The wisps of fog screened the forest, but the sound of birds cawing echoed through the trees. In the distance, cries of pain and flesh ripping could be heard. Columns of smoke rose to the gray sky where a village was burning. This was at the edge of a battle clashing beyond the mountains. Yet the civilians who had nothing to do with it was suffering.

They tried to leave for the sake of their lives, but they were too late. They were promised protection from the villains. However, it only proves that even with supernatural abilities, their supposed protectors were mere humans. Gurgled screams passed through their lips as blades easily sliced through the poor villagers' throats. The old man who sold fish lost his head which joined his catch. A woman had dead eyes as her evil attacker thrust himself into her with her clothes torn apart. Her children could only watch in frozen stares not knowing what to do whether to run or help their mother.

This was war.

War had no victors or losers.

It only brought out the demons inside the human soul.

Obito cut through the enemies who terrorized the village. He had a few men as back-up, but they were slow to his speed. The Uchiha with crimson red eyes slew men without mercy, and rage boiled inside of him when the weak have their souls torn apart through perverse means.

"Beasts die as beasts," he snarled when he crept up to the perverted man. He pulled him off and cut him down. The woman behind him though didn't even muster a sound while her children whimpered. Obito sighed as he turned to attend to her, but a hand suddenly held him back.

"Let me take care of her," said a familiar gentle voice.

The man turned and eyes widened when he saw who it was. A kunoichi wearing the same band as his appeared by his side. This wasn't really the time to smile, but Obito with a soft gasp suddenly embraced the young woman. The weight suddenly was lifted from his chest as his arms held onto the kunoichi tightly.

She chuckled amusedly.

"What's wrong, Obito-kun? I know what you saw was unsightly, but I need to help the lady here," Rin said.

But the man wouldn't let go so easily. "You're alive, Rin."

"Of course, I am, silly," the woman chuckled once again. She got to breathe once her friend lets go, but her hands held his arms for a moment. "What's wrong? You're pale."

"I thought you're dead. You died," said Obito, feeling the tears welling up in his eyes.

The woman chuckled.

"Yeah, I did. You let me die remember?"

Without warning, blood started streaming down the center of her torso. She was bleeding so much so fast that Obito didn't notice that their surroundings had changed. Rin was standing by the shore of the lake, trees behind the man. The red liquid was streaming down her mouth too as she coughed up some of the blood. Her eyes slowly lost the life in them. Obito could only gape in shock and horror. He couldn't move at all. What was happening? Why was this happening all over again? Why is he letting her die again? 

The samurai in black with wisps of shadow around him held the katana through the poor woman. Obito could see the villain's eyes sneering at him. But before Obito could even yell anything, the samurai pulled out his blade and shoved Rin forward. Now somehow Obito finally found himself moving and caught the dying kunoichi.

"Obito. . ." Yoshie coughed as her pale hand cupped the ninja's cheek. "I. . . told you. . . I didn't need your help. . ." Her eyes shut close the moment those words slipped. And the Uchiha found himself screaming in agony trying to wake the samurai who was Rin moments ago.

"Yoshie!! Yoshie!! YOSHIIIEEE!!!"

"Yoshie!" Gasped Obito, suddenly bolting up. His eyes quickly darted around his surroundings looking for the samurai woman.

But he was back in the cave where he and the woman were. His heart was still pounding fast, he could hear the beats. Was it just a dream? The man heaved for breath as he rested his face against his hand. He could feel sweat rolling down like icicles during the spring. A pang of guilt and helplessness swept all over him.

He started to cry.

Salty tears began streaming down his face; Obito could no longer hold back. His hands tried to wipe them away, but he couldn't stop. The ninja couldn't stop crying.

"Uchiha-san?" Yoshie's voice suddenly sounded so near.

Obito dared to open his eyes and saw the woman right in front of him on her knees. She was leaning forward, pulling her sleeves to wipe away his tears. This sudden act of kindness took Obito aback. However, he realized that neither this was a dream. He was showing her weakness out of nowhere. Obito covered his face like a little kid feeling so ashamed.

"Oh my god! Y-You can't see me like this!" The shinobi stammered. "This is so embarrassing. ."

"Did you call me?" Yoshie asked gently, placing her hands on her thighs. "I heard you call my name."

"I-I-I just. . . I had a nightmare. . ." Obito tried to not sniffle.

"A mere dream."

"You died in that dream."

There was no response for a moment. The sudden silence got Obito nervous--he didn't know how she might respond. Would she reprimand him? Simply leave in silence? Even if they've been alone together the past many days, Obito didn't know how she would react. If it was Rin. .

Hands gently took his hands away from his face then a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his neck. Obito found himself sniffing at Yoshie's hair. It had the scent of the morning dew and wildflowers. He found himself trembling in her arms remembering his dream. Strands of her hair tickled his nose. Obito felt tempted to bury his face into her shoulder, but he didn't know the boundaries Yoshie may have set for him. She was hugging him though. Was she worried about him? Or did the woman pity him?

"Don't pay attention to the dream," Yoshie broke the silence before letting the shinobi go. "I apologize for suddenly embracing you. It was inappropriate."

Obito flushed.

"I don't mind."

He hoped to wallow a little more at this moment, to indulge Yoshie's sudden act of sweetness. But that wasn't what Yoshie was like. She was a stern and strong warrior who was even more formal than Obito's grandfather. If only the man was in a lighter mood he would have chuckled.

"We can't indulge ourselves like this." Yoshie took the liberty to begin packing their belongings. She continued by saying, "There's a village not too far from here. We could sell the pelt and get some new clothes. We can't travel in rags, but more importantly, we can't have you travel as shinobi when we enter the Land of the Rising Sun." 

* * * * * * * *

It wasn't that Obito found the clothes unattractive, but it was just strange to have to change in anything looser than the clothes he was clothed in. He kept glancing at Yoshie for signs of approval, but the woman only stood by the entrance with her back to him. They were in a clothing shop in a village they found after they recovered from their wounds. But the few days together didn't bring them closer, but things have rather taken an awkward turn.

Obito could only sigh. The whole team had disappeared, of course, Yoshie would feel responsible because this was her quest in the first place. After a few days waiting to heal at the cave, the samurai and ninja went back to the village where they had lost the battle. But no one was there. The rain had washed away traces of possible leads, but Yoshie insisted on moving forward despite Obito's wishes.

"You don't have to come anymore." Said Yoshie. "I'm not going to ask you to not come with me either."

That woman has been difficult since we met. Thought Obito as he tried on the outfits in front of him. And yet. . I can't help but stay by her side. The man stops at one pattern of haori, and somehow found that it might suit his taste. It was a deep blue with wave patterns on it. He found it pretty. Unconsciously he turned around to Yoshie, calling her name out without a second thought. But the moment Obito realized it, he was blushing with embarrassment while biting his lip.

They were in an awkward relationship! Why did he call her out suddenly? Just because the woman embraced him earlier didn't mean they were chummy. 

"Have you chosen something?" Yoshie's voice suddenly broke the silence. 

Obito whirled around in surprise.

"Uh. . yeah, I liked the pattern and I was hoping to get your approval of it." 

"You don't think the pattern might be a little too stylish?" Yoshie asked as she gave a look over the haori. She was thoughtful for a moment, and Obito only hoped she'd say yes. Changing their clothes was her idea, especially that they'd be entering the Land of the Rising Sun soon. Ninjas are despised there, said Yoshie. Weirdly though, she didn't say why. But Obito decided to follow her lead; she's a local after all. She herself had changed from her bloody and tattered garments. Apparently, the pelts they had sold to merchants were paid for with an acceptable amount. But that wasn't an easy feat for outsiders like them.

Yoshie had taken on a simple attire of crimson red color with a black cloak to cover herself and her blades. It was strange to see her like this instead of her usual white clothing. She looked more like a normal person now, not one of noble origin. It's to blend in, she said. Becoming cautious was the only way, now that there seemed to be a bounty over her head. The why was obvious, she was accused of killing her village. Perhaps there were people who hated her frank response to the shikabane appearance, but perhaps they also hadn't realized her good intentions. Either way though, Yoshie wasn't safe.

Obito could only give the shop owner an awkward smile for the time they spent so indecisively. The old lady though only nodded and smiled warmly, as if she understood. Her wrinkled hands were hidden behind her back and her gray hair neatly tied into a bun. Even with her creations at hand, she didn't wear any of them or anything worth boasting for.

"Take your time, dearies, it's not a busy day for me anyway," she said. "Contrary to the wife's opinion, I believe the style suits the man."

"We're not a couple, auntie," Yoshie interjects the moment the old lady finishes. "Making such assumptions. . ." Crimson color flushed ever so slightly on the woman's cheeks, averting her gaze from Obito. Even if her slightly red face was giving away how she felt, her expression remained stern and indifferent. He catches it though, feeling his blood rise to his face.

The old woman laughed amusedly, obviously entertained by the samurai's immediate denial. She turned to one of her shelves and took out another haori, this one was black with white flowers etched . It was elegant and astonishingly beautiful. Offering it to the shinobi, the old lady suddenly began explaining the haori.

"This haori. . it was meant for a man I knew a long time ago. He was an artist you see, but he felt incompetent in his skills. So he left. . and I have been waiting for him ever since. But I don't think an old lady like me should wait any longer. So young man. . take this haori. The two of you somehow reminded of us back then," said the old woman.

Her hard labor had taken a toll on her face. The wrinkles were evident on her face, though the woman wasn't suntanned compared to those who worked out in the fields. But even so, she looked tired and sad. It was obvious in her eyes that she did not want to let go. However, Obito could see that she needed help even if it was a simple gesture of kindness. The shinobi gently takes the clothing from the old lady's hands. It still seemed new despite the age.

His onyx eyes gazed back and forth to the old lady, who merely smiled at him. "I-I couldn't possibly take this. . he may still come back," he said hopefully.

The old woman ruefully shook her head. "There's a rumor that the poor bastard died at sea on one of his travels few decades back. I was hoping he'd come back since it's a rumor, but there's no point in waiting any longer. Just take it, young man. Get rid of some wait for this poor old lady would you?"

Obito could only nod, though Yoshie remained silent all the while. While he chatted a little bit more with the old woman, the shinobi noticed Yoshie stepping out of the shop. He felt a small pang of pain in his chest. She obviously thought of Takashi when the old woman spoke about old flames.

"Obito-kun!" Rin's voice echoed in his head.

He, too, had someone close to his heart before. But there were regrets that he couldn't let go. Once Obito was done speaking to the old lady and paying his dues, he pushed the curtain aside and stepped out where Yoshie was waiting.

The beautiful woman samurai had her kasa on. Half her face was veiled and a black coat hung on her shoulders. It hid her blades underneath so uncannily. She still wore her tall geta slippers but with only one wood base. It was a spectacle to see her balanced like it was nothing. Yoshie turned her gaze at Obito the moment he stepped out of the shop. His hands swiftly whirled the cloak over his shoulders, hiding his clothing and weapons underneath.

"Getting new clothes will be our new first step. The second would be getting a ship to the Land of the Rising Sun. It'll be difficult since very few know how to get there. . and it'll cost us a great deal, Uchiha-san."

This makes me wonder how the Anbu gets in and out fast. . why is the Land unknown anyway? Something doesn't add up. . Thought Obito, narrowing his eyes. He and Yoshie start their journey without the others, but both hope the others are alright.

From a distance amongst drunken men, a man watched them intently. He pretended to be like the others, hiding in their numbers like a chameleon with its kind. Despite having a cup of sake in front of him, he paid no attention to it. Unlike his partner who was enjoying himself with the drink. Seeing Yoshie and Obito move, he tapped on his partner before placing a few yen on the table.

"Time to move."

~~~

Number of words: 2615

This chapter is dedicated to animeswagg! Especially that she waited for forever for the update hahahah. Also to dattebawhore for her wholesome comments xD

Sorry that I took forever, but i super appreciate that you guys waited patiently for this. It was kinda difficult for me to write (excluding the factor of school and other life shiz) because I wanted to slowly develop Obito and Yoshie as a couple, especially that now they've both expressed their apparent feelings for each other. Though Yoshie had denied it, there's still gonna be deep shit going on. Now, it's Obito's turn to get haunted.

Plus they're the prey for the emperor of the Land of the Rising Sun. Things will get more action-packed and interesting here :3

Thanks y'all and hope to see you still at the next update <3

- Raita