Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 26

Code Named: Pink Elite

The mark of truth was all but confirmed, the only element left unopened was a confirming confession.

"So you had the kunai all along," Shuen spat verbally conducting his anger toward him. "You're the one who killed my son!"

His poise was kept as he drew his attention toward him as he softly responded.

"I haven't killed anyone, and nor is it my intent to do so," Tez denied. "I only hid the kunai as a means to test something."

"To test something," Shuen exclaimed. "What could possibly be so important to test that requires you to hide the most incriminating evidence?!"

"Please do explain," Kelsho said falling in agreement. "If there's anything you owe to us for your actions, it's an explanation."

"I'll admit, when I first revealed myself to you all I was less than certain of who was responsible for the death of Saungi-san and the shinobi who I discovered in the land of fire," Tez began ignoring her request entirely. "But after getting the chance to dissect everything from a general stand point I can now say I'm positive who committed each and every murder, something that could not have been reached without a certain persons input."

This line of words was directly followed with him looking directly at her, a move which came as a sudden surprise.

"Me?" Temari inquired.

"Yes, you're the one who brought up the fact of there being three fugitives instead of just the one," Tez clarified. "All who of course took off from Sunagakure after having their illegal selling's discovered; that alone was enough to close the gap of hypothesis and fact which has led to the open of the truth."

"How do you figure?"

"This all falls back to the point I made before, besides your friends and I, Saungi-san was the only one near the location where the bodies in the land of fire were discovered," Tez began. "But before I elaborate on that I'd like to reveal to you all what was uncovered in the river by the three I asked to conduct a search, with this you'll gain a clarity that none of you had before."

Not one of them had the slightest idea in mind for what would be presented. Were his words that of truth, and more importantly would this finding be as impacting as he heavily hinted at?

The silk fabric that had been hidden away was pulled from his left pocket, taking no time in unwrapping the secret lying within. What he held was not something any of them were expecting would be showcased.

"What is that thing," Dorsel pointed. "Some kind of cord?"

"Stellar pick, you guessed correct." Tez confirmed.

With one end held firmly he allowed the cord to fall swiftly to the ground. Its length was roughly eighty two inches in path. Besides the obvious features, there was one detail that was almost over looked by them all.

"Notice anything off about it?"

"What is he talking about, I don't see anything strange." Sakura thought.

"The end of that cord has been cut," Choji pointed almost immediately after noticing. "Where is the rest of it?"

"Give yourself an applaud for asking the question of the day." Tez said in response.

"I don't get any of this," Hinata admitted. "Does this cord remotely have anything to do with the death of Saungi-san?"

"It has everything to do with it."

"How so," Dorsel asked. "From what we've examined of the body it doesn't appear that he was bound at any time."

"And I never said he was," Tez spoke in response to this. "I merely hinted at this cord being the center piece to everything revolving in this case, never that it was any way used in the most recent attack.. and how could it, after all it was sitting at the bottom of the river."

"You seem so sure of yourself, so if this cord wasn't used to subdue the victim then what importance does it serve?"

"To answer that we'll have to revisit what brought me here in the first place," Tez replied. "The story of the Shadow Revenants, a name that has been given to a group or individual responsible for recent attacks filled with details hard to logically explain."

"Are you suggesting the Shadow Revenants were involved in some capacity?" Temari asked.

"No, but I do believe the incident that occurred at the trading grounds between Konohagakure and Iwagakure is linked with todays."

"What has lead you to believe that?" Hinata asked.

"I'm going to cut straight to the point," Tez declared. "In the report filed on the evidence gathered at the site it was said that wiring was discovered, apparently strung up in the trees in a manner which is believed to have been a set up for explosives.. would I be right in that assessment?"

"Hold on a second, of the cable wiring that was found at the trading site wasn't it reported that it was incomplete," Temari asked. "That part of the cable was missing?"

"Yes, you're right," Choji confirmed. "I heard it directly from Shikamaru, it was one of the lingering details about the whole ordeal that was bothering him even after returning to Konohagakure."

"Here's the deal, I believe this line of wiring uncovered from the bottom of the river might in fact be one in the same with the wiring that was used in the ambush on the grounds where trades between Konohagakure and Iwagakure were taking place." Tez delivered.

"Umm… yea, if that is true then why would a strand of it be at the bottom of the river where it was found?" Choji asked voicing an expected confusion.

"It found its way to the depths of the rivers the only way it could have," Tez answered with an all too obvious stint in his eyes. "Someone put it there."

"And who might that someone be?" Temari asked.

"The one responsible for the murders, well.. at least in one of these two cases."

"What do you mean by that?" Kelsho asked taking a step toward him.

"It's rather simple," Tez replied glancing her way briefly. "We're dealing with more than a single killer, three to be exact.. and from the evidence analyzed to this point I'm certain only one of three took part in the attack that occurred in the land of fire."

"We can get back to that later, what of my son," Shuen interjected. "Do you know who killed him, and if so come out and say it already."

The tone in his voice had drastically changed from what it had been before, anger seemingly replaced by a fading hope. He looked to him with one clear message to pass.

"To understand your son's death is to first uncover the truth of what occurred in the forest region of the land of fire."

She chose to remain silent in the wake of these current proceedings, her mind internally wrapped on trying to figure what he was ultimately pushing toward.

"Three killers in all, at some point they split from one another, over a dozen dead including one who helped in our search of the one we've come to know as Dosada Tezlinar, and a long strand of explosive wiring that was found at the bottom of the river to top it all off," Sakura examined in thought. "How does the current knowledge we hold enough to draw a conclusion.. there's nothing there that has been said nor hinted at that doesn't highlight away from Dosada-san as the prime person of interest."

Her thoughts would soon be cut off due to another question being asked.

"Alright if what you say is true, then give us the identity of the one who killed the first twelve shinobi." Shuen stated.

He took a step, circling in position to face him.

"This all has been nothing but a carousel, one of lies and deception that still stands atop us... you want to know who killed those twelve shinobi in the land of fire, then look no further than there." Tez conveyed with his eyes falling toward the ground.

".. You don't mean?"

What came next would be the most shocking detail thus far to be brought to the spot light.

"Every mystery has an expiration… your son," Tez divulged looking him dead in the eyes. "Eijan Saungi, was the killer."

…

The examination had finally begun, taking his time in his progression from one body to the next. The condition with each ranged, but with all there was a common denominator.. ware. There were several bruises to be spotted as well, the amount and location varied with each individual. Perhaps the most telling detail of all was the hands of each, most notably their knuckles. This was most captivating of all.

It didn't take long for the one who watched from a short distance away to take notice of this. Curious to hear what he made of his findings he closed in on his position, stopping shy a few feet of reaching him.

"So, any ideas to what might have happened to these people?" Bart asked.

It took a couple seconds before receiving a reaction, taking a half step aside as he watched him stand back to his feet. With his eyes still locked on the most recently viewed body he finally answered.

"Yes, I do believe I might have a reasonable scenario for what happened," Uryuu replied. "Though.. without any real evidence to support my theory it is all pretty much speculation at this point."

"Don't keep me waiting, let's hear it."

"I'm sure by now you've noticed the severe bruising with each body we've come across thus far," Uryuu began. "There are several things this could mean, but with the added addition of what I discovered with each of their fists.. there's a possibility we cannot ignore."

"That's right, I saw you putting extra emphasis on each of the deceased hands," Bart recalled. "So what have you found?"

"There were no exceptions, just like the other parts of the body there were bruises and cuts to be found," Uryuu conveyed. "And what would bruised fists imply to you?"

"I don't know," Bart replied with a brief pause. "Maybe they were punching something?"

"Exactly," Uryuu said. "With all things considered the obvious would hint at some kind of battle or a brawl of some kind, and given the stressed condition of the bodies I would say it lasted for days.. weeks even."

"No normal person can fight for that long, no matter how well conditioned they may be," Bart stated. "No way can what you've waffled up be true."

"Like I said before," Uryuu replied finally facing him. "It is all pure speculation right now, I don't have all the answers, but that doesn't mean we can't try to piece this whole thing into something that makes sense."

"Ok, let's say this story of yours is partially true," Bart said locking into perspective. "Who or what would these people have been fighting against?"

"That I do not know," Uryuu admittedly replied. "Observing alone won't be enough, we're going to need more if we are to truly get to the bottom of this."

That instant brought a crack under foot, and though it was subtle it was loud enough for the pair to hear. This brought a spike of fear, one charged by the fact of the unknown.

"What was that?" Bart whispered.

"I'm not sure." Uryuu replied.

Conversation fell short upon that moment, both listening to all surrounding noise. It took just a few moments before the sound from before was heard again, this time more than once.

"Footsteps, dammit," Uryuu hissed. "Someone's coming."

"Alright, it's time to run." Bart declared.

"More like hide," Uryuu corrected. "If whoever is linked to what we've discovered here this is our best chance to gain some insight."

"I stand corrected."

The two did not waste another moment in getting themselves out of the hole of death they found themselves standing in. After accomplishing this the two headed toward the largest tree in sight in the opposite direction of where the footsteps could be heard paving the way. Once set the two peeked out, patiently waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Those next seconds felt as if they were the longest since making the discovery. The predicated would soon fall into the light, both looking on as someone stepped out from one of the many bushes in the clear. The person in question was strong in build, standing at roughly 5'11 in his estimation. Their appearance was shielded by a full body outfit they wore, one of dark purple silk which included a mask which only provided a small window of their eyes.

"What is that they're wearing, some kind of ninja suite?" Bart whispered.

He paid no mind to what was asked, keeping all focus on the one who had appeared from the depths of the forest. The individual of purple stepped forward, stopping after reaching the edge of the hole where the bodies lied. Once there they scoured over the scene entirely with a slight shift in position. It was no later after completing this that someone else stepped out from behind one of the trees in the near distance, sporting almost identical attire to the one that had shown their presence first.

There was a clear difference with the newest arriver, they were much smaller in build, no more than 5'2 in height. The two of them continued looking on, hoping more would come of this most recent showing. It was after that thought climbed to center that the second one spoke.

"This is count number four within this month, do you believe it to also be the last?"

Their voice was light and soft spoken, above all feminine. This lead them both to believe that behind the mask was a woman. A few seconds passed as the other crossed their arms across their chest before speaking in response.

"I have no doubt, from what I've seen the remainder of the last batch of appointees appear to be still relatively fresh."

The second voice was much sturdier, deep in its speech. There was no doubt the other masked person was a man. There was a long pause between the two individuals dressed in purple, giving him the needed time to try and process what had been said.

"Appointees… what does he mean?" Uryuu thought.

Before any further thought could be paid to the announced the two began speaking once again.

"Unit two is dragging from the rare, we'll let them finish up here once they arrive." The woman spoke.

"Shouldn't we cover up the site before departing?" The man asked.

"We're running low on time as it is, we need to get to Kumogakure as soon as possible," The woman declared. "Besides we didn't cross anyone on the way here, and I suspect there isn't anyone within miles of this location."

"Perhaps, which means we should be ok in that regard."

"Come along, our destination lies east of here."

Those final words sparked the end of all conversation. The two of them left in the same fashion that they had come, disappearing past a fleet of bushes across the way. This left just the two of them along with the silence of the forest. After they were certain all was clear the both of them stepped out from behind the tree back into the broad of things.

"So.. unit two, or do we." Bart began only to be cut off.

"We're following after those who we just saw, they seemed to be in a hurry," Uryuu noted. "I have a feeling we'll gain more from following them than if we wait here, with any luck we'll catch a link that will take us to the bottom of this."

"What about finding our friends?"

"That will clearly have to wait, if we don't act now the body count may only rise," Uryuu said quick to point out. "One thing is for sure, we're going to have to be a lot more careful now than we ever have up to this point."

"Don't have to tell me, these guys seem like they really mean business."

"Then it has been decided," Uryuu said looking into the direction they had gone. "We're going to follow them to the place she called, Kumogakure."

…

The announcement had finally been passed, bringing about an eternity which seemingly staggered within a couple moments. With the pressure of disbelief tipping its height she could no longer find it in herself to hold back.

"From everything we've gathered till this point that's the conclusion you came up with, that's greatly absurd," Sakura stomped in complete reject. "Never mind you're accusing one of the victims as one of killers, let's not forget he was openly willing to help us in our search for you."

"That was part of his plan from the beginning as a means of not only throwing you off his trail, but also as an attempt to divert your focus elsewhere," Tez explained as he faced her. "In this case, further cement your focus on me."

"What proof do you have of this, no more twists and turns," Sakura stated. "If your words are true, then convince us."

"Let's remember, besides your comrades and myself the only other person near the location where the twelve bodies were discovered in the land of fire was Saungi-san, that in itself puts him on the list of top suspects," Tez reminded. "Now let us fast forward to when the three of you found yourselves upon his boat… Haruna-san don't you recall being awakened by a splash while napping for a brief time?"

She thought back, taking only a few seconds for her to recall that incident.

"As a matter a fact, that did happen."

"Just as I thought, which leads to my next point."

Realization kicked in with a skip in beat, bringing her to speak up.

"Hold on a second," Hinata interrupted. "You weren't even on the boat with the rest of us, so how would you have knowledge of something like that?"

He looked her way before replying.

"Let's just say I was within hairs length," Tez conveyed before looking back to the one who stood across. "That splash that you heard, I believe the sound was created by the cord that was uncovered.. the same missing wiring from the death scene found at the trading site between Iwagakure and Konohagakure respectively, and though you might find yourselves in disbelief I'm certain further examination will reveal finger prints that belong to Saungi-san."

He changed focus once again, this time looking to the one who he felt had wrongly been accused.

"Let's fast forward to your time alone with Saungi-san, for I feel some of his most self-incriminating moments occurred within that time," Tez proclaimed. "You said it yourself, while the both of you were together he strongly suggested that the two of you split so you could cover more ground with the search, while true this could have also given him the opportunity to see his plan through."

"Which was?" Choji asked not following completely.

"Killing me of course, if that had been accomplished the number of stories he could have fed to you and your allies would have been almost limitless… perhaps he would have told you some tale involving self-defense," Tez said giving an example. "That's exactly why you were clocked out from behind by the hands of Saungi-san himself."

The growing frustration of both Kelsho and Shuen could clearly be seen by this point in time, a dagger which only seemed to sink further into the wound further with each passing second.

"So let's say an autopsy does confirm Saungi-san was in deed the one who tossed the wire to the bottom of the river," Sakura said giving into the possibility. "That still doesn't lift the faces of the other two accomplices, or who killed him for that matter."

"That's rather simple," Tez said in response as he looked her way. "They're one in the same."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" Kelsho exclaimed raising her voice for the first time.

He chose not to face her as he pressed on.

"It is as it sounds, the ones to have killed Saungi-san were none other than the two he was conspiring with," Tez reported. "I believe shortly after knocking out the Choji-san he made contact with those he was working with, what altercation that unfolded leading to Saungi-sans death however is unknown to me."

"You seem overly certain of this," Dorsel noted. "So if you don't mind me asking, do you have any idea as to who he might have been working with.. or perhaps where we might be able to start looking for them?"

"Yes, as a matter a fact I do."

"What, really," Choji said shocked to hear this. "Where, how far are they away from where we stand now?"

"Not far at all," Tez replied hanging both hands aside his pockets as he closed his eyes. "So close in fact you don't even have to take a step."

It seemed as time had seized to exist for those next moments, leaving all to stir way for what would serve as the awaited finale. With his hat now leaned over his eyes he began walking, circling around all who stood in silence, not stopping until reaching the opposite side of them. Once there he raised his head with the reopen of his eyes as to deliver the final blow.

"Isn't that right," Tez disclosed staring directly toward the pair. "Shuen and Kelsho-sama?"

This broke an immediate response of fury.

"Are you insane, why would we kill our own son?!" Kelsho bellowed angrily.

"What kind of sick joke is this?!" Shuen spat with an obvious disgust.

Even with all that had been reveled she could not find it in herself to side with him.

"That makes no sense, why on earth would they want to kill their own son," Sakura stated as she stepped forward. "There's nothing that suggests that either of these two wanted him dead, and besides no loving parent would ever drop to such a."

Her words would be cut short by further words on his own behalf.

"Haruna-san… you of all people figured out that I had taken the kunai and hidden it, but you never did say why you believed I would do such a thing," Tez said. "Tell me, what do you think I would have had to gain by hiding the blood stained kunai only to reveal it to you and everyone else?"

This question left her at a loss for words, taking several seconds before she finally admittedly shook her head.

".. I can't answer that."

"Hmm, fair enough… which only leaves me to answer that very question," Tez began. "I hid the kunai for one purpose and one purpose only, to gain a reaction."

"What kind of reaction?" Temari asked.

"That from both Kelsho and Shuen-sama, and I must say the results that came of it were most telling," Tez said. "Instead of witnessing a grieving mother and father, I instead observed a pair who seemed more concerned with finding the murder weapon than their son's actual death.. could it be that this was because having the presence of the murder weapon that they planted was vital to their plan of fraud in the form of frame?"

Now was the time where opinion seemed to truly begin to sway.

"You talk nothing but lies!" Kelsho stomped.

"In all fairness, what you speak while plausible doesn't entertain us with any real facts to support your claim." Dorsel said.

He tipped his hat slightly downward before commencing with his side of things.

"A short time ago I asked a something that grasped you all by surprise, a question in which I inquired the Eijan's about Saungi-san being their biological son, the answer given was a yes."

"So, what of it?"

The question that came in response was something he was expecting, slowly making his way over to where the body lied. Once there he stopped. Curiosity resulted in everyone else walking over to join him.

"What is it," Choji asked. "Is there something we neglected to notice?"

"Maybe not in sight, but every image has a story of origin," Tez said. "Some which can reveal its roots."

"What do you mean?"

"Hair," Tez said with a brief pause ensuing. "Besides one's eyes hair is a representation of the makeup that mirrors the roots of any individual, in this case revealing the truth."

"I don't understand." Dorsel admitted.

With that said his left hand was removed from his pocket before extending it, pointing down at the body.

"Take a close look at Saungi-sans hair," Tez directed. "What do you see?"

They all did just that. A short time passed with the first line of feedback given.

"So his hair is slick and straight," Temari said. "I hardly see how that amounts to anything."

"It might not seem like much of a factor, at least not until you compare it to both his parents whose hair is curly in comparison."

She looked to them in that instant to have this confirmed.

"That's right, I noticed that on my initial examination of Saungi-sans body, a clear difference from his parents," Sakura gathered in mind. "Though, it's true I didn't think much of it at the time."

"That's only half of the picture," Tez continued. "Look to the center of his hairline and tell me what you see."

A half second was all it took for a response.

"A widows peak." Hinata replied.

"Yes.. a widows peak is a dominant gene, one that can only be passed down from either a mother or father." Tez stated as he looked toward the two. "Which is something neither Kelsho nor Shuen-sama has."

"You don't mean?"

"Yes, these two are not the parents of the man we've come to know as Saungi, I suspect their relationship with him is nothing more than business associates."

"This is all madness," Kelsho fretted anxiously. "This is clearly nothing but a tale to throw you all off from his guilt."

"The lies from which you two hid behind have been peeled away, face it.. any further denial will only be ripped away by a conducted blood test which would only side with the truth," Tez said. "I don't know who you people really are or what caused a rift between you and the man whom you killed, but one thing that is a steel certainty, aided by your own shortcomings… this mystery has expired."

Any denial in mind that had been kept by any in mind had been completely dropped by this point, the deception that had been set in play was an obvious. They knew it as well, taking only a few moments for Kelsho to clap her hands in what could be perceived as a congratulation of sorts.

"Bravo, I never expected any of you would be able to piece that all together, well at least not until we distanced ourselves from this place," Kelsho said smiling evilly. "It's really unfortunate."

"The only thing unfortunate is that you'll be spending some quality time behind bars due to your actions." Tez countered in response.

"Oh, that'd be an idea wouldn't it," Kelsho said with her right hand gradually dropping further down her side. "Though I don't think that will come to pass, and how could it… if you're all dead!"

With a hysterical look of craze expressed upon her face she reached into her pocket to pull out just under a dozen kunai, picking at random as she launched each of them forward.

"Hinata-chan, look out!" Sakura warned.

There was little time to react to the soaring blades that now closed in. With terror falling in arm's length of reaching her in just moments it channeled away just as quickly. In a flash of a single moment a black shadow appeared out of nowhere, taking one swipe of its arm which sent all eleven kunai crash landing to the ground.

It was only after collecting herself that she realized that the figure now in front of her was actually a person. It was a man with flame orange hair who wore a suit of black, holding one of largest swords of steel she had ever come to see. The man who had come to her aid looked over his left shoulder to face her.

"Are you alright?" He softly spoke.

The chance to answer would be cut away by the shout of another.

"Who are you?!" Kelsho exclaimed.

It was in that instant that she was tackled from behind by Dorsel who pinned both of her arms behind her back in the process.

"That will be enough."

Seeing that the tides had now completely turned Shuen logically did what anyone would have done in his situation.

"To hell with this, I'm out of here." Shuen said before turning to run.

"Terua, what about me?" Kelsho called.

He paid her no mind, simply running at full speed into the direction of choice. He didn't get far, feeling uproar in range as he watched Sakura jump in his path.

"Move aside, or else!" Shuen threatened as he closed in on her.

His words were completely tossed away as she balled up her fist, driving it forward with a spot on hit right in between the numbers. He slammed to the ground with a single thump, unconscious from the impact. With both fugitives both immobilized all attention immediately turned to the man who had appeared just seconds ago.

"Who are you," Dorsel asked after tying Kelsho's wrists together. "Were you watching us?"

His options for how to respond were thin, leaving him with a tough decision to make. Before that opportunity arose a realization was made.

"Hold on, your that guy," Temari said as she stepped forward. "You disappeared after I took that injured woman to the infirmary that I found you with, what did you say your name was again?"

"Dammit, I wasn't prepared for any of this," Ichigo thought to himself. "I should have thought this over before jumping into the line of fire.. what should I say?"

A pass of a couple seconds with no response resulted in her proceeding further.

"Aren't you going to answer me," Temari asked. "On another note where are you from, and why have you come to Tanigakure.. I noticed you weren't carrying an arm or headband as a representation for which village you're from."

"That's not good.. how am I supposed to respond to that?"

Help would come from the most unexpected place he would have ever imagined.

"His name is Kuro, and he's with me."

Everyone eyes immediately looked that way, no one more surprised than Ichigo at the announcement.

"It's that Tezlinar guy.. but why, I don't understand."

"What do you mean he's with you," Temari inquired. "Didn't you say before that you traveled here alone?"

"Yes, and I did," Tez said in response. "The two of us arrived here in Tanigakure at different times but met up a short time before I revealed myself to the rest of you, which of course was planned from the very beginning."

"What do you mean?"

"Our superiors from the Land of Iron wished for us to investigate these recent attacks like I explained before, which is why the two of us were sent," Tez continued. "The only reason I didn't speak a tongue about him before was because I asked for him to hide in the trees above in the case things got out a little.. out of hand, a move which paid dividends in the end.. wouldn't you say?"

"What the hell is this guy talking about, not a word he has said is true," Ichigo thought. "I don't understand, I don't even know him and nor does he know me.. what could he possibly have to gain from any of this?"

Tez sunk his left hand into his pocket, pulling out a long black silk piece of fabric that had been stowed away.

"What is that?" Choji asked.

His focus turned to the substitute shinigami before making his next move.

"Here," Tez said tossing it his way. "You dropped this partner."

Ichigo caught what was thrown his way with his free hand, immediately sighting the steel emblem in the center of the cloth, that of the Land of Iron. And with that he knew a decision had to be made. His Zanpakutō was stabbed into the ground, allowing for his right hand to be free as well. And just like that he tied the cloth around his right arm, cementing a finalized choice.

"Thanks," Ichigo said looking toward his new apparent ally. "I was wondering where it was, I'll make sure it's on tighter this time around."

This streamlined a conclusion the samurai found to be more than fitting, gaining more ground in more areas than he could have ever hoped for.

"Well it would appear we're all done here, and I doubt you'll be needing our help wrapping up business any further," Tez said. "So if you don't mind, Kuro and I must be getting back, after all we have a report to pass to our superiors, one which I'm sure they're highly anticipating."

"Sure," Dorsel said raising a hand to the back of his head. "Since you're both clear I really don't see why either of you needs to stick around any longer."

"I look forward to hearing what you can dig up on these two fugitives once they're in custody, I have no doubt a finalized report will be sent our way," Tez said. "Perhaps we'll have a better understanding of what took place today."

"We can only hope."

"Well of course," Tez said placing his hands back into his pockets. "Kuro let us go, we have much ground to cover."

"Yea, I guess you're right." Ichigo replied with a subtle change in tone.

He yanked his Zanpakutō from its spot in the ground before heading toward him.

"I'll play along for now, but once we've distanced ourselves from everyone else I want answers."

She stood stone still in her stance, watching as the orange haired boy who had stepped in the path of the blades just a short time ago was now in the process of departing. She wanted to thank him for what he had done, but couldn't find it in herself to do so as she looked down at the ground nervously in an effort to think up an approach. By the time she looked back up he was already several feet away, leaving her with an incomplete dissatisfying fulfillment that hung on the edge.

He wasn't able to look him in the eyes for any kind of hint as to why he was covering for him, due to the wide brim hat that hid everything from the nose up.

"Good, now let's go," Tez said turning for the opposite direction. "We can still cover significant distance before sun down if we hurry."

"You don't say." Ichigo responded with a further change in voice.

"Hey Tez," Choji called. ".. Thank you."

He nodded his head in acknowledgement. Not another moment passed before he set off. The two walked side by side, gaining roughly twenty yards only to come to a stop after hearing the sound of one of their names being called.

"Dosada-san, wait!"

He turned to see her charging his way, taking only moments before she reached the two of them.

"Haruna-san," Tez spoke moderately surprised by this. "If this is about my analysis, then I must say I have nothing further to add to my report."

"It has nothing to do with that, there's just something I wanted to say," Sakura replied. "And it's that I'm sorry."

A light grunt came in response.

"For what?"

"For jumping to the conclusion you were the killer without really putting emphasis on other possibilities, without your input I can't say for certain my friend would have been cleared of the allegations that were marked on him," Sakura said. "That alone warrants a thank you, not only from Choji but myself as well."

"You don't have to thank me, besides you could have solved this whole thing yourself," Tez stated. "It's as you said earlier, your self obsession with me clouded your judgment on all levels, to the point of not taking situational facts deduced and tying it to all involved to sum up a picture which would ultimately reveal the truth.. hopefully this experience has proved nurturing enough to where you won't make the same mistakes if faced with a similar situation in the future."

Each word that came from his mouth fueled a growing agitation, one which was quickly turning into an anger.

"I give a simple thank you and this is what I get in return." Sakura muttered in distaste.

A short second was all that passed before he spoke again.

"From the slight raise in your shoulders, the notable wrinkle in between your eyes, and your right fist that is now tightly clutched.. would it be a fair assumption that my words have provoked you?"

The last spec of sand within the hour glass of her patience dropped with that statement.

"For starters, I'm not obsessed with you!" Sakura ignited.

"I meant with me being the killer is all, I thought my words would have been simple for you to comprehend."

"Now you're calling me dumb?!"

"Those are your own words, not mine," Tez stated. "Regardless, this isn't a matter that requires you to get overly emotional about, I was merely detailing to you what I've gathered about you through observation in hopes that my words could better prepare you for anything similar down the road."

"I don't need yours or anyone else's opinion," Sakura beamed in response. "Every mistake I've made in life I've learned from and matured because of it, I don't need any advice from you on the matter."

"Fair enough, after all it's the individual who must gain a self-understanding of any made mistake if they are to truly avoid a repeat," Tez said with a brief pause ensuing. "Unless you have nothing further to say, the two of us must be going."

She said nothing in return, implying she had nothing else to say. With that being the case he turned back for the path ahead, taking a single step before stopping.

"Oh, and one last thing," Tez said facing her again. "If we ever do cross again please call me Tez, I'd rather you not call me by my name.. with my way of doing things I'd rather people not know my full name."

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked out of curiosity.

"It'd take too much time to explain in full depth, time which I don't have to waste," Tez said. "But in all fairness, since I've asked you not to call me by my actual name it's only right I hold myself to that same standard."

What he meant by this was anyone's guess. He brought his right hand to his chin as he looked her over as if to examine her in some odd way. He started from the level of her feet, slowly making his way up.

"What the hell is he doing, intentionally trying to get his face knocked in?" Ichigo thought based from his observations.

It didn't take long for Ichigo to note the obvious discomfort it brought to her, only a short time passing before voicing her mind as she crossed her arms.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sakura inquired.

His exploration of her came to an end after reaching her face, lowering his hand from his chin which further suggested this.

"Being that you're from Konohagakure I can only assume you were directly selected by the Hokage to investigate this ongoing disturbance, that to me shows a level of importance, elite status even," Tez began. "And given your unique pink hair and well rounded mind no name could be any more describing, yes.. 'Pink Elite', from here on out I'll refer to you as Pinkelite whenever we may encounter one another."

He tipped his hat while nodding his head as a closing gesture.

"Until next time, Pinkelite."

He turned back for the forest as he proceeded to walk again, this time not pulling back on his claim. The mission they had set out to engage was now officially complete, and most importantly the three that were on the run would now be in custody in one way or another. Above all it was a strand of team work that lead to the correct close.

The mission was a success, but deep within that's not what was felt. Regardless of the outcome there was something else that reigned strongest, failure. But why, why was this the way she felt? Was it emotional toll? Did it have something to do with the words forwarded from the samurai named Dosada Tezlinar, or was it something deeper than that? Whatever the case it was something she couldn't quite explain, nor understand. But what did it mean?

….

Every minute that passed seemed to drag longer than the last. By this time the sun had found itself behind the dark clouds that stood high in the sky, watching as another shower of rain began to fall from his position at the front door. His sights might have been fixated on the skeptical above, but his mind was elsewhere. Every passing moment added onto the strange feeling that was brewing inside.

"I know it has been less than two hours since his departure, but why am I getting this growing feeling something happened to him," Conner queried in thought. "Bruce… where are you?"

To Be Continued