Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 25

Book Keeps Turning

The view from which they watched couldn't be any more telling. For the past seconds she noticed an uneasiness from a certain individual, one backed with a surprising gesture in movement. It was Eijan Kelsho. She was in the process of glancing from one side of the forest to the other, a move which suggested she was in search of something. But what, and should this be something that should be looked upon as alarming?

"I wonder if everything is ok," Hinata worriedly bounced in thought. "Is she on the lookout for someone.. or something?"

The growing tension couldn't be any more obvious. Very few words were spoken between all gathered. It was clear the events leading to this point lied strongly on each of their minds. But even with a strand of evidence lined out, opinions varied with perception of what was known. Even with a difference in belief there was something all internally agreed upon, the end.

The feeling couldn't be any stronger; the sought killer couldn't be any closer. Their presence was near, all that awaited was to give the faceless a face. It was during this extended train of thought that a possibility none had yet to consider came to mind. He thought it over for seconds, taking a short time for him to come to the decision to speak on the matter.

"Hold on," Tez said with something to share. "Don't you think we're getting a little bit ahead of ourselves?"

This immediately gained the interest of all who stood in attendance, all curious as to what it was he was talking about.

"What are you referring to?" Hinata asked.

"Yes," Dorsel said stepping forward. "I too would like to know what it is you speak of?"

"Up to this point we've assumed that the person to have committed the murder was also the same person responsible for the killings back in the land of fire," Tez began detailing. "What if we're wrong, what if we're dealing with more than a single killer?"

"Then you must not have been informed, because we are." Temari passed along.

His immediate reaction was looking her way, raising his head just enough for eye contact to be made.

"What's that?"

"That's what brought me here in the first place," Temari informed. "From the information collected we believe three individuals played a hand in these attacks, well at least with selling explosives which were used in the incident."

"Where did this information come from?"

"Collected intel from the trading site," Temari answered. "Believe it or not this string of events began in Sunagakure, stemming to the point of landing not only myself but the others here as well."

"This is more conflicting than I had imagined," Tez admited. ".. Very questioning even."

"Are you suggesting you don't believe her?" Hinata inquired.

"No, that's not it at all," Tez replied now looking to the sky. "This simply changes things, twisting a new perspective into place if you will."

Through it all she took in everything that was being analyzed, all while keeping a lock on the one who hired her highest suspicion. Even with as forthcoming as he currently was there was still room for doubt.

"So he's from the Land of Iron, that may be a start but that still leaves much unaccounted for," Sakura thought in mind. "For beginners we've yet to be given a reason to why he was traveling through the Land of Fire in the first place, furthermore was his discovery bodies pure coincidence or is there more to it?"

This very thought sat at the tip of all senses, keeping her on edge the more it ran through her mind. Even with a solid suspicion placed on the hatted man there was no solid proof he was the one in fact responsible, if anything evidence seemed to point elsewhere. But even then she wouldn't allow herself to detach him from the line of suspects, not yet.

"No matter how much truth his words may hold, I can't help but feel there's a lie hidden behind it all."

Up to this point she had spoken very little on the matter, the evolvement being made in her mind was less than what she would wish for.

For another there was a growing impatience, one which couldn't be any clearer as she stepped up while crossing her arms.

"I understand collaboration in detail is important in a situation such as this, but I must agree with my husband," Kelsho stated. "Shouldn't our primary focus be on relocating the kunai of blood that was found in the prime suspect's hand?"

"Yes," Shuen backed in agreement. "That holds the highest truth in this mystery in my book, no matter what any of us choose to say."

"That may be true, but we still have to keep our minds open to the possibility that this could be a set up," Temari stated. "If Choji-kun was knocked from behind as detailed, someone could have easily placed the kunai into his possession in attempt to frame."

"And yet no one has presented any source material that supports the theory," Shuen countered in response to this. "And until someone does my outlook on the matter stands and will not change."

There was no way of arguing the point, he was right, there was nothing solid that suggested what she had implied was correct. But even still there was something that didn't quite add up, a shared feeling by more than just herself. To really make sense of it all was to take each individual piece gathered and strand them together to create a completed picture.

After a brief moment of silence he directed his attention toward the two who had come to lose what he viewed as the most precious gift in life one could ever have.

"Shuen, Kelsho-san," Tez spoke with both immediately facing him. "There's something I'd like to ask, and though this might be scratching the surface on a personal level, I feel it's something that must be asked."

"If it will help put this all to a rest then we'll answer anything." Kelsho replied giving her consent in definite.

It was Shuen who displayed a second's hesitation, coming to quick decision after clutching his left fist, something that was well noted.

"Alright," Shuen said in an almost impatient voice. "What is it?"

What would come to be asked would not only come as a surprise to him but to everyone else as well.

"Saungi-san.. was he your son," Tez asked leveling his head slightly downward. "Biologically?"

This provoked a response which was understandable.

"Of course he was," Shuen spat angrily as he stomped his right foot. "I don't know what it is you're getting at or trying to imply but!"

"Forget it," Tez interjected in a calming matter while looking into the distance of wonders. "Forget that I asked."

"Why would he ask something like that?" Sakura mused within her own thoughts.

There was no mistaking it, why was the question asked, and was there any significance to it? This moment was followed by her rehashing all events that began all the way back with the discovery of the bodies in the land of fire, through their first meeting with Saungi, all the way up until this very moment. Every detail played back in her mind many times over with a growing clarity flushing in. The string of knowledge began to paint a clear picture. With it all gradually falling into place a green light finally flashed, one which came with an almost certainty.

"That's it," Sakura announced. "I've figured it out."

This warranted an immediate reaction from all who stood, finding all eyes to be now fixated on her.

"What is it," Choji asked. "What is it you've figured out?"

With a casual grin taking form as she faced him, the message was delivered.

"I know who killed those shinobi we found in the Land of Fire," Sakura stated. "I know who murdered Saungi-san."

…..

The initial sight of it left the both of them stunned, a scene which would leave anyone speechless upon crossing it. The reeking smell that led them to this very spot shed stronger than ever now. His stone stance was short lived as he took a small step forward.

"What could have possibly happened here?"

"You're not the only one with that question," Uryuu said facing him. "If there's any way of finding out, it will be by us examining the bodies."

"Examining the bodies," Bart questioned with a gulp. "You sure there's not another option?"

His response sent a clear message, letting him know what was to come next would squarely be on his shoulders.

"Very well," Uyruu replied. "I'll go down and see if there's anything I can learn, on the flip side you stay here and keep a look out."

"For what?" Bart inquired.

"Think about it, someone obviously dug this hole and placed all the bodies inside," Uryuu explained putting things into perspective. "Wouldn't it be expected for them to return, you know.. perhaps to cover this all up?"

"Ok, that makes sense, but even still," Bart said. "Something doesn't add up."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's say whoever did this does plan to return, why leave before burying all the bodies," Bart questioned. "Surely they wouldn't expect someone not to eventually come across this place."

"You bring up a good point, and if they left without covering this all up it can only mean because their absence will be short lived."

"Then if that's the case you better proceed with your quick look," Bart said. "Last thing we'd want is for these guys to return and see us standing here."

The unavoidable question came to mind, bringing a hand to his chin as he sorted the details over mentally. Given the little knowledge either had on the matter made it difficult to determine why they had not sealed the bodies from visual sight. Seconds was all it took for his mind to open to the most obvious possibility, a realization that could clearly be seen on his face.

"What is it, have you figured something out?" Bart asked.

"What if they're not done," Uyruu replied as he faced him. "What if what we've come across is only the beginning?"

"Yea, not following," Bart said expressing his confusion. "Mind elaborating on what you mean?"

"I don't think these guys are done," Uryuu replied. "If my guess is correct, they'll be back with more bodies to dump."

…

The moment everyone had been anticipating had seemingly arrived. Was it true, had she truly deduced who was responsible for the series of deaths leading to this moment? It was something all wished to know, even stronger for a certain individual, a move which proved evident after stepping forward.

"Alright then," Shuen said gazing at her. "Let's hear it, who's the guilty you seem so certain of?"

"Yes," Dorsel said nodding his head. "We've all waited long enough, if you really know who's responsible please do forward that information to the rest of us."

"It's actually rather simple; the person who our emphasis should be on has merely been misdirecting not only myself, but all of you since their arrival." Sakura stated.

"I don't understand?" Hinata replied being the first to admit.

"We've been pressed away from the truth," Sakura said in response. "His first appearance launched the beginning of this roadside deception of his."

"His?" Choji questioned.

"Yes," Sakura replied before turning to face the person standing lone to her left. "Dosada, Tezlinar."

"What," Shuen exclaimed with an almost relief to be heard. "Are you certain of this?!"

His reaction to this latest claim was shielded by the hat which sagged ever so slightly, only further blanketed by the mask worn over his face. There was no mistaking it, of all who stood before them he was the one who was viewed as one of the most suspicious, not only in appearance but in situation as well.

After a few moments passed with no registered response another chose to speak in the wake of this all.

"Is what she says true," Dorsel asked. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"

His hands remained latched to the sides of his pockets with his sights still angled to the ground below.

"Tell me Haruna-san," Tez spoke with that calming demeanor of his. "What lead you to that conclusion, I'm admittedly curious."

He had spoken her name for a second time, something that brought slight hesitation in her corner. But that was beside the point, this matter was in arms reach of being closed.. something she did not wish to have drag on any longer.

"Do I really need to explain," Sakura asked. "Do I need to go that far for you to admit?"

"To this stage in time, the only consistent has been the point of fingers and disagreement in judgment, for a conclusive end to be reached explaining is necessary," Tez replied. "In favor or in defense against me, all sides should be heard if they hold any possible bearing."

His words were very telling, in more ways than one. If one thing was certain she would have to be direct, there was no doubt in her mind he'd attempt to twist things from his light of suspicion.

"You seem overly confident for someone who's just been accused."

This remark was nothing more than an attempt at pressing his inner emotions, testing to see if any form of anger would come to display. This all tied back to the death of Saungi, the condition in which his body came to be found in highly suggested anger and force, something Tez had yet to display.

"Why fear when one has nothing to hide?"

This response gave the opposite impression of what she was hoping for.

"Very well, let's begin with what we know about the killer," Sakura began. "For starters the three runaways from Sunagakure took off after learning their illegal selling's had been discovered."

"As you mentioned before," Tez recalled. "But as you're aware, I've traveled here alone."

"Which means little," Temari said in response to that. "After leaving Sunagakure you and your comrades could have easily split in hopes of avoiding suspicion, and to top it off you placed on a badge hoisting the emblem depicting the Land of Iron, no doubt a piece you were able to get your hands on while on the run."

"Let's move onto the red flag that alarmed the second we crossed," Sakura continued. "Your mask, at first I thought it was nothing more than a means to hide your appearance, and maybe it is.. but after giving it some thought I realized its main purpose."

This announcement demanded a high focus from all spectators.

"What do you mean," Hinata asked. "What other purpose could his mask serve?"

"Think about it," Sakura replied with an answer that brought a pause for all. "If you're traveling through the deserts over periods of time, isn't there that small chance you could be engaged by a sand storm?"

"That's it," Kelsho said making sense of this claim. "The mask was for protection against any potential sandstorm."

"Or possibly any other unexpected weather conditions," Sakura said not quick to exclude. "But that's not where the brunt of it falls."

"There's more?" Dorsel asked.

"Yes, this falls back to the disappearance of the kunai."

"Are you saying you know where it is?" Shuen inquired excitedly before stepping forward.

"Yes," Sakura replied immediately. "I believe I do."

With that said she turned to face him yet again.

"Dosada-san… you have it don't you, the kunai?"

That moment brought the storming sound of the bushes that came from the right side, something that drew all attention that way. It took seconds for them to appear, watching as three shinobi joined the fray.

"What happened here?" One of them questioned after sighting the body which lied only yards away.

This caught the attention of the other two who traveled with him, both noticing the body as well.

"Was there some kind of attack," One of the others asked. "Was anyone else hurt?"

"As in here in Tanigakure, just the one." Hinata replied.

That moment brought a realization through his eyes.

"You three are from the search unit, yes," Dorsel said certain of this after noting their chest badges. "What are you doing here?"

Her eyes peered that way after hearing the three addressed, recognizing the group immediately.

"Hold on, aren't you the three we walked by when we first entered Tanigakure," Hinata asked. "I remember passing you."

"Perhaps you did, we had been asked to look into a matter at riverside, so it only makes sense someone arriving here would have passed us on our way out," The one who stood in front confirmed. "I'm delighted to announce that our search was a success."

"A success," Dorsel questioned. "What was it you and your group were searching for, and for what purpose?"

His question would soon be answered. One of the others walked forward, heading directly toward someone that caught everyone by a spinning surprise.

"We dove to the bottom of the river like you asked." The shinobi spoke as he came to a stop just feet from reaching the hatted man.

He wasted no time in reaching for his left pocket, pulling out a large bulky piece of wet cloth which he held out for him to take. These turn of events brought an ultimate confusion, one which none could begin to make sense of.

"Have you already had a look inside?" Tez asked.

"Yes," He replied. "What we came to find is just as you predicted."

What was this new finding they spoke of, and what ramifications could it possibly have on the current situation?

….

Its path paved nothing but a dark visual, leaving him to keep the flash light faced forward. It was a lot cooler down here as opposed to the upper levels. The next moment brought an unannounced sound, one which came from the grounds below.

"What was that?"

The output of his heart increased just slightly, feeling a sudden sweat in his palm in control of the light. His eyes immediately dropped to where commotion had jumped from its ranks, watching as a small critter dashed across the ground into a small hole in the wall. A shallow breath was taken after noting this.

"Just a rat, nothing but a rat."

The importance surrounding the situation at hand put his mind back in focus almost immediately, aiming the flash light back to what awaited him. The time for how long he had been walking only grew with each step, a process which factored in the fading sewage smell that followed him from every side, or maybe it was the fact his senses began to adapt?

Either way the point was moot. By this time his mind and awareness were leveled to his surroundings. There was only one question left unanswered, where would this ultimately lead, what would there be to find at the end of the road? This was almost impossible to answer. This wasn't simply a walk to learn secrets of the underground, but to draw up a map of everything beneath in comparison to everything on top.

The first crossroad of paths was finally reached, leaving him with a choice to make. He stopped in that instance, reaching into his pocket to pull out a notepad. Based from the time he had walked it wasn't hard to figure his position compared to what was above. He readied himself to make a marking, only to hear something that echoed.

"That noise… footsteps."

He looked from the right path to the left with only one question in mind.

"Where did that come from?"

No sooner after questioning this that its voice sprung again.

"The right, whatever is making that noise is coming from there."

With this figured the notepad was placed back into his pocket. The light was then held out once again as the decision to head right was made. There was no telling what caused the noise, leaving him to be more alert than ever before.

"Could someone else be down here besides me?"

Was that what he truly heard, was there another in these sewers besides himself. There would be only one way of finding out. He became much more discreet from that point on. If there was another who occupied the area it would be his duty to try and sight them before they did the opposite. He was now in a state which most would consider stealth. Each taken step measured out as the same before, displaying the consistent control in his form.

As he walked the light in which he used to help guide his way began to dim, telling him the light would soon burn out. It was a move which came at an untimely moment.

"This couldn't have happened at a more convenient time."

There would be no stop regardless, if anything he wanted to learn what had caused the noise he had heard just moments prior. It was as he made his way deeper into the sewer that several small cracks could be seen from the upper walls, shedding in light from the surface above. As to preserve energy he switched off the flash light. That instant brought the sight of something darting by from yards ahead. There was no doubt what it was, he was not alone.

"There's definitely someone else down here," Bruce thought. "But who was that just now, and why were they running?"

There was really only one way to find out, and that would be to follow after them. He pressed further with each step, taking little time for him to reach a point where it required he'd have to go right.

"No doubt this is the direction where they ran."

There was no time wasted with internal debate, if he was to find the one who ran past seconds ago he would have to keep charge. There were still several cracks to be seen from the left wall which continued to allow light through which assisted in guiding his path. His eyes took note of what was ahead, finding that he would soon have to make another turn, this time to the left. He readied himself, there was no telling what he'd soon come to cross.

Before he knew it he was within a step or two of reaching the turning point, slowing up in motion as not to potentially give up his position. It was dark, but still light enough to see the standing figure which was no more than a few feet away. It was a person, someone who stood with their back to him. There were several ways he could go about approaching this, almost immediately deciding with the most direct.

"Who are you?"

The only response came from his blind side, the sound of at least two people running up from behind. But how, he was certain no one had been trailing him from behind. A sharp pain registered to the side of his left leg, one followed by a forceful hit to the back of his head, all conspiring before having the chance to collet what was happening. It had all happened so quickly, almost as if he was being attacked by the darkness of the shadows. He fell straight to the ground with a rough impact. Before losing concisions a clear message was delivered.

"You're coming with me."

His sight fell blank in that instant, leaving him to drown in the confines of his own mind. But who or what was it he had come to cross, and would be a question he'd ever come to get the chance to have answered?

…..

Of all things that came as unexpected up till this point nothing would compare to what was about to be brought into the light. It was something that was directly linked to what he now held in his hands, a secret which all who stood before him wished to have unraveled. The message for what was inside had already been given, but that wasn't enough.. he needed confirmation to come through his own eyes.

One small adjust of the cloth was all it took to find what lied away in secrecy, having his beliefs ring true in that moment. But with any unexplained development, there is bound to be questions from those who seek answers.

"I don't understand, what's wrapped inside the cloth," Dorsel asked. "And what does it have to do with the murders?"

"It has everything to do with the murders," Tez said in response. "And with all the information we've gathered thus far pertaining to the deaths coupled in with what I now hold, I can firmly say who's responsible for all deaths.. without a doubt."

His words heightened interest from all involved, more than curious as to what information he now had that would back this timely claim.

"What," Dorsel inquired. "So you're saying the deaths weren't a direct cause by your own hand?"

"What's in the cloth?" Choji asked going straight for the golden question.

The mysterious wrapped item was placed into the safety of his left pocket as he turned to give him his full unhindered attention.

"For me to give the direct answer would surely lead to a piling of questions," Tez stated. "And besides this trial of attacks is much more complex than any of us could have foreseen, a heist which almost deceived my line of thought."

"What do you mean by heist," Temari asked. "Are you suggesting there's more to these killings than just to cover up their tracks?"

"To a degree, yes." Tez replied shifting his eyes her way.

"I'm curious as to how you've come to this.. solid conclusion off of one item," Temari said. "Perhaps you could enlighten us, by first revealing what's lied away in that cloth."

"As I said before, we'll get to that as soon as I've explained everything leading to this discovery."

"And how long do you plan on dragging this on for?" Sakura said slotting herself back into the mix.

The distrust in her voice was as clear as the sky had become in the passing of the storm. This response however was no surprise to him in the least.

"If it helps to calm your nerves I can now positively pass that your friend is not someone I've come to suspect, nor do I believe he was involved in the killing in any capacity."

This did little, in her mind this could simply be a move to try and gain her trust.

"I'm sick of all the small talk," Shuen stomped angrily. "If you know something about my son's murder, then go ahead and provide that information to the rest of us!"

"Yes, this is already hard enough for us as it is," Kelsho added. "The sooner closure can be reached, the better it will be for us both."

"I'm a man of few words when it comes to the outlook of things, all that matters through my eyes is the defining detail that links all parts to one, something that has finally been reached," Tez began. "And I agree, this has played out for long enough, unless anyone has anything further to speak I will commence."

Not a word followed beyond his own, an indication all wished for him to proceed with what had come to the light in his mind.

"Then let us start from the beginning, stemming from my first encounter with the three from Konohagakure," Tez began. "As everyone is aware a dozen shinobi were found deceased in the land of fire, by what exact means is uncertain, a detail which bears little weight as it currently stands."

"How so," Hinata asked surprised by the announced. "Wouldn't the cause of their deaths give us a hint as to who we should be suspecting?"

"That is true, but it is also true the circumstances can hit the mark just as cleanly."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Numbers can be quite telling, wouldn't you agree?" Tez passed.

"Numbers?"

"Tell me this, after crossing me back in that forest did the three of you come across anyone else that night?"

She took only seconds to think this over before replying.

"Not until reaching riverside," Hinata replied. "And that wasn't until after dawn."

"And who was it you came to find?"

"Saungi-san of course," Hinata answered. "And after speaking with him he agreed to allow the three of us to travel on his boat to Tanigakure, where we find ourselves now."

"That's all I needed to hear."

"What's the point, I don't see what there's to gain from any of that." Temari said.

He took no time in directing a response.

"Let's just say after parting ways with your friends here I took the time to search the forest two miles out in every direction from where the bodies were discovered, and do you know how many others I encountered… that's right, none."

"By the time you covered one area, the killers would have long been gone." Temari said in response to that.

"I move quickly."

"Evidently not fast enough." Temari quipped.

His motive for referring back to this wasn't completely clear from her point of view, and quite frankly what he presented did very little to add to what they already knew.

"What's his genuine point with this.. could he possibly be referring to what we've come to know as the Shadow Revenants," Sakura juggled in mind. "Does he believe they're involved somehow, or is this nothing but a speech of detail to throw all attention away from himself?"

There were several scenarios that sat in mind, each a possibility. Whether he chose to speak the truth or not did not matter, either way she would wait until he was finished with his explanation before giving her voice of input.

"Let's now jump to your arrival here at Tanigakure, there's something in particular I'm curious about." Tez stated.

"What is it?" Hinata asked.

"Saungi-san joined the three of you in your search for me, by what account lead to this move," Tez inquired. "After all I'm sure he had things of his own to do."

"How does a question like that lead to determining our son's killer?" Kelsho asked.

"You'll understand soon enough," Tez said before directing his sights strictly to the one who had been most forthcoming to this point. "Please, it's an honest question."

"After hearing the details surrounding our current situation he insisted on helping," Hinata replied. "He even went as far to say he would decline rejection."

"That's very telling," Tez said lowering his head. "Which leads to my next question, how soon after conducting the search did you all decide to split into groups of two?"

"That was a decision which came almost immediately." Choji chose to answer. "It was a move that would allow us to cover more ground in a shorter time span."

"A move which makes sense, given that you all had your minds firmly set on finding me soon as possible," Tez said shifting focus his way. "Furthermore we already have an estimation for when you were knocked from your senses, the only blank left unanswered is what happened between the time you lied unconscious up till the point you and Saungi-san were found."

"You said before you were certain this boy wasn't responsible for killing my son," Kelsho said. "If you don't mind me asking, for what proof of that do you have?"

His eyes leveled back to ground level before answering.

"That's actually quite simple."

This response sparked a spike in interest. But what did he mean by this, what was so simple that no one else had come to notice. That answer would come in moments time, but surprisingly not through words, but rather.. through action.

"What's he doing now?"

One step was all it took to shift his position to where it matched hers. Without warning he began advancing toward her with his hat hanging sluggishly, not a single word was spoken to hint for why. His approach didn't stop until coming within inches of reaching her. This move not only stunned her, but all others as well.

His head rose just enough to lock eyes with her own, a move bringing a numbing tension which left her completely neutralized. There was no stop in his progression. His next move proved to be the most unexpected up til this point, extending his arm in one quick motion which brought his hand to the left side of her face. It was all so sudden, a pass which left her completely motionless.

Why her, and more importantly for what reason? At no time did his eyes seize to fall elsewhere of her own. His agenda only proceeded, one weighing by the search of his index finger that glided through her hair that sent a shockwave throughout her entire body. The line was officially breached, pulling back with an infuriating clutch of her fist before snapping it forward in full force.

"What are you doing?!"

Those demanding words were the first thing to escape her lips as she watched the hatted man evade her attack with an ease that would suggest his anticipation of her attack. The gap between them was now several feet, glaring over him with anger still boiling high.

"The hell was that for?!" Sakura bellowed angrily

He was currently gazing down at his hand which had been placed to her face, responding to her with a kept calmness.

"Your reaction was heavily delayed, and your point for attack leaves much to be desired," Tez asserted looking toward her. "However all of that is beside the point."

"So grouping my hair is your attempt at trying to gained," Sakura said channeling back an obvious disgust. "So besides possible masked killer you have pervert to add to the resume."

"Your complaint while fair will fall flat once I've explained, here," Tez said looking back to his hand. "The first fence of evidence lies here."

This move left brought in another heap of confusion.

"What in the daggers hell are you talking about?" Shuen asked with his patience reaching the ends edge.

He raised his hand further as if to give a response, twitching not only his index but his middle finger as well.

"Sand." Tez conveyed.

"Sand?" Sakura inquired.

"Yes, sand that was in your hair," Tez replied. "No doubt sand that drifted all the way from Sunagakure just a short time ago during the minor storm."

"So what of it, what bearing does that hold," Sakura asked. "Being that we were all caught up in the storm it is only natural that sand would be in my hair."

"That's the point."

"I don't get it." Hinata admitted.

This response was expected, after all he had yet to bring to them the knotting detail. With the top presented he turned to the one most connected to this all.

"Choji-san, would you do me a favor?" Tez politely asked.

He was hesitant, but replied none the less.

".. What is it?"

"Take your hand and pass it through your hair."

"What?"

"Do it." Tez pressed.

He didn't know what to make of this.

".. Whatever you say."

With that he did what was asked of him

"What is the point of this," Temari asked crossing her arms. "This is the second question you've posed that has to do with his hair, if whatever it is you have in mind is so important then why didn't you bring it up before?"

"The relevance of this information didn't occur to me until recently," Tez replied. "You'll understand its importance once you have knowledge of my findings as well."

A few seconds was all it took to complete the asked. After doing so he looked to him with an expected questioning look on his face.

"Tell us, was there any sand in your hair by any chance?"

"Now that you mention it," Choji said before cruising his hand through his hair once more. "There is."

"It's just as I thought."

"What's as you thought?" Hinata asked.

"The death of Saungi-san, it's not as it would seem," Tez disclosed. "Whatever took place leading to his death didn't take place here, and in all likely occurred before the storm or at a location shielded from the elements."

"What are you basing this assessment on," Sakura asked. "Surely you have an explanation for why you believe this?"

He faced her in that instance with an immediate response.

"You analyzed the body for yourself, remember the discrepancy concerning the lower and upper part of the head?"

Her mind referred back to that very detail before nodding her head.

"Yes, the bottom half of his head was wet while the top portion wasn't."

"And what can we draw up from that," Tez said with a pause ensuing. "It's simple, his body was."

"Placed where we found him," Sakura spoke in realization. "That's why only the back of his head was wet, it must have happened when the person to have relocated the body here lowered him onto the wet grass."

"Maybe so," Dorsel said. "But how does that discharge your friend from being the prime suspect?"

"That's easy," Sakura smilingly replied. "The fact his hair was not only wet but had sand present would indicate he's been out here the entire time, while evidence would suggest Saungi-san was elsewhere during the storm.. thus meaning someone else first killed him before returning the body to this location and placing the weapon used in the attack into Choji-kun's hand as a means of depicting him as the killer."

"Wow, that's really impressive Sakura-chan." Hinata praised.

That compliment was followed up with three commanding claps, coming from the one who had stirred them to this point.

"Excellent, you've come to the same conclusion as myself," Tez said dropping his hands back to his side. "Which leaves me to ask the inevitable, from all that is now known… who do you believe the true killer to be?"

The look that came to be expressed upon her face answered all without so little as a verbal response, a hint which he understood fully.

"So, you still have your sights set on me."

"You've given me nor anyone else a reason not to suspect you." Sakura stated.

"But he's been open with us since arriving, and has helped tremendously in sorting this entire thing out," Dorsel said. "If anything we should at least give him the benefit of the doubt."

"In several situations such as this it isn't uncommon for the one responsible to try and place themselves in the middle of what is being investigated to try and gain an edge, or even to keep others from trailing to the truth altogether." Sakura noted.

"Sakura-chan.." Choji said surprised by this remark.

"Don't mind it, what she says is true," Tez passed. "However it's really unfortunate."

"What's unfortunate?" Sakura asked crossing her arms.

"To think, if your mind weren't so firmly set on me you might have pieced it all together by now."

"Are you saying you've figured outwho the killer is?" Hinata asked.

"In short, yes," Tez confirmed. "Though I'll concede to the fact that my conclusion couldn't have been reached without the involvement of you and your friends."

"I don't understand."

"Don't listen to him," Sakura warned. "He's only trying to twist your mind from the truth."

"Truth, that's right," Tez said in light of this. "It's time that I revealed the truth to you all, it's time our faceless killer takes a step into the light for all to see."

That moment brought his eyes in contact with hers again, more direct than they had been any time before now.

"Haruna-chan, before you asked me if I had taken the kunai that was found clutched in the palm of your friend." Tez began with a long pause ensuing.

"What's he up to now?"

The waist length cloak worn by him was raised just enough for him to reach into his upper shirt pocket, pulling out a dark orange piece of cloth none had seen before. Not a single person shied away from what was about to be revealed, all eyes focused in as he held the cloth over his head.

The top of the cloth was gripped tightly, allowing for what was inside to spiral out for all to see. A mere second was all it took for the object to fall out of place, a reveal which seemed to freeze that moment in time. It twirled on its way to the ground, touching down with the faintest of sounds. Her beliefs had fallen true. Its sharpness remained stellar, coated in the blood that had since dried.

"He hid the kunai all along," Sakura thought in mind. "But if he's truly the killer why reveal that to us all, unless… could there be something more to this?"

It was the very question that resided on all minds, a discovery that brought a surge of emotions that varied with each. But above all.. did they now face the sought killer, or was this just another twist within the truth itself?

…

It had been one of the more laid back afternoons he had in a while. Not only was the sun hanging brightly above, but was also satisfied with how their trip to Ichiraku Ramen had gone.

"Thanks for the lunch Kakashi-sensei, I can't remember the last time we headed out together."

"Yes, it has been quite a while hasn't it?"

The two were now walking down the street, occasionally passing some who were walking into the opposite direction.

"Where do you plan on going now?" Kakashi asked.

"That's a really good question," Naruto said. "I was actually thinking about visiting Granny Tsunade, maybe she has an update for us on what's been going on."

"You never know, it has been awhile since we left her office."

"Feel free to come along." Naruto offered.

"Now that you bring it up, I think I will."

"I thought you'd might want to come along."

"And what will you do after you've visited her office?"

"Well if there's nothing she has for me to do I was thinking about heading to the infirmary afterward," Naruto said with his hands falling to the back of his head. "Who knows, maybe that girl from another village has awakened."

"Yes, I too am curious about her," Kakashi admitted. "Particularly with where she's from, if we learn that, maybe we can gain some ground on who attacked her along with the lot of deceased who were numbered at the location she was found."

"My thoughts exact, and from the information that has come in about the situation thus far it would appear this is all in relation with the Shadow Revenants," Naruto said. "Just like the most recent site you, Shikamaru, and myself were called to."

"Nothing conclusive has been drawn up to confirm that any of this has anything to do with the Shadow Revenants, furthermore we don't have any proof that even suggests these Shadow Revenants exist," Kakashi stated. "All we have are survivor stories of what seems to be an attack from someone they could not see."

"Sounds out of the books if you ask me." Naruto said with his hands now falling back down to his side.

"That may be so, but we still can't rule out the possibility of some trick being orchestrated in these attacks by someone or some group." Kakashi said quick to bring to the table.

"I guess you're right." Naruto said taking the thought into consideration.

This trade of words was followed by a silence, an obvious that both were now reflecting. If there was anyone who wanted answers in regards to what was mysteriously presented, there was no one more pressed than the two of them collectively. The time for thought was brief, shot dead by the sprinting sound of someone dashing toward them from several yards ahead.

"Look there," Naruto pointed. "It's Iruka-sensei."

"I wonder where he's running to."

"Or from." Naruto jokingly said.

To their surprise their known ally slowed up in his step after closing in on the two of them.

"Kakashi-san," Iruka said coming to a complete stop upon speaking his name. "Just the person I was hoping to find."

The next moments were taken to collect himself, still breathing heavily after running down the street in search of him.

"Given the hurry just witnessed I can only assume you come with news," Kakashi said. "Did something happen?"

He took another shallow breath before replying to just that.

"Yes," Iruka confirmed. "I was sent to find you, as in immediately."

"Why, what's so important you needed to come to Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked out of curiosity.

"The instruction came from the lead lady herself," Iruka replied. "If these recent killings weren't enough to try and figure, it seems something else has come to the scenery of things."

"I was afraid that might be the case," Kakashi admitted. "What happened now, and please be descriptive as possible."

"There's very little known on the matter, the story is developing as we speak," Iruka said in response. "The location of where the incident occurred is two miles east of the village, from my understanding a body was discovered."

"Any chance this is linked to the other murders?" Naruto asked stepping forward with an obvious growing interest.

"I don't believe so." Iruka replied as he faced him.

"How can you be sure of that?"

"It's not only where the body was found, but its bizarre condition," Iruka replied. "And that might only be scratching the surface, there could be much more to this than a typical encounter turned fatal."

"What do you mean?"

"Where exactly was this body found?" Kakashi asked.

"In what they're describing as an underground tunnel," Iruka conveyed. "Who made the tunnel and for what purpose is still unknown."

"Any details for how long this tunnel runs?"

"Only way to find out is by attending the grounds ourselves."

"You're right, there's a lot that can't be explained unless we head to the grounds ourselves," Kakashi said. "In all likelihood the true significance of what has been discovered won't be determined for at least a couple of days."

"Which means we have little time to spare."

"No way I'm staying behind," Naruto declared. "You can count me in, if something is going on I want to learn firsthand what."

"I have no complaints with you coming along, in fact your services may prove beneficial," Iruka accepted. "Now if neither of you have anything further to ask or add, I believe its time we got moving."

Not another word came from either of the two, letting him know they were just as ready to proceed as himself.

"Very well," Iruka said turning for the east side. "Follow me, I'll have us there in no time."

And just like that they would embark on yet another journey they would learn of with every step passed.

To Be Continued