Chapter 38: Onward

Airi stared at the ground, the events from the previous night replaying in her head. …Dammit…

Kitari looked around. "Man, this village is a total mess…"

"Good thing only the east side of the village was damaged," Kurenai said.

"It won't take long to rebuild everything," Kakashi added.

"So what now?" Sakura asked.

"We go after Shinji of course," Sasuke said. "It's obvious that he was the one who unleashed that Summon Spirit here."

"Then we should leave now," Aurion said.

"Yeah! I'm ready to kick this Shinji guy's ass for what he did to Airi and everyone!" Naruto exclaimed. Hinata nodded in agreement.

"Well guys," Airas began, "get your stuff and meet back here in-"

"Do you honestly expect all twelve of us to go?" Kitari asked bluntly. Shino looked at her.

"Yeah. Why not?" Kiba asked.

"Look, part of this village was destroyed last night. Six of us should stay here and six of us should go find Shinji."

"She's got a point," Shino said.

"Besides, we'll only slow each other down if all twelve of us go," Sasuke added.

"Then who should stay and who should go?" Hinata asked.

"Shino, Kiba, Hinata, Airi, Aurion, And Airas should go. They know more about the situation anyway," Kitari answered.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Kitari walked over to Shino and gave him the map. "Use this."

"Alright."

XXXX

"Well, here we go," Hinata said. She stood with everyone at the village gates.

"You guys be careful, okay?" Kitari said.

"Don't do anything stupid!" Naruto shouted.

"You're one to talk," Sakura mumbled.

"Good luck!" Kurenai said.

"Don't die," Kakashi whispered.

"We'll be alright," Airas said.

"This place better be back to normal when we get back!" Kiba said with a smile. Akamaru barked happily.

"Airi, are you sure you wanna do this?" Aurion asked.

"…I have to…for everyone's sake…and for Kaji as well," Airi answered.

He smiled. "Okay, just don't get all sad and teary-eyed."

"…I won't…" She smiled back at him. "I'm different now, remember?"

Shino took a deep breath, then looked at the map. "This is it you guys. This might be the last time we see Shinji. This could be…our last battle…"