The Fifth Raikage

Chapter 1-The Alliance

Back in the Leaf Village, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamoto have left the village on a mission to meet with Sasori's spy within Orochimaru's ranks. Just then an eagle enters the village delivering a message to the Hokage. The decoder did not recognize the seal so she went to Lady Tsunade. "I recognize this mark, though I haven't seen it in ten years." Said Tsunade. "Then who sent it Lady Tsunade?" questioned Shizune. "It's a peace treaty from the Hidden Cloud Village." She replied. "WHAT!! Why would the Cloud Village send us a peach treaty?" said an outraged Shizune. Tsunade read the letter out loud:

To the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade,

In light of recent events the new Fifth Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village will personally come to the Leaf Village to discuss a peace treaty. His arrival will be on Friday.

"Friday!!! But that's tomorrow." Said Shizune even more outraged.

"Shizune! Alert all the jonin and chunin that guests from the Cloud Village will arrive tomorrow. Find a jonin to escort them when they arrive." Ordered Tsunade.

"Yes Lady Tsunade." And Shizune immediately exited the office.

'If our enemy would come to us himself then there must be something wrong. And what is that event he spoke of?' pondered Tsunade.

The next day…

The streets were filled with people who gathered to welcome the Raikage. Many chunin were stationed in the streets due to the distrust. Waiting for the guests at the Hokage building was Kurenai. "Welcome Lord Raikage. I am Kurenai and I will escort you to Lady Tsunade." The Raikage stepped out from the carriage with two of his companions. "Now, now, there's no need to be so formal. You can call me Rydo. This is Yuuta and Yuri. They are the two of the heads of our village. Actually, Yuuta and I will see the Hokage. Yuri on the other hand wishes for a tour of your village. She likes to sight see, if that is alright with Lady Tsunade."

"That will be fine." Said a voice behind Kurenai. Tsunade stepped out from the building to greet Rydo. "Kurenai will accompany her around the village." Tsunade led Rydo and Yuuta into the building as Kurenai left with Yuri. In the Hokage's room everyone sat down and Rydo began his explanation.

"So I guess I should start from the beginning. Not long ago members of Akatsuki were sighted in our country." "What!!" Shock appeared on Tsunade and Shizune's faces. "We have identified them as Hidan of the Jashin and Kakuzu of the Waterfall." Said Yuuta. "Jashin? I'snt that the ancient religion that promised immortality?" asked Shizune. "Yes and apparently it is true." Said Rydo. "We discovered Akatsuki's activities when Yugito Nii, the host for the two tailed demon cat went missing. She was captured and killed. We suspect that Akatsuki were after the tailed beasts and followed them. When we arrived at their hideout, the two tailed cat was already extracted." Silence followed as Yuuta and Rydo felt guilty for not being able to protect her.

"So this meeting is regarding Akatsuki?" questioned Tsunade.

"That's right. We are here to ask for your assistance." Replied Yuuta.

"What exactly did you have in mind?" asked Tsunade.

"Well we sent a jonin team after Hidan and Kakuzu, but they were killed. I have come to the conclusion that the only way to defeat Akatsuki is for me to fight them myself. But that would mean leaving my village for periods of time. So I'm asking Leaf for backup during my absence." Said Rydo.

"So how will we benefit besides the defeat of Akatsuki?" asked Shizune.

"In return we will allow you access to information about Akatsuki. You've heard of the famous Lightning Network right?" said Yuuta.

"The infamous information network of the Cloud Village, yes I've heard about it. It is able to attain information with utmost speed." Said Tsunade.

"Well you'll have access to our information. Also we will assist your current team hunting Akatsuki. I believe the jinchuriki Naruto Uzumaki is in that team correct?" asked Rydo.

"Yes but how did you know that?" asked Shizune but with a surprised tone.

"Our information network cannot be rivaled. After learning that the Kazekage was also abducted by Akatsuki we focused most of our resources on our information network. We have come to the conclusion that they have three tailed beasts." Said Rydo.

"What! They have three already!!" exclaimed Tsunade.

"Yes. They have the One Tailed Shukaku from the Sand, the Two Tailed Demon Cat of the Cloud, and the Three Tailed Turtle of the Sea." Said Yuuta.

"I see. If we don't act now they will have all of the tailed beasts soon. Alright then. The Leaf and Cloud Villages are officially in an Alliance against Akatsuki." Declared Tsunade.

"Excellent. Yuuta will stay here to relay any information we find and Yuri will return to the village to continue the search for Akatsuki. But first, may I ask two things of you Lady Hokage?" said Rydo.

"What is it?"

"First may I see Hatake Kakashi?"

"Why would you want to see him?"

"We have a history together and I would like to see him again. My second request is that you accompany me on a mission."

"What?? Lady Tsunade cannot leave the village or we will be in danger!" said an outraged Shizune.

"Do not worry the location we are heading to is within the Land of Fire. My sources tell me that there is someone who was targeted by Akatsuki for recruitment living not far from here. And that person has evaded Akatsuki for years."

"Out of the question. I cannot leave the village." Said Tsunade.

"One more thing about this person." Said the Raikage. "This person has a special kekkei genkai that was thought to be lost, Wood Manipulation." Said Rydo.

An expression of shock appears on Tsunade's face. Could this person be descended from her grandfather the First Hokage??? And what is the connection between Kakashi and Rydo???