OMG! I FINALLY DID IT! CHAPTER THREE! THE REAL DEAL!
I removed the redundant A/N which previously occupied this chapter because, well, it was just that – redundant.
And so, I want to thank all those who reviewed here.
Sariasprincy, Silent Kuniochi aka. Fiona, xjinchuurikix, Stefan, SpeedDemon315, xTomomi-Itachi's-Stalkerx, sakura-angel113, TheFoxGirlKitsune, circles in the stream, CrystalxLullaby.
And also to those who placed my story on alert, believing I would update! LOL. And I did!
ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL.
Now, on with the story.
In a room somewhere in the main building of Iwagakure, the Council of Elders sat in a ring around a low stone table. Tea was being served to all members of the circle and when the server finally left the room, a woman with grey hair perfectly tied up in a bun and held in place with a chopstick-like accessory spoke.
"This is a serious matter. We cannot allow the enemy such easy escape. Something must be done!"
A haggard male with thinning hair agreed but was interrupted by another male with his silver locks tied in a low pony tail.
"Indeed. However, we cannot deny the fact that we were partly to blame for his death…"
"I object! We DID warn the fool! What he did after that has nothing to do with us. Besides, there are other more capable rulers in our land. It would not be difficult to elect a new leader in his place."
The whole council was in an uproar by then. But the room was immediately silenced by a raised hand from a woman with streaks of grey in her once black mop of hair. There was a single pin sticking out from the intricately weaved and braided hair that sat at the back of her head. Her face held the fine lines and wrinkles that came with years of experience and her eyes held a stern and discerning gaze. With a slight pause, her lips, formerly set in a thin line, began to move.
"The people will know about this matter soon and there is nothing we can do about it. Bad news travels fast. No doubt that we should have done more when we could. But is it pointless to think of the past. Yes, a new ruler will have to be put in place."
Whispers filled the room as the elders discussed amongst themselves their thoughts about the matter.
"However…"
"Our primary concern is to gather information on the deceased and his dealings with the enemy as this could endanger trade relations. The people need to keep the country's economy moving."
A string of murmurs erupted once again from the council members but died down when this woman continued.
"As for the issue of information gathering, I have already made arrangements with the necessary parties."
At this moment, the shoji door slid open and a man of medium build strode in with a boy who had his blonde hair tied up in a high ponytail with part of his fringe hanging in front of one of his eyes in tow. The man had crew-cut hair and a puckered line of skin ran from the lobe of his left ear down across his tanned neck towards his right shoulder. No doubt one of the countless scars received in numerous battles. The dark haired male wore a vest and the standard khaki pants with a katana slung on his back. His hardened eyes held respect for the woman in front of him. This was no ordinary man.
He was a shinobi.
He bowed as he greeted the female leader of the council.
"Orika-sama. I have chosen one of my best men to carry out your orders."
At this, the blonde haired boy stepped forward. Frowns and disapproving looks settled in the faces of the council members as they realized that this boy could not have been more than ten years of age. Outbursts of disbelief and the like started forth from the elders.
"This is outrageous!"
"He is merely a boy! How can he carry out the mission?!"
"Absurd! He'll get killed!"
The leader, Orika, brought her eyebrows together in a frown and in what seemed to be a tone of annoyance, spoke one word enough to silence a fish market. She oozed power and authority.
"Silence!"
"This is one of my most trusted and loyal servants. If he thinks that this is one of his best men for the job, then so be it. Also, it would be easier for a boy to follow and track the enemy without being noticed."
"My exact sentiments, Orika-sama."
"This is Deidara. He will accomplish what you have ordered without delay."
"Very well, Seita."
Shifting her focus from Seita to Deidara, Orika gave her final words for before the meeting was adjourned.
"Deidara, you will track and follow the enemy and gather as much information about the details of the deal as possible and their likely hide-out."
"I expect no less from someone like you. Be sure to gather as much information as possible on this group of ninja."
Turning to face the Council of Elders once more, she ended the meeting with a firm:
"Dismissed!"
That was supposed to be all that his mission entailed him to do. It had not included rescuing a helpless victim of the enemy's sudden and unexpected detour from their journey.
Sakura's tour of the village had been rudely interrupted when she saw the obituary. Furthermore, Deidara has suddenly been summoned to the main building of Iwagaukre.
Now, said blonde was sitting next to his superior, Seita Ryuusei, once again in the company of the Council of Elders.
Orika spoke.
"We knew that we couldn't keep the news from the people for long, but for it to spread THIS fast? It's barely been a day!"
The elders looked at one another uncertainly.
"Deidara."
He looked up at the mention of his name.
"We need to know what you have gathered so far. I know it's been too short to gather much, but please inform us of whatever that you have discovered."
Outside the meeting room, Sakura sat in silence on a stone bench in the reception area. There was only the receptionist doing paper work and picking up the occasional telephone call.
She nervously bit her lip while her hands started fidgeting and wondered what was happening and why Deidara seemed to be far-off when she tried to talk to him.
After the obituary incident at the notice board, a bird seemed to appear out of nowhere from the sky and land on his outstretched arm – a carrier pigeon.
There was a note attached to one of its legs. Deidara had read it with urgency and grabbed Sakura's hand while heading towards a huge domed building without explaining anything. He only told her to "Wait here.", while he entered a room just ahead of her without another word.
There, I hope you enjoyed it.
And I know what you're thinking.
'TWO MEETINGS WITH COUNCIL ELDERS IN A SINGLE CHAPTER!?'
'BORING!! I WAS HOPING FOR SOME ACTION OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!'
Sorry guys, lol. I wanted to develop the plot a little. Since, I FINALLY came up with a situation.
I also know that this might have been a significantly shorter than the previous chapter and I hope it's not a bother.
Hopefully, the next chapter will come out in less time than this one did! Thanks for reading and reviewing. (In advance!) (: