Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ Enemy Quarters ( Chapter 14 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Haru Mclean Namikaze 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 279 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 279 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 8 : Enemy Quarters
The TLD moved swiftly through the forests on the foot of the mountain, occasionally stopping for look out in case there was anybody near. They had divided into two teams: the first team was led by Konohamaru, along with the Kuroi twins namely Ichi and Kichi while the second team consisted of Nomura Okune and Tameshi Akane, led by Asamegi Mou.
They decided to infiltrate the base in the guise of some Sound Med Nins, and sure enough as they expected, everything wasnÕt going to be that easy. One advantage at their side, though, was that most of themÑthe girlsÑwere respectably good enough in the medical field, though better in deception. (a/n: Okune, Akane and Mou are girls.)
The two teams stopped a respectable distance of several trees before the clearing, where the Sound Nins resided for the night and for several more nights to come. The forest was to be their battle grounds, and no battle was going to be easy there, with the wild beasts skulking around the forest floor. And besides, the Sound Nins werenÕt somebody to joke around with, they were dead serious about killing them. All of them admitted that they were a bitÑjust a tad bitÑworried about the battle, because even though they were very skilled fighters in their own respective fields, their opponents were indubitably strong.
ÒChange into your disguises, now!Ó hissed Konohamaru, acting as the leader for both of the teams. After all, Kiba and Chouji did leave him the instructions and commands. The two insisted to come along, but Sasuke had strongly disagreed, along with Sakura, Fukai and Neji, saying they shouldnÕt be out so early in the battle. There was no telling what would happen if they lost one of the leaders so early head on.
After a few minutes of fumbling in the dark with their clothes and disguises, they finally got through, still undetected even through the racket they made. Maybe natureÕs nocturnal song or the Sound NinsÕ song itself is too noisy.
ÒCheck and double-check if everything is in order, we seriously donÕt want to be fumbling around there,Ó muttered Konohamaru, attaching his fake Sound hitae-ate.
ÒEverything in order.Ó
ÒIi,Ó nodded Konohamaru, scouting a little bit closer, looking out and squinting through the trees.(a/n: Good.)
ÒThere are fiveÑno, six nins scouting near us. We can take them down. They donÕt seem to be important in the crowd, just newbies. We should ask them questions firstÉÓ suggested Okune, her eyes sharpened by the nights she spent in the dark forests of the Lightning Country where she came from. To her, it was like looking out in pure daylight.
ÒGood idea,Ó said Konohamaru. ÒBut we should let them go a little bit further in, or else the others will hear.Ó
ÒHai,Ó muttered Mou, twirling a kunai expectantly and noiselessly as they watched the nins like hawks awaiting their prey.
OoOoOoOoO (a/n: letÕs have some fluffÉ we need to have some fluff in every chapter, donÕt we? snickers madly IÕm addicted to itÉ its toxicÉ)
Fukai hurried up the stairs to the top of the mountain, stomping her feet loudly on the stone stairs on the way. She mumbled incoherently under her breath, grumbling about being annoyed with Neji. Apparently he has done something wrong, and his dear girlfriendÑehm, friend is extremely mad about it.
She continued her approach towards the top, looking up. Does this flight of stairs even have an end? Damn, IÕve been climbing for 10 minutes now! She sighed loudly, still contemplating about her thoughts and about Neji.
DoesnÕt he even think? Damn, why do I have to be the messenger, anyways? My feet are getting sore from all this climbingÑeh, I mean stompingÉ
She sighed in utter relief as she saw the door to the mountain top, slightly ajar, causing a stream of chilly, mountain breeze down the stairs.
Damn, so thatÕs why it was cold down thereÉ of course, the walls absorb the cold, since there are no windowsÉ that explains the cold Naruto was complaining about, whimpering around in couch in HinataÕs lapÉ
She pushed the door open, holding on to the latch. Then there was a sudden loud impact from higher in the mountain. She sighed. Here I go againÉ IÕve been doing this for two weeks alreadyÉ
She stepped out into the freezing inhumane temperatures of the mountain, looking around the blinding whiteness of the snow, searching for a speck of black that might give away Neji and the SSAÕs position. She saw nothing, so she rubbed her hurting eyes vigorously, before sighing and starting to walk in the knee-deep snow.
I never knew it was this cold out here before I came to their groupÉ
She waded slowly, squinting in the snow for any sign of the closest to a boyfriend sheÕs got. She blushed madly at the thought, though she wouldnÕt have looked conspicuous because if anybody saw her, they would suspect her redness was due to the cold weather.
ÒNeji!Ó she shouted into the air, her voice making a loud echo around the place. ÒNeji! Where the hell are you?Ó
She sighed loudly, her hair flying away from her eyes, and her breath misting in front of her face before merging with the chilly breeze and disappearing. She looked around her but found nothing.
ÒDammit, Neji, where are you!Ó she shouted yet again. No reply.
She continued to walk around the place until she came to a bend, where the rock protruded out of the snow in a strange, awkward manner. There was a cliff beside it, and it was a long and precarious fall. But there was no other way than to go around the rock and tiptoe so that she wont fall, since if she tried to leap the height of the boulders beside the rock, there would be an avalanche. After all, the awkward rock was holding back the boulders awkwardly as well, so any shift in the position and they might as well say bye-bye.
She sighed and started to proceed over to the rock when a voice beckoned out to her.
ÒFukai? You out there?Ó asked a none-too-familiar voice.
ÒNeji!Ó she gasped, turning around sharply. She saw the one sheÕs been looking for come out behind the big rock the door was embedded in. ÒSo I was going in the wrong direction.
ÒYou would have gotten killed if you went past there,Ó said Neji, glaring at her and pulling her to him a little harshly. ÒDaijoubu?Ó
ÒHai,Ó she replied.
ÒBe more careful next time,Ó said Neji.
ÒThereÕs a rather deep crevasse in the other side of the rock over there,Ó said Shourai Ren impassively. ÒJust like Neji said, you wouldÕve died there.Ó
ÒOhÉ gomen neÉÓ said Fukai. ÒI didnÕt know, obviously.Ó
ÒWhy are you here?Ó asked Yuri Aikawa.
Reminded of her purpose, she started to fume again just with the thought. Neji inched away from her slowly, noticing the sudden change in behavior.
ÒUh, you shouldnÕt have asked, Aikawa,Ó he muttered, backing away a little more. ÒI hate a womanÕs wrathÉ especially this oneÉÓ
ÒHYUUGA NEJI! Do you know what trouble youÕve gotten me into! Sasuke yelled at me to tell you to keep it down, you dumbass! You donÕt even think about the consequences, do you?Ó she forced through gritted teeth, glaring holes into Neji, whose eyes were twitching slightly. ÒYour NOISE almost gave us AWAY! Well, technically, they already know that we train in the mountain top just because of YOU!Ó
ÒBut its not my fault!Ó reasoned Neji.
ÒOh yeah? Prove it!Ó she shouted, shattering his eardrums.
ÒYou donÕt have to SHOUT!Ó snapped Neji. Oh, my poor, broken earsÉ
ÒHell hath no fury like a woman scornedÉÓ quoted Shourai Mori, shaking his head at their leader. ÒThat guyÕs in for some caterwauling tonightÉÓ
ÒYeah,Ó his brother agreed, smirking.
ÒÉand it was just an accident! We were practicing but we didnÕt mean to procure the noise!Ó reasoned Neji, ignoring the glares the black haired, blue eyed girl, who was still fuming from the incident.
ÒAccident or not, you still did it!Ó snapped Fukai, turning on her heels sharply and stomping all the way to the door. She stopped when she reached the door, grasping the latch tightly with freezing fingers (though she didnÕt seem to mind it at all). ÒBy the way, Sakura asked you guys to come down for an early dinner. Sasuke got news that the reports will be back by midnight, so he needed you to rest it up.Ó
Then she walked into the shelter of the indoors and rammed the door shutÉ accidentally leaving it locked.
Neji sighed. ÒYou heard her, training cancelled. Get a move onÉÓ
Akashi Kai sighed, amused by the argument that ensued earlier, then walked ahead to the door easily, not being hindered by the snow. He pushed the door heartily, wanting to get out of the blinding snow and get some food, but then, strangely enough, the door wont budge.
He quirked an eyebrow, and then pushed on the door again with all his might, thinking that it might just be stuck. It still wouldnÕt budge. ÒCrap,Ó he muttered, giving it a forceful shove and wiggling the latch. ÒDouble crapÉÓ
ÒWhat?Ó asked Neji, eyes narrowing slightly.
ÒThe doorÉ itsÉÓ
ÒOh noÉ Ooooh noÉÓ muttered Taira Aira, eyes widening slightly.
ÒShit,Ó muttered Aikawa.
Neji proceeded to the door. It wouldnÕt open. It was locked.
ÒDammit, FUKAI!Ó
OoOoOoOoO
KonohagakureÉ
ÒHokage-sama! We have news from the elite teams at the Hoseki no Yama!Ó called Shizune, rushing into the conference room where the kages were talking.
Tsunade immediately tensed from her relaxed position. From ShizuneÕs tone of voice, she could tell it was urgent and needed immediate attention. ÒWhat is it? Is there some problems?Ó
ÒWe have heard that the Oto and Kage caught on and somehow found out that they were in the mountains, training. They followed the nins and Uchiha says they are camping out of the forests, at the foot of the mountains in the valley. ThereÕs quite a large number of nins there preparing to attack, but Uchiha and the others says its nothing to worry about since they already made a move,Ó said Shizune hurriedly, pausing for breath.
ÒI seeÉ OrochimaruÉÓ Tsunade sighed. Jiraiya came out of the shadows where heÕs been standing all the while.
ÒDid Uchiha say anything else, Shizune?Ó asked Jiraiya. ÒDid they tell you their first courses of action? Or anything about the progress of their training?Ó
ÒNothing, sir,Ó replied Shizune. ÒHe added that if we wanted to know more, we needed to go there ourselves. He fears that Itachi might find a way to intercept the communication, considering the technique he used is a clan technique. He said we could approach Kakashi and ask him to make the portal.Ó
ÒSo he taught the Copy-Nin Kakashi to do it, huh,Ó said the Raikage. ÒWhy him?Ó
ÒIn case you donÕt know, Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura are the only team that Kakashi ever passed on in his entire career as a Jounin team handler. Everyone else failed in his hands. I expect the three has unwavering faith in their ex-sensei, since they have gone through several hard circumstances, and surprisingly enough, they survived!Ó said Tsunade, smiling at the memory.
ÒAww, IÕm touched,Ó said Kakashi, with a sinister ÔpoofÕ. He appeared, standing by the table. ÒYes, what she said was true. They are the only team I ever passed on.Ó (a/n: Refer to the anime, thereÕs an explanation thereÉ)
ÒI see,Ó said the Tsuchikage, nodding his head silently. ÒWell, Hokage-sama? What do you think we should do?Ó
ÒWe must go over to the mountains via portal. We must find out their courses of action. After all, we are more experienced in the courses of war, so technically, we can help them in decision making.Ó
ÒOkay, then, just tell me when I am going to open the portal,Ó said Kakashi, snapping his perverted book shut.
ÒJust meet us in the square in an hour, Kakashi. And DONÕT BE LATE!Ó snapped Tsunade, glaring at him. Kakashi sweat dropped and grinned under his mask.
ÒAlright, donÕt be so impatient, Tsunade, it will make you grow more white hair and lines on that face you have,Ó grinned Kakashi, disappearing with a ÔpoofÕ before the Hokage can retaliate physically.
ÒWhy does everybody call me old?Ó she grumbled, standing up to get prepared.
ÒBecause you are,Ó replied Jiraiya.
Bad move.
OoOoOoOoO
Rei snapped his 10th book shut and pulled out a piece of paper. He picked out the pen he kept by his ear, starting to scribble away madly about details about their enemy. He was apparently very diligent in his work, and he was growing more and more interested in Oto and Kage as well as Konoha. He was reading about the 3 countriesÕ history and he was collecting data about the strengths and weaknesses and other vital characteristics of the countries, as well as their leaders.
He looked up a while when he heard his name being called on, facing Shikamaru. ÒYes?Ó
ÒAny news?Ó asked Shikamaru.
ÒWellÉ IÕm still studying about the history of the countries, but I think IÕve gathered some relevant data about the leaders, especially Itachi and Orochimaru,Ó answered Rei, handing Shikamaru some sheets of paper with his neat writing.
ÒI seeÉÓ said Shikamaru. ÒAlright then, keep it up. If ever you come across something out of the ordinary, tell me.Ó
ÒYoroshii,Ó said Rei, nodding and going back to his work. (a/n: Okay.)
Sasuke entered the room, sighing. He walked over to the couch and sat down.
ÒDid ya give the message to the old hag, eh, Sasuke-teme?Ó asked Naruto, getting up from his lying position, his head getting out of HinataÕs lap.
ÒYeah, and Shizune didnÕt react too well at all,Ó smirked Sasuke.
ÒSuggesting Tsunade-samaÕs behavior, I think theyÕll be here sooner or later, along with the hokages and several Jounins who donÕt have their duties,Ó Sakura said, sitting beside Sasuke and playing with his hand.
Sasuke nodded, deep in thought. Then he caught sight of Rei, who was so engrossed in his book he didnÕt even notice the leader come in. The desk he was sitting beside was strewn with crumpled pieces of paper and disheveled stacks of books. The scratching of his pen resounded clearly through the common room, creating an even and relaxing rhythm.
ÒWell that boy sure is serious about his work, isnÕt he?Ó remarked Hinata.
ÒI wont be surprised if he gets a headache later on,Ó Shikamaru said, snorting. He sat down across Sasuke. ÒEven I get a headache with those things.Ó
ÒWell, weÕre lucky to have some diligent workers on our side!Ó smiled Hinata.
ÒThat book heÕs reading is quite familiar to me,Ó muttered Sasuke, peering at the cover of the book. It was a black and blue book, with silver letters embedded on the spine. ÒCant place where I saw it, though.Ó
They enjoyed the silence of the common room, accentuated by NarutoÕs occasional requests for massage. Just then a sound startled them.
ÒFUKAI!Ó yelled a faint voice from the stairs leading to the mountaintop. It was recognizably NejiÕs voice.
Sasuke raised a brow. ÒWonder what happened.Ó
ÒWHAT!Ó yelled Rei, toppling over the other books he stacked on the table. He slammed the book he was reading on the table loudly; reading and rereading the phrase he was just looking at. ÒIÑI donÕt believe itÉÓ
OoOoOoOoO
ÒThese nins seem to be pretty weak, dontcha think?Ó whispered Mou, asking Konohamaru.
ÒTheyÕre just Med Nins, not battle nins,Ó replied an aggravated Konohamaru. TheyÕve been waiting for almost 10 minutes now. ÒNot only that, they walk so slow tooÉÓ
ÒShh! TheyÕre near!Ó hissed Okune, pulling out a kunai and poising, ready for attack.
The 6 nins walked by below them, not even noticing them.
ÒAkane, now,Ó muttered Konohamaru. Akane performed several seals and engulfed the place with a strong illusion jutsu and a silencing jutsu that only a Mangekyou Sharingan and a fully developed Byakugan could penetrate. Sadly, Itachi was nowhere in sight, and the Byakugan is in their side.
One of the enemy nins snorted loudly. Now that they were near enough, they could easily overhear the conversations.
One of them spoke up. ÒYeah, youÕre right. Those Konoha nins are worthless! DoesnÕt even stand a chance!Ó
ÒWith Itachi-sama and Orochimaru-sama together, nobody can beat us!Ó cackled one of them, apparently a girl.
Konohamaru snorted slightly. ÒWhat a nice coincidence. There are 3 girls and 3 boys as wellÉÓ
ÒYeah, not even the Konoha elite can beat us!Ó
ÒTheyÕre worthless, they donÕt even know that weÕre here! If theyÕre really good, they should know that we are here already!Ó
ÒAnd we do,Ó smirked Konohamaru, leaping out of the shadows of the trees into the moonlight-dappled forest floor. His 5 subordinates followed, surrounding the now helpless nins.
ÒKonoha nins! Call for help!Ó shouted one of them.
ÒDonÕt even bother,Ó said Kichi, kicking him in the shins and rounding him, pointing a kunai in his neck. ÒNobody can hear you anyways.Ó
ÒNow, will you tell us everything you know?Ó asked Okune, performing a Body Bind Jutsu. The previously smug faces of the nins contorted into pained, terrified faces.
ÒN-not in a l-lifet-time!Ó one of them said through gritted teeth.
ÒAlright then, weÕll just have to force you guys,Ó smirked Mou. She performed several seals.
ÒWhat are you doing?Ó asked Konohamaru.
ÒMind Reading Jutsu,Ó she muttered. She opened her eyes and looked straight into the eyes of the terrified Oto nins.
ÒW-whatÕs happening?Ó asked one of the Sound nins, a look of pure terror on his face.
After Mou finished with the first nin, he collapsed. Then she moved on to the other, devouring useful information from his mind. She mercilessly read the minds of the nins. Apparently sheÕs very devoted to her job and she didnÕt care who she had to step on just as long as she got what she was sent for and she fulfilled her mission. One after the other, the Sound nins fell into unconsciousness, apparently exhausted from the mental work.
After Mou finished with the six nins, she collapsed to her knees, and tiredly released the jutsu. Konohamaru and the others easily disposed of the bodies, getting the clothes for disguise, and then burning the bodies quickly.
ÒYou alright back there, Mou?Ó asked Okune.
ÒYeah,Ó the tired girl replied. She stood up and dusted off her clothes. ÒWeÕd better change into their clothes first before I tell you the details I found out about.Ó
ÒAlright then,Ó said Akane, handing each of them a set of clothes and weapons the former nins used.
OoOoOoOoO
ÒDamn that girlÉÓ muttered Neji, giving up on opening the locked door. ÒGaara!Ó
ÒMove over,Ó muttered Gaara. The other nins cleared for him, and he ordered a bit of sand to open the door from the other side.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing the dark stairway to the common room.
That girl will seriously be in for something tonightÉ Neji thought, charging into the dark. The chakra candles immediately lit up with fire as they descended the stairs, the door squeaking close automatically. Neji stomped all the way down the stairs, catching up with a bewildered Fukai.
ÒI heard you call my name. Nani ka warui?Ó she asked innocently. (a/n: Anything wrong?)
ÒStop playing innocent, girl. Why did you lock the door?Ó growled Neji.
ÒHuh? Lock what?Ó asked Fukai.
ÒDamn! The door! You locked the door!Ó hollered Neji.
ÒHuh? UhÉ gomen ne, but it was an accident, I think. I donÕt remember locking it intentionally. Maybe when I slammed it shut it automatically locked,Ó she said, cocking her head to the side.
Neji growled dangerously, brushing past her, hurrying downstairs. He was apparently pissed off.
Fukai groaned. ÒIÕve never seen a more difficult personÉÓ she moaned, following Neji.
ÒNeji! Hey, Neji!Ó she shouted towards the receding figure, descending quickly.
ÒYou know, you can just resolve your little fight downstairs and let us pass now,Ó Aira said passively, glaring at Fukai. Fukai glared right back and ran down the stairs in an attempt to catch her boyÑer, best friend.
OoOoOoOoO
ÒOkayÉ Mou, info about our disguises?Ó asked Konohamaru. (a/n: YouÕll notice they didnÕt use the Henge no Jutsu. Its only ideal, since Itachi has the Mangekyou. If in case they come face to face with him, theyÕll be in for it.)
ÒOkay, listen carefully, coz IÕm not up to repeating it, we shouldnÕt take too much time,Ó said Mou. ÒKonohamaru, the name of the nin youÕll be taking on is Mibo Hiroshi. HeÕs a relaxed type of guy, and heÕs very boastful. HeÕs not that well known, as well as the other nins, since they are newbies and thatÕs an A for us. As for you, Kichi, since youÕre the older of you two, you will be Kiiro Saisuke, and your brother will be Kiiro Kyosuke. Both of you are to be silent types and you should be keeping well out of trouble and the business of others when we get inside.Ó
ÒAs for the girlsÉ my role will be Mikado Reiko. IÕm supposed to be a very strict person, soÉ you lot shouldnÕt be that close to me, instead you should always call me ÔReiko-sanÕ, for respect. And then Akane will be Abe Setsuna. You are to be a tense person, and your best friend will be a very relaxed Amagi Yae, who will be taken on by Okune. I think we are pretty comfortable with our roles. Another plus on our side is that none of these ninjas are that good at certain fields. As far as I know, they are just ordinary Med Nins, so it shouldnÕt be that difficult.Ó
ÒThatÕs good then,Ó said Konohamaru. Then a whistle echoed through the night.
ÒThe whistle,Ó snapped Mou. ÒTheyÕre calling us back. Its dinnertime. The nins eat together along a large bonfire.Ó
ÒLetÕs go, then, duty calls,Ó said Konohamaru, smirking. They set off into the night, approaching the camp.
A few minutes more, they stopped near the clearing. Mou pointed out the places so they wouldnÕt get lost.
ÒThatÕs the main headquarters in that small cave,Ó she hissed, pointing to a small cave carved into a large stone plateau. ÒInside is the stocks of food, and the stocks of scrolls containing the blueprints of their base and etcetera. You know the stuff.Ó
Then she pointed to one large tent near the cave. ÒThatÕs where Itachi and Orochimaru resides, along with Kabuto and Kisume.Ó She pointed to another larger tent in the other side, by the trees. ÒThatÕs where the high ranking nins sleep. The tent beside it is where we will sleep, itÕs the Med tent. The bonfire is in the middle. That guy,Ó she said, pointing to a guy who looks like a shark. ÒHeÕs Kisume. Beside him is Kabuto, with the glasses. Then the one theyÕre talking to,Ó she said, referring to a guy with a weird hairdo looking like a burnt asparagus. ÒHeÕs our superior. HeÕs the head of the squads, a Jounin level nin, though weÕre stronger than him. His name is Hiromasa. Call him Hiromasa-sama. And that girl,Ó she said, pointing to a girl with long brown hair in a long braid. ÒSheÕs the head of the Med Nins. Her name is Fujiko. Call her Fujiko-san.Ó
ÒWeÕre gonna go over to Fujiko and sheÕll give us our dinner,Ó said Mou, leaping down from the trees.
They went to the man who blew the whistle. He grunted. ÒAny news?Ó
ÒNone. The enemy doesnÕt even know weÕre hereÉÓ snorted Konohamaru, his acting flawless.
ÒOf course, those fucking bastards wonÕt stand a chance against us!Ó snorted the whistle man, walking over to Hiromasa. (a/n: thatÕs why the rating is PG13/TÉ)
Konohamaru smirked.
ÒWell, whaddya know, you can pass as an actor, my man,Ó hissed Okune, acting very relaxed like she was supposed to be.
ÒLikewise,Ó said Konohamaru, following Mou who was proceeding over to Fujiko.
ÒReporting back from patrol, Fujiko-san,Ó said Kichi, procuring a cold glare similar to NejiÕs.
ÒGood,Ó smiled Fujiko. She gave each of them some food inside the tent. ÒI still cant understand why they made Med Nins go on patrolÉ shouldnÕt it be the battle nins?Ó
ÒWell, theyÕre just friggin dumb,Ó snorted Konohamaru, hungrily chowing down his ramen like he wasnÕt even pretending.
ÒI guess so,Ó said Fujiko. ÒAnyways, after you eat, we can get some shut-eye. There will be a curfew, so you need to sleep. It was announced earlier.Ó
ÒAa,Ó said Ichi, standing up from the table, having finished his food in a flash. He was followed by Kichi and then Mou.
They set their sleeping bags just beside the opening flap of the tent, side by side so they could talk.
ÒMou, whatÕs the plan?Ó asked Kichi silently.
Ò20 minutes after the curfew starts, we sneak around. Since you two are the best in stealth here, Kichi, you sneak in the main HQ. Get more info and donÕt forget the scrolls. The blueprint and stuff that will explain everything. Since they donÕt know that we know about them yet, they wont have placed traps there. Ichi, you sneak into the weapons department, and get a sample of their weapons.Ó
Konohamaru, Akane and Okune arrived, sitting by Mou. ÒWhat about us?Ó
ÒOkune, since youÕre the best actress, you go and converse with the leadersÉ Hiromasa and whistle guyÉ if possible, get a chance with Kabuto. HeÕs a softie. HeÕs a Med Nin too, so thereÕs a probability that heÕll come here. Konohamaru, you go and talk with the other lower nins, see if you can get any info out of them. Act cool okay? And Akane, go to their labs. See what poisons they have. I know that each nin is given a poison of each kind, so tell them you want refills since you broke your containers when we ran into a pack of wild wolves in the forest. Act as if you are disappointed and stuffÉ you know the drill.Ó
ÒAnd you?Ó
ÒIÕll be interviewing Fujiko-san and getting some samples of their medicines and antidotes to their poisons.Ó
ÒGood plan.Ó
ÒI know.Ó
Suddenly, there was a burst of light and Kabuto entered the tent, apparently checking on the conditions.
ÒOh, arenÕt you the nins who recently came back from the patrol?Ó he asked, adjusting his glasses.
Okune grabbed the chance. ÒHai,Ó smiled Okune.
ÒAny news?Ó
ÒSadly, we didnÕt get anything, apart from a couple of scratches from a pack of wild wolves,Ó grinned Okune, acting smooth and confident.
ÒI seeÉ isnÕt your name Yae?Ó
ÒHai, Kabuto-sama. Is there anything I might help you with?Ó
ÒWell, since Fujiko-san seems to be busy outside, can you help me gather some of the palm leaf concoction? I need some for examination,Ó Kabuto smiled, apparently oblivious of the faux.
ÒOh, of course!Ó said Okune, standing up immediately and rummaging over the drawers. Mou had whispered that it was in the 3rd drawer. She opened the drawer and found the said concoction. ÒIs this it?Ó she asked, cocking her head to the side. She picked up one test tube and handed it to Kabuto.
ÒArigato,Ó said Kabuto. ÒMaybe you can help with the experiment?Ó
ÒSure!Ó said Okune, following Kabuto outside.
ÒSlick girl,Ó smirked Konohamaru, laying back down on his sleeping bag. ÒGot her chance already.Ó
ÒYes, and I think its time for yours as well. TheyÕre gathering to chat over there alreadyÉÓ said Mou, looking out the tent.
ÒAlrightÉ do your thing, Konohamaru,Ó said Akane.
The TLD moved swiftly through the forests on the foot of the mountain, occasionally stopping for look out in case there was anybody near. They had divided into two teams: the first team was led by Konohamaru, along with the Kuroi twins namely Ichi and Kichi while the second team consisted of Nomura Okune and Tameshi Akane, led by Asamegi Mou.
They decided to infiltrate the base in the guise of some Sound Med Nins, and sure enough as they expected, everything wasnÕt going to be that easy. One advantage at their side, though, was that most of themÑthe girlsÑwere respectably good enough in the medical field, though better in deception. (a/n: Okune, Akane and Mou are girls.)
The two teams stopped a respectable distance of several trees before the clearing, where the Sound Nins resided for the night and for several more nights to come. The forest was to be their battle grounds, and no battle was going to be easy there, with the wild beasts skulking around the forest floor. And besides, the Sound Nins werenÕt somebody to joke around with, they were dead serious about killing them. All of them admitted that they were a bitÑjust a tad bitÑworried about the battle, because even though they were very skilled fighters in their own respective fields, their opponents were indubitably strong.
ÒChange into your disguises, now!Ó hissed Konohamaru, acting as the leader for both of the teams. After all, Kiba and Chouji did leave him the instructions and commands. The two insisted to come along, but Sasuke had strongly disagreed, along with Sakura, Fukai and Neji, saying they shouldnÕt be out so early in the battle. There was no telling what would happen if they lost one of the leaders so early head on.
After a few minutes of fumbling in the dark with their clothes and disguises, they finally got through, still undetected even through the racket they made. Maybe natureÕs nocturnal song or the Sound NinsÕ song itself is too noisy.
ÒCheck and double-check if everything is in order, we seriously donÕt want to be fumbling around there,Ó muttered Konohamaru, attaching his fake Sound hitae-ate.
ÒEverything in order.Ó
ÒIi,Ó nodded Konohamaru, scouting a little bit closer, looking out and squinting through the trees.(a/n: Good.)
ÒThere are fiveÑno, six nins scouting near us. We can take them down. They donÕt seem to be important in the crowd, just newbies. We should ask them questions firstÉÓ suggested Okune, her eyes sharpened by the nights she spent in the dark forests of the Lightning Country where she came from. To her, it was like looking out in pure daylight.
ÒGood idea,Ó said Konohamaru. ÒBut we should let them go a little bit further in, or else the others will hear.Ó
ÒHai,Ó muttered Mou, twirling a kunai expectantly and noiselessly as they watched the nins like hawks awaiting their prey.
OoOoOoOoO (a/n: letÕs have some fluffÉ we need to have some fluff in every chapter, donÕt we? snickers madly IÕm addicted to itÉ its toxicÉ)
Fukai hurried up the stairs to the top of the mountain, stomping her feet loudly on the stone stairs on the way. She mumbled incoherently under her breath, grumbling about being annoyed with Neji. Apparently he has done something wrong, and his dear girlfriendÑehm, friend is extremely mad about it.
She continued her approach towards the top, looking up. Does this flight of stairs even have an end? Damn, IÕve been climbing for 10 minutes now! She sighed loudly, still contemplating about her thoughts and about Neji.
DoesnÕt he even think? Damn, why do I have to be the messenger, anyways? My feet are getting sore from all this climbingÑeh, I mean stompingÉ
She sighed in utter relief as she saw the door to the mountain top, slightly ajar, causing a stream of chilly, mountain breeze down the stairs.
Damn, so thatÕs why it was cold down thereÉ of course, the walls absorb the cold, since there are no windowsÉ that explains the cold Naruto was complaining about, whimpering around in couch in HinataÕs lapÉ
She pushed the door open, holding on to the latch. Then there was a sudden loud impact from higher in the mountain. She sighed. Here I go againÉ IÕve been doing this for two weeks alreadyÉ
She stepped out into the freezing inhumane temperatures of the mountain, looking around the blinding whiteness of the snow, searching for a speck of black that might give away Neji and the SSAÕs position. She saw nothing, so she rubbed her hurting eyes vigorously, before sighing and starting to walk in the knee-deep snow.
I never knew it was this cold out here before I came to their groupÉ
She waded slowly, squinting in the snow for any sign of the closest to a boyfriend sheÕs got. She blushed madly at the thought, though she wouldnÕt have looked conspicuous because if anybody saw her, they would suspect her redness was due to the cold weather.
ÒNeji!Ó she shouted into the air, her voice making a loud echo around the place. ÒNeji! Where the hell are you?Ó
She sighed loudly, her hair flying away from her eyes, and her breath misting in front of her face before merging with the chilly breeze and disappearing. She looked around her but found nothing.
ÒDammit, Neji, where are you!Ó she shouted yet again. No reply.
She continued to walk around the place until she came to a bend, where the rock protruded out of the snow in a strange, awkward manner. There was a cliff beside it, and it was a long and precarious fall. But there was no other way than to go around the rock and tiptoe so that she wont fall, since if she tried to leap the height of the boulders beside the rock, there would be an avalanche. After all, the awkward rock was holding back the boulders awkwardly as well, so any shift in the position and they might as well say bye-bye.
She sighed and started to proceed over to the rock when a voice beckoned out to her.
ÒFukai? You out there?Ó asked a none-too-familiar voice.
ÒNeji!Ó she gasped, turning around sharply. She saw the one sheÕs been looking for come out behind the big rock the door was embedded in. ÒSo I was going in the wrong direction.
ÒYou would have gotten killed if you went past there,Ó said Neji, glaring at her and pulling her to him a little harshly. ÒDaijoubu?Ó
ÒHai,Ó she replied.
ÒBe more careful next time,Ó said Neji.
ÒThereÕs a rather deep crevasse in the other side of the rock over there,Ó said Shourai Ren impassively. ÒJust like Neji said, you wouldÕve died there.Ó
ÒOhÉ gomen neÉÓ said Fukai. ÒI didnÕt know, obviously.Ó
ÒWhy are you here?Ó asked Yuri Aikawa.
Reminded of her purpose, she started to fume again just with the thought. Neji inched away from her slowly, noticing the sudden change in behavior.
ÒUh, you shouldnÕt have asked, Aikawa,Ó he muttered, backing away a little more. ÒI hate a womanÕs wrathÉ especially this oneÉÓ
ÒHYUUGA NEJI! Do you know what trouble youÕve gotten me into! Sasuke yelled at me to tell you to keep it down, you dumbass! You donÕt even think about the consequences, do you?Ó she forced through gritted teeth, glaring holes into Neji, whose eyes were twitching slightly. ÒYour NOISE almost gave us AWAY! Well, technically, they already know that we train in the mountain top just because of YOU!Ó
ÒBut its not my fault!Ó reasoned Neji.
ÒOh yeah? Prove it!Ó she shouted, shattering his eardrums.
ÒYou donÕt have to SHOUT!Ó snapped Neji. Oh, my poor, broken earsÉ
ÒHell hath no fury like a woman scornedÉÓ quoted Shourai Mori, shaking his head at their leader. ÒThat guyÕs in for some caterwauling tonightÉÓ
ÒYeah,Ó his brother agreed, smirking.
ÒÉand it was just an accident! We were practicing but we didnÕt mean to procure the noise!Ó reasoned Neji, ignoring the glares the black haired, blue eyed girl, who was still fuming from the incident.
ÒAccident or not, you still did it!Ó snapped Fukai, turning on her heels sharply and stomping all the way to the door. She stopped when she reached the door, grasping the latch tightly with freezing fingers (though she didnÕt seem to mind it at all). ÒBy the way, Sakura asked you guys to come down for an early dinner. Sasuke got news that the reports will be back by midnight, so he needed you to rest it up.Ó
Then she walked into the shelter of the indoors and rammed the door shutÉ accidentally leaving it locked.
Neji sighed. ÒYou heard her, training cancelled. Get a move onÉÓ
Akashi Kai sighed, amused by the argument that ensued earlier, then walked ahead to the door easily, not being hindered by the snow. He pushed the door heartily, wanting to get out of the blinding snow and get some food, but then, strangely enough, the door wont budge.
He quirked an eyebrow, and then pushed on the door again with all his might, thinking that it might just be stuck. It still wouldnÕt budge. ÒCrap,Ó he muttered, giving it a forceful shove and wiggling the latch. ÒDouble crapÉÓ
ÒWhat?Ó asked Neji, eyes narrowing slightly.
ÒThe doorÉ itsÉÓ
ÒOh noÉ Ooooh noÉÓ muttered Taira Aira, eyes widening slightly.
ÒShit,Ó muttered Aikawa.
Neji proceeded to the door. It wouldnÕt open. It was locked.
ÒDammit, FUKAI!Ó
OoOoOoOoO
KonohagakureÉ
ÒHokage-sama! We have news from the elite teams at the Hoseki no Yama!Ó called Shizune, rushing into the conference room where the kages were talking.
Tsunade immediately tensed from her relaxed position. From ShizuneÕs tone of voice, she could tell it was urgent and needed immediate attention. ÒWhat is it? Is there some problems?Ó
ÒWe have heard that the Oto and Kage caught on and somehow found out that they were in the mountains, training. They followed the nins and Uchiha says they are camping out of the forests, at the foot of the mountains in the valley. ThereÕs quite a large number of nins there preparing to attack, but Uchiha and the others says its nothing to worry about since they already made a move,Ó said Shizune hurriedly, pausing for breath.
ÒI seeÉ OrochimaruÉÓ Tsunade sighed. Jiraiya came out of the shadows where heÕs been standing all the while.
ÒDid Uchiha say anything else, Shizune?Ó asked Jiraiya. ÒDid they tell you their first courses of action? Or anything about the progress of their training?Ó
ÒNothing, sir,Ó replied Shizune. ÒHe added that if we wanted to know more, we needed to go there ourselves. He fears that Itachi might find a way to intercept the communication, considering the technique he used is a clan technique. He said we could approach Kakashi and ask him to make the portal.Ó
ÒSo he taught the Copy-Nin Kakashi to do it, huh,Ó said the Raikage. ÒWhy him?Ó
ÒIn case you donÕt know, Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura are the only team that Kakashi ever passed on in his entire career as a Jounin team handler. Everyone else failed in his hands. I expect the three has unwavering faith in their ex-sensei, since they have gone through several hard circumstances, and surprisingly enough, they survived!Ó said Tsunade, smiling at the memory.
ÒAww, IÕm touched,Ó said Kakashi, with a sinister ÔpoofÕ. He appeared, standing by the table. ÒYes, what she said was true. They are the only team I ever passed on.Ó (a/n: Refer to the anime, thereÕs an explanation thereÉ)
ÒI see,Ó said the Tsuchikage, nodding his head silently. ÒWell, Hokage-sama? What do you think we should do?Ó
ÒWe must go over to the mountains via portal. We must find out their courses of action. After all, we are more experienced in the courses of war, so technically, we can help them in decision making.Ó
ÒOkay, then, just tell me when I am going to open the portal,Ó said Kakashi, snapping his perverted book shut.
ÒJust meet us in the square in an hour, Kakashi. And DONÕT BE LATE!Ó snapped Tsunade, glaring at him. Kakashi sweat dropped and grinned under his mask.
ÒAlright, donÕt be so impatient, Tsunade, it will make you grow more white hair and lines on that face you have,Ó grinned Kakashi, disappearing with a ÔpoofÕ before the Hokage can retaliate physically.
ÒWhy does everybody call me old?Ó she grumbled, standing up to get prepared.
ÒBecause you are,Ó replied Jiraiya.
Bad move.
OoOoOoOoO
Rei snapped his 10th book shut and pulled out a piece of paper. He picked out the pen he kept by his ear, starting to scribble away madly about details about their enemy. He was apparently very diligent in his work, and he was growing more and more interested in Oto and Kage as well as Konoha. He was reading about the 3 countriesÕ history and he was collecting data about the strengths and weaknesses and other vital characteristics of the countries, as well as their leaders.
He looked up a while when he heard his name being called on, facing Shikamaru. ÒYes?Ó
ÒAny news?Ó asked Shikamaru.
ÒWellÉ IÕm still studying about the history of the countries, but I think IÕve gathered some relevant data about the leaders, especially Itachi and Orochimaru,Ó answered Rei, handing Shikamaru some sheets of paper with his neat writing.
ÒI seeÉÓ said Shikamaru. ÒAlright then, keep it up. If ever you come across something out of the ordinary, tell me.Ó
ÒYoroshii,Ó said Rei, nodding and going back to his work. (a/n: Okay.)
Sasuke entered the room, sighing. He walked over to the couch and sat down.
ÒDid ya give the message to the old hag, eh, Sasuke-teme?Ó asked Naruto, getting up from his lying position, his head getting out of HinataÕs lap.
ÒYeah, and Shizune didnÕt react too well at all,Ó smirked Sasuke.
ÒSuggesting Tsunade-samaÕs behavior, I think theyÕll be here sooner or later, along with the hokages and several Jounins who donÕt have their duties,Ó Sakura said, sitting beside Sasuke and playing with his hand.
Sasuke nodded, deep in thought. Then he caught sight of Rei, who was so engrossed in his book he didnÕt even notice the leader come in. The desk he was sitting beside was strewn with crumpled pieces of paper and disheveled stacks of books. The scratching of his pen resounded clearly through the common room, creating an even and relaxing rhythm.
ÒWell that boy sure is serious about his work, isnÕt he?Ó remarked Hinata.
ÒI wont be surprised if he gets a headache later on,Ó Shikamaru said, snorting. He sat down across Sasuke. ÒEven I get a headache with those things.Ó
ÒWell, weÕre lucky to have some diligent workers on our side!Ó smiled Hinata.
ÒThat book heÕs reading is quite familiar to me,Ó muttered Sasuke, peering at the cover of the book. It was a black and blue book, with silver letters embedded on the spine. ÒCant place where I saw it, though.Ó
They enjoyed the silence of the common room, accentuated by NarutoÕs occasional requests for massage. Just then a sound startled them.
ÒFUKAI!Ó yelled a faint voice from the stairs leading to the mountaintop. It was recognizably NejiÕs voice.
Sasuke raised a brow. ÒWonder what happened.Ó
ÒWHAT!Ó yelled Rei, toppling over the other books he stacked on the table. He slammed the book he was reading on the table loudly; reading and rereading the phrase he was just looking at. ÒIÑI donÕt believe itÉÓ
OoOoOoOoO
ÒThese nins seem to be pretty weak, dontcha think?Ó whispered Mou, asking Konohamaru.
ÒTheyÕre just Med Nins, not battle nins,Ó replied an aggravated Konohamaru. TheyÕve been waiting for almost 10 minutes now. ÒNot only that, they walk so slow tooÉÓ
ÒShh! TheyÕre near!Ó hissed Okune, pulling out a kunai and poising, ready for attack.
The 6 nins walked by below them, not even noticing them.
ÒAkane, now,Ó muttered Konohamaru. Akane performed several seals and engulfed the place with a strong illusion jutsu and a silencing jutsu that only a Mangekyou Sharingan and a fully developed Byakugan could penetrate. Sadly, Itachi was nowhere in sight, and the Byakugan is in their side.
One of the enemy nins snorted loudly. Now that they were near enough, they could easily overhear the conversations.
One of them spoke up. ÒYeah, youÕre right. Those Konoha nins are worthless! DoesnÕt even stand a chance!Ó
ÒWith Itachi-sama and Orochimaru-sama together, nobody can beat us!Ó cackled one of them, apparently a girl.
Konohamaru snorted slightly. ÒWhat a nice coincidence. There are 3 girls and 3 boys as wellÉÓ
ÒYeah, not even the Konoha elite can beat us!Ó
ÒTheyÕre worthless, they donÕt even know that weÕre here! If theyÕre really good, they should know that we are here already!Ó
ÒAnd we do,Ó smirked Konohamaru, leaping out of the shadows of the trees into the moonlight-dappled forest floor. His 5 subordinates followed, surrounding the now helpless nins.
ÒKonoha nins! Call for help!Ó shouted one of them.
ÒDonÕt even bother,Ó said Kichi, kicking him in the shins and rounding him, pointing a kunai in his neck. ÒNobody can hear you anyways.Ó
ÒNow, will you tell us everything you know?Ó asked Okune, performing a Body Bind Jutsu. The previously smug faces of the nins contorted into pained, terrified faces.
ÒN-not in a l-lifet-time!Ó one of them said through gritted teeth.
ÒAlright then, weÕll just have to force you guys,Ó smirked Mou. She performed several seals.
ÒWhat are you doing?Ó asked Konohamaru.
ÒMind Reading Jutsu,Ó she muttered. She opened her eyes and looked straight into the eyes of the terrified Oto nins.
ÒW-whatÕs happening?Ó asked one of the Sound nins, a look of pure terror on his face.
After Mou finished with the first nin, he collapsed. Then she moved on to the other, devouring useful information from his mind. She mercilessly read the minds of the nins. Apparently sheÕs very devoted to her job and she didnÕt care who she had to step on just as long as she got what she was sent for and she fulfilled her mission. One after the other, the Sound nins fell into unconsciousness, apparently exhausted from the mental work.
After Mou finished with the six nins, she collapsed to her knees, and tiredly released the jutsu. Konohamaru and the others easily disposed of the bodies, getting the clothes for disguise, and then burning the bodies quickly.
ÒYou alright back there, Mou?Ó asked Okune.
ÒYeah,Ó the tired girl replied. She stood up and dusted off her clothes. ÒWeÕd better change into their clothes first before I tell you the details I found out about.Ó
ÒAlright then,Ó said Akane, handing each of them a set of clothes and weapons the former nins used.
OoOoOoOoO
ÒDamn that girlÉÓ muttered Neji, giving up on opening the locked door. ÒGaara!Ó
ÒMove over,Ó muttered Gaara. The other nins cleared for him, and he ordered a bit of sand to open the door from the other side.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing the dark stairway to the common room.
That girl will seriously be in for something tonightÉ Neji thought, charging into the dark. The chakra candles immediately lit up with fire as they descended the stairs, the door squeaking close automatically. Neji stomped all the way down the stairs, catching up with a bewildered Fukai.
ÒI heard you call my name. Nani ka warui?Ó she asked innocently. (a/n: Anything wrong?)
ÒStop playing innocent, girl. Why did you lock the door?Ó growled Neji.
ÒHuh? Lock what?Ó asked Fukai.
ÒDamn! The door! You locked the door!Ó hollered Neji.
ÒHuh? UhÉ gomen ne, but it was an accident, I think. I donÕt remember locking it intentionally. Maybe when I slammed it shut it automatically locked,Ó she said, cocking her head to the side.
Neji growled dangerously, brushing past her, hurrying downstairs. He was apparently pissed off.
Fukai groaned. ÒIÕve never seen a more difficult personÉÓ she moaned, following Neji.
ÒNeji! Hey, Neji!Ó she shouted towards the receding figure, descending quickly.
ÒYou know, you can just resolve your little fight downstairs and let us pass now,Ó Aira said passively, glaring at Fukai. Fukai glared right back and ran down the stairs in an attempt to catch her boyÑer, best friend.
OoOoOoOoO
ÒOkayÉ Mou, info about our disguises?Ó asked Konohamaru. (a/n: YouÕll notice they didnÕt use the Henge no Jutsu. Its only ideal, since Itachi has the Mangekyou. If in case they come face to face with him, theyÕll be in for it.)
ÒOkay, listen carefully, coz IÕm not up to repeating it, we shouldnÕt take too much time,Ó said Mou. ÒKonohamaru, the name of the nin youÕll be taking on is Mibo Hiroshi. HeÕs a relaxed type of guy, and heÕs very boastful. HeÕs not that well known, as well as the other nins, since they are newbies and thatÕs an A for us. As for you, Kichi, since youÕre the older of you two, you will be Kiiro Saisuke, and your brother will be Kiiro Kyosuke. Both of you are to be silent types and you should be keeping well out of trouble and the business of others when we get inside.Ó
ÒAs for the girlsÉ my role will be Mikado Reiko. IÕm supposed to be a very strict person, soÉ you lot shouldnÕt be that close to me, instead you should always call me ÔReiko-sanÕ, for respect. And then Akane will be Abe Setsuna. You are to be a tense person, and your best friend will be a very relaxed Amagi Yae, who will be taken on by Okune. I think we are pretty comfortable with our roles. Another plus on our side is that none of these ninjas are that good at certain fields. As far as I know, they are just ordinary Med Nins, so it shouldnÕt be that difficult.Ó
ÒThatÕs good then,Ó said Konohamaru. Then a whistle echoed through the night.
ÒThe whistle,Ó snapped Mou. ÒTheyÕre calling us back. Its dinnertime. The nins eat together along a large bonfire.Ó
ÒLetÕs go, then, duty calls,Ó said Konohamaru, smirking. They set off into the night, approaching the camp.
A few minutes more, they stopped near the clearing. Mou pointed out the places so they wouldnÕt get lost.
ÒThatÕs the main headquarters in that small cave,Ó she hissed, pointing to a small cave carved into a large stone plateau. ÒInside is the stocks of food, and the stocks of scrolls containing the blueprints of their base and etcetera. You know the stuff.Ó
Then she pointed to one large tent near the cave. ÒThatÕs where Itachi and Orochimaru resides, along with Kabuto and Kisume.Ó She pointed to another larger tent in the other side, by the trees. ÒThatÕs where the high ranking nins sleep. The tent beside it is where we will sleep, itÕs the Med tent. The bonfire is in the middle. That guy,Ó she said, pointing to a guy who looks like a shark. ÒHeÕs Kisume. Beside him is Kabuto, with the glasses. Then the one theyÕre talking to,Ó she said, referring to a guy with a weird hairdo looking like a burnt asparagus. ÒHeÕs our superior. HeÕs the head of the squads, a Jounin level nin, though weÕre stronger than him. His name is Hiromasa. Call him Hiromasa-sama. And that girl,Ó she said, pointing to a girl with long brown hair in a long braid. ÒSheÕs the head of the Med Nins. Her name is Fujiko. Call her Fujiko-san.Ó
ÒWeÕre gonna go over to Fujiko and sheÕll give us our dinner,Ó said Mou, leaping down from the trees.
They went to the man who blew the whistle. He grunted. ÒAny news?Ó
ÒNone. The enemy doesnÕt even know weÕre hereÉÓ snorted Konohamaru, his acting flawless.
ÒOf course, those fucking bastards wonÕt stand a chance against us!Ó snorted the whistle man, walking over to Hiromasa. (a/n: thatÕs why the rating is PG13/TÉ)
Konohamaru smirked.
ÒWell, whaddya know, you can pass as an actor, my man,Ó hissed Okune, acting very relaxed like she was supposed to be.
ÒLikewise,Ó said Konohamaru, following Mou who was proceeding over to Fujiko.
ÒReporting back from patrol, Fujiko-san,Ó said Kichi, procuring a cold glare similar to NejiÕs.
ÒGood,Ó smiled Fujiko. She gave each of them some food inside the tent. ÒI still cant understand why they made Med Nins go on patrolÉ shouldnÕt it be the battle nins?Ó
ÒWell, theyÕre just friggin dumb,Ó snorted Konohamaru, hungrily chowing down his ramen like he wasnÕt even pretending.
ÒI guess so,Ó said Fujiko. ÒAnyways, after you eat, we can get some shut-eye. There will be a curfew, so you need to sleep. It was announced earlier.Ó
ÒAa,Ó said Ichi, standing up from the table, having finished his food in a flash. He was followed by Kichi and then Mou.
They set their sleeping bags just beside the opening flap of the tent, side by side so they could talk.
ÒMou, whatÕs the plan?Ó asked Kichi silently.
Ò20 minutes after the curfew starts, we sneak around. Since you two are the best in stealth here, Kichi, you sneak in the main HQ. Get more info and donÕt forget the scrolls. The blueprint and stuff that will explain everything. Since they donÕt know that we know about them yet, they wont have placed traps there. Ichi, you sneak into the weapons department, and get a sample of their weapons.Ó
Konohamaru, Akane and Okune arrived, sitting by Mou. ÒWhat about us?Ó
ÒOkune, since youÕre the best actress, you go and converse with the leadersÉ Hiromasa and whistle guyÉ if possible, get a chance with Kabuto. HeÕs a softie. HeÕs a Med Nin too, so thereÕs a probability that heÕll come here. Konohamaru, you go and talk with the other lower nins, see if you can get any info out of them. Act cool okay? And Akane, go to their labs. See what poisons they have. I know that each nin is given a poison of each kind, so tell them you want refills since you broke your containers when we ran into a pack of wild wolves in the forest. Act as if you are disappointed and stuffÉ you know the drill.Ó
ÒAnd you?Ó
ÒIÕll be interviewing Fujiko-san and getting some samples of their medicines and antidotes to their poisons.Ó
ÒGood plan.Ó
ÒI know.Ó
Suddenly, there was a burst of light and Kabuto entered the tent, apparently checking on the conditions.
ÒOh, arenÕt you the nins who recently came back from the patrol?Ó he asked, adjusting his glasses.
Okune grabbed the chance. ÒHai,Ó smiled Okune.
ÒAny news?Ó
ÒSadly, we didnÕt get anything, apart from a couple of scratches from a pack of wild wolves,Ó grinned Okune, acting smooth and confident.
ÒI seeÉ isnÕt your name Yae?Ó
ÒHai, Kabuto-sama. Is there anything I might help you with?Ó
ÒWell, since Fujiko-san seems to be busy outside, can you help me gather some of the palm leaf concoction? I need some for examination,Ó Kabuto smiled, apparently oblivious of the faux.
ÒOh, of course!Ó said Okune, standing up immediately and rummaging over the drawers. Mou had whispered that it was in the 3rd drawer. She opened the drawer and found the said concoction. ÒIs this it?Ó she asked, cocking her head to the side. She picked up one test tube and handed it to Kabuto.
ÒArigato,Ó said Kabuto. ÒMaybe you can help with the experiment?Ó
ÒSure!Ó said Okune, following Kabuto outside.
ÒSlick girl,Ó smirked Konohamaru, laying back down on his sleeping bag. ÒGot her chance already.Ó
ÒYes, and I think its time for yours as well. TheyÕre gathering to chat over there alreadyÉÓ said Mou, looking out the tent.
ÒAlrightÉ do your thing, Konohamaru,Ó said Akane.