The 6th Great Ninja War
Chapter XXIII: Behind the Veil
Kyle: …………
Ace: …
Roku, Akira, and Hiruzen rushed down the hall and stopped just as they passed by Kyle and Ace. They stepped back, surprised to see Kyle out of his cell. Hiruzen looked eerily at the pile of melted rubber.
Kyle: O_O ROKU!!!
Roku: Kyle! O_O How did you get out? *sees the burnt body* Is that Nemesis?
Kyle: …Yeah O_O
Roku: *looks at melted rubber* Then that means…O_O
Hiruzen: Aww…come on, Ace. What happened? -.-
Ace: @_@
Akira looked disgusted and simply turned away. Roku held his hand out, face-up, and created a jar made entirely of clear Energy. He knelt down and quickly poured Ace into the jar of Energy.
Hiruzen: …………Am I the only one who finds this weird?
Roku: It should take him a while to cool off. He’s still steaming. Until then, his rubber needs to re-harden.
Akira walked up to Kyle and destroyed his shackles. Kyle smiled and exercised his hands by opening and closing them repeatedly. He jumped into the air joyously and laughed.
Kyle: I’m free! ^_^
Hiruzen: We should get going…
The group ran for the exit and finally stepped outside. The sun had just set, and night had finally set in. Goro was sitting on a rock with a very serious look on his face. His face looked dirty, as if debris had been thrown in his face. He didn’t seem concerned with anything other than what he was thinking of. The terrain was almost completely changed, with chasms and giant platforms of earth situated randomly across the field. Caliburn was taking very deep breaths and letting out deep sighs. He, unlike Goro, had a few bruises. His arm was cut slightly, and in that same area, a piece of cloth from his robe had been torn off.
Hiruzen: What the hell happened here?
Goro: …………*looks at Kyle* You got him, I see…
Roku: Did you win? O_O
Caliburn: Oh, yeah…but Kiwii…I’ve never seen such corrupt chakra from him before…
Akira: How could Kiwii have done damage to you guys…he’s only been gone for about a week or so.
Caliburn: I don’t know what they’ve done to him, but he isn’t the same Kiwii anymore. He’s far stronger than before. >=|
Goro: By the way…where’s Ace?
Roku: *holds out jar* :|
Goro: 0_o
LATER THAT DAY
The group had settled at a nice inn located within a lively market town. They checked in swiftly and went up to their rooms. Ace stretched himself out and deactivated his rubber guardian technique, shaking his limbs to regain normal feeling in them. A few hours passed and it was soon very dark, the moon shining brightly outside and the festivity of the market town lighting up the area. Roku decided to check on everyone before taking a walk. He entered Ace’s room and saw the young shinobi studying a scroll. Ace looked up as his room door opened.
Roku: What’re you up to?
Ace: Studying a jutsu scroll………>_>’
Roku: Oh, really? O_O Which jutsu…
Ace: Umm…it’s nothing…
Roku: That doesn’t look like nothing…
Ace: *sigh* Here…
Ace handed Roku the scroll. Roku took it from him and dropped it in dismay not long after glancing at it for a few seconds.
Ace: What? O_O
Roku: You were going to try to teach yourself Corruption of the Mind and Soul?!
Ace: o_o well…yeah…it turns an evil person good if used correctly. I figured I could use it against Kiwii to bring him to his senses.
Roku sighed and sat down by Ace.
Roku: Listen…firstly, that jutsu requires formidable skill to master. I wouldn’t recommend it to you. It would probably tear you up. Besides, the jutsu not only corrupts the soul of those that are either truly good, or truly evil, but it can also destroy the very souls of not only the target but the user as well. Kiwii isn’t necessarily evil, just slightly corrupted. Trust me, Ace, you wouldn’t want to know such an evil jutsu.
Ace: *sigh* I understand…I guess we have no choice but to kill Kiwii…
Roku: Well, not necessarily. We can just capture him when the time comes, but I doubt it will be easy. For now, you should hone your fighting skills rather than trying to learn such Kinjutsu. Now rest...we have a long day ahead of us
Ace: Alright…
As Roku prepared to step outside, Ace called out to him once more.
Ace: Roku-san, have you ever used the Corruption of the Mind and Soul technique?
Roku: ………………………twice.
Ace: On who?
Roku: …one time on someone that was more evil than you could imagine……And another time on Caliburn.
Ace: O__O Ca…Caliburn?
Roku: Relax. It was a part of his training. Caliburn’s the same person he once was…more or less.
Ace: o_o
Roku: We Sages have a strange way of going about our business…you’ll get used to it.
Roku walked out of Ace’s room and noticed a special seal on the door of the suite next to his. In front of the door were two guards.
Roku: The Seal of the Blue Dragon?
There’s no way…*shakes head and laughs*
Roku downstairs for a drink while another man passed him, on his way up. The man had short brown hair, looked simple and clean, and wore casual clothing. However, he was wearing dark brown pants with a dark red shirt and a kunai pouch attached to his right leg. As Roku passed him, he noticed a subtle engraving of a rock-like shape on the man’s kunai pouch. Roku looked back suspiciously at him. He then asked himself…
Roku: What’s an Iwagakure shinobi doing in the Land of Lightning? Suspicious…
EARLY NEXT MORNING
It was about 5:00 in the morning when Roku suddenly woke up after hearing heavy footsteps and the sound of falling. He yawned silently and then got up to see what could have caused the noise. When he opened his door, there was a slight creak, befitting the ominous mood that set in when Roku saw the gruesome scene that lay before him. In front of the room with the Seal of the Blue Dragon lay the two former guards that once protected the room, dead. Roku knocked on the door, preparing to ambush whoever happened to open it, but something caught his attention on account of his peripheral vision to the right. Through the window, Roku could see almost clearly outside. The atmosphere was thick, but surprising light for such an early morning. It wasn’t dark, but it was very cloudy and misty, as if the sun had risen early only to be covered by large, vicious-looking rain clouds. Walking through the nearly deserted town was the Iwagakure ninja that Roku had passed the night before and a veiled man dressed in royal blue and gold-trimmed robes. Roku looked suspiciously at them and noticed that on top of the conical Japanese rice hat worn by the veiled man was the Seal of the Blue Dragon. It was the nobleman. However, because of the heavy covering around the man, Roku could not see his face. Suddenly, the door opened slowly and a grown man gave Roku a very angry look, seemingly from disturbing his sleep.
Roku: Wait…you’re…
???: I am Lord Masahi! How dare you disturb me at this abominable hour!
Roku: If you’re Masahi of the Hiyakuo family…then o_o …this can’t be good.
Roku darted down the corridor, rushing downstairs as fast as he possibly could. Masahi furiously grunted and then noticed his dead guards. Upon realizing they were dead, Masahi ceased his bickering and fainted. Outside, the Iwagakure shinobi escorted the “nobleman” along the road through the market area of the town. Very few shopkeepers were awake at this hour, thus the town seemed almost completely empty. The few shop owners that were awake quietly set up their outdoor shops without opening them.
“Masahi”: Kento, can’t you walk any faster?
Kento: Forgive me, your highness. I’ll move at a quicker pace *sneezes* O_O Forgive me, Lord Masahi…I didn’t mean to.
“Masahi”: Forget the formalities…sneeze if you must…so long as we get out of this town and to Kumogakure swiftly.
Kento: O_O Wow…you must be in a good mood, sir. You’re normally not this nice to me. Thank you.
“Masahi”: I was in a bad mood before…just proceed.
“Masahi” was suddenly hit by an object which seemed to instantly explode into a large blast of water that sent Masahi flying into a nearby stand. The water nearly soaked Kento, but the shinobi was surprisingly untouched by the blast save for a few droplets. It was as if the attack was meant for Masahi. Kento turned and saw Roku, who was standing several meters away with his hand out as if he had thrown an object. Roku looked blurred among the mist, but Kento could tell that somebody was there and that they had just thrown an attack.
Kento: What the hell?! Do you know who you just attacked?!?!?!?!
Roku: Do you? :|
Kento looked surprised. His eyebrows lowered slowly as he tried to comprehend the absurdity of Roku’s question.
Kento: What do you mean? Just who the heck are you anyway?!
Roku: I’m sorry. This mist must make it difficult for you Iwagakure shinobi to see. When you’re a Water Style expert, the mist becomes clear. *takes several steps forward*
Kento: You…you’re…Kiyoshi, Roku! O_O
Roku: Yeah.
Kento was paralyzed with fear, practically shivering in his despair. His face looked flushed. Then, he let out a breath and regained some composure, but still looked quite terrified.
Kento: Please don’t hurt me…I’m just trying to escort Lord Masahi…and speaking of which *points* Why did you attack Lord Masahi!
Roku: Lord “Masahi” you say, huh? That’s strange…because I spoke to Lord Masahi a few moments ago…back at the inn. O_O
Kento: o_o what?
Roku: Didn’t you find it strange that “Lord Masahi” left without his bodyguards…
Kento: …………well…he insisted it was urgent and...
Roku: And don’t you think it’s strange that a nobleman of almost no self-defensive experience was capable of surviving a direct attack from my Water Halberd?
Kento: Wait…what?!
Kento’s eyes widened. He turned and saw “Lord Masahi” standing amongst the ruined wooden market stand. He was almost certainly completely unharmed, but his face was still covered. Despite this, an eerie feeling of the figure smiling crept into the minds of Kento and Roku. Masahi spoke, but his voice changed. It was more sinister, as if snakes were crawling up one’s leg with each word he spoke.
“Masahi”: Kento…you shouldn’t have skipped out on your duties…you know you were to meet up with the others in Kumogakure…
Kento: Who are you? o_o
“Masahi”: *looks at Roku* I really didn’t expect to see you here, Roku.
The false Masahi removed his veil which concealed his face. It truly was not Masahi but rather, a man with long, black-spiky hair much like that of the Uchiha. He smirked and removed Masahi’s garments, revealing his own attire which consisted of an obscure blue long-sleeved shirt with a slightly raised collar and the Uchiha crest on the back, a black strap running diagonally from his right shoulder to his bottom left torso and around, and a pair of black ninja pants with a kunai pouch strapped to his right leg. His knees were plated with some blue armor, but no other part of his leg was shielded. On his right wrist was a gold and silver bracelet which was marked by an ancient symbol that could not be recognized in the current world. Roku’s eyes narrowed as he focused in on the impostor with a cold stare.
Roku: …Izuna.
Izuna: Hmph…Kento, you’ve skipped out on your duties. You know, you were one of the leaders of your special force…without you, the whole army would not function. But to take such a job as this…it’s pretty pathetic of you.
Kento: I’m tired of serving Iwagakure’s government to be honest *scratches head* >_>’ besides, I need the money to support me wife and kids. O_O
Roku: Kento, what do you say we team up? I could use a little help with Izuna here. I just hope you aren’t too terrified.
Kento: *shivers* Who, me? Do I have a choice? ._. This guy’s pretty scary. We both have something against this guy, so I guess that makes us common friends in a common enemy, or something like that
Izuna: Two on one? Roku, that’s not very like you. Then again, we both have a reputation for being quite…spontaneous.
Roku: Of course I wouldn't do a two on one fight. So, I'd suggest you bring out the little weasel hiding behind the stands O_O
Izuna smirked...
Izuna: Well done, my friend.
Izuna raised his hand and suddenly figure leaped out from behind the nearby stands. They landed in front of Izuna and then stepped back to take their place next to him. The person had long, brown hair, fair skin, and had excellent complexion. It was a very young woman, apparently Izuna’s subordinate, and she was absolutely beautiful. So much so, in fact, that Kento started drooling at the sight of her. Her blue eyes shined with passion, but not a passion that one would normally find in a woman. This passion was a lust…for blood.
Izuna: This is my subordinate, Liliana. If you don’t mind, this makes it a fair fight. Any objections?
Kento trembled in fear. The sight of Izuna, with those evil sharingan eyes practically staring into his very soul, struck horror into his heart.
Roku: None at all. Kento, try not to get in the way, okay? O_O
Kento: *gulp* sure…o_o
Izuna: Lili…you do the same *smirks*
Liliana: Yes, Admiral :|
Roku and Izuna: Let’s begin…
END OF CHAPTER
Chapter XXIII: Behind the Veil
Kyle: …………
Ace: …
Roku, Akira, and Hiruzen rushed down the hall and stopped just as they passed by Kyle and Ace. They stepped back, surprised to see Kyle out of his cell. Hiruzen looked eerily at the pile of melted rubber.
Kyle: O_O ROKU!!!
Roku: Kyle! O_O How did you get out? *sees the burnt body* Is that Nemesis?
Kyle: …Yeah O_O
Roku: *looks at melted rubber* Then that means…O_O
Hiruzen: Aww…come on, Ace. What happened? -.-
Ace: @_@
Akira looked disgusted and simply turned away. Roku held his hand out, face-up, and created a jar made entirely of clear Energy. He knelt down and quickly poured Ace into the jar of Energy.
Hiruzen: …………Am I the only one who finds this weird?
Roku: It should take him a while to cool off. He’s still steaming. Until then, his rubber needs to re-harden.
Akira walked up to Kyle and destroyed his shackles. Kyle smiled and exercised his hands by opening and closing them repeatedly. He jumped into the air joyously and laughed.
Kyle: I’m free! ^_^
Hiruzen: We should get going…
The group ran for the exit and finally stepped outside. The sun had just set, and night had finally set in. Goro was sitting on a rock with a very serious look on his face. His face looked dirty, as if debris had been thrown in his face. He didn’t seem concerned with anything other than what he was thinking of. The terrain was almost completely changed, with chasms and giant platforms of earth situated randomly across the field. Caliburn was taking very deep breaths and letting out deep sighs. He, unlike Goro, had a few bruises. His arm was cut slightly, and in that same area, a piece of cloth from his robe had been torn off.
Hiruzen: What the hell happened here?
Goro: …………*looks at Kyle* You got him, I see…
Roku: Did you win? O_O
Caliburn: Oh, yeah…but Kiwii…I’ve never seen such corrupt chakra from him before…
Akira: How could Kiwii have done damage to you guys…he’s only been gone for about a week or so.
Caliburn: I don’t know what they’ve done to him, but he isn’t the same Kiwii anymore. He’s far stronger than before. >=|
Goro: By the way…where’s Ace?
Roku: *holds out jar* :|
Goro: 0_o
LATER THAT DAY
The group had settled at a nice inn located within a lively market town. They checked in swiftly and went up to their rooms. Ace stretched himself out and deactivated his rubber guardian technique, shaking his limbs to regain normal feeling in them. A few hours passed and it was soon very dark, the moon shining brightly outside and the festivity of the market town lighting up the area. Roku decided to check on everyone before taking a walk. He entered Ace’s room and saw the young shinobi studying a scroll. Ace looked up as his room door opened.
Roku: What’re you up to?
Ace: Studying a jutsu scroll………>_>’
Roku: Oh, really? O_O Which jutsu…
Ace: Umm…it’s nothing…
Roku: That doesn’t look like nothing…
Ace: *sigh* Here…
Ace handed Roku the scroll. Roku took it from him and dropped it in dismay not long after glancing at it for a few seconds.
Ace: What? O_O
Roku: You were going to try to teach yourself Corruption of the Mind and Soul?!
Ace: o_o well…yeah…it turns an evil person good if used correctly. I figured I could use it against Kiwii to bring him to his senses.
Roku sighed and sat down by Ace.
Roku: Listen…firstly, that jutsu requires formidable skill to master. I wouldn’t recommend it to you. It would probably tear you up. Besides, the jutsu not only corrupts the soul of those that are either truly good, or truly evil, but it can also destroy the very souls of not only the target but the user as well. Kiwii isn’t necessarily evil, just slightly corrupted. Trust me, Ace, you wouldn’t want to know such an evil jutsu.
Ace: *sigh* I understand…I guess we have no choice but to kill Kiwii…
Roku: Well, not necessarily. We can just capture him when the time comes, but I doubt it will be easy. For now, you should hone your fighting skills rather than trying to learn such Kinjutsu. Now rest...we have a long day ahead of us
Ace: Alright…
As Roku prepared to step outside, Ace called out to him once more.
Ace: Roku-san, have you ever used the Corruption of the Mind and Soul technique?
Roku: ………………………twice.
Ace: On who?
Roku: …one time on someone that was more evil than you could imagine……And another time on Caliburn.
Ace: O__O Ca…Caliburn?
Roku: Relax. It was a part of his training. Caliburn’s the same person he once was…more or less.
Ace: o_o
Roku: We Sages have a strange way of going about our business…you’ll get used to it.
Roku walked out of Ace’s room and noticed a special seal on the door of the suite next to his. In front of the door were two guards.
Roku: The Seal of the Blue Dragon?
There’s no way…*shakes head and laughs*Roku downstairs for a drink while another man passed him, on his way up. The man had short brown hair, looked simple and clean, and wore casual clothing. However, he was wearing dark brown pants with a dark red shirt and a kunai pouch attached to his right leg. As Roku passed him, he noticed a subtle engraving of a rock-like shape on the man’s kunai pouch. Roku looked back suspiciously at him. He then asked himself…
Roku: What’s an Iwagakure shinobi doing in the Land of Lightning? Suspicious…
EARLY NEXT MORNING
It was about 5:00 in the morning when Roku suddenly woke up after hearing heavy footsteps and the sound of falling. He yawned silently and then got up to see what could have caused the noise. When he opened his door, there was a slight creak, befitting the ominous mood that set in when Roku saw the gruesome scene that lay before him. In front of the room with the Seal of the Blue Dragon lay the two former guards that once protected the room, dead. Roku knocked on the door, preparing to ambush whoever happened to open it, but something caught his attention on account of his peripheral vision to the right. Through the window, Roku could see almost clearly outside. The atmosphere was thick, but surprising light for such an early morning. It wasn’t dark, but it was very cloudy and misty, as if the sun had risen early only to be covered by large, vicious-looking rain clouds. Walking through the nearly deserted town was the Iwagakure ninja that Roku had passed the night before and a veiled man dressed in royal blue and gold-trimmed robes. Roku looked suspiciously at them and noticed that on top of the conical Japanese rice hat worn by the veiled man was the Seal of the Blue Dragon. It was the nobleman. However, because of the heavy covering around the man, Roku could not see his face. Suddenly, the door opened slowly and a grown man gave Roku a very angry look, seemingly from disturbing his sleep.
Roku: Wait…you’re…
???: I am Lord Masahi! How dare you disturb me at this abominable hour!
Roku: If you’re Masahi of the Hiyakuo family…then o_o …this can’t be good.
Roku darted down the corridor, rushing downstairs as fast as he possibly could. Masahi furiously grunted and then noticed his dead guards. Upon realizing they were dead, Masahi ceased his bickering and fainted. Outside, the Iwagakure shinobi escorted the “nobleman” along the road through the market area of the town. Very few shopkeepers were awake at this hour, thus the town seemed almost completely empty. The few shop owners that were awake quietly set up their outdoor shops without opening them.
“Masahi”: Kento, can’t you walk any faster?
Kento: Forgive me, your highness. I’ll move at a quicker pace *sneezes* O_O Forgive me, Lord Masahi…I didn’t mean to.
“Masahi”: Forget the formalities…sneeze if you must…so long as we get out of this town and to Kumogakure swiftly.
Kento: O_O Wow…you must be in a good mood, sir. You’re normally not this nice to me. Thank you.
“Masahi”: I was in a bad mood before…just proceed.
“Masahi” was suddenly hit by an object which seemed to instantly explode into a large blast of water that sent Masahi flying into a nearby stand. The water nearly soaked Kento, but the shinobi was surprisingly untouched by the blast save for a few droplets. It was as if the attack was meant for Masahi. Kento turned and saw Roku, who was standing several meters away with his hand out as if he had thrown an object. Roku looked blurred among the mist, but Kento could tell that somebody was there and that they had just thrown an attack.
Kento: What the hell?! Do you know who you just attacked?!?!?!?!
Roku: Do you? :|
Kento looked surprised. His eyebrows lowered slowly as he tried to comprehend the absurdity of Roku’s question.
Kento: What do you mean? Just who the heck are you anyway?!
Roku: I’m sorry. This mist must make it difficult for you Iwagakure shinobi to see. When you’re a Water Style expert, the mist becomes clear. *takes several steps forward*
Kento: You…you’re…Kiyoshi, Roku! O_O
Roku: Yeah.
Kento was paralyzed with fear, practically shivering in his despair. His face looked flushed. Then, he let out a breath and regained some composure, but still looked quite terrified.
Kento: Please don’t hurt me…I’m just trying to escort Lord Masahi…and speaking of which *points* Why did you attack Lord Masahi!
Roku: Lord “Masahi” you say, huh? That’s strange…because I spoke to Lord Masahi a few moments ago…back at the inn. O_O
Kento: o_o what?
Roku: Didn’t you find it strange that “Lord Masahi” left without his bodyguards…
Kento: …………well…he insisted it was urgent and...
Roku: And don’t you think it’s strange that a nobleman of almost no self-defensive experience was capable of surviving a direct attack from my Water Halberd?
Kento: Wait…what?!
Kento’s eyes widened. He turned and saw “Lord Masahi” standing amongst the ruined wooden market stand. He was almost certainly completely unharmed, but his face was still covered. Despite this, an eerie feeling of the figure smiling crept into the minds of Kento and Roku. Masahi spoke, but his voice changed. It was more sinister, as if snakes were crawling up one’s leg with each word he spoke.
“Masahi”: Kento…you shouldn’t have skipped out on your duties…you know you were to meet up with the others in Kumogakure…
Kento: Who are you? o_o
“Masahi”: *looks at Roku* I really didn’t expect to see you here, Roku.
The false Masahi removed his veil which concealed his face. It truly was not Masahi but rather, a man with long, black-spiky hair much like that of the Uchiha. He smirked and removed Masahi’s garments, revealing his own attire which consisted of an obscure blue long-sleeved shirt with a slightly raised collar and the Uchiha crest on the back, a black strap running diagonally from his right shoulder to his bottom left torso and around, and a pair of black ninja pants with a kunai pouch strapped to his right leg. His knees were plated with some blue armor, but no other part of his leg was shielded. On his right wrist was a gold and silver bracelet which was marked by an ancient symbol that could not be recognized in the current world. Roku’s eyes narrowed as he focused in on the impostor with a cold stare.
Roku: …Izuna.
Izuna: Hmph…Kento, you’ve skipped out on your duties. You know, you were one of the leaders of your special force…without you, the whole army would not function. But to take such a job as this…it’s pretty pathetic of you.
Kento: I’m tired of serving Iwagakure’s government to be honest *scratches head* >_>’ besides, I need the money to support me wife and kids. O_O
Roku: Kento, what do you say we team up? I could use a little help with Izuna here. I just hope you aren’t too terrified.
Kento: *shivers* Who, me? Do I have a choice? ._. This guy’s pretty scary. We both have something against this guy, so I guess that makes us common friends in a common enemy, or something like that
Izuna: Two on one? Roku, that’s not very like you. Then again, we both have a reputation for being quite…spontaneous.
Roku: Of course I wouldn't do a two on one fight. So, I'd suggest you bring out the little weasel hiding behind the stands O_O
Izuna smirked...
Izuna: Well done, my friend.
Izuna raised his hand and suddenly figure leaped out from behind the nearby stands. They landed in front of Izuna and then stepped back to take their place next to him. The person had long, brown hair, fair skin, and had excellent complexion. It was a very young woman, apparently Izuna’s subordinate, and she was absolutely beautiful. So much so, in fact, that Kento started drooling at the sight of her. Her blue eyes shined with passion, but not a passion that one would normally find in a woman. This passion was a lust…for blood.
Izuna: This is my subordinate, Liliana. If you don’t mind, this makes it a fair fight. Any objections?
Kento trembled in fear. The sight of Izuna, with those evil sharingan eyes practically staring into his very soul, struck horror into his heart.
Roku: None at all. Kento, try not to get in the way, okay? O_O
Kento: *gulp* sure…o_o
Izuna: Lili…you do the same *smirks*
Liliana: Yes, Admiral :|
Roku and Izuna: Let’s begin…
END OF CHAPTER
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