Jasmine stopped suddenly. A group of shinobi was ahead, speaking quietly. Judging by their headbands, they were from the Hidden Leaf village, just the village she was aiming for next. It was a four man cell. She watched and waited silently, picking up what they were saying.

“All right, we’ll stop here for now. Karin, put up your barrier jutsu.”

“ Right away, Master Shinsu! 11 Heart Holy Seal!” A red globe expanded around the small group then disappeared. Humph. It’ll take more than some lousy barrier jutsu to keep Jasmine out. She moved her hands silently into their position.

“ The Art of Shadows, The Night Across the Ice.” she whispered, then melted into a pool of shadows that slithered through the barrier into the boy with an impending aura’s shadow. He froze for a moment. “The Art of Shadows, Listless Silhouette.” There. All she needed to do now was wait.

“Har, are you okay?”

“I-I’m fine Karin. Just a little tired, that’s all.”

“Then it’s good that we bed down. I now that all of you are tired from our mission in the Land of the Birds.” A harsh cry split the air.

“Master Shinsu! Lecce senses an intruder!” The small boy called. A bright red hawk sat on his shoulder.

“Drat.” Jasmine mumbled. “I hadn’t seen the bird. One thing to do now. The Secret Art of Shadows, Demon Overlord!”

***

To be continued…