Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

After parting ways with Sakura, Shikamaru's team dashed through the dense forest, closing the gap between themselves and Sasuke. Guided by Kiba's keen sense of smell and Kirito's Ice Clone's Byakugan, their progress was swift yet cautious.

Shikamaru's Strategy in Action

"Do you smell them, Kiba?" Shikamaru called ahead.

"Yeah," Kiba replied, sniffing the air. "The trail is faint, but they're heading toward Orochimaru's hideout."

Shikamaru's expression hardened. "So it's confirmed. Orochimaru's behind Sasuke's defection."

Kirito's Ice Clone added from the middle of the formation, "They're roughly thirty kilometers ahead. I can see traps set up along the route. There's a barrier formation with five detonating tags and wire-based trip traps."

Everyone turned to look at him, stunned.

"Thirty kilometers?" Naruto gawked. "You can see that far?"

Shikamaru smirked despite the tension. "Well, that simplifies things. Kirito's Byakugan eliminates the element of surprise."

"Let's move," Shikamaru commanded, formulating a plan. "Kirito, guide us. Kiba, stay alert for anything you can smell. Naruto, save your energy for when we meet them."

Naruto grumbled but complied.

The Chase Tightens

As they sprinted, Kirito provided updates. "There's a Jonin from Konoha resting ten kilometers ahead. He seems injured but stable. Fifteen kilometers ahead, the enemy is resting, carrying a coffin. No sign of Sasuke outside the coffin."

Shikamaru frowned. "A coffin? Sasuke could be inside. Let's approach carefully. Speed up, but stay vigilant."

"Wait!" Kiba halted, Akamaru growling. "Blood. I smell blood up ahead—five distinct scents mixed with two others. There was a fight."

Kirito nodded. "The Jonin must have clashed with them. The enemy's slowed down—they're injured. This is our chance."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Let's get Sasuke!"

"Not so fast!" Shikamaru barked. "If they've slowed down, it's probably because they've set more traps. Kirito, dismantle them as we go."

Kirito's clone pressed his hand against the ground. From the earth, Ice spikes grew, rampaging through the forest. The detonating tags were stakes through and ripped from their places, rendering the traps harmless.

Naruto whistled. "That's awesome! You just tore them apart like it was nothing."

"Let's keep moving. They'll know we're close," Shikamaru urged.

The Sound Four's Retreat

Meanwhile, the Sound Four regrouped after their battle with Konoha's Jonin. Sakon glanced over his shoulder. "We can't stay here. Those kids are catching up fast."

Kidomaru, chewing gum-like mucus, muttered, "They dismantled all the traps instantly. Either there are too many of them, or one of them has insane skills."

Tayuya cursed under her breath. "This is a pain. If they catch up, we'll have to fight. I don't want to babysit this coffin all day."

"We're not babysitting—we're protecting the vessel Orochimaru-sama desires!" Jirobo growled. "Let's keep moving!"

First Encounter

The moment the Sound Four slowed, Shikamaru's team pounced. Naruto, brimming with impatience, leaped ahead.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, summoning dozens of clones to surround the Sound Four.

Kidomaru smirked. "Is this the guy who tore through my traps? Let's see how you handle this."

He spat out a sticky web, ensnaring most of Naruto's clones.

"Take care of the coffin!" Shikamaru ordered.

Naruto maneuvered around the web, targeting Jirobo. "Take this! Rasengan!"

Jirobo deflected with his massive forearms but was pushed back by the force.

As Tayuya attempted to step forward, she froze in place. "What?!"

"Shadow Possession Jutsu complete," Shikamaru announced calmly from the trees.

Sakon tried to intervene but found himself entangled in Ice spikes growing from the ground. The cold snaked up his legs, immobilizing him as frost began to form.

"Looks like I caught a big one," Kirito's Ice Clone said, frost swirling from his fingertips.

The Sound Four, now split up, struggled to regroup. Jirobo carried the coffin, shielding it from Naruto's attacks. Tayuya, held in place by Shikamaru, growled in frustration.

Kidomaru spat out hardened web shuriken, slicing through Naruto's clones and clearing a path. "You little brats are tougher than I thought."

"Don't underestimate us!" Kiba roared, charging forward with Akamaru in Beast Mimicry form. "Fang Over Fang!"

The attack slammed into Jirobo, forcing him to drop the coffin momentarily.

A Strategic Retreat

Realizing they were outmatched in their current state, Sakon barked orders. "Fall back! Get the coffin out of here!"

Kidomaru created another web to block the path as they regrouped. The Sound Four activated their Curse Marks, transforming into their enhanced forms.

"You kids are dead meat now," Tayuya sneered, her skin darkening as her horns extended.

Shikamaru clicked his tongue. "Everyone, be careful. They're not holding back anymore."

"Perfect," Naruto grinned. "Neither are we!"

To Be Continued...

As the forest exploded with clashes of power and strategy, the battle to retrieve Sasuke had only just begun.

(End of Chapter)

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