The Wolf Within| The Possesions of the Wild series| Volume 2

6 | The Pupeteer

Kaiya frowned as she pressed her ear against the boulder. Team Guy, Team Kakashi and the two elderly people from yesterday, Chiyo and her brother, were standing on water near what seemed like a mountain. In truth, it was a cave whose entrance was blocked by a large boulder. It felt as if they were already at risk by being so close to the cave, but it was too late for anyone to back now. It was later in the afternoon and the Kazkeage's brother was luckily saved by Sakura's skills. Kaiya didn't get on congratulating Sakura on it yet, as she was exhausted after the procedure. As soon as Kankuro was awake and able to give them information about the akatsuki and where they've possibly taken his brother, the Leaf shinobi were send quickly on their way, Chiyo and her brother as their guides. As it turned out, they themselves had been of great age during their golden eras for the shinobi world.

Thanks to her clan's Kekkei Genkai (and what she and her family could use without being at risk), she could hear, smell and see better than others. Although most if not all of her cousins could do it better than her as they were full-bloods, she was still blessed enough to have most of that skill. Still, she struggled to hear what was going on on the other side. The boulder was thick, it appeared as if chakra was strengthening the privacy of whatever was happening on the other side, and people wouldn't. Stop. Talking.

"Guys, please stop talking for just a few moments," she said, "I'm really trying to hear what's on the other side."

The group had finally quieted down their whispers. Although she didn't like it when people watch her do things, she closed her eyes and pressed her ear on the stone once again. She could finally hear something; it was faint, very faint, but it was still better than nothing.

"There's like two or three people in there... three, I'm certain. I hear them talk but I really can't tell what they're saying. The cave's pretty big, and I'm sure they put some chakra barrier around the cave or something. Neji, can you try your Byakugan again?"

Neji nodded, and veins appeared strongly around his eyes. He appeared focused for a few moments, but then shook his head. "Nothing. Kaiya's right, there's a chakra barrier."

"We gotta break in!" Naruto exclaimed, "Gaara's in there for sure!"

"And just... fight them?" Kaiya asked, "They took down the Kazekage and we're not even sure if he's alive, how do we know we won't get slaughtered? Can't we at least make a plan, or something?"

Kakashi lowered his head for a moment in thought, and Kaiya noticed Chiyo whispering something to Sakura.

"Kaiya's right," Sakura said, "Chiyo-sama and I will go inside."

Everyone looked at them in surprise, all probably thinking the same about Chiyo. If someone as young and strong as the Kazekage was at such a great risk, the elderly woman probably didn't stand even a tenth of those chances. Although, Kaiya doubted they'd just send a random elderly woman to help in such affairs. She had heard that her name was well known and acknowledged in the shinobi world, both as a counselor, healer and the former Kazekage's father. She'd know better, Kaiya thought.

"Alright," Kakashi agreed, "As Neji and Kaiya already said, there's probably a chakra wall protecting this cave, so they're definitely in there, hiding something. With walls like this, you need a few seals around the area. If we find and destroy them, the chakra wall is gone and we can enter."

Neji activated his Byakugan again, and gave a confirming hum after a few moments. "Found em. There's four of them."

"Good job Neji," Guy congragtulated, "There's seven of us. Neji can remain here to give us directions along with Chiyo-sama, but that means someone will have to remain here as well."

For a moment, the group of seven looked at eachother.

"I can stay," Kaiya offered, "Neji will be busy with his Byakugan, so I can stay here on guard just in case."