Chapter 10 → Your first near-death battle with Kaien's
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The Intel
Sera had finally tracked a shipment Kaien's men were guarding. "They're moving it tonight," she whispered.
"Perfect," I replied. "Storm Division, move out."
The forest was quiet, too quiet, until… a single figure stepped onto our path, wearing an old ANBU mask painted black.
"Arashi," he said, voice deep. "Kaien sends his regards."
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The Fight Begins
He moved faster than I could blink—an ANBU assassin trained like me. Our kunai clashed, sparks dancing in the moonlight.
"Who are you?" I demanded, spinning into a Falcon Strike.
"A shadow," he muttered, flipping effortlessly and countering with Lightning Release: Fang Barrage, forcing me to retreat.
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Near-Death Moment
One strike slipped through, cutting my side deep. Pain exploded through me, my vision blurring.
He raised his blade for the final blow—but Hana blocked it, her chakra vines wrapping around the assassin's arm and shocking him.
"Don't you dare touch him!" she screamed, unleashing Chakra Bloom: Thorn Storm—a flurry of chakra petals like knives, driving the assassin back.
"You're lucky tonight," he said coldly before vanishing into smoke.
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Cliffhanger
Blood seeped through my ANBU armor as Hana's hands glowed green over my wound.
"Stay with me, Arashi," she whispered urgently, eyes glistening. "Don't you leave me like this."
The world went black.
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Waking Up
I woke in a safehouse, Hana leaning against the wall, exhaustion in her eyes.
"You scared me," she said quietly.
"I'm still here," I whispered, sitting up slowly.
Her hand rested on mine, warm and trembling slightly. "Don't do that again."
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The Almost Kiss
We sat in silence, too close, eyes locked. I could feel her breath, soft and quick.
For a moment, the world slowed, and she leaned closer, lips parting slightly—
"Commander," Kai's voice called from outside. "We found something."
We jumped apart, faces flushed. Hana turned away, muttering, "Duty first."
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The Discovery
Outside, Kai held a scroll stamped with Kaien's personal crest.
"It's a target list," he said grimly. "Leaf shinobi—high-profile ones."
One name stood out.
Hana.
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Cliffhanger
I clenched my fists. "Kaien wants war."
Hana stepped beside me, calm but pale. "Then let's give him one."
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