Hot 'N' Dangerous

Chapter 30: The Welcoming Party

"Are there really still enemies left?" questioned Sasuke as he followed Kabuto through the dense foliage.

"Yup, there's no doubt about it," assured Kabuto, "Just think about it, do you know the smartest fighting tactic in a large area like this forest?" Kabuto challenged.

"The tower, obviously," Liz rolled her eyes.

"Oh, so you already know?" Kabuto looked at her with his eyebrows raised.

"Duh. We just ran into a few... difficulties that set us back a bit... a lot," Liz amended.

"Okay, well, I'll explain to these guys," he indicated to Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke, "So when there is only one day left, the easiest place to get a scroll is near the tower," Kabuto finished.

"Oh! So like, an ambush?" Sakura figured, "So, basically, we just go after a team that has both the 'heaven' and 'earth' scrolls that is heading for the tower!" she concluded smartly.

"You're one-third correct," Kabuto assessed, "You guys aren't the only ones who think like that. There should be others already waiting by the tower with traps already set," Kabuto smiled weakly.

"Oh, I get it!" Naruto exclaimed loudly.

"I really don't think you could dumb that down anymore," Liz said, frowning at Naruto.

Naruto pouted, "I'm smart," he said defensively but then continued, "So, you mean that there are already tons of teams waiting there for us, ready to ambush us. This is even more exciting with the handicap!" Naruto bounced around excitedly, "They can bring it! If we kick all their butts and get the 'heaven' scroll, we can pass the second test!"

Liz shook her head, "It's as if you do any of the work getting the scroll yourself," she scoffed.

"But what's the remaining third, Kabuto-san?" Sakura asked.

Kabuto looked grim, "The people I call 'collectors' that appear at this time in the test."

"'Collectors'?" Sakura repeated, wondering what that was.

"By the sound of the term that you used, they are people who collect extra scrolls, correct me if I'm wrong," I spoke up.

"Quite right but each have a specific reason for collecting the scrolls, can you name them?" he queried.

I paused for a second, "Some collect them to bribe or bargain their way out of a dangerous battle or to receive information. Maybe some others were lucky and got to pick off several teams at once while they were at an advantage," I looked into his glinting eyes.

"You are quite the bright girl," he smiled at me.

I returned it with a frown, I didn't like the way this guy acted especially from the first time I met him. Liz grunted haughtily.

"Well, at least I know why you're helping us now," I smirked, "You are scared of those 'collectors', aren't you?" I mocked.

"Why would Kabuto-san be afraid of the 'collectors'?" Sakura asked inquiringly.

"Well, think about it, if these collectors are capable of getting their hands on multiple scrolls, it probably means that they are quite confident in their abilities," I reasoned.

"Exactly, Elvira-chan," he said sweetly.

"Just Elvira, please," I said stiffly.

"Whatever you say, Elvira," he smiled like a little boy.

I ignored him and Liz suddenly burst out beside me, "I can see the tower!"

I looked and could see the glint of smooth roof tiles off in the distance, "Good call, Liz," I praised.