SHUKUMEI'S PLAN
Shukumei and Yamata traversed the winding paths toward the Hierarchy, the seat of power in the Land of Fire.
The air was thick with anticipation as Shukumei finally confided in Karin, revealing the strategy he had meticulously crafted for the unfolding crisis.
" Karin," Shukumei began, his tone calm yet firm, "I plan to deploy Smoke and Fugami for this operation.
The Delta Ops will covertly monitor them, ensuring their safety throughout the mission."
Karin nodded, her expression resolute. "Understood.
The village will be fortified with additional shinobi while you are away.
We will secure its safety until the mission concludes successfully."
Yamata, silent until now, raised a hand and released a sleek white serpent from his cloak. It slithered silently through the air, a living messenger to summon Smoke and Fugami to action.
SMOKE SUMMONED
Smoke was the first to arrive, his usual laid-back demeanor barely masking the tension he felt.
"Why did they summon me?" he asked, tilting his head as he assessed the situation.
Shukumei's gaze met his. "I need you to undertake an Elite Class Mission. Your expertise is crucial."
Smoke raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly does this mission entail?"
Before Shukumei could answer, Yamata interjected, his voice cold as ice. "The task involves confronting the Grandmaster of Fire, Goku the so-called Monkey King. You will need to prepare for a battle unlike any other."
Smoke's expression hardened, beads of sweat forming at his temple.
The name alone sent shivers down his spine.
Goku was no ordinary adversary.
"Goku," Yamata continued, "can morph into 72 different beasts or objects, glide across the sky on the Kinto-un cloud, and wield the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a staff that can change its size at will.
His power is unmatched in the Land of Fire."
Smoke gulped audibly, the enormity of the task pressing down on him.
Shukumei sensed his unease and added, "Do not fear. I will accompany you."
FUGAMI ARRIVES
The room fell silent as Fugami entered, distinguished by his short, spiky black hair and piercing dark eyes. Clad in a black long-sleeve shirt beneath crimson samurai oni armor, he moved with the poise of a seasoned warrior.
Bowing low, Fugami addressed Shukumei. "Grandmaster, I have arrived in your presence.
May I inquire as to the reason for my summoning?"
Shukumei explained the mission in measured tones.
Upon hearing it, Fugami's composure wavered. "Why… why is this happening?" he asked, voice tight with tension.
"It is a matter of misunderstanding," Shukumei replied calmly, glancing at Smoke.
"Smoke had to neutralize a rogue shinobi for the safety of the village."
Fugami's dark eyes narrowed as he turned to Smoke.
"You are foolish to enter the Land of Fire recklessly."
Smoke's gaze met Fugami's with equal intensity. "Keep out of my affairs," he said.
Fugami shook his head.
"Just because your brother, Smoke sacrificed himself for the village does not give you license to instigate conflict."
Smoke's aura began to intensify, a swirling mist of smoke enveloping him.
Yamata, his rage barely restrained, released a myriad of snakes from his garments, their hissing filling the room.
Smoke and Fugami froze, awed and fearful at the sight.
Shukumei calmly instructed Yamata to restrain the serpents, easing the tension as Fugami inquired further about their strategy against Goku.
THE STRATEGY
Shukumei considered the plan carefully. "I can employ my Butsugan to manipulate Goku's mind, but he is not an ordinary opponent. He will resist most techniques, and even my Genkaku has limits against him."
Fugami's eyes widened. "Then what is the plan?"
Shukumei's gaze shifted to the floor.
"Negotiation may be required, though its success is uncertain. I prefer to avoid direct confrontation if possible."
Smoke, ever confident, suggested, "Then Hikari Hinotori should lead the mission. She is the strongest candidate."
Shukumei's expression hardened. "Hikari is a child under my protection. I cannot risk her life on such a perilous mission."
Smoke persisted.
"I am her mentor. At thirteen years old, Hikari has already completed high-level assignments. She is no ordinary shinobi. She possesses abilities that rival adults."
Fugami, incredulous, interjected, "Wait—Hikari Hinotori?
Surviving members of the Hinotori clan are allies? This cannot be… Lord Shukumei, are you certain?"
Shukumei's expression remained stoic.
"During the era of Grandmaster Haru, he and Daku Hinotori established Sakura Village.
The Hinotori have every right to reside here, and a treaty exists with Kurayami. These are the mandates that guide us."
Fugami nodded slowly, absorbing the implications.
HIKARI GRANTED THE MISSION
Shukumei continued, "Hikari will participate in this mission, provided Smoke guards her at all times. Any complications involving Itami Hinotori must be avoided at all costs."
Yamata, the serpent, slithered away, tasked with summoning Hikari.
At her residence, Hikari was preparing shrimp ramen for Kurai when the serpent appeared at her window, sliding forward with its sibilant hiss.
Kurai's eyes widened. "Big sister! A… a talking snake?"
Hikari approached calmly.
"Who are you?" she asked.
The serpent's explanation was methodical, announcing Yamata's request for her presence in the office.
Hikari nodded. "I will go."
She instructed Kurai to spend time with friends while she was away.
Kurai agreed, finishing her meal before accompanying Hikari to Inochi's residence en route to the office.
HIKARI SUMMONED
Arriving at the office, Hikari bowed respectfully. "Lord Grandmaster Shukumei, I have arrived. What is the situation?"
Her eyes then settled on Smoke.
"Sensei Smoke, what is happening?"
Yamata and Shukumei briefed her meticulously, explaining the threat posed by the Land of Fire shinobi.
Hikari listened intently, her expression unyielding.
"Are these the same ninjas who attempted to abduct my sister, Kurai?" she asked, her tone firm yet controlled.
Shukumei confirmed her suspicion, noting he was deploying highly capable shinobi for the mission.
Hikari probed further, inquiring about the strategy. Shukumei explained his intended use of the Butsugan, though he acknowledged its limitations against the Monkey King.
"Impressive," Hikari remarked casually, her eyes glinting.
"A technique that counters the Butsugan's mind control?
I've never encountered such a thing."
Fugami, skeptical, scoffed.
"And what can someone your age possibly do against the Grandmaster of Fire?"
HIKARI'S ULTRA KOKKROGAN
Hikari's expression remained calm. She closed her eyes, then slowly reopened them, revealing the Ultra Kokkorogan. The room fell silent, the air thick with awe and tension.
"But I possess alternative techniques as well," she added, her voice steady and commanding.
Shukumei leaned forward, observing closely. "Those eyes… unmistakable. The Ultra Kokkorogan. Supreme power of the Hinotori clan."
Everyone present felt the intensity radiating from her gaze.
The sheer magnitude of her ability made even the most seasoned warriors uneasy.
Hikari's aura pulsed subtly as she demonstrated her control, her presence alone affirming that she was more than capable of participating in the mission.
Shukumei nodded slowly. "Prepare yourself, Hikari. This mission will test every skill you possess, and I am confident in your ability to rise to the challenge."
Hikari bowed once more. "I will not disappoint, Grandmaster."
The room remained quiet, the gravity of the situation settling over everyone. Smoke and Fugami exchanged glances, realizing the caliber of their young ally.
For the first time, both recognized that this mission was unlike any they had faced before and that Hikari Hinotori, despite her youth, was essential to their success.
The Grandmaster of Fire awaited, a force of nature whose power transcended ordinary shinobi.
And with the Ultra Kokkorogan awakened, Hikari was ready to confront it, backed by the unwavering support of Smoke, Fugami, and the guidance of Shukumei and Yamata.
The mission to challenge Goku, the Monkey King, had begun.