In the midst of a darkened surrounding, the accompanying mountainous terrain sends a host of claustrophobic shadows that stretches infinitely into the night. The presence of Middle Town is that minuscule twinkling dot that alights at the very far end of a long, dreary tunnel. It sits between the gaps of two interconnected mountains that beckons a hostile hike.
They ascend without enemy encounter, however, the arduous climb takes a physical toll on one person.
"I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience," Honoka breathes.
She clutches at the stitch in her abdomen, presumably for the tenth time in the span of three hours.
"That's okay, Honoka, just take your time," Izumi says kindly.
"We still need to descend before the storm hits."
Shisui's tone enlists a passive form of indignation, but he may be unaware that both Itachi and Izumi have picked up on it.
"Regardless, she can't physically move if she is exhausted," Izumi says reproachfully, "our role is to escort her to safety."
Shisui frowns.
"Yes, I am aware of that but I also need to take into account the timing. It is already dark-"
He stops abruptly at Izumi's pointed scowl.
"I'm sorry," he says.
Perhaps Shisui has a hidden agenda, but this is the first time Itachi sees an apology for a pragmatic explanation. In usual circumstances, Shisui's display of leadership borders realism and compassion, yet it may be Honoka's presence that unsettles him.
One hundred metres behind, he hears it. The sauntering sounds of muffled footsteps, together with the soft echoes of undulated breathing.
"I don't mean to undermine Honoka's current condition, but we do need to get off these mountains now," Itachi says.
"I hear them too," Shisui says, "Honoka, can you move? We can assist if need be."
Honoka nods, almost out of sheer composure and obedience rather than what her mind is truly experiencing.
"Here, let me help," Izumi says.
She takes Honoka by the waist and hoists her arm around her shoulder.
On Shisui's end, there is a peculiar look to his expression, as if he disapproves of Izumi's action yet does not hold an appropriate reason for having such thoughts.
"Thank you very much, Izumi. I am greatly indebted to you for assisting me," Honoka says.
Her tone is laden with strands of weariness, albeit the severe monotony in her voice is probably shielding the extent of her exhaustion.
"You do not owe me anything," Izumi says, "Let's just quickly get off these mountains."
x
Two hours before midnight, they complete their journey by the town's only break area.
"We made it," Shisui sighs.
Izumi sits quietly by the corner and presses a hand to her mouth in apparent agitation. Shisui and Honoka do not notice the negligible changes in her demeanour, although Itachi sees through her guise.
To the outside world, Izumi perfects normality with flawless ease. Maybe it is her way of keeping team morale on a high? Regardless, the pastiness that sits beneath her skin intrudes in very minor detail.
When Itachi surveys, Izumi's gaze depicts an emptiness that distils a host of unknown emotions. It is a contradictory element he has seen previously.
"Izumi," he says quietly.
She does not speak.
He sees a flicker of movement beneath her congested gaze, as if a part of her hears him but there is an inertia that impedes her response.
"Izumi-"
"Honoka, I will accompany you to order food at the counter," Izumi interrupts.
She suddenly speaks as if she is partaking in a non-existent conversation.
"I see, then I will accept that offer," Honoka replies.
They disappear, leaving Shisui and Itachi behind.
"Is there something wrong with Izumi?" Shisui asks.
He frowns at her empty seat beside Itachi.
"You noticed something?" Itachi answers.
Shisui is far more astute than he expected.
"She seems a little unwell if you ask me. But in a bizarre sort of way. As if she is, but she isn't."
Itachi remains in contemplative silence.
Since their arrival, Izumi's demeanour has shifted to a quieter, almost dreamlike state. And like Shisui, he cannot fully pin down the exact nature of this change.
"Shisui, this town is near the mountainous regions of Cascades, an area Izumi and I were tasked to complete for our Council's Mission. We encountered a certain place… I don't know too much about it, but Izumi experienced something there and has been…a bit different ever since."
At his explanation, Shisui is looking troubled.
"A certain place?" He repeats in puzzlement.
"It was not on the map, but it almost felt like it was deliberately shown to us."
Shisui does not immediately answer, albeit his features speak a brigade of disconcerted emotions.
"Itachi, why did you not say anything?"
Even with Shisui's passive disappointment, Itachi is grateful for the understanding. Part of Shisui's superior leadership skill is his capability to believe in people's concern, no matter how farfetched.
"Sorry, Shisui, there were more important matters at the time. But that may be a mistake on my part, considering Izumi's deteriorating health."
"Don't apologise. Priorities do change. Regardless, I only noticed Izumi's health just now. It sounds like you picked up on it long before."
His tone elicits apprehension, though there are fragments of humour beneath that is directed towards Itachi's Izumi-sensitive radar.
Over at the food counter, the unexpected commotion breaks their conversation.
"For the last time, Honoka is on a mission with us. She will not be participating in your sordid affairs."
Izumi's exasperated voice carries an imminent bout of danger across the atmosphere.
The confrontation is with three male ninjas who are standing intimidatingly close to Izumi. Even against their menacing large stature, Izumi refuses to back down.
"If you leave and let us have the woman, we promise no one will be harmed."
The speaking man is unrecognisable beneath the overgrown beard and heavily marred face.
"I apologise but I must decline your offer," Honoka says.
She sinks into a sickeningly low bow, as if she is the one at fault for not proceeding with the men's instructions of harassment.
"Honoka! What are you doing?" Izumi says angrily.
She grips her shoulder and pulls her back in defence.
"Normally, I would follow through as it is the least I can do to assist, but Lord Danzo has given me very specific instructions. Therefore, I am unable to accept their offer, so I cannot be of assistance to you this time, Izumi. I sincerely apologise as you have helped me earlier."
She bows again, and this time, every ounce of regret is visible on Honoka's face. A rare sight to witness, considering her default expression is the very blank, empty look that sits across her features, even during severe adversities.
"We'll just have to take you by force then," the man on the left speaks, "It's technically three on one. Can you beat us?"
"Actually, it'll be three on three."
Itachi's voice is quiet, but the potency cuts through with passive threat.
There is an immense quietude that compresses the air in one suffocating motion.
The three men are disconcertingly quiet. The rigidity is not directed at Itachi, nor the intimidation of his comment. Their watch bypasses his position and lingers uncertainly on the person standing several meters behind.
"Uchiha Shisui…"
The man in the middle, who appears to be their leader, speaks in a subdued tone that indicates a heightened level of unease. He gestures at his confused comrades to leave.
"We aren't going for it?" One of the men asks.
"Leave it. It's Uchiha Shisui. We would be smart not to engage in battle with him. Let's go."
They shoot Izumi and Itachi contemptuous scowls before departing.
"Never knew you were so popular," Izumi smirks.
She waves an airy hand in Shisui's direction.
"Don't give me that much credit," he sighs.
But the high strung situation does not abate.
"Honoka, I was informed that you would be here."
The voice is abound with a darken sphere of authority, and Itachi gets the intuition its owner has been watching for some time.
From the shadows, five men materialises.
Lord Inazaki has firm establishments within the grounds of Konoha's Root division. Despite being an affiliate of Konoha, his presence evokes a strong air of questionable rulership amongst the villagers.
At his sudden appearance, Shisui's expression darkens with traces of displeasure.
"Lord Inazaki," Honoka says.
She brings herself forward into a deep bow of respect.
"I'd like to thank you all for assisting my Honoka to safety," he briefly signals at the door, an overt indicator of the three departing men, "You see, she is quite the popular one and many people like to prey on her…innocence."
There is a fleeting smirk that holds a significant level of sarcasm.
"I am due for a meeting with some of the other Lords in the vicinity. But, Honoka, I'd like to have a little catch up afterwards. It has been awhile after all."
For the briefest of moment, there is a look of discountenance that rattles her very monotonous expression.
"Yes, Lord Inazaki, I will be present."
She gives another conservative bow.
"Very well, please continue to take care of her you three," Lord Inazaki says.
He waves to his four bodyguards and departs.
"Honoka, I do hope you are not truly considering his offer?" Shisui says.
There is a rigid edge to his tone, as if he is passively challenging her.
"I do not understand. Why may that be so?"
Honoka is genuinely surprised. Maybe she cannot read through Shisui's covert accusation?
"I'm sorry, Honoka, but I cannot allow you to stray from the mission. Part of our goal is to protect you, so as captain, I cannot let you wander into unknown territory."
"I cannot disobey orders."
Shisui breathes deeply at her bland response.
"And neither can I."
"Shisui, then perhaps you can accompany me. That way, we both won't be disobeying orders," Honoka says.
At her comment, the diminutive rifts in Shisui's composure is palpable.
"What are you suggesting?" He says sharply.
There is an acrid level of disdain in his tone.
"Shisui!" Izumi says firmly.
"What I am suggesting is that you go together with me to meet Lord Inazaki. As I have been instructed by Lord Danzo to not disobey his instructions if Lord Inazaki asks me to meet him, and you have been instructed to not disobey orders to assist me, then a compromise would mean that you and I do the one thing together that allows us to meet the requirements given to us by the higher ups. That way, we will not get into trouble if-"
"Honoka, you are being inappropriate," Shisui interjects incisively.
Perhaps Honoka is truly blindsided by the ulterior motive behind Lord Inazaki's offer? Shisui may have been affronted by Honoka's suggestion, however, Itachi expects a certain degree of understanding from him, given her lack of social skills.
Even at Shisui's departure, Honoka remains oblivious to the antagonistic atmosphere. Remnants of emotional changes may be shielded by the bland features of her expression, yet there is a strong element of ignorance and confusion.
"I must apologise then. I do not know why I am always being inappropriate towards him."
It is only when her comment is made, does the minute traces of sadness suffuse the atmosphere. It may be the incongruent nature that sits between her vacant expression and her tone, but Shisui may be the very first person that can elicit such changes in Honoka.