Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 51

"The rain's letting up," Fumi noted. "Maybe we can make a fire tonight."

No Face had been trekking through backcountry in Fang Country for the last few hours. None of them were in a rush to be anywhere having no leads on a new mission. Beon had made the decision to change course and travel east around the Land of Fire. If they were desperate enough for something to do, half of them would venture into Fire Country to travel to Wave Country and see what it had to offer. For the time being they were only looking for a place to stop for the evening as it grew late into the afternoon. They were just glad that the rain had let up a bit to make travel easier.

"That's a relief," Kenta sighed.

All of them had wrapped their heads in a thick cloth to try and keep out the water as the masks protected the face. Mai could feel the slight chill in the air through the fabric even though they had all swapped out some time ago for warmer clothing with the winter months approaching. What she would give for a hot bath, but didn't voice it. They still had another three hours to go before considering stopping for the evening. At least Asami was keeping an eye out for a possible hot spring for them to warm up around. The prospect was nice. None got their hopes up to be sure they weren't disappointed.

It was an hour and a half later when something tugged at the Be Fong's net alerting her senses. An animal most likely, or fallen branch had caused it. No Face took a brief break to eat before moving on. But the disturbance continued and one turned into two more presences. Mai instantly grew wary. Their movements were not that of a mammal. It was more precise and stealthier. It caused the older teen to fall back from the center of the group. Her shift didn't go unnoticed by the leader.

"What is it?" Beon questioned.

"We are being followed," Mai stated without hesitation. The others looked to her.

"How can you be sure?" Takashi asked.

"They've been following our steps for the last thirty minutes. They are making their move and drawing closer as we speak."

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Chapter Inspiration: My Demons by Starset

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Being sure all of their masks were securely in place Kenta, Joon, Asami, and Mai peeled off into the surrounding trees. The others continued walking slower in order for their followers to purposely catch up. It didn't take long for them to halt all together.

"Come out and face us coward," Akihiro shouted. "No more hiding."

There were three of them facing the ten-person team, watching with calculated eyes. The group shifted sharing quick glances between each other to figure out what was the meaning of this interaction, as No Face tried to gage just whom these strangers were. But Mai instantly recognized them from her perch on a branch in the shadows. From the young man with a board sword strapped to his back, with pale skin and white hair.

"I'm looking for the strongest member of your group."

To the tall young man with flaming orange hair.

"Which one of you is the leader?"

To the older teen standing at the front wearing dark clothing and a sword strapped to a side with equally dark hair and eyes.

There was a long pause before Beon stepped forward, "What business do you have with us?"

Sasuke Uchiha, along with two members from the former team Taka – Suigetsu and Jugo. What on earth were they doing here? And together again?