The Fox's Son

Chapter 53 - Missing Ninja

It had been 4 days since Sango split up from Naruto. She had arrived to Kaede's village in a day's time like Kirara said. A day after, the rest began to arrive at the village. By the third day, everyone was fully united and the Inu gang , plus Kagura, had officially regrouped. The only one who was missing was Naruto.

When they asked Sango about it, she told them that they had split up after leaving the dragon slayer village. However, that was as far as their inquires could go for the red head had given her little information about where he was going and what he was doing to do. She told them of their confrontations with Naraku and how Naruto not only saved Kirara, but Kohaku as well. The group was a little shocked at what they heard. When they asked her how he did, again, she responded that she did not know. This placed the group in serious thought about capabilities and powers of the red head. It was these ponderings that led to the current group discussion.

They were all sitting around the fire in one of the open fields of the village. Sango watched as the fire danced, cracking merrily in the center of the camp. She was know wearing her regular kimono. She left the Hiraikotsu at Kaede's hut, doubting she would need it at the moment. Resting his head on her lap, was her little brother Kohaku. He had fallen asleep after dinner not long ago.

Kagome was sitting across from her with the scroll in her hand that Sango had retrieved from the archives. Beside her, was Shippo, who was currently munching on cookies and coloring. Inuyasha sat not far from her, eating his third serving of ramen. He had two more hot cups beside him that would soon be consumed. Miroku sat on Sango's left, appearing to be in deep thought as he stared blankly into the fire. Kagura just stood a safe distance from everyone with an aloof expression on her face.

"So what do we know about him?" Kagome said.

"He has red hair, weird eyes, and a big ass hat." Inuyasha snorted. Everyone rolled their eyes at his comment before they began to name off certain abilities they seen him display.

"He's unnaturally fast and can disappear in leaves or wind." Miroku said.

"He wields two swords and a bo staff." Shippo commented.

"He was able to heal Kirara and both saved and freed Kohaku from Naraku," Sango said. "He also healed Kagome's injury when we first met."

"When Naraku sent Kagura to ambush us that time and he faced those horde of demon, his swords were encased in blue fire and black and purple lightning." Miroku stated. "He was also a former ninja."

"He's a very good doctor and cook." Shippo replied.

"He can also make clones of himself." Sango added. "Real physical copies of himself."

"Really?" Miroku said sharing everyone's shock at her statement. Not many beings had the ability to do that and if they did, they were usually illusions. Sango nodded her head.

"He also knows things." Kagura spoke up, causing everyone to turn to her.

"Care to elaborate?"Miroku asked.

At this, Kagura stopped fanning herself with her fan and turns to the Inu gang. "He knows things that he shouldn't or couldn't possibly know." Kagura reiterated. "It makes me wonder how he comes across certain information."

Everyone nodded their head in agreement with the demoness. Even Inuyasha had to concede to her point.

"Well the only solid lead we got is the fox demon he seems to be looking for. According to this scroll, it appears its name is Kyuubi." Kagome said as she further inspected the scroll. "The only thing I can't understand is this word. Jinchuriki."

"Human sacrifice." Miroku said.

"Huh?" Inuyasha said.

The monk turned to the hanyou. "That is what the word means." he explained. "I means human sacrifice."

"The scroll also mentions something about the Eight." Sango said thoughtfully.

"The Eight?" Kagura repeated with furrowed brows.

Kagome and Sango turned to the demoness. "You know anything about that?" Kagome inquired.

Kagura thought for a moment. "Not really." Kagura said. "Just a eight powerful demon that were fabled to had ruled the world a long time ago. It's usually a myth few parents tell to their children to get them to behave." she said offhandedly.

"And how did you come across such a tale?" Miroku asked.

"Naraku." Kagura stated simply.

The camp fell silent. All of them lost in their own thoughts. Where was Naruto? What exactly was the man looking for? Did all the things they talked about connect? If they did, what did old legends have to do with the red head? Was he okay? When was he coming back? The prize question that was on everyone's mind since their first encounter with the man was who exactly was Uzumaki Naruto. After a few moments of silence, Kagome spoke, capturing everyone's attention.

"I say we go find him." Kagome said as she rolled up the scroll.

"Hai. I agree." Sango said. She had to admit that she was a little worried for the man. Although he had been with them for a couple of months, he still wasn't familiar with the roads, territories, and demon that rest in their era.

"Didn't he tell you he would meet you here?" Inuyasha said bluntly.

"Yeah, but its been four days now. He should have been back by now." Sango said.

"I want to go see Big Brother Nauto!" Shippo exclaimed cheerily. Kagome didn't miss the way he addressed the man, causing the miko to smile at him.

"I'm fine with it. Maybe we can gather some more information once we find him." Miroku said.

Kagome turned to Kagura, who looked indifferent about the whole thing. "Whatever." Kagura responded with a shrug of her shoulders.

The rest of the Inutachi then turned to Inuyasha, who had his arms crossed. He rolled his eye irritatingly as they stared at him, silently asking if he would come. After a couple more moments, he finally gave in with a defeated sigh.

"Fine." he said reluctantly in his usual gruff tone.

Kagome smiled at this. It was settled. The next morning, everyone with the exception of Kohaku would leave the village and started their journey, looking for the missing ninja