The Path To Darkness (Book Two of The Choice of an Uchiha)

Let the Final Exam Begin!

~Alai~

"Well well, just when I thought it was impossible for the two of you to surprise me anymore. Now here you are coming through my window." Hiro held a curious look on his face while I closed the window. The ANBU knew we were here and knew that we were no threat, so they let us enter the Hiro's office without a fight. I decided we could surprise him by coming in through the window.

Why would I do that? Because the door is what everyone else uses!

"Hiya Hiro! You know I have to be different! Doors are too mainstream." Hiro chuckled lightly.

"Hello Lord Hokage." Kalen greeted as he bowed slightly, Nema following example quickly.

He scanned over our group before stopping to voice his questions.

"And who would these two be? I assume one of them is named 'Nema' but Kakashi's report said nothing of a second companion."

"Oh! That's right you haven't officially met, ok so Hiro this one here." I stood next to Nema and placed my hand on his shoulder before continuing. "Is who Kashi met on that mission. Nema Houzuki. As for the other, you've actually met before. This is Talon!" I announced as I pointed to my left.

~Hirozen~

I glanced over at the person next to Alai, he was same height as Kakashi and Kalen with spiky white hair. When he straightened out from bowing, I picked up on a small detail, his eyes were the same bright blue shade that Alai's is.

His outfit consisted of a open white overcoat, it extended down to his hips before breaking off into two pieces, one in front and a larger piece in the back. The edges were trimmed in gold with the ends of each fabric piece colored blue. Underneath the overcoat he wore a black shirt with black pants and shoes. There was a chain around his neck that resembled Alai's.

"So we finally get to speak together. A pleasure to meet you Talon."

"Likewise Hirozen Sarutobi, I apologize about the last time we had encountered each other. I was unable to converse."

I smiled when I heard the sincerity of his voice, accent and all. "That's quite alright Talon, it was understandable. Though I am happy that our next meeting was a joyous one."

Alai laughed nervously as she remembered what happened last time she had seen me. Talon was able to help her escape with Kalen when they had come back for their personal possessions. "Yeah sorry about that. If we hadn't forgotten our stuff then that never would have happened."

"If you hadn't come back then we would have thought that you were kidnapped. I consider it a good thing."

"You still chased us!" she replied before smiling to me, keeping the conversation light. Nema looked at the scene with an eyebrow raised before he spoke.

"Your so spoiled here Ali, why is it you left again?"

I looked over to Alai quickly, becoming confused with Nema's comment. 'Does he not know why they left?'

The young Beckoner laughed again before explaining. "He's only kidding Hiro! He knows." I nodded my head in understanding before changing the subject. I needed to know why they were here.

"If you don't mind my asking, why have you come?"

She grinned before she announced her reason ."The sand siblings said that they weren't allowed to do anything until the final exam. I was worried about what would happen."

"Because of your warning we were able to prepare. We have required every Shinobi in the Hidden Leaf to be present at the time of the final exams, using the Kazekage's presence as an excuse for extra protection. There are also traps set up in order to contain the threat, should they attempt to extend it to the village. Thank you Alai."