Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.

An unwelcome guest had arrived, leaving a trail of blood and bodies in his wake.

"Hidden Mist Technique."

With a sharp command, water droplets formed in the air as thick fog arose, shrouding the normally dry land in mist. The technique's potency was clear; the absence of water did nothing to lessen its effect, underscoring the strength of the user. Dense fog spread over a large area as a figure wielding a large blade cut through, heading toward the village's edge. Each slash was accompanied by the sound of blade meeting flesh and bone, followed by the final, despairing cries of his victims.

This was Kyuuroku's Hidden Mist Technique, used to cover his retreat and cut down any Sand ninja standing in his way.

Together with Kakuzu, and with White Zetsu providing intel and Sasori assisting from within, they had infiltrated the Sand Village with ease, targeting Gaara, who had been the One-Tails' jinchuriki for only two years.

With Chiyo and Ebizō away, their infiltration was swift and relatively unopposed, and with a jinchuriki still learning to control his powers, capturing the One-Tail should have been straightforward.

But, Kakuzu and Kyuuroku failed.

Sneaking alone was not enough to capture a jinchuriki; especially one as young as Gaara, who was under strict protection. The two resorted to a direct assault, but underestimated the village's defenses and overestimated their own strength.

Faced with the formidable Fourth Kazekage and the layers of protective forces, they were forced to retreat after cutting down over a dozen Sand shinobi.

In the midst of their escape, Kakuzu intentionally took a different route from Kyuuroku, leaving the latter to backtrack along their entry path, where fewer obstacles remained.

Without Kakuzu, Kyuuroku's solo escape was a daunting task.

"Use Wind Release!"

Several Sand ninja gathered, using wind techniques to dispel the mist.

As the dense fog cleared, a dozen lifeless bodies lay scattered around, their wounds evidence of brutal, single strikes. In their midst, Kyuuroku stood with his blade in hand.

"Attack!"

The surrounding Sand ninja launched an onslaught of ninjutsu and weapon attacks. Kyuuroku remained expressionless, and with a swift move, the mist arose once more, hiding him in its depths.

The attacks sliced through the fog with sharp noises, but without visibility, the results were unclear.

Still concealed, Kyuuroku sprinted forward, slashing through anyone in his way. Once again, the Sand ninja dispelled the mist with wind techniques.

The mist returned, and the cycle repeated, each time drawing him closer to his original escape route.

"How much chakra does this guy have?" one Sand shinobi muttered in shock.

The repeated mist formations, combined with Kyuuroku's relentless progress, underscored the impressive chakra reserves of a core member of the Akatsuki.

"He's almost out…"

With the mission failed, Kyuuroku's main objective was now survival, and he gave little thought to Kakuzu's fate.

Just then, he sensed a change in the moisture levels around him. The mist began to dissipate on its own, and he noticed several glowing orbs of flame floating in the fog, radiating intense heat.

The air grew hotter, and the water particles evaporated. Soon, the mist disappeared completely.

Before him stood a striking woman. Small fireballs floated around her, casting a menacing glow. Her long green hair was tied into a bun, with strands of blonde framing her face. Although her features weren't especially remarkable, her overall appearance held an undeniable allure.

Her outfit was unique for the harsh environment of the Land of Wind, exposing her shoulders and smooth back to the scorching sun, a rare display of Sand's female shinobi style.

"Akatsuki member…" the woman spoke, her golden eyes filled with seething anger, every word laden with bitter resentment.

Unfazed by the animosity, Kyuuroku prepared to cast his Hidden Mist technique once more. He knew that mist was his only chance to escape.

"It won't work," the woman said icily.

Before the mist could fully form, it dissipated in the air.

Kyuuroku's expression hardened as he glared at her.

"Against my Scorch Style, don't even think of using that pathetic trick again," she declared with cold resolve.

She was Pakura, the renowned Scorch Style user of the Sand, a kunoichi ranked among the strongest in the village.

Without a word, Kyuuroku lunged forward, attempting to strike her down with his massive blade.

Pakura's cold gaze remained steady. With a wave of her arm, the floating fireballs circled her and shot toward Kyuuroku. Though he dodged the flames with agility, closing the distance, his sword lifted high to strike.

But his blade halted, and his eyes widened in horror.

Just inches from her, Kyuuroku's body began to wither and dry. His exposed skin shriveled, resembling old bark.

He looked down and saw a fireball embedded in his abdomen. In that instant, his consciousness faded.

The fire evaporated every drop of moisture from his body, including his blood, reducing him to a desiccated corpse within seconds.

Even with Kyuuroku dead, Pakura continued her assault, mercilessly scorching his remains until only ashes remained.

"Thank goodness for Pakura-sama!"

"She easily defeated the enemy!"

The Sand shinobi gathered around Pakura, casting cold glares at Kyuuroku's charred remains.

Elsewhere, Kakuzu escaped at the cost of two of his hearts, but their mission had ended in failure.

In the abandoned Land of Whirlpools, Ye Zi and his team found a temporary refuge, resting for a day to recover.

The next day, Nagato summoned them as expected.

Instead of the usual darkened room, they appeared before the Gedo Statue.

The unconscious Yagura lay motionless at the statue's base, with Nagato and Konan standing beside him.

Ye Zi quickly surveyed his surroundings. There was no sign of the One-Tail jinchuriki or Kyuuroku.

"So they failed…" he murmured, frowning.

Check out the patreon and get 50 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 335 - Mentor and Student