Morphogenesis: The Dream and The Sandman Book 2 (ENG)

Chapter 6: For Him

An old woman was rummaging around the dimly lit room, her face closed. She was picking up scrolls, and weapons of all kinds with a swift, meticulous movement, as if every move had been prepared for ages. In front of the door stood an old man, his features painted with worry.

- Are you going to go through this, Chiyo?

- Of course, I am. If I have to stop my grandson, then so be it.

- You seem determined... but I also know that you're pained...

The old woman stopped what she was doing and lowered her head, still turning her back to her brother. There was a silence for a few seconds before Chiyo answered.

- It's because of me that he's become like this... If I hadn't taught him my art he-

- You couldn't have known he's become what he is today. So stop blaming yourself, sis... It's not necessarily up to you to eliminate him...

- But I'm the only one who can stand up to him.

She continued to pack her things, bringing almost all her arsenal with her, which made the old man pause.

- Do you really need all this? It's almost like you're getting ready to go to war...

- Think of it that way.

- You're not just thinking about Sasori's case, are you?

The elder Chiyo didn't answer, the only sound filling the room being the clash of blades.

- Spit it out, damn it!

- Calm down, you big ninny! Of course I'm not just going to look after Sasori! Let me remind you that one of my friend's great-granddaughter is in trouble! When Amaya and the other Amai found out what was going on, I can tell you that they were all worried sick about her! So do you think I'm just going to sit here with my arms crossed?!

Her brother stared at her with round eyes, in silence, while the old woman's closed face was turned towards him. She then returned to her task.

- Why are you so worried about her? Like Kankurô, she got herself into this mess!

- Ebizô... this girl isn't Kankurô... Besides, I made a promise to Amaya.

She then left the room with a determined step without giving a single glance to Ebizô.

- Hey Chiyô! Wait up!

The old woman stopped in her tracks.

- I know that we're both old fogies and you've got nothing to lose...but please, big sis, be careful.

Chiyo turned around and gave her brother a mischievous smile.

- We'll see about that!

She then walked away, leaving her brother behind, his face puzzled.

At the entrance of the Sand village, the small Kazekage's rescue squad was preparing to leave. The Leaf ninjas were joined by Temari and her subordinates.

- We're ready! She exclaimed in a confident voice.

- Very well, then we can go, Kakashi replied.

- Wait! Temari!

They all turned to Baki, who had just jumped off a roof to call out to the group.

- This had better to be urgent, because we were just about to leave!

- Temari, you can't go with them.

- What?! What do you mean I can't? Temari snapped.

- Unfortunately, these are orders from above. You and your team have been assigned to guard the borders.