A.N: I'll try to see if I can upload two chapters in December or maybe one extra long chapter next month. I guess it depends on if I'll be traveling for the holidays

Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving

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"Man, I can't wait till the shift changes."

"Not a fan of this area? Eh Kirigaya."

"Who would? The now-named Kirigaya questions out loud."I mean when I made Chūnin I thought I'd be going on dangerous missions and saving princesses not patrolling the middle of nowhere bored outta my mind."

The shinobi to his left barks out a laugh.

"Ha get a load of this kid saving princesses."Looking over his shoulder behind him the unnamed shinobi looks at his commanding officer. "You hear this kid Ryōtarō? I swear they let anyone pass into Chūnin nowadays."

Ryōtarō the Special Jōninin in charge of this small patrol shook his head. "Leave him alone Tsuboi and Kirigaya. You may be bored but this mission is important so I'd advise you to take this more seriously."

"I know, I know… I just want to see some action you know?"

Tsuboi wraps his arm around Kirigaya. "I feel you kid I do but get your head outta the clouds. We need to stay sharp. Those rebels could be watching us as we speak, and you thinking about saving a princess is just asking for them to get the jump on you."

"Right Ryōtarō."

"..."

"Ryōtarō?"

"..."

Removing his arm from Kirigaya, Tsuboi looks behind him.

"Yo Ryōtarō what giv-"

Instead of finding the Jōnin behind him, all Tsuboi found was an empty spot where his leader once stood.

"Ryōtarō!?"

Still nothing, Tsuboi calls Kirigaya. "Alright kid, it looks like you're gonna get your wish. So eyes sha-"

Looking to his right, Tsuboi was shocked to see that Kirigaya was missing as well.

"Kirigaya?! Ryōtaro?!"

Nervously scanning his surroundings, Tsuboi's mind was screaming at him to do multiple things all at once. However, one thought prevailed over all.

" I-I have to warn the camp!"

Snap

Hearing what sounded like a branch breaking above him, Tsuboi looks up.

"Wha-"

His eyes widen in terror as Kimimaro descends upon him with a bone sword in hand.

Quickly and precisely Kimimaro ends the man's life and any idea of warning the nearby camp.

Pulling out his blade from the mist, Shinobi Kimimaro looks to his right as Sasuke and Tayuya emerge from the nearby bushes.

"A special Jōnin and two Chūnin Excellent work Kimimaro. I'm quite impressed."

While Sasuke gave words of praise, Tayuya couldn't help but try and put him down."Yeah, I guess you're still good for some things after all."

Choosing to ignore her insult Kimimaro discards his sword and scouts on ahead.

Shaking his head, Sasuke looks at Tayuya. "Why must you do that?"

"Cause it's funny."

"Yes, well with this patrol we can assume that their camp is nearby and the last thing we need is for you and Kimimaro to be at each other's throats. So keep the insults to a minimum."

Rolling her eyes at his complaint she gives him a faux salute. "Aye, aye captain."

Now that they were more inland the terrain had become more abundant with trees and tropical plants. Taking advantage of the change in terrain the team swiftly moved forward, eyes sharp for any camps.

Moving from tree to tree it wasn't long before they come across what they were looking for.

A handful of tents most likely used for any shinobi stationed here to sleep in and a much larger tent which to Sasuke's assumption was probably used to stage operations and give out orders.

Tayuya is the first to voice her displeasure. "So this is what we've been looking for? It doesn't look all that impressive."

Sasuke turns to her "Yes well, while it's not the most glamorous of sights if what Masao said is true there are camps like this stretching all throughout the west of Mist that in itself is quite the accomplishment."

"Seems like a waste of resources to me?"

Sasuke shrugs his shoulders. "It is and isn't."

"Care to elaborate?" Came the reply from Tayuya."

While this decision to deploy troops all through the west was most likely made out of the paranoia of not knowing who he could trust, the Mizukage seems to have turned it to his advantage.

Tayuya tilts her head "How's that?"

spamming the west with his troops has caused the rebels no choice but to take the east as their own.

Catching on Kimimaro finishes his thought. "And so The Mizukage and his forces know that the majority of their attention can be focused in that direction."

Approving Kimimaro's critical thinking Sasuke nods his head. "Yes and if any rebels or sympathizers were here, well now they are completely cut off from the main force."

Tayuya's eyes lit up remembering something that Sasuke mentioned on their way over here. "Hey, Sasuke you said something about them transporting people and goods out of here towards the main village right?"

"That's what Masao was saying, yes."

"So then what's most likely the case is that the army stationed here is transporting anyone affiliated with the rebels."

"That would be my Assumption, yes."

"Hmm. Not that I really care or anything but it is curious it seems like the rebels haven't really tried anything when it comes to helping the people stuck here."

Sasuke shrugs his shoulders. "It could be a lack of resources and manpower. Or maybe they've concluded that focusing their attention on the north is more important. After all, if they take the main village or dispose of the Mizukage then the army here won't have legs to stand on."

"Well, aren't you just brimming with knowledge when it comes to war? What, did you spend your free time as a kid reading about strategies and conflicts?"

Sasuke couldn't help the small smile that appeared on his face. "Heh, I guess you could say I have a lifetime of knowledge when it comes to understanding strategy."

"Yes, well while it is somewhat impressive you can decipher the possible reasons for our enemy's actions, it still doesn't bring us any closer to our goal."

You're right Kimimaro in fact, Suigetsu may not even be on this side of the land of water, however, if he is someone here must have some idea of his whereabouts.

Looking at both of his companions Sasuke suggests their next course of action. "There are trees overlooking the command tent. Let's get closer and see if we can't pick up on anything useful."

Carefully and quietly they move from tree to tree until finally, they reach their location above the tent. And notice a few things of interest

First, the tent had two guards by the tent's entrance and the second was two voices that could be heard from within, and from the sound of it, they were about to walk out in the open.

"I still have to double-check the manifest and from what I'm hearing we're going to be acting as a checkpoint from camp three's delivery into Kirigakure."

"Honestly why we have to pick up the slack for the other Camps is beyond me but-"

The shinobi stops his conversation and precedes to check his surroundings.

His comrade who was accompanying him can only voice his confusion

"...Uh Captain, is something wrong?"

Still looking around, the now-ranked shinobi speaks. "...Yeah, Ryōtarō and his squad aren't back yet."

"Oh, were they supposed to report in already?"

"Yes, about ten minutes ago."

"Oh well, maybe he's just running late."

The Mist captain shakes his head. "No. That's not Ryōtarō style, he's always been prompt when it comes to showing up on time."

"Something must have happened. Taking a breath he yells out two names. "Kenta! Saito!"

Immediately two shinobi appear before him. "Captain."

"Ryōtarō's squad hasn't returned. It may be nothing but just in case go find out what's keeping them."

Yelling out a "Sir!" both shinobi take off in the direction where Ryōtarō was patrolling.

His orders given the captain heads back into the tent.

Seeing as time was no longer on their side Sasuke had to act quickly. "Kimimaro follow them and make sure they don't come back."

With a nod, Kimimaro disappears.

Now with just Tayuya at his disposal, Sasuke still had to deal with the guards and the captain's assistant who was now in the middle of having a conversation with them.

Quickly thinking of how he'd get face-to-face with the captain he gives Tayuya her orders. "You think you could just put these three guys to sleep?"

"Please do you think I'm an amateur? You're talking to a genjutsu expert. I got this."

Pulling out her flute Tayuya plays a melody, its calm, soft melody has an immediate effect on the shinobi as they all fall victim to her genjutsu. With their obstacle out of the way, Sasuke makes his way toward the tent.

"Tayuya stay here and make sure no one comes by our sleeping friends here. If anyone does come by, I'll leave it to your judgment on how to deal with them."

Hearing no complaints from her he enters the tent. There in the middle sitting at a desk was the captain who was currently shuffling through some paperwork.

Unsuspecting of the danger that stood before him the captain continues to look at his work. Quietly Sasuke walks until his right in front of the man.

"It just never ends…I wonder if… hey Kondō." Looking up expecting to see his assistant, the captain however locks on Sasuke. "Yo-you're not Kondō!"

Sasuke can't help but smirk. "My, how observant of you." Then before the captain can react offensively Sasuke catches him in his geass. " Obey me."

" Yes my lord."

Seeing the blank look overcome the captain Sasuke begins his questioning "Hmm good. Now I wonder if you could perhaps help me locate someone by the name of Suigetsu Hozuki?"

The captain takes a moment before a look of recognition crosses him. Shuffling through his paperwork he procures a stack of papers with names on them.

Quickly scanning each page he mumbles many different names until finally.

"My lord here."

Taking the paper from the man, Sasuke eyes it. Sure enough, Suigetsu Hozuki's name was written on it. "So he's here then?"

The captain pulls out another parchment and shakes his head." It says he's been transferred as a prisoner under suspension of being a traitor."

"Prisoner? So he's in Kirigakure… dame that complicates things doesn't it."

" No."

"No? Care to fill me in then."

" Suigetsu, like all our prisoners, has been moved to The Impenetrable Gray."

Pocketing the list of names down Sasuke turns to the man, attention now fully on him. "Impenetrable gray? …ominous, why don't you enlighten me on what exactly I'm dealing with "

" Not too far from Kirigakure, the Mizukage ordered for a nearby village to be completely transformed. The Impenetrable Gray is used as both a prison and a forwarding outpost for our troops. I can give you the exact coordinates if you'd like."

A village retrofitted into a prison …hmm it wouldn't be the first time I've had to break someone out …but last time I had the backing of an army now I only have five shinobi under my command. It doesn't help that I have no idea what the layout of this prison is or the potential number of forces staffed there."

Sasuke's musings on what to do next are suddenly interrupted as Tayuya barges into the tent.

"Sasuke just wanted to tell you-" the flute player freezes as her eyes wander from the back of Sasuke and makes direct eye contact with the geassed captain.

No longer alone in the tent, Sasuke turns to address the girl. "Yes Tayuya, is there a problem?"

"…."

With no response, Sasuke follows her trail of sight only to lead him to his geassed captive. Not really seeing any problem the boy once again tries to get her attention.

"Tayuya!"

That seemed to do the trick as the redhead finally snapped from her thoughts.

"Hmm oh sorry."

"Is everything okay? You seemed kind of out of it there for a second."

"Fine, fine, just lost myself for a second."

…Obviously a lie, but I see no need to call her out on it. "I see well, is there a particular reason why you're here and not outside guarding the entrance?"

Rolling her eyes she crosses her arms. "Yeah, Kimimaro's back wanted to know if there's anything else you wanted him to do?"

"Hmm…no just tell him to keep watch, the last thing we need is to get ambushed."

"Right, got it." Turning she makes her way out of the tent before stopping herself. "I'm guessing you used a genjutsu on this poor sap."

Raising a brow at her question Sasuke decides to play along. "I did."

"Find anything useful?"

"A few things. I'll fill you in on what I find once I finish my investigation. Which if you'd mind." Sasuke ends the conversation eyeing the exit.

Taking the hint, Tayuya gives a faux salute, leaving the tent.

Just what was that all about? Shaking his head, Sasuke turns back toward the captain. Right now he had a job to do, after it was done then he could focus on Tayuya's strange behavior.

Eyeing the captain, the very small possibility of him knowing something of value about the prison zipped across Sasuke's mind. I doubt it but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

"You wouldn't happen to know any details about this prison that might hinder them would you?"

" No my lord."

"Hmm, not surprising." With so many ideas buzzing around his head Sasuke clasps his hands together and gives his next set of orders. Then our next course of action should be to regroup with Sakon and the others and see just what we're dealing with exactly.

"Very well then time to get out of here." Glancing at his puppet it was best that he covered his tracks. "Any unusual activity reported to you I want you to pin it on the rebels. Also, this little meeting between us never happened."

" Yes my lord."

Making his way out of the tent Tayuya and Kimimaro were both awaiting him.

Not wanting to discuss what he leaned out in the open he gestured to them to follow his lead through the trees.

"So did this little excursion prove fruitful?" Questioned the white-haired shinobi.

"I'll let you be the judge. Come, on our way rendezvousing with the other team I'll fill you in."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Passing down the details that he learned made the trip back to their rendezvous seem much quicker and as a bonus, they didn't have to wait for the other team as Sakon and his group were already there waiting for them.

Landing, Tayuya glances at the two-headed shinobi. "Well judging by the annoyed look you have on Sakon I guess you guys didn't find squat."

"Oh shove it where the sun doesn't shine Tayuya!"

Turning his attention towards Sasuke, Sakon elaborates on their findings. "That Suigetsu punk was nowhere to be found… but maybe if you had let us get our hands dirty we could've found something. So here's hoping you guys found something."

Smirking, Sasuke replies. "We did. We know his exact location."

Sakon looks around and raises his arms. "Then what are we waiting for, let's get this mission over with already."

Sasuke raises his hand to stop him. "There are a few complications and I let you all in on our way there but first can you confirm any rebel activity."

Sakon lets out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, the rebels are there all right, got some pretty good security too."

"I see."

Filing that bit of information for later Sasuke starts leading them in the direction of the prison. "Then let's go. We have a long way ahead before we reach our destination."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

With the passing of time and miles, they eventually reached what they assumed was their target and with what they were seeing the impenetrable gray seemed to be a fitting name.

Thick and tall metal walls completely surrounded the facility with watchtowers placed in key locations. From their vantage point, the group of sound shinobi could see that within this prison many of the village's original buildings had also undergone a more militarized transformation. The facility's second function as a forward operating base also seemed to hold true, as large groups of mist shinobi could be seen doing various activities.

Most of the team minus Kimimaro all shared one thought and Kidōmaru was just nervous enough to voice it. "Well, this just got a lot more difficult."

Tayuya rolls her eyes. "Stow it Kidōmaru!" She then looks over to Sasuke. "But he has a point, what exactly do we do now?"

A serious look takes over Sasuke as he scans his team.

What do we do? There are many factors I have to add in thinking up a plan but I also have to weigh in the unknown. Sasuke glances at the base once more trying his best to soak up every detail he could . This place serves as both a military base and a prison and yet from here we can see no prisoners. Which means they keep their captives either in one of the buildings or perhaps this prison has underground facilities?"

This country is at war and this prison of course has prisoners …and due to the climate of this land, these two facts are entwined with one another.

Slowly piecing together a plan Sasuke speaks out loud. "Perhaps this doesn't have to be the five of us versus an entire army"

Jirōbō voices the team's confusion."Huh what do you mean?"

However, not ready to share a half-baked idea Sasuke shakes his head. "it's nothing, well at least not yet.

Looking over his shoulders he could see the setting sun.

"The night's almost upon us, let's find somewhere to hold until tomorrow and rest up. We're going to need it."

A look of understanding crosses the team.

"Man boss, you've got your work cut out this time." Kidōmaru relaxes his arms behind his head. "It's gonna take a miracle to get through this."

At the multiarmed shinobi's words, Sasuke smiles. "A miracle huh?"