As the trio walked back to the gathering of their comrades, Shino turned to face them. “Kiba, you idiot! The Hokage told you not to leave the village!”
“Cut him some slack. We might need his help.” Sighed Shikamaru, who was lying down, staring at the clouds. “A storm is brewing. This guy killed a mammoth and carried off it’s carcass before we could even see him. This guy’s got to be as tough as hell…….yes, a storm is definitely brewing.”
“That’s not the point. These two have been trying to leave the village ever since the rest of their clan was wiped out.” Said Shino, pointing at them. “Yet, when asked, they refuse to tell anyone why. It’s very…..suspicious.”
“Family affairs. You wouldn’t understand.” Replied Kiba.
The Cloud ninja began to laugh obnoxiously. “Family affairs? You’re an orphan and a washed up mutt! How can you possibly have family affairs?” Kiba’s facial expression turned decidedly sour, and the ninja stopped laughing.
The rest of the day did not go very smoothly for Kiba. When he was introduced to Masanori, the old man pointed at him and shouted “He bears the mark of the terrible one!” He then hobbled away as quickly as he could, waving his arms as he went. But day did not matter in this land. Night was 18 hours long in this part of the world, and it always approached quickly. Masanori had ordered the ninja to protect the worker’s camp, but since Kiba and Akamaru had came on their own free will, they could go where they pleased.
“Just don’t get yourself killed.” Was all that Shikamaru could say as the duo headed off into the woods.
They started their search at the site of the mammoth killing. Judging by the footprints, it was fairly obvious what happened: Someone who’s heels never touched when he walked ran circles around the mammoth herd to keep them from running. When one of the mammoths ran outside the circle, the assailant jumped on it, knocking it over and snapping its neck. He then managed to pick up the carcass and run off with it. This opponent must’ve had great strength and speed (judging from the distance between his footprints) to pull off such a task, not to mention killer reflexes and stamina. Akamaru sniffed at the footprints and barked to Kiba. “I know boy. It’s not the same scent.” Said Kiba, patting his dog on the head. “But it’s very similar. He may have changed. It’s the only lead we’ve got, so let’s follow it.” The two bounded off deeper into the woods, following the scent path.
