destiny calls | *. naruto fanfic

35.

"Everyone ready?" The cool night air washed over Heidan's face as he studied his small group. They had everything planned out, and with Shikamaru's help they had calculated the quickest route to the mountains. This was risky, Heidan knew that all too well. After all, even the senior shinobi were hesitant to go. But he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story. Jounin were no strangers to risk and danger, but it was almost like they were afraid to approach this location. Was this more than a simple abduction? 

"Let's get going," Sakura spoke determinedly, a fire in her eyes that hadn't been there before. She had to try her best to save her friend. No... she would save her friend. Sakura hadn't thought highly of Akari at first. She was lazy, had no motivation, and no skill. At least that's how Akari portrayed herself. But...during the mission to the Land of Waves, Sakura saw someone different. Akari pulled through for them, she showed power that Sakura had never dreamed she would see. But why had she hidden it in the first place? The pink-haired kunoichi set out alongside the small group, determination fueling her every step. 'We're coming, Akari.' 
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"For the last time, I don't know anything about this Koji," Kaito hissed. "How long are you going to keep this up?!" 

"I thought stalking people was your job? Am I remembering incorrectly?" Akari met the blond's gaze evenly, showing no signs of backing down any time soon. 

    Kaito stalked up to Akari, grabbing the front of her shirt. "This is your last chance Akari," His voice was strained, showing signs of frustration and restrained anger. "I was just a kid when this Koji person died, I don't know shit about him you understand?!"

"Sure. It's a shame I can't really remember if I told anyone anything though..." Akari trailed off, her regret very obviously sarcastic. This finally seemed to make Kaito snap, and with a snarl, he spun around and left the room, muttering under his breath. If he couldn't get her to talk then he would just bring someone else into this. 

    Once he was gone, Akari sighed heavily, stress evident on her face and tightened posture. She knew it was only a matter of time, and time was certainly not on her side. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd had a good night's sleep, or the last time she'd eaten properly. Hell she was only upright because of the chains preventing her escape. If Kaito brought who she thought he was bringing... then it was all over. He would see right through her act immediately, and everyone she'd come to care about would die. She was cornered. There was nothing she could do to change this situation. 

"Akari." The door opened once again, the cold voice flooding the space. "I didn't raise you to be this defiant." When the girl didn't reply, he carried on, Kaito following him into the cell. "Are you trying to escalate the situation? Or are you just being stubborn? Kaito here says he's tried everything except the one thing that's been proven to work." The blond flinched at the comment, looking at the ground to avoid the man's disapproving glare. "I think it's about time you left, Kaito." The boy left the room quickly, closing the door behind him. 

"Now, Akari." He turned back to her silent form, seemingly in no rush. "I never imagined I would need to say this to my own daughter but.... we can do this two ways. The easy way..." He pulled out a kunai, fiddling with it. "...or the hard way. Your choice." 
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"I think... this is it..." Heidan slowed to a halt, breathing heavily as he glanced from the map to the village in front of him. The sun was just starting to set; they had traveled almost nonstop to reach this place as quickly as possible, only stopping at the halfway point and about a half an hour out in preparation for what was to come. They were all tired, but their determination to save Akari drove the group of young shinobi onward. 

"This doesn't look like the type of place to kidnap someone..." A sliver of doubt entered Sakura's voice as she watched the peaceful looking village.