The Nine

Chapter 3

Otafuku Gai was a place of fun, relaxation and… women. It was known to have a marginally larger population of women than other cities did. One would think that such a large population of women would attract even larger numbers of men. However, infestations of such men are halted by the samurai guards stationed at every entrance of the city. Their job is to protect the townspeople and make sure that no more men are to enter the city when the male population reaches a certain number. This male tally is recorded by a central headquarters for the samurai, overlooked by the Governor.

One male was now entering the city, replaying the information he memorized in his head. He looked at the samurai guarding the northern gates and nodded in greeting to them. They returned the greeting and allowed him entrance without batting an eyelid. No matter the number of men currently within the city, he was always allowed entrance. He did save the city from being taken over by a wanted missing-nin and his band of ninjas.

The man smiled to himself. It felt good to be a hero. He walked down the paved streets of the market district, nodding his greetings at the shop owners who knew him well.

He liked this city, it was worth saving. Although it was known to have a pleasure district, he knew that the women there were only doing their jobs to get by. He had been offered their services many times, each time he politely declined and gave them twice the asked amount of the service.

He was known to be a pervert but he respected women more than anything. That's why he felt that he couldn't love. Who deserved to marry a man that is more likely to come home in a body bag than to come home safe and sound?

Lifting the flap to a nearby Dango shop, he looked around at the, mostly empty, wooden tables. His eye caught that of a woman's sat in the corner. Smirking to himself slightly, he placed his hands in his pocket and strolled over. Sitting comfortably in the opposite seat, he addressed the woman, "Anko," He leaned back in his seat. "I didn't know you were my contact, I thought you hated these types of missions."

Anko finished her current stick of dango and wiped her mouth with her sleeve, "I've been dying to get out of the village just as much as you have Kakashi. When the Hokage offers a mission, I take it. Even if it is to just deliver information and then return to the village."

Kakashi nodded, "Understandable, things have been pretty boring recently. I've been travelling around for a month now and things seem quiet, too quiet." He finished with a heavy sigh and glanced out the window.

Anko sported her trademark smirk, "You won't think so after this bit of juicy information."

Kakashi once again gained her full attention, "Oh? What is it?" He asked, looking at her questioningly.

Anko leaned forward, revealing a large amount of cleavage, "Well… It seems our little Naru-kun has gone AWOL. Hokage-sama has already sent out a team to find him. They left just before I did so it took a bit of effort to get here before they did."

Kakashi took in the information, "Naruto's gone? But why?" He asked, more to himself than to Anko. "What else do you have?"

Anko leaned back to reach into her coat pocket and pulled out a small note, "This was found in Naruto's room. Likely has something to do with him leaving." She handed it to Kakashi and continued. "The numbers refer to Jinchuuriki, that's confirmed. But we don't know who 'they' are."

Kakashi read the note in seconds, theories racing through his mind. He looked at Anko once more, "What does Tsunade-sama want me to do?"

Anko stood up and prepared to leave, "She wants you to meet up with the team tracking Naruto and assist anyway you can. I'm heading back to Konoha, after a bit of gambling of course." She winked at him and headed towards the exit. He shook his head, some people never change.

Kakashi looked at the note once more and prepared to leave but heard Anko's fading voice, "Find the kid Kakashi, and don't let him get hurt. Please."

Kakashi looked back at the exit and saw a glimpse of Anko's retreating figure. She and Naruto had similar histories; Kakashi knew that, so it was understandable that she'd care for him. Pocketing the note, he stood and exited the shop.

He pulled out his favourite book and started to walk down the street. Anko mentioned that she got there before the team did, which meant they were likely there by now. The first place to check would be the western entrance. If they were coming from Konoha, that's where they'd enter the city. He jumped onto a nearby rooftop to gather his thoughts.

People may have thought it was impossible to think and read a book at the same time. However Kakashi was known to be a genius for a reason.

Pocketing his book, he made his way across the rooftops to the western gate.

On route, Kakashi's mind wondered to thoughts of Naruto.

'Why would you leave, Naruto? Are you not happy in Konoha?' He landed in a crouch on top of a convenience store. The midday sun shone down upon him, glinting off his shining forehead protector and creating a reflection of the Leaf insignia upon the concrete roof.

Knowing Naruto, he wasn't one to leave the village he so adored without good reason. From looking at the note, Kakashi predicts that his Jinchuuriki friends may be in trouble. Kakashi knew how Naruto got when his friends were in trouble.

Making his way across the rooftops once more, Kakashi spied a ninja on an adjacent rooftop. He halted his advance to the western gate and found cover behind a low wall on the rooftop he landed on. Kakashi concealed his chakra signature and glanced over the wall.

The ninja was dressed in all black underneath a dark cloak with a hood. He wore a white mask, similar to that of the ANBU. Kakashi's eyes narrowed, who was this mysterious individual and what were they doing here?

The ninja seemed to be communicating through an ear piece, but Kakashi couldn't lip read him due to the mask.

Deciding to cut his venture to the western gate short, he focused on the ninja's movements. It was evident he was male; the cloak was open due to the ninja's hand being used on an earpiece. He seemed to be observing something, or someone, inside the building that Kakashi was currently on.

The ninja seemed familiar, Kakashi just couldn't place where.

From what he knew about the lay-out of Otafuku Gai, the building he was on was a small hotel. Low priced, not badly furnished.

'Someone inside must be his target,' He thought, reaching inside his kunai holster. 'Not in my city.' He prepared to jump across the rooftops when suddenly a cart toppled in the street below. Kakashi glanced down to the cart and then glanced back to the rooftop. The ninja had vanished. Kakashi spread his senses wide and found nothing. Well, he was good at stealth that was for sure.

Kakashi sheathed his kunai back into its holster and stood once more.

He sighed to himself; he needed to find out who that ninja was observing. Using chakra to stick to the rooftop he stepped onto the side of the building and began to check windows.

He needed to work fast, to anyone who saw him he looked like a complete pervert. Eventually he came upon a window with a familiar ninja inside.

'Sakura, hmm? A good choice for the team, I wonder who the rest are.' He finished his thought process and checked the nearby windows, discovering the other team members. Nodding to himself, he made his way back to the rooftop.

They were all asleep so Kakashi decided to let them rest. They would most likely need it for whatever was to come.

Taking a seat with his back against the wall he was hidden behind not long before, he took out a picture from his Jounin jacket.

It was a picture of him, Sakura and Naruto just before the last war. Naruto looked so happy. He and Sakura were getting along better than ever and he had just been promoted to Chuunin. Sakura had a huge smile as well; she had just finished her training under Tsunade. It was a good day. Pocketing the picture, he looked up at the blue sky.

Things had changed. Peace between the countries had made ninja lax in their training. Many had even quit being a ninja and taken on lives as civilians. The only ninja he knew that had done that was Iruka, Naruto's old academy teacher. He didn't look down upon him for the decision; Kakashi knew his reasons for doing it. He had a kid and was married to Ayame now; he couldn't afford to risk his life anymore. Not after his close encounter in the last war. He got a job working as the Hokage Tower's librarian. It paid well, thanks to Tsunade's input into the matter. Kakashi didn't blame him for not going back to his teaching job either, he had no idea how Iruka put up with kids like that.

Kakashi remembered back to the battles fought two years ago. The Fourth Great Ninja War. The Alliance worked well, the Hidden Villages got on well after a while. They had to if anyone was to survive, that much was obvious. He remembered the final battle. It was brutal.

Many died but Naruto and the revived Jinchuuriki managed to defeat Madara.

How Naruto revived the fallen Jinchuuriki is a mystery. Many speculate that he used forbidden jutsu, but official investigations into the matter reveal nothing. To Kakashi it didn't matter, Naruto finally had friends like himself. If those friends were in trouble, it was no mystery as to why he disappeared. The mystery is why he left without saying anything.

Kakashi closed his eyes and relaxed in the warm breeze. It wouldn't hurt to have a nap, would it? He was a light sleeper so he'd know when Sakura and the others moved. His breathing slowed as he embraced the open arms of sleep.

Hours later he awoke. He never did sleep for too long, a ninja had to be alert all the time. He stood up and stretched, the sun was still high in the sky. Suddenly, Sakura's voice filled his ears, "Okay, we'll head east out of the city following Kiba's nose. We'll move fast, Naruto's a day ahead of us."

Kakashi leaned over the rooftop and spied his fellow Konoha ninja on the ground below about to walk away. Deciding now was a good a time as any; he jumped from the rooftop and landed in front of Sakura. If Kakaski had a camera, Sakura's face would have made the perfect picture, "Yo!" He waved in his usual casual manner.

Sakura recovered from her sudden fright, "Kakashi-sensei! What the hell! Why can't you appear like normal people?" She finished her rant with her fist balled and in Kakashi's face.

Ino placed a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to calm her. Kiba and Shikamaru greeted Kakashi, Shikamaru asked the question in everyone's minds, "Kakashi, what brings you here? This can't be just coincidence."

Kakashi eyed Shikamaru, "Straight to the point as usual, eh Shikamaru?" Kakashi placed his hands in his pockets and continued. "Well I've been assigned to assist in your mission. No cheers needed." He finished with a smirk, not that anyone could see.

Shikamaru nodded, content with the answer. Sakura smiled at Kakashi, "Well we're going in blind, so I won't complain!"

Kiba interrupted further conversation, "I've got the scent, but it's getting faint." This gained the attention of the whole group.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, "I thought you were quiet, thought you might have gas." Referring to Kiba's earlier remark at his silence.

Kiba's eyebrow twitched at the comment, followed by Akamaru's barking while he wagged his tail, "Shut up Akamaru! It's not funny!"

Shikamaru smirked at him, "Even your dog is laughing at you Kiba. That must suck."

Kiba's face went slightly red with anger, "Why you-!"

"Guys! Seriously!" Sakura interrupted the argument with a hard gaze; Ino had a stern look with her arms crossed too.

Both men quieted down, they didn't want to piss off both of them. That was for sure.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru started towards the gate, then paused and addressed the group. "We going or not?"

Sakura shook her head and followed after him followed by the rest of her team.

"So, what do we know?" Kakashi came into step beside Sakura.

Sakura looked at him, "Well, not a lot to be honest. We're really only going by Kiba's nose. The only way we'll find out answer is from Naruto."

"Or another Jinchuuriki." Kakashi stated, earning a questioning look from Ino.

"What'd you mean?" Ino started walking backwards so she could face Kakashi and Sakura.

Kakashi gave her his trademark smile and continued, "Well if it has something to do with the Jinchuuriki, then any of the Jinchuuriki should know? No?"

Sakura's eyes widened, "Of course! That's genius. Why didn't we think of that? If we follow Naruto's scent he'll eventually lead us to one of the Jinchuuriki even if we don't find him."

"Well, I am known for being a ge-." Kakashi didn't have time to finish his sentence as Sakura barked out orders to Kiba.

"Kiba! In front! We're getting out of here. It's time to pick up the pace." Sakura ushered Kiba forward to the front of the group, past Ino and Shikamaru.

Taking to the rooftops, the group of ninja sped across them at high speeds followed by a sighing Kakashi.

Minutes later they were jumping from trees being led at high speeds by Kiba's nose. Ino looked behind her; she couldn't even see Otafuku Gai anymore. It was amazing how fast ninja travelled when they channelled enough chakra into their legs. She was grateful they rested at that hotel, she needed the sleep.

Leaping off a branch, she took in the nearby sights. The trees were always green in Fire Country, and the weather was always nice and warm. Ino loved it. Shaking her head, she remembered she was on an important mission. She couldn't let her teammates down.

Sakura and her team eventually came to a large chasm. She stopped at the edge and looked down into the abyss. She could faintly see a large river running down the middle. Climbing down then climbing up the other side would take a day or two; they needed to find a way across. Plus if anyone fell they would never survive such a drop. If Naruto got across, then there must be another way. Motioning for her team to follow, she made her way along the edge of the chasm. Eventually a large rope bridge came into view. Closer inspection revealed that it was pretty old and not stable at all.

Kiba and Akamaru went first. A few close calls and a broken plank of wood later, they were across. Kakashi was next; he went across swiftly without error. Shikamaru was third, four mutters of "Troublesome" later he was across.

Sakura cast a weary glance at Ino, "You next Ino, I'll go last."

Ino shook her head, "No, You go. I'll bring up the rear." She pushed Sakura forwards onto the bridge and smiled. "It'll be okay."

Sakura sent a little glare towards Ino but continued on. Ten minutes later, she was across with the others. She beckoned Ino to come across, "Come on Ino! You can do it!"

Ino nodded and grabbed the worn rope of the bridge to steady herself. 'Man I hate heights! Of all things it just HAD to be an old rope bridge across a chasm where you can't even see the bottom,' she thought wearily, taking slow steps across the cracking planks of the bridge. 'Damn you Naruto! Damn you for running away so we had to do this!'

Ino kept her eyes on Sakura and the others. She was about half way now, she could still do it. Her thoughts were halted as the bridge suddenly jolted to one side. She grabbed the rope tightly, struggling to keep herself steady. She heard Sakura's voice faintly in the background calling her name, telling her to hurry.

The bridge was still slightly level, so she just ran for her life. Planks snapped under her feet but she didn't care. She just wanted to make it to the edge.

She was nearly there; she smiled slightly at the thought of hard ground under her feet. But she noticed how the ground was slowly getting higher, everything was moving in slow motion. Why was the ground getting higher? The bridge was level, wasn't it? She saw Sakura's face change to horror and Kakashi's narrowed eye as he stopped Sakura from running to her.

Realization struck her like a ton of bricks. She was falling, the bridge ropes had fully snapped. She heard Sakura scream her name as she fell. Ino grabbed onto one of the ropes and held on tightly.

She felt the wind rush past her as the wall of the chasm came closer. She crashed into it along with the bridge. Planks fell and shattered from the force. She held on tightly, gritting her teeth as she ignored the pain.

Warmth spread down her side. Crimson blood soaked her side from a deep cut on her shoulder from the clash with the chasm wall.

She placed her feet on the wall, trying to channel chakra into her feet so she could walk up. As she tried to walk up, her feet slipped and she lost grip of the rope for a split second. She heard Kakashi's voice, "Ino! The chasm wall is made from a mineral known to repel small amounts of chakra; you can't use chakra to stick to it! You've got to climb up yourself!"

Ino heaved a heavy sigh, 'I would've never guessed.' She thought sarcastically. Gripping the rope tighter she tried to pull herself up. Sweat began to drip from her forehead as she slowly made her way up the rope. The cut on her shoulder was drenching her Jounin uniform in blood; it must have been deeper than she thought. She needed to hurry; soon she'd pass out from blood loss.

Gritting her teeth she growled and pulled herself up, she was nearly there. She could see Sakura reaching out with her hand and calling her name. She could see Kakashi, Shikamaru and Kiba's worried faces as they waited anxiously for her arrival. Sakura's face suddenly became a blur and Ino realised she would soon pass out. She was almost there!

Reaching up to grab once more, she was halted at the sound of the ropes snapping on the other side of the bridge. The planks from middle fell into the endless abyss, leaving Ino's single lifeline as the only thing attached to that side of the chasm. She looked up once more at Sakura's blurred face, suddenly feeling weak.

She looked at the rope she held onto with dear life. She saw it spiral outwards into smaller bands of fabric as the strain from holding her got too much. She saw it snap, letting her fall into the wind's embrace once more as she fell deeper into the chasm. She heard Sakura's voice fade into the distance as the sound of rushing wind took over her senses.

'So this is how I die, huh?' She thought sadly to herself. She wished she could've at least died in battle, like a true ninja. But she guessed not everyone got what they wanted.

She landed roughly into the river below. She fell deeper into her watery grave as her blood clouded the water.

Her vision began to fade. She shed invisible tears as she sank deeper and deeper.

'Goodbye…. Everyone…. I'm sorry.'

Ino's eyes closed for the last time, embracing death. She missed the fingerless-gloved hand grabbing her arm and yanking her back to the surface and the ocean blue eyes observing her still form.

Back at the chasm, Sakura was distraught. She had just seen her best friend fall to her death. Kakashi placed his hand on her shoulder, letting her shed her tears. She needed time.

He looked back at Kiba and Shikamaru's sullen faces, "Scout ahead." They nodded without argument and took off.

He knew Shikamaru would be hurting too, but Sakura needed him right now. He rubbed her back and comforted her, "Sakura it's okay, let it out. I know it's hard, but it'll get easier."

Kakashi wasn't the best for this type of thing but he had experience. He remembered back when Obito died, he was distraught too.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and stood up slowly, "It's my fault! If only I had gone last and not her!"

Kakashi looked at her, "Then what? You'd be dead instead of her! You'd be causing her the same pain."

Sakura looked down at the ground through blurred vision. He was right, but she didn't have to like it! Kakashi continued, "We can't let her death be in vain Sakura, we need to complete the mission. You can do this."

She wiped her eyes and looked at Kakashi with a small smile, "Thanks Kakashi-sensei, I'll try," She walked in the direction of Kiba and Shikamaru before looking back, "Can you take over as leader? I need some time to my thoughts."

Kakashi smiled at her and nodded. She thanked him and continued on her route towards Kiba and Shikamaru. Kakashi looked down into the abyss and offered a prayer for Ino. Opening his eyes, he followed after Sakura and the others. He would not lose anyone else.

He came into a clearing to the sight of Kiba comforting Sakura and Shikamaru off to the side staring at clouds. He walked over to Shikamaru and sat beside him, "Wanna talk?"

Shikamaru didn't take his eyes from the clouds, "What's there to talk about? Ino's dead, I just have my own way with dealing with it."

Kakashi nodded, understanding fully, "I'm taking over as leader."

"Understandable, Sakura isn't fit for leadership right now," Shikamaru got up and turned to head towards his teammates. "We should move out soon though."

Kakashi glanced at the clouds and got up. Could this day get any worse?

He walked up to his distraught team and addressed them, "Okay I know we're hurting, but we need to continue on with the mission. We can't let her death be in vain. This is what she would want." He hated being so heartless, but sometimes a leader had to be to get the mission done. He knew that well.

He looked at Kiba, "You know what to do, Kiba."

Kiba nodded sadly while stroking Akamaru's head. He took off in a seemingly random direction and the rest followed.

The atmosphere was bleak, Kakashi could tell that much, but they were soldiering on. They were adults now after all, and comrades died in their line of work.

Jumping off a thick branch he took in his surroundings. They had been travelling for a few days now with rest breaks and the air was changing. From Kakashi's geographic knowledge they should be nearing the coastline. He surveyed his team, their moods had improved which Kakashi was glad of, but you could tell Sakura still cried at night. Kakashi sighed; she'd get over it in time.

Suddenly Kiba stopped on a branch and the rest of the group followed. Kakashi landed on the branch beside him and looked at him questioningly.

Kiba kept his gaze ahead and spoke, "The coastline is just past those trees. But… something is strange. I smell something odd; it's familiar, yet un-familiar."

Kakashi spread out his senses but found nothing, "Is it Naruto?"

Kiba shook his head, "No, it's similar but different. Argh, it's hard to explain. It's like seeing an orange, but knowing it's an apple or something."

Kakashi looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "I have no idea what you're talking about. But we need to continue, which way did Naruto go?"

Kiba scratched his head and replied, "Straight ahead, he must've had a boat. There's a small dock."

Kakashi nodded and took the lead, "Take a break Kiba, you must be worn out." Kiba gratefully accepted the offer to hang back a little bit; he just couldn't understand what he was sensing!

The group of ninja made their way to the coastline, spotting a small dock with a boat. Making their way towards the dock, the group took in the beautiful sight of the ocean. Kakashi walked beside Sakura, "How are you feeling?" He asked genuinely.

Sakura smiled fondly at her ex-sensei, "I feel a bit better, thanks for asking."

Kakashi gave her his trademark smile, "Well I do still care for my students you kn-." He didn't get time to finish as a huge explosion of chakra blew the four ninja back towards the tree line.

Kakashi was the first to recover and drew a kunai, 'People just won't let me finish, will they?'

Kiba was up next and beside Kakashi, "This is it! This is what I could sense!" He finished, fear evident in his voice.

Sakura and Shikamaru joined the two ninja seconds later. The smoke and sand slowly began to settle, revealing a silhouette walking towards them.

Moments later, a young man revealed himself through the settling smoke and sand. He had dark greyish hair and a scary running down his face under his left eye. He wore a large green scarf with darker clothing underneath. The mysterious ninja carried a large scythe weapon with a small flower near the blade. He pointed the scythe towards the four ninja threateningly.

Kakashi's eyes widened and Sakura asked, "What is it? Do you know who this is?"

He didn't tear his eyes away from the young man in front of him. He lifted up his headband, revealing his sharingan and replied, "Sakura, meet the 3-Tails Jinchuuriki."