Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 29

Huenatar

Its fuel continued to flash fire with every second that past. He lied there with his eyes set on the ceiling, the stiffness of the rope around his wrists and ankles a clear reminder of the situation he currently found himself in. Would his move be to wait it out, or would it be to break free which weighed so favorably on his mind.

How much time had passed since her departure become lost to him, but that was a detail of less concern. There was much to consider with each choice he could make from here. If he were to stay put the one to have introduced their self as Myiou would surely return, with what intent he was uncertain of. It was because of this unknown that he decided on the alternative.

"I've spent enough time in this chambered position," Bruce thought to himself. "It's time to get out of here."

With this declaration of sorts all hesitation dropped as he clutched both fists before pulling forward with absolute force. This resulted in the bedhead flying out of its cemented position to the far wall where it smashed into several bits upon contact. With this accomplished he was now able to sit up, wasting no time in removing the rope that was still tied to his wrists.

"Much better," Bruce noted as he rotated his hands in a circular motion to regain a flow of feel. "Now for my ankles."

All focus was instantly shifted that way, quickly untying the last line of defense that held him in place. Once this was taken care of he slid off from the bed, standing to his feet for the first time after breaking. He stretched his arms in those first moments as he surveyed the room from end to end. His headband sat atop the dresser as he already knew, it was also during this time that he came to find something of value in the far right corner of the room.

"My shirt and cloak." Bruce immediately recognized.

They were neatly folded atop one another, just barely visible from the light provided by the flame. He first grabbed hold of the headband before making his way over to the rest of his accessories. It was only after bringing the clothing into his grasp did he come to make a surprising discovery.

"That smell… were my things washed?"

This was very questioning. If they had indeed been washed, what was the purpose in doing so? Knowing time could be of the essence he didn't spend too much time musing on the detail in mind. He quickly placed the shirt back atop his shoulders before fitting the cloak back into position. All that remained was the headband which he tied around his left arm.

The question now became; what next? One thing was certain between the clouds of uncertainty, it was time to move. He turned left to where the door to the room resided before marching forward. Once reaching it he pushed it open to make a discovery.

"So I'm still in the sewer," Bruce said as his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness he now faced. "I wonder if that Myiou girl actually lives down here or if this little room is some kind of hide out."

It was a minor detail to say the least, a thought which faded away as he closed the door. There was now a path of choice to be made, a decision that would either take him left or right. He contemplated on the thought for several seconds before deciding.

"I can hear the whistle of the air coursing throughout the pipes, an airway that is coming from the left," Bruce quickly determined. "With that in mind I can almost assume my way out of here is in that direction."

He made a move to head that way only to come to a stop after hearing a subtle noise.

"What was that?"

He didn't string an inch, simply listening to all that surrounded. Its echo called once again, this time clearer than before.

"That noise.. is it some kind of chant?"

The tune continued to lay wake, taking very little time to find that whatever was producing the sound was coming from the opposite direction of where he walked. He faced that direction, feeling as his choice in path began to alter. One way seemingly led to an exit while the other grasped his curiosity of interest.

His mind shifted back to what ultimately brought him down here, and that was to learn more about the grounds surrounding this 'new world'. By heading back to the surface now what would he have accomplished? That was the very thought that streamed through his mind. With all things to take into consideration he rerouted himself, now walking into the direction where the chants called, not an idea as to what he would come to find at paths end.

..

After a lengthy time within the confines of the discovered underground tunnel he found himself standing at the bottom of the ladder leading back to the surface. He placed his left hand upon the ladder, looking back to the darkness for a final time before gazing up to the light. With that he began his ascend up, thinking about all that had conspired within the short time he had been down there.

The top was reached in little time, getting to his feet as he looked from side to side. The demographics from before hadn't changed, there were still several who walked the camp site that had been set up.

"I don't see Kakashi-sensei or any of the others," Naruto said continuing to survey the area."I wonder where they could be."

He pressed on from there, taking his travels further right where several large tents had been set up. He stopped upon reaching the first, taking a look inside to see a large table which had several supplies stacked on it. Besides that there were only two people to be spotted, none of who he had seen before.

"Looks like they're not here," Naruto said as he continued on. "Maybe the next one."

The second one was reached in no time, this time only to come to find loads of crates piled upon one another from ground level to about six feet up. Besides that there was nothing else to be found.

"I wonder what they've got going on here."

That was a question that would have to wait. With his mind focused on only one thing he moved on to the third. The gap between it and the first two was much more significant, taking him just a little longer to reach it. It was here that he finally came to sight them. They were standing around a long table clearly analyzing something, what they were observing was anyone's guess.

"Iruka, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto called.

"Well look who finally decided to join us." Iruka relied looking his way.

He didn't stop until reaching him.

"At the rate things were going I thought you might never join us," Iruka said looking down at him. "What took you?"

"I.."

He stopped himself in mid thought, remembering what had been asked of him.

"That's right, Sasuke asked for me to keep what was said just between the two of us… but was that really him?"

He snapped himself out of inner thought as he looked back up at him with his response.

"I just needed some time to think, that's all." Naruto said.

"I can't blame you," Iruka replied with the nod of his head. "Sometimes that's just what we all need, but now that you're here you might as well have a look for yourself."

"A look at what?"

He simply nodded his head toward the table in response to the asked. Naruto did just that, caught by a sudden surprise by what he faced. There lying just inches away atop the table was an arm and what appeared to be part of a leg, both set out next to one another.

"Are these the limbs that were discovered in the tunnel?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, these are two of them." Varlia confirmed from her position on the opposite side of the table left of Kakashi.

His eyes strayed soon after, noting to full bodies laid out on two separate tables further left. His fists clutched at the sight of this.

"What about them," Naruto asked. "Were they found in the tunnel as well?"

"Unfortunately." Varlia answered.

"Who could have done this?" Naruto inquired with a slight raise in anger.

"That's something we're hoping to find out soon," Kakashi said in response. "Which is why we're getting ready to have everything that has been collected here transported to a lab where we can further analyze everything as a whole."

"Is there anything you can tell by simply looking at the parts," Naruto asked. "Perhaps what conditions they may have faced leading to their deaths, if we even have a hint to that much that could give us an idea to where we should search next."

"We'd be hard pressed to make such a determination by simply observing the found," Iruka replied. "We'll need more time if we are to map out anything concrete."

"Every day we allow to pass could mean more victims." Naruto said voicing an inner distress.

"I understand your concern, but as it stands now we do not have the means of a source," Kakashi replied. "Thus, your patience along with mine and everyone else's inevitable at this time for us to bring this to a timely close."

"That's the best we can ask of you at this time," Iruka added. "At least until we know more."

Deep down he knew what they spoke was true, but even so he couldn't help but contemplate the unknown of the situation that now preceded them.

"So the bodies and limbs will be taken to the lab, then what," Naruto asked. "What about the tunnel itself?"

"They'll continue to search through it," Varlia replied. "If there is something to find they will find it."

"Well in that case I want to search as well," Naruto said putting his foot forward. "If there is anything I can do to help count me in."

"No." Kakashi quickly shot down.

This declaration not only caught him by surprise but the others as well.

"What do you mean no," Iruka questioned. "If there's anyone who has a keen eye for the subtle it is Naruto, wouldn't it be in the best interest of us all if he was allowed to stay and take part in the search?"

"Naruto is coming with me." Kakashi stated.

"With you?" Naruto inquired with a clear curiosity.

"Yes," Kakashi said looking him directly in the eye. "When all evidence is transferred over to the lab I'd like for you to come along."

"But what purpose would he serve in the lab, he'd be best served carrying on the search." Iruka argued.

"Perhaps so," Kakashi replied not denying the fact. "But as you know the examination of what we already have won't take long once it has been exported to the lab, and I'm certain after the analyzed part is complete we'll have answers for where we should really be searching."

"I understand the importance, but as you and I both know lab work isn't exactly Naruto's strong point."

"You're missing the point," Kakashi said. "After we're certain of where our navigations will lead us I'm certain Lady Tsunade will wish to put together a search unit to see to the task, who better than to help aid on that mission than Naruto?"

This left a brief between them all before he commenced with the spoken.

"Of course I'd like to take part in the search myself if I'm summoned to do so," Kakashi continued. "And though there is no immediate confirmation for it, I'm getting the feel this tunnel of death discovery is only the beginning."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked gripping his hands aside tables' edge.

"I don't believe Konohagakure is the center of this all, but rather the entire shinobi nation."

This left them all speechless, and though there was no actual evidence to bring weight to any of this it was something to think about.

"Could Kakashi-sensei be right, is there more to this tunnel then just a strand of buried secrets?"

.

The journey back down stream was a quiet one, even after finding themselves back on land there was little said between them. They moved quicker on the return trip, knowing there was much to report. A group of birds appeared from a short distance away, speaking their call as they soared into the opposite direction of where they walked.

"We're close."

Those were the first words spoken in the last couple minutes.

"We're close," Choji questioned. "How can you be so sure of that?"

"The birds," Sakura referred to. "There were a number of them that took off at once, there's a possibility that something on ground level caused the move."

He didn't completely understand what she meant by this but decided not to speak any further on the matter. They walked for a short time more, stepping around trees and pushing past bushes as they progressed. It wasn't long after that a dreaded scent came to flow through the air, one which put him on full alert.

".. That smell, what is it?"

It only grew in strength with each step that was taken. They walked on for minute more. He glanced to the ground in thought. There was something familiar about it, in some strange way he felt as if he had taken in this scent before.. but where? It was after putting mind into this that it all started to come back to him.

He peaked his head up from where he stared below, looking to the area ahead to come to a realization.

"We're back."

They had arrived back to the scene of death in the Land of Fire they had come across the night before, this time only to find the area occupied by a number of six additional shinobi, all clearly investigating what had happened.

"Word sure did travel fast." Choji commented.

"As expected," Sakura said in response. "Shall we join them?"

"Is there really any other sensible option?" Hinata questioned before being the first to walk forward.

Sakura smiled at the said before following in her steps. After marching forward it not only took a short time for the two of them to get noticed but to get recognized as well.

"Sakura, Hinata-sama," A woman spoke from her position over one of the bodies. "What are you doing here?"

"You sound surprised." Sakura noted.

"We were given word that your travels had taken you clear to Sunagakure, so naturally seeing your arrival back here in less than twenty four hours is unexpected."

"Given the circumstances of what occurred in the last ten hours the dynamic of our trip was altered," Sakura reported. "Instead of journeying all the way to Sunagakure a conclusion of sorts was reached in Tanigakure."

"It had its twists and turns to say the least." Hinata added.

"What about what you've come to discover, any assessments for what you've found thus far," Sakura asked. "Do you have any idea as to how everything might have unfolded leading to the victims deaths?"

"We only arrived a few minutes ago, so that's something I can certainty say we have time to add upon."

"That must be why we saw those birds take off a short time ago," Hinata referred back to. "They must have been startled by the arrival of this unit."

"Will you both be helping with this investigation?"

"As much as we'd love to we need to report back," Sakura replied. "There's details of this matter that need to be conveyed to Lady Tsunade as soon as possible."

"Well understood." The woman said with the nod of her head.

With her stance given she looked to the sky, finding the sun slowly setting down across the way. With that noted she looked back to the one who stood next to her.

"Just a couple more hours before night completely sets in," Sakura said. "In all likelihood we won't make it back to Konohagakure before then, but I'd like to cover as much ground as we can before then."

She then looked back to the sky, staring into the distance with something clearly on mind.

"Sakura-chan, is something wrong?"

Her eyes slowly shifted her way after hearing the concern in her voice.

"I'm fine," Sakura assured. "There's just something on my mind."

"What is it?"

Moments of silence danced along as she looked to above once again.

"Sakura-chan please." Hinata said urging her to speak.

She took a deep breath, relaxing in her shoulders before finally responding.

"If Shuen and Kelsho were truly the killers of that man we came to know as Sangi, why didn't they just leave after seeing their intent through," Sakura posed. "Why stick around and pose as his parents, what did they have to gain by such a move?"

This was something she hadn't given any thought to until having it brought up.

"You're right," Hinata said. "If anything they made it easier for us to single them out, had they taken off there's no guarantee we would have ever found them."

"Exactly," Sakura said. "And if that wasn't enough, then there's that guy from the Land of Iron.. Dosada Tezlinar."

"What of him?"

She didn't reply, instead lowering her head from above before changing the topic completely.

"We've stood here for long enough, we had better get going."

"Where is Choji-kun?" Hinata asked surveying the area.

It took little time for the two of them to spot him standing a few yards away under a large tree.

"Choji-kun, come on," Sakura instructed with the wave of her hand. "We're going."

He nodded his head in response to this, making his way over immediately.

"What were you doing over there?" Hinata asked after having him rejoin them.

"Watching."

"What were you watching?"

"Everything." Choji replied as he faced her. "I'm just trying to make sense of this all, something doesn't quite add up."

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked.

"How were all these people taken down at once, from what I viewed of Saungi-san I don't see how he'd have been able to pull off such a feat alone."

"There's a lot that doesn't make complete sense as of right now," Sakura said. "We'll have plenty of time to contemplate on all of that later, right now we need to make our way back to Konohagakure."

There was no disagreement with the spoken. With nothing more to add the three pressed on, finding that there latest adventure posed them with more questions than answers that had come. Would night's opening perhaps bring some much needed clarity?

The vibrate in its call now echoed throughout both sides of the wall. This alone let him know he was closing in on the source of what lead him this way By this time he was certain that the noise that guided him was in fact the tune of chants, and that of several. But why, what exactly was going on that prompted such a gathering of chorus? It was the immediate question on mind, one which he felt would soon get answered.

"The chants are becoming clearer, I must be getting close."

He continued making his way down the dark tunnel, growingly wondering what its end would bring as he came to yet another turn which would take him left. After making that turn a light came to his sight a yards up, letting him know one thing.

"I've arrived."

With that in mind he became light on his feet as he picked up the pace, not wanting to be discovered for a second time on the day. He reached the end of the path to find that the light he had come to see had been one from two torches that hung stiff upon opposite sides of the wall. Furthermore he now found himself standing at the top of what appeared to be a stairwell, listening as the chants echoed from the distance below.

"From the sound of things it's a long ways down," Bruce said with a brief pause ensuing. "But I didn't come all this way to just change my mind at the last moment."

With his mind set he took his first step forward, beginning his journey down the stairs made of stone. The walls appeared to be made of stone as well, adding a medieval feel to the circumstance that already clouded him. The tune of the hums and chants only heighted the further down he progressed. There was no doubt, the ending he sought would soon come to be realized. A burn in his legs began to take fold, a burn he subconsciously pushed to the back of his mind as he prepared himself for what was to come.

The walk took longer than he had imagined, feeling as if he was on a never ending path downward. The clarity in voice was clearer now more than ever, feeling as if it couldn't increase any further. It was with that thought crawling to mind that the final set was reached.

"I'm here."

He slowly leaned forward, peaking around the corner to find something of the unexpected. It was a large underground room, filled with as many as a fifty people, possibly more. They all stood with their backs turned to him, staring toward a large stage that was across the way as they continued to chant. He placed a sharp eye on the stage, surveying it from one end to the other to make a telling discovery.

"There's no one on the stage," Bruce noted. "So what the hell are they chanting at, or for?"

This was most confusing indeed. Either way he was certain no answers would come if his current position was kept.

"Perhaps if I move in I can get a better understanding for what's going on."

There was hesitation, but ultimately there was an inner feel nothing would be gained from maintaining position. As a precautionary he leveled the hoody over his head, taking his first step out from where he hid. He didn't stop there, keeping behind all who stood as he integrated himself further into the room.

"Could this gathering have something to do with that Huenatar I overheard that kid mention a while ago?"

It was certainly a possibility through his mind. There were torches not only along the back wall but all others which helped guide his path. He was unsure of what he was hoping to find as he walked. Some looked back at him as he walked past as they continued to chant, looking back to the stage soon after.

"Good, the hoody is paying dividends."

As he walked on he found himself growingly looking to scouring the room itself, from the high ceiling above to the dirt ground beneath. It was clear of his curiosity of this rooms use. It wasn't until after making his way a little past half of the crowd that his eyes dangled to someone who stood in his radar of sight.

"It's her," Bruce thought in mind. "Myio."

The question now became, should he approach her or avoid her entirely. If there was anyone who would have an answer for what was going on it would be her. That was the very thought that chimed in mind as he advanced forward. He stopped after reaching her side, it wasn't until then that he too shifted his position into the direction of where everyone. It took only a few moments for her to feel the presence of another. She looked to her left to find him standing beside her, immediately recognizing his wardrobe.

With that detail of familiarity she faced back toward the front before speaking in the wake of his unexpected appearance.

"How did you break free, and how did you find this place?" Myiou asked.

The vocals from the others was the only thing that came in response, leaving her to speak once again.

"Why do you choose not to answer?"

"Sorry about that," Bruce said glancing her way. "I couldn't hear you over the chorus, what was it you were saying?"

The given response answered her second question. Even still the matter in which it was given was testy in its presentation.

"I must say I'm glad I ran in on this place," Bruce said replying with a level of sarcasm. "The only thing that is missing is a batch of high priced instruments, with that you all could be running your own symphony."

"You really need to get a new sense of humor Jellester-san." Myiou stated.

"And you're going to need to get a new bedhead." Bruce countered.

"I suppose that answers the first question of inquiry," Myiou noted. "I must however say I'm curious as to why you've come."

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked looking back down at her.

"After escaping why not run, why come all the way down here?"

He paused at the asked, uncertain on how he should respond. This sudden loss for words pressed her to speak again.

"Or perhaps I was right in my assessment early when I said you were sent by someone to track me down."

"And why would someone want to do that?"

"You tell me, Jellester-san."

"I wasn't sent to find or stalk you; that I can assure you." Bruce said voicing his honesty.

"If that is so, then why were you following me?"

"Coincidence," Bruce replied. "While strolling through these sewers I just happened to cross you."

"I find that hard to believe."

"What is this place," Bruce asked looking back to the front of the stage. "Why is everyone chanting, what is the purpose for this?"

"Huenatar."

He looked back at her once more.

"Who is the Huenatar?"

"Not who," Myiou corrected. "But rather, what."

To Be Continued