I Fade Away [Gaara II]

Chapter 34

They were at the gate bright and early to bid farewell to Baki, who would oversee things when they were away. Wearing their cloaks to protect them from the harsh rays of the rising sun and the wind that kicked up sand, the ninjas made their way through the desert quickly. Not wanting to waste any time.

The town that had been receiving the worst attacks came into view around lunchtime. They stopped to investigate in groups to try and gather as much information as possible. "All Intel shows them heading Northeast," Tamahome stated.

"Meaning they've crossed the border into the Land of Rocks," Tenten said.

"We proceed with caution," Kakashi said. "There is no telling what their plan is."

All were in agreement, moving out once more.

Desert turned into grassland, the patch stretching for a few miles before the terrain would become nothing but mountains and rocks.

"Could they be heading towards the Tsuchikage now?" Sakura asked. They had stopped once again for a break.

"They picked one hell of a time to make their move," Kankuro said. "Why couldn't it be tomorrow? Then we could've easily nabbed them in the town instead of traveling farther than planned."

"Haven't you learned yet that nothing ever happens according to plan?" Temari asked.

"Yes, but I keep hoping it will."

A chuckle ran through the group. Azmaria decided to do a perimeter check.

"Are you lost, Miss?"

The Soldier whirled around, hand wrapping around the hilt of the blade to be ready to attack at a moment's notice. She came face to face with a child no more than twelve, the boy staring at her innocently. But there was nothing innocent about this situation. He had appeared out of nowhere, the landscape flat. If anyone had been approaching their position, the group would have known.

"Just passing through," she answered. Yet the Soldier refused to let go of the weapon. "What are you doing all the way out here?"

"Mother likes this field to pick herbs for her medical hut."

It was then the others realized that Azmaria's chakra was no longer moving, glancing over to see the young woman facing the kid. Now they were on guard due to her stance.

"Funny."

"What is, Miss?"

"That you are collecting herbs. Anyone from the Land of Wind and Rocks would know that this patch of grass holds nothing of the sort. There are no herbs for miles."

The Leaf and Sand Ninjas gathered around their position stealthily to prepare for an attack.

"Now then, why don't we try that again?" Azmaria questioned. "What is your real purpose for being here?"

The boy's lips twisted into a mischievous grin. Suddenly, the area on either of him side warping to reveal two duplicates of himself.

"You're fun," the stranger said. "Unlike the others we've encountered."

"Clones?" Tenten asked.

"No," Tamahome answered. "Triplets."

"And it appears they have a Kekkei-Genkai," Kakashi warned.

"Let's play a game," another boy chimed. Something flickered in their eyes, the pupils dilating to a point where the blue hue was no long visible.