Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto series, or any of the characters from it.

Chapter Ten:

Isshin and his two men where now approaching the town, their orders where to stock up on supplies and then to continue on away from the town. Once they were far enough from the town, they were then to find an appropriate shelter where they could spend the night. It was now approaching the evening and they needed to hurry up if they were to find a campsite before sunset. Isshin already had in mind what needed to be bought, so their time in the town wouldn't be that long. He intended to send Tetsuo and Thorino off to get the supplies, while he went and asked around about the Senju settling into the area past the mountain. It had obviously been a recent event, since they had passed though that area on their way to Narithen.

A few minutes later, and the three Uchihas where now in the centre of the town. The place was slightly ran down but the local people where still swarming the streets selling, buying or simply talking. It was a typical mountain town, it had everything for goat herders, farmers and travellers, and so there wouldn't be any problem in finding what they needed. After a few brief orders, Thorino and Tetsuo where off to get their supplies while Isshin was free to question a few people. Waving through all of the locals, Isshin looked for someone who looked like they would know about new outside of the small village. The average merchant probably wouldn't look passed the end of their nose, so Isshin needed someone who travelled, preferably a person who had just travelled from across the mountain, or even a merchant that dealt with another similar.

It didn't take him long, but Isshin eventually found the right man. He was a clothes merchant and all of his wares where from a variety of places. Isshin knew it was possible that he had simply acquired the goods from travelling traders, either way, the man must know something, so he felt it was worth a shot. Walking up the stall, Isshin took a brief look at what the man had to offer. The merchant took no time in responding to Isshin's possible interest.

"How can I help you, good sir?" he asked politely, his voice think with an accent that Isshin couldn't place.

"Nothing much, I'm just looking" Isshin replied, still looking at the mans products with feigned interest.

"Well I have some lovely new items, I'm sure you would be interested in" the man pushed.

"Quite a large collection you have here. The style of this scarf here" he said while picking up a red and white piece of cloth "is from the deserts in the west. I can also see some other items that are from a variety of places. This one if from the far north" he said while pointing at a dress.

"Ahhh, you must be a very well-travelled man!" the vendor replied joyfully.

"You could say that." Isshin mumbled "Tell me…"

"Not many people truly appreciate the selection I have here!" the man cut Isshins off.

"Of course" Isshin said a little forcefully, now wanting to ask his questions "Tell me what you know about the Senju?" he asked straight forwardly.

"The Senju? O why yes! The shinobi clan?" the merchant stopped and pondered for a few seconds, Isshin was about the press the man further when he continued on his own "Wonderful clan, can't say a bad thing about them! They were here not two days ago. Some of them had quite a few things to barter! I should have gone and found out what they had to offer, but you see I was quite busy with one of my suppliers. He was having a little crisis with his..."

Isshin had stopped listening to the man once he mentioned that the Senju where in the small town recently. He knew that there was no reason to be alarmed, shinobi passed through towns all the time, but he did want a little more information. Turning his attention back to the clothes merchant, Isshin was irritated to see he was still blabbering on about some menial issue with his suppliers. "Sounds terrible…" he commented uncaringly "…but back on topic. It was two days ago that the Senju where here?"

"Well, yes, and…"

"How long where they here for?" Isshin interrupted before the man could talk any longer

"Only a day, they didn't even stay in the town. I thin….."

"And how many ninja where there?" he interrupted again.

"Ooo, I don't know. Maybe…" the merchant shook his head while putting his thumb to his lip "twenty. Possibly more" he finally answered after some nonsensical sounds.

"And are there any more still in the town?" Isshin continued with his questioning.

"Nooo, they all left. Where you looking to see one of them? Truly magnificent fighters. They looked very heroic in all their armour"

Great, that many and all in their armour. From what that shinobi back in the forest revealed, I would imagine that they were all for Inare... This wasn't good for them, once the Senju realised that they shinobi weren't going to return with a certain medic, they wouldn't be very happy and their action would be to send out search parties. It made Isshin extremely curious about who Inare was, and what exactly was so special about her that the Senju would sent such a large and prepared escort. She should feel quite honoured, he thought. Though, he knew she wouldn't, the girl just didn't seem to work that way. The chances were, that Inare would never find out about this. It would give her a possible escape route, and Madara would be furious if she fell into the hands of the Senju. It would be a serious blow to the man's pride.

This newfound knowledge would have to go straight to Madara. It could endanger them all in their return to the stronghold. The Senju where currently very close to the Uchiha territory, and were risking a lot to get Inare. The sooner they all re-grouped the better, they now had to get back to the stronghold as quickly as possible. Isshin turned around to go find Thorino and Tetsuo when though crossed his head. Turning back, he looked over the merchant, Isshin noticed that the man had once again gone off on another rant, this time something about a stray dog. Ignoring the man's antics, Isshin looked over the goods. This time, he had something in mind.

The two shinobi and Inare had just passed over the mountain peak and where now travelling downhill. Madara briefly informed her that it would be some time before they arrived at the town. Inare wanted to ask if they could stop in the town so that she could get another shirt, but then she doubted that she would have enough money to buy one. Deciding that she didn't want to borrow money from the shinobi, in case they used it against her, Inare didn't ask whether they were going to stop or not. She assumed that they would. The day continued with very little happening, Madara didn't even try to scare her again and they didn't take any more breaks. Inare imagined with all the fooling around that they had been doing, they were possibly a bit behind schedule. Not that Inare really cared if they were late or not, she still didn't want to go to where they were taking her.

From the sky and the position of the sun, it looked like it would set in a few more hours. The two shinobi had also made the same prediction, as they were now speeding up considerably. The new speed made Inare quite uncomfortable, as she looked ahead of her all she could see was tree after tree. They were passing by her at such a speed that she was beginning to get motion sickness. Inare would have focused on something further away, except there was nothing visible in the forest that was becoming increasingly darker. Leaning her head into Madara's chest, Inare focused on her breathing.

Relief washed over Inare when she eventually exited the mountain forest and saw the town. As they entered the town, that relief quickly left Inare once she realised that they weren't going to stop. The two Uchihas continued to run straight through the settlement, scaring a few civilians with their speed "Aren't you going to stop?" she asked timidly. Madara didn't appear to have heard her, so she asked again, this time a little louder.

"No" was her brief answer.

"Why not?" Inare asked, pushing for more answers. She wasn't as lucky this time, as she received no answer from the shinobi. Ok, maybe I should limit my questions to one every hour, her though gave her a small giggle. Madara wasn't the most social person she had ever met.

It didn't take them long to pass right through the town, and by the time they were at its outskirts the sun had already begun to set. As soon as they had left, they ran straight into another forest. It made Inare very curious how these shinobi knew where they were going. Not once didn't any of them stop to check a map, or anything else, to see if they were going the right way. She was almost envious of them, they had travelled so much that they knew certain areas by heart.

From what Madara had told her, she knew that after the town they were going to stop and camp for the night. Despite the lack of sleep for the last few days, Inare didn't feel tired at all due to the fact she had exerted very little energy since she had been travelling with the Uchiha shinobi. Though, even if she didn't sleep, she still wanted to stop so that she could walk on her own two feet for a while.

The next time that Inare was aware of the speed change was when the sun had finally set and darkness was creeping all over the new forest that they were travelling through. The two Uchiha shinobi began to slow down to a stop. Inare was then grateful when Madara carefully lowered her to her feet. Taking wobbly steps, Inare walked forwards to stretch and stabilize her legs. The two shinobi just stood in silence waiting. For what exactly, Inare didn't know and she didn't feel like being the one to break the silence. Not wanting to wander off to far, Inare walked back to them.

Madara was the first, not to break the silence, but to disturb the peace of the dark forest by releasing some of his chakra. Inare hadn't felt his chakra many times, but each time she did, she swore that it got stronger and affected her more. The thickness of it made it difficult for her to breathe for the few second he was releasing it. When he did stop Inare felt quite relived, only second after there was another release of chakra that responded to Madara's. It wasn't as strong as Madara's, but it still made Inare gasp at the strength. From the feel of it, the person who released the chakra wasn't far.

Madara turned to Inare and walked towards her, knowing what he was about to do she put her hand up. "I think that I can manage from here" she reassured him, though not sounding entirely convincing. She got a 'hn' in reply and the man turned to face the direction the chakra release came from and shot off quickly. Inare was amazed at the speed, but had no idea as to where he had just gone. Dammit! I've lost him… not that it's exactly a bad thing, shecontemplated while looking over to Masao, who had enough common sense to know that Inare would be able to keep up with such speed.

Giving her brief nod, he started to walk in what she presumed was the same direction Madara had just gone. Inare followed him, running to catch so that's she could walk at his side. She didn't know this forest, she had no idea as to how far away from home she had strayed, and along with a load of other things all reasoned that she should stay with these men. The walk was sort, and the two eventually came upon a cave that was well hidden by some vines and other vegetation.

Pushing past the vines, Masao entered the cave.

Maybe Inare had high expectation of a cave, like how it would be all warm from a fire, the smell of food would be deliciously mouth-watering and the ground, although a little hard, would be the perfect place to sleep after a long day. Just like the first time Kirno once took Inare out to collect herbs that they didn't have in the garden, and they had to spend one night camping out. The two of them had found a nice cave to spend the night. It was one her most memorable memories for many reasons, but mostly because it was when Kirno had begun to trust Inare's skill.

Though when she entered the cave following after Masao, she had quite disappointed to see that there was no fire and the cave itself was extremely damp, especially for the summer. Pushing aside her sudden desire for a little luxury, Inare focused on what was inside the cave. The cave itself wasn't any bigger than Inare's room, and even Inare had to duck her head slightly when standing up, so she imagined that the Uchiha shinobi couldn't stand up at all.

The two shinobi that she wasn't acquaintance with where sitting opposite each other, while sitting on their bags, and Isshin and Madara weren't even in the cave. Masao said a brief 'Hi' to his two teammates and moved over to sit by one of them. Feeling a little out of place, Inare just sat down at the entrance to the cave. Once she was down, she made herself comfortable by crossing her legs and leaning against the cave wall. She instantly regretted it once she felt the wetness seep through her bandages. Inare was instantly reminded that all she had on top was bandages, and feeling a little exposed she crossed her arms over her chest and hugged them tightly to herself. I should have left my shirt on and put up with the damp. Now I have no shirt, because I lost it, and I'm practically naked!

Time passed and the temperature in the cave got lower, and Inare was beginning to get cold. She didn't understand how it could be so cold when they were in the middle of the summer, so she tightened the grip around her chest. What a horrible day…, she internally complained to herself. She was beginning to wonder if her life could get any worse. Inare wondered how Kirno was doing, she hoped that her teacher hadn't just though Inare had gone off to travel like she said she would. Inare believed that Kirno knew her enough, to know that she would never leave without saying goodbye. Will Kirno be worried? She though, I hope not… I don't want her to worry about my stupid mistake.

Inare was just finishing that thought when Isshin finally came back from wherever. He stood at the entrance of the cave and rested one of his arms above the entrance. Looking up at him, Inare instantly though that he looked very tired. His eyed where dull and his face was hard and serious. Feeling somewhat sympathetic for him, she offered him a quick comforting smile. Inare wasn't sure if he saw it or no, but his eyes did soften a bit when he looked at her. His gaze didn't linger long, nor did the softness of his eyes. Once he turned back to the three shinobi, he was once again serious. "Let's go".

What? We just got here! Was Inare's instant reaction, though she didn't voice it she did feel like there was an echo in the cave that mimicked her thought. Looking at the other shinobi she saw that the one that Masao was sitting next to spoken her thoughts.

"I know, but we got to go. Now" Isshin replied, the harshness in the now made Inare flinch slightly. Isshin wasn't going to take any insubordination in this matter it would seem. Without any other complaints the three shinobi stood up, as much as they could in the cramped cave, and started to shuffle out. Isshin made no move to follow them. Taking this as her cue to go as well, Inare slowly got to her feet using the wet wall of the cave as support.

A gush of wind came though the cave, making Inare shiver. Noticing her discomfort at being cold, Isshin reached into the large pouch that hung from his waist to pull out something. Inare wasn't paying any attention until Isshin held something out in her direction. Looking up at him, she saw that his eyes and face had softened slightly and that he was holding out a piece of material to her. "Here" was all that he said to her.

Reaching over to take the item out of his hand, she held it up to inspect. In the darkness of the cave Inare couldn't make it out all too well, but it appeared to be a black long sleeve shirt with a rounded collar. "Did you buy this for me?" Disbelief at what he had done for her made her ask, the item of clothing was too small to fit him, so she had to ask.

"It doesn't matter. Now put it on and let's go" he said as he turned around to face outwards and using the roof of the cave as a support for his head while he leaned backwards. Even though she didn't really require any privacy, she was genuinely touched by the gesture. Turning the shirt the right way around, Inare put her hands through the sleeves and pulled it over her head. The arms fit perfectly, but the shirt body itself was quite a snug fit, though she didn't really care at that moment. Inare was just happy to be fully clothed now.

"Thanks a lot Isshin-san, I really appreciate it" she said to him, her voice a little low. Without a reply, Isshin straightened up walked away from the cave to the other shinobi. Inare following just behind him.

Outside of the cave, Masao and the three other shinobi where talking with Madara. Well it appeared as if Madara was doing all of the talking, must be some kind of briefing. Isshin, though, stayed right where he was just a few steps away from the cave. Looking in his direction, she could see that he was deep in his thoughts. Despite the little voice in her head telling her to respect that, she still went over to ask him what was going on.

"Isshin-san" she said, but got no response. "Isshin-san" she said again, this time waving her hand in front of his face. That helped, she said to herself as Isshin was instantly pulled out of his trance with a slight shake of his head.

"What is it Inare-san?" he said politely, after he'd turned to address her.

"Why are we going when we have just got here?" she asked curiously.

Isshin knew that she would have asked eventually, he had just hope that when she did, he had come up with a decent excuse that wasn't an outright lie. "It doesn't matter, you shouldn't worry about it"

"OK" she replied, there was no other speaking from ether of them. Isshin was beginning to think that he had got through that quite easily, but then she started to ask more. "So, you guys wouldn't be leaving unless there was a real threat of other shinobi. Right?"

Isshin cursed her perseverance and his lack of luck. "Possibly" he mumbled in reply. He knew that it wasn't his place to give Inare, or anyone, this information. It was Madaras duty, and he felt that it was necessary for Inare to stay ignorant to everything for the remainder of their journey.

"Isshin-san, lets say… hypothetically, that is the reason we are leaving. Does it have anything to do with those shinobi from earlier?" she suggested.

"That's not being hypothetical, you asking for this situation not a hypothetical one" Isshin replied, hoping to draw her away from her questioning.

Thinking over what he had just said Inare realised that he was right, so she rephrased her earlier question. "Right, so could it have anything to do with them?"

"While it is possible, it is only so in one hypothetical scenario. There could also be a variety of other reasons that the situation is at it is. All of them in different hypothetical arguments" Isshin didn't entirely know what he had just said as he was just going by what came out of his mouth first. Though he figured that if he kept using the word 'hypothetical', then they both would still be on the same topic.

"Then take that scenario, where it is because of the shinobi from earlier…" she suggested, still not giving up. Inare was fed up of being in the dark all the time with these men. She knew that Isshin wasn't telling her because that he couldn't, so she thought that if she drew him out then she might get some answers. "…would we be leaving because of that?"

"No" Isshin replied harshly, finally seeing a chance to end her quizzing. "We wouldn't need to" …because they are all dead, he added on in his mind. Inare didn't know that fact though.

"Right" Inare was a little stumped, she figured that he would at least say 'yes' or even 'possibly'. But a full out 'no' made it a little complicated. Inare didn't want to push what little of a friendship she had with Isshin, but she also needed to know what was going on. Maybe I shouldn't try to act smart, she thought to herself in defeat. Starting up discussion based on hypothesise wasn't the best way to get the answer, and Inare appreciated that. She wasn't the best at verbal arguments. She wasn't good at expressing herself at all.

Inare didn't want the answers purely for the purpose of knowing, she was fearful. If it really was the shinobi from earlier that where after them, she wanted to know. If it was her that they were chasing, although she didn't exactly why, – other than something about medics being in high demand – Inare didn't want anyone to get hurt because of her. She also wanted to know if she should be thankful of the Uchiha shinobi, or fearful of them. Her head was filled with so much doubt and confusion, her life was going out of control and she could do nothing to take charge of it. Have I ever been in charge of my life? She pondered on that for a while. Kirno had always been there to instruct her on what to do, and how to do it. Kirno had always given her orders and Inare had never thought about doing otherwise. I'm thinking too much into it…, she moaned in her mind, maybe I am tiered. Well that will have to wait, looks like we are setting of… yet a again.

Still standing where she was, Inare watched as Masao and the two other shinobi suddenly left into the dark forest, leaving her, Isshin and Madara. Instantly recognising where this was going, Inare turned to Isshin while she still had a choice. "Isshin-san, can I travel with you?" she quickly asked, before Madara had another opportunity carry her again and cause awkward situations.

Thankfully she received a brief nod with a small smile. By that time, Madara had reached them and Isshin looked towards the man. Madara gave a brief 'hn' with a raised brow directed at Isshin.

Knowing Isshin was going to be the one to be carrying her, made Inare a little happy. Almost enough to give a full out smile, but the smile she did return wasn't quite that. She still didn't feel all that cheerful, and she doubted she would for some time. Isshin turned around and crouched down. Understanding what she had to do, Inare clumsily climbed onto his back and held onto him firmly, yet trying not to strangle him. Isshin then turned to face Madara, and with the quick exchange of nods, the three of them were travelling at high speed through the forest.

After the first hour of travelling, Inare regretted not taking full advantage of the earlier break. Instead of sitting down she should have walked around some more. Her thoughts where interrupted by the rumbling on her stomach. Yer! I should have also asked for some food, she though grudgingly. Her thoughts where interrupted when she heard Isshin chuckling.

"What so funny?" she asked curiously.

"Nothing" he replied, while laughing a little more.

"What is it? I could use with a laugh" she told him, suddenly really feeling the need to laugh out loud.

"It's just… I was wondering whether or not you would start talking to you stomach again" he said with a few more chuckles.

Feeling her face heat up, Inare was about to ask him how he knew that. Of course… he was also there! She though bitterly. "There is nothing wrong with it" she defended after she had got over the initial embarrassment. I bet they were all laughing when they saw it, and there was me feeling sick with fear! Don't these men have any humanity?

"I know a doctor who would think otherwise" Isshin replied.

O great! Now he thinks I'm crazy, she was about to argue back with him when her mouth broke open and released a yawn. Maybe I am tired…

"Inare-san, get some sleep. It's going to be a long night" Isshin suggested kindly, no longer laughing, once he heard her yawn.

"I can't sleep on such an empty stomach" Inare mumbled as she rested her head on Isshin shoulder.

"Didn't Tetsuo or Thorino offer you food?"

"Hmm?" she replied, slightly drowsy. The stress and emotional turmoil of the whole day finally came crashing down on her, making Inare want to do nothing but curl up and sleep. She had just closed her eyes when she felt something poke her nose. Opening her eye, not at the poke but at the smell, Inare was face with a small roll of bread. Releasing an arm, while tightening with the other, Inare grabbed the roll and proceeded to shove it into her mouth. It was a little stale, but it was heavenly to Inare. Mumbling her thanks with her mouth full, she rested her head once again.

Swallowing the last chunk, Inare closed her eyes, she began to regret questioning Isshin earlier, especially when he had done nothing but been so kind to her. He had given her a shirt and fed her, but most of all, he had given her an opportunity to escape. If there was any Uchiha, that she knew, whom she could trust, it was Isshin. Inare didn't want to go to sleep with the guild, especially when only a few words could make it a little better.

"Hey Isshin, sorry 'bout earlier. The whole hypothetical thing. Sorry" she spoke drowsily, her words mostly mumbled. After she had said it, Inare though she might have left something out….

"Don't worry about it, Inare… I understand why you did it." He spoke, forgetting formalities, since she had done the same.

"And… thank you… for everything. You have been so kind to me" she continued to mumble. Smiling to herself, happy that Isshin had accepted her apology, Inare let herself fall asleep.

If she had stayed awake a little longer, then she might have heard Isshins doleful reply, "You deserve it… Inare"

AN: Cheesy ending, I know... but hell. I'm a girl, and we have our moments!

Btw. Please tell me if my sense of time is a little fast or slow... i'm not too sure about it

Another message... I am changing the rating. Again i am sorry if some are uncomfortable with reading M rated stuff. But I figured that i would take me longer to work my way around it. I really need it for the plot to develop. so the change is happening in the next chapter. Nothing THAT adult rated is going to happen yet, just some swearing and possibly some gruesome imagery...

Again I am sorry.

Hope you enjoyed it anyway!