Yay! I'm finally posting! Thanks to all those who either favorite this story or put it on story alert. Wow, who knew so many people would like this…

Anyway, suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome. I am always looking to improve my writing. As for suggestions, I already chose the pairings and have the general storyline, but I am open to change if I get an idea that's better. Flames will be used to burn my homework. Enjoy!

"WHAT?"

The shout was heard throughout Konoha, making people nervous. SOMETHING had pissed off Uchiha Sasuke. And when Sasuke's pissed, you head for the hills.

The academy students had already been evacuated, and the civilians were next.

In the hospital:

"Would you shut it Uchiha?" Sasuke obeyed, albeit reluctantly. "That's better. Now… Yes, Naruto's been banished. The council, along with most of the village, believe that he hurt you unnecessarily. That, and many other things, led to their decision." Suddenly sad, she whispered "My otouto is never allowed back in the village…"

Sasuke was in shock. Naruto was gone? But how? Why? He didn't do anything wrong! Unknowingly, Sasuke's curse seal began to activate and expand as his anger grew. The dark energy began to swirl around the room. Then…

…a 'weak' finger flick, courtesy of Tsunade, caused the curse seal to stop. Tsunade then turned to the stunned Uchiha.

"So, first things first. Jiraiya will return at the end of the week. Once he arrives with his new information, we will devise a new seal, one that will contain the mind control part of the curse seal, while allowing the power to remain. From there, you will finish recovering. Once you are completely healed up, well… We'll make it up as we go along."

"Is there any way I can appeal to the council? To remove Naruto's banishment? There has to be a way!"

"You can appeal the decision, but it most likely won't change. The council is made up of stubborn bigots who can't tell the difference between a boy and a demon!" Tsunade shouted.

"Demon?" Sasuke asked curiously. Tsunade stared at him, and then began cursing herself.

"Shitshitshit… You weren't supposed to know… Shit…"

"Tsunade-sama, do you mean the Kyuubi? Is that why Naruto is hated? I wondered what that energy was…" Tsunade looked at him strangely.

"Wait… You… don't hate Naruto? Feel jealous? Anything like that?"

"Why? Should I? He's my best friend and rival! I could never hate him! In fact, I…" Sasuke stops and blushes. Tsunade notices.

"You what Uchiha?"

"I… I…"

A group of nine people are seen travelling through a vast desert. They stop to rest, and a red-haired male covers one of his eyes.

"What do you see Gaara?" asks a blonde male with whisker marks on his face.

"The main city is approximately a day's travel away. We should reach it by noon tomorrow."

"R-r-real-lly..? Th-that's… good…" the smallest of the group gasped out from the back of the whiskered blonde. He shifted her into a more comfortable position while a white-haired female gave her some water.

"Don't worry Ningyo-chan, we'll be there soon. Then we can get you better." said the female.

The redhead spoke up again. "We should move. I sense a sand storm arriving. We need to be in shelter before it comes tomorrow night."

A young woman with long dark hair and deep blue eyes came out of her meditative trance. The Millennium Necklace had shown her another vision. Who were these strange people?

'They must be important to our future if the necklace felt the need to show them to me' she thought. 'I had better alert the Pharaoh.'

A young girl with two red triangle marks on her cheeks sits in a tree, watching the sunset. Her red hair hangs down to her waist. "Please be safe Nii-san…"

"Shizuka!" An older girl with red triangle marks stands at the base of the tree. Her brown hair is pulled into a ponytail at the base of her neck. "It's time for dinner!"

The red-haired girl, now known as Shizuka, sighed and jumped down. "Please be safe Jou-nii-san…"

"Pein, we have a lead on the whereabouts of the Jinchuuriki."

"Where are they Konan?"

"There were sightings of them gaining passage with a caravan heading west. Deidara and Sasori are on the trail now."

"Good… Soon, we will have them in our grasp, and the Biju will be ours!"

A young man with spiky, platinum blonde hair comes into the throne room and kneels respectfully.

"Rise Marik." Says the figure on the throne. The young man, Marik, stands. "Speak."

"My Pharaoh, the guards on the outer wall have spotted figures approaching the city. It is as Priestess Isis said. Shall I send Honda with more soldiers to the wall patrols for escorts?" Just as the Pharaoh was about to answer, another soldier, this time with long dark hair in a ponytail, runs in and kneels quickly.

"Otogi, what news from the walls?"

"My Pharaoh, the figures are now close enough to see. As Priestess Isis said, there are nine. The small one is carried by a blonde with marks on his face. Their clothing is strange. They are not from around here. Most likely, they are from the outer lands."

"Marik… Otogi…"

"Yes, my Pharaoh?" both answered in unison.

"Take Honda and as many guards as you need. I want the strangers brought to me."

"Yes my Pharaoh!" they leave to gather the men needed.

"My Pharaoh, do you believe what Isis said? About them being important to our future?" A young man with short brown hair carrying a gold rod with an eye asked from his place at the side of the room.

"We shall see Seth, as soon as Marik, Otogi, and Honda return."

Seniade- OMG, Chapter 2 is done!

Larid- Finally! You've only been planning this for over a year…

Seniade- OMG LARID! *glomp* What're you doing here?

Larid- Wanted to check out your story… See if you actually wrote it yet…

Seniade- Ehehehe… *rubs back of head*

Larid- So, do I get a part in this?

Seniade- Possibly! Still trying to get all the details worked out in my head… Anyway peoples, go check out Larid's stuff!

Larid- Please do!

Seniade- And look for the next chapter. I'll get it out eventually…

Larid- Seniade!

P.S. - Virtual cookies to all those who can guess the unnamed characters. Ja!