Four

The room stood still in the midst of time. Silence reigns amongst the people within the contained space. Four strangers bask in the spotlight, ready for interrogation. The Hokage after some uncomfortable time decides to get the meeting started and not waste more time starting.

"This is first and foremost a meeting that request confidentiality. All who are present are to keep to their word that nothing discussed here would leave this room. And perhaps now, the meeting can begin for our guests today to talk about themselves a little and enlighten us our their plight."

Kendon nodded and looked around at this comrades, assuring them that he will take care of everything.

"Thank you Hokage and the rest for your time. It was due to unexpected circumstances that we stumbled into your village, and to this we owe a good account for our intrusion."

The other few strangers shifted in their seats as they grew uncomfortable at the topic at hand.

"Have you heard of the Black Dragons Organisation?"

The room froze at the mention of that organisation. Tsunade herself had merely only heard rumours of it. Secluded and operated underground. It was the one to go to should there be any dirty jobs to be done. Just pay the incredulous amount of money and consider it done. No questions asked. Others say that the people are like placid robots who do anything for a kill. Amidst all rumours and speculations, one thing that many agreed upon was that the ones in its employment are inhuman.

"We know little of the organisation, but yes, we have heard of it."

"Yes, it is after all an organisation shrouded in secrecy. Maybe it is good that you have not heard too much of it. To get to the point, we are currently on their hit list."

Stunned silence continues.

"We originate from a peace loving village with very few who know the way of the shinobi. Our crafts are passed down from generation to generation, all for the purposes of only protecting our way of life. It is unfortunate that our crafts attracted the eyes of the Black Dragons. To put it nice and short, our village now no longer exists and we are on the run right now."

The other three beside him were avoiding all eye-contact with the audience. Maiko and Ishida had faraway looks on their faces. And Keishinn was just preoccupied by the cup of tea in her hands. A sense of loss was inferred from their expressions.

"You have our condolences. Pray, what plans follow once the lot of you recover?"

Kendon attempts a smile.

"All we can do is run, our fate is now sealed. There is no real solution to our problem, we cannot run nor can we hide forever."

The grave honesty behind that was unexpected, lapsing the atmosphere around them into a depressive mood. Sighing, whilst maintaining his calm smile, Kendon faced the crowd.

"Thank you for all you have done for all of us. We will not intrude upon your hospitality any longer, the immediate plans for us now is to leave this village tomorrow."

"So soon? But you have barely recovered and...."

"It is best that we go. The longer we stay, the greater the threat and danger we are to this village. There is no need for another massacare to happen because of us. This village is innocent and does not deserve such a fate. It is our way of repaying you for your kindness. It is not everyday people would take into total strangers into their care and did what you have done for us. We are already indebted beyond our means to repay this village."

Tsunade set her composure to sympathy. It is true she cannot force them to stay, and it is true that the village's safety is above anything. If so, then perhaps, she make arrangements to assist them in their impending journey ahead - one of no ending, until mortality takes it toll.

"Your decision is respected and we make the necessary arrangements for you for your long journey. Enjoy your stay in Konoha in the meantime and rest well."

She pauses.

"I don't mean to be intruding but may I be allowed more questions?"

"Most certaintly. Please feel free to ask any of us anything."

And here we go.

"Keishinn-san, may I ask what is your speciality and some origins to your abilities?"

The crimson-haired one smiled before answering politely.

"Kei will do, Tsunade-sama. I specialise in healing, and maybe considered to be a sort of medic-nin I guess. I am not sure about my origins, I'm afraid my parents passed away when I was very young. I know not a lot about my history or my origins. Gomenasai."

"I see. It's all right, I was but only curious about your chakra that seems fiery in nature. I do hope you do not find me too nosey."

"Not at all. A pity that I know not the answers to your questions."

Kakashi sat amongst the audience and observed quitely. The redhead one had proved to arouse his interest further from the last time he saw her. Red hair was pulled casually into an informal bun, leaving loose bits to fall freely. Kei was as lovely as he speculated, rather striking really. Personality-wise, she was all polite and impartial to everyone and everything. At times during the talk she stared at the tea in her hands, but for the most part she just sort of floated away in in her thoughts. Her facial expression was neutral but yet hints of sadness leaked through those eyes of hers. It was eyes of those who have seen too much. He pulled his eye away, not wanting to let the whole know that he was obviously staring.

"This meeting has gone long far enough and everyone must be tired, it should conclude. Let us all rest for the night. Meeting adjourned."

With that the crowd started to dispersed. The guests pulled on their coverings again and the rest left with a sense of imcompleteness. Some parts of the puzzle was still missing but no one protested too much. Tsunade-sama arranged for them lodgings for the night before sending them off for dinner. She herself was going off to search for some answers amongst the shelvings of scrolls in her room.