A/N: And welcome back again, dearest readers and lurkers. Thank for coming back each and every week to continue the story. I know it's a long one, and your endurance is much appreciated. Please enjoy!
CHAPTER FORTY
Kiba and Team 8 in Water Country: 1
The night Sai disappeared into literal thin air, Kiba had posed several unanswerable questions to Shino and Hinata. They were, in exact order: 1) What the hell happened to Sai?; 2) Where the hell was Sai now?; and 3) What the hell were they supposed to do about it?
Sai's scent had been heavy at the shoreline of the river, where it was like he'd been swallowed whole or swept off his feet. Kiba assumed he'd drawn an ink hawk and flown away despite the nonexistence physical evidence. But what had pressed Sai enough that he couldn't be bothered to inform his team? As Hinata didn't see him, and Shino had not planted a kikaichu on him before his disappearance, and as they searched around to no avail for hours afterwards before they determined he wasn't in the area, they decided to contact Shikamaru, who expected them in Merodichi.
And so, Team 8 had continued on to Merodichi following Sai's suspicious disappearance. Around Merodichi, Kiba and Akamaru had detected whiffs of Sai and Takahino, though the scents and signs of activity were days old. There had been strong scents along the river- -signs of the raft people having broken camp alongside a stream- -and on the main street itself. The team saw actual reward fliers posted with an incredible sum of money for information leading to Ino and Takahino's capture. Sai must've taken an ink hawk and followed after Takahino and Ino, because a few miles outside the village, Sai's scent converged with Takahino's and the trail ended. Takahino and Ino had probably used a raft for further transport.
After a couple days of nothing, they had a message hawk from Shikamaru which directed them to Kiri and quelled any fear for Sai's safety. Their captain was at least alive but his whereabouts were currently unknown. Eighteen hours of nonstop travel later, they announced themselves at the Kiri gates and slept overnight at an inn. In the morning, they were escorted to the Office of the Mizukage for a briefing with the Mizukage's chief aide. Afterwards, they were told to cool their heels while a Kiri squad was formed to guide and assist them in the next step of the investigation.
"All I'm sayin' is we shouldn't be sittin' around with our thumbs up our asses." Kiba gestured with a sweep of his arm to encompass the whole of Water Country and Kirigakure. They were seated at a cafe for a quick lunch. Sun filtered through the heavy mist coating the village buildings and streets. "We've been told to hurry'n'wait too many times in the last week, and I'm ready to blow. We could've caught Ino and her cousin or maybe even the rest of the clan."
Hinata set aside her tea cup. "I'm worried about Ino and Sai, too. Once we join with the Kiri squad assigned to us, we'll continue our investigation of the Yamanaka clan sightings. We must respect this country's way of doing things."
"Yeah, yeah." Kiba fiddled with his chopsticks. The whole place creeped him out, all the legends and stories about the violence and backstabbing in the Bloody Mist Village, and, yes, he was aware of Lady Mei's ferocious upbringing. "But if they don't shake a leg, we'll lose the scents."
Another hour passed before the Kiri squad presented itself to them. The squad was four members, one had what Kiba called sharkskin- -a sleek, gray-blue hue to his skin, black eyes, and faint gill-like features on his cheeks. Bushy blue hair flowed over his shoulders; white, sharky-teeth grinned out at them. The other three were average Mist shinobi and wore the usual dark gray flak jacket, olive-green trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Their faces ranged from old and weathered grouch to young and enthusiastic newbie. All were ranked either chuunin or jounin.
The old and weathered grouch spoke first. "Welcome, Leaf shinobi. My name is Rojin. I'm the designated captain of the team. Which of you is the standing team leader?"
"That'd be me," said Kiba. "I'm Kiba. This is Hinata, Shino, and the dog is Akamaru."
Rojin bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you and an honor to work beside you. Here we have Kayu, Mako, and Tensai." He gestured to each; everyone bowed. "We've had reports of a disturbance on the Isle of Salt, at Sorutotaun. Once we've set sail, we'll arrive by the end of the day."
"Oh, are we close?" Hinata asked.
"Not really. The Isle of Salt is east of our island, so we have to go along the southern coast. Our ships are designed for speed, so our voyage will be short. By the way, I was told you had a captain, but he's gone missing?" Rojin continued without pause. "We've not had any reports of a missing Konoha shinobi matching his description. If he's in our country, we'll hear about him eventually. A ship is moored for us at the port. Once we've disembarked, we can discuss our mission directives further. Please follow me."
They had begun a quick march along the main thoroughfare between the common circular structures for which Water was known. Kiba appreciated the courtesy as they could've gone over rooftops, but with the encompassing mist, distances and shapes were blurred and though Kiba had advanced eyesight, navigation across unknown structures he couldn't see would've been stressful. In the years since the war, Kiri had become more populous, more technologically advanced, and the variety of merchants and cultures (which had never been allowed before) were given a safe space to thrive. To be honest, Kiba had been to Kiri only once before on a mission, and in that time span, though the village still was creepy, it had become a place where people walked out of their homes and businesses in a relaxed and cheerful manner. The fearful pall which had been omnipresent in prior years had dissipated.
Before the port came into view, the sea breeze carried a prevalent scent of fish and seaweed, and the shouts of fishmongers as they drew in potential buyers intermingled with the harsh cries of gulls. Hills, inclines, and declines forced them to walk up and down multiple series of steps. At times, the sea was a glint in the distance when the mist thinned. Other times, the white-capped Snowy Mountains reminded everyone of their magnificence. A decrepit compound rose to their right, and as they walked around the crumbling outer wall, Kiba noticed a clan crest on the side of the main building. Two scarlet dots, side by side.
One of the Kiri shinobi noticed his stare- -the young, cheerful newbie, Kayu. "That's the Kaguya compound. We had to kill the entire clan, but one got away. He was raised up by Lord Orochimaru as his next vessel, but Lord Gaara of the Sand destroyed him. The Kaguya clan no longer exists." She chuckled, but sobered the next moment. "I hope you don't have to destroy the entire Yamanaka clan the way we had to destroy the Kaguya clan."
Hinata, ahead of him, flinched. Kiba grimaced; Kayu was unaware of his team's ties with Ino. He checked an impulse to burst out and challenge the snot-nosed girl to a duel, but he shoved his hands in his pockets instead. Ino was out in the wide, wild world, alone, under assault from her people, depleted of chakra and resources, hungry, tired, and frightened. "Ah, well. I don't think things are quite so dire. The Yamanaka are an ancient family and have been allied with Konoha since the beginning of the village. Something strange is happening, something...unusual. Once we get to the bottom of the mystery, we'll set it straight and bring the Yamanaka back home where they belong."
"For the girl's sake, I wish for a peaceful end," said the tall, sharkskinned one named Mako. He had a fearsome sword strapped across his shoulders, but his personality was far from fearsome. "I was very young when the Kaguya clan turned on us and attacked. I remember the smell of the burned corpses lingered for weeks. My friends and I snuck out to see the pile. It's not likely I'll ever forget."
The gruesome story sickened Kiba. He tightened his jaw. Ino-girl, be strong. I'm coming for you. Survive a little longer.
"I've been meaning to ask," Mako continued in the silence. "Is your village really offering a reward for information?"
"Nah. It wasn't us. The newspapers are independent from the Office of the Hokage. Someone else ran the reward flier." Kiba touched the corner of a folded newspaper sheet in his jacket pocket. Printed on the newspaper was Ino and Takahino's likenesses, plus the amount for an exorbitant sum of money. Miyazato's contact information had been included: Yamanaka Main House, Konohagakure. "Ino has had trouble with a rich suitor, and I think this might be his… 'well-meaning contribution' to our investigation."
"Excuse my next question, but who is the suitor? Anyone from Water?"
Kiba didn't answer immediately. He wasn't sure how much information was wise to share with the Kiri shinobi, but on the other hand, the engagement announcements had been printed in the newspapers. The information was public knowledge, and if Water newspapers didn't know the story, they'd know soon enough through the gossip grapevine. "Miyazato Seiichi." Mako and Kayu shared a quick, surprised look. "Hm? What is it?"
"Miyazato Seiichi owns Swift Emperor Shipping," said Mako.
"So what?"
Kayu answered. "So, Swift Emperor Shipping is the largest shipping company in the Five Nations. As they say," her small hands miming her explanation, "there's Shit Mountain, there's king of Shit Mountain, and then there's Miyazato."
"He's emperor of Shit Mountain, hunh?" Kiba murmured. "No wonder he's an arrogant bastard. We peasants aren't worthy of his notice."
"You sound as though you speak from experience," said Mako while Kayu giggled at Kiba's petty insult.
"I was a part of a team sent to Hinokoku. His Royal Shittiness appeared all chummy with the official who was our point of contact. Let's say we didn't hit it off."
Kayu whistled a low tune from between her teeth. "I sense a personal drama. Do tell."
"Kayu, don't be rude! We don't nose in other people's business," Mako reprimanded. "I'm sorry for the offense, but I must admit, I am curious as well."
"I'm not offended. See, I've had a long history with Yamanaka Ino. We knew each other when we were stupid kids. She was with us in Hinokoku. His Royal Shittiness made it clear to all who had ears she was gonna be his wife. The insinuation upset me," said Kiba, nothing but honest about his emotions. "Ino's not one to be ruled easily. She insisted she wasn't marryin' the dude, and she wouldn't lie about marriage. We got home and before I knew it, an engagement announcement was printed in the papers. But the funny thing was, she had not said one word, not a single fuckin' word, to anyone closest to her, not her best friend, not her teammates, not even to her…" Kiba hesitated because their relationship had been private (though everyone knew about it), and also the Kiri shinobi might think him unsuited for the mission because of his personal history with her, so he filled in the blank with, " …to her favorite idiot."
"The situation does seem drastic when put in those terms," said Mako.
Before their conversation could continue, they arrived at the busy docks. A huge wooden ship occupied one end, at a height that rivaled a three-storey building, along with three tall masts. Rigging was strung from the deck to the top masts, a complicated tangle of rope. Teal linen sails were folded and secured while the ship was at dock. Prominent on the hull was a painted, ornate crest. The crest was a symbol depicting the eyes and open mouth of a golden jaguar. Black rosettes dotted the jaguar's face. Four white fangs, canines longer and more pointed than a wolf's, shone in contrast against the dark wood. The jaguar glared out under a voluminous headdress decorated with extremely long teal feathers and a golden headband. Kanji under the jaguar's face stated the obvious: Swift Emperor Shipping.
Mako nodded his head to the ship. "Kiri relies on Swift Emperor for most of our imports from other countries. Those imports are often necessary to support our infrastructure."
"Medicine and construction materials," Shino said from the side where he'd attended the conversation, "are among the chief imports to the islands."
"Yes, you're correct," said Mako. "Spices, silks and linens, technology, and meat are also our main imports. Without Swift Emperor, we'd have to designate the trade routes to a new shipping company who may charge us double or triple the amount we spend currently. It'd make access to those imports impossible for everyone except the wealthy."
Kayu pointed. "There she is! Our ship is up ahead. The fastest and most wonderful vessel in the whole world, the Sea Queen. She's a real beaut, ain't she?"
Kiba didn't have the heart to suggest the Sea Queen was a raft compared to the Swift Emperor ship. Sea Queen was built slim, low to the water, and was meant for speed and agility. The design of it was different from the canoes, rafts, and other ships Kiba recognized from his limited experience in seaside villages. Toward the stern of the ship, to the front of the steering oar which controlled the rudder, was a raised dais. Two masts supported furled sails, and while a belowdecks was built, the space would be tight with everyone aboard. To starboard and port were slimmer runners for stability, Kiba guessed.
"This tiny thing'll get us to Sorutotuan by evening?" Kiba cast a skeptical eye over Sea Queen. We're going to travel the open sea in that? he didn't add. One good wave could capsize them!
Rojin laughed as he untied the docking rope. He casually tossed the rope aboard Sea Queen's deck. "Mako will help us. Won't you, Mako? Watch your step, everyone." They ignored the plank from the dock to the deck and jumped aboard one after another. Sea Queen rocked a bit with the force of their landings. "Use the pole to cast us off, Leaf."
Kiba saw the pole Rojin referred to and lifted it from the bracers nailed to the side of the ship. The pole was lightweight flexible bamboo. "What now?"
"Wedge it between the runner side and the dock, then pull down."
He followed the directions. To his surprise, he didn't need to exert much force for Sea Queen to push from the dock. When they were out several meters and turned seaward, Rojin told him to put up the pole. Mako had taken a position on the dais, while Kayu and Tensai were at the masts, their hands a flurry of activity as they released the sails from their bindings. Kiba detected a breeze; they were in luck, it was an easterly breeze. Hinata's hair flipped and fanned in the wind as they nosed out of the harbor and past the stone watchtower standing at a lone vigil on a tiny rock island. Once they were out of the harbor, Kayu and Tensai adjusted the sails. Rojin was at the steering oar and gave a command to Mako, who released a monster jutsu...it wasn't wind as Kiba had expected it to be, but water. Sea Queen made a remarkable increase in speed; water rushed them along.
Once the ship had set her course, Tensai and Kayu tied the sails in place and their hands were free. Mako and Rojin remained at the stern. Akamaru was faced toward the wind, mouth open, tongue flapping like the sails overhead; Kiba enjoyed the exact same position. The clip of Sea Queen held the same exhilaration as a flight on one of Sai's ink hawks. Shino lounged along one side of the deck, his long legs stretched out as he messed around with his kikaichu. Hinata was in deep conversation with Tensai, who seemed to have taken a shining to her.
Rojin had evidently wanted the team to gel before he explained their orders, since he gathered them at the stern for a quick conference after they were well into their trip. He reviewed the information they received in a report from Sorutotaun- -a battle had occurred, a loud, explosive battle which had destroyed a warehouse and had left one fisherman without his boat. The missing boat had been found abandoned across the channel on a beach of the main island. Further reports indicated large cats roamed the Isle of Salt and the sudden, unexplained appearance of foreigners. The Mizukage, of course, wished to aid the Leaf in their investigation of their missing clan. Her team was to provide guidance and necessary auxiliary assistance. They'd follow the Leaf's lead, send reports to the Mizukage's Office, and continue to coordinate and communicate efforts with the Hokage's Office.
They arrived at Sorutotaun with daytime to spare. The docks were crammed with fishing boats, so they left Sea Queen anchored near a white beach to the east. Kiba smelt salt, so much salt, and the island gleamed bright enough to hurt his eyes. No green to be seen in any direction. Scrubby plant life dotted the seacoast, but blue and white paint were the sole colors available. A few of the circular buildings were built with white bricks; most where whitewashed. The air was dry and still, and no rain had fallen which was lucky. Kiba already smelt a faint smoke, both wood and explosive tag. A strong, acrid, feline musk coated the area.
"I can already confirm the cats," Kiba said. The strength of the musk brought on a headache. "Their stink is everywhere. Blegh." He rolled his tongue as a nasty taste coated the inside of his mouth and along his throat. "Hinata, can you see anything?"
She'd activated the Byakugan, having gained access to it a day or so after they left Yu. Whatever hypnosis Ino and Takahino had placed on her had been temporary. "No. Nothing except the collapsed warehouse."
"The kikaichu detect no active genjutsu or chakra usage in the area," Shino said. "However, they report traces of chakra in the collapsed warehouse."
Kiba waved them on. "Let's check it out."
Their group walked along the docks and between the warehouses. Kiba noticed damage done to the roof tiles of the warehouse nearest them, and noted it for later. The collapsed warehouse had burned from explosive tags- -that much was obvious based on the charred ends of the wooden beams piled inside where a wooden floor had once been. Water was used to douse the flames, so the bricks of the warehouse hadn't crumbled. Faint traces of both Sai and Takahino's scents, not much as the feline musk mostly overshadowed them, plus a mix of varied Yamanaka clan scents. Clans tended to have similar scents because of the shared blood.
"Sai and Takahino have both been here. The scents are too faded to know anything for certain. Could be Sai tracked Takahino, and Takahino got away. All the scents are right on top of each other. I've got scents from the Yamanaka clan, also faded. They must've been in the area at the same time, though. Could be Takahino was with the faction and Sai came after them." He folded his arms. "I can't figure out the cats. They could be summonings from the clan, but I didn't think cats were their clan's style."
Shino remained silent, but Hinata had continued to look around with the Byakugan. The rest of the team had no answers either.
"I see something under the debris," Hinata said. "Towards the opposite side."
Shino commanded the kikaichu as Hinata gave out precise directions. Once the debris had been cleared from the area, Kiba and company worked together to maneuver out an ornate golden frame. It was shaped into a rectangle, a foot or two taller than Shino and about Hinata's arm span from side to side. The frame was empty; no fibers from cloth or canvas and no shards of glass remained embedded between the front and back sides. They set it upright on a nearby wall to examine it further.
"Have any of you…?" Kiba trailed off, lost for words.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Rojin."Tensai? You?"
Tensai shook her head and adjusted her glasses. She gestured to Rojin, who patted a jutsu into the ground with his palms. Two stepping stones of earth cropped up at the front of the frame. Tensai stepped to the top of the earthen blocks, leaning in to inspect the golden head at the top of the frame, an ugly little bug-eyed man with a wagging tongue, replete with golden feathered headdress and huge golden hoops for earrings. Pictographs were set in the thick gold all around the frame, but Kiba was at a loss to explain them. They looked like miniature scenes with groups of men, arms raised to a star in the sky; boxy pyramid buildings, heads of weird, feathered animals, and strange symbols were interspersed among the scenes.
"The kikaichu report an infusion of chakra within the metal," said Shino. His tiny insects hummed in a cloud around the frame. "The chakra isn't regenerating."
Kiba scratched his head. "Is it man-made?"
"Looks like it, doesn't it?" said Mako. He ran the pads of his fingers along the pictographs. "But at the same time, it feels ancient. Do you sense its age or is it just me?"
At the top of the frame, the little bug-eyed man sticking his tongue out stared at Kiba. Watching. Taking note. Listening in. Kiba's hackles lifted; a growl rattled around his chest. A high-pitched whine seared Kiba's ears from a distance, and the sick throb of his headache worsened. The golden hot rays of the setting sun became harsh on him; his vision grayed as mist boxed him in. He smelt greasy smoke from fires and incense, a rhythmic chant echoed around him. Kiba felt the chant in his chest...in his heart…
"Kiba," Shino warned, gripping his shoulder. "Step away for a moment."
Shino's hand brought Kiba back to himself. What the fuck? "Yeah, sure. Lemme...clear my head for a moment." He inhaled through his nose, concentrated on the air as it filled his lungs and diaphragm, and released it. He repeated it and calmed himself with subsequent cycles.
Shino continued, "A manifest should be available for the warehouse. We can determine where the mirror came from and if it is at all relevant to our investigation."
"I'll go ask around," Kiba said. He hated the ugly little man, hated the garish yellow gleam of the gold, hated the sense of observation the frame gave him.
"Do you mind if I join you?" asked Mako, the once-pleasant smile pulled into a frown. A sheen of sweat covered his face. "I feel...I need to clear my head, too. We can find the warehouse manager in town."
"This much gold couldn't be found on the Isle of Salt as it has no ore mines," said Tensai in a small voice, meeker than Hinata's voice. She had not moved from her position at the top of the earthen block. "Water is not renowned for metalworking, either. However, it's possible a metalworker could import the necessary ore to shape into a frame. It's also possible the frame came from somewhere and is going somewhere. But, it's strange. A delivery this valuable should have more security, I should think, and I don't think it's likely anyone on Sorutotaun is wealthy enough to purchase an expensive frame and have it shipped here."
"My, my, we have a tidy mystery on our hands," said Rojin. He spoke to Kiba. "You and Mako go into town for the manifest. We'll get the frame secured on Sea Queen and nose around a bit more."
As the manager's office wasn't located at the docks, Kiba, Akamaru, and Mako separated from their squad and angled toward the collection of salt brick abodes clustered around a paved, circular village center. Weedy vegetation scudded between the cracks in the bricks. Flowering yellow and pink cacti protruded from clay planters. Houses and businesses were similarly built, but blue paint and driftwood signs gave a clue to which were considered public places. Most houses didn't have doors...woven curtains hung across the entryways.
For a while now, a great ruckus had perked Kiba's ears, and naturally curious, he followed it. He and Mako came to the epicenter of the singing and uproarious bursts of laughter. No sign was present above or beside the doorway and when Kiba glanced at Mako, he shrugged. Kiba ducked behind the curtain. As he suspected, it was a tavern. Like the decor in most of the town, the tables and stools were constructed from driftwood. The tableware and mugs were made of fired and glazed clay, not glass or metal. On the wall behind the stone bar hung the skeleton of a gigantic fish. The men and women in the tavern were grouped together in sixes or more, and it was clear they were deep into their cups. Another curtain was hung on the back wall over an entryway, where, Kiba guessed, stairs led to the second level and a discrete back exit.
Kiba stepped to the counter where a squat woman with dark hair decorated with seashells poured drinks. Four wooden barrels sat in a row at chest-level, each with a spout sticking out. Different names labeled the wooden barrels. The woman poured the drinks, set the mugs on the counter, yelled something at one of the many full-breasted waitresses who scooped up the mugs and distributed them amongst the fishermen at the tables. Occasionally, one of the serving girls set a few shot glasses right in a neat row and the squat woman dashed clear alcohol into the shot glasses. These, too, were whisked away to clamorous tables.
"What's good here?" Kiba asked Mako. "I'm buying."
Mako slapped Kiba's shoulder and grinned his shark-teeth in a friendly smile. "Good man. I say we go with the house brew. Once we've had a polite second round, we can ask about the warehouse manager. Be sure to tip generously."
Happy to be generous with his money, happier to have a beer in his hand, Kiba did as Mako suggested. They sat at a small table and observed the drunkenness among the patrons. Several had pulled out dice and were having games of chance. Coin clinked in shallow bowls as players bet their earnings from the day. More drinks were poured and consumed. Once or twice a waitress took a patron by the hand (after coins were proffered) and pulled him behind the curtain at the back. When Kiba and Mako drained their second mug of beer, their pretty waitress smiled. A pink blush colored her cheeks- -but the tavern was warm and she'd been on her feet probably all evening.
"Madame Sakana says she thanks Kiri and Konoha for their patronage." The waitress collected their mugs and gestured with her chin to the back. "She says she can see you out back if you have any questions you'd like to ask. She's on her smoke break."
Kiba shared a silent agreement with Mako, and they rose from the table to exit the tavern through the back curtain, along a dark hallway, and out into the back alleyway where a woman waited for them. Before she came into view, Kiba knew a few things about her. The stale scent of sex and booze hung a cloaking stench over everything, but his nose was practiced enough that he noted her scent was laced with illness- -a kind of cancer, he thought. Nicotine, tar, and tobacco emanated from her in a heavy wave, so the cancer might be lung or throat, and at an advanced stage. She didn't wear perfume; the salt which surrounded them had worked itself into the scents of the inhabitants, including Madame Sakana and it was a different salt-smell than human sweat.
He and Mako stopped at a respectful distance from the woman, so as not to intimidate her. But they needn't have been concerned. She fired a glare at them sharp enough to butcher a side of beef. Kiba's hackles lifted on his neck. He felt she was the kind of woman to castrate a man without half-thinking about it. His hands itched to cover the family jewels before she lashed out and took them in hand.
"Madame Sakana?" he asked.
"Don't be moronic," she snapped. "And come a little closer. I want a good look at you."
Kiba shuffled closer and endured her contemptuous and appraising eye. Mako, beside him, was next. He, too, shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. She blew bluish smoke from the corner of her mouth, her black eyes glittered in what light remained. They waited for her to criticize them or continue the thread of conversation, but she didn't do either. Madame Sakana continued to smoke and look, and inside her look, Kiba felt judged and found wanting.
A/N: I thought a change from the usual Ino & Sai POVs was needed, and I've always enjoyed writing Kiba's perspective. Leave some love in the comments & I'll see you next Saturday!