Naruto: Shadows of the Otsutsuki

Chapter 4: Gatthering Shadows

I do not own naruto in any way shape or form, this property belongs to kishimoto, viz media.

As Jiro's words settled in, Naruto nodded, recognizing the weight of the decision Jiro had made to join him. There was a quiet power about him—a warrior's pragmatism and caution that Naruto understood but also felt slightly at odds with. Despite their differences, he knew that in the fight against the Otsutsuki, Jiro's unique perspective could make all the difference.

The next morning, Naruto prepared to set out with the few allies who had already arrived. The meeting place for their first reconnaissance mission was a small, secluded training ground on the outskirts of Konoha, shielded by dense trees and marked by the sound of a distant river.

There, he met with Sasuke, Jiro, and a select few shinobi from allied villages who had come in response to his call. Among them was Gaara from Sunagakure, his stoic gaze reflecting the solemnity of the mission, and Darui from Kumogakure, whose relaxed demeanor belied the authority and power of a seasoned Raikage. Each of them represented a different part of the shinobi world, united now by a common threat.

Naruto stepped forward, addressing the small group. "Thank you all for coming. I know it wasn't easy to leave your villages, especially after the recent attack. But we're not just here to defend our own lands—we're here to prevent the Otsutsuki from ever doing this again."

Darui crossed his arms, his gaze steady but curious. "So, what exactly is this 'Project Ascendance'? You mentioned it in your message, but no one seems to know what it really is."

Naruto exchanged a glance with Sasuke before answering. "We don't know much yet. But according to the Otsutsuki who attacked Konoha—Ascendance involves taking chakra from our world on a massive scale. We think they're using it to make themselves stronger, but for what, we don't know. Our first objective is to find out."

Jiro, standing off to Naruto's side, nodded. "If they're gathering power, they'll need a source. They may even be using the remnants of old battlefields or tapping into sacred places with strong chakra signatures. It's how they operate—find power, drain it, and leave destruction in their wake."

Sasuke agreed. "That gives us a starting point. We'll need to split up and investigate places with high chakra concentrations. If we find signs of their presence, we regroup and plan the next step."

Gaara's gaze sharpened. "And if we encounter one of them?"

Naruto's expression hardened. "We fight. But don't underestimate them. They're stronger than we are individually. If you engage, don't do it alone."

The first location they decided to investigate was a site in the Land of Fire known for ancient battles and rumored to be rich with lingering chakra—an abandoned temple set high in the mountains. Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiro would take point, while the others scattered to investigate smaller sites nearby.

The mountain path was steep and treacherous, but Naruto and Sasuke navigated it with ease, their footsteps swift and soundless. Jiro kept pace behind them, his movements smooth and almost predatory. When they finally reached the temple, Naruto halted, taking in the sight before him. The structure was weathered and cracked, with moss and vines creeping over its stone walls. Strange symbols adorned the entrance—ones he hadn't seen before.

Sasuke stepped forward, examining the symbols closely. "These markings—they look like Otsutsuki script."

Jiro narrowed his eyes. "So they've been here. Maybe recently."

Naruto's eyes gleamed with determination. "Let's see if we can find any signs of what they're up to."

They stepped inside, their senses heightened. The air within the temple was thick with an oppressive energy that prickled at Naruto's skin. He could feel the chakra in the air—powerful, concentrated, and dark.