Tsunade read the scroll in her hands another time as she heard the door open and looked up as three jounin's stepped in and looked at her expectantly. She lowered her gaze to the scroll again and finished reading it before she closed it, having memorized it the first time, but wanted to buy herself time. She closed her eyes leaning back with a sigh. "She's been spotted." She spoke quietly. "A team of ANBU followed her to the Fire Country's boarders where she and another were taken on a ship." She paused. "We believe she's heading for the islands."
"The islands?" Sasuke frowned. "Why there?"
"I'm not sure." Tsunade reluctantly admitted. "It doesn't make sense…" she frowned looking back to the scroll. She shook her head before she picked up another and tossed it to Kakashi, then another to Naruto. "I want you Kakashi to go to the Hidden Mist to see what information you can. There's an assignment for you there as well." He nodded glancing to Naruto and Sasuke as they looked at the scroll the blonde held. Both read it before looking up at Tsunade. Naruto was frowning, an uncharacteristic thing of him. Tsunade gave them a helpless look. "I know." She answered their unasked demanded. "But I need the best on this assignment."
Naruto looked at it again and sighed. "As much as Akatsuki is a pain in the ass, I really rather not deal with them right now." His eyes hardened. "Sakura is much more important."
Tsunade regarded them thoughtfully. "Do you agree with him Uchiha?"
Naruto gave his best friend and brother a sympathetic look knowing the other was torn between the revenge he still sought on the organization and his older brother, and what he owed to Sakura. After a tense moment, Sasuke bowed his head. "At this point Sakura matter's most." He spoke firmly. Naruto looked at Tsunade and saw a glint in her eyes before she nodded seriously. "Very well. I'll assign the mission to Neji then." She took the scroll from Naruto and handed him another. "This might help you with your search."
Giving the woman a dubious look Naruto unrolled the scroll and scanned over it. Sasuke glanced at it swiftly and his brow shot up. "You want us to investigate a mysterious island?" He questioned with disbelief.
"Sounds strange I know." Tsunade looked at them seriously. "But this also happens to tie in with Akatsuki as well. Jiraiya was the one that came to me about this; apparently the organization is interested in it. Why I don't know, which is why I want you to see what you can find out about this place, if it even exists."
"How did Erosannin come to hear of it?" Naruto asked frowning over the little information on the scroll. Tsunade lifted a brow sardonically. "I believe he said he heard rumours of young beautiful women coming to the shores of the island to dance under a full moon." She answered deadpanned.
"Really? How interesting." Kakashi spoke lightly and smiled, the corner of his visible eye crinkling at the looks the other three shot him. "What?" He asked innocently. Naruto rolled his eyes as Sasuke snorted under his breath. "We'll leave right away." He told the Hokage. She nodded approval and gave a good luck to them as they both popped out of sight heading home to get ready. She looked at Kakashi with a steely glint in her eyes. "Be careful." She warned.
He waved his hand. "I always am Hokage." He answered holding his scroll lazily before also vanishing. Alone Tsunade reached down and poured herself some sake; leaning back she sipped it lightly with a thoughtful, but determined look on her face. "We will find you Sakura…" she promised softly.
Gazing out into the murky depths of the gloomy mists hanging around the sails of the ship as it steadily ploughed through the dark waters, emerald eyes surveyed the air with a rolling tension settling over her slight frame. There was something in the air that gave her alarm, and it wasn't due to the inability to see through the dangerous mist. No, it was the feeling of being followed. Standing along the edge gripping the ropes at the back rail of the ship Sakura retained her balance smoothly without the help of chakra as the ship pitched and swayed with the waters coming and going. Along the deck, sailors went along their business while glancing to where the pink-haired female overlooked the waters with a silent steady gaze. Many would regard her for many moments before continuing on with an expression of hope, standing at the wheel the captain, Shintaro noticed and looked at Kouji who held the same look to his own eyes, then to Leo who observed with a small smile and nodded to him.
It was the third day, they were into the heart of the dark waters by now, and had not chanced upon any other sailing boats, but then, many dare not come to this territory of waters, it was dangerous, unmarked seas. Not many were obliged to come and explore…not with the price of life at stake.
Narrowing her eyes suddenly Sakura frowned darkly as she spied an anonymous outline of another boat. Lifting her chin as the wind blew by and stirred her hair a hiss escaped her as her eyes flashed suddenly turning amber and glowing dangerously. Spinning she dropped to the deck and moved climbing to the top where Shintaro looked over at her curiously at first, then with slight awe, and fear as he saw her eyes. Kouji stayed silent staring as Leo tilted his head from his resting spot. "Milday?"
"We're being followed." Sakura stated flatly. "Captain change course."
Shintaro nodded slowly and immediately Kouji turned and gave a sharp whistle. The crew came to attention and looked at the first mate made signals with his hands and instantly they began to work along the ropes and lines as Shintaro spun the wheel. Sakura rested her hand on the rail and looked out to the mist again with a steely expression. Shintaro cleared his throat hesitantly. "May I inquire to who is following Lady?"
"No one you want to meet captain." Sakura answered calmly and coolly. He took the answer with a gracious nod, and kept silent afterwards as they continued on. The crew Sakura noticed worked in silence, which she appreciated. Their interceptors were probably counting on the orders from the captain to follow, and the lights…she glanced over sharply. "Take out the lights." She ordered quickly. "And draw the sails."
Shintaro hesitated, looking to Leo. The other merely gazed back. Blowing out a breath the captain made the order, and soon the white sails were closed and the lights flickered out. Sakura stood at attention staring out into the waters as the ship went on slowly her eyes narrowed. Many looked to her as Kage slinked through the shadows on the deck and came to her side pausing as well to look out. After several tense moments, she drew a soft breath and relaxed. "We've lost them for now."
"For now?"
Glancing over to Kouji who'd spoken dubiously she summoned a wan, if not edgy smile. "Akatsuki." She stated plainly. "They are not ones to easily give up. They have reasons for following, especially this far into the waters, and I'd really rather not find out."
"Akatsuki?" Shintaro scowled. "I've heard of them. What do they want with this ship?"
"Me probably…" Sakura replied staring back out at the misty waters. Exchanging a glance the captain and first mate hesitated in asking, fortunately, they were saved when Leo shifted looking mildly interested. "For what reason?"
Sakura glanced back over, and her eyes swirled between amber and emerald. "Let's just say I have…and old acquaintance within the organization…one of whom I'd rather avoid at all costs." She looked away. "At least until I find out what their motives are…" Looking to where the great shadow wolf lay regarding her, she gazed deeply into his eyes before she broke away. "Do you know of another route to the island?" She asked softly.
Shintaro nodded. "Aye, but its dangerous, whirlpools line the waters. Steering them will be a task."
Sakura regarded him intently. "Can you do it?"
"I can." Shintaro nodded once more. "Those waters, called the Lost Fleet is a challenge given to every sea faring member, three times if your lucky, first for the rookies that start out, second for the comin' of a rank, and third for captain hood." He nodded to himself, and gave a roguish grin. "I've done all three in my sea time, and more after."
Sakura gave a small smile. "I'll leave it to your capable hands then captain. Thank you." He sketched a bow to her as she left the bridge, rising; Kage padded after her, and joined her down in the cabin, leaping onto the box bed that served for the journey over the seas. Perching on the end Sakura absently twined her hand into the wolf's ruff, and smoothed his fur lightly, reaching up to scratch his eyebrow lightly. Closing his eyes in pleasure the wolf leaned into her touch and let out a growling purr of delight, causing her to smile slightly in response. Looking out the window of the room she saw the mist outside swirling around as the wind picked up, and felt the waves beat against the ship causing it to sway from side to side more than before. I pass unto another world from what I knew… she thought to herself as she gazed on at the wild storm brewing. And gladly, I become a new person…
"Y'know…I still don't understand what's so special about this island…"
Sasuke glanced over at Naruto's comment, and grunted. "Neither do I." He muttered. "But we still have to check it out, especially if it's linked to Akatsuki…or Sakura."
"Mm…"
Staring out the prow of the ship they had rented, the two kept a sharp lookout for this mysterious island hidden within the mists of the deep waters. Naruto peered out narrowing his eyes. "I can't see a thing." He grumbled. "How the hell do we know if it's really out there or not? I mean…who'd be dumb enough to live way out here?"
"Someone that doesn't want to be found of course."
Sharply Sasuke twisted as Naruto jumped with a yelp. Seeing an elderly man sitting casually on the coiled ropes on the deck nearby, Sasuke relaxed, taking his hand away from the holster that held his shurikens and kunai's. Standing up Naruto rubbed his offended backside and gave a glare to the man. "Eavesdropping is rude old man." He growled.
"Forgive me." The man glanced over, a tilt of his hooded head showed he was looking in their direction. "I couldn't help but overhear…you are searching for an island?"
"Do you know of it?" Sasuke answered with his own question.
"I've heard rumours." The man offered before falling silent. Naruto looked between his companion, and the stranger before he sighed and folded his arms across his chest. "All right…what do you want in return…?" Sasuke glanced over and saw a shrewd look in the others blue gaze.
"I'm looking for protection, only until I get to my destination." The man replied. "In return, I will offer all the knowledge I know of this mysterious place you are in search of…" he paused. "And perhaps more."
"And how do we know you will not lie?" Sasuke questioned.
"I cannot lie my dear boy…" the man lifted a pale hand, and drew back his hood. His aged face was revealed to them, and they stared in shock at the crimson eyes that regarded them calmly. His white hair was held back in a smooth tie, and his beard neatly trimmed as he folded his hands in his lap. "You see…within my standing of my people, I cannot lie…ever. I may be able to tell half truths, and riddles of what is and what will be, and even avoid not telling the truth outright if it is not inquired…but I cannot lie…"
"Why are you eyes red?" Sasuke demanded sharply as Naruto stared.
"It is because of my linage to the goddess." The man replied. "I have no bloodline link to your family young one, you can be assured of that."
Stiffening Sasuke's eyes swirled red. "How did you know…?"
"Be at ease." The man lifted his hand in a strange gesture. "I know these things because it is my right to know. And…" his eyes smiled. "Because I have also done my research…Uchiha Sasuke…Uzumaki Naruto."
Sakura stepped out on to the deck as the ship crashed through another wave breaking through and heard the shouts of the men over the strange sound of howling. She quickly glanced around before using pushing chakra into her feet so that she could make her way across the wet deck to the prow and haul herself up onto the edge holding onto the ropes and stare out at the horrifying sight before them ignoring the chill of the spray of water falling over her continuously.
The Lost Fleet…the waters of where hundreds of ships have sunken. A place where no ship was safe…unless you knew the waters. She looked into the danger and saw the whirlpools dead ahead of them. She saw how the one on the right spun in a clockwise motion, while the one of the left did just the opposite, and so on with the others after that, causing riptides between them, and the waters around to churn with a ferocious tension. The wind blew in a howling gale sweeping back her short hair wildly and caused her clothes to pressed against her figure tightly with the added drenching of the water as she peered ahead gripping the ropes tightly, lashing one loosely around her waist for extra protection. The ship rose up on a wave, only to crash through another one rolling wildly before coming about sharply, and steering right between the first of the whirlpools. Looking closely she saw deadly spikes of rock rising out of the water on either sides of the whirlpools for a good distance before becoming mountains of rock placed for stretches of miles to block the seas on the other side. Curious she looked closer, and her eyes narrowed.
It was all an illusion.
Staring at it hard as the mountains, deadly rocks spikes disappeared she found the whirlpools still there, very much so real, as they ploughed through. Glancing on either side of her as they passed, the yawning spaces below to death became clear as she saw the pools of water pulling with a force that could rip them apart in seconds, and made out broken pieces of ships resting on the bottom of the pool, captured on sharp formations of rock holding them within the middle for eternity.
"Hold steady to ho-oome!" Shintaro's voice roared in the air as they broke through the riptide and entered into calmer waters out of the danger of the whirlpools. The crew called back, their words unheard as Sakura stared ahead to the rising form of the lone island surrounded by mist. She closed her eyes as images came to her mind, and the familiarity of it entered her as she looked up at it again, the ropes falling away from her form as her hair stirred gently while the activity of the crew drew them closer.
"Home…" she whispered. "Now…and forever…I'm home…in Eternity…"
"You're journey is a fruitless one I'm afraid to tell you." The elderly man spoke in gentle tones to Sasuke and Naruto. "True there is such a island where the maidens come to the beach to dance under the moon, but that is a tradition there. However, this island is hidden from the others in this world. I'm afraid you will not be able to get there…alive."
"What are you saying?" Sasuke asked warily.
"The waters are dangerous to this place. You need the people of that island to guide you through the monstrous whirlpools that have claimed many ships. "However, that too is hard to do, the people of that island do not like to leave, much less deal with strangers."
"How do you know this?" Naruto demanded.
"That is simply because I am of that nation." The man told them.
"Then you can take us!"
"I'm cannot." The man disagreed.
"Why not?" Naruto scowled.
The man chuckled. "I am not exactly real…"
Blinking Naruto stared before he abruptly reached forwards, and his hand went right through the man's chest. "Uhh…"
"How are you able to do that?" Sasuke stared curious.
"I am a man of many talents." The other said calmly with a small smile. "Now…I must go…"
"Wait." Sasuke leaned forwards. "There are people interested in your island…we're not sure how…but we need to know if there is anything…of demons…or a source of power that they might want."
"If there is…I'm sure it will be quite impossible for this organization to access it." The man relied mildly. "Our princess will not allow any danger to come to us…"
"Princess…?" Naruto repeated. "You mean you have your own princess?"
"Since the beginning of time…she is our chosen one, our protector…" he glanced over to the ocean, and a smile crossed his face. "In fact…she comes home as we speak…"
Sasuke's eyes sharpened. "She's coming?"
"Returning from a long journey…" the man glanced back over and his smile deepened. "Forgive me young ones…but I must attend to my lady…there is much she has missed out on…"
"Wait." Naruto stalled him, looking serious. "We must know of this island…is there any way that we can get speak to your princess? An alliance would be welcomed."
The man's crimson eyes regarded them. "Perhaps in due time. For now…it is not the right time. When you have over come your hardships, send the wolves to the edges of the shores to sing their songs…we will respond accordingly." He abruptly faded from sight leaving them to sit staring at nothing. Then suddenly the ship faded away and they found themselves sitting in a dark room staring at each other.
"Shit!" Naruto shot up. "It was a genjutsu the whole time! What the hell happened?"
Sasuke glanced around carefully. "I'm not sure…" he muttered angrily. How could he have not seen through this? His activated his Sharinghan and his eyes narrowed. "This was a powerful person to do this…" he murmured.
"What are we going to tell Tsunade?" Naruto glanced over from where he opened the door to look out with a piercing blue gaze shimmering with annoyance. Sasuke considered. "We'll tell her what happened, what we know…" he paused. "She can handle trying to get into contact with these people."
"What do you think he meant, send the wolves?" Naruto's eyes sharpened. "You don't think those ki wolves do you?"
"Yes, I think that's what he meant." Sasuke muttered walking out. He looked around and his eyes narrowed recognizing apart of the town to the village they had taken up the night in. "Come on." He muttered. "We better get back, we don't know for how long we were in that genjutsu."
Leaping into the trees, Naruto was in deep thought before he suddenly spoke. "You don't think that any of that was a lie…do you?"
"The genjutsu?" Sasuke replied. "No…I doubt it. The man…he let me look into his mind briefly…somehow, I could see that he could only tell the truth, or parts in riddles. Whatever was the reason behind all of that, they, or he, went to a lot of trouble to do it."
"But what is the reason?" Naruto mused.
"I'm sure we'll find out." Sasuke replied grimly as they quickened their pace and bounded through the trees back to Konoha.
Tada, once again, I give you a chapter. K's ppl, thinking about taking PCE off the site and redoing it...since I'm at a lost to finish it right now. Tell me your thoughts ideas whatever please!
Storm
