Researching The Beast of a full Moon

Aerogakure Library

It was late in the night and Kushino sat in the Library of Aerogakure, the Librarians had all gone home to sleep hours before but they allowed Kushino to stay for as long as she wanted as she was a regular stayer in the library. Kushino had read over a thousand books but her Research and information on the Nanabi was still very limited. Kushino's fascination with the beast began when she was still very young when her parents still lived, at night her Father would tell her stories of the beasts power and beauty. Her favorite was of a Man who had traveled far and wide searching for the beast, he too had heard rumors of a giant Wolf that wrecked havoc in the sun province. It was said the man had traveled from a far distant land in search of the Wolf and after three years his research was still at a stand still. The knowledge he had found was incredibly limited but he had found enough that would allow him to locate and pin point the area the beast lived. One day the man decided to take on the beast, he had become fed up with his research and those around him believed he was going crazy from too much knowledge. The man traveled to Jokigakure where he met an Uchiha man, Kushino scoffed at the thought of the Uchiha man before she continued her memory of the story. The Uchiha man was dangerous and tricked the researcher into taking on the beast without the proper knowledge which would ultimately end in the death of him. The Uchiha lead him to The Smoldering Forest where they sat in wait for days until finally the beast appeared... A Giant beast of Fire. The man was unable to see the beast due to all the flames and smoke but he took it on. The man lost his life at the hands of the Nanabi and Uchiha man, he wanted the mans life in his hands and with that he took it. The Uchiha Man was never heard of again but it is said he still lives to this day.

Kushino's brain began to throb, she had had very little sleep and her memory of the story had become clouded by the thoughts of her dead parents and so with that she blew out her lamp, the only source of light in the Large Library and shut her eyes. The thought of the Nanabi swirled around her mind, it had been her dream to meet them beast and even seal him within herself for as long as she could remember. She never told Fukushu as she knew he would be against the entire thing and so this was her little secret project. For months she told Fukushu that she was out training and researching for the Chuunin exams and this wasn't a complete lie as she was also researching the Nanabi. Its powers, speed, weakness and anything else she could find. Kushino pulled out her large black Research book, inside anything upon anything she has researched throughout her life was inside that book. Kushino flipped through its pages till she came to a page that read Nanabi Research. Written on a single line was the Area of the Nanabi, Jokigakure. A Small map of the area was drawn on one side of the page. With the current problems throughout the Shinobi world Kushino was sure now more then ever of the situation of the Nanabi, he was somewhere in the Sun Flare Province. Underneath was nothing but a mere blank page, her Research had gotten her no where yet but she would not give up so easily, she was more then determined to find the Tailed Beast, though time was not an option for her. She needed the beast sealed as soon as possible and she wouldn't stop nothing to get it, the revenge for her Parents sat just around the corner.

Kushino walked through a few of the aisles of bookshelves scrambling up any book she could find with the term Bijuu. Kushino pushed around a small trolley and any book she found was thrown straight into it. Struggling to get the trolley back to her desk Kushino decided she would just sit down one of the aisles to read, grabbing the first book she began to read. The first book stated about a constantly burning forest in the Sun Province apparently caused by a Tailed beast, if Kushino had her facts right the Nanabi was a user of Fire Jutsu and a place called the Smoldering Forest seemed like the strangest and most obvious place for the Nanabi. Kushino got up and made toward getting her Research book, bringing it back to the position that she was at before. Writing down everything and anything she could find about The Smoldering Forest Kushino was able to draw a definate picture and map of the Smoldering Forest. Kushino marked points on both the Sun Province Map and the Smoldering Forest map marking possible locations of the Nanabi, if anything they would eventually find the beast in the area's marked. If not they would need to draw it out and that in its own right would be an incredibly hard feat. With the position of the beast in her book the next step was complete, now came the harder to find information What does the Beast look like? Whats his Abilities? Whats his movement patters and Fighting style like? What are his weaknesses? Will it be friendly or hostile?. All these questions needed answering and Kushino was barely even half way, her stubbornness would help her achieve her goal. Kushino let out a large yawn and found herself trying not to headbutt one of the books, her body was giving and screaming of the rest that it needed and deserved. Kushino got up to get her back, pulling out a blanket and a pillow and slowly got into the floor to get some rest.

Kushino felt her eyes growing heavy, she hadn't slept in two days and her body was beginning to feel deprived, large bags could be seen under eyes and her hair looked like a fuzzy red mess of a nest. Her mind still racing with thoughts of the Nanabi as well as her future. The Chuunin Exams and anything else she could think of. Her last thought faded as her eyes drew sleepy, her mind was currently at ease and with that Kushino was asleep. Asleep in a creepy old Library all on her own.

Word Count: 1097

Kushino awoke to the sound of a loud bang that seemed to echoed throughout the giant Library, the noise seemed to come from the otherside of the library. Getting up off the ground Kushino realised that the night was still incredibly dark ,the library still completely black from the lack of sunlight outside. Kushino grabbed her lamp and lit it using the box of matchsticks she had with her. Kushino slowly crept through the library, the floor boards creaking beneath her feet with each step till finally the noise ceased as she came to the culprit of the sudden loud bang that awoke her. Sitting on a tall shelf squeaking away happily was a small pure white rodent. The rodent was a mouse, no larger then a a persons hand and incredibly it was him who knocked the book off of the shelf. Kushino let out a loud laugh as she picked the small mouse up in her hand and placing him on her shoulder with a loving pat of her finger "Your a cute little one.. you can come research with me" she said playfully to the mouse. Kushino bent over and picked up the book the mouse had knocked off of the shelf, it was incredibly dusty and looked as if it had sat on the shelf for eons without a single touch by human hands, Kushino inhaled a large breath then released it to blow off all the dust. To her amazement the mouse had found Kushino's golden ticket, The books title read "The History of the Nine beasts". Kushino raced back to her study desk the mouse still on her shoulder, her lamp in one hand and the heavy book in the other. Kushino reached her study desk and placed the lamp down, dropping the book alongside it causing a dust cloud to form. Kushino to sat down in the chair with the mouse still on her shoulder squeaking away happily, her stomach making a rather loud grumbling noise. Kushino laughed as she realised she hadn't eaten all night, reaching into her bag she pulled out a large sandwich. Kushino broke a small piece off for the mouse ''This is for you helping me find this book little buddy'' She smiled. The mouse grabbed the piece of bread eating it with happy little nibbles, causing a laugh to escape Kushino's lips.

Kushino ate her sandwich in quiet apart from the small little squeaks that could barely be heard from her shoulder, enjoying every bite and savoring the taste. It would be awhile before she had another meal because as usual she would be there over the next few days. Kushino brought her attention back to the book, she was excited to finally learn something about the Nanabi and now would be her chance. The first phase of her plan was in action, the memory of her Parents death plagued her mind, the Uchiha man who now was in the Raksaka had killed her parents oh so long ago and almost took Fukushu with them. The Nanabi was the first goal to achieve enough power to kill them man, Kushino knew her Brother was after the same thing but she no longer wanted to be that small and innocent girl she once was when he attacked, now it was her turn to take a life and she would stop at nothing to get it. Her Brother would no longer be the one to protect her, no it was her time to protect him and protect him she would. The book flew open in one swift motion. The book seemed long and had varies information on bijuu, specifically the Yonbi, Hachiibi and Gonbi. Information on all three of these beasts but yet nothing on the Nanabi, her options seemed to have been growing thinner and thinner each day. Flipping through the pages once more Kushino spotted something peculiar, a page had been ripped out of the book. Kushino decided she needed to take a chance, that page could hold information on the Nanabi, even if it was only the tiniest bit of information anything she could find would be worth it.

Kushino placed the book to the side and returned to the aisle with her trolley of books, she pushed it back to the desk, grabbing a book before sitting down. The book held alot of information on a few Bijuu but the only real information it held on the Nanabi was that it was a Wolf Creature that had Seven Tails, so once again Kushino added it to her Research Book. Now in the Research book the Nanabi's Its Location, Its Elemental Affinity and its Form, it was a good start. Kushino peered over more books realizing the mouse had disappeared, he obviously already had enough bread and moved onto his next meal or something. Kushino still had lots to do but she was feeling good with what she had so far.

Kushino decided to take a break, her body had rested up but her mind still raced, she needed something to take her mind off of being stressed. Kushino took a walk around the Library, it really did look incredibly old but it also seemed incredibly well looked after. The Shelves were made out of nice oak wood and the same as the chairs. Kushino was frightened when she heard the sound of the front door fling open, a blinding light shone through. It was morning time already and the librarian had arrived to get the library ready for the day. The Librarian was a short old lady with grey and ragged hair, her clothing seemed normal for an old librarian but her most distinctive feature was her wide and cheeky smile, she was always smiling as if she loved her job. ''Greetings Kushino dear, I hope you weren't up half the night again!'' she jeered. For a Librarian she was an incredibly loud Woman, perhaps that what made her special. ''Oh no Mrs Tari I got some sleep, I found a nice comfy spot to sleep last night'' she replied nicely. Mrs Tali placed a hand on her hip and gave Kushino a wink ''I suppose... we have another book that has just arrived from Sakyugakure child, it was found beneath the rubble of the village'' she said motioning for Kushino to follow. Kushino nodded and followed Mrs Tali to the back room excitedly, perhaps her troubles would finally be over!. Mrs Tali grabbed a book off her desk and handed it to Kushino, it looked like it had barely survived its troubles but it was still in decent reading condition.

Word Count: 1107

Kushino found herself asleep in her bed at home, as usual Fukushu was out on one of his mysterious outings with The Brotherhood, she had been up the last few days without much sleep and her body needed time to rest. She was well fed and even cleaned herself up and was now sleeping the day away. A few hours later she was awoke in a huff, quickly showering, getting something to eat then escaping back to her room to grab the book she received from Mrs Tali. She had waited till her body and mind was rested before she continued her research as she wanted to take in as much as she could without being hindered. Kushino packed her bag with supplies like food, water and specifically the book she had received, Today she would continue her research somewhere outdoors, she needed to be outside for a bit and get some fresh air. The fumes of the Library dust was obviously getting to her and she needed the wide open spaces. It didn't take her long to get to her Destination, The Sky Arena. It was her favorite place to just chill, read and research as she would often sit and picture the battles that once went on in this very place, no to mention the Chuunin Exams would most probably be held here. Kushino went straight to work pulling out everything she needed from her bag, the last was the book she had received from Mrs Tali. Kushino slowly opened it and what she saw was amazing, The Research Log of a man who had successfully sealed a Bijuu within himself. Kushino began to read up on this man, though it told very little of himself it held alot of viable information on the other Bijuu. Kushino thought about what all this hard work was for, Revenge? Acceptance? Power? All three? Kushino couldn't decided though there was one thing for certain. She was doing it for selfish reasons and she never really took a second thought about the decision she made up until that moment. Kushino brought herself back from Fairyland and focused back on her Research, Currently she information on The Yonbi, Sanbi and now the Hachibi not to mention her own Research on the Nanabi. Kushino read up on the Hachibi, it seemed the Nanabi's almost complete opposite, It was a Giant Bear as large as a Mountain that was atoned to using Ice Techniques. The Nanabi on the other hand was a Wolf though she did not know its size but that it used Fire based Techniques.

Kushino read the book further, it was hard to read due to its condition but it was still able to be read. The Nanabi liked the heat, obviously his body was able to withstand high temperatures and it seemed as if Fire was its haven, looking at the research she discovered on the Smolder Forest in the Sun Province, it was constantly burning and it was never out, flame constantly consuming the forested area. At first Kushino was misguided by the fact that it may have just been from the Volcanoe that sat nearby but then again how could a simple volcano keep a forest lit for such a long and extended time? It was impossible thats how. The only thing that made sense was that The Nanabi made a home there, one of the warmer continents in the world. Much likes its sibling Bijuu the Nanabi lived in a placed that matached its Elemental Affinity, The Sanbi lived in the depths of the sea near Fukamigakure, the Ichibi layed wasted to Sakyugakure meaning he lived in the desert, these were all facts that helped prove the Nanabi lived in The Sun Province in the forever burning Sun Province.

Reading further into the book Kushino discovered the beast had more then just Fire Release, it seemed the special ability to use the Blaze Release. From the top of her head Kushino knew Blaze consisted of two elemental affinities, Katon-Fire and Raiton-Lightning. Other then that she knew very little but the library was bound to have information on this Release so she would need to return to the library that night. Kushino moved on through the book, reading that the user does not gain special releases like Scorch if they do not have the proper elements to use the release. That would Kushino would not meet the requirements to use the Nanabi's full power if she were to seal it within herself, though she stilled gained anything else the Bijuu had to offer with time. The book went onto explain more about the different Bijuu, obviously this man named Takeru was a much better Researcher then she though it did sound like he had age and maturity on his side. Kushino decided this man Takeru would need to be sought if she ever wanted a real chance at gaining the Nanabi. His known Village was Sakyugakure and with current destruction he obviously had moved to Morigakure as a safe haven. That would need to be her first stop if she wanted to get anywhere with her research.

Kushino's stomach growled loudly, she hadn't realized that it was already midday, the sun above shone brighter and brighter with each passing minutes, sitting directly above Kushino. Wiping sweat from her food head Kushino reached into her bag grabbing out a bottle of water, gulping it down just as fast as she had opened it, by the the water was nothing but droplets left inside the now empty bottle. Next was lunch, reaching in once again Kushino pulled out another Sandwich, an apple and a cup of Instant noodles. Obviously she could have the noodles now so she placed them into her bag for later when spent another night in the library. Kushino made a mess of herself eating her sandwich, it was obviously made by Fukushu. He couldn't cook or even make good sandwiches to save his life though it still tasted good. Next was the apple, she decided she would review the information and research she had written down. It was starting to fit into place though she still had more needed and wanted to know if she were to take on the Nanabi.

Word Count: 1044

Kushino had returned from Korigakure, her time there was better then she ever would have dreamed. She had gained two things a Sensei and more research notes from Takeru Sensei. Her body was sore from all the stress placed onto by the hard and vigorous training she endured in Korigakure and from what Takeru had said it was only the beginning. A Sigh left Kushino's lips at the thought of how much harder it would be for her when she returned back after the Chuunin Exams, if she returned without the rank then she would be scolded by her oh so beloved Sensei and would never get to live it down, not to mention Shitai. Mr Bugman himself wasn't any better, he was always on her case on every little thing and always treating her like a child, not to mention the man couldn't even handle the sight of a naked girl, imagine what would happen if her body had fully developed, A laugh left Kushino's lips as she found herself back in her favorite in the the whole entire world, well almost.

The Aerogakure Library hadn't changed much though it did bustle with people which was strange as it was usually so quite and empy but now is seemed jam packed but that was to be expected with the current Chuunin Exams. People from all over the world would be seeing what knowledge the Samurai Village held and using the Chuunin exams as their chance to do so. Kushino entered the Library with her research book in hand as usual and to her surprise she was greeted by a younger woman whom looked alot like Mrs Tari just less wrinkly though the same old cheeky eyes and smile were there ''Hello there! Judging by your red hair you must be... Hmmm Kushito!! Yes Kushito!. Hello I'm Mrs Tari Junior, I'm well Mrs Tari Seniors Daughter but you can call me Mosai'' She cheered happily. Kushino was startled at first but allowed a laugh to escape her lips alongside Mrs Tari Junior though an annoyed look crossed her face after being called Kushito. ''Uhm my names Kushino but you were close enough'' She said patting the woman on the back. In a quick instant Mrs Tari joined the conversation, she still looked the same since they last saw ''Hello dear, been awhile. You seemed to have grown slightly bigger since we last saw each other, seems like you've been doing some training'' She winked. Kushino was happy to see a face she knew, it was refreshing to say the least. Mrs Tari handed Kushino a new book and motioned good bye followed by Mosai behind her, they both looked more alike then ever, a laugh escaping Kushino's lips. Kushino peered over the book realizing it held information on some of The Bijuu, it was obviously from another Village as the style of the book was much different to any of Aerogakure's books. Judging by the timing Mrs Tari had been training with out of townees for new books, the woman was smart to say the least. Kushino decided the Library was much too crowded and she would go somewhere else more quiet and peaceful.

Kushino made her way through the streets of Aerogakure the book opened and her nose glued inside it, she was a good multi tasking so reading and walking to her destination was a piece of cake. The Hachibi is known to sleep and eat regularly, its diet mainly consisting of fish or any other kind of sea animal it can get its claws onto. The understatement Kushino thought as laughter left her mouth. Kushino finally looked up and found herself in a small garden Sora and herself visited on a regular basis, Kushino found a place to sit against a tree in the ground and lost herself in the book. Kushino grabbed out her Research book and pen and began adding information to her research, the Nanabi's known height was said to be thirteen feet tall while on all four of its paws, Kushino eyes widened in amazement at the sheer size of the beast, she never knew Bijuu could be that large. She pictured in her mind Takeru as a giant Polar Bear and Shitai as a Giant bug fighting each other at the old damaged house in the Desert, it would be amazing to say the least. Kushino decided to review the information she had, The Nanabi was that of a Wolf, Its size was over thirteen feet tall and had incredibly large paws. Seven large tails extend from its back size meaning its amount of tails could refer to its power alone. It used Fire Release as well as Scorch release which was a combination of Fire and Lightning. Due to her lacking in Lightning release she would be unable to receive Scorch release. The Nanabi or Okami lived in Sun Province near Jokigakure which was now being taken over and run by The Uchiha Clan who were said to have died during the destruction of Nanabi's rage causing the Volcano to blow. Its last known location was in the Smoldering Forest, a map was drawn in her book stating different points where the Nanabi was said be currently living or hiding, either way she would find it.

Kushino realized she had alot of information but much much more would be needed if she were to figuire out how to defeat it, the only thing she could think of was that Katon or Fire Release was weak against Suiton Water, Scorch release was the same though a more focused and powerful amount would be needed, perhaps with Takeru being inside an Ice Bear things would be easier, especially seeing as The Hachibi was practicably The Nanabi's Elder in terms of Power, Size and Tails. Not to mention Shitai would most probably join them in their journey to attack and seal the beast. Kushino became excited, she was nearing closer and closer with each passing week though she was hoping nothing would go wrong. With some of her research out of the way Kushino returned to her home, she was hoping she wouldn't be scolded by Fukushu for running away without a word, luckily for her he wasn't home... As USUAL.

Word Count: 1047

Kushino had already left her home hours before, she now sat in the Sky Arena watching one of the many Chuunin Exam fights. She enjoyed the roaring of the crowd and the adrenaline that came with it. Kushino stood and exited the Arena, her fight was over and she had lost to Yuurei, something she thought would never of happened. He used some kind of Mark on his neck to gain a large amount of power and eventually it led to her being led out of the Arena by none other then Takeru. For days she felt shame in what she had done, she lost and it was as simple as that, though she was yet to find out how she scored so there was atleast one upside to her battle, even if she failed she was happy she atleast got to try and she would try again when the time came. Kushino made her way through the streets till she stopped at a Ramen shop, entering inside she bought herself a cup of cooked ramen and left. She was now headed to The Library once again, her favorite place in the world. Kushino walked up its steps and noticed it was empty, it seemed everyone was off watching fights to even be remotely worried about reading, she couldn't blame them as lately she was feeling more and more over reading a book.

Kushino made her way to the regular study desk she usually sat at, it seemed strange that she hadn't sat there in a long time and in her absence hooligans had scratched words and taggings onto the desk, an annoyed look crossed Kushino's face. ''We tried to keep that off limits while you were gone but those silly children who come in here trying to smoke would not listen!'' Mrs Tali said startling Kushino. She was right. she hadn't noticed before but she could see small burns in the desk that seemed to have been scrubbed away in many failed attempts ''Its ok Mrs Tali, I understand. I think Ill be leaving once again very soon, Im not sure if I'll return here but I will try'' She said with a half hearted smile. ''Oh no no child don't you worry, there will always be a place for you in this Library, you practically live and work here. Any ways I just came to give you this new book'' She said placing the book on the desk and walking away laughing loudly. Kushino smiled and looked down for a moment, if she really wasn't going to return she knew that Mrs Tali would be one of the people she missed the most, though Sora was at the top of the list and then Fukushu. Kushino brought her attention to the book, it seemed to tell of an old Temple that sat on a mountain that held information about many things, particularly Bijuu. She was now intrigued as to the book, and where it had come from, was this the same temple Takeru had told her about that he too had traveled to that helped him gain many of his research?. Kushino picked up the book and bolted out the door of the Library, she was headed home to gather her things for her journey, though she would put it off for awhile to finally talk to Fukushu.

A FEW DAYS LATER...

Days had passed and Kushino found herself at the edge of the Village, her travels were now about to begin...

Kushino traveled for many days until she met the cold, the mountain was certainly high and her journey thus far wasn't for the feint of heart, in a way she was afraid of how far she had come. Kushino's body hurt from the lack of rest, she had traveled at the way to the mountains without any rest, perhaps it wasn't the best of things to do but she had the research on her mind and didn't want to lose sight of her goals. Kushino set up camp for the night, she lit a fire and set up a tent and began cooking herself some Orca meat, strangely enough she had grown accustomed to its taste and rather enjoyed it, she was picking up habits from Takeru and in a way it was funny. Kushino ate away at her meat, devouring it in large bites that shouldn't have been possible for a girl so small. Above Kushino was the temple, right at the top of the highest mountain, her journey in the morning would be long and hard but luckily she would of had enough rest. Kushino lay in her sleeping bag looking up at the stars, the thought of her parents entered her mind ''Ill make you proud of me Mom, Dad'' She said as if speaking up to them in the heavens. Kushino sat thinking about what she had accomplished to get so far, gaining a large amount of research, gaining new friends and even a new Sensei. Atop all of this she was able to participate in the Chuunin Exams and although she lost if was a feat none the less. Kushino's eye slowly drifted off and she fell asleep with the warmth of the camp fire next to her.

Kushino awoke a few hours earlier, the sunrise was coming up covering the land in a beautiful orange light. Kushino got up early and packed up her camp, she was now ready to climb up the mountain. A few hours passed and Kushino found herself half way to the temple, it was her first time actually climbing a mountain using her chakra and considerably it was hard, not to mention cold. Kushino had struggled from the start of her climb but slowly she was getting the hand of things, slowly she was inching closer and closer to the temple, tit was in her sights and she was using it motivate her. After a few more hours Kushino found herself at the temple her body slight aching and cold, she couldn't wait to enter inside and in a huff she ran in. The temple was warm and seemed kind of comfy, the dust still lay but it seemed to be nicely taken care of. Kushino was startled by an old man in a hooded robe ''Hello young lady, I was wondering when you would arrive'' He said mysteriously. Kushino's eyes bulged in amazement ''Are you Psychic?'' She asked. The old man laughed loudly, echoing throughout the temple ''No no child I watched you climb the mountain a few hours ago, you could of taken the stairs that was just left to where you were climbing'' He said cheekily. Kushino's face became an annoyed emotion, she hadn't noticed the stairs and took the hard way ''Why didn't you tell me that if you were watching me?'' She asked. The old man scoffed ''You seemed so concerned with getting here I didn't want to waver your concentration or motivation, you child should have noticed it anyway'' She laughed once more. Kushino felt her patience waring thin by the second, this man would get punched soon if he wasn't so cute in his robes. Kushino studied the man, he was much like Mrs Tali, why couldn't there be a normal quiet Librarian, why was she always meeting loud mouthed people.

Kushino decided to wave of her anger and brought her attention onto the man, she was about to speak but was cut off by him ''Follow me child I know what you seek to learn'' The man said motioning Kushino to follow. Kushino followed the man through many shelves of books till finally he stopped ''Right here'' He said as a large cloud of dust appeared. Kushino was expecting him to have disappeared but instead he sat on the floor struggling to get up, obviously he had failed at his attempt to try and disappear mysertiously, Kushino slapped herself on the forehead before making her way down one of the Aisles the man had pointed to.

Word Count: 1342

Kushino made her way through the strange temple, the elderly man she had met earlier was now off doing his own duties leaving a whole section for Kushino to explore. The shelves were jam packed and most of the books were in great condition, the library was obviously old but it was also well maintained, how many people roamed these halls over the years? Kushino pondered the thought as she peered over the various books and shelves that sat before her, the selection and information was wide but there was only one type of book and information she wanted, stuff on the Nanabi. Since the beginning it had been her goal to gain the seven tailed beast and now her research was drawing to an end, perhaps her journey to thus far was dragged out but the things she had achieved were great. The first was she had traveled to various provinces of the land on her own, an incredible feat for a Genin at-least. Secondly she gained herself a Sensei, a master of seals who would help her seal the beast not to mention she had met two Jinchuriki and was able to see first hand on what they are like. The fourth was still in the process at this very minute but would too soon be added her list, life seemed good and it would only get better from here on out, though things would also be harder for her when she became a Jinchuriki, things in her life would change and not always for the better. Kushino peered over a few hundred books till she found one in particular, a book titled 'The Demon Wolf'. Kushino grabbed the book off of the shelf realizing it was much larger then it appeared, thick and fill. Kushino position herself on the floor, grabbing out the Research Book she had so she could add the last of what she needed to her list, an excited feeling flowed throughout Kushino's body.

Opening the book Kushino's face turned from excitement to shook, the first page she had opened read the same story her parents once told her as a child though in someways it was altered, Kushino's stories weren't just fairy tails after-all they were legends, this here book was proof of just that. The book seemed to know a brief history of the Nanabi though Kushino was unsure if it were one hundred percent truth. Kushino turned the page to find a brief hand drawn picture of the Nanabi, quickly Kushino jotted it down being sure to match every line and every detail. Now she had a fair idea on what the beast looked like, more then just a wolf she knew its actual appearance and it was just one more step closer to the sealing. Kushino peered over the next page, she had the size and weight of the beast but written in the book was information on the beasts strength and speed. The beast has large dexterous muscles in his back and front legs giving him incredible strength, his speed also enhanced making him incredibly swift and agile, to say the least the Nanabi is a magnificent creature, when the time comes to fight the beast things surely could become troublesome quickly but luckily for Kushino she will have Takeru and perhaps Shitai helping her along the way. Atop of speed and strength the Nanabi makes use of his wolf like reflexes meaning his reaction time and senses would be a challange. Kushino jotted down her now found information adding to her other various doodles and notes, the last would be his fur. Kushino peered over the next page finding information on the beasts fur, this book had everything!. The wolfs fur compares to steel and yet seems like natural fur while his claws compare to titanium, a swipe from that and Kushino could lose half her body. Kushino peered over the last piece of information on her current page ''Aura?'' She murmured as she looked more closely. The Nanabi has a constant hot aura that surrounds his body that can if touched causes a person to burn while if a metal like steel or below comes into contact will melt ''Incredible!, Luckily I have Kuraina'' She spoke.

One the next few hundred pages held information on The Nanabi that Kushino already possessed though it was good to compare her own information to that of the book, slowly she neared the end of the book, the last page. Kushino inspected further to find a brief amount of information on The Nanabi's personality ''Strange who could gain this kind of information..'' She murmured to herself again. Kushino read the words from the book aloud ''The Demon Wolf is a very stoic type of Bijuu. He is obsessed with darkness, as well as the sentimentality it brings about, and the crudely limitless boundaries of fire. He has somewhat of a creepy aura about him, being mostly calm and quiet. It takes its role in the world fairly seriously, and only shows its sense of humor at the appropriate times. It is a level-headed strategic genius, often proving its quick wits in battle. If sealed into a Jinchuuriki, it will often not reject the host. It will accept its new role with pride and attempt to make the best of the situation, although it will make the host prove that they are worthy of the Nanabi's assistance.'' She said confused. Peering to the back of the book it read Gato Hareni, perhaps this 'Gato' character was a past Jinchuriki or something?. Kushino slammed the book shut and placed it back on the shelf, her journey was over and she had all she needed to finally take on the beast.

Kushino said her goodbyes to the old monk and made her way down the mountain, as soon as she reached Aerogakure she would say her goodbyes and return to Korigakure with Sensei Takeru, her training needed to be continued and the tailed beast would soon be in her grasps.

A FEW DAYS LATER...

Kushino found herself in the forests of Morigakure, she decided stopping by her old home village would be a good break from traveling, she had to pick up supplies among other things and wanted to sight see, something she didn't get to do earlier when she first met Shitai. Kushino made her way through the streets of Mori buying the supplies she needed for her journey home, perhaps once there she would speak to Fukushu. Kushino explored the Village for the day before getting a good nights rest, in the morning she would be off. After a good amount of rest Kushino made her way back to Aerogakure, passing by many War Refugees along the way, she made sure to help as many as she could and even went of course to guard and look after a few till they reached their own destinations, now more then ever did the rebel and empire need to look after each other and every one needed to get along. The Raksaka well on their way to the rise of power and it was no joke, they would soon make another public attack on the world which was why Kushino needed and wanted power, a war was coming and no longer would it be between The Empire and The Rebels. Kushino entered Aerogakure and returned home, she would meet up with Takeru and Shitai that day in order to tell them the news on her research, soon she would be a Jinchuriki. The thought scared her as Fukushu would be kept in the dark but the day was still young...

Word Count: 1278

RESEARCH COMPLETE!