The team, Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji, breached the heavy doors of Doto's chamber. The room was opulent, but cold, reflecting the icy nature of its occupant. Doto stood at the far end, surrounded by a contingent of 50-60 guards, their weapons drawn and their expressions grim.
"So," Doto began, his voice laced with cold amusement. "You dare to trespass in my territory? You have more courage than sense."
He gestured with a dismissive wave. "This place will be your tomb."
"Where is Koyuki?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing.
"She's safe," Naruto retorted, his voice filled with defiance. "And we're here to settle this, for her."
"Foolish children," Doto sneered. "I'll kill you here, then take the necklace and Koyuki's life."
"Necklace!?", Naruto ask.
"Why are you so obsessed with a normal necklace?" Neji asked, his pale eyes fixed on Doto. "Koyuki told us everything about her situation, but nothing about the necklace."
Doto's expression hardened. "That necklace," he began, his voice low and menacing, "contains the key to the Hexagonal Crystal. An ancient weapon, a power source beyond your comprehension. With it, I will control the Land of Snow, and then the world."
He continued, "The crystal is a powerful energy generator created by an ancient civilization, capable of producing limitless energy. It was sealed away by Koyuki's ancestors due to its destructive potential. The necklace is the only way to activate it."
Naruto and Neji were stunned by this revelation. Sasuke, however, remained calm, his expression unchanged. 'Let's get this over with.'
"Kill them!" Doto ordered, his voice filled with rage.
The guards surged forward, their weapons glinting in the dim light.
"I'll take Doto," Sasuke said, his voice calm. "You two handle the guards."
As he spoke, he activated his Sharingan, the three tomoe swirling in his crimson eyes. He cast a powerful Genjutsu, creating false surroundings, disorienting vision momentarily of a group of guards rushing towards him. He then moved with lightning speed, his katana, infused with Chidori, slicing through them.
Naruto and Neji engaged the remaining guards. Naruto created a hundred shadow clones, overwhelming them with sheer numbers. Neji, utilizing his Byakugan and Gentle Fist, disabled their chakra points, rendering them helpless.
Sasuke, his Sharingan blazing, rushed towards Doto, his katana crackling with Chidori. He was slightly exhausted from the previous fights, but his determination remained unwavering.
The battle between Sasuke and Doto was a clash of speed and technology. Doto, utilizing his advanced weaponry, unleashed a barrage of energy blasts and projectiles. Sasuke, however, moved with lightning-fast reflexes, dodging and weaving through the attacks.
Sasuke unleashed a flurry of attacks, his katana flashing, his fire style jutsu scorching the air. Doto, despite his technological advantage, was unable to overwhelm Sasuke's skill.
However, Doto still had the upper hand, as Sasuke was showing signs of exhaustion. Sasuke realized he couldn't sustain this pace. He needed a decisive move.
"Gate of Opening: Open!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber.
A surge of power erupted from his body, momentarily dazing Doto. Sasuke, his speed amplified, closed the distance in an instant. His Chidori-infused katana flashed, and with a swift, precise stroke, he severed Doto's head.
'I can use the Gate of Opening,' Sasuke thought, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 'I'll have to ask Guy-sensei about the second gate when we return to Konoha.'
_____
Sasuke looked around the chamber. Naruto and Neji had already subdued the remaining guards, their expressions weary but triumphant.
"Mission complete," Neji said, his voice filled with exhaustion.
A collective smile spread across their faces. The threat was neutralized. The silence that followed was heavy with the weight of their victory, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.