Genma and Shizune travelled on swiftly for many more days, knowing they had much ground to cover before they could reach Sunagakure. So far, there had been so sign whatsoever of Akatsuki. Neither of them knew whether to feel relief at this, or worry.
"Do you think Akatsuki has already reached the Sand Country?" Shizune asked anxiously, as both of them finally stopped beneath a tree for a quick break. "We've encountered no sign of them yet whatsoever. And if I'm right, this way does lead to Sunagakure."
"Mmm," Genma mused. "It does, indeed. This doesn't look good at all. If Akatsuki has already got Gaara-sama, there's nothing much we can do. Not unless half the village has gone after them already."
"And it's all my fault," Shizune groaned. "If I had never got that injury…"
"Stop blaming yourself," Genma interrupted. "Things like that do happen in battle all the time. It's not like you asked for it to happen."
"Our mission is to help keep Gaara-sama safe, not worry about ourselves."
"You push yourself…" Genma broke off in the middle of the sentence, leaning forward to stare at something ahead of him, eyes narrowed.
"What is it?"
"There's something black there." Genma arose and knelt down several meters away, picking up a little dark scrap. "See this?" He held up the black bit of cloth for Shizune to see.
"Black, with a red cloud…" Shizune murmured thoughtfully. She was sure she had seen it before.
"It's from an Akatsuki cloak, no doubt," Genma said seriously. "I'd have recognized it anywhere. So they've…"
"Been here before," Shizune finished. "And not long ago, from the looks of it. The cloth fragment still seems clean and unsullied. At least we know we're not too late, then. We might still make it in time!"
"It might have been blown from somewhere else," Genma said.
"Don't think so," Shizune frowned. "The weather's been extremely calm lately. There hasn't been any wind, or even mild breezes."
"Then, let's see if this clue helps us. Think they might have left a trail?"
"Perhaps," Shizune answered. "Where exactly did you see this?"
"Here." Genma gestured to Shizune to follow him, until they stood before a large bit of tree root which stuck out prominently from the ground. "And…yes, you're right! It seems someone has passed this way. I can see some marks here, just next to it."
"Good!" Genma smiled. "Looks like we're getting somewhere, at least."
"I just hope," Shizune put in, "that we're not going to end up right at their hideout."
Genma shook his head. "I don't think so. Jiraiya-sama made it very clear that it's nowhere near her. I'm sure Akatsuki is just heading on to Sunagakure. See? The marks here lead in that direction."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Genma tucked away the bit of cloth in his thigh holster and glued his eyes to the ground, following the trail carefully.
"More prints here," he announced. One hand moved to his kunai, withdrawing it and pricking his thumb until scarlet liquid streamed out. "Kawari would be most useful now. I don't think we can waste time trying to observe these marks ourselves. Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
Shizune retreated as Genma plunged his hand onto the ground, smiling with satisfaction as his long-time feathered companion appeared, feathers glowing bright gold. Of course! What better eyes than that of an eagle?
"Kawari, keep your eyes on the marks, and follow them," Genma instructed. "I'm counting on you to help us find Akatsuki!"
Of course, Master Genma! Hop onto my back.
"Come one, Shizune." As Kawari lowered himself, Genma took Shizune by the waist and lifted her onto Kawari's back. Shizune felt a strange tinge of pleasure at the feel of his hands on her. Then it was over, and Genma was leaping gracefully onto Kawari behind her, keeping an arm around her waist from behind, the other holding on to the eagle.
"Hold on, Shizune. I have a feeling this will be a mighty quick ride."
"Guess I'll have to trust you to make sure I don't fall off," Shizune replied, not altogether jokingly.
"Oh, you'll be fine, really. Kawari, let's go."
Kawari carefully raised himself and spread his huge wings. Shizune felt the wind whipping her dark hair, and then they were airborne, rising like clouds, higher and higher above the ground.
"And we're on our way to our destination at last!"
Hey guys!!! Sorry about this chappie; I know it's rather boring. Wasn't planning to have this, but I thought it would have been better for me to put it in to form some sort of connection between the previous chapter and the one after this. Did have a bit of author's block while writing this, I guess. If you have any ideas to improve it, PLEASE do so!!! I always welcome constructive criticism. Thank you!
And to all my lovely reviewers, thank you so much for your encouragement and nice reviews.
