Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 15

Investigation Ensues

A light of high proportions had erupted, momentarily blinding all who stood in its presence. That was only the beginning. What started as only a void of emptiness came an electrifying feel to experience, one which seemingly ignited throughout the entire body with a surge of energy to give. It couldn't be described as pain, but rather a stimulate of indescribable proportions that channeled its force to all parts of the body.

This all came to an end with the flash of the moment, witnessing as the brightening light snapped away within an instant. It took several seconds for his eyes to readjust, pleased to find his friends and comrades still at his side. But that was the least of it all. He quickly came to discover they were now in a forest surrounded by trees that towered over them; different from the one they had found themselves in prior to witnessing the flash of that bright light. It was dark with every direction to face; the only thing providing for lighting was that of the moon above.

"I don't get it, have we arrived?" Ichigo inquired after having an initial look at the surrounding area.

"I was wondering just that same thing." Uryuu said looking from one end of the forest to the other.

"Perhaps we'd have a better understanding of our situation had you let Captain Hitsugaya finish with his briefing." Ichigo said quick to remind.

"I hardly find this to be a good time to try and spark an argument," Uryuu retaliated in response. "If anything we should begin our search."

"So what happens if we somehow manage to track down the person who we were sent here to find," Ichigo questioned. "How are we supposed to return back to inform Captain Hitsugaya of our findings?"

"I find that question to be rather self-explanatory," Uryuu said in response to this. "I'd imagine we'd return the same way we came."

"I was thinking the same," Orihime agreed with a step taken back. "If that orb given to you was able to transport us here I don't see why we shouldn't be able to use it to return."

"Perhaps you're right," Ichigo said trying to stay optimistic as possible. "I guess we'll find out when the time comes."

"Now that we've got that debacle set to the burner for the time being we can now focus our attention to the objective at hand," Uryuu said swaying his sights left. "Captain Hitsugaya explained that the person we should be hoping to find would have an.. irregular spiritual pressure, as it stands now I have not been able to pick up anything that would fall under that category."

"Nor have I."

"Perhaps if we start moving we'll get a home in on something." Orihime brought to the fold.

"That might not be a bad idea," Ichigo agreed. "There's no telling what the distance between us and them is at this given time."

"If that's the case then we had better be careful." Uryuu stated.

"What do you mean?" Orihime asked noticing the shift in his tone.

"We've just set foot in a world we know little to nothing about, the potential obstacles and dangers that lie ahead shouldn't be taken lightly," Uryuu articulated. "With that said we should not only remain close at all times, but move with the highest of caution."

"I think that all goes without saying." Ichigo said agreeing in full.

"So which way will we go?" Orihime said being the one to pose the question.

"I guess it really doesn't matter," Ichigo replied with a hand falling to the back of his head. "Now when you think about it, it might have been a good idea to have asked for some kind of map from Captain Hitsugaya before coming here."

"That option has long been off the table," Uryuu stated before making a move for the left. "We'll have to make do with what we have."

"Hey wait," Orihime called. "Where are you going?"

"We don't have time to nitpick on directional decisions," Uryuu answered. "The sooner we begin our journey the better."

This was something neither could disagree with, both looking to one another before quickly deciding to follow in the path that had been chosen. Whether they were traveling east, north, west, or south was unclear. It was a moot point to say the least, there was no telling for where the person of interest resided. They seemingly walked for minutes without saying a word to one another, guided by the moons shining emission from above through the path of the unknown.

There was little to be heard but the occasional sound of the wind that wisped through the many leafs that hung from the sides of the several. This was enough to keep them all on edge, none losing an edge on awareness with their continued journeyed.

"Hey Uryuu, you pick up on anything yet?" Ichigo asked being the one to break the silence.

"Afraid not," Uryuu replied. "And since you asked I can only assume the same is true for you."

"Unfortunately." Ichigo replied confirming his assumption.

"That's just means we need to keep walking," Orihime said wanting to maintain a confidence in all. "Before any of us realize we'll have the person we're looking for locked in no time."

It was with that comment that a shrilling sound sprung from the distance, captivating all three of them spontaneously.

"A scream… was that the sound of someone screaming?" Orihime expressed with a worried look to see.

They listened on further, taking in further sounds that gave them a clearer idea for what was going on.

"A battle," Ichigo quickly determined. "Someone's fighting."

"And by the sounds of it I'd say there's a large group involved to a certain capacity." Uryuu added.

"I'm more than curious as to what is going on, you two stay here," Ichigo instructed. "I'm going to go and check it out."

"What do you mean," Uryuu questioned. "If you're going so am I."

"We don't have time to argue, I'm simply going to go and access the situation," Ichigo explained. "I'll be back as soon as I have a feel for what is going on."

Not waiting for a response to be given he reached down for his substitute shinigami badge to ready himself for the task ahead. He quickly came to find something was dangerously wrong, feeling a sharp burn in his chest as he fell forward in agonizing pain.

"Dammit." Ichigo spat with what little energy he had left.

There was no stop in his descend to the ground, blacking out before contact could be made.

"Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime yipped with a cry of fear.

Uryuu immediately dropped down to his side, immediately checking for a pulse.

"Is he..?"

"He's fine," Uryuu replied relieved to report. "Though his breathing has noticeably dropped to what would be described as shallow standards."

"Do you think he'll be ok?"

"Not an easy question to answer," Uryuu replied with an honesty. "For one, I don't even know what caused his collapse."

"It all just happened so sudden."

"Stay here and watch over him." Uryuu ordered standing back to his feet.

"Where are you going?" Orihime asked surprised by this statement.

"To go investigate the situation up ahead." Uryuu answered with the subtle adjust of his glasses.

"But what if you're seen," Orihime said bringing up the possibility. "You'll surely get mixed into whatever is going on."

"That won't happen, I promise you that," Uryuu assured. "No matter what happens stay here, I'll return as soon as I can."

There wasn't a further chance given for another word to escape her lips, watching as he vanished with the blink of an eye. This only caused her heart to race further, feeling the strong optimism from before starting to slowly crack away. With this doubt in mind she looked down to her fallen friend who show little movement with each breath given.

The sight of him only tore at her demeanor further, feeling that strong confidence from completely fall from the edge the after gazing down at him for seconds.

"Kurosaki-kun…"

Her perception of time was soon lost as well. Had a minute passed since his departure? No, certainly more time than that had passed. Even with the continuous circulation of time there was no end to it, clearly still able to hear the screams and sounds of battle maintaining. Cover her ears with her hands did very little to block out the sounds, almost heightening her imagination even. The very thought of Uyruu's unknown circumstances was too much to contemplate, finding herself racing without little thought to give.

It was with those first strides taken that she glimpsed back to look at him one last time.

"Please stay safe Kurosaki-kun, I will return soon."

She then reluctantly turned back for the direction she was headed. She ran for a time to come, not keeping tab on the time in the least. All that mattered in her mind was to assure the safety of her friend.

It was in the mist of this that a dark figure of some kind crossed in front of her path. This brought her journey to a halt, watching as this darkness only continued to close in on her. There was no time to react, feeling a brute strike from behind which sent her trailing to the ground. There was nothing to be felt or heard anymore, only the sight of her own inner conscious.

…

After a night that seemed to drag further with every passing hour the next day had finally arrived. It was an early start to say the least, one which had begun at the crack of dawn for all three. He was more than reenergized for the task at hand, keeping not only his sights strong but his awareness on all other levels. He had been in the back for most of the morning, looking slightly ahead to see only one of them out in front.

This came as a sudden surprise, immediately glimpsing back to find the other now strangling a few yards behind. There was much that could be made of this. Rather than calling to him directly he turned back for the other side where he then slightly picked up in speed. This lead to him catching stride with the person who maintained the lead in their journey.

"Kakashi-Sensei." Naruto called which in turn gained his attention.

"What is it, Naruto?" Kakashi asked glancing back at him.

This lasted for only a brief moment before facing forward once more as he continued to walk.

"It's Shikamaru," Naruto replied. "Don't you find it strange?"

"By what do you mean by that?" Kakashi inquired.

"Don't you think he's moving a little bit slower than usual," Naruto questioned. "It's not like him to be so far behind when traveling with others."

"What are you trying to imply?"

"I don't know.. maybe something is wrong with him," Naruto replied with the only thing that came to mind. "Perhaps if we were to take a short break that could prove to be.."

"If something were bothering Shikamaru he wouldn't hesitant to tell," Kakashi interjected. "I'm sure he has a reason for falling behind slightly."

"You really think so?"

"I'm surprised you weren't able to determine that for yourself, he's not one to hide something," Kakashi said. "Especially if it was something he felt would hinder the mission at hand."

With all things considered the explanation given made sense. He chose not to say anything further on the matter, simply keeping pace with him as they continued to walk. Over a minute passed before another word was spoken, looking up at him once more with a question to pose.

"Hey Kakashi-Sensei," Naruto said regaining his attention. "Between the distance traveled today and yesterday shouldn't we be arriving at the trading site anytime now?"

"Now that you mention it, yes," Kakashi replied with the nod of his head. "We should be within five minutes of reaching the site, it's just up ahead."

"I thought that much," Naruto said with a relief to be heard. "It's been awhile since I've been down this way, but I knew it was only a matter of time before we arrived."

With a renowned surge of energy he took his first time in the lead, ready to learn what inner details the situation at hand had to present. The time for given for how long it would take to reach their destination was accurate, arriving to the trading point within a five minute time frame as predicted. It was here that they were greeted, taking a quick look to find that there were over a dozen Iwagakure shinobi in all who occupied the area.

The first to approach was a man who stood tall in stature, noting the shinobi band of his which could be seen tied into place around his left. It was clear he knew who they were, taking the initiative of giving the first words.

"You must be Kakashi-san of Konohagakure, we heard you'd be coming."

"And you are?" Kakashi asked in response.

"The name's Nasol, I'm almost certain you've never heard of me," He answered before looking to the one standing aside him. "That must make you Naruto-san, your name has traveled well."

"So what can you tell us about the attacks that have resulted in death over the course of these past weeks?" Naruto asked.

"Wanting to get straight to the point I see, I'd expect nothing less from a group such as yourselves," Nasol said. "And since we're all acquainted to a degree I don't see the problem in that; however I do have one question."

"What is it?" Kakashi asked.

"I was originally told there would be three of you that would be coming," Nasol replied. "Was there an error in the report?"

"No, there are three of us," Naruto said quick to confirm. "Shikamaru's just running a little behind."

He took that second to look back into the direction they had come, finding he was nowhere to be seen. This only sparked one single question.

"Where is he?" Naruto questioned before feeling a touch come upon his left shoulder.

"I'm sure something of importance has been brought to his attention," Kakashi said. "I'm sure once he's finished with whatever that is he'll join us, so I wouldn't worry about it too much."

He took this to be the most likely possibility, doing the best to force this all to the back of the mind as a means of focusing on what had brought them here in the first place.

"So are we set to begin, or would you rather we wait for your comrade to join us?" Nasol asked.

"Let's begin," Kakashi said in response. "If need be we'll fill him in with any necessary details he needs to know once he joins us."

"Very well," Nasol said with the wave of his hand. "Right this way."

The two complied with what was instructed, following him to the open area of the forest just up ahead. After about reaching the center of it all he came to a stop before making an announcement.

"This is it," Nasol stated. "This is where it all unfolded."

"You don't mean?"

"Yes, this is where the bodies were found," Nasol informed. "Some dead, others left unconscious."

"Some left unconscious," Kakashi questioned. "This is my first time hearing of this."

"Which is understandable since a lot of details were left out in the report filed."

"What, why," Naruto questioned. "Why would details revolved around a situation such as this be withheld?"

"Because there's no true knowledge to what really happened," Nasol replied. "Some are even linking this to another.. series of incidents."

"What do you mean?" Kakashi questioned.

"Have you come to hear of the group many have named as the, Shadow Revenants?"

"The Shadow Revenants," Naruto stamped. "You think that mystery has something to do with this?"

"I take that as a yes."

"But aren't the Shadow Revenants just in theory at this point?" Kakashi stated.

"Maybe so," Nasol agreed. "But everything that happened at this trading sight followed the same pattern as what was reported in all other incidents that claimed these… Shadow Revenants were involved."

"I see," Kakashi said with a pause. "And you said before some were found unconscious, so would it be right to assume at least one of these individuals have awoken by now?"

"That is correct."

"If that is true, then what did they say," Naruto asked. "What was said that has you believe this is somehow linked to the Shadow Revenants?"

"It's all within the details of the attack itself," Nasol said in response. "When we asked those who had survived the encounter what had happened they depicted some kind of ghost, almost as if they were being attacked by shadows.. or an entity that could not be seen to the naked eye."

"Which would be the description you'd give to a ghost of some." Kakashi said finding himself becoming more interested the more he heard.

"So why summon us here," Naruto asked. "What is it you wanted our help with?"

"For the very fact we don't know what we're up against," Nasol replied. "We were hoping you shinobi from Konohagakure would be able to shed some light on this challenge."

"We'll see what we can do," Kakashi said with the nod of his head. "But first we're going to need all details for what unfolded."

"Anything you want to know Kakashi-san."

"Good, then let's start with positioning," Kakashi began. "I assume you were one of the shinobi to arrive on the scene after everything unfolded?"

"No, but I was."

The three immediately turned at the sound of a voice to find a woman with dark brown hair that extended just past her jaw to now standing before them.

"And you are?"

"Varlia," She replied looking to the man who only stood only a inches taller than herself. "Varlia Onishi."

"Kakashi Hatake," Kakashi replied before holding out his hand to shake hers. "And this here is."

"Naruto," Naruto announced for himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

His statements were finalized with the reach out of his hand, taking only moments for her to return the favor. It was here that a true connection was made, locking her stone dark eyes with his that shined in comparison. There was something to feel within, what it was exactly was something that couldn't be diagnosed on the surface.

"So this is Naruto of Konohagakure, in no way could I have ever imagined we'd meet under such circumstances."

Her inner thoughts were broken by the sound of his voice in the wake of this.

"Varlia-san," Kakashi said regaining her focus. "You said you were one of the first on the scene correct?"

"That is so."

"I'm curious as to what lead to this," Kakashi continued. "Who was it that informed you about the matter?"

"I wasn't," Varlia replied. "I came across the scene and everyone by sheer coincidence."

"What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked.

"To answer that is to reveal where I'm from." Varlia replied.

She didn't stop there, rolling up her left sleeve to reveal her band which was wrapped around her wrist.

"I see, you're not from Iwagakure like everyone else here," Kakashi said making the first comment. "You're from the Land of Iron."

"What brought you all the way from the Land of Iron to this region?" Naruto asked with the highest of curiosity.

"For a matter that is completely unrelated, I'm going to leave it at that for now." Varlia replied.

"How many people came upon the scene before you did?" Kakashi asked.

"Four in all, which made me the fifth to come upon it all."

"Good, and now that we've got that covered would you mind going over with us the details of how everything was laid out," Kakashi asked. "From the position in which the bodies laid in proportion to everything else."

"Of course," Varlia said before pointing to the ground to the left a few feet away from where they stood. "That's where the first body I came to find was located, it was also noticeably a distance away from where the other deceased were discovered."

"Eleven yards was the recorded length." Nasol added.

"I don't get it, why were all bodies found here," Naruto questioned. "Surely if they were being attacked at least some would have tried to escape."

"We haven't even been able to piece that part of the mystery ourselves yet." Nasol admitted.

"And what was the ultimate cause of death?"

"Blood loss."

"What was the weapon in the killings?" Kakashi asked.

"Kunai in all cases." Varlia replied.

"There's another detail our unit came across that may have its importance," Nasol informed. "Right over here."

The three followed as he led them over to a couple trees that could be seen just a short distance away. Once reached he stopped, immediately pointing out a solid mark that could be seen upon the tree roughly eight feet up. It was a horizontal mark that went from one end of the tree to the other.

"Can you see that?"

"Yes off course," Kakashi said. "But what does it have to do with the attack."

"It's not only this tree," Varlia reported. "But all trees in this circular enclosed area that have this mark."

After hearing this he quickly looked to all other neighboring trees to find this claim to be true.

"You're not kidding," Naruto said upon seeing them. "And have any of these marks been examined for when they might have been created?"

"Yes," Nasol confirmed. "Five days ago exact."

"But what they potentially symbolize and how they got there are an unknown at this time." Varlia said.

"So with all things considered, how do you believe the shinobi of this trade site were attacked?" Kakashi posed.

"An ambush of sorts," Nasol replied. "From the evidence collected thus far we believe they were caught off guard to an extent."

"And given the circumstances we can also conclude this ambush occurred after night fall, orchestrated by at least ten shinobi." Varlia added.

"The evidence doesn't support that last claim."

All turned at the sound of yet another voice, finding that they had been joined by someone else yet again.

"Shikamaru!" Naruto said pleased to see he had finally come.

"Shikamaru..?" Varlia spoke with a questioning look to express.

"He's with us." Kakashi announced clarifying any doubt in mind she had in mind.

"Oh, I see."

"Hey Shikamaru, you just said you didn't agree with Varlia-sans claim," Naruto pointed. "Why not?"

"It's as I said, the evidence doesn't support the theory," Shikamaru said in response. "From what I've gathered thus far the possibility could range from one hundred attackers, to simply one."

"One, there's no way a single individual could have pulled this off given what we've found," Nasol stated. "You can't be serious with this claim of yours."

"Actually, I couldn't be any more self-assured." Shikamaru said with the placement of both hands into his pocket.

"How can you be so positive about your claim without hearing all information on the matter?"

"I was already detailed by another who gave me all there is to know while on my searches." Shikamaru informed.

"Your searches?" Varlia inquired.

"Yes," Shikamaru said staying precise in his stance. "To tell you the truth my searches began before I even set foot on the scene, or at least the center point of it."

"I don't get it, what are you talking about?" Naruto asked

"The marks found upon the trees I'm sure that have been pointed out to you already," Shikamaru began with the nod of his head. "The fact of the matter is the scene ranges further than just this small area the shinobi of Iwagakure have been investigating."

"You don't mean?"

"That's right," Shikamaru confirmed. "The horizontal marks that can be seen on the trees in this small area aren't just here, but span back approximately three hundred feet wide heading south from here according to my estimation.. of course this didn't include all trees but rather a select few that followed a nearly linear path."

"So that's why you were falling behind, you noticed those marks on the trees."

"Yes," Shikamaru confirmed. "It's not hard to admit that I didn't know what it meant before, but after searching around and gaining additional insight from the shinobi working these grounds I now have a reasonable answer for how and why the marks were made."

"What, really," Nasol said more than surprised to hear. "Please do explain for the rest of us to understand."

It was during the duration of this that a few other shinobi nearby heard a little of what was being said, interested to learn more on the matter they moved in closer to listen in on what was to be said.

"We'll get to that, but first I'd like to go over the events surrounding the attack itself," Shikamaru said. "Once everyone is in agreement in that regard I will proceed with what I have to reveal."

"Fair enough," Varlia said. "We're listening."

"Alright, so I'm going to begin with the supposed method used in the assault, one which seems to be a common agreement in the form of ambush," Shikamaru began. "It's a known fact the attack erupted at night, but from what side did the unknown appear from?"

"From what we've been able to gather thus far, I honestly couldn't tell you." Nasol admitted.

"Let's go out on the hunch that whoever planned the assault attacked from all sides."

"That wouldn't have been possible," Nasol stated. "Our shinobi from Iwagakure had shifts that required that they alternate standing guard of the boarders of this area, if someone or a group was moving in they would have seen something."

"Perhaps, which is why I believe we're dealing with a form of what many would consider deception."

"That would imply that you think this was an inside job." Kakashi said upon hearing this.

"A possibility but not necessarily, but as not to keep you all in any further suspense I'm going to go into the reasoning behind what I've presented to you thus far."

He showed no stop in his progression, taking this time to remove his right hand from within his pocket. It was here that they laid their eyes upon a large plastic bag which he held out for all to witness. It was unclear what was inside at first glance, leaving an answer to be desired.

"What is that?" Naruto asked.

"Extremely steel wiring," Shikamaru replied. "I found a lengthy strand of it that had fallen into a bush not too far from where we stand now."

"And let me guess," Nasol said leaning toward the obvious. "You believe this wiring was what caused the skids upon these trees?"

"In all likelihood, yes."

"Even if the wiring you've happened to come across is responsible for creating those marks, what point does it serve," Varlia questioned. "What are you trying to get at?"

"The path that reveals the conclusion," Shikamaru answered before tossing the bag her way. "Have a look for yourself, particularly at the ends on each side, what do you see?"

The others did the same which brought another discovery.

"Both ends show signs of burn." Kakashi said being the first to respond.

"Exactly, which means this small bit of wiring might have been connected to a larger batch at one point," Shikamaru deduced. "One which might have been long enough in length to cover this whole area."

"Skip the small details and get to the point," Nasol said with an impatience to express. "What does this all mean?"

"A deadly chain reaction which was set up by someone with a unique skillset for weaponry, the fact the wiring was placed at about eight feet high only supports this, an ideal location for the performed ambush," Shikamaru theorized. "To elaborate I believe someone set up a series of traps that were all tripped off all at once, stemming from launched kunai to explosives that were used as a means of preventing anyone from leaving this general area… thus leading to why no bodies were found past the trading grounds."

"With all things factored that's a nice little story you've whipped up Shika-san," Varlia complimented. "But where did you come to the possibility of explosives being used, do you have proof of some kind to support this?"

"First off the names Shikamaru, and second the evidence that you ask of is in your possession now," Shikamaru pointed. "I'm certain once that wiring is examined at the lab there will be signs of explosive residue to be found."

"Wow this guy is off the charts." Someone from behind whispered

"Yea, no kidding." Another agreed.

He then brought a hand to his chin as his thoughts on the matter continued.

"But there's still one thing that doesn't make sense, why here… why choose such an open spot to plan an attack when they could have lured all into the depths of the dark forest," Shikamaru questioned with a sudden pause. "There's a psychological imprint left to be unsolved with this one, maybe it's.."

Everyone stood in silence, high anticipation for what he was to say next. This spanned out for several moments before he spoke once again.

"This is, such a drag," Shikamaru finally spoke only to have many fall dumbfounded at the response given. "There's just too much left unanswered, for one where is the rest of the steel wire used in their tactic.. how exactly was everything set up to where success was assured?"

"I too was contemplating that very thing," Kakashi said. "An answer which may not come simply, but either way you've given us all a base to at least work with."

"Looks like we made the right decision in bringing you along." Naruto smilingly said giving him the thumbs up. "That's a win in itself."

"Thanks Naruto," Shikamaru acknowledged with a nod. "I appreciate that."

"So what happens now?" Nasol asked.

"Based on what Shikamaru has presented to us all I say we look into this matter based on the assumption what he said is true," Kakashi said in response. "If anything is found we'll report back to one another, with any luck we'll find something that will shed further light on this matter."

"That's a plan I can get behind," Nasol said seeing no problem in this. "I'll go ahead and update all other Shinobi on the situation."

And just like that the next step in the process began, everyone in attendance knowing exactly what they needed to do.

….

Their move had been made around the same time the sun cracked its first peak just as planned. They now found themselves walking amongst all others, studying their every move from the way they talked all the way to the way they lived. This was a process that proved to be insightful, gaining more knowledge on the matter than he had hoped for.

The cloaks they had pulled from a clothes line earlier proved to work wonders from a disguise standpoint, having no troubles with anyone approaching them about their presence there. What would come next was something he was unclear of; looking over to the one he walked aside to find out just that.

"So Batman, what happens now?"

Though a response didn't come immediately one was given after a couple steps more.

"Don't address me as that."

"Ok… did you want me to call you Bruce?"

"No," Bruce replied glancing over at him for a moment to pass. "As I told you before allies of ours could have unexpectedly been brought to this world, the same could be said about our enemies."

"I see," Superboy said coming to an understanding. "And if we go around using our names and they somehow spread that would be painting a target on ourselves."

"Exactly, which is why we'll need to go by different names entirely," Bruce said. "From here on out you'll refer to me as Gian… Gian Jellester."

"That won't be hard to remember," Superboy said. "But what about me, won't I need to travel under another name as well?"

"We'll reverse it Kon-El," Bruce said in response. ".. Elkon, Elkon Jellester."

"You know, I kinda like it," Superboy accepted. "It has a nice ring to it, so what are we… brothers, in the case someone asks."

"Cousins will service just fine."

"So what happens now?"

"Our top priority as it stands now," Bruce replied. "Getting settled."

There was much that could be taken from this, and though he didn't know what this meant he knew he'd soon learn.

….

It had truly only begun and yet the ending was yet so clear through their eyes. The finest of preparation had been put in; all that remained was for all to unfold in a domino fashion as he had planned it all to be. With a smile to release he spoke with a pleasure that could only be compared to that of new life coming to fruition after a time of fostering its very being.

"Yes, step one is finalized," He said with a soothing feeling inside. "Once the shinigami Kurosaki awakens he'll find that the first phase already in effect, he will prove to be one of our greatest assets when the dragon's hand is placed."

"And what of the decision concerning who will take control of the gate," A woman spoke from behind. "Have you chosen between the two as of yet?"

"That has yet to be determined, their encounter will reveal the truth to me," He spoke with a direct certainty. "Yes, the coming together of the boy of destruction and Uchiha Sasuke of Konohagakure will be most telling.. on more levels than one."

"And when will it all begin?"

"It already has my dear, and there will be no stopping it," He declared. "There will be no stopping us."

To Be Continued