20 The Role of the Paper Umbrella
As the sun rose higher in the sky, a group of five individuals made their way through the forest with a sense of urgency.
Silence enveloped the group, casting a weighty atmosphere over their journey.
Hayashi walked behind Kurenai and Tazuna, holding a red paper umbrella aloft. Hinata and Shino flanked them, utilizing their respective family techniques to survey their surroundings.
Observing Hinata's focused expression and Shino's stylish demeanor behind his sunglasses, Tazuna couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance. It was clear to him that these Genin were exceptional.
Noticing Tazuna's contemplative gaze, Kurenai spoke up with a smile.
"These Genin are truly remarkable. With their abilities, even enemies attempting to conceal themselves underground would be unable to escape their detection."
Kurenai was well aware of the strength of her team. The Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist technique, the Aburame clan's insect companions, and Hayashi's formidable swordsmanship combined with their exceptional perception abilities made their group formidable.
The Hyuga's Byakugan provided a 360-degree field of vision, capable of seeing up to one kilometer ahead. Meanwhile, Shino's insects provided additional surveillance. Even when blindfolded, both Hinata and Shino possessed keen sensory abilities.
Their synergy was flawless, leaving Kurenai unable to discern any weaknesses.
However, Tazuna couldn't shake his unease. The sharper their perception, the easier it would be for them to detect deceit.
At that moment, the female Jonin discerned the deception regarding the mission and promptly decided to terminate it. Unsure of what to do next, she glanced at Tazuna with suspicion in her eyes.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Hayashi and Kurenai exchanged subtle glances, their expressions betraying a hint of concern.
Meanwhile, Hinata leaned in to whisper something into his ear, her voice barely audible.
He nodded in response, his mind racing with possibilities.
None of them spoke a word as they continued on their path, their resolve unwavering.
However, Tazuna couldn't help but feel the weight of their unspoken tension, his brow furrowed beneath his bamboo hat as sweat beaded on his forehead.
Shortly after, the group arrived at a large waterway, its presence a stark contrast against the dry landscape they had traversed. Yet, Hayashi and the others paid it little mind, their focus fixed on the path ahead.
As he took the lead, he followed closely behind Hinata and Shino. Suddenly, a disturbance erupted behind them: a splash, followed by the harsh sound of a chain stretching.
In an instant, two figures emerged from the water. Their presence was ominous and foreboding.
"Shhhhhh!"
Just as they were about to bind Hayashi with chains, a brilliant flash of blade emerged with the distinct sound of a sword being unsheathed. As he pivoted, it swiftly passed before the two assailants. Like a shooting star, it disappeared in an instant.
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By the time Hayashi had turned around, his sword had already been sheathed. The two figures before him remained frozen in place, unaware that their lives had already been taken. Yet, in a strange twist of fate, they began conversing as if nothing had changed. Their voices echoed in the eerie silence of the battlefield, devoid of the usual cacophony.
"I can't believe we made it out of there alive," one of the figures exclaimed, a tremor of relief in their voice.
"Me neither," replied the other, their tone tinged with disbelief.
"But we've got to keep moving. We're not out of danger yet."
As they exchanged words, the realization slowly dawned upon them that something was amiss. Their bodies felt oddly numb, their movements sluggish and unresponsive.
"Hey, why can't I move my arm? My body?" one of them questioned, panic creeping into their voice.
"I... I don't know," the other stammered, fear tightening its grip around their heart.
"I can't move either. What's happening to us?"
Suddenly, a memory flashed through their minds. It was a blur of motion, and a gleaming blade sliced through the air with deadly precision.
"What... what was that sword technique by the silver-haired boy?" one of them exclaimed, their voice tinged with shock.
"We're lucky we didn't get hit."
But their relief was short-lived. It was only then that they noticed the crimson stains spreading across their chests, the metallic scent of blood filling the surrounding air.
"What... what's happening?" one of them choked out, their voice choked with terror.
Then, realization struck like a lightning bolt. One of them glanced downward. Their eyes widened in horror as they witnessed their own body falling apart as if sliced by an invisible blade.
At that moment, the truth dawned upon them. Their words trailed off into silence, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. They had been speaking all along, unaware that they were already slipping away into the darkness of death's embrace.
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By the time he had turned around, his sword had already been sheathed. The two figures before him shifted slightly, unaware of the impending danger.
A few moments later, Hayashi stood holding a paper umbrella. Blood rained down from the severed waists of the two assailants, staining the red oil paper in a macabre hue. A splatter of blood accidentally reached his trousers. Almost instantly, it vanished as if wiped away by unseen forces.
As the blood shower subsided, he simply raised the paper umbrella. The grim fate of the two adversaries was revealed—they were now sliced in half.
Approaching the scene, Kurenai and the others didn't immediately focus on the gruesome demise of the ninjas. Instead, she turned her attention to him, inquiring, "How does it feel to take a life for the first time?"
"I don't feel anything. I just forgot to leave them alive," Hayashi responded with a soft shake of his head.
While one might expect discomfort from a first kill, he had long grown accustomed to such actions. In the spiritual realm, he had faced countless foes and dispatched them without hesitation.
Observing his unwavering demeanor, Kurenai marveled at his psychological fortitude before remarking coolly, "It matters not, as long as you know who your enemies are and how to deal with them."
As her words lingered in the air, her gaze shifted to Tazuna.
The bridge builder, avoiding her eyes, couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze directly.
Taking the initiative, Kurenai addressed him.
"Mr. Tazuna, it seems you've withheld crucial details about this mission. Based on the characteristics of these corpses, they appear to be Chunin from the Mist Village. According to our mission guidelines, any mission involving conflict with ninja warrants at least a B-level classification. Why deceive us about the task's severity?"
Tazuna, under interrogation, attempted to defend himself.
"You... how did you know... they were targeting me? The first person they attacked was that silver-haired boy."
"If you refuse to be forthcoming, it'll put us in a difficult position." Kurenai's concern was evident. "We haven't even reached the Land of Waves, yet we're already facing Chunin-level ambushes. More formidable foes may lie ahead. If you withhold the truth, we may be compelled to send you back to the Land of Waves, considering the mission fulfilled."
"Then... then just send me back to the Land of Waves. Isn't the mission over then?" Tazuna persisted through gritted teeth.
Observing the stubbornness in the old man, Kurenai felt a pang of sympathy.
At that moment, Hayashi intervened unexpectedly.
"Teacher Kurenai, let's focus on completing the mission."
Meeting his determined gaze, Kurenai detected a glimmer of excitement in his yellow eyes.
Does he already know what adversaries we'll face next?
After witnessing his swift and lethal dispatch of the Chunin, her initial apprehension subsided. His rising battle prowess after two months only served to further allay her concerns.
With a nod, she affirmed, "Let's press on with the mission."
Turning back to Tazuna, Kurenai's tone grew grave.
"Before we reach the Land of Waves, Mr. Tazuna, I urge you to reveal the truth behind this fabricated mission. Otherwise, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, we may be forced to prioritize retreat."
Tazuna remained silent, his expression betraying inner turmoil.
