Naruto: Tenth Dragon's Poison

Chapter 27

Eye of the Flame

A marginable time passed since the time the three of them had begun walking. They came upon a hillside on their travels, one which they slowly ascended up. The top was reached in no time, giving them a view of a camp site that had clearly been set up several yards down. Besides the area being partially fenced off there were several tents that had been put in place.

"Is this it," Naruto asked. "Is this the place?"

"Yes," Iruka confirmed. "This is the place."

"I never expected we'd arrive to find a set up like this," Naruto admitted. "Makes you wonder if there's more going on here than we might have been lead to believe."

"That could be true, the only way of finding out is if we head down there," Kakashi said before looking his way. "Iruka, won't we need some kind of clearance to get past the boarder they've set in place?"

"Leave it to me," Iruka replied. "They're expecting my arrival so it shouldn't be a problem once they see me."

He took lead once more, both following as they now descended to the grounds below. It didn't take long for the three of them to reach the fence that stood at. Only a few moments past before a woman approached from the other side, stopping the moment the door between them and her was reached.

"Iruka-san we've been expecting you, and I see you've brought others with you." The woman spoke.

Her dark eyes and jaw length brown brought an immediate recognition from his point of view.

"It's you, you're that girl from the Land of Iron we met the other day," Kakashi realized. "..Varlia Onishi, right?"

"It's not often someone remembers my name, even more rare my first and last," Varlia confirmed. "It's good to see you too Hatake-san, thought I must say I was not expecting you'd be coming as well.. so what's the game, are you here to help make sense of this all as well?"

"Yes, they're here to help," Iruka conveyed. "Kakashi and Naruto-kun both."

"What can we say, the more of us the better." Kakashi commented

"An un-doubtful truth." Varlia agreed.

The door to the fence was unlocked in that instance, allowing the three of them entry.

"So what now," Kakashi asked. "Are you going to fill us in on what exactly is going on?"

"Right this way," Varlia instructed. "It would be a lot more informative for you to see for yourselves than it would be for me to tell."

"An un-doubtful truth." Kakashi said in response.

The three followed her with no further questions asked, listening to the close of the fence door behind. The first thing the group came to approach was one of the many tents, simply stepping around it as they continued onward.

"Come, we're almost there," Varlia passed. "The opening is just ahead."

This more than sparked his inner interest.

"Opening," Naruto thought to himself. "What's that supposed to mean?"

That answer would soon come. With a couple more steps taken they came to find something none of them could have ever foreseen.

"What is that?!" Iruka pointed.

"What you've been called here to take part in of course." Varlia said in response.

There no more than ten feet away was a large circular hole in the ground, one which spanned fifteen yards in all directions. They didn't stop there, moving in closer to truly gain an understanding for what it was they had come to witness. The edge was reached in seconds, noting a ladder on the far side of the hole which led into the ground, a depth of at least twenty feet.

"I don't get it," Naruto questioned. "Who did this, and for what purpose?"

"That's what we're all here to find out, this hole is just the entrance," Varlia informed. "Once in you'll find a tunnel that has a recorded two mile radius."

"What, that long?"

"Surprising, but yes."

"I was also told a body was found," Iruka said facing her. "Am I right to believe it was discovered down in that tunnel somewhere?"

"Yes, that is correct," Varlia confirmed. "Several are down there as we speak, there's no telling what else might come to the surface."

The four were interrupted by someone who spoke from below, looking down into the large hole to see a man standing at the base of it.

"You guys better come down and check this out." The man who had made his presence known reported.

"What is it?" Varlia asked.

"A body," He replied. "Another body has been discovered."

This brought an instant silence that seemed to freeze everything within one frame of time.

"Another body," Naruto fretted in mind. "What does this all mean?"

….

A marked length of six minutes passed since detaching from the others. There wasn't a word spoken between them, a state which was enforced by an indescribable tension. With the necessary distance stacked between them and the others he felt now was the time to finally speak out.

"This is far enough." Ichigo declared.

The hatted man who walked several feet ahead stopped upon hearing this declaration.

"What's far enough?" Tez asked still facing forward.

"You know what I mean."

"Actually I don't," Tez conveyed before turning to face him. "Your words could mean one of two things, you could be referring to our distance traveled or you simply would like an explanation for my actions back at the scene."

"Why did you cover for me," Ichigo asked. "Why did you tell everyone I was with you, we both know that isn't true."

"In deed, what an inquiring decision on my part," Tez admitted. "I fully expected that to be one of your first questions to ask of me Kuro."

"Kuro, Kuro is not my name."

"Oh but isn't it," Tez posed. "Just as I shortened my name to a level of casualty amongst people I'm unacquainted with frequently I merely did the same for you.. Kurosaki is your name, right?"

"What," Ichigo replied voicing his surprise. "How do you know my name?"

"There can only be one explainable answer to that," Tez said lifting his head just enough to where eye contact could be made. "I can read anyone's mind of my choosing."

This brought a shock that rendered him speechless.

".. No way, he can't be telling the truth," Ichigo thought. "Something like that just isn't possible… and if that were the truth, why prolong the truth which he ultimately revealed back there?"

There was nothing expressed from his eyes or lips that hinted to any kind of denial, a sign which left him stout on the thought.

"I merely spoke a joke, I have no such ability to read yours or anyone else's minds," Tez announced before turning back for the path ahead. "I only cared to see how dubious your reaction to my words would be, or in this what I could learn about you."

"What," Ichigo questioned. "So you're saying you really can't read minds?"

"I can only read what is given to me."

He didn't know what to make of that, and nor did he really care. There was only one thing he wanted to know.

"That still doesn't explain the obvious," Ichigo said reverting back to the main point at hand. "How did you learn of my name, or that Haruna girls name for that matter?"

The hatted man crossed his arms before deciding to speak again.

"Listen here Kurosaki, you've got two options," Tez replied ignoring his question entirely. "Either you can travel out on your own and serchfor your friends I'm fully aware of, or.. or you can return to the Land of Iron with me and I'll consider helping you on this voyage you're on, the choice is all yours Kuro."

With that Tez began walking once more.

"Wait, how did you know I was looking for my friends," Ichigo called in response. "Who the hell are you, really?!"

He stopped after only a few steps before responding to the warranted question.

"I'll speak no more, if you want answers come with me," Tez posed. "I'll make everything clear to you if that is what you decide upon."

He said nothing more, leaving the substitute shinigami with a choice to make as he began walking once more.

"I don't trust this guy,, but at the same time I could benefit from him," Ichigo tangled in mind. ".. What should I do?"

….

After a trial of death stalling events it had all finally come to an end. Even with resolve reached there was still a level of failure that loomed large within her conscious. So much had been learned, yet there was still so much unknown. Deep within there seemed to be a lingering question, one left to still be asked. She didn't know what to make of this feeling, it was just another internal blockage that quarreled in mind with everything else.

After a time of walking riverside was finally within view. It took only seconds for them to sight a boat which was occupied by a group of three men, all who were in the mist of floating from up stream into their direction.

"Here they come, and right on schedule," Dorsel said upon seeing their approach. "They'll be the ones to get you across back to the Land of Fire."

"We can't thank you enough." Hinata replied conveying her best.

"You don't have to thank me, I'm certain you all would have done the same had you been in my position," Dorsel said. "After all we were all interested in nothing but the truth."

"I guess you're right."

"Hopefully the next time you and your friends decide to venture here to Tanigakure it won't be under such extreme circumstances."

"Yea, no kidding," Choji said managing a smile. "No way any of us were expecting things to spiral out of unpredictability like it did."

"That's the fascination of life's trail, you never know what is to come."

"That's hard to disagree with."

"What will happen to the two surviving killers?" Temari asked.

"Ultimately.. I cannot say," Dorsel said with a pause. "One thing is for sure though, they'll have a lot of questions to answer."

"With everything that happened I still haven't been able to wrap my mind around a possible motive for why the two of them wanted their proclaimed son dead."

"That's certainly something we'll be looking to find out," Dorsel assured. "And you have my word once that information is learned all will be passed to each of your villages."

"I have no doubt."

"Not only that, we'll see to it that all fatal activities linked to the both of them are brought to light," Dorsel continued. "Including what happened at the trading site, if they were really involved we'll find out."

"There's nothing more we could ask of you." Choji said.

By this time the boat that had been pointed out had finally reached its stopping position at the side of the river several feet away. Without saying a single thing she separated herself from the group as she strolled toward the boat that awaited them.

"Sakura-chan." Hinata called.

After only taking a couple steps she stopped. She stood there for a time before eventually turning around to look her in the eyes, still grasping an expression that voiced a level of unfulfillment.

"Let's go home."

Those were her only words before turning back for the boat that awaited them all. There was no stop in her step as she headed to the obvious destination.

"Your friend seems rather down, disappointed even," Dorsel noted. "I find it to be kind of strange given the outcome of this all."

"Yes, I was not anticipating she'd be this way," Temari admitted. "Especially not since the truth had its time."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Choji said. "In light of this all I'm sure she's just got a lot on her mind, I'm certain she'll be just fine in a day or so."

"Before we go there's one thing I'd like to ask," Hinata said facing him. "Where are the ones who identified themselves as Kelsho and Shuen now?"

"Locked away, in two secured cells beside one another." Dorsel smiled in response.

"And you're sure there's no chance of escape?"

"No way, not with how security is set up here," Dorsel replied. "If they managed a feat like that I'd burn the bandana atop my head."

"Then we'll have to hold you to that," Choji jokingly said in response. "Either way we should be going now, after all we have a report to file in for the Hokage, no way we want to keep her waiting."

"Until next time." Dorsel responded with a nod of his head.

"What about you Temari-chan," Hinata asked as she looked her way. "Will you now be returning to Sunagakure?"

"Not until the woman I took to the infirmary awakens, I would like to have a few words with her before I make my return home."

"I guess that's to be expected," Hinata said. "Hopefully circumstances aren't in similar lengths the next time we meet."

"We can only hope."

The two smiled at one another, capping off an ending to their latest adventure. But was it really the end, or was this just the opening sequence of something bigger to come?

….

Its flame burned lightly, gradually waving back in forth as if to keep all aware of its presence. The flame was the only thing that shed light to an otherwise pitch dark room. It was its very essence that shined just bright enough to awake the one who had been locked within their own line of thoughts.

His eyes slid open with minimal difficulty, feeling a minor burn in each. The pain was only further enforced by a striking pain that flourished in the form of a headache. Had he been drugged or had the hit he'd taken produced these results? The surface he found himself lying upon was soft and smooth. A mattress of some kind was the first thing that came to mind. At this point he attempted to move only to receive discouraging results.

"My arms and legs.. I can't move."

His arms and legs were tied down, and from the feel of it there was no mistaking rope was used in the procedure. But why, and where was he now? He rolled his sights to a single candle that sat atop what he assumed to be a desk, it was the only source of light that gave view to the surroundings. His mind immediately shift focus, thinking back to what he remembered last before awaking to find himself in this position.

"The sewer, that's right," Bruce recalled. "I found myself trailing someone when another came and knocked me from behind."

It was now clear that whoever had surprised him from his blindside was the one to have brought him here. But for what reason? There was no greater question than that in his mind. But above all his main priority was making better of the situation he found himself in.

"I've got to try and find a way out of here before the one who brought me to this place returns," Bruce plotted in thought. "I'm practically naked considering I have not a single one of my gadgets on me, regardless I'll have to find a way to manage."

With the light providing the little guidance it did of the room he began to think up a means of escape, a plan which he hoped would have him free before the one to have brought him here returned.

….

After receiving the most recent line of news pertaining to the matter at hand they had found themselves now walking the grounds of the dark tunnel. Besides the darkened area the next notable element was the dense air which accompanied by an awkward smell. They now followed the man who was the one to bring them the latest news, as they walked other shinobi could be seen exploring the confines of the wide tunnel on both sides.

"How much longer until we reach this body you spoke of?" Iruka asked.

"We're almost there." The man holding the torch in hand replied as they continued onward.

As they walked he couldn't but find his eyes shying her way, a move which was backed by a single question that resided on his mind.

"Varlia-san, you're from the Land of Iron," Kakashi stated. "Why is it you're still here, I thought for sure after everything was wrapped up at the trading site you would have returned home."

"That was the plan, yes," Varlia replied not denying the fact. "However the day I was scheduled to leave on was when this tunnel was first discovered, which would have been the day after we met."

"Trouble seems to follow you everywhere you go."

"Evidently." Varlia grinned while looking his way.

"When do you plan on officially returning to the Land of Iron?" Iruka asked out of curosity.

"Tonight," Varlia replied. "For there is much to do upon my return."

They walked for a short time more before finally coming in view of a small group of people who were gathered around something on the right vicinity of the dark tunnel.

"Look," The man with the torch in hand pointed. "We've arrived."

It took only moments for them to close in on the four who were gathered around what he assumed to be the body they were informed of. A few extra steps was all it took to see what all focus was on, and sure enough it was the body of someone who lied on their back.

"I've returned," The man in hold of the torch passed. "And I've come with the likes of Iruka and Kakashi of Konohagakure."

The four who had been gathered around the body stepped aside at the sight of them all.

"We've taken note of everything that we could, we'll let you guys take over from here." One of them said.

With that the four who had been looking into matters stepped aside to grant them access to the body.

"The stage is all yours." The man in possession of the torch said before handing it over to him.

"Thank you," Iruka said in acceptance. "We'll handle everything from here."

Not a second longer did it take for him to aim the flame in the direction of the body to give light to gain clarity. With a clear view of things he took a step forward to take his initial look. What he came to discover not only came as a shock but left him relatively disturbed.

"He was just a kid.. no older than myself." Naruto spoke barring a pain of disgust within.

His first key observation came as he looked to the headband that was tied around the young boys head.

"That symbol," Naruto noted. "This boy was from Kumogakure."

"If that is so, then what was he doing here in the Land of Fire?" Kakashi asked not expecting anyone would have the answer to that.

"I don't get it, was his body just found lying here like this?" Naruto asked

"I don't believe so," Varlia said in response. "When the first sweep was done of the tunnel there was not a single body found, it wasn't until they started digging around that a body and a few limbs were found buried under ground and within the walls."

"Limbs," Iruka said voicing his surprise. "We were only told of a single body, no one mentioned anything about limbs."

"News must be traveling slow."

"So what is this place," Naruto said tightening down on both fists. "Some kind of underground grave yard?"

"In some ways perhaps, but from what I've been able to make of it I'd say there's more to it than that." Varlia said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto inquired of her.

"I believe this tunnel was used as some kind of secret passageway."

"For what?"

"That I have yet to determine."

"I'm curious as to why you believe this was used as a secret passage." Iruka said after hearing her words of belief.

She looked his way as she replied to the asked.

"The entrance on both ends of this tunnel were carefully hidden by what was described to me as a batch of leaf's and wood logs," Varlia explained. "This place was only discovered by luck."

"I see, and the fact someone tried to keep this place hidden speaks volumes," Iruka said gaining an understanding. "The only question is, what was this tunnel specifically used for?"

"And I doubt anyone will be coming forward anytime soon to own up to any of this." Kakashi stated.

Another detail would immediately be passed in that moment, adding another detail to the list of known to this point.

"No more than a day," Naruto reported after placing his hand to the side of the deceased boy's neck. "Maybe if we had come sooner he might not have."

"There's nothing any of us could have done." Kakashi interjected.

"Obviously time will be needed to determine the cause of death in the case of this child," Iruka said. "But what of the other body that was found while navigating these parts; has a cause of death been determined?"

"Not to my knowledge, no," Varlia replied. "The condition it was found in is similar to what we have here."

"What about the limbs you mentioned," Kakashi referred back to. "If anything that should at least help paint a picture of the not so clear circumstances surrounding this all."

"I haven't seen any of them for myself so I really couldn't tell you," Varlia replied. "But I do know where they're keeping all that has been collected."

"That's certainly something I'd like to have a look at for myself." Iruka said.

"Each limb including the first body found was already taken to the surface for further examination." Varlia reported.

"Then that's where I'll be going," Iruka said as he turned back into the direction they had come. "I'll return as soon as I can."

"I'm going to come with you," Kakashi declared before looking to his other accomplice. "Naruto, will you be coming as well?"

He looked him directly in the eyes before having them squander back to the body that lied only a few feet away.

"No," Naruto replied. "I'm not ready to leave just yet."

".. I see," Kakashi said with a brief pause. "And should we expect you to still be here when we return, or will you come to join us on the surface?"

"I'll be down here."

Not an inch of his sight moved away from the body, a move which showcased a level of determination.. one which could not quite be explained with words.

"Are we really going to leave him down here alone?" Iruka questioned.

"Yes." Kakashi replied.

"What, are you sure?"

"Time alone is all he needs," Kakashi surmised. "Trust me."

His words were given into, nodding in response with a full understanding.

"If you don't mind I'd like to come with the both of you," Varlia said. "I'll take you to where all collected parts have been placed."

"That's perfectly ok with me," Iruka said before looking at him for a final time. "Naruto since you plan on staying down here you better hold onto this."

He glanced his way to see him holding the flame that still burned brightly.

"But won't you need it to help guide your path back to the surface?" Naruto asked.

"The return route is a straight path," Iruka replied. "I think we'll manage just fine without it."

".. Alright." Naruto said finally reaching out to accept the torch.

Once in his possession his focus fell back to the boy below.

"We'll see you back up top, if you find anything noteworthy you know where to find us." Kakashi said.

He simply nodded his head as a means of response.

With that the three of them departed.

"Are you sure your friend is going to be ok?" Varlia questioned.

"Believe me," Kakashi spoke in response. "He'll come along, he just needs some time alone to sort through his thoughts."

He was now alone. His complete focus was now on the individual who had been slain with only one thought in mind.

"What happened to you?"

He couldn't make any determinations by simply observing. But either way it didn't stop him from trying. Minutes went by, for how much time had passed became lost to him. It felt as if he, the flame, and the body were the only ones present down in that tunnel for that very brief moment. Not once did he look away, it was almost as if he was waiting for an answer to present itself.

No such thing came, speaking a realization he did not wish to admit… that he had no idea as to what conspired leading to his death.

"I don't get it, what lead to your death," Naruto questioned. "And most importantly, if you didn't die here then where? And who brought you here, and for what purpose?"

Unexpectedly someone called in response to his words, letting their presence be known.

"It's still the same with you, at every turn you're always looking for someone to answer the what you seemingly cannot, I thought you'd be able to comprehend things into clarity on your own by now," The person behind the shadows spoke. "I guess that's to be expected from a loser with a primitive mind such as yourself."

"That voice," Naruto said swaying the torch toward the wall directly behind to reveal the face of the one who had spoken. "Sasuke?!"

To Be Continued