[Adventure] Crow in the Shadows: Hikari's Leader

~Uzumaki~

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Was a lil' late with this haha. Enjoy!



“Damn it!” cursed Sarutobi Himura loudly, and then he cringed from the stab of pain that pierced his sides due to the exertion.

“You’re seriously wounded, man. Take it easy.” cautioned Sato on whose supporting shoulders Himura’s right arm hung, allowing the injured Sarutobi to keep on his feet. Hoji nodded in agreement.

The wind picked up, sweeping with such violence that the tree tops swayed under its might, raising enough snow to create a small blizzard, flinging Uchiha Itachi’s long gray black bangs into his face and forcing him to raise an arm to shield his eyes. The circular arrangement of tomoe in both his Sharingan eyes faded away, reverting back to the dull black shade of his irises, as the boy turned to the team’s leader. “Kakashi-san, what is our next move?”

“I can’t sense anything from my seeds.” said Tenzo.

“It seems those Hikari somehow discovered and destroyed them. We have no means of tracking the targets. What do we do now, senpai?”

Kakashi sighed heavily, shoving his Icha Icha issue back into his weapon’s pouch then stowing away both hands in his pockets. He lifted his head skywards and shut his visible eye as the icy wind buffeted him. “This mission was a complete failure. Not only did we fail to retrieve the scroll stolen from Konoha but we lost the Hikari members.” The Copy Ninja paused here before continuing. “However, we did get some information from this Tenkaku fellow before he vanished. Now, I believe we simply head back home.”

The violent breeze ceased in that instant and all was quiet once more. The team was about to turn on their heels and set off to Konoha when Kakashi gently raised a hand to signal a halt. It was with considerable confusion that the ANBU ninja obeyed and stared inquiringly at their captain. But the silver haired ninja had his gaze fixed on the canopy of leaves atop a certain tree. His scrutiny was so intense that the rest were compelled to look in the same direction.

“Sato.” the Copy Ninja said casually.

With enlarged veins already visibly throbbing at the sides of his face, the Hyuga nodded and sent a blast of chakra into the tree via a clawed hand. It’s large stem shook from the assault of Sato’s Empty Palm technique then suddenly, a small thin figure leaped from amidst the leaves and branches and landed with a crunch of snow before the team.

“I might have missed your presence were it not for the wind which wafted your scent into my nostrils.” stated Kakashi with a low menacing voice. “I guess you are one of Danzo’s subordinates.”

Like all members of Konoha’s ANBU, the newcomer was garbed in a long sleeved ankle length black cloak, and donned an animal theme face mask-the semblance of a snake-above which a tuft of snow white hair could be seen. The Root operative, whose build was scarcely sturdier than that the rather small and rail Itachi, seemed to be unperturbed by the menacing faces(Kakashi, Himura and Itachi were without their masks) that stared into his masked one, or the fact that the Copy Ninja was lifting the headband which covered his Sharingan.

“So, that’s the eye which is said to have copied over a thousand techniques. The momento of the late Uchiha Obito. I’m in awe.” he said politely. “It’s an honor to meet you Hatake Kakashi.”

“What is your business here?” questioned Tenzo coolly.

“Danzo-sama sent us to make sure that this team accomplished the mission it received from the distinguished office of the Hokage.” replied the lad.

“Us?” questioned Itachi.

“The rest of my team’s just few yards back.” elaborated the Root shinobi. “We’ve confirmed the result of this mission, a complete failure as you put it, so I guess we’ll be going now.” And with a quick turn on his heels, the boy began to walk away into the forest. His knees were bent as he gathered momentum for a leap which would carry him into the trees, when he heard a hasty “Wait.” from behind him. It was Kakashi’s cool clear voice which kept him frozen where he stood.

“What is it, Kakashi-san?” questioned the masked boy.

“All that the Hikari said, you heard it, didn’t you? You’re a spy. No wonder you could hide your presence so perfectly.”

The boy gave no reply but, with a silent bound, vanished into the canopy of leaves that covered the sky, no doubt returning to Konoha in order to share with Danzo all that Tenkaku revealed before his abrupt escape. Kakashi sighed again. “The Hokage will not be happy with these results.”

“No, he will not.” agreed Tenzo.

“Perhaps we should track the kid? Maybe Sandaime-sama will let us off the hook if we discover the secret hideout of Root.” suggested Sato with a jesting smile.

“Hmph, if we couldn’t even track down those dudes, what makes you think we can uncover the secret headquarters of the man known as the Darkness of Shinobi?” asked Hoji with a grin on his face as he tucked his arms into his sides; the cold was starting to hit him and the sleeveless ANBU uniform provided little help.

“You scared of a wrinkled old man?” teased Himura.

“Shut up!” shot Hoji with a scowl, shooting a glare at the wounded Sarutobi.

“Look at him, he’s shivering.” taunted Sato.

“That’s cuz of this damn weather, you son of a–”

“Enough, guys.” placated Tenzo.

“Let’s just head home.” suggested Kakashi.

Itachi stepped away from the team, sauntering over to where the severed blade of Tenkaku’s sword was rooted in the snowy forest floor. He quickly extracted the rod of steel, then picked up the hilt of the weapon from where it laid a small distance from the blade. The team observed him in confusion.

“What–”

“Tenkaku stored the weapon in his body. It must possess some special powers or at least is very important to him. If we look into it, we might find out more about him and Hikari.” explained the Uchiha.

“You know you’re pretty smart for your age kiddo.” said Himura.

“He is the genius of the Uchiha Clan after all.” added Kakashi. “Let’s go.”

“Now to find where we threw those cloaks away. It’s freezing.” said Sato, his Byakugan activated, evidently already searching for the robes they had discarded at the start of their battle. There was a ruffle of leaves as each ANBU ninja leaped into the treetops, and their lithe bodies bounded from tree to tree, swift as lions but silent as wraiths. Sato quickly found and recovered their cloaks and so it was six shrouded figures who were now headed back to Konoha.

00000​

The setting was a large hall with smooth high walls pierced by a ring of close set small glass windows hung near the ceiling, as well as a large oaken door with an ornate brass knob on one side of the room. The walls were smooth burgundy painted marble designed with many large illustrations of gold colored dragons, the floor as well as the ceiling were both of a fine emerald stone.

Rays of sunlight filtered into the chamber from the high windows which brought a gleam to the gold of the walls and fell upon a downcast Makoto down on one knee in the centre of the room with his pointed chin sunken upon his chest and his brown sopping tresses hanging over his face. His Hikari attire was still soaking wet from the water that deluged him before his team escape from the Konoha forces.

“It is not like your team to fail me like this.” rang a deep clear voice throughout the hall, though there was no speaker to be seen. As the unknown person spoke, the golden dragons emblazoned on the walls seemed to shimmer, and they lost their bright glow when he was silent. “To think you would actually get tailed by Konoha shinobi.” The voice added and the dragons gleamed again.

“I made sure to escape leaving no trace.” said Makoto. “The sixty million Ryo was safely brought back and the buyers were disposed of. Leader, I don’t think the my men were the problem. The Konoha ninja tracked us for a reason. They know of the existence of our organization and that can only have happened if they extracted information from one of our own. They must have captured one of those sent to retrieve the scroll from Konoha.”

Makoto continued. “I read the report of that mission. One of the members of that team could not escape but it was assumed that he followed stipulated protocols and ended his life to prevent getting caught. I’m willing to bet anything that he’s still alive, rotting in some Konoha prison and revealing our secrets.”

“It is possible.” stated the voice after a short silence. “If that is the case then the traitor must be punished. Hikari has remained secret for nearly a century and that fool will pay for forcing us into the open so early into our plans!” roared the unseen individual and the dragons painted on the wall shone with such blinding light that Makoto was forced to squint.

“Leader, I will personally take care of this.” said Makoto once all was silent and the dragons ceased to glow. “To make up for –”

“No.” interrupted the voice.

“But to redeem myself and my men, I must –”

“Do not worry, I have already forgiven.” interjected the invisible speaker and the illustrations on the walls flashed warmly. “ How can this tiny little mishap ever hope to dishonor you after all your accomplishments for the Hikari? Especially since it was not even your fault, but rather this traitor’s folly. However, for a mission like this, I believe Kumomaru will be more suited.”

Makoto sighed but a small smile curved on his lips and the brown haired man rose to his feet. “As you wish, my Lord.” he said with a courteous bow and started slowly for the door.

“I understand Tenkaku was beaten.” said the voice as Makoto’s hand pressed on the door knob.
Makoto froze and inhaled deeply. “Yes, my Lord.”

“Must have been a Konoha team of some skill.” said the voice.

“Indeed, my Lord.” assented Makoto as he swung the door open and exited through it. The threshold closed of its own accord once Makoto had taken his leave from the chamber and there was a deathly silence within its confines.

To Be Continued!



 
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Chakra Wizard

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Lateness ain't a big deal at all, man=D Very intriguing chapter and well-written as always*_* This is the only part that really stood out to me (thought I'd be specific this timexd):

...flinging Uchiha Itachi’s long gray black bangs into his face...

The first part, when you list multiple adjectives for a noun, you're supposed to separate them with commas, so it would be "long, gray, black bangs". Also, if that's supposed to be just one color describing his hair, you usually just add a hyphen, which would make it "red-orange" or "yellow-green" - "gray-black" in this case ("dark-gray" would probably be a better choice of words, actually).

The second part, "into his face" just doesn't sound right to me. I would probably use "over his eyes" or "across/in front of/overtop his face" instead.

That aside, I've got nothing else to add*_* Keep up the great work, man:)
 
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Germanicus

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Wiz already caught the majority of what I would consider to be your mistakes. Other than that, solid.

The two shadowy figures of Danzo and this Hikari leader will add an intrigue dynamic. Good.
 

~Uzumaki~

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keep it up :cool:
Thanks man! Keep reading!

So both sides failed. You definitely know how to create suspense. Well done
Thanks for reading man. ^^

Read and enjoyed.
Cool. Keep it up xd

Lateness ain't a big deal at all, man=D Very intriguing chapter and well-written as always*_* This is the only part that really stood out to me (thought I'd be specific this timexd):

...flinging Uchiha Itachi’s long gray black bangs into his face...

The first part, when you list multiple adjectives for a noun, you're supposed to separate them with commas, so it would be "long, gray, black bangs". Also, if that's supposed to be just one color describing his hair, you usually just add a hyphen, which would make it "red-orange" or "yellow-green" - "gray-black" in this case ("dark-gray" would probably be a better choice of words, actually).

The second part, "into his face" just doesn't sound right to me. I would probably use "over his eyes" or "across/in front of/overtop his face" instead.

That aside, I've got nothing else to add*_* Keep up the great work, man:)
Thanks man. I've sorta been getting nervous from not getting any crit. Was getting to think the story was boring you....haha. Yeah, the gray black did seem weird when I was wriitng it, thanks for the tip. Keep reading dude!

Wiz already caught the majority of what I would consider to be your mistakes. Other than that, solid.

The two shadowy figures of Danzo and this Hikari leader will add an intrigue dynamic. Good.
Indeed! Thanks dude.
 

Kuroi Honoo

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So it appeared as though Itachi was able to extract some information from Tenkaku but not enough to go on with unfortunately. Wow, Kakashi’s senses are awesome as he was able to sniff out a hidden Root member. Of course Danzou wouldn’t miss the opportunity to meddle in even though at that time his organization was already banned. Itachi also never ceases to amaze with intelligence. I appreciated the info on the Hikari member that was taken hostage by Konoha(personally I can’t remember as it was a while ago plus my memory is terrible) and I really liked the revelation that is occurring within this chapter. So Makoto is following a leader of his own and this leader is bizarre due to the dragon illustrations that illuminate upon their speaking and only intensifies apparently through elevated emotion! Again, your imagination is boundless my friend ;) This leader now decides to unleash another Hikari member who they feel is more capable and yet Makoto didn’t seemed affected by this even though you’d think it felt like a slap in his face as he apparently takes pride in his Hikari organization or perhaps he has an alternative motive via his reaction to his master’s order. The ending seemed to intensify which I liked very much and I’m looking forward as always to the next! ;)
 

~Uzumaki~

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So it appeared as though Itachi was able to extract some information from Tenkaku but not enough to go on with unfortunately. Wow, Kakashi’s senses are awesome as he was able to sniff out a hidden Root member. Of course Danzou wouldn’t miss the opportunity to meddle in even though at that time his organization was already banned. Itachi also never ceases to amaze with intelligence. I appreciated the info on the Hikari member that was taken hostage by Konoha(personally I can’t remember as it was a while ago plus my memory is terrible) and I really liked the revelation that is occurring within this chapter. So Makoto is following a leader of his own and this leader is bizarre due to the dragon illustrations that illuminate upon their speaking and only intensifies apparently through elevated emotion! Again, your imagination is boundless my friend ;) This leader now decides to unleash another Hikari member who they feel is more capable and yet Makoto didn’t seemed affected by this even though you’d think it felt like a slap in his face as he apparently takes pride in his Hikari organization or perhaps he has an alternative motive via his reaction to his master’s order. The ending seemed to intensify which I liked very much and I’m looking forward as always to the next! ;)
Yep. The exact nature of the revealed info is in my next chap which I've already released. And, there's something in it that will surprise you about our good ol' Itachi o_O Can't wait to hear what you think! Yes, Danzo did mention in chap 1 that he'll be sticking his wrinkled nose in this mission lol. About the captured Hikari, a scroll was taken from Konoha, one of the thieves was captured, interrogated and revealed that he was a member of the Hikari. it was a while ago so it expected that it might have skipped your mind senpai lol. Bizzare was exactly what I was going for. The leader of the Hikari is going to be a complete mystery and when his identity is revealed, it would be the ultmate shock of this series. But that's Ali g ways off from now. Makoto is just pretty oboedent and as you will see in due time, Kumomaru's abilities are more suited for this mission. Keep reading senpai!
 

Kuroi Honoo

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Yep. The exact nature of the revealed info is in my next chap which I've already released. And, there's something in it that will surprise you about our good ol' Itachi o_O Can't wait to hear what you think! Yes, Danzo did mention in chap 1 that he'll be sticking his wrinkled nose in this mission lol. About the captured Hikari, a scroll was taken from Konoha, one of the thieves was captured, interrogated and revealed that he was a member of the Hikari. it was a while ago so it expected that it might have skipped your mind senpai lol. Bizzare was exactly what I was going for. The leader of the Hikari is going to be a complete mystery and when his identity is revealed, it would be the ultmate shock of this series. But that's Ali g ways off from now. Makoto is just pretty oboedent and as you will see in due time, Kumomaru's abilities are more suited for this mission. Keep reading senpai!
Well, I love when answers are revealed and that statement of yours has peaked my interest for sure thus I definitely look forward to that! ^^ See, about Danzou-I have such a horrific memory that I would've never remembered about his remark -_- Again-I have the worst memory I know T_T I’m glad that my reaction was what you had anticipated for your readers! ^^ Its things like that us writers strive for so kudos to you!!! =D Wow, I was wondering about this Hikari leader and by what you have stated-I am dying to know their identity already XD I see, and how you just have a way with your story that is always so intriguing and it keeps me wanting more! ;)
 

~Uzumaki~

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Well, I love when answers are revealed and that statement of yours has peaked my interest for sure thus I definitely look forward to that! ^^ See, about Danzou-I have such a horrific memory that I would've never remembered about his remark -_- Again-I have the worst memory I know T_T I’m glad that my reaction was what you had anticipated for your readers! ^^ Its things like that us writers strive for so kudos to you!!! =D Wow, I was wondering about this Hikari leader and by what you have stated-I am dying to know their identity already XD I see, and how you just have a way with your story that is always so intriguing and it keeps me wanting more! ;)
Intrigue and suspense was what I wanted to spark and I'm glad to see I accomplished that. Read on senpai! Tell me what you think about the next chap after this. I think it's probably the weirdest thing I've written about Itachi so far o_O awaiting your marvelous review.
 
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