Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 19

One Wave before the Wipeout

The sun had long past, leaving them with nothing but the moon hanging from high above as the main source to help guide their path. The sky was particularly clear tonight, not a single cloud to be found in sight which only helped things further. The clarity in the way the stars shined was most notable. It was this visual that had captivated her attention for the past several minutes, it was comforting even.

"It's so beautiful."

The distance from where the stars stood served as reminder of her own predicament, beginning to wonder.

"Ishida, Kurosaki-kun… where are you?"

There was no telling what answer would come given the truth. It was this unknown that scared her the most. Wanting to keep this very thing off of her mind she looked forward to the person who walked only a few feet ahead.

"Tee-chan."

This resulted in her stopping with the next step to take, turning around to face her with a puzzled look set on display.

"Tee?"

"Is it alright if I address you that way," Orihime shyly asked with a brief pause. "I didn't think you'd mind, so well I.."

"It's perfectly fine," Tenten conquered. "I don't mind that one bit, is there something else you wanted to ask"

"Yes," Orihime replied. "I was wondering how much longer it'd be before we arrived at.."

"Konohagakure?"

"Yes," Orihime replied. "I forgot the name for a moment there."

"It's no big deal," Tenten said not bothered in the least. "And to answer your question we've just arrived."

"What, we have?"

"Come," Tenten instructed with the wave of her hand while turning back for the road ahead. "You'll see."

They followed closely behind those who lead the way, watching as they pushed past several branches that hung from the trees above. They did the same shortly after, maneuvering around the branches which covered their view from what was ahead.

"This is it," Tenten announced. "Welcome to Konohagakure."

All was taken in with that initial look. Her eyes surveyed from one side to the other as they began walking once again, sealing all noticed features that came to sight. The entrance point to the city itself came into view soon after, clearly able to see several who apparently waiting for their arrival. It was also at this time that she realized it was only a matter of time before she would be questioned again. This brought a lot to consider, beginning to contemplate on how she would respond this time around.

Would she stick with the story that had been given before? And if so how long would she be able to maintain before someone becomes suspicious? This and more circulated through her mind as they neared, watching as one of the individuals who stood amongst all stepped forward to greet them.

"You've finally returned, we've been expecting you."

"Shikamaru," Tenten said clearly not expecting him. "What are you doing here."

"Helping to oversee this operation of course," Shikamaru replied. "We believe this latest incident is tied with the incident that occurred nights ago at one of Konohagakure's trading points."

"How so?"

"I'll explain later, on another note I was given the word there was one survivor from this latest attack," Shikamaru said focusing his attention to the girl who stood left of her. "Am I to assume this is the one?"

"Yes," Tenten confirmed. "Her name is Inoue Orihime, however outside of her name it seems she's suffered a degree of amnesia."

"What's that?"

"It is how it sounds, she can't remember what happened at the time of the attack," Tenten detailed. "How much else she has forgotten is another question in itself."

"I see," Shikamaru said pausing for that moments. "Let's leave it be for now, we'll pick up with the questioning process sometime tomorrow, a little rest always helps to bring out the fainter details."

"I couldn't agree more, some sleep is all it might take to help jump her memory." Tenten said.

"Either way there's a lot that is taking place," Shikamaru said. "For one while you were away Sakura and Choji were both sent to investigate a possible lead out in Sunagakure in regards to that analyzed cord found, no more than thirty minutes after their departure Hinata, by Lady Tsunade's command was sent after them to help assist."

"Why the late decision?"

"She felt the extra person might be needed, and found her to be the most viable option," Shikamaru replied. "Whether she's caught up to the two of them by now is another question in itself."

"To my knowledge you were the one to discover that cord at the trading site," Tenten asked. "If anyone should have been sent to join them it should have been you."

"For obvious reasons that choice was not made, my task as of now is to collect all information from your latest travels and compare it with what we already have," Shikamaru explained. "Maybe that will get us a step closer to unraveling the truth behind this all."

"Then I better tell you everything we learned," Tenten said. "It might not be much, but perhaps you can make something of it."

"Don't bother, you go on ahead and get our guest situated for the night," Shikamaru instructed in response. "I'll collect all needed information from one of the others."

There was no need for debate concerning this, agreeing completely with the decision.

"Very well," Tenten said. "Follow me Orihime-chan, it's time."

Before complying in full she stepped in front of him before bowing her head.

"It was a pleasure to meet you." Orihime politely commented.

"To you as well," Shikamaru smilingly replied. "Now go and get some rest, I'm sure it will prove serviceable."

She nodded, walking past him just as Tenten had done moments prior. Where they were now going was another question in itself, one which she would soon come to learn. But even with this small sense of stability there was still that empty space, one which wondered of the wellbeing of two of her closest friends. Whether they both were ok was something she could only hope.

….

The question loomed large over all. Not one person who stood amongst the group didn't inquire the thought of it in mind. It was now closing in on five minutes since the last words had been spoken. There was now a growing feeling that this wait would prove futile, and if that were to be the case she didn't feel the need to stand around any longer.

"I've had enough, standing here any longer will only result in redundancy." Medusa asserted while stepping out from the tree she stood under.

"I disagree," Mirror Master openly stone walled. "Someone obviously set it to where we would all meet here at once, aren't you at least interested to find out why?"

"My interest was lost several minutes ago," Medusa declared as she turned for the darkness of the forest. "If this was so important don't you think whoever set this all into motion would have been here by now?"

"I would assume so," Mirror Master admitted. "But perhaps the group is incomplete; what if there are others that have yet to trace the signal to our current location."

"You might have a point," Lady Shiva acknowledged. "But even still, this wait is becoming rather unbearable."

"Even if it is, ask yourselves this," Mirror Master said looking to each and every one of them. "If you choose to leave where will you go, as far as I can tell you all seek answers to our current standings just as much as myself."

"Mirror Master's right," Metallo said not able to agree anymore. "There would be no point to leaving now, not when there's a chance we can get some clarity to where we are and how we got here."

"Something I'm sure none of us can't gather for ourselves with a little searching around." Medusa claimed before beginning her walk into the darkness that awaited.

Her attempt was cut short after only a step taken, watching as an ice wall was spanning over twelve feet in height was created. It didn't stop there, continuing its circular path until all four of them were locked away within that very limited perimeter they found themselves in.

"What is this?!" Medusa bellowed in a commanding matter.

Her uproar in voice was met by that of childlike laughs from nearby, angrily looking that way to find someone sitting atop the ice wall clear on the other side. The others did the same, knowing exactly who it was upon laying eyes on her.

"Killer Frost," Metallo said slightly taken back by this development. "No way I was expecting you'd be here."

"I see all participants have arrived in one peace," She noted with the sway of her long frost hair from one shoulder to the other. "And since that is the case I don't see why we can't proceed."

"With those comments you make it sound as if you were the one to set this all up," Mirror Master voiced. "I've seen your track record; no way can you convince me that this was all your doing."

"A fair assumption."

"So if you're not working alone, then where's the other who helped in this scheme of yours?" Lady Shiva asked.

"Not as much of a scheme as it is a mission," Killer Frost corrected before leaping down to join them all on ground level. "A mission that can only be fulfilled by the cooperation of all of you."

This statement caught them all by surprise, looking to one another before directing all attention back to her.

"And what would this mission require of us," Medusa asked. "And more importantly, how will agreeing to join you benefit us?"

"In more ways than you can imagine," Killer Frost assured. "However to answer your first question to the degree you'd want would require that you follow me."

"And where is it you'd be leading us?" Mirror Master asked crossing his arms not yet fully convinced.

"To the place instructed of course." Killer Frost replied before turning to face the ice wall from behind.

With the ball up of her fist one hampering strike was released, shattering the wall on contact.

"You're free to follow if you so choose," Killer Frost said walking past the now open area. "I can promise it won't be a waste of your time."

The four of them looked on for seconds as she slowly began to vanish into the darkness ahead.

"I'm in," Metallo said being the first of the group to press on. "I for one am interested in the proposition."

"Hmph." Mirror Master huffed before following as well.

"I don't see the harm in it," Lady Shiva said. "After all there is no real purpose to standing here or wondering off to someplace else with no clear direction to where."

Her decision had been made as well, leaving only one of the four who stood stone still with a high doubt in mind. But even with this doubt she had no clear mind for what would come if a decline was decided. It was with this thought that pushed her forward, ultimately deciding to follow all others.

"I don't have the slightest good feeling about this."

…..

How much time had passed since beginning their journey became lost to the mind. By this time it was in the thick of the night, raising the question of how much longer they'd travel before calling it a night. This thought had loomed on his mind for the last half hour or so, now ready to question just that as he looked to the one who had lead for a majority of the trip thus far.

"Sakura-chan," Choji spoke calling for a reaction. "How much longer do you wish to travel before we camp it for the night?"

"Just a little further," Sakura replied. "The more ground we cover now while it's cool, the easier it will make our trip in the long run."

"Point well taken, but even then rest is just as important," Choji said quick to remind. "Especially when it comes to handling a mission like the one we're currently dealing with, you never know when something unexpected might occur."

"That's something to always keep into consideration," Sakura said in response to this claim. "No matter if you're on a mission or performing a routine search."

"I guess you're right."

A cool breeze pushed through the cracks of the trees, whistling a light tune which rang to their ears. It was a pleasant gathering, comforting even. It was with the second wave of air that brushed their cheeks that brought an odor in its wake, bringing her to high alert.

"Choji-kun," Skaura said with the raising her right hand with an immediate stop. "Wait."

He did as asked, turning to find the look of concern on her face that couldn't be any more apparent.

"What's wrong?" Choji whispered.

"That odor.. do you smell it?"

It was not only the look given but the tone in her voice that touched this down as something of importance. With that crawling into mind he focused all to his sense of smell, taking only moment for a subtle yet distinctive scent to sink its way through.

"Decay..," Choji spoke quietly. "But what could it mean?"

"I don't have to tell you to move with extreme caution from here."

"Sakura-chan, are you sure about this," Choji said with a doubt in voice. "What if this has something to with the group they've come to call the Shadow Revenants, if that is the case there's no telling what we could be up against."

"That isn't confirmed, and besides the only way to gain ground on anything is to challenge it head on," Sakura declared before walking once again. "Stay close."

"I really don't like this."

Even with an uncertainty looming large he followed her lead, now staying full aware of all that surrounded them on all sides. The moon peered through the tops of the trees, giving them a shed of lighting which helped guide the way. Her nerves were now fluctuating from end to end, but even with this a solid mind was kept. Something zipped by from above, rolling focus that way to find it was only a bird.

All eyes fell back to the area ahead after deeming the discovery un-harmful. The touch of the breeze came once again, only this time caressing the sides of her neck, bringing a heightened scent of a decaying odor. Tension rose with each move made, a slight shift in her breathing pattern was eminent at this point. The largest tree approached all night thus far came into view in those coming moments, taking in the smell that only gained.

"We're close."

There was no doubt about it. Whatever was giving off the odor in question was near, certain it was only a matter of time before she would come to learn what it was. They found themselves within a step of the tree a short time after, making a move around it to lay their eyes on a scene that could only be compared to that of the aftermath of a battle, or visiting a morgue. There were many lying bodies to be found in the small area of forest they now found themselves gazing over.

"What in the world happened here?" Choji said shocked by what they came to discover.

There was not a single motion to find from any of those who they had come upon, a clear indication that all had already passed.

"Only one way to find out," Sakura said before advancing forward. "Stay here and watch my back, if I need you I'll signal for your assistance."

"Loud and clear." Choji said falling in favor of the decision.

The possibility of the one responsible being close was still a possibility, keep this thought at large as she proceeded to move forward on what was laid out before her. Three steps was all it took to bring her into the light emitted from the moon, glancing down at the first body to have her fears confirmed. No move needed to be made, it was clear they were already gone, staring into their bold eyes to find all life had already faded.

She kneeled down to the nameless man's side, closing the lids to his eyes knowing there was still one final task to be fulfilled. The cause of death, how had he died? She immediately went to work on finding out the answer to this, checking his right wrist to feel an awaking cold.

"Whatever the cause this man has been dead for at least an hour."

It was after determining this that she came to find a wide sever across his neck from one end to the other, a sight which revealed the answer she sought.

"He was strangled," Sakura deduced while continuing her examination. "His band is that of Tanigakure, he must have been from the land of rivers."

She then looked to the other bodies that covered the space, wanting to determine the total in deceased.

"There's twelve in all," Sakura counted. "But who could have done this, and for what reason?"

It was an answer she knew wouldn't come without resolve of her own. She stood back to her feet, gradually making her way from one body to the next to find all sported the Tanigakure insignia and were killed in similar fashion. She stopped once reaching the final body, readying herself to kneel down to have a closer look only to have her name called.

"Sakura-chan, look out!" A familiar voice warned from above.

She turned at the sound of this to see her drop down from one of the nearby trees.

"Hinata-chan, what are you doing here?"

"No time to explain," Hinata pointed. "There's someone behind that tree!"

She looked to where she had pointed just in time to see someone step out. What she came to find was a man wearing a black wide brim bladed hat which covered his facial appearance, coupled in with the darkness of the forest made it impossible to identify who it was. The rest of his body was covered by a dirty and beat down cloak. It was with all things considered that her inner instincts kicked in.

"Wait, I can explain." The hatted man said holding up his hands.

It was too late, she had already launched herself forward with the extension of her right arm. Her fist came within inches of his head in less time then she could comprehend, almost feeling the contact before it was even made. But with the blink of an eye all tides turned as she witnessed him swiftly dodge to the right with the grab of her arm all while in the process of getting behind her. Before another breath could be taken her headband was forced over her eyes with the use of what she presumed to be his left hand.

"Are all shinobi as blood stricken as you, or is it only those of Konohagakure?"

His whispers sent a cold streak down her spine, feeling the warmth of his breath as his grip on her arm tightened.

"Release her at once!" Hinata commanded as she charged toward him.

"Not how I was expecting my evening to go." He admitted.

Her eyes had been taken away from her by her own shinobi headband, feeling the strength in his upper body as he lifted her with what seemed to minimal effort, feeling herself launched forward into the direction of where the pleas of her ally had come.

"Perfect." The hatted man said as he watched the two collide with one another.

"That's enough," Choji said making a move toward him as well. "This ends now!"

"Don't bother," The hatted man stated before turning to run. "You should probably check on your comrades, best to make sure they're ok."

He stopped at this statement, watching as the hatted man disappeared into the night after leaping over a strand of stacked bushes.

"Dammit, he got away."

He knew deep down it was his hesitation that cemented the ultimate outcome. This was quickly shook off, turning his focus to his friends and allies who were now in the process of getting back up.

"Sakura-chan are you alright?" Hinata asked helping her to her feet.

"Where is he?!" Sakura bellowed angrily after pushing her headband back into place.

"He went that way," Choji conveyed pointing left from where he stood only to have her take off in that direction. "Sakura-chan, wait!"

There would be no stopping her, not when her mind had already been made. She picked up in speed with each step, leaping over the bushes standing before her with ease, planting the landing in full stride as she pursued after the man they had encountered.

"Now that was embarrassing," Sakura said finding it tough to swallow. "But more importantly, this guy might have had something to do with the death of those other shinobi, I can't let him get away."

Even with adrenaline running at its peak she managed to keep a clear mind, knowing that she could possibly be steering right into a trap. Staying sharp was the only way to avoid this, feeling the burn in her legs as she tried pushing herself even further. No matter how hard she drove herself the unavoidable came to pass, finally stopping after exhausting herself with nothing to show for it.

She gasped for air, feeling the disappointment creeping in to the depths of her pride. This was soon followed up by the sound of someone coming from behind, having a good idea for who it was.

"There she is, we found her," Choji said delighted to see. "And in one piece thankfully."

"Where's that boy you were chasing," Hinata asked. "Did he get away?"

"Unfortunately," Sakura sourly confirmed while looking toward her. "Either he's really fast, or he's hiding it out in this area somewhere."

"You shouldn't have taken off like that," Choji said stepping up to her side. "The last thing we need to be doing right now is getting separated from one another, that would put us at an extreme disadvantage if a surprise attack were to come."

"You're right, I'm sorry," Sakura openly apologized. "I just didn't want that guy to get away, especially since he might have had something to do with what happened to those shinobi back there."

"And with his escape there's a chance we might not ever find out what he was doing there."

"I wouldn't jump to such a conclusion just yet."

"What do you mean?"

"The victims, besides the cause of death they all shared one thing in common," Sakura stated. "Tanigakure."

"Tanigakure?" Hinata questioned.

"Yes, the shinobi bands worn by each of them gave this away," Sakura replied. "And if that guy we encountered is associated with the deceased there's an open chance he's from Tanigakure as well."

"Are you implying that's where we're going to go," Choji asked. "That wasn't exactly tacked on in the mission briefing."

"And yet if we don't the death of those shinobi will simply be looked upon as another unsolved mystery, one which will no doubt get placed in the uprising 'Shadow Revenants' category," Sakura explained. "This incident could very well be tied to what we were sent to investigate, if anything I think we should at least give Tanigakure a look while on our way to Sunagakure."

"You might be onto something." Choji said after giving it some thought.

"I for one think it's a good idea." Hinata said voicing her opinion.

"Speaking of which what brought you here," Sakura asked facing her. "Were you following us?"

"Yes," Hinata confirmed. "Tsunade-sama sent me to join the two of you, particularly for the purpose of looking out for any danger that might be lurking throughout."

"Can't disagree with the call, especially with the recently reported attacks." Choji said.

"So what happens now," Hinata asked. "Will we continue our search of that boy?"

"No, we'll resume first thing tomorrow," Sakura declared. "Right now I think we could all benefit from some rest."

"What about the bodies of the deceased?"

"We'll call it in the first chance we get," Choji assured. "Sakura-chan already made an initial assessment of the situation, what's important will be getting it all on record."

"We can go over all of that later," Sakura said gazing up at the moon that did the same in response. "Let's get settled in for the night, for we have a long day to come starting at dawn."

This went without saying. One twist had already been met in the road, one could only imagine how many more were to come.

….

The hardened plate of choice was held tight in hand, carefully outlining the detail needed with the use of his heat vision. The job was completed soon after, holding up the two finished projects as if to analyze them. The only light came from a candle which had been placed atop a coffee table which was set in the middle of the room. With the provided lighting he came to find no distinctive difference between the two, more than pleased with his handy work.

"Hey Bats," Conner said lowering the two objects in his hand. "They're complete, the line work on both resemble the Amegakure insignia you pointed out before."

"Excellent work." Bruce commented from where he stood aside the table.

"Hey, you got any light fabrics we can use to loop through the holes," Conner asked before walking over to join him. "After all it's no secret we'll be wearing these just like everyone else."

"I have some black cloth we can use." Bruce said pulling out to neatly already slim down pieces of cloth.

"Great, those should work perfectly," Conner said. "So what's the plan, we get ourselves acquainted with the city on goers here first thing tomorrow?"

"Not as much acquainted as it is to get ourselves familiarized with how things are done around here."

"And after that?"

"Our true mission will begin," Bruce stamped. "No sooner, no later."

"And what is our mission exactly," Conner asked hoping for clarification. "Searching to see if any of our friends are in a similar situation as ourselves, or perhaps an enemy?"

"It's deeper than that," Bruce answered while looping the cloth through the fabric in hand. "When the time comes I'll explain, for now we'll focus on the smaller details."

"Sounds easy enough."

But even with that said he couldn't help but wonder what their real mission would bring, leaving him in a corner with a bit of uncertainty, one which came with an unprecedented intrigue. Regardless, he was determined to see the mission through, no matter what would present itself.

…

After hours of down time the journey was picked up once again. His eyes set to the far distance to find the sun on the beginnings edge, a sight which most would label as the brink of dawn. The folded slip of paper was held tight in hand, wondering just how much further he had to go before his destination would be reached.

With another tree bypassed he brought his progress to a brief stop, rolling out the paper held in hand. Its content was carefully examined, comparing what was drawn out with where he currently stood. After a short time of doing so the slip of paper was rolled up once again before being tucked away

"Great, if my calculations are correct concerning this map then I should be no more than a mile away from reaching Tanigakure," Ichigo thought. "And at the rate I'm moving it will take no more than five minutes to reach."

He couldn't be any more pleased, readying himself to make the next jump only to catch sight of something from the side of his eye on the grounds several feet below.

"What's that?"

After giving a closer look there was no doubt what he had come to find, it was an individual lying face down. There was no hesitation in what came next, dropping down from his current position to lightly touch down in the tall grasses.

"Hey, are you alright?" Ichigo immediately called out.

With nothing to come in response he advanced forward, reaching the body soon after to find a woman with long black hair covered in a brown cloak that seemed light in fabric. There was no motion whatsoever to come from her. This did not matter, he had to be sure. With that he dropped down to a knee, reaching out for her hand which was now only inches away.

"Talk to me, is everything alright?"

There was still nothing to come in return.

"That's right, there's a chance she might not be able to hear me let alone see me."

With this thought in mind contact was made with her wrist in those next moments, a connection which sent a coldness throughout his entire body. But it wasn't one of physical nature, but rather one which reeked a cold darkness from within. He instantly jumped back to his feet with a shocking feeling from before snapping clear out of his conscious.

"What the hell was that?!" Ichigo shrilled.

It took many seconds before his former calmness was reached, only to be caught by surprise by movement from below.

"She moved," Ichigo sighted. "She's alive."

He dropped back down to her side once more, giving yet another attempt.

"Are you alright?" Ichigo inquired for a third time.

He watched as the woman weakly forced her way to her knees, shifting her head with the sway of her slick black hair to match her dark mysterious eyes with his. That very moment left him dead frozen, only broken free of this by her first words to give.

"Who are you?" She softly spoke.

"So she can see me."

He smiled in hopes of creating a sense of comfort.

"I was hoping to ask you the same," Ichigo said before choosing to stand back to his feet with the extension of his right arm. "Let me help you up."

He braced himself, not knowing what would happen when contact was made again. His heart raced, watching as her hand grabbed hold of his own, more than relieved as he pulled her to her feet.

"Thank you." She said staring up into his eyes once more.

This left him uneasy, maybe even a little cluttered inside at the feeling that came from this.

"No problem," Ichigo replied shielding his nervousness with the best of his abilities. "So, what's your name?"

Her eyes fell short of him, followed up with a sudden pause.

"Arella," She inaudibly replied. "Arella Uail."

"And where are you from?"

This took even longer for her to answer, looking back up at him after a time with one single word to speak.

"Sunagakure."

"I see."

"And you," Arella asked. "Who are…"

She fell forward in mid-sentence, catching her in his arms right away.

"Are you alright?"

She was unresponsive, resulting in him checking for a pulse on the side of her neck.

"She's still breathing, just unconscious."

This left him with a bit of a predicament as it pertained to the current task at hand. The wait had been long enough on his mind, he needed to regroup with his friends so they could get back to the main objective in play. But on the other hand he couldn't just leave this woman lying where he found her. The decision was spontaneous, lifting her to his left shoulder before turning back for the chosen path.

"I'll take her with me," Ichigo decided. "From there she can seek any further needed attention."

There was no further delay to come, marching forward as the journey began once more.

…..

A nights rest had done well for her just as she expected it would. The begging to the next day was one that had come quickly. She was now being lead to a location that was spoken of minutes prior, where they were headed exactly was unknown to her at the moment. This however was answered after stepping into a large room, one which was filled with many shelves and cases, all which were filled with nothing but books. It couldn't be any more self-explanatory.

"Welcome to the library," Tenten introduced holding up a hand. "I'm sure you'll find something to your liking."

"Is this where that guy from last night plan's to meet us?"

"Yes, Shikamaru will be here as soon as he's finished analyzing what was brought in last night," Tenten replied. "However I won't be here."

"What, why not?" Orihime asked.

"I have somewhere to be in the next thirty minutes," Tenten informed. "But I will return as soon as I've finished, that's a guarantee."

"Ok, but are you sure it's ok to leave me here alone?"

"No one will bother you," Tenten said almost assured of this. "Most everyone in here right now are preparing for exams as it is, you should be ok as long as you keep quiet."

"I will." Orihime promised.

"Very well," Tenten said nodding her head. "You're on your own from here, good luck."

She left her with those final words, heading out in the same direction the two had entered. This left her alone, standing in place for several seconds to come before finally taking a step further into the room. She was now alone, an empty reminder of the separation that had unfolded between her and two of her closest friends. Whether they were in a situation similar to her own, or worse was unknown. The thought of this was heart wrenching, something she quickly shifted her mind off of with a step forward.

She began a stroll around the, further taking her thoughts off of what weighed heaviest on the mind. After making her way down the first row of stacked books she came to notice the several tags which detailed the different genres. She used this very outline to find herself to a section of interest. This took very little time to accomplish, stopping once reaching the tag which read 'Romance'.

"Let's see what they've got here."

She reached out for the book directly in front of her, grabbing hold of it to find it was tucked away in tightly. She attempted to pull it out only to fail. The second time she tugged with more force, a move which resulted not only in the book in hand flying out but several others as well.

"Oh no!"

She managed to grab hold of the book of choice, holding her breath as she watched the others make way toward the ground. It was in that split second that a boy appeared from her blind side, looking on in awe as he caught all seven toppling books in hand with relative ease. She stood stun still as she watched him then place the books back into the slots they had fallen from.

"Don't mind it, some of these are stacked in there pretty tight," The boy stated with the cross of his arms. "You have to be extra cautious when pulling some of these out."

"Thank you." Orihime said skipping straight to the point.

"Anytime," He said now facing her completely. "Who are you anyway; I can't say I've ever seen you around here before."

"Inoue Orihime," Orihime announced. "What's your name?"

He grinned at the chance to deliver the response of his own after uncrossing his arms.

"Uzumaki, Naruto."

….

Their wings flapped wildly as they soared down from the skies above with the sun now shining bright, all seemingly honing in on a particular location. There had been a timely silence between the three for the past ten minutes or so, all still thinking about the scene they had come upon the previous night. The break in silence came without warning, one which brought a question of all things.

"I'm curious about something," Hinata said. "Why is it we're traveling to Sunagakure specifically?"

"You mean to tell me Tsunade-sama didn't tell you herself?" Choji asked.

"Being that you two had already begun traveling she didn't have the time to explain without me falling behind further," Hinata replied. "I thought one of you might be able to enlighten me a little."

"It's all in the cord that Shikamaru discovered at one of the recent death sites that some are relating to a group who have come to be known as the Shadow Revenants, whether any such group truly exists is still up for debate," Choji began. "Anyways, besides the sand particles only found in Sunagakure that were present on the cord there was another connection to make connecting this all to Sunagakure."

"How so?"

"After analyzing the cord itself they came to find that it was manufactured in Sunagakure, which means the explosives used in the attack might have come from there as well," Choji informed. "We've got a few leads jotted down, ones which we will expand on once we arrive."

"I see, now it all makes sense."

It was only after concluded this conversation that he noticed her walking a short distance, seeing a look of uncertainty on her face which brought concern to him.

"Sakura-chan," Choji said as he attempted to catch up to her side. "You're awfully quiet, is everything alright?"

"Just thinking is all."

"About?"

She turned to face him while continuing to walk before choosing to reply.

"Last night, when I was locked in with that guy.. he said something to me that I can't get off my mind," Sakura replied. "He spoke the phrase 'all shinobi', what does that mean… that he's not a shinobi himself?"

"I'd find that hard to believe, especially after watching him perform even if it was for only a few seconds," Choji stated. "Besides that, was there anything else he said to you?"

"Only that he knew I was from Konohagakure," Sakura replied. "But that could have been due to him getting a look at my headband when in close."

"I wouldn't worry about it too much," Hinata said rejoining the fray. "I'm sure we'll track him down soon enough, then we can gather all the information we seek."

"I have no doubt," Sakura said facing forward once again. "Besides we're almost at riverside, which means we'll be on our way to Tanigakure very soon."

"How do you know we're close," Choji asked. "Did you hear the stream?"

"No," Sakura replied pointing to the sky. "The seagulls seem to be gliding back and forth in that general area above, which I can only assume means they're scouting out prey in the general area."

"Which tends to be either at sea, a lake, or even rivers," Choji completed. "Not a bad find, I got to hand it to you."

They moved on from there with nothing further to add, having her beliefs confirmed with the sound of the stream coming to all ears soon after. A minute flew by in no time, stepping out from the depths of the forest to find the river a short distance away. It was also here that they came to find a man wearing a straw hat a short distance away who apparently was loading goods onto a boat.

"The armband, he's from Tanigakure," Hinata quickly pointed out. "No doubt that's where he's planning to go, maybe if we ask he'll let us hitch a ride."

"This couldn't be any more convenient." Choji said in agreement.

"It never hurts to ask," Sakura said making the first move toward him. "Come on."

"Tanigakure, here we come." Choji announced happily.

Unknown to them a dangerous twist was about to occur, one which they would have no way of evading.

To Be Continued