Let It Burn: Life [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 5

Tsunade watched the ninja from the other side of the desk carefully, having heard the final report from the mission. They were lucky to avoid a disaster such as losing another leader in Suna. She wasn't sure if the Village could suffer a loss such as that only a few years after the Fourth Kazekage's demise. Sighing in relief, the woman leaned back in the chair.

"And what of the Akatsuki?" she asked.

"We came across Itachi, but it was a distraction," the spy said. "I later discovered Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki's true forms nearby. But I could not effectively approach them without being discovered. They were out in the open."

"So no one could sneak up on them."

The ninja nodded.

"Continue."

"We can confirm that the organization has created a way to effectively remove the tailed beasts from their hosts. And in the process, kills the individual. And there... was one more Akatsuki member I may have come in contact with. But I can't be sure."

"Why?"

"Either they have a split personality or there are two of them. If it's the latter, one is very good at hiding themselves. I distinctly heard two voices."

"Did you manage to observe him?"

"Not for long. I have no name, but he is skilled in stealth. Appeared out of nowhere seconds after I hid myself. Good at concealing his chakra, and... he could almost smell me."

The look in Tsunade's eyes proved how uncomfortable the statement made her. "Smell you?"

"I'm not sure how, but we could assume he may be part animal of some kind. Like Kisame."

"Very well, thank you for your report. You may go. Team 7 and Team Gai will return in three days."

Nodding, the ninja left and disappeared into the shadows.

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Returning home from Suna, Naruto was relieved that Gaara was alive. However, with no active information on Akatsuki's whereabouts, he was forced to remember what Sakura had said before in regards to one of their former teammates.

"... our limit is half a year."

Only half a year to save Sasuke. They were no closer to discovering Orochimaru's whereabouts, nor discovering what became of Mai. Naruto didn't know where to begin exactly.

"It's been a while, Naruto."

His head picked up; thoughts broken as he glanced over to find someone leaning up against a nearby tree.

"It's me..."

"Who's me?"

"Just because it's been a long time since we've met, you should at least recognize a face of a comrade. It's hurtful for the one who calls you."

His brows pinched in thought. "That weird speech style... are you Shino!"

"You got it at last."

"How's anyone supposed to recognize you if you keep your face hidden like that, idiot?"

"Shino! You're early!"

Naruto watched as two forms jumped down from the branches of a nearby tree. The Genin was surprised to see a large dog with a ninja on his back. Immediately, a name came to mind,

"Kiba?"

"Hey, Naruto! I was sure it was you! That scent!"

The teen dismounted to welcome the blonde properly.