Blood Lust

Chapter 26

this is really chaotic. my apologies for what you're about to read. you all might question my sanity.

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They gathered weapons and their necessities and departed the castle. Each of them had their own worries about the situation. Their journey would be long and none of them knew exactly what to expect.

"It feels like we've been walking forever," Izuna groaned as they all descended the mountain.

"Blame Tobirama," Madara mocked. "His human side makes him unbelievably slow."

Tobirama grimaced, "Go eat a dick, Madara."

"You know, I wanted to last night!" Madara complained. "But someone stole MY lubricant."

The two men began to cut insults towards each other. Izuna caught up beside Hashirama, gently nudging him.

"Are they always like this?" Izuna whispered. "Shouldn't we intervene?"

"This happens all the time," Hashirama explained in a low voice. "I think this is how they show that they care about each other."

They listened to another round of different variations of "You're an asshole" and "Go fuck yourself" before Izuna tapped Hashirama's shoulder again.

"I'm worried they're going to kill each other," Izuna muttered.

"They won't," Hashirama chuckled. "Hopefully."

It took a few more hours before they fully made it down the mountain. They decided they'd sleep in the village and give Tobirama a chance to converse with the hunters. He was worried what they'd think of his long absence. Things were even more worrisome with Izuna added to the bunch. The vampire was wanted by them and no one fully trusted him to control his thirst. It could easily become a stressful situation.

Leaving the others in the house, Tobirama walked across the village to find Hiruzen. He kept his head low to not draw too much attention. If the others saw him, they'd surely have questions. Ever since Hashirama transformed and essentially disbanded from the group, the title of being the leader of their troupe of men was passed down to Tobirama. He's supposed to do right by them, but lately he has felt like a fraud. His whole existence has been a lie. Now, he has to keep lying to them about his whereabouts.

"Hiruzen," Tobirama called out as he knocked on the wooden door to his home. An oil lamp flickered on the small porch from the increasing wind gusts. The air was cool, hinting at upcoming rain. He felt uneasy with that knowledge knowing that vampires could walk about during the day when it rained. Harm could come at any time.

"Tobi?" Hiruzen gasped, waking Tobirama from his daze. "Where have you been?"

"Listen, I can't stay long," Tobirama began right away. "I have to go away for a while. I'm not sure when I will return."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow at the statement.

"Where are going?" he questioned. "You can't just leave us stranded. What has gotten into you? The men are starting to wonder."

"Hiruzen, I promise it's for humanity's sake," Tobirama pleaded. "Take charge while I am gone. Just trust in me."

"Let me go with you," Hiruzen insisted.

Tobirama shook his head. He struggled to stay composed and not let his nerves get to him.

"You need to look over the men," Tobirama encouraged. "Hashirama will be with me, so I won't be alone. He's not like the others. He has kept himself pure."