Solitude

Chapter Nine: Shukaku

❝The weaker you are, the louder you bark.❞ ㅡ Tenten

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CHAPTER NINE:

SHUKAKU

                "This is where your part of the contract begins."

He, whose face was contorted into an expression of determination, nodded vehemently.

"Just remember," the intimidating person continued, "your life is a mere instrument to reach our goal. You answer to me, and to no one else. If I say die—"

"Then I shall die," he finished as he looked up into those familiar, yet so different from the ones he had grown so fond of, orange eyes. "Unless Gaara is involved. I will kill him, even if it's the last thing I do."

They pursed their lips into a snarl, but nodded shortly afterwards. No more words were exchanged.

It was time.

--

The day had finally come; the day every genin had been waiting for. And to welcome that anticipated morning, the sun was shining bright in the bluest sky; the breeze blew softly, and the birds chirped animatedly — Konoha was ready for the Chūnin Exams.

Her insides churned in excitement as Rei waved goodbye to Nozomi Hashiri and walked out, accompanied by the not-so-enthusiastic daughter of the medic nin. Upon catching a glimpse of her furrowed features, Rei sighed exasperatedly. Ever since their encounter with the Suna siblings, Maki had been in a gloomy mood; as though she were mourning the loss of a friend. Realization had taken its toll on her — as it had on Rei —, leaving her in an annoying state of devastation and sorrow.

As they made their way to the building where the Chūnin Exams were being held, neither of them spoke. Thus why, by the time they reached their destination, Rei was on the verge of clawing away at her own face out of aggravation.

Fortunately, Kazuo was already there, and so, she soon forgot about the mental state in which her good friend was and quickly jogged up to join him, leaving Maki behind. What took her by surprise was that he wasn't alone, and she had to double-check to make sure her eyes were betraying her.

Team 7 was with him.

They haven't changed at all, was the first thought that crossed her mind the minute she saw the three genin.

Just like she — and her comrades — had grown used to, Naruto and Sasuke seemed to be in the middle of yet another argument; but as expected, it was the blonde's voice what could be heard over everything else. His features were furrowed into a furious scowl, and he kept shouting nonsenses while pointing accusatively — because it wouldn't be Naruto if he didn't do that — at the Uchiha boy, whose lips were turned into a smug smirk. Lastly but never forgotten — much to Rei's dismay — was the pinkette. Sakura was standing between the boys, vainly attempting to make Naruto stop and gain Sasuke's attention at the same time.

Without more than an unimpressed glance, Rei approached Kazuo and rolled her eyes as Maki walked over to the other team instead.

"What is she doing?" the boy asked, curious as to why the girl would be interested in getting in the middle of such pointless argument.

Rei merely crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head apprehensively.

"Making a fool out of herself," she replied as she observed the situation unfold with bored eyes before musing, "Although I'd bet this is what she calls hanging out with Sasuke."