Naruto: Kurogakure No Sato

AU It was a fable, the mythological Village of Darkness. Then they met her.

Author: Illicit Memory

-Mwuh-

It was nighttime in the woods of Kona no Kuni Konahagakure No Sato, and the waxing moon cast a luminescent light over the world. Hatake Kakashi moved a branch from his path, allowing Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke to pass.

"…Why are we here? Lord Hokage said the mission would require Gaara…" Sakura questioned the jounin, while standing with her back to a tree.

"We have to find him first, don't we?" Kakashi's eyes glinted with a hint of amusement in the moonlight.

"We're in a forest." Sasuke looked around blandly.

"Didn't say we'd find him here." The silver-haired man began to search through the darkness, then paused as he saw a flash of white accompanied by a rustling sound.

"What was that?" Naruto had seen it as well.

"… and why did Lord Hokage tell us to be extra careful?" Sakura's voice was anxious.

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"You honestly think she will help you find the Kazekage? Just by telling me she's alive, and her whereabouts, you've betrayed what little trust she had for you!" The Hokage spoke in a low tone, staring over interlaced fingers at Kakashi, who was alone with him in the room. "Even if Gaara is required, I'm sure you can find him in a different way."

"She bears no grudge against Naruto or Sakura." Kakashi's visible eye was emotionless.

"…Being with you might change that." He sighed. "I can't change your mind, it seems. You might as well let them in."

Kakashi went to the door and slid it open quickly. This caused Naruto and Sakura (who had been eavesdropping) to fall in unceremoniously. Sasuke stepped over them calmly, hands in his pockets.

"Naruto, Sakura, Sakuke… This mission is extremely dangerous. I myself would have to be forced to take it. None would look down on you if you were to refuse."

"Never! I'll never back down! No mission is too hard for me!" (Naruto, of course.)

"Naruto… You don't know what you're getting yourself into…Sasuke, Sakura, can either of you talk some sense into him?"

Sasuke shrugged. "I'm not backing down either…"

"They're in, I'm in." Sakura too.

"Fine. But you must exercise extreme caution. The Shadow Woods are uncharted lands."

"Hai." The three chunin spoke in unison.

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The forest is no longer under Konoha's control. A Shinobi lives here."

"So? One ninja can't take on all four of us." Naruto blinked.

"She's not your average ninja." Kakashi…blinked back.

"A girl?" Sasuke… didn't blink.

"We're against a girl and you're acting like it's scary!"

"Once again, she's not normal."

"Uh-huh. We'll see. No girl can take me."

During the conversation, Sakura had been staring at Naruto, radiating bloodlust. "What do you mean 'especially not a girl'!" She lunged at him.

"Ack! No I meant- Argh! It's not a bad- Ahh!"

"… Pathetic." Sasuke chuckled.

"Quiet!" Kakashi stepped between them. "She's-"

"Here. You're right, Hatake. Now what the hell are you here for?" A cold female voice came from the shadows as a dark figure emerged.

-End Chapter 1: Prelude -