SHUKUMEI'S PLAN
As Shukumei and Yamata journey to the Hierarchy to tackle the crisis overwhelming the Land of Fire, Shukumei confides his strategy to Karin.
He informs Karin of his decision to deploy Smoke and Fugami for the task, and ensures the Delta ops covertly safeguard them for their protection.
Karin voices her support, affirming to Shukumei and Yamata that the village will be bolstered with extra shinobi to secure its safety during their absence, until the mission reaches a successful conclusion.
Yamata sends out a serpent to locate Smoke and Fugami, calling them to action.
Smoke being the first to arrive asks in a laid-back manner, "Why did they summon him?"
Shukumei responds to Smoke, stating his desire for him to undertake an Elite Class Mission and that his expertise is crucial.
Smoke then queries about the nature of the mission.
THE MONKEY KING
Yamata goes on to explain that they must devise a strategy to challenge the Grandmaster of Fire "Goku," also known as the "Monkey King," who possesses immense strength. Goku can morph into 72 different beasts or objects, glide on the cloud Kinto-un, and employ the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff capable of altering its size.
Hearing this, beads of sweat start to trickle down Smoke's face as the thought of confronting someone of such formidable power with a multitude of abilities makes him anxious.
Shukumei reassures Smoke that he will also be joining them on this mission.
At this point, Fugami, distinguished by his short spiky black hair, dark eyes, and clad in a black long-sleeve shirt underneath red samurai oni armor, enters the room.
Fugami bows before Shukumei and states, "I am here, Grandmaster, in your presence.
May I inquire as to the reason for my summoning?" Shukumei then sheds light on the matter for Fugami, who, upon hearing it, feels a wave of terror and questions, "Why is this happening?" Shukumei glances at Smoke and then informs Fugami, "It's a case of misunderstanding.
Smoke had to take out a Shinobi for the well-being of the Village."
Fugami looks at Smoke and tells him that he is foolish for making his way into the Land of Fire. Smoke locks eyes with Fugami and tells him to keep out of his affairs.
Fugmai states that just because Kori, Smoke's brother who sacrificed himself for the village in a conflict with the Land of Fire, doesn't oblige him to lead them into warfare.
Smoke then starts to elevate his aura, as smoke swirls around him.
Yamata, filled with rage, releases a multitude of snakes from his attire, demanding everyone keep quiet.
Witnessing Yamata's white snakes, Smoke and Fugami tremble in fear as they listen to the snakes hissing with their jaws agape.
Shukumei advises Yamata to remain calm as he repositions the snakes into his garments.
Meanwhile, Fugami inquires about their strategy for facing Goku.
Shukumei suggests he could employ his Butsugan to manipulate Goku's mind, although he acknowledges Goku operates on a different level.
He mentions his Genkaku has a resistance to Goku but expresses confidence in his ability to overpower Goku with physical force.
Nonetheless, he emphasizes his desire to avoid such a confrontation.
Smoke then suggests that Hikari Hinotori is the ideal candidate for the mission, to which Shukumei retorts in frustration, stating that Hikari is merely a child under his guardianship and he cannot risk anything happening to her.
SMOKE INFORMS HIKARI
Smoke counters by stating his position as Hikari's mentor and elaborates that she is no regular ninja; at the young age of 12, she is a top-tier Shinobi known for successfully carrying out high-level assignments and possesses remarkable abilities.
Fugami interjects, exclaiming, "Hold on, did I hear that correctly?
Hikari Hinotori?
Hold up, there are survivors and they are allies to our village?
Lord Shukumei, what's going through your mind? It was Lord Haru who brought an end to the Dragon War between the Hinotori and Yaskue clans; they are our foes.
" Shukumei responds, "In the era when Haru served as the Grandmaster, he along with Daku Hinotori founded the Sakura Village, and it was Daku who established its systems.
He declared that the Hinotori have an unequivocal right to reside in the village.
Furthermore, there is currently a treaty between Sakura and Kurayami, and these are his dictates."
Fugami grunts and understands the outcome.
Shukumei accesses the records of Hikari Hinotori, observing that her level exceeds that of many Adult shinobi, leading Sakura Yamata to recommend her for the Delta Ops, where she could reach Elite status within a year.
HIKARI GRANTED THE MISSION
Shukumei then informs Smoke that he's allowing Hikari to participate in the mission, with the stipulation that he guard her with his life to avoid any issues with Itami Hinotori, as that would pose a significant problem.
Shukumei subsequently instructs Yamata to call upon Hikari, as the Serpent, with its sibilant sliding, makes its way to Hikari's residence.
Just as Hikari completes the preparation of Shrimp Ramen for Kurai, following her training session, the Serpent attaches itself to the window and knocks, drawing Kurai's attention.
She proceeds to open the window, at which point the Serpent announces, "I am Yamata Orochi, the deputy of the Grandmaster of Sakura.
My purpose is to request the presence of Hikari Hinotori in the office."
Kurai screams out, "Big sister, there's a snake that's speaking!" Hikari quickly comes to Kurai's side, questioning, "Who are you?" as the snake starts to explain.
Hikari nods and informs Yamata she's on her way.
She advises Kurai not to stay at home alone and to spend time with her friends while she's away.
Agreeing, Kurai finishes her meal and accompanies Hikari out, heading to Inochi's residence.
HIKARI SUMMONED
Upon reaching the office, Hikari greets Shukumei with a bow, stating, " Lord Grandmaster, I have arrived.
What's happening?" Observing Smoke in a corner, she approaches and inquires, "Sensei Smoke, what's occurring?"
Yamata briefs Hikari on the mission, her gaze fixed intently on him.
Inquiring about the identity of the shinobi and their origin, Shukumei responds that they are shinobi hailing from the Land of Fire.
She questions, "Are these the same ninjas who attempted to abduct my sister, Kurai, Lord Shukumei?"
Shukumei, visibly surprised by her knowledge, confirms with a grunt, affirming he's assembling powerful ninjas for the mission.
She probes further about his strategy.
He reveals his intention to utilize his Bustugan for mind control, but acknowledges its limitation to one individual due to Goku's mind strength.
Thus, he plans to negotiate but doubts its effectiveness against the Monkey King.
Hikari with a nonchalant look and says wow he can counter the Bustugans mind control technique that's brilliant I never heard of such a thing.
Hikari confidently proposes her strategy, sure of its success.
Fugmai, with a sense of curiosity, inquires about her strategy, then adds, "What could someone as young as you possibly think of or be capable of against the Grandmaster of Fire?" He says this with an arrogant snicker.
HIKARI'S ULTRA KOKKROGAN
With her eyes shut and subsequently facing Fugmai, she gradually uncovers them, unveiling her Ultra Kokkrogan, and utters, "but I possess alternative techniques as well."
The atmosphere shifts dramatically as silence engulfs the room, everyone's eyes fixed on Hikari, feeling the intensity.
Shukumei, observing closely, remarks, "Those eyes... It's undeniable, it's the Ultra Kokkrogan, the supreme power of the Hinotori clan."