The overhead sky was clear, a vast expanse of cerulean reaching towards the horizon until disappearing behind the outlaying mountain range, empty of the usual storm clouds native to this part of rain country. Forest stretched for miles before fading into grassland's, sweltering with midsummer hear and running for miles on end, a clear trait of this part of the continent, desert temperature and lack of water made it eerily similar to Sand Country.
An overwhelming sense of loss swept over a dishelved group of ninja, haggard from battle and travel, stopping momentarily to bury yet another comrade in the deserted wasteland so distant and unfamiliar, the dwindling fighters had lost their third ally and friend, this time finding it harder to turn away than before. With no way to properly mourn the four remaining reluctantly placed a meager tombstone atop the fresh grave, saying silent prayers of peace in the afterlife before continuing on their journey, short yet another loved one.
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The somber mood of the troop changed to sour when a small fight broke out amongst two of the youngest, the fresh mental wounds fueling their argument until it boiled over. This time the loss was not one to death but anger and hopelessness, the companion's were divided, two remained to finish what they had begun, to bring back an old friend by all means necessary.
"Stop beating yourself up about what happened today, it will turn out fine in the end, you'll see."
The fifteen year olds voice was quite, almost gentle, but her face displayed raw emotion and the words she had just a minute ago said so confidently faded into the surrounding dusk, a frugal promise, a fragile declaration that seemed a lie in times like these.
The fair-headed boy sitting beside her didn't even make an effort to respond, after the tousle with Kiba he had kept to himself, unusual for his personality, something that frightened the roseate girl more than any of today's happenings combined.
If Naruto, her remaining hope and lifeline, gave out she might as well have a kunai through her back, he was the only reason she had left to fight.
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"No, the soil is fresh, they have a substantial lead but we could catch up by tomorrow morning."
Two hooded figures stood above the newly made grave, lazily kicking the upturned dirt with their boot clad feet. One ran his hand over the grave marker, gently tracing the etched name with his forefinger before snatching it away, the spine of the stone splitting under his minimal touch.
"Then that is what we must do. Come, we have no business with the dead."
Overhead the sun had sunken behind distant mountains casting a red glow upon the few clouds, a sign of good luck for the two departing ninja.
"The sky, it matches our cloaks perfectly," one commented. "Perhaps a good omen then."
"For us maybe."