We were given his last known location as a starting place. Keisuke and were just looking around. It was hard to look for a ninja that was hidden. It was even harder to find where an enemy might store a captured ninja. We only found Goro, Rokuro and Juro because Akaime Clan sent immature scum to ambush genin hopefuls. We went around in circles trying to find where Kazuya could be. We must have triggered a trap, because several members of the enemy clan popped out to find us. We fought all of them off only to trigger another trap. And another. We were doing great at thinning their numbers. They were also a minor clan after all. However, during a brutal and bloody kill that Keisuke made, I saw something reflect on the blade before it sank into the enemy's throat. I looked over where the reflection was coming from. I pointed it out and we carefully inched out way towards it. There was a camouflaged shed. We scoped the perimeter but could not see a door. There had to be a way in. This looked way too important to be a dead end. There was a small circular indent on one of the walls.
Cautiously sticking his fingers inside, he was able to open a door 10 feet away on the same wall. Both of us nodded as we inched closer to it. Once we got to the door, I counted down with my left hand fingers. When there were no fingers left, we both jumped in the room. It was dark and damp in there. At the back, tied to the ceiling with heavy ropes, was Kazuya. He was certainly worse for wear. His bodysuit was ripped and torn to shreds. At least it covered up the most private parts of his battle worn body. His eyes opened as we appeared. He seemed to recognize that we were friendly. "I remember you two. Here to get me? Or gut me?" he asked, his voice hoarse and scratchy. We cut him loose. He tried to give his report, I shushed him. "Your mother has been worried. You can report directly to her." Keisuke said as he lended the wounded warrior a shoulder to lean on. "We just need to bring you back to the village safe and sound." I said. That was when the door shut. Instead of a comforting ray of sunshine, we were met with the cold demeanor of a man in a flowing robe like jacket.
The man seemed to radiate menace. I knew he was going to be a tough boss fight. I was resigned to it. Keisuke stood and drew his spear. He glared at the man and just rolled his shoulders. He said "Who the hell are you!? Get out of our way or you're going to regret it!" The man in question just raised an eyebrow at the empty threat. We were just a trio of genin. He was probably an elder or something. There was no reason at all to fear us. There had to be a way to avoid this fight. I asked "If we swear never to return, will you let us go?" It was a long shot, but maybe the distraction would lead to something. He actually started laughing. Damn it. When he finally regained his composure, he said "There is no safety when you invade another ninja village. None of you are getting out of here alive." He said. That was the last chance we had at diplomacy. He went hostile and I was right. He was an elder and this was a boss fight. I had my weapons. Keisuke had his. The elder was using a long scythe. Luckily for us, Kazuya was able to fight with us. We each handed over a kunai to him. It was rough.
