Chapter 10
"I'm beginning to hate this mission. You know what? I'm beginning to think oba-sama is just giving us these useless missions to keep us occupied." Naruto complained as he came to a realization.
"Hn" the Uchiha replied. He repressed the urge to say 'you just noticed?' to Naruto. He doesn't feel like starting up an argument.
Who could even blame Naruto? The mission given might have been a complete waste of time. They already wasted a day guarding and sweeping up the perimeters but they haven't caught anyone spying on the village. Not even a single trace of chakra signature had been shed among the surrounding. They have to be patient. He knows it couldn't be a false alarm. Konoha had been increasing security ever since another shinobi war almost broke out a few years ago. Center of attacks have been focus always on Fire country since it's the most powerful. For Konoha, they cannot risk to let their guard down because it would be when the enemy would be likely striking.
"She was also like this when you were the one who left the village." Naruto uttered absent mindedly while staring at the star filled sky, his back press on the tree behind him. "She would assign me to nasty mission just to keep my mind off from going after you."
Sasuke followed his gaze. He remembered the time when they were lying on their backs stargazing during a mission. He remembered Sakura's innocent smile as she was looking up, stars reflected bright on those amazing green eyes. Thinking about it, induced another stab of pain on his chest. He sighed and then let his eyes wander to the dying flames he lit a few hours ago.
"Do you think we'll see her again? Sakura, I mean." Naruto asked suddenly after a moment of silence turning his gaze back to Sasuke.
"I don't know." Sasuke replied without looking back at the blonde. He wasn't sure what to believe himself.
They both stood up when they felt someone approaching. They relax when they realized it was just a member of Sasuke's squad, Hakade. The shinobi nodded to both of them.
"Hakade, what's wrong? Did something happen?" the Uchiha asked.
"Yes. We were able to locate some traces of chakra on the perimeter assigned to us just awhile ago. It was so faint. We weren't able to recognize it immediately. Sekai was able to follow it but we thought to inform you first. He is still on the trail." Hakade reported.
"At last some action!" Naruto said.
"Good. Don't call off the squad yet. Advise them to tighten security on the surrounding area. Have somebody take our place here. We'll follow Sekai. We'll leave it to you to send report back to Konoha. If we are not back by dawn, send reinforcements." Sasuke commanded. He knew it would not be right for him to just leave but he wants the mission to be over and done with. It doesn't matter because he also knew that Naruto is itching to follow.
"Hai!" Hakade replied without questioning his leader. He trusts the Uchiha's judgment because it never failed even once. Sasuke also think that it's time for his second in command to prove himself. "Sekai left trail marks and traces of his chakra on the trees. You should be able to locate him easily."
With that, they leap through the trees at full speed. They were able to find the first tree that had been marked.
"We have to find him fast or we'll lose him once were out of the border." Naruto shouted behind him.
When they came to the river bend. They could not find Sekai's trail mark anymore.
"What the hell!?" Naruto swore.
"Shh! Get down!" Sasuke pulled Naruto back and masked their chakra.
They saw Sekai lying on the ground not moving. Two shadows hovering over him unrecognizable even with the light of the full moon, half of their faces covered by black masks. Both immediately back away from the body, disappearing among the trees.
"Sekai!" Naruto ran to the shinobi's side and felt his pulse, Sasuke behind him.
"I'm alive. I just can't move. They caught me off guard and the other one ram me with paralyzing needles. You could still catch up with them." Sekai said through his gritted teeth.
"You bet we will!" Naruto growled.
Sasuke and Naruto were able to follow the chakra trail of the shadows easily. Having been discovered already, the enemy disregarded hiding their chakra anymore. The trail split when they were almost outside the border.
"You go after the one near the mountain. I'll take care of the other. Don't kill him. We'll take them back to Konoha." Sasuke said to Naruto.
"Piece of cake." Naruto grinned.
They nodded before going their separate ways. Sasuke followed the trail that leads further north. The shinobi is more careful. Leaving only slight traces on the trees or leaves he touched, making it more difficult for Sasuke's to sense him.
Sasuke smirked. He knew that it won't be long when the enemy would be turning around again to meet up his accomplice. The shinobi is just misleading him by going through this direction. He knew where he would plan his ambush. He did some hand seals and touched the ground with his palm with blue chakra glowing. He doesn't really use much of genjutsu but in this case it would be easier to capture the enemy. He waited patiently above the tree.
He didn't wait for long because the shadow suddenly emerged from the bushes. The Uchiha threw three kunais which was immediately blocked by the shadow. He released his bunshin to keep the shinobi occupied while he waited to attack at the right moment. When his bunshin was destroyed, he appeared in front of the enemy and released a chakra-filled punch on the stomach. The shinobi flew right towards a tree and hit his head and back on it. Sasuke poised his kunai on the enemy's throat. The shinobi was pinned between him and the tree.
"Move and I won't hesitate to cut your throat" Sasuke threatened. He was looking down. The enemy barely reached his shoulders. A child?
"Please don't…" the shinobi begged left hand clutched tightly his hand holding the kunai before dropping limply on his side. The shinobi lost consciousness.
Sasuke held his breath. He knew that voice. He has waited for months to hear that voice. He let go of his kunai. Hands shaking, he hesitantly removed the mask covering the shinobi's face. It took him a moment to regain his thoughts when he saw the face behind the mask. He was staring at the unconscious Sakura in his arms.