Kakashi quickly approached, his eyes sharp as he observed every detail. "Another scent?"
Pakkun nodded. "Yes. From here, Rin's scent goes down to the ground, mixed with several other scents. After that, Rin's scent leads over there," said Pakkun, pointing in the direction previously mentioned by the Kirigakure ninja affected by Kakashi's Genjutsu.
Kakashi fell silent. His heavy breathing was clearly audible in the stillness of the forest. In Kakashi's mind, he was processing the information rapidly.
"Rin... has truly been kidnapped." A burning anger filled Kakashi's chest. He clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white. Kakashi's resolve grew stronger.
"I will bring you back, Rin," Kakashi thought as he stared straight ahead, his eyes filled with rage and determination.
But Pakkun suddenly interrupted. "But, Kakashi... there's something strange about Rin's scent."
Kakashi turned quickly. "Strange? What do you mean, Pakkun?"
Pakkun hesitated for a moment before answering. "Rin's scent feels inconsistent. Like... something has been altered or covered up."
Kakashi fell silent again. His mind raced, trying to understand the situation. If Rin's scent felt different, there was a possibility the enemy was using tricks to cover their tracks.
...
...
...
Aoki, thinking far ahead, carefully devised a plan.
Kakashi would not stop pursuing Rin; Aoki knew that Kakashi's Ninken were highly trained. They could accurately distinguish scents. To counter this, Aoki removed Rin's clothing and put it on a clone. Although this step felt strange and disrespectful, it was part of the plan.
Additionally, Rin would wear the clothing previously used by the clone. Aoki had also sprayed a special men's perfume all over Rin's body.
The scent of Rin's original body would mix with the aroma from the clone. If Kakashi arrived at this place, he would likely think this was one of the tricks devised by Kirigakure.
Aoki was very aware that this plan had flaws, but sometimes those flaws made it harder to predict. The more flaws there were, the greater the chance Kakashi would be trapped.
...
...
...
Kakashi clenched his jaw tightly. "Maybe this is their plan," Kakashi said in a low voice.
"What do you mean?" Pakkun asked.
"They might have intentionally altered Rin's scent so that we lose her trail. It could be a trick to waste our time."
Pakkun tilted his head for a moment before nodding. "That could be. But I can still track the last direction of this scent. If it really is Rin, we will be able to find her."
"Alright. Lead the way, Pakkun!" Kakashi said firmly, his eyes radiating unwavering determination.
Pakkun nodded and immediately moved, followed by the seven other Ninken. Kakashi clenched his fist, following them with confidence.
"I will find you, Rin. No matter what they plan, I will not let them hurt you."
...
...
...
After leaping between the branches of trees at high speed, Kakashi, Pakkun, and the Ninken finally arrived at the edge of the forest surrounding the Kirigakure ninja base. The place was hidden behind thick fog, typical of the area, with several guards patrolling around.
"That's the place we're looking for!" Pakkun said, pointing towards the base with his snout.
Kakashi nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the area carefully. "I understand..." Kakashi murmured, his gaze fixed on the guards who appeared vigilant. The fog enveloping the area made it even harder for Kakashi to accurately read the number of enemies.
Kakashi stood on a tree branch, his mind filled with two equally difficult choices. He could wait until the Kirigakure ninjas finished sealing Sanbi into Rin's body, then attack them when Rin was sent back.
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