Clash 2: The Wolf and the Desertstorm - a collab with Amaterasu

Chapter 19

"There," Kakashi pointed ahead.

Beside him atop the tall tree that had been chosen to scout from, Akio nodded. Just a couple of miles away now. They could see the vast expanse of sands.

"Let's head down and let the others know. See what Ken has picked up from behind us."

"Akio-sensei!" Akira trotted up to the two older shinobi the second they dropped from the last of the branches. "Well?"

"Not far at all now. The border is only a couple of miles. The trees thin out a quarter mile to the border."

"Man, hate not having cover." Akira frowned.

"We won't need it with a fresh team from Suna meeting us." Ken spoke up, having also returned from his quick scout with the aid of a wolf.

"Report," Kakashi said.

"They gained a bit of time on us, but we'll definitely make the border before they can catch up."

"Let's not waste any time then," Akio gathered the attention of all. "Let's move out!"

Despite the tired expressions, they all took off quickly. For Taryn and her team, a spark of added energy filled them. They were almost home. It wouldn't be long now. Reaching Kankuro would mean they no longer faced the dangers behind them. Reaching the village, they could all gain the safety and rest they desperately needed after such a long and dangerous mission.

"Almost home, sensei," Daro said softly to Taryn who looked like she was about to fall over.

Taryn gave a stiff nod and gritted her teeth. "I'll manage." With her Byakugan, she could faintly sense Kisame and Itachi. There was no slowing down now. She cast a careful glance back at Hisayo. She was worried about the woman. They had not spoken yet since she reverted back to normal.

"Zip! Kera!" Hiro suddenly called.

The two hawks spiraled down towards them. "Kankuro-sama's squad is not far," Kera informed them, "you should be able to spot them in about ten minutes." She surveyed the group. "Can you hold up until then?"

"We can now," Hiro spoke for everyone.

Kera nodded. "I'll go inform them then about your position. Just keep going the direction you're keeping now." She flapped her wings and disappeared the same way she had come. "Zip," she called back, "you stay with them."

The little bird nodded in agreement and settled on Hiro's shoulder.

"Well, you heard them," Daro smirked, "we'll be home soon."

Kakashi sighed, for the time being taking care of Hisayo to give Akio a break. "Doing alright? We're almost to safer territory. You can have a try walking then."

Hisayo gave a weak huff. "I can travel fine on my own. I don't have broken bones or other serious injuries like some of you do. I'm just...weak."

Kakashi could hear the regret in her voice. He was certain she wasn't clueless as to how that may have been for their large group. "Just hold on a little while longer Hisayo. Once we cross and put a few miles between us and the border, we'll take it easier."

Hisayo didn't argue. She was too tired and weak to offer usual protest. She just leaned in as close as she could, at least taking comfort in his and the others presence. The unease she had been dealing with over what possibly transpired after Orochimaru had been draining on her. No one had yet to say it, but she knew...

She had nearly killed the people precious to her again.

The group steadily continued their journey as the trees started to thin until there were no trees at all, only the long warm patch of sand.