«19» PUPPETS

©Masashi Kishimoto

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"THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LAB.."

All of them stood right in front of a Wide building. Katasuke begun to lead them towards the entrance, which the door opened by itself.

Feels like I'm in a hospital. Inomi internally sighed, clutching her book and gently closed it, she felt shivers down her spine seeing the clean, yet empty area.

"Doctor! Welcome back and Thank you for Coming!" A worker suddenly greeted cheerful with a small bow.

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"-You must be tired, please follow me." He suggested as they walked through the halls.

The brunette silently thanked him, the others following them from behind.

Inomi suddenly felt a familiar string of chakra behind her, as she stopped on her tracks and smiled.

"Sumire-San, we meet again."

"Sensei, Boruto?" The Purple-haired Girl gasped in shock, unexpected to see them all of the sudden.

"Class Rep?!" Team 7 turned to her, returning the same reaction as well.

The Awkward Tension between all of them was suddenly vanished by The Yamanaka, waving her hands and took Sumire with them.

"Come on, let's talk about this when we get to a private place."

~

"I never imagined running into you here. You looking good, Class Rep!" Boruto exclaimed with a big grin on his face- as usual. Feeling the comfort of his body relaxed at the couch he's currently sitting on.

"You too!" Sumire warmly smiled, holding a tray of cups on her hands. "I wasn't told that you were the ones coming from the village... So it took me by surprise!"

"Oh right! You decided to forgo the Chunin Exam and applied to the Research Division."

Katasuke chuckled in amusement, listening to their conversation. "She's an indispensable, Brilliant staff member here now."

Inomi giggled to herself as she saw Sumire smile in awe- she knew how much The Doctor's words mean to her.

Then she noticed the door creaked open, her eye began to twitch when she saw who it was.

Akita Inuzuka.

Her face grimaced at the sight of her. Not in sort of way that she hates her- she's just afraid to get tackled in any second.

As expected- the Inuzuka screamed at the sight of Katasuke's new inventions. Inomi chuckled at her childish behavior, she knew her since she was still a Chunin.

Not a single thing has changed.

"- Hey Sensei! Are you coming? We're going to somewhere else!" Boruto exclaimed, shaking the Yamanaka out of her thoughts.

Her mind suddenly clicked- as she turned to Boruto with a sincere smile.

"Oh you can go along, I'll just go out for a walk- if you mind." She scratched the nape of her neck. She turned to Katasuke who immediately nodded.

"No worries, I'm sure your students would be having fun inside here!" He chuckled- earning two glares behind him.

Inomi smirked, tying up her Shinobi headband. "I'm counting on you."

~

INOMI CHECKED her surroundings, as she landed on a tree branch. She was already in front of the Airplane Crash incident.

She started to walk towards the vehicle, slowly but surely. She also noticed some Robots around the area.

This were the robots that attacked Konohamaru and his friend. No wonder they've cut connections. She didn't dare to touch them again- if ever they come back to life.

She slowly entered the Airplane, it was empty. Yet- the place was very cold and intimidating.

She went in further, until she saw a black container.

The same container Konohamaru mentioned.

"So this is the container he said... " Taking the risk, she immediately placed her hand inside of it.

"It's not as warm as usual but... There's definitely a person inside here earlier." She said to herself, checking the details of the box. "They must be nearby... Their chakra feels strong.."

Strange. I've never felt this Chakra signature from afar- unless it's Naruto investigating this matter.

Then something made her dizzy, as she drifted to sleep.

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"This is the Kara Headquarters. I expect you to behave properly just like the low-rank people do." A Man with White Silky hair stated to the Small Yamanaka.

She tidied up her black cloak, hiding the small mark on her forehead. She then took a good look around.

Quiet halls, dark place. She expected that coming from a dangerous place.

She didn't know why He brought her to this place.

Inomi was about to speak but she immediately got interrupted. "No more further questions unless I'm done speaking - call me Amado perhaps... So you can't call me White haired stranger."

She nodded silently, keeping her mouth shut. The two of them started to walk together, towards his Laboratory- of course.

"I assume you don't know why He brought you here?" Amado mentioned, waiting for a response- coming from the girl.

"I don't know of it.. but he did say he needs my Ninjutsus." She explained, earning a hum from the Man.

"You're halfway there but-"

The two of them heard small pants coming from the bottom. She raised her head out to see a small boy. Who looked like her own age.

He looked like he was running away from something. That- she don't know of.

"He looks like he's in trouble... Do we help him?" She whispered to Amado. He immediately shook his head and stared at her.

"Huh? Why?"

"He can help himself...in fact- you're in charge of his body." He stated with a smirk on his face.

As expected, he saw The Yamanaka turn pink from his statement. "W-What do you mean?"

"You'll see."

She heard a creepy noise from below- coming from a man. He had the same marks as the other members of Kara.

Well after observing his features- he began to attack The Little Kid. Which shocked the Chunin, as she was about to jump in.

Amado grabbed her hand harshly, followed by a scowl on his face.

Inomi gave him the same attitude, frantically staring at the Fight. "Why can't I help him? Aren't I supposed to be in charge of his body."

"Why'd you think he's a kid inside the HQ? Just watch and let him use his abilities."

She didn't believe one word- but it was reasonable why He was in here.

She watched in horror, as the Guy began to brutally launch attacks with his Prosthetic arm.

The Yamanaka felt worried about the kid, she couldn't help to see herself - a Shinobi who stood still and watch a kid face many obstacles.

But what happened next- shocked her to the core.

The Kid immediately sent a Large blast coming out of his hand- sending the Guy flying.

"You were serious huh?"

"Who said I wasn't?" Amado scoffed and turned to another direction.

"Come, follow me. We're heading towards my office." He said reluctantly- gently tugging Inomi's coat.

But he noticed a small figure dissapeared behind him- He watched as the Yamanaka teleported away, saving the boy from passing out.

She caught him right in time- as he landed on her arms. He was really heavy but Inomi thought to herself- she was strong enough to handle him.

Amado looked amazed by her reflexes but scared at the same time.

First and foremost- he knew she was a Konoha Shinobi, he expected great effort coming from them. Observing her skills- she wasn't just some typical Chunin Shinobi, perhaps she was special in some kind of way.

Furthermore; He heard that One of the most Strongest Shinobi of the World, trained her in a young age- which gave chills to his spine. He didn't know the reason why the Uchiha handed her towards the Kara without any hesitation.

What am I thinking?

Amado immediately rubbed his forehead. "She just saved a kid from falling.. there's nothing to worry about."

"Do we bring him in the Laboratory?" Inomi was already behind him, which made him jolt up.

He almost chuckled to himself but he remained silent. He nodded at her, as they headed towards their destination.

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"-Inomi Sensei! Wake up!" She heard An Uzumaki's call. As she felt his arms wrapped around her waist.

She woke up from her long sleep- to see all the robots attacking them.

"Oh crap- Boruto Get behind me!" She yelled at him as she grabbed his wrist and Twisted him behind her back. She raised one of her free hands up to the air and blocked one of the Robot's attack.

She then warned the Uzumaki to run away. Without hesitation - he ran towards the others and fought the other bots.

Inomi took a big breathe, staring at the Enemies right before her. She saw four of them surrounding her. Painting a small smirk on her face.

"You want some action huh? I'll give you one." She grinned as she grabbed it's arm and twisted it. She felt an arm almost grabbing her leg- and threw the robot to another one behind her.

She then stepped on two of the Robot's head. Crushing them into pieces with her powerful kick.

It was a pity that they were too easy to strategize- but she didn't expect what would happen next.

The ones they fought didn't do any damage. Which made her gasped.

"You're kidding me... We didn't affect them at all?!" Boruto screamed as he saw the Robots alive and well- without any scratch.

She squinted her eyes when they opened their jaws- suddenly releasing a big wave of Fire.

The same jutsu Sarada released .

"Out of the way!" Inomi commanded Team 7 as they ran towards a wall enough for them to cover their selves.

Inomi panted and stared at her surroundings, looking for a strategy.

"You gotta be joking.. that's firestyle they're shooting!" Boruto whined as he panicked.

"They're not weaving signs.. but that means..!" Sarada thought to herself- earning a small sigh from the Katasuke.

"Unfortunately, it's what you suspect Sarada." The Doctor frowned while staring at the robots. "These attacks are due to Scientific Ninja tools."

"Come to make this quick- they're autonomous puppets trying to Keep the Black container safe inside the airship.." Inomi explained- running out of air. "They've absorbed some of your jutsus.. I'm not sure on how to defeat them Asap."

Inomi stared at her surroundings once again, noticing that the Doctor looks a little different than usual.

She smirked to herself. "I may have a solution."

Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki stared at her in question. "What?!"

"Fight fire with fire easy!" She smiled then turned to Katasuke. "Doc, got any will power to defeat them? Blast it once they launch attack."

He nodded to her. "I won't dissapoint, Inomi-San!"

He stood up and faced the robots- scaring the Uzumaki. "Hey what are you up to!"

"Just like Inomi-San said! Fight Scientific Ninja tools with.. Scientific Ninja tools!" He yelled. He raised his hands towards them- blocking their attacks with big orbs coming out of his suit.

The Fireballs immediately backfired towards the Puppets- destroying them immediately.

"Phew, it worked!" The Doctor sighed in relief- as they were all taken down.

Boruto blinked in confusion. "What.. just happened."

"Eh.. they just overheated- no Worries at all." Inomi grinned while staring at Boruto- which almost gave him the shivers.

"I see.. normally they'd end the fight before shooting so many." Mitsuki stared, smiling as he stared at the mess as well.

"... So they weren't built to endure Such Continuous use." Sarada realized- as Katasuke nodded at her in agreement.

"Well, thanks a bunch Doc!" Boruto grinned- it didn't matter what happened, as long as they were defeated.

"Hold it. There's must've been a chip inside them.. no wonder they get to hold chakra. Right Doc?" Inomi noticed- as The brunette narrowed his eyes and hummed.

"Let's remove them while we have a chance." He stated- as everyone started to search over each of the Puppets' chips.

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RUFF

RUFF

INOMI'S EAR PERKED UP when she heard a dog bark coming from behind. She then saw a Small Dog with a broken leg.

"Chamaru! Long time no see- what's the matter?" She approached the dog at ease- noticing their alert figure. She immediately knew that something's wrong.

Chamaru dropped a kunai from the ground- earning a gasp from the Uchiha. "It's Konohamaru-Sama's Kunai!"

Boruto praised the dog with excitement as everyone followed the dog behind.

Inomi was far behind from them- she didn't knew what was gonna happen next.

In fact, she felt someone following them... But she wasn't gonna let that distract her.

She was glad that Konohamaru hid safely away from the Puppets- but she was afraid if someone had been injured.

"Konohamaru-San.. Please be safe."

~

Clink.

The sound of the Kunai- as Konohamaru turned from behind. The next thing he saw was... Team 7 right before him- which made him glad.

"Konohamaru-Sama are you all right?"

"We've come to rescue you!"

"Boruto!!" He exclaimed in relief, his sweat finally dropping to the ground.

Inomi ran towards Mugino- Konohamaru's friend, and checked his body.

She pressed her finger onto his chest- feeling the consistency of the blood, as Mugino grunted in pain. Inomi suddenly knew what was wrong.

She started pressing her hands further, well she saw how hurt he was but she managed to release some blood- incase of Rust infections. She then started to use her Medical Ninjutsu, healing his wound.

"This will definitely leave a Scar Mugino-San, as soon as we get things clear I'm stitching you up- understood?" She instructed him, earning a small nod.

"Yes Inomi-San.. and thank you."

"No need to, it's what a Shinobi should do."

"Major Injury on the left side of his chest... I'm glad that it didn't went through his organs." The Yamanaka said, as she turned to Konohamaru with a frown.

"Tell us everything."

He kept his mouth shut into a thin line. "I don't know what's going on.."

"What's with those airships and Puppets.."

"The puppets are Scientific ninja tools." Katasuke immediately said, leaving a shock expression on Konohamaru. "It's a truth I don't want to face but.. it appears our enemies' technological strength exceeds our own."

I swore I could've remember their names.. Inomi thought while cleansing Mugino's affected area. Deepa.. Delta.. Ama- Ama?...

"Doc, did you see the Black container inside the airship?" Konohamaru asked Katasuke who immediately responded.

"Yes. I suspect it's contents are the keys to our present situation."

Inomi barely remembered her dream, but if she hasn't woken up- she would've know the reason why.. at the same time, she knew she was dead after.

She noticed Konohamaru handing a black scroll towards the Doctor. That made her think it was the data that the Black container had. Of course- they would analyse this after clearing this mission.

"Would you mind sharing more details?" A familiar voice asked from the distance. They all turned to see Ao- holding a strange suit case.

"You! You're Ao!" Konohamaru exclaimed- in shock mostly.

"I'm impressed you still recognized me." The Mist Shinobi muttered with a small scowl on his face.

"AO THE BYAKUGAN KILLER- who was the Fifth Mizukage's right hand man! You were previously listed in Konoha's Bingo book in Gold letters, of course I still remember you." Konohamaru stated, his sweat starting to flow more from his cheeks.

"I was told you were long Retired, so what brings you to such- Back country?" The Brunette started interrogating the Old man, but he immediately stood his ground- holding a Scientific ninja tool.

"What are you up to Ao? Don't you ever think I've forgotten about that threat back in the train." Inomi snapped, holding a kunai on her hand. She already had enough of this nonsense they were involved.

Ao let out a small smirk. "Deepest apologies for that small threat.. but I'll be the one asking here Questions Inomi Yamanaka, Sarutobi Konohamaru."

He then held out the Scientific gun to his hand. "Where are the contexts of the.. Container?"

"We don't know anything about that." Inomi spat out, ignoring Konohamaru's protest. "We are Shinobi from Konoha.. you do know our duty?.. we can't say any detail so it's best if you scram and leave us."

"Especially to one such as you.." Konohamaru stepped, glaring at the man. "Who is no longer a Shinobi!"

"Well then.. just remain silent." He said calmly- but the next thing he did was unexpected, he whipped out the weapon in his hand- preparing to load it Infront of them.

"Just remain silent.. for all Eternity!"

"WATCH OUT!"

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Woah woah

Hello guys

I'm back after a long Journey- it's been so long since I've updated but I really hope you understand.

I have duties to attend to rather than writing all day but this book had a special place in my heart so here I am, continuing it

I hope you like this chapter and have a great day!

Also art B), yes I do art everytime.