Yukari Uchiha (English)

Chapter 26

I hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching, metal clanking against stone as a group draws closer to the dungeon. "Kitsune, Yako! It's starting, get ready," I whisper in my mind, my voice firm and resolute. The drug that had left me dazed for so long is finally out of my system, and I can feel my chakra flowing clearly and powerfully within me again. My thoughts are sharp, and every muscle in my body is prepared for what's about to come.

The group comes nearer, and as they stop in front of our cell, I hear a rough, growling voice. "Get up! Now!" the voice commands, echoing through the cold, damp room.

Around me, I see the faces of the children—pale and etched with fear, their eyes hollow and hopeless. Like puppets, they slowly rise and line up between the guards. I quietly join them, my heart pounding, but I force myself to remain calm. "I have to stay composed," I think, "any wrong move could endanger these children's lives."

The guards shove us roughly, and we march through a narrow, cold underground corridor. The walls are damp, and the flickering torchlight casts eerie shadows. Each step echoes loudly in the oppressive silence. The children around me tremble with fear, their steps hesitant and uncertain, while the guards drive us forward with sinister grins on their faces.

After what feels like an eternity, we finally reach the end of the tunnel. As we pass through a heavy door, a vast arena opens up before us. The ground is rough and covered with dark, dried bloodstains—silent witnesses to the countless battles that have already taken place here. Above us are the spectator stands, and more and more people are flooding in, laughing and cheering, as if this were nothing more than a spectacle, a macabre form of entertainment.

"This is it... we've reached our destination," I say to Kitsune and Yako in my mind. "Inform Shisui and Itachi that it's time. The troops should be ready."

I glance around and see several cages at the sides of the arena, where we are now being herded. One by one, the children are shoved into the cages, their trembling bodies pressed together while the guards watch us with cold, indifferent eyes. I, too, am locked in a cage, but I remain calm, my mind alert, my senses sharp.

"Now I just need to make sure I get chosen as early as possible," I think. "If I act quickly, maybe I can prevent the worst."

A platform rises above the arena, and on it stands a guard in gleaming armor. He raises his hands to quiet the cheering crowd. His deep voice echoes across the arena and through the rows of spectators. "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to another glorious day of games!" The crowd erupts into roaring cheers.

"Today, we will witness more great battles! Here in this arena, these children will fight for survival! But remember, this is not a game..." His voice deepens, becoming more ominous. "...this is a fight to the death. Only one will survive, and the rest will leave the field as sacrifices."

The crowd cheers once more as he continues, "Place your bets! Everyone can choose a winner, and we all know that fortune favors the strongest. Let's see who can defeat death!" Laughter and betting begin as the spectators eagerly anticipate the spectacle.

The man on the platform spreads his arms wide. "The games will not end until only one remains alive! No mercy, no exceptions. May the strongest survive!"

The laughter and applause of the crowd echo in my ears. My heart pounds hard against my chest, but I force myself to stay calm. "It cannot come to this," I think. "I have to find a way to stop this before more innocent lives are lost."

The spectators flood the arena, inspecting the captive children, their gazes greedy and cold. They move from cage to cage, evaluating the children as if they were nothing more than merchandise, sizing up their chances in battle, whispering among themselves as they place their bets.