Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 34

Image reference for chapter

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Chapter Inspiration: I, Pet A Goat II by Heliofant

*warning, the music video animation is political and has brief breast nudity so if you're under the age of 18 you have been warned; I only chose this because of the music, not the content so you don't have to watch

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Naturally, it would start raining today of all days when moving out that morning. Securing her hair in place Mai locked the door behind her and trekked out towards the gates. The weather wasn't unbearable, but would make tracking a bit difficult if it washed away a trail.

"Quite a day to go out on a mission," Izumo stated at the exit. He examined her papers and wrote her into the records if someone should question her whereabouts.

"Hopefully it will let up," the Be Fong answered.

"Just ask to go tomorrow," Kotetsu stated from his perch above. "You wouldn't be the first to ask."

Her head shook. "The Hokage said this is important. Shouldn't put it off."

"Be careful out there then."

"I always am." With a wave over her shoulder Mai was off.

Surprisingly the rogue ninjas ventured closer to Konoha than expected, which struck the older teen as odd hours later after finding a lead. That had not been in the report, and their appearance was becoming a daily occurrence. They weren't sticking to the shadows like a normal rogue not wishing to be seen. This mission was becoming stranger by the moment as Mai exited the small town. Nothing was as it seemed and the Rain Ninjas were leaving a very clear trail to follow. That was something to be on guard about.

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Shizune began to clear up the Hokage's desk regarding the number of mission scrolls that were about to come into the office. Many needed to be sorted as she accidentally bumped into a stack causing them to scatter about the surface. Sighing heavily in annoyance for being so clumsy, the young woman began to gather them up once more. However, something caught her eye, picking up one report. There was something odd about it, glancing over the contents. She sensed a hint of unfamiliar chakra latched onto it. Muttering a jutsu to cancel out any in effect the surface began to shimmer before warping and contorting. The writings in place began to change. Nothing was as it seemed in this mission report. Shizune's eyes landing on the name of the ninja who had been assigned.

"Lady Hokage!" the young woman shouted completely dropping the items in hand, forgetting what she had been doing in the first place.

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The rain was slightly letting up as Mai continued through the forest. She had removed herself from the main road to travel further inside the trees. There wasn't a soul for miles, but the rogues had been here. Even if the trail appeared old. It was growing a bit chilly, the Be Fong tugging a lower face covering that had been around the neck up to remain warm. Mai paused, listening through the rain.

"If you're done hiding and being scared, come out," the Be Fong shouted. "I'm tired of waiting."

The trees began shifting. Ninjas covered from head to toe in dark red uniforms covered them from head to toe. The only thing visible were their hands and the area around the eyes.