Naruto: Silver Bell of the Hidden Sound

*I've borrowed parts of Mr. Bones' rp and made it my own. Since his never got off the ground it won't be the same (I can't read minds).*

Background Story
Long Ago

"I am the one who will establish peace and order."
​

It was an age of endless war. Man versus man. Brother vs. Sister. Father vs. Son. There was no such thing as Ninjutsu or shinobi; ninjas were an unheard of concept. That's when the Sage of the Six Paths appeared. He was the first man to understand the concept of chakra. He spread his ways and his religion, which soon evolved into Ninjutsu. Thus, shinobi were born. The Sage brought peace to the war-ridden world. Because of this, he was known as the Savior of the World. Being the creator of Ninjutsu, he was also known as the God of Shinobi. Over time, the world was split into several countries, with ninja villages within them. The Sage had given the people world peace.

The Ten-Tailed Beast

"It's a fusion of all the Tailed Beasts and possesses the strongest chakra ever."
​

Several centuries ago, the world was attacked by primordial demon, a monster with ten tails, the Jubi. The Sage saved the world from this monster by sealing it within his body, thus becoming a Jinchuriki, a host of a Tailed Beast. However, the Sage knew that upon his death, the seal holding the Jubi in would break and release the monster upon the world once again. The Sage knew that the beast would be let loose to wreak havoc once he died, so upon his deathbed, he used a reality-changing jutsu to divide the Jubi's chakra into 9 separate entities. The 9 entities were the Tailed Beasts. Each beast had a number of tails, ranging from 1 to 9, with 9 having the most chakra. These beasts were scattered throughout the ninja world. As a final precaution, just before his death, the Sage used his own jutsu to seal the Jubi's body in a stone prison and sent it to the heavens, creating the moon. The Sage then died.

The Tailed Beasts

"The nine tailed beasts are nothing more than a division of the Jubi's chakra."
​

The separation of the Jubi's chakra resulted in the Tailed Beasts. Nine of them in total, these beasts were pure chakra, given a physical form the size of a mountain. After being born from the Jubi's chakra and given life by the Sage, they were scattered across the world. Each one seemed to make its home in a certain area of the world, similar to their specific nature. They weren't always there, though. They would disappear for years at a time, and then reappear, only to wreak havoc on the surrounding villages. However, they would always return to their "home" before mysteriously disappearing. Their home was an area filled with its chakra, and, because of this, the Tailed Beast's power would increase whenever it was near its home. Sometimes, if one was lucky, you could find the Tailed Beast in its home in a rare state of sleep. If one was unlucky, you would find it awake. However, it would usually be gone. No one knew where the Tailed Beast went when they disappeared. The worst situations were when two or more Tailed Beast appeared at the same time. In rare cases, the Tailed Beast would cross paths. The Tailed Beasts were just that: beasts. They were wild, uncontrollable, unpredictable, rabid. They would fight each other, causing an unfathomable chaos. Any village caught in the wake of a Tailed Beast, or, even worse, the wake of a fight of Tailed Beasts would suffer almost complete destruction. It was because of this that the villages sought and found a solution. They would seal the Tailed Beasts into certain shinobi, creating Jinchuriki, just like the Sage.

Jinchuriki
"Jinchuriki generally hate people because of their own bad moods."
​

The first Hokage of Konoha, the Village Hidden in the Leaves, had a special ability. His unique jutsu let him capture and control the Tailed Beasts. After a proposed alliance by all the villages, he did just that, and distributed the Tailed Beast among the villages. Each village had its own unique jutsu for sealing the Tailed Beast inside a host, but they all managed to do it. It was traditional for the Jinchuriki to be related to the Kage of its village, to prevent someone with such power from betraying the village. However, instead of being seen as heroes, the hosts were seen as monsters. They were ticking time bombs just waiting to go off and release the sealed monster. They were shunned by their fellow villagers. Because of this, it was common for the Jinchuriki to hate humanity. For the most part, Jinchurikis couldn't control their Tailed Beast. Only a handful of shinobi have been known to be able to completely control them. Jinchurikis are able to tap into their Tailed Beast's chakra, but doing it past a certain extent will let the Tailed Beast take control and eventually escape. Jinchurikis usually have some kind of physical trait that relates to their Tailed Beast. Whenever a Jinchuriki ventured into the home of its Tailed Beast, the Tailed Beast's chakra would increase the Jinchuriki's power and access to its inner Beast's chakra. However, this put them at even more risk of losing control of their Tailed Beast. It was for this reason that the each Tailed Beast was given to a village far from its home.

The Fourth Great Shinobi War
"Next time we meet, it will be on the battleground."
​

The first war started shortly after the First Hokage distributed the Tailed Beasts. The peace treaty fell through and the war started. It finally ended in an armistice, but not until after all Five Great Nations were severely damaged. The second war started when a small village wanted more power. The war resulted in many casualties, but ended in the favor of Konoha and annihilation of the village. The third war resulted from the disappearance of the Kazekage, leader of Suna, the Village Hidden in the Sand. Suna went to such lengths to find him, that they provoked other villages. They never found him, but the war ended.

Now, there has been a war going for a few years. The reason? A rouge shinobi formerly from the Village Hidden in the Sound was taught and tattooed with a forbidden jutsu that could end the wars for good and was forced out of the village she was living in. Each village desires that power to end the fourth war in their favor. The Kages simply declared war upon each other. Konoha and Kiri became allies in the war with Iwa and Kumo doing the same. Suna stayed neutral, not wanting to get involved.

The Shinobi's Disappearances
"Knowing pain controls ones thoughts and decisions."
​

During the war, several shinobi with special talents disappeared. At first, each side blamed the other, but they realized neither village was behind it. Instead, some mysterious organization had been collecting them. No one knows any of the members of this organization, what village they're from, or their goal. But they can't be allowed to capture any more shinobi. However, this isn't enough to stop the war and start an alliance. The Kages of Konoha and Kiri sent out a squad, including their Jinchuriki, and a few other shinobi to find the Shinobi Rei before the organization could find her. The Raikage (leader of Kumo) did the same with his Jinchuriki and the Jinchuriki of Iwa with other shinobi to find the Shinobi before the organization or the Kiri/Konoha alliance can. What Suna and their Jinchuriki are doing, however, is a mystery as well. You are one of three people:

1. A Jinchuriki or shinobi (Genin, Chunin, or Jonin) from either Kiri, Konoha, Kumo, Iwa, or Taki in search of finding a Shinobi named Rei that possesses an ancient forbidden jutsu tattooed on her back and stopping the other team from doing so.
2. A Jinchuriki or shinobi from Suna. You are a neutral party in this war. Your goal is a mystery to all but the Kazekage.
3. A member of the mysterious organization that is capturing the Jinchuriki for unknown reasons.

 

I will be joining and will be a part of group 3. I will fetch my CS in the morning.

 

[video=youtube;SAPyzljp-uM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAPyzljp-uM[/video]

Staring up at the sky, watching the fluffy white clouds pass by peacefully dull brown eyes were closed never to open again. Tears fell into the dirt beside the desceased couple from the glowing red eyes of a young black haired child. "Mother....Father....why? Why did this have to happen... Why me...I don't understand!" Her voice cracked as she cried harder, her hands balling into fists clutching onto the sleeve of a man standing beside her. "Everything that happened today was because they were not strong enough to bear my will. Come Natsuhiboshi...we'll give you a new name and you'll belong to me." Looking up at the man's pale white face, she rubbed her tears away and nodded, "Alright...Lord Orochimaru."

Bolting upright, the same girl from the dream, albit much older, ran a hand across her face, wiping sweat from her brow. "Lord Orochimaru...." She huddled in the center of her makeshift bed, hugging her knees to her chest, "Lord Orochimaru is dead...I'm all alone... He called me...Rei." Rei shut her eyes against the lingering memory of Orochimaru dying and the lack of memories before meeting him.

~~~~Konohagakure: The Village Hidden in the Leaves~~~~

Shikamaru set his report on the Hokage's desk and left quietly. Things were too quiet...but he wasn't one to complain. He enjoyed the silence. Soon...he'd have to find someone else to go with him on the mission the Hokage thought was most important. A Rogue Shinobi with a Forbidden Jutsu that would end the war entirely...he couldn't believe such a person would allow themselves to be found and taken in without a fight. "Ah, what a drag. I really don't want to go off in a random direction to look for someone we don't even know actually exists."

~~~~Iwagakure: The Village Hidden in the Rocks~~~~~

Gathering the available Shinobi, the Tsuchikage issued the single order. "Your mission is to retrieve the Missing Shinobi Rei from the Village Hidden in the Sound. She has fled and taken with her a Forbidden Jutsu we will need to end this war in our favor. If we have it....we will rise to even greater power! Ishuza, if you would." Stepping up beside the Tsuchikage, a medical-nin, "Your mission isn't as simple as it sounds. Finding Rei has proven to be even more challenging than we expected. None of our Hunter-nin can even locate her. Our first and only lead is to start back at the beginning. At the Hidden Sound Village. The remains lie in the Fire Nation, a ways away from here...and...you may encounter other Ninja from other villages." The Tsuchikage glowered at his Jinchuriki, "If they get in our way...eliminate them. We cannot afford any other village to obtain the Forbidden Jutsu."

~~~~~Kumogakure: The Village Hidden in the Clouds~~~~~

"Go forth, my Shinobi...collect the one called Rei of the Sound Village. I put my faith in you."

Yasuzu left without a word, racing along the mountain paths towards the Hidden Sound Village. Lord Raikage...do not despair. Even without my parents here to guide me...I will not fail in fulfilling your wishes.

~~~~Takigakure: Village Hidden by a Waterfall~~~~

"Ah...Ichiro...I have a mission for you. Now that we are apart of the Great Shinobi Villages...as much as it pains me to see us all at war...we must put an end to it with our own might. I want you to pursue this Rei of the Sound Village...but...not to take as a weapon for our village, please. She must be protected and allowed to use her gift for to better this world. This is your mission...protect the Missing Shinobi Rei." Shibuki, Shinkage of Takigakure looked upon Ichiro with gentle blue eyes. The roar of the waterfall hiding their village could be heard in his silence.

~~~~Sunagakure: Village Hidden in the Sand~~~~

Gaara gazed out at his village. Within it was peaceful but outside everything was chaotic. He hoped Naruto and his village was alright within this war. Finding this girl....it was important...but it held no interest for him. Why find someone with a Forbidden Jutsu to end a war that he wasn't apart of. For the good of his village, he'd stay out of it. Then there was the missing ninja's being taken from the villages...from his village...his Shinobi. Turning his head just a little to catch the breeze, he saw Temari and her student. Temari who was his sister...Temari who he trusted, wasn't that right? "Temari..."


Deep somewhere in the recesses of the land, where the screams of the lost could not be heard above ground.... "Crack, crack...crack my darling~ Round and round your head goes when you're dead~" A song rose from the lowest parts of this secret organization's confines. A song of disturbing qualities. "Crack, why don't you CRACK! Tell me, tell me quietly...tell me your blood secrets~" Cutting off the rest of the song, screams from multiple Shinobi followed suit and laughter rang out like the bell toll of the end of a hard days work.

 

Ako smiled as he crossed back into Kumogakure, an aura of familiarity returning to him. It had been a week since he had lied in his old bed or seen the prospering students. His escort mission was a success. He smiled as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Walking through the village, he noticed Yasuza, who seemed very determined.

"Hello there," Ako said lightly, slightly waving.

 

~Sunagakure~​

"You've done well so far, Kamon, but I have nothing more to teach you. You are a full-fledged Suna kunoichi, at least to me. Just wait until you're a Jonin, that'll be the day..." Temari said sweetly to her student.
"Temari-sensei? Are you sure I'm ready? I don't- I don't feel ready." Kamon replied.
"Trust me, you are. You just don't know it yet, pupil." Temari winked. Kamon sighed happily, Temari-sensei knew she hated being called "pupil".
The jonin turned her head as she heard her name being called. There she saw Gaara, her brother and the Fifth Kazekage. "You wait here, Kamon. I'll be back shortly." Kamon nodded.
Temari quickly walked to Gaara. "Yes, Gaara?"

 

"Yes Lord Shibuki." Ichiro replied as he left their leaders room. He was given the task of finding a girl named Rei from the hidden sound village, but he had no clue on where to start. Any idea on where to start Chomei? He asked his Biju, but like always he didn't get a response. Didn't think so.

~Konohagakure~

At the training grounds Kaito was seeing how well his fire, water and lighting style jutsu were going. He'd set up three different logs, each on was design for once of his three element attacks. First up was fire style, making the necessarily hand sign he sent a ball of fire at the log label fire. Next was water style, took out a bottle of water and poured half of it on the ground in front of him. With a different combination of hand signs, a shark appear from the puddle and struck the log labeled water. Finally came lightning style, holding his hand out towards the lighting label log, he concentrated his charkra at the palm of his hand until it became visible as sparks. As the sparks soon engulfed his entire hand, he shot a a bolt towards the log, piercing it. Seems like I still now what I'm doing. He said to himself.

 

Kai was tracking down another set of Shonobi from Sunagakure. He used the techniques he learned against them like all the others. "Very little help these ones were to me. At least some of the information given was useful. Rei of the Village Hidden by Sound. You could be of great use to us. Better check back in with Ritski about this." He grabbed two surviving victims and leaped into the trees to begin his travels back to the Organisation's hideout. He was thinking of how he and the others could use this forbidden jutsu to their advantage. The thoughts gave him an evil smirk. Finally we can end this pain and suffering to nature.

He arrived at the Organization. While walking in he could hear Ritski singing a song that he always sang. He walked down to the deep bowels of the base. He could here Ritski singing "Crack, why don't you CRACK! Tell me, tell me quietly...tell me your blood secrets~" "of the old. Crack or else death will be the only story you tell... I swear Ritski. All you do is sing that song while torturing your victims. Can you sing something a bit more, soothing. I start singing the damn thing every time I leave the hideout. Here, I have two more for you to have fun with." He threw the shinobi to him. "Looks like there is a girl out near the Hidden Sound Village. A great forbidden jutsu is within her. What do you think we should do?"

 

~Iwagakure~​

Shinji listened carefully to every direction of the order that the Tsuchikage gave. He made sure to take it to heart when he was directed personally. "Yes, Tsuchikage. It will be done."
After receiving the order, Shinji moved out and made his way to the Village Hidden in the Sound. "This sounds like it'll be one of the tougher missions...All the more reason to do it right." He thought as he exited the Village border.
Assuming the other Iwa Shinobi had followed him, Shinji quickly but carefully entered the Sound village's borders, making sure to take a good look at his surroundings. He didn't see any enemy ninja yet. That was good. But he needed to keep his guard up if he wanted to get through this. With one hand on the hilt of his blade, Shinji moved into the Sound Village.

OOC: I thought I'd get the ball rolling with the Sound Village mission. That way everyone else has got someone to see (and possibly fight) when they arrive.

 

~~~~Konohagakure: The Village Hidden in the Leaves~~~~

Kakashi watched Kaito's training. Even without much training the boy had three different styles down pretty well...but it wouldn't be enough for the mission they were about to go on. Kaito...Kakashi and Shikamaru would leave the village sometime in tomorrow to search again for the Hidden Sound Missing-nin. "Your control is well...but your power is still low. Distancing yourself from one style to learn another has divided your mind and your chakra into separate parts for each. Not to mention the time difference between the three is wide and leaves you open for attack." Hopping down from the tree, Kakashi flipped closed the latest book in the Icha Icha series and chucked a kunai into the woods beyond Kaito's training dummies.

~~~~Kumogakure: The Village Hidden in the Clouds~~~

Yasuzu stopped and frowned at Ako. "Ako...you just got back from your mission? I know you pride yourself on your success but your completion rate is slow. The Raikage has already issued a new order for all available Shinobi. Do not get in my way." she said with a glare towards her fellow shinobi and disappeared below the cloud barrier of the village.

~~~~Sunagakure: The Village Hidden in the Sand~~~~

Gaara turned his blue eyes over to Temari, "There's a lot of commotion involving the girl Rei...and the jutsu she possesses... If that justu should fall to this organization that is kidnapping shinobi from our village, we'll have a lot more to deal with than just a war and lowered man power. I have a mission for your student and you. I'm trusting you with something very important. Gather as much information on this organization stealing our Shinobi and report back. Without knowledge on who they are...I don't know how we should proceed." Turning away from his sister, he looked out over the village once more, lifting his arms to the sky and letting the breeze ruffle his Kazekage robes, "I want to protect this village...and I can't do that if I don't know what I'm up against."

Turning, a man with black hair and Sharingan eyes smiled kindly at Kai. Though he stood in front of several shinobi from multiple villages that were tied to wooden logs with twine wrapped so tightly around them it cut into their skin. "Oh, Kai, you've returned. I'm going to ignore your words today because I'm in a good mood. Hmm? A girl...with a forbidden jutsu? So...they weren't lying to me after all." He turned to the bleeding and broken Shinobi, "Forgive me...I seem to have gone a little overboard." He grinned while speaking and slid a kunai knife into each of their throats, ending their lives. "Now...I'm trusting these two you've brought me will know a little more, yes? Kai...retrieve the girl. Forbidden jutsu or not...I've heard she has very special talents. One more to add to our ranks. Oh...and stop bringing me these pathetic Shinobi...they have to gifts to offer us. Isn't that right?" Out of the darkness stepped several other Shinobi with deep lines cut across their headbands, marking them as rogues. "Yes, Lord Ritski."

 

Kohohagakure ~

Kaito turned to Kakashi when he'd heard what he'd said about his techniques. "That usually why I try to use only one element in a fight Kakashi-sensei. I''ll use another element type when I have too, just have to make sure there's enough time to do so." He said to his superior. For the most part he was aware of the risk of switching techniques mid-battle. While the Sharigan did help, he was nowhere as skilled with it compared to Kakashi.

Takigakure~

Man, I wish I had something to go off of. Ichiro thought as he reached the gate of his village. Since Chomei wasn't going to help him and the village didn't have too many leads. Guess I'll just have to wing it. He thought before heading out in search of Rei.

 

"Thanks for the tip," Ako called out to Yasuzu.

While the insults did land on him, he knew that she was right. As a shinobi, he always had to be on top of everything. Without hezitation, he made his way to recieve his mission. After hearing Raikage's words, he knew that there was no time for rest or thinking. He hurried back through the mountains, hoping he could catch up to his comrades.

 

Temari nodded. "I understand Gaara. It will be done." Pausing, the jonin approached her brother. "And saying this as your sister, you're doing an amazing job... maybe even better than Father." She gave a smile and turned back to Kamon, walking to her.
"What was that about, Temari-sensei?" Kamon asked, looking up to her teacher... well, old teacher.
"Gaar- the Kazekage has given a very... special mission. We need to gather information on this organization gathering various shinobis." There was a grim look on Temari's face. "Oh, and you don't have to call me 'sensei' anymore, Kamon. I am no longer your teacher and you no longer my student. I now see you as a capable kunoichi."
Kamon smiled. "Thank you... Temari," the girl stopped herself from uttering 'sensei'. "But it will be done. We shall work on this mission, not as student and teacher, but as two kunoichis... right?" Kamon asked. Temari nodded.
"Now, we start in Konohagakure first. It's a very respectable and peaceful village, plus, I know some people there... from way back when..." she said, remembering back to her Konoha friends, whom she hadn't see in ages. "Well, let's head out then. We cannot hesitate."

 

Kai looked at Ritski as if he was insane. "Good mood or not, I will speak as I wish to you." Kai said this in a very sarcastic tone. He picked up the two shinobi he had taken and dragged them over to Ritski. "These two have much more to tell. You just have to, 'crack' them is all. Before I head out to the Sound, I ask you send one of your special shinobi with me. Many of the villages have mos likely caught wind of this girl. I may not be enough." He walked to the large statues that watched the door. He paused for a moment. Without turning his head, Kai spoke out, "Unless you want to have some fun with me for once. You could use some 'light' after all." He waved his head and slowly walked out.

 

~~~Konohagakure: Village Hidden in the Leaves~~~
Kakashi smiled and waved one finger at Kaito. “Sometimes…using only one type of jutsu in a battle will prove to be your demise. See…when using only Fire style jutsu against a Water style jutsu or Earth style jutsu…your attacks won’t work. See? Now…remember when I threw that kunai knife? Where do you think it went? Into the tree over there? Or is it perhaps…right here!” he snatched a flying kunai out of the air before it could bury itself into Kaito. “It’s a new jutsu I’ve been working on since fighting a man named Tobi. I may not be very good with Fire style jutsus…but I can help you develop in other areas.” His single visible eye opened and looked towards the tree he’d thrown the kunai at, “You can come out now Naruto. Honestly…for wanting to be Hokage…you certainly need to work on your blending in skills.” Out fell the orange clad ninja from the branches of the tree, rubbing his head and grinning like a child caught red-handed.

~~~~The Village Hidden in the Sound~~~
Yasuzu landed quietly outside the Hidden Sound Village. Slipping on her ANBU mask in the shape of an eagle, she drew her katana from her back and slowly made her way inside. Passing by each house, she let her Byakugan search for signs of life. Nothing…wait…pausing, Yasuzu focused more of her chakra to narrow onto what she’d found. Someone was wandering through the village…was it Rei? No…a boy….a strange boy with incredible chakra. Following him, Yasuzu stuck to the shadows, using her Byakugan to keep a low profile.

~~~Sunagakure: The Village Hidden in the Sand~~~
Gaara was left shocked and slightly bitter by his sisters words. Though they were true and he took great pride in doing well as the Kazekage…but to be reminded of his father at a time like this…it only brought back painful memories. “Father…Yashamaru… I can only pray you’ve forgiven me. It must be done.” Gaara, himself, left the village, hurrying to Konohagakure also.

Ritski chuckled coldly. The twine holding the shinobi to the logs released them and wrapped up the new shinobi. “You want someone special to go with you to hold your hand, eh, Kai? You wanted special!” his eyes widened with hysteria, “I have just the SPECIAL one for you!” His laughter echoed after Kai but the figure that followed Kai was almost soundless.

 

Ako could feel fatigue growing on him as he hurried his way through the forest, heading towards the sound village. He could feel that he was at half of his capacity for chakra, which was risky, considering the mission. He could feel the presence of the other shinobi in front of him, at least glad that he was catching up to the rest of the group.

 

Konohagakure

Crap, I forgot about that. Kaito thought to himself as Kakashi caught the kunai heading for his face. While his attempt to impressed Kakashi had failed, he was glad to hear that he would offer to help him. "Thanks Kakashi-sensei." He said before turning to Naruto.

 

ooc: don't let me die... *ahem* that was the thread speaking
IC:

~~~Konohagakure: Village Hidden in the Leaves~~~

Naruto picked himself up, still grinning like a fool, "What are you talking about Kakashi-sensei? I'm already Hokage, BELIEVE IT!" Kakashi gave him a blank stare, "Uh...is there something on my face?" Shaking his head, Kakashi put away his kunai, "No, Naruto...but don't you have a lot of work to do? I was a temporary Hokage and that's a lot of work...I didn't have any time to read the new Makeout Paradise book..." Making a displeased face, Naruto folded his arms, "Ah, I got bored of that so I took a walk. Until Sakura called the ANBU Black Ops to find me..." he sighed, "It's not so much fun being Hokage, Sensei...but...I'm still working to earn everyone's respect! You'll see...they'll know the name Naruto Uzumaki!" Pride spread through Kakashi, though he hid it well and patted Kaito's shoulder, "That's great, Naruto...but I have to train my other students now. You should go back to the village before you get into more trouble."

 

Eventually, the duo made their way to Konohagakure. There Temari stood, at the great gates of the Hidden Leaf. "It's-it's been so long," she said to herself. A smile formed on the woman's face as she and Kamon made their way into the peaceful village. "Hm, I wonder..." she said a little too loud.
Kamon looked up. "Hm? Something the matter Temari?" the girl asked. Temari shook her head.
"No, everything's fine. I was just wondering if a certain someone was here." Kamon, with a confused look on her face, looked around the area.
"Who?"
"Shikamaru Nara," Temari answered with a grin. There was a slight pause between the two, until Temari finally said with a cough. "Um, but we don't have time for formalities. We have a mission to fulfill." Kamon nodded in agreement as they went and asked random people if they knew anything about this mysterious Organization.

 

~~~Konohagakure: Village Hidden in the Leaves~~~

Shikamaru dragged his feet as he walked with his old friend, Choji, towards the main entrant to the village. "What a drag...who would've thought that sending out a few jonin would prove to be so difficult on us. Although...I don't really know what's all going on, but I'm trusting Naruto's choice here." Choji grinned, "Mighty big of you, Shikamaru." He only frowned at the ground and kept walking.

Naruto stood, brushing himself off and lowered his voice to a more serious tone, "Kakashi-sensei...I want to talk to you about something." Curious, Kakashi stopped in his tracks, "What is it, Naruto?" Naurto glanced at Kaito, almost mournfully, and he and Kakashi moved a ways away so they wouldn't be overheard.

~~~Village Hidden in the Sound~~~

Yasuzu stopped and whirled around, her sword being drawn the same time someone drew a kunai. Clashing, sending sparks flying, Yasuzu glowered behind her mask at the attacker. His face too was covered by a plain white mask and a hood drawn over his head. But this cloak...those red clouds..."Who are you!" she demanded and the only response she got was a shifting of the kunai and several glittering white butterflies scattered, peeling off from the figure's cloak, mask and weapon. Jumping back, Yasuzu held her sword reverse and focused her Byakugan on the figure. "Such a pity...I would've thought that maybe...just maybe..." the figure's voice was that of a womans. Surprised, Yasuzu lowered her sword a bit and suddenly the woman was incredibly close to her, her mask close enough to Yasuzu that she could've sworn she saw brown eyes behind it's eye slits. "Hmph...foolish child of the Cloud. Chidori Scream!" Along with the regular burst of lightning chakra came the ear-splitting shriek of the one-thousand birds Chidori was known for. Knocking Yasuzu backwards, she skidded along until she slammed into a building that was crumbling away. "Ngh... You think...I'm the child here? Your jutsu will be no match for me!" Flipping her sword the right way in her hand, she held it low beside her left hip. "Cloud-Style: Crescent Moon Beheading!" Bringing her sword up and across, her chakra manifested into a crescent moon shaped arc aimed directly at the woman.

 

~Village Hidden in the Sound~

Now arriving at the village, Ichiro tried to wonder where would the best place to start looking. There has to be something here I can use as a clue. He thought before he heard the faint shriek of what sounded like a thousand birds. Guess I'm not the only one who came here. Without taking any second thought or listening to Chomei for any advice he might've offered he headed in the direction of the shriek.