Hello! Lumi here. This is another story for my sister who is a huge Gaara fan (hey there sis!) who is too lazy to write her own fics. Plus she has no imagination (jk, jk). She wasn't satisfied with the one-shot I wrote; she said it was too short. So here I am, writing a story that is not a one-shot. Hopefully I'll actually stick to it this time...anyways, enjoy! xo - Lumi

I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 1

The five dark figures huddled in a cloak of darkness. Their eyes glinted as they whispered to one another. The air was filled with a malignant aura choking with evil intent. The leader of the five entered the fog and clapped his hands once, signaling the beginning of their meeting. Immediately, the hushed voices died down as they awaited the words of their commander.

"It is time for our next move, my soldiers," the figure spoke, and its voice was like gravel grating together. "The ninja world is not yet aware of our existence, and they will not be until it is too late. To keep the upper hand, we must continue to move quickly." The group murmured their assent.

"We must stay vigilant. Remember our purpose."

"What is our next target, Master?" a voice hissed. The other figures nodded, listening eagerly for the answer.

The hooded one spoke. "Gaara, of the Hidden Sand."

"Kazekage-sama?" A timid voice belonging to a mousy man sounded out as he rapped once on the door. He straightened his weedy frame and adjusted his glasses. "I have some more paperwork. Nothing of urgency, but there is something curious in the news from our allies."

"Ah, thank you, Yuushi," Gaara said. He stretched out a hand to take the stack of papers. "Is there anything else?"

"No, Kazekage-sama. I will leave now." With those words, Yuushi disappeared. Gaara sighed. Being Kazekage was a big responsibility. He had taken the post knowing that, but the loneliness still echoed in his bones. He was so detached from everyone, nowadays. He rarely had time to speak with his siblings, especially now that Temari had moved Konoha. Maybe they had been right; maybe he was too young for this job. But he loved his village, and he would give his life to protect it. He knew that, at least. He flipped through the papers with a somber face, scanning for things of importance. Something caught his eye.

He took out a package of pages, reading them carefully. It was a message from the Hidden Grass Village. The words were grave and did little to brighten his mood. Underneath that was a message from the Hidden Rain Village. And another from the Hidden Leaf Village. The letters were far from cheery.

Interesting, he thought to himself. This could be trouble. I should discuss this with the elders. He rested his chin on one hand, thinking. This might lead to danger for all of our villages, or it could be mere coincidence. Nonetheless, we will take precautions. No one from our village has yet to be attacked, and I would like to keep it that way.

"I have called this meeting to discuss these messages sent from our allies," Gaara said plainly. He held out the sheaf of papers. The elders took some time to read the reports over.

"I don't see how this pertains to us," Elder Kushoko said. He set the report down. "These villages are our allies, yes, but these are their problems. They did not ask for us to intervene, and they do not require our assistance."

"I second that," Elder Hisari declared. "We should stay out of this. There is no need for us to do anything."

Gaara frowned. "This isn't only about us helping them out. Although you shouldn't be so reluctant to lend a hand. Have you forgotten all that the Leaf has done for us?" He sighed. "But that is not the reason I called this meeting. I have a bad feeling about all this. These incidents are too close and too similar to not be connected."

"Surely you are overthinking this? Shinobi disappear all the time. Three ninjas does not signal a conspiracy."

"Perhaps, if they were normal ninjas. The ones that vanished were all jounin level." He gestured towards the papers spread on the table. "From the Grass: Keko Shunoji, 37 years old, male, jounin. From the Rain: Yusano Rushika, 29 years old, female, jounin. From the Leaf, Hyuuga Neji, 20 years old, male, jounin. Each one disappeared while on a solo mission. Searches were conducted, but no signs of a fight were found. What stands out is that each of these ninjas possesses a unique and powerful ability."

Kushoko stroked his beard. "Are you thinking that those ninjas have formed some kind of alliance and have become missing-nins?"

"That is one possibility. However, I doubt it."Gaara folded his hands. "I know Neji. He is not a ninja that would betray his village, no matter what circumstances. It is more likely that they were captured. And whoever captured them is strong, very strong."

"And you believe that our ninjas will be a target?"

"It is all too possible. Look at the facts; from our allies alone, three powerful shinobi have disappeared. We have no idea if the same thing is happening in other villages as well. I suspect that it is."

"And how would you know that?"

Gaara exhaled. "Call it intuition. I have a bad feeling about all of this. Anyhow, I don't want to lose anyone from this village. We will alert everyone about the possibility of a new enemy. I personally will brief all ninjas leaving this village for a mission."

The elders nodded. "Very well, Kazekage-sama."

Gaara stood up and shuffled the papers back into order. As the elders turned to leave, he spoke out. "One more thing. Tighten security around Suna and notify Baki." He thought for a moment. "Also, I will arrange for a meeting with the Leaf. That is all."