Chapter 56
To Hunt A Wolf

Within a matter of days, the Chunin Exams finally came to a close in Konoha.

After two weeks of staying in the large forested village, the visiting proctors from the allied shinobi nations were prepared to return home. Satisfied with the outcome, the Sixth Hokage graciously reviewed all proctors with flying colors - sending letters of gratitude to their Kage leaders and chieftains. Successfully, Nomasaki helped supervise the Forest of Death covertly and oversee the Preliminary matches between the candidates. Keeping watch on the competing genin as a wolf hidden amongst the trees, she observed their trials of leadership and teamwork, proving to Konoha she was a splendid Suna kunoichi, worthy of the title of jonin – and of her Commander's recommendation.

On that sunny morning, before departing for Sunagakure, the two Suna kunoichi decided to venture beyond the confines of the plaza. Reaching the summit, they paused to gander at the marvel before them – a massive construction site for the future Thunder Train, the upcoming transportation revolution, which would make travel possible to nearly any corner of the continent. Although it would not be completed until several years, visitors still flocked to view the site and wonder about its bright future. As they walked through the area of heavy of concrete, steel beams, and wiring, Nomasaki could feel the familiar sinister presence return to her mind – itching at her thoughts, causing her to remember the chakra she felt the day they arrived in the village. Their bloodlust could be plainly felt by her, gnawing at her chakra as she could feel them following the through the shadows – hidden.

"Shikamaru said this train will be ready in ten years," Temari smirked as they walked. "That's a ridiculously long time, don't you think?" Noticing her friend's verbal absence, she turned to her, dismayed by her sudden silence. "Look, I know you're not that interested in this sort of thing, but at least–,"

Pausing, Nomasaki turned towards the construction debris in the distance, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. She could feel the presence close by – waiting for the perfect moment to strike. "Temari," She spoke, her voice stern. "Someone is following us. I can sense them."

Stopping in her tracks, Temari turned to face her, her green eyes glaring ahead from the warning. "Ally?" She asked, reaching for her fan at her back. "Or foe?"

"The latter!"

Turning around to face the hidden adversary, a figure in a dark cloak and black tunic stood above them, leering at them from atop the steel scaffolding. Their face concealed by a black head-wrapping, their slit eyes glared at the two in a sinister nature - an assassin. Wielding a strange crystal-tipped spear, the assassin lunged towards them. On reflex, Temari whipped out her large fan, a violent burst of wind slashing towards the enemy as a result. Dodging it, the enemy dashed towards them – his spear ready at his side. Forming hand-signs as she seen him approach, Nomasaki ran forward.

"Water release! Water Dragon Jutsu!"

Within an instant, a large stream of water from the nearby culvert flowed towards the cloaked enemy, its serpentine-like shape lunging towards the assassin with open jaws. Slamming against the rubble, the mass of concentrated water struck the harsh concrete in a burst of liquid and vapor – the enemy dodging the attack with a farfetched leap of faith. Suddenly, the assassin appeared before Temari with their spear in hand – ready to strike her down. Quickly, she blocked their swipes with her fan, standing firm to combat their strength. Gritting her teeth, she pushed back their strike as she could feel their strength grow as she solidified her strength. Making eye contact with the foe, she could see the message conveyed in their dark soulless eyes – death and hatred.

"Who the hell are you?!" She spat. "You bastard…!"

"Temari! Stay on guard!"

To her surprise, a violent gust of wind struck the enemy, sending the assassin flying into a pile of debris and bricks with a loud crash. Turning to her side, Nomasaki appeared before her, knelt in preparation for another jutsu.

"Thanks, Nomasaki," Temari nodded, relieved.

Suddenly, she heard a loud noise from the debris. Turning back towards the assassin, they stood up from their fall and charged towards them. Sensing their fast approach, Nomasaki seized the opportunity – her muscles contracting as she shook her skin into a wolf and dashed forward, lunging with fangs and claws. Missing the first strike, she reverted to her human form and pulled a kunai, striking the shaft of the assassin's spear as they blocked it. After exchanging blows, she quickly weaved hand-signs, taking in a deep breath as she clapped her palms together.

"Secret Art! Howling Winds!"

In an instant as her canines protruded from her open jaws, a sharp howl burst forth from her lungs, propelling a large gust of wind towards the charging enemy. Dodging the attack, the enemy leapt over her, striking her with their glowing spearhead upon her forearm. As she made contact with the weapon, its glow tore through her sleeve and pierced her flesh – bursting into a wave of pain that she once thought was incomprehensible. Within a matter of seconds, she felt an intense tremor of burning agony rumble through her, throwing her to the ground while her blood boiled inside – her wolfishness pounding through her in retaliation while she writhed under the enemy's hold.

"Nomasaki!" Temari yelled, turning towards the direction of her friend's wails in pain.

Trembling from the scorching pain as she grasped her arm tightly, Nomasaki lay on the pavement defenseless, the enemy positioning their glowing spear to land a fatal blow – her narrowing eyes glancing to him in preparation.

"Shannaro!"

Suddenly, Sakura appeared from above them, her fist cocked behind her for a finishing strike. Within an instant of monstrous strength, her punch made contact with the foe's torso, flinging them towards the crater of steel beams below. Upon impact, the disguised enemy slammed into the pit of construction materials with a loud crack. Slowly, the enemy struggled to lift themselves from the debris of bricks and steel as the dust cleared from the winds – their wounds bleeding profusely, tinting the white concrete with crimson. When the foe re-established their stance, they flinched, their eyes frustrated and narrowed, scanning for a potential escape. Realizing that they were surrounded above by the newly arrived Konoha shinobi, the foe paused.

They lost.

"Got them! Great work, Sakura." Shikamaru nodded. Forming hand-signs with his palms as he knelt in his stance, he readied himself. "Now I just have to pin him down with my Shadow Sewing, and –!?" To his sudden shock, the enemy ripped open their black tunic, revealing dozens of paper-bombs strapped to their bleeding chest – a menacing expression tinted on the enemy's glare. And an eery green glow soon emanated from their armour. "What the –?! Paper-bombs! Everyone – get back!"

Aware of what was transpiring at a distance, Nomasaki's eyes widened as she lay on the ground in pain. "It's just like that time in Yama…!" She murmured, gritting her teeth. "This man…!"

With a parting glare, the assassin locked eyes with Temari – his glare meeting her narrowed green eyes. "Tenbu will not stop until the sands are red with blood!" He shouted, ready to ignite his self-destruction. "We will rise from the ashes!"

Bitterly, Temari watched as a darkened red haze erupted with a bright flash and explosion of fire – their foe disappearing from the world of the living in a blast of flame and destruction. And then a suddenly strong blast forced its way towards them. The winds picked up, near sweeping everyone from their stances in fury. As quickly as they rose, the winds soon quelled to nothing. Sakura was the first to notice, seeing the dark unruly hair and cloak flapping in the winds.

"Sasuke!" She shouted. "Is it really you?"

Turning, his red Sharingan eye glowed as he met her glance. "Was there only the one?"

He must have used Kamui to absorb the blast. Sakura nodded. "Yes, but... -," Her eyes trailed to Nomasaki, who lay writhing in choking pain. "They were after them. They used some sort of weapon on Nomasaki and rendered her incapacitated."

Perplexing him, Sasuke followed Sakura's glance to the foreigner. "Incapacitated?" Catching wind of something in his senses, the Uchiha turned on his heel. "I'll be checking the perimeter. Keep a close watch within the village - and tell Kakashi what's happened."

She nodded, surprised at his abrupt departure. "Yes, I will. But Sasuke -?"

And he was gone.

Once the blast had cleared, Sakura knelt down beside Nomasaki, propping her up from the concrete and pulling down her black sleeve so she could get a closer look at her injury. As she examined her friend's wound, her light green eyes widened slightly from its bright red marking and steaming burn – Nomasaki's winces in pain still audible as she did so much as touch her wrist to turn her arm over. While the healing aura of her green medical-ninjutsu enveloped her hands, she calmed her mind in focus.

"Hold still," She spoke. "This might sting at first."

Biting her lip, Nomasaki's wound seared from the contact of Sakura's jutsu, the intense pain rumbled through her arm once more – her body writhing from the inside. Restraining herself, she fought every urge to release a cry as she could sense her canines growing within her clenched jaws. As each breath passed, the pain became easier to deal with. Once it was healed and the pain numbed, she could rest easy. However, upon looking at her forearm did she notice a slight scarring remaining from the enemy's strike – perplexing her as she stared at it.

"This is very strange," Sakura remarked, finishing up her healing with a narrowed glance in suspicion. "I don't understand… Why is it leaving a mark? My medical-ninjutsu should've healed it completely."

"It's alright, there's no pain." Nomasaki nodded, a light smile on her lips. "Thank you, Sakura."

Meeting her glance towards her, Sakura smiled back in relief before standing up and making her way to examine the culprit's splattered remains within the crater below them. Watching her friend jump down to the construction pit, she slowly stood up on her feet, glancing at her healed wound with a tinge of worry – the memory of its fire-like burning fresh in her mind. Sensing Temari approach, she pulled her sleeve back towards her wrist, turning to her concerned eyes.

"Are you alright?" Temari asked, pausing beside her.

"I am now," Nomasaki replied, meeting her glance. "But that weapon… It struck my arm but my whole body felt the impact."

"What do you mean?"

As Sakura examined the crater sprayed in a mask of blackened blood, her eye caught the glimmer of the enemy's spear. Kneeling before it, she held it's hilt in her hands, carefully scanning the glowing crystal that sat at its base. Cautiously, she touched the glass-like mineral with her fingers, prepared to feel the same sting of pain her friend felt. Surprisingly, she felt nothing – not even an air of something amiss. Perplexing her, she glared at the faintly glowing mineral, unsure of its substance.

"That assassin… The weapon they used," Sakura began, grasping the crystal shard in her fingers. "This shard doesn't affect me, yet–," Hearing Shikamaru appear behind her, she glanced back at him briefly. "It must be made of some sort of element. Maybe a special sort of chakra-weapon?"

"Do you think so?" Shikamaru asked, his eyes narrowed.

Breaking the crystal from its shaft, Sakura took out a small plastic vial, placing the glowing mineral inside as she stood. "I'll look into this substance at the lab. I'll send for Shizune-sama to help with its examination. Maybe she or Tsunade-sama would know what kind of substance this is made of?"

"Good idea," He nodded. "Be sure to relay any findings to Hokage-sama as soon as possible. With any luck, we can get to the bottom of this."

With a nod of her pink head, Sakura started for the medical examiner's laboratory within the village core, leaping down from the rubble in swift speed. Once Sakura disappeared, Shikamaru stood silent for a moment in suspicious reflection – pondering about the mysterious assassin that decided to launch an attack within Konoha. Turning towards Temari and Nomasaki upon the crater's ledge, he leapt towards them, pausing with his hands placed within his pockets.

"Judging by the nature of their attack strategy, I'm convinced that you two must have been their targets for this attack," He spoke, turning to them. "We haven't had anyone of the sort enter the village recently, and being that you two are foreigners, they could've followed you here during the exams."

"I've had a feeling about this," Temari answered with a dismayed sigh, looking down for a moment. "They seemed to be interested in going after us, that's for sure." Jolting slightly, she turned to Nomasaki at her side, surprised and confused from the conclusion. "Could you sense them at all?"

Pondering to herself, Nomasaki hung her head low as her thoughts came to a pause, the answer hanging at her lips – she was not. "I… don't think so," She said, quietly. "It's strange… This has never happened before," Meeting Temari's eyes, she gave a stern expression. "Somehow, this assassin managed to slip past my detection abilities. I don't know how, but they did." Her eyes narrowed as she looked down, remembering the foe's parting words. "Tenbu… that's the name of their organization. They say they live to destroy the Kazekage clan. That's what they said when they attacked Yamagakure, anyways, but perhaps they just want to kill anyone who gets in their way?"

"I'll report this to Hokage-sama," Shikamaru said, sternly. "In the meantime, I'll request ANBU to monitor the village to make sure there are no others lurking around."

"I'll send a hawk to Gaara," Nomasaki chimed in, catching their attention. Realizing her error, she awkwardly retreated, a faint blush painting her face as she wallowed in her public mistake. "Err, I-I mean... Kazekage-sama! S-So he knows before we return to Suna."

Jumping down towards the hillside, as she stood in the high grass, she readied herself with a breath – prepared to exchange her skin for the fur of a beast. As she began the transformation and her wolfishness began to seep through her veins, she felt her muscles twinge and ache in a slight burning pain as her muzzle slowly morphed into a ghastly figure with each breath, reminding her of when she first became a wolf many years ago – reverting to her human appearance in a wince. Panic grew within her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Temari questioned, stepping forward with a concern glint to her confused glance.

Her eyes wide in stunned confusion, Nomasaki turned her body to face her – panting as she desperately tried to grasp her current reality. "I can't do it," Her voice quivered, the bewilderment evident in her lilac eyes. "I can't transform. The pain is too great."

Shocked, Temari took in her words. "How?" She stammered. "It's your Kekkei Genkai!"

"It could have something to do with that strange weapon they used," Shikamaru added. "Maybe your Kekkei Genkai has a weakness that they tried to exploit?"

Her fingers lightly trembling as she stared at them spread before her, Nomasaki's eyes remained wide with fear, confusion, and shock running rabid. "I'm… not sure."

Standing in stunned silence, she shivered at the thought of losing her inner wolf, a part of her identity – who she was. Not once did she face an obstacle to her transformation during her youthful years of fear towards her bloodline, and she desperately wished she could overcome it. Since becoming a kunoichi of Suna, she grew to accept her heritage with pride as she grew older, and where she currently stood was at her ideal comfort level – and now she risked losing her control over her powers completely. Hoping that her situation was only temporary, she bit her lip as her averted glance in thought conveyed something else – her fear of losing what she became – what she earned.

"We also can't forget that we have to relay this news to Suna as soon as possible, since we're currently tracking this so-called Tenbu organization," Temari reminded. "We should return to our village immediately."

"As a precautionary measure," Shikamaru added, walking towards the direction of the village exit. "I'll escort you both to the gates, in case we have another situation on our hands." Groaning, he let out a tired stretch. "This is certainly troublesome… I just wanted a stress-free Chunin Exams, but it seems there's something like this every year."

Temari scoffed in agreement, following behind him as Nomasaki walked at her side in distraught quiet – lost in her ruminating thoughts. "I could say the same… Last time it was the Land of Silence, now this," Chuckling lightly to herself, she smirked towards him. "It's amusing to see you try your hand at chivalry. I have no complaints, but I don't need an escort."

"You don't," He agreed. "But… I want to. Err, you know… just in case."

Closing her eyes halfway with a gentle smile, Temari faintly blushed. "Sheesh… You men."

Night soon fell.

Shortly after the hawk was sent from the Konoha Aviary, the two Suna kunoichi departed for their home in the desert urgently – taking the little information they got from their assassin encounter back with them to the sands. With a troubled mind, Nomasaki followed closely by Temari, her legs growing tired from their desert journey – missing the ease her wolf-form gave her as she would bound across the winds, the memory of her paws lightly gliding across the sand in second nature. For the duration of their three-day journey to Sunagakure, she dealt with the burden of traveling as a human across the treacherous desert that claimed so many lives – with Temari keeping a close watch, making sure her friend was able to keep up…

Silently, they arrived through the village streets as the night skies howled with the rising winds of the desert. Without catching the eye of the patrolling ANBU along the watchtowers, the two kunoichi snuck their way towards the Kazekage's mansion in the village's center – entering the grand doors without a single sound. Nervous about another potential attack from the sprouting assassins, Nomasaki accompanied Temari to her home in the hopes of being able to detect the slightest bit of danger that could befall them. Luckily, her senses must have been dulled as the night was just as quiet and empty as the dark skies – her paranoia winning against her. After a parting glance within the porch of the Kazekage's residence, Nomasaki closed the door behind her and started her way down the dimly lit corridor – eager to return to her apartment at last.

While she thought of the burn that scorched her arm and the mysterious mercenaries that sought to appear at every corner of her mind, she deeply worried about Gaara and his siblings as she remembered the threat Tenbu gave them on the tundra – what was their end goal? For a group that came out of nowhere, they were certainly making their new presence known across the lands. Sensing his chakra nearby, she steps upon the carpeted hallway paused from the feel, the winds of movement as if caressing her back. Turning, there was no one behind her – only silence. Stepping towards his office door, she cautiously turned the doorknob, causing the door to give a slight creak.

Closing the door behind her, she suddenly felt the familiar air of his chakra become closer – relieved that she could still sense chakra. Turning around towards his desk, she stood in timid silence as she watched him rise from his chair and approach her within moments.

"Gaara," She spoke, the words falling from her mouth. "I–,"

Before she had a chance to react, she felt his arms wrap around her, holding her tightly against his chest. Startling her, she could feel her body flinch from his surprising embrace, his hands pressed strongly upon the back of her flak jacket. After a moment, she felt his warmth of protection and worry envelop her, closing her eyes and holding him close in response, her fingers delicately grasping onto the fabric of his shirt. Aware that he was not the type to express his emotions in such a way, she welcomed the change with an open mind and patient heart.

Letting go, he gave her a concerned expression – worry and guilt entering a tug-o-war within his ringed eyes. "Are you alright?"

"I… think so," She nodded, meeting his worried stare.

The memory of her skin tingling with waves of pain entered her mind, prompting her to pull down her sleeve to see if her memory of its healing was correct. Examining the fair skin of her forearm, she could see a tiny indent where the enemy's weapon touched, marking her with a faint chain of rose discoloration. Although there was no longer any pain, the flash of the crystal shard that wounded her haunted her mind, her blood boiling in anticipation of another attack in response – the wolf inside of her terrified.

"My arm… The enemy used a strange weapon during our encounter. It… burnt me somehow. My Kekkei Genkai… I think it's sensitive to it. I'm still unsure of how it all happened." Straightening out her black sleeve, she gave him an assuring glance from her violet eyes, putting on a brave face that within herself was absent from her thoughts. "Sakura healed it, so I no longer have any pain, but it still tinges if I move it too fast. It's scarred slightly, too, but I'm alright."

"I see," He spoke with an adverted glance, his guilt-ridden expression unchanging from her light smile. Narrowing his eyes, he met her gaze in a serious nature. "Your message… It was them who attacked in Konoha, wasn't it? Tenbu."

"Yes," Looking down upon the floor, her mind felt their sinister presences return to her memories through a single breath, unnerving her despite knowing the room was completely safe – the fear within her was real. "Their chakra felt similar to that time, when we fought them in Yama… They also gave us the same message," Meeting his eyes, her lilac eyes narrowed in a stern yet worried nature. "'From the Ashes'."

With a sigh, he acknowledged her answer, his head hung low in rumination of his present guilt. If only he could have been there to protect her, she would have never been hurt – he thought to himself repeatedly. In only a matter of weeks, Tenbu had been a thorn to his backside and his village, becoming a problem greater than he could have ever imagined – reminding him of the Akatsuki in a strange and eerie familiarity. The thought was unsettling to him, especially when they were amongst peaceful times with the other nations and villages.

"This is becoming troublesome," He said, his voice quiet. "I'm sorry you've been put through this."

Sensing his troubled expression, she smiled lightly – attempting to comfort the situation. "It's not your fault," She assured, her voice soothing to him, in a way. "Hopefully we can put an end to them soon, before they attempt to cross paths with us again." Realizing the time with her growing tiredness that creeped upon her body, she could feel her eyes become heavy with the desire for sleep. In her friendly nature, she softly smiled up at him as they stood across from another. "I should get going, it's getting late." Before she could turn towards the shuttered door behind her, her glance caught a glimpse of him reaching into his pants' pocket, striking her curiosity. "Hm?"

"Before you go, I have something I want to give you."

In his palm held out to her was a small glass container sealed shut with a cork, the contents of the translucent glass glimmering before her – sand. As she took it from his hand, she examined it with awe – amazed at the sight before her. The more she looked into the flask, the more the sand seemed almost alive – swirling within its contained prison.

"What is it?" She asked, watching the moving sands envelop in her palms. "It's so pretty."

"It's my sand," He replied. "I've sealed it in this flask as an active jutsu that will activate upon its release." Meeting his gaze of his seafoam eyes upon her, she could see the strength and protection for her mark his expression – unwavering. "If you ever find yourself in danger and I'm not there, please use it. That way, I can always protect you."

"I'll make sure I won't lose it!" She nodded, placing into her pack. Smiling softly, she looked up to his ringed-eyes, her violet eyes expressing her gratitude. "It's so thoughtful… thank you, Gaara." In response, he smiled back, assured that his gift would bring him comfort knowing that it was in her possession at last. As she left his office, his gaze once again turned concerned as the knowledge of Tenbu troubled his mind. They have only been together for not even a month and there was a group hellbent on destroying them – an obstacle he was determined to overcome.

Before she could bring herself to sleep that night, Nomasaki stepped into her shower.

Opening her night-kimono's obi and allowing the silk-woven robe to fall off her scarred back – the fabric pooling onto the dewy tiled floor behind her. As she walked into the cloud of steam and warmth behind the curtain, she could feel instant relief and ease as she felt the sprinkles of hot water dot her skin along her collarbone and flow down to her legs, coursing over her slender and feminine figure of porcelain.

While the water sprayed on her head of long strands of gold, she could not push back the thoughts of the wound she was dealt. Narrowing her lilac eyes in worry, she stared at the pale pink grooves that marked her arm as she felt her instincts raise a defensive snarl – whatever it was that injured her caused a deep upset in her psyche. As she stood silently amongst the drizzle of hot water, she wondered if her Kekkei Genkai had a weakness – if wolves had a weakness.

Accepting her thoughts, she agreed internally to her questions that their new enemies of Tenbu might be targeting her as well.

And her instincts convinced her.