Lotm Rogue-like across worlds.

When I fell on the grass, I couldn't figure out what the problem was. Guy ordered me to walk home in my arms. Naturally, I couldn't do it, and then I wondered: do I lack the willpower to overcome the pain in my arms, or is the test really something on the level of impossible for me at the moment?

I got up on my hands and was able to walk only two meters when I fell again. This time, not because of fatigue, but because of the sudden rush of memories. One of the house's clones had dissipated, and apparently not because of chakra depletion. Going through my memories, I saw a fragment where the clone was guessing. He wanted to use fortune-telling to see Orochimaru's achievements, and at the same time, he regularly predicted our well-being. After not getting an answer to the first fortune-telling, in the second he saw a scene where I was heading home, rubbing my shoulders.

The scene shifted to my face, and you could see my heavy eyelids closing. Resisting the genjutsu, using the Cryptologist's decryption, I folded the seals to dispel the illusion. Before I could finish, a figure appeared from behind and knocked me out with a punch. The man's face was hidden behind a mask with a squirrel pattern, and he was wearing a cloak I already knew. That was the end of the fortune-telling scene.

I frowned. I didn't have any tracking skills without guessing, so I couldn't figure out where the attack was coming from. I also didn't know if I was being followed right now. The only thing I had left was a heightened spiritual intuition, but it was powerless. A second of efficiency might not have dampened my intuition, but I wouldn't have been able to react.

I created a shadow clone to accompany me. I may not know where the attacker is, and genjutsu can dull my senses, but at least the clone will gain a moment.

I kept my guard up the rest of the way. Even if the enemy already suspects that I know about him, I tried to pick up any rustle. Gradually we reached our street, but I did not relax for a moment. I turned on my spiritual vision and peered into every corner. I didn't have much chakra, and my spirituality was running out too, but the slightest clue would let me know what to expect.

I noticed a small figure walking towards me. I tensed up, but when I saw the clothes, I realized that this was my clone. Most likely, they sent one of them to meet me to facilitate a possible scuffle.

The clone had barely covered twenty meters when intuition howled. Something flew out of the corner. Not daring to figure out what exactly, I chose the safest option — a paper replacement. I found myself next to a clone who had a prepared billet in his pocket.

The clones were in no hurry to dodge. Each of them grabbed a kunai and beat off the shurikens. Apparently, the attacker wanted to disperse the clones, not injure me.

"He's there!" The clone shouted and pointed into the alley.

When I turned on my spiritual vision, I noticed someone else's aura. There really was someone there. I felt sleepy. The Cryptologist's decryption made it easier to distinguish between reality and lies, but the illusion was strong. I quickly folded the seals to disperse it. Intuition screamed again. A man appeared from behind and tried to knock me out with a punch. The clone next to me managed to turn around and instead of blocking the blow kicked me out of the trajectory.

"He's not alone!" — the clone warned.

After these words, he got into a melee with the man in the squirrel mask. Realizing that his chances were slim, he pursed his lips and fired an air bullet. Not expecting this, the opponent felt a sharp pain in the right side of his chest.

The clone, who was further away, rushed towards us, but continued to follow the other pursuer. This man's mask had a beak. When he heard the shot, he realized that the situation had changed. Trying to buy time, the clone stretched out his hand, but the masked man disappeared. Turning to the original, the clone prepared to shoot at the enemy's point of appearance.

I managed to get rid of the genjutsu and stood up. He sensed that his opponent was nearby and prepared to hit him. I saw an air bullet piercing his body, but instead there was a log. Turning my head, I noticed where he was. He stretched out his hand, swung his wrist down. The opponent used a substitution again, but there was no attack from me. My clones were thinking the same thing and reached out with me.

The enemy used a technique and the fireball passed dangerously close. The clone that was standing next to him managed to dive to the side, while extending his hand as if trying to feel something intangible. A flick of his wrist, but nothing happened.

The enemy did not wait for the result, changed his position and attacked again. The air strike shook the ground beneath my feet, and I barely managed to stay on my feet, glancing briefly at the clones. They simultaneously stretched out their arms in his direction, focusing on trying to steal the skill.

The mask with the beak moved chaotically, staying at the edge of our vision, avoiding any attempts to impose close combat. I saw one of the clones extend his arm and freeze, waiting for the moment, but the enemy's attack forced him to dodge, interrupting his concentration.

Another fireball and smoke filled the street, but I activated my spiritual vision, trying to hold his chakra signature. The clone next to me tensed, extending his arm again. This time, he paused longer than usual, ignoring the shuriken shot in his direction.

The opponent tried to leave again, but suddenly froze for a moment, and then abruptly changed his trajectory.

— There is! The clone screamed, and began to fold the seals. Without waiting for an answer, I folded the seals and disappeared with the clone, leaving an empty street behind.

The masked man with the beak froze in the middle of the street, taking in the nearby buildings. His movements were abrupt, but increasingly nervous. The noise of the fight had spread through the alleys, and now restless faces could be seen in the window openings. A door slammed somewhere, and a muffled female voice was heard calling the children back. The barking of the dogs increased, but the street remained eerily empty.

The opponent stretched out his hand, as if trying to sense something invisible, but immediately pulled it back. He stood in place, swaying slightly forward, as if intending to rush somewhere, but instead just stepped aside. The fingers of his right hand formed a half-sign, but they never completed the movement.

A muffled cough sounded from the side of the alley. His partner, wearing a squirrel mask, was slowly getting to his feet, holding his side. The face under the mask was not visible, but his gait showed fatigue and irritation. He looked around, stopping at the burnt grass and charred footprints on the road, but found nothing that could tell where the targets had disappeared.

The beaked mask turned away from his partner, raised his head, and took another look at the roofs. At that moment, a shutter creaked somewhere on the second floor, and he jerked his shoulder sharply, as if he were ready to fend off an invisible attack. But the sound was only the wind. He exhaled heavily, almost with annoyance, and turned to his comrade.

The man briefly waved his hand at him, and both disappeared into a nearby alley. The movements were quick, but without unnecessary sharpness, like those of hunters who decided to retreat. The noise gradually died down, leaving behind only ashes and footprints on the ground.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

I was heading towards the Tower to report the incident to the Hokage once again. I was depressed by the thought that the attacks on me were continuing. Everything pointed to the fact that there might be a Root behind this, and I wanted the Third One to take at least some measures.

At the same time, this idea might seem pointless. I already informed him about the incident after the first attack, but the second one happened anyway. This could mean that Hiruzen either did not take any action, or his influence on Danzo was limited. However, even in this case, I still had one hope. The hokage, as the head of the village, is obliged to maintain order and demonstrate control over the situation. Even if he is unable to completely curb Danzo's actions, Hiruzen cannot allow such incidents to continue behind the village leader's back. If I put him in front of the fact, he will at least put pressure on Danzo to stop the attacks.

I also hurried to the Tower because I realized that even after temporary success in battle and gaining some useful skills, the enemy might just go to my apartment. That would negate all the efforts I've made to avoid a direct threat.

When I got to the Tower, apart from the guards, there was almost no one there. Fortunately, the Hokage himself was inside, and the guards, recognizing me, allowed me to enter.

Hiruzen was sitting at his desk, intently filling out some documents. His face was calm as usual, but he looked busy.

Without waiting for his greeting, I immediately started the conversation.:

— Good evening, Mr. Hokage. I have some bad news: I've been attacked again," I began, trying to speak clearly and without unnecessary emotion.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up from the documents, his face remained calm, but there was a slight worry in his eyes. He carefully put down his brush, interlacing his fingers on the table.

—Tell me more, Seiji,— he said softly but seriously.

I briefly described what had happened: the attack by two masked men, their methods, and my defense with the help of clones. He emphasized that the attackers were clearly well prepared and acted purposefully.

"Their purpose remains unclear, but they knew where to find me," I concluded. — The attacks continue, and I'm afraid this won't be the last time.

The Hokage frowned, and his fingers tightened slightly.

"This is disturbing information,— he said, cocking his head thoughtfully. —But I'll take care of your safety." From today on, I will appoint an escort to guard you. His presence will scare away those who might threaten you and give me time to find out who is behind these attacks.

I nodded.

— Thank you, Mr. Hokage. Who will it be?

Hiruzen waved his hand, beckoning someone from behind the door. A second later, a middle-aged man with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail walked in. His gaze was piercing, but his face remained calm.

"This is Saito Ren,— the Hokage introduced him. "He'll protect you." You can rely on him.

Ren bowed briefly.

"My job is to ensure your safety,— he said.

I thanked them both and headed for the exit.

When I left the Tower, a clone was already waiting nearby. When he saw me, he took a step forward, but immediately froze, slightly tilting his head, as if he had caught something. He whispered:

"Someone's watching us."

I smiled briefly.

"It's not an enemy. This is protection from the Hokage.

The clone carefully looked in the direction from where he felt the presence, but only nodded slightly, after which he disappeared into a cloud of smoke.

I headed home. Ren kept his distance, giving me space, but my gut told me that he was monitoring the situation all the time.