Chapter 25

The group had spent sometime talking about how to better prepare for attacks and came to the conclusion that two people would be needed to keep watch instead of one. They had collected their stuff and started to walk again towards the border. A few minutes into their trek they spotted a large group of heavily armed and armored soldiers. Kagome was reminded of the ancient samurai when she saw the large group of twenty-five men and one at front. They were in a row of fives, five rows in total. When the two groups got close to each other the lead soldier walked up to the group and Kagome walked up to the soldier. She noticed that he was wearing white armor that shone in the light and had a captain's insignia on his helmet. She nodded to the soldier behind her mask and watched as he nodded back. They grabbed each other's right forearms and shook. The captain had trouble shaking Kagome's arm because it had the Sun Gauntlet but made due. He looked at her group and then at her.

"Good morning Madam Captain ANBU, how does your group fair today?" the captain had asked. "Well captain, what of your men? How do they fair?" The captain turned around to look at his men and the banged their weapons on their shields. "Prepared ma'am. We are responding to a skirmish and fight nearby, do you know anything of this?" the captain asked, eyeing Kagome with a critical eye. He noticed the blood on her and her group. Kagome nodded and pointed to the forest behind her. "People and we were attacked by a large group of bandits and we took care of it. I believe that scavengers and other animals are cleaning up the mess as we speak." Kagome said to the captain who seemed not to be fazed at all by her comment. He nodded and smiled as he looked at her and her group. "Well it seems I owe you and your friends my thanks, as do my troops. You did are job for us, thank you." He bowed his head. Kagome shook her head as soon as he raised his head and looked at her. "No captain, the bandits were a threat to everyone and had to be taken care of. I should be thanking you for actually responding so quickly to the incident. If we were not able to take them by ourselves we would have needed your help." The captain smiled and nodded. "Well said ma'am. If you don't mind me asking where are you headed?" Kagome looked back at her group and then at the captain. "We're headed to the border and beyond to the Land of Whirlpools." The captain looked at her with surprise and nodded. "You do know that the area is mostly under water yes?" Kagome nodded. "Well we aren't here to interrogate you so how would you and your group like to travel with a military escort; we're headed the same way anyways." Now it was time for Kagome to look surprised. "You head to the Land as well captain?" he nodded and shrugged his shoulder at the same time, causing the armor on them to move and make a strange sound. "Well not necessarily into the Land but near the area. We were about to go out there when our commander at the border saw the light and informed us to check it out before we head out." Kagome grew curious. "May I ask as to why the military is needed outside the Land of Fire?" the captain grew cautious and looked at her. "I'm not at liberty to discuss that ma'am sorry. Maybe when we reach the border my commander will tell you." Kagome nodded and motioned for her group to follow. Kagome walked alongside the military captain in front of the mixed group. The military troops had formed a defensive square around the Nin and followed their captain to the border. A couple hours later they reached the border.

The border was a captivating site. A large steel door, that was currently open, led to the other side of the border and was flanked by a large wall on both sides that went on endlessly. The walls were crawling with border sentries and the gate was heavily guarded with soldiers and a pack of large dogs. Someone on a wooden box that was flanked by two soldiers was telling people directions and handing out emergency signals to people that was crossing the border. Large and small building were scattered around the area filled with people going, coming, and staying, depending whether they lived on the border or were here on business. It reminded Kagome of a bustling town. Not a lot of people paid attention to the newcomers, it was usual to see new people everyday. The military captain motioned for Kagome to follow him up a flight of steps. "Your friends can go into the town hotel, my troops will show them where." Kagome nodded and watched as her friends walked with the soldiers, who had become a little less professional and started to mingle with her friends. She giggled when she saw a soldier talking to Rin and Naruto being held back by Kakashi, Sasaku, and Sasuke. She turned back to the captain and started to head up when the captain held a hand up. He pointed at Shadow who was behind her and shook his head. "I'm sorry Madam Captain ANBU but dogs aren't allowed into the commander's office." Shadow growled and caused the captain to pull out his sword. "I'm sorry captain but he doesn't like to be call anything but a wolf. He hate's dogs." She whispered the last part. The captain nodded and put his sword away. "Nevertheless ma'am I can't allow him into the fort unless I have assurance that he is not a threat." Kagome nodded and asked Shadow to get as small as he can. The captain thought she was a little crazy that she was talking to her wolf but stared in awe as the dog nodded and started to get smaller. Soon the 200 pound wolf was a 15 pound wolf pup. Kagome lifted the wolf up and placed it between her arms. The captain nodded and started to go up the stairs again. When they reached the top Kagome was met by the sight of a large fort. Soldiers marched and practiced many different moves and formations. The captain walked passed this as if it was always part of his life and Kagome followed and stared at the military troops in awe.

"Umm captain?" The captain kept walking but looked behind his shoulder. "Captain Kasiyama, yes ma'am?" "Kagome Higurashi sir, nice to meet you. How do you move in such heaving looking armor and still have the grace of being able to move around like that?" Kagome asked as she saw a soldier dodge a spear that was aimed at him and jump and duck with lightning speed. "The armor looks heavy and is hard to break but the wearer feels nothing. It's light as a feather." Captain Kasiyama said as he hit his shoulder plate with his armored glove. Kagome nodded and kept walking and watching the soldiers. Soon they reached a wooden door flanked by two soldiers. They saluted to the captain and Kagome and opened the door for them. When they walked in the first thing that caught Kagome's attention was the smell. It smelled like lavender and she spotted where the smell was coming from. Scented sticks were lighted deeper inside the room. The room was dark and was filled with scrolls and other items that one would find in a library. At the center of the room was a silver armored man who had his helmet off and crouched on one knee. When Kagome and Captain Kasiyama had neared the man, Captain Kasiyama crouched on one knee, bowed his head, and put his hands together. Kagome followed suit and place her hands like the captain had; a fist into her gloved hand. The man in silver armor rose up and turned around. He noticed the white armor of Captain Kasiyama and was happy he had taken care of the problem so soon. He looked at the person next to his captain and studied them. He couldn't clearly see them because the darkness in the room had almost camouflaged the person; they were wearing lack as well.

"Arise…" the commander's booming voice echoed. The first thing he noticed was the ANBU mask; it had the image of a raven. Next he noticed the person's smaller structure and noticed that the person was female for obvious reasons; a small movement alerted him and he looked at her chest and noticed the wolf pup in her arms. It was jet black like her hair and had a strange color for eyes: blood red. He looked at her face and saw brown eyes that led him to believe that his deduction from her stature and eyes that she was young. He looked at Captain Kasiyama with a questioning look.

"Commander Kasiyama sir, I would like you to meet Captain ANBU Kagome Higurashi from the Hidden Leaf. She and her group had taken care of the trouble even before we got there. It turned out to be bandits raiding caravans crossing the border. Her group wishes to head to the Land of Whirlpools." Kagome's eyes widen at the same last name. She looked at the commander and was surprised to see he was actually old and had white hair growing from the sides of his head. He had a white goatee and a fatherly look in his green eyes. "They?" Commander Kasiyama asked. "She came with a group of eight, excluding her, and are fellow Nin from the Hidden Leaf." The commander nodded and motioned for them to follow. Light splashed into the room when he made a motioned with his hand and a large window that overlooked the town and border doors was seen. Two soldiers that Kagome could not see were at each side of the window. The commander walked to a desk in front of the window and sat down. He motioned for Kagome to take the only seat available and looked at Captain Kasiyama who stood next to her.

"Why do you wish to go to the Land of Whirlpools Ms. Higurashi?" the commander asked. Kagome sat down, crossed her legs, and placed her hands on her knees. She stared at the Commander and plainly stated, "I'm looking for a friend." The commander laughed and wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm sorry Ms. Higurashi but who would look for a friend so far from home, especially in a land half underwater?" Kagome shifted uncomfortably in the chair and thought hard. "He disappeared a few years ago and we've only gotten word that he may be in the area. I wish to look for him with or without your help Commander Kasiyama." Kagome stated bluntly. Captain Kasiyama shifted uncomfortably and Commander Kasiyama looked at her with an unknown look. "Ms. Higurashi…I applaud your forwardness and your guts and would be glad to supply a group to help you. I imagine that Captain Kasiyama had already volunteered. He's always had a soft spot for pretty women." Captain Kasiyama blushed and shifted uncomfortably, Kagome giggled. "I just need to know that you won't cause an international incident or anything like that and you can cross the border as soon as your ready." The commander said. Kagome stood up and shook the commander's forearm. "Thank you sir. I hope we don't intrude. We wish to stay here for at least tonight and prepare for our journey." The commander nodded and motioned to one of his soldier's to inform the town hotel, blacksmith, and general store. The soldier went into another room and disappeared as he closed the door behind him. "I also wanted to ask about Captain Kasiyama's mission near the Land of Whirlpools. Is there anyway we can help?" The commander looked at the captain and had a disapproving look on him. "He hadn't informed me of anything about the mission Commander, it isn't his fault." Kagome defended the captain. The commander nodded and looked at Kagome. "Captain, can you bring me the letter please?" he asked Captain Kasiyama. The captain returned a few minutes later with a piece of parchment that had to be the letter. The commander opened the letter and looked it over. He handed the letter to Kagome and she read it.

1st Commander General Oshu Kasiyama,

People around the village keep finding large carcasses of animals drained of everything. We suspect it to be nothing but superstition but then people started to disappear. We've had local officials to patrol the area at night and have come to some disturbing news. The people that have disappeared have been located in a nearby cave that was coated in some sticky substance. They were all dead long before we even reached the cave. When some of the villagers heard this, they decided to leave. On one of our patrols we found a wagon that was attacked and had the same sticky substance that was in the cave. The occupants of the wagon were unable to be found. Villagers were too stubborn to leave, started to disappear as well. Soon we were able to find out what was taking all the people. One night we were patrolling the village with local authorities when screams alerted us to a presence. We ran to the scene to see a woman being devoured by a giant beast. We were able to get it to retreat back into the forest but worry that it will come back with more of its ilk. We've gathered everyone into the village bank and have setup an effective barricade that is patrolled daily. We request help as soon as possible for I fear that without reinforcements, we will just be another cocoon in this forest.

.

-3rd Regiment Sergeant Hashiyama

Kagome looked up at the commander as soon as she was done reading the letter. "What are these beasts that Sergeant Hashiyama mentions?" The commander shrugged his massive shoulders. "We've received that letter from someone that had happened to pass by the village and receive the letter. That letter was made a week ago and we've received it only yesterday. Those soldiers need reinforcements and I plan on sending them. If you're willing to help my soldiers I would gladly accept your support. I will also pay you for destroying these beasts that the sergeant mentioned. If you find any sign of survivors please send them this way if you can. My soldiers will accompany you to the border of the Land of Whirlpools when their mission is complete and help you in acquiring any weapons, armor, and provisions you may need here in town free of charge of course if you agree to help." Kagome had barley met the old man and she already liked him. He had a generous heart and had an almost begging in his eyes for her to accept his offer. She nodded and yelped when the commander had lifted her in his arms and laughed his happiness. "Thank you Ms. Higurashi! I don't think that my second in command would fail on a mission like this but more people that help keep the peace are friends of mine and help me sleep soundly at night knowing that he'll come back safely. I hope to see you safely when you come back from your mission Ms. Higurashi. I will see you off when you leave and hope a speedy return from both of you." The commander looked at Captain Kasiyama and Kagome. They said their goodbyes and walked out of the room and walked toward town. "You didn't tell me the commander was your farther." Kagome said as they started to walk down the steps. Captain Kasiyama laughed nervously and placed his white captain helmet under his arm. His short brown hair flowed out in different ways. "We don't like to mention that. People think that dad spoils me." Kagome giggled. "Does he?" He looked at her with a shocked look. "No! Never! Well…there was that time when no one trusted my judgment but that was a long time ago." Kagome laughed and soon the captain was laughing with her. They soon reached the hotel that her friends were in and went in. When they found her friends, she motioned for them to follow her. The large group first went to the general store. They bought some food, water, and healing provisions that could counter poison, sickness, and other things. After that they had gone to the blacksmith and restocked their weapons. Kagome spotted one of the soldiers that were in the commander's office talking to the blacksmith and pointing at her and her group. The blacksmith, a 60 year old man, nodded but also pointed at specific people in her group, including her. The soldier stood there and after awhile, nodded, and left. The blacksmith went up to the people he had chose: Kagome, Shadow (who had turned back to normal size when they left the hotel), Rin, Marina, Shizune, Sasuke and Naruto. Kakashi and Sasaku watched as their friends were measured and weighed, the women hiding their weight from peering eyes. When they had finished this little interplay they had headed to the local hot springs; surprising them that there was even a hot springs here in town. It was when they got to the hot springs when Captain Kasiyama had taken his leave. His farther has requested his presence and would like to see him as soon as possible. He stated that he would come back tomorrow at the hotel to leave the village and left with the other soldier to the fort.

Kagome had sunk into the warm water all the way to her chin and took a long sigh. Shizune, Rin, and Marina agreeing with their own sigh of satisfaction. This was the first time that they were able to talk to each other and see what Marina looked like underneath that mask of hers. She looked young, pretty, had brown hair that was currently wrapped in a bun that was usually let down and reached to the middle of her back, big bright green eyes and small nose and red lips. She was also the shyest of the four as she had half her head underwater most of the time and tried to avoid eye contact unless called upon. (A/N: They had started to talk about girl stuff and since I have no idea what they talk about I'll skip to the guys section.)

Kakashi had still wore that mask that had cover the lower half of his face and closed his eyes as he listen to the water and Sasuke and Naruto talk. Sasaku was nearby looking up at the part that separated the woman's and man's section and looked like he was trying to listen in. He had bluish hair that was spiked up in a way like Kakashi's. He had almond shaped ice blue eyes, a normal sized nose, and a small scar on his forehead that was usually covered by his forehead protector. Sasaku shook his head and looked at the two teenagers in the hot springs. He tried to listen to what they were saying and blushed and coughed when he heard what it was, regretting on listening in on two teenagers.

Naruto was talking about a prank on the women on the other side of the hot springs and try a get a peek; for him Rin. Sasuke had just ignored his friend and tried to relax. "I guess that's what you get when your taught under a perverted Sannin eh Hatake?" Sasaku asked as he turned to where Kakashi was. He wasn't there. Sasaku turned around and noticed he was near Naruto asking how this plan of his would not get them dead. Sasaku face palmed and just ignored them as he sunk down the warm waters. He heard Kakashi, Naruto, and even Sasuke get out of the water and start to climb the small mountain that separated the two sections. "Pervs…" Sasaku stated as he watched them climb the small mountain. He thought for a bit what Marina, Shizune, Rin, and even his commanding officer Kagome looked like and started to get a nose bleed and blushed with an angry face. "Concentrate on something else moron…" Sasaku scolded himself. He looked back at the three guys go up the mountain and had almost reached the top when he remember someone was missing. "Hey…Where's Shadow?"

When they reached the top and started to take their first steps towards the edge they could see how high they were. They were about to look down on the woman's side when they heard a large intake of air nearby. The three turned nervously at a Shadow who had puffed up cheeks. "Easy boy…We're on the same side remember?" Kakashi said nervously. Shadow grinned and made a funny looking face with his cheeks still fill with air. Next thing the three knew was that Shadow howled and sent them flying back onto their side. "Traitor! Man's best friend my ass!" they yelled as they hit the water with a giant splash. Shadow looked down at them and grinned. He saw Sasaku snickering at them and soon running from his three angry companions. Shadow heard Kagome calling him and he turned around to the woman's side, expertly jumped down the mountain side and landed next to Kagome. She started to scratch his ears and his tail started to wag. He gave a yelp when she dragged him in the water and started to scrub him with a brush. The other three women helped and he stared at them annoyed. "Lucky dog." Sasaku said as Sasuke and Naruto held onto his arms and legs.. "Lucky traitorous bastard is more like it!" Kakashi stated as he held Sasaku in a headlock. "So they call a lucky dog? I don't feel lucky and I'm no dog!" Shadow stated as he heard the men on the top of the mountain.