Chapter 31: The Silent Watcher
As the sun rose below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, I made my way back to the house, my mind consumed with plans and preparations for the upcoming assassination of Gato and his men. The information gathered by my shadow clones provided valuable insights, but it also highlighted the gravity of the situation. There seemed to be more ninja and men then what was in the original. Hell taking into account with what happened with the demon of the mist and those two extras things were becoming more complicated.
Entering the house at the dead of night I found the common area deserted, the only sound echoing through the walls was the soft hum of theclosing dawns breeze. With silent steps, As I made my way towards my shared room with Sakura, I felt a sense of urgency washing over me. I knew that time was of the essence, and there was no room for error. Once I reached our room, I grabbed my bag and a map that I had acquired during our trip to town. I was well aware of the risks involved in taking down Gato, and I needed to be prepared for anything that could go wrong.
As I headed back to the common area, I carefully laid out the maps and notes detailing Gato's potential hideouts and activities. I wanted to ensure that I had all the information I needed before making any moves. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit happy about the possibility of those ninja Gato had hired becoming my next snacks to drain. I had developed an insatiable hunger since I had drained that ninja girl, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to control.
Sighing, I tried to refocus my mind on the task at hand. This was my chance to avenge Inari's father and put an end to Gato's tyranny once and for all. As I mulled over our next course of action, my fingers traced the circle and lines I had drawn on the map. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I jumped in surprise.
Glancing up, I saw Izumi standing in the doorway, a concerned expression on her face. "Ayumi, are you alright?" she asked, stepping into the room. "You seem... preoccupied."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to reveal my plans to her. But ultimately, I knew I needed her help if we were to have any chance of taking down Gato and his men. I couldn't do this alone.
"Izumi, there's something I need to discuss with you," I began, gesturing for her to come closer and see the map. "I've gathered some information about Gato's activities, and it's... troubling. I'm planning on killing him and his men, and I would prefer not doing it alone."
Izumi's eyes scanned the map, as She listened intently, her expression shifting from concern to something like pride.
"I understand," she said firmly. "I'll stand by your side, Ayumi. We'll take down Gato together."
A surge of gratitude washed over me as I smiled at my sister I knew she would have my back on this. With Izumi's support, I felt a renewed sense of resolve, ready to face kill all those that stood in my way.
As Dawn rose upon the village, we finalized our plans, steeling ourselves for the battle to come.
With Izumi by my side, I knew we stood a fighting chance against Gato and his men. As I drifted off to sleep, visions of victory danced through my mind, filling me with hope for the challenges that awaited us.
"Do you know how many subordinates he has at these two places?" Izumi asked pointing towards both circles I had on the map.
" At the warehouse Approximately 20 men, primarily thugs and mercenaries hired by Gato for muscle. Though there are some Ninja Presences, with only a handful of ninja tasked with surveillance and defense. If I had to guess they felt weaker then the ones we had fought so far, including those two brother. So they shouldn't be much of a problem." I pointed at the first circle location towards the villages outlet.
Moving my finger to the second to the one closer to the docks where shipments arrived. It was on the other side of village away from the bridge but if they needed to the could reach it in around 10 ish minutes. " This one Situated near the village's port, Gato's port hideout is a sprawling compound consisting of warehouses and docks. It serves as a hub for smuggling activities , It seemed to me that Gato would be there, given the large number of men are present. Specifically, there is a contingent of about 40 men, which includes guards and workers who are involved in the loading and unloading of shipments. However, it was difficult for me to confirm whether he was present there since a ninja was overseeing security measures and ensuring smooth operations. Interestingly, my raven clone had discovered this place, but I am concerned that they might have noticed her while she was flying. I hope they didn't realize that she was not a real bird. It's worth noting that the other locations we have investigated so far are just small hideouts that we can easily clean up later." I begin to explain my plan how We should go about this.
Kakashi point of view.
As Ayumi and Izumi discuss their plans for confronting Gato at his port hideout, i stood just outside the doorway, listening intently. I heard their strategizing and nods to myself, impressed by what a kid could come up with.
However, as Ayumi outlines their approach to infiltrating the compound, I noticed a potential flaw in their plan. With a furrowed brow, I considers whether to intervene and offer my insight.
Sighing as I cleared my throat softly, drawing Ayumi and Izumi's attention. "Ayumi, Izumi," I said calmly, stepping into the room. "I couldn't help but overhear your discussion. And while I would have preferred that you two had come to me before making this decision, I have to respect your decision as your own team however. Your plan to enter the port hideout is sound, but have you considered the possibility of reinforcements arriving while you're inside?"
Ayumi and Izumi exchange a glance, realizing the validity of my concern. "We hadn't thought about that," Ayumi admits, her brow furrowing in thought. "What do you suggest?"
I offered a reassuring smile. "I suggest establishing a lookout position outside the compound to keep watch for any approaching threats with a shadow clone of yours. That way, you'll be prepared to react quickly and adjust your plan if necessary."
Ayumi nods, grateful for my insight. "Thank you, sensei," she says, determination shining in her eyes. "We'll make sure to account for that in our strategy."
With my guidance and their own quick thinking, Ayumi and Izumi adjust their plans accordingly, bolstering their chances of success in their mission to kill Gato at his port hideout.