Chapter Three: Unease
It was early evening when Haruno Sakura made it to her destination: the Border Village of Rain Country. Getting there had been rather uneventful. Without the fears of Civil War Battles or having any run-ins with Akatsuki or their Base, Sakura found herself easily flying through the forests of Rain Country towards its North-Western Borders. The forests were very peaceful with its healthy-green plant life and the sun's welcoming rays. Occasionally a grey cloud would pass overhead and a short drizzle would occur, but Sakura actually loved those brief instances, because even when it rained the sun's simultaneous shining light made it all the more surreal.
Before she knew it, the Medical Jounin was exiting the thriving forests and entering into grassy plains, small hills in the distance where she knew the Village rested on the other side. The mountains on her right were still visible since she had been traveling alongside the Borders of Earth and Rain and she could see it continuing for miles onwards. She knew that when she reached the peak of the hills ahead the view would be spectacular. While the Rain Border Village would be at its base the Medic realized that she would be able to see the high mountains of Earth Country, a portion of a sparkling lake of Bird Country, and a few deep valleys on Rain Country's side. Then, in the middle of all those beautiful, natural sites would be a forest, supposedly more stunning than the forest she had just traveled through and exited from.
And because of its rumored beauty, it was untouched. It was seen by many but only accessible through Bird Country, whose residents were very particular of its visitors.
With an excited smile, eager to see the sight, Sakura began her journey towards the hills a few miles away, pink hair whipping passed her flushed face, emerald eyes taking in the grassy plain's simple splendor.
When she finally reached the hill and climbed to its peak, Sakura stopped, her form going tense and her smooth face flickering with various emotions; surprise, confusion, and dread.
Because the scene she saw before her was nothing like she imagined.
"Kami…" Sakura breathed; her jade eyes wide.
The skies almost seemed darker, more foreboding as more clouds, thicker and greyer than the ones she saw earlier, covered the area, making it impossible for sunlight to enter, leaving the land in a gloom. The forest connecting Rain, Bird, and Earth Country was still very much green, healthy even to Sakura's eyes, but the atmosphere around it was far from inviting. The thick canopies of its trees made the forest look more shadowed than it was. And a mist was weaving through the area, obscuring Sakura's view from witnessing Bird Country's lake or the farther mountains of Earth Country.
However, more terrible than the awful and completely opposite expectation of the weather, Sakura's gaze trailed downward towards the Border Village, her eyes narrowing when she caught no signs of movement, no signs of people, no signs of any type of occupancy or liveliness. The Village seemed dead, the ominous mist coating the ground, slithering through the abandoned streets, stray materials shifting negligently in the wind.
"What happened…?" Sakura whispered disbelievingly, her hand unconsciously moving towards her waist, fingering a kunai as her body fell into a defensive and analyzing stance, chakra moving out cautiously, eyes darting around for any signs of danger.
Her free hand absently fingered her radio, silently cursing the fact that she was out of communication range of Sasuke and Naruto and that her intuition the night before had been – unfortunately – right. As a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf, Sakura had an obligation to find out what happened and report it immediately back to her Shishou. Add to the reality that there could be survivors from a possible attack, Sakura needed to check things out, even if to satisfy her own burning curiosity from what had occurred to a seemingly harmless village.
Cautiously, Sakura began her trek towards the Border Town, her feet light as she walked down the hill's slope, ready to dodge or curve into action at the slightest of movements, senses heightened as she walked deeper and deeper into the thick fog, eyesight adjusting to the dense mist. Removing a kunai from her thigh holster, Sakura's other hand absently made sure that her weapons' summoning scroll was in reachable access, just in case she had to resort to bigger and more effective arsenal.
When she reached the gates of the Border Town Sakura stopped in her advance, observing her surroundings thoughtfully, tactically, emerald eyes noticing that she could only see about twenty feet ahead of her. She could easily make out buildings and other structures but the mist could act as a cover to those that were hiding, making her an easy target.
Brows furrowed, Sakura took a single step forward, only to feel her foot sink against the ground and causing her to stop in her progression again. Looking down, Sakura easily recognized tracks, the damp soil from the fog making the tracks more prominent. Kneeling down, Sakura touched the wet dirt, following the lined trails that the wheels of carts made. Among the cart tracks were footprints and they were leading into the Town. However, taking a closer look at the position of the footprints, Sakura found they were, actually, leaving the Village.
"And recent…" Sakura muttered, since the trails were still clearly visible, standing up and continuing on once more into the Town and onto the Main Street, "…Does that mean this Village evacuated? But why?"
Flicking her gaze to the Mission Scroll at her belt, Sakura's contemplative frown deepened.
"Who sent the call for help then?" Sakura whispered to herself, "Why was Hidden Leaf not informed? What happened here?"
A clatter of movement sounded at Sakura's right and the Kunoichi immediately jumped away in the opposite direction, kunai knife held up in defense as she searched for the origin of the crash, emerald eyes trying to scan through the mist.
"Hello?" Sakura called out as strongly as she could, despite the rapid rate of her alarmed heart, "Who's there?!"
Silence greeted her.
With a frown, Sakura took a tentative step forward; in the direction she was sure the sound came from, chakra fanning out for any other life-signs. Jade eyes narrowed as the mist shifted in the wind, the grip on her weapon tightening as she made out the silhouette of a simple house. As she came closer to the building, her heart slowed to regularity when she recognized a window shutter that had fallen from its hinges and hung harmlessly against the wall, the wind causing it to bump against the structure periodically.
Sighing, Sakura lowered her weapon slightly, eyeing the shutter with contempt before backing away and continuing on the Main Street of the Town. If she was lucky, perhaps she could find the Clinic or Administrations Center of the Village and find out what happened. Since it was a Civilian Town, nothing like what Amegakure no Sato was – filled with Shinobi who were capable of fixing what could have happened – maybe she could find documents their Village Leader may have kept that would explain the sudden evacuation.
Maybe she could find out who called for her specific help only to leave without informing her…
Looking up at the sky, Sakura frowned when she caught no sight of the sun. By her estimates the day would end in a few hours and the Village would soon be plunged in complete darkness. Since there was no immediate Village nearby she would just have to stay the night in one of the abandoned houses. It was better than staying in the cold mists or even out on the forest floor.
Until then, however, she would have to find some answers…
At night, Iwagakure no Sato was alive and bustling, lamps shining on the busy streets and people happily enjoying the warm temperatures that Earth Country provided. With its tall precipices and rocky terrain, visitors were astonished by the sheer size and beauty of Hidden Rock, its Village carved into the cliff face and providing a spectacular view of the vast lands surrounding it. The humidity was different to the visiting Leaf Ninja, especially at night, used to the cooling breezes of Konohagakure no Sato. However, they were not unsettled by the busy and loud activity of the local Shinobi and Civilians, Hidden Leaf also known for its enjoyable late-night festivities.
"You know," Naruto grinned, blue eyes excitedly locked onto the various booths set up around him and his companion as they walked towards Hidden Rock's Administration Building, "We made pretty good time Sasuke-teme. And just in time for the fun too!"
Obsidian eyes rolled, a scowl crossing over the ex-Avenger's features as he was bumped by several people in the growing crowds, "We're not here for fun, dobe."
Naruto pouted, glaring lightly at the Uchiha's back before longingly looking around again, eyeing the booths giving off savory smelling aromas as he removed his orange and black jacket, hot from the unusual night temperature. However, it was a lot better than hours before, when he and Sasuke had been climbing mountains and crossing endless plains of rocky land under the scorching sun. Even Sunagakure no Sato's deserts in Wind Country weren't as blistering. Naruto thought he was going to die!
"This shouldn't take long," Sasuke muttered as they climbed the various slopes of the mountain towards the top, where they knew the Administration's Building and Tsuchikage's Office was, "Just check-in with them and don't cause any trouble."
Naruto scoffed, slinging his jacket over one shoulder before putting is hands behind his head, walking leisurely behind Sasuke, venturing further away from the rambunctious crowds, "Yeah, yeah. I know what to do."
"I would hope," Sasuke muttered sarcastically, annoyance etched onto his handsome features.
Naruto narrowed his gaze on Sasuke's back, a sudden mischievous attitude taking over him, "Why are you in such a hurry Teme? We still need to meet up with Sakura-chan tomorrow anyway," He grinned suddenly and waggled his brows, even if the Sharingan-User couldn't see, "What? Can't wait to see Sakura-chan again? Do you miss her?"
Sasuke scoffed, glancing over his shoulder at the smirking blonde, dark eyes narrowed with annoyance, "No, dobe. I just don't want to be alone in your company any more than I have to. The sooner you finish, the sooner I can get home and take on more serious Missions."
Naruto frowned, picking up his pace to walk beside his best friend so he could see his dampened mood, "Hey! This is serious! It's part of my Hokage Training!"
"Your training," Sasuke pointed out obviously, "Not mine."
"Of course this is your training too, Teme," Naruto jeered, his sapphire eyes catching the formal guards standing at the entrance of the Tsuchikage's Tower, "Remember, I'm demoting you…I think I like the sound of 'Sasuke-Teme: Rokudaime Hokage Naruto's Man-Slave'."
The blonde-shinobi fell into a fit of amused guffaws only to be abruptly stopped by a smack to the head, courtesy of the scowling Uchiha. Grinning snidely, Naruto only strode ahead with complete confidence, tipping his hitae-ate and flashing a Scroll and its Hidden Leaf Seal from his belt earning a scrutinizing stare from the guards and a roll of obsidian orbs from Sasuke.
"Uzumaki Naruto of the Hidden Leaf Village," The self-proclaimed Future Hokage announced proudly, the grin still stretching across his lips, "Here by orders of the Godaime Hokage, Tsunade, on Alliance Inspection and an Appointment with your Tsuchikage."
After further inspection of the Mission Scroll Naruto had produced, the guard nodded his head, stepping aside to allow Naruto and Sasuke through, only to follow in their steps, as was their protocol. The Tsuchikage's Tower was very elaborately made, with winding staircases and cavernous rooms, obviously made by Earth Style Jutsu. When the visiting Leaf Ninja reached the top of the spiraling cone Tower, they were met with arching, ornate doors similar to that of the Hokage's Office.
The entryway opened with a rumble, the stone surfaces shifting against one another and revealing a very spacious Office, complete with a desk and wall-length windows that overlooked the vast lands of Earth Country, as well as the beautiful night lights of Iwagakure no Sato below.
Naruto and Sasuke quietly stepped through, observing their surroundings idly yet still aware of any potential threat towards them. Unlike the Hokage's Office, the room they were standing in was marginally neater. Scrolls and documents were carefully organized and not a single Sake Bottle was in sight. Professionally, Naruto and Sasuke took firm stands a few feet from the Earth Leader's desk, sapphire and obsidian eyes silently analyzing the motionless figure faced away from them, presumably observing Iwagakure no Sato's nighttime activities through the large window.
"So you've finally arrived Uzumaki Naruto…" The deep, gruff voice stated simply, his large figure unmoving, "I've awaited the day to meet you. Tsunade-hime and Kazekage-sama have spoken very highly of you."
A large smile spread across Naruto's face, his left hand rubbing through the back of his spiky-blonde head in embarrassment, "The pleasure's all mine, Tsuchikage-sama."
"Many stories of your adventures have reached me and my Land," The man continued, his voice reverberating strongly throughout the room, "You have defeated many strong foes. I am honored by your presence and look forward to witnessing the rest of your Ninja Career."
While Naruto laughed awkwardly at the praise, Sasuke rolled his eyes slightly. Although Naruto was a very talented shinobi and deserved the attention, the Uchiha Avenger wanted to get the Mission over with. Diplomatic Meetings were never his favorite Assignments. Obsidian eyes curiously locked onto the Tsuchikage's back, noting the powerful chakra signature, as was expected from a Hidden Village's Kage. If he recalled correctly, this Tsuchikage had only come into the Kage position several years ago, yet he was a dedicated and rational Leader which ultimately led to the end of Fire Country's and Earth Country's conflict and thus a powerful Alliance was formed.
"Was your journey here without trouble?" The Tsuchikage asked, finally turning to face them, sharp auburn eyes easily connecting with sapphire and onyx, "Summer days in Earth Country can prove to be quite sweltering."
Naruto laughed, puffing up his chest all the while, grin still on his face, "No trouble at all Tsuchikage-sama! Sasuke and I can certainly handle the heat!"
The man chuckled, a deep resonating sound that came from the throat, amused as he turned to fully face the two Hidden Leaf Jounins, who bowed in respect. He was a much older man than Sasuke and Naruto, possibly a little older than their Sensei, Hatake Kakashi, but the air around him made him seem a lot older and wiser. Compared to Tsunade and Gaara as Kage, he looked the part, adorning battle scars on his face and arms indicating the amount of battles he had seen in his time. With broad shoulders and substantially taller than Sasuke and Naruto, he was a very foreboding and intimidating figure. Yet with gentle russet eyes and his carefree laugh, Naruto and Sasuke couldn't help but feel comfortable around him, their tense shoulders going slack.
"It's good to know Hidden Leaf Shinobi can handle it," The Kage responded easily, the smile still on his lips as he took a seat at his desk, gaze trailing towards Sasuke, "…And Sasuke you say? Uchiha Sasuke? I've heard many tales about you too."
Sasuke stiffened slightly. Perhaps his presence was a bad decision on the Hokage's part. Would his attendance there prove to be their downfall because of his past: a former traitor of the Hidden Leaf and a former Member of the Akatsuki Organization? Steadily, Sasuke lifted his gaze, surprised to find the Tsuchikage silently studying him, the same gentle smile on his lips.
Reassuringly, Naruto slapped Sasuke on the back, earning an annoyed grunt from the ex-Avenger, "Sasuke is–"
"A very talented Shinobi also," The older male interrupted with a smirk, Sasuke staring at him warily, "A Redeemer. I am also honored by the presence of the Ninja who helped take out the Akatsuki and rid Earth Country of its own traitor, Deidara."
Naruto grinned and Sasuke stiffly nodded his head, still a little surprised with the clear acceptance. Most of the time, Sasuke would be scorned and belittled for his actions, never praised.
The Tsuchikage smirked again, looking around the room with amusement, the scars on his cheeks shifting from his movements, "It would make my day if I met with the rest of the renowned Team Seven Squad of Konohagakure no Sato. Is Hatake Kakashi here? How about Haruno Sakura?"
"Sorry Tsuchikage-sama," Naruto replied apologetically, "Kakashi-sensei had his own Missions to complete and we escorted Sakura-chan to a Medical Mission just this morning…"
"Ah I see…" The man responded with slight disappointment, although spirits not low, "As is to be expected with the great Copy-Cat Ninja Kakashi and one of Fire Country's Best Medics…Although perhaps they could someday make a visit here…I believe Sakura-san's Medical Knowledge will prove useful to our rookie and elite Medics of Hidden Rock. We used to have a very talented Medical Shinobi in Iwagakure a few years ago, but War took his life…We never found his body and all Medical Familiarity we had was lost with him…" His statement ended with a solemn frown.
Naruto grinned, holding up a determined fist, eyes bright with reassurance, "I'm sure Tsunade-baa-chan and Sakura-chan will help you out! What are Allies for anyway? Maybe Sakura-chan can even make a visit after her Mission!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes again, not at all liking the prospect of traveling the hot terrain of Earth Country again.
Seeing Sasuke's exasperation, the Tsuchikage laughed, holding his hand up to calm Naruto's excitement, "Perhaps another time Naruto. I'm sure Sakura-san will want to rest before making such an unexpected trip. And I believe Sasuke-san may have his own plans also."
"She's not far away!" Naruto answered with enthusiasm, feeling very at ease with the Kage's presence and eager to gain some knowledge about Kage Leadership from him – the more to learn the better, "And who cares about Sasuke?" A glare from the Uchiha and another amused chuckle from the Kage, "She's only in Rain Country, near the Borders of Earth!"
Immediately, the smile on the Tsuchikage's face vanished and the carefree air in the Office shifted into complete seriousness, Naruto and Sasuke stiffening when they sensed it, "Where? Where did you say Sakura-san is?"
"The Rain Country and Earth Country Borders…Very close to Bird Country too…" Naruto answered hesitantly, cobalt eyes becoming sharper with concern, "Why? What's the matter?"
The Tsuchikage sighed, folding his hands together and resting his elbows on his desk, a tired frown stretching over his features, "Time to get down to business Naruto. You and Sasuke are here for checking in on Earth Country, correct?"
"Yes," The blonde-shinobi answered firmly.
"Generally, there isn't much to report," The Kage stated, eyes hard, glaring at the top of his neat desk, "Yet recently, Earth Country has been hearing various rumors spreading around, specifically near our Borders…"
"What kind of rumors?" Naruto inquired, professionalism taking the forefront of his mind, whirring with new information and details; beside him, Sasuke was also alert, eyes hard and calculating.
"Ever since the Akatsuki War ended, Earth Country has been at peace but I can affirm that Rain Country hasn't had the same fortune," The man informed gravely, "Because Rain Country is caught between so many powerful Nations, their Land is used as a battlefield. Their Leader is currently dealing with the ramifications of the War and has a lot on his already busy schedule…Because of this demanding agenda it's hard for the Rain Leader to keep track of his Villages…"
The Tsuchikage looked up, watching with concealed distress as Naruto and Sasuke listened to his words intently, their postures completely tense. It was to be expected, especially when one of their comrades was involved. The Earth Shadow Kage knew exactly how it felt to lose comrades and now that the War was over, it was unnecessary to lose any more.
"News has reached my ears that there has been unease at the Tri-Point Borders of Earth, Rain and Bird Countries," The man continued with a deepening frown, "Villages have evacuated and patrols along those Borders, including my own, have frequently disappeared. Never had we had such a chain of disappearances and they only started these passed few months, after the War ended, when we and Rain began negotiating Alliance with Bird Country. When Rain and Bird had established a connecting point for travel and trade to each others' Lands the disappearances started occurring. We believed Bird Country could be behind it–"
"But Bird Country would never do that!" Naruto rudely interrupted, earning a glare from Sasuke and a raised brow from the Tsuchikage, "Toki-sama has no reason to pick on either Rain or Earth; you're mutually aligned with Fire Country!"
"We know," The Kage placated, hands up in surrender, "I spoke with Toki-sama myself and it appears she and her Country have been ravaged with these disappearances far longer than we have. Ten years to be precise."
"Ten years!?" Naruto exclaimed with surprise, earning a nod of the head from the sitting male, "Why hasn't she called for any help then? If this is killing people, we should solve it as soon as possible!"
"Toki-sama hasn't many leads," The auburn-eyed Shinobi answered calmly, "But something out at that Tri-Point Border is killing her people…As well as Earth and Rain Shinobi."
"Are you planning to do anything about it?" Sasuke asked, his dark eyes narrowed as he thought about his pink-haired female teammate.
"Every Shinobi I have sent these passed few months have vanished upon entering the area," The Kage answered gruffly, a mixture of anger and sadness, "Because of this I, too, have no leads. And although the Rain Leader is concerned, he can do nothing but evacuate his Border Villages until restoration of his Country is complete and he can dispatch his Shinobi in an organized manner."
"Why haven't you called Hidden Leaf or even Hidden Sand for help?" Naruto asked, his frown more prominent, azure eyes shining with hidden fear and wariness, also directed towards his female comrade.
The Tsuchikage sighed, rubbing his temples, looking older than he was, the scars on his face furthering his defeated expression, "We've already lost too many Shinobi and we didn't want any of our Allies getting caught in the middle of our own problem. We're assuming it's a rouge group of Ninja, very skilled…Their motives are still unclear…"
"They could be the next Akatsuki Organization for all we know…Or something similar…" Sasuke responded darkly, onyx eyes locking with russet, "If you didn't want anyone getting in the middle of it, why would the Rain Leader allow Sakura's Mission…If no one's at that Border Village, why would they call for her aid there?"
The Tsuchikage stopped rubbing his temples, sharply sharing a glance with both sapphire and charcoal, his frown deepening even more, "The Rain Leader isn't calling for any help. He may have a lot to look after but he's strong enough to do it himself. And he would never have called for help to an abandoned Village. If he did, it would have been to either myself or Toki-sama since we know what the problem is…"
Naruto clenched his fist, gritting his teeth, blue eyes instantly locking with Sasuke's hard stare, "Then who called for Sakura-chan's help?"
"And why call for her specifically?" Sasuke questioned angrily.
"It could be a rouge Ninja, perhaps one that has a grudge against Sakura-san," The Tsuchikage responded with a scowl as he stood, swiftly walking around his desk and past the Leaf Ninja, "Come with me. We will inform your Hokage through Hawk Communication what has happened."
"But what about Sakura-chan?!" Naruto hurriedly asked as he followed after the taller man, Sasuke also at his heels, "We have to go after her! We can't just leave her there, she could already be captured!"
"If the stories I heard about Haruno Sakura are true then I'm sure she can handle a few rouge Ninja, at least enough to escape to safety," The Kage answered as he, Naruto, and Sasuke began to descend the spiraling staircase, "As much as I want to help you two, most of my Shinobi are busy protecting Iwagakure and patrolling those Borders…I can't afford to leave anymore to disappearance."
"But Sakura-chan could disappear!" Naruto protested angrily, his hands trembling, "I'll go if I have to! Right now!"
"Right now we have to inform your Hokage, Toki-sama, and the Rain Country Leader of what the situation is," The man answered authoritatively, "It wouldn't be a good idea to send all of the famed Team Seven of Konohagakure no Sato into disappearance also. Back-up will be needed."
"No," Sasuke answered firmly, his eyes narrowed calculatingly, the Kage eyeing him with skepticism for his dark expression, "We'll inform who we need to, especially the Hokage, she'll know which reinforcements to send. You," He looked at the Tsuchikage sternly, "You will assign Naruto and me to a Mission: Find Sakura and Discover the Reason of these Disappearances."
Wide, cobalt eyes turned to Sasuke, "Can he do that?"
"Hn," Sasuke grunted, "He can hire us. The Hokage has done it numerous times with Sand Shinobi; I don't see how this is any different."
"That's true!" Naruto exclaimed with anticipation, "Come on Tsuchikage-sama!! Assign us this Mission, make it S-Ranked!"
The Tsuchikage was silent, still skeptical with this new arrangement. A simple C-Class Alliance Check-In Mission turned into an S-Ranked Rescue and Reconnaissance Assignment? However, looking at the hopeful, determined, powerful stares of Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke – Shinobi he very well admired despite their young age – he couldn't deny them the chance to save their friend. And selfishly, he did want to meet the entire Team Seven in all its famed glory, and losing its well-known Cherry Blossom would certainly take a hard blow to their Squad. The Tsuchikage didn't want to be the cause of it.
Smiling softly – prideful – the Tsuchikage nodded his head, "Go. I will inform the Leaders and make sure reinforcements are sent your way. Be careful and make sure Sakura-san is safe."
Two firm nods.
"As Tsuchikage of Earth Country, I assign you the S-Class Mission: Rescue and Reconnaissance of the Tri-Point Borders of Rain, Earth and Bird Countries. Return here when you have completed your Mission."
Both Naruto and Sasuke bowed, eager to leave, "Yes, Tsuchikage-sama."
The auburn-eyed shinobi smirked, "Perhaps you three are our salvation from this misfortune. Keep everyone updated with whatever methods you have. And don't disappear on us."
"You got it!"
"Hn."
"Good Luck."
A/N: So the action begins...Next chapter. Haha, it's so hard writing horror and considering it's my first one, I'm really hoping I protray the fear and horror that readers cn relate to. I hope you readers are liking the story so far, please tell me what you think. And don't worry, it's not just mystery and horror, I'm throwing in some romance too, because how can you resist a concerned Sasuke for a terrified Sakura...Oh, I have a few fluffy ideas for this, haha, sorry, can't resist :). Anyways, yes, please tell me what you think!!! And no, at this point in time, Sakura and Sasuke are not together, they're only friends. Team Seven will finally have to face fears where Jutsu and weapons may not be able to protect them, how will they handle it?
Thank you for reading and/or reviewing!!
Disclaimer: Oh I wish...
Next Update: I'm not sure, also working on It All Started With...Which I'm also upating today, wheee!
LOVIES!!
Luvinukag83
aka Len83
Edit: Thank you to Hektols in It All Started With for pointing out 'self-proclaimed future Hokage'