Fascination: Sequel

Fascination: Sequel: Part 18

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Fascination: Sequel

Part 18

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Oriko could only sit on the ground leaning her back against the tree as Sakura was hunched over Kakashi, healing the worst of his injuries; a boy named Sai was sat to Oriko’s right and Naruto along with their team leader went to go and investigate the remnants of the hideout. 

Sakura and her team had found them about half an hour after dawn (thankfully in time to prevent an attack on herself and Kakashi); she knew Kakashi didn’t sleep well the night before and if he wasn’t so injured, he probably would have been tossing and turning.  Thankfully their backup brought plenty of food and water with them and although Oriko would have to wait for the large plate of inarizushi she so desired, she did feel better for having had some sustenance. 

Sai’s jutsu was exceptionally useful, if not unusual one, as he created some tens of mice from a few simple drawings which immediately scattered through the area to detect any enemies, allowing Sai himself to remain with Sakura, Kakashi and Oriko to provide immediate support or defence should it be needed – truly a wonderfully helpful ninjutsu. 

“Aright, Oriko, let me have a look at your leg,” Kakashi slowly sat up as Sakura moved away from him and over to Oriko, his cracked and bruised ribs finally healed and he picked up a small bowl of food which Sai had prepared.

“Ah, Oriko, this leg is badly infected,”

“I know, I didn’t really have time to bandage it, will you be able to fix it?” Sakura had pulled away the ‘bandage’ in the form of half a shirt, and began a cursory exam of her wound;

“Of course, it’ll just take a little longer is all,” Sakura hovered her palm just above the wound and allowed her chakra to probe the wound; Oriko snuck a look at Kakashi, he look tired. Although she knew he hadn’t slept well the night before, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his ill look was more to do with a weight on his shoulders rather than fatigue – but what?

The shame of being captured? Unlikely, Kakashi would not be the ninja he was today if capture and interrogation had such an effect on him – but what would have that effect upon him?

After about a further half hour, Yamato and Naruto returned from their scout, stating that what little was left of the hideout they destroyed, but unfortunately found not valuable information or individuals. Sakura was happy with the level of healing on Oriko’s leg and it was much easier to stand and walk upon, although she would need to come into the hospital for another healing once they returned to Konoha.  The group then began to gather their things, destroyed any evidence that they had been there and cleared away any remaining items belonging to them.

“Alright,” Yamato’s assertive and non-threatening voice attracted the groups’ attention; “I’ll be on point, then Naruto, then Kakashi-sampai and Oriko, Sakura next and Sai at the rear, I want to get across the border as swiftly as possible,”

Everyone nodded their agreement as Yamato, Naruto and Kakashi shot off pretty quickly, Oriko caught up fairly easily although she could still feel her leg was tense and full of complaints. 

They ran through the canopy for a few hours, nobody spoke (to each other, at least) Naruto happily asked hundreds of questions (‘what did you do?’ ‘Where did you go?’ ‘Was your mission to destroy that hideout..?’) although he got only clipped responses from Kakashi (‘It’s classified information, Naruto, I can’t tell you,’ seemed to be the silver-haired shinobi’s favourite). 

They paused a few hours after crossing the Fire country border; Sakura rechecked both her and Kakashi’s injuries and everyone drank a little water.  Kakashi was still quite subdued, he seemed to refuse to look even in Oriko’s direction and made no effort to speak with anyone beyond answering Sakura’s questions.