28 Battle on the Road
As Naruto and Pakkun arrived at a clearing at the base of the mountain, Naruto couldn't contain his excitement. He gave a loud greeting to his team, and Sakura, overcome with relief, almost cried out his name, expressing her joy at seeing him safe. Kakashi, breathing a sigh of relief, couldn't resist his usual bonk on Naruto's head, admonishing him to be careful and not engage in suicidal moves like jumping off a cliff. However, he commended Naruto for a job well done in saving the old butler.
"Good job, Naruto. Just remember, there are less dramatic ways to ensure someone's safety."
Sasuke, who had maintained a stoic expression, subtly relaxed his usually stern features. It was clear that he, too, was relieved to see Naruto unharmed.
"Idiot."
In the meantime, the old butler successfully reunited with Lady Matsumoto. Assuring her of his safety, Lady Matsumoto's joyful smile returned, dispelling the earlier sadness. Briefly recounting the events, the old butler spoke of Naruto's heroic actions.
Old Butler: "Lady Matsumoto, thanks to Naruto's bravery, we managed to escape a dire situation. He risked his life to ensure our safety."
Lady Matsumoto turned her attention to Naruto, expressing her gratitude with a tight hug. Naruto, surprised by the unexpected embrace, let out a cry of surprise and blushed as Lady Matsumoto planted a forehead kiss on him.
" Thank you for protecting my precious retainer. Your courage will be remembered."
Naruto, still blushing, awkwardly stammered:
"Well, you know, it's just what a future Hokage does. Can't let my clients get hurt, right?"
Lady Matsumoto, with a kind smile, responded:
"Indeed. Only heroes can aspire to be great Hokages."
The unexpected recognition left Naruto momentarily silent, and both Kakashi and Sakura couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming scene unfolding before them.
Lady Matsumoto, now exuding an air of nobility, approached Kakashi with a request to continue the mission despite it surpassing the initial parameters. She acknowledged that the mission had become more complicated than a standard C-rank, but she expressed her gratitude and willingness to consider Team 7 as friends of the Matsumoto family if they continue it.
Kakashi, adopting a serious expression, noted that such complex missions typically fell into a higher category than B-rank. However, Lady Matsumoto assured him that money was not a concern, and what she needed were trustworthy individuals to ensure her safe arrival in the capital, where she could reunite with her father's retainers.
Kakashi, thoughtful, turned to his team, asking for their opinions on taking the risk. Naruto, ever enthusiastic, declared loudly:
"No way I'm giving up! We're in this till the end!"
Sakura, showing determination, nodded in agreement. Sasuke, with a cold smirk, simply said:
"Don't even ask. I'm ready for a challenge."
The prospect of facing formidable adversaries seemed to excite Sasuke. Kakashi, observing the unwavering resolve in his team, gave a hum of approval.
Lady Matsumoto, getting the confirmation that they will proceed with the mission, signaled for one of her men to bring her a horse. Swiftly cutting a part of her kimono, she gracefully mounted the horse, ensuring that speed wouldn't be a problem. Sakura, with stars in her eyes, couldn't help but express her admiration for the lady's heroic appearance.
"She looks so amazing !"
The old butler, smiling at Sakura's remark, shared a bit of family history with her. He explained that Lady Matsumoto descended from a long line of strong samurai, emphasizing the saying that a tiger father will not bring forth a dog son, or daughter in this case. The butler, seemingly reminiscing about Lady Matsumoto's father's passionate and warring youth, spoke with determination.
"In my lord's youth, he faced many battles. Now, I'll give my last flame to ensure Lady Matsumoto gets home safely."
He then turned to the surviving men, instructing them to do their best as retainers of the Matsumoto family and not bring shame to the old lord's name. The men, filled with determination, responded with a resounding affirmation.
Naruto, appreciating the old man's newfound vigor, encouraged him:
"You can count on us! We'll make sure Lady Matsumoto gets home safe, dattebayo!"
With everyone's spirits high and determination in the air, Team 7 and the Matsumoto retainers prepared for the last leg of their journey.
Midway towards the capital, as Lady Matsumoto's convoy rushed forward, Team 7 formed a protective diamond around her, the guards doing their best to keep pace on horseback. The urgency of the situation was palpable.
In a sudden twist, Kakashi leaped to the front of the formation, swiftly making hand seals. The earth responded to his command, rising and forming a protective barrier, shielding the lady and her entourage from a barrage of arrows that rained down upon them. The guards, appreciating the swift response, were spared from the surprise attack.
Sasuke, quick to react, received a signal from Kakashi. Making his own hand seals, he conjured a fiery burst " Katon : Goukakyuu No jutsu " sending a blazing fireball towards the assailants. Panic ensued among the attackers as some were caught in the flames, creating chaos and disrupting their coordinated assault.
Amidst the intense situation, Kakashi's calm voice cut through the chaos: "Sasuke, keep an eye on our flanks. Naruto, stay close to the lady. Sakura, be ready for any situation."
Sakura, determined and focused, responded with a firm "Got it, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto, his eyes scanning the surroundings, nodded with determination. Sasuke, ever vigilant, kept his gaze sharp, ready to intercept any new threats.
the leader of the assailants, battered and unmasked, emerged once again with a determination that matched his bruised appearance. He confronted Kakashi, insisting that he wouldn't give up easily. Kakashi, his expression turning cold and deadly, responded sharply, "I'm done playing around. Because of you, I almost lost my cute student."
With a swift movement, Kakashi's kunai flashed like thunder in his hand, catching the attention of Sasuke, who keenly observed the chakra manipulation. Kakashi leaped at the leader, ready to end the confrontation. Unyielding, the leader also infused chakra into his blade, initiating a fierce battle with Kakashi that showcased his skills, proving he was at least comparable to an elite chuunin.
Sasuke closely watched the duel, studying Kakashi's lightning-fast movements and the enemy's chakra-infused techniques. The intensity of the clash heightened as the two skilled warriors clashed blades, their chakra-infused strikes creating sparks in the air.
Naruto, positioned to guard Lady Matsumoto, felt a surge of excitement at witnessing his sensei's prowess. Sakura, on high alert for potential injuries, maintained her focus, ready to assist if needed. The lady, though aware of the danger, displayed confidence in the protectors she had chosen.
Sasuke, realizing that Kakashi had taken on the leader, expressed his annoyance with a subtle noise. His eyes focused on the adversary he faced earlier, who returned the gaze with a murderous intent. With a cold smirk, Sasuke expertly twirled the kunai around his thumb and, with a sudden grip, launched himself at the opponent. His eyes flashed red with a surge of bloodlust, initiating a swift and lethal bladed confrontation.
The clash between Sasuke and his adversary unfolded with remarkable speed and precision. The forest echoed with the clashing of blades, and Sasuke's movements were marked by the fluidity and grace of a highly skilled shinobi. His eyes tracked every subtle nuance of his opponent's movements, allowing him to predict and counter with deadly accuracy.
As the bladed dance continued, Sasuke's intense focus and ruthless efficiency contrasted with the enemy's desperation. The air was charged with tension as the two combatants pushed their limits, each seeking an opportunity to gain the upper hand.
Amidst the chaos, Naruto swiftly employed his signature technique—the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. In an instant, smoke enveloped the battleground as multiple clones materialized. With unparalleled speed and agility, the clones leaped into the fray, Naruto seamlessly joining the melee. Meanwhile, Sakura and the old butler stood guard by Lady Matsumoto's side, ensuring her safety amidst the tumult.
The battlefield became a whirlwind of movement, with Naruto's clones engaging the assailants in a series of nimble and coordinated attacks. Kunai whirled through the air, expertly thrown by Sakura, who skillfully maneuvered to intercept any potential threats seeking to approche the lady. The combination of Naruto's clones and Sakura's support created a formidable defense around Lady Matsumoto, preventing any adversaries from reaching her.
In the midst of the melee, the leader who faced Kakashi reappeared, very wounded but determined. Kakashi, his own chakra flickering with deadly intent, confronted the adversary head-on. The clash between the two reached a crescendo, with both combatants showing a fierce duel.
One of the guard,appearing near Lady Matsumoto, raised immediate suspicion from Sakura and the old butler. Outraged and feeling uneasy, the butler berated the man for his unexpected presence.
"What are you doing here?" However, his suspicion turned into horror as he realized the true nature of the guard's intentions.
The old butler's rage boiled over, realizing the gravity of the situation. "No, Lady Matsumoto, get away from him!" he yelled, his voice a mix of desperation and anger.
With a cold smile, the traitorous guard swiftly brought a blade toward Lady Matsumoto's neck, reveling in his successful ruse. However, surprisingly, two Naruto clones materialized in a burst of smoke. Having transformed into stones and hiding near her feets, they executed a rapid counterattack, piercing the traitor's body with their blades. The assault halted, leaving the man to fall to the ground, bleeding profusely.
"Good Work Naruto ! " Yelled out the old man,falling on his butt,giving a sigh of relief.
As the traitor writhed in pain, Naruto's clones exploded in a puff of smoke, revealing the original Naruto standing nearby. His eyes locked with the old butler's, conveying a grin for his successful trick. The lady, still in shock, witnessed the dramatic turn of events, grateful for the unexpected intervention that spared her from harm.
"Na..Naruto ! Thank you ! " Sakura beside him wiped the sudden sweat appearing on her front,realizing she almost failed at protecting her client.
"Don't worry, i've got you covered," Naruto reassured, a steely determination in his eyes.
The lady, still recovering from the shock, expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Naruto. I didn't see this coming."Naruto gave her a grin,
"Always gotta stay one step ahead. expect the unexpected Hehe "
The lady sighed in relief as she witnessed Kakashi swiftly dealing with the leader of the attackers. A cheer escaped her lips, grateful for the protection her team provided.
On the other side, an explosion echoed, capturing everyone's attention. As the dust settled, Sasuke stood there, calmly sheathing his weapon after dealing with his target. His eyes reflected the flickering flames, revealing the extent of his prowess.
Turning to Naruto, Sasuke found him assisting the guard in subduing the last remaining assailant. Naruto's strategic thinking and swift actions showcased his growth as a ninja. Sasuke approached him, acknowledging the successful teamwork.
"Less of a dead weight, idiot," Sasuke remarked, a rare hint of approval in his tone. Naruto,a vein throbbing in his face,gave a growl in response,asking him if he couldn't be less of an asshole,not appreciating the words from his teammate.
