_SENJU PARK_
A deadly stillness hung over Senju Park, a stark contrast to the chaos that had consumed it moments before. The rain had ceased, leaving the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and ozone. Kakashi, his posture fluid and precise, moved with the silent grace of a seasoned shinobi. Himekawa's katana crackled with vibrant purple lightning, the signature of his unique ninjutsu. He closed the distance, the air around him charged with barely contained energy.
Hikaru, his Rinnegan eyes fixed on Kakashi, remained eerily calm. He seemed to anticipate Kakashi's every move, his own chakra swirling around him like a dark, malevolent aura. Kakashi, despite his outward composure, felt a prickle of unease. This opponent was unlike any he had faced before.
Kakashi moved with lightning speed, his katana arcing towards Hikaru. "Purple Lightning!" he exclaimed, the blade crackling as it aimed for a decisive strike.
Kakashi's Thought: 'He's been absorbing chakra... let's see if he can handle this direct attack.'
Just as the purple lightning was about to make contact, raw lightning erupted from Hikaru's entire body, a chaotic discharge of dark energy. Kakashi pull back, the unexpected surge of power making direct contact with his lightning impossible without risking serious injury to himself.
Kakashi's Thought: 'What the—?! He's emitting lightning from his body? He's trying to neutralize my attack!'
Hikaru's Thought: 'Predictable. Their reliance on elemental ninjutsu is their weakness. I will turn their own power against them.'
Seeing his lightning neutralized and Hikaru momentarily exposed, Kakashi instantly shifted his strategy. He dropped low, channeling chakra into his leg. With a burst of speed that belied his years, he launched a powerful kick aimed squarely at Hikaru's chest.
Kakashi's Dialogue (Internal): 'He's focused on countering my ninjutsu. He won't expect this!'
The kick landed with a thunderous impact.
"Ugh!" Hikaru gasped, sent hurtling backward despite his attempt to brace himself. He crashed into a nearby tree with a heavy thud, the bark cracking under the force. A thin trickle of blood escaped Hikaru's lips.
Hikaru slowly rose, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. As he straightened, four wood clones materialized around him, their expressions mirroring his own cold intensity. His eyes, now narrowed with a hint of surprise, locked onto Kakashi.
He took a slow, deliberate step forward.
Hikaru's Thought: 'He is more resourceful than I initially assessed. To switch tactics so quickly... and his taijutsu possesses surprising strength. As I recall, Minato's taijutsu wasn't of this caliber. Then how come he...?'
"You rely on tricks," Hikaru said, his voice a low, chilling drawl, tinged with a newfound respect. "But such petty tactics will not save you."
Kakashi remained silent, his gaze fixed on Hikaru and the newly formed clones, assessing the immediate threat.
Kakashi's Thought: 'Clones already? He's not wasting any time.'
"You seem to know a lot about me," Kakashi said, his voice low and steady, "But I don't even know who you are."
Hikaru paused, a cold smile spreading across his face. "My name is Uchiha Hikaru," he declared, his voice echoing with a chilling confidence.
Kakashi's Thought: 'Uchiha...Hikaru?' A jolt of surprise ran through Kakashi. The Rinnegan... it all started to make a grim sense. Kakashi's Thought: 'With eyes like that, he must be. Another one...'
"And in my time," Hikaru continued, his voice laced with arrogance, "I was the most powerful Uchiha to have ever lived."
Hikaru's Thought: 'Let him know the caliber of the one who will bring about his end.'
The air, still heavy with the lingering scent of battle, crackled with raw power. Gamakichi, the colossal toad summon, stood defiantly against the monstrous snake, Beru. The massive serpent, its scales shimmering like obsidian in the moonlight, lunged with terrifying speed, its jaws gaping wide, aiming to crush Gamakichi's face.
With a grunt of effort, Gamakichi thrust his large sword forward, the steel biting into the snake's upper and lower mandibles, preventing its razor-sharp teeth from closing. The force of the snake's strike pushed Gamakichi back several feet, his massive legs digging furrows in the churned earth.
Nearby, Naruto, enveloped in the radiant golden aura of his Kurama Chakra Mode, stood alongside the towering, fiery silhouette of Kurama's full form. Both figures pulsed with immense power, their combined presence illuminating the darkness around them. Naruto's brow was furrowed with urgency as he watched Gamakichi's desperate struggle.
"Gamakichi!" Naruto's voice boomed across the park, amplified by Kurama's chakra. "Get out of there! You're in the way! Udon and the barrier team need that space!"
Gamakichi strained against the immense pressure of Beru's jaws, sweat beading on his amphibian brow. "Gaki!" he roared back, his voice strained. "The summoning's almost up! I can't hold him for much longer!"
Kakashi's gaze darted across the scene, his eyes sharp and observant. Hikaru's four wood clones had moved with a disconcerting speed, each taking up a distinct position in the ruined park. They were spaced evenly, forming a loose perimeter around Kakashi and the area where the initial clash had occurred.
'The clones are positioned like they're expecting something, not preparing to attack directly', thought Kakashi. He watched their still forms, their Rinnegan eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. 'I assumed he created them for immediate combat, to overwhelm me. But they're just standing there... observing.'
His mind raced, trying to decipher Hikaru's intentions. The clones weren't advancing, weren't launching any offensive maneuvers. Their stance was more akin to sentinels, guarding specific points
.
What is he after now? This isn't the behavior of someone intent on a straightforward fight, thought Kakashi, his grip tightening slightly on Himekawa's katana. He neutralized my ninjutsu, withstood a direct hit... and now this? A cold knot of unease tightened in his stomach. This unexpected tactic was far more unsettling than a direct assault.
OUTSKIRTS OF KONOHA
Moegi, her brow furrowed with concern, spotted Kiba lying injured on the ground. "Kiba!" she exclaimed, rushing towards him. "What happened?"
Mirai, who was nearby, followed quickly. Together, they carefully helped Kiba to his feet, each offering a shoulder for support.
Nearby, Gaara's sand swirled slightly as he fixed a stern gaze on Orochimaru, who stood with an unsettlingly relaxed posture.
"Orochimaru," Gaara said, his voice carrying a note of warning. "What are you doing here? Why are you roaming freely in the vicinity of the Leaf?"
Orochimaru chuckled, a low, serpentine sound. "Hoh, Kazekage-sama. I am merely… conducting some fascinating research. Observing the ebb and flow of chakra, you might say."
Darui, the Raikage, his expression stern, cut in. "Stop the foolishness, Orochimaru. We all saw the power that just erupted. Who were you facing?"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, Raikage-dono, I was simply… entertaining a guest from a bygone era. A most… intriguing encounter." He trailed off, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.
'Entertaining someone from the past?' Darui thought, exchanging a puzzled look with Gaara. 'What is he talking about?'
"Gaara," Darui said, his voice low, "Orochimaru is being deliberately vague. We should still try to find some trace of this 'guest' he mentioned. We need to proceed cautiously."
Gaara nodded, his sand subtly shifting in agreement. "Agreed. Let's split up and investigate the surrounding area." With a silent understanding, they moved in different directions.
Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi, the Tsuchikage, kept a sharp, unwavering gaze fixed on Orochimaru.
'Konoha is far too trusting,' she thought, her eyes narrowed. 'To allow a viper like him to wander freely… it's utter naiveté.'
Orochimaru, sensing her intense scrutiny, turned slightly, a sly smile on his face. "Tsuchikage-sama," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Is there… a problem? Your gaze has been rather… fixed upon me."
Kurotsuchi's expression remained impassive. "Nothing of consequence, Orochimaru. I was merely contemplating the… unconventional alliances that seem to be forming."
Orochimaru chuckled again, his gaze meeting hers directly. "Time will tell, Tsuchikage-sama, who are the true allies and who are the real foes. The tapestry of fate is woven with many unexpected threads."
..AFTER A WHILE..
The pale moonlight cast long, skeletal shadows of the trees across the outskirts of Konoha as Gaara walked, his senses on high alert. The night air, cool and still, carried a faint, metallic tang – the unmistakable scent of blood. An instinctual unease settled over him, a prickling sensation that raised the fine hairs on his arms. Almost immediately, a layer of sand, fine as powdered earth, subtly enveloped him, a silent shield forming in response to the unwelcome premonition.
'Something is wrong,' Gaara thought, his pace quickening. 'That scent… it's not from the earlier skirmishes.'
Rounding a cluster of ancient trees, the horrifying truth slammed into him. A figure lay sprawled on the ground, unnaturally still. His blood ran cold as recognition dawned. It was Kankuro.
"Kankuro!" Gaara cried out, his voice raw with disbelief. He rushed to his brother's side, his sand swirling protectively around them. He dropped to his knees, his hands hovering over Kankuro's still form. "Kankuro, what happened? Answer me!"
His hands trembled as he pressed his fingers to Kankuro's neck, searching frantically for a pulse. "No… no, this can't be," he muttered, his voice laced with desperation. Then to his chest, listening with desperate hope for a heartbeat. Silence. Utter, damning silence. "Kankuro… wake up! Please!" A raw, guttural sound escaped Gaara's throat, a sound of pure anguish. His brother, his steadfast and often humorous brother, was gone.
Memories flashed through his mind – of childhood games in the desert, of Kankuro's mischievous pranks, of their training sessions, of Kankuro's unwavering support during his darkest moments. He remembered Kankuro's laughter, his easy camaraderie, the way he always had his brother's back. A wave of grief washed over him, threatening to drown him. Yet, beneath the surface of his pain, the Kazekage remained.
Meanwhile, some distance away, Kiba, leaning heavily on Moegi and Mirai, his face still pale with pain, addressed them with a newfound urgency. "We need to get back to the Leaf," he said, his voice strained but firm. "I have to tell Lord Seventh… about that man." He paused, then looked towards Orochimaru, who was observing the unfolding scene with detached curiosity. "Moegi, tell Orochimaru he needs to come with us."
Orochimaru turned, a sardonic smile gracing his lips. "Oh? And don't tell me the valiant shinobi of Konoha require my… protection?"
Kiba's teeth clenched, a flash of anger momentarily eclipsing his pain. "Don't talk rubbish, snake! We need you to tell the…"
Kiba, leaning heavily on Moegi and Mirai, was in the middle of his tense exchange with Orochimaru when a voice cut through the night.
"You."
Everyone turned. Gaara stood a short distance away, Kankuro's body held aloft by his sand. The moonlight lit up Kankuro's still body, his arms and legs hanging limp, his face pale and not smiling like it usually did. A dark stain was spreading on his chest, and his puppet crow was broken on the ground, showing a cruel end.
Gaara's gaze, though calm on the outside, felt very strong as it looked at Orochimaru, Kiba, Moegi, and Mirai. 'They were close by. They must have seen something. They will tell me who did this,' thought Gaara. 'They will not leave until I know.' "Tell me what happened here."
Orochimaru watched Gaara come closer, a small smile on his face. 'Smart Kazekage,' he mused. 'He suspects we know something. But I don't want to say anything that will stop me from meeting Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun. Time is very important.' He quickly decided, 'I will act like I don't know. And that fool Kiba-kun better not say anything.'
Moegi and Mirai looked at Kankuro's dead body, their faces turning white. 'If someone could kill Kankuro-san so easily… are we safe? Is this area dangerous?' thought Moegi, fear gripping her. 'This is very bad,' thought Mirai, her eyes wide with terror. She glanced at Moegi, their shared fear evident in their silent exchange.
Just then, Darui arrived, followed by Omoi. They looked serious and worried as they saw what had happened.
'Damn,' thought Darui, looking at Kankuro's body. 'What kind of attack could do this? And so fast?' Omoi, his hand going to his swords, thought, 'This doesn't look good. The Kazekage will want answers quickly.'
Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed as she looked at Kankuro. 'That wound… it feels like the same person who killed Chojuro did this. He is becoming a big problem.' Akatsuchi, worried about his Kage, thought, 'This is a delicate situation. We need to be careful.'
Kiba, his voice shaking a little, looked at Gaara, his eyes wide with fear. "Kazekage-sama… Kankuro… he's… he's still alive, right? He… he can't be…"
Gaara's gaze became hard, his voice sharp. "Don't try to avoid my question, Inuzuka Kiba. Answer me now. Who did this to my brother?"
Kiba hesitated, looking from Kankuro's still body to Gaara's angry face.
Darui stepped forward, his voice low and firm. "The Kazekage asks a direct question, Inuzuka. Don't test his patience."
But Kiba, more scared than careful, blurted out, "It was… it was the man who was fighting Orochimaru!"
Every eye, including Omoi's and Akatsuchi's, looked quickly at Orochimaru. The Sannin stood still, his face showing nothing. 'That foolish brat!' he thought angrily. 'He should have died too, along with that useless dog! Now look at the mess he's created!'
Gaara's steady gaze intensified, boring into Orochimaru. The initial shock of Kiba's words settled into a cold certainty. 'So, the one he fought…' Gaara thought, his sorrow momentarily eclipsed by a surge of grim determination. 'That power… it could certainly be capable of this. Orochimaru knows who attacked Kankuro. He will tell me.'
Darui's hand tightened on his sword hilt, his eyes narrowed with suspicion focused solely on Orochimaru. 'Orochimaru's silence is telling,' he thought. 'He knows something about whoever attacked Kankuro. I need to be ready for anything he tries.' Omoi, ever vigilant, mirrored Darui's stance, his senses on high alert for any sudden movements from the Sannin. 'We need to be ready to intervene if things get ugly,' he thought, his gaze fixed on Orochimaru.
Kurotsuchi's gaze remained fixed on Orochimaru, her suspicion a heavy weight in her mind. 'Uchiha Sasuke… Misuno's words… the immense power Orochimaru faced… it all fits,' she thought, her jaw tightening. 'It's just a hunch, a terrible feeling, but it aligns with what Kirigakure discovered.' Akatsuchi stood firmly beside her, sensing his Kage's unease, his gaze also on Orochimaru, the most immediate source of suspicion.
Moegi and Mirai huddled together, their fear palpable. Kiba's words had confirmed their worst anxieties. 'That monster… the one with the huge power… he killed Kankuro,' Moegi thought, her eyes wide with terror. 'Are we still in danger?' Mirai's silent nod echoed her own fear.
Gaara finally broke the tense silence, his voice low and devoid of any wavering emotion, yet carrying an undeniable weight. "Orochimaru," he stated, his gaze never leaving the Sannin's impassive face. "I saw the power you faced earlier. The crimson Susanoo… was that the individual who…" He trailed off, the unspoken question hanging heavy in the air, his eyes conveying the grim implication. "Was that the one Kiba is referring to?"
Orochimaru finally allowed a slow blink, his lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. 'The Kazekage is sharper than I anticipated,' he thought. 'He's already connected the previous display of power to this incident. However… revealing Hikaru's full capabilities and intentions now would be… complicated.'
He would have to offer a carefully crafted response, one that acknowledged the previous encounter without revealing the crucial details, especially not Hikaru's identity.
---
_QUIZ QUESTION:
* What specific piece of information about Hikaru, revealed so far in the narrative, would MOST likely compel Orochimaru to seek out Naruto and Sasuke with urgency?
a) Hikaru's possession of a powerful, crimson Susanoo.
b) Hikaru's claim of originating from a "time before."
c) Hikaru's stated goal of aiding his "older self."
d) Hikaru's inquiry about the location of a specific turtle, Uraume.
Share your answers in the comments down below!
_AUTHOR'S NOTE_
A keen observer might wonder why Orochimaru, despite witnessing Hikaru's formidable power, chooses to be evasive with Gaara and the other Kage. The truth lies in his warped priorities and a sense of impending urgency. Orochimaru recognizes the gravity of Hikaru's claims of being from the past and the potential implications of multiple such individuals existing. His immediate concern is to reach Naruto and Sasuke swiftly with this crucial information, along with the peculiar detail about Hikaru's pursuit of a turtle. Engaging in a prolonged explanation with the Kage would inevitably lead to endless questions and, more critically for Orochimaru, a potential demand to join in the search for Hikaru. Such a diversion would waste precious time, time that Orochimaru believes is running out for the ninja world. His self-serving urgency dictates that he prioritize delivering his warning to the individuals he deems capable of understanding and acting upon it, leaving the other leaders in the dark for now.