Child of the Moon

Hidden Minds

"And with that match, the third round preliminaries are finished!"

Tsukiko pushed off the railing and looked over to where Guy was leaning, looking depressed still.

"Wish there was some way to comfort him, let him know there's no blame on him for any of this," she commented.

"I know what you mean," Kakashi answered. "But... words would only be painful for him at this stage."

"Right," she grinned to Aiyanna, giving her a high five as the kunoichi joined them. "We're kinda in the same boat though. Nanami..."

Kakashi quickly took her hand, squeezing it before letting go and turning his attention back to the floor.

The winning genin gathered into the centre of the room, those still standing.

While they were being addressed about the upcoming round, Sakura turned to Kakashi, tugging on his sleeve.

"Sensei?"

"Hmm?"

"I have... a question for you," Sakura looked down at the group with a troubled expression.

Kakashi stared at the girl for a moment, knowing what she was wanting to ask, even without Tsukiko's ability to mind read.

"About Sasuke?" he said after a pause. "I'm sorry. I don't know much about that I'm afraid. But... I wouldn't worry too much."

He looked back over the students below.

"From here on... it's up to Sasuke."

"I worry about him. Something isn't right," Tsukiko's jaw clenched as she tried to keep her expression relaxed. "I can't detect any thoughts belonging to either this mysterious attacker of Kurai and his team or Orochimaru. In fact, there are a lot of people whose thoughts seem masked."

"Have you informed the Hokage?"

"I have. He has said to observe for now."

Kakashi frowned. "Someone is blocking you? But who? And how?"

"I don't know. Maybe my jutsu isn't as rare as I've been lead to believe."

"Sakura," Kakashi turned to the pink-haired girl. "I have to leave, so I'm counting on you to get the details about the finals."

"Huh?"

Kakashi gave her a short wave, and masked smile, before disappearing swiftly.

"Oh... ok..." Sakura blinked at where he had just been.

"I'm still worried about this strange ninja... but maybe Kakashi can get answers," she turned her attention back to her two students, then sighed as she left. "I should check in on Nanami..."