Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 40: A Successful Capture

As the Onba stood guard near its nest with increased vigilance, three small figures emerged from the distance, steadily closing in.

These figures were Genma's shadow clones, two of which had transformed into Kurenai and Raido.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" ×2

The two clones launched large fireballs directly at the Onba, which was in a heightened state of alert.

"Onba!"

The Onba didn't dodge. It crossed its massive arms and took the fireballs head-on. Though the flames weren't overly large, they still scorched significant patches of fur from its arms.

Even so, the Onba didn't retaliate or charge at the clones. Instead, it retreated a few steps, further confusing Genma and Ebisu, who observed the scene from a distance.

This wasn't the behavior of a ferocious wild beast. Instead, it seemed almost intelligent, like a trained summoning creature.

In the unpredictable world of Naruto, where animals could be smarter than they appeared, this wasn't entirely out of the question.

The clones returned to Genma's side as the group reassembled to reconsider their strategy.

"Genma, this Onba might really make an excellent summoning beast," Ebisu mused, stroking his chin as he leaned casually against a tree. "Think about it. Most animals instinctively fear fire, but this one took two fireballs head-on just to protect its young. If someone could bond with it, it'd make a formidable partner in battle."

Genma nodded thoughtfully. "True, but does that mean you're giving up on distracting it?"

Ebisu shrugged with a wry smile. "What else can we do? If it's not afraid of fire, you'd need to hit it with something like a Giant Flame Bomb. And that might just kill it outright."

Hearing talk of harming the Onba, Genma felt a tug on his arm.

It was Kurenai. Raido was the kind of person who would openly discuss strategy without much restraint, but Kurenai was different. Her hesitation earlier about stealing the Onba's cubs had returned, especially after witnessing the adult Onba's selfless defense of its young.

Genma clasped Kurenai's hand gently, his voice soft but firm. "You're right, Kurenai. There's a line we shouldn't cross. We're already stealing its young; killing it would be too much. Besides, we're here to train and gain experience. If we come back with a few scratches, so be it."

Raido, standing nearby, suddenly let out a loud cheer. "Genma! Spoken like a true champion of youth! Let's fight head-on! Blood, sweat, and passion—that's what being a ninja is all about!"

As he spoke, Raido started shadowboxing toward the Onba, his punches slicing through the air. Before long, his energy surged, and he stood tall, as if ready to conquer the world.

Ebisu sighed and palmed his face. "Raido, we still need a plan."

"Right, right! But I trust you and Genma to figure it out. Let's go, team!" Raido gave a dazzling thumbs-up, his white teeth gleaming brightly against his tanned skin.

"Alright, here's the plan," Genma began, ignoring Raido's antics. "Raido and Kurenai, you'll hold the Onba's attention. Washi, you'll use Earth Release to defend or counterattack when necessary. Kurenai, use Genjutsu to immobilize it if you can. I'll go for the nest to retrieve the cubs."

Ebisu nodded after a moment of consideration. "It sounds solid, though I'm a bit worried about your speed. Can you make it back before it catches on?"

Genma flashed a confident smile. "Trust me. If I couldn't do it, I wouldn't have suggested it."

Satisfied, the two teams gathered in a circle to finalize the details. After reviewing potential contingencies and accounting for the possibility of a second Onba, they assigned a shadow clone to keep watch while the rest of the group prepared to engage.

---

"Let's give it everything we've got!" Genma thrust his hand into the center of the circle.

One by one, the others followed, placing their hands on top of his.

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Let's do this!"

With a unified shout, the teams sprang into action.

---

Leading the charge were Genma, Raido, and Kurenai, followed closely by Washi, Ebisu, and Kurenai.

The Onba, sensing the threat, rose onto its hind legs and let out a thunderous roar.

"Onba!"

As Genma neared the beast, its massive paw lashed out, slamming into the ground with enough force to shake the earth and kick up a cloud of dust.

When the dust settled, Genma was nowhere to be seen—only Raido and Kurenai remained in front of the Onba.

Perhaps sensing danger near the nest, the Onba turned its attention behind it, spotting Genma scaling the tree.

"Onba!"

Furious, the Onba pounded its chest and lunged toward the tree.

"Not good! Raido, use the chains to hold it down!" Ebisu yelled.

"Got it!"

Raido and Kurenai sprang into action, pulling out chains and circling the Onba.

"Washi! Use an Earth Release jutsu to slow it down!" Ebisu barked.

"Earth Style: Sand Pit Jutsu!"

Washi formed seals rapidly, and the ground beneath the Onba turned to loose sand, causing its feet to sink slightly.

The brief delay allowed Raido and Kurenai to secure the chains around its legs, pulling them tight as they ran in opposite directions.

But the Onba, a creature praised by Jiraiya as "unbeatable," wasn't so easily subdued. Its muscular arms grabbed the chains, yanking Raido off his feet and slamming him to the ground.

Seeing Raido in danger, Kurenai dashed forward, casting a Genjutsu that froze the Onba in place.

"Now's your chance! Tighten the chains!" Ebisu shouted.

Raido and Kurenai quickly resumed binding the Onba, their combined efforts finally pinning its legs.

Meanwhile, Genma reached the nest. He gently placed the Onba cubs into a box, but before he could signal his success, the shadow clone keeping watch appeared, shouting, "Another Onba is coming!"

As the team processed this news, the captured Onba's eyes flared with rage. It roared loudly, straining against its bonds, just as the second Onba thundered toward them.

"Retreat!" Genma shouted, rejoining the group with the cubs in tow.

"Fall back into the forest! We'll use the terrain to slow them down!" Ebisu added.

The teams retreated swiftly, dodging trees and leaping over roots as the Onba pair gave chase.

Eventually, the roars faded into the distance, leaving the group both relieved and somber.

---

Their teachers, Yuji and Noma, appeared as the students reached safety, nodding in approval at their success.

End of Chapter 40