Dawn Over Kusagakure

"Kill!"

"Hahaha! This one's mine! Get lost!"

"I want this house. Get out!"

"..."

Karin huddled, trembling, in her mother's arms, staring in terror at the dark figures that flashed past the window.

The raging firelight, Hikari, cast their shadows into monstrous shapes.

They looked like twisted Ghosts!

"Mom... what's happening out there?"

The woman held Karin tighter. "It's all right. It's all right, Karin. Mom's here..."

Bang!

The words had barely left her mouth.

A Kusagakure ninja kicked in the door, bloodlust written across his face. He twirled a bloodstained Kunai and eyed the mother and daughter with interest.

"Nearly forgot about you two. Those fools only know how to loot. They have no idea the greatest treasure's hidden right here... Hehehe!"

"W-what do you want?"

The woman pulled Karin behind her and spread her arms like a hen shielding her chick, glaring fiercely at the Kusagakure ninja.

"What do I want?"

The Kusagakure ninja smiled cruelly.

"Kusagakure's about to fall. That fool Mui got himself into some kind of serious trouble, and he's as good as dead. If you don't come with me, are you planning to stay here and die?"

"Come on... Only by following someone strong can you put your gifts to use!"

"Hahaha!"

He stepped forward and reached for them.

Whoosh!

A figure appeared behind him. "Fire Release: Heavenly Prison Flame Sword!"

Whoosh!

Scorching heat surged at the Kusagakure ninja's back. Alarm bells rang in his head, and he rolled away.

He dodged the descending blade of flame, then crouched and rapidly formed Hand Seals.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Fwoosh!

A huge fireball burst forth, only to be cleaved apart by the person wielding the flaming sword.

Sparks curled back and scattered through the air.

Only then did the Kusagakure ninja see who had