Unlucky...

Succumbing to my wounds inside a tent, I lay in a bed. I wrapped my final bandage and patched up my knee before standing up. Then, I wrapped some new bought wear– a normal flak jacket with some black military style boots.

I think it's time…I knew what to do now as I had an idea for after this war. It taught me about a glaring weakness.but i will fix it now.

Next, I wrapped my belt and tools around my waist. Then, I raised my hands and unzipped the tent. Before raising it shut, I quickly grabbed the scroll and put it around my back.

Alert and on guard, I quickly did everything without looking suspicious. Hurriedly, I exited out of this camp and back on my way to complete the mission. It was the number one priority.

Meanwhile…

Two adults ram through the forest; they wore flak jackets, looking exactly like shinobi. If one was to say, they looked exactly middle aged.

A familiar forest they ran in… all too familiar actually.

–Bark! Bark!

A dog sniffed and barked, alerting the two as they proceeded further.

One with a scar on his left eye, frowned. "Sazike, it smells like something…"

Sazike, with extremely pale skin, looked like an almost ghost squinted.

"It's an almost too familiar smell," he gloomily said.

For a couple minutes, they followed the dogs tracks before it stopped near a certain tree. Except, both their eyebrows were raised, confused. The tree looked clean, and the scent was covered extremely well for them. Except, they had a dog.

"Dig you stupid dog," the one with the scar exclaimed with disdain.

The dog whimpered, not daring to make any eye contact. It followed its owner's orders, using its paws to forcefully dig.

Sazike strangely sighed, "Come on, you know he's got a name."

"Like you, Sauko."

Sauko, to his response, rolled his eyes but the dog behind him smiled at his behaviour. Then, glimpsing at his owner it's quickly dug again.

"Kuro, he's just toughening you up," he said, with his eyes wide open. His ghostly face did not affect the dog.

As these antiques carried on, time passed until nothing happened. For some reason, there was nothing.

"No there has to be something," Sauko grunted, although, this time Sazike agreed with him.

The dog knew what was going on and continued digging without a word. Despite all this behaviour thrown at him, his appearance was in contrast intimidating.

It was nearly 4 foot; it was twice the size of a great Dane.

Half an hour passed, but still they couldn't find anything.

Although Yokuma covered his tracks, it still wasn't enough. Unluckily for him, they had a dog which was a rare variable to have in war. Normally, it was just expert trackers and sensors doing the job which were not even jonin level. So, following a scent was much easier with dogs.

Instead, they carried on.

Strangely, they were following Yokumas footsteps in the forest. The previous location was the first fight they had when the trio were still alive. Until not less than an hour did they realise something.

"We're heading towards the konoha post," Sazike said. Despite running all this way, he wasn't out of breath. A strange thing, contrasting his appearance.

Even though Sazike said that, Sauko was indifferent. They just carried on, but already did Sazike know the answer.

As they reached closer to the posts, their paths started heading a strange way. It was no surprise to any of them, about the path they were going through, looking like they had done it for a long time.

Way further ahead of them, though, was Yokuma. Still, closing in on ahead at the post. Not knowing what was behind him, his focus was on delivering the scroll. Although, Yokumas guard was always up.

Just like last time, guards were posted up in front of the post, asking him for the code. Again, he said it but differently, letting him through.

Right now, there were more guards since it was near midnight. A whole day was spent for Yokuma, completing this mission. First, he made his way to an unassigned tent, as he was tired from the mission. Then, he carefully put away the scroll and went to bed.

Whilst Yokuma was in his tent sleeping, Sauko and Sazike set up camp at the edge of konoha's post, in a forest. Night fell, so resting was a priority as they were patient in catching their target.

But before sleeping, they talked about the plan. It seemed they had an expectant look in the eye, not worried about anything.

Just like Yokuma, they were focused solely on this mission since they were in one too. Albeit an important one at that too. Something was strange as their movements linked up with Yokuma.

Sooner or later they must cross paths. It was like fate.