«20» AO AND HIM

@Masashi Kishimoto

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"WATCH OUT!" INOMI YELLED, summoning a large Mud wall as she protected the others.

He then shot Inomi- first things first.

Unnoticed, The Yamanaka was oblivious- until she dodged it swiftly. The Attack landed on the boulder behind her, as it crumble into large pieces.

"Yamanaka-San, run now!" Konohamaru warned her. She gasped in confusion- until she felt a heavy force hit her head- once again, she passed out.

"Sensei!" Boruto panicked, as he grabbed her body in the middle of the fight- heading straight to the walls behind them.

Sarada stared at the Weapon Ao was using, observing it's details- something clicked into her mind. "The same fire balls as the puppets!"

"So our enemies are all about tools huh." Mitsuki sighed, noticing Sarada's point.

"Stop it Ao-Sama!" Katasuke stepped in, interrupting what the Mist Shinobi has done.

"Please stay back Doctor Katasuke. I will shoot you even if I must." Ao muttered, activating his weapon again.

Katasuke immediately held his arms, summoning black orbs- as the attacks went inside of it.

Ao look- rather sarcastically impressed. "Oh my! You can absorb Jutsu bombs?"

Due to Katasuke - Konohamaru managed to destroy his weapon with one hit of his Rasengan, much for their relief.

"So what... Was inside the container inside the airship?" Konohamaru panted- as he knew that Ao had no more defense with him.

He laughed to himself. "Sarutobi. You ask for my intel despite refusing to share yours? Spoiled lads are such a bother." He then looked at the frail girl The Uzumaki was carrying.

"Too bad the ones you're carrying was too weak- are the only ones who knew about it." He was becoming insane- much to Konohamaru's shock. "What does Inomi know about it.."

"Why would I even take her down first?"

Konohamaru shook his head and glared at him. "Does it have anything to do with an organisation called.. KARA?"

Boruto widened his eyes- then stared at Inomi, with pain written all over her face.

Inomi Sensei.. what do you know about this?

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"The name is Code."

"I don't really need to know you- just state your business with Karma." The Small Yamanaka muttered, earning a small chuckle from the Redhead beside her.

"Nothing, at all.. it's just that nuisance annoys me." He said to her, but smiled after. "You're Hikari yeah? Nice to meet your acquaintance."

"Mhm."

"Hm? Feisty aren't we?" He stated, followed by a shrugged coming from Inomi. He smirked to himself.

Well- he didn't knew her that well, but one thing is for sure; he saw her talk with Jigen. He thought to himself, if she was that special, why would she talk to him at the first place?

Code cornered her at the end of the hallway, gently grabbing her soft hand and raising it near his chest. He then slowly- took off the cloth covering her face, much to his shock, he didn't dare to budge.

Her features were perfect in his eyes- pale skin. Her long unique Brunette- Blonde hair, her Teal eyes- and that diamond shape on her head.

His eyes brightened up at the sight of it. Now he knew the reason behind it.

"..Are you just gonna stand there or let me go? Code-San." She muttered under her breathe- the atmosphere was getting hot and she was sweating at the moment. He didn't even realized how much he gripped on her hand.

"No, you seem rather weak- are you sure you're meant to be here?" He quickly asked, changing the mood between them.

She scoffed at her. "I'm only here for Amado's assistance, nothing more." She slapped his hand away as she began to walk. "If you would mind, I'm going now."

"Or are you here for intel about Kara?" He finally said- as he managed to stop her from fleeing away. "I'm not that much of a bimbo unlike the others- Konoha Shinobi."

"I may look weak but I'm stronger- than you." She spat out- she didn't want to deal with his irritating questions no longer, her sweet face soon turned into an angry demeanor. Code didn't like that attitude.

"You seem weak for a Shinobi. Do you want me to help you? I can provide you help with your.. Karma too." He said, catching her attention. "Didn't think that mark on your forehead was enough?"

"Do you? Want to help me.. that is." She thoughtfully asked, pressing her fingers on her mark. Inomi didn't trust him one bit- but a helping hand wouldn't hurt for a little while.

She then reluctantly accepted his offer- maybe she'd get to know about her Karma better- and going against them.. sooner or later.

Why am I dreaming of this.. and this Code guy- he reminds me of someone...

Inomi thought to herself- unable to move as she was standing right in a dark place.

Come on.. come on! I have to know his name before I wake up..

Koji K-...

Koji...

"I am Koji Kashin. Nice to meet you Boruto Uzumaki." The Man with a black and red cloak introduced himself- standing on top of a Toad.

Inomi's eyes suddenly snapped open and turned to his direction- Boruto didn't know how to feel.

They've defeated Ao after a long time- Inomi was already awake but another one had arrived... Tough life we're living aren't we?

Koji smirked at the girl right behind the Uzumaki. "The Sleeping Beauty has awoken, I wonder why?"

"Koji Kashin." She walked up near his big Toad, eyeing him from Head to toe. She soon glared at him. "We meet again- state your business."

"My my, repeating history aren't we?"

"Now we've switched roles.. it's my turn to ask your intentions here." She interrupted him, heading straight to the point. "I'm sure none of us have sent an invitation didn't we?"

"You know this guy Inomi-San?" Konohamaru asked the Yamanaka- She turned to him with a big sigh, nodding in return.

The Sarutobi didn't know how to feel- she was mostly a Shinobi who would hint about her connections, except for this guy.

"And you've changed your name, Hikari? What a shame.. you're a Yamanaka too." Koji smirked, he turned to the mess created by the group below him.

"What a fine battle.. I am in awe that you managed to defeat Ao.. when Yamanaka herself can defeat him. You're still using your K-"

"Get straight to the point- I know what you're doing." Inomi threw a kunai right at his face, he instantly dodged it with one blink of an eye.

"Koji Kashin, was it?" Konohamaru questioned. "While you're telling us more about yourself.. Mind explaining what is KARA too? What are you after?"

Koji narrowed his eyes on that moment- as he began to weave a hand sign. "I'm sorry.. I didn't show myself to answer your questions. You don't understand- Do you?"

"Sealing Jutsu: FROG GULP!"

Inomi widened her eyes- just as she tried to reach out to them.. but it was too late. His jutsu began to tower over them- sealing them inside.

"It's a shame.. I would rather kept watching you in action but.. I have a Position to Maintain." He said, as if he was sincere with his words.

Inomi clicked her tongue. "Master won't even recognize your Actions- we're all against him! We're a mere tool!"

"Watch your mouth Hikari-San." He taunted at her, sending her a small warning.

She then kept her mouth shut- of course, she didn't want to ruin her connections with him.

He summoned a big flame on his hand- raising it towards them.

Not on my watch. Inomi glared at him, performing fast hand signs and took a big breathe. "CHIDORI!"

Koji Kashin immediately stopped his actions- as his eyes widened at the sight of Lightning on her hand.

"You've learn alot.. since I was gone huh?" He whispered to himself.

"SEALING JUTSU RELEASE!" Konohamaru exclaimed as he opened his vest, showing a seal written all over his chest.

"I'm more cautious than I look. I have this just for this sort of situation heh." The Brunette panted- walking towards him.

"Neh, Konohamaru! You're free!" She exclaimed, a spark of joy made her body jolt up with excitement. The Sarutobi turned to her with a serious look. "Don't use your Chidori on him.. I'll Deal with him, myself." He then said.

"Konohamaru-Sama.. are you sure you'll be ok. Let's take him down together-" Inomi protested, stopping him from doing so.

"Inomi-San.. I swear I will protect you- you don't have to do this on your own." He smiled to her, patting her head. "Whatever your connections are to him, must be important- as it is to me.. I just want you safe."

He then pushed her inside the seal- locking her in. She gasped from his sudden action.

"Konohamaru-San! It's dangerous- Ugh.. stubborn head." She muttered in defeat- she couldn't do anything but watch, just like the others.

Soon- their fight began.

It was no surprise, he actually learned how to use a Rasengan.She knew him since she was just 10- no shock that he's Sannin Level.

Then something happened- that she knew would Happened.

She saw a small toad beside Konohamaru, latching onto his pants. She couldn't stop herself yelling at him.

"KONOHAMARU THE TOAD!"

"Huh?!" Konohamaru turned to his just as he heard the sound of a Toad- he knew he'd face his doom.

He was now burning into flames- yet he was screaming in agony.

Inomi felt a tear dropped down her face- watching her own companion suffer by himself.

I can't escape this seal eitherway.. this is just how the Sannins create their Sealing jutsus! Inomi thought to herself, panic arose from her body. If I had Konohamaru's same seal I could help him too, what if I just send a strong force below?... That's dangerous!

Her head started to hurt- as she felt her energy draining, in some sort of way. Huh? What's happening.. my Karma!

She then sensed heat right on her forehead - a string of chakra connected to... Boruto's palm?...

Then something hit her.

That mark on his hand.

She was too late to realize- his Karma had activated, somehow absorbing the Fire surrounding Konohamaru.

Boruto was panicking yet again- then he stared at Inomi's glowing mark on her forehead.

"Boruto." He jolted up, now staring at her teal orbs.

"Whatever happens- trust yourself."

He soon felt weak, just as realized the seal was gone.

A strange mark started going up from his arm, right to his Face. He didn't know what was happening.

He was now absorbing the jutsu casted on his Sensei. Now the Uzumaki had to believe- on what he was doing.

"I'm astonished.." Koji spoke up, staring at Boruto's figure. "What a surprise.. to set eyes on the Karma here. I assumed it was Naruto Uzumaki who defeated Momoshiki.. but It was you. Boruto Uzumaki."

"Enough stop talking already!" Boruto snapped at him. "Stop talking down on us!"

At that moment. Boruto passed out- Fortunately for him, Inomi caught his body on time.

She was weak at that time, her Mark seemed to be connected with his own Karma. The question that keeps lingering on her mind was- how?

She checked her pulse by placing her fingers right on his neck. Not as fatal but he is weak.

She then checked his body- surprisingly, the marks began to morph back into a small diamond shape again. She thanked Kami for that, his Karma was already deactivated.

"Boruto!" Sarada yelled, running up to them both. She then held a kunai on her hand, as Koji started to approach them.

"I shall redraw for a moment, think of it as a reward." He said, much to their relief. "... For showing something Interesting." He then ended- referring to the Karma.

"Wait a second, what was that power just now?!" Sarada frantically asked him, as Inomi held her shoulder. "Sarada-San, it's no use.."

"No- What's going on with Boruto?!"

She then chased towards Koji but luckily- Mitsuki held her tight, refusing to let her be.

Inomi sighed in relief, now reassuring Boruto's safety. She saw peace resting on his face as she hummed in awe. She was now facing signs of regret- well it was now from the past.

She could've Killed the Otsutsuki herself, she didn't want her own student to suffer.. the way she did.

She turned to Konohamaru and nodded on him. "Come here, Let's get you patched up."

~

"YOU THINK I can walk on my own, Yamanaka-San? I'm sure that I'm fine!" Konohamaru stated with a bead of sweat forming on his head.

Inomi smiled and lifted his arm higher to her shoulder- trying to find a comfortable way to carry him. "Boruto doesn't look good the same way you are.. you clearly need assistance Konohamaru-San."

"B-but.."

"You can't find any excuse when you're with me." She giggled at the sound of his sigh- looks like she's claiming victory from now on.

"I have to ask you Yamanaka.." He started, with embarrassment shown on his face. She turned to face him with a confused expression.

"I've seen your face whenever you look at Boruto.. is something the matter?"

"Oh.. it's just that Power- he just released."

"Does it connect with your experience, if I'm correct?"

"You know me so well.. Konohamaru-San." She laughed to herself, earning a small chuckle from him too.

"You really don't have to worry Inomi, he's a strong kid. Although he acts very bratty and all.." He mumbled out the last part. "But.. he knows how to handle a situation - he's learned alot."

"Thank you Konohamaru-Senpai.." She smiled at him, her pink rosy cheeks started to darken more.

Konohamaru smiled at her. "Don't call me your Senior anymore- we've been buddies for long Inomi-Chan.. call me Konohamaru instead!" He suggested, noticing her rosy cheeks even more.

"You still have a tiny crush on me huh?"

"Not anymore! I'm just f-fond of talking with you!" She protested.

"Alright alright.."

"Boruto-San!" Inomi called out, as she saw him stop on his tracks. "Found something again?"

"The Puppets again, they're here?.." He stated in question. Inomi and Konohamaru swiftly went near the Team- to see the same puppets from the Airship, all Torn up as it's torso was left behind.

"The Crash site is farther off, so this looks like to be separate from the ones we battled." The Brunette observed, resting his arm on his knee.

"What do you mean?" Boruto asked.

"What he means was- someone else must've fought them off." Inomi answered, earning a small thanks from the Sarutobi. "Let's go look around- remember not to go out of sight."

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A PALE HAND BEGAN to investigate the matter of the Puppets surrounding them, He touched the remains of it's parts. "The frame is completely cool. Some time has passed when it was destroyed." Said Mitsuki- as The others jumped into his own conclusion.

"It's pretty wrecked if you ask me." Inomi shrugged, as everyone turned to her with dead faces. "What? Last time we've fought one- we didn't even destroyed a single body part."

"Which means whoever fought it.. Possessed Incredible combat Ability." Konohamaru added- as he got Inomi's point.

"Sounds like you, Inomi Chubs." Sarada snickered- as the Yamanaka glared at her. "Eh? Take it as a compliment Inomi, I'm only saying you're strong!"

"There are more similarly damaged puppets strewn about.. but, why here- so far from the airship?.." Katasuke wondered.

"Maybe, whoever took it's Cargo ran from this direction?"

"Or they are the target."

"Makes sense."

WOOF

WOOF

"And that's our sign to follow the dog.. let's move out."

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"THERE'S A BODY DOWN THERE!" Boruto exclaimed as ran towards where Chamaru headed to. There, they all saw a boy- lying down on the ground, looking messy.

"Could he be the one who wrecked the puppets?"

Katasuke hummed in amusement. "Based on Chamaru's reaction, he's still among the living." He said to them- in other words, he was still alive.

"We don't know yet if he's a friend or a foe but.. we might gain some intel on the airship or KARA from him." Konohamaru added- as Inomi hardly nudged his side. "Give the kid a break, he looks exhausted from fighting these puppets."

"What are we wasting time for?!" The Uzumaki irritatedly yelled at his Team, looking impatient as ever. "He's passed out from his injuries!"

Without hesitation - he approached the Boy from below and wait to his aid.

Inomi reluctantly followed behind- she was going to check him as well. Of course, she had to do her job as a Medic Shinobi.

She silently observed his features. He had unique Hair- just like hers. Piercing on his right eyebrow and a small mark on his left cheek. The Yamanaka was thinking- if he was that familiar.

Not until she stared at his left palm.

She gasped in shock.

KARMA.

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