Paths of Divergence

Interrogation

Chapter 32
-Interrogation

   The group of Anbu quietly trails behind Team Kakashi, keeping their presence hidden. Shizake leads up front, guiding Team Kari while making sure not to get up too close to Naruto and the others. On the occasion that they do, Shizake momentarily stops his squad, allowing the other group to gain some ground on them.

   Nitatchi pulls up next to Shizake, turning his head to him as they dash through tree branches. "So what's going on? What did the Hokage say about this?" Nitatchi asks.

   "Team Ten was sent with Kakashi to find and intercept the Akatsuki members that killed Asuma. Most likely they're already in battle. Team Seven was sent as back up to them thereafter," Shizake explains.

   The Hyuga looks forward, "So what are we going for?"

   Shizake gazes over to Nitatchi and then to Toshika and Kita, "Extraction in case things get ugly. The Hokage wants to be thorough. If things go wrong we smoke the area and pull everyone out immediately. If it ends up happening, I'll need you Nitatchi to act as Captain. I'm sure they'll recognize my voice if I speak."

   "Being cautious I see? Very well. Hopefully it won't come to that," Nitatchi replies.

   Kita jumps forward, joining the two boys before speaking her mind, "Why wouldn't she just send us to attack? We would absolutely outnumber the Akatsuki."

   "Normally I would agree but I think Tsunade doesn't want us joining to limit casualties. Let's say we do jump in. It's going to get chaotic with how many of us there are. We could end up just getting in the way or there's the possibility that the two Akatsuki can take all of us on. We're the safety net that guarantees there are zero casualties," Shizake digresses.

   Kita lowers her head in thought, focusing purely on the tree branches as they move, "That does make sense. Even if we planned a sneak attack we just risk getting the other two teams caught in the crossfire."

   "Precisely. I know it's an odd situation but I need everyone's focus here. I'd rather not have anyone coming out of this with dire injuries," Shizake explains.

   "Captain?" Toshika asks.

   "What is it?" Shizake replies.

   "This would be a chance to question one of those Akatsuki members... if you catch my drift," She says.

   Kita looks back and forth between the two in confusion. "Why would he do that?"

   Toshika sighs, "He's an Uchiha remember? I know it's utterly disobeying the directive but... you're my friend first, Captain second. I know how much getting answers means to you."

   "I'm against it," Kita interjects. "I'm sorry but you just told us to keep focused," She says to Shizake. "Doing that would just make you a hypocrite."

   "Trust me... I thought about it. Even the Hokage warned me beforehand. As much as I want answers I can't this time. I'll keep my head leveled, just as much as you guys," Shizake says.

   "Yeah plus he's gotta make sure his girlfriend stays safe!" Nitatchi jests.

   "Huh? Girlfriend?" Toshika questions.

   "Oh nothing... I definitely didn't catch a certain pink haired kunoichi walking out of his apartment the other day!" The Hyuga sarcastically continues.

   "Nitatchi..." Shizake grumbles in embarrassment.

   "Aw that's adorable! I didn't think you'd ever date anyone!" Toshika exclaims.