Shiranui Riku was eager to return to Konoha.
He wanted to make use of the short free time between missions to see Uzumaki Kushina again.
Over the past few months, Kushina had begun learning sealing techniques from Uzumaki Mito, and three months ago, Mito had finally agreed to let her start going on missions. However, because of how important she was, Kushina's assignments were all strictly confined within the borders of the Land of Fire.
As a result, even after more than eight months, Riku and Kushina had barely seen each other—just a few brief encounters he could count on one hand.
Still, the hope of seeing her—even just once—was enough to bring a smile to Riku's face. He picked up his pace on the path back to Konoha.
Konoha.
Uzumaki Kushina had just completed a mission and was walking out of the Hokage's office, rubbing her sore neck.
Ninja life was nothing like what she had imagined.
So far, she'd only taken on simple D-rank missions with her two teammates. It was repetitive, uneventful, and frustrating.
"If Riku were here... even a D-rank mission wouldn't be so bad," she mumbled, pouting as she headed back toward Uzumaki Mito's mansion.
The sun was starting to set, and the sky had turned a soft orange.
"I'm home!" Kushina called out as she stepped inside.
Silence.
She walked farther into the mansion. "Grandma Mito? Are you here?"
Still no reply.
She paused at the kitchen doorway, confused. "Is she not home?"
But then she noticed something—out of the corner of her eye, through the kitchen window—the tree branches outside were swaying unnaturally.
Suddenly, three figures emerged through the window.
They were ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village—the ones Riku had long feared might make a move.
These three had been hiding in Konoha for days, quietly observing, waiting for the right opportunity. They had sensed Kushina's unique chakra... and tonight, they had come to take her.
The trio slipped into the kitchen.
Kushina, who had never experienced real combat, panicked and bolted, shouting, "Help! Somebody help!"
But it was no use.
These weren't average attackers. Two of them were special jōnin, and the third was a jōnin. Within moments, they caught up to her and subdued her.
Without a sound, they vanished into the night, leaving Konoha behind.
Somewhere deep in the forests of the Fire Country...
Kushina's hands were tied behind her back. Two of the Cloud shinobi led from the front, while the third walked behind, gripping the rope.
She trudged forward with hollow eyes, her heart sinking with every step.
They were now dangerously close to the border.
At one point, she stumbled on a stone and fell.
The ninja behind her tugged violently on the rope, yanking her back to her feet. "Hey! Stop slacking off! Keep moving!"
Kushina clutched the tiny bell Riku had given her, hiding it in her hand. She gave it a quiet shake, desperately hoping it might somehow reach him.
But they were too far.
No miracle came.
Tears streamed silently down her cheeks.
She realized she might never see Riku again. The thought ripped through her like a kunai to the chest.
In despair, she screamed his name, "Riku!"
"Shut up!" barked the ninja behind her, raising his fist to strike.
Just then—a deafening crack of thunder shook the forest.
"Breath of Thunder: Fourth Form – Distant Thunder!"
A flash of light streaked across the trees.
Before the Hidden Cloud ninja could land his punch, his head was severed clean from his body—launched skyward in a burst of electric light.
The other two shinobi froze, stunned, and instinctively backed away.
In the next moment, Shiranui Riku appeared in front of Kushina.
When he saw her battered appearance, his heart clenched.
Without a word, he drew his blade and sliced through the ropes binding her hands. He gently touched her face.
"I'm sorry, Kushina... I came too late."
She threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Riku held her tightly before turning to face the two remaining Hidden Cloud ninja. His gaze hardened.
His Sharingan flared—both tomoe spinning in his crimson eyes.
He gently sat Kushina down against a tree. "Kushina, stay here. I'll take care of them... and then I'll take you home."
With a quick seal, he summoned the White Snake.
"Guard her," Riku said coldly.
The White Snake didn't protest. Sensing Riku's wrath, it curled protectively beside Kushina without a word.
Riku exhaled slowly, centering himself.
Earlier, when he heard the faint jingle of the bell, his heart had dropped. He'd known immediately that something had gone wrong. He'd followed its sound, using lightning chakra to push his body to its limits, racing through the forest at blinding speed.
The leader of the Hidden Cloud team, Oyuro, narrowed his eyes at Riku.
"That's a Sharingan! A real one... You're Uchiha, aren't you?" he said with greedy excitement. "Atsui, we're taking him down. Now!"
The special jōnin Atsui nodded firmly. "Understood, Captain."
The two of them drew their blades simultaneously.
"Lightning Release: Thunderflash!"
Oyuro dashed forward in a blur, electricity surging through his sword as he aimed to pierce Riku.
"Breath of Thunder: Second Form – Soul of Rice!"
Riku reacted instantly. His katana released five lightning-infused slashes in a rapid combo.
The first blow shattered Oyuro's sword.
The next three were blocked—but the fifth struck Oyuro's chest, burning through his armor and searing the flesh beneath.
Oyuro stumbled backward, staring in disbelief at the smoldering wound on his torso.
He had underestimated this kid.
He knew Riku was fast, but not this fast. If he hadn't blocked the second strike, he would've ended up like his decapitated comrade.
Riku winced slightly.
His muscles ached.
He had overused lightning chakra to boost his body while rushing to save Kushina—his meridians were starting to feel the strain.
Still, he gripped his katana tightly and reset his stance.
There would be no escape.
These two shinobi from the Hidden Cloud Village... they would not leave this forest alive.