The team, having silently navigated the labyrinthine corridors, found themselves in a large, dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with tension, the silence broken only by the soft crunch of their footsteps on the icy floor.
Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows, their forms imposing and their eyes glinting with malice. Nadare Rouga, his pale face framed by spiky white hair, and Genbay Kasahara, his lean frame clad in dark armor, stood before them, a phalanx of twenty-five guards forming a semi-circle behind them.
"Well, well," Nadare sneered, his voice laced with contempt. "What do we have here? A bunch of kids?"
Genbay, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, scoffed. "What are you doing here? Do you think you can just waltz into Lord Doto's fortress?"
Nadare's eyes widened slightly as he recognized them. "Wait a minute," he said, his voice hardening. "Those guards who reported of mission failure… they mentioned you. You're the ones who slaughtered our men."
Genbay's expression turned grim. "Oh, so, you've come to us," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "How convenient. We can eliminate you here and now."
______
The confrontation erupted, the stillness of the chamber shattered by the clash of weapons and the roar of jutsu.
Naruto, his blue eyes blazing with determination, charged towards Nadare. "I'll take care of him!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Neji, his pale eyes glowing as his Byakugan activated, moved to intercept Genbay. "I'll handle him," he said, his voice calm and focused.
Sasuke, his dark eyes narrowed, activated his Sharingan, the crimson with 3-tomoe swirling in his pupils.
"Demonic Illusion : False Surroundings"
He cast a Genjutsu, and disorienting vision of guards. He then moved with lightning speed, his katana flashing in the dim light, his Chidori crackling with deadly energy. He swiftly eliminated the guards, utilizing rasengan, Chidori, and fire style jutsu.
Nadare, his eyes fixed on Naruto, underestimated his opponent, thinking him just a child.
Genbay, similarly, dismissed Neji's calm demeanor, thinking him an easy target.
______
Naruto found himself struggling against Nadare's relentless ice attacks. "This guy's good," he thought, his brow furrowed.
"His ice release is even more difficult to counter than Haku's." Nadare's ice constructs were powerful and swift, forcing Naruto to constantly dodge and weave.
Neji, despite his skill, was also facing a tough opponent. Genbay's sword techniques were precise and powerful, his wind currents creating a whirlwind of blades.
"Give up, children," Nadare sneered, his voice laced with arrogance. "Accept your fate."
"You're outmatched," Genbay added, his voice cold. "There's no escape."
______
As Nadare and Genbay focused on their respective opponents, they failed to notice Sasuke's silent elimination of the guards.
Sasuke, having swiftly dispatched the guards, moved behind Genbay, his katana flashing in the dim light. With a swift, precise stroke, he severed Genbay's head.
Nadare, shocked by Genbay's sudden demise, turned to face Sasuke, his expression a mix of surprise and rage. "You!" he snarled, his voice filled with fury.
He unleashed his most powerful ice release jutsu,
"Ice Release: Ice Rock Dome of Magnificent Nothingness" (Hyōton: Hyōshō Dōmu)
Taking advantage of Nadare's focus on Sasuke, Naruto saw an opening. He charged forward, a rasengan spiraling in his hand, and slammed it into Nadare's side.
Sasuke, seizing the opportunity, thrust his hand forward, his Chidori piercing Nadare's heart. Nadare collapsed with shocked look in his eyes, his ice jutsu dissipating into the cold air.
____
The chamber fell silent, the only sound the soft crunch of their footsteps on the icy floor. The team gathered, their expressions grim.
"We're completely exposed now," Sasuke said, his voice calm. "We'll have to face Doto directly."
Naruto, his breath coming in ragged gasps, nodded in agreement. "Let's go," he said, his voice filled with determination.
Neji, his pale eyes scanning the corridor ahead, added, "We must move quickly. He'll be expecting us."
The team moved forward, their footsteps echoing through the silent fortress, their determination unwavering.