Blood Universe

Konohagakure, Police Station

The early morning light bathed the scene in a strange quiet, broken only by the distant sounds of the Konoha medical team working to stabilize Moegi. The attack had left deep marks on the village's defenses, but the aftermath was equally telling: Konoha was no longer invulnerable. The walls that had once seemed impenetrable were now exposed to the harsh reality that threats beyond their understanding were closing in.

Shikamaru, Ino, Maki, and Yashamaru had set up a temporary command post just outside the prison. The air was heavy with tension as they awaited further reports. It wasn't just the physical damage that weighed on Shikamaru's mind—it was the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Moegi's message about the infiltrators' unfamiliar powers was not something they could afford to dismiss.

Shikamaru: "We need to find out who sent them. These infiltrators—Kaede Kayano and Lisanna Strauss—weren't just random agents. They were skilled, methodical. Whoever's behind this knows exactly how to strike."

Ino nodded, her brow furrowed. "They knew the layout of the prison. They took down Tsume, and they almost took down Moegi. These aren't ordinary criminals. It feels like they knew how to take out our strongest members."

Yashamaru, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "We've faced countless threats in the past, but this one feels different. I suggest we reach out to other villages—particularly those with any knowledge of these... 'foreign' powers. The connection to their abilities seems like something we haven't encountered before. If they're an organized group, we might have bigger problems down the line."

Maki crossed her arms and glanced at the bodies of Kaede and Lisanna. "You think they're working for someone else? We haven't seen this kind of magic around here before."

Shikamaru rubbed his temples. "Exactly. These infiltrators had a clear goal—freeing their comrades, but they were also efficient, methodical. This wasn't just a jailbreak. It was a message. And I'm not sure if that's the worst part or if it's the fact that they have powers we haven't even begun to understand yet."

As they spoke, the medical team had brought Moegi back to the command post. She was still unconscious, her condition stable but critical. Ino quickly moved to her side, scanning her with medical ninjutsu to ensure there were no hidden complications.

Ino: "She's stable for now, but... she fought too hard. She used up nearly all of her chakra trying to keep them at bay. It's going to take her a while to recover."

Shikamaru sighed. "She did what she had to do. It's time for the rest of us to pick up the slack."

They quickly set to work. Yashamaru began organizing a detailed search for any other possible infiltrators within the village. "We'll check all incoming and outgoing traffic for any other potential breaches," he said, his voice firm. "We can't let this happen again."

Maki and Ino moved to secure the injured, working with the medical team to treat anyone who had been affected by the battle. Ino kept her mind on the task at hand, but her thoughts were constantly drifting to Tsume and the Inuzuka Clan's loss.

Meanwhile, Shikamaru began drafting a detailed defense plan. He wasn't one to rush into decisions, but every moment was precious now. "We'll need to tighten the perimeter and fortify every building with sealing jutsu. I'm going to need help from the Uchiha clan for that."

With everyone assigned tasks, Shikamaru moved into the next phase of his plan. He knew that, without proper information, their defenses would be incomplete. He made a mental note to personally question the surviving members of the infiltrators, once they were in custody.

The day stretched on, filled with briefings, reports, and preparations. Shikamaru couldn't shake the feeling of something much darker approaching Konoha. The village had narrowly escaped total chaos, but it had come at a steep price.

Hours later, as night fell over the village, Shikamaru stood atop one of Konoha's tallest buildings, staring out into the distance. The village was on high alert, and every shinobi was preparing for the worst. He could hear the distant sounds of people going about their duties, but the usual hum of the village felt subdued, as if everyone knew something was wrong.

Ino joined him at the edge, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by the weight of the situation. "Shikamaru, are you... worried about what comes next?"

Shikamaru didn't respond immediately, instead watching the horizon for any signs of movement. He knew what was coming, but he wasn't ready to admit it out loud. Finally, he turned to Ino. "We have to be prepared for anything. This wasn't just an attack. It's a warning."

Ino glanced back at the distant prison, where the last of the cleanup efforts were underway. "You think they'll come back?"

Shikamaru: "I'm certain of it. Whoever they're working for, they'll be back—and next time, they'll be better prepared."

With that, they both turned back to the village, knowing that the storm was far from over.

Meanwhile, on one of Konoha's infirmary. Maki is on her way to visit Sen, who just recovered from her injuries. Maki walked through the sterile, quiet halls of Konoha's infirmary, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. The faint scent of antiseptic lingered in the air as she approached the room where Sen had been recovering from her injuries. Maki had been told that Sen had regained consciousness earlier in the day, and although she had been severely injured in the battle against Kaede and Lisanna, she had shown a remarkable resilience.

The door to the room creaked softly as Maki pushed it open. Inside, Sen lay propped up on her bed, her usually pristine appearance now marred by bandages wrapped around her torso and arm. Her hair, though still carefully styled, was slightly disheveled from the struggle. Her eyes, however, were sharp—no sign of defeat in them. Despite her injuries, Sen's presence had an undeniable force.

Maki stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the sight of her. She had seen Sen in all manner of dangerous situations, but this was different. Sen had been nearly killed, and yet here she was, alive and alert. It was both a relief and a reminder of the harsh reality they now faced.

Maki: "You look like you've been through hell."

Sen turned her head slightly at the sound of Maki's voice, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. Sen: "You've got a way with words, as always."

Maki approached the bed, her expression softening as she sat down beside Sen. Maki: "How are you feeling? You took a pretty nasty hit from Kaede and Lisanna. They... they really pushed you to your limits."

Sen winced slightly as she shifted in the bed, adjusting her position. The bandages around her chest tightened with the movement, but she seemed determined not to show any further signs of weakness. Sen: "I've been better, but I'll live. They were strong, no doubt about it. I didn't expect them to be so... ruthless."

Maki nodded, her brow furrowing in thought. Maki: "I still can't believe they managed to get so close. They infiltrated the prison, killed Tsume, and almost got away with it. What kind of magic were they using? That... that strange power they had—it wasn't like anything we've faced before."

Sen's gaze grew distant for a moment, and Maki could see her processing the events of the attack in her mind. Sen: "It's something we've never seen in Konoha before. Their magic—it wasn't elemental, not like ours. It was something... different. Kaede's tentacles and Lisanna's transformations—it was like they could mold their bodies in ways that defy what we understand about chakra. There's something bigger at play here."

Maki's expression was grim as she relayed the news to Sen.

Maki: "The bodies of Lisanna and Kaeda's comrades were found just outside the village. We believe they were killed shortly after the infiltration—probably when they tried to make a run for it. All of them... dead."

Sen's eyes flickered with concern as Maki continued.

Maki: "The most troubling part is that we suspect Moegi was behind it. It looks like she's taking matters into her own hands—revenge for Hana and Kiba, for what they did to them. She's not the same as before, Sen. The emotions are clouding her judgment."

Sen clenched her fists, her jaw tightening at the mention of Hana and Kiba. Despite the situation, she knew Moegi's actions would come with consequences. Sen: "So, Moegi's on a warpath now? That's dangerous... and reckless. If she's acting out of revenge, she'll make mistakes. But that doesn't mean we can let her get away with it."

Maki nodded somberly. Maki: "We can't afford to lose control over this situation. If Moegi is spiraling like this, it could complicate everything. We need to figure out how to stop her... before things escalate even further."

Sen leaned back against the infirmary bed, her expression softening for a moment before she spoke again.

Sen: "I sympathize with Moegi, though. Those infiltrators knew exactly what they were doing, and killing our comrades wasn't an accident. It was deliberate. It's kill or be killed in situations like that. I get it."

She paused, taking a breath, the weight of the situation settling in. Sen: "But right now, Moegi's unconscious and in the hospital. That's a problem for another time. We've got enough on our plates as it is."

Maki regarded Sen thoughtfully before nodding in agreement. Maki: "You're right. The injured need rest. We'll deal with Moegi's actions and the fallout from all this later. For now, we focus on stabilizing everything and getting everyone back on their feet."

Sen closed her eyes for a moment, her expression still troubled but calm. Sen: "Exactly. Let's focus on the bigger picture. There are more pressing concerns ahead, and we can't afford to let ourselves get lost in this mess."

Maki gave a small, understanding nod, the conversation leaving a heavy silence in the air. It was clear to both of them that the path forward would be anything but simple.

Maki was just about to leave the infirmary room, when the door flung open revealing a huge blue guy. Maki immediately spun around, her hand instinctively reaching for a kunai at her side, her eyes narrowing as the door to the infirmary swung wide. Standing in the doorway was a massive figure, a towering blue-skinned man with a menacing grin. His arms were thick with muscle, and his eyes glowed with an unsettling intensity.

Maggot: "Going anywhere, little ninja?"

The air in the room seemed to thicken as Maki sized up the intruder. He was clearly no ordinary foe. The way he carried himself spoke of brutal strength, and his presence was oppressive. Despite the situation, Maki kept her composure.

Maki: "Who the hell are you?" She snapped, her hand still poised to strike.

Maggot let out a low chuckle, his deep voice reverberating through the room.

Maggot: "Ah, always with the questions. You don't need to know my name, little ninja. Just know that I'm here to make sure you and your friends don't get too comfortable." His grin widened, revealing sharpened teeth. "I was told this was the best place to stir up some trouble. Looks like I've found the right spot."

Maki's senses went on high alert as she analyzed his stance. He wasn't here for a friendly chat. There was an unsettling weight in the air that confirmed her worst fear—this wasn't just a warning.

Maki: "You think you can just walk in here and do whatever you want? This is Konoha, not some back alley where you can threaten people without consequences."

Her voice was firm, but she knew that words weren't going to stop him. This guy was trouble.

Maggot: "I don't care about your precious Konoha. I've dealt with bigger villages, stronger ninjas, and this place—" He flexed his muscles, causing the walls to vibrate slightly from the sheer force. "—looks like it's ripe for destruction."

With his last words, Maggot lunged forward, his massive fist aimed directly at Maki.

She barely had time to react. With her speed, she ducked low, feeling the blast of air as his punch narrowly missed her head. Her instincts kicked in, and she dodged, trying to get a good distance between them. However, the force of his strike left the floor cracking, and Maki could already sense how difficult this was going to be.

Maki: "Sen, stay back!" She yelled, hoping to get the recovering woman out of harm's way.

Maggot grinned again, his eyes glinting with excitement. He wasn't done.

Maki's eyes flicked to the side, ensuring Sen was far enough from the action. She needed to end this quickly, but the massive blue man, Maggot, was relentless.

Maggot: "You're quick, little ninja, but that won't be enough." He growled, his eyes narrowing as he shifted his weight, preparing for his next attack.

Maki didn't waste a second. She darted forward, her kunai flashing in the dim light of the infirmary. With a well-placed strike, she aimed for Maggot's side, targeting the gap in his thick armor-like skin. However, he swatted her away effortlessly with a single swipe of his massive hand.

Maggot: "Is that all you've got?" His voice rumbled as he took a step forward, sending cracks in the floor beneath him from his sheer weight.

Maki gritted her teeth as she skidded back, narrowly avoiding a crushing punch aimed at her head. She needed to regroup. Maggot was powerful—too powerful for just straightforward tactics. He was like a moving wall of muscle, and each swing seemed to shake the very foundation of the room.

She dashed to the side, leaping into the air, her kunai raised. She aimed for his neck, but as she descended, Maggot lashed out with a brutal, upward backhand. Maki barely managed to twist out of the way, the strike grazing her shoulder, tearing through her sleeve and leaving a burning sensation on her skin. She winced but didn't slow down.

Maggot: "Nice try, ninja, but you're going to have to do better than that!" He laughed, the sound grating against her nerves.

Maki landed on her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't keep dodging like this. She needed a plan. Her mind raced as she calculated her next move. Maggot was strong, but he was also slow—slow enough that his attacks could be evaded with quick bursts of speed.

Maki threw a handful of shuriken, aiming for his face to momentarily distract him. As expected, he swatted them away, but in that instant, Maki lunged forward with a swift combination of punches and kicks aimed at his torso. She struck at the joints where his movements were less fluid, hoping to disorient him.

But Maggot's body was like a wall—his muscles rippled and flexed under each hit, and though he staggered back slightly, he didn't fall. Instead, he growled in annoyance and swung his massive fist toward Maki once more.

This time, she wasn't quick enough to avoid the strike. She was hit with a glancing blow that sent her flying across the room, crashing into a stack of medical supplies. Her head spun, and she coughed, the pain radiating from her chest.

Maggot: "You still haven't learned, have you? You can't fight me with brute force."

Maki struggled to get to her feet, the blood trickling from the side of her mouth. Her legs were shaky, but she wouldn't give up. Not now. Not when Sen was watching, vulnerable.

Maki: "I don't need brute force," she muttered, her eyes narrowing. "I just need to outsmart you."

As Maggot lumbered closer, thinking he'd won, Maki's eyes shifted to the medical supplies around her. The shelves were stocked with various chemicals—perfect for creating a distraction.

In a flash, she grabbed a vial of fluid and hurled it at the floor near Maggot's feet. The explosion of smoke and chemical fumes clouded the room. Maki used the cover to leap up, taking advantage of the momentary blindness.

Maki: "You want brute force?" She said, her voice steady. "How about a little of your own medicine?"

With speed she'd practiced for years, she charged up behind Maggot, her kunai in hand. She aimed for his neck again, only this time, she was faster than he could react. The blade pierced his skin—but Maggot let out a roar of pain, grabbing her by the wrist and throwing her across the room once more.

Maki hit the wall hard, her vision blurred as the fight wore on. She could feel the pressure in her limbs, the weariness creeping in, but she wasn't done yet.

Maki: "Not... yet..."

Her breath came in ragged gasps, but she forced herself to focus. Maggot, meanwhile, was growing more furious, the pain from the wound on his neck apparent. He lunged at her with an enraged yell.

Before he could strike again, Maki dashed forward once more, dodging his attack and landing on his back. She wrapped her legs around his neck, using his bulk to her advantage, and began to choke him out with her arms.

Maggot staggered, trying to pry her off, but her grip was strong, even as the pain in her limbs flared up. He was powerful, but he couldn't use his fists to dislodge her. His struggles became more frantic, his movements sluggish as his breath grew ragged.

Maki: "It's over... just give up..." she whispered, her voice strained, but resolute.

Her body screamed for rest, but she refused to give in. It was then that Maggot's struggles began to slow.

But before she could fully incapacitate him, he suddenly twisted his body, slamming her into the floor with a devastating force. She gasped, the wind knocked out of her.

Maggot stood over her, grinning wickedly as he raised his fist for the final blow.

Maki's eyes widened in realization. She had one last chance—but it would require all of her remaining strength.

She rolled to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding his crushing fist. As Maggot's punch collided with the ground, Maki's kunai flew from her hand, striking true. The blade dug deep into his leg, piercing the muscle and causing him to stumble.

As the smoke from their previous skirmish began to clear, Maki and Sen staggered to their feet, battered but determined. Maggot, the massive figure before them, was still reeling from the pain of the strikes they had landed on him. But it was clear he wasn't finished. His massive frame was more than enough to absorb the damage, and his fury was only growing.

Maki wiped blood from her mouth and exchanged a brief glance with Sen, who was clutching one of her fans tightly, the edges cracked from the intensity of the previous blows.

Maki: "We can do this. We need to finish him."

Sen: "I'll trap him with my genjutsu. You attack from the rear." Her voice was calm, though there was an edge of exhaustion in it. Her fingers tightened on her fan's hilt, and her eyes flicked over Maggot's giant form, assessing his every movement.

Maki nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Understood."

In an instant, Sen disappeared from view, her speed surprising even Maki as she darted in and out of Maggot's line of sight. She needed him distracted, confused. She swirled her fan, the edges creating a sharp cutting sound as she manipulated the air around them. In a swift motion, she threw a handful of pollen from a cactus—an unseen attack, one she'd already prepared earlier.

The pollen, subtle but potent, began to spread throughout the room. It wasn't just the scent—this pollen triggered her genjutsu, and with a soft murmur of chakra, Sen activated it. It was a cruel technique—those who were affected would constantly replay a sequence in their minds, forcing them to walk in circles in an endless mental loop, thinking they were making progress but always ending up back where they started.

Maggot's eyes widened in confusion as his movements slowed, his mind briefly trapped in Sen's illusion. For a moment, he stood still, his body swaying. But he wasn't fully immobilized, and the flicker of realization dawned in his eyes. He could feel the shift in his mind but wasn't completely caught. His rage erupted in a roar that shook the infirmary.

Maggot: "You think that will stop me?!"

His massive hands shot up, and with a swift swipe, he tore through the illusions, shaking off Sen's trap. It wasn't enough to hold him. And that's when Maki made her move. She darted forward, using her Cloth Binding Technique. She hurled a coil of cloth, aiming to wrap it around his massive legs and bind him in place. The fabric flew like an extension of her will, but Maggot was too strong. He kicked, breaking through the cloth like it was nothing, sending a gust of air toward Maki that knocked her back.

Maki: "Damn it!" She struggled to get back on her feet, realizing that while her cloth could be used for control, it was nearly useless against someone of Maggot's size and power.

But Sen wasn't giving up either. She swung her fan, forcing a gust of wind directly at Maggot, trying to create an opening for Maki to land another strike. It was a gamble, but they had no choice.

Maggot's rage grew with every failed attempt to trap him, and with one swift motion, he slammed his fist into the ground. The shockwave from the impact sent Maki and Sen both sprawling across the floor. The noise of his laughter filled the room, mocking their attempts.

Maggot: "Is that all?!"

Sen, battered from the earlier confrontation, pulled herself up, but her eyes were starting to blur with exhaustion. She had no chakra left to trap him, and her body was beginning to feel the toll of the battle.

Sen: "Maki… you need to get out of here. He's too strong… I can't hold him anymore." Her voice was strained as she fought to stay on her feet.

Maki: "We're not done yet, Sen. I won't leave you!"

But just as Maki reached out to help her, Maggot moved with terrifying speed. He surged forward, grabbing both women in one powerful sweep.

Maggot: "Time to end this."

In one swift motion, Maggot raised both Maki and Sen high above his head and then slammed them both down into the ground with bone-crushing force. The floor cracked beneath them as the impact sent shockwaves through their bodies, knocking the air from their lungs. Blood poured from their mouths as their consciousness began to fade.

Maki struggled to breathe; her body broken from the crushing blow. She could barely move as the weight of the attack settled over her.

Maki: "I'm… sorry… Sen…" Her voice was faint, barely a whisper, as her vision blurred.

Sen's eyes fluttered, barely conscious. She reached out with a trembling hand, but there was no strength left in her arms. Her fan fell from her grip, clattering to the floor.

Sen: "We… fought well… Maki..." Her voice was barely audible, and the words hung in the air, as her life force slowly drained from her.

But before either of them could finish a final thought, Maggot, with an almost casual cruelty, crushed them both beneath his monstrous weight. Their bodies went limp as the room fell silent, save for the echoing, heavy breaths of the blue giant.

Maggot: "Pathetic." He spat, looking down at their unmoving forms. "You were nothing but pawns in this game."

With that, he stood tall, satisfied that his crushing power had finally ended their resistance. The room lay in ruin, a testament to the destructive power he wielded.

Outside, in the infirmary halls, only the faint sound of their broken bodies could be heard.