OK, like promised, I went back changed a number of things on each chapter. The main being the spelling of the word ANBU and the difference between the Voice and Naruto talking (because everyone had a problem with that). Well, hope you enjoy and see you on the next chapter. Sayonara!
Part 1
Chapter 1: Foreshadow
An ominous aura hung in the air. One that puts even the most prepared and skilled shinobi on edge. In truth, most of the twelve some shinobi standing the small clearing were some of the best. In fact they were some of the most elite and strongest of the ANBU. But even they were on edge because of the new aura that hung heavy in the air.
Minutes seemed to turn into hours as the tension continued. Not a sound could be heard as the shinobi's patience was tested. The chirp of crickets and frogs, the various calls of birds, even the wind itself seemed to become silenced in anticipation. Finally, the silence was broken with a word.
"Sir...?" said a young man hanging close to the edge of the back.
"Yes, Nukoa?" answered a tall, face scared man in the front.
"Don't you think we should get back to the village sense there is no point to remaining here?" The attention of the lead ninja, along with the attention of the group, had turned to the young and inexperienced ANBU.
"What do you mean, Nukoa?" responded the Veteran ninja.
"Well, sir, to be more blunt. With this strange weather putting everyone on edge and are mission being a..." He cut himself off when he received a glare from the lead ninja. Nukoa cleared his throat before he continued "Besides sir, we've been waiting for many hours now on your suspicions that there will be an attack. And I just have to say that I think you're mistaken. And besides, if you are right, shouldn't that be another reason to get back with are strength and chakra reserves exhausted and all..." Nukoa was suddenly silenced by a strong gale of moaning wind that seemed to have crept into the clearing. The trees swayed and moaned in welcome to the new breeze, but for the shinobi, in the array of sounds put them further on the edge. With the wind rolled in a new set of clouds that blocked the last bit of light that the waxing moon had to offer. The only one who seemed unchanged by the events happening around him was the lead ninja.
Then, as suddenly and quickly as it came, the wind vanished, leaving the group of shinobi standing in the dark. At first, it seemed as if the silence from a moment ago would continue on until a sigh was heard from the lead ninja.
"In some small ways you are right, Nukoa," he said in a cold, but tired voice, "But you are mostly wrong." The attention of the group had now turned to their wise leader, seeming to be relieved by hearing the sound of his voice. "For one, we are too far away from Konoha to receive any kind of help and, as you said before, we are physically expent. So much so that we have no hope of getting back to the village." He paused for a moment as if contemplating on what he had just said and whether he should continue. A slight movement was seen where his hand came to rest on his kunia pouch.
"And besides," he continued, "It doesn't matter if we stay or run, a battle will take place. And ether way, it's most likely that we won't survive." Sadness and fear fell upon every ones faces at the sound of these words. "But if we stand and fight, we might just win this," hope suddenly filled their eyes as they looked up at their leader. "And we can at least say we died with honor defending our village."
A sudden sound that became apparent silenced the shinobi and caused them to stop and listen. It was a heavy, rhythmic sound that was, until that moment, never heard before by any of the shinobi. It was very similar to what you'd expect the sound of leather strapped to a canvas and then pushed down through air would sound like. This beating sound had a rhythmic property to it. It was almost like beating of a drum and just like a drum, there was a small pause between the beats of leather.
But the shinobi weren't paying attention to this, no. Their focus was on the fact that the sound was getting louder and closer.
"Get ready men." was all the leader had time to say. But sadly, they were not even close to ready for what they saw next. The next sound that was heard was a scream of fear and a roar of triumph. Few had time to react as fire rained down upon the unsuspecting shinobi.
After the fire had died down considerably, less than half the shinobi were alive. Two of the survivors included the leader and the boy, Nukoa. The old AMBU leader took in the seen before him very calmly, but Nukoa could tell that he was terrified. After several long moments of silence, the old leader turned to Nukoa.
"Nukoa," he said in a tired voice, "I need you to run as fast as you can to the nearest town and send a letter of urgency to Suna and Konoha."
Nukoa looked at him shocked. "But you said..."
"I know what I said then but you need to listen to what I'm saying now!" Nukoa became frightened and shocked at his words but nodded in response.
"Now, once you send the letters, report back to Konoha, immediately. Understand." Nukoa nodded again but couldn't help but ask the question that his mind kept plaguing over.
"What about you and everyone else, sir." The ANBU turned his back to Nukoa as he spoke.
"We will stay here and try and give you a bit more time." He responded solemnly. Nukoa knew deep down that that would be the answer.
"Now go, Nukoa."
"But sir..."
"GO!"
Without another word, Nukoa retreated into the surrounding forest. Despite the pain in his legs, he zoomed through the forest at top speed, fear and determination driving him on. These factors only increased when an ear-splitting scream cut through the night air. One that reveled two horrific truths: that he was the only one left to deliver the vital information to Konoha and the attackers would soon be on his heels.
It was one of those rare days in Konoha. One where peace and calm were evident all over the village. Everyone was out and about, going about his or her normal duties and simple enjoying the day. Even children at the academy and ninjas seemed to be enjoying the tranquility. Sense it was the weekend; all the students were off enjoying their break. As for the shinobis, few missions had turned up recently, so most were out enjoying the free time they had. Usually, days like this were a common occurrence in Konoha, but the resent presence of war had made this day a rare treat. But, unforcently, the peace and calm would not last long. Especially if a certain blonde ninja had anything to say against it.
"Will something just please happen already." Came uproar from the former team 7 training ground. Trees shook at the intensity of the voice and birds took to the air squawking furiously, frightened by the sudden sound. Only until the birds were nothing but dots on the horizon, did peace and calm begin to return. But not for a certain loud mouth ninja who was pacing before a very worried teammate.
"Naruto, calm down already," Sai said to his friend in a worried tone, despite the indifferent vistage "I'm sure Kakashi-sempia has a good reason for being late." 'For like the hundredth time' Sai thought to himself. The said ninja was currently watching Naruto from sitting position under the tree, eyeing him wearily as the "blonde idiot" paced in front of him.
"Oh, like, 'I got lost on the road of life' or 'I was saving a cat from a tree'"...
"Or I was summoned to Tsunade's office on an important matter." came a familiar. Sai and Naruto turned to see Kakashi moving up the path towards them, all the while reading his perverted book.
"Your late, Kakashi-sensei," Blurted out Naruto, "and what do you mean by an important matter!"
"Well it is just that," replied the copy-nin, "around twenty or so minutes ago, I was on my way here when I received a message from Tsunade to report for a mission briefing..."
"You mean you leaving to go on a mission." Naruto cut in with a wine.
"No," said Kakashi, an evident grin under his mask, "you are."
For long time, Sai and Naruto just stared at Kakashi. Finally, the silence was broken when a great big grin spread across Naruto's face and he literally started jumping for joy. Sai on the other had was trying to figure out how one person could go from raging mad to heart broken to booming happy all in the space of 10 seconds.
"I can't believe I'm finally getting mission after all this time. I bet it's a really high one, too." Naruto said after calming down quite considerably "Well, Kakashi-sensei, were better go see Tsunade obaa-chan so we can find out when we're leaving."
"I'm sorry Naruto, but I'm not going."
Naruto turned to look at his teacher, confusion written on his face. "Nani?"
Kakashi gave his student an understanding smile, "I was just sent to inform you, nothing more."
"Well, what about Sai." Naruto said looking over at his teammate.
"He isn't going, ether." Kakashi said in a calm voice. Upon seeing Naruto's disappointed face, he came over and placed a hand on his student's head. "Don't worry Naruto, you'll do fine without us."
"Its not that," Naruto said looking up at his sensei, "It's just that, we never go on missions any more as a team." Naruto remained quiet for quite a while before continuing. "I mean, with Sakura working at the hospital, you and Yamoto sensei always on missions and Sai just sits there like a rock all day, we never get time go on missions." Naruto explained while pointing a finger at Sai.
"Hey, I do not!" Sai said in defense.
"Naruto," said boy looked up at his sensei upon hearing his name, "you're going to have to except the fact that people and conditions change as time goes on." Kakashi said in a serious but sympathetic tone. Upon seeing Naruto's confused expression, Kakashi explained further. "As you begin to develop further as a ninja, certain factors will come into play that will change and effect your friends, your village, even your life." he paused here to think through his words carefully, "The thing is, these factors can not simply be stopped and once they occur, the only thing you can really do about them is to use them to the best of your advantage." Kakashi finished.
"But Kakashi-sensei, what happens to those who can't." Naruto more stated than asked.
"We'll, in something as simple as modern day life, you could lose a reason to live and go on suffering." He said while scratching his chin. "But in cases like in battle or warfare, you could lose everything that is precious to you, including your comrades, your purpose," here Kakashi's voice became cold, "even your own life." A cold breeze blew through the training ground as Naruto stared wide-eyed at his sensei. After a while, the coldness in Kakashi's features melted away into one of warmth.
"Well, that's enough talk for now." Kakashi said in his normal tone. "Well Naruto, you better get going, Tsunade will be mad at you if you don't arrive on time." Upon hearing this statement, Naruto expiration became a panicked one.
"Oh crap, you're right. I have to get going or baa-chan will kill me. Thanks a lot, Kakashi. I'll see you later OK." Naruto yelled out as he sprinted off towards Hokage tower. Kakashi waved after his students disappearing form off as Sai watched the seen with interest.
"You know," Sai said finally. "I don't think a word you said got into idiots thick head."
"Oh don't worry, Naruto got the idea." Kakashi stated before walking over to the memorial stone. 'At least I hope he did,' thought Kakashi as he bent down in front of the stone, 'so he can avoid making the same mistake you made,' he then reached out a hand and traced his figures over the characters that made up one of the names, 'sensei.'
"Tsunade baa-chan" Naruto yelled as he burst into the Hokage's office. Everyone, of course, looked up at Naruto's intrusion. Tsunade rubbed her temples trying to ease away the newly formed headache.
'Damn it,' she mentally cursed, 'Why does he have to be so loud and I just got rid of this headache from my hangover this morning.' A stream of curse words then continued inside her head as the headache worsened. All while this was happening; Naruto walked up to the desk, slightly panting after his sprint to the tower. He took a standing position in-between the two ninja teams that were currently in front of Tsunade's desk. After a moment of more self-cursing, the Hokage finally spoke.
"I assume your all wandering why I summoned you here." Tsunade stated finally. Everyone gave a subtle nod and for once, Naruto held back one of his rude comments. She took this as a sign to continue on. "Well, as you all are aware of, war will soon break out in Konoha." here she paused for a moment, "So it is vital that we strengthen the relationships that we have with other villages while we still can."
"So, what does that have to do with us?" Naruto blurted. Tsunade ignored this comment and as is she had not been interrupted.
"Recently, one of are closest allies, the people in the land of wind, they sent a group of ANBU to find out about strange activities that have occurred at their most eastern boarder." she paused again to study there faces. "When no news returned, we sent a group of are best ANBU to assist them in out there, but," here she sighed before moving on. "We too have lost word from them recently and are concerned deeply because of it." 'Well at least the council is anyway' Tsunade mentally stated.
Number of recurring pauses seemed to be driving poor Naruto insane. For he had now resorted to taping his finger against his arm in order to keep himself preoccupied. It was growing apparent that Tsunade needed to finish before Naruto blew a fuse.
"This is were all of you come in." Naruto's attention was yet again on the Hokage, interest in his eyes. "I need the nine of you to track down and figure out what has happened to our allies in the field. Once done so, report back and/or send word, depending on the situation."
"Excuse me, Hokage-sama." Came familiarly calm voice.
"Yes, Neji." Tsunade replied.
"Wouldn't make much more sense for a mission such as this to have only two squads instead of an added member." 'Not that I mind.' taking a glance at Naruto.
"Actually, those were my own thoughts as well. I assumed that with skill levels and experience, that a mission such as this would only require the eight of you,"
"Hey, wait a minute." Naruto roared, "Are you saying that skills are worthless. And if that's the case, why am I even here."
"Well if you shut your trap, I'd be happy to explain." snapped Tsunade. Said boy went silent although he continued to fume. The Hokage, meanwhile, took a moment to try and rid herself of the now screaming headache. After a long pause, she continued on.
"Though, soon after sending an important letter to the Kazekage to inform him of the mission and all who would participate, I received a letter back of his opinion. Although he agreed with my decision on the teams, due to recent outcome with the other shinobi sent out, he wished for an extra member to be sent along as messenger of the team." Here, she paused to catch her breath. "He wanted a shinobi that he knew would finish the mission no matter what. Some one he can depend on, who he respects and trusts." Her eyes then came to rest on the blonde shinobi. "Some one, like you."
Naruto's expression was unreadable for quite a while, his eyes squinting at the Hokage's form. Finally, he responded by saying, "So wait. My job on the this is to be a delivery boy." Tsunade was about to respond when he suddenly turned his back to her. "Well you can forget it. I'm not wasting my skills on something as simple as giving a stupid report. I'm out of here." With that, he began to walk towards the entrance.
'Why that little punk.' Tsunade was about to make an even worse comment at the blonde ninja when Rock Lee interrupted. "But Naruto, its more than just a simple messenger job. In fact, it is probably THE most important job on this mission." That stopped Naruto in his tracks and after a long pause he replied with a, "Really."
Rock Lee nodded despite Naruto not seeing it, "Indeed, it will be difficult to accomplish this mission without your assistants." It was quite visible at this point that Naruto was between leaving and staying at this point. Tsunade, of course, could see this and a firm smile became plastered on her face. 'It's time to bring out the trump card.' she thought devishly.
"And by the way, Naruto." she said with a tempting voice, "I took the liberty of speaking to the council about this mission and your role in it. And after talking it over, they have come to the decision," at this point, Naruto had turned his head so that half of his face was showing, she now had his full attention, "that if you complete this mission, they are willing to pass you as a Chunnin."
"Well then what are we waiting, let's move out." Naruto cheered while Tsunade smiled to herself, 'Well, this worked out well. Man, if I knew it worked this well, I would have done it ages ago.' After a while, the Hokage snapped out of her thoughts to address the group.
But, it was quite clear that she was going to have to wait even longer. Currently, Naruto, Rock Lee and Gai were all ranting on about who knows what, while everyone else watched on. Tenten was watching trying to keep herself from running out of the room in embarrassment while Neji eyed them as if they were going to attack him. Kurinai, Kiba (along with Akamaru) and Shino were trying to figure out were they got all this energy from. Hinata on the other hand was twiddling her fingers and trying her best not to faint from being in Naruto's presence. A task easier said than done sense she was standing right next to him.
After a while, Tsunade cleared her throat to continue. Everyone's attention quickly snapped back to her. "Now then, there are a few things I need to discuss before you are dismissed." Her eyes scanned the shinobi to make certain that they were listening before she said anything else.
"First off, I'd like to inform you all everything that has been and will be said is not to be repeated outside this room. After all, if enemies found out about our current position, they would most definitely take to this opportunity to take action. Understood." they all gave a nod. "The next matter of importance is the ranking of the mission. Although it is a simple recognizance mission, a C ranked mission at most, I must warn you here and now. Due to the fact that we have close to no idea to the purpose nor reasoning to why we have yet to receive word, the mission can quickly become higher ranked. Sense we can only speculate it is interference of some kind this mission could easily become a B-ranked or even an A-ranked. So be careful!
"Hai, Tsunade-sama." Replied the shinobi.
"Alright then. Sense Gai and Kurinai are the oldest among you they will be in charge of this mission. Understood." Naruto was about to make a complaint but Neji quickly covered his mouth before he could say anything. "Good, dismissed."
Everyone filed out of the room. Once they were all out, Gai spoke up, "Alright then, sense time is of the essence, you all have exactly three hours to assemble your needed supplies and rendezvous at the front gate before we set out for our mission. If we hurry, we'll make it to the edge of the Fire Country."
"Excuse me, Gai-sensei."
"Yes, Lee."
"If time is of the essence, shouldn't we aim for a two hour period of preparation and aim for getting as far as the dessert in the land of wind instead?"
"Ah, you have a point Lee, but instead, how about it only an hour and aim for making it past Suna."
"Excuse me, Gai but may a make a point in saying that I'm also in charge of this mission as well."
"Oh, you are correct, Kurinai-san, so please share with us your opinion."
"Well, sense my team is not used to working at an insane rate. 'And I do mean insane.' I believe that we should aim for an hour and a half of preparation and make a goal of making it past fire country border before dark."
"Ah, that sounds like an excellent idea, Kurinai-san. Alright, you have your orders now move out."
"Hai." Was the only response Gai got before they left in a flash.
"Alright, I think that about covers all I'll need on this mission." Naruto stated as he finished up the rest of his packing. Although he had just packed the basic needs, he very proud of the job he had done. He felt his pride swell even more when he glanced at the clock. He had around fifty minute to spare."
'And sense I can easily make it the gate in five, I'll have forty-five minutes to spare. Great, I catch up on some extra training.'
'And maybe learn a new jutsu while you're at it sense you seriously need update to a new one.'
"Ah, what the hell. Who said that?" Naruto scanned the room but saw no one there. Normally, Naruto would have just shrugged it off, but even as he picked up his things and set out, he couldn't shake off unnerving feeling that preoccupied his mind.
'Man, I've been hearing a voice for several weeks now. I wonder if I'm catching something. I mean I know it's not normal. At least, I don't think it is.' It was, in truth, bad to hear voices in your head. In fact, it usually meant you were going insane.
'Ah man, like I don't have enough going on as it is,'
'What in the hell are you talking about. Aside from this mission, you have nothing to do. I mean, with all your comrades out on missions, life pretty much sucks for you.'
"Will you fucking shut up you stupid voice. Can't you see I'm trying to thi.." Naruto was cut off when he realized the situation that he was in. He was currently facing away from his destination. His was in a stance that was very threatening sense he had one fist raised and looked as if he was ready for a fight. He was standing in the middle of the market place with many people staring at him and looking very concerned. Naruto gave nervous chuckle before turned around and began speeding off towards the gates as fast as possible.
'Ah man, that's just great. I hope your happy Voice. Because of you, people now think I'm insane.'
'Well, technically speaking, it's your fault sense you just had to have that little out burst.'
'Just great, I get a voice with logic. How ironic' Thankfully, Naruto heard nothing else from "the voice" for the remainder of time it took to get up to the gates. This factor seemed to brighten his mood and it only increased further when he saw that he was the first one there.
"Alright, time for some training." He yelled.
"Actually, your not aloud to train outside the designated grounds." Informed the gatekeeper.
"Why the hell not." fumed Naruto.
"It's saftey precautions for the civilians. You'll just have to find something else to do." Naruto glared at the man for quite awhile before he finally responded with a "Fine, I will." and then promptly sat down, pouting. Now, being that Naruto has a very short attention span, it didn't take long for him to become lost in his own thoughts. But because he was so deep in thought he did not notice the person walking up to him.
"Hello, Naruto-kun." Came a soft voice. Naruto, being the spaz that he is and the fact that he had been hearing a voice for over a month, did what came naturally. He over reacted.
"Ah, what the hell."
A squeak was heard before the person who had greeted Naruto hid behind a tree. It took a while for Naruto to realize what had happened. Once he did, he was mad and embarrassed.
'Crap. Not only did I just scare one of my friends, but I'm now having trouble telling the difference between the voices in my head and in reality.' After a little more self-cursing, Naruto finally decided to go apologize to who ever had greeted him.
He stood up, brushed off the dirt, the walked over to the tree. As he peered around the trunk of the tree, he was surprised to find, "Hinata?" She made a small sound and became instantly stiff. She slowly turned her head so she was facing Naruto.
Her pale eyes and face looked astonished and frightened. At first, Naruto didn't understand why she was so nervous. Sure, she was always nervous around him since she was constantly fainting and blushing in his presnise. He just hadn't realized it until recently (in the form of Sakura taking him aside and knocking some sense into him). But now it felt different and it took awhile for him to realize why.
The space between the two was almost nonexistent, only a few inches separating their bodies. Their noses were barely brushing and his breathe fanning against her lips. Her face was turning a deep scarlet and she was shaking all over. Neither moved from their position, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Their eyes locked and at first it seemed like it would remain that way without interruption.
'Don't you want to just kiss her right about now?' Well, so much for that plan.
Startled, Naruto fell backwards into the dirt. After calming his heart rate, Naruto became very annoyed.
'Why did you freaking do that?' Naruto yelled within his own mind.
'Do what?'
'Scaring me when I was talking to Hinata.' Naruto heard laughter in the back of his mind before voice finally spoke.
'I'm sorry but you weren't talking to her, you were checking her out.' Naruto went bright red at this thought.
'I was not.' Naruto argued. He heard the voice chuckle lightly, apparently not convinced.
'Yeah, right. I bet if I hadn't interrupted you would have kissed her. Not that I blame you. Growl!'
'What do you mean?' He stuttered.
'Ah, come on, its painfully obvious without that jacket she would look really sexy.' Naruto then heard Voice making very improper animal noises. 'Man, no wonder the hyugas are so protective of her. A dish like her would have been eaten ages ago without it.' At this point, Naruto had covered his ears with his hands and closed his eyes, desperately trying to rid himself of the thoughts and images that plagued his mind. Voice, thoroughly enjoying itself, continued on with other various descriptions of Hinata.
Hinata, on the other hand, had watched the whole show commence. She hadn't heard the conversation (thank god), but she did notice Naruto's reactions. Which could explain her concerned face. Whether it was for Naruto or herself was anyone's guess. Regrettably, like the said blonde, Hinata was so focused that she did not notice the persons approaching her.
"Hey Hinata, what's happening." Hinata jumped and made a small sound but didn't hide. Instead, she turned faced her two teammates.
"Konichiwa, Kiba-san and Shino-san. I'm fine." Hinata replied while moving between them and Naruto, blocking their view of him. "Where is everyone else?" Seeming not to notice, Kiba continued on.
"Well, we stopped at Kurinai-sensei's house, but she must have already left. Neji and Tenten are taking there time getting here. Neji said that Guy and Lee are most likely getting some last minute training so it will take them a while.." Kiba stopped when he heard the most unusual sound. It was like coconut hitting a tree. Peering behind Hinata, they were shocked at what they saw. Naruto, realizing his past attempts were fruitless, had started to banging his head against a tree. He was hoping that he could beat the voice and the images out of his head. So far though he was only getting a headache. A stunned silence issued until Kiba broke it.
"Um, Naruto, what are you doing?" Naruto paused in his actions, opened his eyes and looked up. Voice went silent, now focused on the events that were about to unfold. Naruto felt panic well up inside him as realized he had been doing, in front of his friends no less. After a while, Naruto smiled and seemed to revert back to his old self.
"Hey guys, when did you get here?" There was a certain edge in Naruto's voice that was not easily missed. It was evident that Naruto was worried at what their response would be. But he would not get an answer since the rest of the group showed up.
"Is every ready?" Kurinai asked.
"My team and myself are ready to leave, Kurinai-san." Answered Guy.
"Shino and myself are ready but I don't know about Hinata or Naruto." Kiba replied. Everyone turned at this point to eye the two shinobi. Hinata flushed and gave a brief nod, while Naruto remand silent. This took everyone aback, half expecting him to yell and shout out enthusiastically. But he didn't, instead his mind seemed to be distanced, his face puzzled. He was staring at something within Konoha, looking at the faces of the Hokage monument. Despite the fact that there seemed to be nothing there. After a long pause, Kurinai decided to speak.
"Uh, Naruto." Upon hearing his name, he seemed snap out of his trance. After shaking his head vigoresly, he spoke up.
"Oh, um, yah, I'm ready to go I was just thinking."
"Naruto can actually think. O kami, it's a miracle." Kiba said dramatically. Naruto had no choice but to retort.
"Hey, don't be such a hypocrite."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I mean that you're an even bigger baka."
"Oh, so you admit you're baka." As much as she was enjoy this "fascinating" conversation, Kurinai knew she had to stop it before it got out of hand.
"Naruto! Kiba! That's enough. We need to get going if we're going to stay on schedule." The two ninja snapped out there argument at the sound of her voice but still retained the bitterness from it.
"Alright team, lets move out!" said Guy said pumping his fist, Lee coping his action. With that said, the ninja took off into the forest in the direction of the sand border. All the while, every one kept to there own thoughts. Even Naruto found himself lost in his own thoughts. Though his were far more sinister.
'That chakra…it was so…powerful…and sudden. I wander if anyone else felt it. Probably not.' He took this opportunity to look at his team. 'Definitely not. But then why was I the only one who felt it. Or was it my imagination?' here, he shook his head trying to clear his mind of the thoughts, 'No, I know I sensed a chakra signature.' 'But still…that chakra…the ferocity...the vengeance… the evil. The only chakra that I've felt that is like it is,' an image came to Naruto's mind at that moment. A large, grotesque body covered in sleek, blood red fur. It was complemented with a long snout with rows of sharp teeth. A pair of red, slighted eyes stared down at him as nine tails swayed in the background. 'The Kyuubi's.'