Buried Secrets
When Karasu awoke, he was surprised to learn that he had been unconscious for over a week. What threw him even more was seeing that his skin had taken on a very pale complexion like Kaguya's, as well as having a lump on his forehead where his third eye had appeared. He was grateful it was still dormant, as he felt it would be difficult to cover. Usagi had been preparing lunch when he emerged from the room he had woken up in, immediately adding more to what she was making to ensure he could regain his strength.
"What happened after I passed out?" He asked his friends after finishing his plate, Usagi setting a second one in front of him by the time he finished speaking.
He listened to Inu's retelling of events as he ate, Usagi making sure his plate never remained empty for more than a few seconds. Karasu was relieved to hear that Sasuke and his former teammate had returned to the battlefield and succeeded in vanquishing Kaguya, though it saddened him to learn that they had battled each other afterwards to determine which of them would become Hokage. Their fight had ended in a draw, both combatants losing an arm each.
Sasuke was currently being held "prisoner" inside of Konohanagakure, but Karasu was certain that the new Hokage, Sasuke's former teacher, Kakashi, would be lenient in his uncle's punishment, as he was only guilty of deserting the village and joining Orochimaru in his quest to obtain power and kill the masked man. Inu and Usagi looked at him expectantly as Inu completed his tale.
"What do you want to do now?" Usagi asked him.
"I don't think my uncle is in any danger where he is. For now, I'd like to try finding more information on Kaguya and the Otsutsuki," Karasu replied.
"Definitely sounds better than trying to break your uncle out," Inu added jokingly.
They shared a small moment of peace, as though they didn't still feel a sense of dread in the bottoms of their hearts. Karasu looked out the window, staring through the sparse trees and over the rolling hills. He felt something calling to him, to Koku and Shiro. The eye on Karasu's forehead slowly opened as his Ryugan activated, allowing him to see far beyond the range of any Byakugan. He saw a cave hidden underground, a handful of the creatures from the battlefield wandering about its twisting paths. At the bottom was what looked like a temple, the same eye on his forehead carved into a stone relief before the entry. He gazed inside the building and saw a statue of Kaguya, though she looked more human, more loving.
"There's something there," Karasu aaid, pointing in the direction he was looking with his Ryugan.
"What is it?" Inu asked.
"It looks like some sort of temple to Kaguya. Only a handful of enemies, but they look like those living puppets Madara and the masked guy used," he replied.
"Can you see anything else?" Inu asked excitedly.
Karasu tried to focus more, to see more detail, but it soon became apparent that he would need to acclimate himself to this new power. His third eye closed as his Ryugan faded out, leaving him panting for breath. His friends gave him a worried look as he tried to recover.
Just like when you first learned to use my eyes, you must practice this skill to be able to use it properly. You are a natural at these things, you will undoubtedly be able to use it with ease by the time we reach the temple. He heard Shiro say in his mind.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Karasu replied.
"I'll be fine, I just have to get used to using it," Karasu said to his friends when he noticed their worried glances, waving a hand at them dismissively.
"When do we leave?" Usagi asked.
"We can go in the morning, I'm going to need rest if I'm to hone my Ryugan," he replied.
They planned their course and worked out the details of the trip until it was time for dinner, Karasu activating his Ryugan periodically for practice. They retired after eating, all of them tired after the day's excitement.