Kirigakure Under Attack

The evening forest had shed the day's oppressive heat, and the breeze stirred the grass and trees.

Rin was still a little pale, but her strength had begun to return.

Ever since she woke, Obito had stayed glued to her side, watching her intently and talking nonstop, afraid she might still feel unwell.

Rin could only shake her head at him. "I'm really fine. I'm just a little weak."

"Of course you are! You were poisoned badly!" Obito rubbed his hands together. "I'll find you some game in the forest later. Eat plenty and build your strength back up."

Kakashi leaned against a tree with his hands in his pockets. Obito's endless fussing drew an irritated click of his tongue.

"Obito, let Rin have some peace. You'll talk her into fainting."

"What do you know?" Obito shot back without turning. "She just woke up. I have to keep an eye on her! What if something happens again?"

Asuma leaned against another tree, watching them with a grin.

"Sure, sure. Obito, I've never seen you this eager when we train together. Now look how hardworking you are."

"This is important!" Obito puffed out his chest. "Isn't looking after a teammate important?"

Asuma had no answer to that. He closed his mouth in resignation.

After a little more conversation, the group gradually fell quiet.

Then, as one, they looked at Tsukimi.

Obito spoke first, expectation in his voice. "Tsukimi, what's the plan?"

Kakashi frowned, his expression turning serious. "Sasori probably hasn't reached the Central Tower yet. He could turn back at any time. We need a solid plan."

Asuma and Kurenai said nothing. As Tsukimi's teammates, they were used to letting him decide.

Tsukimi looked up through the mottled canopy. The once-glaring daylight was slowly fading.

Nearly a full day had passed