Chapter 9
The morning had been long but Madara had finally gotten everything organized for the time. Most of the teams had been sent out to investigate the cave and other areas he thought the enemy may be hiding which left Obito, Konan, and a weakened Nagato at the base as he went through the paperwork. He had been half tempted on multiple occasions to call Obito into the office but thought better, still he had to fix a few things that were not so subtly deviating from plan. That aside the day seemed to be going smoothly and he was near done with his current work.
Upon finishing Madara would make a trip to the kitchen to get something quick to eat. It had been a surprisingly smooth transition from when he arrived which he was quite thankful for, still he grew worried about the girl. It had been a few days and he supposed he should go to check on her. He would have to have someone there to take reports if he left however and he didn't particularly trust those left at the base which left him with one option. Performing a few hand seals he would create a wood style clone and send it to the office to keep things running smoothly.
"Time to make a quick visit." -He said simply to himself.
Leaving, he would make sure no one was watching before heading back to his own base. The trip wouldn't be too terribly long as he would enter the base, noting Akari's chakra, and sigh a bit in relief before heading into the living room area.
"Hello Akari, sorry it has been a while." He spoke as he would move and sit beside her.
"Madara-san? You've been gone a while, I was getting worried." She spoke a hint of disbelief in her voice at first.
"I know, and I will have to leave again in a little while, I just thought to check in with you and make sure things were still safe here."
"Nothing unusual has happened since you left. And what do you mean you are leaving again? What's going on?" She would say proceeding to ask questions.
"Nothing you need to be concerned about, just trust me for now. Do you need anything while I am here?" He asked, his voice remaining even and patient.
"No not really." Akari replied, pouting a bit.
Nodding to her now he would move to his books and resume his studies from before while there, producing notes where he deemed appropriate. Akari meanwhile would just watch Madara. She enjoyed having him back but was confused and disappointed as to why he was going to leave again. Still she trusted him as she would sit there a while before making them a meal. Madara would eat and thank her before heading to the door.
"Remember Akari, do not leave until my return." Madara said before moving his hand to the door.
"I know Madara-san, you stay safe as well on your travels." She would say to him.
He would nod acknowledging her words before heading back to Akatsuki base. Upon arrival he would dispel his wood clone and return to the office just in time for one of the teams to return. Sasori and Deidara would hand in a report about the cave before leaving the room. Looking at it however would cause Madara to raise a brow.