Sai's piercing gaze remained fixed on the Rinnegan man soaring through the sky, his eyes burning with an unspoken urgency.
The shinobi surrounding him continued their hushed discussions about Himakawa's sudden attack on Choji.
"...can't believe Himakawa's gone rogue," one shinobi whispered.
"No, it's not him," another countered, "it's that strange aura controlling him."
Their conversation was abruptly cut off as Sai's voice boomed through the gathering, "Everyone, run!"
The shinobi turned to him, confusion etched on their faces. "Sai, what—?" someone began.
Sai's expression remained resolute, his eyes never leaving the Rinnegan man. "Don't question, just go!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the Senju Park.
The shinobi followed Sai's gaze and gasped, recognizing the Rinnegan man.
"But...how?" Hanabi whispered.
Choji's eyes widened in horror. "Is he going to perform the jutsu Pain used once and destroyed the village?"
Memories of that devastating day flooded back, and fear gripped their hearts.
Sai's urgency intensified. "We can't withstand that power! We must leave – now!"
The shinobi nodded, recalling the devastation Pain inflicted.
Just as tensions escalated, a strange murmur grew from the distance. The shinobi turned to see a crowd of familiar faces approaching – with kunai at the ready.
Himakawa was among them, his eyes vacant, his movements mechanical.
But something was off.Leading the crowd was...Sai. Or was it..?
Choji's hand clamped onto Sai's shoulder, spinning him around. "Sai, look! There's another you!"
Sai marched toward them, his eyes cold and detached.
"What the...?" Hanabi trailed off, stunned.
Sai's face contorted in shock. "What...what's going on? Who is that?"
The shinobi exchanged worried glances, unsure who to trust.Some took a step back, uncertainty written on their faces. "Sai, what's happening?" one asked.
Another whispered, "Is he still on our side?" Sai's eyes pleaded for trust. "I...I don't know. I'm trying to protect you!"
But doubt had already crept in.Some shinobi drew their kunai, their eyes narrowing. "We can't trust him," one growled. "We don't know what's controlling him," another added.
One shinobi snarled, "Take him down! He's an enemy!" Others joined in, charging toward the real Sai.
Sai's eyes widened in horror. "No! I'm on your side!" Just as the shinobi attacked, Sai shouted who was leading the crowd shouted:
"Eliminate the traitors!"
The attacking shinobi froze, realization dawning on their faces. "Wait, he means us?" one asked, alarm creeping into his voice. Choji chuckled dryly. "Guess we're the traitors now."
The shinobi turned to face the duplicate Sai, understanding in their eyes. "Sorry, Sai," one said with a grin. "We won't kill you... this time."
Sai let out a relieved breath. "Thanks... I think." The duplicate Sai's voice grew louder, more menacing.
"Eliminate them all! Do not spare anyone!"
As the fake Sai's words echoed through the park, the shinobi steeled themselves. They formed a united front, ready to defend against the incoming threat.
Sai stood tall, determination burning in his eyes. "We'll stop this fake, and uncover the truth." Choji nodded, his voice firm. "Together."
Panic gripped the village as shinobi rushed to evacuate the civilians. Screams and shouts filled the air, mingling with the sound of clashing steel.
"Move, move!" Yuino Iwabe yelled, ushering a group of terrified villagers toward the safety of the village gates.
Kaminarimon Denki, his eyes scanning the chaos, helped Iwabe subdue a flailing villager.
"What's happening, Iwabe kun? This genjutsu is crazy!" Denki exclaimed.
"I don't know, but we need to get them out of here!" Iwabe replied, struggling to restrain the villager.
Some villagers, their eyes vacant, attacked each other with reckless abandon. Others turned on the shinobi, striking at them with wild, desperate blows.
Suddenly, a collective gasp swept through the village. Heads turned upward, faces tilted toward the sky.
The Rinnegan man loomed above, his presence imposing and terrifying.
"What...what is he doing?" a villager whispered.
The man's hands began to weave intricate patterns, his eyes blazing with an otherworldly energy.
A dark, swirling vortex erupted around him, spreading outward like a stain.
Iwabe's eyes widened in horror. "What kind of Ninjutsu is that?" Denki shook his head. "I've never seen anything like it!" The villagers' madness intensified, their actions growing more erratic and violent.
"We have to get them out of here, now!" Iwabe shouted to Denki.
Denki nodded, his face set in determination. "Let's go, Iwabe kun! We can't let Boruto kun down!"
As they fought to maintain order, the Rinnegan man's voice boomed through the sky:
"Let the chaos begin."
Panic gripped the village as the genjutsu's hold tightened. Villagers, their eyes vacant, attacked each other with reckless abandon. Shinobi, tasked with evacuation, were now fighting for survival.
Yamanaka Ino's flower shop, Yamanaka Florist, served as a makeshift command center. Ino, alongside a team of sensory shinobi, struggled to maintain order.
"Section 3, report!" Ino called out.Static filled the comms device.Ino's brow furrowed. "Section 3, respond!"
A sensory shinobi's voice trembled. "Ino sama...we're...overwhelmed.Villagers...attacking us."
Ino's eyes widened. "Genjutsu's spreading fast. We need to—" A scream pierced the air outside. Ino's heart sank. "Section 5, what's your status?" she asked.No response.
"Ino-sama, Section 5's been compromised," a sensory shinobi reported. "Multiple shinobi down."
Ino's face paled. "This is catastrophic." Throughout the village, chaos reigned:
Shinobi Akemi lay wounded, villagers closing in. Shinobi Jiro fled, abandoning his post. Villagers, once friends and neighbors, clashed in bloody battles. Some shinobi, like Denki and Iwabe, fought bravely, protecting civilians. Others, overwhelmed by fear, prioritized self-preservation. Shinobi Hideki sprinted through the streets, dodging attacks. "I have to get out...can't save anyone..."
Ino's voice crackled through the comms device. "All units, regroup and—"
But her words were lost amidst the screams and clashes. The Rinnegan man's presence loomed, his dark chakra suffocating the village. "Ino-san, we're losing control," a sensory shinobi whispered. Ino's voice remained steady. "Keep trying. We must protect the villagers."
But hope dwindled as the village descended into chaos.
Uchiha Sarada gazed out the hospital window, her eyes witnessing the village's descent into chaos. Buildings burned, villagers clashed, and the once-peaceful streets ran red with blood.
Her thoughts reeled in horror. "Why is this happening?"
A child's piercing cry shattered her thoughts. "Kaa-san...Kaa-san, stop!! Don't hit me! I'm Enji! Okay, your son, please Kaa-san!"
Sarada's eyes widened as she spotted the source of the cry. A woman, her eyes vacant, struck a young boy repeatedly. The boy's tiny body crumpled under each blow, his cries growing louder.
Sarada's heart ached. She longed to rush to the boy's aid, but her duty bound her to Yamato's side.
"Protect him," her mother, Sakura, had instructed. "Keep him safe," her friends had echoed.
Sarada's grip on the windowsill tightened. She couldn't abandon Yamato, not even to save the child.
Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, footsteps approached outside the door. Sarada's head snapped toward the sound, her hand instinctively reaching for her kunai. She positioned herself between Yamato's bed and the door, ready to strike. "Who's there?" she called out, her voice firm.
The footsteps halted outside the door. Sarada's thoughts raced. Friend or foe? Her grip on the kunai tightened.
The door creaked open, and Sarada prepared to defend Yamato at all costs.
A boy entered, his voice firm. "Oyaji." He approached Shikamaru's bedside, concern etched on his face.
Sarada's grip on her kunai tightened, eyes snapping toward the speaker. "What are you doing here, Shikadai?" she asked cautiously.
Shikadai turned to her. "What happened to Oyaji? And Yamato-san?" His gaze locked onto Yamato's unconscious form.
Sarada hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I don't know. I was watching over Yamato-san when the village erupted into chaos."
Shikadai's expression turned resolute. "We need to get them to safety."
Sarada's caution resurfaced. "Wait...how do I know it's really you?"
Shikadai's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? Of course, it's me. Why would you ask that?" His tone held a hint of confusion.
Sarada's eyes narrowed. "Just answer me. What makes you, you?"
Shikadai's expression turned puzzled, but he replied, "Being a Shinobi sure is a drag."
Sarada's tension eased, recognizing the phrase. Only Shikadai would say that.
Sarada's tension dissipated as she gazed at Shikadai, a wave of relief washing over her. A soft smile spread across her face.
"It really is you...thank goodness," she said, her voice laced with gratitude.
Shikadai's confusion deepened, his brow furrowed. "What happened?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
Sarada's expression turned somber, her eyes clouding. "Mama entrusted me with the task of ensuring Yamato-san's safety," she began, her voice measured. "He could be attacked at any moment."
Shikadai's gaze narrowed, his mind racing. He understood the gravity of the situation.
"I see," he said, his tone resolute. "Then let's get them to safety."
Sarada's hands rose, palms facing Shikadai, a gentle gesture to halt. "No...it's alright. It's safe here."
Shikadai's thoughts whirled. Why was Sarada so confident? He replayed his journey to the hospital room, recalling the deserted corridors. Not a single soul in sight.
His eyes locked onto Sarada's, searching for reassurance. His mind pieced together the puzzle:
If Sarada was entrusted with Yamato's safety, she wouldn't take risks.
The hospital room seemed secure. And he'd seen no signs of potential attackers.
"yeah...you're right," Shikadai said finally, his voice measured.
The tension in the room shifted as footsteps echoed outside the door. Sarada and Shikadai exchanged a wary glance, their hands instinctively tightening around their kunai.
Shikadai's stance stiffened, his weight shifting onto the balls of his feet. His eyes locked onto the door, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Who could be approaching? Friend or foe?
Sarada stood poised beside him, her kunai gleaming in the dim light. Her eyes mirrored Shikadai's caution.
The footsteps drew closer, each step echoing through the silent corridor. Shikadai's grip on his kunai tightened, his thumb brushing against the blade's edge.
The door's handle turned, and the door creaked open, casting a sliver of light into the dimly lit room. A familiar, husky voice drifted in, "Shikadai...How can you...leave me...".
Shikadai's eyes snapped toward the speaker, his gaze intense. For an instant, he processed the voice, his mind racing to place it. Recognition sparked, and his thoughts flashed to Cho-Cho, Shikadai's and Sarada's best friend.
But his battle-trained instincts had already taken over. His hand, a blur of motion, released the kunai. Time seemed to slow as the blade soared toward its target.
"Cr—" Shikadai's voice died on his lips as he realized his mistake. Cho-Cho, exhausted, bent down, unaware of the danger. Her movements were languid, her body sinking toward the floor.
Her orange-brown hair cascaded around her dark skinned face, and dark circles underlined her amber coloured eyes. Shikadai's heart sank as his kunai whizzed past her ear, mere inches from disaster.
Sarada's voice was laced with shock. "Cho-Cho?!" She took a step forward, concern etched on her face.
Cho-Cho looked up, a weak smile on her lips. "Yo..Sarada." she said, her tone casual despite her obvious fatigue.
Shikadai's expression transformed from alarm to relief,"Thank Goodness she's alright."
Sarada's concern deepened as she approached Cho-Cho. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Cho-Cho's gaze drifted to Shikadai, a hint of annoyance flickering across her face. "Well, Inojin asked me to keep an eye on Shikadai as Shikadai ran away after he got to know that Shikamaru-san was injured and since Inojin was busy,he asked me and so I went along with Shikadai...but..." Her voice trailed off, and she glared at Shikadai.
"This guy runs so fast, it nearly drove me out of breath!" Cho-Cho exclaimed, exasperation etched on her features.
Shikadai's lips curled into a smile. "It's your fault," he said, his tone playful.
Cho-Cho's eyes narrowed. "How come it's my fault?!" she demanded, her voice rising.
Sarada's serious tone cut through their banter. "You guys...I need your help."
The lighthearted atmosphere dissipated as Shikadai and Cho-Cho turned to Sarada, their expressions sobering.
Cho-Cho's brow furrowed. "Hmm...what's the matter?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. Shikadai's eyes locked onto Sarada, his gaze intense.
"I'm worried about Boruto," she confided, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's not himself. He's been withdrawn, and those injuries...yet he still rushed into danger, risking his life."
Cho-Cho's expression softened, empathy etched on her face. Shikadai's brow furrowed. "What's going on with Boruto?" he asked. Sarada's hands clenched into fists. "He's taking everything on himself – the village's safety, his sister's disappearance...it's crushing him."
Cho-Cho's eyes widened. "Disappearance? You mean Himawari chan?" Sarada nodded grimly. "Yes. No one knows where she is." Shikadai's jaw tightened. "We'll find her."
Sarada's gaze drifted toward the door. "Mitsuki has gone to look for Himawari-chan,I'm sure he'll bring her safe and sound but what I need to see what's happening outside,if the villagers are safe or not."
Sarada's eyes flashed with determination. "I have to know what's happening."
Shikadai flanked Sarada's other side, his expression resolute. "You can't go out there alone." Cho-Cho nodded resolutely. "We'll go together. We can't let you face whatever's out there alone, Sarada."
However, Shikadai intervened, his voice firm. "No, Cho-Cho, you should stay here." Cho-Cho's eyes narrowed. "Why? I can handle myself."
Shikadai's gaze shifted to Yamato and Shikamaru, still unconscious on their hospital beds. "Someone needs to ensure their safety. We can't leave them unguarded."
Sarada's eyes met Shikadai's, understanding his reasoning. Cho-Cho's expression softened, comprehension dawning. "You want me to protect them?"
Shikadai nodded. "Yes. We can't risk anyone getting to them while we're away." Cho-Cho's shoulders squared. "Got it. I'll keep them safe." Sarada placed a reassuring hand on Cho-Cho's shoulder. "Thank you, Cho-Cho."
Shikadai turned to Sarada. "Let's move out. We need to assess the situation." Sarada nodded. Together, Shikadai and Sarada stepped into the unknown, the hospital door creaking shut behind them.
As they vanished into the chaos, Cho-Cho's whispered words echoed through the empty hallway: "Be careful, you two..."
Konohamaru sprinted towards A-Un Gate, the eastern entrance of Konohagakure. Boruto's words echoed in his mind: "I saw some villagers attacking each other at the A-Un Gate."
Konohamaru's brow furrowed. "Just what is happening in the village? How can villagers attack each other?!" The usually tranquil landscape blurred around him as he quickened his pace. Trees seemed to whip past, their leaves rustling anxiously.
As he approached A-Un Gate, the air thickened with tension. The once-peaceful village was now a hotbed of chaos. Villagers, their faces twisted in madness, assaulted each other. Fists flew, and screams pierced the air.
Konohamaru's eyes scanned the mayhem, locking onto a figure being beaten by a crowd.
Dark brown hair, styled in Chinese buns, framed a face contorted in pain. Straight bangs obscured her forehead, but Konohamaru recognized those determined eyes. And it was none other than TenTen.
"Crap, this sure is a huge mess," Konohamaru thought, his gut twisting with urgency.
Konohamaru charged into the fray, his movements swift and precise. "Hey! Cut it out! Stop it!" he repeated, his voice piercing the chaos.
Villagers, lost in their madness, didn't flinch. Konohamaru's eyes locked onto the most aggressive attackers.
As he fought, he rushed to Tenten's side, taking down multiple opponents with ease. "Tenten-san, hang on!" he shouted.
Tenten's eyes flickered toward him, relief fleeting across her battered face.
"Get hold of yourself, people!" Konohamaru bellowed, his voice echoing off the gate. The villagers paused, momentarily stunned.
Konohamaru took advantage of the reprieve. "Tenten-san, can you walk?" he asked, gently helping her up. Tenten nodded, wincing. "Y-yes...thank you, Konohamaru."
Her eyes scanned the chaos. "What's happening to our village?" Konohamaru said,"We'll figure it out. First, let's get you safe."
However, the villagers soon resumed their attack. "Konohamaru, it's no use," Tenten said, her voice strained. "They're under a genjutsu."
Konohamaru's gaze snapped to the villagers. "You already tried to break it?" Tenten nodded. "It's too powerful...and it's adapting."
The villagers closed in, their movements synchronized. Konohamaru spotted a villager swinging a deadly-looking axe.
"Behind you!" Konohamaru shouted, pushing Tenten aside. The axe bit into the gate mere inches from her head.
Konohamaru's eyes narrowed. "Time to end this." Konohamaru focused on breaking the genjutsu. He employed every technique he knew, but the villagers remained entranced. "Tenten-san, I'm not making any progress," Konohamaru admitted, frustration creeping into his voice.
Tenten's eyes narrowed. "This genjutsu is unlike anything I've seen." Konohamaru's thoughts turned to the Rinnegan-wielding stranger. "Could he be behind this?"
Scanning the sky, Konohamaru spotted the Rinnegan man hovering above the village. A vortex-shaped ninjutsu began to form around him.
"It's him," Konohamaru growled. "He's controlling the genjutsu." Tenten followed his gaze. "We need to stop him."
Konohamaru's eyes locked onto Tenten. "You need to get to safety. Head to the hospital or the emergency shelter." Tenten nodded, understanding. "I'll get treated and meet you at Senju Park."
Konohamaru's expression softened. "Be careful, Tenten-san." Tenten smiled faintly. "You too, Konohamaru."
With a shared nod, they parted ways. Konohamaru watched as Tenten disappeared into the crowd, heading toward the hospital.
Confident she was safe, Konohamaru turned toward Senju Park. He had to stop the Rinnegan man. As he rushed through the chaotic streets, Konohamaru's determination grew.
Suddenly, he sensed a familiar presence behind him. "Tenten-san!" Konohamaru exclaimed, surprised.
Tenten caught up to him, her eyes flashing with resolve. "Konohamaru, I've reconsidered. My skills are needed here."
Konohamaru's expression turned stern. "Tenten-san, I ordered you to—"
"I won't stand by while our village is being destroyed." TenTen interrupted. Konohamaru nodded, acknowledging her decision.
Together, they pressed onward, Senju Park looming ahead. The air thickened with tension as they approached the heart of the chaos.
Senju Park, once serene, was now a battleground. Real Sai clashed with his duplicate, their movements a blur.
At first glance, they seemed identical, but subtle differences emerged. Fake Sai's techniques were more refined, his strikes landing with precision.
Real Sai's eyes narrowed. "You're not me." Fake Sai smirked. "Of course, you're nothing as compared to me ."
Choji Akimichi and Hanabi Hyuga fought alongside Real Sai, while Himekawa and Udon stood with Fake Sai.
Hanabi exchanged blows with Himekawa, sensing something off. "This isn't right," she muttered.
Choji paused mid-punch. "What's wrong?" Hanabi's gaze swept the battlefield. "Everyone's under a genjutsu."
Fake Sai's smile grew wider. "You'll never break free." Hanabi's jaw clenched. "We have to try."
With renewed determination, Hanabi focused on shattering the illusion. Choji and Real Sai followed her lead.
The battle raged on, Hanabi targeting Himekawa and Udon with precise strikes to disrupt the genjutsu.
Himekawa stumbled, Udon's eyes clearing. Hanabi's eyes flashed with hope. "We're getting through."
Fake Sai's smirk remained. "My power won't be defeated." Real Sai's eyes met Hanabi's. "We need to end this."
Hanabi nodded. "Together." The outcome hung in the balance as the two Sais clashed.
Hanabi's eyes locked onto Himekawa, her focus intensifying. She could see the genjutsu's threads weaving around him, controlling his movements.
With a swift kick, Hanabi sent Himekawa stumbling back. The motion broke the genjutsu's hold, and Himekawa's eyes cleared.
"Udon, snap out of it!" Himekawa shouted, rushing to his friend's side. Udon's gaze wavered, his pupils contracting as he regained control. The duplicate Sai's smirk faltered, its confidence wavering.
Real Sai seized the opportunity, striking the duplicate with renewed force. Choji and Hanabi followed him, their movements synchronized as they pressed the attack.
From the other side of Senju Park, Hatake Kakashi watched the battle unfold. His eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through the chaos.
"What's going on?" Kakashi muttered to himself..He spotted the duplicate Sai and his eyes widened. "A clone? But who—"
Kakashi began to move stealthily toward the battle, his gaze fixed on the duplicate Sai.
As he approached, the battle intensified. Hanabi and the others fought to break the genjutsu's hold, while the duplicate Sai struggled to maintain control.
As Choji, Hanabi, and the real Sai closed in, the fake Sai's eyes flashed with desperation. With a swift hand seal, he summoned a swirling vortex of flames.
"Katon: Enjin no Jutsu!"
The inferno engulfed Fake Sai, obscuring him from view. The flames danced and intensified, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees.
Choji, Hanabi, and Real Sai leapt back, shielding their faces from the heat.
"What the...?!" Choji exclaimed.
"He's using Fire Escape Jutsu!" Real Sai shouted.
In an instant, the flames vanished, leaving behind only a whisper of smoke. Fake Sai had disappeared.
Hanabi's eyes widened. "He's gone!"
Real Sai's gaze narrowed. "I'll track him. He can't hide for long."
As he reappeared in a secluded location, Fake Sai panted, relieved. "That was close... The Fire Escape Jutsu worked perfectly. Now to regroup and plan my next move..."
With a calculated gaze, he vanished into the shadows, awaiting his next opportunity.
Back at the Senju Park Hanabi's gaze swept the area. "But the genjutsu remains. We need to break it."
Choji's face set in determination. "I'll help. My strength can—"
Kakashi Hatake emerged from the shadows, his eyes scanning the scene. "What's the situation, Hanabi?"
Hanabi filled him in, her words precise. "A duplicate Sai appeared, controlling the villagers with a genjutsu. We forced it to retreat, but the genjutsu persists."
Kakashi's gaze turned inward, his mind racing. "The genjutsu's source... We need to find it. Who's behind this?"
Real Sai nodded. "I'll search the area. Maybe I can pick up a trail." Choji stepped forward. "I'll join you. My strength can help."
Hanabi shook her head. "No,we need to focus on breaking the genjutsu. Rokudaime-sama can you—" Kakashi nodded. "I'll guide you. Let's dispel this genjutsu."
Himekawa and Udon approached, their eyes clearing. "We're free," Himekawa said, relief etched on his face.
Udon nodded. "Thanks to you, Hanabi san." Hanabi smiled faintly. "We're not done yet. Help us break the genjutsu." Together, the group focused their chakra, weaving a complex dispelling jutsu. As they worked, the villagers began to stir, their eyes clearing.
As they worked to dispel the genjutsu, Hanabi turned to Udon and Himekawa. "Do either of you remember who controlled you?"
Udon's brow furrowed. "I... I thought it was Sai san. He approached me, and then... everything blurred."
Himekawa nodded. "Same here. I saw Sai san, and then I was fighting alongside him."
Choji's eyes narrowed. "But it was the duplicate Sai. The real Sai is here with us."
Himekawa's gaze drifted, recalling the events. "I remember now. As I approached Sai san, I saw his eyes... They weren't normal. They were red, almost like—"
Real Sai's eyes snapped toward Himekawa. "Red eyes? What do you mean?" Himekawa's voice dropped to a whisper. "Like the Sharingan." Kakashi's gaze locked onto Himekawa. "Are you certain?"
Himekawa nodded. "Yes, I'm positive. Those eyes... They haunted me." The group exchanged uneasy glances. The Sharingan, a dojutsu legendary for its power and rarity.
Hanabi's thoughts whirled. "Could the duplicate Sai be connected to the Uchiha clan?" Kakashi's expression turned grim. "We can't rule it out. This changes things."
Sai said,"I need to find out who is that duplicate."
As the tension mounted, the Rinnegan man's presence lingered, watching and waiting.
---
Quiz Question:
What motivates Fake Sai to use the Fire Escape Jutsu?
A) To escape Real Sai's attacks
B) To protect the villagers from the genjutsu
C) To reunite with his allies
D) To conceal his true identity
Share your answers in the comments below!