The fading light of the setting sun cast long, icy shadows across the snow-covered landscape surrounding the settlement. The air was frigid, the silence broken only by the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet. Sasuke, his dark eyes fixed on the horizon, initiated the conversation.
"We should go to Doto's fortress ourselves," he reiterated, his voice calm and decisive. "We'll take care of this problem directly."
Neji, his pale eyes narrowed, expressed his concern. "That's a dangerous proposition, Sasuke," he said, his voice cautious. "Directly assaulting his fortress is risky."
Sakura and Ino, their green eyes filled with worry, echoed Neji's sentiment. "He is right Sasuke," Sakura said, her voice soft.
"We don't know what kind of defenses he has." Ino nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring Sakura's.
Naruto, however, stepped forward, his blue eyes blazing with determination. "But we have to help Koyuki-san!" he exclaimed. "I promised I'd help her reclaim her rightful place!"
Sasuke continued, his tone firm. "A few of Doto's ninjas escaped the earlier encounter. They will relay the details of our strength to Doto. Before he can prepare, a surprise attack under the cover of night is our best option."
After a moment of contemplation, Neji, Ino, and Sakura nodded in agreement.
They then approached Koyuki, who stood slightly apart, her blue eyes filled with a mix of apprehension and hope. They reveal their plan and ask her.
"We need detailed information about the fortress," Sasuke stated, his voice calm. "Location, layout, security measures you remembered."
Koyuki was visibly shocked, her blue eyes widening. 'They're willing to go this far for me…' she thought, her heart swelling with emotion. "You don't have to put your lives in danger for me," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Naruto responded with his trademark enthusiasm. "We made a promise, Koyuki-san! We're gonna help you get your home back!"
Koyuki, moved by their determination, agreed to provide the necessary information. "The fortress is located in the northern mountain range," she began, her voice gaining strength as she detailed the fortress's layout, security measures.
Sasuke outlined the team's roles. "Naruto, Neji, and I will infiltrate the fortress," he stated. "Sakura and Ino will remain here with Koyuki and the film crew, ensuring their safety."
Sakura and Ino protested, their green eyes filled with concern. "We want to help too!" Sakura said.
Sasuke, however, remained firm. "Your priority is Koyuki's safety," he said. "We'll move out under the cover of darkness, after the film crew is asleep."
After some discussion, they all agreed to the plan.
As night fell, the film crew settled into their sleeping quarters, their voices fading into the quiet of the night. Koyuki, Sakura, and Ino gathered to bid the team farewell.
"Please be careful," Koyuki said, her voice filled with concern. "If things get too dangerous, just run. I'm already very grateful for your help."
The team, their expressions serious, nodded in response. They then began their silent approach to the fortress, disappearing into the darkness.
_____
The snow-covered terrain surrounding Doto's fortress stretched out before them, a vast expanse of white under the pale moonlight. The air was frigid, the silence broken only by the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet.
Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji moved with practiced stealth, their movements fluid and silent.
Neji, his pale eyes glowing faintly as his Byakugan activated, scouted ahead, identifying guard patrols and potential traps. "Three guards, fifty meters ahead," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Moving in a circular pattern."
Sasuke, his dark eyes narrowed, nodded. "Naruto, take the left. I'll take the right. Neji, cover our backs."
They moved with practiced efficiency, their movements a blur of speed and precision. The guards, caught unaware, were eliminated swiftly and silently, their bodies falling to the snow-covered ground without a sound.
They continued their approach, moving through the shadows, eliminating any outer perimeter guards they encountered.
Teamwork was key, and no one was left alive to report the team's presence.
______
The fortress loomed before them, a dark, imposing structure against the pale moonlight. They infiltrated the fortress interior, moving through dimly lit corridors and guard posts with practiced stealth.
"Five guards ahead, patrolling the corridor," Neji whispered, his Byakugan scanning the area. "They're heavily armed."
Sasuke, his dark eyes focused, nodded. "Naruto, create a diversion. Neji, cover the rear. I'll take them out."
Naruto created several shadow clones, sending them charging down the corridor, creating chaos and confusion.
Sasuke, utilizing his kenjutsu and ninjutsu, moved with lightning speed, his blade flashing in the dim light, his fire style jutsu incinerating the guards.
They moved through the fortress, eliminating guards with swift, silent attacks. They utilized coordinated attacks and diversions, taking down groups of ninjas without raising alarms. Using various jutsu and taijutsu, the team eliminated over 50 ninjas, their movements precise and deadly.
______
They gathered at a designated point within the fortress, a dimly lit chamber overlooking a courtyard. The chamber provided a vantage point for the next phase of the operation.
"We've eliminated over fifty guards," Neji reported, his pale eyes scanning the fortress layout. "But the main defenses are still active."
Sasuke, his dark eyes fixed on the courtyard, nodded. "We'll need to move quickly," he said. "Doto might be expecting us soon."
They discussed their strategies for dealing with Doto's elite guards and reaching Doto's location. Sasuke gave out final orders, his voice calm and authoritative.
"Naruto, focus on creating diversions," he instructed. "Neji, use your Byakugan to identify weak points. We'll move together, swiftly and decisively."
The team prepared to move deeper into the fortress, their expressions serious, their movements precise.