THE WILL OF FIRE: 1. The Serpent (A Naruto Fanfic)

The Serpent, Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

We walked in peace, not talking to each other much. I knew those guys would catch up to us soon and I stood guard. But at the same time I was trying to figure out what was going on. Those three assassins were after me, no doubt. But I couldn’t help but figure…could it also have something to do with the documents? I mean, Naruto did tell me about what happened at their last mission that was also ranked D and they had to deal with an Anbu and Zabuza. But still, they wouldn’t make the same mistake twice, would they?

“Hey, you look lost in your thoughts,” I heard Sasuke say. Naruto and Sakura were walking in front of us, arguing about something again.

“I was just trying to figure this all out.”

“What’s to figure out? It’s just like you said: they’re after you.”

“Nobody’s perfect. Even I could be wrong. They know me and yet they attacked so carelessly. There were a lot more useful tactics they could’ve used.”

“You said you fought them before. How come?”

“You don’t need to be concerned about my past-I’m a new person now. But I can tell you this. I used to be, and probably still am, in a lot of Bingo Books. I’ll have to ask my friend about my bounty as well but I’m guessing it’s not a small number. Those guys could just be after the bounty, or…”

I suddenly stopped and it all made sense. It was too obvious.

“You okay?”

I laughed and started walking again. This was so lame it was funny.

“I’m fine. I just figured their purpose.”

“And it’s so funny? I don’t get it.”

“Naturally you wouldn’t. It has a lot to do with my family-we have a lot of problems with half of us being good and half of us being bad. But that’s not the point.” I suddenly turned serious again. “I still haven’t figured out if they might be after the documents or not but I have to make a call to Kakashi anyway. Yo, you two! We’re taking a break!”

While the others ate, I distanced and turned on the wireless mike.

“Kakashi, you copy? Oh wait, of course you do, I meant you hear me?”

“I do. What’s up?”

“I think my Uncle Orochimaru is going in over his head. He sent three B-rank assassins after us.”

“What?! You ok?”

“Yeah, we’re fine. We made it to the River Country with only Sakura sustaining a little bit of injuries. How’re things going on your side?”

“I guess the action’s on your side. I’m getting nowhere.”

“I have a plan about delivering the documents. But I’d also appreciate it if we came there without much trouble.”

“Are you suggesting I take care of your problems?”

“Not at all. I’m suggesting you get a move on. Oh, and another thing.”

“What?”

“The documents… could they be of any importance to Uncle Orochimaru?”

“I can’t tell you what they are but keep a close eye on them, especially now.”

“Those three, Doton, Suiton and Raiton are top-notch assassins. They have one flaw, though-their names give out their ability. Earth, Water and Lightning are their nicknames because real names have power amongst the assassins. But you’re screwing with us here. This isn’t a regular D-rank mission but a B, even an A-rank. And all that for just testing my loyalties.”