Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 33

Mai groaned, arms stretching high overhead on her front lawn. She had been in a meditation stage for nearly two hours, feeling the joints pop from the stiffness in her body. And she wasn't the only one as the knucklehead to her right tried working out a kink in the neck.

"Man, I haven't been out of it for that long in a while," he muttered.

"Kind of makes you lose track of time," she agreed.

The sun was beginning to slowly set in the distance. There was a slight chill in the air looking at the gathering clouds overhead. It would rain, maybe not today, but it was building.

Unknown to her was the way that Naruto gaze up at her, watching the ninja's profile. He was rather surprised to find her at home when on a leisurely stroll after a long training session with Kiba and Hinata. She had been sweeping the porch with the doors wide open to air out the home and he began a short conversation with her. She had been gone for weeks and was curious how things went. But as usual she gave little detail.

"Mai... Are you happy?"

The question caught the Be Fong off guard, turning to look at Naruto for a moment, causing him to shift almost uncomfortably under her gaze. "Why do you ask?"

"You don't talk much... you're falling back into old habits. I'm worried for you."

Mai blinked. "You really shouldn't. I can take care of myself."

"Which worries me. You don't rely on others, only yourself. You choose to work alone, to work with those from other divisions and never with us unless ordered to, and you don't speak of your missions or clients."

The Be Fong never realized how much the now Jounin was watching her.

"And I know why. It's because you don't want to feel attached. Even after living through the war, you're worried that if something happens to any of us, you'll have no control of the outcome. And if you're not attached... it doesn't hurt as much."

Mai gave a dry laugh, looking away and shaking her head. "I shouldn't be surprised... That you would come to that conclusion."

Because he was right. That was always the reasoning behind her motive of being a ninja. If she wasn't close with someone their death or parting from the Village wouldn't hurt as much. But the same could be said if she met her untimely fate. They would not grieve so much either.

"You can't fix me, Naruto. I admire that you're trying, but it's too late for that."

"Just don't do something reckless."

The Phantom member gave a small smirk. "You know me... I'm always careful, even when outnumbered."

A hawk cawed above them, glancing up to spot the dark feathered animal.

"I'm needed at the Hokage building. I'll be seeing you, Naruto."

Collecting her weapon belt and strapping it on the older teen walked down the path back towards the heart of the Village. And he watched her leave until she was out of sight.

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"Rain Ninja?" They were a long way from home as Mai scanned the contents of the next mission report. "What is it they want in the Land of Fire?"

"Who knows what any rogue ninja is looking for other than to cause havoc and destruction in their path," the Hokage answered.

It made the ninja cock a brow, looking at the woman behind the desk. "I didn't expect you to call me to your office so early after returning from my last mission."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. I'll take it." Handing over the file, it was placed amongst the stack of accepted missions.

"I have my own reasons for doing this. These rogues have been causing havoc on the border and to smaller towns. The reports on the aftermath are unsettling. I need you to investigate."

It wasn't unusual for the Be Fong to carry out such a request. "What am I looking for?"

"The killings are abnormal. Nothing is stolen. Those that are dead have money, clothing, and items on them when found. And none were carrying important information on them that would warrant an assassination attempt."

That was rather odd. "So what's to gain from this?"

"Exactly, that's the question. It's as if it's all for sport"

This reminded the Be Fong of the time the mutant creature was on a rampage near the Sound. Killing everything in sight due to bloodlust. It only enjoyed killing.

"And if I come face to face with them?" the Be Fong asked.

"Eliminate them," Tsunade said. "This cannot continue."

Mai nodded in understanding.

"You will leave in the morning. Head west and be sure you do not leave any of them alive and roaming."

"Understood." With a bow, she left.