D) Uncertainty about Konohamaru's orders
Share your answer in the comments below!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Dear Readers,
Thank you for joining us on this intense journey through the ravaged Hidden Leaf Village. As the chaos unfolds, I wanted to provide some clarity on certain elements of the story that may have sparked questions:
* The Mysterious Rinnegan Man:
* This formidable antagonist was a companion and team partner of Uchiha Mikoto (Sasuke's mother). This connection adds a layer of personal conflict to his actions.
* Regarding his appearance, his ability to resemble an older version of Sasuke is a unique characteristic.
* His primary objectives are twofold: to retrieve the turtle, a tool of immense power, and to destroy the village of Konohagakure. He harbors a deep-seated grudge against the village, stemming from a past betrayal, though it's important to note that the Hokage at the time of that betrayal was different from the current one.
* For the time being, he possesses no discernible weaknesses.
* The Turtle:
* This turtle is Urashiki's tool, and the mysterious man wishes to retrieve it.
* The Old Man:
* The old man is the mysterious rinnegan man.
* The Clones:
* The mysterious rinnegan man is able to create clones of himself.
* The Mysterious Sharingan Figure (from the Momoshiki/Kinshiki encounter):
* The enigmatic figure who observed the battle between Sasuke and Kinshiki, possessing the Mangekyo Sharingan, is the same mysterious Rinnegan-wielding man currently attacking the village. His motivations and connection to the current events will be revealed as the story progresses.
I hope this sheds some light on the unfolding narrative. As the story progresses, expect further revelations and deeper dives into the characters' motivations. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.