28 A War We Don't Belong In - Chapter 2: Interrogation And Foreboding

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.

(Warning Extremely Brutal and Morally Questionable Stuff Will Be Depicted, Hinted at, or Shown. Read at your own discretion. Also Psychological elements, manipulation and other not so family friendly stuff. Really, read at your own discretion.)

-Story Start-

-Third Person POV-

Agonizing pain and discomfort forced a man to awaken.

The man's eyes fluttered open slowly, as he let loose a pained groan.

The light was dim under the shadow of a large tree.

The scent of damp earth invaded the man's senses.

Like a heart attack, the last memory prior to his unwanted unconsciousness struck him fiercely.

He didn't even try to observe his surroundings as he attempted to will his body to move.

Run away.

Yet, it was for naught.

For each effort to move, was met with the excruciating pain of the aftermath of his encounter with his capturers.

Yes, the man was tied to a tree, unable to move.

Tied with steel wires he had no strength nor energy to attempt to escape.

His hands were unable to weave any signs.

Looking in front of him - He is met with the conversing group of Leaf Shinobi and a... Smirking little girl?

The very boy and the tall man beside him noticed his awakened state, as their gazes fixated on him.

'Fuck...' He could only curse at his rough situation.

-Akira POV-

Narrowing my eyes at the newly awakened Rogue from Iwa that I had dealt with, I stated audibly and with a hint of aggression, "As we agreed upon, Naruto keep watch on Satsuki and keep her out of sight of this. It might get ugly."

Naruto, although reluctant, nodded.

He took upon his new and agreed-upon responsibility of taking care of Satsuki without much protest.

As he is the one she trusts most, he also needs to stay with her to keep her out of sight of this interrogation - Any more painful sights for her to see, and I'd be even more worried about her mental state.

Regardless of how... Oddly in favor, she was in regards to witnessing the interrogation.

Lifting Satsuki, a slight whine of complaint escaped her as she was picked up from the ground once again, Naruto began striding towards a more distant spot, but within Noc's detection range as I had emphasized for him.

Now then...

Kakashi leaned on a tree, he directed his gaze at me, "You sure you want to be the one to interrogate him?"

I nodded, "Positive."

This is good practice, after all.

Even if I do badly, Kakashi can just take over the interrogation from where I left off.

Well, let's get to work.

I walked past Sasuke who was currently glaring rather menacingly at the Rogue, who currently wore a confident smirk on his face.

Bravado... Huh?

I think I'll test this approach.

His voice came out as a snarl, a mix of confidence and hatred in his tone, "You treehuggers can go fuck yourselves before I answer any of your damned questions!"

A practiced friendly smile formed on my face, my posture unguarded and easygoing, "At ease, my friend! What's your name?"

As I reached close, but not too close to the tied Rogue, he spat on my face - Which I promptly bent my neck to dodge.

He chuckled, "Hah! Like hell, I'd believe that! "It might get ugly" - I heard that loud and clear! Do you think I was born yesterday or something?! You sadistic brat!"

Although he chuckled, the twitching of his body showed he was clearly in pain, I might have hit his back too hard with that kick.

I tilted my head innocently, my tone light, "Key word being "Might". Will you make it get ugly?" My eyes fixated on him.

His head lowered momentarily and he kept silent.

Just like that, I kept my gaze on him, unmoving.

For nearly a minute it was completely silent, yet my gaze was still fixated on the man.

Only for him to then murmur, "If you're going to torture me for information, just get to it. Damn it."

That's what I was looking for, that vulnerability.

I smiled, "Ah, but there's no reason for us to get to that point, now do we?" 

I laid the bait.

He lifted his head, "What do you mean, bastard?"

He's a rogue shinobi - Loyalty isn't quite his forte.

"What I mean is very simple - Why shouldn't we cooperate? Let's see if we can make out a situation where you win and where we win. We learn what we want to know, and you leave alive."

I added, "Hell, we'll dress your wounds, and on that note..." I bowed full "heartedly", "I apologize for the sudden assault on you. We detected that you were following us so we responded appropriately. I'm sure you can understand and would have done the same. It doesn't have to have a bad ending, my friend. A simple exchange."

He had a contemplative expression for just a moment, which quickly transitioned to a confident smirk that was pure bravado in my eyes, "Heh, a simple exchange?! Stop fucking around! My life for information! That's the exchange! I shouldn't have been in this damned situation in the first place!"

...He knows as well as I do how petty and stupid that argument is.

I'll ignore his outburst.

I closed the distance, getting closer to his comfort zone much to his dismay.

As I began talking, I got closer and closer, his nervousness rising visibly, "On that note, how about we introduce ourselves, I can't keep calling you just "my friend", now can I?"

To his surprise, instead of any punishment or anything of the sort, I untied the steel wires holding his hands.

Sasuke's eyes widened behind me, and before he could protest, Kakashi silenced him with a shake of his head.

At his wide eyes, I continued without pause, "My name's Nara Akira. What's yours?" I extended my arm for a handshake.

He hesitated, and eventually to my pleasure, he relented.

He grunted weakly as he shook my hand, "...Kenji Suzuki."

I gave him a regretful, melancholic smile, "It's a shame we met under such troubling circumstances. Regardless, it's nice to meet you, Kenji-san."

Clicking his tongue, he replied, "Likewise..."

I hummed, "That headband of yours... There's a story there, do you mind telling me more about it?"

He remained silent, only to utter a question, "Why did you untie my hands? What if I ran away?"

I flashed him a gentle, knowing smile, "Why didn't you?"

...

"Would you like for just me to hear this? I can tell them to leave." I pointed at the surprised yet glaring expression of Sasuke, who had both his eyes hovering over me and Kenji.

'We haven't ever been taught about the nuances of interrogation. That's something you learn in an internship at I&T. I expected him to start breaking the man's fingers. Another thing Akira was taught under his clan, it seems.' Sasuke analyzed.

Loosen his guard even more...

He shook his head, "Nah... I-I'll tell ya."

He began to tell his story, "It happened in the Chunin Exams five years ago..."

For the better part of thirty minutes, we got to hear his life story.

With my "Supportive" comments in between to show I'm following.

How he had failed to become Chunin for five years in Iwagakure.

The disappointment of his parents, how his classmates and teammates all surpassed him and gloated at him.

How he lost the feeling of camaraderie and loyalty to his own village and family.

And the 6th Chunin Exams he participated in - Five years ago to be specific, was the last straw.

His family had cut all ties with him - Designating him as a worthless piece of trash and a loser.

So did his sensei.

His "friends" called him a weak, talentless, waste of oxygen and a blank personality that hides in the background and blends in with the crowd, following it.

All those he trusted, betrayed him.

Having had enough of it, Kenji abandoned the village as an "Elite" Genin.

"Ah, Hidden Stone - What a village of losers! You did well to abandon it." I added in between.

Looking for a business on the turf of the Five Great Nations would have placed him at risk of dealing with Iwa's ANBU.

Not something a lowly Genin like him could deal with.

So, he moved to conduct business using his skills as a Genin in the western area of the Continent.

Land Of Swamps, Woods, Night, Mountains, and many more.

A consistent marker and weakness I noticed was that he'd never pick a job that posed any danger to him.

He'd only take jobs that had minimal risk for him and played to his strengths.

All in all - He was a coward.

I can use that.

Another subtle factor was the fact Kenji seemed to have bad luck - All those he harbored some kind of significant bond of trust, either subtly or directly betrayed said trust.

Making him a more jaded and deprived individual.

Who. Always. Makes. The. Same. Mistake.

A man who never learns.

I can use that.

Eventually, he found employment under the Charismatic And Extremely Intelligent Leader Of The Radical Group:

Yukihiro Satsujin.

The man sold him glory, purpose, and fulfillment of all earthly pleasures.

All for a "greater" cause and a place in the reformed Land Of Woods once the Conservative Group was down for good.

Finally, someone Kenji can trust once more.

Kenji's role was simple - A spy and a significant contributor to the fighting force.

Now, before I can probe any deeper I'll sow the doubt first.

I gave him a sad and sympathetic frown, "All that promise, all that glory, all that pleasure, and Satsujin sent you to spy on us?"

Kenji grew confused, grunting as he felt a bit of pain in his back, "H-Heh? What do you mean by that?"

Hmm, a bold lie would suffice here, if he confirms my words, that's even better.

I kept my expression, yet my statement held not a twinge of doubt, "He sent you to spy on us, knowing we were coming, did he not?"

His eyes narrowed momentarily, as he thought about it.

A silent moment passed and he nodded, "Yeah, he did... But I don't get what you're tryna say."

...So my wild guess was correct.

Information on us heading here was leaked.

But how?

Surely, it couldn't have come from Konoha's side.

It's more likely it came from here, as it seems the Civil War had escalated greatly.

The mission Hiruzen sent us for may have leaked that way...

Wouldn't that mean the mission is compromised?

Regardless... This is the worst-case scenario.

That means they're prepared for us.

I continued, unperturbed by my distressing thoughts, "Knowing we'd come. A team of practically three Chunin and a Jonin. He sent you to spy on us."

At that, he grew more confused, "What are you talking about? We only got the information that some weak Leaf Shinobi are on the way to becoming directly involved with the war, allying themselves with the Conservative Group. We got nothin' of their strength or even that Hatake Kakashi was amongst those headed here."

Hmm... This is either the truth, or he's truly been given inaccurate information.

Regardless, I made a small mistake in my statement - Nothing I can't rectify.

When boldness fails, more boldness can cover that mistake.

I started with a knowing tone, "Ah, but do you truly think he didn't know that? Do you really think he'd tell you everything?"

He grew angry, slapping the tree bark he was tied to, "Argh damn it!"

Glaring at me, he yelled, "STOP BEING ALL ENIGMATIC AND SHIT! TELL IT TO ME STRAIGHT! WHAT ARE YOU INSINUATING?!"

Stopping a Makoto-type smirk from forming on my face, I kept a gentle and sympathetic frown on my face, I leaned in to whisper in his ear, my tone honeyed, "Would you have gone to spy on us, were you to be aware that Hatake Kakashi was the target? Holding back information from subordinates for them to perform at their best is a classic tactic, I'm afraid."

Slowly, Kenji's expression began to twist into horror as he arrived at the realization I had led him towards.

A horrified expression formed on Kenji, as he lowered his head, his voice but a whisper in the wind, "H-He lied?"

Kenji's weakness - His cowardice, his incapacity to learn from his mistakes, and his low self-esteem hidden behind a mask of bravado.

Kenji's trauma - Betrayal by those he trusted.

The more he blabbered, the more of his weak spots I discovered in between the lines.

And it is those very weak spots that I was currently pressing.

...Oh, the reaction is much more intense than I expected.

Did he trust him that much?

Or perhaps this is the result of the accumulation of all the past betrayals alongside this one?

I was met with the visage of Kenji tearing up, his body twitching from both pain and his breaths rough and quick as he began hyperventilating.

But this is good.

To a broken, hopeless man, nothing is more enticing than hope.

He would chase it, thirst for it.

Akin to a parched soul stumbling upon a distant oasis.

The glimmer of hope ignited within him upon catching a glimpse of it, will be pushing him forward with an irrational fervor, for it represented his last desperate grasp at salvation.

Now, I have to play my role as that hope.

He's a man who never learns.

So he's about to make the same mistake.

I leaned back, and a fierce expression formed on my face, "KENJI SUZUKI!" I yelled out to capture the attention of the broken man.

His teary, whimpering face was met with my own, "But it doesn't have to be this way! Whatever those losers in Iwagakure told you about the Leaf, is wrong. You've heard of the Will Of Fire, right?"

He shook his head shakingly, "N-No."

My eyes hadn't lost any passion as I continued, theatrically, dramatically, "Even so! The Will Of Fire is Konoha's strength! It's why we are the strongest Village! Unity, loyalty, trust, camaraderie, and much more. The village with the least Rogue Shinobi, it's a place where life is most beautiful."

I got close, our noses almost touching, "Join us! Kenji Suzuki. Konoha is a place for everyone! As the Nara Heir and only wielder of the Eight Shadows Kekkei Genkai, I will personally vouch for you!"

With a final maneuver, I untied the steel wires that held his legs as he dropped to his knees with a thud.

Towering above him despite being a kid, I held my hand towards him, "What do you say? Even if you decline. You may go back to Satsujin." My final statement was with a beaming, confident, and kind smile, my eyes met his broken and whimpering ones - My gaze promising salvation, a way forward, a continuation, and a purpose.

A tense moment passes and a firm, much larger hand grabs my own as I pull Kenji up.

He grunted in pain, wiping his tears as a small smile formed on his face, "...Really did a number on me, didn't ya - Kid?"

I chuckled sheepishly, "Yeah, sorry about that."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, letting out a voice of protest, "Akira, what are yo-"

Once again, thankfully, Kakashi stopped Sasuke.

Kenji clicked his tongue at Sasuke, "Talk about an unfriendly brat."

"Now, Kenji, unfortunately before we go back to Konoha, we'll be having to complete our mission here in the Land Of Woods. Do you mind telling me about the strength on Satsujin's side?"

He huffed, "That schemin bastard? No problem. Well, I know he has a majority of the remnants of the Prajna on his side, while the Conservatives have the rest of them. He also hired a few Genin and Chunin Rogue Shinobi like me."

Prajna Group... They're a former ANBU force of this country, that was mysteriously wiped out.

Apparently, they're still active.

Regardless, their actual level, though, since they are an ANBU out in the boonies, for lack of a better word - Is on the very lower end of Jonin and perhaps even Chunin specialized in information gathering and assassination by my estimation.

Else they'd be a much more powerful and rich country otherwise.

Speaking of finances...

"How many Genin and Chunin are on the Radical's payroll, and any numbers on the Prajna?" I inquired.

He took a moment as he processed the question, "There's around a dozen Genin or somethin like that. 7 or was it 8? Chunin, can't recall. About the Prajna, I don't know how many there are, but I wouldn't imagine there being any more than four, or else we'd have destroyed the Conservative Group a lot earlier. As far as I know, they only have two Prajna members according to what we know. I'm an old member, most of the other Chunin and Genin were hired very recently."

...

These forces, albeit nothing distressing for a Major Village, are impressive for the Land Of Woods.

Makes one wonder how he managed to convince or pay all those he hired.

"According to what you told me... He promised to give you money, land, and glory... Was this the same promise for all those he hired?"

"Pretty much." He shrugged.

Hmm...

This likely was enough for him to convince his forces to assist him in his endeavors.

Yet, that doesn't eliminate the most troublesome possibility - Only lowers its probability.

...That someone's paying for the Radical Group.

Whatever the case, I should keep an open mind.

"Anything beyond that? Anything useful?" I questioned.

He shook his head, "Nah, except the already known stronghold of the "Radicals" - Shitty name of ye ask me. I don't know where those Prajna pricks hide."

"Okay... Any chance you know where Satsujin got his information regarding us heading here?" I asked another question.

He shook his head, "Didn't tell me anything. Just told me some Leaf Shinobi were heading to Yumemori at some point and to hold a spot out of the normal road where ya guys might travel through for two months. I'm not the only one sent to spy on ya. But there should be no one to spy on ya if we continue straight to Yumemori. I think. Can't trust that bastard no more."

"Two months? How did you hold out in terms of food, water and such?"

He replied, "I've been here for a month. But my solutions are plenty kid. A temporary replacement as I restock. Or when my buddy Eric feels really fancy he delivers the food to me. The only times I get to leave are when I'm called to participate in an attack - Then someone else replaces me temporarily as well or this spot is left blank. If I'm going to be leaving, now's the best time. I've recently restocked according to my strict schedule and won't be getting any visits for a week."

Okay...

"And how does all this spy thing work out for you?"

He tilted his head, "Simple, Summoning Jutsu and use my summoned rats to deliver messages as I shadow you. Of course, I was detected way too quickly by all of ya. But, as expected of Hatake Kakashi I guess..."

Well, even that is useful information.

...They even knew where we were headed.

"Anything else?"

"Nope."

Ah, I guess that's all I'm getting out of this guy.

A lot of useful info.

But he knows surprisingly little that can be abused.

I smirked, "See? That bastard didn't trust you one bit if that's all you know. Old member my ass!"

He clicked his tongue in anger, as he rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Yeah... Tell me about it. Fuck."

Kakashi threw in a question of his own, as the conversation began to deviate from its initial tone, "Hope you two don't mind me cutting in" He eye smiled at Kenji, "You mentioned "Or else we'd have destroyed the Conservative Group a lot earlier. " Are you saying the Conservative Group has already been destroyed?"

Hmm... That's a good question.

Actually, an important question.

Frowning, Kenji replied, "Kind of... I was about to try and convince ya guys for us to just head back to Konoha. Whatever mission you guys were given to head to Yumemori ain't worth it. Most of the Conservative's forces and allied towns have been destroyed by now. Yumemori and a couple of others are what's left, and even then for only a little while. There's a plan of attack - I just don't know exactly when it's gonna happen nor how you get me? The best-confirmed estimate I got is a month at the latest and two weeks at the earliest. Whatever the Leaf's planning on getting from this country ain't gonna fly with your business partners gone."

Time's running out, then.

For both this mission, and the Conservative Group.

This raises a pretty big concern regarding our next moves.

How will the mission end?

Whatever these scrolls we are meant to deliver are. Could they turn the tides for the Conservatives?

If they can't...

Regardless, according to him, we've got two weeks at the very least.

More than enough to deliver the scrolls.

Yet - I can't lower our guard.

They knew we were coming.

But I can't ascertain how accurate their knowledge regarding WHEN we'll arrive, stands.

That's what bothers me.

I arched an eyebrow at that rather critical nugget of information he neglected to mention until now, "Anything else important?"

He hummed, "Except making our leave outta here? Nothin."

...

Okay, I'm assuming this is the last piece of information that's worth something.

I smiled, "Well, alright. Thanks a lot, Kenji."

He smirked, "Heh, don't mention it..." He then groaned, "But I'd like ya to treat my back, the pains more nagging than a needy whore."

"Yeah... Sorry about that." I apologized again as I approached him.

Now, just one final thing I'd like to confirm.

Depending on his answer - It would be life-changing.

Playing along with him, I teased, "Say, speaking of whores... Those bitches at Midorimachi - Did you get the chance to have fun with them~?"

He took a glance at the sky as he mumbled, "Midorimachi..." Fiddling with the word until he recognized it.

"Ah! You mean the town we messed up! Haha! Damn brat! Never knew ya get interested in that stuff at your age! But whatever! Shit was amazing! They had some fine pieces of ass I'm tellin y-"

Ah, now I see, so he's one of them.

And he was so awfully cooperative too...

Truly, a shame.

But, scum remains scum.

As the revelation sank in, I carefully observed his reaction.

But before he could finish his sentence, my demeanor shifted.

Swiftly, my extended nails sliced through the air, cutting through his neck, and silencing him with a swift, brutal precision.

I backed away to dodge the initial spray of blood from his neck and gazed apathetically at the pathetic and rightfully horrified expression on his face.

Detach.

"As the last one whom you foolishly trusted, I'll carve the final lines of your pitiful legacy, Kenji," I declared with a mechanical tone, truth cutting through each word. "Everyone who crossed paths with you, every connection you formed – They were right. You're not just any loser... You're a dimwitted failure incapable of learning. This was the final repetition of your miserable cycle. So, die like the pathetic loser you are, drowning in your own blood, betrayed by those you once trusted. Again."

He whimpered silently, as his eyes teared up whilst he choked on his own blood.

As the light of life was visibly beginning to snuff out of his eyes, in one final utterance, my emotionless mask loosened, revealing a hint of pure disdain. "Had you been an honest fool, I might have spared you, left you to your own devices. Perhaps even honored my words. But you chose the path of scum dictated by the hardships in your life. You could have led a different life. A shame. Now, drown in your sins, and repent in hell... Bastard."

And just like that, his eyes lost their light and his body limped to the ground with a thud, lifeless as it oozed out blood and colored the dirt and grass beneath him, crimson red.

I gazed at the sky and at my bloody hand.

I had to hide my face from my teammates, after all.

Killing, regardless of who it is and what he did - Is a sin.

In truth, I never take great pride or enjoyment in it.

I'd avoid doing it if I didn't have to.

Yet...

Like the other bastards that I had eliminated under those trips with Eiichi.

Under the label of "Righting the wrongs".

Eliminating people who in my heart of hearts - I believe to be evil.

There was a rational reason to kill this bastard.

But that wasn't the main motive.

Killing him never served my goals.

No, I felt like killing him.

...It was another one of those times where - It felt good to end someone.

It was exhilarating... Cathartic even.

I don't understand it, it's wrong to feel this way... But it felt so good.

Nevertheless, I had to hide the expression that was most definitely a smile from my teammates.

Sighing deeply to calm down, I shook my head and turned around to meet the eyes of my two teammates with a more neutral expression.

Kakashi's lone visible eye was narrowed at me, yet it expressed no readable emotion as per usual - To my dismay.

His tone was unreadable, "You've done this before." He stated.

I nodded at Kakashi's words as I slowly made my way towards them, my steps echoing loudly as they impacted the wet ground, "Yes. Will that be a problem?" I replied calmly.

Squinting his eyes and pinching his brow, Kakashi moaned an agonizing sigh, "Mah... No, it isn't a problem."

Sasuke clenched his fists, 'He didn't need any help...'

Nodding I directed my gaze to the more pressing issue, Sasuke who had a look of realization on him, "...The Extended Leaves in the Academy, that's when you killed someone."

Ah, he pieced it together, "That's right. I was using the Uchiha Method to participate in missions that I could never take on my own for the sake of training."

'So... That's why the gap between us is so wide... Akira has got experience.' The thought crossed Sasuke's mind.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at a specific claim of mine, "Who in your clan is familiar so intimately with the methods of the Uchiha?"

However, surprisingly, Kakashi answered for me, "Either Eiichi one of the Elders, or Makoto who is also one of the Nara's Elders. Akira's fighting style - More oriented in efficiency, assassination, and quick takedowns are more reminiscent of Makoto's own fighting style. Whichever the case, I bet he's been taught by both." Kakashi shrugged as he commented nonchalantly.

As Sasuke observed that information I cut in, "Look, this isn't the time to be astounded by whatever I am capable of - We've got more important things to worry about..."

But... I'm glad that Sasuke seems to have not questioned my decision to kill the guy.

I saw him eyeing the corpse in disgust.

No, he'd probably have done it himself if I hadn't... 

I proceeded to direct my gaze at Kakashi, narrowing my eyes at him and complaining, "Kakashi-sensei, why do I even have to be the one to mention this? You seem a little too comfortable and unguarded after we have just learned some important information. Quite alarming information if I might emphasize... On that note, are we continuing with the mission?"

...

He lifted a finger and questioned simply, "Are you fine with abandoning Satsuki-chan?"

Of course, he'd go in that direction...

I passed him by, and I waved for both him and Sasuke to follow me as I headed in the direction of Naruto.

I stated, "There's really no need for these games Kakashi-sensei... If you want us to continue with the mission, just say so. You're the leader."

'Noc, you follow as well.'

As he and Sasuke joined me in my stride, I posed a question to Kakashi, "But can I ask why are we continuing with the mission? Besides Satsuki-chan? You seem to be as nonchalant as ever."

Well, my other hypothesis is the Village's own agenda regarding this Country. Whatever that is, I can only speculate.

If someone here holds the answers to that question - It's Kakashi, so I'll let him tell me that himself.

I quickly took out a bottle of water from my shadows and began washing off the blood on my hand as I walked and took a gulp of water myself to rehydrate my dry throat.

He pondered for a moment, his tone veiled in mystery, "Well... let's just say, I'm part of the reason why the Prajna Group are what they are today – Remnants of their former selves."

...

"Huh, that's actually pretty reassuring," I admitted with a surprised expression.

Sometimes I forget he's borderline S Rank.

After a couple of short minutes of walking, we are met with the figures of Naruto and Satsuki.

Satsuki was drawing on the mud and playing with it, having fun a wide smile on her face.

While Naruto played along with her, as he sat on his knees, his clothes nearly all covered with mud, he wore a wide smile on his face.

Upon catching sight of us, his smile loses its width and changes into a small one, as he looks at us in curiosity, his eyes narrowed at us, "So? How did it go? Wait! Where is he?"

"He's dead," I responded simply, cutting to the chase.

Naruto's eyes widened as he gazed at me, mouth agape, "H-He's dead?! Why?" He questioned, getting up from the mud.

Sasuke replied, justifying my action with both his words and tone, "He's one of those who destroyed Satsuki's town. I would have done the same."

'Akira's decision to kill him, to avenge Satsuki's town, is the correct one.' Sasuke reinforced the thought in his head.

'But, there are more to take care of.' He confirmed.

At the thought of killing someone, Naruto's head lowered as a troubled frown was engraved on his face, "I want to kill those bastards too... But killing, is that the right way to deal with them?"

Ah, first you angrily state you want to kill them, now you state that maybe that's too far when you're in a calmer state of mind.

Although from an emotional perspective that makes a lot of sense.

Still, utterly naive.

I much prefer the enraged Naruto.

Do I have to remind him of what we saw yesterday?

I cut in at the naive words of Naruto, "Assuming we'll have to face them... Then yes. What? You expect us to talk to them and see reason in an act that lacks any sort of justifiable reason?"

...

He kept silent as he clenched his fists.

I continued without pause, "If that fails - Beat them up and maybe then they see reason? Then, after they kiss and makeup with us - Or more like give out their apologies to the dead and tainted corpses of those they'd ravaged, then, they'd continue on a path of redemption? They'd simply realize their faults? Because all Humans have some good in them?"

Naruto gritted his teeth, an inner conflict storming within him.

And with a touch of finality, I said, "That is simply naive and the absolute best-case scenario. Even then, after a while in their path of redemption, they'll return to their sick and deprived ways. Or, more likely, we'll get stabbed in the back at the first hint of letting our guard down because they feinted reforming themselves. Remember, who we are dealing here with are not simple people or misguided Shinobi. But sadistic people who, likely went beyond a simple order of destroying a town. No, they went way above and beyond and unleashed hell on earth on defenseless people."

Naruto lifted his head, a determined, steely gaze in his eyes a sight I had never seen on him before, as he stated with a low tone, "We'll clobber them. Don't get me wrong, Akira. But I won't give up on trying to understand them. We can reach a solution. I don't care if I have to beat them up, break every single bone in their damned sick bodies! I know what they did but they're still human!"

He whispered, his fists now bleeding, "Monsters... Are people too."

...

A sympathetic gaze was fixed on Naruto from both Kakashi and myself.

Whilst Sasuke was utterly bewildered and disappointed by Naruto's determination.

Although it was admirable, it was naive.

"Ah, fine. You'll see for yourself one day what I mean. I won't argue with you." I shook my head in disappointment.

The more we argue, the deeper people dig into their own ideas, finding more reasons to stick to their guns.

It's like they gather proof along the way, getting even more sure of what they thought in the first place.

In short, arguing here just makes things worse, so I decided to call it quits.

Especially when my opponent is as knuckleheaded and stubborn as Naruto Uzumaki.

Going back and forth wouldn't get us anywhere, and we've got a mission to focus on.

A frowning, covered in mud Satsuki tugs at Naruto's sleeve, "What is it Suki-chan?" He gave her a weak smile, as he was still heated.

Her voice was pure hatred mixed with helplessness, as she begged, yet her begging sounded more like growling, a cry for vengeance, for retribution, "I can't fight... Avenge them for me. Ruto. Please. Kill them for me. Please. Ruto."

A look of understanding crossed Sasuke's eyes as he gazed at the determined and vengeful girl.

While Naruto froze at the plea from Satsuki.

"Now, now. Satsuki-chan, no need to bother Naruto about it-" Kakashi approached Naruto and Satsuki as he lifted his arms in a placating gesture.

Satsuki redirected her hateful glare at Kakashi, "No Kashi. Ruto will help me!" She whined.

Kakashi hummed as he sent a curious glance at Satsuki, who hadn't relented at his gaze.

Naruto whispered with a sad smile, lowering himself to her as he patted her head, "Don't worry Suki-chan. I never go back on my word."

...That wasn't an answer, but hopefully, it'll be enough to deter the vengeful girl.

And my hope for Naruto was correct, as she smiled cheerfully, switching from one mood to another in an instant, "Yay! Thank you, Ruto! Love you!" She hugged his waist.

I've done my best to defer any judgment regarding a little girl who recently went through an undescribable traumatic event.

But she's definitely broken... I truly fear for her future.

At managing to calm Satsuki down, Naruto patted her head gently.

I took a look at the sky and noticed rainclouds gathering as the wind picked up its pace, the sun's ever-lowering position in the sky was my indication of the time, "It's getting dark."

Kakashi nodded, "We should hurry. We've got about five more hours of travel. Though, if what the spy said was true, we shouldn't be meeting any trouble on the way."

Naruto's eyes fixed on Kakashi, "That's right! What did he say? What are our plans now?"

I approached Satsuki and Naruto, taking out a pair of my clothes from the shadows and throwing it at Naruto who caught it, his expression confused.

"W-What am I supposed to do with this?" He questioned.

"You smartly decided to play with Satsuki in the cold mud. When she has no other pairs of clothes besides her tattered ones. While my oversized ones won't protect her that well from the cold, it's better than walking around in grimy, cold mud. We're planning to get to Yumemori before the end of the day - So there isn't any time to dry, warm up and take a break." I pointed out neutrally.

As Naruto was about to argue the point, Kakashi chimed in, "Actually... On second thought, we can take a break. It'll be more reasonable to enter the town in the middle of the day rather than at midnight. According to the information we've obtained from the spy - As long as we stay in the close vicinity of this area. We'll be fine for at most a week."

Naruto narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Kakashi, "Are we planning on staying here, for a week?"

Kakashi hummed as he checked and touched the ground, "Well, I do have some reading to catch up to..."

...Seriously?

"Could you read the mood? Kakashi-sensei?" I pinched my brows at the absurdity of him.

My thoughts seemed to be echoed out in the gazes of my teammates, baring Satsuki who was only curiously observing our exchange.

Kakashi shook his head, "Calm down, I was only joking. We'll stay the night here and first thing in the morning we'll be heading out. It's to avoid the cold for Satsuki-chan and the possibility of getting in trouble if we visit dead in the night. Besides, we'll have to discuss our plans."

"Those are fairly weak points. We can discuss the plans on the road. Getting trouble strictly because we arrived at night seems weird to me, I see no reason for it to be any different than arriving at daytime, besides being a more tense time of day for those in guarding duties. But we can avoid a few weak arrows, can't we?" I point out.

Kakashi eye smiled at me, as he waved me off, "Mah, don't worry about it."

???

Ah, for fuck's sake.

What's going on in that head of his?

I sighed, "Again, could you at least try to read the mood?"

Sasuke added, glaring at Kakashi, "Could you at least try to be decisive as well?"

Kakashi pointed at a small hill not too far away from us, ignoring Sasuke's complaints as he began leading the way, "Let's go, we'll rest over there."

We gave a collective sigh at Kakashi's antics and promptly followed him, only for Naruto to lag behind.

Satsuki was unmoving as she simply stated, innocently without a lack of shame, "I need to pee."

Ah, a lot of those were a major reason for our breaks.

She insisted, as her mother had taught her, to go out of sight when she had to answer Nature's Call.

Honestly, all completely understandable and valid.

But it delays our traveling.

Especially when it's like the 11th time today.

Of course, for her privacy and decency, we can't be guarding her during these rather frequent stops.

It's at times like these where the feeling of missing a Kunoichi in the team is most vivid.

Thus, the duty of guarding Satsuki is delegated to a more than-qualified member.

And as per usual, I ordered her usual bathroom guard to go do his duty, "Noc, you go guard her. Lead her back to us when she's done." I point at the silent and loyal wolf that has been walking to our peripheral for a while, his sentry duties having continued nonstop for a very long time.

Thus, we continued marching towards the hill, where Kakashi had once again created an artificial cave for us.

-----------------------------

Once again, our evening and night were accompanied by the loud pitter-patter of heavy rain, the weather in the Land Of Woods unforgiving at this time of year, as the rain comes and goes.

But when it comes, it is relentless to all life.

Yet, in perfect contrast, the welcoming sounds of sizzling meat and the warmth of the campfire created a tranquil atmosphere in comparison to the erratic outside.

Having finished relaying what we learned to Naruto as well, then came our plans.

Essentially, they were the same plans as last time...

"We'll be continuing with the mission, we'll travel to the town, deliver the scrolls, and safely hand Satsuki over to someone trustworthy," Kakashi stated simply as he sat on a rock.

Naruto folded his arms as he argued, "But what then?! If what you said is true! Satsuki as well as all the others will be in danger in a couple of weeks! We can't leave! We need to help them!"

Sasuke as well as I remained silent as we observed this exchange, curious about what Kakashi would decide we do.

Kakashi sighed, as his casual tone gained a hint of seriousness, "The situation has become much more complicated than I had anticipated. I'll make it abundantly clear to you, Team 7. Be ready for the mission's goals and parameters to change at any moment. This all depends on what we learn tomorrow from both the recipient of the scrolls and the situation at hand."

A resolved look came across us all as we nodded in unison.

Kakashi's words held no fault or jokes, this time.

He then replied with a warmer tone, "Don't worry, whichever the case, I won't let any of you die. This I swear on my life."

Naruto shook his head, boldly stating, his heartfelt smile warming the atmosphere alongside the campfire, "Nah! We can take care of ourselves! If anyone needs protection, it's you Kakashi-sensei!" He pointed haughtily at Kakashi.

Kakashi probably had a witty retort on the go, but Sasuke beat him to the punch as he snorted at Naruto's words, gaining his predictable ire.

I chuckled as Sasuke blocked a punch from Naruto and kicked him, causing Naruto to drop on his face.

...

Maybe this is our last chance to have some semblance of enjoyment before tomorrow comes.

This joyful illusion is cast in the background of war.

If so... I'll enjoy it while I can.

The sounds of paws impacting coarse rock and dirt echoed in the makeshift cavern as the wet figure of Noc and the umbrella-holding Satsuki entered the cave.

She came back, clinging to Noc as usual.

It's still unclear who she likes more - Noc or Naruto.

"Suki-chan! Over here! Help me beat up Sasuke-teme!" Naruto lifted his arm as he was held on the ground by Sasuke.

Having returned from another call of nature, she exclaimed excitedly, ignoring Naruto and staring at the summoner of Noc, "Can you summon more dogs?!"

"Noc, and yes. But not just Dogs." I added.

Her eyes gleamed with a hint of insanity? as she also questioned, "Ooo~ Who's the strongest?!"

...

"Oh! I'm curious as well!" Naruto shouted at the rather personal question directed at me.

"I second that." Sasuke nonchalantly followed up, his curiosity pricking out of his stoic exterior.

"Hehe~" Kakashi was too busy indulging in literature.

Hmm...

Well, strongest is a rather vague word when it comes to the Ten Shadows - Except Mahoraga.

It's mostly circumstantial strength when it comes to them - Except Mahoraga.

However, when it comes to Shikigami I can currently use...

Also, not counting Rudolph who is obviously my best Shikigami at the moment.

My "Strongest" Shikigami would probably be...

"Jeff," I state seriously.

Naruto yelped, "Heh? Do you mean the frog? You're joking right?"

Sasuke nodded, "Definitely joking."

"Toad, not a frog. And I'm not joking, I'm dead serious. He's my strongest one when I strengthen him as much as possible." I nodded, my tone genuine.

Although Level 3 Noc and Mir come very close to being at my Number 1 spot due to their versatility and strength when not including Rudolph.

Generally, I lack a means of turning the tides besides the recent acquisition of Rudolph.

Previously, the one who covered that aspect was Level 4 Jeff.

Although he only lasts for about a minute, and that's me being full on Chakra - His ability more than compensates for that steep cost.

Oh, and what an ability that is.

Never knew a Shikigami could pull something like that off...

Thus, our menial conversations continued into the night as we laughed and feasted for one last time, a last taste of pleasure and enjoyment amid an ongoing war.

A War We Don't Belong In.

And I fear the more likely follow-up to that statement is...

We Don't Belong In It - Yet.

...Yet deep inside, a normally repressed side of me wants to belong in it.

To Be Continued!

-Author Note Start-

SIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HERE'S THE CHAPTER EARLY HAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Ahem!

Anywho my lovely readers.

How was the chapter? Was it to your enjoyment?

And I hope i did the interrogation scene well.

Was my first ever interrogation scene so be gentle with me :P

Hopefully, the characters came out well and were portrayed as I had hoped.

If I made any mistakes - I'd love if you helped me out and pointed them out so I can fix it ASAP! Whether characterization, grammar and even SHUDDERS PLOTHOLE!

This was mostly dialogue and info fishy foreshadow tension-building chappie thingy - So hope that doesn't disappoint yall too much.

But we should be getting into action next chapter so there's that.

A lot of action I've got planned.

Some abilities sprinkled here and there, some character stuff here and there as well.

Hopefully, I haven't bitten more than I can chew! BUT DREAM BIG PEOPLE! YAHOOOO!

-Down here is the copy paste stuff-

As always people! If you see any inconsistencies, wrong information, Illogical statements, etc... Notify me, please! I'll fix it ASAP! And or explain it later on in case I had planned to make it vague in the first place.

Also, all comments, reviews, constructive criticism and so on Are much appreciated! I especially love Constructive criticism because it allows me to improve the story in real time! I try my best to follow your advice!

I enjoy responding to you all! So do send them comments! Also, ideas are also welcome! I'm not that creative so assistance from you guys is always nice! Yup!

I hope you lovely people have a fantastic rest of the day/week. And I'll see you in a week's time or so :P

BurgerNoTomatoes Number 1 Food In The World. Here's this week's random fun fact.

-Author Note End-