Bounceback

“We should sit down and rest. I can barely move around,” Shina feigned fatigue.

Hatake smirked and burst out laughing. He started warming up, dragging around Shina during the process, “We're moving no matter what.”

He grabs his hand underneath her legs, carrying them up. Shina was lightly held against him.

“This is harassment,” she said with a scoff.

He nods before running out, their journey resuming once again. His quick movements, coupled with his good physique and stamina, made it even faster than before.

He really is a wild one… I'm not complaining about the free ride, however.

She stays silent, just watching the path ahead, her eyes focusing on finding the river. It took a couple of minutes to reach, but it was done.

“Ok, put me down.” Shina gets dropped down by Hatake gently.

The goddess must be on my side for such an encounter.

Hatake takes a look down at the river. “I'm going in.”

He jumped in without warning, his entire body drenched, while it pulled Shina down towards the riverbed. The sap connecting them started to get covered in water, loosening it over time. After her scraping at it as well, it managed to start peeling off.

“Told you it would work.” He puts a wide smile on his face; it slowly spreads to Shina as well.

They get rid of the final bits, Hatake finally emerging from the water, drenched everywhere, before jogging around the place, making Shina realise her mistake.

Why didn't I kill him when we were stuck? Why didn't I even think about it?

Hatake pats her shoulder. “Let's keep moving.”

She lets her thoughts reside before nodding. They jogged this time; however, for the next thirty minutes, Shina was being matched by Hatake's pace, making sure she didn't exert herself before they found a secluded spot close enough.

It was covered by forest trees in a dense bushy area, making it chilly yet hidden.

“You should wait here. He gives a soft smile before looking up above.

Shina frowns, “Would you even be able to fly out from here? Make sure you catch their numbers, powers, clothing and weapons if you do make it out.”

He nods down before staring up; he realigns himself at a spot that seemed to be seeping sunlight in. He presses himself down before jumping in under a second, the reaction time to intercept being impossible.

The sound of tree branches snapping and a grunt from above fills her ears.

“I'm ok!” he said before a sound of wind blew from above, signalling his escape.

Fifteen minutes have passed, and Shina waits down underneath, her body walking around in circles, her eyes closing slightly while she bites her finger.

How did I manage not to kill him? Better question, why don't I feel the need to kill him? The goddess told me I should, so I should.

She keeps pacing around restlessly, the idea of not completing her mission still bugging her.

I can always kill him when he's back, but since he won't be in his body from the use, that just means I won't be able to absorb him.

Shina continues for another fifteen minutes, her thoughts just questioning her own choices, eating her alive.

He should be watching them now if he gets caught. Then I won't be able to get his power, and on top of that, we're going to be targeted for the attempt.

Tck, she bit down on her hand; the stress was killing her.

I have to just calm down. Being worried when I can't do anything is pointless.

She leans next to a tree, her arms folded inside each other underneath her chest as she huffs out a sigh from her lips. Her legs crossed, keeping her secure until his return.

I'm doing a terrible job for someone who promised to win. Sorry, Hiwo.

Her quick thoughts disappear, and she waits in silence until Hatake returns from his venture.

The sound of trees rustling from above and birds flapping away instantly caused her eyes to dart up towards the sound. They found a dark figure hovering above, just staring down at her.

Is that Hatake?

She focuses on the figure above descending slowly, her view being blocked by the sun's rays hitting her eyes and the darkened areas where the figure went through.

“I'm back,” his rough voice broke through the silence.

Shina scoffs, “I don't care if you are back; just tell me what you saw.”

There was a small smile that crept up, however, behind her frown. They start walking backwards towards their camp, exchanging information as they go on; the two, despite being disconnected by the sap, seem to be walking side by side.

“There are around ten of them in the other camp; they have pretty cool stuff lying around. Weapons – there are tonnes of those, one for each member.”

Compared to us. They have the advantage in both weapons and numbers.

“What about their abilities?” Shina glanced over quickly.

Hatake laughed awkwardly. “I saw someone use some sort of barrier; it prevented me from getting closer. It's strong magic.”

Shine sighed, “So getting in is also against us; we're basically a lost cause against them.”

“Oi, don't say stuff like that; we are stronger. Way stronger!” His confidence beamed loudly.

She let out a quiet giggle.

He really is optimistic in the worst scenarios. It's like I'm talking to someone opposite me; it's somewhat enjoyable.

She found herself enjoying Hatake's presence over time. It was unusual for her to even talk to someone, and here she was walking side by side with someone she had just met.

They walk past the river, they walk past the bushes and trees until the view of their campsite is in sight of them, and they peer out to see that everyone seems to be getting along well with each other.

“Seems I made it back in one piece,” Hatake laughs out before walking towards the camp.

He starts running, excited to tell everyone the news he brought. It's quite a sight seeing someone happy over such trivial things.

This night I'm going to have to do something, even if he doesn't deserve it. I can't let it drag me down. Please, goddess, forgive me for not executing your commands.

Shina went back towards the camp following Hatake. Ayuri and Toki were both surprised to see him in one piece; their reactions were warranted, however. They convey the information and prepare themselves.

From gathering food supplies to making strategies. Their entire day became a rigorous training schedule.