((This story is pure fan-fiction. The characters and locations are the sole property of Shonen Jump and the series's creator, Masashi Kishimoto. G.I. Joe is the sole property of those who created the toys, TV shows, movies, webisodes, and video games. At no time is this fiction an intent to infringe upon their rights nor properties.
"normal speech"/ flashback thought
thoughts/ flashback speech and action
[Snake Eye's sign translation/writing]
[Snake Eye's sign translation/writing during flashback]
A/N: New poll on my profile.))
((two and half weeks later…))
Sitting peacefully on a spread out blanket under one of the thick trees in the back, Mabui sighed in relaxation as she idly stroked her hands through Naruto's freshly shorn blonde hair. She had been surprised by the photos of him before he started cutting his hair and she honestly preferred it when it had been thicker and beginning to develop into a mane. With the scars and whisker marks...he would look absolutely feral… she thought as she smiled, looking down at him, his head nestled atop her lap. His own smile one of pleasure at the way her fingernails lightly skimmed his scalp. She almost swore he purred at times. The surprises just keep coming, don't they Naruto-kun? I still can't believe I missed it…trained assassin...Host to the Kyuubi no Kitsune...son of the Yondaime Hokage...I'm almost afraid of what may be the next secret to unfold.
Her introspection was interrupted by an approaching figure. Thanks to the "training" she received and was still undergoing from that sadistic self proclaimed bitch Mitarashi, Mabui's hand left Snake's head and whipped back, the wrist twisting slightly to release the hidden kunai from its perch deep in her sleeve. Her fingers curled and tightened around the grip as her head turned. Mabui relaxed when she saw that Hinata has frozen in place and currently watching her warily from a semi guarded pose. She lifted an eyebrow in question.
"There is a young man in the house asking for either you or Snake-sensei," Hinata replied, feeling a sweatdrop run along the back of her neck. I almost missed her movement. It has become that fluid and natural...Now I see why Anko-sensei likes her so much… the lavender eyes girl thought as she watched the Kumo kunoichi gently wake up her fiance and once he nodded, followed him to the house. Coughing and clearing her mind, she went to the training dummy to practice her precision finger strikes again. Mastering them without the Byakugan active was harder and as such it demanded continual training and reinforcement.
Snake Eyes walked into the house and then to the living room where he saw the figure of Haku, dressed neatly in his usual attire and without the blank Kiri Hunter mask in place. He felt Mabui's presence beside him and he smiled to the slightly older teen. Glad to see him there and in one piece. That pleasure turning to surprise as Haku dropped to a knee, head lowered as he proffered two scrolls with bow hands before speaking.
Haku knew this was incredibly formal of him, but how else do you present yourself to the one who not only gave you a home, protected you from winding up in a Bingo Book somewhere, but gave you a new purpose that didn't currently involve you performing shady activities in the criminal underground? His voice was level and respectful as he spoke, "Snake-sama...My mission is complete and was successful on all tasks as you wished." He lifted his hands slightly, "An update from Zabuza-sa…-senpai on the Wave Project." He paused when Mabui spoke up, presumably speaking for her betrothed.
"Haku, you do not need to stand on such formality. Please stand and give your report," Mabui said in a friendly tone and smiled despite herself when the young man shook his head in the negative. Good...he knows exactly what side of the bread to butter and just how much to use...And it will do Naruto-kun good to get used to this kind of thing. He plans on being more than just a Clan Head. Propriety must be observed.
"I serve you, Snake-sama...I do not stand beside you…" he paused as though this was nothing new before resuming. "The Monastery sent three monks to the Island instead of one. Which surprised me as it wasn't a difficult task. Your gift to the Order was greatly appreciated and, as you suspected, made their decision to grant your request easier. They were pleased by the level of attention you had paid to clearing and cleaning the graveyard and Memorials. Chiriko-san himself commented on how rare it was to find the protective lantern statuary so well maintained." He paused when Mabui interjected.
"The head of the order, Chiriko of the Twelve, attended to this matter in person?" her voice rising in surprised question. This is unheard of...A Temple Leader has never left for any task short of direct summons by their Daimyo…
Haku nodded from his position, "Yes. 179 cm tall. Bald with thick eyebrows. Sash with the Fire emblem and he travelled barefoot." After a moment of silence, he continued, "They worked in tandem until finished. Once all were cleansed and blessed, he commented on that he would contemplate the possibility of reopening the small Shrine on the Island." He then looked up. "Just as you said he would once he learned of the ancient temple there." Haku smiled, "He suggested sending a couple of journeyman monks and a few shrine maidens to tend it and see to the spiritual needs there."
Mabui didn't have to glance as she could literally feel Naruto's contentment rolling off him. Another piece of the puzzle was in place and he had every right to be pleased. Even though she couldn't see how this furthered his plans. A fact most definitely be would correcting soon enough. A nudge and her thoughts were broken up and she blushed as she read the signs. "Well done Haku. Were there any issues on the return?"
"No Snake-sama...there were no incidents to delay their return to the Temple."
Snake Eyes nodded as he read the scroll before closing it up with a snap against his palm. He then took up the other scroll and waited.
Understanding, Haku spoke calmly. "Zabuza-senpai sends his regards along with his report on the goings on at Wave. He has little to no problems with the locals and has put down a few bandit parties that thought to make Wave their new hideout. However…" he paused and glanced up to see he had both their attention, "A ship of potential pirates has been seen in the area and Zabuza-sa…-senpai wishes to remove the problem before it reaches landfall. Details are included in his report."
Snake Eyes took the second scroll and signed after giving them to Mabui. [Understood. I'll read his report shortly. You look exhausted, Haku. Kaa-san has a room ready for you over here.] he indicated a closed door off from the kitchen. [Get some rest and I'll see what I can do to support him.]
Haku nodded gratefully as he left to get some needed rest. He used a lot of Chakra to keep his travel time from the Temple to Konoha down.
Naruto sighed as he took a seat. Rubbing his chin as he thought over his options.
Mabui moved to stand behind him, massaging his shoulders lightly. "What are you thinking, Naruto-kun?"
He signed as he leaned back against her midsection, unknowingly placing the back of his head right between her breasts. [This is where I could use kaa-san's input as this is something I have no experience with.]
Mabui nodded as she thought about it. The woman was off with her friends for the day so that option was out. "What about asking the Hokage? He isn't called "The Professor" for nothing."
[I'm hesitant to ask him because he's "The Professor." Just need to figure out a way to phrase it all I guess.]
Mabui slid around and brazenly settled on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "It just occurred to me...Hinata's out back and we're here...all alone." She grinned mischievously before adding a mock pout, "And I never did get that kiss…" she whispered hotly by his earlobe by leaning forward. She let out a short squeal as she was suddenly lifted and set atop the counter. Grinning with a sultry heat, she countered by turning to face him and wrapping her legs around his waist. Pulling him closer by locking her ankles. Her smile grew broader at their bodies pressed tightly against one another. She braced herself with her left hand flat on the countertop as the other traced a finger in small circles on his chest. Looking into his eyes, she unconsciously licked her lips and saw how his gaze fell upon those same lips.
Naruto leaned in slowly, using his left hand to brace himself. His right hand slowly skimmed up along her side, noting how she turned into the caress slightly and inhaled deeply. His fingertips skimmed the swell of her breast through the wife beater she wore and up until he slid his hand fully into her hair and his fingers tightened.
Mabui shivered at the teasing touch and her eyes closed partially at his commanding grip of her head. Unbid, she moaned hoarsely, "Oh yes… I like that." She closed her eyes as she shifted and interlaced both her hands around his neck, letting him support and control. Goosebumps erupted as she felt him straighten them both to an upright position and his lips slowly glide along her neck, her head titling to give him more access to one of her erogenous zones. Her heart skipped a beat, then went into overdrive as their lips finally met in a soft tentative kiss. When it ended, a few seconds had passed and she opened her eyes; growling before she mashed her lips to his in an attempt to devour him.
Naruto didn't want to stop when the kiss became so very heated. In all truth, he had absolutely no experience at kissing and it showed. Determined to not be outdone, however; he matched her passion with his own. An intermittent pause for breath and he nipped her bottom lip, adding tongue when his confidence grew as she ran her hands over his back in pleasure and approval. Lip locked, he took advantage and let one hand glide down along her back to cup and firmly grip her well-toned rump through the gray sweats while his other palmed a full breast. His desires rising as she not only mewled in response but arched into his touch as if urging him for more.
That was the sight that greeted Hiroku upon entering the kitchen. She lifted an eyebrow and smirked as she coughed loudly, causing the teens to stop devouring each other's face long enough to look at her. In this case, Mabui's head being upside down. Amusement clear in her tone, she spoke languidly, "Sorry to interrupt, but we have been called to the Hokage's office, Snake Eyes." Her lips twitched visibly as the blonde teen sighed and rolled his eyes as he straightened up, bringing Mabui up along with as she wasn't letting go. "You got five minutes to change. Better hop to it...and don't even think of sending a Clone."
Mabui sighed audibly as Naruto slowly extricated himself from her. As he moved to go upstairs and change, she hopped off the counter and grabbed his arm. When he turned to her in question, she lunged forward and stole another deep kiss. Molding herself against him until she broke the kiss and stepped back. Smiling as she let him go.
Hiroku watched with a smirk and chuckled openly as her Apprentice took off up the stairs. Striding to the counter, she glanced at the strewn papers before turning her attention to her younger cousin. "Geez girl, I see you two have grow...closer," a waggle of her eyebrows as emphasis.
Mabui blushed hotly even as she licked her lips and fanned herself. "Nearly kissed for the first time a couple weeks back. Damn near drove me insane with his waiting and holding off. Even now, I nearly had to force it."
"Bullshit. I know a well kissed mouth when I see one, girlie. You may have pressed, but he damn well didn't hold back," she countered and indicated her neck, "And if I were you, I'd make sure Rin didn't see that hickey. She may not take it so… well."
The young girl laughed softly, "You're kidding, right? Ever since the interruption she did that day, she has been doing little but egging us on whenever either of us aren't training. She sees this…" she indicated the mark, "She'll start planning the wedding."
Looking back down at the papers, she turned a sheet around and she lifted an eyebrow, "What's all this?"
Mabui paused for a moment biting a fingernail before she answered, "Report from Wave. A possible pirating operation was seen. Zabuza's wanting to know what Naruto wants him to do." she tilted her head, "Do you recognize that ship?"
Hiroku studied the sketch before replying, "Looks like a modified Fujian style warship. Two anchors at stern, triple masted. Looks like eight oar ports halfway above the waterline," she said softly as she ran a finger over the image. "Huh...haven't seen one of these outside of a Kiri wreckyard."
Mabui watched her cousin, wondering just when she visited such a place. Saving that for another time, she merely nodded and almost asked her about something else entirely when she heard Naruto...no Snake Eyes coming down the stairs in full gear. Once again, feeling a strong tingle run up and down her spine. Stronger now that she knew what was beneath that uniform.
Snakes Eyes came to a stop before his Shishou, ready to follow her lead. All business, he glanced at Mabui and gave her a curt nod.
"Mabui told me about the report," Hiroku said as she turned to leave. "Talk to me as we go to the Tower," she directed.
((A few minutes later…))
"So you got potential pirates at Wave and you want to do a little TCB?" she inquired and smiled at his nod as they jumped along the village rooftops. An excellent sense of responsibility...a very good trait to have. she thought. "So how do you want to handle it?"
Snake Eyes thought that over and waited to respond until they reached the Tower. Entering the ground floor, he went to the table where the blank mission submission scrolls were kept and selected one edged in blue. B-rank should be about right given the backup that will be waiting for us… he considered as he then followed Hiroku up the stairs towards the Hokage's Office. Returning the few nods of recognition he received from his peers and superiors while ignoring the flat dull eyed stares from others.
Hiroku made a note of the growing respect her Apprentice received and noted just who still refused to give him his due. A longer list to be sure but still shorter than before… Reaching the Office of the Hokage, she spoke to the secretary while Snake Eyes sat down and pulled a writing kit from one of his thigh pouches. Moving to sit beside him, she watched as he unscrewed the top of a vial and began using calm, neat brush strokes to fill out the submission form. Leaning over to whisper, "We shouldn't have to wait long. Seems the Hokage's finishing up in a meeting." She saw him pause and nod then resume his writing. Curious she read his work and she found herself impressed by the thoroughness he was exhibiting as well and the neatness of his script.
Snake Eyes was nearly finished when they were told to enter. He cleaned his brush and closed the vial before putting the kit away, rolling the scroll up afterwards. Rising smoothly to his feet and following his Mentor into the Office.
Looking around, he noted nothing had changed in terms of the decor or furnishings. Not that he expected it to, but it always paid off to be aware such things. His eyes narrowed behind his visor, however; at the sight of Hatake Kakashi standing to the side of the Hokage's desk, without his precious smut. And here we go… he thought coldly as he finished scanning the room, noting no other presence beyond the Hokage himself and the cyclopean Jounin. He also knew there were at least two ANBU hidden in the room as per protection protocols. He just could neither see nor sense them. Coming to a position of attention alongside his Shishou, he moved in sync with her to one knee with his head bowed.
Looking to the floor where her fist was located, Hiroku spoke intoning the phrase drilled into her head since her acceptance to Konoha by this very man, "By your order, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen steepled his fingers as he leaned back in his chair and puffed on his pipe for a few moments before speaking, a not so subtle reminder that he was in charge, "Rise and stand at ease." Once they did as told, he gave a minute nod and started right off. "In two months, the Chuunin Exam Selections will take place. Only the full teams that meet the eligibility requirements can be nominated. Which brings us to now. You can't enter as a solo. Kakashi's team is short one. It would be mutually beneficial for you to work together," he finished and watched with a stern expression as the two before him looked to one another.
"Hokage-sama, I am honoured that you have kept us in your thoughts," she said with a smile. "I'm aware that the Exams are coming up and I'm already going over other teams that are short a member. They are more experienced teams so their skill levels are more comparable to my Apprentice's as well as their ability to adapt is greater. Giving them a better chance to make it through the Exams. And that way, no one can say he held anyone back or had to shoulder all the work...she added mentally, noting that neither of the men seem surprised by her words, Of course they already knew of my actions…
"Laudable actions. Well in keeping with your status as a Jounin Sensei," Hiruzen said with a nod, "I do think that Team Seven would be a good fit. After all, it has not only this class's Top Kunoichi but it's Rookie of the Year. That is not a pedigree to scoff at. I doubt they would hold him back."
Hiroku blinked and her head tilted slightly, "We all know those titles mean nothing beyond a Village's walls. Just as we all know Snake Eyes is better trained than those two combined. Add in the facts of their previous mission along with their current dynamic and it spells disaster," she paused as the Hokage lifted an eyebrow, staring at Kakashi before he gestured for her to continue. Ignoring the pointedly less than friendly stare she knew Kakashi was sending her way, "It would take a miracle and extreme measures to break those two of their bad habits as well as bring them up to par with Snake Eyes." She gave a shake of her head, "It'll take longer than the two months we have. Best to hold them back, get a new team member out of the next graduating class and then send them to Chunins later."
Listening carefully and watching everyone's faces, Snake Eyes then "spoke up."
[But you won't. To shore up Konoha's reputation and its position amongst the other Hidden Villages, you want the 'Last Loyal Uchiha' to be showcased at these Exams. Where the advantage and impact is greatest. A reminder that Konoha still controls the two most well known Doujutsu. The Byakugan and the Sharingan. It's all about politics and perception.]
He felt their stares on him and he shrugged in a Gallic fashion. His hands went into motion.
[What? Your body language says it all. No matter what objections are raised. No matter how valid the reason. You want this to happen.] he took a slow breath before he resumed, [I'll do it...under two conditions.]
Hiroku stilled in shock. Is he really? Is he really trying to blackmail the Hokage? Does he even realize what can happen to him? she thought as she glanced at her Apprentice then focused on the other men. Kakashi was staring wide eyed and the Hokage… he was angry.
Hiruzen stared hard at the Genin, his posture showing that he was within an inch of doing something very major to the boy. His tone was equally harsh as he spoke around the pipestem, "Choose your words very carefully Naruto… You're treading a fine line. Insubordination at this point can cost you your entire career."
He knew it wasn't a suggestion, so he took a moment to nod before he signed.
[I'm not being insubordinate, Hokage-sama. I wish to negotiate the terms.] he paused and waited for the gesture to either continue or to drop it. He nearly smiled under his mask at the motion to resume, [I have a vested interest in Wave, as you know. An interest that is possibly under threat.] he placed the blue edged scroll on the desk and stepped back. Watching as the Hokage read it quickly before he rolled it back up.
"I take it this is condition one?" Hiruzen asked in that all too calm voice of a leader.
Snake Eyes nodded and waited to see how this played out to present.
Hiruzen considered the scroll intently. Looking between it and the black clad teen. "Why those two in particular?"
[I know both of them and their capabilities. Plus since I'm the client, this is an excellent chance for Shishou to evaluate my team leading ability. With us and those I already have in place at Wave, a Tokubetsu Jounin and a full Jounin are all that is necessary. A bit of overkill if its just pirates, but if there's more… we have the strength and power to handle it.] he watched as the Hokage considered it before adding the last little bit, [It also means that the Arashikage will owe Konoha… meaning you...a favor for supporting us. Paid mission or not, a debt is a debt.]
Kakashi stood by silently through the entire exchange, wondering just how the boy he had discounted had become so devious.
Hiruzen nodded, "And the second condition?" Mentally, he was clapping in genuine pleasure. Not that he could let it show. It appears he has truly taken his politics lessons to heart.
Now came the very touchy condition. This could make or break the deal. [Due to previously stated concerns...Team Seven, such as it is, joins me. Not the other way around.]
Kakashi immediately took a step forward, no longer smiling. "You've got balls, boy. You're not taking my team and giving it to some…" he stop talking when KI from three locations struck him. None of which was Snake Eyes. The visible eyebrow twitched in time to his lips. Considering they were under his facial mask, says something.
Hiruzen lifted a hand and his eyes were focused on Kakashi. "Not another word, Kakashi," he warned before turning to Snake Eyes, "Explain."
[The Uchiha has a superiority complex. Even if Kakashi spells it out, he will fight any order I give during the Exams. Haruno is a rabid fangirl way over her head. She will blindly follow the Uchiha's lead. Even if it kills her. These are facts. The only way to change that is to take them out of their comfort zone and destroy their world views. They have to be broken and reforged. That won't happen with Kakashi.]
Hiruzen mentally conceded the point. The training reports before and since Wave had been… less than progressive. He studied the ebon figure and knew deep down he was right. He made a decision, "I have a condition as well. I want to see visible results. If all three do not reach the finals, you transfer to Team Seven. No arguments. Is that clear?" He made a few notes and stamped the mission scroll.
Hiruko nodded slowly, knowing this was as good as he would get. "Understood, Hokage-sama." She turned to Kakashi, "In one week, 6 a.m. at training ground Seven. Don't be late," she advised before looking to Snake Eyes. "Okay, Boss… your show."
Snake Eyes looked to his Mentor and nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He signed quickly.
[Please find them and meet me at the main gate in three hours.] A Shunshin later and he was gone.
Hiroku picked up the scroll and bowed, "Hokage-sama. Kakashi." Then she departed the same way as her student.
Kakashi said very softly, "I hope you know what you're doing. I don't." He left by the door, closing it behind him.
Sighing as he looked at his hands, Hiruzen replied, "So far it's working to plan. You'll understand soon enough."
((Three Hours later…))
Snake Eyes stood at the gates with Haku and Mabui beside him as the others arrived. The trio made quite a sight and he was sure he made the best choice. Disparity of clothing choices aside all them shared one very important fact: they were all decidedly lovely and unmistakably deadly.
Anko Mitarashi stood feet apart with a hand on her hip. A bold smirk on her face as she chewed on a dango skewer. Her dark hair tied back in its normal- for her- spiked ponytail. Her pose made the tanned trenchcoat flare out, revealing its purple inner lining as well as the mesh bodysuit running from neck to thigh; the orange mini skirt covering her modesty. Gray shin guards protecting her lower legs and the top of her feet. She idly played with her snake fang necklace as she drawled smokily, "I'm flattered you asked for li'l ol' me...If I had known you wanted some Anko-time, I would have dressed special for the occasion," she teased as her light brown eyes travelled over Snake Eyes. She chuckled openly at the semi glare sent her way by Mabui, "Relax Ma-chan. I'm not out to take him from you." followed by a wink that only made the glare intensify.
Stepping forward with a nod of her head, Mantis of the ISA spoke in a low, cultured voice through her insect-shaped mask with blue markings, "Snake Eyes. It is good to see you again. I'm sure this mission will be a pleasure to work alongside you." Her black hair flowed down her back in thick waves, held up in a ponytail by a pair of lacquered hairpins. The gray fur-trim atop dark burgundy kimono hung off her shoulders with wide flaring sleeves. Which unveiled the sizeable bust covered by standard issue mesh. Its length stopped at mid thigh and revealed more mesh covering her legs down to her ankles. A wide golden orange obi was cinched tight to accent her slim waist. White tabi socks covered feet peeked out of low heeled shinobi sandals.
Last but not least, Hiroku wore her usual field gear, much as she had when she had first entered Snake Eyes's life. Black bodysuit, Jounin vest, dark navy hakama, black tabi with sandals, and full length black trench. Looking over those awaiting them, she grinned at seeing them ready to go and armed for trouble. They make one hell of a team, that's for sure… an Ice user for mid-to-long range. An assassination specialist and a kenjutsu user for close-to-mid range.
Snake Eyes looked at all of them in turn before he signed slowly. Giving Mabui time to whisper a translation to Haku.
[You got the mission overview?... Good. The mission is simple. Once we arrive at Wave, Momochi Zabuza will join us as my local contact. He'll guide us to the ship. We observe and then act in a decisive manner if suspicions prove correct. ]
Anko whistled, "Here I thought the mission reports exaggerated. You really did manage to recruit the Demon of the Bloody Mist. Damn Snake… that has some serious hair on those balls," she laughed ruefully.
[My hairy balls aside...] a pause to let the laughter subside, [We'll head to Wave in a standard six man formation. Anko has point. Mantis, you cover left flank while I take the right. Haku has rear guard and Mabui has center. No more than 15 meters apart. If everyone has what they need, we can get going. Anko please maintain three quarter pace. We'll make camp at the shoreline. Any questions?]
Mantis spoke up, "And Hiroku-senpai?"
[Shishou is here to evaluate my performance as team leader and to offer suggestions and input should I flounder or need further alternatives. She'll be in center position with Mabui.]
Mantis nodded in acceptance of that. Solid action plan and command sense… she thought to herself and glanced through the eyeholes of her mask towards Hiroku and saw the small smile of approval. Out of anyone in ISA, she knew the woman that had once worn the Lion mask best. She likes what he's done so far...
Snake Eyes looked to each person to see if they had any further questions. Seeing none, he turned and signed them out at the front gates before giving the gesture to move out. He didn't even have to glance around to see them slip into formation and move as a single unit.
((Hours later…))
It was late afternoon when the team reached the shoreline and Snake Eyes enjoyed the look of surprise on Anko's face and the matching body language of Mantis. He crossed his arms and savoured the taste of the smug satisfaction he felt.
Mabui shared a knowing look with her cousin before they simply shook their heads in unison. He's allowed to be smug...not his fault they didn't want to believe it. Now the egg's on their faces. Wearing an outfit identical to the one she borrowed from her soon to be mother in law, except the vest was pale gray instead of green, she fingered the hilt of the kodachi on her hip. She looked out from the treeline they stayed in and allowed herself a smirk as she could see a majority of the huge bridge.
Turning his back to the bridge entrance, Snake Eyes checked on each member of the group. Patting Haku on the shoulder lightly when the young man gave him a flushed and sweaty-faced thumbs up. He made the entire trip from the Fire Temple to Konoha in one go with no rest and barely four hours sleep after. He needs some decent sack time before we do much else… he looked to Hiroku before he made a decision. He whistled low and signed once he had everyone's attention.
[Rest up here till after nightfall. We'll take the bridge during the night. Find Tazuna-san after we cross and he can direct us to Zabuza. We stay out of sight until then. I'll take first watch, two hour rotation till we move out.]
With no objection, they all picked a spot or a tree to hide in and rest. Snake Eyes took to a higher point to stand his watch, letting his body rest somewhat while his mind went through a variety of scenarios.
((Several Hours after nightfall…))
Zabuza leaned on the hilt of the Kubikiri Bouchou as he waited with a grin under the facial wrapping. He immediately recognized Haku as the group emerged from the fog and the smile widened when more figures became clear. Straightening, he hefted and sheathed his Executioner Blade before stepping forward and giving a brief man-hug to Haku and strong handshake to Snake Eyes. "Welcome back, Snake-sama," he said with a chuckle. "Follow me and I'll bring you up to speed on Wave and the ship." He led them into through an opening in the newly built wood and stone palisade. "There's a lot to cover and a short time to do it." He looked over the group and an eyebrow lifted slightly as he saw all of them wearing an Arashikage plate. "Looks like you got a bit to catch me up on too…"
