The White Flash

Training

The group carried on with Retsu leading the charge. Ayumi walked beside Jiraiya, holding the straps of her pack. With the adrenaline passed, the events and words spoken replayed in her mind.

            "Unluckily for you, that's why I was sure to bring insurance. There is no eye that can see faster than Ayumi's technique."

            Lips tugging in a frown, Ayumi jogged to catch the samurai. "Retsu-san, I have a question."

            "What is it?"

            "Did you really bring me on this trip to train me?" Quietly, the samurai looked to her for only a moment.

            "I would be lying if I said that was the only reason." Her cape curved over her arm, a hand resting on the hilt of her katana. "Kakashi and Hisaya may want to protect you from everything they can, but in truth your days are as numbered as that boy's."

            Emerald eyes glanced to Naruto, who was in a conversation with his mentor. "What do you mean Naruto-kun's days are numbered?"

            "Is it safe to assume that you know of Jinchurikis?"

            "Yeah, they're shinobi who have the tailed beasts sealed inside of them. Gaara-kun is one."

            "Indeed, Gaara is the Jinchuriki of Sunagakure, Yondaime Mizukage is the Jinchuriki of Kirigakure, and do you know who the Jinchuriki of Konohagakure is?"

            "I'm guessing it's Naruto-kun."

            "It is, that boy is the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi. The organization that Itachi and Kisame were apart of is known as the Akatsuki, and it seems that they're targeting Naruto. The only reason I can think of is to have control of the fox's power. Part of the reason I brought you is to ensure that boy's safety. The technique you are able to use will instantaneously move Jiraiya and me should situations like before take place."

            "Oh." Ayumi looked at the road with a pout.

            "However, I'm sure you've noticed by now that the Hellflower is a point of interest for people as well. Orochimaru won't be the only one to seek you out. I also brought you here to make you stronger." She looked back to the samurai. "You will be hunted by others who seek to understand the powers the Hellflower has. You and that boy..." Retsu paused, clouded gaze meeting hers. "You will face many of the same dangers as you grow. You will need to be able to protect yourself against the storm that's coming. I will prepare you as much as I'm able."

            If anything could be foretold from the dream she was shown, it was that very fact. Orochimaru was a member of the Akatsuki before, that's two different forces already pining for the Hellflower. She couldn't do anything alone against Orochimaru, let alone Itachi or Kisame. Had she fought either one in that hall. She'd be toast. Her only choice was to get stronger. Her hold tightened on her bag straps. "I'll learn all I can!"

            "Good. Now if we can only get to where we're going." With a sigh, attention drifted back to their companions who were a few meters behind. "Oi, Jiraiya! What's the hold up?"

            "Retsu!" Jiraiya looked at them. "Tell Naruto that he can't wear this!" Said boy was holding a green jumpsuit to his body. Gai had given it to him before he left for the village. Back tracking to stand beside the Sannin, Retsu pinched her chin in thought.

            "Looks fine to me."

            A nervous laugh left the man, "right. Sorry."

            "Naruto-kun," Ayumi spoke. Tapping her cheek with an index, "I don't think the green is a good match for you. You look better with what you're wearing now."