Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 17

One of Many Secrets

The energy that emitted from the body was like no other, one which kept him frozen at the presence of where it came. What was he to do? Make the next move, or wait for this newcomer to play yet another hand. Their appearance was what brought a doubt in mind, one which he couldn't seem to set aside.

"Is this really the person we were sent to locate," Uryuu thought with a continued observation. "When I felt this guy's reiatsu before there was no way I was expecting to run into some, kid… or maybe, maybe this person is using some kind of mechanism to shield their true physical appearance?"

The more he thought about it, the stronger this idea reigned in his mind.

"So your name is Uryuu Ishida, never heard that one before," The amber eyed boy admitted. "But I guess that could be because I'm not from around here."

The fact he spoke once more without being confronted caught him by surprise. But it wasn't only that, there was a clear reminder tagged onto his words.

"Dammit.. this guy knows my name, I was careless to bring up my name to those three from before when I knew the holder of a reiatsu such as this was near," Uryuu thought in disgust with a subtle clutch of his fist. "Not to mention he has knowledge of my speed, I've yet to say anything directly to this guy and he's already a step ahead."

He took a deep breath as he continued with the collect of his thoughts.

"Ok, all I need to do is play the reactor from here on out, keeping it simple and to the point will prove key," Uryuu plotted. "The last thing I'd want to do is trip up any further."

With that said he eased the tension throughout his entire body, finding it in himself to put on a welcoming smile before finally deciding to speak.

"So you're not from around this area, I can relate," Uryuu said with his first move to make. "The village I'm from is a good distance away from where we stand now."

"Ditto on me," The boy informed. "I'm not from around here either, and to tell you the truth I'm not from any village for that matter."

"That's right, keep pouring out as much information as you can," Uryuu thought in mind in a pleasing fashion. "This will only reveal the truth, if there is anything to exploit in anything he says I'll find it."

After a brief period of silence he encouraged him to continue on.

"You said you weren't from any village," Uryuu attached to. "If that is the case, then where are you from?"

"A place much snazzier on all fronts," The boy replied. "But I don't really have the time for this, as much as I'd love to sit here and chat I can't."

"No, this can only mean he plans on leaving," Uryuu concluded. "I can't let this boy out of my sights."

With a casual step forward he spoke once more to see this through.

"Why is that," Uryuu asked referring back to his response. "Is there somewhere you have to be?"

"Not specifically, I'm actually in search of some friends of mine."

This was an opportunity he would not let slip past, seizing the moment with a proposition to give.

"Talk about coincidence," Uryuu said. "I'm actually supposed to meet with a couple friends myself in this area."

"Is that so?"

"No kidding," Uryuu replied with honesty. "Hey, what do you say the two of us search together?"

"Are you sure?"

"Why not," Uryuu inquired. "You said it yourself that you're not from around here with the same being true for me as well, we could only benefit from traveling together."

This was definitely something to consider, taking all but a couple of seconds before a response was given.

"You know, you kind of make a good point." The boy acknowledged.

"So what do you say?"

"Sure," the amber eyed boy replied. "I see no problem in the two of us traveling together."

"Excellent," Uryuu thought with the highest of joy. "Now all I have to do is lead this kid back to the others, and then then maybe we can call it a mission well complete."

It was with this moment that the individual from across turned for the left side.

"Follow me," the boy declared. "If I'm not mistaken this is the direction we'll come to find them."

"That works for me," Uryuu nodded in compliance. "You lead the way."

With this set the boy began turned back for the left once again, this time following this up with a move forward. It was now time in his mind, feeling as if the first stage in the task had been reached.

"This is it," Uryuu thought. "Now all I have to do is regroup with the others, question is… where are they?"

….

The call had been made over twenty minutes ago. It was only now that he was finally finding his way up the stairs leading to the meeting that had been highly anticipated, one which was predicted to come since returning from the last mission. The door was reached soon after, pulling it aside to find all who were expected to make an appearance already waiting.

"Shikamaru, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said pleased to join the two. "I'm glad to see that you're both already here, I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting too long."

"Not at all," Shikamaru assured. "I arrived myself no more than a minute ago."

"Now that you're all here we can now proceed with why I've asked you three to my office." Tsunade said gravitating all attention her way from where she sat behind the desk.

"We're listening." Kakashi said with the nod of his head.

Nothing needed to be added from the other two, it was clear they were just as attentive for what it was she had to share. With this determination made she continued on.

"It should come as no surprise why you three in particular were summoned."

"I take it this meeting has something to do with the latest mission?" Shikamaru guessed.

"That is correct," Tsunade confirmed. "And to start things off I'd like to first point out the positive feedback that was given regarding our involvement, they were particularly impressed with you and your assessment of the situation."

"Better make that us as well," Naruto added. "No way were any of us expecting Shikamaru to crack down the mystery of the attacks like he did."

"Tsunade-sama, has word come back on that wire," Shikamaru asked. "The one I discovered not far from the site itself?"

"Yes, Deminat-sama sent in the report himself."

"Deminat?" Kakashi questioned.

"Nasol Deminat," Tsunade clarified. "I'm certain you crossed path with him while on your journey."

"Oh yea, that was the first guy to approach us when we arrived." Naruto recalled.

"What did you think of him?"

"Very serviceable, it was clear he had been following the situation with a strong hand."

"Good," Tsunade said pleased to hear this. "Because he's someone from Iwagakure we of Konohagakure will be working closely with going forward on this matter."

"You mentioned Tasol-san was the one the one to send in a report on what was discovered on the wire," Shikamaru reminded. "What did the test results reveal?"

"It is as you had expected," Tsunade informed. "The wire taken in tested positive for explosive residue."

"I would be lying if I didn't say I was pleased to have my thoughts confirmed," Shikamaru said. "But even with that brought to the light there's still the question of where the remaining wire disappeared."

"Still holding onto that possibility I see." Kakashi said looking his way.

"It's a logical assumption to make," Shikamaru said in response to this. "The only lingering question left unanswered is where the rest of the wire used in the attack went to, I'm certain there was more."

"I'm inclined to agree," Kakashi sided. "There's no other way for explaining how the trail of marks found on those trees were created."

"It's because of your recent findings that I've asked for the appearance of you three," Tsunade informed. "Believe it or not there was another incident that occurred that we recently got word of, one which we believe might possibly be tied to the killings which occurred at the trading site with Iwagakure."

"What, when?" Naruto questioned.

"Details are being collected on the matter as we speak, a team of our own was sent out to investigate," Tsunade added. "One handpicked by myself."

"I don't understand," Shikamaru said expressing his confusion. "How does this recent occurrence relate to what happened at the trading site?"

"From my understanding several shinobi were found deceased at a location just a few miles outside of Tanigakure," Tsunade informed. "They were all attacked, by who or what is still unclear."

"Sounds like the Shadow Revenants alright." Naruto said voicing his opinion.

"Tell us," Kakashi said with a step forward. "Were there any survivors?"

"Yes, one," Tsunade said pleased to announce. "And they're bringing her back here for further questioning as we speak."

"How soon do expect their arrival?" Shikamaru asked.

"Within the next hour," Tsunade replied. "And when they do I'd like for you to gather all learned information and compare it with what was discovered at the trading site."

"Understood." Shikamaru nodded.

"Will that be all?" Kakashi asked.

"Yes, for now," Tsunade said before sitting up from the chair. "You three may now go, I'll summon you all back if necessary."

"We'll stay close," Kakashi assured while turning to face the two of them. "Alright, you heard her, let's get going."

There was no argument to come; both following after watching him take the first step out past the door. And though no words were exchanged they knew their mission had only begun.

….

The hours continued to drag with no resolve seemingly being anywhere close to being reached. This thought only pushed him further, wanting nothing short of an answer for what happened to all individuals who had vanished. There was very little information to go off of, making it hard to tack onto any leads. Hopefully all that would come to change with her latest discovery to make.

The door to the meeting room was reached within the next couple steps taken, pushing past to have it automatically slide off to the side. It was here that she came to find him sitting at the first chair on the right side of the table.

"Hal, are you the only one here?"

He immediately turned at the call of his name, surprised to find the person who now stood only a few feet away.

"Wonder Woman, what are you doing here," Green Lantern asked. "I thought you were at that warehouse searching the place along with Flash."

"Flash is more than capable of finishing up on his own," Wonder Woman said before surveying the rest of the room. "Where's Cyborg, I was told he'd be here."

"He and Superman both left a short time ago," Green Lantern informed. "Why, was there something you needed to ask of him?"

"Yes, there's something I think he should take an in depth look at."

With that said she reached down to her side to grab hold of a soft fabric bag which she then opened. It was here that a golden sphered shaped object was pulled from the bag, shinning bright in its complexion.

"What on Earth is that?" Green Lantern inquired while standing up from the chair.

"That is still unclear, but from what Flash was able to make of it this might in fact be something that was going to be used to power the machine Mirror Master was planning on using," Wonder Woman theorized. "However we can't be positive of this until this stone is fully analyzed."

"Leave it to me," Green Lantern said pressing down to his ear piece. "I'll get ahold of him right away."

He stood to his word, making the call with nothing more than a second to pass. Would this finally lead to the break they were hoping to gain, one which would lead them to the truth hidden away behind the mist?

…

There was nothing to see, all other senses paving the way for the picture that was now present on the mind. There was a softness to be felt underneath with a comforting warmth that weighed down upon his body. A blanket perhaps? This was the first possibilities to come, leading to the idea he was lying in a bed from the surface beneath. What surfaced next was a bickering sound coming from a short distance right, one which sounded as if steel was vibrating from unknown means.

There was another sound to be heard on the opposite side, one which was far subtler in voice. A strong scent only followed, finding its way past his nostrils with a message to give of its own.

"Is something cooking?"

His interest for the circumstances that surrounded him only peaked with this latest realization, forcing his eyes open to find he was indeed positioned on a bed. The room was relatively dark, the only visible light coming from the left side. He turned his head left with an urge to re-shut his eyes from the burn that could be felt. He pushed past this as best he could, finding his trail leading him to what emitted the only light to be found.

"A fire place."

His interest didn't stop there, sitting up from where he laid before looking to the right side to find to pots sitting atop a stove.

"That must be what I heard before."

The next moments brought a heart raising discovery, one which was ignited by what he came to find himself clothed in.

"These garments… they're identical to the ones obtained when using shikai."

No sooner than realizing this that he came to sight something very familiar sitting leaned to the wall on the right side of the fire place.

"That's my Zanpakutō," Ichigo determined more than certain of this. "What's it doing there, and more importantly what the hell is going on?"

This moment brought it all back in a flash.

"That's right, where's Inoue and Ishida," Ichigo thought. "Surely they're nearby."

Soreness flared throughout his entire body after pulling out from the bed, walking over to immediately take hold of his Zanpakutō. With his first step to take he noticed something else lying in that general area.

"My bag."

He quickly grabbed hold of it, wasting little in placing it upon his shoulders before turning to search the rest of the room.

"What is this place, was I brought here by someone," Ichigo inquired in mind. "And if so, why?"

His eyes traced the sides of the wall right wall, noting the several battle utensils to find. This ranged from shields and armor, to the several swords and apparent ninja shurikens that resided in place. The visual of this brought a gulp in response.

"Don't think I'm interested in waiting around to find out either."

The decision was spontaneous, looking in every direction until finally spotting a door a few feet away toward the left

"There's my ticket out of here."

He made a quick move for the door, pulling open to be greeted by the brightness of mid-day. He placed a hand over his eyes as he looked to the area ahead to find nothing but forest on all sides.

"Don't have time to be picky on which direction to take," Ichigo said before making a move right. "I can't sense Ishida nor Inoue's reiatsu, where could they be.. and how did I get in shikai, none of this makes any sense."

The leap taken resulted in him crossing paths with a group of leafs that fluttered into the opposite directing, finding them to be less than a distraction as he continued to press on. As he moved he glanced down to find a crack in his substitute shinigami badge.

"What?"

This was another question in itself, having no idea what this could possibly imply, or what would come of this. There were many questions now set, ones which would have to be placed on hold until he was a comfortable distance away from the cabin just left.

"What is going on?"

…

With one scene unfolding another found its way to the picture, a move which only added further depth to the matter. Thinking deep in the fashion that he currently found himself hanging on wasn't a normal occurrence, but there was something about the 'Shadow Revenants' that intrigued him. Whether it be of the super natural or a scheme pulled off by several individuals was still unclear. Either way it didn't matter, it was as if there was some unknown force gravitating his interest to this very mystery.

He found himself lost within the moment, paying no mind to those who walked along the path with his sights slouched downward.

"Naruto."

The call of his name along with the familiarity of her voice was enough to get him to look up at the person who now stood before him.

"Sakura-chan," Naruto said noticing the two books tightly held against her chest. "What's with the books?"

"I'm on my way to the library right now to return them," Sakura replied. "You seemed out of it just now, is everything alright?"

"I'm completely fine," Naruto convinced. "Was just thinking was all."

"About?"

"Our mission," Naruto replied standing straight in his stance. "The one we returned from this morning."

"Speaking of which, how did that go," Sakura asked. "I was planning on finding you later today."

"Unexpected, there's no other way of describing it," Naruto said with his hands now falling to the back of his head. "We set out to investigate a robbery and a couple murders, a small task which has now become complex at every corner."

"How so?" Sakura said voicing an obvious interest.

"I'm probably not the best one to ask," Naruto admitted. "Shikamaru or Kakashi-sensei would probably be better suited on explaining the whole ordeal, and besides I'm pretty sure Granny Tsunade will get around to telling you herself."

"I'll have to go and see her."

"I just came from her office a short time ago, I'm sure she's still there if you choose to stop by there," Naruto announced while dropping his hands down to his side. "Well, I guess I better be getting on my way."

"Where are you going?" Sakura asked while stepping aside to clear out a path.

"Home." Naruto answered now with his hands dropping into the pockets of his jacket.

That was the last word spoken. This wasn't typically how any of their conversations had gone. There was something subtle to be felt, wondering if it was something she should be worried about.

"Maybe he's just exhausted from the trip, I'm sure he'll be fine in the coming days."

She wrote it off as that before turning for the opposite direction, ready to continue on to her own destination.

…..

The journey had commenced in full. How many that passed since beginning was now lost to him. Where their path would end was anyone's guess, it was directionless walk in his mind no matter how you looked. For the person he was in search of could very well be the person who walked only a few feet ahead. Even with this being so there was still the task of keeping his intent secret while at the same time gaining as much on this individual as possible.

That moment brought a detail he had paid little mind to before, noticing a bag that could be found hanging on the boys back.

"I wonder what's inside," Uryuu thought. "Asking might only prompt him to become suspicious, that's the last thing I'd want to happen."

He kept his pace with each step taken, caught by surprise when the boy came to a sudden stop. He did the same, having no idea what to make of this.

"What's wrong?" Uryuu asked.

"If we weren't lost before, we're doubled that now," He replied. "I have not the slightest clue of where we are now, how about you?"

"Sorry, I'm not too familiar with this area myself."

"Complete epic fail to the height," The boy remarked before spinning around to face him. "We might as well go and find ourselves a travel guide."

"They have those around here?"

"Don't ask me, just an idea that raced to mind."

They were now engaged, a time which he found to be the perfect time to pose the question that had been sitting on the back of his mind sense meeting him.

"Hey, you mind if I ask you something?" Uryuu questioned.

"As long as this has nothing to do with shoe size, I'm open for discussion."

"Not even sure what that's supposed to mean," Uryuu said before proceeding with the question to ask. "Your name, what is it?"

"My name?"

"Yes, you know my name," Uyruu said quick to remind. "I'm curious as to what yours is."

"Ohhh."

"Oh, what," Uryuu questioned. "Does that mean you're going to tell me, or not?"

"It's a secret," The boy announced. "You'll have to come in close, I'd hate for anyone else to hear."

"But there's no one else here but us."

"You can never be too careful."

He stood frozen there for seconds before finally deciding to move forward.

"Does he know?"

This was the first of many thoughts that crawled to his mind, wondering if this individual had indeed caught onto the act that was being put on by himself. Maintaining a solid poise was important, not wanting to give the slightest hint of deception.

"Alright, this is it."

He stopped inches shy of reaching him, putting on a smile before presenting the question once more.

"So, what's your name?"

"Closer," The boy instructed with the wave of his hand. "Come in close, this will ensure the safety of my secret."

His guard was now at its max, leaning in as the kid whispered something in return.

"My name is.. Urmama."

"Ur.. what?" Uryuu questioned.

This only brought about a wave of laughter, planting his hand to the top of his head before speaking once again.

"Totally couldn't resist myself dude, if at all I had to do that at least once in my life." He said with the removal of his hand from atop his head.

"That wasn't your real name?"

"Nope, my true name stems from the top leagues Allen back where I'm from." The boy announced giving the go ahead thumbs up. "Leaving me with the title as the second."

"Your name is Allen?"

"Yes," He confirmed with the brashest of grins that told a story in itself. "Bart Allen."

To Be Continued