Hey everyone and welcome back to another chapter. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time as of late, hence the late update. All I can do is apologize once more and hope I can make it up with the next chapter!

I hope you will all enjoy! as always, thanks for all your support. I read all your messages and reviews and it warms me to know that you're all still invested in the story

The rogue-nin turned ally yawned as he slowly sat up, letting the sleeping bag slide off of him. Next to him Hinata was still asleep with a small frown on her face. A small smile appeared on his face which just as swiftly turned into a frown as well. Her determination to bring him back was admiring yet he didn't understand it completely, or from the others for that matter. 'They know about my...actions and despite it they still want me to come back. Where was this dedication when I needed it the most?'

He silently put his outfit and unzipped the entrance of the tent, crawling out of it. As expected, it was still relatively early. What surprised him though was Sakura already awake and sitting at the campfire, a book lying next to her. She looked up and smiled as she saw him approaching. "Good morning, you're up early."

He looked around and took in the crisp snow that covered the forested area around them. A calmness that put him at ease. Nightmares that usually plagued his mind were always kept at bay whenever he was in the country. His gaze settled on Sakura. "Have you scouted?"

She pointed towards the gap in the snow, indicating her movements. "About an hour ago. There's nothing. I'm fairly sure we're in the clear.

Naruto sat across from her at the campfire, enjoying the heat that slowly warmed him up.

Sakura offered him a small package, containing food. "Did you sleep well?"

Naruto glimpsed in her direction before accepting the food, nodding his thanks. "Yeah, Hinata's still asleep."

"Sasuke is too. once the storm was over, he decided to take watch so he's trying to catch up."

Naruto tilted his head in curiosity. "Are you and Sasuke...?"

Sakura smiled which swiftly turned into a chuckle. "We're together if that's what you mean."

Naruto looked at Sakura's tent before turning back to Sakura, surprise clear on his face. "Huh, who would've thought Sasuke could care for another human being."

"Like your one to talk!" Sasuke's voice grunted from inside the tent.

"Morning to you too."

"Dobe."

"Teme"

"Hn"

The nuke-nin snorted before taking a bite from his food.

The rest of the morning hours were spent with a bit of small talk. But mainly the blonde kept to himself. Every now and then he glanced towards the forest with a small frown appearing on his face.

Sakura seemed to notice and spoke up. "Anything wrong?"

Naruto shook his head. "It's nothing."

Sakura grabbed a couple of her kunai and started polishing them as a way to pass the time.

The hunter reached for his backpack and grabbed a small leather pouch and unfolded it, revealing a couple of small tools. He then slowly started removing the clasps of his gauntlet before slipping it off.

"Do you sleep with that thing as well?" The pink haired kunoichi asked suddenly.

"I do whenever I'm in enemy territory. Now I have the chance to tweak it a bit." With a small grunt he pulled the gauntlet off, revealing his pale hand.

Sakura eyed his hand and could easily see portions of red and blistered skin covering his hand, most likely caused due to extensive usage of the armored claw. She reached for her backpack as well. "Use this ointment. It should help with the irritated skin." The kunoichi tossed a small box his way.

Naruto snatched it out of midair and read the description before looking at his former teammate. "Thanks..."

"That must have been a lot of effort for you!" Sakura joked, smiling at the blonde.

Naruto briefly looked at her. "You have no idea."

The medical nin then pointed at the gauntlet. "What's it for?"

Naruto looked back down, continuing his tinkering. "It helps with the transition from my hand into a claw."

"If that's the case, then why aren't the Reavers using the same thing?"

"It's because in my case the demonic chakra was much more potent and damaging to my arm." He slid his hand back into the gauntlet before forming it into a fist, the gauntlet fluidly closed without any difficulty.

"Why is your case so different?" Sakura urged, leaning a bit closer to the fire.

Naruto snapped his hand back open before relaxing his posture. "I want to move out soon. I'm going to wake up Hinata."

Sakura hesitated, wanting to continue their conversation, but decided not to press the blonde and instead stood up. "I'll go and get Sasuke-kun."

I'm already up, I'll be out in a second." Hinata said from within the tent.

Moments later Hinata crawled out of her tent, shuddering as the cold wind hit her.

"How did you sleep?" Naruto asked, watching her grab her cloak and clipping it on.

"A lot better than I expected too. I thought this weather would ruin any chance of a good night's rest."

"The storm's finally gone so hopefully we'll be able to cross some ground...today." Naruto said with slight bit of hesitation in his voice.

Sakura came crawling out with Sasuke in tow. "If you two get some food, me and Naruto will pack up the rest of the stuff."

Naruto turned and walked to his tent and started clearing it out and folding it. Sakura doing the same with hers.

"How much longer until we reach the tower?" Hinata asked before she took a bite from her food.

Naruto nudged with his head ahead. "We're going north from here. Hopefully within three days."

"Is the entire country covered with forested areas?" Sasuke spoke up, trying to smoothen down his hair a bit.

The blonde glanced towards the thicket before he answered it. "No. There are two big swathes of woodlands within Yuki no Kuni. It does cover about half of the country."

"Is there a problem?" Hinata asked as she took in the blonde's features, having noticed his odd behavior.

Naruto shook his head. "It's nothing. Let's hurry things up. I want to get going."

Sasuke and Hinata turned their attention back on their food and swiftly started eating.

After they had eaten and cleaned up the campsite, they all gave each other the once over. "Alright. I'll take the lead, make sure to follow my footsteps. The less evidence we leave behind, the better."

Hunter Ghost led the group north. With the snow still reaching up to his waist it was difficult making a lot of progress. It didn't take long until the cold seeped through his winter clothing, particularly down at his legs.

Regardless of the struggles, they pressed onwards and the weather was favorable, in comparison of the previous day. The tall snow packed trees blocked most of the sun, but rays of sun still managed to sneak through, giving the forest a wondrous look.

Regardless of the view, Naruto remained tense and his eyes remained plastered on their route ahead, not partaking in small talk and deflecting any questions.

Once the morning had left them, they took a quick bite during their trek, never stopping to take a break. The sooner they were back in friendly territory, the better.

Wrapping open another nutrition bar, Sasuke glanced around the area, noting the lack of sounds or the movement of animals. He narrowed his eyes and turned to the blonde. "Naruto."

The blonde halted and turned around, facing the dark haired Uchiha in the back, looking at him with a questioning gaze.

"There's something wrong. I haven't seen any animals for at least an hour now. I don't hear any birds and the wind seemed to have died down completely." Sasuke said as he motioned for everyone to crouch down while they discussed the new development.

Sakura and Hinata looked around and they too noticed the lack of activity. "This doesn't feel right." Sakura said.

Naruto grimly nodded as he lowered himself into a crouch, reaching for his canteen. "That's because we're getting closer."

Hinata looked at Naruto with a quirked eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"I was going to bring it up soon… Might as well do it now,"" A sigh escaped his lips and started his explanation. "Aren't you curious as to why we've seen little to no Reaver activity?"

After he received a murmur of agreements, he continued. "It's because of the Taoreta mori."

Confusion spread throughout the group. "Taoreta mori? I've never even heard of something like that."

"It's because you've never ventured here. The Taoreta mori...The forest of the fallen. During the First Shinobi World War there was a battle here. Shinobi of Yuki no Kuni and of Kumo fought against one another here."

Scratching the back of his head he frowned before he continued the story. "Yuki no Kuni thought that with the weakening of Kumo's forces they had the opportunity to expand their borders. They underestimated Kumo's combat strength and were all massacred to the last man...It's considered as one of the most gruesome battles that has ever occurred within our shinobi nations."

"That doesn't exactly explain why it's so quiet." Said Sasuke as he glanced over Naruto's shoulder.

Naruto grabbed a small twig that laid atop the snow and let it roll between his fingers. With a soft voice he continued. "The shinobi that died that day are still lying here in the Taoreta mori."

"The bodies have never been recovered?" Hinata whispered in disbelief. "That's terrible!"

"What about Yukigakure? haven't they ever tried to bring the fallen shinobi to their final resting place?" Sakura added in, equally surprised by the revelation.

Naruto shook his head. "The snowfall that occurs here...is strange to say the least. the bodies were never found. There have been many attempts in the past, but they all end up missing." He let the twig fall to the ground and stared at it. "Some people still try to bring the fallen shinobi home but they end up disappearing as well."

"How's that even possible?" Sakura said, feeling incredibly uncomfortable at their current predicament.

'Orodochi' shrugged. "I'm not sure. people here firmly believe it's a curse, that it's their punishment for the war that they had dragged themselves in."

"What do you think, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, holding up her hand to block the snow.

He grimaced once again. "I've been here a couple of years ago. The things that happened back then..."He trailed off as a cold shiver made its way up from his lower back.

"Can't we go around it?" Sakura asked worriedly, standing up as well. "I don't feel comfortable going through here."

"The Reavers avoid this place like the plague. We need to use this to our advantage. It also easily shortens our time by two days." The blonde looked at his teammates and could easily see the fear and worry etched on their face, nor could he deny his own apprehension.

"You've travelled through there?" Hinata asked, trying to strengthen her resolve.

"Four years ago, or something along those lines. I was hunting a Reaver scout through these parts."

"So, you know if it's all just a simple story." Sakura answered as relief slowly spread through her body.

The blonde grit his teeth and straightened his back. "I wish I could tell you that it's nothing more than a story to frighten the kids, but it's not. I've spent two months in the Taoreta mori. It's not a memory I think fondly of."

"What does that even mean, be honest with us!" Sasuke hissed, frustration and something akin to fear laced his voice.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "It's because I don't know. This forest messes with your mind!"

"This is an incredibly bad idea. We should go the long way around. What if whatever happened to those people, happens to us." Sakura said, fidgeting with the edge of her cloak.

Hinata suddenly asked. "Why didn't you disappear like all the others?"

Naruto bit his lip as he dug into his memories from years ago. "I'm not sure. Maybe it was my determination to succeed in my assignment. Maybe it was luck."

'Panting he ignored the voices around him and continued his sprint through the forest, trying to escape whatever was behind him. Desperately trying to not to let it touch him.'

A shudder snapped him from his memory. "The whole reason I decided to meet with the beast is because the Taoreta mori ends right at the doorstep of Tuva tower. We can dodge the Reavers by taking this shortcut."

"How long would it take us to get to the other end?" Sasuke asked.

"Give or take two days."

"And if we go around it?" The Uchiha asked once more.

"Hmm, definitely well over five days."

"Let's take the long way around. I don't feel safe going through there." Hinata said as she looked at darkened woodland ahead of them with uncertainty.

"Yeah, we should take the long way around." Sakura added in.

The blonde held up his hand and interrupted the group. "It's either go through the forest or face the Reavers. I know you're scared of going in there, but there's been a lot of Reaver activity here lately and to top it off, Kenpachi has been sighted in Yukigakure."

Sasuke thought back to his brief confrontation with the leader and remembered his freakish strength. "Kenpachi changes matters. I have to agree with the dobe, we should take the fastest route," He turned to the blonde and extended his hand. "I trust in you to guide us through...Naruto."

Naruto looked down at his hand before smiling a sincere smile. he grabbed the outstretched hand and shook it. "Thanks, Sasuke."

Hinata and Sakura smiled at the two and stood up as well. "Next time you want to get rid of us, just tell us we're going through these parts and we'll all stay in Konoha." Sakura quipped with a wink.

Naruto let his smile linger for a moment longer. "Alright let's not waste any more time then."

The Hunter proceed to lead the group deeper into the gradually darkening part of the forest. Slowly the waist high snow lessened until it reached past their ankles, making is noticeably easier to move around. Not that it helped their state of mind. Doubt and fear coursed through their bodies and the blonde himself also deduced that this wasn't his best idea. Yet they kept their pace and continued onwards.

When he noticed the darkened part of the forest was just ahead of them, along with markings all around them he came to a halt. The woodland wasn't pitch black, but it was dark enough to make you question just what lay ahead.

"What are those markings?" Hinata tapped Naruto's shoulder and pointed to their right towards a thick tree.

"Those are the warnings that we're about to enter the Taoreta mori and should turn back immediately." Naruto solemnly answered.

The moment he said that they noticed a small wooden sign nailed to a tree in front of them.

Sakura glanced around and noted several more wooden signs that seemed like a border.

Hinata walked to the sign and read it aloud. "To any and all travelers. You are heading into the Taoreta mori. please turn around and head westward towards the village of Yaika."

"That's definitely not a good sign." Sakura stuttered, leaning into Sasuke who let his eyes roam around the area

Naruto ignored her words, or the unintended pun for that matter. his heart was beating rapidly as memories flooded his mind. "Might as well give Konoha a heads-up as to where we're heading to."

"We can't use chakra. You know that dobe."

"The little amount of chakra I use here won't be detected. There aren't any Reavers around for many miles around us," He bit his thumb and softly spoke. " Kuchiyose no jutsu."

A small hawk appeared, ruffling his wings as he felt the sudden cold. "What is this crazy cold?!" it shrieked.

Naruto cupped his hands around the small animal, blocking the cold. "I have a message for you that you need to pass on to Mayu and the Hokage."

Reaching inside his cloak he pulled out a small piece of paper and quickly scribbled something down.

"This place gives me the creeps, Naruto-baka. Where are we?"

Hinata covered her laugh with a cough. "Cute"

"Careful, Tutsa...I just might bring you along with me into the Forest of the Fallen." Naruto said, his eyes never leaving the note he was rolling up.

"The Taoreta mori? are you insane? You know what happened last t-." Naruto grabbed the small animal and put the small note between its claws.

"You make sure you deliver this message, alright?"

His answer was a puff of smoke as the small hawk disappeared.

Naruto's eye twitched. "Stupid bird."

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Konoha

Mayu, Pein, Tsunade and several advisors were looking over a map, highlighting the borders that were shared with that of the Reavers.

"An attack from Nami no Kuni is inevitable. We need to proper for a worst-case scenario." Pein stated, pointing to the small island.

"We need to reinforce it with more high-level shinobi." Mayu noted, her daughter, Micheru standing beside her.

A small puff of smoke interrupted the group before a small hawk hopped out.

Micheru leaned forward. "Tatsu?"

"Michu-chan! You can't believe where Naruto-baka summoned me this time! It was cold I tell ya! Cold!"

She looked down and noticed the small note attached to the summon. "Are they already in Yuki no Kuni?"

Mayu reached for the hawk but he snapped with its beaks. "You are not worthy of touching me!" It shrieked.

Shizune watched on with love struck eyes at the antics of the small creature.

Micheru extended her hand and let Tatsu hop onto it. With her other hand she pulled the note free and let the bird settle on her shoulder. Glancing at her mother she unraveled the note and started reading it out loud.

Hokage,

We've crossed the border and are in Yuki no Kuni. So far, the journey is proceeding as planned with a small skirmish that happened early on.

The reason for this note is because we're heading into the Taoreta mori which will prevent us from sending or receiving any summons.

Naruto

"They're heading into the forest of the fallen? Has Naruto lost it?!" Jiraiya barked as he reached for the note, rereading it. "I'm going to give that brat a smacking when he gets back."

Tsunade turned to the summon. "Do you know why they're heading there?"

It wasn't Tatsu, but Mayu who spoke up. "It's because Kenpachi is there...The need for secrecy is great."

"What's the forest of the fallen?" A confused Micheru asked, patting the creature who was still nestled atop her shoulder.

"It's a dark place!" Tatsu's high pitch voice erupted once more. "Baka knows better than to go there!"

Mayu nodded and had to agree with the hawk. "It's a dreadful place. I don't understand why Ghost would head there."

"The brat's scared of Kenpachi. He rather faces the horrors of that place then risk getting caught by the Reavers."

Micheru listened to the conversation and then softly spoke to Tatsu as she stepped away. "Why is it such a bad place, Tatsu?"

The hawk let his head tilt left and right a couple of times before answering. "Many people died there. No rest for the wicked! Baka knows this!"

"No rest for the wicked? what does that mean?"

"Men used forbidden jutsu! were aware of the risks and continued regardless! Wicked men will not rest! never rest!"

Mayu's voice spoke over the others, silencing Micheru. "Naruto has been there before. He knows that forest better than any of us. He'll be fine."

The petite blonde looked back the hawk once more. "Is that true?"

The head of Tatsu bobbed up and down." Naruto-baka is not a smart man. Can I go now?"

Micheru stroked the creature one last time before he disappeared in a puff of smoke. 'Please come back to us...'

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

After having walked for ten more minutes Naruto came to a sudden halt and turned to his companions. he waved with his hand to one last sign. "Beyond this point is the Taoreta mori. Some basic rules, so listen carefully."

Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata formed a half circle around the blonde and watched as he started explaining. "First off. You never go somewhere alone. Ever," He looked at the group and they quickly agreed. "Secondly, there is a path that I used when I was here the previous time. We do not leave this path. Which brings me back to rule number one. Never go anywhere alone."

"We won't forget." Sasuke said in a slightly irritated voice.

"I repeat it because if you get lost, I doubt I'll be able to find you. This is a strange place, don't underestimate it," Naruto raised his voice, countering Sasuke's remark. "And the third rule. No lights."

"No campfires either?" Sakura asked.

"Nothing. from what I remember the most was that whatever lingers here, it does not like any form of illumination. We're going to respect that and keep the light to an absolute minimum."

Hinata looked around Naruto towards the route they would be taking. A shudder coursed through her body and it had little to do with the cold. "We'll be careful."

"One last thing," Naruto said as he turned around and started walking once more. "You all listen to what I tell you. This is no place for arguments or bickering."

They all nodded and followed in his footsteps, carefully looking around.

Naruto hesitated once he reached the edge. There was a thin layer of mist that lingered throughout the forested area ahead. There was small path with various curves that disappeared deep into the woods. 'You did it once, you can do it again.' He clenched his teeth and stepped forward, into the darkness of the Taoreta mori.

Until next time!