Naruto: Tenth Dragons Poison
Chapter 13
Next Stage to Come
The journey had finally begun, one which brought as much mystery as it did anticipation. By this time the shine of the sun could finally be seen, peering through the cracks of the trees they found themselves surrounded by on all sides. He had kept the lead since the journey had started; only glancing back every so often to check to make sure everything was still in progress for those traveling along as well.
It was at that time that the decision was made, stopping in the path being followed as he soared down to the ground below after making contact with the next tree branch. Seeing this his comrades did the same, landing a few feet behind with a questioning look to be found across their faces.
"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto inquired. "Why are we stopping?"
One step was taken to reposition himself, looking back to face him with a response given.
"We've been traveling for over four hours now," Kakashi replied. "I think now would be good as any other for us to take a quick break."
"But we've still got a long road ahead of us," Naruto pointed out. "We're not even close to being half way through."
"Either way you look at it we won't be arriving to the trading grounds of Iwagakure until tomorrow," Kakashi stated. "As not to over work ourselves we'll need to have a set frame for when we'll take a break, and now seems to be a good time."
"Agreed," Shikamaru said stepping up. "Not to mention this is about the time of day when things start to heat up, a break now would prove serviceable going forward."
"And how long did you have in mind?" Naruto asked.
"No more than thirty minutes," Kakashi replied. "That will give us enough time to recover without sending us over edge."
With that said he removed the bag that was strapped across his chest, bringing it around to hold it out. Once done he dropped down to a knee with the open of the back, taking the next moment to survey over the contents inside.
"From what we have here I'd say we have about two days' worth of rations between the three of us," Kakashi reported. "That should be more than enough."
"Even if we were to completely go through what you have, don't forget I brought some stuff along as well," Shikamaru reminded pointing to the bag sitting upon his shoulders. "That at least tacks on a day and a half more of food supplies."
"Excellent," Kakashi said. "And even if we stare at the chance of running out we can only purchase more at the trading point."
"My thoughts exact."
"Now let's use this downtime to rest up a bit," Kakashi said before finding his way over to nearby tree before having a seat. "If either of you have any questions about the mission or anything else, please feel free to ask."
Those final words ended with him pulling out a book that had been stashed away within the bag, taking very little time for him to open it for an apparent reading session. The others did the same, finding themselves a place to sit for the next minutes. There was something to be felt as he rested his head to the tree, a feeling about what the mission at hand would truly bring. It was good nor bad, but one of mystery. Whatever it was, it was only a matter of time before all would be answered.
…..
There was no sign that it would be letting up anytime soon, standing there as the rain continued to glitter down in its straight path. Uncertainty was to be found in all phases. Where was he, and what was that bright light that had appeared before him before losing all senses? As little as he knew there was always a way to gain answers, turning to the first option at hand.
A step was taken back into the secrecy of the alley before placing his unconscious comrade back onto the ground below. Once done he focused his sights to the device connected to his left forearm, reaching down to activate it with a simple push of a button.
"Batman to Justice League, report."
Seconds past with no response to come in return. A second attempt was made, repeating the same line used the first time. This only brought about the same result. It was only then that it became clear, finding that there was no signal to be found. This only complicated things further, adding only more depth to the unknown. A subtle sound erupted soon after, and not that of the rain but something nearby.
"What was that?"
The sound could be heard once again, only raising his curiosity on the matter. The third time was what revealed where it was coming from. Wanting to find out what it was he headed down the narrow alley once more to have a peak out to where the streets could be found. It was there that he saw the bounce of the ball, once which was tossed around by two individuals as they walked.
".. Children."
He found himself watching over the two for seconds to come, almost as if to study them. This didn't take long as he came to a quick realization.
"They're heading this way, I can't be seen."
With that thought in mind he pushed back into the shadows of the alley before racing over and grabbing hold of his fallen comrade.
"I can't stay down here, it's only a matter of time before I'll get spotted," Batman thought. "I need to get to higher ground."
With that known fact the grappler connected to his utility belt was sprung free, taking aim to the roof of the large structure he found himself standing aside. There was no hesitation, taking the shot upon locking down to the chosen spot. He flew forward with a quick launch to heights above with the rain brushing past. The top level of the structure was reached in a short time, landing with a slide most would call swift. It was here that he placed his body onto the surface before now having a look at his surroundings from where he now stood.
The perspective was now completely different, now able to see everything as a whole from borderline to the other. He had seen no other scenery like it before, almost fascinated by all that there was to take in from a build stand point. But other than that it was no different than any other city seen before, stemming from the street intersections to the many people that paved the way. With the unfamiliarity in territory and the obvious nonexistent signal the thought began to creep in.
"Being that I'm no longer in Gotham and have no way of contacting the League, could it be… is it possible we're no longer on Earth," Batman theorized within while continuing to survey the city below. "And if that is so.. where are we, and how did we get here?"
That very question found its way to the very core of his mind, knowing finding the answer wasn't going to come easy. A look was given to above which revealed a far from clear sky, the dark clouds continuing to shower down the wet drops that dove. It was almost fitting in a way. The sky was almost a mere image of what could be felt inside, something far of clarity. No matter the circumstances, there would be no stopping until an answer was revealed.
…
The timer clicked from within even while seated, keeping tab on every passing minute even with almost all focus on the book in hand. The set time had finally come to an end in those next seconds, lowering the book from his sights to already find the two of them already standing.
"Come on Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said in the process of stretching his left arm. "The thirty minute mark has been reached, time to get going."
"I suppose you're right."
The book was then placed back into the bag before standing back to his feet.
"Just so we're clear before moving on I want you both to stay on high alert," Kakashi said. "Which I'm sure won't be a problem for either of you."
"I figured you might say that at some point." Shikamaru said not surprised to hear in the least.
"Stay on high alert," Naruto inquired as he looked from one to the other. "Why do we need to be on high alert?"
"For the simple fact we have no idea who was responsible for killing the shinobi at the trading site," Shikamaru answered. "For all we know the one or group responsible for what occurred could be lurking out here somewhere, the reasoning for staying alert should be self-explanatory given the current condition."
"Couldn't have explained it better myself," Kakashi complimented. "And with that said if we do find ourselves under attack at any time let's not counter immediately if possible, instead I'd like for us to come together."
"To correlate a plan of attack ourselves," Naruto said catching on. "That makes sense, especially if they come in large numbers."
"Exactly," Kakashi said confirming his thoughts. "Now if either of you have nothing to add yourselves, we can get back to the path ahead."
"I got nothing."
"I think we've gone over everything we needed to." Shikamaru added.
"Good," Kakashi said sliding the bag back into place while turning back for the course. "Then let us continue."
No further words needed to be spoken, all keeping a sharp mind as their journey began once more.
…..
The sun burned bright, only adding to the intensity surrounding the circumstances as a whole. Its screech could be heard as another blow was landed, weathered in pain as the blade pulled out with just as much force. They retorted with an attempt of their own as they wailed in pain, taking a swing which was just inches shy. It was a miss which would prove fatal, watching as the blade came forward with an unseen force; it would be the last thing they'd see.
This left only two against the one who they viewed as nothing more than an enemy, watching as a taunting move was made from where he stood.
"Don't tell me that's all you two have," They challenged with a grin forming. "Because if that is the case, I would have to admit being royally disappointed."
This only angered the two to their limit, pressing forward with no thought as to what they'd do once closing in on the enemy. The gap was closed within moments. It was almost as if they could feel the tear of the skin… the scent of the blood after the break of the flesh. Both reached out with the extension of their claws, knowing the outcome would be decided. It was with that thought that the one standing before them fell out of sight.
There was no time for reaction or second guess, both feeling pain from all sides as they fell toward the ground in defeat.
"He's… too fast." One of them huffed with their last breath to give.
It was now over, leaving only one to stand victor above all others. One last swipe was taken as a means of celebration.
"Just another day's work of clearing out the hollows."
This remark only caused a sound to ignite from behind, one which also resulted in him tightly gripping the weapon held in hand as he turned to face what it was. It was there that he caught sight of someone sitting atop the roof of one of the neighborhood houses as they gave three solid claps as to congratulate him.
"Very good Kurosaki Ichigo, I see you've been honing in on the form of your craft."
"Captain Hitsugaya," Ichigo said surprised to find his presence. "What brings you to Karakura Town?"
"It's simple, we have a problem," Tōshirō replied. "One which requires your assistance."
To Be Continued