Paths of Divergence

Formidable

Chapter 50
-Formidable

Toshika stares at Akari in shock, unsure of how to process the nightmare story she just heard. She looks over to Kita who shrugs nonchalantly as if this was just another day in the life of being a shinobi. Apparently even a devastating plague can't shake her core.

"I know it's a lot to ask but there could be dire consequences if we do nothing," Akari explains. "All we're asking is that you help escort these samples to the sand village... nothing more nothing less."

     "Just how volatile are these samples? Are they dangerous?" Toshika continues to question.

     Akari's head sways back and forth as she shakes her head, pursing her lips. "Not at all. In fact that's the reason why we need to get them to the sand quickly. They're breaking down extremely quickly and soon enough won't be viable to study. Our ninja scientists are working on getting them contained in a cooling container but that'll only buy us so much time."

     Kita folds her arms, shifting her gaze between Toshika and Akari. "I think what she's trying to ask is what makes this mission so dangerous that you need escorts? ANBU ones at that," Kita says.

Azumi pinches the space between her eyebrows, taking a deep sigh. "We've received reports of some sort of cult being born from this plague. We're afraid that as we make our away across fire country and into wind country that we may be attacked. We have no idea what areas so far have been affected so we're trying to play it safe."

Toshi notices the panic set into Azumi's eyes before nodding her head understandably. "Very well. This is our duty after all. If this can save a lot of lives then I'm in," she says.

"Me too," Kita adds.

Akari bows respectively, "Thank you so much. The transport case should be ready here any moment. As soon as it is we need to head out. Let's go check in with them."

      Out of the corner of her eye Azumi immediately spots a boy with a red jacket and Uchiha necklace. He trudges past them, being escorted by a group of of what's obviously ROOT ninja. A pale yet determined stare stains his features as he marches forward to the front gates.

     "Sh-Shizake?" she asks aloud.

     The rest of them turn their heads, watching as the boy marches forward with uneasiness. His gaze flips towards them with nothing but a soft nod as he passes by, hardly acknowledging them at all.

     In a flash the Uchiha came and went, making his way towards the front gates from the center of the village. Toshika shakes her head, barely processing what just happened.

     "What the hell was that?" she wonders out loud.

     "Something was wrong," Kita says quietly, "he was practically white as a ghost."

      "We should catch up to him! Why was he being escorted by ROOT ninja?" Toshika asks.

"I'm sorry but we cannot afford the time for that. I agree that something was wrong but we're fighting against the clock here," Akari says.

Toshika balls her fist while nodding her head, "Rgh... very well. Kita we need to send a message to Nitatchi. Maybe he can look into it."

"That's our best bet. I'll have a messenger bird sent his way. Meet you guys back here?" Kita asks.

"Right," the rest of them say in unison before darting off their separate ways.

*

Shizake passes through the front gates with the ROOT ninja still in tow. With each step he clenches his teeth harder and harder, a struggle within taking place in his mind. The group leads him out into the forest, taking him a ways away from the village.