Chapter 9: The Plan (2)
Team A
The first route Yamamoto went to search was the first route. Moving at full speed he reached there after 10 minutes, not wasting anytime he searched the whole area around the at route hoping to find some clues and tracks the ninjas left but sadly for him he couldn't find anything
"Hmm… it seems that they didn't plan to come here" Yamamoto says as he finishes his search around the area stroking his mustache feeling stressed even though the mission just started
Without wasting anytime he sets out again this time a little slower as he was saving his chakra. after 15 minutes of running he finally reached the second route and so he starts searching for for clues and tracks and after searching for 1 minute he finally finds a clue. A trail of hair leading north
"It seems the girl is pretty wise. She left a trace of hair knowing that there will someone looking for her, it seems the people who took her were really careless" Yamamoto says as he follows the trail the girl left while wondering how careless the ninjas could be to let the girl leave such traces
After following the trail for 30 minutes the trail ends. Just when Yamamoto thought the ninjas had finally caught the girl he hears the sound of fire cackling prompting him to approach the sound with cautious steps
When he reaches the place he sees two ninjas sleeping while one was sitting by the fire and the girl who Yamamoto thought was the city lord daughter was sitting there looking extremely calm for someone who had just been kidnapped
"I'm sorry but I came here to retrieve someone back" Yamamoto says as he exposes himself causing the ninja along with the two sleeping ones to stand up on alert while the girl looked at Yamamoto with hope in her eyes
At first the three ninjas were pretty nervous and alert when they heard Yamamoto's voice but when they saw that he was the only one there they just looked at him with disdain and anger
"Excuse me young miss but can i ask you to close your eyes" Yamamoto asks in a kind voice ignoring the disdainful stares he got from the three ninjas while the girl simply complied hoping that the man who appeared will save her and take her home
"I thought it was an ambush and that we were being attacked looks like we were wrong" one of the ninjas say as he drops his guard not taking Yamamoto seriously
"So whose going to be the one take ca-""Hitotsume: Nadegiri(一ツ目・撫斬, The First: Killing Stroke)" before the ninja could finish what he was saying Yamamoto already appeared behind the ninja with his katana unsheathed
The ninja seeing tries to turn his head to look at Yamamoto only to see the floor coming straight at his face at a fast speed
"Oh!" Was all the ninja could say as his head falls on the floor with blood spluttering out of his neck making the remaining two ninja look at Yamamoto in shock
"Yes this is how the move should be, a precise clean cut" Yamamoto says as he flicks his katana causing the blood on his sword to spray on the floor
"Now let's end this fast so I can go to the other cities quick" Yamamoto says as he looks at the remaining ninjas with flames gathering on his sword
"Taimatsu(松明, Torch)"
Team B
"Hima Clan? Sorry but can you tell me about this clan, I don't seem to know it" Tobirama asks as he looks at yasuke with a curious gaze wanting to learn more about his clan
just as yasuke was about to answer the gate of the city lord mansion opened with the city lord himself coming out escorted by a total of ten guards all being ninjas
"I'm glad the senju clan was able to arrive safely and soundly without any issues and i'm sorry but who may you be" The city lord says as he shakes hands with tobirama before turning to yasuke's group and asks
"Good afternoon city lord, we are representatives of the Hima clan, you may not know us since we are not a very known clan yet but we assure you that we will help you in winning this war and teaching your opponents a lesson" Yasuke says as he respectfully bows his head followed by Yoru and Ren who just followed Yasuke
The city lord seeing this just smiled as he wondered what a clan who could only send three people to a war help him with
"Very well come in, we don't have much time left" The city lord says as he just accepts them into the mission already planning to use them as cannon fodder or bait if need be
very soon the group finally arrived at the lords mansion and what they saw made them realize that they were going to a real war
The large front yard of the lords was filled with different ninjas some from different clans while some being wandering ninjas all gathered up in the yard all with vigilante and serious expressions on their faces
"I guess we are all here, Lets get started" The city lord says as he gets in front of the mansion calling all leaders of their groups to discuss the plans
As the various clan ambassadors and hired mercenaries assembled before Ryuzuki's lord, Yasuke took stock of the forces present. He recognized the emblems of major clans like the Sarutobi and Akimichi. But his eyes narrowed at two particularly notable groups.
The first, a modest yet elite contingent of Uchiha warriors - their crimson emblems and Disdainfu; stares broadcasting their arrogant might. The second, a larger delegation of Senju shinobi headed by none other than Tobirama himself. The legendary genius met Yasuke's measuring gaze with calculated intensity, clearly analyzing these unknown Hima already.
"Esteemed guests," the city lord intoned once the murmurs fell silent. "You have answered our call against the aggression from our belligerent neighbors and their capable allies." His sweeping gaze found Yasuke. "The newly-arrived Hima have requested to affirm their commitment first."
Yasuke stepped forward unhesitatingly, shoulders set and chin raised. He could smell the disparaging scoffs and skeptical sneers from the established powers. Perfect - it would make proving them foolish that much sweeter.
"Lords and respected peers," he addressed them in a clear, resolute baritone. "Though young, the Hima embrace values transcending mere reputations. Our dedication and valor upon these coming fields of battle shall forge a lasting legacy."
Allowing his intense stare to linger on both Tobirama and the Uchiha delegates, Yasuke continued undaunted.
"Judge us not solely by name, but by the undeniable quality of our actions henceforth. We fight with the integrity to elevate our honor - underestimate our flames at your peril."
The weighted silence felt nearly tangible as Yasuke's defiant words sank in. He could taste the cloying skepticism and outright derision on the air around them.Until one fearless Uchiha broke the tension with a mocking bark of laughter. "Big words from the newcomers! We'll soon see if these 'Hima' flames burn as brightly as their bravado."
Tobirama remained stoically impassive. But Yasuke recognized the brilliant tactician's focus laser-sharp upon them, ingesting every detail and implicit challenge.
With a subtle nod from Ryuzuki's lord, the Hima's participation was accepted - though clearly still regarded as expendable underdogs among these legendary warring factions.
As the council turned its attention to the large, sprawling strategy map, Yasuke rejoined the representatives with the slightest smirk playing across his expression. He had sounded the opening salvo and weathered their initial dismissals.
The real alma mater would be proven through the Hima's performance against the combined might of both Senju and Uchiha juggernauts on the imminent battlefield. And Yasuke warmly awaited the opportunity to utterly shatter their arrogant delusions in person.