Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Crimson Bones ❯ Introduction ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto is the owner of Naruto.

Introduction

Two sets of eyes adjusted to darkness in an underground cave.

The Akatsuki hideout was chosen primarily for its difficult accessibility. A steady flow of water leaked from the ceiling, making it impossible to keep a candle lit. Only experienced Shinobi could navigate the seemingly endless tunnels.

Uchiha Itachi spoke to his partner without making eye contact.

“Leader has recruited a Konoichi to assist us in our mission.”

Hoshigaki Kisame nodded knowingly. Blue tinted skin and gills on his face contributed to his shark-like appearance. The excessively tall Akatsuki member smirked in amusement. It wasn't very often that their notorious organization requested help from outsiders. In most situations, nine S-rank criminals suited the organization's purposes. But if the leader found it necessary to receive additional help, it was for a specific reason—and no one would question that decision.

“It's about time you arrived,” An impatient voice addressed Kisame, interrupting his thoughts.

It only took a few footsteps for Kisame to reach the remaining members of Akatsuki, followed by Itachi. The gang of S-rank criminals stood comfortably in a spacious room—an area of the cave that had been expanded for their uses.

A chestnut-haired Konoichi was also present, leaning against the damp cave wall. Shadows concealed most of her petite figure. But a knee-length, black skirt and a light blue tank top outlined her soft curves.

“Kina, you're aware that our target is Orochimaru?” The leader spoke to her without making introductions. With his eyes shut, only the silhouette of his Akatsuki cloak and spiky hair was visible.

Kina nodded in response as she stepped forward, aware that nine sets of eyes stared at her intensely. If she felt uncomfortable, it was not visibly noticeable.

Itachi studied the movement of her chest. A steady breathing pattern suggested that she lacked a sense of fear in their presence. His black, emotionless eyes lingered down to her waist. A purple rope hung loosely around her hips; it was tied in a bow behind her back.

“You won't have any contact with Orochimaru in this mission,” The leader informed Kina. “Your mission is to fight one of his bodyguards—a member of the group formerly known as Sound 5.”

“This girl is going to deal with…Kimimaro?” A masculine voice asked the leader. His most distinct feature was his long blonde hair. It was partially tied in a pony-tail, covering his left eye.

Kina narrowed her eyes in recognition.

Deidara…He looks just like his picture in the bingo book of S-rank criminals, she thought to herself.

“You're a cute girl,” Kisame interrupted her thoughts. He grinned, revealing his sharp, triangular teeth. “What rank ninja are you?”

Kina made eye contact with him, contemplating how to respond. Her petite figure looked fragile compared to the rogue men who surrounded her. And her flawless skin suggested that she had never been in a real fight. It didn't help that she wore a white flower, tucked behind her right ear.

“I'm a genin,” She announced without emotion in her voice.

The leader nodded, acknowledging his respect for her boldness. But Kisame was not satisfied yet.

“Kimimaro was the strongest member of Sound 5—Orochimaru's squad of elite bodyguards,” he smirked. “What makes you think that you can defeat him?”

“I understand his fighting style better than anyone else does,” Kina informed him. “We share the same bloodline limit. Kimimaro is my older brother.”

Deidara raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “Kimimaro is your brother? But you look nothing like him, un.”

“And supposedly, Kimimaro is the only survivor of the Kaguya clan,” Kisame added. His face displayed curiosity.

“Hmph,” Kina looked thoughtful for a moment. “Kimimaro was not the only survivor—just the only one that mattered to anyone. Our clan was wiped out in an attack against the Hidden Mist Village. Kimimaro was the only fighter who survived…He was just a kid.”

Fascination was blatantly written across Kisame's face.

“So you and Kimimaro share the same bloodline limit,” He grinned again. “But are you at the same level as him?”

The leader sighed impatiently. “Kisame! Stop badgering your new teammate. If she feels like discussing her skills with you, she will do so on her own time.”

Kisame nodded silently. He took a step back, indicating his submission to the leader's command. The leader seemed satisfied and turned his attention toward Kina.

“Our organization has no interest in Kimimaro,” He told her. “But we have to keep him from getting in our way. If you accept this mission, you will be expected to deal with him for us.”

Kina nodded. “I just have one condition.”

The leader raised his eyebrows questioningly.

“I won't intentionally kill my own brother,” Kina said softly, crossing her arms in front of her chest, indicating that it was chilly. “I'd rather spare his life.”

The leader stared at her in amusement. “Spare his life? Kimimaro is already on the verge of death. He's terminally ill. Why does it matter how he dies?”

“Terminally ill, eh?” Kisame couldn't help but join in the conversation. “Is that why he's no longer part of Sound 5?”

Kina ignored Kisame and responded to the leader's question instead. “My brother and I are the only survivors of our clan. I don't want to be responsible for his death.”

“Fine,” The leader agreed. “I don't care if he survives this battle. But if you let him get in our way, it will cost you your life.”

Kina's heartbeat remained steady. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Excuse me?” The leader stared at her in surprise, unsure if he heard her correctly.

The chestnut-haired Konoichi smiled. “I have an ambition: I'd like to surpass Kimimaro's level of power. I've been training for this fight. If I can't defeat my own brother, then I'm not strong enough to survive in this world…and I'm willing to accept death as my fate.”

Author's Note: Yes, Kina is my own original character. But every other character in this story belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Thanks for reading!

Tsunade Sensei 06