Part One
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Ch. 4- Night Raid
*In the mountains of the Lightning Nation, an envoy is carrying food and supplies through the trails. There are various ninja seen around the cabin, while Tai lies on top.*
Ninja1: *Looking at another transporter* Are you sure this is the right way? This isn't the trail we normally take.
Ninja2: Trust me. I know this route like the back of my hand. It's a shortcut. We'll be to the base in no time. What do you think, Tai?
Tai: *looking down over the edge of the cart* How am I supposed to know? This isn't my land, I don't know the way around.
Ninja2: Well, yes, but I just wanted to see what you thought of the plan.
Tai: Whatever. If it gets us where we need to go, fine. So far, this doesn't seem like much of a mission, just babysitting this cart while listening to you two argue.
Ninja1: Just wait until night, that's where your part comes in. Most ninja strike then, when we're all tired.
*As they round a corner, the see the pathway blocked by a humongous rock. Looking up at the hill nearby, you can see the giant hole where it came from.*
Ninja1: *mocking* So much for knowing it like the back of your hand.
Ninja2: Well, this wasn't here last time I saw. Maybe it fell in a quake or something. I shouldn't be held for natural conveniences.
Tai: This rock didn't fall because of natural means. This was cut out of the mountain...or exploded. Either way, it's no accident that this is here.
*He begins to feel around the rock, looking at the size, edges, everything. He soon finds a spot that he marks with a mound of dirt. He then proceeds to look up into the sky, as if waiting for it to rain.*
Tai: *Finally giving up, looking at his partners* Alright, I haven't figured this out yet. How long until nightfall?
Ninja2: I'd say about four or five hours. We would be hard pressed to get there before nightfall on the regular path, but...
Ninja1: But thanks to dumbass over here, we'll be traveling for most of the night.
Tai: *approaching the rock* Back the cart up and you two get back.
*After they all quickly move back, Tai mentally prepares himself by standing with his hands on the rock for quite some time. He then starts warming up his body, doing different stretches, working different muscles, the works. He finally makes a long series of hand signs, and makes a strange stance. Chakra slowly started gathering in his right arm and leg, then gradually gained speed. It got to a point where his right side almost had a glow to it.*
Tai: *straining through gritted teeth.* You guys might want...to get behind...the cart.
*They scurry behind the wagon. Tai gives out a big shout, then slams his fist into the rock. Nothing seems to happen at first, but cracks seem to appear in the rock. They slowly spread, but right when it seems like it was about to crumble, everything stops.*
Ninja1: Well, that was anti-climactic.
Ninja2: Seriously, you barely even did anything. Sure, you banged up the rock, but it's still in the way.
Tai: *out of breath* That's because I'm not done yet.
*He does a light little hop, side to side, then kicks the rock in the same weak point he just made. The force of this impact causes the rock to shatter, sending pieces of sharp rock flying everywhere. The two escorts cover themselves as fragments start raining from the sky. One of them gets cut by a loose piece.*
Ninja2: Ah, shit. *shouting* WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT, MAN?!?!
Tai: *limping back to the wagon* I told you two idiots to get back. Don't blame me if you can't follow a simple command. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to rest before night falls.
Ninja1: What?! What are we supposed to do with these rocks? Some of them are still big for the cart to move through.
Tai: *mocking him* And that... is where YOUR part comes in. *falls unconscious*
*The other two ninja begrudgingly get to work on removing the rock out of the pathway. After it's gone, they start back on the trail, with Tai sleeping on the roof of the cart. Hours go by, and night has fallen. The envoy starts to get worried, since after repeated tries, Tai fails to awaken. Then he slowly begins to wake up, and sits at the front of the cart, his right arm and leg still throbbing and stinging from earlier.*
Ninja1: Well, well, his royal Highness finally decided to wake up.
*Tai, seeing a random rock on the top, chucks it at his head.*
Ninja2: So care to explain what that was all about? I've never seen that kind of chakra control before.
Tai: That's because it's not something to be taken lightly. Regular chakra control has a certain limit, but my family had developed a use of hand seals to extend that limit. The chakra then gets stored in the very muscle, bone, and skin itself. As you saw, it greatly enhances our strength. Then again, pure chakra being inside your muscle is very damaging. That's why I was knocked unconscious for those few hours. Even still, my arm and leg haven't fully fixed themselves. And the chakra level in your body gets depleted, big time.
Ninja1: *still rubbing his head* Great, now our protector's gone and gotten himself all banged up.
Tai: Well, what are you two here for? Can't you fight?
Ninja2: Please, not at this level. We mostly do missions in the village. We have no idea why that damn Raikage sent us way out here.
Tai: I wouldn't worry too much. I'm just as good with my left side then I am with my right side. If someone still shows up, I can handle myself.
*Like almost on cue, Tai springs up into a protective stance on top the cart. Seeing this, the two ninja took out kunai, and prepared themselves. He gave them the signal for 'keep going', then darted into the forest.*
