The Outcasts Whirlpool

Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I wish though.

Tayuya and Naruto had traveled for almost a week, Tayuya avoiding every encounter with shinobi while keeping a low profile..Her red head always a curse..The blonde made her laugh all the way..Always thinking or smiling..Always...But also having his serious moments..Those were interesting..She started to like the blond and his oddness...She wondered. She knew they couldn't just leave each other. Naruto managed to change her in less than a few days and truly. Tayuya enjoyed that..At least with him...She felt like herself..No curse mark, no Orochimaru or bullshit, just...Herself, full of fire and strength..It made her proud...It made her smile for once in this shitty life..

The two of them were rapidly advancing in the Land Of Hot Water. She knew the country well enough. The country wasn't so busy with its shinobi and instead welcomed tourism, a nice country with no threat or political unrest. Truly a relaxing place. But that didn't mean both of them were ready for anything. Tayuya was on guard, never relaxing, her instincts screaming at her to be prepared. Her eyes scanned every corner, every person, her grip around her flute tightening, never letting it out of reach.

""Alright, Blondie. Make a clone and turn it into a rope. We need to act like you're my captive to get through this smoothly."And keep quiet, or we'll draw unwanted attention."She explained.

He raised an eyebrow but nodded, trusting her judgment and making a clone. He transformed into the rope like he was told, a rope tied around her wrists. Tayuya pulled and brought him forward. Her steps were full of confidence. Her face is neutral, eyes ahead. Finally, the two arrived in front of a giant boulder. She sighed before doing a couple of mudra.

"Release!"

In front of her, the stone started to glow, opening before them. Tayuya showed no emotions, pulling her new blond friend with her. They needed to pass without any questions..She was on edge, worried. This was the beginning of her quest, her goal. She was getting more and more excited, finally doing something on her own. With her companion. Finally her time to shine was here. She grinned as she saw a dim light coming from ahead, the cavern starting to close behind them.

Finally, her heart racing, Tayuya expected someone to ambush them but nothing came. There was no one around, no enemies or mercenaries to attack them. Truly the path seemed deserted and untouched. Her companion looked at her with admiration, her plan working. She winked at the yellow head, full of energy and spirit. This guy trusted her fully. It made Tayuya happy in a way.

Soon the two walked through what seemed like endless hallways, not even bothering to stop to rest. Her partner, silent for once, understood the severity of the situation. His gaze, hard, serious, his blue eyes glancing every corner, every room. Tayuya grinned slightly at him. She could finally let out a sigh, feeling relieved. She was used to this, being a criminal, sneaking around, looking for valuable information, equipment and tools.

The boy chuckled. She smiled back, for a moment forgetting the gravity of their situation, the danger of what they were doing. The two could almost relax, for once, safe and away from anyone who could harm them. But nothing could be so easy. Nothing could be simple. The two companions stopped suddenly, their heart sinking..The passageway opened before them, a large laboratory stretching out to both sides, the walls made of stone or earth, with small caves and alcoves. The ground was dusty, full of dust, covered in sand and pebbles. However what caught the attention of the duo was a green-robed figure sitting at the far end, her back against the wall. Tayuya took out her flute, ready to fight, her nerves on fire, her pulse racing. Naruto dropped his fake rope, his face full of wariness, his muscles tense, his whole posture changing.