The churned earth and the faint metallic scent of blood spoke volumes. Kaguya Chiren had indeed fallen.
"Dead?"
The Anbu exchanged bewildered glances. A seasoned Jonin from the Kaguya clan, a name synonymous with brutal strength, simply… dead? It defied their understanding. Even they wouldn't have been confident in a swift victory against such a foe.
"From the moment we sensed the chakra disturbance to our arrival, no more than fifteen minutes could have passed. Who possesses the power to eliminate a Jonin that quickly?"
"The two youngsters are still alive. Whoever is responsible isn't hostile to Konoha. It might even be one of our own."
The thought of Kifune or Kuriyama being responsible didn't even register. A prodigy like Kakashi hadn't reached that level at their age. These two were slightly older, perhaps, but the notion was still ludicrous. Suggesting it would only expose their lack of understanding.
"Whoever it was, they wield significant Earth Release prowess."
"Could it be someone from the Hot Springs ninja village?"
They were within the Land of Hot Springs, after all. Besides Konoha and the Mist, the local ninjas were the only other possibility.
One of the Anbu voiced their skepticism. "Do the Hot Springs ninjas even have anyone of that caliber?"
"Regardless, this demands a report to Lord Orochimaru and the Hokage immediately," the leader stated firmly.
"Yes, sir!" his subordinates replied in unison.
The leader approached Kifune and Kuriyama, noting their protective positioning and the tightly clutched ninja tool bag. A nod of approval crossed his masked face.
"Faced with a formidable adversary, he didn't abandon his comrade or the mission objective. This child displays considerable potential."
"Intelligence suggests this is Maruyama Kifune, the individual tasked with corpse retrieval, correct?"
"Even those who deal with the deceased are still ninjas. Our paths might intersect with his one day."
Their years in the Anbu had exposed them to the cyclical nature of life and death. They were accustomed to its presence.
"Kurenai, escort these two back to Konoha with the intel immediately. We will investigate the situation with Hatake Kakashi."
"Understood, sir!"
Yuhi Kurenai swiftly slung Kifune over his shoulder, cradling the unconscious Kuriyama gently in his arms as he moved with practiced speed towards the Land of Fire.
Kurenai was his Anbu codename.
Being unceremoniously tossed over someone's shoulder sent a jolt of annoyance through Kifune, despite his feigned unconsciousness.
What in the nine hells!
Is this standard procedure? The unconscious boy gets the potato sack treatment, while the other gets a gentle embrace? The blatant favoritism was infuriating.
Mark my words, Kurenai. I will personally ensure Asuma has no trouble winning over your daughter! Refuse, and I'll start going by 'Yuhi' myself!
Kurenai moved with impressive speed, crossing the border into the Land of Fire in short order. Once they were within safer territory, he eased his pace slightly.
Kifune, still squinting from his uncomfortable vantage point, noticed the familiar system notification.
[Experience ends!]
[Due to not learning any new skills, you receive additional attribute bonuses: Vitality +1; Patience +2]
A wave of disappointment washed over him.
Last time, meticulously studying the Jonin Experience Card had yielded a total of 5 attribute points. This time, with a Quasi-Kage level card, his hasty application and focus on survival had only netted him a meager 3.
What a colossal waste!
Had he approached it with more foresight, he could have potentially gained 6, 7, or even 8 or 9 points.
Such a missed opportunity.
Furthermore, the current mode of transport was unbearable. The constant jostling and stumbling made him long for the relative comfort of a coffin.
Sensing Kifune's subtle movements, Kurenai gently lowered him to the ground.
"Awake? Can you continue?" Kurenai had already removed his mask, revealing his distinctive red eyes.
Kifune gingerly rubbed his aching, swollen arm, wincing at the sharp throb. With the trial card's effects completely dissipated, the accumulated aches and injuries returned with a vengeance. He gritted his teeth and nodded. "Yeah, I'm good."
The two continued their journey.
Perhaps Kurenai's prolonged time in the Anbu had eroded his social graces, or maybe he simply admired Kifune's resilience. Whatever the reason, with his mask off, a more conversational side of his personality seemed to emerge.
"You're a good kid. Protecting your female companion like that – that's the mark of a true man. I was the same way back in my younger days. Attracted quite a few admirers…"
"Ugh—" Kifune suddenly stopped, doubling over.
After a moment of dry heaving, he looked up to see Kurenai regarding him with a strange expression. Wiping his mouth, Kifune explained, "I took a pretty solid hit back there. My insides are still a bit… unsettled. Couldn't hold it down."
Kurenai's expression softened with understanding. "Want me to carry you?"
"No, no, I'm fine. Really, thanks," Kifune waved him off quickly.
Thanks, but the image of you 'attracting admirers' while carrying me is a bit too much to handle right now.
"I used to—"
"Ugh—"
The awkward silence that followed was thick enough to cut with a kunai.
"...Let's take a break."
Kurenai pulled out a slightly crushed pack of cigarettes, carefully selected one that wasn't too mangled, and lit it with a small, controlled flame from his fingertip. Being a Fire Release user definitely had its practical advantages.
He took a deep drag, the smoke seemingly offering him some solace. Kifune, meanwhile, sank to the ground, trying his best to ignore the persistent throbbing throughout his body.
"Back in my day…" Kurenai began again, the smoke curling around his words.
Kifune groaned inwardly. This is going to be a very, very long trip.