Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 18

A Foreseen Cross

After minutes of nonstop travel there was now a comfort to be felt as it pertained to distance. With the next tree passed he found his way to the grounds below, looking from one end of the forest to the other to find that he was completely alone. An additional check was made into the direction from which he traveled from, wanting to be certain that he was not followed.

"Looks like I'm all clear."

His mind set immediately shifted to the next question of them all, glancing down at the cracked shinigami badge that now resided in his left hand.

"Now that I recall I do remember attempting to transform, yes, it was after hearing all commotion when the three of us were strolling along," Ichigo tangled in thought. "That's when things went.. blank."

This thought only caused him to raise the badge in position, wondering if he should attempt to use it once again.

"There should be no harm in at least trying, if anything maybe I'll be taken back to wherever Inoue and Ishida are."

He took a couple shallow breaths before proceeding, closing his eyes as the attempt was made. Once reopening them he came to find himself still in the same position as before.

"What, nothing happened," Ichigo said in disbelief. "This has never happened before."

This resulted in him looking to the substitute shinigami badge once again with more questions to ask than before.

"Could this have something to do with the crack in the badge itself," Ichigo noted as he now brought it to eye level. "And if so how am I supposed to get it fixed, no doubt something I'll have to bring up to Captain Hitsugaya the next time I see him."

The badge was then lowered back down to his side, leaving him with one clear objective to follow.

"Regardless of the circumstances, finding the others is top priority," Ichigo closed out. "Locating the person we were sent here to find will have to wait."

With a decision made he took a step into the direction where he planned to continue his journey. The fourth step taken brought him to a halt, feeling a sudden movement from the strap on his shoulders.

"It's coming from my bag," Ichigo quickly determined. "But what is it?"

Curious as to what was the cause of the movement from within the bag he removed it from his shoulder. Once accomplished he pulled the zipper wide to find what lied inside.

"What do we have here, is that a.."

His reaction was almost spontaneous, releasing the bag from his hand as he lunged back with high force just in time to escape the explosion that ignited moments. It left a cloud of fog in its way, peaking around the corner of the tree he had used as shelter with only one thing to say.

"What the hell," Ichigo expressed angrily. "No doubt that timed explosive was placed in my bag in the case I tried leaving, but why… if whoever placed me in that cabin wanted me dead why not see the deal through while I was asleep?"

There wasn't much he could make of the situation at hand, standing up from where he kneeled before dusting himself off.

"I better be extremely cautious going forward, there's no telling what obstacles will be presented."

With that noted his eyes fell to the ground where he saw a long piece of cloth which he quickly came to find belonged to him.

"It must have slipped off just now."

He reached down to grab it in that instance, wasting no time in springing it back around his Zanpakutō. It was after doing this that he noticed a torn map of some kind lying on the turf at his feet.

"That's the map that was given to me by Captain Hitsugaya before coming here," Ichigo said recognizing it almost immediately. "Looks like it's been blown in half due to that explosion."

Feeling it might serve a purpose at some point he reached down to grab hold of it.

"No telling when this might come in handy."

He then looked forward, knowing it was now time to progress.

"No telling what's ahead, I'll have to keep my eyes peeled."

But even with that said there was no clear path or destination for which to foresee he'd reach, knowing this fully as he pressed on once more. This time only more alert than he had been before.

….

There was no doubt about it, her interest had been tapped into. The books that were carried before were returned, now leaving her with the opportunity to learn more on the matter herself. She now found herself within a minute of reaching her office, anticipation only heightening with each additional step to take. The door to the room was reached soon, taking a small step forward with a light knock to the door.

To her surprise this caused the door to open, looking directly across to find the one she wished to speak with sitting at the large desk with very few papers sitting out across the desk. It took very little time for her presence to be felt.

"Sakura-chan, what are you doing here?" Tsunade asked after sighting standing in the doorway.

"There's something I wanted to ask," Sakura replied. "Is now a good time?"

"Well, I'm actually expecting someone."

"Expecting someone?"

That moment brought the feel of someone stepping up past her left side, looking that way to see who had entered the room.

"Sakura-chan, I had no idea you were going to be here." Shikamaru said removing his hands from his pockets upon locking eyes with hers.

"I was actually just on my way out." Sakura announced shifting back for the hall.

"No, I want you to stay." Tsunade said in response to this.

"Are you sure?" Sakura asked facing her once more.

"Yes, there's not too many others I'd choose over you to handle this next task."

"A task?"

"I'll explain soon enough," Tsunade promised while easing back in the chair. "Shikamaru-kun, I called you here to give you an update about your recent travels."

"I'm listening."

"That wiring that you came to discover not only had explosive residue present as mentioned before, and after further examination it would seem there was more than just that," Tsunade began. "There were minerals to find, sand particles that are only found in."

"Sunagakure." Shikamaru guessed.

"Yes," Tsunade confirmed. "With this known detail we can assume that the wiring and explosives used in the assault originated from that region."

"I see," Shikamaru said beginning to catch on. "And you want me to travel to Sunagakure to investigate."

"No, your efforts are needed here," Tsunade replied. "I personally want you to question the lone survivor of this latest incident when they arrive back with the unit that was sent out."

"Then who will be the one to go to Sunagakure?"

"I've already made my decision," Tsunade said looking her way. "Sakura-chan, you will be the one to travel to Sunagakure."

Her surprise couldn't be any more obvious upon learning this.

"Me," Sakura inquired with a doubt heard. "But I have limited knowledge pertaining to the details surrounding this situation."

"Choji is more than capable of explaining all there is to know," Tsunade said. "After all he was the first I appointed to handle this specific task."

"Where is he now?"

"At home preparing for the journey ahead, he's already been given the details for what the two of you will be searching for," Tsunade replied. "You should probably head home as well, I would like for you both to depart within the next two hours."

"Does he know I've been chosen to join him?"

"Not yet, I'll send someone to alert him."

"I'll do it," Shikamaru volunteered. "I was planning on going down that way anyway."

"Just make sure you can be reached at sun down," Tsunade said. "I'm expecting the unit to be back within that time frame."

"Loud and clear."

"Very well," Tsunade said leaning forward. "You know your assignments, you may now go."

"We won't disappoint." Sakura said with her last words to give.

She smiled after hearing this.

"I have no doubt."

That brought the meeting to an end, both walking out the same way they had come in leaving the room to return to the silence it had been before. With the two now cleared from the room there was only one thing that lingered on the mind.

"What is going on?"

…..

Was this the truth, was the name spoken truly his name? There was no deception to be seen in his eyes nor in his form. But even then there was a suspicion to be felt, one which he hid away with a smile taking center stage.

"So Bart-kun, what village are you from?" Uryuu asked getting straight to the point.

"Village," Bart said rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not from any village, to tell you the truth I'm not from this place altogether if that makes any sense."

"What?"

"I've told several others that I've crossed the same thing, but no one seems to believe me," Bart said in a convincing fashion with his hands falling to his sides. "I don't know how to explain it."

"Wait, slow down," Uryuu interjected. "By place do you mean region?"

"Well, it's a little more complex than that."

The shift in tone could not be mistaken, one which told a story in itself. But was what he hinted at the truth, or was this nothing but a means of hiding their true intent? There was no real way to tell. But regardless tagging along no matter which was true was all that was on his mind, taking a step forward with the next question.

"Alright then," Uryuu said ready to listen. "Where is it you're from?"

…..

With every high seemed to bring another down. After a time of investigating another level to reach on the investigation had been met. But with all who were missing there was little resolve to be met. It was in this time that he took his travels to a very familiar location, always welcomed by the many bats that occupied the darkened area. He lightly touched down to the surface, looking directly ahead to where the large computer monitor stood.

"Grayson, how have you been taking all of this?"

He turned in the seat for which he sat in to lay his eyes on the man who the world had come to know as one of Earth's mightiest.

"I had a feeling you would soon come," Dick said standing up from the chair. "And I'm also certain you didn't come here strictly to check in on me."

"A fair assumption," Superman admitted. "I mainly came to update you on the matter, something was found at the site where Mirror Master was operating from."

"I'm listening." Dick said shifting to face him in full.

"A gem, one which emitted gold in complexion," Superman began. "From the energy being released from the gem after examining it we believe its origin fits into the category of some kind of battery."

"Like a power source?"

"Exactly."

"I see," Dick said bringing a hand to his chin. "And do you think there is a connection to make between this gem you speak of and the disappearance of some of our closest comrades?"

"I'd like to think so, but at this time we can't be too sure," Superman replied. "At this point we're at a bit of a touch and go."

"What about the missing, is there anyone else to add?"

"Unfortunately," Superman confirmed. "Shazam was looking into a matter just outside of Central City the night of the incident."

"And?"

"No one's heard from him since," Superman reported. "I've personally searched for him on numerous occasions and have come up empty each and every time."

"That's definitely a big hit to take."

"But enough about that," Superman said looking to shift topics. "How have things been going here, how have you been adjusting?"

"Fairly well considering."

"Have you gotten in contact with Red Robin?"

"Not yet, which isn't surprising," Dick said. "The last we spoke he was getting ready to head into an undercover mission, once that happens he's one of the harder guys to trail."

"But surely he's become aware of the situation by now, which in turn would certainly have him return."

"I have no doubt that he will when it's most convenient pertaining to his current situation."

"I can't imagine how things will unfold if those in Gotham realize the absence of.. 'Batman'," Superman spoke shallowly. "Have you given any thought to that?"

"All that matters is returning things to normal," Dick replied sidestepping the question. "All else is secondary."

"Until then you know if you're ever in need of assistance of any kind."

"Yea, I know," Dick said understanding completely. "I won't hesitate to call."

"Just wanted to make that clear," Superman said turning back into the direction from where he had come. "I'll keep you posted with any learned information."

"Ditto," Dick said in response. "You'll be the first to know if there's anything that finds its way to my radar."

"I'm open twenty four," Superman announced. "You can call anytime."

A simple nod came in response, sparking the end of the small chat between the two. Deep down they both knew there would be another to come, how soon was uncertain.

…..

All that came to mind that she felt would be needed was grabbed, stashing it away with all other necessary utilities that had already been packed. This took all but a few minutes, tightening the band around her head with all else now in place. It was now time. The cloak lying atop the bed was placed on, knowing in all likelihood it would be needed for her travels.

Once this was accomplished the packed bag was placed over her shoulders, closing out all that was required for the journey ahead. A deep breath was taken after those first steps, wondering just what it was this task would lead. She became lost in thought for several moments, fading back into reality as she found herself in arm's length of the front door.

The nob was turned with a simple tug which slid it wide, greeted by the cool evening breeze that brushed past in a welcoming fashion. It was also here that she came to sight him standing where the sidewalk was to be found.

"Choji-kun, you're here."

"You sound surprised." Choji replied as he watched her walk his way.

"Not entirely, I just wasn't expecting you to be waiting on me," Sakura admitted. "I assume Shikamaru gave you the word that I've been chosen to join you?"

"You bet, he stopped by about ten minutes ago" Choji confirmed. "And once we finished up I came here to meet you, but enough about that, if you're ready like you appear to be what do you say we get going?"

"I'm about as ready as I'm ever going to be," Sakura declared. "But before we get moving I was hoping you could give me a little clarification."

"About?"

"The mission," Sakura answered. "I've been given limited information for what it is we'll be looking for once we reach Sunagakure."

"Is that right?"

"Lady Tsunade said you'd be able to detail the circumstances in full."

"Rundowns have never been my thing," Choji said crossing his arms. "But since it's a rather simple task it shouldn't be too hard to put into perspective."

"Great," Sakura said delighted to hear. "The less than clarity on the situation is tugging at me."

"Given that we're on a bit of a time basis what do you say we go over the details on the way there?"

"That works fine with me."

"Good," Choji said glancing into the distance. "Sunagakure here we come."

…

The amount of time that passed since this round of uncertain travel was something that had completely fallen from the mind. Whether a day or three had passed was something that didn't register completely, and nor did it matter. In their mind all that mattered was finding a means to uncovering the truth behind the current predicament they found themselves intertwined with. The device strapped to their wrist activated without warning, displaying what appeared to be radar of some kind.

With nothing to lose they trailed the point of emphasis, hoping their arrival would reveal answers rather than present further questions. The sun was now a short length away from falling off the lands edge, knowing it was only a matter of time before night made its call. This only caused them to push in their efforts, feeling it would be beneficial if the destination was reached before this came to pass.

"Almost there."

A feel excitement came with this discovery, looking down at the radar every so often as the distance was closed. A group of birds flew overhead into the opposite direction while pressing on, not disturbing them in the least. With a burst of speed a leap was made past a pair of stacked bushes, swiftly touching down after falling a notable distance deeper into the forest itself.

They were now completely surrounded on all sides, no direction to have the absence of a towering tree standing guard. This didn't bother them in the least, taking this very moment to look down at the device upon their wrist which formed a menacing grin.

"I'm here."

It was here that they looked down to the ground beneath them to discover a squared shaped device which blinked a bright red.

"What's this.. a trap?"

Before any move could be made to evade the possible their attempt was countered by the sound of a robotic voice.

"So it seems none other the master martial artist herself has joined the fray," The unidentified person spoke. "So nice of you to join Sandra Wu-san, or would you prefer I addressed by Lady Shiva?"

"Who are you, identify yourself."

"Well of course."

With no delay to pass a large figure along with a smaller stepped from behind one of the nearby trees, clearly neither having a problem in revealing themselves to her. One look at the walking humanoid steel man and the other standing next to him was all it took, there was no mistaking who the two of them were.

"Metallo, Mirror Master."

"In the flesh, so to speak." Metallo confirmed in a joking matter.

"Were you followed?" Mirror Master inquired.

"Of course not." Shiva replied assured of this.

His words were followed by that of the appearance of another, watching as someone stepped out from the tree that was directly next to the one he had appeared from behind. It was a woman, one who wore a white Noh mask that completely covered her entire face. Who it was at first glance would have been hard to predict but after noticing her lively hair which resembled that of snakes there was no mistaking who it was.

"Medusa," Lady Shiva said upon realizing. "Why am I not surprised, after all you both were there for the weapons talk."

"I only came because of an outside agreement," Medusa declared. "What was being discussed at that gathering held no direct interest to me."

"These armbands were given to us before we were allowed entryway into the facility where the meeting was held," Lady Shiva said referring to the ones currently worn by all in attendance. "Would I be right in assuming you were the one to create them?"

"That's a fair assumption." Mirror Master replied not denying the claim.

"Were you also the one who activated the radar on these things to lure us all to this location?"

"That I didn't do, and to be honest they shouldn't even be working being that I've yet to hone in on any wireless signal since arriving here," Mirror Master denied. "And before you ask, no, I was not the one responsible for exporting us to wherever it is we currently are.. at least not intentionally."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well from what I've gotten from his earlier statements, I'd say the weapon he was getting ready to present at the show played a hand in these proceedings." Metallo said.

"That begs the question," Lady Shiva said looking him dead in the eye. "What was this weapon you were preparing to share with all who made an appearance at that warehouse?"

"A highly sophisticated railgun, to explain its use can't be summarized in a simple line of words," Mirror Master detailed. "Only by showing all first hand of its capabilities would a clear explanation be cemented to the mind."

"I don't know if it's just me," Lady Shiva expressed a change in tone with her hands falling to her sides. "But how is a railgun of any kind going to amount to the results that have placed us in a predicament such as this?"

"Not the railgun itself, but rather the Klarax piece." Mirror Master clarified.

"What's this Klarax you speak of?" Medusa questioned.

"The power core in which the railgun would have operated on," Mirror Master replied. "I don't expect any of you to understand, so I wouldn't waste your time doing so at this point in time."

"So if you're not the one responsible for bringing us all to this terrain or luring us to this specific using these wrist bands, then who is?" Lady Shiva questioned.

…

The longer he went on, the more subconsciously lost he began to feel. No matter how much he focused, their reiatsu's couldn't be traced. The lingering thought of this only made him become more irritated. Not only was he uncertain of where and what condition his comrades were in, but there was no real standings to where he was either.

By this time there was no trees to be seen in the near distance, nothing but the rocky ground below. With all thoughts on a seemingly endless rollercoaster his eyes locked onto something just as he was to pass it.

"What's that?"

He stopped in that instant, walking up to the object that had been crammed into the ground.

"It's a sign depicting the region," Ichigo said upon further review. "Hold on."

He reached down to grab hold of the half torn map that had been tucked away, holding out to the sign to draw a comparison.

"The land of rivers," Ichigo read before setting his sights to the map. "Let's see if what's left of this guide pictures this region."

To his pleasure it didn't take long to get an answer, pleased to see it stamped in bold print upon the map.

"Excellent, at least now I have a good feel for where I am," Ichigo said now giving the map an in depth look. "Question is where do I go from here."

This was given several moments to think over, deciding with the route which would possibly get him within reach of his friends the fastest.

"I don't know what happened while I was unconscious, but chances are Ishida and Inoue would have gone to a place where people could be found if they're conducting the search," Ichigo said touching down to a location on the map. "This village here looks to be the closest for where I stand now, which means that's where I'm going."

He stared at the printed name for seconds; certain this is where his journeys would take him next.

"Tanigakure it is."

To Be Continued