Chapter 71: Special Mission
Shikai raised an eyebrow, a slight amused look on his face.
"I have no intention of stopping here, sensei."
Shikai's genius didn't stop at speed. By combining raiton and suiton chakra, he created a new weapon: the *Raiknife*. This jutsu, which enveloped his chakra in a dense violet electric field, resembled a powerful scalpel, capable of slicing through flesh and bone with surgical precision.
During a test against a massive rock, Shikai concentrated his chakra in his right hand. A violet energy blade burst forth, brilliant and deadly. He lunged forward, using *DarkRay* to cover the distance in a flash, and struck.
The rock split in two, the cut so clean that it seemed to have been sliced by a sword of unparalleled precision.
Jiraiya watched the scene, his mouth agape.
"This thing... it's like Raikiri, but even more dangerous. It doesn't just pierce, it cuts through everything in its path."
Shikai straightened up, dissipating the electric energy around him.
"I wanted a precise and versatile technique."
Jiraiya nodded, impressed but concerned.
"You're becoming a living weapon, Shikai. But remember: power without purpose can destroy more than it protects."
Shikai fixed him with a cold gaze.
"My purpose is clear, sensei. I will protect Konohagakure as my sensei did. Nothing else."
After a year of intense training, the time had come for Shikai to leave Mount Myōboku. Jiraiya, standing at the top of the mountain, watched him adjust his equipment, ready to depart.
"So, is that it?" Jiraiya asked with a forced smile.
Shikai nodded.
"You knew this day would come. I can't stay here forever."
Jiraiya placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone turning more serious.
"Listen, kid. I'm proud of you. You've surpassed my expectations, but the outside world is different. No matter how strong you are, there will always be enemies who seek to break you. Be careful."
Shikai shrugged, visibly annoyed.
"Sensei, you're dramatizing. I know what I'm doing."
Jiraiya burst into laughter, but his eyes betrayed a deep worry.
"Typical. You're really unbearable, and don't forget to throw a few compliments my way to Tsunade."
As Shikai descended the mountain, Jiraiya watched him disappear into the horizon, murmuring to himself:
"This kid is going to shake up the world, I can feel it."
Back in Konoha, Shikai was immediately escorted by two Anbu to the Hokage's office. The discretion and palpable tension indicated that something important was afoot.
In the Hokage's office, the dim light softly illuminated the walls covered with scrolls and strategic maps. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, fixed Shikai with an intense gaze. He took a slow puff on his pipe, letting the smoke rise in lazy curls.
"Shikai," he began, his grave voice breaking the silence, "I have a mission for you. It's special... and confidential."
Shikai, standing with his arms crossed, showed no emotion. His piercing gaze calmly fixed on Hiruzen.
"A special mission? Hokage-sama, why me?"
Hiruzen placed his pipe on his desk and crossed his hands in front of him.
"Shisui Uchiha was on a spy mission near the borders of Sunagakure. We've just learned that he fell into an ambush. He's a valuable asset to Konoha, but only a ninja with exceptional speed can arrive in time to help him."
Shikai furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
"So you want to test my skills?"
Hiruzen smiled slightly, but his expression remained serious.
"Perhaps. But know that this mission is not just a test, it's a necessity. If Shisui falls into enemy hands, it could have disastrous consequences for the village."
Shikai nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Very well. Give me the details. I'll leave immediately."
Hiruzen handed him a map marked with a specific point at the border of Suna.
"Here's his last known location. Reports indicate he's being held in a desert canyon. You'll need to act quickly and discreetly. Shisui is likely injured. Save him and eliminate any threats if necessary."
Shikai slipped the map into his pocket and stood up straight.
"Consider it done."
Hiruzen watched him leave, a cunning glint in his eyes.
...
The desert stretched as far as the eye could see, swept by a dry and burning wind. Shikai moved at an astonishing speed, using his *DarkRay* to traverse the rugged terrain in a flash of violet and black light. He had left about ten clones gathering natural energy.
He quickly reached the canyon indicated on the map. There, he came to a halt, crouching on a rock to observe the area. Below, he spotted a group of enemy ninjas surrounding Shisui, who was kneeling, his hands bound behind his back. His face was bloody, but he seemed conscious, staring at his captors with silent contempt.
Shikai quickly assessed the situation. Five enemy ninjas, likely jōnin-ranked, surrounded Shisui. Two others were keeping watch over the surroundings.
"So you want me to believe Shikai is in trouble? In his opinion, it was just a ruse to test his abilities, and he wasn't going to hold back.
"Too easy," he murmured with a slight smile.
He reactivated sage mode, the black lines appearing on his face as his golden eyes lit up. Natural energy flowed into him, enhancing his senses and strength. His sage mode could last for 10 minutes, and if he wanted to use his speed and most powerful techniques, he would need to utilize sage mode to avoid destroying his body.
Without a sound, he propelled himself down the canyon, materializing among the enemies in a black-violet flash. Before anyone could react, he had already struck.