Naruto: Power in Play

Chapter 24

While the hokage and the Anbu were busy investigating the incident that unfolded in the academy. A strange scene was happening in the Yutaka clan compound.

Under the clan head's main house, deep underground, a small facility has been created.

The air was cold and thick with the metallic tang of blood and chemicals. Carved from chakra-reinforced stone, the walls radiated an oppressive stillness, broken only by the faint drip of water echoing through the dimly lit halls.

At its center was the main chamber, dominated by a metal table fitted with heavy restraints. The shelves lining the walls bore an assortment of surgical tools, vials of unidentifiable substances, and dark tokens hinting at failed experiments. Nearby, cells equipped with chakra-suppressing seals confined prisoners in total darkness.

A dozen figures stood silently in the room, each cloaked in casual clothing that failed to conceal the unnatural rigidity of their postures. Draped over their shoulders were unconscious academy students, their breathing slow and steady, as if in a deep, unnatural sleep. The silence was eerie, broken only by the occasional shuffle of footsteps.

At the far end of the room stood Tashiro Yutaka, the clan head. Tall and commanding, his sharp features betrayed no emotion as his piercing gaze swept over the assembled figures.

"You've all done well," Tashiro said, his gaze sweeping over the group. "The academy's commotion served as the perfect distraction. This can be considered a flawlessly executed mission."

One of the figures stepped forward, speaking in a low, gravelly voice. "What are we to do with them, clan head?"

Tashiro nodded, his expression unreadable. "Place them in the designated chambers. But remember—they must not be harmed. The integrity of their chakra systems is paramount. Each of these children is a potential gem in the rough. We cannot afford to make any mistake."

The figures executed his orders without delay. They each carried their unconscious cargo deeper into the facility, retreating into cells lined with strange seals and barriers.

As the last of the hooded figures disappeared, Tashiro Yutaka lingered, his sharp gaze locked onto the spot where they had stood. The dim light of the underground facility cast shadows across his face, accentuating the tension etched into his features.

Behind him, the air shimmered faintly, and from the shadows stepped a figure, moving with a grace that was almost unnatural. A cold, smooth voice broke the silence.

"You've done well, Tashiro."

Tashiro turned slowly, his face betraying no surprise as he met the eyes of Keichi Yutaka, his brother—or rather, the man who pretended to be his brother. The man's familiar features were twisted by a faint smile, one that Tashiro failed to recognize. It was a smile devoid of warmth, exuding only predatory amusement.

Tashiro knelt, his voice steady but laced with quiet bitterness. "Everything has been executed as you planned."

Keichi's sinister chuckle echoed softly. "No need to be so formal, brother. Remember, I mean you no harm. Our deal stands, does it not? You help me with my... pursuits, and I ensure the Yutaka clan becomes the strongest in Konoha."

Tashiro's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. Casual help. Is that what you call this nightmare?

He swallowed his resentment, his silence heavy with unspoken defiance. Since Keichi's return from the Village of Oto, nothing had been the same. The man before him was not the brother he once knew, not the proud shinobi who fought for the clan's honor. This was someone else entirely, a puppetmaster cloaked in a familiar guise.