Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

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Chapter 257: Ghosts Aren't Real 👻

Malik's second visit to Lady Tsunade's office that week found him once again under the intense gaze of the world's strongest kunoichi. The office of Lady Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, was a place where serious matters were discussed daily, and today was no exception. Malik found himself in somewhat austere surroundings, but today's topic was uncharacteristically eerie for the usually pragmatic Kunoichi leader. The room was steeped in the late afternoon light that filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. "Kinda spooky in here today," Malik said to no one, leaving the sentence to go unanswered.

Tsunade shuffled the papers on her desk, organizing her thoughts before addressing Malik, who was already sensing an unusual tension in the air. "We've received a peculiar request from the Land of Birds," she began, her eyes sharp as they met Malik's. "They claim their region is haunted by a specter they call the 'Cursed Warrior.' While I'm skeptical about ghosts, the situation there has caused enough panic to warrant investigation."

Malik, known throughout the village and the many lands around them, was not just known for his wealth and culinary skills but also for his unique magical abilities, listened intently. Ghosts were not typically within his realm of expertise, but his knowledge of the supernatural was not insignificant.

With a nonchalant shrug, Malik dismissed the idea of spectral beings with a wave of his hand. "Ghosts aren't real, simple as that."

Tsunade leaned forward, her interest piqued by his quick dismissal. "That was a rather swift conclusion, especially coming from someone who dabbles in actual magic," she pointed out.

Malik offered a nonchalant shrug, his demeanor casual. "Well, if we're being technical, I'd say ghosts aren't real. At least, not in the way people think they are."

"And that comes from a man who's been dubbed an actual demon," Tsunade quipped, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Malik chuckled lightly, "If— and it's a big if—I'm anything, I'm a holy demon at most, blessed by goddesses. But let's not delve into that now."

"So, you think the haunting is just a ruse?" Tsunade pressed, trying to gauge his belief.

"Potentially. I'd need to see for myself to be certain. If there is a rogue spirit, I believe I'd recognize it. But remember, my magic doesn't work on the dead," Malik clarified.

"Why bring this to me, Lady Fifth?" Malik queried, his interest now clearly piqued despite his initial dismissal.

Tsunade managed to keep her expression neutral, hiding a small smile of triumph. "I've already dispatched a team. They're on their way as we speak," she revealed.

Malik's eyebrow quirked up, a slight grin forming. "Don't play coy, Tsunade. You've got me curious now."

"Good," Tsunade responded, her poker face impeccable. "I thought you might be. Besides, I sent Neji and Tenten. Given your...plans with them, I figured you might be inclined to check on their safety personally."

Malik shook his head, half-amused and half-exasperated. "You know how to push my buttons, don't you? Fine, I'll go. But who else is on this mission? . . . besides Naruto . . . obviously."

"Kakashi Hatake. He was due for a check-in anyway. You'll accompany him," Tsunade decided, neatly tying together multiple objectives with Malik's involvement.

Malik sighed, standing up to leave. "I suppose I'm just a glorified errand boy at this point. If I didn't know any better, I'd say we were married with the amount you boss me around."

Tsunade's eyes twinkled with amusement at his jest. "Oh, and before I forget, Shisui would never forgive me if I sent you off without proper protection again. Make sure Kakashi keeps you out of trouble."

"But let's make one thing clear—'Im not doing it just because they're my fiancées."

"Of course not, Neji and Tenten are ninjas first; they can protect themselves," Tsunade replied smoothly, her expression serene. 

Malik stretched his arms above his head. "I suppose I'm just a glorified taxi service at this point," he muttered, though the grin on his face belied his grumbling. Tsunade added, a hint of warmth creeping into her voice. "You do tend to find trouble, or perhaps it's the other way around."

Malik laughed, the sound rich and full. "Trouble and I are old friends, Tsunade. Alright, I'll join Kakashi and see what this 'ghost' is really about."

As he turned to leave, Tsunade's voice stopped him. "Malik, be careful. We don't know what you might find there."

 "Ya know, it could be a demon. That would make more sense to me, What do you think? Lady 5th." Malik said, making sure to gather her actual thoughts on the matter before leaving. The room fell silent as Tsunade considered his words. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes took on a distant look as she focused intently. "I... don't think we've ruled that out completely. If there is some form of demonic activity, your unique abilities would be invaluable in identifying and neutralizing the threat. But be cautious, Malik. Even for you, this could be dangerous."

Malik nodded seriously, sensing the gravity in Tsunade's tone. "Understood. I'll be extra vigilant." He turned once again to leave, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. "I'll do my best to make sure none of us bring back any evil spirits, and that one will be on the house, just between me and you," he said as a half joke.

With a final nod, Malik exited the room, his mind already racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead in the Land of Birds. The idea of ghosts might seem far-fetched, but the mystery itself was enough to draw him into the shadow of the unknown. As he exited the hallway that led to Tsunade's office, the corridors of the Hokage building felt cooler, the shadows longer. Whatever awaited in the Land of Birds, Malik was ready to uncover the truth behind the ghostly tales, accompanied by the formidable Kakashi Hatake. "Ya know, I never get to hang out with Kakashi. I wonder . . . what in the world could we possibly talk about."

Malik walked out of the Hokage's building, the setting sun painting the village in hues of gold and orange. He made his way through the bustling streets toward his own mansion, where he knew he'd find Kakashi waiting. The Hokage's messenger had already delivered the news of their joint mission to his partner, and Malik knew he'd find Kakashi waiting at his front door, already packed and ready to leave. As expected, Kakashi stood in Malik's front yard, with a lazy and relaxed look in his eye but still filled with purpose. "I've got everything ready," Kakashi said, adjusting his headband. "The mission briefing is simple: investigate reports of supernatural activity in the Land of Birds, but the real assignment is keeping our team safe." "Let's not forget my protection detail," Malik added with a grin, knowing full well that Neji and Tenten were likely already more than halfway to their destination by now.

"How are you doing, my main man, Kakashi Hatake?!" Malik said while summoning GrubGrub from his chest, the pink glowing ball grew and shifted into the form of a giant pink and gold Bird. Kakashi blinked at the sudden appearance of the enormous bird, its feathers shimmering in the fading light. "Whoa, that's...impressive," he remarked, craning his neck to take in GrubGrub's full size.

Malik climbed onto GrubGrub's back, extending a hand to help Kakashi up. "They'll get us to the Land of Birds in half the time it'd take by normal means. Plus, they got built-in defenses that'll keep us safe from most attacks. . . sometimes . . ."

Kakashi hesitated only a moment before grasping Malik's hand and allowing himself to be hauled up. He settled himself behind Malik, getting a good grip on the straps of his pack. "I suppose you've got a plan for this haunting business then?" he asked as GrubGrub lifted off, powerful wings beating the air.

Malik shrugged, turning his head to talk over his shoulder. "Same as always. Have you ever fought a ghost before, Kakashi?" Kakashi shook his head, his masked face showing a hint of a smirk. "Can't say I have. I've taken on my fair share of fake specters maybe and other creepy crawlies, but never anything as solid as a ghost."

As GrubGrub soared through the evening sky, Malik turned his attention forward, his brow furrowed in thought. "I've never dealt with them either but I guess, I would be a great pick for the job,If I had to guess, spirits or souls can turn into something like a ghost under the correct conditions, though they're rare. Mostly just lost souls that need to be guided to the afterlife. But this 'Cursed Warrior' sounds different, more malevolent."

The wind whipped past them as they flew, and Kakashi leaned in closer to be heard over the rushing air. "Think it could be a demon posing as a ghost? I know you've got experience with that sort of thing."

Malik nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the horizon ahead. "It's possible. Demons are masters of illusion and deception. It's one of my main missions to hunt down demons or at least 7 of them."

GrubGrub's powerful wings beat steadily against the cool night air, carrying them swiftly towards the Land of Birds. The landscape below shifted from the familiar forests and villages of Konoha to the more rugged and mountainous terrain that characterized their destination. The moon cast an eerie glow over the peaks and valleys, adding an almost ethereal quality to the journey.

Malik, with his keen senses, could feel the change in atmosphere. The air seemed heavier, charged with an unnatural energy that prickled his skin. He turned to Kakashi, his voice low and serious. "We're getting close. Can you feel it?"

Kakashi nodded, his grip tightening on the straps of his pack. "Yeah, it's like the air is...thicker. Almost oppressive."

Malik's eyes narrowed as he focused on the landscape below. "We need to be cautious. If there's a demon involved, it could be using the local folklore to its advantage." With a thought Malik made GrubGrub slow down its flight, "Do you think we should allow Neji's team to get there first, give them some time to do their thing first, maybe I could drop you off separately, we can show up at the main village within The Land of Birds at the same time but I can draw their attention while you work and do your stuff in the shadows maybe?" Kakashi considered Malik's suggestion for a moment before responding. "You know, I like the way you think, Malik. Drawing the attention of whatever this 'Cursed Warrior' is could work in our favor. It'd give me the chance to do some recon without being noticed." He leaned in closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Besides, I bet you're looking forward to putting your demon-fighting skills to the test."

Malik grinned, the moonlight glinting off his teeth. "Guilty as charged, Kakashi. I do love a good challenge, though calling them fighting skills might be a little much but I'll take the complement either way. And if this is a demon, well..." He trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air. With a thought, Malik guided GrubGrub to rise, the great bird's shadow falling over the land below.

 Malik lays back while closing his eyes." Then it's a plan. we can give them at least a full day before showing up, plus it gives us a chance to talk, We're both around the same people a lot, but we barely ever talk. I find that a little crazy." Kakashi shrugged, settling in behind Malik with a relaxed posture that belied the keen attention in his eye. "Well, I suppose there's a lot to be said for the silent, brooding type. It gives me a certain mystique." He chuckled softly, his voice carrying over the rush of air past them.

Malik rolled his eyes at Kakashi's self-deprecating humor but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at his lips. "Brooding? Nah, you just like to pretend you're aloof and enigmatic. Truth is, you're a softie who'd do anything for his friends. I've seen it."

Kakashi snorted. "Softie? I'll have you know I'm a hardened veteran ninja." Despite his words, there was a note of genuine fondness in his tone.

"Sure man, whatever you say." Malik answered, his eyes locked on the endless night sky above them.