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

Chapter 16

The three figures gasped as the earth beneath them rumbled wildly. Taryn did not need her Byakugan to sense the murderous intent that followed. She looked at her two remaining students with a determined expression. She had asked for them to stay specifically. The plan had already been set into her mind, but now she feared she needed to make more haste.

Only... this plan was very dangerous.

It meant going back into the belly of the beast.

And there was only a small chance of success. If Satoru had beaten her to it, then it was all over.

"Come," said and she slowly crawled to her feet.

"Sensei, you shouldn't be moving," Daro protested when she lightly swayed on her feet.

Kumiko stared at her with wide eyes.

"I'm afraid we don't have a choice," Taryn said. She took a deep breath. "There is something I need to do. And I need you two to help me."

***

They had barely reached the entrance of the hide-out's caves when the especially strong earthquake hit. The eerie howl mixed in the rumble had the party of three holding their breaths.

"Oh no..." Akira swallowed hard, his mind already picturing what lay ahead.

"Too late." Kakashi feared the worse. Enemies from all sides were now in danger, as were their allies. "Hisayo..."

"No, we can still reach her. If anything, her current state will force the enemy retreat. We can take advantage of that chance to bring her to her senses." Akio pushed ahead, entering the caves.

"What about Ken?" Akira was fearing for his teammate's well-being. "He's got to be closer than we are, no doubt."

"Ken is no fool." Akio assured the worried boy.

"But last time he—"

"Knows the risks. He won't do anything foolish."

"Don't count on it." Akira muttered with a frowned, not believing that for a moment. Ken was his teammate. Akira knew he himself was prone to leaping ahead and taking risks, but Ken was even worse. Having a sense of guilt and failure tended to do that to a person—and Ken had always felt he failed Hisayo since that time of the Chunin Exams.

***

"Wh-what was that?" Hiro shivered.

"I don't know," Kuro muttered, "but it can't be good." They were closing in on Akio and the others fast. "Do you think they are okay?"

"With Akio-san, everything will be alright." Suzume nervously assured. She had at least hoped it would all be alright. Without Akio, she and the others would be at a loss as to what to do regarding Hisayo. That eerier howl was similar to Satoru's, but Hisayo's was easily picked out between the two. Being one of her students who spent the most time with her out of others from the village, she along with Ken and Akira, Hisayo's knowing friends, and her family, knew her call.

"Please," Kinu sounded near begging, afraid almost as she turned to the two boys. "Please, do not panic or be afraid of what may be ahead."

The two boys exchanged glanced. "Now I really am worried," Hiro whispered to his comrade.

Kuro took a deep breath. "Let's move on."

***

The Ookami steadied themselves when the earthquake shook the entire underground.

"What's happening?"

"Leader-sama again?"

No," Another murmured nervously. "That felt even stronger."