Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 21

Brewing before the Reveal

The destination was finally reached, all looking to the area ahead to see the many who walked the grounds. It was also at this time that about a group of five shinobi darted past with an aggressive pursuit into the opposite direction. But even with their arrival there was no guarantee that the one they now found themselves chasing was truly at this very place.

"We're here, now what," Saungi questioned. "Will we split from this point forward?"

"That might be a good idea considering we'd cover more ground that way," Choji acknowledged. "However you weren't there when we encountered the individual in question, so it would only make sense that you wouldn't know who to look out for."

"A good point, perhaps we could travel in groups of two," Saungi presented. "Not only for detailing but for safety reasons as well, if this man is truly responsible for the scene the three of you came across last night then there's no telling how dangerous this man might be."

"Though the hat he wore is a defining feature, appearance might not be our best line of approach," Sakura said. "There's still the possibility that he has changed in clothing since last night, who wouldn't after being linked to a situation as the one we crossed?"

"You might be right," Hinata agreed. "But if it is true he has changed in appearance altogether how do we go about finding him?"

"You claim you saw this guy right," Saungi said looking over the three. "Did you get a look at any defining features, perhaps a scar, hair or eye color?"

"It was too dark to make out anything that would prove useful, his face in particular was shielded greatly by the hat worn at the time."

"I see."

"This is going to be more difficult than any of us could have predicted." Hinata commented.

"Perhaps so," Sakura said. "However I do have a way that could possibly help narrow down the list."

"Can't wait to hear this." Choji said facing her with anticipation to display.

"Saungi-san," Sakura said looking to him. "Is there a communications center near here?"

"Well.. probably about a five minute walk from here," Saungi replied after giving it some thought. "Why do you ask, I hardly see how that has anything to do with finding this man."

"Lead us to the communications center, I'll explain everything on the way there." Sakura promised.

"As you wish," Saungi accepted with the nod of his head. "I've got no ideas, perhaps what you have in mind will gain us some headway."

With that said he took charge, pushing to the front as he lead the group into the direction of where the destined location would be reached.

….

The drive was now on, staying stealth in position as he maneuvered his way around the area in hopes of finding the ones he had set out to find. It was during the process of this that many faces came to look his way, whether this was due to his presence or his unique apparel in comparison to theirs was another question in itself.

But above all it was the fact that all who he came to cross up to this point could clearly see him, a fact which was most questioning of all.

"First it was that woman who remains nameless to me, then the woman who announced herself as Temari.. it would appear that everyone has the ability to see me, but how," Ichigo examined in mind. "If I'm truly in shikai like my speed and reaction time has indicated, then how is it everyone can see me?"

He truly didn't know what to make of this, every possibility coming to mind only leading to more questions to ask. This train of thought was soon broken, knowing this was something that could be figured out later. What was most important was looking into what brought him to Tanigakure in the first place, finding his friends.

"There are several reiatsu's to be felt, none which belong to Inoue or Ishida," Ichigo quickly determined. "Doesn't mean they're still not close somewhere, no way I'm leaving until all ground is covered."

With this statement cemented he stepped out from behind the tree he had been standing aside, setting out to explore Tanigakure further in hopes of locating two of his closest comrades. But like any unknown, nothing is ever guaranteed.

….

With a nights pass, and several hours of thought put on the many possible outcomes for which they could possibly face the time had finally arrived. There was no more self-prediction nor doubt, the decision which had been reached the night prior was now being walked. The structures towered on all sides, looking over each one of them down to the very last detail. It was a familiar sight, yet different.

His attention would soon be shifted to what was ahead, listening in as a group of three men he had never seen before carried on with a conversation as they walked toward the opposite direction. This moment brought the reminder of an unknown, feeling as if he was sinking away into an emptiness that could not truly be explained. He would soon be pulled back, remembering he did not walk alone, a fact that he was not alone.

He slowly looked his way, unable to determine a mood due to the cloak that covered the side of his face. He looked back forward, speaking the first line of words between the two which had been absent for a time now.

"We've been walking for several minutes, it seems your prediction about the two of us blending in has turned out to be true."

He was expecting a response, one which didn't come. They continued to walk, following a directionless path which neither could predict would lead to. He attempted once more to break a sense for what this would all amount to, only this time with a more direct approach.

".. Bruce?"

Another step was taken, finally acknowledging him with the response he waited for.

"What is it?"

"We've been walking the streets of Amegakure for minutes," Conner stamped. "For what purpose, we haven't even attempted to interact with anyone."

"Patience."

"What?"

"We're now in phase two," Bruce stated. "Creating a familiarity."

"Uhh.. what now?"

"As I explained to you before, our first jump to make was not only gaining an understanding of the people of this place and their way of life, but obtaining a geographic level of comfort as well," Bruce articulated. "It's clear neither of these have been met in full as of yet, us walking amongst the people here is that next step, a move which not only furthers our knowledge of this place but gives those around us a familiarity in us as well."

"When you put it that way it makes sense," Conner said. "But with that said if we want people to become familiar with us then why the hoods over our heads?"

"You're free to pull it down if you so choose, just as long as we limit ourselves from pushing the cause any further than that for the time being."

He stopped after hearing this, an obvious statement which didn't fall clear to him.

"What do you mean by that," Conner asked. "Are you saying you believe it's too early to try and make contact with anyone here?"

He stopped after another two steps taken, glancing back at him with an expected response given.

"I believe you've just answered your own question."

"But why," Conner asked with a clear detach with the decision. "Wouldn't we gain ground a lot faster if we ask our way around, I like our chances for progress much better in that regard than simply choosing the route as an observer."

He did not take his time in choosing to answer this, fully turning to face him as he presented him with possibilities for which could come if this move was made.

"Alright, so let's say we chose to ask around as you've suggested," Bruce said giving into the idea. "How do you think those hearing us out will react to us posing the simplest of questions, one's which any resident should already know?"

"Point taken," Conner said giving in upon hearing this. "But either way we need to find a way to speed up the process, if we strictly stick to observing who knows how long it will take for us to."

"Observing is only the beginning phase as I told you before," Bruce interrupted. "Once we've accounted for all land marks here in Amegakure we'll pursue with the next step, until then we have some sightseeing to attend to."

With that marked in stone he turned back for the path ahead, not saying another word as he marched on.

"No matter how much I may disagree with the choice for how we're choosing to approach this what he said makes sense, there's really no other way of going about this without coming off as suspicious."

With that last thought breaking free the hood atop his was pulled back, revealing to all who could see what was hidden beneath. Not wanting to stagger them any further he moved on as well, making sure not to fall too behind the one who currently lead their path. What the ending had in stored was something he would have to wait to find out.

….

Just as promised her reasoning for choosing to seek a communications center was explained. All listened to what she had to say, all in agreement with the choice that had been made.

"So let me get this straight," Saungi began. "You want to go to the communications center so you can have someone send a message back to Konohagakure detailing what the three of you came across in that forest?"

"Exactly, and as you know the deceased in question were discovered in the land of fire," Sakura reminded. "So it would only make sense for us from Konohagakure to be involved with this investigation, and since our current focus is following up with a lead it would be in our best interest to alert the others so they can go and examine the scene further."

"You're right," Choji said. "You barely had anytime to skim over the bodies, let alone make any concrete determinations."

"All because of that boy who appeared at the scene unannounced." Hinata added.

"The sooner someone draws up a scenario for what took place in the forest, the better," Sakura said. "Which is why we need to send an immediate message to Konohagakure, they'll be on it in no time."

"Besides the reasoning you've detailed is there any other reasoning why you wish to go to the communications center?" Saungi asked as the four continued to walk.

"Yes, but it has nothing to do with sending a message," Sakura replied. "In fact, it might be something you might be able to answer for me."

He was more than entertained by the thought of this, stopping in that instant before turning back to face her.

"Something I might be able to answer for you," Saungi said with the tip of his straw hat. "What is it?"

"When it comes to anyone leaving and entering Tanigakure are tabs recorded on that kind of activity?"

"I see, you're hoping the one we're chasing after might have been signed in as someone who entered the village," Saungi said after catching. "Unfortunately that's not the case, the only time anyone is recorded coming in or out is if a notable transaction is or was made, perhaps with another village."

"I was afraid that's what you might say," Sakura said. "Which in turn keeps us sitting at square one."

"So that's what you were hoping would narrow our search, looks like we'll have to find another way to close the between us and the killer," Choji said. "Any ideas?"

"We'll worry about that after the message of the dead is forwarded to Konohagakure." Sakura said in response.

"How much further until we reach this center?" Hinata asked.

"Come, it's just up ahead." Saungi replied as he took charge once again.

The three followed once more, walking down a street which presented different sized constructs on each side. After walking several feet it became clear where their destined location resided. It was the largest structure they had come across since arriving in Tanigakure.

"This is it." Saungi enunciated.

There standing in front of a facility guarded by a steel door was a man who was looking over a document in hand. This man sported a purple bandana that sat strapped upon his head, gazing downward to see the hanging band upon his neck with the Tanigakure insignia in place. Without further ado the man was approached, taking very little time for him to notice the four.

"Pleasure meeting you, the name's Dorsel," The man greeted with a welcoming smile. How is it that I may help you all"

"We need to send a message, one to Konohagakure." Hinata replied being the one to deliver their stance.

"To Konohagakure huh, that makes you bunch the second to come to me with a request concerning Konohagakure on the day."

"The second?"

"Yea, about twenty minutes ago some person came with something they wanted me to report to the shinobi of Konohagakure," Dorsel explained. "Some story about a dozen or so dead bodies he came across while in the land of fire last night."

That instant sparked a steam of energy that had been waiting to gravitate to the surface.

"Was this person you speak of a man," Sakura asked after storming to the front of the bunch. "Standing somewhere around maybe five eight in height?"

"It was definitely a guy, and now that you mention it five eight wouldn't be too far off from the mentioned height in comparison to my own."

"What did he look like," Sakura asked pushing for further detail. "What did he wear, did he have a hat?"

"As a matter a fact he did."

"What kind?"

"Couldn't really tell you, looked custom if you ask me.. all black, rim appeared to be made of black steel," Dorsel described. "Couldn't really see his face though, besides the hat he wore a silk Balaclava mask that covered his entire face besides his eyes and mouth."

This was enough, there was no doubt in her mind that this was the same individual they had encountered the previous night.

"You have to tell us where he went to, it's imperative that you do."

"Wait, what is this all about?"

"There's a chance that the man who came to you with information about the deceased was involved in the killings." Hinata replied.

"What, are you sure?"

"Yes, we too came into contact with the scene of death that was detailed to you," Hinata informed. "After only a short time of accessing the scene the man we spoke of appeared."

"He attacked not only me, but one of my comrades as well." Sakura added.

"Let's say all of this is true," Dorsel said sucking it all in. "If this man is the killer of those shinobi like you all seem to believe, why then would he report it.. that makes no sense."

This was a question none had the answer for. But either way, with probability came with a cause for concern.

"I might not be able to answer that, but I do know that anyone who chooses to flee a scene in the fashion that he did tells a story in itself." Sakura said.

Though he wasn't fully in agreement this convinced him just enough to make a bold move concerning the matter.

"I'll get in contact with the guards and have them conduct a search for this man," Dorsel announced. "If he's still here in Tanigakure there's a good chance that we'll find him sooner rather than later."

"I can't thank you enough." Sakura said bowing her head.

"What about the message to Konohagakure about the deceased found in the land of fire?" Choji asked.

"A letter was sent via air mail about ten minutes ago, our hawks are some of the best in the business if I should say so myself."

"Good, now all we need to do is focus on finding our hatted friend." Sakura said pleased to say.

"This is the part where you'll have to excuse me," Dorsel said as he turned for the steel door that was directly behind. "If we're going to get this search launched in full I'll have to go and alert the guards."

"We'll leave that to you."

No further words were needed, stepping forward as he pulled the steel door wide before stepping in past it. This left just the four of them, looking to one another with the shared idea a plan going forward would prove helpful.

"What do you say we all split up," Hinata suggested. "We'd cover a lot more ground if we did."

"I like the sound of that." Saungi said.

"I was actually thinking groups of two," Choji said in response. "As we've already gone over this guy is dangerous, not to mention none of us have any knowledge to what he's fully might capable of."

"Agreed, we'll travel in groups of two," Sakura said siding with him. "Hinata, you're with me."

"Leaving me and Saungi-san," Choji said. "No problem with that."

"We'll split, after an hour we'll report back to this very spot." Sakura locked in.

"Works for me."

"Alright then," Sakura said looking to the area ahead. "Let the search begin."

Even with a showcased confidence there was an uncertainty simmering inside, one which held the question high, of why.

"It doesn't make sense, if he was the one to kill those people then why report it," Sakura queried questioningly within her thoughts. "The fact he ran after encountering us only supports the probability, unless.. unless there's something more to it."

What that could be was a mystery, something in all likelihood she would not come to find out unless finding the one they now found themselves chasing.

…...

Every minute that passed cut the area down further, continuing his search around the village which he hoped would lead to him finding the two he had been searching for since awaking from a slumber he could only imagine how long lasted. He stepped around a bush which brought him within inches of a large tree, stopping there after hearing growing commotion in the near distance.

"What's that?"

He set position aside the tree, peaking from around the left corner to see a group of about ten armed men huddled up, clearly in conversation with one another.

"What's going on here?"

He was most curious, slightly leaning forward in hopes of gaining an ear for what the group was discussing.

"You heard the man, whoever this guy is he's armed and dangerous," One of them spoke. "We'll have to move with extreme caution."

"How can we be sure this guy is still here in Tanigakure?" Another asked.

"We can't, but if he truly is it will be our job to flush him out."

"Besides our unit how many other search groups are there?" A third asked.

"Two more, which makes thirty of us in all."

"That's more than enough."

"You all know your positions, now let's get on it!"

With that demand resulted in all in attendance fleeing into separate directions in groups of two. This revelation left him at a loss for words, hiding himself behind the tree as he looked to the sky above.

"Could it be that the person that they're searching for is me.. but why?"

He peaked around the tree once again to find the shinobi that were there before had now completely fallen out of sight.

"Could this have something to do with that Temari girl I crossed, did she report me after returning from the medical center only to find that I was gone," Ichigo mused in mind. "But from what I heard just moments ago they're in search of someone armed and dangerous, and even though I might fit the bill I have a feeling they're looking for someone else, so if not me… then who?"

…

The path in which they chose to take brought them to the south area bordering the village. Over thirty minutes had passed since the search had been launched, and yet they were no closer to finding the person of interest. The sky was now darkening by this time, witnessing as a pack of dark clouds roared in from the north.

He gazed up with a hand falling above his eyes, making the quick determination after observing the activities which could be viewed from above.

"Looks like we'll be getting some rain here in a bit."

"No big surprise there," Saungi said. "Rain's a common feature around these parts; rarely do we get past four days without a single run, not to be compared with Amegakure of course."

"I have no doubt." Choji said dropping his sights back down to grown level.

"I don't know about you but the lack of progress is quite bothersome," Saungi stated before looking in all directions. "I don't know about you, but I think now would be a good time for us to split, odds are we'll find this guy a lot sooner if he's still lurking around."

"We've already been through this," Choji reminded. "It would be much too dangerous for either of us to be walking around here alone."

"It's true I have no idea what he's capable, but the same could be said for him when it comes to us."

"True," Choji acknowledged. "However if he's caught onto the idea that someone is out to find him he'll have that extra element working in his favor, that of a surprise attack."

"But we don't know that for sure, I'll still think we should split." Saungi fretted.

This change in tone most certainly caught him by surprise.

"Are you alright," Choji asked in a concerning matter as he turned to face him. "You seem more anxious than before, you alright?"

"Maybe so," Saungi admitted to. "The last thing I'd want is for any further casualties, I'm sure this feeling would be heightened for you if we were in Konohagakure."

He chose not to comment on this, simply turning back for the route they had chosen to follow before pressing on once again.

"Come on, if there's any hope for us finding this guy it won't come by us standing around."

His mentality completely shifted from what it had been before. For reasons not completely clear the in the urgency in the mission sky rocketed. His focus drove to its tip as well, having a good feeling inside he would soon come to discover where the killer hid. But like with any twisted situation always seemed to come a block in the path no one could have ever anticipated coming.

With the next step taken past two small trees brought a forcible pain, an instant blow to the back of the head which sent him gliding toward the ground below. There was no feel in the arms, no twitch to be made in the legs; all become lost as he blacked out on contact. What had happened, or rather, who had knocked him from behind?

…

It was all so sudden, frozen by the announcement that had been made just moments prior. She couldn't think of anything to respond with, simply looking into the eyes of the one sitting only feet away as if to wait for him to speak again. Luckily for her this hunch breathed life as she watched him slightly lean forward, this time only with a question to pose.

"Well.. aren't you going to say something," Kakashi asked. "Certainly you must be curious as to how I knew you'd be here, not to mention for what purpose brought me?"

This was true in both cases, taking the time to collect herself for what she would say in response. Unfortunately for her, her immediate chance would fall short due to the one next to her speaking out with a claim.

"Maybe she's just a little shy." Ino said based on her observation.

"I'm not shy," Orihime quickly declared while looking her way. "I was just caught by surprise, I wasn't aware anyone knew my name outside of the very few I talked with last night."

She then turned back to face him, posing the very question that anyone would of asked if found in the same situation.

"How do you know my name," Orihime asked. "Did someone tell you?"

The book laid out upon the table was reached for in that instance, pulling it toward himself before tucking it away. Once this was completed he looked her in the eyes with the awaited response.

"Yes, that's a fair assumption," Kakashi confirmed. "I was sent here to get an update on your current dilemma."

"Her current dilemma," Naruto questioned as he turned to face him. "What do you mean?"

He didn't respond, keeping his focus strictly on the girl who sat from across.

"Tell me Inoue-san, how are you feeling," Kakashi asked. "Compared to when you arrived last night would you say your mind has cleared."

These words left her in a questioning state, unsure as to what exactly he was referring to.

"What do you mean?" Orihime asked.

"Am I right in saying you came to meet a boy by the name Shikamarau last night?"

"Yes," Orihime confirmed. "He was the person to greet us when we arrived, why do you ask?"

"I talked with him several minutes ago before coming here, it was during our chat that I was briefed in on you and your situation," Kakashi explained. "So tell me, how is your memory serving, do you have a better feel for what events conspired before blacking out at the location you were found at.. perhaps where you're from, or who you might have been traveling with at the time if with anybody?"

This was a question she was certain would come, and yet she didn't have an answer for how she'd respond. The truth sat at the edge of her tongue, but if that route was taken surely there would be more questions to come that she was not yet ready to answer. To her fortune his latest comments gained the interest of the two who they were joined by, giving her the needed time to stall even if it was only for a few moments.

"Hold on, what is this about," Ino inquired. "Did something happen that we don't know about?"

"I was just about to ask the same thing," Naruto said before facing him. "Kakashi-sensei, what happened?"

"There was another attack, similar circumstances to the site you, Shikamaru, and myself visited on our last mission together," Kakashi informed. "What occurred in this second incident isn't fully known, only that several shinobi were slaughtered in what is being looked upon as an ambush."

"What," Naruto exclaimed in disgust. "Do we know how many attackers there were?"

"Just like in the first case, that is not clear at this given time."

"Were there explosives used this time around as well?" Naruto asked pushing for additional details.

"That I am not certain of," Kakashi admitted. "I didn't investigate the scene myself, only received intel from the group that returned."

"And the number in deceased?"

"Thirty two in all."

Though he pressed not to show it in his face the anger boiled from within upon hearing this.

"I clearly have not been briefed in on any of what you both are talking about, but I must ask," Ino began. "Were there any survivors?"

"Yes, only one," Kakashi confirmed before nodding his head toward the girl who sat beside her. "Inoue-san is that person."

This came as the ultimate surprise for the both of them. The two of them looked her way almost immediately, no secret that they too wished to hear what she had to share.

"So tell us Inoue-san," Kakashi said as he rested his hands atop the table. "What can you remember?"

There was no further call for delay to cling tight to, the moment was now, a decision which would ultimately pave the way for what would come next.

"What do I do now?"

This was her very thoughts, feeling as if everything was closing in from all sides with all eyes now on her.

….

They had searched and searched, sadly generating results that could only be deemed failure. After an hours search they found themselves in the same situation they had been before beginning the search.

"Even after an hour of searching we're no further along than we were before."

"Do you think Choji-kun and Saungi-san might have caught onto something by now," Hinata questioned. "I mean, it's been over an hour and they've still yet to return."

"You're right, one can only assume they've caught onto something," Sakura said. "And if they haven't it's only a matter before they return, after all the limit which we agreed on has already passed, surely they haven't forgotten about our agreement about meeting back here after an hour."

Their attention was soon detached from what was on the mind, turning to the right at the sound of someone walking their way. There walking alongside the road was someone neither could not deny not recognizing.

"Look there, it's Temari-chan of Sunagakure." Hinata pointed.

"I see that, but what is she doing here?"

"No easier way of finding out then asking her directly."

Before an attempt was made by either of the two to wave her their way she spotted the two of them, continuing on her path toward them.

"Well look who it is, no way I was expecting to find either of you on my journey here." Temari announced after coming within feet of reaching them.

"That makes the both of us," Sakura said. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I was just about to ask you the same," Temari said in response. "Sunagakure was given word that a select shinobi from Konohagakure would be sent to help investigate a situation that was brought into the light a few days ago, would I be right assuming you were the two sent?"

"Us along with one other," Sakura confirmed. "All due to a cable found at the trading site where several dead shinobi were discovered, a cable that had sand particles on it that are only found in Sunagakure."

"If that is so, then why is it you're here in Tanigakure?" Temari asked after coming to a complete stop in front of the two.

"As we traveled through the land of fire we happened to stumble in on quite the scene while in the forest," Sakura began. "Several dead shinobi, twelve in all, no doubt who were all killed."

"What?"

"Whether it was through confrontation or ambush has yet to be determined." Hinata added.

"Given a response like that I can only assume you have no leads to who might have been responsible," Temari noted. "But on the flipped side your focus seems to be occupied here in Tanigakure, would that make my initial comments wrong?"

"You're right, that's why we're here," Sakura replied. "We have a reason to believe the person responsible is here in this village somewhere."

"Is that right?"

"If you're interested in knowing we'd be willing to explain, but first I'd like to know why you're here."

"It's actually quite convenient that I found the two of you here before you could forward your travels to Sunagakure."

"Why is that?" Hinata inquired.

"You were sent our way because it was a common belief that the cable used to set the explosives off in the attack were manufactured in Sunagakure," Temari ran down. "Turns out that it was true."

"Really, did you question the ones to sell the wiring and explosives," Hinata asked. "Maybe they still have a visual for who purchased the set used in the attack."

"Perhaps I would have been able to had they not fled."

"What," Sakura exclaimed after learning this. "Why would they do that?"

"The transaction was done illegally, so naturally after hearing that the higher ups wished to speak with them they took off," Temari informed. "Which has brought me here, our forces believe they're hiding it out here somewhere in Tanigakure."

"It's strange how things work out sometimes."

Before any further discussions could be carried on the inner details the three were abruptly interrupted, holding up an arm to shield their eyes from a strong wind that blew past from the west with several sand particles flaking along in its wake. This lasted for over a minute, showing no sign that it would let up anytime soon.

"We better move from this spot, we're too out in the open." Temari said.

"Agreed," Sakura said keeping her arm in place as the roughness of the sand brushed along. "There's no telling how long this will last."

Before any moves could be made to migrate somewhere else the large steel doors opened from behind, catching the attention of all three.

"I thought I heard voices."

"Dorsel-san." Hinata said surprised to see him.

"The conditions seem to be making way, why don't the three of you step inside."

"Are you sure that's ok?" Sakura asked.

"You can always stay out here and get blown away," Dorsel jokingly remarked before forcing the door wide. "Come in, it won't be a problem at all."

The invitation was accepted by all three, walking in past him to avoid further confrontation with the vicious winds. They now found themselves in a wide room, looking ahead to face what could be described as a tunnel that went on for several feet. At the end stood two massive steel doors, larger than the one they used to enter.

"What is this place?" Temari asked.

"The communications center," Dorsel replied. "What you're seeing now is only the main hall, past those door up ahead is where the first floor work area is located."

"That explains."

"What happened to those other two guys that were with you, no doubt still out searching for that guy," Dorsel assumed. "No matter, I'll simply keep the door open; if they come by we'll invite them in as well."

"Your hospitality is most appreciated." Hinata commented.

"Anything I can do to help."

After now finding herself blocked off from the sand that continued to soar, she couldn't help but gaze out the opening of the door out into the scenery that presented itself. There was no doubt an hour had passed, so how come they had yet to return. Any optimism to be felt slowly faded into concern.

"Choji, where are you?"

To Be Continued