Enemies

.17

They were further inside the jungle now, having marked trees as they walked so that they would know where to head home. They hadn't encounter with the Akatsuki yet, much to Shikamaru's disappointment.

"I didn't realize how deep this place goes. If any of us were to stray away, who knows how long it will take us to find each other." Ino commented, pulling her cream colored robe closer to her body. She unconsciously leaned on Sai a bit, seeking further warmth.

"It's best if we don't split up." Sai said, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Hey Shikamaru, what exactly did the product look like?"

.                .               .

"Shikamaru?"

The group turned to look at where Shikamaru was. He had a far away look in his eyes, aimlessly walking with them. Sasuke and Sakura glanced at each for a few seconds, unspoken words as they nodded in agreement.

"How about we start setting up camp here, it's getting late now." Sasuke proposed, to which everyone agreed. They all started setting up their tents, unraveling the scrolls that stored them and summoning them out.

With some food dishes that Choji brought along for them, they ate dinner together before heading off to sleep.

Shikamaru could feel his nerves just bouncing around anxiously. For the first time in a while, he didn't feel like falling asleep so he offered to take the first shift.

He was now leaning against a tree, his back turned from their tent as he stared at the nearby moonlit lake. He needed answers now or else his mind is going to continue to fall in a spiral.

He lifted his head when he felt someone grasp onto his shoulder lightly, taking a quick glance and seeing that it was Sakura.

"You've been dazing a lot after that whole explosion, did you perhaps smelled too much of the fume? I can take the first shift if that's the case." she offered with a small smile. Sakura had grown more mature over the years, he remembered how she would make fun of Naruto at every chance she got and still held onto that bitterly about her. All of them actually, exceptions to a few as some just didn't bother.

When he first found out that he was going to have to work with them, Team Guy, and Team 10 under the title of Konoha 12, he was very much not up for it. He kept it to himself of course, staying professional while working and gain the 'team bonding' they seek.

But he couldn't deny now that they have grown up well, they have become much more empathetic and mature.

He shook his head, "No, I'm alright. Thank you though, I'll wake you up when second shift starts."

"Alright but drink this! It's a herbal tea I brought along with me, it helps with soothing and bring in a calming sensation. Goodnight Shikamaru." she handed him the cup before heading inside the tent with Ino.

He looked down at the cup, the warmth around on his palm making him feel a little better. Taking a sip, he sighed out in satisfaction. He tried to focus on the sound of the bush bustling along with the wind and the warmth of the cup, but all came down when his mind flashed back to his discovery.

He needed answers and he was going to get them no matter what.

Time went by as he continued watching the lake sparkled, calming his mind down as he started to organize his thoughts around so that he could focus better.

When he went to take another sip, he catches a blue glow from the corner of his eyes. It wasn't the light from the moon, it was much for saturated. He chugged down the rest of his drink, placing it right beside him before standing up from his spot. He walked closer to the lake, poking his head out to look around.