Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

— "I told you to get out."

Menma opened his mouth to respond, but his expression changed as two fiery eyes lit up from behind the black locks.

*AMATERASU!*

Black flames suddenly erupted, engulfing Menma's body. He took a step back, his smile widening despite the pain.

— "Always so decisive, Sasuke," Menma said before exploding into a cloud of smoke. It was a clone.

Sasuke, now alone, slowly straightened up. He removed the restraints from his wrists and ankles, the metal pieces falling heavily to the ground.

He looked up at the hole in the ceiling, the explosions and screams becoming increasingly audible.

— "Who was he? It doesn't matter... I must protect what my brother sacrificed himself for."

With a leap, Sasuke left the cell.

As Sasuke navigated the underground corridors, he pondered Menma's words.

— "A jinchūriki? Why are they after Chōmei? It's probably Akatsuki, but I don't know this member."

He quickly reached the surface. Landing amidst the rubble, his gleaming Mangekyō Sharingan scanned the horizon. This new Akatsuki member had an impressive strength in his opinion.

Without a moment's delay, he propelled himself towards the explosions, his swift movements leaving a trail of dust behind. He had no reason to protect Konoha, after all, he had remained in prison docilely to atone for his sins towards Itachi. But protecting Konoha would be a better way to pay tribute to him.

***

Hokage's Office - Year 61, One Month After the Uchiha Clan Massacre

The Hokage's office was bathed in soft light, with the sun's rays filtering through the slats. Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his Hokage attire, sat behind his large desk, a scroll half-unfurled in front of him. Standing before him were Kakashi Hatake and Shikai Nara.

Kakashi broke the silence:

— "Hokage-sama, are you sure about your decision?"

Hiruzen raised his eyes to Kakashi, a solemn expression on his face.

— "Kakashi, you have served Konoha with loyalty and skill for years. It's time for you to take on a different role. Team 7 needs you as their leader. Shikai will take your place in this mission."

Kakashi turned to Shikai, his gaze skeptical.

— "With all due respect, Hokage-sama, is Shikai mentally fit for this task?"

Shikai remained silent, his face devoid of emotion. His remaining eye was dull, haunted by the recent memory of Izumi, murdered by his best friend Itachi Uchiha, now a renegade and member of Akatsuki.

After a moment of silence, Shikai nodded.

— "I will not fail in my missions." His voice was calm but cold.

Kakashi observed him for a few moments, searching for any cracks in his impassive mask. Finally, he nodded and turned to Hiruzen.

— "Very well. I will prepare Team 7."

Kakashi left the room, leaving Shikai alone with Hiruzen.

Hiruzen sighed, crossing his hands in front of him.

— "Shikai, I am truly sorry for your loss. Izumi was an exceptional kunoichi, and Itachi..."

— "Do not speak his name, Hokage-sama," Shikai interrupted, his tone icy.

Hiruzen fell silent for a moment, then continued with gravity.

— "I understand. But Konoha needs you. According to Kakashi's reports, the situation in Kiri requires immediate action. Although the era of the Bloody Mist is over, their rise is concerning and dangerous for Konoha. Your mission is to eliminate their Mizukage, Terumi Mei."

Shikai remained impassive, simply nodding.

— "It will be done."

Hiruzen observed him for a moment, searching for any hesitation, but found none.

— "Good luck, Shikai."

...

That very afternoon, Shikai had left Konoha, traversing forests, plains, and mountains with deadly efficiency. His movements were methodical, each step calculated to conserve his energy.

For two weeks, he made his way towards the Water Country, wary of enemy patrols and potential traps. When he finally reached the borders of Kiri, he settled into the shadows, observing the Mizukage's every move.

...

From his observation post, Shikai watched Terumi Mei, the Mizukage. He noted every detail: her daily routine, her meetings with her village members, her training sessions. She was impressive: a charismatic leader and a formidable fighter, mastering the formidable techniques of lava and steam release.

During the day, she oversaw the training of Kiri's shinobi, offering strategic advice. Her presence commanded respect, and her subordinates seemed genuinely loyal. At night, she worked late in her quarters, planning the future of her village.

Shikai discreetly placed Hiraishin marks in strategic locations. These marks, invisible to the naked eye, would allow him to teleport at any moment if he needed to retreat.

He spent days analyzing her weaknesses, but Terumi Mei was cautious, always surrounded by guards or engaged in activity. Shikai knew he had to wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Three Weeks Later

A dark night enveloped Kiri. Shikai, in hermit mode, crouched on a tree branch 200 meters from the Mizukage's residence, observing the flickering light coming from her window.

He sighed, adjusting the black mask that hid his face.

— "She's alone. It's time."

He joined his hands for a technique.

*Senpō: DarkRay*

In a split second, his body transformed into a black ray, cutting through the air at an incredible speed. He passed through the window without a sound, landing inside the room.

The room was spacious but simply decorated. An oil lamp cast a soft light. Terumi Mei lay on a comfortable futon, apparently asleep.

Shikai advanced, his right hand glowing with a violet light. Electricity crackled around his fingers, concentrated in a deadly technique.

As he was about to strike, Terumi Mei's eyes suddenly opened. Taken by surprise, he intentionally missed his attack.

— "*Futon: Sharp Wind!*"

A blade of wind erupted from her hands, forcing Shikai to leap back. He struck beside her, his violet lightning dissipating as it hit the ground.

Terumi Mei quickly rose, assuming a combat stance.

— "An assassin? Who sent you?"

Shikai slowly stood up, his mask still in place.

— "I'm not here to talk."

Terumi Mei's gaze darkened as she saw the crackling violet lightning in his hand.