New chapter is up. Special thanks to chakrawizard555 for edits! ^_^
The long night of combat and healing passed by rather quickly, and soon, the dull, diffuse light of a new day fell upon Aoran. Amidst the grey sea of mist that lingered overhead was a small apparition of the sun that was destined to illuminate and scorch the settlement with its bright light and fiery blaze as the day went on. Aoran slowly came to life; the deserted visage it donned at night, a product of their fear of Akakuma, was lifting bit by bit as its terrified citizens braved the streets of their hometown once more, going about their daily business. However, none of the ANBU currently residing at the Odara Inn were awake to witness these happenings.
The six-man squad, still in the midst of a well-deserved sleep following the previous night's escapades, continued indulge in their slumber until midday. Shiko was the first to wake, stepping out of bed at approximately 12:30PM and sauntering over to the window to survey the hustle and bustle happening below him, squinting as the piercing rays of sunshine hit his newly opened eyes. The ANBU captain soon remembered the terrible injury he had sustained from last night's ruthless opponent, finding much satisfaction upon seeing that no trace of the wound remained. He briefly wondered who had taken it upon himself to dress his unconscious body, only to put it out of his mind a moment later. He was better off not knowing, he thought.
Tenzo, still asleep in the bed next to Shiko's, proved himself to be the perfect example of composure, no matter his state of consciousness; lying completely straight on his back, covered by his large, flowery blanket in a manner that suggested he had not made a single movement throughout the night. It might have very well been a mannequin or one of his Wood clones that laid there for all effect—or lack thereof—considering the distinct orderly nature of the bed, and Shiko even began to muse on the possibility of it being, if indeed not his teammate, some ingenious mechanical creature. Again, though, he was forced to purge his thoughts of such considerations; he really needed to stop all this daydreaming.
Remembering that it was quite well into the day, and that several things needed to be discussed in connection with their current assignment, Shiko tapped on the shoulder of the slumbering mechanical creature (‘Tenzo!’ he mentally reminded himself, loathing this absurd train of thought), awakening him. The Nara proceeded to the other rooms to retrieve the minds of his other teammates from their respective dream worlds, ordering them all to get dressed and come to his room at once. The majority of them were not grateful for his consideration—evidenced by their groaning and bleary-eyed glares—but he was their leader, and they were only too happy to see him on his feet for the first time since their encounter with Akakuma.
Shiko ordered for breakfast shortly after which, to his team's surprise, was more than just plain rice balls this day. In fact, there was so much quantity and diversity of food that they were unable to eat everything. Perhaps, his close encounter with death was sufficient enough an occasion for him to briefly abandon his typical miserly ways. Or perhaps, he had simply made the mistake of asking Hoji what they should get for breakfast. Whichever it was, the scrunching of his eyebrows as he placed the order, as well as the displeased look on his face when the feast was delivered to the room, suggested that the Black Scorpion of ANBU was still naught but an unrepentant scrooge.
The others ate the meal with great delight, and as they recounted to their captain the dull and dreary experience of the Chikatsu Saisei Jutsu—with Hoji doing most of the talking—Mikasa burst into the room in a flustered manner, setting her eyes on Shiko and immediately charging and embracing him in a dreadfully tight hug.
“Oh, I was so worried!” she said. “Oh, I did all I could!” she said. “Oh, how exceeding glad am I to see you well!” she positively squealed. The passion, fervor, and speed with which she said these things was mind-boggling, considering that she had only known him and his teammates for a few days. Such affection would normally only be seen given by a mother to her child, or by a woman to her lover, rather than by an innkeeper to her guest. Of the second, it was abundantly clear that many a-joke would spring forth from their onlookers, Hoji’s whole frame quivering as he battled the urge to burst out laughing.
When Mikasa finally released Shiko, she told him of her anguish upon seeing his condition the night before, embracing him once again as relief overcame her a second time. She repeated this process five more times as tears hung at the corners of Hoji’s eyes, still trying desperately to hold back his laughter. When Shiko assured her of his well-being for a seventh time, she left them to their breakfast, wishing them luck in their next encounter with Akakuma.
“You’ll get that wicked brute next time! I know you will!” she encouraged them with a smile as she shut the door behind her, at which point Hoji gave up the battle and let out a peal of laughter that rang throughout the room.
“Not a word.” said Shiko, glaring at them all with a frown so disagreeable that it rendered the medical-nin mute. “Now, we move on. Tenzo, did all go according to plan?”
The dignified and suspected mechanical creature dropped his chopsticks and cleared his throat before speaking. “Yes. I placed my seeds on Akakuma and can sense him even now.”
“Good.” commended Shiko with an approving smile. The newly recovered ANBU then turned to Sato. “I hope you are keeping tabs on him with your Byakugan.”
His chest swelling with pride, Sato smiled haughtily, declaring that nothing could escape his dōjutsu as Itachi rolled his own in annoyance, though this went unnoticed.
Shiko continued, “As planned, we poisoned the meat which we carried into the forest last night. Did Akakuma consume it?” he asked.
“Indeed. I saw him do so with my Byakugan as we retreated, but it seems that he’s still alive.” responded the Hyūga. Shiko frowned at this and the dark brows above his gray eyes were knitted. Sato resumed his meal, taking up a piece of barbecued meat with his chopsticks and dropping it into his mouth. There was a brief silence that followed as the team continued to dine.
“This suggests an immunity to poisons.” said Shiko at length. “Now, let us analyze the details that we have uncovered about our opponent.”
“He’s stronger than us.” said Hoji. “What more is there to know?”
“Well, there is his shield of hair, which could withstand the combined assault of eight Fire-based techniques. Also, his tough skin, which allowed him to catch Himura’s wind-coated blade with his bare hand. But, I think the most remarkable thing we saw last night was this; he faked his death. Does such intelligence not seem rather remarkable for someone with such an animalistic nature? And it fooled me—which is a feat on its own. Akakuma seems to possess a wide array of battle wits.” Shiko concluded with a resolute nod. “But, his roaring and howling still suggests a bestial frame of mind. Plus, he also tried to punch though Hoji’s barrier multiple times, despite the flames. This suggests that his intelligence is greatly limited, dreadfully small in comparison to most humans—and completely obsolete when put up against my own—but significant when combined with such immense power. This manifested itself when Akakuma correctly divined the proper method of countering Hoji’s barrier and transformed into a horned, four-footed beast with greater speed and agility than his true form.”
This new form is also something to consider. His speed was increased, his horns boasted much power, yet Tenzo could send his head flying upward with a single Mokuton tendril. This means, for all the increase in power, Akakuma sacrificed stability and defense. In other words, his actual body is vulnerable to most techniques. I think this must have been why he donned his hair as a spiky coat—to defend against any attacks on his flanks, which would most likely have affected him greatly. In normal predators, this disadvantage is apparent; if a running cheetah were to crash into something in the course of its sprint, the toll on its body would be staggering.”
“Is that all?” questioned Himura. He had been silently eating with the rest of his team and these were his first words this entire exchange.
“At least for now.” replied their captain. “I have a few theories, but they’re still baseless conjectures which would seem ludicrous to anyone but myself. Now, I think this should give us the attack formation for tonight’s expedition. This time, we’ll be facing him directly, no more dancing around with clones to avoid damage.”
“Are you sure we’re ready for that?” asked Hoji in a whiny voice with a pout-stricken face.
“My injuries are healed. I don’t see why not.” replied Shiko. “Now, first of all, we must know our roles.” The Nara held up three fingers on his right hand. “There are three pillars of defense in this team. The first is me.” he pointed at his index finger. “As the leader, my orders have a direct correlation with our success. The next is Hoji.” he directed their attention to his middle finger. “As the team medic, his efforts are necessary to our survival. Also, his barrier technique is probably our strongest shield against Akakuma’s attacks. And the third is Tenzo.” he pointed at his ring finger. “His proficiency with wood, water and earth allow him a great versatility. Tenzo can deal with any situation we find ourselves in against our opponent.”
“Now, on to our offense.” the trio of fingers on his right hand remained as they were, but the first two were held in contact with one another, giving a wide berth to the third. Shiko pointed to the two close fingers and continued, “The first two are Itachi and Himura. I hold them up very closely since they’re both Fire types, meaning their attacks compliment each other greatly. Adding Himura’s wind to that only makes it an even more formidable combo. Itachi’s speed and Sharingan-enhanced reflexes, combined with Himura’s unrivalled prowess with a sword…well, it should go without saying. And the third,” he pursued, now pointing at that last, lonely finger, “is Sato, whose Gentle Fist is touted as the best taijutsu in Konoha. I put him alone because his attacks are sufficiently powerful enough on their own, and his Eight Trigrams technique poses a great threat to our opponent. Akakuma can’t afford to have all his chakra points blocked, after all. No chakra for him means a guaranteed victory for us, which is why Sato is a key component. Also, his ability to transfer chakra would give him a supporting role almost as vital as Hoji’s. Then, of course, there’s the Byakugan, which gives him great insight into Akakuma's movements—he can examine his attacks to a degree even I can’t replicate.”
Sato’s chest expanded as Shiko said this, and it was with a proud, silly, and grotesque grin that he chewed on the sardines Mitsuki had served them. Shiko’s fingers now busied themselves with chopsticks as he continued.
“The three agents of offense will proceed in front, while the three pillars of defense will bring up the rear. Ultimately, our only hope of defeating Akakuma can be summed up in one word.” The Nara declared, and then directed his full attention to his meal. The rest of them turned towards him, eyes burning with deep curiosity. Clearly, they wanted to know what that word was, but their captain was too preoccupied with grinding a piece of sushi between his glistening, white teeth. It was quite fun for him to toy with them so.
“What is it, Captain?” asked Himura, a hint of impatience heard in his voice.
Shiko swallowed his properly chewed food, taking a deep, slow breath before finally saying, in a placid tone, ...
“Genjutsu.”
“Genjutsu, of course! Akakuma probably isn't smart enough to break one or avoid it.” said Hoji. “It’s so simple! Heck, I could have beaten it with my Tree Binding illusion.” the medical-nin added with a light-hearted chuckle.
“I thought of that, but it would be a bad idea.” said Shiko, shaking his head with a grave expression on his face. “You are a pillar of defense, one too important to risk. Besides, that genjutsu is weak. We need a strong one if we hope to bind Akakuma, one so powerful that even if he were smart enough to resist, he would still fail to break it. That is why our success hinges on you,” he suddenly pointed his chopsticks at the youngest member of their team.
“Itachi Uchiha. You are the key to this mission. The key to defeating Akakuma.”
Sato, displeased with the sudden importance of the child in their midst, could not sit silent for very long. “What about my ability to block chakra points!? That would make me the key, right?”
Hoji chuckled softly at this show of jealousy. He was about to deliver a clever remark, only to be cut off by Shiko. “Actually,” the team leader began, “Akakuma’s ability to change his physiology at will means that he may be capable of changing the very nature and structure of his chakra system, as well, which would render your technique useless. That’s my theory, anyway, but those usually pan out. I think we would all rather risk our lives on my genius-level intellect than your obtuse pride and childish jealousy of Itachi.” he finished off, completely oblivious of the hypocrisy in proudly calling himself a genius while slighting Sato for his own egotism. To him, though, it wasn’t hypocrisy; he was a certified genius strategist in the ANBU and the Hokage would admit it himself.
Hoji roared with laughter, promptly silenced moments later by a glare from his captain, with the same nasty scowl. “Itachi’s Sharingan illusions are not only powerful,” began Shiko, his attention now on Sato, who was frowning deeply, “but also very easy to activate. Eye contact is all that is needed. After Itachi paralyzes Akakuma, then you can block his chakra points to complete our victory. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Itachi was surprised by this incredibly vital duty that had been thrust to him so suddenly, yet Shiko made it abundantly clear that he was their surest advantage against Akakuma. Sato’s complaint and the disgraceful way in which Shiko put him in check brought a small smile to his face, as well. His companions—with the exception of Shiko—were now stealing furtive side glances at him, as if only just realizing that he was present. Itachi’s silent disposition had made him almost non-existent to the others over the course of the last two days, but now, the young prodigy was bathed in the spotlight. The abrupt change in things made him a little uncomfortable, but he resolved to take on the responsibility of bringing down the beast once and for all. After all, he was Konoha’s own Itachi Uchiha.
Upon finishing their breakfast—or lunch, rather—Shiko ordered them all to follow him to a little stretch of uninhabited grassland in the middle of town, so that they could train. They were all dressed in casual clothing, so they went to their rooms to retrieve their weapons and headbands. The captain went on to explain that the reason for doing so in such a public place was to make a spectacle of themselves before the whole town. If people saw the strength and power of the Konoha ninja sent to deal with Akakuma, then they would be encouraged. He added that this was necessary, considering the events of the previous night, when one of them was almost killed by the monster.
“But I told Mikasa to keep your injury and treatment a secret.” said Tenzo, his voice lowered slightly as they strolled between the streets of Aoran towards their destination.
“Word tends to spread in small towns like this.” returned Shiko, his voice almost a whisper. “The political ramifications of Akakuma’s existence are incredible. Something like this could strain, or perhaps even destroy, the relationship between the Feudal Lord and Konoha. Ninja are allowed to stay in the Fire Country since they protect the citizens. Ninja killing ninja is not much of a big deal, since we do not answer to the Feudal Lord for our actions against one another. It is the Kage’s job to deal with such things, which is why the Feudal Lords haven’t given much regard to past wars. Some say they’re even happy about it. A Shinobi World War displays the might of each village involved, thereby increasing their reputations. If you were in need of shinobi, you’d want to hire the best, right? And how do you know the best? Simple, it is the one that beats the rest. Konoha's victory in the Third Shinobi World War skyrocketed the number of missions we received, and more missions mean more money for Konoha and the Feudal Lord. Thus, battle between shinobi are profitable in a sense. The Chūnin exams have this same benefit.”
“However, when ninja attack civilians for any reason, it gives us a bad reputation. Our missions are received because the normal citizens believe in our skill, as well as our integrity. People TRUST us, so if word got out that Konoha let loose a monster that has killed the people of their country, that trust will shatter, and if people begin to think that Konoha is incapable of stopping it, that’s even worse. The village would become untrustworthy and unreliable. If people stop hiring us, then what use are we to the Feudal Lord? Akakuma’s existence threatens Konoha’s very foundation, and we must show these people that our ninja are strong enough to bring him down. That is why we have to train where the public can see this.”
At that moment, the team arrived at their destination, which was just off the side of the road between a residential building and a marketplace. The site was naught but grass, with the exception of two trees, about a hundred yards long and just as wide. The grass was very low and showed signs of trimming, and there was a sign at the edge of the perimeter which said ‘DO NOT TRESPASS’. Shiko ignored the sign and proceeded out onto the field, the others following his defiant example. Under one of the two trees, they saw a man raking the fallen leaves. He was thin and bearded, dressed in the garb of a simple laborer, with a straw hat to shield him from the sun. When he noticed the shinobi approaching him, he smiled and walked up to greet them, shaking hands with Shiko.
“I heard something happened to you last night.” The man said in a raspy voice, tilting his hat upwards.
Shiko smiled and turned to Tenzo. “Told you word travels fast.” He directed his attention back to the fellow in front of him. “Anyways, Hajime, I assume you’ve been told.”
“Yeah, the boss said to let you guys have it for the day. He told me to remind you NOT...TO...MESS...AN-Y-THING...UP.” replied Hajime.
“We’ll do our best. As you were.” said Shiko. Hajime nodded and returned to the dead leaves under the tree. Noticing the confused expression on his companions’ faces, the Nara made haste to explain. “I talked to the owner of this land yesterday. Told him we might need it.”
“Yesterday? That was before we even fought Akakuma.” reasoned Hoji. “How did you know we’d need to do the whole spectacle thing that far ahead?”
“Just a hunch. Didn’t know for sure.” responded Shiko with a playful grin. “Anyways, let’s give 'em a good show.”
To Be Continued
The long night of combat and healing passed by rather quickly, and soon, the dull, diffuse light of a new day fell upon Aoran. Amidst the grey sea of mist that lingered overhead was a small apparition of the sun that was destined to illuminate and scorch the settlement with its bright light and fiery blaze as the day went on. Aoran slowly came to life; the deserted visage it donned at night, a product of their fear of Akakuma, was lifting bit by bit as its terrified citizens braved the streets of their hometown once more, going about their daily business. However, none of the ANBU currently residing at the Odara Inn were awake to witness these happenings.
The six-man squad, still in the midst of a well-deserved sleep following the previous night's escapades, continued indulge in their slumber until midday. Shiko was the first to wake, stepping out of bed at approximately 12:30PM and sauntering over to the window to survey the hustle and bustle happening below him, squinting as the piercing rays of sunshine hit his newly opened eyes. The ANBU captain soon remembered the terrible injury he had sustained from last night's ruthless opponent, finding much satisfaction upon seeing that no trace of the wound remained. He briefly wondered who had taken it upon himself to dress his unconscious body, only to put it out of his mind a moment later. He was better off not knowing, he thought.
Tenzo, still asleep in the bed next to Shiko's, proved himself to be the perfect example of composure, no matter his state of consciousness; lying completely straight on his back, covered by his large, flowery blanket in a manner that suggested he had not made a single movement throughout the night. It might have very well been a mannequin or one of his Wood clones that laid there for all effect—or lack thereof—considering the distinct orderly nature of the bed, and Shiko even began to muse on the possibility of it being, if indeed not his teammate, some ingenious mechanical creature. Again, though, he was forced to purge his thoughts of such considerations; he really needed to stop all this daydreaming.
Remembering that it was quite well into the day, and that several things needed to be discussed in connection with their current assignment, Shiko tapped on the shoulder of the slumbering mechanical creature (‘Tenzo!’ he mentally reminded himself, loathing this absurd train of thought), awakening him. The Nara proceeded to the other rooms to retrieve the minds of his other teammates from their respective dream worlds, ordering them all to get dressed and come to his room at once. The majority of them were not grateful for his consideration—evidenced by their groaning and bleary-eyed glares—but he was their leader, and they were only too happy to see him on his feet for the first time since their encounter with Akakuma.
Shiko ordered for breakfast shortly after which, to his team's surprise, was more than just plain rice balls this day. In fact, there was so much quantity and diversity of food that they were unable to eat everything. Perhaps, his close encounter with death was sufficient enough an occasion for him to briefly abandon his typical miserly ways. Or perhaps, he had simply made the mistake of asking Hoji what they should get for breakfast. Whichever it was, the scrunching of his eyebrows as he placed the order, as well as the displeased look on his face when the feast was delivered to the room, suggested that the Black Scorpion of ANBU was still naught but an unrepentant scrooge.
The others ate the meal with great delight, and as they recounted to their captain the dull and dreary experience of the Chikatsu Saisei Jutsu—with Hoji doing most of the talking—Mikasa burst into the room in a flustered manner, setting her eyes on Shiko and immediately charging and embracing him in a dreadfully tight hug.
“Oh, I was so worried!” she said. “Oh, I did all I could!” she said. “Oh, how exceeding glad am I to see you well!” she positively squealed. The passion, fervor, and speed with which she said these things was mind-boggling, considering that she had only known him and his teammates for a few days. Such affection would normally only be seen given by a mother to her child, or by a woman to her lover, rather than by an innkeeper to her guest. Of the second, it was abundantly clear that many a-joke would spring forth from their onlookers, Hoji’s whole frame quivering as he battled the urge to burst out laughing.
When Mikasa finally released Shiko, she told him of her anguish upon seeing his condition the night before, embracing him once again as relief overcame her a second time. She repeated this process five more times as tears hung at the corners of Hoji’s eyes, still trying desperately to hold back his laughter. When Shiko assured her of his well-being for a seventh time, she left them to their breakfast, wishing them luck in their next encounter with Akakuma.
“You’ll get that wicked brute next time! I know you will!” she encouraged them with a smile as she shut the door behind her, at which point Hoji gave up the battle and let out a peal of laughter that rang throughout the room.
“Not a word.” said Shiko, glaring at them all with a frown so disagreeable that it rendered the medical-nin mute. “Now, we move on. Tenzo, did all go according to plan?”
The dignified and suspected mechanical creature dropped his chopsticks and cleared his throat before speaking. “Yes. I placed my seeds on Akakuma and can sense him even now.”
“Good.” commended Shiko with an approving smile. The newly recovered ANBU then turned to Sato. “I hope you are keeping tabs on him with your Byakugan.”
His chest swelling with pride, Sato smiled haughtily, declaring that nothing could escape his dōjutsu as Itachi rolled his own in annoyance, though this went unnoticed.
Shiko continued, “As planned, we poisoned the meat which we carried into the forest last night. Did Akakuma consume it?” he asked.
“Indeed. I saw him do so with my Byakugan as we retreated, but it seems that he’s still alive.” responded the Hyūga. Shiko frowned at this and the dark brows above his gray eyes were knitted. Sato resumed his meal, taking up a piece of barbecued meat with his chopsticks and dropping it into his mouth. There was a brief silence that followed as the team continued to dine.
“This suggests an immunity to poisons.” said Shiko at length. “Now, let us analyze the details that we have uncovered about our opponent.”
“He’s stronger than us.” said Hoji. “What more is there to know?”
“Well, there is his shield of hair, which could withstand the combined assault of eight Fire-based techniques. Also, his tough skin, which allowed him to catch Himura’s wind-coated blade with his bare hand. But, I think the most remarkable thing we saw last night was this; he faked his death. Does such intelligence not seem rather remarkable for someone with such an animalistic nature? And it fooled me—which is a feat on its own. Akakuma seems to possess a wide array of battle wits.” Shiko concluded with a resolute nod. “But, his roaring and howling still suggests a bestial frame of mind. Plus, he also tried to punch though Hoji’s barrier multiple times, despite the flames. This suggests that his intelligence is greatly limited, dreadfully small in comparison to most humans—and completely obsolete when put up against my own—but significant when combined with such immense power. This manifested itself when Akakuma correctly divined the proper method of countering Hoji’s barrier and transformed into a horned, four-footed beast with greater speed and agility than his true form.”
This new form is also something to consider. His speed was increased, his horns boasted much power, yet Tenzo could send his head flying upward with a single Mokuton tendril. This means, for all the increase in power, Akakuma sacrificed stability and defense. In other words, his actual body is vulnerable to most techniques. I think this must have been why he donned his hair as a spiky coat—to defend against any attacks on his flanks, which would most likely have affected him greatly. In normal predators, this disadvantage is apparent; if a running cheetah were to crash into something in the course of its sprint, the toll on its body would be staggering.”
“Is that all?” questioned Himura. He had been silently eating with the rest of his team and these were his first words this entire exchange.
“At least for now.” replied their captain. “I have a few theories, but they’re still baseless conjectures which would seem ludicrous to anyone but myself. Now, I think this should give us the attack formation for tonight’s expedition. This time, we’ll be facing him directly, no more dancing around with clones to avoid damage.”
“Are you sure we’re ready for that?” asked Hoji in a whiny voice with a pout-stricken face.
“My injuries are healed. I don’t see why not.” replied Shiko. “Now, first of all, we must know our roles.” The Nara held up three fingers on his right hand. “There are three pillars of defense in this team. The first is me.” he pointed at his index finger. “As the leader, my orders have a direct correlation with our success. The next is Hoji.” he directed their attention to his middle finger. “As the team medic, his efforts are necessary to our survival. Also, his barrier technique is probably our strongest shield against Akakuma’s attacks. And the third is Tenzo.” he pointed at his ring finger. “His proficiency with wood, water and earth allow him a great versatility. Tenzo can deal with any situation we find ourselves in against our opponent.”
“Now, on to our offense.” the trio of fingers on his right hand remained as they were, but the first two were held in contact with one another, giving a wide berth to the third. Shiko pointed to the two close fingers and continued, “The first two are Itachi and Himura. I hold them up very closely since they’re both Fire types, meaning their attacks compliment each other greatly. Adding Himura’s wind to that only makes it an even more formidable combo. Itachi’s speed and Sharingan-enhanced reflexes, combined with Himura’s unrivalled prowess with a sword…well, it should go without saying. And the third,” he pursued, now pointing at that last, lonely finger, “is Sato, whose Gentle Fist is touted as the best taijutsu in Konoha. I put him alone because his attacks are sufficiently powerful enough on their own, and his Eight Trigrams technique poses a great threat to our opponent. Akakuma can’t afford to have all his chakra points blocked, after all. No chakra for him means a guaranteed victory for us, which is why Sato is a key component. Also, his ability to transfer chakra would give him a supporting role almost as vital as Hoji’s. Then, of course, there’s the Byakugan, which gives him great insight into Akakuma's movements—he can examine his attacks to a degree even I can’t replicate.”
Sato’s chest expanded as Shiko said this, and it was with a proud, silly, and grotesque grin that he chewed on the sardines Mitsuki had served them. Shiko’s fingers now busied themselves with chopsticks as he continued.
“The three agents of offense will proceed in front, while the three pillars of defense will bring up the rear. Ultimately, our only hope of defeating Akakuma can be summed up in one word.” The Nara declared, and then directed his full attention to his meal. The rest of them turned towards him, eyes burning with deep curiosity. Clearly, they wanted to know what that word was, but their captain was too preoccupied with grinding a piece of sushi between his glistening, white teeth. It was quite fun for him to toy with them so.
“What is it, Captain?” asked Himura, a hint of impatience heard in his voice.
Shiko swallowed his properly chewed food, taking a deep, slow breath before finally saying, in a placid tone, ...
“Genjutsu.”
“Genjutsu, of course! Akakuma probably isn't smart enough to break one or avoid it.” said Hoji. “It’s so simple! Heck, I could have beaten it with my Tree Binding illusion.” the medical-nin added with a light-hearted chuckle.
“I thought of that, but it would be a bad idea.” said Shiko, shaking his head with a grave expression on his face. “You are a pillar of defense, one too important to risk. Besides, that genjutsu is weak. We need a strong one if we hope to bind Akakuma, one so powerful that even if he were smart enough to resist, he would still fail to break it. That is why our success hinges on you,” he suddenly pointed his chopsticks at the youngest member of their team.
“Itachi Uchiha. You are the key to this mission. The key to defeating Akakuma.”
Sato, displeased with the sudden importance of the child in their midst, could not sit silent for very long. “What about my ability to block chakra points!? That would make me the key, right?”
Hoji chuckled softly at this show of jealousy. He was about to deliver a clever remark, only to be cut off by Shiko. “Actually,” the team leader began, “Akakuma’s ability to change his physiology at will means that he may be capable of changing the very nature and structure of his chakra system, as well, which would render your technique useless. That’s my theory, anyway, but those usually pan out. I think we would all rather risk our lives on my genius-level intellect than your obtuse pride and childish jealousy of Itachi.” he finished off, completely oblivious of the hypocrisy in proudly calling himself a genius while slighting Sato for his own egotism. To him, though, it wasn’t hypocrisy; he was a certified genius strategist in the ANBU and the Hokage would admit it himself.
Hoji roared with laughter, promptly silenced moments later by a glare from his captain, with the same nasty scowl. “Itachi’s Sharingan illusions are not only powerful,” began Shiko, his attention now on Sato, who was frowning deeply, “but also very easy to activate. Eye contact is all that is needed. After Itachi paralyzes Akakuma, then you can block his chakra points to complete our victory. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Itachi was surprised by this incredibly vital duty that had been thrust to him so suddenly, yet Shiko made it abundantly clear that he was their surest advantage against Akakuma. Sato’s complaint and the disgraceful way in which Shiko put him in check brought a small smile to his face, as well. His companions—with the exception of Shiko—were now stealing furtive side glances at him, as if only just realizing that he was present. Itachi’s silent disposition had made him almost non-existent to the others over the course of the last two days, but now, the young prodigy was bathed in the spotlight. The abrupt change in things made him a little uncomfortable, but he resolved to take on the responsibility of bringing down the beast once and for all. After all, he was Konoha’s own Itachi Uchiha.
Upon finishing their breakfast—or lunch, rather—Shiko ordered them all to follow him to a little stretch of uninhabited grassland in the middle of town, so that they could train. They were all dressed in casual clothing, so they went to their rooms to retrieve their weapons and headbands. The captain went on to explain that the reason for doing so in such a public place was to make a spectacle of themselves before the whole town. If people saw the strength and power of the Konoha ninja sent to deal with Akakuma, then they would be encouraged. He added that this was necessary, considering the events of the previous night, when one of them was almost killed by the monster.
“But I told Mikasa to keep your injury and treatment a secret.” said Tenzo, his voice lowered slightly as they strolled between the streets of Aoran towards their destination.
“Word tends to spread in small towns like this.” returned Shiko, his voice almost a whisper. “The political ramifications of Akakuma’s existence are incredible. Something like this could strain, or perhaps even destroy, the relationship between the Feudal Lord and Konoha. Ninja are allowed to stay in the Fire Country since they protect the citizens. Ninja killing ninja is not much of a big deal, since we do not answer to the Feudal Lord for our actions against one another. It is the Kage’s job to deal with such things, which is why the Feudal Lords haven’t given much regard to past wars. Some say they’re even happy about it. A Shinobi World War displays the might of each village involved, thereby increasing their reputations. If you were in need of shinobi, you’d want to hire the best, right? And how do you know the best? Simple, it is the one that beats the rest. Konoha's victory in the Third Shinobi World War skyrocketed the number of missions we received, and more missions mean more money for Konoha and the Feudal Lord. Thus, battle between shinobi are profitable in a sense. The Chūnin exams have this same benefit.”
“However, when ninja attack civilians for any reason, it gives us a bad reputation. Our missions are received because the normal citizens believe in our skill, as well as our integrity. People TRUST us, so if word got out that Konoha let loose a monster that has killed the people of their country, that trust will shatter, and if people begin to think that Konoha is incapable of stopping it, that’s even worse. The village would become untrustworthy and unreliable. If people stop hiring us, then what use are we to the Feudal Lord? Akakuma’s existence threatens Konoha’s very foundation, and we must show these people that our ninja are strong enough to bring him down. That is why we have to train where the public can see this.”
At that moment, the team arrived at their destination, which was just off the side of the road between a residential building and a marketplace. The site was naught but grass, with the exception of two trees, about a hundred yards long and just as wide. The grass was very low and showed signs of trimming, and there was a sign at the edge of the perimeter which said ‘DO NOT TRESPASS’. Shiko ignored the sign and proceeded out onto the field, the others following his defiant example. Under one of the two trees, they saw a man raking the fallen leaves. He was thin and bearded, dressed in the garb of a simple laborer, with a straw hat to shield him from the sun. When he noticed the shinobi approaching him, he smiled and walked up to greet them, shaking hands with Shiko.
“I heard something happened to you last night.” The man said in a raspy voice, tilting his hat upwards.
Shiko smiled and turned to Tenzo. “Told you word travels fast.” He directed his attention back to the fellow in front of him. “Anyways, Hajime, I assume you’ve been told.”
“Yeah, the boss said to let you guys have it for the day. He told me to remind you NOT...TO...MESS...AN-Y-THING...UP.” replied Hajime.
“We’ll do our best. As you were.” said Shiko. Hajime nodded and returned to the dead leaves under the tree. Noticing the confused expression on his companions’ faces, the Nara made haste to explain. “I talked to the owner of this land yesterday. Told him we might need it.”
“Yesterday? That was before we even fought Akakuma.” reasoned Hoji. “How did you know we’d need to do the whole spectacle thing that far ahead?”
“Just a hunch. Didn’t know for sure.” responded Shiko with a playful grin. “Anyways, let’s give 'em a good show.”
To Be Continued
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And I liked his plan even more =D To think this Nara thought that far ahead just in case and what he’s further planned is very interesting. I’m looking forward to the approaching battle! 
thanks for reading! 
