Chapter 67: Where She Was
A/N: Some dark topics will be in the chapter so if something is too much for you skip to the next POV. Kidnapping, drug usage, torture…
Yukino's POV
After my talk with Kankuro a few days ago I asked if we could meet up so I could ask some more things privately. Aside from investigating who was after me, I also wanted to ask whether or not the council was seriously considering getting me hitched with Gaara. If they were I had to come up with something to help Gaara get out of it but also buy him some time so they would stop bothering him with it for a while.
Getting ready I looked through my scrolls for something to wear most outfits were too formal to bring to a simple meeting with a friend, and others were a bit too exposed for the liking of older members of Suna. Taking out the blue turtleneck top I took out some black pants and a shawl I could drape over myself to cover my exposed shoulders and back to spare the sensitive eyes of the elders. Changing into the clothes I put on my black shinobi sandals grabbed my veiled hat on the way out and stepped outside feeling a wave of heat immediately.
With the Kazekage building being a short walk away it would have felt like a waste of chakra and stamina to portal there. On my way there and with some time to spare I caved to a vendor who sold kebab.
Finishing the stick of meat quickly I threw the stick in the nearest public trash. The moment I did felt something on my arm. Looking at it I didn't see what I felt so I kept walking until I came to a full stop in front of the Kazekage building and looked up.
Then I saw it.
The dark and heavy clouds. A big smile covered my face as I knew the meaning of the rain. Somehow in all the times, I've been here I missed the rare times it would rain here. A relief from the sweltering heat and a chance to see something beautiful. It was the one rare time when this sandy land was green for a week.
Shifting my weight I quickly ran to one of the bridges connecting to the Kazekage building and took off my hat and shawl and by the time I looked up I saw the first few raindrops fall. Without missing a beat I jumped in as the rainfall intensified, spreading out my arms I began to walk on my toes spinning and enjoying the feeling, ignoring the people running from the rain and into shelter.
Turning my palms to the sky I stopped the water from falling on me and began to accumulate the water. From where I stood, I manipulated the water and began to wrap it around the exterior of the tunnels as well as the pillars that supported them. Closing my eyes I let the water take shape from the flowers that came to mind.
Spinning around in a sort of dance without care it wasn't until the rain slowed down in its intensity for me to come to a stop and open my eyes. Looking up at the ice sculptures I made I backed up from the courtyard to get a good view of everything. With a big smile across my face, I stared breathlessly at the sparkling courtyard that felt like me as I could feel my chakra surround me. 'Oh, how I wish I could take out my camera right now.' Gathering my chakra in my hand I played around with a few shapes wondering what else to make. 'I think the center is missing something, oh maybe a fountain–'
Pnk!
"Ah!" Clucticing my arm I saw a needle and before I could see who was holding it my body was pushed to the ground by what felt like multiple people. Surprised and unable to fall safely I heard a crack when my head hit the ground. Then everything went black.
3rd POV
Heading to the Kazekage building Kankuro was in a hurry to get to the meeting room he agreed to meet Yukino in. But on the way there, it began to downpour making his urgency to get to a building even greater. As he reached the tunnels he stopped to shake off the water on him movement caught his attention. Looking over to the courtyard away he saw familiar red hair.
Dancing without reservation Yukino danced as if in her own world, her steps were light as she bounced from foot to foot to a tune only she heard, even though the sky was pouring she only looked slightly wet as the area surrounding her froze creating a garden of ice around her.
Watching with a smile he headed into the building calmly knowing she would be late but he didn't mind the rains here didn't come often and if it brought her that much joy who was he to ruin it by forcing her inside? If she caught a cold so be it they had good doctors.
Heading to the room they had agreed to meet up he decided to pass the time by filling some reports he had to complete. It was tedious but maybe she would arrive before he became too bored of it.
Outside the village…
Approaching the village a white-haired man approached, hair tied in a ponytail and bangs parted halfway. Red eyes looked up, set on the village on the other side of the cliffs to the valley on the other side.
"Halt." One of the guards said. "State your purpose."
"Wellness check on the Kazekage's guest." Taking out the emblem the shrine had given him he held it up. "I'm sure you have been informed."
Recognizing the emblem a guard led him into the village. As he walked he noticed the puddles of water that were scattered here and there. He had heard that it sometimes rained in the desert he must have missed the odd sight by an hour or two judging by how things were beginning to dry up. As he approached the Kazekage building he saw a courtyard with ice sculptures of roses, plum blossoms, and daffodils to name a few that he recognized. An incredibly odd sight to see in the desert but considering who he was about to visit he knew there was but one source they could have come from. Taking this as a positive sign showcasing his patient's speedy recovery he smiled, he had always heard of her since he joined the Wolves but narrowly missed his opportunity to meet her before she fell asleep. Placing a hand on his chest to calm his nerves he tried to steady his frantic heart and trembling hands. 'To have such an honor… Hisao-senpai thank you thank you!'
・・・
Wrapping up his work Kankuro stretched his arms relieved. Looking up at the time he was surprised at how the time had flown by. Looking out the window the rain seemed to have stopped for a good while. 'Wait where is Yukino?' Confused he got up and checked the door to make sure he was in the right room. He was. 'Could she have gone back to the manor for a nap?'
Handing over the completed paperwork he began to wander the halls wondering if maybe she had gotten distracted by something or maybe if someone from the botany division had come for her aid. It was something common so he headed there when he saw her ice sculptures and a couple of onlookers but no Yukino. 'Maybe she did take a nap.' Taking a quick detour home he entered the quiet manor and checked the living room before heading to her room. Knocking on her door a few times he took a peek in and didn't even see a strand of hair.
Returning to the office he was a bit upset since she was the one who called him to meet up. 'Did she get called in for work? Should I drop by?' Before he could debate as to whether or not he should drop by the botanical division he noticed her supervisor heading into the Kazekage building. "Botan-san?"
"Oh, greetings Kankuro-sama." The man said quickly bowing out of respect.
Gesturing for him to avoid formalities he quickly switched to the person who he's been looking for. "I have a question, was Yukino called to work today?"
"No, as of this morning, she isn't scheduled to come to work. She also doesn't have any projects she's currently assigned to."
"I see… is there any chance she could have gone to work without you knowing?"
"Hmm… I will admit she has done that in the past but she does let me know by the end of the day if she did."
"So you aren't certain she isn't working right now."
"No, I'm certain she isn't at work. We share a locker and I remember that her lab coat and gloves were still inside before I left. Her lab coat is one thing but she never forgets to wear her gloves so I'm certain she isn't working."
"I'll take your word for it, thank you," Kankuro said eyebrows furrowing as he stared at her ice sculpture. 'Where could she be?' Just then he spotted the familiar veiled hat on the corridor opposite of him and a terrifying thought entered his brain. 'Oh no.' Running to his brother's office ignoring the questioning looks from those he passed he barged into his brother's office.
The first sentence out of his mouth was, "Gaara, have you seen Yukino today?"
Confused he raised a nonexistent eyebrow at the question. "In the morning when we left. Why?"
"Gaara she was supposed to meet me earlier but she didn't. She isn't at the manor or work either."
"What are you saying?" Worry flashed momentarily in his eyes, for a moment he hoped everything was alright but too many incidents had happened within the village in the past for him to think that everything was fine. "Close all routes out of the village I'll contact Baki and get the ANBU. We have to find her–"
"Who are you talking about?" A voice said from the entrance to the office. Red eyes narrowed at what he had heard. "Is this about my lady?" He said holding up the crest the shrine had given him.
"..."
"Where is she?" He demanded the silence not reassuring him that the individual they were looking for wasn't her.
"...We don't know." They admitted.
・・・
Hearing everything he needed to he turned around heading for the door only to be stopped by the sand blocking the door. Annoyed he turned to look at the Kazekage and his brother.
"The shrine has assigned me with the duty to make sure my lady is safe and well. Let me go." Hakaku said his red eyes staring daggers at the Kazekage.
Stepping in between Kankuro spoke trying to ease the tension, "It was our responsibility let us make up for it." The sand dissipated as he headed to the door to inform the Anbu. "Don't run back home!"
"Are you seriously going to stop me from trying to find my lady? In the most respectful way I can say this I do not listen to you, only my lady and those she gave governance to."
"We don't want that but I can't have you running around recklessly." The Kazekage spoke as he stood from his desk. "If there is danger we know she would feel hurt if one of her people got hurt especially someone who came here for a checkup."
"..." He found it hard to admit but he was telling the truth after all the Wolves were permitted to abandon the mission if it came with considerable risk to their lives. Then again those missions usually revolved around scouting and recovery and they were taken on by their own free will so it made sense but there was always a part of him that wanted to follow through no matter what. Realizing he proved his point he let out a sigh. "I know that already. Just let me join the investigation." Saying that the sand dissipated completely allowing him to leave the office and to the possible last known location she was.
Reaching the courtyard he saw a few spectators present admiring the ice sculptures. Going to the sculptures he took a closer look at one of the top flowers. Easily breaking it off he noticed how mishap it was and some areas were more melted than others to have been caused by the sun, there were holes like the ones that would most likely appear when one pour a liquid into a cup with ice. This led him to guess that she went missing when it was still raining.
Turning to the crowd he took in a deep breath to dissipate the anger he felt. Putting on the most friendly expression on his face he walked over to a group of young ladies. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm new to the village and I couldn't help but notice all the water did it rain recently?"
"Oh, don't worry about being a bother too bad you missed the rain." One of the girls laughed scratching her cheek.
"Hah…I was afraid of that, how long ago was that?"
"I think it stopped like 2 hours ago." Her friend answered. "Oh you should have seen it but there was also a girl who made this while it was raining."
"Yeah, we could see her from the restaurant up there!" The first girl said pointing in the direction of said restaurant. "We couldn't see her well but it was so mesmerizing to see the ice form I couldn't take my eyes off her.
"Yeah, I think she was wearing a red shawl on her head?"
"Someone made this? Where are they now? I've heard of a few clans who can form ice and meeting them is such a rare sight. I would love to meet them and ask a few things."
"Is it really that rare? Maybe we should have asked when we had the chance."
"Mhm. As for her I don't know where she went the buildings were in the way but I did see her going in that direction." She pointed away from the courtyard.
"That's a shame. I guess I'll leave now… sorry if I took up too much of your time." He said trying to end the conversation.
"Oh, don't mention it."
"If you need someone to show you around Sunagakure we'll show you."
"Haha, I appreciate the offer but I already have a guide my friend hired. It would be too rude to leave them here without warning. I appreciate your offers. I hope we see each other again." With a wink and a smile, turning away he walked away and as he did he heard them giggle. Stopping and pretending to wait for someone he noticed as they walked away going on with whatever they had planned for their day. The moment they were gone he headed towards the area they mentioned. Judging by the buildings and the location they pointed at there was a major blindspot one that led towards a street with people. However, the first thing that caught his eye was the small alleyway between two buildings. Walking to it his eyes noticed a dark spot in the sand, had it been earlier he would have assumed it to be water but with the puddles drying up such a small patch would have been the first to go.
Kneeling next to it he picked up some of the sand and held it near his nose. The scent of blood was undeniable.
"You found something?" Turning around he saw the man with purple face paint.
"Some blood. She's been missing at minimum 2 hours since the rain stopped. Do you have hounds? Nevermind." Looking more his eyes turned to the puddle of water. Eyeing it more he realized it looked abnormal. "This was probably where she was taken." Standing up he performed the summon jutsu and a hawk appeared. "Were the Anbu called?" He asked the Kakekage's brother.
"Yes, all exits to the village have been closed and the Anbu are making sure no one tries to leave the village."
"Anything about finding her?"
"None yet."
"Mm… We know there was an attempt a while back in that town where the Wind Daimyo resides. Multiple groups specialize in that certain… trade," he frowned no matter how many times they disrupted it it never did anything they just kept popping up. "...So we have no information on who could have done it. What about you?"
"We have no leads either."
"I see." Holding up the sand to the hawk he said. "Long red hair, blue eyes, fair skin. Last seen area, minimum 2 hours ago. Look for her please." The hawk then flew off to find any birds who may have seen her. Though with the rain the chances of that were low as most would have sought shelter. Holding up the blood he closed his eyes and sniffed it hearing a small sound of disgust from the man in front of him. "There is a hint of something… it must be a sedative." 'But she has a high resistance to poisons. "A strong one too. I can imagine a few that would fit the profile but in the wrong doses would be enough to kill a person."
"Are you saying there's a risk of her dying?"
"She has a resistance to poisons sedatives are a different matter her tolerance is strong but if its strong enough all it will do is knock her out so she should still be safe. Depending on the dose they gave her she should wake up in an hour or the next three, make sure to tell your sensory division to keep an eye on any sudden chakra spikes." Letting the sand fall to the ground he brushed his nose. Looking back at the alleyway behind him he walked, with little leads so far he knew the best chance he had was to put himself in their shoes and think of what paths they could have taken.
Coming to the end of the alleyway he saw a street with a few shops, some people already resuming their lives. Seeing a few alleyways between shops he turned to the man who was following him. "You know the village which way do you think they might have taken?"
Looking up in thought he looked around. "The shop there has all its merchandise so it would have been open so someone would have noticed. The shop there would have to take in its inventory so it should have closed to avoid damaging its goods the shop across from it has too many things in the front making visibility difficult. Take that path." As they took path by path thinking on the best choices to not be noticed by the watchtowers or raise citizen alarm the hawk descended.
'A verdin spotted her two hours ago.'
"Good job where." As it described the area he translated it to the man.
"That's on the northeastern side of the village."
"It seems we're on the right path. The watch tower is there so alert the Anbu to narrow their search, if they still have her we'll find her. I'll continue on foot."
The hawk continued. "I see pass this description to the Anbu too we have a few culprits."
Location: ?
Feeling the cold rough floor against her skin as she regained consciousness she willed her body to remain still as she tried to figure out where she was with her eyes closed. She tried to see the room as she had when she was young but was unable to. This gave her a clue on her current situation but with no idea of the layout or who was near she didn't dare more. Analyzing her body first to determine her status the first thing she felt was the throbbing feeling in her head giving her an idea that standing up now was definitely the worst thing she could do right after waking up. Feeling something cold on her wrists she felt her arms behind her back most likely bound it was then that she noticed a similar feeling on her ankles. In this position, she could think of a few ways to break them but doing so now would be foolish since she had no idea of who or how many people were near.
Hearing talking from above she strained herself to hear. "–wants to get those scrolls back so he will pay whatever sum to get it. But to think that the culprit is also the Sapphire Rose." The door opened the sound coming from a higher point possibly from an upper floor, she thought as she tried to put together the layout all while hearing the creaking of the stairs and the footsteps coming closer and towards her.
"Boss," a third person said much closer to her, most likely stationed there to watch the woman they kidnapped.
The ones who came from above stopped before her cage, at least that's what she assumed. "Open it." The metal doors creaked open to the side telling her where the exit was and as he walked in she heard him stop an inch within her space before they grabbed her face. Doing her best to slow her breathing and appear asleep even as she felt his breathing on her face she kept up the act. Hands then passed through her hair almost inspeciting it. "Hm… ha, I never thought I'd see another… boys we'll let's raise our price. We have quite the rare catch."
"What is it, boss?"
"We have a real Uzumaki in our hands." He said there was a pause and he sighed. "You boys are too young to remember but back in my day catching one could make you rich. What a shinobi village would give to have one, much less the children from one. If he doesn't want to pay extra for such a rare find we can always take her to someone who will cough up some more. But I don't think that will be a problem." Hands then roamed groping her chest then stomach and hips. "With how it looks I'm sure he won't mind not retrieving his precious scrolls."
Still pretending she could feel her skin crawl in disgust at what she was hearing but put up with it as she needed more info. "Boss, are you sure the barrier will hold?"
"As long as you keep those seals up she won't be able to use her chakra. Now hurry bring over the the third dose before the other one wears off again. We need her like this if we hope to leave the village by dawn." He said standing up and turning away from her. Going to the door his henchmen handed over the needle with the mysterious liquid inside.
"Boss, won't giving her too much kill her? Our client won't like it if we bring her dead."
"You worry too much," he said flicking the bubbles from the needle. "This is the Sapphire Demon Fox we are dealing with and from the reports no matter how many poisons they have tried to take her down with, none seemed to faze them. Just make sure to keep an eye out for any signs–"
Hearing enough and not risking being sedated again her eyes snapped open and she saw the horrified look of the henchmen on the other side of the bars. In a matter of seconds, managed to turn her body to be on her knees and break the chains on her wrists. Jumping up to her feet and running to the boss the chains on her ankles broke from the force she put in. Grabbing the back of their boss's head she slammed them against the bars getting out of the jail.
Thanks to her being passed out her body had begun to naturally heal her spreading thin layers of ice around the room. Collecting a droplet to start she quickly broke through the seals around her cage in case they thought of throwing her back in.
Gabbing the head of the henchmen who saw her she headbutted them feeling her head vibrate from the impact. Sliping her hand to their collar she tossed them to the other two henchmen who were stationed to watch her. In those few seconds of rest, she exhaled letting out a puff of frost letting her chakra seep out.
The ruckus she made in those brief moments was enough to draw out the rest of their group to their floor. "GET HER!" Their boss said stumbling out of the jail cell, covering his bloody nose.
Standing there to draw them in they took the bait as one of them teleported behind her drawing a kunai to her neck in an attempt to use the butt to knock her out. At the same time as she focused on dodging them she she felt another prick, glancing down the henchmen she headbutted earlier stabbed her leg with the syringe. As he attempted to push it in she took the kunai from the one aiming at her neck and threw it at the one on floor level pinning their hand to the ground.
Exhaling frost once more she moved to the side avoiding another attack and ducked ripping out the syringe as chains sprouted from her shooting up and everywhere searching for any other living being aside from her in the building. Only sensing those in the basement they wrapped around them pulling their hands so they wouldn't be able to do any hand seals. Stumbling to a stand she exhaled once more and raised her hand, ice quickly began to spread from the ground growing around her captors like vines until they were enveloped, restricting them further and preventing any escape they could have conceived of.
Phew…
Standing in the frozen underground room she slowly looked at the members. Placing her hand to her stomach her heart began to burn, she needed to get checked out immediately to make sure he was safe.
But what was safe if people like this still roamed?
As the thought whispered into her ear she paused for a moment and shook her head before looking up and making eye contact with the one who touched her a moment ago. Clenching her teeth she rubbed her stomach gently once more before unsealing her sword from her stomach. Looking down at the black blade she looked down at her reflection and her burning gaze. For her clan and the safety of those she cared about, she could not let them live. 'My hands are already stained with blood a little more won't even make a difference.'
Slowly lifting her head, her heart hardened as she looked at the leader's frozen accomplices. Unable to move and unable to perform jutsu, their hands were bound. With a simple movement of her hand, the ice melted and became water around small precise areas on their body. With careful movements mimicking that of a mantis, she held her blade up and swiftly punctured their major arteries. Moving the water she froze the spot once more as she drew her blade out. The slow scraping sound of the blade on the ice stood as a warning to those who awaited. Without hesitation, she repeated the process within a minute making sure to look at her kidnappers in the eyes etching their faces into her memory.
This would be the smallest mercy she could give them.
Drawing her blade from the ice she stood before their boss as the ice around her began to stain red and pointed her dark blade at them. For him, she had a different thing in store. With a quick slash, she cut at the foot's tendon preventing any hope they may have had for running away. Reshaping the ice she allowed him space to breathe and scream.
Turning away she held her sword tight as she made her way towards the doorway. Opening the door she began to ascend towards the quiet, leaving the room behind her as she made her way upstairs.
"Your hands are still clean so become a good mother for that kid." She remembered those words from her fellow kunoichi. Words she had tried to follow but in the end, she had come to terms that it was impossible. If she was going to end up with blood on them any way she might as well make sure they were never of the innocent. As for her bloody past as judge jury and executioner, she would eventually confess to it to her child one day… when they were old enough. Hiding it would only mean that it would catch up to her one way or another so it would be best to confess it first. As to whether or not they would continue to love her afterwards she didn't care… as long as they were safe.
Feeling the room tilt she grabbed the railing tightly and stabbed the ground with her blade. Taking in a deep breath she focused on the stairs before her and the door just a few steps away before pushing herself to keep going. She had to find help in case there were more.
Opening the door into the abandoned building she saw the light streaming in through the round windows and made her way out. Closing her eyes as the sun burned into her vision she closed them tightly before opening them and adjusting to the natural light.
The sun was beginning to set in behind the barrier around the village coating the village in front of her in a nice orange hue. However where she stood only the cool shade welcomed her. Closing her eyes she basked in the cool air as the scent of iron clung to her but even as she reeked of the scent of someone else's blood she felt relief as one less danger was gone. 'The world you will be born to will be one of peace. I promise I will keep it like that.' Stabbing into the ground, memories of her capture from years ago resurfaced like a cold chill. It could have been worse but it wasn't nonetheless something she never wished for her children to experience.
Hearing the slight sound of someone landing nearby, her eyes snapped open as she quickly drew her blade. Pointing her black blade towards the shinobi, she recognized the attire of the Suna Anbu. Keeping her blade in position she felt her body go cold as she sensed the area being surrounded by more shinobi.
"Lower your blade," Baki reassured her it was a slight change of tone she only experienced a few times in her youth. Hearing this she let out a quiet exhale and complied.
With a sigh, she passed a hand through her hair slicking it back as she stood up straight to keep appearances. "One remains, the leader as they called him. They were hired to capture the Sapphire Demon Fox. I'm leaving the rest to you… I'm too tired to deal with this." Shaking her head she sheathed her blade.
Understanding the situation Hakaku walked over to her side. "Guide her back to the manor, protect her." He ordered the stranger.
"I will."
Hearing this the woman looked at the shinobi and nodded. "I'll follow behind you." Hearing this he extended a hand but she rejected it as she shuffled away.
Making it to the scene both brothers watched as someone was dragged out from the abandoned building covered in pieces of ice. From a distance, they noticed red disheveled hair. Spotting the woman who had disappeared now following the stranger from her home. Both brothers immediately headed towards her wanting to know what had transpired. Hakaku noticing them threw them a glance and promptly ignored them focused only on Yukino who's eyes stared off at the manor in the distance.
"Yukino!" Kankuro called out to her but she kept walking. "Yukino!" He called again as he reached for her shoulder causing her body to flinch. For a moment both brothers saw fear in her eyes before it returned to a dull expression.
"You're late. Haha… I… already took care of it." Removing Kankuro's hand from her shoulder she turned away. "I'm tired. I'm heading back, he better not escape… or die." With a sigh, she continued walking with her Wolf following close behind her just in case she fell asleep mid-walk.
Location: Kazekage Manor
Staying behind to investigate Yukino returned to her room with her Wolf in tow. Pulling out the seat to her vanity she looked at the Wolf rubbing her thigh absentmindedly to soothe the swelling.
The white-haired man taking the cue introduced himself. "Greetings, I am Hahaku Sorahane. The shrine sent me for your check-up. I work as a medic-nin with the Wolves."
"I see… can…" she frowned debating but not really having any other choice, "can you keep a secret?"
"It's part of my oath as a medic-nin. Unless you want me to share I won't divulge any information you do not have to worry."
"...I hope so. Well so… ahem…" rubbing her neck she sighed but had no other choice right now. "I am currently 2 months pregnant and I was shot with a type of sedative. I don't feel like I'm currently in a state to check myself without error."
"I understand I'll check your vitals and then on your fetus. Once I get a report on what they injected in you I'll be able to tell if it will have any effects on either of you."
"Good…" Eyes dropping and body slumping she jolted awake. "I'm sorry, I need to change." Getting up awkwardly she grabbed the white dress laid out on her bed and began to take off her blood-splatted clothes messily as her hands trembled too much.
Seeing this he stepped forward and aided her. Without saying anything more she gave up and let him take over. Changed into clean clothes she rested and closed her eyes. Taking the bloodied clothes to the bathroom he filled the tub and tossed the clothes in before getting a small pail and filling it with water.
Returning to the room he ignored the drop in temperature and sat by her as she had closed her eyes, too tired to keep them open for a moment more. 'I heard she had a resistance to it but isn't she too faint?' Checking her pulse he began to examine her looking for any other injuries before inspecting her head and seeing the wound. Cleaning it up he placed a hand on it heading the exterior damage and inspecting for anything interior luckily finding none. 'Whew, it was just a minor concussion.' Wrapping her head in some gauze he could now feel the slight bump but left it be knowing the soon-to-be low temperatures would soon lower the inflammation.
Moving his hands to the pail his hands began to glow a light green as he gathered a bubble of water. Starting from her hands to her shoulder he pulled out some of the sedative. She groaned in discomfort as he pulled it out and repeated it on her other arm and legs avoiding her torso for now. Even in such discomfort, her eyes remained closed.
By the time he was done, the amount was barely the size of a marble but it was enough for her to begin her recovery. Placing the liquid to the side he placed his glowing hands on her stomach. He felt no internal bleeding or any irregularity in the heart rates. Everything was alright. However, he did feel her chakra pooling in her stomach nothing out of the ordinary for a pregnant shinobi but there was something more to it. Gathering a little bit of water he closed his eyes and sensed a slight build-up of liquid in certain areas, just before it could reach her stomach. Grabbing it he pulled it out causing her to open her eyes as she winced in pain clutching the sheets and restraining herself from hugging her stomach protectively.
"How are they?" She said weakly once he was done.
"Surprisingly healthy, there is nothing to worry about. However, I do think that your body might have created a filter of sorts around it. It was enough to prevent the sedative from reaching them.
"That's a relief. Thank you."
"It's my job my lady there is no need for thanks." He said as he tossed the remaining sedative into the pail. Looking back he saw that she had fallen asleep once more caving to the desire for rest. "Rest easy my lady." He said as he picked up the pail.
Knock.
A knock at the door startled him almost making him drop the pail and before he could even question and ask who it was the door opened as the guests entered. Hakaku just stared as they surrounded the sleeping woman in surprise. 'Alright. I guess I'll count it as a Suna thing.' As he was judging them Kankuro noticed the puncture wounds on her arm and winced.
Hearing the door open once more they turned to see Baki come in holding a report of everything they found in the hideout. "We are currently looking into their plans to get out of the village and root out their conspirators." Glancing over at the sleeping red-haired woman with his uncovered eye he asked. "How is she?"
"Healthy, just drained. Can I take a look at that inventory list?" Hakaku answered holding out his hand towards the report and with a nod from Gaara the ANBU handed it over.
Red eyes quickly scanned through the inventory they had on hand. Finding the sedative he was surprised that she had remained awake for as long as she did seeing as to how she seemed to have received another dose. 'It must have been for them…' As strong as she was, fighting back and using all that chakra added unnecessary stress to a recovering body. "I see this is good. At her rate, it should be out of her system by morning, at night by the latest." Handing the list back he checked on her pulse again feeling her temperature now even lower. Based on the information the shrine gave him this was normal and a sign to give her privacy since it wasn't well known. 'Frost will form soon. Time to kick them out.'
"How are the preparations for the interrogation going?" Kankuro asked Baki.
Fingers still on her wrist Hakaku felt a twitch and then looked up, as Yukino opened her eyes. "Baki… is he still here?"
"I'm here." The Anbu responded to his name.
"If you can't get anything let me at him…" She said barely above a whisper before falling asleep again.
Repeating her words loud enough for those who didn't get her message he turned to the group. "As you can see she needs rest, all of you have to leave, please." Hakaku motioned towards the doors. Waving everyone out he shut the door behind him as he stepped into the hall and turned to the group. "I… Listen I apologize for my attitude towards you all today my lady is very important to us. I hope you understand."
"Don't worry we knew," Kankuro said slapping him on his back.
"Does that mean you'll let my lady do the interrogation tomorrow?"
"We'll think about that."
"I'll let you face her tomorrow then. I heard she can be convincing." Hakaku hummed as he went down the hall to the reception room attached to her room. "Goodnight."
Yukino's POV
Sometime in the night, I woke up to the sound of sand. Looking over I saw Gaara flinch and freeze as his hands were in a pail of water beside my bed. Although dark I couldn't see his expression but seeing him so tense I chuckled. "Standing still won't make you disappear…" I said my voice more hoarse than I expected.
"I'm sorry did I wake you up?" He said quickly going toward the pitcher to fill a glass before returning to my side and holding up the glass for me to drink from.
Gratefully gulping it down I sighed. "I guess I was just parched. Were you watching over me?"
"...yes." he confessed. "Your towel froze." He said pulling said towel out of the water still frozen into shape. Seeing it I chuckled. "Don't laugh I was trying to be quiet."
"Not quiet enough if even my guard noticed you." I motioned behind him to Hakaku who stood guard facing away trying to give us some privacy while being protective.
"...I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For not coming sooner."
"You didn't know Gaara. You were busy. Everyone was… I just had to rescue myself. It's nothing new. They were just opportunistic… and I was careless. I knew and yet I still… lowered my guard."
"Don't blame yourself you didn't do anything wrong I should have increased security."
"But that would just make me feel trapped. I don't want that… I'm the careless one here. If they didn't come today they would've when I left the village and what support would I have then?"
"..." He remained silent before sliding off the bed and resting his head on my lap.
"What are you doing now?"
"There's no use arguing with you."
"Hm?"
"You're too stubborn just say it was my fault."
"No, you'll just end up blaming yourself every time you see me." Glancing over at where Hakaku was I smiled as he had left to give us some privacy. Letting out a chuckle I passed my hand through Gaara's hair. "You should just admit you missed me." Stifling a yawn I felt as he lifted his head. Seaform eyes shining in the moonlight with love and concern.
"I did…" he admitted his face growing pink from admitting before he cleared his throat and gently pushed me down. "So go back to sleep and get better… for me." He whispered the last bit as he tucked me in but I heard and closed my eyes.
・・・
By morning I springed up feeling rejuvenated. Getting the clear from Hakaku that the sedative was no longer in my system I jumped out of bed. There was no way I would let that slimy excuse for a human slip through my fingers to harm another. As expected with this kind of work, a client always placed some insurance on their hires. With the sealing team working on removing a seal of silence on the guy I jumped at the opportunity to question them promising to remove the seal quicker than their team could.
Thanks to Baki's approval I was now heading to the location. Gaara And Kankuro led the way with me and my Wolf walking behind them quietly.
Quietly forming a mind link I spoke to the white haired Wolf. °I… I'm sorry for the trouble I have caused you. You probably expected a short and quick visit.°
°There is nothing to be sorry for my lady it is part of my job to make sure you are alright.°
°Thank you… I don't know what I did to deserve all this. I just did what I wanted to do.°
°Nonsense, even if it was selfishness good came out of it. You provided us with a place to call home and even gave us a purpose… that is more than enough.°
°…and you work as a Wolf. That was your choice… now you seek others to bring into our home. If anything I say that you gave yourself a purpose, not me.°
Smiling he chuckled. °That would not have been possible without you my lady.°
Smiling at his honesty a question that's been nagging at me rose to the tip of my tongue once more. Hopefully this time they wouldn't avoid my question of what happened when the moon fell. What the extent of the damage was it was quite worrying just how quiet they all were about it. °Hakaku, tell me… What was the situation like when the moon was falling to Earth? How did our home fare?°
°We got out of it unscathed my lady.°
°…please do not lie to me. I've been informed about what happened. The meteorites… if one even hit our land I know just how much damage that could have caused. If it wasn't the land but the waters then I know the flood damage that would have followed.°
°My lady, I'm being honest. We were unscathed all due to the efforts of the Ryota-san, Emi-san, and the shrine.°
°…But how? The current barrier doesn't stop the forces of nature. Just what jutsu did they use?°
3rd POV
It started with simple reports of unnatural shifts in the moon by those who observed the stars. Reports of animals in their waters suddenly leaving and word from the Sorahane clan of their birds becoming confused and losing their way.
As they tried to figure out the cause for it all intel from the other lands began to come in of meteorites hitting the mainland. It started with a few but then a prediction arose that the frequency of these once-rare phenomena was expected to rise as time passed.
With all this information, preservation kicked in as the shrine gave the order calling everyone back to the island, even those stationed outside the barrier in the land of gentle waves.
While everyone returned the newly formed sealing division and a fraction of the shrine began to look through every scroll and book at their disposal looking for something, anything that would protect them from the force of a meteorite. As the days passed and everyone returned to their land and as everyone was accounted for the worst came true.
From above a meteorite fell.
Having a heads up from the astronomers of the shrine told them of their time. A few hours too few to even evacuate everyone from the area predicted to hit. With no barrier to be found and a barrier still in progress, and the incoming disaster clear the decision to share the news was given and all eyes turned to the shrine.
Hopeful.
Waiting.
Praying.
Providing whatever help they could every shinobi gathered at the shrine sharing whatever knowledge they had even revealing secrets from their birth nations that they held close out of fear. Those who had useful knowledge were quickly taken by the shrine to help with the development of a new barrier. While those who could fight long-range came to the shrine Emi leading her student with the gift created openings to chip off whatever they could minimizing the damage as much as they could.
As time was running out and the shadow fell above their land pink-red eyes stared at the starless patch of night sky above their head. One last attempt came to their brain, a risky one sure but with his one life weighing their land he made a beeline to the head priest for aid in one desperate attempt.
As the meteorites approached, a large one headed straight for them, and a smaller piece that had broken off from it headed to them first. Ryota sat at the heart of the shrine staring at the map of the island and the barrier. Pink eyes turned silvery grey as he saw before him small ripples in space just barely inside the barrier. Golden chains sprouted from his back into the portal behind him soon appearing as ripples on the map as they spread out around their island converging at the center. Nori, the head priest placed his hands on Ryota's back chanting as the power of the ley line flowed through him and into the young man providing him the chakra necessary to carry out the job.
From outside Emi and Kiyoshi noticed the chains and felt the spike in chakra coming from the shrine recognizing it all too well. "Cease all ground attacks! With the chains up nothing can get in or out all it will do is hurt Ryota! He is buying us all some time. I want those with water, and wind jutsu here. Barrier team, try to finish the seal!" Emi ordered barking orders vocally and mentally sending the message to all who converged at the shrine.
With the extra time bought two fronts worked simultaneously to deter the threat coming towards them. Based on the estimates Emi and Kiyoshi worked on changing the course of one of the meteorites aiming to push it towards the waters instead.
What felt like hours was in reality a few minutes as the meteor was now half its original size and heading toward the far northeastern part of the island an area with barely anyone living there. As they prepared to launch another attack to divert the one heading straight for them Kiyoshi collapsed, clutching his eyes and reaching his limit. Running to him the ground shook nearly knocking down everyone as they all witnessed the flash of light from the collision of the first meteorite landing far from them.
Hearing the boy cry in pain Emi turned her attention back to him and handed him to two shrine maidens. Turning to her tired forces Emi stared at the incoming disaster and came to a realization. She had in herself just a few more tries before her own eyes gave up and she ended up in the same state as Kiyoshi but it was enough to risk it.
"Recover your strength!" She said before running to the heart of the shrine. Opening the doors she saw her lover hunched over the map trembling with bleeding eyes as the portal behind him led to the outside. The head priest stood behind him chanting as the floor underneath them gave a purple pulsing glow as if the island itself was pumping blood through their living vessel.
Having come to the same thought as her lover had she looked into the space his chains had spread to and opened two more portals. Sensing the new opening the chains that had spread past their limit, broke and disappeared forming anew and sprouting from his body once more and converging at the center.
Watching her portals she stared intently making sure to hold on for the eventual impact from the meteor only to feel soft hands touch her back as her co-leader these last two years transferred her chakra with a big smile on her face. Handing her share the shrine maiden opened the door and yelled, "Everyone share your chakra! Touch anything with chakra. The trees, the ground, anything!" Obeying the weird request the purple vein-like glow that had begun to appear while they were busy with the meteorite above led them to believe it was the shrine's doing unaware of the ley line flowing through the island that the head priest had currently tapped into.
Desperate and without options many kneeled down placing their hands on the purple veins sharing what they could. As others joined the purple soon gained traces of different hues of blues as everyone gave what they could and the land gladly absorbed it.
A few minutes the land shook and trembled causing those who stood to fall to the ground. Quiet to the terror above everyone stared unblinkingly at the darkness above with bated breath. Hearing the cracks from above everyone silently prayed that the chains would hold hoping it was the meteor.
CRACK!
Splitting into pieces the stars sparkled through the center of the massive shadow as the pieces rolled off in different directions. Sparkling chains were visible in the night sky alongside the stars and shooting stars heading in different directions.
Hearing the distant rumble of the pieces landing in the water the silence was broken as cheers erupted everywhere as they got to see another day.
After that Ryota, Emi, and Nori were taken by the medics to recover having bought enough time for the seal team to develop a temporary solution.
Yukino's POV
Witnessing his memory of what he experienced that day I smiled. °I see. Ha… I wish he would have just told me instead of worrying me like that. I'm glad you are all alright.°
°Luckily after that, we didn't get hit but a few meteors did land in the surrounding waters. One of them even hit one of the whirlpools creating a new island.°
°Huh, well I hope the maps were updated.°
That's not all a couple of the sirens were dispatched to the seas to collect some samples from the meteor chunks that hit Uzushio.°
°That should be good you can find some good materials from above.° Closing my eyes I sighed and smiled. Opening my eyes I saw the young man staring with a smile as well. "Is something on my face?"
"No, just glad to see you are doing fine. The shrine will be happy to hear this." He said looking forward. °Ah I nearly forgot to mention but we had a few typhoons, your flood prevention plan helped Kairi a lot.°
Hearing this I was confused since I remembered Kairi being a bit more inland. It wasn't really that in danger of getting hit with a flood. It must have shown on my face since he elaborated. °Forgive me. While you were in deep sleep Kaigara(seashell) town was renamed to Kairi(sea) town, and Kairi(sea) town was renamed to Hamasaki(beach peninsula) Town.°
Trying to imagine how the new map looked I nodded in understanding. Kaigara now known as Kairi was the town on the western side of the island where the members of the Hoshigaki clan resided. On the southwestern side of the island Kairi now called Hamasaki was where the greenhouses and where the Kokuei clan was set as well as I now knew the Suzumeno and Sorahane (where this young man next to me was a part of) clans resided as well.
°People got confused… I think that's about all the major news I have to share unless you have anything specific to ask.°
About to think about what else I could ask I realized where we were and held my hand up pointing to the building in front of us. "We arrived."
Reaching the interrogation room I saw the person who took up the job of kidnapping me and even had the audacity to talk about me as if I was cattle. The person in question was now sitting in a metal chair, their arms were behind their back restricted with metal gauntlets around their hands. Looking closer I noticed that the gauntlets were chained to the ground. Even in their current state, a smug smile was on their face most likely due to the seal.
Miffed about it I wouldn't blame him since I could see where that confidence came from. Yeah, they could kill them and get the information from the corpse but that was a lengthy process and due to decomposition the longer the procedure takes the more information gets lost. So keeping him alive was the best option right now.
But there were other ways to get information out. Covering my mouth I placed a finger on my lips to keep my facial muscles in check as I came up with a few ideas and one of them involved a little bit of genjutsu. At least in the beginning.
Thinking that one person came to mind first… Itachi. I knew of his techniques, but never tried to learn more from him however I learned something from just hearing and seeing memories of the techniques from those that have been cast with it. Like Izumi and Kakashi…
That level of skill in genjutsu was one I didn't even possess. Not even Kurenai, someone who had dedicated herself to the art. So I doubt even I could do something like that, not when my practice of genjutsu was so little. The only real experience I have is when I created my memory marbles and when I set up the barrier around the island. Still, talking to him won't get me any answers, torture was needed. However, with my level of skill the simplest form of genjutsu I could think of casting was one that used reality as my base. Thankfully I was quite good at medical ninjutsu and had a VERY good understanding of the human body. With that in mind, I hatched a plan.
Going up to Baki I whispered what I had come up with. Giving me the confirmation I needed. I made a link between him and the guard currently questioning him. Once everything was in place, I took out one of my scrolls and unsealed a tool kit I had been graciously given.
・・・
Unsuppressing my chakra I made it clear that I was approaching the interrogation room. The moment I reached the door I knew the guard would have stood up in alert. Sending the message to the man sitting across from him that the person arriving was not one he knew. Kicking the door open I lunged forward pinning the shinobi to the mirror behind him, quickly slashing their neck with my kunai. In reality, I had barely grazed him and with a sleight of hand just managed to hit him with my senbon in just the right area to make him fall to the ground. Appearing dead but just in a very deep death-like sleep.
But to the man he saw the woman who had eliminated his men less than a day ago eliminate a Suna shinobi, her allies.
Letting their body fall to the ground she grabbed the clipboard from the shinobi's hands and with a small shake of the kunai, she pretended to flick off the blood it had collected.
Her eyes scanned the clipboard before looking up at him sharply. "A silence seal huh?" Gently setting the kunai on the table she put the clipboard down. "After what you did and thought of doing I'm giving you two choices. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. I'm being gracious enough to give you a choice."
"Hah. You won't have time to undo it. A Suna shinobi will come sooner or later to check on him."
"You would be right." Backing away she wore a smile. "If there wasn't an emergency they had to attend to." Putting a finger to her lips she looked behind her towards the wall leading to the hall hearing rushing footsteps. "A fire in the records room oh so close to the Kazekage's office is sure to get a lot of attention… Not to mention that your victim is currently in a coma-like state being monitored by a medic-nin. She's quite vulnerable right now who knows maybe this is a distraction to take her again…"
Laughing in response he shook his head. "That cutesy name of the Sapphire Demon Fox doesn't do you any justice, does it? You're even crazier than the stories say you are."
"Stories? Well, you'll have to tell them to me later…" Pulling out an empty scroll she drew a seal on it, "...when you feel like talking that is…" Raising a hand water began to accumulate into floating droplets around the room making the air feel dry and suffocating. With a wave of her hand, she froze the only exit shut. With a small hovering droplet rolling between her fingertips, she made a small swish motion towards his face making sure to not touch him but making sure it was close enough for him to feel the cold.
He only laughed. "Physical torture won't help what kind of amateur are you?"
Hearing this I smiled. The very ice that began to spread in this room was proof of the prison of illusion I created.
Overconfidence was often the enemy of the undefeated after all.
Picking up the kunai I moved the desk to the side and cut at their shirt with a hum before holding up the scroll to their face to see. A maniacal smile spread across my face as red hair covered their vision. "You heard of the tales and yet thought to mess with one? Oh… how I will enjoy this."
Seeing a flash of terror in their eyes I slapped the scroll on their chest and quickly froze his mouth and tongue to prevent him from ending things. "Seal." I whispered in their ears.
The moment those words left my lips black markings began to spread from the paper and across their body reaching greedily for the thing it was meant to capture. Pulling away and I looked down watching their spazing body unable to talk and activate the seal meant to silence him forever.
Watching the pulsing seal with a hum I could hear the muffled screams under the ice. Closing my eyes I hummed giving it a bit more before retracting the seal. It had captured the seal since the moment she uttered that single word… but that would be too easy for him. Hearing the clanking of him trying to break free from the chains I opened my eyes and pulled away the scroll. His body shook and trembled as the markings of the seal began to pull away tugging at his cells.
Placing my cold hands on their head gently passed my fingers through their gray hair and pulled out a small marble. Holding it between my index and middle finger I held it up before his eyes to see before dropping it at his feet. Their face was contorted in both pain and confusion as I passed my hand through their hair and pulled out another, and then another. I didn't acknowledge his questioning looks as the marbles began to litter the floor.
After a minute of doing this and there was a considerable amount that a kid would go crazy for, I finally spoke. "Tell me… does your son know his livelihood is upon the sacrifices of another child?"
Eyes looked up at me terrified. After all, not even his men knew he had a child. I could practically hear him ask but purposely didn't answer as I pulled up another marble, one much bigger than the ones littering the ground. Holding the precious memories I smiled. "Tell me do you remember his face?" I asked looking at his eyes. His eyes contained confusion but they slowly began to turn into horror. "Maybe this will remind you," I said holding the marble before their eyes. Seeing that momentary flash of recognition and fondness I tossed the marble behind me and saw his body try to lurch toward it only to be held back by the chains and growing ice.
Placing my hand on his head I drew out small marbles showing the insignificance they held for him and how easily he was to leave them in the past. "Do you remember them?" I asked merging the marbles and holding up a marble murky and red from his crimes over the years. "You got out of that hole a looong time ago. You could have moved to an easier life and moved past it. Had you done that you wouldn't have found me." Dropping the heavy marble before his feet I reached for their head and they pulled away. Not taking this attitude I grabbed them by their hair and pulled on them pulling out more of his precious memories starting with his childhood purposefully taking bits and pieces so he could get the feeling that something was missing and craving that feeling to know what. Dropping each one on the ground I saw as his eyes followed each one trying to catch the flickering images in them. "You had the means to leave this life and return to one that he could be proud of… but you didn't did you? Not even after he begged you to spend more time with him… maybe I should drop by." Saying this I heard the clanking of his chains even more now. Giggling at his futile attempts I raised two fingers and hit certain points him his arms and legs rendering him useless for a good while.
"It's time for you to rest." Passing my hand over his eyes I took out a needle and injected the sedative in his numb leg.
Fighting to stay awake, he succumbed to it the more he tried to struggle. Passing my hand through his hair I pulled out all the information I needed and some extra into a large marble. Heading for the door I removed the ice blocking it and passed it over to Baki who stood on the other side. As I did the exchange Hakaku slipped inside and carried out the Suna nin. "Give me one more minute with him will you?"
"Don't get carried away." The grown man sighed.
"I make no promises. Just focus on analyzing the information I gave you."
Closing the door I turned to the sleeping man. Creating a shadow clone I bent down and picked up a marble and handed it to them with a smile. Turning back to the man I raised my hand and turned some ice to water pulling out some of the sedative, no longer needing genjutsu. Now with the gaps in his memory, there was no need for it anymore.
Hakaku's POV
Stripped of your knowledge of genjutsu and with phantoms of people you knew but still had an inkling as to their existence. What is left of you? I wondered as I stared through the window at what was once an attempt to draw out information now a torture session.
He saw the helpless sorry man struggle against the chains helplessly trying to reach a shadow clone transformed into his son. Yukino holding their chin held up a large orb telling him to take a look at his father's job. Hearing this I watched as the man began to struggle even more to prevent his dark side from being seen. 'How pathetic. You knew and yet you continued.' I watched the scene go on with a smirk as the 'kid' face turned into horror and they began to puke out of disgust. "Do you know what got him in this position?" He heard her say in the most softest tone imaginable. "He came for me next to sell me off…" Fake tears began to trickle down her face. "My kids… I tried to hide them but… he took my baby…" Dropping the kunai she held she covered her eyes and began to wail.
I was honestly impressed. I wasn't present when the Wolf and Sirens first started but I was aware that she had a hand in outlining the torture procedures.
Watching the 'kid's' face as it morphed into horror and then anger. Their hand went to the kunai taking a hold of it with trembling hands. Standing up tears began to stream down their face as they approached their 'father'
Continuing her wailing her face showed anything but sadness as she looked at the man with a smile in her eyes as he saw his own 'child' strike them.
Having seen enough I turned away and exited the room in time to see the Kazekage almost enter. "She got the information," I told him putting on a smile as I closed the door behind me. They had left towards the beginning as their job called so they had no need to see the darker side of my lady. "Baki is looking over it now. My lady is heading back to rest now."
"Is she?" The Kazekage asked with relief.
I only smiled and nodded. "Do you wish for me to bring her to the intelligence division?"
"No, if she's tired don't force her."
"Alright. Then excuse me I need to pick up what my lady left behind." Moving past them to the interrogation room I opened the door and saw her leaning against the wall. Nodding once in acknowledgement I entered the surprisingly clean room as the ice that covered the room was now flowing down the drain. Walking over to the kidnapper I checked them carefully making sure they stayed that way.
・・・
Finishing up I zipped up the black bag about to lift it over my shoulder when something took it from me. Glancing back I saw water tendrils wrap around it and dragged it to a portal. "What should we do about his kid?" I asked.
A soft smile danced on her lips as she uttered the next few words. "What kid? He hasn't had one in years."
It clicked then and I couldn't help but chuckle. A spotty memory was the easiest to fool and those gaps could be manipulated.
Her method could have been more bloody in my opinion but I found this form interesting. A child he once loved dearly whose memories were twisted to end their life with tragedy and regret instead of a clean one that was known to come with the job.
Looking over at my lady walking to her realm that I had only ever heard about I followed happily behind her.
3rd POV
Already knowing the results of the information gathered. Yukino dropped the bag at Baki's feet who just wrinkled his nose at the sight. Looking up at the unabashed woman and her guard who stood behind her like a shadow he sighed already knowing what she was here to ask.
"We'll handle the disposal, right now a team is tracking down his accomplices and the ones who switched over." He said with a silent sigh. No matter how many times the same thing was repeated there were still those who believed betrayal could be rewarded. How tiring but traitors were traitors, keeping the punishment light would only make the temptation of betrayal greater.
"I'm glad the information is handy. So… what do you think about who ordered the hit?" She put on a smile hiding the seething rage underneath.
Seeing her smile he took in a breath at the other problem he knew had on his plate but not one he would have to personally deal with to resolve. Turning away to avoid her piercing gaze he answered her question. "I will tell Gaara about this once we get all the traitors."
"Mm…" She hummed. °Well make sure to tell Gaara I don't want a reduction in my punishment. The Tsuchikage needs to give me something to make up for the audacity of the Earth Daimyo after I gave him advice to save his life. If possible a return in any Uzumaki scrolls in his possession… if he feels generous.° With a smile she spun around and walked away with her shadow right behind her.
Once the pair left Baki sighed and turned to the shinobi who approached with a report on the new information analyzed. Taking the report he let out a sigh as it would involve Konoha's aid for this as it took place in their territory. 'Gaara will be very busy the next few days.'
・