The Way Through Stone Village (Naruto)

72: A Busy Day

[OP: "The Lament of Eustace Scrubb"--The Oh Hellos]

Day 54: 

Gaara thought Mirai was going to cry when he delivered the news about the towns supporting them.

It seemed like a small thing to him, but apparently it was unlooked for kindness to her.

The rest of the Council seemed to think so also, even Yuko and Ayashi, who so far had still not warmed up to Team Zoe.

After that meeting, Gaara heard that the business with Sasuke was over, and Momo had joined the others to start meeting people who needed healing.

Soon their Rain guides had gathered at least 50 people like that at one of the larger and slightly cleaner buildings.

One that Ino said might be converted into a hospital if they had the technology for it, but Pain had hoarded all the medical technology to himself it seemed.

No one wanted to go into his old Kage house to find it.

However, Kyuu asked them if they would consider it.

"It might be useful," he said. "I know you think the place is haunted, and...well, some of us might agree with you there, but it's an eyesore to just leave it as it is, and someone else might use it if we don't."

"I'm sure I would never touch any of what Pain used for his unholy transfer jutsus," Momo was disgusted.

"On the other hand," Dabi said, "we shouldn't leave it there. Any crackpot could take it and become the next Pain if they have the power to. Maybe we should commit arson again."

"Arson?" Kyuu said.

"He means that we've been burning evil labs," Shoto explained flatly. "Orochimaru's, mainly. We destroyed his tools and records so that no one could use his knowledge again."

"Though we haven't found them all yet..." Momo muttered.

"You people take this seriously." Kyuu seemed kind of surprised. "You didn't even think to use any of it?"

"I would rather die," Shoto said, and he sounded serious.

"For once, I agree," Dabi said. "That whole things smacks too much of Ujiko and AFO's psychotic experiments."

"Shine says that no good comes out of using things that are clearly profane, even if we think it's for a good cause," Momo added.

"Your sensei is a strange woman," Kyuu said. "But for some reason, it's a relief to hear that. But I should warn you, Yoku has been after us to find some use for that stuff. I don't think he'll support you destroying it instead."

"So why doesn't he take it then?" Dabi asked.

"He won't say, but I think he's too afraid to go in there," Kyuu said. "Some think this Pain left traps there, even if it's not haunted. But if you would..."

"So you want us to do it because you're too scared to?" Bakugo was disgusted. "Pansies."

"Bakugo, are you sure that might not be for the best?" Shoto said to him. "You want them to be tempted by it? We couldn't use it even if we wanted to. I'm sure it's not compatible with our bodies."

"Well, sure, but that sounds messed up." Bakugo made a face.

"You know, for a guy who's so brash most of the time," Shoto said, "you seem oddly nervous around anything resembling ghosts and evil science experiments."

"Shut up," Bakugo said, embarrassed.

"Have we finally found what he's afraid of?" Dabi said. "I should have seen that one coming."