Chapter 90: Chapter 90: The Mission to Hoshigakure
A few days after their vacation, Kirito and Naruto were assigned a special mission together—the task of guarding Hoshigakure (Star Hidden Village).
With Guy on an S-rank mission at Tsunade's request, Kirito was once again leading the team.
Hoshigakure, a small village located in the Land of Bears, had a leader who styled himself as "Hoshikage," though this title was not officially recognized by the other ninja villages.
Kirito recalled fragments of information about Hoshigakure's history. A meteorite, referred to as the "Star," had fallen in the village's location years ago. The first Hoshikage developed a secret technique using its unique chakra properties, giving rise to the village.
"If I remember correctly, there's a problem with that meteorite," Kirito thought. "The chakra from it causes severe backlash, making those who train with it sick and shortening their lives. And isn't the village leader the main antagonist here?"
On their way to Hoshigakure, Rock Lee asked Naruto, "How's your Lightning Release training going?"
Naruto, initially cheerful, groaned. "I haven't made any progress! Why is it so hard?!"
Kirito chuckled. "It's all about foundation, Naruto. Once Jiraiya gets back, he can guide you further. For now, focus on laying the groundwork."
"No way!" Naruto protested. "I'm going to learn Lightning Release before that pervy sage comes back! Then I'll rub it in his face for leaving me behind!"
Kirito smiled at Naruto's determination. "Alright then, as long as you don't give up."
"Of course not! It's my ninja way!" Naruto declared proudly.
The group soon arrived at a canyon blanketed in thick, toxic fog.
Kirito stopped and warned, "This canyon is filled with poisonous gas. Inhaling it can paralyze or kill living beings. Stay alert."
With a thought, Kirito summoned thick tree trunks from the ground, creating a sturdy wooden bridge spanning the canyon.
"Let's go." The team, unfazed by Kirito's Wood Release, crossed the bridge without hesitation.
"Stop right there! Who are you?" A masked figure appeared at the far end of the bridge, blocking their path.
"We're ninjas from Konoha, here on a mission for Hoshigakure," TenTen explained.
The man removed his gas mask, revealing himself as Subaru, a ninja from Hoshigakure. "I'm here to guide you to our village," he said, though his tone betrayed unease.
Subaru couldn't help but feel disheartened. The toxic gas defense, a cornerstone of Hoshigakure's security, had been effortlessly bypassed by Kirito's Wood Release. This display of power underscored the vast gap between his village and the Five Great Ninja Villages.
As they introduced themselves, Subaru led the team closer to Hoshigakure. Kirito's heightened perception picked up on a strange chakra emanating from the village.
"So that's how they refine chakra using the Star," Kirito thought, activating his Byakugan to observe the meteorite's effect. He saw a group of children practicing near the meteorite, their chakra visibly tainted by its influence.
The sight sparked an idea. "Maybe this meteorite can inspire a breakthrough for my Kekkei Tota."
The group was introduced to Akahoshi, a middle-aged man with lavender hair who identified himself as the acting Hoshikage.
"I'm Akahoshi, the leader of Hoshigakure," he declared confidently.
Kirito had already briefed his team about Hoshigakure's self-proclaimed "Kage," so none of them took Akahoshi seriously. A leader's strength determined whether they deserved such a title, and Akahoshi didn't impress them.
Akahoshi explained their mission: protect the "Star" from an anticipated theft. He instructed them to guard the perimeter of the training ground to prevent any intruders.
Before they could act, however, a panicked messenger arrived with grim news: the training ground had already been attacked. The Star was stolen, and the children practicing there were unconscious.
Kirito immediately activated his Byakugan, scanning the area. He quickly spotted the thief, who was using Hoshigakure's signature technique, the Peacock Secret Art, to fly away with the Star.
"Found you. I'll deal with you later." Kirito noted the thief's location but chose not to act immediately, instead observing Akahoshi's reaction.
Akahoshi, skeptical of the Konoha ninjas, didn't allow them to inspect the crime scene. Instead, he gave them vague instructions to find clues on their own.
Naruto, frustrated, exploded. "This guy doesn't even trust us! How are we supposed to help if he won't cooperate?!"
TenTen sighed. "Yeah, this is impossible. What's the plan, Kirito?"
Outside, Kirito outlined their strategy.
"Naruto, you'll tail Subaru. He's our only lead since everyone else is unconscious."
"Got it!" Naruto agreed enthusiastically.
"TenTen, Lee, you'll come with me to Hell Valley. That's where the thief disappeared. We'll search for clues there."
"Isn't Hell Valley filled with toxic gas?" TenTen asked.
"That's why I insisted on those gas masks earlier," Kirito replied.
Lee nodded in understanding. "And you don't need one because you're a medical ninja."
"Exactly."
The team quickly split up, each heading to their assigned task.
Unbeknownst to them, a ninja from Hoshigakure, tasked with monitoring their movements, slinked away into the shadows.
(End of Chapter)
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