Chapter 115: Active Transformation, the Ninjutsu Trap
"It seems Konoha is truly facing troubles both from within and without," Tsunade said. "Byakuya, do you think this matter is related to that mysterious organization from before?"
Byakuya nodded: "Very likely. This organization has been active in the shadows with unknown objectives. Moreover, their strength is not to be underestimated."
"Then, let's start with the internal troubles," Tsunade said. "Send the Anbu to monitor Danzo and see what he's up to. Meanwhile, notify Naruto and the others to be careful of the monks at the Temple of Fire and not to trust anyone lightly."
However, Tsunade's warning came a step too late.
By this time, Naruto's group had already fallen into the enemy's trap.
Deep within the Temple of Fire, they were trapped by a powerful barrier.
"Damn it, what is this barrier?" Naruto hammered at the barrier in anger, but to no avail.
"It seems we've been tricked," Yamato said in a heavy voice. "Everyone, be careful; the enemy could appear at any moment."
Just then, Sora appeared in their sight once again.
This time, he was no longer that cold loner, but carried a trace of an eerie smile.
"Naruto, you've finally come," Sora said. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"Sora, who exactly are you?" Naruto questioned. "Why did you help us? And why did you betray us?"
"I haven't betrayed anyone," Sora sneered. "I'm just doing what I believe is right."
After speaking, he formed a hand seal, and suddenly, the entire barrier began to vibrate.
"This is 'Active Transformation'!" Yamato exclaimed. "It's a technique that uses the terrain to set traps! Everyone be careful, don't get separated!"
However, it was already too late.
Under Sora's control, 'Active Transformation' had already activated. The entire terrain of the Temple of Fire began to undergo drastic changes; walls moved and floors flipped, forming a massive labyrinth.
Naruto and the others were scattered into different areas, losing contact with one another.
"Dammit!" Naruto shouted angrily. "I have to find everyone!"
He began searching for the labyrinth's exit while dodging traps and enemy attacks.
Inside the labyrinth, Naruto encountered all sorts of challenges.
Sometimes he needed to traverse narrow passages, dodging boulders that rolled down incessantly; sometimes he needed to leap over deep pitfalls to avoid falling in; and sometimes he had to fight appearing enemies to ensure his own safety.
However, no matter what difficulties he encountered, Naruto persevered. He believed he would definitely find his comrades and escape this labyrinth together.
On the other side, Yamato, Sai, Sakura, and Lee were also working hard to find one another.
They encountered similar problems and challenges, but they did not give up hope.
Yamato used his Wood Release to carve out passages; Sai used his Ink Clone technique to create illusions to confuse the enemy; while Sakura and Lee relied on their Taijutsu and Ninjutsu to engage the enemy in fierce battle.
Deep within the labyrinth, Naruto finally heard his comrades' voices.
"Naruto! We're over here!"
Hearing that voice, Naruto's spirits lifted. He headed toward the direction of the sound and finally saw his comrades trapped in a pitfall.
"Everyone, hang in there!" Naruto shouted. "I'm coming to save you!"
He used his Shadow Clone Jutsu to distract the enemies and then took the opportunity to rescue his comrades. One by one, they were saved.
However, just as they were preparing to leave, Sora appeared before them once again.
"Did you think it would be that easy to leave?" Sora sneered. "There's an even more powerful trap waiting for you!"
After saying this, he formed a hand seal, and suddenly, the entire labyrinth began to collapse.
"Run!" Yamato shouted. "This place is coming down!"
The group ran with all their might and escaped just before the labyrinth collapsed.
However, Sora did not chase after them. He stood amidst the collapsing labyrinth, watching everything with cold, indifferent eyes.
"Just what is your goal?" Naruto asked. "Why are you doing this?"
"My goal?" Sora sneered. "I'm just doing what I believe is right. This world is full of deception and hypocrisy; I want to break it all and create a truly peaceful world."
"Peace?" Naruto said. "Your methods will only bring more pain and destruction!"
"So what?" Sora said. "As long as I can achieve my goal, I don't care how many people are sacrificed."
Just then, a mysterious voice called out.
"Well said, Sora." Kōdo walked out from the shadows. "Your power is very formidable. Join us. Together, we can create the peaceful world we envision."
Sora looked at Kōdo, then at Naruto and the others.
"I won't join you..." Sora said. "I have my own path to walk."
With that, he turned and left.
Kōdo watched Sora's retreating back, a strange smile touching the corners of his mouth.
"You'll be back, Sora," Kōdo whispered. "Because you are my 'vessel'."
Meanwhile, Sakura and the others who had been trapped by the 'Active Transformation' traps finally regrouped.
Supporting each other, they walked out of the dangerous and conspiracy-laden Temple of Fire.
"Naruto, are you okay?" Sakura asked with concern.
"I'm fine. Is everyone else okay?" Naruto asked.
"Everyone is fine, just a few injuries," Yamato said. "We need to find a place to rest."
"Hmm, it seems this time the opponents weren't after us," Yamato said deeply. "Their target is very likely Sora! We must take him back to Konoha; only Byakuya can protect him!"
Everyone nodded upon hearing this. The enemies this time were so powerful that if Sora hadn't intervened, they might already be dead. Thinking about it now, keeping Sora in Konoha was indeed a wise move.
After returning to Konoha, because Matsuri was injured and needed a long time to recuperate, she couldn't participate in missions. Since Kakashi was also too lazy to move, the Kakashi Team had been short-handed.
"Byakuya-sama, you've seen Sora's strength. Why not let him temporarily take Matsuri's place and become a member of our team?" Yamato recommended to Byakuya.
Byakuya looked at Sora and nodded: "His strength is indeed good, and he has many secrets we don't know about. I agree to let him join the Kakashi Team. However, we must send someone to monitor him in secret to ensure he doesn't do anything detrimental to Konoha."
"Yes!" Yamato responded.
Thus, Sora became the newest member of the Kakashi Team. Although he was somewhat reluctant, he had no choice. After all, he had nowhere else to go, and he also wanted to know the truth about his origins and power. In Konoha, he might find the answers.
"Sora, welcome to the Kakashi Team." Kakashi extended his hand to Sora.
Sora hesitated for a moment but still shook Kakashi's hand. "Thanks."
"No need to be polite, we're comrades now," Kakashi smiled. "Please look after me from now on."
"Mm." Sora nodded. Although he didn't fully trust Kakashi and the others yet, he was willing to give them a chance, and give himself one too.
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