---
---
Shinkuro's Next Move
In a rain-soaked clearing far from Konoha, Shinkuro stood before three figures wearing mismatched Cloud and Mist headbands.
"You want revenge?" Shinkuro asked calmly. "I offer power… and purpose."
One of them stepped forward, a tall Mist swordsman with jagged teeth. "And what do you want in return?"
"Just your loyalty," Shinkuro replied, showing his cursed seal mark glowing faintly. "Join me, and I'll make sure Konoha falls."
They clasped hands in agreement. A dangerous new alliance was born.
---
Intelligence Briefing
Back in Konoha, Sera unrolled the latest ANBU report.
"Multiple rogue shinobi, formerly Cloud and Mist, have been sighted near Fire Country's borders. The signature matches Shinkuro's movement patterns."
Hana frowned. "He's recruiting."
"Then we recruit faster," I said, standing. "Storm Division is expanding."
---
Cliffhanger
Kai glanced at me. "You sure we can trust new people so soon?"
"We don't have a choice," I replied. "But we'll keep our eyes open."
---
---
---
Recruitment Trials
At a hidden training ground, I faced ten elite candidates—special jōnin and high-chūnin with unique skills.
"You want in Storm Division?" I said firmly. "You pass my test."
The trials were brutal:
Stealth runs through chakra traps.
Precision strikes under time limit.
A teamwork drill where Hana and I simulated a real battlefield scenario.
By the end, only five remained standing.
---
The Five Chosen
1. Renji – Genjutsu specialist, former Leaf Intelligence Division.
2. Kaoru – Taijutsu powerhouse with chakra-infused strikes.
3. Jin – Medical-nin combat hybrid, fast and lethal.
4. Lira – Sensor type, rivaling even Sera in detection range.
5. Daisuke – Quiet, masked swordsman… too quiet.
---
The Spy (Foreshadow)
When I shook Daisuke's hand, I felt something off—a faint static in his chakra signature—but ignored it. Hana noticed my pause.
"Something wrong?" she whispered.
"No… just tired," I lied, though unease lingered.
---
Cliffhanger
"Welcome to Storm Division," I said to the recruits.
From the shadows, Daisuke's hidden smirk twisted. "Perfect… I'm in."