So the trip to Umimura was slow. Mainly because we stopped at an inn halfway through the trip and a merchant family asked us to escort them. We had already made contact with the town head and had been given a small house on the side of the village to use as we investigate.

A nice place. But we need to find some clues and begin our investigation. I thought as I played shogi with Shikamaru. "So you have any ideas on how to start out investigation?" He shrugged and looked at Shurui who had a dove on her arm. She seemed to be listening to the birds chirping. Before letting it fly off. "Actually Shurui had a plan and I think it's our best option." I was kinda curious about what she was doing. She had been sending out doves and listening to them for a while. "Those are her summons. We can't understand them but she can. She's using them to eavesdrop on suspicious conversations." After she's narrowed down a few search options me and you should go investigate. While she and Choji will try and find a connection between the attacks." I was a little surprised. I didn't expect them to have a plan so soon let alone a sound one. Clever use of Shurui's summons. No one will suspect a few doves to be spies. It's smart to let me and Shikamaru to the investigating. Shurui and Choji are to Kind to intimidate people. "Sounds good team. When do we move out?" Shurui walked over with a scroll and handed it to us. "This is all my doves found. Maybe their will be some clues you two can follow. Choji will be back with the Villages report. We'll split up and follow the leads. Then meet back hear to coordinate what we find. Does that sound good?" Shikamaru went to say something but I cut him off. "Actually I think I should take Choji so we have a intimidating presence and a gentle presence." Shikamaru agreed and at that moment Choji came into the house carrying a report. "Ok team let's get to work."

It may surprise most people but I can read quit well. I use chakra to locate disruptions on paper. As I read through one report Shika read through the other. "Found anything?" I nodded as I put the report down. It seems all the attacks happen to travelers working for a specific company. Maybe it's a rival company trying to run a business out of town?" I heard Shikamaru sigh as he stood up. "I agree. Though a don't know for sure till we get sensei and Choji's side of the information. I nodded as I felt Shikamaru's hand on my shoulder. I know he knew I could get up easily but it was still sweet that he helped me. Though to hear him its all because his parents berate him to use his manners. "They should be back soon. I should fix dinner for us. Does spicey shrimp curry sound good." I heard him sigh. "Anything you make is gonna be good. Honestly you cook better than my mom." He grew quiet after saying that, i guess he realized what he said and was blushing. I giggled as I went to the Kitchen.

I wasn't kidding when I said she was a good cook. Several restaurants had tried to hire her and her father often tried to convince her to retire as a ninja and become a chef. But she was strong willed and truthfully. Shurui is a great ninja. Even with her blindness she out scored all the other kunuichi in the village. We all sat down as she brought us our meals. After she sat down we all dug in and began to discuss our next step and what we learned. It seemed we were dealing with a rouge nin. It was too well executed and the attacks happened even with professional guards. "I hate to say this but we need to set a trap. One of us needs to play bait." A simple plan, but effective. Sensei and Choji can't be bait since the target has probably already taken notice of them. That means only me. Troublesome but I guess it's necessary. I was getting ready to complain but sensei looked at Shurui. Wait, don't tell me he's thinking of.... He told us that Shurui would be bait. I would rather be bait than have her be at risk. What a drag.