Parallel Lines | Naruto

?| The Blood Moon

As such terrains were known as 'no-man's land', where the Departure completely destroyed terrain to the extent it was deemed uninhabitable, at least, to the majority.

Sasuke learnt quite a while ago that the only reason why these villages remained immune to the Alliance's ruling was because of its commercial benefit, the Howling Wolf Village was not only an ocean-going port but it also had access to raw materials unveiled by the spoliation of land. Not many had the guts to live in dead lands, but those who did had access to its innumerable benefits. The Alliance felt threatened that an uncontrollable mass trespassed in territory that existed to solely benefit them.

He glanced at Suigetsu, his dark eyebrows raised. The wind picked up and tousled his bangs slightly. "And when you make yourself visible, how will you maintain hidden?"

"Don't give away my identity and act like a brain-dead moron who has entirely dedicated themselves to otherworldly aliens and sacrifice human beings as a display of my undying affection." Suigetsu recited.

He studied his expression carefully. While Suigetsu was open with his emotions, he was careful to not disclose his unease, but Sasuke could tell that this mission made him feel unsettled.

"This is my only warning." Sasuke looked away and placed his hand on the tree bark. "If you're in danger I won't hesitate to leave you behind."

Much to his surprise, Suigetsu grinned at him. "I didn't expect anything less."

Orochimaru previously had the area scoped by Karin and three other subordinates, all whom ended up dead (except Karin). The data gathered was substantial, but Karin's survival sparked an inkling of doubt within him.

The Blood Moon meant that bloodthirst was at its peak and the moment Sasuke entered the parameter, he felt himself pause and his eyes widen. Invisible to the human eye was a mass of darkness he had never seen before shadowing the entire village, its presence sizzled his nerves and warmed the surface of his skin and for a split second— he thought he had heard a tune, a beautiful hum that relaxed his guard. Strange, he had only ever felt like this when he was high.

What's that sound? Sasuke furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"You good?" Suigetsu asked with a raised brow. "It's there, isn't it? That Tenebris stuff, you look like a kid who had won the Dango jackpot. Don't go getting any ideas, okay?"

"What I do isn't your business." Sasuke replied casually, but the cold glint in his eyes spoke volumes. It was a warning and judging by the way Suigetsu tensed, he knew it was one as well. "You and I both know that you've been getting too comfortable lately, don't make a habit of it."

"Right." Suigetsu nodded and avoided eye contact. "Sorry."

Sasuke didn't reply. They knew that from this point onwards, any slip-up could result in the mission failing completely and it was rare that another opportunity would arise any time soon.

From what he could tell, there were three queues and four entrances into the Howling Wolf Village, three adjacent to one another with one hidden exit north west. The walls surrounding the village were vast, stone beams- almost resembling marble pillars that pointed at the sky with torches crowning the rim. If Sasuke listened closely, he could hear the sounds of screams, the beating of drums and instruments, and mindless chatter bouncing off the walls.