Chapter Two

Tanzuya looked around the area and shook his head, "we can not speak here. Follow us, the last thing we need is any hidden informants figuring out what's going on."

Deidara and Sasori looked at each other and nodded as they began to follow the twin brothers into the Dead Lands.

The land was deserted. There were very few houses within the lands border which made it quiet and gave the land a very mysterious feel to it. It freaked Deidara out some. He wasn't one to get scared easily, but dead lands was enough of a title to startle the blond male.

Shadows practically danced on the ground as the sun began to set off in the distance. Deidara's eyes followed along the ground. He had never seen shadows like this before. The way they moved was beyond creepy.

"What's with this place yea? The shadows move un!"

Tanzuya stopped and spun around, "we live in the land of the dead, it's natural for the shadows to move of their own accord."

Sasori chuckled, "what's the matter brat? Scared? Wanna hold my hand?"

That was it, Deidara hurried over to Sasori, gripping his hand. His eyes widened as blush spread across his face as the blond gripped his hand. He pulled his hand away.

"I was joking brat! Get a hold of yourself."

Deidara looked down, a silent sigh escaping his lips. He knew that Sasori had a cruel sense of humor at times but he walked right into it. Giving another sigh, Deidara began walking behind everyone. He was now much calmer but still annoyed that he fell for Sasori's joke.

It didn't take long for Tanzuya and Saito to lead the duo to a small house in the center of the Dead Lands.

"Come on in, we can talk in here." Tanzuya said as he opened the door offering Sasori and Deidara to walk in.

Inside the house, it was surprisingly spacious. It had two floors, all hardwood. At the far end of the room they stood in, there was a spiral staircase that led to the second level of the house. It was well accommodated with leather furniture and beautiful vinyl wood tables. And that was just the living room alone. Looking to the left, showed the dining room. A beautiful table sat in the center with four chairs. The chairs were made of a steel frame that twisted in spirals behind the backrest cushions. The kitchen wasn't in as clear of view as the living and dining rooms, but from what could be seen, it looked very spacious with what looked like stainless steel appliances.

Both Sasori and Deidara stood there completely speechless. Outside, all the houses seemed so old and out dated, but on the inside of this particular house, it looked like a castle. They hadn't even noticed that Saito had closed the door and both him and his brother Tanzuya were sitting on the leather sofas staring at them. Tanzuya cleared his throat to catch their attention. Both Deidara and Sasori jumped slightly before walking over and taking a seat as well.

"Anyways, why did you contact our Leader?" Sasori asked, his arms folded across his chest.

"Well I'm sure your Leader told you about Sky Strikers, a ninja duo. Father and son named Suji and Hitake. They have been quite a problem in these parts, hence why our village looks so shoddy. They keep destroying houses and killing the occupants inside, some of them even being children. They've even killed our village leader, of course they killed him in his sleep. Nobody has been brave enough to seek this duo out and kill them, but then a strange man suggested we contact the Akatsuki." Tanzuya explained.

"He went by the name of Zetsu I believe. He was travelling through this village, so we sent the request with him. He said that Akatsuki headquarters was on his way." Added Saito.

Deidara and Sasori sighed in unison. Of course, only Zetsu would suggest people to look into the Akatsuki.

"Should've known Zetsu was behind us getting this mission yea?"

Sasori only nodded, but then spoke, "tell us more about Suji and Hitake."

Tanzuya nodded, "well as far as we know, the two reside on a hillside in the center of the mountain lands also known as Dragon's Pride. I guess a dragon resides in a cave close by and is under the control of Suji and Hitake. However, rumor has it that the dragon has fallen sick and no longer fights. We believe that Suji and Hitake will attack tonight so we have set up the guest room for the two of you. However, you must know that these two are relentless, they can fight and fight and it will seem like they don't get weak at all."

"So how exactly are we suppose to fight them then?" Sasori asked, his eyes showing an annoyed glare.

"Well, with the dragon out of the picture, it's been said that the two are weak," Saito explained, "they haven't attacked since the dragon fell ill, but now it looks like they still want their revenge on this village."

"What did this village do to them yea?" Deidara asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Well you see, the leader of this village was our father Sano. He competed against Suji for leadership of the village and won. Suji nor Hitake was happy with this. They swore revenge on our father and the village. They were then banished to the outlands. One night they returned with the dragon who burnt our previous house down while Saito and I were away on a mission. When we returned, the village had been completely destroyed. There was blood and dead bodies everywhere of men and women...even children too. With what survivors were left, they looked to us to pick them up and help the village get back to the way it was, so we obliged to do so."

"They got their revenge, yet they still want more? Why?" This puzzled the red head greatly.

"Think about it this was Sasori. They destroyed the village but then the village was reconstructed and became better yea? So they are out to eliminate the village completely un."

"He's exactly right. They will not stop until either they are killed off or our village completely disappears for good," Saito said.

Tanzuya stood up, "that's all we can really tell you as of right now. Could we offer you some tea until dinner is ready?"

Sasori nodded, "very well. We'll need the rest if we're expected to take these two down."

Tanzuya nodded as he disappeared into the kitchen, Saito following after him. Saito grabbed the kettle and filled it up with water setting it on the stove while Tanzuya began to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, Deidara and Sasori conversed in the living room, developing their strategy to the soon to come battle.