---
Storm Division on the Move
The Storm Division advanced through the dense forest under moonlight, masks reflecting faint silver.
"Kaien's outpost is ahead," Sera whispered, her sensory jutsu active. "Twenty chakra signatures, one high-level."
"No mistakes," I ordered, tightening my Storm mask. "We end this quietly."
---
Unexpected Encounter
We breached the clearing—only to find another squad already there.
Team 7.
Naruto froze mid-step, eyes wide at our masks. "Whoa… ANBU!"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, watching me. "Who's their leader?"
"Out of the area," I said sharply. "You're interfering with ANBU business."
"Like hell I am!" Naruto shouted—just as kunai whizzed past him, thrown by Kaien's guards.
---
The Battle
"Engage!" I barked.
Kai tackled two guards, Hana's chakra vines disabling another, while I intercepted an elite operative aiming for Naruto.
"Lightning Release: Fang Barrage!" he shouted.
"Tempest Falcon Strike!" I countered, our attacks clashing in a burst of light.
Naruto stared, stunned. "He's awesome…"
Sasuke scowled but drew his kunai, helping defend Sakura.
---
Hana Injured
One enemy slipped past, blade arcing toward a civilian Kaien had chained. Hana moved instantly, shielding them—taking a slash across her arm.
"Hana!" I shouted, storm chakra flaring.
My Falcon Strike roared, hurling the attacker across the clearing.
---
Kaien's Message
From the shadows, a distorted voice echoed. "You're still too slow, Arashi."
Kaien. I recognized him even masked.
"Next time… I take everything you care about."
He vanished into smoke.
---
Cliffhanger
Hana clutched her bleeding arm but smiled faintly. "You protected them… even me."
Naruto stepped forward, awe in his voice. "Who are you?"
I just turned away. "A ghost. That's all you need to know."
---
---
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Aftermath
Rain poured on the village rooftop where I stood, Hana behind me, her arm now bandaged.
"You froze when he mentioned taking what you care about," she said softly. "Was he talking about me?"
I turned, meeting her gaze. "Yes… he was."
---
Breaking Point
She stepped closer. "Then promise me one thing—don't keep me at arm's length anymore, Arashi."
I felt my chest tighten. "Hana, I—"
Her hand reached for mine, fingers intertwining. "I almost lost you out there," she whispered. "And I can't… keep pretending I don't care."
---
Confession & Kiss
I pulled her closer, letting the rain soak both of us. "I'm done pretending too. Hana… I love you."
For a moment, she just stared—then smiled through tears and kissed me, soft and trembling, but real.
---
Hokage's Words
Later, Hiruzen summoned me privately.
"You're walking a dangerous path, Arashi," he said, but then smiled. "But that same path… could lead to the Hokage's chair one day."
---
Cliffhanger
As Hana rested her head on my shoulder that night, I silently swore one thing: No matter what Kaien does next, I'll protect her… and this village… with everything I am.
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