Chapter 51: Suspicions on Chiasa

"Now I want to hear your story," Naruto said. He had woken up after sleeping for two hours. The old man in front of him was Agila (Kalulan for eagle), the Chief, and the warrior he had fought earlier was Talim (Kalulan for blade), Agila's son. Talim was now resting inside his tent. His life was not in danger anymore, but he got seriously injured that the tribe's healer prohibited him to move around for a couple of weeks.

Agila put some crushed tobacco in his pipe and lit it. He sipped some smoke. "I can feel the affinity of wind from you. Sit down, young man."

Naruto sat down. The heat coming off from the fire at the center of the tent was pleasant to the skin. The musky smell of the tanned buffalo leather the tent was made of gave off a nostalgic feeling of coziness and uneventful days in the past. How Naruto wished that he could freeze time.

"Do you mind my smoking?"

"It's okay. Old man Hiruzen, my late grandfather, used to smoke."

"Hiruzen…are you talking about Hiruzen of the Sarutobi Clan?"

"You know him?"

"I met him once when he was in the Capital City. I was then a merchant. He was a young ninja that time. Now I know why you are so strong."

"He became the Third Hokage of our village."

"I knew he would go far. You are not blood related, aren't you?"

"No."

"I see." Agila tapped the tobacco ash out his pipe and refilled it with a fresh pinch.

Naruto clenched his fists over his folded knees. "Ojii-san, was it the Left Wing that kidnapped Talim-san's son?"

Agila almost dropped his pipe. "Ah, Left Wing…that group, yes. I heard of them."

"Ojii-san, I need to know."

Agila stood up and looked up at the sky through the smoke hole of the tent. He smoked, trying to ease his tensed muscles.

"Ojii-san, please…"

Agila finally relented, but he could not look Naruto in the eye. "Son, is the Uchiha girl a close friend of yours?"

"Are you talking about Chiasa? What is this? Do you know something about her?"

Agila turned to him with a stern face. "Naruto…"

Naruto's eyes gradually widened as he listened to Agila. The old man was telling something that would never be believed on first delivery. But then, he had no reason to lie to him. His grandson had been kidnapped; his son was almost killed. Would someone in his shoes do something unnecessary, hoping for something to change from it?

Naruto walked out of the tent, dejected and confused. Clenching his fists, he decided to leave Agila's revelation hanging until he found some proof. "First, I need to find Chiasa."

Inside the tent, Agila could hear in his head over and over Kalua's last words: Break his heart, old man. Break his heart and I'll heal yours.

Naruto did not see Chiasa the whole day.

The forest was submerged in the darkness of the night, but Saki, having been trained as a black op shinobi, easily found her way through the thicket. She reached the bank of the river, and there, with her feet daggling in the water, was Midori. Luka, Midori's white fox, climbed onto Saki's shoulder and licked her face.

"So there you are. I was beginning to worry for you," Saki said.

Midori managed a sad smile. "Hi, Mom."

"Hey, what's the matter? You've been quiet ever since this morning. Did that monster hurt you in some way?"

"It's nothing, Mom. I'm just confused about something he said about you and Dad."

Saki was suddenly grabbed by fear. "W-what did he say to you?"

Midori looked out into the breadth of the river as if to study the serene flow of the water. She did not answer for a long time. Saki quietly breathed to calm herself, and when she was confident that her palms were not cold anymore, she sat down next to Midori and held her hand.

"Mom, do you swear not to lie to me if ever I tell you what's troubling me?" Midori intently looked into Saki's face.

"Is this something really serious?"

"Yes, Mom, and I have to hear an affirmative answer from you."

Saki once again drew a calming breath. "Okay. I'll try to answer as true as possible."

Midori squeezed her hand. "What kind of answer is that? Mom, I need you to be positive."

Saki steeled herself for the onslaught, but she forced herself to be cheerful. "Sure! Is this about love?"

Midori couldn't help but smile. Even so, it was gone before Saki could realize it. "It's not about love. It's about us, Mom, our family." Midori waited in hesitation. Then, as if deciding she had no way out, she went on with it. "Mom, are you really my real mother?"

Saki gripped Midori's hand so tight that Midori let out a soft groan. Midori ignored the pain. Saki's reaction was enough to tell her what she wanted to know. Tsuneo had not answered, but comparing his reaction earlier to Saki's reaction now, it was unmistakable.

"Did…did that man tell…?" Saki could not finish for her throat closed and tears streamed down her eyes. The next words that came out her mouth were, "I'm sorry."

Midori, now also crying, turned and embraced Saki. She knew that they were not at fault here, and everything had been done out of necessity. Whatever happened, she still loved Tsuneo and Saki. What would have become of her, she wondered, if she had not gone to train under Luka's tutelage? Without the strength she had now, she could have lashed out on these surrogates and hurt them badly. She was grateful that the timing had been good; else she might have hated them for real. With these thoughts in her head, she embraced Saki tighter, telling her indirectly that she would not let them go that easily.

Saki invited Midori to go back to camp with her, but the girl refused. She said that she wanted to enjoy the night for a little while. Saki had wanted to have a banter with Midori on the way back, but she understood why Midori asked to stay. You cannot expect from a young girl to accept such truth with a shrug of nonchalance, especially from a serious girl like Midori.

A few minutes later, Hashirama showed up. He offered an apologetic smile to Midori. "I'm sorry it had to be so sudden."

"That was a tricky ploy. I'm amazed my sister had missed this."

"Tsuneo and Saki have truly loved the both of you. Even a gifted child like Hiromi will never notice." Hashirama heaved a sigh. "So, how does it stand with you?"

Midori tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear. "It broke my heart, to tell you honestly, Oji-chan. Did our parents hate us that much that they decided to give us off?"

"Yes."

"Oji-chan!"

Hashirama chuckled. "All I can say is I haven't seen any man cry as your father did when he was handing you over to me."

"That's good to hear. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Hashirama put a hand on Midori's head. "You will meet them soon, Midori. You will realize how great they really are."

"I'm here," Chiasa said, her five-tomoe Sharingan glowing in the darkness. "Where are you?"

"So you came." Kalua's voice reverberated in the hollowness of the cave.

"I brought you the Jinchuuriki. It's now time that you give me back my sister."

"You're so devious. That's why you are my favorite."

"Give me back my sister!"

"Silence!"

Chiasa cringed. She took two steps back, hanging her head like an obedient child.

"What made the change, Chiasa? You are not hesitating this time."

Chiasa remained silent.

"I want to know what's on your mind. Why betray him this easily?" When Chiasa did not answer, Kalua came and grabbed her neck. "I can break your neck on my whim, Chiasa. Don't try me."

Chiasa glared at him. "He will defeat you."

It was now Kalua's turn to step back. "I see. I have to trust you on that, then."

"My sister, where is she?"

"I'll give you two lives in exchange for his life. Can you do it? Can you kill him for them?"

"You are asking me to kill Naruto?"

"Exactly."

"I will never defeat him!"

"There are plenty of ways, Chiasa. After all, he seems vulnerable next to a naked woman."

"You knew?"

"I know everything about you." He turned around and looked over his shoulder. "The Kalulan Tribe is a formidable force to reckon with. We are ordered to annihilate them. Another member of the Left Wing is coming in two days. If you get me the Jinchuuriki before he arrives, I can ignore the order. Isn't that a good source of motivation?"

What should I do? Chiasa almost had no energy to walk back to the village. The trees became her pillars of support as she stumbled down through the forest. Why do I have to choose like this? Naruto has been so kind to me. He showed me the other side of life. Why does it have to be him? She tripped on a jutting rock and she would have fallen if not for the arms that suddenly grabbed her.

"Easy now," a familiar voice said. Chiasa glanced up. It was the big, bald man Inuzuka Katsuo. "We have been looking for you. Where have you been?"

Chiasa eased away from Katsuo. "I was patrolling the area."

Katsuo studied her for awhile. "You should have told us or, at least, you should have taken me. I'm good with my nose."

"I'm familiar with this forest and I have my Sharingan to help me with reconnaissance. But thank you for your concern."

"We are comrades here, okay. I don't trust you completely, yet, but Naruto cares for you a lot. It's okay if you will not do it for us, but please consider his feelings."

Chiasa grimaced, as if stung.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Chiasa said. "I'll remember that."

Back at the village, the ashen face of Naruto made her feel even guiltier.

"Chiasa, where have you gone to? I was worried sick about you!"

"I'm sorry," Chiasa said in a little voice. It was the least she could do to suppress a smile. She knew that Naruto had been worried, but worried sick?

"You were gone for one day! Why didn't you tell me that you were going somewhere?"

"I acted on instinct. Sorry."

Naruto let out a long sigh. "Never do that again, okay? I learned that the Left Wing was the one behind the kidnapping of the Chief's grandson. They are close. All of us need to be careful."

"I understand."

Naruto let out another sigh, but this one of relief. "Are you hungry? There's some porridge and meatballs over there. It's your fault that I couldn't properly eat last night, so, as punishment, you will eat with me." As if afraid that she might run, Naruto grabbed her hand and pulled her towards a table.

How will I be able to betray this man, let alone kill?

Naruto observed Chiasa as they ate. At first, what he could see was only a pretty girl. If Chiasa would only tie her hair even in a simple ponytail, it would emphasize the soft lines of her face. Nevertheless, her unbrushed hair was not a factor for someone, especially a man, not to get attracted to her. You will want to kiss her if you see her lips.

Chiasa seemed to notice his stare for she suddenly blushed. She looked down on her bowl of porridge, tucking her hands between her thighs. She glanced up, and when she saw that Naruto was still staring at her, she retrieved her gaze and busied herself with watching little children playing around the camp fires. Naruto let out a soft chuckle that made Chiasa a notch redder.

"Stop it, N-Naruto," Chiasa said. "I will not be able to finish my bowl if you keep staring at me."

"Sorry," Naruto said. They went on eating in silence.

Awhile later, a Kalulan woman approached their table.

"Excuse me, Uzumaki-san," the woman said. "Talim-dono wants to talk with you…" she gazed at Chiasa, "…alone."

"Tell him that I'll bring Chiasa with me," Naruto said without looking up. Chiasa stiffened.

"But Talim-dono said—"

"He will understand. I'm sure of that."

The woman's brows furrowed. "Of course, Uzumaki-san." Before leaving, she shot Chiasa a hostile look.

Chiasa waited until the woman was gone before she spoke. "Naruto, I think the woman is right—"

"Don't run, Chiasa."

Chiasa looked at Naruto. The vapor coming off her bowl of porridge continuously warmed her face, but she felt cold. "Did the Chief tell you something else other than the Left Wing?"

"He did."

Chiasa bit her lower lip. "About me?"

Naruto reached out and held her hand. "I'm your friend, Chiasa, and I don't abandon my friends."

"But I—"

Naruto stood up. "No matter how they think about you, I will always be on your side."

Naruto and Chiasa reached a large tent. The tent was made of buffalo hide. Colorful images of eagles, buffalos, and lizards decorated the surface of the tent and at the entrance hung some buffalo skulls. The woman got out to get them after Naruto announced their arrival.

"Talim-dono is waiting for you," the woman said, refusing to look in Chiasa's direction. "Come in."

Talim was sitting crossed legged on a pelt of a large snow bear. The carpet was large enough for three people and Talim invited them to join him. Naruto and Chiasa accepted his invitation, Chiasa choosing to sit a feet behind Naruto. Kindling burned at the four corners of the tent, providing them with comfortable warmth. The woman entered the tent and served them a platter of grilled buffalo meat.

"This is Maya, my wife," Talim said.

"Pleased to meet you, Maya-san," Naruto said. The woman bowed and excused herself.

Talim shot Chiasa a sympathetic gaze and sighed. "I know how you feel, Uchiha-san. We are in the same situation." Chiasa hung her head. "It has been a long time since I used this language so I'm asking you to tolerate my mistakes."

"You're doing quite well for someone who despises Zensekai no Kotoba," Naruto said.

"To tell you the truth, I did not think that I would have a chance to use this again. You are one of the few foreigners I talked with."

"It's an honor to be thought of as deserving. Why did you call for me, Talim-san?"

"To put it bluntly, I want you to leave as soon as possible."

Naruto frowned in confusion. "I thought you needed help in saving your son."

"It's the village's problem, Uzumaki-san, my problem. The Left Wing kidnapped my son and forced us to attack you." Talim hesitated for a few moments. "I'll be honest. The reason I want to talk to you alone is because I don't trust Uchiha-san. She is—"

"It's true," Chiasa said, cutting Talim off. "I was the one who kidnapped his son, Naruto. I killed all the warriors with him, including his brother, when they were trying to retrieve the little boy from me. Only Talim-san and his wife survived. Kalua threatened to kill my sister if I did not obey. He forced me to do it."

"I was surprised that she was with you, Uzumaki-san, but I know you have your reasons," Talim said.

"I want to help her," Naruto said. "Chiasa is a good person."

Chiasa flinched. "I'm not a good person," she muttered.

"You were an agent of the Left Wing, right?" Talim asked.

"I was."

"I thought so. Does that Kalua guy still have your sister?"

"Yes."

"That's my point, Uzumaki-san," Talim said. "The Left Wing doesn't know that you passed through this forest. They had only given us two specific demands: to stop any army from passing through this forest and to kill a foreigner with golden hair and blue eyes. I don't know what importance your death is to them, but we needed to do it to ensure my son's survival."

"I have been Left Wing's spy for years," Chiasa said. "Before Naruto took me in, my assignment was to spy on the heiresses of Kogiwara. My last report included you, Naruto, and subjectively, I told them that you were a grave threat. The demands on the Kalulan were such because Lotus-sama was originally planning to use this forest to get to Ajit. And because Kogiwara caught wind of Nue's plan to reopen the Narrow Path, the Left Wing was ordered by King Kagitora to close Hashaboro, the shortest route to Ajit. An earthquake destroyed the main passageway ten years ago and only those who know the trail passing through the forest could get to Ajit by Hashaboro. However, most experienced fighters know of this path and King Kagitora was aware that it would be dangerous if he left it unchecked."

"Uzumaki-san, we can tell the Left Wing that you haven't been here," Talim said. "I assure you that no one in my village will tell on you."

"What about the traces of our fight?"

"We can just say that another group of warrior tried to cross the forest. This is the safest way, Uzumaki-san. I want them to think that you used another path. If they learn that we could not stop you—"

Naruto shook his head. "I will not let you do that for me. I'll face them."

"But Uzumaki-san—"

"I've met a lot of people like them in the past and I know that they will not spare your child or Chiasa's sister even if it won't benefit them any longer. I'll not let them have their way."

"Uzumaki-san…"

"I'll save your son."

Talim suddenly prostrated himself in front of Naruto. "Thank you…thank you very much."

Before he saw Talim's wet face, Naruto excused himself and walked out of the tent. "Chiasa, you will be my guide. Never leave my side."