Clash 2: The Wolf and the Desertstorm - a collab with Amaterasu

Chapter 5

"There!" Hiro called as he spotted the bird above the horizon, "it's Kai!" He and Akira came to a halt and Hiro held out his arm for the smaller hawk to land on. "Did you find anything?" he asked.

"The crow and his summoner are a few miles West," the hawk answered, "if they keep up the same speed, they can be at the border in two hours."

They had been traveling for two days and had finally crossed the land of Rivers. From here on, they would follow the border of the land of Fire North. It was a dangerous journey, because Rivers was one of the many places where Akatsuki held residence. Their journey would take them close to Amegakure as well, which was known for its criminal background. For safety measures, the group had decided to stay in close range to one another and Daro had handed out wireless for everyone to carry.

"That must be Akio-sensei," Akira said, his mood brightening considerably.

Hiro nodded and informed their comrades about the news.

"Did you say, Akio-sensei?" Ken's voice crackled through the wireless.

"Yup, Hiro's summons says two hours out."

"Okay, I'll keep my senses—Hold on a minute." Ken cut off, coming to an abrupt stop. "Everyone stop. Hold position and stay quiet. I'm sensing a chakra signature ahead."

From the point of the formation where Daro and Ken were, it was tense. Ken narrowed his eyes as he stretched his senses.

"A friend or foe?" Daro whispered as he crouched and held a hand over his kunai holster.

After a moment, Ken let out a sigh and smiled as he reported his finding to all. "No worries guys. It's one of Hatake-san's summon. He's headed our way, so let's move out to meet him."

Not long after, they were met with the familiar pug. "Yo." Pakkun held up a soft paw in greeting. "Here to steer you in the right direction."

Akira grinned, hands on hips as he looked down on the dog. "Aw, Hatake-san didn't need to do that. We've got Hiro and Ken."

The pug raised a brow as he took in the sight and scents of the Suna boys. "Hm, guess you three aren't out on a picnic if you're with these brats." Pakkun then turned to take point with Ken. "But I'll get the details on the way. Kakashi made it clear no one was to waste time."

"Yeah, we know, Pakkun." Ken held a grim frown as they all set out once again.

"Go Kai," Hiro told his hawk, "find Kera and Sora and tell them to go back. Nakamura-san and his summon will find us now. Go get some rest, we may need you again later."

The little hawk gave a serious nod and flew off to find his comrades.

"No sight of sensei?" Daro asked in a tense voice.

Hiro shook his head. "None of my summons have seen her." He glanced at Daro. "What do you think it means?"

Daro's expression turned grim. "Definitely not a good sign." He bit his lip. "Perhaps we'll know more when we meet up with the others." He jumped to the next tree. "She's tough. She'll manage." But he couldn't quite keep the concern from his voice.

Kuro landed on a tree in front of him and gave him a sympathizing smile. "She's lived through tough situations before. She's going to be fine, you'll see."

Daro nodded. "Yeah, of course she will." The three boys looked at each other, not sure who was trying to reassure who. "Come," Daro said, "the sooner we meet up with the others, the sooner we can get some answers and start this thing." He increased his speed and hurried to catch up to Pakkun.