Hello everyone I'm sorry that the story has not progressed since August 2014! Had a bad case of writer's block and the start of Year 10 has kept me quite busy Do enjoy the new chapter!

The moon above was calculative with its luminescence tonight. The only strong illumination came from the strategically placed cold stone lanterns around the spring, casting shadows over its surrounding objects. Japanese maples were always thought to be a sign of peaceful retreat and great blessings, but the trees gave off a haunting, almost ominous aura with dark shadows lurking all around it.

But he was not afraid. That small corner of his heart that had used to house fear had seemed to dissipate over time, not sparing an ounce.

In a bout of carelessness, he might have imagined the solace of a gentle, motherly caress that silently reassured him; a caress that quietly supported him. But his supposed rationality soon dominated his train of thought once again, and the thoughts of another soul helping him with his struggles seemed unimaginable.

His hot breath formed a cloud of condensation in the wintry air, and he immersed himself further into the tepid water, silently reveling in its temporary comfort.

Ino had let out a squeal of delight when Shikamaru gave in to her whines to splurge on a night at a hot spring inn. The resorts were too crowded and expensive, and they finally set on a quaint looking inn near the outskirts of the town centre.

The group was greeted by the welcome warm air of a heater and a plump woman, presumably the owner looked up at the visitors with a smile. Getting up, she made her way to a door leading to the back and emerged a few minutes later, carrying a tray of cups filled with what looked like warm honey.

She placed the tray on the waiting table and gestured towards it, indicating that the group should reach out for them.

Naruto gulped the tea down in one movement while the others sipped their tea demurely.

"Kakashi-senseiiiii! You're wearing a mask so could I have your tea too?"

Worn out from the journey and shivering slightly from the cold, Kakashi dismissed Naruto with a glance. Naruto took it as a yes and pounced on the tea.

The plump woman looked on with interest until she broke her silence. "Very cold out there, isn't it?" the woman introduces herself as Madam Sachiko, the owner of the inn.

Kakashi nudges Yamato towards the counter. "Take care of it, Tenzou."

With a resigned sigh, Yamato made he necessary payments and distributed the keys.

"Kakashi and I will stay in a room, Shikamaru and Neji, Sakura and Ino and lastly Naruto and Sai."

Everyone bid their goodbyes and headed into their own rooms.

The room had tatami mats and futons already laid out when Sakura and Ino entered the room. Sakura had thought that the staff of the inn moved very effectively and discreetly, given that no staff was visible whatsoever.

During the walk through the wooden corridors to their rooms, Sakura and Ino chanced upon the sign pointing the way to the onsen, or rather, the hot springs. It had took no convincing for Sakura to agree wholeheartedly to a hot soak in the middle of the harsh winter, and Ino was more than happy to oblige.

Bags were flung onto the bed, cupboards opened, yukatas donned and slipping their tired feet into wooden clogs, the both of them rushed again through the corridors, looking for the sign again, thankful for the opportunity to taste the pleasure of relaxation. It was an unsaid yet acknowledged fact that what would come soon encompassed the ominous air of various premonitions.

The hot water of the springs shocked Sakura as she slowly slid her foot into the rock bath. By this time, the blizzard had been tamed down to a gentle snowfall, coating the surroundings in a blanket of soft, white snow. Steam rose from the bath and into the air, lending the atmosphere an aura of mystery.

As soon as their bodies were submerged in the tepid water, Ino and Sakura let out a relaxed sigh, as if all their worries and tensions were released through it.

"This feels incredible." Sakura breathed out.

Ino nodded silently.

Sakura reclined until the water reached up to her neck, and leaned her head on the rock, facing the dark winter sky.

Her mind flitted to the mission.

Would her team be able to capture Sasuke's brother? He was a notorious criminal with unprecedented abilities; A complete genius among his peers and seniors.

Rumors circulate around the village, some of them telling the story of how he murders innocent babies and women; some of them depicting a mountain of corpses that all died by his hand; some of them painting vivid images of a deranged man constantly on a killing rampage, a man starved for power and blood.

A chill ran down her spine. Would her team be able to capture him? Sure, they just need to capture him and confine him in a cage of pulsing energy and bring him back to the village for her master, but what was this feeling of doom that stirred within her?

Sakura lapsed back into reality when she felt a nudge underwater. Ino held her finger to her lips, indicating for Sakura to be silent. Wading her way through the comfortable waters, Ino pulled on Sakura's hand, leading her to the bamboo divider that separated the men's and women's bath.

Ino's finger left her lips and landed on a small opening through the bamboo divider.

"Look through it, Sakura!" Ino whispered fervently into Sakura's ear.

Taken aback by this, Sakura's face contorted into an expression of shock, her eyes questioning Ino.

"Just do it, for goodness' sake! What an amazing body…" Ino pushed her towards the small hole, silently swooning.

She couldn't deny that she was curious. Slowly, Sakura inched her way closer to the hole, and it revealed a rock bath just as beautiful as the women's. In the midst of the rising, clouded steam, she made out the back of a man.

The lines on his muscular back were perfectly pronounced, but not overly bulky. His arms looked strong from where she was standing, with toned biceps and triceps. He had a head of raven-colored long hair that was matted wet by the water. It stuck to his back, further emphasizing his masculinity.

The man swept a hands of water over his body and at one moment, Sakura felt mesmerized by how the droplets slid down every inch of his body, over the lines and indentations created by his finely toned muscles.

Ino had to pull Sakura away.

"That's a beautiful man. I love men with long hair," Ino swooned with admiration.

Sakura could not deny it, as much as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

When they returned to their rooms, the man was the main subject of conversation until late in the night.

Ino talked about looking for his room in the hotel while Sakura dismissed it with a laugh.

They giggled into the night, until fatigue finally took over and the girls lapsed into a peaceful, sound sleep, amidst the backdrop of a crisp winter night.

Please leave your comments down below! Would love to hear your opinions and will find ways to improve the coming chapters! Thank you guys :)