Betrayal: Meeting the Spy [DE]

[fina]

Though the pouring rain had stopped coming down for some time now, the haunting gray that stained the skies would seem to never go away, a permanent trait of these lands that would forever forsake it to darkness and isolation. Ever-present, it would threaten another storm yet never fully come through, leaving the Hyuuga to soon grow accustomed to it while he waited. Sighing, he’d tap his backpack once, the various items within shaking as he quickly swapped headbands. His classic Leaf one would be put away, replaced by an original Sand model acquired long ago. Tied loosely and stylishly to his neck, he’d wear it as if it was his own; should any stray onlooker find their curiosity leading them towards the lone Hyuuga, the sight of an ally would surely quell any negative behavior.

A brief set of static came his way before the radio waves cleared up, and in a few moments, a test would be shot off in order to ensure his team was well off. White eyes would keep a look out all around as he panned his head from left to right, hoping this particular meeting would end without any problems. Currently, he found himself holed within a small forest, well within reception range of the team, yet not for long. While they moved he remained slightly stationary, a result of his unique objective. Sensing no one in the vicinity, he’d shoot off a call to the team in order to break the cycle of boredom.

“Testing, testing!”

“How about a status check? Everything’s clear for me...no one in sight. Any water heads on your end?”

The words were but a whisper, but thanks to the advanced technology afforded to shinobi these days, the team would hear the message just fine over the radio waves. Ichi cleared his throat once as he awaited answers, keeping in mind he’d have to know when they were moving in order to keep up. He had not told them about this meeting due to the severity of the situation, including the delicate information at stake and the negative outcomes that could result from the information spilling. This was of the last genuine Rain spies they had, most lost in time due to money elsewhere or simply carelessness. Nonetheless, the value of the few they had was insurmountable, evident by the urgency level Ichi had given the meeting. In order to truly protect their identities from being compromised in case brainwashing occurred, no exact location would be agreed upon for the meet, but instead, a particular route of places in a certain time window would be the ideal choice; eventually, the two skilled shinobi would encounter.

The clock struck noon but the dark skies barely announced it. Sighing, he'd continue to pace around, sticking to the general location without straying too much. The plains were flat around him for at least fifty yards, before the dense forest took over again. A mild boulder in the middle of the treeless clearing would prompt him to indulge in his playful side, a quick climb leaving him standing at the peak's top, a few feet at least from the ground. As he tiptoed across the boulder, he'd be sure to keep his all seeing eyes active, ready to spot his contact upon his arrival well before they knew of Ichi's nearby presence.

It was only a matter of time.

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[— sora!]

His hands would be jammed into his pockets and head titled down. The rain beat against his body, soaking his clothing and hair yet he paid no attention to it. His focus right now was getting back to the Iron Citadel. Akuseru’s adventures were cut short when he realized he had forgotten a precious item of his. It was very precious indeed, so precious he was willing to travel across two countries again just to reclaim it. However, on his way back to Tsuchi no Kuni, it would seem destiny was on his side for the youth had bumped into a friend he thought he would never see again, Hyuuga Ichijin.

ICHIJIN! Was what the Airontoku wanted to say. However, his other selves prevented him from doing so. They knew a good opportunity when they saw one, and this was it. During their adventures together, he had failed all attempts in surprising Ichijin. However, having not seen him in years and meeting up with the Madoukishi no Hyuuga in such a place would definitely give them an advantage. The distance wasn’t more than thirty meters between the two, and Akuseru knew he hadn’t been noticed yet. With a single hand seal, he would use the henge technique too transform his appearance. Now, he appeared just as Ichijin did, a doppelganger if you will. Only this doppelganger had a bit of a twist too it. His eyes were not that of the Hyuuga, but of the Uchiha. The branch symbol of the Hyuuga clan would be as clear as day on his forehead and he would have a beard that extended down to his feet.

Now to execute his plan. He would walk towards his old friend ever so silently, hoping his white eyes was not activated. The Hyuuga Heir seemed busy speaking into the radio, perhaps he was on a mission? No matter though, for a good laugh is far more important than any mission. Ichijin may disagree at first, but Akuseru knew deep down in his heart he believed the same thing! Anyways…he walked with caution, being very careful not to alert the all seeing Hyuuga. When he was just two meters away he would begin to speak.

“Excuse me…” Ichijin would hear his own voice behind him, and that was all that needed to be spoken. Upon turning around, the former Hokage would know the imposter to be Sora simply due to the sheer level of shenanigans. Heheh, Shenanigans.

[fina]

The responses blurted over his communicator were more than satisfactory, the trio shooting back the same kind of information he provided them within seconds of his request. Each of their voices was easily recognizable, and although deep within their tones lingered traces of a foreign, mechanical feel, they were nonetheless alive and well. Smiling, Ichi would cease his conversation for the moment, not wanting to appear too concerned over them. Instead, he’d take note of their imminent change in position, resulting in his subsequent moving as well. His target was no where in sight, so he had no choice but to follow along in their relocation. Sighing, he’d take to his traveling, keeping close to the established routers, making sure he would not loose contact with the group. Although he’d speak nothing this time, his ears would always be sharp and aware, eager to listen in on his flock’s cry for help should it come. It’d be during this time that he’d observe the approach of a rather oddly familiar looking fellow. Though he’d be reluctant to say anything at first, he’d let his white eyes lead him on, allowing the Hyuuga to effectively turn the imminent prank back onto its creator.

Now THAT’S a face I haven’t seen in a while…

Playing along to the jinx, he’d turn, an obviously fake expression worn as the two met eye to eye. His mouth open, he’d sigh loudly before breaking the jest, his eyes rolling as he reached out to flick his old friend a few times for good measure. He’d aim to destroy the man’s costume, as shenanigans would not interrupt their hearty reunion. Though white eyes would continue to burn, he’d nonetheless wave and grin at his friend now, one hand scratching the back of his neck while the other rested at his side. Much was left to be said, but given their lengthy separation, the Godaime would simply not know where to start. Perhaps his old friend could help spark their conversation?

“What the helllllll you doin’ out here, in this muck!?”

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[— sora!]

Damn! The Airontoku knew his plan was ruined the moment he had caught a glimpse of those veins of his which always appeared to be on the verge of bursting. The Byakagun, the reason for Akuseru’s eternal misery! Well not really, that would be wee-bit over dramatic for him and a complete lie. Well he got him to roll his eyes and let out a sigh though! That was a victory in the Airontoku’s crimson eyes. Ichijin’s look-alike would flash him a grin as the henge technique released into a puff of smoke, revealing the white-haired, soft featured Sora that the Hyuuga knew. Only now, he had grown a bit taller than Ichijin, where as when they last met he was shorter.

"Eheheh." Akuseru would chuckle as he placed both hands on the back of his head, his elbows protruding to the sides. “I told you I’d get out of the Citadel eventually and continue traveling.” He told him, reminding the Hyuuga of his ambitions. "Unfortunately…I’m headed back there. I’ve forgotten the Ryujin Jakka... Yeah, yeah, I know how important it is, you don’t have to lecture me." He would say before Ichijin could even reply. Anyone who knew of the Ryujin Jakka would likely scold the youth for forgetting something so important. The sword he spoke of Ichijin knew well, for he had received the blade just before they met, and although he wasn’t as capable with it back then as he is now, the Hyuuga knew well of its power. The soldier would let out a soft sigh as he glanced downwards, but his thoughts would quickly drift back towards his old friend.

"What about you? This place isn’t exactly the best for a vacation." He would say as he glanced up at the weather and grinned a bit as the rain drops poured downwards. The ground was muddy as well, and the humidity in the air didn’t really make things better. "A mission?" Was all he would say as he held himself up higher by standing on his toes and his eyebrows perked up curiously. Akuseru wanted in and it was written all over his face.

[fina]

His old friend’s tales would certainly be entertaining, the once concerned Hyuuga now finding the time and emotion to relax and let out a few laughs for good measure, white eyes still retained. Despite the years maturing his frame and even forcing him a tad bit taller than when he last saw him, the youth still retained the same joyful attitude, a joke never ceasing to be played in between his endeavors. And was he sharp as ever! Hiding information from the Airontoku never got him far, as he’d established the white haired youth to be of the few he could truly rely in; like Nami, he’d gladly trade his life to save an eternal comrade. Hearing mention of the Citadel would cause his ears to perk up and his interest to grow even more, and after a devilish grin was worn, he’d respond to the youth’s question carefully.

“So you’re going to Earth, eh? Hm…yeah, I’m doing a mission here, but I’m almost done. After that, it just so happens that I’m going to earth too…”

“I got some ‘heavy lifting’ that might require help from a comrade – care to join?”

Though a very ambiguous statement, he knew his partner would instantly recognize his insinuations, their years spent plundering together in their earlier youth allowing them to establish a trustworthy and effective partnership which managed to work itself through any problems. In this case, he saw too good of an opportunity in Sora to let it slip by. Besides, he didn’t want to endanger his current back up team; they were in over their heads already. Ichi was proud of how they were handling themselves, but knew it wouldn’t be long before even he couldn’t afford to watch anyone’s ass outside of his own. Sighing, he’d listen to Kousei’s message, moving alongside with them, but not yet responding. He’d let his friend speak first.

[/font]

[— sora!]

“Heh, you already know the answer to that question!” He said with a sly grin on his face. It was no secret that the Airontoku was adventurous. The boy had practically lived a life of confinement within the steel fortress known as the Iron Citadel. Despite his dark past, he was able to continue moving forwards, always moving forwards. A soft sigh would escape the lips of Akuseru before looking back up at Ichijin.

“So, what will the famed Madoukishi no Hyuuga be taking care of in Ame no Kuni? Perhaps we’ll be going into Amegakure…?”Akuseru would ask with a chuckle, referring to Ichijin as the Wizard-Knight Hyuuga. Even those in the Citadel knew of his existence, being the Godaime Hokage and Hyuuga heir and all. When they spoke of Hyuuga Ichijin, that is how they referred to him. His crimson eyes glimmered with excitement, for the youth had never entered a hidden village himself. Now that he was finally free to do as he please, visiting all the villages was of course one of his goals, regardless of whether he would be welcomed or not. A simple glance was all he needed to be satisfied. His eyes would glance over to the buzzing radio in his hands. Akuseru figured he would give Ichijin a second too respond rather than bombard him with all the questions he had about the past few years.

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[fina]

It’d be during his comrade’s eager tone that Kousei’s voice would sudden invade his left ear. His tone was excited, and given the radio silence they had established for quite some time now, the Hyuuga would be slightly surprised with its sudden entry. A hand would be held high in Sora’s direction as the information came in at real time, indicating to his friend a message of importance beckoned for his undivided attention. Once the location was confirmed to be found, Ichi’s wait would be over. Despite the fact his contact failed to show for undetermined reasons, he’d accomplished all he needed, all at the hands of his backup team; things were going good! Eager, he’d waste no time, directing Sora to move alongside the Hyuuga. Once they started walking towards the direction of his team, he’d divulge some vital information. As always, his Byakugan to remain active to ward the medic of any dangers.

“I just got the call – my team’s found Ame’s gate. Once we confirm the location, we’re out of here. Follow me for now. I’ll send the kids home soon after, so we can have all the fun to ourselves in Stone.”

“Follow me!”

Exit!

[/font]

[— sora!]

“Alright! Now we’re talkin’!” The Airontoku’s reply would come swiftly and enthusiastically. He followed behind his Hyuuga friend, his crimson eyes darting from side despite having his comrade’s Byakagun at his side. You can never be too careful.

[Exit]

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