Chapter
2
The next
morning, Kyori left her house and went to go see the Hokage.
"Lady Tsunade! I heard that there was a solo mission you wanted me to take."
"Yes…It seems that in the woods, there is a castle. People have been disappearing, but one man managed to get out alive…he claims that there is a beast there…"
"So, you want me to go to the castle, and either kill or tame the beast?" Kyori said calmly.
"Yes," Tsunade said. "Also, we have lost several good ninja to this beast. And, it seems that there used to be a village, Sunagakure, out there—but the Kazekage and the rest of his village vanished a few years ago. Look into this."
Kyori nodded. "Hai. Can I travel with my father? It just so happens that he's going that way…"
"Certainly."
"Arigato, Tsunade-sama." (Thank you.)
Kyori left the office and returned home to prepare for her mission.
"Otou-san! (Father!) I'm traveling with you!" she called.
"Okay, Kyori! Tell me when you're ready to leave! I'm waiting out here!" he called.
Just then there was a knock at the door. She peered through the knothole in the door.
Oh, great. It's Sasuke… again. Why won't he give up?
"Why, hello, Kyori." Her single visible eye glared at him.
"What do you want, Sasuke-san?"
"I just got back from another one of my S rank missions and I thought I'd tell you all about it. So there I was-"
"That's great, Sasuke-san, I have to go now," Kyori said. She shoved him out the door. Shaking her head, she gathered her ninja materials.
"Okay, papa, I'm ready to go!"
They rode off through the woods. About a half an hour later, they found themselves at a fork in the road
"Okay, papa, this is where we split. Good luck!"
"Goodbye, my dear."
He went right as she went left. If only they realized they both followed the wrong side of the fork. – insert sigh here- -.-'
Papa's P. o. V.
I drove the wagon a little farther, and came to a confusing sign.
This is what it said:
S-naga-ure –ilos
Parts of the sign had worn away—or rather, been scratched away…like an animal had been angry.
The other sign had arrows pointing all directions, and said:
Amegakure 2 kilos.
I sighed. Suddenly, the horse stiffened in fear.
I looked in the direction my horse seemed to be anxious to get away from.
Wolves.
Then the horse couldn't take it—she bolted.
And the wolves gave chase.
Kyori's P. o. V.
I heard the clip clap of hooves behind me. I turned.
It was my father, struggling to get control of the horse.
I heard growls, and saw the wolves.
I instantly acted, jumping over the cart and landing in front of the wolves.
Calmly, I stood waiting for them to jump.
One stepped forward.
"He has trespassed," he growled. "He must pay…"
"What has he trespassed on?" I called out in a clear voice.
"The master's ground…" the wolf hissed.
"How should he pay?"
"The master will decide…most likely with his life."
I paused. "I will go in his place."
"Kyori! You can't! I can't lose you too!"
I turned to my father. "I'm sorry, father, but I must. This is the way of the ninja. Please, return to the village and tell the Hokage that things are fine," I leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Father, this is part of my mission, I believe."
"If you're sure, Kyori." He whispered back.
"I am."
I turned back to the wolves. "Is this acceptable?" I asked the one who was obviously leading the pack.
"Yes…" said the wolf thoughtfully. "You'll do quite nicely."
"Lead on. Oh…and give my father safe passage."
"Agreed. Come."
I followed the wolf, hoping I hadn't made a mistake.
I chanced a question. "Who…who are you?"
"My name is Kiba…that is all you need to know."
I nodded.
And we arrived at a castle…
The wolf—Kiba— turned and said "We're here."