The Tomb of the Wise Man: Part 1
"Welcome to the "Tomb of the Wise Man'," The professor said, greeting the shinobi. "I am Professor Harada, head of the Archaeology department at the Land of Wind University. You've met my assistant, Einosuke."
"Thank you for the hospitality Professor, I am sure you don't need to hear this, but we are the shinobi Konoha sent to guard your project," Kurenai said introducing the team.
"Please take advantage of our hospitality, I know how uncomfortable traveling through our lands can be. Besides, thank you for arriving so early."
"Well, traveling through the desert isn't exactly fun, as you said, so we put on the speed. Although I do have to ask, what's with the elite guards out front?" Asuma asked pointing back towards the gate.
"Just shows where our Grand Daimyo's priorities lie," Einosuke said through gritted teeth. Harada slammed her cane down onto his foot rewarding her with a yelp and the young man jumping up and down on one foot.
"The young sure have loose tongues, don't they," Harada said, a disarming smile adorning her face. "To answer your question, the funds for this dig have been…generously provided by our lord the Wind Daimyo. He has a…uh…vested interest in seeing this project go smoothly."
"Then why do you need us? I've seen those guys in action before, a few bandits won't pose a challenge to them," Asuma said.
"Well…the reason we called you here wasn't just because we're afraid of bandits." Looking around at the gathered workers the professor motioned for the shinobi to follow her. She lead them into a smaller side tent to the one they were just in. With a nod from Harada Einosuke closed the flap and stood by the entrance to ensure no eavesdroppers. "The mood around here has grown…uncomfortable. Have you ever gotten the feeling you're being watched, even when you're sure there's no one else around?"
"All the time," Kurenai said. "Comes with the job."
"Right, of course. Well…everyone that's been working around here has had that feeling."
"Is this place haunted?!" As one every head in the tent turned to look at Naruto, who had suddenly started looking nervous.
"N-no, and please don't go around saying that. The workers are skittish enough as it is," Harada said.
"Is it possible that there are raiders scouting out the place, eyeing it up for an attack?" Asuma asked.
"I've asked the Daimyo's elite guard the same question. They told me that out in the desert if you can observe somebody they can observe you just as easily. They scouted the area and found nothing. And…I haven't told you everything. Some of the workers have reported strange goings on. Unusual lights, figures in the night, unusual breezes."
"See! It's haunted!"
"Naruto shush," Kurenai scolded.
"Unfortunately I can't contradict him too much. The grounds have been scoured, we're fully guarded. I am hoping that people of your…skills would be able to find something we were missing."
"Well lucky for you we specialize in finding things. Plus, I brought just the right gear to fight a haunting." Naruto announced proudly.
"Okay I have to ask. Is he serious?" Einosuke asked pointing at Naruto.
"Yes, yes he is," Shino sighed.
"We'll split up and scout the area. Look for anything out of the ordinary, and talk to the workers, see if they have anything new to tell us," Kurenai said after the group had walked out of the tent. "Shino, Shikamaru, I want you two to work with Professor Harada. Keep an eye on the people from the University."
"Naruto, you're with me. We'll be securing the perimeter," Asuma said. He winked at Kurenai when she looked at him curiously.
"Right. Choji, Ino, and Hinata you'll be with me. We'll talk to the local workers see if we can sift through the superstitious claptrap."
"It's not claptrap!" Naruto said indignantly.
"Uh-huh. You have your assignments let's go."
Shino and Shikamaru watched the others leave before turning back to face Professor Harada and her assistant. "You're…with us then, huh?" Harada said. "Come along, much to do, not enough hours in the day." The pair followed the aged women back to the larger tent.
"Do raiders really attack places like this? I can't imagine there's much here they'd want," Shikamaru said looking over the dirt, rocks, pots, and numerous other artifacts the university workers were cleaning and cataloging.
"Oh, you'd be surprised by what some people want. Take this beautiful specimen for example," Harada said gesturing to a clay pot barely bigger than an average cup.
"What's so special about this?" Shikamaru asked reaching for the cup. "Ow!" Shikamaru yelped when Harada slapped his hand away.
"This beauty is a water carrying vessel in pristine condition fired before when most of the experts agree the Daimyo era began. Conservatively speaking…on the black market a piece like this is worth," She quickly scribbled a number down on a piece of paper. "Around this figure," She said handing the paper to Shikamaru. Looking at it the genin's eyes bugged out as he looked back and forth between the two objects.
"R-really?! You're not pulling my leg, are you?" Shikamaru asked perplexed that such a small, dirty piece of clay could be worth so much.
"It cannot be worth that mu-uh-uh?" Shino stuttered when he looked over Shikamaru's shoulder.
"I love showing that to the uninitiated," Harada said chuckling at the sight of two professional soldiers struck dumb. "Artifacts from before the Daimyo Era are incredibly hard to come by. Not helped by the fact that some Daimyo's like to pretend that there wasn't a time before the countries were ruled by them. Makes my job hard at least. Anyway…you were given a job by your leader right, I'll let you get to it while I finish cleaning this beauty."
"She is right Shikamaru, let us complete our assignment…Shikamaru?...Shikamaru!" Reaching over Shino snapped his fingers in front of the Nara's face.
"Huh, what!? Oh, sorry Shino, just…just contemplating my career choices. Let's go"
"Don't you think we should've brought Hinata if we were going to scout the perimeter?" Naruto asked as he and Asuma walked along the temporary canvas walls set up around the dig site.
"No, I wouldn't want her to be bored. I didn't bring you out here to secure the perimeter, the Elite guards provided by the Wind Daimyo would've done a far better job than we ever could."
"But Hinata has the Byakugan, wouldn't that help see something they might've missed?"
"Maybe, but these guys are masters of the desert. What they lack in hoodoo eyes they more than make up for in experience. They know the ins and outs of the desert like we know the ins and outs of the forests surrounding Konoha."
"How do you know so much about them?"
"Back when I was part of the Guardian Twelve-"
"You were a member of the Guardian Twelve!? As in twelve of the best fighters in the country sworn to protecting the Fire Daimyo. That Guardian Twelve!?" Naruto asked, stars in his eyes. Seeing the hero worship in the kids eyes Asuma stood a little taller and puffed out his chest.
"Yes that Guardian Twelve."
"So cool."
"Anyway while I was serving, the Fire Daimyo and the Wind Daimyo met up to negotiate…something. We were attacked by a group of missing-nin hired to assassinate the pair. It was one hell of a fight. Lost one of my trench knives, replacing them is never easy," Asuma said twirling a small knife that had holes to slide fingers through the blade instead of a handle. These things are pure chakra metal; do you have any idea how hard it is to find pure chakra metal?"
"Yeah, actually, I do."
"Right you would, forgot who I was talking to."
"How'd you lose your knife?"
"I left it embedded in the missing-nin leaders chest. We had to get the Daimyo to safety so I didn't have enough time to retrieve it."
"Cool. But if we aren't securing the perimeter, why did you bring me out here?"
"Kurenai tells me your natural affinity is wind. Being the only other wind user in the village I figured I could give you some pointers."
"You're going to teach me a new jutsu!?"
"If you're good enough to learn. You and I both fight at our best up close and personal. This technique's saved my life on more than one occasion." Taking a deep breath Asuma threw one of his knives up into the air, this part wasn't necessary, but it looked cool. He ran through hand signs before catching the blade. "Wind Style: Windbreak Jutsu!" Slashing the knife down a wall of gale force winds sprang into existence before him. "This jutsu is useful for block long ranged attacks or jutsus," Asuma explained when the wind died down.
"Let me try, let me try." Naruto ran through the same hand signs before he too swung his sword down. He was rewarded with a blast of wind slamming into his face.
"You gotta focus all your chakra along the edge of your sword. Here try it with one of these," Asuma said handing Naruto a trench knife.
"Thanks. Okay focus on the ed-whoa!" Naruto exclaimed as he held the knife closer to his face. Extending from the edge of the knife a blade of chakra shimmered.
"You found my secret weapon, I see."
"How doe…so it…I see. It's like the firs…uh…a technique Sensei taught me."
"You seem to be getting it, try again."
"I have visual," Kō said as the team were laying on their bellies in the underbrush. They were situated on a ledge in the mountains. Below them stretched a rocky crevasse. At its bottom a lone door lay hidden.
"Where?" Ziren asked pulling out a pair of binoculars. He felt Kō's chakra change slightly. "Not all of us are born with these built in, you know."
"I didn't say anything," Kō said staring straight ahead.
"You were thinking it," Ziren said scanning the area.
"What's the plan?" Anko asked. Ziren handed her the binoculars while he thought.
"Shinobu have your swarm sweep the area, see if there are any traps we're not seeing. Kō what do you see?"
"I can see in the first room. There are four guards stationed just inside the door. I am having difficulty seeing past that though. It keeps getting fuzzy, I'll continue to monitor," Kō said repositioning himself.
"I wish we could get closer. Any ideas?"
"I have an idea." Anko bit her thumb before slamming her palm down on the ground. "Summoning Jutsu." A cloud of smoke enveloped the group. When it dispersed an eight-foot-long rattle snake lay before Anko.
"You called Missstresss?" Ziren, Shinobu, and Kō blinked dumbly at the appearance.
"You know, maybe not summoning something that Orochimaru can summon would be a good idea." The rattle snake whipped around to glare at Ziren, or at least it would be glaring if it had eyelids.
"I do not ssserve the Warmonger, I heed only my Missstesss' call." Ziren shuffled back from the threatening giant, venomous snake; not taking his eyes off it.
"Calm down Rassuruhisu. He wouldn't know."
"Um, know what?" Ziren asked still nervous.
"There are thossse of usss who refussse to work with the one you call Orochimaru. We had a…disssagreament about hisss methodsss," Rassuruhisu said slithering around Anko.
"Don't bother sugar-coating it Ras. Plus, it'll put them at ease. The snakes of Ryῡchi Cave had a schism a while back."
"Wait so you guys have internal politics?" Ziren asked. He held his hands up in surrender at Rassuruhisu's not-glare.
"We are a thinking ssspeciesss, of courssse we will disssagree. Do not insssult usss."
"Right sorry Ras."
"Rassuruhisu."
"Rassuruhisu, what happened?" Ziren asked.
"I will tell you only becaussse my Missstresss asssked me to. It hasss to do with the rival of the Warmonger, Jiraiya the Toad Sssage. The sssnakesss of Cave Ryῡchi and the toadsss of Mount Myoboku have never gotten along. But our animosssity began and ended with our sssummonersss. The Warmonger wished to change that. He wantsss to pit usss againssst one another to further hisss own endsss. I, and othersss like me refusssed. And ssso we refussse to hear hisss call, and the call of hisss lackey. We now ssserve only our Missstresss. You need not worry over my loyalty."
"If Anko trusts you that's good enough for me. But I have to ask, do you have a leader? And what is their opinion regarding this schism?" Ziren sked. Sighing Rassuruhisu looked out towards the horizon.
"The great White Sssnake Sssage remainsss neutral, asss isss their duty. But the likesss of Manda and hissss sssychophantsss continue to poissson itsss mind. And don't you dare laugh at that pun."
"What? I wasn't going to laugh," Ziren said behind his hand trying to hide his smile.
"Why have you sssummoned me, Missstresss?" Rassuruhisu asked.
"We found one of Orochimaru's hidden laboratories," Anko said pointing down into the ravine. "We need more intel and wanted someone to get closer to scout it out."
"Cutting in again here, not to be rude but we kind of need someone smaller. No offence Rassuruhisu." The giant snake looked at the swordsman and smirked, somehow. The serpents skin became white and milky as it started wriggling and shaking itself. It flopped to the ground as a small garter snake slithered out of its mouth.
"Isss thisss sssize sssuitible for you?" The now much smaller Rassuruhisu asked.
"Okay, that was impressive."
"Ras may not be the biggest snake I can summon, but he's the most skilled at Senjutsu. Go see what you can find."
"Asss you command my Missstresss," Rassuruhisu hissed as he slithered from view.
"You learn something new every day, huh? Okay, Anko, Kō You two stay here and continue to observe the hideout. Shinobu you're with me. We need to find a hidden location to set up camp. Rendezvous at…that peak there before sunset. From here we maintain radio silence, any communication must be done face to face. Let's get ready to assault the hideout of a deranged madman."
Night had fallen over the desert. Most of the local workers had taken the drivers cart home, yet a few chose to remain and camp out at the dig site with the University workers. Asuma was on look out with one of the Elite Guards. Everyone was crowded around a cooking fire as dinner was being passed out. The workers were talking animatedly about the days find. Apparently, they were close to finding the main burial chamber.
"S-so are th-there traps in the t-tombs? L-like in the m-movies?" Hinata asked the archaeologists.
"There are actually," Einosuke responded. "But unlike in the movies the ancient people weren't master engineers. Any traps they made deteriorated long ago. Any chakra that was used also dissipated centuries before any of us were born. All that's left are traces."
"Like the chakra I sense in those statues?" Naruto asked.
"Yep though those statues are unusual. They don't match any carving style previously used in the Land of Wind. Exciting, isn't it?"
"I have been most curious about one particular matter. Perhaps you could answer my question." Einosuke turned to look as Shino, before breaking out in a wide grin.
"I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have," Einosuke said happily.
"Why is it called the "Tomb of the Wise Man"?"
"Ooh that's a great story. It all star-"
"Eh, eh, eh! I have seniority here. I get to tell the story," Harada said hobbling up to the group. Some of the other archaeologists grumbled, but ceded the ground to their elder. "It all started back before there was a Daimyo of Wind. The people of the desert were scattered among many warring tribes. A young warlord rose to prominence among the tribes. To gain respect and control all the tribes the Warlord challenged the deserts protector. A great spirit of wind and sand. It is said their battle lasted for three days and three nights. On the morning of the fourth day neither fighter had the energy left to stand. So impressed by this human the spirit gave a warning to the young man. That its siblings spoke of a great war sweeping the land, and that the war would one day soon reach the Warlord's people.
"Taking the spirit's words to heart the Warlord returned to his tribe and knew that it was his destiny to unite the peoples of the sand against the threat posed by the outsiders war. With the mark and respect of the spirit many tribes pledged themselves to the Warlord and his cause. Those that didn't were...convinced. With the people of the desert united at last the warlord turned his attention to the land outside the sands. He sent scouts, so that he may learn of his new foes. The tales they brought back did little for morale. Those outside the desert had food and weapons plenty. 'They can wage war against us till the day the sun no longer rises.'
"The Warlord, for the first time in his life, did not know what to do. Fearing for his people he sought the counsel of the Wiseman, a hermit and sage who believed himself above material concerns. The Warlord went to him and begged his aid to save their people from the coming war. The Wiseman slammed the door in his face. The Warlord was not to be deterred, and it is said that he knelt before the door of the hermit's home in supplication for three days and three nights. Yes, this is a pattern in ancient Wind legends. On the fourth day, the Hermit, impressed with the youth's dedication or maybe just to get rid of the nuisance, allowed the Warlord in to listen to what he had to say. So moved by the youths dedication and sincerity the Hermit agreed to aid him in his quest. To that end the Hermit forged a magnificent crown for the young man. This crown was said to grant the Warlord the ability to see through the hearts of men, know their souls, and let no deception trick him.
"The flames of the Daimyo War finally reached the edge of the desert. From our research there were a number of skirmishes between the two sides. These battles were costly to everyone involved. Knowing that no victor would come of this fighting both sides met to talk peacefully and an agreement was reached. The Warlord would be named Daimyo of the Wind and would be given dominion over all that the desert wind touched, so long as he swore fealty to the Shogun. And so the Land of Wind was born.
"With the war over the Hermit knew his time was at an end. He had grown ancient in his time helping the Warlord. With his last breath, he thanked the now Daimyo for convincing him to leave his lonely little hut. Before, he sought wisdom and knowledge, but horded it like a miser hoards his gold. He finally realized that to truly appreciate knowledge, he must share it with others. The Warlord vowed to give the Hermit the greatest burial in the history of the endless sands. But the Hermit's disciples protested saying that he would not have wanted such pomp and ceremony for his burial.
"Eventually they came to a compromise. The Warlord would not provide the customary treasure a man of his stature was to be buried with. Instead a great tomb was constructed for him. While the tomb was being constructed the Wind Daimyo came to a decision. He was going to return the crown the Hermit had given him. He was scared that without the wise counsel of the Hermit he would be corrupted by its power."
"That's if you take the bedtime story at face value," Einosuke chirped.
"These 'stories' were how we told our history before we figured out writing. So respect them!"
"Whatever you say Professor," Many of the university workers said in unison.
"Anyway, the "Tomb of the Wise Man" was constructed, and the Hermit was laid to rest. Pilgrims used to come from all over the desert to pray here beneath the shadow of the sandstone spire." Harada stood and turned to look at the tower of rock jutting out into the sky. The older women kneeled and clasped her hands together.
"Now we pray to his spirit to help us understand the past, even if there are those who care not for it," Harada finished, a melancholy look coming over her face.
"Wow," Ino said after a moment of silence.
"That is a powerful story," Shino said.
"It is, isn't it. I've spent my life studying the past. I've written my doctoral thesis on this place. Being able to finally study it in detail is a dream come true. But I've bored you guys enough, we should get to bed. We begin work at first light."
"Our friends back," Kō said to Ziren as the pair observed the hideouts entrance. Ziren pulled out his binoculars and focused them on the door. Sure enough one of the guards walked out of the entrance and jammed the door open with his sword. He then leaned against a rocky outcropping and lit a cigarette. Made Rassuruhisu's job that much easier. "That makes seven days in a row."
"Those cigarettes are gonna kill him one of these days. Let's head back."
Ziren and Kō made their way to a cave system hidden in one of the many mountains in the range. The size of the caverns and their hidden entrance made them ideal for the Konoha camp. Anko and Shinobu were putting the finishing touches on its defense. "We're back," Ziren announced.
"Welcome back," Shinobu said tying off a length of ninja wire to one of her traps.
"That idiot still smoking out in the open?" Anko asked walking towards the pair.
"He is," Kō said sitting down on one of the rocks they had been using as a chair.
"How's security going?" Ziren asked.
"We're as done as we can be until we know what's next," Anko replied.
"So that means I need to use the scroll Shikaku gave me then?"
"That would be the logical endpoint, yes."
"Okay." Ziren walked over to the rock they had been using as a table and took the scroll from his pocket, he hadn't let it out of his possession since the mission had begun. Ziren bit his thumb and wiped the blood on the seal binding the scroll, opening it.
"What is it?" Anko asked peeking over Ziren's shoulder.
"Looks like a summons. Summon!" The scroll became enveloped in smoke, once it dissipated it revealed a Capuchin monkey wearing a flak jacket and a Konoha headband. The monkey stared at the assembled shinobi, a large beetle held suspended between his teeth.
Slowly he bit into the beetle and chewed with a loud crunch. "You must be the humans Hiru told me about. I assume you want me to tell him you're ready?"
"O…kay, talking monkey's a new one. But yes, we have scouted the area and have established a forward operating base. Awaiting further orders."
"Alright," The monkey said popping the rest of the beetle into his mouth. "Be right back." He disappeared as he had arrived, in a puff of smoke.
"Large scale summons are exceedingly useful," Shinobu said almost wistfully.
"So long as most of them aren't actively trying to kill you," Anko responded.
"That would be most inconvenient, yes."
"I'm back." Ziren jumped at the monkey's sudden appearance and almost drew his sword.
"Was that really necessary?" Ziren asked relaxing.
"Hey, have to entertain myself somehow. This here's the schedule for when the rest of the strike team will arrive. Can't have them all leaving at once after all. Burn it once you have it memorized. Ta!" Ziren waved the smoke from his face as the monkey left for good. Ziren sat down and studied the scroll handed to him from the monkey.
The group sat in awkward silence for a full minute. They were waiting to hear what Ziren would say, but he was giving his full attention to the scroll in his hand. "You know Shinobu I spend most of my time asking people questions. This means I can also feel when someone wants to ask me a question. Just ask and get it over with already."
Shinobu jumped when Anko addressed her, she had thought she was being subtle in her curiosity. "How is it you can read an Aburame so well?" Kō asked.
"Dated one remember, picked up on a few things," Anko answered.
"That is actually what I had wanted to ask you about. You had previously mentioned that you had amorous relations with one of my clan. I cannot remember hearing about one of us dating one as famous, or infamous I should say, from my family. I had wondered who."
"Oh," Anko said her expression falling noticeably.
"If you do not wish to speak I understand it was only my curi-"
"No it's fine, he was your family after all. Itaro, it was Itaro."
"Oh…I am sorry, I did not mean to…"
"Don't worry, we broke up before it happened. I was still sad when I heard about it though."
"What happened to Itaro?" Ziren asked surprising the group. He was still reading the scroll but glanced up to look at Anko when she didn't immediately answer.
"What can I say, I'm also a busy body."
"His team was declared MIA a few years ago," Anko said. "Like I said we broke up before he went missing, wasn't even invited to the funeral."
"There wasn't a funeral," Shinobu said. "We Aburame do not officially declare our member's dead until at least seven years have passed. We still have Itaro's sub-hive at the clan compound. We are optimistic that way."
"Besides, funerals are overrated," Ziren said rolling up the scroll.
"That's…a pretty callous mindset, Adair," Anko said.
"Meh. We got work to do. We need to prepare for our allies arrival," Ziren said as the scroll in his hand turned to dust.
"What do you mean The Land of Rice makes better dumplings than the Land of Steam?" Choji asked in dumbfound confusion.
"I just think that onsen steamed dumplings are overrated," Naruto said defending himself. The pair were currently on duty guarding the entrance to the dig site. "I just think that the only reason people like them so much is because they connect them with hot springs, not because they taste better."
"And I thought you were a food connoisseur."
"I'm a ramen connoisseur, I'm a fan of dumplings."
"They seem to be having fun," Kurenai said as she watched the two boys argue.
"Choji's just happy to finally have someone to talk to about food," Ino said as she tried, in vain, to get the dust out of her sandal. She, Kurenai, and Hinata were on break and lounging beneath an awning, enjoying the shade. Hinata had gotten her hands on a local pastry that had cinnamon on it. It was no cinnamon bun, but it was close enough. "I've been meaning to ask, Hinata, are you and Naruto dating?" The question so surprised Hinata that she gasped at its abruptness. Unfortunately, she still had the pastry in her mouth and the cinnamon on it went straight to the back of her throat.
"D-dating!?" Hinata gasped out once the coughing subsided.
"Yeah, I mean ever since you guys got put on the same team I don't think I've ever seen you two apart. So, spill. What's going on?" Ino said her gossipers blood boiling.
"Yeah Hinata, what is going on with you and Naruto?" Kurenai said teasing her student. "You were so sad when Naruto wasn't spending as much time with you." She couldn't help it, Hinata's reactions were too funny.
"If you're not already dating you totally should. You guys would make such a cute couple," Ino said.
Dating? What did Hinata know about dating? The only things she knew about romance were what she had gleaned from the shoujo manga's Kō had snuck her past the disapproving eyes of the elders. Was she dating Naruto? She liked Naruto, but was that the same thing? What did couples do anyway? Hug each other? Yeah she and Naruto did that occasionally. Holding hands? The only times she and Naruto had held hands was when Naruto would drag her on his misadventures, she was pretty sure that didn't count. All that was left was ki-no, nope, no no no no, Hinata wasn't ready to think about that. But Kurenai and Ino were both looking at her so expectantly. Ino with a piece of gossip was like an Inuzuka with a scent. The only thing to do was to give her an even juicier piece of gossip. She would normally feel bad about what she was about to do, but her teacher deserved it for egging Ino on.
"W-what about y-you Kurenai-sensei? I s-saw you k-kissing Asuma-sensei."
"WHAT!?" Ino shouted her head snapping around so fast Kurenai was afraid she was going to give herself whiplash. "You…kiss…Asuma…what!?" While talking about how much time Hinata spent with Naruto, Kurenai forgot about how much time she spent with Naruto. Throwing a mini-glare at Hinata, Kurenai sighed and turned to Ino.
"Yes, Asuma and I are going out." Ino took a deep breath before she squeed so loudly that Naruto and Chouji both jumped.
"You okay?" Naruto shouted.
"We're fine, don't worry," Kurenai replied.
"Omigosh omigosh omigosh omigosh omigosh! How? When? Details!" Ino practically shouted while jumping up and down in her seat. Hinata leaned forward, she had also been curious about her teacher's relationship. She just wasn't nearly as bold as Ino was in these matters.
"I'll talk just calm down." Ino quieted down and sat ramrod straight, paying more attention now than she ever had in the academy.
"When I first took the Chunin Exams my team was one person short. So, we were given Asuma. We got along really well and managed to get through the exams no problem. After the tests were done we just kinda…kept hanging out."
"So you two started going out?" Ino asked, positively buzzing with energy.
"Hmm…no. We weren't dating, but I wouldn't call us just friends either."
"What happened when Asuma left?"
"W-wait, left?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, Asuma-sensei left to join the Guardian Twelve. He only recently came back," Ino said before quickly turning back to Kurenai. "So what happened?"
"Not much to say. We talked, we argued, and we made our choices. We chose our paths." Kurenai's voice lowered and her gaze grew distant.
"S-so what happened wh-when he r-returned?" Kurenai blinked and her gazed returned to the present.
"I was at home one night when I heard a knock on my door. When I opened it Asuma was standing there. He's not one for romantic gestures but he was holding a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers."
"Ahhh." Ino and Hinata sighed. "And, what happened next?" Ino asked hanging off the edge of her seat.
"And what happened next…" Kurenai leaned forward and poked Ino's nose. "…Is between me, and Asuma."
Rubbing her nose Ino leaned back in her seat. "Aw…stingy."
"And you are not to talk about this to anyone," Kurenai said pointing at Ino. "If I hear about our relationship being gossiped about I will put you under a genjutsu so strong that not even the Hokage could break it."
"W-why are you looking at me? Hinata knows too. Granted she probably wouldn't tell anybody but Naruto might, and he could probably get it out of her."
"H-hey!"
"True, he probably could."
"Hey!"
"But he already knows, Shino too. So, if our relationship gets leaked I'll know who," Kurenai warned.
"How do Shino and Naruto know? If I didn't see something, I can't believe they could see something."
"N-Naruto can s-sense people's emotions th-through their ch-chakra. Th-though I don't know h-how Shino knows," Hinata answered.
"Apparently, Shino's Kikaichu can smell pheromones, and I'll just leave it at that."
Ino shuddered at the mention of Shino's comrades. "How can you be on a team with someone who lets bugs live inside them?"
"Shino's my t-teammate, and the A-Aburame clan is w-well respected."
"But…bugs!"
"He's my teammate, and I'm glad he is, and I don't like you disrespecting him." Hinata stated with an air of finality.
"S-sorry," Ino said. She had never seen the quiet, shy girl act so resolutely before. "I'm sorry, I just don't like insects. But you're right I'm being rude. I get mad when other people call Choji…" Ino craned her head around to make sure the Akimichi was out of earshot before leaning forward and whispering. "…Fat. So…sorry." Kurenai smiled as she watched the two girls. Seeing Hinata stand up for her teammate was heartwarming, and getting some of the wind getting taken out of the Yamanaka's sails would do the girl some good. Plus, mutual respect was what was needed for a real friendship.
"But concerning your other teammate," Ino said sidling closer to Hinata and waggling her eyebrows.
"Okay, breaks over girls. Let's get back to work," Kurenai said deciding to save Hinata from Ino.
"R-right, let's go," Hinata said hurriedly as she leapt to her feet, Ino just chuckled.
"You know, I've been wondering," Asuma said as he walked up to Professor Harada. He was out on a random patrol and had seen the older woman and decided to sate his curiosity. "Einosuke seems to have a dim view of his Daimyo."
"Who doesn't?" Harada asked. She was cleaning off one of those strange sandstone statues that the workers seemed to keep digging up. "Ugh, I think I'm starting to hate these things. Their stratigraphy's all wrong.," Harada said wiping her hands off and walking away from the sculpture.
"Granted I haven't met anyone that does like the Daimyo of Wind. I haven't asked those elite guards, but I'm not in a hurry to do that. It just seems that it's a bit more personal with him."
"Einosuke doesn't hate the Daimyo, he just hates the idea of him."
"Huh? I don't really see him being the anarchic type."
"Of course he's not an anarchist. He's just young and idealistic. We got the funding, and that's what matters."
"Yeah, I don't follow."
Sighing Harada looked around to make sure no one was around. "I've spent my whole life studying the ancient past of our proud nation. I wrote my doctoral thesis on this very location."
"You've mentioned that."
"It was a very good paper…Anyway, I've been trying to gather the funding necessary to excavate this place for so many years. Proposal after proposal, they failed every time."
"But not this time?"
"It wasn't me who got the funding. Some nobleman and his daughter from some small worthless duchy decided to visit the capital. Sh-"
Asuma grabbed the women and pulled her behind him, a trench knife in his other hand. The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end and goosebumps had erupted along his arms. For a split second he had felt hostile eyes watching him. "Whats g-" Harada started but stopped when Asuma held up his hand. Creating a hand sign Asuma breathed out a sigh. The wind breezed through the area, but found nothing. Stepping gingerly Asuma peered around the statue but the pair were alone. It had only been a split second, had he just imagined it?
Standing straight Asuma sheathed his knife and turned towards the professor. "Sorry about that, thought I felt something there for a minute. Anyway, you were saying something about a woman and her father."
"Y-yeah," Harada said looking around nervously. "The woman was beautiful; I saw her back in the capital and she really was stunning. Being such a beautiful woman the Daimyo, of course, took an interest in her. She fancied herself an amateur archaeologist, and the Daimyo came up with the brilliant idea to also take an interest in digging up relics. My umpteenth proposal had found its way to his desk around this time and finally, it got approved."
"Just so the leader of your country can get into the pants of a pretty woman. Ouch."
"And that's why Einosuke hates him. He believes in the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of knowledge. He grew up being told the story of the "Hermit and the Warlord" and was ecstatic to become my assistant. You should've seen him when he learned my proposal got passed, and when we met with the Daimyo to go over the plans in more details and he figured out the real reason. That we were diving into one of our most treasured stories for something so…so…petty!
"I'm a realist Mr. Sarutobi, we have the funding and that's what matters. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."
"At least you'll be mentioned in the history books," Asuma supplied weakly.
"Always a silver lining," Harada agreed.
"Professor! Professor!" Einosuke shouted running towards the two.
"Speak of the devil," The professor said.
"We found something! Come quick!"
"Coming! Well Mr. Sarutobi nice talk." Asuma watched the two archaeologists hurry away. Whatever Einosuke found had made Harada just as excited as himself. Probably a piece of pottery. Asuma turned towards the sandstone statue Harada was working on. He brought his hand up and pointed two fingers at his eyes before pointing them at the holes that represented the statues eyes. Having done that Asuma turned away and continued his patrol.
"Uzumaki!" Naruto turned from Kurenai when he heard his name being called. They were currently overseeing the unloading of some more supplies from the man who had given them the ride over. "Uzumaki! Uzumaki! Uzumaki! Uzumaki!" Einosuke was running towards them full sprint, hollering the whole way. He skidded to a stop right in front of Naruto and grabbed the boys shoulder, breathing hard. "You're an Uzumaki right?"
"Um…yeah?"
"Uzumaki as in the founders of Uzushio, Uzumaki? Masters of fuuinjutsu, Uzumaki?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know fuuinjutsu?"
"Some, yeah."
"Come with me, now!" Einosuke grabbed Naruto's arm and dragged back towards the tomb. Naruto had to run just to keep up the pace and not get pulled from his feet.
"Shikamaru, Shino! Watch the front, something's going on inside," Kurenai shouted to the boys who were standing nearby. Whatever was going on she needed to be there, to keep Naruto from causing trouble if nothing else.
She followed the pair down into the dig site and passed all the workers moving dirt. They passed through a small opening in the spire and found themselves in a corridor. Einosuke lead them through a few turns to where a small group of university workers were milling around a dead end. "I brought him Professor!" Einosuke shouted to the group. They parted and Naruto drew up short. Before them was a ten-foot tall double door covered in an intricate fuuinjutsu seal.
"Woah…" Naruto said stepping up to the door.
"This must be the door to the Wise Man's final resting place. I wanted…a professional's opinion before we touched it," Harada said standing beside Naruto. The Uzumaki reached out towards the door, when Kurenai spoke up.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"It's fine," Naruto said placing his hand on the door. "This line here," He said pointing to a line connecting the two doors. "Is the triggering mechanism. It activates the rest of seal when it's broken."
"So it activates when the door opens?" Harada asked jotting down notes as Naruto spoke.
"Yep." The group broke out in whispers as they debated amongst themselves.
"Is it still active?" Einosuke asked. Naruto pondered the door for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah the chakra reservoir is still intact. If you opened the door the seal would've activated."
"What would happen if the seal activated?" Kurenai asked nervously.
"Hmm…I'm not 100% sure. It wouldn't be good though."
"Can you disarm it?" Harada asked.
"Maybe. I want to copy it down first before I try anything." Immediately half the group shoved pieces of paper into Naruto's face, each one a copy of the seal.
"They want to see what's inside," Harada supplied as Naruto took the best copy offered to him. "So…"
Naruto stepped back up to the door and considered the intricate lines crisscrossing one another. "Normally the best way to netr…neuter…netre…"
"Neutralize," Kurenai supplied. Naruto looked at Kurenai confusedly for a moment before he shook his head.
"The best way to neutralize a fuuinjutsu seal is to somehow sever it from its triggering mechanism."
"But the seal activates when it's triggering mechanism gets severed," Kurenai said.
"Exactly," Naruto replied.
"So can you or can't you deactivate it?" Harada asked impatiently.
"Not technically, but I do know a trick Sensei taught me. Granted you don't tell him I'm using it," Naruto said turning to Kurenai.
"My lips are sealed."
"Okay!" Naruto shouted rubbing his hands together. He lowered his stance and evened out his breath. He extended his hand, palm out to the door until it was an inch away. "You…uh…might want to step back." The group all took three steps back, but kept their attention completely fixed on Naruto. In…out…in…out. Naruto regulated his breathing. In…out…in…out. On the last breath time seemed to slow as Naruto's senses expanded outward.
What was once a wall of near incomprehensible tangles of chakra gained sharp clarity. He explored every curve, every twist of chakra, every near invisible line.
…drip…
Naruto twitched. He felt water at his feet. Breathing out again he regained his center. He gathered his chakra in the center of his palm.
…drip…
Great and terrible eyes gazed upon him. With a great effort of will Naruto banished the distraction from his mind.
A fragile mist, as black as a demon's heart, formed before his hand before flowing into the seal. It passed through the chakra laden fuuinjutsu lines, like poison flows through the blood. Smoke shot out of the center of the seal. Time snapped back to normalcy as Naruto heard everyone hold their breath. "W-was it supposed to do that?" a random university worker asked.
"Hit the deck!" Naruto shouted as everyone threw themselves to the ground.
The only thing that greeted the group as they cowered on the ground was the sound of Naruto's laughter. Kurenai rose to her feet, her rage building as she popped her knuckles. She turned around and was about to lay into Naruto when Harada beat her to it and brought her cane down on the boy's laughing head.
"You think that's funny you little runt! You almost gave me a heart attack! That's a real concern at my age!" Kurenai leaned back, she wasn't going to be able to do better than an angry little old lady. To Naruto's credit he did look penitent, until he looked confused. He turned his heard towards the entrance to the tomb. Harada was shouting something about paying attention when Kurenai silenced the professor with a shush.
"I sense it too. Outside, now!"
Kurenai and Naruto burst from the tomb into the sunlight weapons in hand. Shouts of alarm and screams of pain filled the air as the pair of shinobi looked around for a source. A trio of local works were hobbling towards them when a pair of the bizarre sandstone statues loped into view, fully mobile, chasing the men down. Kurenai charged toward the men, but knew she was going to be too late. The lead statue caught up to the lagging man and brought one of its club-like hands down on his head. She caught up to the group before the second stone man could attack and grabbed its arm. Twisting her body, she threw it onto the ground.
Naruto rushed past her and grabbed a pick one of the workers was holding. Lifting it above his head Naruto brought the impromptu weapon down on the still standing creatures shoulder. The arm exploded in a cloud of sand. Unconcerned the sandstone statue brought its other arm around to bludgeon Naruto. He parried the attack and pushed the thing away creating some space.
Meanwhile Kurenai lifted her foot up and flooded it with chakra. She brought it down on the creature's head turning it into powder. Naruto fended off the statues attacks easily. Whatever these things were, they weren't very smart. Catching the back of the things knee with the point of the pick and bumped it with his shoulder knocking the thing on its back. Placing his foot on it's one good arm Naruto brought the pick down on its head, shattering it.
"What the hell is going on!" Harada shouted once she had managed to limp out of the tomb.
"Those statues have come to life, every single one," Naruto said.
"Professor do you have anywhere you can hide?" Kurenai asked.
"Uh…yeah there's a safe room where we keep the relics. It's big enough for people to shelter in in case of bandits or sandstorms."
"Good go there, now!"
"Wait a minute. There's still several important artifacts that ne-"
"Einosuke get her to safety." Einosuke stooped and picked up the smaller woman in his arms.
"Sorry Professor, orders are orders, and she's scarier than you" Einosuke said heading towards the back of the compound.
"That goes for all of you. Go now!" The group followed Einosuke as the two still standing locals picked up their heavily wounded friend and carried him off with the others.
"Kurenai-sensei he needs help," Naruto said.
"We don't have time Naruto. If we don't hurry, there could be a lot more people dead." A dust cloud was kicked up in the distance. "We need to find the others and regroup. Naruto make shadow clones and send them to get the civilians to safety."
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Six Naruto's sprang into existence. "You heard her boys, go!" The clones saluted before they ran off in different directions, looking for civilians. "My guess is the rest of our team is over where that dust cloud is."
"Just Shino, Choji, and Shikamaru actually."
"We have to regroup let's go."
"Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Tendrils shot out from Shikamaru's shadow snaking across the ground until they intercepted the shadows of charging statues. The statues froze in place once their shadows fused. The paralysis didn't last long as a boulder shaped Choji rolled through grinding the frozen stone men into the dust. A statue charged Shikamaru from behind, but before it could get too close it legs were grabbed by a pair of hands from below ground. It was pulled down into the ground as Shino leapt up from the hole he made for the statue.
"Naruto and Kurenai-sensei are approaching," Shino said the heads up being relayed to him by his insects.
"Good, we need a game plan." Naruto charged around a tent and swung a pick right into the head of one of the statues. Unused to the unwieldy weapon Naruto threw himself off balance and only knocked a chunk of stone off the things head. Uncaring for the piece missing from its head it swung at Naruto. Kurenai caught the attack and threw it to the ground. She held it down as Naruto swung and managed to destroy the head this time.
Choji rolled through another wave of the sandstone men before deflating back to normal size. "Are you three okay?" Kurenai asked.
"We are fine, the attack took us by surprise, but we are adapting," Shino said.
"How did this happen?" Choji asked.
"It probably had something to do with me tampering with the door. I told you guys this place was cursed!" Naruto shouted feeling vindicated.
"No." The gathered shinobi turned to Shikamaru. "I don't think these things are a trap or a curse. There was always something off about them. Besides, when the attack started more of them came pouring in through the entrance to the compound. Asuma-sensei went to staunch the tide."
"Okay, we figure out their origins later for now we need to get everyone to safety. Naruto, find Hinata and Ino, we need all of us together. Shino, use your Kikaichῡ to find all the survivors. Shikamaru, Choji, make sure those civilians have a safe path to the safe house in the back of the compound."
"Right!" The genin shouted in unison.
"If there are more of these things pouring inside their mastermind is probably there too. I'm going to go back Asuma up. Shino place a Kikaichu on each of us, I need you to coordinate with us. Let's go there are lives to save!" Kurenai turned and sprinted towards the entrance to the dig site. Buzzing filled the air as Kikaichu exploded from Shino's coat.
"I have my Kikaichu searching, that way. A large group plus a Naruto clone is in that direction." Shino, Shikamaru, and Choji headed off in the direction he pointed. Naruto focused and sent his senses wandering. A kind, warm, and gentle chakra. Hinata was that way.
Arm, chest, then neck. Asuma finished the combo and the statue fell to the ground in pieces. He ducked an attack from another and kicked the thing in its waist so hard it broke in half. Undeterred the statue tried pulling itself up to continue the attack. "Just stay down!" Asuma shouted cutting its head off. Another wave of the creatures was entering the site. Loosening his shoulders Asuma threw himself at them. His trench knives blurred as he quickly became surrounded. But his blades exacted a heavy toll. Pieces of stone flew past him as he sliced the statues into pieces.
He grabbed the last one's head and brought it down onto his knee powdering it. No sooner had he dispatched this wave then another poured through the opening. Sighing he readied himself for battle. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" Fireballs rained down on the charging statues. Once the conflagration died down the sandstone had melted into glass, immobilizing the statues.
"Took you long enough," Asuma said as Kurenai walked up to him.
"What can I say? I love keeping men in suspense."
"Men, plural? You tease."
"Oh you know yo-"
"Watch out! Wind Style: Windbreak Jutsu!" Asuma swept his knife down creating a wall of wind just as a second wall of wind slammed into it. Asuma waved his hands sweeping the sand out of the air. When sight was restored Asuma's eyes widened in shock before his expression became grim and his eyes hardened. He slid into a battle stance and focused all his chakra. "Of course you're still alive."
"Such venom in your voice Sarutobi. You wound me." Through the dust Kurenai made out the figure of a woman walking towards them. Even from this distance Kurenai could tell the woman was beautiful. Her luscious black hair was held back by a headband with the symbol for Suna scratched out. She had striking features and a full figure. Her beauty was dimmed, however, by the battle armor she wore, the two bladed metal battle fans she held, and the murder in her eyes.
"I'll be sure to make that the wounds stick stick this time." Kurenai looked between the two, wondering who she was.
"And I went to the trouble of holding on to this for you," The woman said pulling out a trench knife identical to the ones Asuma was holding and twirling it around her finger. "I've been meaning to give it back to you. And the Savior has granted my request. I am going to enjoy this."
"Savior…?"
"Petty vengeance does not suit one so beautiful in form and purpose." The three turned as another joined them. Kurenai's breath caught in her throat. The newcomer was wearing a cloak of midnight black, covered in white whorls.
