Chapter 56: Descent Into Hell
1331 hr
"Aburame Shino," Inoichi's voice echoed in the heads of everyone present at the Control Room. "You are to report to the Intelligence Department within ten seconds, or you and those close to you will be arrested under suspicion of treason!"
Karin gasped, but what shook her even more was the sense of calm defeat washing over Shino. She'd barely even registered it before he disappeared. She looked at her grandparents, they looked at each other, nodded, and where about to move when Inoichi spoke again.
"The same goes for you Uzumaki. Naruto and Shikamaru will be arrested, along with Hyuuga Hinata and Temari of Sunagakure. Don't do anything brash."
Karin stared at Renge and Jihibiki wide eyed, "What's going to happen?"
"Sweetie," Renge said glancing to her husband, "that's the million ryo question."
1331:08 hr
Shino appeared in Inoichi's office with hell's fury behind him. His chakra trembled, barely containing his hive's agitation.
"I don't take well to threats, Yamanaka-san." His voice was a whisper, and Inoichi inwardly shivered.
"Unfortunately it was the only way to make you comply immediately," Shikaku said gaining the ire of the Angel. "We needed to make sure you wouldn't do anything that could make the situation worse."
Shino's hive swarmed out of him, and a few seconds entered him again. "What do you want?"
"The operation has been aborted," Shikaku said. "Inform Sai to destroy the Rinnegan and return."
"Under whose orders," Shino breathed. His chest heaved while his hands clenched and unclenched.
"Under my orders as the Jonin-fucking-Commander," Shikaku said allowing his chakra to leak out.
Shino's chin raised. Not out of fear, but out of realization just how far out of line he'd been. It didn't mean he was accepting of what had just been ordered though.
"Sir," was all Shino said before disappearing.
Inoichi looked at his friend while Ibiki sighed into his hands. Shikaku's hand numbly pulled out his pipe, "It has to be done." He packed it, eyes staring at nothing. "The numbers don't add up. They can't pull it off."
He tried striking a match, but his hand shook and only resulted in a broken stick. Inoichi reached over and struck one for his friend, staring at him in concern.
Shikaku took a long drag whispering, "It has to be done."
1341 hr
When Shino reappeared in the Control Room everyone tried to speak at once. Shino held up his hand, and waited for silence before saying, "Our previous orders have changed. Sai's team is to locate the Rinnegan, destroy them, and withdraw."
"But Konan and the child..." Karin said, but Shino shook his head.
"To hell with that," Renge said stalking past him. "We'll go ourselves."
"And risk your grandchildren in the process," Shino asked. The question brought Renge to a halt, and her back tensed. "Nara-san has made his intentions perfectly clear: act out and no one is safe."
A silence so thick it began to clench Karin's throat filled the room.
"I suppose," Jihibiki croaked, "we should let Sai-kun know about the change in orders?"
Shino shook his head turning to look at the map. "He just got back to base. Let the poor bastard get a few hours of sleep first."
1345 hr
"The defense may make their case now," Tsunade said as Kensatsu returned to his side after another grueling set of questions.
Shikamaru glanced at Naruto, the man was radiating a little too much frustration. The last update from Shino certainly was of no help. However, judging from the way Tsunade was acting she was still unaware of what had happened. No one had appeared nor had a recess been called. In fact, Shikamaru almost wished one would be called. Between trying to defend Sasuke and keep up with the mission which had completely snowballed into a cluster fuck of legendary proportions, Shikamaru could feel his mind reaching its limit.
"I think we've dragged this on long enough," Shikamaru said.
Naruto replied with a nod, his crossed arms straining to hold his composure.
"Hokage-sama, we'd like to call Haruno Sakura forward," Shikamaru said.
Tsunade nodded her head—despite the confusion in her eyes and the whispers echoing throughout the stadium. On his own side, Kensatsu frowned with folded arms as he watched Sakura enter the arena. His eyes matched Tsunade's—expectation of Sakura to be questioned, but to what angle?
"Haruno Sakura, before our Lady Hokage and justice do you swear to tell the truth," Shikamaru asked.
"I do," Sakura answered fists clenched at her side. It took everything she had not to wrap them around her stomach.
"I'll keep this brief," Shikamaru said. "Is it true you took on a self-assigned undercover mission to spy on Uchiha Sasuke and his associates."
"Yes," Sakura said trying to keep her chest from constricting further.
"Is it true that in process of spying on Uchiha-san you seduced him?"
"Yes."
"And is it true at a pinnacle point during the Festival operation you revealed your agenda and returned to the village, forcing Uchiha-san to surrender?"
"Objection, Hokage-sama," Kensatsu said. "The events surrounding the operation are speculative and it's well known Haruno held feelings towards the defendant. Her answers are most certainly biased."
"Overruled," Tsunade said. "Do not forget that Haruno answered to me directly through the duration of her mission. The events surrounding the operation a very well known to me and my associates."
Kensatsu schooled his features with a cool nod.
"However," Tsunade continued, "I'll acknowledge the fact Haruno's answers are most certainly biased." She averted her gaze to Shikamaru, "Keep your questions related to the facts, Nara."
Shikamaru stood silently for a few seconds before saying, "Over the duration of the mission while you were attempting to seduce the Uchiha, did you every become physically intimate with each other?"
Sakura's face burned, but she managed a weak yes and nodded her head.
"And after this physical intimacy began, did you suspect there was a shift in his allegiance?"
Again Sakura nodded her head. Her voice had failed her though, it was coming. The one secret she was dreading to bring to light.
"Why did you suspect a change," Shikamaru asked.
"Because," Sakura said, her chest heaving breaths as sweat began to form on her brow. "Because of what Sasuke-kun learned after surrendering to the village."
"Objection," Kensatsu shouted, the irritation was evident on his face. "Nara's questions are once again slipping into the realm of speculation. The defendant could easily claim he had a change of heart after he'd been apprehended."
"Tsunade-sama I promise if you let me continue I'll make my point clear," Shikamaru said glaring at his opponent.
"Sustained," Tsunade said. "Nara, this is your final warning."
Shikamaru stood rooted to his spot, but nothing came to his mind. A thousand thoughts flew by, but not one cog would catch. It was right there. One more question and his point would be made. One more fucking question and the whole trial would be over.
A hand on his shoulder jumped Shikamaru out of his useless thoughts, and he glanced to Naruto who wore a tight, neutral face.
"You're trying too hard to be clever," Naruto whispered walking past him.
"Sakura, has Sasuke's loyalty shifted from the terrorist organization known as the Akatsuki," Naruto asked.
"Yes," Sakura answered. She caught the prosecutor opening his mouth to object but Naruto beat him.
"Do you believe Sasuke's loyalty has shifted back to Konohagakure?"
"No," Sakura said. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kensatsu's objection die in his throat and victory light in his eyes.
"Do you know who holds Sasuke's loyalty?"
The entire stadium was silent, every spectator leaning forward to catch Sakura's answer.
"Yes," Sakura said.
"Who?"
"I do," Sakura answered looking up defiantly. "I hold his loyalty."
"Objection—"
"How," Naruto yelled over Kensatsu. "How do you hold his loyalty?"
"Hokage-sama, she's openly admitted that the defendant is still unaligned with the village!"
Tsunade held her hand up, and after Naruto and Kensatsu fell silent she motioned to Naruto.
"Why is Sasuke loyal to you and not the village," Naruto asked.
"Because," Sakura said placing a hand on her stomach and gazing at Sasuke. Her lips softly pulled up as she glowed and offered him the warmth she felt, "I'm carrying his child."
The air shook with the uproar of thousands of citizens, and this time Tsunade didn't stop them. This time, she stared at her apprentice with her mouth open.
1412 hr
"Great job," Shikamaru said melting into his chair. "Seriously, great job."
Naruto grunted.
"He's right," Sasuke said. "Even Tsunade was speechless. That has to count for something."
"We'll see," Naruto said looking towards the door frowning. "No doubt shit's gonna hit the fan over this. Tsume is probably losing her mind and Kensatsu is screaming for evidence."
"Which they'll get," Shikamaru said. "Tsunade said she'd personally verify—better than we could've hoped for."
"We'll see," Naruto repeated. His brow came closer together, "Something's happening here. Something more than just Tsume not trusting Sasuke."
"Well if anyone can read people's emotions it's you," Sasuke said.
Shikamaru eyed his friend, "What are you thinking?"
"There's someone I need to talk to," Naruto said pushing off the wall and moving for the door. "The hearing is done for the day. Baa-chan will most likely reveal her findings tomorrow at the restart of the trial."
Naruto opened the door and stopped short, eyes widening for a second before a smirk formed.
"Is it true," Kiba asked. His entire body shook from trying containing himself. "Is she really pregnant?"
"If you're willing to believe us, yes," Naruto said. "Or you can wait til tomorrow and hear it from Tsunade-baa-chan."
Kiba's mouthed thinned, knuckles creaking as they bleached, but he stopped shaking. He nodded and pivoted saying, "I'll take care of mom."
Naruto's smirk grew bigger.
1415
"We need to decide right now if we're going to tell him or not," Shino said still holding out a finger his Kikiachu beetle had landed on to inform him the trial was done for the day.
Silence was his response and he turned to the other three in the room.
"If Naruto does something drastic after finding out, things will become infinitely more complicated," Shino said. "However, he has a right to know since Sai is involved as well as Konan and the child. Today's earlier demonstration by Nara-san proved he holds all the cards at the moment, and if we don't comply there will be dire consequences. We need to tread lightly here."
"I..." Karin's eyes drifted down. "I understand, but..."
"But we can't lie to Naruto-kun," Renge said putting a hand on her shoulder.
Shino turned to Jihibiki who nodded.
He sighed, "Very well. We'll inform him of the situation barring the Nara-san's order to abort the mission." He glanced around the room and took note of the displeasure on their faces. "This is not up for debate. Naruto will do something to jeopardize the situation if he's told. He's stays in the dark about the mission status."
Karin glanced over at her grandparents while chewing her lip. Neither one of them looked happy about Shino's statement, but to her surprise it was Jihibiki who eventually nodded.
"Understood."
"You can't be—" Renge was cut off by a sharp look from Jihibiki.
"There's a reason why I was Uzukage, Ren-chan. There's a reason why you couldn't blow the bridge and I could. You see the big picture and the eventual outcome, but what you don't see is how to reach it." He motioned to Shino, "This is how you reach it. It's ugly, horrible, and downright tragic at times, but it has to be done."
Renge continued to hold his gaze until Shino spoke, "I think it's best if you left, Karin."
Karin's eyes narrowed and Shino held up his hands, "Naruto would never forgive me if something happened to you because of what we were doing. Plus, we can't have all our seal experts arrested at the same time."
Karin blinked, glanced at Renge and Jihibiki, before turning back to Shino. A smirk worked its way onto her face despite their situation. "If I didn't know any better, Shino, I'd say you expect to be arrested."
"I can almost certainly promise it," Shino said.
1430 hr
A long breath pushed out of Hinata's lips as she finally escaped the room the clan heads had claimed for recess. A dull headache throbbed at her temples, a result of Inuzuka Tsume's tirades against Sasuke and the evidence supporting him. She loved Kiba, she really did. But Tsume was quickly climbing the very short list of people she couldn't tolerate to be around. It certainly didn't help that she'd been a target of Tsume since the trial first began. Apparently being exclusive with the man defending her sworn enemy was reason enough to fire non-stop jabs, accusations, and not so subtle threats at her. Damn the fact she was her son's teammate.
Then there was the bombshell Sakura had dropped at the end of the trial. God have mercy on them all. One would've thought Sakura had insulted Tsume's entire being—she'd been going nonstop for the last thirty minutes about how it was all just a ploy for sympathy.
A sharp pang shot through her temple and Hinata winced letting out another frustrated sigh. Gripping the diamond around her neck, she sent a light pulse through it and was rewarded with soft steal wrapping around her as she turned the corner.
She didn't say anything. Instead letting out a low groan as she planted her head in the crook of Naruto's neck while he rubbed her back.
"Rough day," Naruto asked. Hinata groaned again and he nodded his head. "Yeah, me too."
"Should you even be here," Hinata asked.
"I've sent a clone in my place," Naruto said moving a hand to run through Hinata's hair. She whimpered in response and nuzzled more into his neck. "If anything happens I'll be informed."
His fingers pressed into her scalp, massaging with just the right amount of force, and Hinata let out a throaty moan as her headache began to ebb.
"Please get us out here, Naruto-kun."
"Already done," Naruto said.
Hinata groggily looked up to see them standing in the Hyuuga's main courtyard. She shifted her eyes to Naruto and glared.
"What," Naruto asked.
"My room," Hinata said, eyes narrowing. "I know you have a seal in my room. Why didn't you take us there?"
"Because this was the first one I locked on to," Naruto asked with eyebrows furrowed. "We can walk to your room."
Hinata buried her head back into his shoulder saying, "I'm not walking anywhere."
"Getting lazying on me, Hime," Naruto laughed.
His laugh turned into an undignified yelp as Hinata buried her nails into his chest. "Naruto-kun, I love you, but if I'm not in my bed in the next five seconds you'll need to teleport to the hospital instead."
Naruto stared at the top of Hinata's head for a second with raised eyebrows. "Is Hime a little cranky?"
"Five, four, three..."
"Okay, okay." Naruto said stepping away.
Hinata rolled her head to the side and saw her bed. Her sandals flung off her feet as she ripped the covers back and crawled in, only to bury herself in the covers. Naruto snorted and sat on the edge of her bed, running his hands through her hair while she curled into a tight ball. The blankets wrapped around her so much he could barely see her head peeking out the top.
"That tired," Naruto asked.
"You try dealing with Tsume for hours," Hinata mumbled. "About an hour in I had to keep telling myself it wasn't worth starting a blood feud with the Inuzuka clan."
Naruto chuckled as he continued to run his hands through her hair. After a few seconds of silence it faded as he brought up the next topic. "The mission has had a few updates since you last heard."
Lavender eyes cracked up to meet grim cerulean ones. "At least some good news I hope," she asked.
"Yeah, but it comes with the bad as well."
"I'm not in the right mindset to hear it now. Let me rest a little and then I'll be over, Naruto-kun."
"Of course, Hime." Naruto leaned down and kissed Hinata's temple eliciting a faint blush. "I'll see you in a little bit."
A brief flash and the room fell silent. The blankets wrapped around Hinata tightened, and her hands clenched them as she thought, "Please, god. Please let them be okay."
1415 hr
The door to the tower's top room cracked open, and the light from outside cut a thin swath into the abyss just past the doorway. There wasn't much black Zetsu feared, but even he was cautious around his Uchiha leader. More so when he was in a terrible mood.
His muffled footsteps cautiously prodded into the room only to pause when he nearly stepped on a clone's corpse. A lone yellow eye shifted back and forth, picking up the silhouettes of at least another thirty bodies strewn across the room. A few more steps and the dark frame of his leader could be made out, sitting hunched over in the chair of the recently ousted Ame leader.
"A tad old to be throwing tantrums, don't you think," Zetsu asked.
"I suggest you pick your next words carefully," Madara said. "I'm in no mood for your jokes."
Despite the nonexistent light, Zetsu could hear the strain in his voice and smell the sweat that beaded his body. "That was your good arm, wasn't it? It would seem as time goes on less and less of the old you remains."
"It was an arm, and it's been replaced."
"Perhaps you should return to base—"
"Finish that sentence and you'll need to replace your head," Madara said as his chakra whipped through the room. "Either tell me what you came to say or leave!"
Zetsu was silent until Madara brought his anger back under control. "There are two recent developments to report: one good and one bad."
"I already know the bad already. I never expected Konan to give away the location of Nagato's body so quickly. No, if I want the location we'll either have to use Ame civilians or the child she's carrying to get it out of her."
Zetsu nodded and said, "The next bit of information is concerning, but I think we could use it to our advantage. Clones have reported a delivery has been made to the Foundry, and further investigation revealed that it's a printing block for some type of seal from Konoha."
Madara's lone Sharingan narrowed, "What are they trying to mass produce?"
"The clones reported hearing something about the seals being placed outside the village. Which means it's most likely some kind of barrier seal created thanks to—"
"Uzumaki," Madara's voice dripped with venom as he slammed his fist through the desk. Standing up he turned to Zetsu saying, "I'll be leaving for the Foundry. Keep up the attack here and inform me of any updates."
"Have a plan already," Zetsu asked grinning.
"Of course," Madara said vanishing.
"I'd ask for good news," Naruto said entering the Control Room, "but with the lack o f updates I know better."
Shikamaru was staring at the map, the end of his pipe doing its best to mimic a steam engine. Shino stood at the base of the map, pouring over blueprints to something Naruto didn't recognize. The bug user nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Naruto's voice.
"Good news or bad news first," Jihibiki asked.
Naruto glanced at him and sighed, "Bad news."
"The entirety of Ame's populace has been moved to this point right here," Shino said zooming in on the map. "The Chamber of Commerce has been designated the new headquarters during the invasion. The building holds three basement levels typically used for storage—they're holding approximately 2,000 citizens now. The first floor of the building has been turned into a triage and emergency care. The second floor acts as resting bay for the shinobi still capable of fighting; their numbers are approximately 800. And the final floor has been reserved for Konan—who went into labor an hour and twenty-five minutes ago."
"Don't forget all the exits out of the village have been destroyed—save the East Bridge," Jihibiki said.
"Which is a trap," Shikamaru said, "And let's not forget the fact that Ame's medical ninjutsu is nonexistent, so any injuries incurred will remain for the duration of the mission." He turned to Naruto, "Oh, and let's not forget we've already lost one operative, and four more have been injured."
Naruto's eyes slowly shifted to each person in the room before saying, "I asked for bad news. This is not bad news. This is a class five paper bomb going off in our face and saying we only have band aides."
"A surprisingly accurate description of Ame's medical situation," Jihibiki muttered. Naruto shot him a look and he raised his hands, "Just trying relieve the tension."
Taking a deep breath, Naruto worked the kinks in his neck already starting to form and asked, "How's my brother?"
"The good news is he's still alive," Shino said zooming in on one of the blue dots within the building. "The bad news is, well, you can see for yourself."
And Naruto did frowning at the map. What should have been a deep, nearly indigo blue, now appeared somewhere in the middle of the spectrum—special chuunin level.
"It was a lot lower," Jihibiki said. "He pushed himself so hard he nearly appeared white."
"He's sleeping now," Shino said. "He's recovered quickly, and if our luck holds he may be back at full strength by the time the child is delivered."
"That's a colossal if," Shikamaru said. "When he wakes he'll also need to locate Nagato's body and dispose of it."
Naruto stared at the map for a moment before asking, "What are they using to protect the area?"
"Sai-kun placed a Fourteen Point Star seal," Jihibiki answered.
Naruto nodded and turned for the door, "Keep me updated, Shino. Shikamaru, I suggest we get something to eat and then relax while we can. My gut tells me all of this is far from over."
"Truer words have never been spoken," Shikamaru said following his blonde commander. "Troublesome..."
1435 hr
Condensation exploded past her lips with every breath, obscuring her sight temporarily as she pushed her body to its limits. They'd arrived at Ame only minutes ago only for fear to grip Samui at the sight of wreckage before them. The southern bridge was in ruin, completely inaccessible, and the waters surrounding the southern side of the village were burning from the spilled oil of ships and cargo. But what she could see past that was even worse.
The city burned. Rubble and wreckage could be made out through a black haze, a half collapsed sky line burned with fire so high it pierced the lower clouds. It made Samui's stomach clench and she had to focus to keep from getting sick.
She and Karui had split up—she took the western bank and Karui would take the eastern. If they managed to find a way through the fire and destruction they would signal with a lightning jutsu. If they didn't find a way they'd regroup on the northern shore and go from there. But the further she ran, eyes constantly scanning the endless line of red and yellow, the more hope began to fade and despair bloom.
The seal on her hand throbbed, and her eyes jumped down to it. The skin was angry there, she'd rubbed it so much unconsciously it threatened to start bleeding. The numbing environment of Ame had helped stave off the feeling, but every now and then it would manage to break through the cold as if warning her.
Warning her she was running out of time.
1531 hr
"Hey, hey! Commander wake up!"
"Snap out of it, Sai-san!"
"Fucking hell, hold him back!"
"We're trying!"
"Dammit, Commander, wake up!"
An audible crack echoed across the room and Sai suddenly found himself pinning Hanshou against the wall with his tanto slicing into the man's neck. His eyes widened and he released the man who gasped for breath and held a hand to the cut. Sai barely registered the stinging on the back of his head, as the nausea that over took him had him doubled over and retching what little he had in his stomach.
"Are you okay," Shindou asked Hanshou holding out a hand to him.
Hanshou stared at Sai, a man nearly half his age, wide eyed for a second before nodding his head and accepting the offered hand.
"Is it bad, captain," Stork asked.
"It didn't go deep," Hanshou rasped. He coughed, rubbed his throat, and then nodded to Shindou. "You tell him. I've had enough surprises for one day."
Sai was just regaining his bearings when he noticed Hanshou and two Ame Anbu walking away. "What happened," he asked straightening.
"He came to inform you of Konan," Shindou said nodding to the back of Hanshou. "She's had her child."
"Good," Sai said rubbing his temple. A headache was already in place—either chakra exhaustion or dehydration. "I seem to have slept most of the night and morning away."
Shindou glanced to the side, and that's when Sai notice Sojin was standing next to him. The man had a neutral face, but he frowned at Sai's words.
"It's only been two hours, sir."
Sai pressed his fingers into his eyes. Chakra exhaustion then. One hand popped a soldier pill into his mouth and the other held a canteen to his lips. After he washed the supplement down he looked at Sojin.
"How are you?"
"No critical damage, sir." Sojin said. "Hell of a headache, but the docs say there's no further brain swelling. Eyes are still fucked though. Normal vision is still a little fuzzy but my Byakugan is off limits for the time being."
Sai nodded, "Okay, but how are you."
Sojin's eyes narrowed and his chin raised slightly. "I'd rather not talk about it, sir."
"Fair enough." Everyone had their own ways of grieving, he wouldn't pry. As far as Sai could tell Sojin had it together and was focused on the mission. That was good enough for now, he needed him if things were going to work.
"For the time being Shindou will remain second-in-commander," Sai said. "Gather the men and tell them to start preparing. I'll be down shortly."
Sai made his way across the third floor and saw a group of medics standing in a cluster outside the office doors. They had their heads together and talked rapidly, hands fluttering around while Hanshou stood to the side with arms crossed with a tightly pressed frown.
Sai instinctively slowed his footsteps, and as he did Shino's voice appeared in his ear. "You're up early."
"Didn't have a choice, Konan had her child."
"...Of course she did." There was a sigh. "We have an update for you."
The tone of Shino's voice caused his stomach to drop. "Yes?"
"You're to locate and dispose of Nagato's body—then return immediately."
"What?"
"Shikaku-san's orders, he's pulling the plug."
"Why," Sai's explosion caused the medics to quiet and turn to him, and Hanshou cocked his head. "Why would he do that after everything we've been through already?"
"Shikaku believes we're jeopardizing so much more by continuing this mission. As he states, the fate of the world is at stake."
"And Konan? The citizens? What about them?"
"Irrelevant," Shino said. "If you don't do this their will be dire consequences on our end. We're depending on you."
"And what about Ame? Aren't we required to help them!"
Sai was heaving breathes at this point and his teeth ground so tight his jaw ached. Seconds ticked by with only silence between the two.
Finally, Shino said, "What we're required to do is follow orders."
Sai cut the connection, disgusted with his friend. When he looked up, Hanshou was standing in front of him. It took one look to know he understood what had just happened.
"It was a fucked mission from the start," he said turning halfway and looking towards the doors. "You got further than anyone would've."
"What will you do," Sai asked.
"Hell if I know," Hanshou shrugged. "I'll figure something out."
Sai stared at Hanshou for a moment, and in that brief span he saw everything—as if he were looking at his reflection.
A loyal soldier.
A hopeless lover.
A lost man.
A doomed soul.
"Sorry about earlier," Sai said breaking his eyes.
Hanshou chuckled, "It's fine. Not the first time it's happened, just the closest it's ever come."
A laugh escaped Sai and he nodded as well, "I'll take the compliment."
He managed a step before Hanshou stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"Fair warning," the Anbu captian said. His face had the same expression from earlier. "It's not what you're expecting."
Alarm bells, yet he still had to walk through the door.
"Might as well be making a fucking breach."
The door clicked open under his hand, and everything jolted to an extreme clarity. Konan was sitting in a makeshift bed made out of a desk, blankets, and bed rolls. In her arms she cradled her newborn, a happy yet exhausted smile on her lips. Her hair clung to her forehead, and deep bags were under her eyes—yet Sai could feel the warmth in the room.
"You look like you've seen better days," Sai said.
"Apparently it's the norm for a quick birth," Konan said adjusting her baby.
"May I," Sai asked walking to her and extending his arms.
Konan hesitated, but handed the wrapped newborn to him. He caught it though, just like he'd caught her tightening her grip on the child when he first walked in.
As soon as the child was in his arms he understood. He understood everything in a perfect, twisted, clarity. His entire being started shaking as he stared at the baby sleeping in his arms.
"Where is Nagato," he asked in a low voice.
"At the town square there's a fountain," Konan said so fast he almost didn't understand. "Underneath it is a large cavern we once used as a base during the war with Han."
Sai's eyes rose to Konan—and the oily hatred bubbling within stopped when he met her terrified stare.
Fear. A deep, primal one was etched into her eyes. Eyes that were locked onto the baby in his arms.
But it wasn't just her he saw. No, when he looked into her eyes he saw Samui there too. A frustrated and terrified emotion too confused with how it should react locked behind windows to the outside world.
"Please..." Sai jerked at Konan's voice, and the jostling caused the baby to start fussing.
He wanted to hate the child. Hate Konan, and Ame, and the world. But when the tiny eyes opened in new wonder—he felt it ebb away. And with it all the dark feelings until all that was left was a tired, used, apathy.
"Boy or girl," Sai asked reuniting the child with its mother.
"Boy," Konan said. "His name is—"
"Please," Sai held up a hand. "For my sake, don't."
He turned and made for the door, and as he did Konan said, "Hanshou can show you the tunnel system to reach Nagato."
The door shut behind Sai but he never moved. Instead his head thumped back against the door and gazed past the ceiling.
"You saw the child," Hanshou said off the side mirroring him against the wall.
"Yes."
"You understand what it means?"
"Yes."
"What will you do?"
Sai let out a breath, blinked, and pushed off the wall. "Don't know—but odds are it's gonna piss someone off."
"Preach,"Hanshou said with a sardonic laugh, "She give you the coordinates?"
"The fountain in middle of the village."
"I know the tunnels to get there. Meet me at the first basement level, we'll go from there."
1523 hr
They all snapped to attention when Sai appeared on the second floor. He waved them off and let his eyes roll over them once before starting.
"I only need my team for this, and Sojin if he wants to join." Sojin's head locked on to him, and gave a brief nod. "The rest of you will wait here for further orders. Shindou."
"Yessir?"
"Keep them in line and ready."
"Yessir."
"Hachibane, Torou, Sojin," Sai looked at each man, "make sure you've packed enough senbon. We're heading out in five."
They were ready in one, and their sandals hit the stairs a few seconds later. They met Hanshou right where he said he'd be, armed and ready. What they weren't ready for was the sight of the civilians scattered across the floor. The entirety was packed from wall to wall without out an inch of concrete visible except for a narrow path leading to the back. As the walked it, voices stopped and turned to them. Some stared, others smiled, and a few even broke into tears.
"Ever feel like you're out of the loop," Hachibane muttered.
"Only always," Sai said.
"They know who you are," Hanshou said. "They know why you're here, and what you've done for them already."
The second basement was almost as bad, if not worse. Here, children ran about in an attempt to focus their nervous energy. Many sat though, either crying or simply staring at nothing. Mothers and caretakers could be seen running around at the ends of their ropes, trying to maintain order and keep their own emotions in check.
"Most of the families on this floor have parents serving in the military," Hanshou said.
Sai glanced to the side and found a pair of boys sitting silently side by side. One had his head wrapped in bloody bandages and leaned against the shoulder of the other boy unconsciously. The other just stared letting silent tears slip by.
"If you do attempt to abandon the village, how do you plan to move the children," Sai asked.
Hanshou said nothing, and Sai frowned. His follow up died in his throat when they entered the final level of the basement. The smell hit him first—burned flesh, stale blood, and feces. Then the sound came, low moans of agony pierced by a scream every few seconds.
Here, much like the first floor, the room had been transformed into a hospital. But as Sai looked around he realized that was putting it generously. Most of the treatments were first aide—interventions falling extremely short compared to the level of injuries in the room. And the results of the inadequate treatments were grimly apparent, since most of the room on the back side was nothing but rows upon rows of white sheets.
Hanshou brought them to a stop in front of a heavy steel door. "This tunnel will take you directly to the room Konan-sama spoke of. If there's a collapse, you can take an access ladder to the sewer system above and move past it before dropping down again."
A large thunk echoed through the room as Hanshou released the lock, and the door swung out and was swallowed by the darkness.
"Torou, on point," Sai said.
Torou nodded as he raised his Windsinger into the semi-ready position and activated his Byakugan. He stepped through the door and instantly disappeared. A few seconds passed before his voice echoed back through, "All clear."
Sai tapped Sojin next and turned to Hanshou, "How long will it take?"
"About fifteen minutes."
Sai tapped Hachibane, and the man went in.
"Then you'll have my decision in twenty," Sai said stepping out of the dimly lit cavern and into the darkness.