Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

Chapter 243: Echoes of the Past

The caravan's remnants lay scattered across the desolate plains, a stark reminder of the ferocity of the attack. Flames licked at broken wagons, and the acrid scent of smoke hung heavy in the air. Fugai stood at the center of the destruction, her violet eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction as she surveyed the ruins. Her sharp senses picked up the faintest sounds of movement, and she turned abruptly, her nose twitching.

"There isn't any point in hiding," Fugai growled, her voice low and dangerous. "You reek of him."

From the shadows of a fallen wagon, Sakura stepped forward, her fists clenched and glowing faintly with chakra. Behind her, Shikamaru emerged, his hands already forming the seals for his Shadow Possession Jutsu.

"Malik's connection to you makes sense now," Sakura said, her emerald eyes narrowing. "But I won't let you use that bond to hurt anyone else."

Fugai smirked, baring her teeth in a feral grin. "Hurt? Do you think I've even started? But you… you smell like him. His magic clings to you. What exactly is your relationship with him?"

Sakura ignored the taunt, taking a step closer. "What's your connection to Malik?" she shot back.

Fugai's smirk faltered, replaced by a flash of irritation. "None of your business, little girl."

Shikamaru interjected, his voice calm but firm. "We're not here to exchange pleasantries. You've already lost your soldiers—leave, or we'll make you regret staying."

Fugai's eyes flicked to the scattered remains of the black-armored soldiers, their hollow forms crumpled and lifeless. She snarled, the air around her crackling with primal energy.

"You think those toys were my only weapon?" she hissed, her body shifting as her Gelel stone pulsed with light. Her features contorted, her form elongating as fur sprouted along her limbs. Her transformation into a wolf-like creature was swift, her red eyes glowing with predatory rage.

Sakura leaped into action, charging at Fugai with a chakra-infused punch. Fugai dodged effortlessly, her movements fluid and animalistic. Shikamaru's shadow darted forward, attempting to snare her, but Fugai was too quick, leaping over the dark tendrils with a growl.

"This isn't over!" Fugai snarled, retreating into the shadows. But with a small smile and a glance toward Sakura, "I'll make sure to Tell Malik we'll talk again—soon, once I had my fun with him."

Before Shikamaru or Sakura could pursue her, Fugai vanished into the hills and high rocks, leaving only the lingering scent of smoke and fury.

Shikamaru and Sakura regrouped near the cave where the surviving caravan members had taken refuge. Kahiko sat at the center of the group, his weathered face etched with worry. Beside him was his granddaughter, Emina, her gentle eyes filled with concern as she comforted the frightened children.

"We need answers," Shikamaru said bluntly, stepping into the dimly lit space. "What's the Gelel stone, and why is Haido after it?"

Kahiko's expression darkened, his gaze falling to the ground. "The Gelel stone is a curse—a power so great that it brought ruin to an entire civilization. My ancestors sealed it away, but its lure is too strong. Men like Haido will stop at nothing to possess it."

Sakura crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "We've already faced his knights. They're using the stone's power to make soldiers, aren't they?"

Kahiko nodded grimly. "Yes. The stone's energy can animate lifeless forms, turning them into powerful warriors. But that's only the beginning. The Vein of Gelel holds enough energy to reshape the world—for good or ill."

"Where is this vein?" Shikamaru asked.

"I don't know," Kahiko admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "But Haido believes it lies in the ruins of my ancestors' city. He will stop at nothing to find it."

As Kahiko spoke, Temujin stirred in his bindings nearby, his red eyes gleaming faintly. "Haido's dream is to create a utopia," he said, his voice laced with conviction. "The Gelel stone is the key to making that dream a reality."

"Dream?" Sakura snapped, glaring at him. "What kind of dream requires destroying innocent lives?"

Temujin flinched but held his ground. "Sacrifices are necessary for the greater good."

Kahiko shook his head, his voice rising. "You don't understand. That stone's power isn't a gift—it's a burden. Only those of royal blood can truly control it. Your leader will only bring destruction."

Temujin's eyes widened in confusion. "Royal blood?"

Kahiko sighed, his gaze softening. "Yes. Your eyes, your strength—it all points to one thing. You are a descendant of the royal family, the only ones who can bind the Gelel stone to their bodies without being consumed." He emithazed as he pointed to the left side of his chest where he remembered seeing a symbol.

The revelation hung heavy in the air. Temujin looked away, his expression conflicted. "I… I didn't know."

Determined, he stood abruptly, breaking his restraints with ease. Before anyone could react, he seized Kahiko by the arm.

"You're coming with me," he said, his voice firm. "You'll lead me to the ruins."

"Like hell we will!" Sakura shouted, stepping forward.

But before she could act, Temujin activated his Gelel-enhanced abilities, vanishing into the shadows with Kahiko and pushing everyone else in the cave back with a burst of power.

-- some time later -- 

Nerugui, the ferret, scampered forward, its nose twitching as it caught a scent. Shikamaru and Sakura exchanged a glance.

"Looks like we've got a trail," Shikamaru said, already moving.

Sakura nodded, determination hardening her features. "Let's find them—and stop Haido's plan before it's too late . . . and maybe find Naruto on the way, if we have time."

Together, they followed Nerugui's lead, the weight of the elder's warning pressing heavy on their minds.

-- some time later -- 

The relentless trek through the rocky terrain led Shikamaru, Sakura, and Kankurō (who joined a while back)—joined by the ever-determined Nerugui—to the crumbling ruins. The air was heavy with an ancient energy, and the ground seemed to hum beneath their feet.

"These ruins are older than anything I've seen in the Land of Wind," Kankurō remarked, her brown eyes scanning the towering, weathered stone structures. She adjusted her puppets' bindings across her back. "If Haido's after something here, it's gotta be bad."

Sakura nodded grimly. "We're running out of time. Kahiko's in danger, and if Temujin's telling the truth, the Vein of Gelel is even worse than we thought if Haido gets it."

Shikamaru sighed, his sharp eyes darting between the ruins. "What a drag, do these types of missions always have to be so Troublesome? Let's move. Nerugui's leading us right to them."

-- Deep Within the Ruins --

Temujin and Kahiko stood before an intricately carved door, its surface covered in glowing Gelel runes. The energy pulsing through the stone resonated with the Gelel fragment embedded in Temujin's chest, lighting the space with an eerie greenish glow.

Kahiko glared at Temujin. "You don't understand the destruction this power brings. If you open that door—"

Temujin interrupted, his voice firm but conflicted. "I know what I'm doing, old man. Haido's vision can change everything. No more suffering, no more war."

Kahiko's expression darkened. "You think peace comes from power? You're a fool, just like Haido."

The sound of heavy machinery drowned out their argument. Above them, Haido's massive fortress had arrived, the ground trembling as its drill bit began tearing into the ruins. Temujin turned to the elder, his resolve hardening.

"This ends here," Temujin said, placing his hand on the door. The Gelel energy surged, and the massive structure responded, opening with a low groan.

The Leaf ninja reached the ruins just in time to witness the colossal fortress begin its descent. The drill pierced the earth, sending chunks of stone and dust flying into the air. Haido stood at the forefront of the structure's platform, his dark robe billowing in the wind, his monocle glinting ominously.

"Stop him!" Shikamaru shouted, forming his signature hand seal. His shadow raced toward Haido, latching onto him and freezing him in place.

Haido glanced down at the shadow with mild interest before looking at Naruto, who had just arrived on the scene. "Is this one of your friends, Naruto Uzumaki?"

Naruto stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Yeah, he is. And we're not letting you get away with this!"

Shikamaru's voice was calm but laced with tension. "We've got questions, Haido. What exactly do you want with the Gelel stone? Don't give us that 'utopia' nonsense."

Haido's lips curled into a faint smile. "Nonsense? I see you misunderstand the depths of my vision. Peace, true peace, requires sacrifice. My followers, my soldiers—they were noble sacrifices for the greater good."

Naruto's anger boiled over. "Sacrifices?! You're just using them for your own power! Don't you care about anyone but yourself?"

Temujin, standing nearby, looked away, his expression conflicted.

"Dreams without friends are nothing," Naruto shouted, his voice echoing through the ruins. "Your 'utopia' isn't worth it if you have to destroy everyone to get it!"

Before Haido could respond, Kahiko stepped forward, his face set in grim determination. "You will never see the Vein of Gelel," he said, triggering a mechanism on the platform.

The ground beneath him and Temujin began to shift, a section of the ruins descending into an underground chamber.

As Haido prepared to follow, Kamira, Fugai, and Ranke arrived, their bodies glowing with power. They intercepted Shikamaru and Sakura, blocking their path.

Kamira's reddish eyes flicked to Sakura, narrowing slightly. "You've got Malik's scent all over you, sweetie. Care to explain?"

Ranke crossed her arms, her light-violet eyes blazing with irritation. "And what's that ring on your hand? Don't tell me he gave you that."

Sakura smirked, lifting her hand to show off the ring Malik had given her. The gemstone caught the light, sparkling brilliantly. "Oh, this? Yeah, it's from him. We're engaged."

The tension in the air was palpable. Fugai growled low in her throat, her body trembling with restrained aggression. "You've got guts, flaunting that in front of us."

Kamira chuckled darkly, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. "You've got a mouth on you, little girl. But you're in over your head."

Sakura's smirk widened. "Says the trio of bitches who can't decide if they hate him or want to crawl into his bed."

Shikamaru groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sakura, can we not escalate this right now?"

"Too late," Kamira said, her voice dripping with venom. She lunged at Sakura, her claws glowing with Gelel energy.

Amid the chaos, Haido activated a flash bomb, freeing himself from Shikamaru's shadow. He glided down to the descending platform with practiced ease, landing beside Temujin and Kahiko.

Naruto charged after him but was effortlessly swatted aside, his body slamming into the stone wall.

"Stay here," Haido ordered his knights, his voice echoing with authority. "I will retrieve the Vein myself."

Kamira, Fugai, and Ranke held their ground, their attention divided between the Leaf ninja and their own growing frustrations.

-- The Inner Ruins --

As the platform descended deeper into the earth, Haido turned to Temujin. "You've done well, my boy. The Vein of Gelel is within our grasp."

Temujin's red eyes gleamed with uncertainty. "I hope you're right, Lord Haido."

Kahiko glared at them both, his fists clenched. "You're meddling with forces you can't control. This will end in disaster."

Haido's smile didn't falter. "Only for those who lack the vision to see it through."

-- some time later -- 

The air in the cavern was suffocating, thick with the pulse of Gelel energy radiating from the mines below. The ancient chamber trembled as Haido's machinations came closer to fruition. The elder, Kahiko, stood trembling but resolute, the bloodied dagger in his hand glinting faintly in the strange light.

Temujin knelt on the ground, clutching his side where Haido's attack had torn through his armor. Blood seeped between his fingers, pooling beneath him. Despite the pain, his red eyes remained locked on Haido, who loomed over the scene with the cold confidence of a man who believed himself untouchable.

Kahiko raised the dagger, aiming for the glowing seal carved into the floor. "This will stop you, Haido! You will never touch the Vein of Gelel!"

Haido moved faster than seemed possible, his hand crackling with Gelel energy as he struck the elder, sending him sprawling across the chamber. The dagger clattered to the ground, the seal untouched.

"Kahiko!" Temujin shouted, struggling to rise.

Before anyone could react, the faint patter of tiny paws echoed in the chamber. Nerugui, the ferret, darted toward Haido, its tiny body glowing faintly as it tried to intercept the warlord.

"Nerugui, no!" Kahiko cried.

The ferret lunged, but a shimmering barrier surrounded Haido, repelling the creature with a violent burst of energy. Nerugui was thrown back, its small body lifeless as it hit the ground. A glimmering Gelel stone rolled from its mouth, coming to rest at Haido's feet.

Temujin's eyes widened in horror as he watched. "No... not even Nerugui..."

Haido bent down, picking up the stone with an almost reverent expression. "Another fragment of the Gelel's power," he said softly, his tone mockingly serene. "Everything falls into place."

As Haido approached the elder, intent on finishing the job, Temujin stumbled to his feet, positioning himself between them. "Enough, Haido! You've already won. There's no need to kill him."

Haido paused, his expression one of mild amusement. "No need? You've grown soft, Temujin. Just like your parents."

Temujin froze, the words cutting through him like a blade. He stared at Haido, his mind racing. Fragments of memories surfaced—his village in flames, his parents' desperate screams, and the shadowy figure standing over them.

"Wait..." Temujin whispered, his voice trembling. "It was you... You killed them."

Haido's smile widened, devoid of warmth. "Finally piecing it together, are we? You were always a fool, Temujin. A useful one, but a fool nonetheless."

The realization struck Temujin like a blow, and before he could react, Haido raised his hand, a bolt of Gelel energy blasting him backward. Temujin hit the ground hard, the force knocking the wind out of him as he skidded to a stop.

Despite his injuries, Kahiko crawled toward the dagger, his fingers trembling as he grasped it once more. Blood dripped from his hand as he reached the seal, smearing it across the glowing runes. The floor beneath Haido began to rumble, and the key device at the center of the room descended.

"You will never gain access to the Vein of Gelel," Kahiko said, his voice a raspy growl.

Haido turned to him, his expression momentarily unreadable. Then he gave a soft, genuine smile. "You're a persistent old man. I'll give you that."

With a flick of his wrist, Haido unleashed another blast of energy, striking Kahiko squarely in the chest. A sickening crunch echoed through the chamber as the elder crumpled to the ground, his body motionless.

Haido pulled the completed stone tablet from his robes, its surface glowing with an intense, otherworldly light. The chamber began to change, the walls fading away as if dissolving into the air.

Before them lay the Vein of Gelel—a cavernous expanse bathed in a luminescent blue-green glow. A massive, pillar-like structure stretched from the ceiling to the floor, its surface shimmering with crystalline veins. The cavern's ceiling appeared to be made of translucent ice or crystal, refracting light in a dazzling display that illuminated every corner of the space.

Haido stepped forward, his eyes alight with triumph. "At last... the source of everything."

As Haido marveled at the sight, Temujin forced himself to his feet. Blood dripped from his wounds, but his resolve was unshaken. He stood between Haido and the Vein, his hands clenched into fists.

"This is where it ends," Temujin said, his voice steady despite the pain.

Haido turned, his expression hardening. "You've outlived your usefulness, Temujin. Just like your parents."

With that, Haido unleashed another blast of energy, striking Temujin in the chest. The Gelel stone embedded in Temujin's body began to glow violently as Haido's power surged through it.

"Temujin!"

Naruto's voice rang out as he leapt into the chamber, his eyes blazing with determination. "I'm not letting you do this, Haido!"

Haido sneered. "And what can you do, little ninja? You're nothing compared to the power of the Gelel."

Naruto charged, his Rasengan glowing brightly. "Power doesn't mean anything if you don't have people to fight for!"

As the battle erupted, Temujin found his strength renewed by Naruto's words. The two fought side by side, their combined determination pitted against Haido's overwhelming power.

The souls of the children who had been trapped within the fake soldiers began to emerge, their presence turning the tide of the battle. Temujin, seeing the faces of those he had wronged, finally understood the depths of his mistakes.

As Haido underwent his monstrous transformation, his Gelel-enhanced form towering over them, Temujin stood tall, ready to make his final stand.