Hotaru had been panicking frantically, she hadn't seen Sou, who she desperately needed. She was hot on their trail, which was leading straight towards the village they had been assigned to assist. Something was fishy, yet she couldn't stop focusing on chasing after any signs left by Tobikiri. Yoho wasn't just all pretend, it was a way for her to interact with others, a fake persona that tried to befriend anyone who wanted to hang out with the goofball. It wasn't all just fun and games though, this situation called for action. The dizzying forest was easy to get lost in, especially at night and without any guide from her comrade then she was sure that he was a goner, but she wasn't about to give up on anyone.
She traced them to a village just as the darkness was at most prominent. She spectated a small village that appeared like a makeshift shantytown, as if it had recently been rapidly expanded and fortified. At the center of the village rose a prominent tree that lit up the center of the village, displaying a beauty to behold, a village somewhat hidden within the surrounding forest. It was sunken between a large waterfall that dampened the lights and noise. A perfect stronghold... Shit, right! Got to focus on Tobikiri! Hotaru stopped by a branch overlooking the branches reaching the side and began to inspect the establishment from her advantage point.
She brought up her binoculars, she took note of the activities that transpired at night and checked to see if she spotted any guards. The night seemed to be a quiet one, save for the activities around the bar and darker regions. She spotted what appeared like ten makeshift soldiers and a lot of brutes. One of those missions huh? Hotaru sighed and reached for her coat and tossed it over herself, she then reached for her fox mask before stopping right before touching it. She thought about her new mask that she had barely used and reached for it. This could come in handy and covers more of the head anyway. Hotaru chuckled and slipped on her Night Hood.
Tobikiri had been carried over the shoulder by a ninja that had abandoned Kumogakure and chose the life of a mercenary of sorts, as of now there was no telling what their true intentions were but the ninja made sure that he was secured, not that many words were extended between his comrades and nor did they take many breaks, though there still were chances for Tobiki to leave clues if he played it smart.
They carried him over the giant branch like bridges that overlooked the majestic waterfall, if he looked down then he would be able to spot the endless void that stared back at him, a fall from this height would be game over. Zei tossed Tobkiri over to his other massive shoulder and brought him further into the dark slums, along the way he would be able to count the 25 guards that were way to drunk to function as a proper army and the many dark spots that could suit for hiding.
"Don't worry kid, I know this place might freak you out but you won't be troubled by much longer." Zei's voice was ominous, his dark voice was followed by a grim chuckle.
As of now they seemed to be carrying him deeper into the village, and there was no telling how much time he would have before they would reveal their ominous plans.