Chapter 12: Meeting
"How are things going, Inferno?"
It was now Thursday and Naru's meeting was beginning. A little ways away from the battling statues of the Valley of End, seven figures stood in front of her. They were each in robes that had their own unique designs. Naru was no different but she, unlike them, had her hood down.
"Going well, Kitsune-sama," a man dressed in flames said as he bowed.
"I take it you have heard of the most recent visitor to Konoha. What are your thoughts on this? That is, with duty aside of course."
"I find myself agreeing with the rest of the ninja there but I do not question your judgment. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into though."
"Yes, Mistress has already voiced so already, yet I do have a sound plan in his staying in Konoha."
"What of this prophecy that we have heard whispers about, Kitsune-sama."
"Down to immediate business, Yuki? That's highly unusual to hear from you."
Naru sighed as she crossed her arms in thought, "There is another war on our horizon; this time, a bigger threat by what the prophecy foretells. It appears that the eclipse is approaching."
It was quiet for a good minute before anyone spoke. It was like a blanket had fallen and chilled the very air as the warmth of summer bristled to late fall. Naru could feel all eyes suddenly on her and looks at each and every person at length.
"Our time to rise out of the ashes is here. I need you all to realize that it is not too late to back out of this alliance and be with your families once again, but this will be your last chance to do so."
"Kitsune-sama, there is no way I am leaving this alliance. We have known each other for a time now and I will stand by you in whatever you need me to."
"Tomo-san, whatever you want to do, I welcome you to it. Some of you are known as missing-nin and some are even counted among the dead. However, there is no need to rush as there will be a month's time that you will have to yourselves. You are all dismissed with one last warning. If you leave, you are not to tell anyone the details of our group. To do so would be to bring death upon you by my hands and, as you all know, I don't play with traitors."
"Compelling speech Naru but I doubt anyone would consider leaving. You have picked your allies well…but there are going to be more reports of the coming battle preparations in the villages."
"Yes, but the hard part is just beginning. Tsunade-baa-san has known that I have been doing an extra project in my free time. Though she trusts me and knows I will not do anything to jeopardize Konoha, she is still worried and has her own suspicions."
"Which will make this next part harder, but at least you were smart enough to put some other people she trusts in this group as well."
"Don't get cocky Mistress. I searched everyone out specifically for their expertise and drive for our goal, no other reason."
"Naru-sama, are you sure that she will accept your-"
"Our, Yuki, this is our next step. She will because I have already hinted that I was bringing up a plan for the prophecy when she had found out about it from Sasuke."
"Time for a little family reunion, eh Inferno?" the one called Mistress mocked, ignoring the chill from Inferno's killing intent.
A/N: Yes, I know this is ultimately short, but (for those who couldn't tell) the next few chapters are basically a build of a prelude to what is to come. Just an update on the status on the story: so far, 17 chapters of this story have been typed up, about 7 more than that written but the writing has been off and on. If you guys could help out and ask questions and give input on what you want or think should be in here I'd be thankful. That's not to say that the ending isn't thought up though so it will still be a mystery to you.