Naruto : Rage

Chapter 22: The Calm Before the Storm

The fort loomed ahead, its stone walls standing tall against the backdrop of the setting sun.

The journey back had been anything but quiet, with Hidan's incessant chatter and dark humor filling the air.

Kakuzu had remained stoic, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings as if calculating the value of every tree and rock they passed. Kai, for his part, had stayed focused, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies.

As they approached the gates, the guards nodded in acknowledgment, though their eyes lingered on Hidan with a mix of curiosity and unease.

The silver-haired man grinned, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief as he waved at them. "Relax, boys," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I don't bite… much."

Kai ignored the comment, leading the group into the courtyard. The fort was alive with activity—mercenaries trained in the open space, blacksmiths worked at their forges, and messengers hurried to and fro.

The atmosphere was one of preparation and purpose, a reflection of Kai's leadership.

Takeshi emerged from the main hall, his expression a mix of relief and apprehension as he spotted Kai. "You're back," he said, his eyes flicking to Hidan. "And you've brought… another guest."

"This is Hidan," Kai said, gesturing to the silver-haired man. "He'll be joining us."

Takeshi nodded, though his unease was evident.

Hidan's manic energy and unsettling presence were enough to unsettle even the most hardened mercenaries. "Welcome," Takeshi said, his tone polite but cautious.

Hidan grinned, his sharp teeth glinting in the fading light. "Thanks, buddy. Nice place you've got here. Lots of… potential."

Kai ignored the comment, turning to Takeshi. "We need to discuss our next steps. Gather the others in the war room."

—

The war room was a spacious chamber filled with maps, scrolls, and ledgers.

A large table dominated the center of the room, its surface covered with a detailed map of the Land of Fire. Kai took his place at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the map as the others filed in.

Kakuzu stood to his right, his green eyes narrowing as he studied the map. Hidan, meanwhile, leaned against the wall, his scythe resting against his shoulder and a twisted grin on his face.

Takeshi and a few other key members of Kai's inner circle took their seats, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"The Land of Fire is our target," Kai began, his voice steady and commanding. "Its wealth and resources are unmatched, but its strength is also its weakness. The nobles are complacent, their security lax. If we strike strategically, we can exploit their vulnerabilities and amass a fortune."

Kakuzu leaned over the table, his voice low and analytical. "We'll need to hit smaller, less-defended locations first—estates, trade routes, and supply depots. That will weaken their defenses and give us the resources we need to take on larger targets."

Hidan chuckled, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Sounds like fun. But what's in it for me? I'm not exactly the 'team player' type."

Kai met Hidan's gaze, his expression unreadable. "You'll get your share of the spoils. And you'll have plenty of opportunities to… indulge in your rituals."

Hidan's grin widened, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Now you're speaking my language. But don't expect me to follow orders like some obedient little soldier. I've got my own agenda."

Kakuzu's eyes narrowed, his voice cold and cutting. "If you get in the way, I'll kill you myself."

Hidan laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the room. "I'd like to see you try, old man."

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken threats and simmering animosity.

Kai stepped in before the situation could escalate. "Enough," he said, his voice firm. "We're here to work together, not tear each other apart. If you can't handle that, you're free to leave."

Hidan shrugged, his grin never wavering. "Relax, boss. I'm just having a little fun."

Kakuzu remained silent, his expression unreadable. Takeshi and the others exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unsure of how to handle the volatile dynamic.

—

Over the next few days, the fort buzzed with activity as preparations for their plans in the Land of Fire began in earnest.

Kai oversaw the training of his mercenaries, ensuring they were ready for the challenges ahead. Kakuzu focused on logistics, his sharp mind calculating the most efficient ways to exploit their targets.

Hidan, meanwhile, spent his time wandering the fort, his presence a constant source of unease for the other inhabitants.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kai found Hidan in the courtyard, his scythe resting against his shoulder as he stared up at the darkening sky.

The silver-haired man's expression was uncharacteristically serious, his crimson eyes distant.

"Something on your mind?" Kai asked, his voice calm but probing.

Hidan glanced at him, his grin returning. "Just thinking about all the fun we're going to have. The chaos, the destruction… the sacrifices. It's going to be glorious."

Kai studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "As long as you focus on the mission, you can have your fun. But don't forget why we're doing this."

Hidan chuckled, his voice low and mocking. "Oh, I won't forget. But don't expect me to play by your rules, boss. I've got my own way of doing things."

Kai nodded, his gaze steady. "Just don't get in the way."

As he walked away, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that Hidan's presence was both a blessing and a curse. The man's raw power and unpredictability made him a valuable asset, but his chaotic nature could just as easily undermine their plans.

—

As the days passed, the tension within the fort grew. Kakuzu and Hidan's mutual disdain for each other was evident, their interactions filled with veiled threats and biting sarcasm.

Kai found himself constantly mediating between the two, his patience wearing thin but his determination unwavering.

One night, as he stood on the fort's battlements, Kai looked out over the darkened landscape.

The Land of Fire awaited, its wealth and resources ripe for the taking. But the road ahead would be fraught with danger, and the alliance he had built was as fragile as it was formidable.

For now, though, Kai was content to focus on the task at hand. The storm was coming, and he intended to be ready.