Kugutsu no Shinigami

| 31 | Search and Rescue

Having sealed my gear into a single scroll that lies on my back, I arrive at the gate with minutes to spare, simply waiting for the others to arrive.

Surprisingly, in contrast to his typical lateness, Kakashi arrives directly after me.

Wait, how do I know that? I haven't experienced any lateness from Kakashi during my time here.

"Ohayo, Tsumetai!"

I rebut the greeting. "When will the others arrive?"

"Shortly."

Speak of the devil and it shall appear. That is the case with both Sasuke and his fangirl, who arrive on cue.

"Ohayo!" The two chorus, eager to get on with the mission. "Where's Sai?"

"I'm sure he'll be here within the next few minutes or so."

The same concept applies. If you talk about someone, they will suddenly appear.

"Good day."

I hear a voice behind Sasuke, and, knowing that it is Sai, smirk at Sasuke and Sakura jumping into the air, spooked.

I remain nonchalant. "Indeed, it is one."

Sai nods, before turning to Kakashi. "Well, let us begin."

We depart, running to Grass Country in a sprint that will last for 6 hours, twice that if we stopped to rest for an average of approximately two times.

We travel on the ground, knowing that by using any other mode of transport, other hidden villages would interfere with our job.

And of course, Sakura finds it immensely strenuous so I seal her into a spare scroll.

"Nuisance," I scoff, and immediately the others turn on me like a pack of wolves.

"That's not very nice!"

"Not all of us are as good as you! Keep your pride in check!"

Pride. When have I said that before, and who to?

"Ma, ma... don't get so frustrated. Continue the mission and we discuss this once in Grass."

Like sheep, they respond with a positive answer that sickens me. "Yes, Kakashi-Sensei!"

Pathetic, inarticulate, and pitiful.

I nod, refusing to bow my head completely. 

You can't trust anyone, even if they do you. If someone challenges you, never bow to them. Those are my mottos. My guiding words in life, spoken by a wise man.

We run the rest of the way in silence, a pounding headache that lasts for a mere minute or two haunting my mind from Sakura's screeches in her pocket dimension.

"Hush, child. If you were to run alongside Tsumetai and the others, you would be but a hindrance. You will be released shortly, once they arrive."

That is all that needs to be said to silence her, as the deep voice, commanding in nature, booms throughout the quaint pocket dimension. She cowers in the corner, and I smirk, ferally, one that goes unnoticed by all.

At last, we arrive at the border of Kusa no Kuni, a land that, to the contrary, isn't all-encompassing of grass.

Instead, the country is rich with forests, some extreme to the point of consisting primarily of giant mushrooms or bamboo.

It is a place full of shadows, the tall plants obscuring the sun, the entrance to the country dark and foreboding.

"Alright, you guys suppress your chakra signatures and we go in. Use formation Gokakukei (Pentagon), and stick together," Kakashi whispers to us.