Naomi and Satsuki were making their way towards the gates where they already saw Hinata, Rin, Kakashi, Keara and a old man that is probably Tazuna
Tazuna was flamboyant and boasted about his latest project, all while nervously glancing around as if expecting trouble.
Are you sure we need so many shinobi for a simple escort mission?" Tazuna asked, skepticism lacing his tone.
Kakashi shrugged, his eye crinkling with a grin. "Better safe than sorry, especially if there are rumors of missing-nins in the area."
Let's get moving!" Rin encouraged, clapping her hands together. "The sooner we leave, the sooner we can complete the mission!"
As they left the village, the team quickly fell into step, animatedly discussing their plans and expectations for the mission. Naomi walked alongside Satsuki.
I can't wait to show everyone what I can do!" Naomi exclaimed, a confident grin breaking across her face. "With my Lava Release, I'll be unstoppable! Just you wait!"
You better keep your cool, Naruto," Satsuki replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "We're not here to play. This isn't a game."
Right, right! Focus on the mission," Hinata chimed in quietly, her gaze shifting between the road ahead and the two girls.
Keara, walking slightly behind, adjusted her pack filled with various poisons and antidotes. "Just remember, if we run into trouble, I can handle any poison that comes our way," she assured, her voice steady with confidence.
Their journey progressed smoothly until they reached the point where the forest began to close in on them, narrowing the path. It was here that they slowed their pace, keeping their senses sharp.
Suddenly, Kakashi's expression changed, the playful demeanor slipping away. "Stay alert," he cautioned. "There's a chakra disturbance nearby."
In a matter of moments, two figures emerged from the foliage, clad in dark cloaks that hinted at their rogue status. Gozu and Meizu, two notorious missing-nins with a reputation for ruthless ambushes, stepped into view, their eyes glinting with malice.
Look what we have here," Gozu declared, drawing his twin swords. "A band of cute little shinobi. Hand over the bridge builder, and we might let you leave in one piece."
Meizu smirked, his hands forming a series of quick hand signs. "Or we could just take him ourselves."
Not happening!" Naomi shouted defiantly, her fists clenching in anticipation. Drawing upon her Lava Release, she prepared to unleash her power.
Kakashi stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let's approach this strategically. They're dangerous, and we can't underestimate them."
Satsuki activated her Sharingan, eyes sharp and focused. "Hinata, keep an eye on their movements. Keara, can you prepare a distraction?"
Hinata nodded, immediately activating her Byakugan, searching for weaknesses in the enemies' formations. "They're strong, but they have a seam between them. We could exploit that."
Great! Keara, what do you have in mind?" Rin prompted, taking a few defensive steps forward.
Keara quickly surveyed the environment, assessing her options. "I have some smoke bombs mixed with a paralytic poison. If I can throw them into a choke point, we can catch them off guard."
Let's execute the plan," Kakashi instructed. "Everyone, get ready!"
As Keara launched the smoke bombs, the area filled with a thick, suffocating cloud. The surprise gave Naomi and Satsuki an opening. Flames of molten rock surged from Naomi's hands, while Satsuki erupted forth with a flurry of shuriken, aimed at the missing-nins.
Amidst the confusion, one of Gozu's swords clanged off a nearby tree, missing Naomi by a hair's inch. "You little brats! You'll pay for this!" he bellowed, retreating into the smoke.
Kakashi seized the moment. "Now, Hinata! Use your Gentle Fist technique!"
With her Byakugan activated, Hinata dashed towards the remaining figure, swiftly incapacitating him with precise strikes to his chakra points.
"Got him!" Hinata called out triumphantly.
Rin stepped forward to bind the captured Gozu, her expression firm yet proud. "Excellent teamwork, everyone. We're not just escorting Tazuna anymore; we're protecting him."
As the dust settled and the intensity waned, Naruto looked around at her teammates, a gleam of ambition in her eyes. "That was just the first part of our mission! Let's keep moving!"
Yes, back to Tazuna!" Satsuki agreed, her competitive spirit ignited. They couldn't let down their guard yet, the journey was far from over.
With renewed energy, the team pressed on, united in purpose, while a broke tension lingered in the air—evidence of the trials they had yet to face in the mysterious and dangerous Wave Village
