Uchiha: Strongest Shura

In the days leading up to their mission, Uchiha Kagami diligently gathered intelligence while Renji, Naoki, and Marina explored the nearby area. The brief respite was a welcome change, but as all good things must end, the day of the mission finally arrived.

Renji couldn't help but reflect on the harshness of their lives. Even ten-year-olds are forced to shoulder such dangerous missions. No wonder ninjas are called tools. This is a world where even children are expendable.

Under the cover of night, the team infiltrated one of Hojo Yuji's mansions. According to Kagami's reconnaissance, a group of hired ninjas was stationed in an underground palace beneath the courtyard. To avoid alerting them prematurely, the team resorted to a basic but effective tactic: drugging the guards.

Once the mansion was subdued and the guards rendered unconscious, the four descended into the underground palace. The layout had three levels: the first floor stored supplies, the second housed the security personnel (now used by hired ninjas), and the third contained Hojo Yuji's refuge and a treasure room, currently occupied by the leader of the mercenary group.

Their plan was simple yet risky. While Kagami confronted the leader on the third floor, the three young ninjas were tasked with holding off reinforcements. Though Renji found the arrangement frustrating, he understood its necessity. Their success hinged entirely on Kagami's ability to eliminate the leader.

The moment they entered the tunnels, the group encountered resistance. A pair of inexperienced guards stumbled into their path, only to be swiftly incapacitated by a genjutsu from Marina. With the immediate threat neutralized, they proceeded deeper into the tunnels.

As the group reached the third floor, a loud explosion echoed through the underground complex. Renji smirked. "Typical Uchiha—always making a dramatic entrance with Fire Release."

He couldn't help but reflect on the Fireball Jutsu, a technique often underestimated in its lethality. While it rarely delivered a decisive blow in battles depicted in Naruto, its potential for large-scale destruction was undeniable. The fire attribute specialized in wide-range attacks, making it a valuable tool for disrupting enemy formations.

Marina snapped Renji out of his thoughts. "They're coming," she said firmly, her eyes narrowing as her heightened senses picked up movement.

The three donned their masks, steeling themselves for the incoming wave of mercenaries. Standing in the center of the corridor, Renji and Naoki prepared to confront the first wave.

As the enemies approached, Renji and Naoki launched their attacks in unison.

"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

The combined techniques created a massive flaming dragon that roared through the narrow passage, its speed and intensity amplified by Naoki's wind chakra.

The mercenaries responded instinctively, summoning a Water Release technique to counter the inferno. However, the narrow tunnel left them with no room to escape. The fire dragon reached them before their jutsu could fully materialize, forcing them to form a desperate defensive line.

The first mercenary in line threw himself forward to shield his comrades, only to be engulfed in flames. The water wall arrived moments too late, extinguishing the fire but leaving the tunnel filled with scalding steam.

As the steam clouded their vision, Marina acted quickly. "Earth Release: Earthflow Wall!" she called, erecting a barrier to block the incoming water flow.

Meanwhile, Naoki and his ninja dog, Kanemaru, activated their Beast Mimicry Technique. The two whirled into action, becoming twin tornadoes of claws and fangs that tore through the disoriented mercenaries.

The two lead attackers were ripped apart, their screams echoing through the tunnels. The survivors attempted to flee, but Naoki and Kanemaru gave them no chance. Within moments, the remaining mercenaries lay lifeless, their bodies strewn across the blood-soaked ground.

As the second group of mercenaries entered the third-floor corridor, they froze in shock at the sight of their fallen comrades. Standing at the far end of the tunnel were three masked figures, their cold eyes glaring through the haze.

One mercenary finally broke the silence. "Who are you? Why did you kill our comrades?"

Renji stepped forward, his tone mockingly serious. "Since you're so sincere, I'll enlighten you. We are here to stop the world's destruction, protect peace, and bring love and true evil to the world!"

The mercenaries exchanged confused glances, unsure whether they should feel threatened or insulted.

Marina and Naoki turned to Renji with incredulous expressions, their eyes silently asking, What are you doing?

Renji realized too late that his impulsive speech had backfired. The mercenaries, now emboldened by the absurdity of his words, charged forward with renewed confidence.

Renji sighed, his shoulders slumping in exasperation. I've really outdone myself this time. Way to give them a morale boost, idiot.

Despite his embarrassment, Renji quickly recovered, forming seals at lightning speed. "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire!"

A volley of small, fast-moving fireballs shot toward the advancing mercenaries, forcing them to scatter. Marina followed up with another Earth Release technique, creating a spiked wall to funnel their movements.

Naoki and Kanemaru moved in tandem, their synchronized attacks overwhelming the disoriented mercenaries. Though the battle dragged on longer than expected, the trio ultimately emerged victorious.

End of the Chapter.