Chapter I

The Return

As the rest of the village sleeps in the early morning hours

before the sun approaches, two stubborn shinobi train in a secret
clan’s bunker hidden below the surface.

“You’ve gotten quite good Rico, It’s been a while since we’ve had
time to train like this. I’m impressed”! Robert exclaimed as he
stepped back from the shattered stones that now lay at his feet as a
result of Rico’s attack. “I guess we’re lucky this is your clan’s
training base…seeing as how you’re the one making a mess of things”.

“We consider you family. You’ve always been one of us at heart.

You’re still my brother”. Rico said with a smile. “What is that book
you keep looking at”?

“It’s a book my father left to me when he passed on. He gave me

this ring too.” Robert said as he held up his left hand to reveal the
ring. “This book is a compilation of all the things my dad had learned
and discovered throughout the parts of his life where he had the
elemental seal.”

“How’s it feel now? Any better?” Rico asked as he sat on a fallen

statue. “It’s only been three weeks. You really should be taking it
easy for a while.”

“I’m fine. This book helps me through a lot. I have to learn to

use this power, otherwise it was all in vain.” Robert sighed. “It’s
about time we go to our meeting.”

Robert and Rico are the last two shinobi to show up for the
meeting. Only elite jounin and the Hokage are in attendance. A large
round table takes up a large part of the room. There are no windows
and only one door. Rico takes a seat next to his cousin, Steve, who is
a twenty-six year old jounin that wears a bow on his back. On Rico’s
other side sits Rodney, his older brother. Robert takes a seat next to
Kirk, who has recently returned from the Mist Village. On his other
side sits Durkin, the newest of the jounin. As all the jounin
peacefully catch up for a moment the Hokage stands to begin the
meeting.

“As most of you know, this meeting is primarily to discuss Kirk’s

findings on his latest mission to the Mist Village.” The Hokage said
as his voice killed the mood. “The Kurabu prison in the Mist Village
is where a number of powerful S-Class shinobi are kept. Even our
village has deported some of our own to this facility. However..the
facility has been completely destroyed…and some of the escapees are
left unaccounted for. Our involvement has been suggested due to the
belief that a former shinobi from our village is responsible.”

“An eyewitness claims that Grant, the possessor of the earth

seal, was seen fleeing from the scene.” Kirk said as he pulled out a
book from his pouch. “This is a booking record of all the inmates from
the prison. The circled ones are the ones they never found. There’s
six of them.” Kirk then passed the book around the room for the jounin
to thumb through.

“I know a few of these people.” Rico said as glared at the book.

“When I trained at the Nesuto mountain a few years ago I remember
hearing about a small group of shinobi that robbed the temple there.
Most of them are dead now, but I’m positive the last two names here
used to be part of that group.”

“Do you know their abilities?” Robert asked.

“I do not.” Rico answered as he passed the book on. “That’s all I

know about them.”

“The Mizukage seems to think that Rayce is the mastermind behind

this jailbreak.” Kirk said as he turned to Robert. “In fact, it’s
almost a certainty.”

“If that’s the case you won’t be able to track him by ordinary
means.” Robert said shortly after sighing. “He has the ability to
remove himself from reality. I know it sounds unusual and impossible
but it’s true. It’s called chronol displacement. It is a very complex
technique and it’s very useful. It’s disadvantage is simply that he
cannot interact with the world while being in that state of
displacement. He can see everything…as a matter of fact he could be in
this room at this very moment. He could be standing here listening to
everything we are saying. However…he cannot interact with us while
being displaced and we could never be able to tell where he is.”

“Damn, that’s pretty fucked up.” Kirk said to himself as he

looked down at his book.

“What the hell are we supposed to do with someone like that on

the loose?” Steve asked with a concerned tone.

“We can only assume Rayce has recruited some of the prisoners to
join his cause.” The Hokage said as he took off his glasses and rubbed
his face. The Hokage then rubbed his grey goatee for a moment while
thumbing through his notes. “It’s decided then. According to my notes,
the person best suited to handle this situation is you, Robert.”

“What?!” Robert exclaimed in confusion.

“You have unrivaled knowledge of the enemy, you have the most
active time in the Mist Village, and you have excellent tracking
skills. You are the ideal choice.” The Hokage replied.

“Champ..you seriously can’t think of sending my squad there. This

far exceeds their ability. Plus…you know the Mizukage hates me.”
Robert said in an aggravated tone.

“I know. Your team is not going with you. This mission will be
best suited for you to do alone. I’ll arrange for an interim captain
to handle your team’s missions. As far as the Mizukage goes..The
safety of the Mist Village should be the priority.” The Hokage said.
“Get going as soon as possible, I’ll notify your team.”

“Fine.” Robert said as he grabbed Kirk’s book and left the room.

“The rest of you have much to do. This meeting is over.” The
Hokage said as he left the room.

The remaining group of around twenty jounin continued to keep the

room full of life. Several got up and left while most talked about the
meeting that just took place. Rico was one of the few that left.

“What’s with the Mizukage and Robert?” Durkin asked quietly as he

leaned over the empty seat to get closer to Kirk.

“It’s a long story. Basically the two fought long ago and nearly
killed each other. Robert came out the victor.” Kirk replied.

As Robert approaches the exit to the village a great burst of

wind creates a whirlwind of dust and dirt that clouds the area. As the
dust settles, the cause of the whirlwind becomes visible. Rico stands
in the midst of the settling cloud.

“If anything happens, send Saezuru.” Rico said. “Also, the Hokage
wants to know if you have any suggestions for your replacement on your
team.”

“Actually…yes.” Robert said.