Koushin: Konoha’s Dragonborn[Completed]

Although they failed to understand what that phrase meant, they didn't care what the initial symbol looked like.

After marking everyone, the teams dispersed to prepare for the mission. Each shinobi wore the inked 'X' on their forearm, a silent symbol of their unity and resolve, the mark of Nakama! They knew the road ahead was fraught with peril, but with the strength of their bond, they were ready to face it together.

The Kannabi Bridge, located on the outskirts of the Land of Fire, was bathed in the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. Each shinobi, hidden in strategic positions, watched the area intently, their senses attuned to the slightest disturbance. The air was filled with a potent mix of tension and anticipation as they awaited the arrival of their targets.

Team 3, led by Hyuga Iroha, concealed themselves within the dense foliage of the surrounding woods. Sai, his eyes focused and intent, had his ink brush at the ready, poised for action. Shin, doing his best to emulate Kakashi's nonchalant demeanor, nevertheless failed to mask his underlying excitement. Yuyu, quiet and watchful, blended seamlessly into the forest, her bright eyes scanning the environment.

On the other side of the bridge, Team 7, led by Kakashi, was also in hiding. Naruto's eyes sparkled with determination, his fingers twitching in readiness. Hinata, her usually timid demeanor replaced by a steadfast resolve, readied herself for the mission. Kakashi, without his Sharingan, relied on his natural senses and years of experience, emanating calm and control despite the tense atmosphere.

Further downstream, Team 8, led by Kurenai, maintained their positions. Sakura, her medical pouch securely fastened, was on alert, ready to provide immediate aid if needed. Kiba, with Akamaru at his side, sniffed the air periodically, his keen sense of smell searching for any sign of the enemy. Shino, as ever, remained inscrutable behind his sunglasses, but his insects were already on the move, hidden within the bark of the trees and the cracks in the ground.

At the highest point overlooking the bridge, Team 10 held their position. Shikamaru, his eyes half-closed, calculated their strategy, anticipating any potential issues. Chouji, despite munching on his chips, wore a serious expression, his eyes never leaving the bridge. Ino, focused and ready, maintained her connection to a bird that soared high above the area, her eyes reflecting its bird's eye view of the entire vicinity.

Lastly, Team Gai, located upstream from the bridge, exuded an air of intense focus. Neji's Byakugan was active, his eyes taking in every minute detail. Lee, though visibly eager, was controlled and still, his muscles tensed in anticipation. Tenten, meticulously checking her array of weapons one last time, wore a stern expression, reflecting her readiness.

In the midst of all this, a seemingly innocuous frog, Jiraiya in his animal form, croaked leisurely on the edge of the bridge, appearing as nothing more than a part of the natural surroundings. Above him, a bird flew in a lazy circle, carrying a shrub in its beak. The shrub was actually Koushin, maintaining a henge to blend in with the bird's cargo. These disguise, while simple, were effective, allowing them to observe the bridge without arousing suspicion.

The silence was suddenly broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. Instantly, each shinobi tensed, their focus zeroing in on the source of the sound. Out of the surrounding forest, two figures emerged, casually making their way toward the bridge. Their casual demeanors did nothing to ease the tension; rather, it only increased, tightening like a bowstring pulled to its limit.

Jiraiya felt his heart drop at the sight of the two figures approaching. One was unmistakable - Orochimaru, his form reflecting his newly acquired Sage Mode. The former comrade's vile experiments had led him to perverse heights of power, his transformation into something monstrous a chilling testament to his disregard for the natural order.

Beside him, two figures seemed to be out of place. The first was Roshi, the jinchuriki of the Four-Tails. He was an older man, his body hardened by the strain of carrying a Tailed Beast within him. His eyes held a glint of suppressed anger, a testament to the life he was forced to live. The other was Utakata, the Six-Tails' jinchuriki, a young man whose sad eyes held a depth of experience that belied his years.

Jiraiya's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. What was Orochimaru doing with two jinchuriki? The Akatsuki were known to be hunting them down, yet here were two, casually strolling alongside one of Konoha's most notorious criminals.

For a moment, Jiraiya considered calling off the mission. The addition of two jinchuriki to the mix added a layer of complexity that their plans hadn't accounted for. It would undoubtedly make the mission far more dangerous. But the opportunity to find out what Orochimaru wanted from them was too valuable to pass up.

With a burst of chakra, he willed Sai's ink marking to change, signalling 'standby' to the rest of the teams. He hoped that the shinobi would maintain their positions and await his next instruction. They were in uncharted territory now, and it would take all of their combined skills and resources to navigate through it successfully.

Meanwhile, high above the bridge, Koushin watched the unfolding situation with growing unease. Recognizing Roshi and Utakata, his mind began to race. In the original timeline, both of them had been captured by the Akatsuki and met tragic ends. It was shocking to see them here, walking freely with Orochimaru, of all people.

His shock, however, quickly turned to suspicion. Why were they here? What did Orochimaru want with them? And most importantly, how did this change fit into the bigger picture?

As Orochimaru, Roshi, and Utakata neared the bridge, their conversation drifted to the surrounding shinobi, their words catching their attention.

Roshi, his gruff voice filled with uncertainty, asked, "Orochimaru, are the rumors true? The ones about the Akatsuki being able to remove the tailed beasts without killing their hosts?"