Picking up the pieces.

The area around me seemed so peaceful. What a contrast it was to what we had experienced only a few days prior. Life was slowly coming back together after the traumatic events that had occurred. A new dawn was upon Kumogakure. We required a new leader, but were any of us really worthy enough to take the spot of Eiichiro. They were big boots to fill and after hearing word that many of our shinobi had fled to different villages, who was left to take the reins? I was certainly too young for such a task, but perhaps there were others out there.

Soon enough I was gifted with another presence at my side. Though, not one that I was expecting. It was another shinobi from Kumogakure. Izumi Omoi. I had never heard the name before, though there was a lingering feeling telling me that the two of us were connected.

He was here to oversee the mission I was about to embark on. This was good. The more hands I had assisting me with this task; the better. The contents within this package was still up for discussion. I wondered whether Izumi had some idea as to what lay within. I definitely was intrigued to find out what the fuss was about. Although he probably already knew my name, I still thought it to be customary to introduce myself to him. "Nice to meet you," I calmly spoke to him, "my name is Yūhi, Kohaku."

It was good to know that I still had allies in the shinobi world. I was yet to make any real friends within Kumogakure throughout my very short stay here. A sigh of relief came over me as I realised that I would not be embarking on this mission alone. I felt a bearing weight of responsibility hang on my shoulders as I glanced down to the package once more. It had been the last order that I had received from the Raikage. I was going to see it carried out until the end.

In the distance ahead I could see an incoming individual. I was unsure whether or not he was the envoy from Kusagakure. Perhaps the invaders were back for a second round attack on the village. It was best to keep my guard up. "I think this might be our guy," I whispered to Izumi before leaping off the platform I had been situated on. Landing in front of the gates leading into the village, I awaited for the man to come closer.

"The package is here," I said to him whilst waving it about in my right hand gently. "We'll both be accompanying you back to Kusagakure to deliver this package to the Kusakage ourselves. Although that was not apart of the original mission details, certain circumstances have changed how we will be going about this mission. I hope you can understand," I finished whilst gesturing to the crumbling structures of the village behind us. Once again I would be venturing off into unknown lands. This time though, I'd have a friend in Izumi by my side.

It was often difficult at times to keep up with the leader of our pack. Izumi had become a natural at scaling through the mountainous terrain of Kaminari no Kuni. I was a mere novice at it, having little to no experience. The only time I had really ventured out far enough away from the village was when I was first inducted into the Kumogakure ranks by the ex-Raikage, Eiichiro. How times had changed since then. I was a new person now - for the better.

Although a struggle, I was still able to keep up at a relatively standard pace. I noted that the shinobi from Kusagakure was enjoying himself in our terrain. It made me wonder what Kusa no Kuni was like in comparison to this. What came to my mind was the image of a mere stroll in the park compared to what we faced now. Soon I would realise the path Izumi was directing us. Straight ahead it seemed as if the world came to a halt. A vertical drop to the abyss below. I was not a fan, but there seemed to be no other way.

"Bastard," I cursed after Izumi leaped down the side of the cliff. Next went the shinobi from Kusagakure. Finally, it was my turn. I took a deep breath in and leaped to what could have potentially been my death. I kept my mind focused, grabbing ahold of rocks here and there to sustain a steady pace down the mountain. The other two shinobi seemed to be much more capable than I was when scaling down. I was still able to keep up with them, though only slightly behind.

Once we reached the bottom, I gazed around at something familiar. It had been where I had came when Eiichiro had found me. I had escaped the ROOT, hoping to find a better life. Did it really turn out like that though? My mind flashed back to a time in which Lord Au dictated everything that I did. Sure I was a mere puppet, but my life was secure whilst under his wing. I had lost that feeling when coming to Kumogakure. Things were different - for the worse. I had to do something. There was still much ahead of me, yet I saw nothing for me in Kumogakure anymore. "Izumi," I called out one we came to a stop.

I moved over to him, handing him the package and my bag of ryo. "Take this with you. I'm afraid our journey together ends here. I have some unfinished business to attend to in Hi no Kuni," I spoke whilst passing my contents over. "Raikage Eiichiro entrusted me with yet another final task before his passing," I lied, "I hope you understand. We might see each other again... one day."

Nodding to the ninja from Kusagakure, I quickly dashed away from the pair before they had a chance to respond. I was off on my own again, running through the lands of the unknown. Though now I knew where my destination would be. I was going back home, back to the life I had left in Konohagakure. I only prayed that my master would still be there. I was better off in the ROOT. Things out here were just not cut out for me. I preferred the shadows. It was far more easier to get things done, and not get caught.

Exit && Ryo added to Haru's profile.