My head is splitting but ironically the pain is a welcome one.

It meant I was still alive.

What was going on? Last I knew I was in Kirigakure, on my way to train with Hoshigaki-senpai when I was ambushed from behind. I cursed inwardly to myself. I was becoming soft. I should never have stayed in Kirigakure as long as I did.

I kept my eyes closed as I continued to glean information from my other senses. I was lying on a cold floor on my side. My body was stiff but my hands were not tied up, that didn't make much sense. Had I been saved? Or worse, did my captor think I was no match for them? I didn't feel the welcome weight of Chikara on my back. That realization worried me far more than my current situation did.

"You can open your eyes. I know you're awake."

I was so startled I sat up. It was too much for my stiff body to take so I instantly fell back to the ground, cracking my head on the floor. I curled up and grabbed my reeling head. The pain was intense but I didn't black out again. Once the ache receded, I opened my eyes and looked about the dark room. The room was empty of furniture, but at last my eyes rested on a male figure sitting in a chair, reclined slightly with arms folded into his wide sleeves. He wore a black robe with clouds. His long black hair was tied back and his dark eyes held an unnatural keen look to them.

I sat up slowly and stared back at him. Uncomfortable silence filled the room, but he didn't seem bothered by it. I noticed my Chikara blade rested against the wall behind him. He looked unarmed, but I seriously doubted he was.

He looked over his shoulder. "You're welcome to your blade, I won't stop you."

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Why am I here?"

He stood up and lazily stretched. I tensed as he approached, but he walked right past me and drew back the curtain. "Looks like the storm has subsided. Time to move if you're ready."

"I'd like some answers instead," I huffed.

"Some answers are better off unknown. Especially in your case."

My skin crawled. What did he mean?

"He won't tolerate any more delays; if you're in no condition to walk then I'll have to carry you."

"Touch me and you're dead!" I hissed, my shark-like teeth bared.

He wore a brief half-smile. "You've got guts. Good, you'll need it."

Was he challenging me? I eyed him warily as he walked past me again and approached my sword. I panicked and rushed at him. I lashed out with my fists, gathering chakra to my chain-linked gloves to sharpen them so they would slice on impact. He didn't even have time to turn around. Suddenly I was on the ground face-down. Did I over-tax my body again? No, I could feel pressure on my back. I tried to turn my head sideways but a firm hand held it in place. He had me pinned! But…but how?! I nearly had him, how did he out-maneuver me without me seeing it?!

"Don't waste your time," he purred. "You are no match for me."

His confidence grated on my nerves. "Then why don't we find out?"

"I'm not your enemy. Save your strength for those who really are."

I stopped struggling for a moment. "What do you mean?"

He backed off, handed me my sword, and walked towards the door. "We're running even later now thanks for your little stunt. We better not have any more delays, not if you value your life."

I followed him outside. "And why should I even follow you? I'm not even supposed to be here."

He paused for a moment and glanced over his shoulder. His eyes held a hard glare. "Do you intend to resist?"

I smirked and pointed Chikara at him. "I intend do to more than that."

He frowned. "I see."

But suddenly I no longer did. Everything went black again.