Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 14

Last and First Drop

The more time that passed the higher his familiarity became with the environment that studied him just as long and hard as he did. There was definitely an uncertainty, one which had cemented its place within his mind. There was no apparent escape from the predicament at hand, simply watching the activities below as a means of gaining some form of ground. It was during the duration that a subtle came to the clear, one other than the rain drops that continued to touch down.

"What's that?"

His eyes peered down to his left side, noticing his first movements as he slowly pushed up from the rough surface he found himself laying upon.

"Did anyone get the license plate for the freight train that crazy raccoon was racing?" He questioned with his first words to give.

"Superboy, you're finally awake." Batman said pleased to find.

"Finally?" Superboy inquired looking up at him.

"Yes, you've been unconscious for the last hour or so," Batman reported. "Whether that have something to do with our travels here is still unknown."

"Our travels here?" Superboy questioned as he slowly stood tall in his stance.

It was then that he took everything in as a whole, looking on to the city that could be seen towering out before him.

"Woo, where are we..?"

"I'm not entirely sure myself, at least not yet," Batman admitted. "Tell me, before awaking just now what's the last thing you recall?"

He took the next moments to give this some thought, digging deep as he rehashed all that he could from the events that had passed.

"That's right, we were just about to begin our investigation for low frequency areas in the city," Superboy said now having a clear vision of what had happened. "It was shortly after we begun that we came into contact with that light, no… some kind of strand of energy."

"So you remember that as well, I see," Batman said. "It would appear we both have a memory of the same occurrence, which in all likelihood means that event came to pass in some form or fashion."

"That's a fair assumption," Superboy agreed. "You said I've been out for over an hour right?"

"Yes.."

"So tell me, what have you been doing during that time?"

"What I continue to do now," Batman replied with his continued survey of the grounds spanning to the far distances ahead. "There's a good chance we might not be on Earth any longer, well at least not how we know it to be."

"I can understand the doubt in mind at the sight of unfamiliar territory," Superboy said now taking a harder look at things. "But what lead to such a bold thouht?"

"I've never seen a terrain such as this, from the build in the land itself all the way to the form in which the created structures stand."

"I'm inclined to agree, but I wouldn't jump to such a high end conclusion based solely on that."

"Which leads to my second point," Batman announced. "We have no current signal as it stands."

"What do you mean?"

"It is as it sounds, there is no communications signal to tap into right now," Batman clarified. "Which in short means we have no way of contacting the League, or anyone else for that matter."

"What..?"

"I've already attempted to gain connectivity, it's clear that any further attempts would only deem repeated failure."

"Ok, let's say this hunch of your turns out to be true," Superboy said playing to the chance. "If we're no longer on Earth as you said before, then where are we now?"

"Something I have yet to determine."

"So what's the plan," Superboy asked. "To simply sit here as a couple of observers?"

"You guessed right."

"You're not serious, are you?"

"Listen," Batman said in response. "Right now that's the only rationale move we can make, once we have a better understanding of the situation presented we can make our next move."

"I don't understand, why not go down and begin investigating now?"

"It's not that simple."

"I'd love to hear your explanation for that."

"That's something you should be able to figure."

There was nothing further spoken, understanding the shift in his tone was more than just your typical response. It was now clear what was on his mind, coming to a realization of what his statement really meant. With that thought in mind he beamed his eyes downward, fixating his sights to all activity below with only one step to gain.

…

There was little given to where they were now going; only knowing this was something of high importance. The thought of this kept him on edge the whole way through. It wasn't just the tone given when the information had been presented, but the weariness in the stance given as a whole.

With every step taken he gradually found that they were trailing away from the city, now only yards away from reaching a forest which could clearly be seen just up ahead. This was certainly questioning but still held off on inquiring him further for where their destination resided. It was just as predicted, entering the forest with a step around a large tree that could be seen standing in their path.

"We're almost there." He announced after another step taken.

Being that several minutes had passed since the last he had spoken his words came as a pleasant surprised, taking each step with a rejuvenated energy he did not have before. There was no switch in direction, heading straight for a lot of bushes directly ahead. He held out his hand as they neared, pushing away a couple of tree branches that attempted to block his view of the path ahead. It was only after moving past this barrier that he saw the two of them standing under a large tree a few feet away.

"Inoue, Ishida.." Ichigo said more than surprised to find the two.

"Kurosaki-kun." Orihime said being the first of the two to walk over and greet him.

"What are you guys doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"It was I who summoned them both here just as I did you." Tōshirō informed after coming to a stop with one final step to give.

"I thought for sure you'd have been able to figure that one out without asking." Uryuu said after reaching the group.

"I don't get it," Ichigo admitted as he looked his way. "Why have you brought us all here Captain Hitsugaya?"

"We've been waiting to find out the answer to that since we got here." Uryuu stated.

"And since Ichigo is now with us I'm prepared to go over that information with you all," Tōshirō began. "As I mentioned before my travels here have been sparked by an important matter, one which requires the service of at least three individuals."

"From your opening statement you make it sound as if this task in question has nothing to do with Karakura Town." Uryuu stated.

"Is that true?" Orihime asked from where she stood left of him.

"That may be so," Tōshirō replied. "Well at least that's how it may appear on the surface of things."

"Huh, what do you mean?" Ichigo asked with an obvious interest to showcase.

"Well how should I put this to where it makes sense," Tōshirō said with a pause. "There's been a what we at the soul society would describe as a tear within our atmosphere's core."

"… What's that supposed to mean?" Orihime asked voicing her uncertainty.

"It's depiction is simple from any glance," Tōshirō replied. "The straight answer would be to say there's been a hole of sorts driven through our dimension, an in depth answer however has several levels of complexity which I'm unable to comprehend myself let alone explain to the three of you."

"Wait," Uryuu said with a step taken forward. "Are you saying that someone has traveled to our world somehow by unknown means?"

"Close, but it's actually quite the opposite," Tōshirō reported. "From the data collected it would seem someone from our circle has found a way for traveling abroad."

"Abroad," Ichigo questioned. "I don't get it, to what degree?"

"To a level to what we'd consider dimensional."

This caught the three by the ultimate surprise, one which could be seen upon their faces.

"I don't understand, who has the ability to transfer from one location to another at that level," Uryuu inquired. "Surely not someone from Earth."

"I was thinking the same," Ichigo agreed. "But regardless of that what importance does this serve, why gather us all here to inform us about this?"

"Because an investigation is required," Tōshirō replied setting the bar. "And you three are the ones I have chosen to do just that."

"What," Ichigo questioned. "Shouldn't this be something you and the other top end shinigami should be looking into?"

"Truth be told, I'm only one of five not including yourselves who has knowledge this situation," Tōshirō informed. "Two of the others being the head captain himself, and Captain Kurotsuchi of Research and Development who was the first to become aware of this all."

"Why am I not surprised." Ichigo remarked upon hearing this.

"You mentioned investigation," Uryuu said. "What did you mean by that?"

"It's simple," Tōshirō said in response. "You three are going to follow the trail that was left in the wake of this whole ordeal."

"A traceable trail was left?"

"Fortunate for us that turned out to be so." Tōshirō said pleased to confirm.

"As I mentioned before, why come to us," Ichigo asked. "I would expect something substantial as you've presented would be handled by the captains of the soul society like yourself."

"In usual circumstances, but there's too much going on as it is."

"Too much going on?" Orihime questioned .

"Simply put we've got another agenda that pertains to the society itself, one which requires all hands on deck," Tōshirō informed. "And with that being the case I came to you three to seek aid elsewhere."

"Down to the last option I see." Ichigo remarked upon hearing this.

"Last would be setting it short," Tōshirō said. "You Kurosaki would be one of the first I'd come to for assistance when a situation presented such as this comes regardless of circumstance."

"I'll take any compliment that comes my way."

"Being that you've come to the decision that you have I can only assume you know where our travels will lead," Uryuu said. "Or am I to believe you plan on sending us to that of the completely unknown?"

"You would be right in your first assumption," Tōshirō answered. "All the necessary research has been done to assure a safe trip to the destined location."

"And where might these travels lead?"

"To a place known as the world of the shinobi."

….

Things were now finally beginning to line into place, keeping memory of every detail that came into his line of sight. The rain was now on the brink of the end of its session which in turn allowed for a clearer view for what was down below. But with that fading element only came another, looking to the sky above to see night was fast approaching.

Half of the sun had already found its way to the other side, knowing it was only a matter of time before the rest followed. It mattered little, what was needed had already been gained. His head was raised at the thought of this, turning to the left to find him still standing in the same position as he had been in for the last several minutes.

"We're done."

His words immediately registered, surprised at the message that had come.

"What do you mean we're done?"

"I've seen all I need to see," Batman replied. "What comes next is still yet to be determined."

"We could start off by heading down to the streets," Superboy suggested. "I'm betting we'd gain a deeper understanding of where we are."

"No, not yet," Batman shot down. "We will stay here for now."

"Why, there's really no point to staying up here any longer."

"Maybe so," Batman agreed. "But knowing exactly what we'll do before making any move is the route I'd like to take."

"And how long do you anticipate that will be before you have an answer for that?"

"… Patience," Batman stated. "If not by nightfall, we'll take to the ground level by dawn."

"Not sure I agree entirely."

"Alright, ask yourself this," Batman posed. "How do you think those walking the streets now would respond if you and I headed down there now."

Before choosing to answer he looked down to the street, feeling from the question given there might have been something he missed.

"Well I don't know… they all look human to me, so I don't see why there should be any kind of problem," Superboy said in response. "Though I'd probably recommend you take that mask of yours off, you might rub someone the wrong way."

"It's not just the mask, but the whole suit as well," Batman stated. "Both of our apparel for that matter, there's no way either of us could go down there as of now without causing a stir, no matter how small it may be."

"Ok, so you have a point."

"That's not all I noticed."

"There's more?"

"Take another look." Batman instructed.

He was less than optimistic for what he would come to find, but took another look none the less. What was it he was supposed to sight? A distinct detail of the surrounding structures, or perhaps something far out past the city?

"I give," Superboy said turning back to face him. "What now am I supposed to be looking at?"

"The people themselves," Batman clarified. "Particularly what all seem to be wearing."

Curious as to what he was referring to he glanced to the roads below for yet another time, looking over several inhabitants with one detail all too clear.

"I see, they're all wearing sandals," Superboy pointed out. "Can't say I understand the significance in that."

"Not what I was aiming for, try again."

Yet another attempt was made, one which he hoped would be his last. It was with that initial look to give that he finally realized. Some had it strapped tightly around their arms while others had it tied upon their heads, leaving just a small majority to have this small detail of merchandise hanging from their necks.

"What are those?"

With the unique nature of his eyes he zoomed in on the clothing ware of interest to make a discovery.

"It looks like an emblem of some kind, one which everyone seems to be wearing."

"I can tell by the look on your face you've come to find what I was pointing out."

"Yes," Superboy said looking at him. "Everyone seems to be wearing a band of sorts, perhaps for identification?"

"You might be right."

"You think so?"

"When we were on ground level early I caught glimpse of a sign which read 'Welcome to Amegakure'," Batman informed. "And under those words resided the same mark that can be seen on the bands everyone in this city is wearing, which would imply all residents are required to have one."

"Now I get it," Superboy said. "Not only would the people be taken back by the armor we're currently wearing if we were to go down there, the fact we don't have one of those arm or head bands would only solidify the fact we're outsiders."

"Exactly, which is why I'd like for us to remain up here until we have some form of plan going forward."

"Which I can understand, but shouldn't our focus be keyed on finding a way home," Superboy questioned. "There's no objective more important than that."

"To find our way back is to first determine where we are, and the circumstances of how we got here," Batman spoke in response to this. "You can't begin to piece a puzzle together until understanding the base of its makeup."

"I stand corrected."

"Whether it takes hours or days we'll get the answers that may be less than clear answered."

"No doubt everyone back home is looking for the two of us."

"It would be premature to assume it's only you and I who have wound up in predicament such as this, don't you think?"

"What are you trying to imply?"

"That others from our world could very well be here," Batman replied. "It's true you and I were the only ones present when we came into contact with that flash of light, but there's no telling how much the situation escalated after we blacked out."

"I never thought of it that way, definitely a possibility."

"But not a certainty, which is why we'll focus strictly on finding out where we are and gaining a means for putting ourselves in a better position than we are now," Batman lined out. "And once that is set, our true investigation will begin."

This didn't require for a response, choosing to look to the sky with the seemingly last drop of rain touching down upon his forehead. This didn't bother him in the least; if anything it was this shed of rain that truly stamped the true beginning of their journey.

…

There was little to be asked, all listening to the information which was being given to them.. information that had been 'noted' as a must know.

"And as I pointed out to you all before the people of the shinobi world are very adept to summoning and using their spiritual pressure in several unique ways, so keep that in mind," Tōshirō continued. "However, you won't hear anyone use the words spiritual pressure being that one's manifested inner energy is referred to something else."

"That might be a detail we should know about." Uryuu said after hearing this.

"If you hear anyone mention chakra, it would be equivalent to what we shinigami refer to as spiritual pressure."

"Thanks, we'll definitely have to keep that in mind." Ichigo said.

"You've gone over with us locations, the culture of the shinobi world, and what the people are capable of," Uryuu said rehashing all topics covered. "Is there anything else we should know?"

"Only that you be careful with who you trust, of course that comes without saying," Tōshirō said in response. "The only thing further that I have to add as that you three stay close to one another."

"So we know someone has somehow found their way to what you've described as another dimension, there's just one thing that I'm curious about." Uryuu said.

"What is it?"

"Where did this crack in our atmosphere as you've put it occur?"

"Here on Earth," Tōshirō replied. "Several miles away from where we stand now."

"Then isn't that where we should be?" Orihime asked.

"That may be where the unknown person departed, but it's not necessary to be in the same spot as them to follow the trail left behind."

"I thought that much." Uryuu said not surprised to learn.

"Ok," Ichigo said taking a step forward. "Once we get to the shinobi world how will we know how to find the individual in question?"

"Their spiritual pressure will be irregular in comparison to most others," Tōshirō reported. "That alone should be enough for you to locate them with moderate difficulty at the most."

"So what happens after we find this guy, is the plan to engage them?"

"No, your mission is only to search and locate them," Tōshirō replied. "Once you've accomplished that you'll return here and report whatever you're able to learn, once that is done I'll personally take the measures necessary to bring the person in question back."

"That's all well and said, but how are we supposed to get to this shinobi world?" Ichigo asked.

"Using this." Tōshirō replied.

With that said he reached into his jacket to pull out a glass orb, one which was roughly the size of a tennis ball.

"What is that?" Orihime asked.

"It's what the three of you will use for transportation." Tōshirō replied.

"How does it work," Ichigo asked with a look of confusion to find. "Is there a magic button we're supposed to press or something?"

"I was just getting to that, here," Tōshirō said handing it over to him. "First step, place the orb into your right palm."

"Ok, whatever you say," Ichigo said not having the slightest clue to what this would all lead to. "I did what you instructed, now what?"

"All that remains is for the other two to place their hands atop the orb," Tōshirō informed. "I've set it to where it will activate once this is done."

"You mean like this?" Orihime asked after doing just that.

"Yes, that is correct." Tōshirō said with a nod.

"I guess all that remains is me." Uryuu said before beginning to walk forward.

With that known fact he stepped forward, reaching out to place his hand in line with the others.

"Wait, Captain Hitsugaya I have one last question," Ichigo announced. "Once we're there how do we get back?"

It was already too late, all watching as Uryuu placed his hand atop Orihime's in short resulting in one big flash of light. Once cleared there was nothing but green grass to be found. It was only then that the evil grin which had been waiting to surface fell into place.

"Goodbye Ichigo Kurosaki, and… farewell."

There was now a great energy to be felt. It started off as chuckles before turning into several hysterical laughs. It was in the time of this that a dark figure appeared from the shadows of the forest.

"Is it over?" They asked upon stepping out.

"Yes, the substitute shinigami Kurosaki is gone along with two of his closest comrades."

"Excellent, the next part in our plan can now commence."

"Of course, and by the time the real Tōshirō Hitsugaya and the rest of the Gotei 13 become aware of these proceedings it will already be far too late."

Their statements closed with a rain drop to be felt, one which was followed by several more to come.

To Be Continued