Chapter One : Prologue – The Fourth Great Shinobi World War
"Greetings to all Kage present here" echoed the voice of the General Mifune, leader of the Samurai of Iron country.
In a large room made with vast walls and a blinding lamp hanging from the ceiling sat the leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Nations. The center of the room held an elliptically shaped table above which five curtains holding the kanji for 'Hi', 'Kaze', 'Mizu', 'Tsuchi' and 'Rai'. Beneath each curtain sat the Kage of the respective village with the ambassador and representative of their village behind them. At the curve of the table was a smaller separate table on which sat Mifune, the Host and Moderator of the meeting.
"Firstly I would like to welcome back the Godaime Hokage Tsunade-Hime. I'm sure we are all relieved that you have been reinstated back to your position" said Mifune politely as Tsunade sitting beneath the Fire insignia gave him an acknowledging nod. Behind her Shikaku Nara, the ambassador smirked to himself. Despite just having woken up from a chakra-exhaustaion induced coma a few days ago the Legendary Sucker was back to her old fiery self. A few lines under her eyes and slightly slow movements were the only indicators of her ailment.
"I too am glad that I was reinstated before Danzou wreaked too much damage. I hear from my sources that he manipulated you using the sharingan, a thousand apologies for that Mifune-Dono" said Tsunade as Mifune held up a hand.
"Please Tsunade-hime, do not apologize on behalf of him. I assure you I hold no hostility for that rather humiliating incident" replied Mifune sheepishly as Tsunade smiled in relief. She had been worried that the Moderator would be annoyed at being manipulated but was thankful for the old man's easygoing manner.
"While we're on the topic I was wondering if your re-installation was permanent or is it only till you can find a suitable replacement Tsunade?" asked the Tsuchikage, Onoki. A tiny old man with an peculiarly triangular beard and angular mustaches. The top of his head was bald however white hair tied in a Chinese knot flowed down his back. One of his most noticeable features was his heavily bulbous and wart-filled nose. His eyes held a perpetual disapproving and distrustful look.
"I mean to say you were pretty badly struck during Akatsuki's attack on you" said Onoki, "And you are not getting any younger. Therefore I was wondering.."
"Please Tsuchikage, you are the last person I'd like to hear about old age from" replied Tsunade curtly as the old man went a fiery shade of scarlet.
"I for one am relieved that you have returned Tsunade-Sama. It is good to have someone trustworthy by our side again" came a voice from across the table. Tsunade sent a grateful smile towards the Mizukage, a woman in her early thirties. Her long red hair was tied up in a herringbone pattern and a topknot tied with a blue band with four bangs falling over her emerald eyes. She wore a knee length blue dress with a fishnet suit beneath.
"Can we skip the pleasantries and get ahead with the meeting now" yelled a gravelly yet fearful voice from the other end of the table. Tsunade's first impression of the Raikage had been a overly buffed up gorilla with hunks of muscle sticking out here and there. Upon closer inspection her was a dark-skinned and heavily muscled man with slicked back yellowish-white hair with a small moustache and beard. His had very prominent cheekbones which further enhanced his animalistic appearance.
"Yes of course. Thank you for your patience Raikage-Sama" muttered Mifune dryly fully aware that the Lightning Leader had the patience span of a child.
"I would just like to go over the details of our last meetings and inform the Hokage of the decisions we have taken" said Mifune as A, the Raikage rolled his eyes and sat back.
"Before we were interrupted by Sasuke Uchiha at our last meeting we were discussing who was to be the Leader of the Allied Shinobi Forces and...yes, Kazekage-Sama? Do you have a question?" asked Mifune as Gaara raised a hand.
"I merely wished to inquire as to whether all my fellow Kages are fine with the idea of an Allied Force. I ask this because if we are not sure at this juncture it will lead to problems in the future."
"Do not take us for fickle-minded pansies, Kazekage. Speaking for myself I am quite fine with this idea. Combining our military and intelligence forces would increase our power five times over, six if we count the Samurai" replied the Raikage with an annoyed look on his face.
"I too think that the only way we can win this war would be to unite as a common force not as five different powers that would be taken down easily one by one." said Mei Terumi.
"I agree, Madara Uchiha is a fearsome opponent and now that we have to deal with him as well as Sasuke I think our alliance is a very good idea. I have always supported the thought of a worldwide alliance, and I am glad that at least one good thing has been brought about by this war" said Tsunade calmly.
All eyes then fell on the Tsuchikage, "What? I already told you I'm fine with it at the last meeting." he said defensively as a ghost of a smile appeared on Gaara's lips seeing the proud old man backed into a corner.
"Thank you, I apologize for interrupting" said Gaara humbly as Mifune nodded.
"Now, as I was saying for the Leader I believe that Kumogakure, having the best military structure, would prove an ideal place to set up headquarters. Sunagakure is too inconveniently situated, Kirigakure is easily accessible for enemies, Konohagakure would be good but they are still recovering from the brunt of Akatsuki's attack and Iwagakure is too far away. Therefore with your consent I would like to name the Raikage as the Leader of the Allied Shinobi Forces" ended Mifune carefully observing the four other Kages for their reaction.
"I agree, the Raikage will be suitable" said Mei Terumi breaking the silence in the hall.
"As long as he keeps his temper I'm sure you'll be a suitable commander, Raikage-Sama" said Gaara in his low tone. One got the impression he was rather relieved that the Tsuchikage hadn't been selected.
"I'm fine with it as well. The Raikage has a lot of military expertise and I'm sure will be a capable leader" said Tsunade diplomatically.
Once more all eyes fell upon the oldest in the room. "I'm really getting tired of this. I've known that squirt since he was knee high to me. I suppose he would do a good enough job, but the responsibility is vast therefore there is no room for errors" said Onoki as the Raikage stood up.
Clearing his throat he spoke in his gravelly voice, "Thank you for selecting me. I'll do my best to lead the Allied Shinobi Forces. And I can assure you Tsuchikage, I am not in the habit of making childish mistakes"
"Well as the new leader I think I have a suitable hiding place for the two remaining jinchuriki" said the Raikage, "There is an island..."
"Just a minute. We are going to hide the jinchuriki?" asked Tsunade enraged as the Raikage replied with surprising calmness.
"I'm afraid so. We have decided for their safety as well as ours we should keep them hidden away for the duration of the war"
"That's ridiculous. I don't know about your brother Raikage-Sama but I'm sure Naruto would insist on fighting in this war and I agree. They shouldn't be kept caged like some precious tools for war. I vote that they should..."
"That decision is not yours to make Godaime Hokage-Sama" said Gaara sternly, "It was collectively decided at the previous meeting and while it's unfortunate that you protest, it's a vote of five against one. Please behave with more consideration"
"Why you little punk..." began Tsunade pushing her chair back as Mifune stood up with an air of pouring cold water over a heated situation. His sharp eyes noted that the Kazekage's knuckles whitened as he gripped the table in anger.
"Now, now Hokage-Sama, please do not be so brash. What the Raikage and Kazekage say is neither incorrect nor unreasonable. In times of war what if we lose even one of the jinchuriki to Madara? At the last meeting he mocked us saying he could carry out his Eye of Moon Plan with seven alone. If either the Hachibi or the Kyubi should fall into his hands it would all be over"
"Being cautious never hurts Tsunade-Sama" said the Mizukage quietly as Tsunade sat down reluctantly.
"Very well. I apologize for my outburst," she murmured as the Raikage stood once more, "I understand your sentiments, this is my own brother we are talking of, I would never do anything that would compromise his safety. And Uzumaki Naruto is just as important at this juncture because in the past Madara has shown preference to using the Kyubi"
"Now as I was saying, there is an island off Kumogakure that would be the perfect place for hiding the two remaining jinchuriki" said A as Onoki scoffed.
"And just why would this island be so safe?"
The Raikage smirked, "Very simple, because it's a moving island"
"A what?" exclaimed the Mizukage as A's smirk became more pronounced.
"The island is actually a giant turtle. That ancient turtle has existed in Kumogakure for centuries. It's larger than an average sized town. There are a host of other animals living on it. My brother is familiar with it because that was where he learnt how to control his bijuu. The island floats from one place to another as the turtle swims here and there. We could send a few elite of our forces there to guard them in the unlikely situation that Madara does manage to find the island"
"An island that is actually a giant turtle" said Mifune disbelievingly, "Are...are you absolutely certain that it would be safe?"
"I should think so. In addition to it's constant movement the turtle emits a deep mist around it that leads of any pursuers. The mist blocks out chakra signatures. Nobody but the very best of sensory ninjas would be able to sense anybody within the turtle" said A.
"But where will the turtle float? For all we know it may float into Madara's hideout" said Onoki sceptically.
"There shouldn't be a problem there, the Land of Lightning borders the Torigami Ocean. It's the largest ocean in the shinobi world. There should be plenty of place for the island to move" said Mei Terumi.
"Okay, accepting that we do keep the jinchuriki confined in there. If they are attacked won't they be in an extremely vulnerable position?" asked Tsunade.
"Not at all, the Hachibi is very accustomed to fighting in deep waters. Bee would have an advantage in the water. As for the Kyubi, I'm sure it's more than capable of adapting itself" said A.
Silence reigned over the hall as the six leaders pondered over their thoughts. Finally after five minutes Mifune spoke up, "Very well then, anybody still against placing the jinchuriki on the Island Turtle, please speak up now"
When nobody spoke Mifune spoke again, "Very well it's decided then, we shall have the two jinchuriki transported to the Island at the soonest possible time"
"The next matter we have to decide is rather taxing. The Fate of Sasuke Uchiha" said Raikage firmly as Tsunade tensed up.
"At the previous meeting Danzou agreed to name him an S-Rank Criminal, however we have decided not to take his decision without your permission first Hokage-Sama" said Gaara carefully watching the Sannin's reaction.
"Are you still willing to defend him Tsunade? Even after he had the gall and cheek to attempt an assassination on the Five Kage by himself and his bunch of thugs? If that Madara hadn't got in the way I would have gladly turned him to dust. Before his attack I had nothing personally against him except that his existence was a great threat to us but after the way he humiliated the Five Nations at the previous summit I am furious" said Onoki.
"I too think keeping him alive has no objective. Unless Konoha craves the sharingan that much?" said the Raikage as Tsunade shot him a reproachful look.
"I can assure you Raikage-Sama, continuing the Uchiha bloodline is the last thing on my mind. Sasuke was a valuable and loyal shinobi of Konoha. And while I can't ask you to excuse his actions I also hope you would show some leniency over your decision for his fate" said Tsunade.
"I too support what the Hokage says, "However I would like to point out that Sasuke is far gone into the darkness and I believe he can still be salvaged" said Gaara.
"Oh? And who will perform that salvaging? You or you Hokage?" sneered Onoki as Gaara and Tsunade both shared a knowing smile.
"Both the Kazekage and I have our faith on a certain someone. I'm sure that he's the only person who can reach out to Sasuke at this point. I beg you to please let him at least have a chance at getting to Sasuke" said Tsunade.
"Could this person you speak of possibly be the Kyubi jinchuriki?" asked the Raikage as Tsunade stared at him.
"Well yes, I didn't know you knew him by sight" she replied.
"He came to me before the previous meeting, to beg for Uchiha's life. His dedication to his friend was admirable. But back then I was under the impression Uchiha was responsible for the death of my brother so I was in no mood to be obliging" said the Raikage thoughtfully.
"And now?" asked Gaara tentatively.
The Tsuchikage and Raikage exchanged looks. The Mizukage seemed lost in thought. Mifune seemed uninterested yet Tsunade knew that was merely a farce he was expected to hold as Moderator.
Finally after a long and uncomfortable silence Mifune cleared his throat. "Very well, we'll call votes in this as well. Those in favor of giving Sasuke Uchiha a chance please raise your hands"
Tsunade and Gaara raised their hands almost at once. Tsunade stared in despair at the other three Kages, mostly at the Mizukage whom she hoped would be the most easy-going amongst the three other Kages. Surprisingly the third to raise his hand was the Tsuchikage.
"I'm not saying I'm going to give him a complete pardon. Sasuke Uchiha will never be welcome in Iwagakure but I suppose I could give him a chance" said Onoki.
"I too would like it if Sasuke did not enter Kirigakure. Intentional or not he seems to leave a bloody trail behind him. However I am for giving him another chance" said Mei raising her hand slowly.
"Oh fine, but mind you, he's not just banned from Kumogakure but the entire Lightning Country in my case. My left shoulder still hurts like hell" said the Raikage.
"Very well then shall I take the verdict to be this, Uchiha Sasuke is prohibited from setting foot on Iwagakure, Kirigakure and the Lightning Country and he will be given another chance at changing sides. However as a part of this alliance I should also like to make a suggestion," said Mifune as the Five Kage stared at him in surprise.
"Fighting for Madara if he kills too many of our shinobi I should think he is undeserving of our lenience. I have nothing against him personally except that he has killed fifteen of my samurai and injured a good twenty more during his attack last time, I don't think he should be completely pardoned yet" said Mifune calmly.
The Raikage raised a beefy hand, "I sympathize with you Mifune-dono, I think we should first focus on capturing the brat, then we can decide exactly what to and not to do to him" said A as Mifune bowed in consent.
The atmosphere in the room became less tensed as the subject of Sasuke was passed over.
"Our next and final topic of discussion for the day is the location of the hideout of Madara" said Mifune.
"Our combined shinobi intelligence forces have been working non-stop to secure a location. I have the results here" said Mei holding out a hand upon which Ao laid a manilla envelope. She slit the envelope open and withdrew a sheet.
"From what we can tell of the location of the various Akatsuki locations as well as various other leads we have from connections of Madara and from some of the files you so kindly sent us Hokage-Sama, we have his location pinned down to the northern parts of the Land of Rivers. The only Hidden Village in the Land of Rivers is Tanigakure, the country does not have an alliance with either Konoha or Suna despite the Lands of Fire and Wind bordering it on the east and west respectively. In fact we have very little info on the particular country. From our scouts we've gather information that the people of Tanigakure seem to be as normal as would appear. We don't know exactly where in the northern half his hideout is located" said Mei referring to the sheet every other second.
"If it borders both Fire and Wind country then it should be easy to access" said A.
"I'm afraid not, the northern section is barricaded from the Fire side by mountains which we can't cross with an army at this time of the year and on the Suna side..."
"Shinigami no Sabaku" muttered Gaara as the Mizukage nodded gravely.
"The treacherous desert situated at a great distance from any civilization. Even if a person starts from Sunagakure it is said they would die crossing halfway through." said Mei as Gaara nodded.
"Shinigami no Sabaku is uncrossable. Even we as Kage would perish if we foolishly attempted to cross it. It's filled with deadly patches of sand falls which suck you in before you can cry out. Not to mention a whole host of poisonous snakes, the air above it is so humid that direct exposure for more than five hours can prove fatal...painfully fatal" said Gaara morbidly as Tsunade winced.
"The northern border of the River Country is bordered by Amegakure. That's quite inaccessible as well. Even if we attack it together and take over Amegakure it would harm our shinobi forces and also give Madara a clear warning of our plans" said Mei.
"So the only option is approaching from south." said Onoki as Mei nodded.
"However we face the same problem as we did with Amegakure. If we approach from the south we have to cross Tanigakure. If they don't co-operate and a war breaks out. Tanigakure is unknown but by no means is it a defenseless village. If we start a war with it it's quite likely we would suffer consequences, and again the same problem, Madara would be warned and flee to Amegakure" said Mei.
"So it all comes down to Tanigakure co-operating with us" said A thoughtfully.
"I'm afraid so" said Mei.
"Fine then, we should send out a diplomatic treaty to Tanigakure at once" said Mifune as A nodded.
"Under the circumstances that seems to be the sensible plan of action. If we can get the co-operation of the leader or general or whoever is in-charge of Tanigakure then..."
"What about the Daimyo?" asked Onoki.
"Do not worry about that Tsuchikage-Sama, I know the man, I also happen to know a number of dirty deeds he's had hushed up. More than one in fact. If he protests I'm sure a little anonymous letter will persuade him to change his mind" said Tsunade grinning wickedly as A sent her a nod.
"Yosh, then we'll assemble an Allied Force Diplomatic team. I think at least one Kage should accompany them to enhance the fact about how important this is" said A as Gaara looked up.
"I can do that, it's on my way to Sunagakure anyways" he sad quietly as A nodded at him.
"Very well, let me recapitulate what we are tasked with doing. Tsuchikage-Sama you have no particular task at the resent. Raikage-Sama, you will be planning out battle strategies for upcoming battles. Mizukage-Sama please continue to collect Intel on Madara and any possible allies he may have acquired. Hokage-Sama, please keep your information on the River Daimyo ready in case we need them. Also please look into the Allied Shinobi Forces Medical Division and tell us if everything is in order. Kazekage-Sama, please put together a diplomatic party to the Commander of Tanigakure, your task is of utmost importance and urgency" said Mifune reading out from the scroll before him.
The Five Kage stood up.
"Thank you all for your co-operation today. May our objectives be met. Allied Shinobi Forces Summit Members: Dismissed!" cried out Mifune as the Kage bowed once and trooped out of the door.
As soon as they all left Mifune collapsed back on his chair.
"Rather a tiring bunch aren't they Taisho?" asked Mifune's chief bodyguard.
"Indeed, the Raikage is hot headed and so is the Hokage. The Mizukage is too easy going and eager to please everybody. The Tsuchikage is stubborn. Only the Kazekage seemed to uphold proper conduct" said Mifune rubbing the bridge of his nose, "And yet all of them are capable leaders, admired and respected by their shinobi. This Alliance is an historic event and I hope it's bonds are never torn"
"Well that was exhausting" said Temari who had manged to remain silent throughout the duration of the meeting something which amazed Gaara to no end.
"I must say I had fun when the Hokage called you a little punk" said Temari gleefully. Kankuro who was just entering the room heard her and yelled, "She called him a what?". Temari reeled off into a long tale of how the Hokage had yelled at him as Gaara sighed and moved over to the balcony. After the stress of the meeting he had been hoping for a more relaxed environment to let his mind at ease.
"...And then Mifune-San said..."
The slight throbbing in his head was something Gaara was quite used to. But it was a fact that ever since he had left for the Land of Iron his headaches had been more acute and painful than before. His vision had become blurry sometimes, something that had never happened to him before.
"...I know, isn't he just awful?"
Temari and Kankuro's voices were too high pitched. It hurt his head every time they screeched, yelled and laughed. His head had given a lurch when the Hokage had yelled at him as well. For one terrible moment he had thought he would faint but he'd managed to grip the table tight enough to keep him consious.
"...But the Mizukage's not bad. Of course that fact she's smoking hot helps too..."
Something was wrong. Kankuro's voice sounded so far away even though they were right behind him inside the room. The outside was raging with a blizzard yet Gaara's eyes stayed focused upon the silhouette of a dead tree stump faintly visible through the white sheets of snow.
"Focus, focus, loosing consciousness is the last thing I need now. I have an important mission to carry out. The Allied Shinobi Force is depending on me to...get..."
"Gaara?" "Yoohoo? Gaara?" "Oi, Gaara, you don't look too good, daijoubu?" "Hey, Gaara, what's wrong?"
"...must...complete...mission...for...Shinobi...Allied" After that point Gaara's world went blank and the last thing he saw before oblivion was his sister's sandy hair and Kankuro's black robes.
Far away in the humid northern plateau in the River Country the Mountain's Graveyard was a place filled with the bones of giant animals who had perished there for lack of food, loss of habitat and due to hunting. In front of a cave like structure formed out of these bones stood a man cloaked in Akatsuki garb with an orange swirly mask obscuring his face. A malevolent sharingan glared out from the one eye hole on the mask.
"How is he coming along?" asked Madara Uchiha in his cold voice. The question was addressed to another who wore the Akatsuki robes. A large Venus flytrap grew on his head which was half white and half black.
"From what the red haired runt and our medics can tell us he has received irreplaceable damage to his eyes. However they're saying all damage to his eyes can be healed but his vision cannot be improved. Of course we have Itachi's eyes to replace him with, I've asked Kabuto to oversee the medics" said White Zetsu as Madara tensed at hearing the name of Orochimaru's previous subordinate.
"That pest Kabuto seems to have affected you quite adversely." muttered Black Zetsu.
"Knowledge and the power to execute that knowledge are a man's best weapons. And unfortunately that snake has both. He has deep knowledge of my plans, how to adversely affect them and ever since he has absorbed Orochimaru's cells he has become immensely powerful." said Madara quietly yet the anger was evident in his voice.
"Still I respect him for stirring up such a situation and for backing me into a corner. He is not one I would trust but he will have to do for now. Who knows, when the time comes this situation may even turn out to be to my advantage" spoke Madara more to himself than to Zetsu.
"And what of our developments in Tanigakure?" he asked suddenly as Zetsu gave a start.
"Oh that, well, I've sent a couple of my subordinates with our offer, but...they haven't returned" said Black Zetsu shamefacedly.
"We did try our best, really, we sent our best men with the most politely written letter" said White Zetsu.
"Well you probably won't see the letter or those men again. When Sasuke recovers send him to Tanigakure" said Madara sternly "Tell him after failing to capture the Hachibi, after failing to defeat and capture even one Kage I do not want anymore mess-ups from him. He is to go to Tanigakure and convince the Chief to co-operate with us whether they like it or not. That village makes me uneasy. Not only do I know very little about it but they also have a trained shinobi force as well"
"Very well, it shall be done" said Black Zetsu before they sank back into the ground leaving the Uchiha to his own thoughts.
Strawberries. The first think that crossed his mind was a field full of strawberries. Then his vision cleared. He was lying on a bed in a white starched room. His nose told him of the smell of disinfectant. Although his sight was still blurry his could see a pink and red blob moving about here and there. As his eyesight adjusted to the room's light he saw more clearly what he had thought to be a pink and red blob was actually a woman, rather familiar, with a head full of ridiculously pink hair and a red outfit. She was humming to herself with her back turned to him. As she hummed her hips moved in sync. Averting his eyes in shame he glanced at the room which he took to be an infirmary.
"Ah, you're awake" said the woman turning around. She had green eyes just like him. A friendly smile was plastered over her face. He suspected it was not genuine but let it go.
"Yes of course, I know her. Naruto's other teammate. The one who saved Kankuro's life. Haruno Sakura if I'm not mistaken" he thought to himself as she advanced to help him sit up.
"I do not need your help" he snapped as she placed a hand on his shoulder to help him up, "I am quite capable of lifting myself up"
"Yes of course Kazekage-Sama" she replied sweetly with an annoyed tone. He suspected she had been warned to be genial towards him. Probably Temari's doing.
"What happened to me?" he asked quietly.
"Well it would appear that you've had severe headache's for the past week or so, and judging from the spread of neurological activity taking place in the cerebral part of your brain I should say it's migraine" said Sakura, "Just answer these few questions, have you been having blurred visions, sharp headaches and a pulsating feeling in your temple?"
'Yes" replied Gaara sullenly, "How degrading, the Kazekage suffering from migraine" he thought.
The girl seemed to guess what he was thinking because she smiled at him, "Don't worry, it can happen to anyone. I suspect it's because you are unused to the cold climate here in the Land of Iron having lived in the desert all your life"
The girl launched into a tale of how her shishou had once developed a splitting headache and destroyed half her office. He attempted to tune her out as he usually did when his sister or brother started jabbering next to him but for some reason his head wasn't as coordinated as it should have been.
"Do you always talk so much? It's annoying" he asked curtly unable to bear her chatter any longer as she stopped and smiled her fake smile once more but he could see her eyebrows twitching in rage and her hands gripping the sheets of his bed tightly.
"So sorry" she said with unrestrained sarcasm, "I would have thought that you'd enjoy a little company and cheering up after fainting but I guess I was wrong" she said as she rose.
Gaara grabbed her hand tightly and glared at her, "I did not faint woman, do not even attempt to insinuate that I did" he said in a deadly tone.
"Let go of my hand you brute, you're hurting me" replied Sakura trying to twist her hand out of the Kazekage's iron grip.
Just then the door slid open and Temari poked her head in. She did not seem surprised to see Gaara gripping the medic's hand tightly glaring at her. Sighing audibly she entered as Gaara released Sakura's hand with a thrust and turned away.
"I'm sorry Sakura-San, my brother is stubborn sometimes" she said in an apologetic tone as the rosette nursed her hand and raised the other one, "Oh no, please don't worry, I have great experience dealing with frail patients who're stubborn as mules" she said loudly as Temari glanced at her brother to see his reaction.
To the ordinary person he would appear unaffected but Temari saw the familiar narrowing of eyes and tightening of mouth.
"Is everything all right now?" she asked at an attempt to break up the tension.
"Oh yes, it was just migraine, quite a big one but nothing I can't handle. I've administered the medicine and he should be recovering well and with proper supervising he should be back to 100% in a few days" said Sakura slipping into her 'medic mode' again.
"How soon will he recover? He has a mission to the River Country soon" said Temari anxiously as Gaara turned his head back at her, "I am quite all right, there's no need for the mission to be affected, the last thing I want is the compromising of such an important mission"
"It should be okay but I'm not sure traveling such a long distance would be advisable in such a condition. If there's a relapse..."
"Listen woman, I know my body better than you and there will be no other problems. I shall go to River Country and that is final. If you attempt to stop me I shall speak to the Hokage about your conduct" he said coldly as Temari took a step away.
"Gaara!" she scolded, "What's come over you. Sakura-San is just trying to help you"
Gaara turned away again, "I do not need her help" he said just as his head gave a tiny lurch again. Seeing the slight stagger in his composure Temari glanced uneasily at Sakura once.
"With all due respect Kazekage I think I would understand the mechanics of a body better than you, as for speaking with the Hokage, do so by all means. But you forget Tsunade-Sama is a medic like myself, you may place me as a mere nuisance but my duty remains nevertheless to ensure your health" said Sakura with all the dignity she could muster.
"I believe this problem can be solved very easily" came a voice from the door.
"Mifune-Dono" said Temari stepping aside for the samurai leader to step through. Mifune bowed politely to Temari before turning to Gaara.
"Why not have Haruno-San with you on the mission to Tanigakure. Every team requires a medic and god forbid if there's a relapse or you get attacked then her skills would be very useful indeed" said Mifune as Temari brightened up.
"Of course, is that okay with you Sakura-San?" she asked beseechingly.
"Well I..."
"There is no need for this woman to accompany me Mifune-Dono, I assure you I am perfectly all right now" said Gaara mutinously.
"It's completely all right with me" said Sakura clearly as Gaara turned his green eyes to glare at her which she returned with a triumphant smirk.
"Very well then..."
"Stop, I am the leader of this mission and I do not need a..."
"Gaara" said Temari sternly as Gaara turned his glare on her. "Gaara Onii-San!" she said even more sternly.
"I tell you..."
"Onii-San!"
Gaara sighed. There was no arguing with Temari when she played her 'Onii-San' card on both him and Kankuro.
"Very well" he muttered quietly as Temari's face lightened up again. "Good, I'll speak with Tsunade-Sama about this" she said before leaving.
Mifune bowed again and with a bid to keep him in good health he left as well leaving the medic and her patient alone.
"You accepted just to bother me further" said Gaara darkly as Sakura sent him a cheeky grin, "Now what gave you that impression?" she asked in feigned innocence.
"You'll regret this, woman"
So you guys might not know the underlined words so i'll just clear that up now.
Torigami - God of Bird
Shinigami no Sabaku - Desert of the Death God
Daijoubu - 'Are you all right?'
Onii-San - A formal way of say 'Brother'
Now this should be a long chapter. Hope you guys liked it. If you did you know what to do 'Hint' 'Hint' 'Wink' 'Wink'. See you all next time.