Son of the Sannin(Back)

The Crimson Citadel, Part I

Midnight came sooner than expected, and everybody was ready for the attack. But first, the infiltration team needed to do its job.

Through the dark sky of the night, two large animals flew above the sea. They would have been seen if there was a moon, but thankfully, it was in its waxing crescent phase, so there was little natural light that could betray the infiltration team's presence. That's why it was so important for the attack to be carried out as soon as possible.

The two animals in question were a giant hawk, and an equally large beetle. Riding the bird was Sasuke Uchiha, its summoner, and he was carrying Ameyuri and Shikamaru on its back as well. Shino was the one riding the giant beetle, and behind him were Ino and Choji. All six of them quickly saw the Crimson Citadel.

The prison in question was a rather large military base that encompassed nearly the whole island. It was surrounded by a rather tall and thick wall, with only a single entrance in the dock. Many ninja patrolled the walls, and multiple searchlights scanned the area with powerful beams of light. However, they only scanned the surrounding water, and paid no attention to the sky. It was obvious why Mei had chosen an aerial drop.

"Fly closer to the southeastern wall. We'll land there," Ameyuri instructed Sasuke.

"The gates are east of the island. Don't you want me to drop you closer to the dock?" Sasuke asked.

Ameyuri shook her head. "There are far too many searchlights there, and the risk of being seeing is too big."

"Alright then," Sasuke agreed.

The two flying beasts headed towards the area Ameyuri instructed, and as expected, it was the safest zone to land.

"Alright, let's go!" Ameyuri said as she jumped from the bird.

Shikamaru softly groaned, and followed her. Ino and Choji joined them a couple seconds later. With their job done, Sasuke and Shino returned to the rebel fleet located not far away from then.

The four infiltrators, upon landing, immediately hid in a dark alley between two small buildings.

"Everyone accounted for? Alright then, listen up. See those two towers at each side of the dock? According to our intelligence, that's where the gate switches are. We will also place a bunch of explosive notes on the towers and some sections of the walls for additional damage. Both of them need to be activated at the same time in order to open the gates, so we need to split up in two groups of two. Choji, you'll come with me. Shikamaru, Ino, you'll be the second team," Ameyuri stated.

"Actually," Shikamaru began. "I believe that you should go with either me or Ino, and have the other go with Choji."

The redheaded woman raised an eyebrow. "And you say that because...?"

"Choji's abilities are more combat focused, as are yours. On the other hand, Ino and I fill a supporting role better. That's why the ideal teams should have one combat specialist and one support," Shikamaru reasoned.

Ameyuri fixed a hard stare on the Nara genius. "I don't like being contradicted, pineapple head. On the other hand, you make a good point, and given that it's your team, I'll take your word. Blondie, you come with me, and help me take the northern tower. You two can go together, and take the southern one."

"What do we do with the guards? Should we kill them?" Choji asked.

"Not yet. If those manning the searchlights don't see any guards patrolling the wall, they'll get suspicious. Try to avoid confrontation until you're close to the towers. And even then, try not to cause a ruckus," Ameyuri advised. Then, she shot them an unnerving smile. "But once the gates open, the fun will begin and you can go all out."