Chapter 31: Retrieving The Scroll 2
The team formed a circle, pooling their chakra to generate a powerful blast that shattered the barrier. However, their actions drew the attention of more enemies. Danzo's ruthlessness came into play as he ordered his team to engage with minimal regard for their safety. The mission's success was all that mattered.
When Danzo finally retrieved the scroll, he returned to the starting point, his team having suffered some casualties along the way. His cold efficiency and disregard for unnecessary risks earned him high marks from the judges, but his willingness to sacrifice his team for the greater good of the mission raised some eyebrows.
The test began, and Danzo immediately assumed a commanding position. His eyes were cold, calculating. "We proceed directly. No distractions. Efficiency above all."
One of the ANBU hesitated. "Sir, shouldn't we—"
Danzo cut him off. "Questioning orders wastes time. Follow or fall behind."
Their route was brutal. Danzo didn't avoid ambushes; he confronted them head-on. His sharp eyes analyzed the surrounding terrain, noting possible ambush points and escape routes. The objective was clear: retrieve the scroll. But Danzo had his own methods.
As they entered the forest, a sudden trap was sprung—an enemy squad appeared from the shadows, blocking their path. Danzo's response was swift and merciless. "Eliminate them," he ordered coldly. "Do not hesitate."
Danzo didn't waste time negotiating or strategizing in the conventional sense. He believed in direct confrontation, and his squad carried out his wishes with brutal efficiency. Enemies fell swiftly, and the team moved forward with barely a pause.
They fought through, the forest echoing with the sounds of conflict. Danzo's ruthless approach left a trail of defeated enemies and wary allies.
However, as they approached the area with the scroll, Danzo encountered an unexpected challenge: a powerful defensive barrier surrounding the scroll. He quickly realized that brute force wouldn't be enough to overcome the barrier, and his tactical mind shifted gears.
"Gather the chakra of the group," Danzo instructed. "We will combine our strength to break through."
The ANBU complied, but one looked uneasy. "This will draw attention…"
Danzo's eyes glinted. "Victory demands sacrifice."
The team formed a circle, pooling their chakra to generate a powerful blast that shattered the barrier. However, their actions drew the attention of more enemies. Danzo's ruthlessness came into play as he ordered his team to engage with minimal regard for their safety. The mission's success was all that mattered. Danzo's team suffered casualties, but he retrieved the scroll, blood staining his hands.
'The price of leadership,' he thought coldly.
When Danzo finally retrieved the scroll, he returned to the starting point, his team having suffered some casualties along the way. His cold efficiency and disregard for unnecessary risks earned him high marks from the judges, but his willingness to sacrifice his team for the greater good of the mission raised some eyebrows.
***
Shikaku Nara's Test
Shikaku's team consisted of two other Nara clan members, known for their strategic thinking and shadow manipulation techniques. Shikaku's leadership style was based on intellect and preparation, and he intended to use his sharp mind to lead his team through this challenge with minimal conflict.
"Remember," he drawled, a lazy smile on his lips, "this isn't about brute strength. Think three steps ahead."
The test began, and Shikaku immediately began analyzing the terrain, calculating the best route to the scroll.
"Let's move silently," he instructed.
"We'll avoid engaging unless absolutely necessary."
"No need to fight if they don't know we're here."
As they entered the forest, the first obstacle appeared: a group of enemies hiding within the trees. Shikaku's strategy was to use misdirection to lead them away from the enemies. He ordered his team to move in a series of zigzag patterns, confusing the enemy and leading them into a trap of their own making.
When the ambushers were led into the trap, Shikaku's team used their shadow jutsu to bind them without causing harm. His approach was to subdue the enemy without unnecessary conflict, focusing on minimizing injuries.
At one point, another enemy patrol approached. Shikaku whispered,
"Hold. Wait for the signal."
The enemy passed by, unaware of the Nara shadows weaving around them. Shikaku smirked. "Sometimes the best battle is no battle."
As they continued through the forest, a new challenge arose: a series of obstacles—boulders, broken bridges, and a river. Shikaku's strategy was to use the environment to their advantage. "We'll build a bridge using our shadows. Use your intelligence to overcome the obstacles."
Shikaku's leadership shone as his team worked together to create makeshift solutions. The shadows were manipulated to form a stable path, and the team moved seamlessly through the challenges.
Reaching the scroll, they faced a maze of tripwires. Shikaku crouched, eyes narrowing. "Follow my steps exactly. One misstep… well, you don't want to find out."
They retrieved the scroll without triggering a single trap. Returning, Shikaku's teammate laughed softly. "I thought this would be harder."
Shikaku's eyes glimmered. "Only if you don't use your head."
When Shikaku retrieved the scroll, the mission had been executed with the least amount of conflict, and no one had been harmed. His strategy of using intellect over brute force had proven to be highly effective, earning him high praise from the judges.
***
Choza Akimichi's Test
Choza stood with his team—two fellow Akimichi clan members, each ready for the challenge. His presence was warm, exuding calm strength. "Remember, we work together. No one gets left behind."
One of his teammates, Daiki, nodded. "Understood, Choza-sama."
As they entered the forest, Choza's large frame moved surprisingly gracefully. His eyes scanned the terrain. "Stay close. Our size is our advantage, but also our weakness if we split up."
They encountered the first obstacle—a ravine with a rope bridge, worn and unstable. Choza frowned. "We need to reinforce it. Our weight could collapse it."
His teammate, Yumi, hesitated. "Shouldn't we look for another way around?"
Choza shook his head. "That wastes time, and there may be traps. We trust the path we've chosen."
Using their clan's partial expansion jutsu, they anchored the bridge, making it stable enough for their passage. As they crossed, Choza's keen senses detected movement. "Ambush ahead. Stay behind me."
The enemy squad charged, but Choza stepped forward, expanding his body. "Partial Expansion: Arm!" His massive fist swept through the attackers, sending them flying. "Remember," he said over his shoulder, "strength isn't just about power. It's about protecting those behind you."
As they neared the scroll's location, they found it guarded by a series of heavy boulders, rigged with explosive tags. Daiki's voice trembled. "How do we get through without setting them off?"
Choza's expression softened. "Sometimes, brute strength is the answer. Other times, we need precision." He formed a hand sign, shrinking down to normal size. "Carefully remove each tag. Yumi, guide me with your smaller hands. Daiki, watch our backs."
They worked together, dismantling the trap one step at a time. As the last tag was removed, Choza lifted the scroll with a broad smile. "Teamwork, my friends. Always."
On the return, an enemy patrol tried to block their path. Choza didn't hesitate. "Double Expansion!" His form expanded, shielding his teammates. "Go! I'll hold them off!"
Yumi shouted, "But—!"
"No 'but's! Trust in your leader!"
They made it back with the scroll. Moments later, Choza reappeared, slightly bruised but grinning. "We did it, together."
Daiki shook his head in admiration. "You took all those hits for us…"
Choza's voice was gentle but firm. "A leader bears the weight, so the team can succeed."
***
The candidates stood before Hiruzen, each holding their scroll. The crowd erupted in loud applause. Each candidate's performance had shown their leadership style, their strengths—and perhaps their weaknesses. Fugaku's precision, Hiashi's discipline, Choza's courage, Danzo's ruthlessness, and Shikaku's intellect—each had been tested, each had left an impression. The Hokage Competition was far from over, but the battle lines were drawn, and Konoha watched with bated breath.
The crowd's anticipation grew as Hiruzen prepared to announce the next challenge—the future of Konoha hanging in the balance.
***
A/N: A 5 Chapter Mass Release! Enjoy Reading!