Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 20

A Step Nearer

Since beginning their journey no hints as to where they were going had been given. Not many opportunities for rest had come during their travels, only stopping once which was hours ago. With the continuous movement and no real weight to where they were going it began to take a toll. She was positioned at the back for the duration of the walk, looking ahead to the one who lead them with a growing impatience that had peaked.

With a burst of speed she launched herself into the air, bringing her to the front of things with the swiftest of landings. All eyes were now on her, just as she was expecting they'd be. The look of confusion in their eyes could clearly be seen, a move she was more than ready to support.

"What are you doing?" Killer Frost asked at the sight of this.

"You've been dragging us on for hours now with little reasoning as to why, or where we're going for that matter," Medusa replied detailing an obvious complaint. "I'm sure I speak not only for myself when asking when the destination in question will be reached."

"For one I haven't been dragging anyone along, your choice along with everyone else's to follow in my steps was done under your own accordance," Killer Frost defended. "And to answer the second part of your question, look no further than past those bushes up ahead."

This announcement came as a surprise, one which was welcomed to the highest degree. Her immediate focus was now back to the path before them, walking past the bushes pointed out to lay her eyes on a small site which was several feet below. The others stepped up to her side shortly after, now able to see what she came to find.

There was a large net that spanned wide in length, tied in place between four different large trees. Set out atop the next were several leaves, clearly a means to serve as an option for shade while standing beneath it.

"Please don't tell me this is your attempt at some kind of headquarters." Mirror Master remarked with the first critique to give.

"Who says this was my doing?" Killer Frost posed.

"Point taken."

"Come," Killer Frost said making the first jump to the grounds below. "Let us get situated."

"Right behind you." Metallo declared before lunging down after her.

The others did the same, greeted by the smooth tall grasses on contact. No stop was made there, all continuing to walk until reaching the area directly under the net that had been set in place above.

"Finally, we've arrived." Killer Frost announced.

An unspoken relief could be seen in her form as she headed to the center of where they now stood, quickly creating herself a chair of ice before taking a seat.

"So, what happens now," Lady Shiva asked. "And more importantly, where is the individual you claimed you've been conspiring with?"

"Patience," Killer Frost spoke in response to this. "All will be explained soon."

"We've been patient for long enough," Medusa inserted. "I think we're all entitled to a full on explanation."

"Sounds like someone needs a seat, would you like a chair of your own," Killer Frost tauntingly asked. "Just say the word and it's done."

"Let's keep it on mark," Mirror Master interjected in hopes of avoiding any unnecessary argument. "Before making the journey here you not only said we'd learn of why you asked us along, but to also reveal to us who I can only assume sent you in the first place."

"And you will see him," Killer Frost assured. "But only under his accordance."

"And who is he?" Metallo asked.

"You will see him come night fall." Killer Frost informed while easing back in the ever so cooling chair.

"Why not now," Metallo asked. "I don't understand the reasoning in waiting until tonight."

"I had no control over the decision."

"And where is it we'll be meeting?" Lady Shiva asked.

"Exactly a mile and a quarter from here," Killer Frost replied hanging her arm with a point to the left. "Once that distance is covered we'll arrive at the bottom of a mountain located in that vicinity."

"And then?"

"You'll all receive the clarity that you obviously seek," Killer Frost assured. "In the meantime you'll have the opportunity to rest up, something I'm certain none of you can argue against."

It was true; none could deny the chance at a little down time. But even so there was something that seemed off about this, a certain feel that had come to a certain individual.

"Staying here until the sun falls only to meet tonight doesn't make much sense, there's definitely more to this than Ms. Frost is letting on," Mirror Master thought in mind. "There's obvious a reason why a confrontation was chosen for tonight specifically, but why.. is this some kind of test, and if so for what?"

There was no denying it, what had been given wasn't the full truth. Either way he would play along, keeping a clear mind for anything unexpected that could arise in the coming hours.

….

Even with his pace slowed from the unexpected encounter that had occurred minutes prior there was no stop in the walked path. By his estimation it wouldn't be long before the desired destination would be reached. The weight that barred down on his shoulder was a constant reminder that every single moment mattered.

"It's been over fifteen minutes since my last stop; I should have been there by now, could I have possibly taken a wrong turn at some point?"

This was a possibility that now weighed high, bringing all to a halt after one final step walked. With his free hand he reached down to his side, taking only seconds for him to grab hold of the map he carried along. It was then carefully examined, locking down on his predicted position in proportion with where he needed to go next.

"It should have been in sight by now, maybe if I keep continuing onward I'll.."

His thoughts were cut short by a sudden sound, one which came from the left.

"What was that?"

It was subtle, but just loud enough for him to pick up. He turned his body that way, sighting minimal motion from the bushes straight ahead.

"Is someone coming?"

His thoughts would come to be confirmed in those next seconds, keeping a sharp eye as someone stepped out into the clear. His eyes immediately linked with hers, not saying a word in assumption she would take the honor. From her view of things the message displayed on his face couldn't be any more obvious.

"Can I help you," The woman inquired. "You look lost."

"What, she can see me.. that makes the second person on the day."

From the hint of exasperation in her voice it was unclear if this was an open offer or a remark to showcase her disturbance of his unannounced attention on her. He stuck with the first pick, answering the question which had been posed.

"I guess that's a fair assumption," Ichigo admitted while putting on a smile in hopes of swinging the outlook on things. "I was actually in search of a place known as Tanigakure, unfortunately I seem to have taken a wrong turn at some point."

"If you plan on continuing forward like it appeared you would be before my arrival then you would only be sidetracking yourself even further."

"What?"

"I'm actually on my way to Tanigakure due to an urgency," The woman announced. "You're free to tag along if you'd like."

"I couldn't have asked for anything more, thanks," Ichigo said bowing of his head signaling his acceptance on the matter. "Besides, the faster I get this girl to an infirmary the better."

"I was curious as to who that was on your shoulder," She openly admitted. "A friend?"

"Not exactly the way I'd detail it being that I met her less than an hour ago while on my travels," Ichigo informed. "We spoke only briefly before she lost conscious again."

"That would imply she wasn't active when you first came across her."

"You're two for two on the day."

"Tell me, did you and this girl exchange any words before she fell under for a second time?"

"Only that her name is Uail Arella," Ichigo replied. "Oh, she also claimed she was from Sunagakure."

"Well what do you know, I'm from Sunagakure myself."

"What?"

"In the case of that I'll tag along to help you seek assistance in this matter," The woman declared. "It is the least I can do."

"I can't thank you enough."

"Come along, we're no more than a couple minutes away."

She took the first steps, leading them right from where he had originally been walking forward. He followed her soon after, keeping grip to the woman who laid rested on his shoulder.

"So tell me," The woman began as they stepped past a large tree. "What's your name?"

He paused at the question, wondering if he should answer truthfully. But either way his decision would have to be made quickly as to avoid any unwanted suspicion.

"Ichisaki, yes," Ichigo replied shielding his hesitation masterfully. "That's my name."

"Ichisaki huh, that's an unusual one."

"What about you," Ichigo asked. "What's your name?"

She didn't stop, glancing back up at him with her continued walk before allowing one name to escape her lips.

".. Temari," The woman replied. "Now let us go, every second matters."

He was unsure if she was referring to the health of the woman being carried, or the urgent matter mentioned. Either way, there would be no rest in his push.

…..

With a nights pass and another days beginning plenty of time had gone by since listening to what was described. Trusting his word completely was not something he was ready to fully commit to. Even with all that had been given there were still some ends that were left un-clarified. It was these loose ends that kept him on edge as the path of the day was being paved.

He looked to the one who walked only a few feet ahead from where he was, getting his attention by speaking directly to him.

"So let me get this straight," Uryuu said making a push which brought him to his side. "You're not from this land, but from another world altogether?"

"For like the fiftieth time, yes." Bart replied before stopping in his progress.

This resulted in him doing the same.

"Sorry if it seems as if I'm not completely following along, it's just that I'm finding it hard to believe the story you've presented," Uryuu admitted. "Especially the fraction detailing how you claimed you arrived here."

"It's the truth," Bart maintained. "Ask yourself this, if I were lying why not come up with as you would put it, a more believable story?"

"He does make a good point."

This left him a bit lost for words, taking seconds before he chose to speak again on the matter.

"Ok, let's take it another step back," Uryuu said crossing his arms. "At one point you mentioned a group called the Justice League who you claimed is your planets mightiest protectors, were they present with you at the time when the.. supposed light you mentioned appeared and brought you here?"

"As I told you before, the Justice League was running an undercover operation and contacted me to help assist, the only one who was infiltrating the site of interest besides myself was a woman with the code name Black Canary," Bart rehashed. "It was after minutes of being settled in the enemy's quarters that we came to face a blinding flash of light, what caused it or the source of its power is unknown to me at this time."

"That's where my next point falls into place," Uryuu said uncrossing his arms. "If you weren't alone at the time when the light appeared then how come you wound up here alone, surely anyone else who was present with you at the time would have surcome to the same fate wouldn't you agree?"

"And that's why I've been searching," Bart replied. "Though as you can see I've had no such luck in locating anyone who was in that room at the time, let alone any of my allies."

"I see," Uryuu said taking everything in as a whole. "On a side note you mentioned code name, I'm curious, do all those of the 'League' you spoke of travel under a code name?"

"You bet, it's all part of the bigger picture."

"I figured that much," Uryuu said before staring directly into his eyes. "And what of you, is there a code name you travel under as well."

"Well I guess there's really no use in withholding the truth being that you already know my real name, and besides I probably would have ended up telling you at some point anyway," Bart replied while bringing his hands to the back of his head. "However before I choose to do so there's a couple questions I have for you."

"You've been forthcoming enough; I guess it's only fair that I listen to what you have for me."

"Being that you're from this world and the first person to listen to what I have to say, there are a couple questions I have to ask."

"I'm listening, what is it you want to know?"

"Everything," Bart replied before dropping his hands back down to his side. "From known locations on a geographical standpoint to how things are generally run around this place, anything that you can think of."

All became frozen to him within that moment. This was a question he was hoping wouldn't have come so soon even though it was clear it was unavoidable. Not once did he drop eye contact, knowing this was the most important step in keeping a feel of honesty.

"Keep it together, remember all that Captain Hitsugaya detailed to us before coming here," Uryuu thought to himself. "I might not be in possession of the map given, but my knowledge of what was explained to us should be enough to convince him of my standings."

His decision was made, smiling as he readied himself for what was to come next.

"Of course, I'll tell you anything you want to know," Uryuu said keeping a straight face. "Let's start from the top down, what have you come to learn since coming."

"Well, let's see here," Bart said raising a hand to his chin. "From my first encounter with anyone since coming here I was told this place is the world of the Shinobi."

"Good, that's a start," Uryuu said. "As far as regions go we'll cover that after we go over the basis."

"Sounds good to me."

"So what do you know about the shinobi," Uryuu began. "Was the definition of chakra brought up to you in the conversation you had with the individual you mentioned, were you given any information on perhaps the Uchiha?"

"What's an Uchiha," Bart asked showcasing his confusion in tone and expression. "Is that some kind of martini?"

He couldn't help but bring a palm to his face, shaking his head with a deep feeling inside that spoke that this wasn't going to be as simple as he had been hoping for. He took a deep breath, knowing his next words to come needed to be carefully selected.

"I assure you none of what we'll be discussing is cocktail related," Uryuu said while dropping both hands into the comfort of his pockets. "Now listen up, I'm going to let you in on everything you need to know."

"I'm all ears to the briefing." Bart said in response to this.

A lingering feeling made its way to the surface that had been sitting inside since arriving, a reminder that he was in a world of unknown. But he couldn't let this show, he had to maintain that he is the expert, a move which would hopefully keep this 'kid' of interest in his company until an opportunity to regroup with his allies could be made.

But with all things considered how long could he hang tight to these mirrors of secrets, and more importantly would his knowledge be enough to carry him on to complete the given mission. It was something that always seemed to be on the mind, knowing that any time he could truly be tested.

…

The touch of the flowing waves lapsed on its side from time to time, serving as an outside tune which did very little in detaching her from the shallow sleep she currently found herself in. But like anything that sails along smoothly there's always bound to be something that breaches the core of establishment.

A single splash was all it took, stirring for an immediate open of her eyes. She gazed up to sight the man who stood tall with the straw hat still atop his head. Without a word spoken she stood up from where she sat, only to be surprised to be greeted by an immediate turn from him.

"I see you've finally awoken."

"What was that sound just now," Sakura asked. "I could have sworn I heard something."

"It is nothing to mind yourself with, just a little something I tossed overboard that was no longer needed," He replied. "And in the case you're looking for your two friends they're currently down in the control room."

"I'd like to thank you again for allowing us to travel along with you on your journey back to Tanigakure." Sakura thanked nodding her head to further acknowledge her appreciation.

"You don't have to thank me, it's no big deal at all."

"I'm not usually one to forget, but what was it you said your name was again?"

"Saungi," The man replied before turning for the other side. "Look the dock is now in sight, we've arrived to the stopping point."

"Is there anything I can do to help get us set?"

"Not at all, leave it to me," Saungi replied. "I'll go in and give your friends the update, you're free to come along if you so choose."

"That's ok, I'll be out here."

"Suit yourself," Saungi said before turning for the doors to the control room on the left. "I'll let the others know you've awoken."

"I'll be here." Sakura smiled in response

Leaving her now the only one out on deck she turned back for the river, placing her hands on the edge of the boat as she leaned forward. A fogged reflection of herself could be made out in the water below, a mere example of the task they chased at hand. An enemy that could only be deemed faceless.

…..

The end result came just as detailed. After roughly a five minute walk the village had finally come into view. All the way through neither had spoken much, both highest focus on seeking medical attention for the woman who they both came to know as Arella Uail.

At this given time in the day there was much activity to be observed, from the casual play of the children who trotted along to visuals of some individuals who were currently at work on construction. He smiled at the sight, it was unique, yet the same at the core in comparison to any city or village he had ever come to see.

"So this is Tanigakure."

He found his eyes wondering from side to side, trailing from structure to the next. It was during the duration of this that he noticed a suspicious individual standing atop a rooftop on the left side of the street. It was someone tucked away in a rusty cloak with what he would depict as black wide brimmed hat.

"Is that guy watching us?"

He looked away for a split second due to someone rushing past from out in front, once he looked back to the roof the person he had seen was gone.

"So much for that."

After diving deeper into the village he looked to the one who continued to pave the way in the lead spot. It was with this that the silence would be broken, stemming from the obvious question.

"Hey Temari-san." Ichigo called.

"What is it?"

"You seem rather familiar with these parts, which mean's I can only assume you've been through here on more than one occasion."

"What's your point?"

"How much further," Ichigo asked. "Until we reach an infirmary of any kind?"

"Ask and it shall come." Temari announced.

She stopped after taking only another three steps which prompted him to do the same. They were now standing in front of a well sized structure, one which he could only assume was the destination they sought.

"Is this it?"

"Yes," Temari confirmed before stepping forward. "Stay here, I'll be back soon."

"You plan on going inside?"

"Yes, and when I return I will come with assistance," Temari assured. "In the meantime keep an eye on the girl."

With that said she marched on toward the doors. Once she passed through and fell out of sight he made his next move.

"This is now my opportunity to skip free, the last thing I want to do is get caught up in something like this," Ichigo weighed in mind. "No doubt if I stick around they'll question me about my involvement, and with one thing leading to another it will only be a matter of time before the question of where I'm from gets asked."

There would be no going back, his mind had already been made. He moved toward the doors, stopping feet shy of reaching them before lifting the woman from his shoulders and softly placing her on the ground. He stood back to his feet, giving her one final look before taking off.

"Goodbye Uail-san, and.. good luck."

With all tides now broken it was now time to focus back on the mission at hand.

"Finally, now I can strictly focus on trying to track both Ishida and Inoue," Ichigo thought in mind. "Starting here, in Tanigakure."

…..

After a drop in hand and a rebound by outside means she couldn't help not holding back her impressions on the matter even as they made their way to one of the many tables to be found throughout the entire library.

"The amount of control you put on display back there when those books were toppling over was so amazing," Orihime pressed on. "Do you practice with that kind of thing on a normal basis?"

"Not entirely," Naruto replied before pulling out the first chair to be found at the chosen table. "Here, have a seat."

"Thank you." Orihime accepted.

As she took a seat he circled himself to the opposite side of the table before doing the same.

"So where is it you're from," Naruto asked. "I'm curious, especially since I didn't spot a band on you for identification."

"Who, me?"

"Of course, who else would I be talking to," Naruto smilingly replied. "You're the only one here."

"Oh, I guess you make a good point," Orihime said laughing lightly. "It's a little complex."

"What's a little complex," Naruto asked. "To answer where you're from?"

"Well.. yea," Orihime answered with the twiddle of her fingers beneath the table. "It's kind of hard to explain."

He didn't know what to make of this, clueless on how to proceed given the response received.

"Ok then, how about we switch topics slightly," Naruto suggested. "What brought you here, are you here to meet with someone?"

"Yes, sort of."

This only scattered things further, every answer that unraveled with each posed question only seemed to add another twist in what was now becoming one of the more off beat conversations he had ever had.

"So," Naruto said now looking to change the subject once more. "What's that you were planning on reading?"

"Well, I didn't actually look to.."

"Mind if I take a look?" Naruto asked before reaching out his right arm.

"Of course not." Orihime said sliding the book his way.

"Let's see here," Naruto said bringing the book to eye level before reading what was printed. ".. 'Hottest Tips V1: How To Get A Boyfriend'."

An immediate shock came from this, one which was tacked on with a conjoined embarrassment. Her face had fallen read, waving her hands in denial as he looked back over to face her again.

"It's not what it looks like," Orihime explained. "I did not mean to, I mean I didn't see the title, the only thing I saw was the pretty lettering on the.."

"It's completely alright," Naruto interjected with the return of his smile. "It is common to grab something you weren't expecting to find, happens to even me on occasion."

With his attempt to help bring nerves back to a neutral he placed the book to the middle of the table before easing back in the chair before pulling toward yet another topic.

"With all we've discussed so far we've barely gained any ground, so tell me" Naruto began. "Do you have any friends, perhaps someone you traveled here with?"

This only brought about a pause, a question she didn't know how to go about answering. Luckily for her a much needed distraction came, one which couldn't have come at a better time.

"Never in a thousand years would I have expected to find you hanging here, I guess there's a first for everything," A familiar voice spoke from behind. "So, who's your new friend?"

"Ino-chan," Naruto said turning in the chair to face her. "What are you doing here?"

"What a way to side step the question," Ino said in response to this. "But if you should know I came here to return a couple books and while on my way out I noticed the two of you sitting here and decided to come over and say hi."

"I see," Naruto said before looking back to the girl sitting across. "Anyway, this is Inoue Orihime."

"It's nice to meet you Orihime-chan," Ino said before taking a step around the table. "() Ino."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Orihime gently nodded in response.

Ino didn't stop until reaching her left side where she then took a seat in the empty chair next to her.

"I don't believe I've ever seen you around before," Ino said after closer inspection. "Are you not from around here?"

"It's a long story." Naruto replied.

"I don't recall asking you." Ino remarked while flashing her eyes his way.

It was also at this time that she came to take notice of the book sitting in the middle of the table, wasting no time in reaching out to grab hold of it.

"Orihime-chan," Ino asked as she reeled the book in. "Is this yours?"

"Well, there was kind of a mix.."

Her words were cut off by Ino who read the title of the book herself.

"… 'Hottest Tips V1: How to Get A Boyfriend'," Ino read before turning to face her. "My, my, it seems as if someone is getting their edges aligned for the main hitter."

"It's not like that, you see it wasn't entirely planned" Orihime tried explaining. "I wasn't the one who."

Those second line of words sparked for an opportunity she couldn't pass up, calling for instant reaction.

"Naruto-kun," Ino said looking directly at him. "Were you the one interested in this book?"

"Hey, what are you trying to imply," Naruto exclaimed. "You're not serious are you?!"

"Relax," Ino smilingly replied. "I was only kidding."

"Don't ever joke like that," Naruto huffed clutching his left fist. "Definitely not funny."

"Geez, no need to get your band in a bind." Ino replied still shedding off her giggles.

"Keep it down you two, don't forget we're in a library."

He immediately turned to his right at the familiarity in voice, watching as he took a seat in the chair next to him.

"Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said surprised at his appearance. "What are you doing here?"

"To come and see someone of course." Kakashi replied with a book in hand which he tucked away in those coming moments.

"Would that someone happen to be me?" Naruto guessed what he felt was the obvious.

"No, I'm actually here to meet with our visitor," Kakashi said taking this time to look over at her. "Hello there, Inoue Orihime."

….

After a time of traveling along riverside the area of choice had been reached. After stepping out from the boat they now found themselves traveling through yet another forest, knowing it wouldn't be long before the destined location was to be reached. Given the circumstances launched from the previous night they were on red alert, accounting for every square inch.

"Hinata-chan, how do things look up ahead," Sakura asked from a few feet behind. "Anything we should be weary of?"

"Not at all, we're all clear," Hinata replied pleased to report. "There's nothing in my sight of view that has anyone lurking neither in the trees nor on ground level."

"That's good news." Choji said delighted to hear this.

"Either way we can't afford to drop our guard." Sakura warned.

"No need to tell me," Choji said in response. "It's always when things are at their most shallow that the blinded attack is launched."

"I'll bite," Saungi spoke from his position at the rare. "I wasn't going to ask since it's really none of my business, but I'm curious as to what it is you three are discussing."

"We're investigating a string of murders, a scene which we came across last night has given us a direction to at least check," Sakura began. "There's a killer on the loose who killed over ten shinobi last night, and we believe he's currently hiding in Tanigakure."

"A killer," Saungi exclaimed. "Did you see who dished out the slayings?!"

"We believe so," Choji replied. "However he was gone as quickly as he came, so there was very little to learn about him."

"What about his face," Saungi asked. "Did you get a good look at his face?"

"That would have been no easy task, being that the person of interests face was blocked off by the hat he was wearing at the time of the incident." Hinata explained.

"I see," Saungi said with a long pause. "Would I be wrong in saying you have me down as a possible person of interest?"

"Perhaps at first glance from afar," Sakura replied. "But when in close I came to find that you're roughly five foot eleven in height, the man we encountered last couldn't have been any taller than five foot eight."

"How'd you figure?" Hinata asked.

"I sized him up during the time he held me for that brief period," Sakura simply put. "I try always paying attention to detail, no matter the circumstance."

"I'm impressed," Choji complimented. "None of that even registered to my mind at the time, but even with all things considered don't you find it strange?"

"What's that?" Sakura asked after another step taken.

"That guy had an opening to attempt a kill shot on you two while you were down, instead he chose to take off.. why?"

"You know, that's a really good question." Hinata agreed.

"One which we can ask him directly after we track him." Sakura stated.

"You seem rather certain you're going to find this guy," Saungi said in response. "A gut feeling I presume."

"It's more than that," Sakura replied. "If we don't find him, I have a feeling he'll find us."

"Better we find him before the second happens." Choji said.

"In the case of that, let me help." Saungi volunteered.

"Are you sure you want to do that," Sakura asked. "In all likelihood this will be quite time consuming."

"Not to mention extremely dangerous." Choji added.

"Dangerous is the family motto," Saungi said with a grin forming. "I'm joining you, and no is not an acceptable answer."

"Guy's, up ahead." Hinata said regaining everyone's attention.

"What is it?" Sakura asked.

"I can see them, everyone," Hinata replied before coming to a complete stop. "Tanigakure, we're within one hundred yards."

"Great," Choji said stepping forward. "We've arrived."

"Which leaves only one thing left to do," Sakura declared now taking to the front of all. "Finding our killer."

To Be Continued