Secret Missions
Chapter 88
Sunagakure
Synopsis – Another year has passed and the girl has become a 16 year old adult kunoichi and the boy is 10. Since these are "S" classified reports, all undercover Leaf personnel are referred to by code names, even when others might actually have used their proper names. It shouldn't take you long to root out the characters are who have been assigned these aliases. Enjoy the mission.
Neji shook his head. It was hard to figure how he, an elite of the Hyuuga Clan, cousin to the Head House, was continually drawn in to whatever enthusiasm Uzumaki was indulging at the moment. To be honest, the diaries and secret mission reports had given him insights into the history and workings of the Leaf Village that he could have obtained in no other manner. Still it was ironic that he so readily agreed to serve as a delivery boy for a bunch of chunin.
It could not be helped. They were friends and he was the only jonin in the group. The scrolls in his pouch were classified "S+ Diplomatic" and even Sakura would not be allowed possession of them without written permission from the Fifth. It was easier for him to use his rank to retrieve them from the secure library files without having to explain their need to the higher ups. He did regret that Konohamaru and his friends had to be excluded from the reading. He was fond of the three young genin and understood how disappointed they would be to be barred from tonight's story. It was just that the political implications for an allied nation...
- .. - ..
Six ninja and a dog stood at attention while the Hokage took his time tamping and lighting his pipe. Smoke rings wafted into the air. " "Kikyo", you and "Sango" and your ninken "Shippo" have been specifically requested to undertake this mission by the Daimyo of the Land of Wind. He has pre-paid for an A-rank mission and declared there should be no limits upon your operations within his country. However, entering a ninja village under false pretenses may at any time have immediate and fatal consequences to those involved regardless of the good will of the local royalty."
"Hai."
"Understood Hokage-sama."
" "Koga", just by the nature of your identity and your family name, you will draw all the attention of the Sand-nin, as well as potential assassins, to yourself and away from your teammates. It is your duty to ensure that Exam entrants, Shizune, Obito and Guy, do not become in any way embroiled in whatever it is that the Daimyo requests. They are to be protected at all costs. Only should exceptional circumstances arise are they to be read into the mission as "Kaede, Myoga and Jaken" "
"Hai!"
" "Ichigo", you have overall command over the operation. Establish a base undetected in the desert from which you can act if necessary. "Chado", Suna has many strong earth-type ninjas. It is ultimately important that the base be hidden from them and shielded from discovery." Sango smiled shyly at Chado. It had been eight months since they had last seen each other after deciding to separate. " "Rukia" is in charge of communications."
Sango inquired, "I have seen Rukia's jutsu only once and am not familiar with how it can be useful for sending messages other than by flying them around on a giant bird."
The petite, dark haired kunoichi handed her a scroll and brush and opened her own roll. "Those have already been modified by my technique." She knelt and wrote on the paper. The ink spun itself into the shape of a mouse which skittered over and spread itself in front of Sango.
"The message says Do These Handsigns And Touch The Brush. OK, now what?"
"Just skim the bristles over the instructions, print some message of your own and finish with Release."
She was fascinated as the ink flowed off the parchment onto the brush. After jotting down a brief note she formed a tiger sign. The letters transformed into a homing pigeon which circled the office before fluttering down on the first scroll and reforming the message. "Rukia, what a wonderful and useful jutsu. Arigatou for the instruction."
"Just don't misplace that brush and scroll. Even though they seem perfectly normal, they are the only ones the jutsu will work with."
The Hokage concluded, "If there is no more discussion concerning mission parameters or the alternatives to be taken should the genin fail to advance in the exam...? May the Will of Fire go with you."
.. - .. -
"Honored chunin of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, enter the presence of the Most August and Noble Ruler of all the Lands of the Wind, Counselor to the Gods, Defender of the Downtrodden, High Daimyo from the Gulf..." It was apparent that introductions would have continued for a considerable amount of time if they had not been unceremoniously interrupted by squeals coming from an unstoppable ball of energy wrapped in layer upon layer of the finest and most expensive embroidered fabrics.
"DOG-GY!" The four year old little girl launched herself straight into the muzzle of the fiercest looking, one eyed, battle scarred wolf-dog ever allowed in proximity to royalty. Some of the courtiers were scandalized, but with a wave of the Daimyo's hand they all faded almost magically into the tapestries out of sight and earshot, leaving only two ANBU flanking the Lord.
"The Princess seems to be doing well, Your Highness."
The Daimyo was a young man, short and pudgy with a string mustache and goatee. "Yes, thanks to the good fortune that you two and that remarkable beast were in the area when the bandits fled into the Fire Country. All she remembers of that horrible episode is the Doggy and that Ha-kun and Sasori brought her home. She was young enough that she barely noticed that she had a new Governess and Maid from that time on. May our faithful servants rest peacefully. I can never fully repay you for what you have done."
"My Lord was most generous with the reward which you granted us. Besides, much of the success was due to the bravery of Hachiro-san and Karura-san and her brother. The two of us did not even know that Princess Arenohana had been kidnapped until after we had captured the bandits."
"All more the reason I have decided to place my trust in you. With no thought of potential reward nor orders from your superiors you were willing to aid ninjas from a foreign country when many on both sides continue to carry grudges from the previous wars. As for Karura and Hachiro, they have had my confidence since that day." The ANBU pulled off their masks.
"Surprise, it's the favorite Sand-nin to all the most beautiful Leaf kunoichi," Hachiro teased.
Kikyo countered, "Don't expect us to be dumbfounded to see you. Shippo knew it was you two as soon as we walked in. Karura, it is good to see you again."
The Daimyo interrupted, but with none of the certainty he had shown up to that point, "Hana, do not pull the doggy's ear. He could bite you."
"Not... bite... Ha-na."
"Your pardon Master Dog. I trust you implicitly, but the Princess has few limits placed upon her actions. It is proper Hana learn that nature imposes its own boundaries on her behavior. You seem troubled, Kikyo-san. Does your clan not need to teach its children such things?"
She picked the child up and cradled her to her shoulder. "Your Highness is quite right. It's just... I am fond of that nickname. Would it be improper for us to call the Princess, Hana-chan?" The girl wiggled to be let down again.
"Not at all. You have earned that right and more. However, now we will leave you to discuss your mission." As they walked out hand in hand, the little girl began badgering her doting father for a doggy of her own.
"So cute! Hachiro-kun, we still have no idea what the assignment is or why your own people couldn't handle it."
"Now, to prove to you that not only am I extremely charming, but prescient as well, if you remember when we first met I warned you that Karura-chan would never be satisfied until she caught herself a Kage to marry? She has finally arranged it, though personally I still think she could have done better than an engagement to our glorious next Kazekage."
"Hachiro-sensei, why must you always make it sound so cold-blooded and insult Tamaire-sama like that? He is a fine jonin and is going to become a great Kazekage. What more could a girl want in a husband?"
"What a sad little birdy. I had hoped to instruct you better on the true nature of love, but it was not to be."
Sango chided him, "Hachiro-kun, you are just jealous that you never could sweet-talk Karura-san."
"Not at all. She's my student. That would be weird like seducing my sister. The fact is I've known Tamaire since we were kids and he has never changed. He is a man who only cares about power. He would gladly sacrifice her or his whole family to secure that power. I'm not saying he is in any way corrupt, just ruthless."
"As to what all of this has to do with the Leaf Village, first a little history. Back when the Second Kazekage was killed, the succession almost lead to civil war until the Third proved himself the strongest jonin. He is a powerful shinobi and patriot, but a stern man who will never be loved by the people. When he decided to designate his successor ahead of time to prevent another future power struggle, of course he picked another stern man. Unfortunately the Next lacks the Third's love of country. He loves only himself."
"Sensei! If you don't stop saying things like that about my fiancée I'm going to pound you silly. He's a good man and an important man who we need to protect for the sake of the Village. It is obvious somebody is trying to kill him. Three months ago he was on a routine mission when his team was attacked by a large band of rogue ninjas. He survived unharmed but two of his companions were killed along with eight enemy. Two months ago he was touring a construction site with the Third when a building mysteriously collapsed. They could have both been killed if not for the Kazekage's iron sand jutsu. The engineers have not been able to explain the cave in. Last month, deadly scorpions of a kind usually only found in the deep desert entered his bedroom while he slept. If I hadn't noticed them crawling up onto his blankets when I came back from the bathroom..."
"And I keep asking her what she was doing in a man's bedroom so late at night?"
Sango scolded, "Hachiro-kun, don't be rude. They are engaged after all. I understand the problem. Three coincidences are two too many. Are you certain your boyfriend is the only target? The Kazekage could have been killed in that cave-in."
"Doubtful. He wasn't scheduled to make that appearance or such a plan would have never been tried considering his jutsu. The Third is too strong for a normal assassination to succeed and his bodyguard is... not someone anybody would choose to face."
"This bodyguard... A high percentage of successful assassinations are carried out by guards. They have unhindered access and opportunity and a boatload of chances to develop motives, from personal slights to fears they are being displaced in the Lord's favors by a new rival."
"If you are asking whether Bachiatari might be jealous of the Next, I doubt that is a useful line of inquiry. Bachiatari and the Third were teammates and have an unique friendship. NOT IN THAT WAY! Dirty-minded kunoichi... All I am allowed to tell you about him is that he is unreasonably powerful and totally loyal to his only friend, the Kazekage. Politics and status mean nothing to him. Investigate as you like, but I doubt he could be involved."
"Bachiatari, "Accursed", ugly name. We will keep an open mind, but why do you need us in the first place. Can't your own detectives investigate these attempts?"
She shook her head, "Tamaire-kun won't allow it. He thinks making a big deal about it would make him look weak. He says they are separate incidents and assassination is something every jonin and kage faces at some time. What he doesn't understand is that I don't want to become widow before I'm even married."
"There is one more problem." Hachiro's face lost its normal playfulness. "The only motive I can find which fits this pattern involves someone attempting to take over the Sand Village. That means we can trust no one, most especially the strongest and most powerful shinobi on the council. Any member could be involved in a conspiracy involving gaining power through the murder of the Next and assuming his position. We need someone unconnected to any local faction to investigate and you two are the only foreign shinobi whom the Daimyo would agree could be trusted with such a delicate assignment."
Karura looked glum. "We don't even know who to trust in our own village and we can't always rely on our own judgment because personal feelings interfere, but it is necessary to bring in at least one other as a go-between since the two of us are too high profile to disappear regularly. Any suggestions?"
Kikyo shook her head, but Sango had an idea, "One time you mentioned a young kunoichi you thought highly of. Later I saw her at the Konoha Chunin Exams and everybody was favorably impressed when she fought Genma in the finals. I know she was a refugee so she has no clan ties. Is she affiliated with any faction or owe allegiance to any high ranking jonin?"
"Hui-Fen is perfect. I'll see she is assigned as liaison to the Leaf delegation."
- .. - ..
"What was the Third thinking getting us mixed up in internal Sand conspiracies? I hate politics. Instead give me someone to hit or stab or bite. I don't mind suicide missions for the Leaf, but why one to protect the Sand authorities?"
"You couldn't be more wrong, Kikyo. Once you learn the rules, of which none are ever written, you will find that politics is just war with the kunai sheathed. Like war, the battle is almost never won by sheer numbers but by adept maneuvering and the ability to demoralize the opposition. One way to accumulate power is to quietly provide services to other villages for which they feel indebted to you. If they are honorable, then you will have a friend when you need one."
"Well, if it is for the good of the Leaf... Then let's go torture the genin so fiercely on the training fields that they fall into bed early tonight and we can go clubbing."
.. - .. -
The house which Hachiro had arranged for the Leaf contestants had a walled courtyard which made it simpler to provide foreign guests with security. It also contained many secret entrances and passages so that surveillance could be carried out on those foreign dignitaries. However, when no ANBU were assigned to monitoring the tunnels, it made it possible for two party girls to appear anywhere inside the village, or even outside the walls, without being followed. Thus no one noticed when two young women in halter tops and extremely short skirts emerged from a dead-end alley.
"Stop tugging at your skirt, Sango. Modesty has its place, but we want the drunks looking at your long legs instead of our faces."
"I know. I just didn't realize how cold the night wind would be in the desert this late in autumn. I never did like skirts. Is that the dive you heard about last night?" There was no sign above the door, just a dirty stairway dimly lit by a flashing beer advertisement leading down to a basement room. As they opened the door they were greeted by glares, which quickly transformed into leers. They barely had time to find a table before free drinks arrived courtesy of hopeful suitors. Kikyo surreptitiously sniffed both, but this time there were no knockout drugs in them.
Thus began another long night of flirting and making implied promises that would never be kept, drinking little while making it appear they were getting sloshed, and subtly turning conversations to politics or the building collapse whenever possible. After two weeks they had found no indication of conspiracy drifting down to the lower levels of society, though they gave Hachiro enough information to close out at least two dozen felonies.
They put on fashionable dresses, subtle makeup and fancy hairstyles and moved uptown. Otherwise the game did not change much. The hunters might be cleaner and better dressed, but their tactics changed little. By the girl a drink, engage her in brilliant conversation, impress her with your wealth and wit, and bed her.
The quarry also stayed with familiar tactics. Defend your physical space, leave an opening for retreat, delay, promise everything generally and nothing specifically, and always guide the conversation to useful topics. This was becoming more difficult as the sensation of the building collapse had faded and been replaced by a new scandal as several young girls had recently disappeared without a trace.
Many of the local jonin had their own fans or adherents, but there was just no detectable inclination towards sedition or conspiracy. Finally one late night Kikyo found someone she wanted to question more closely and personally, so Sango went home by herself. She didn't think much of the man as a possible suspect, but she had to admit he sure was handsome. As she emerged from the hall closet she was surprised to find Shizune sitting outside the door. "Oh, hi, what are you doing up so late? I was just... uh... going to hang up my wrap."
"Sensei, don't pretend I don't know what's going on. You two dress like that and disappear in the middle of the night for hours, even when you are dead tired and can't be enjoying yourselves. You have a secret mission you aren't telling us about."
"If that were possibly true, you know I couldn't talk about it. Why are you sitting in the hallway?"
"There was a mouse in our room."
"I didn't think you would be scared of mice."
"This mouse's chakra flow wasn't natural for an animal. When I told Koga he ran in and took something to Kikyo's room and Shippo won't let anybody else in."
"Thanks. Go back to bed and never mention this again. That's an order."
- .. - ..
"So, the Hokage is coming to the Chunin Finals, even in wartime. This complicates the mission, but it's not like we were making any progress anyhow. If there is any conspiracy, it is more tightly held than any I have ever seen. Sango and I haven't heard a whisper of anyone boasting about their important new positions or mumbling about changing regimes. I hate to say it, but maybe his presence will initiate another attack."
"We should tell him not to come, right Sango?" Koga offered.
"We could, but until we locate a potential threat it would just be CYA which is a waste of time. Let's just acknowledge and offer support."
"Hai, do it."
.. - .. -
Perhaps the most frustrating assignment ever devised. How is a ninja supposed to protect a client who doesn't want protected and doesn't even know that you are guarding him from a conspiracy that is either completely invisible or is so tightly held as to be undetectable, in an overcrowded city filled with foreigners and other strangers, any of which could be a hired assassin, during the biggest party of the year. Add to that one Hokage, some Daimyo's, numerous nobles and their entourages and bodyguards and rooting out the bad guys becomes unlikely in the extreme, if not impossible. In the end there is one strategy of last resort – Wait for them to strike again and try to capture them before they can get away. Unfortunately such a strategy can be extravagantly wasteful of clients.
If we manage to get through the Chunin Finals, we can admit defeat, collect our fee, and scurry home with our tails between our legs with the consolation that at least the client didn't die and that the results of the mission would never become common knowledge.
There is of course a second consolation. Working with the genin has been a joy. At the very least since there are three of us acting as senseis we were able to have someone teaching them at all times, even when other duties interfered.
The trip to the stadium as Hui-Fen led them through the crowd was a revelation. Sunagakure is a village which has surrendered to the desert, or lives in harmony with nature, depending upon your point of view. There is hardly a daub of exterior paint in the whole place and little need of it considering the minuscule amount of rain it gets 363 days a year. The one or two times it might rain measurably is hardly enough to cause any concerns that it could induce wood to begin to rot. So normally Suna is a muted mixture of light grays and dirty tans. Today it was an explosion of brilliant signs and colorful banners.
Sango was as excited as the genin at the vivid rainbow hues of the garments in the crowd. She hadn't realized how deprived she felt for a glimpse of bright green or red or orange. Quickly she took a deep breath and settled her nerves. The odds were infinitely low that at this late date the cabal would appear before her face, so it was best to calm her mind and allow her subconscious to search for any connections which might show up.
The journey to the arena took three times as long as usual, but finally they found the contestants' entrance and climbed the stairs to the waiting area. Sango walked out on the balcony and scanned the stadium. Guards already in place in the Kage's box and Daimyo's box, ANBU walking purposefully through the stands, ushers suspiciously well muscled. Even the youngsters in the concessionaires uniforms moved surprisingly quickly, most assuredly genin. So, even though the leadership stubbornly refused to acknowledge there might be a problem, they have prepared for any eventuality. Sango respected that.
The crowd began to fill the seats, so she went back inside. It was beyond her control now, so her time was better spent calming her students' jittery nerves. Too much thinking was bad before a battle. Anxiety disrupted proper chakra flow.
A rustling in the crowd drew attention to the Daimyo's box where the Lord of the Land of Wind led a procession of increasingly minor Daimyo's, Lords, Dukes and Nobles to their seats to appreciative applause. Soon two ANBU led the Kazekage to his seat in the adjacent box, followed by his designated successor. The clapping was universal, as if no one wanted to be the only person not joining in, but unenthusiastic. The Hokage entered and the Kages bowed formally to each other, an acknowledgement of equals, the Next's genuflection imperceptibly deeper as befitted his station.
She studied the attendants. Baki-chunin was offering refreshments. Good, he was competent and strong for his age. The two Sand ANBU had the facemasks of Hachiro and Karura as expected. Behind the Kazekage stood a short, wizened, middle aged man. He had deep circles around tired eyes as if he had not had a good night's sleep in years. She would have thought him too weak to be a threat if she had not noticed how effortlessly he carried a large cleaving sword on his back next to a sizable clay pot. Just from looking at him she both hated him and pitied him, which was not at all in her nature. Now she wished that she had taken the time to investigate this bodyguard.
With the Hokage were two ANBU, a captain and a lieutenant. Yes! She felt more comfortable than she had all week. Those two could take on an army, not to mention that he was the Third Hokage and quite capable of destroying armies by himself. She could ignore protecting the Hokage and concentrate on her other two assignments.
The preliminaries and introductions were over. There was not the slightest hint that there was anything untoward about to happen, but still she felt uneasy. Reluctantly she turned her attention to the first match. Normally she would be as excited as any fan, but right now it was her duty since her student would be fighting the winner. They could trust Koga to keep watch in the meantime. The battle ended in a disappointing fashion and the mood of the crowd turned sour. She might as well surrender. It would require someone with much greater genjutsu abilities than she possessed to single out any nefarious intents in that sea of discontent.
With Kikyo on watch they concentrated on the second match. It was an exciting fight and left the audience in a much happier mood. The next two battles were just as thrilling, but she never paid much attention to them while she watched the crowd. Everyone was happy except for the fans of the losers, but they were mostly disappointed rather than angry. As a matter of fact the only really bad vibes she was feeling came from right here in the contestant box. She glared over at Shizune's opponent. His Sensei was still berating him for his performance in the first round. Typical. She had detested Sasori from the first time she met him, but now his unreasonable tirades were interfering with her search for a killer.
She sighed. It was time to give her full attention to Shizune anyhow. She remembered her own trip to the chunin finals and how exciting and scary it had been. Still she knew how much Shizune had grown. She had faith in her.
The battle started and right away Shizune had to show off her abilities in avoiding weapons attacks. The big Sand-genin had a new puppet he called Crow which contained a seemingly endless supply of kunai fired from its mouth or any other orifice imaginable. With uncanny ability it blocked or deflected every explosive note aimed at it and every assault on the puppet master. Dispassionately Sango analyzed the battle and wondered whether Shizune was enough of a ninja to do what needed to be done? When she accepted a poisoned kunai in the shoulder for an opportunity to destroy Crow, Sango lost her doubts. She knew who had the fight won.
She was the first one onto the field as soon as the examiner declared the victory. She caught Shizune as she collapsed and held her until the medics arrived. Only then did she pay attention to the nearby shouting. "I have wasted two years training you and how am I repaid? You almost lose to an untalented child and then are defeated by this girl with no fighting ability. Not only have you destroyed your own clumsy creation, but you have also damaged the highly valuable puppet I lent you. Worthless failure! Out of my sight incompetent!"
The first rule for undercover agents hiding in plain sight is only call attention to yourself when it advances the mission. Accosting a Hidden Village's strongest jonin is certainly not recommended, but she found she couldn't restrain herself. "That is not a proper way to address one of your students, Sasori-sama. While I might not approve of all of the tactics he used, there is no doubt that he continued to fight hard for you even after being badly injured during the first round."
"Who are you to speak to me like that? Have we met before?"
"Just briefly, two years ago, but you were too busy murdering prisoners for formal introductions."
"Aw, the kidnapping, but you weren't wearing a mask then. Still I should have made the connection. You were with the Inuzuka girl then too. Let me tell you something about the Sand Village. We will not stomach interference from Konoha. This is the second time you have stood in the way of my personal business. Should it ever happen again I will kill you. As to this sweet thing, my little one, you have ruined some of my plans and deprived me of a useful servant." He grabbed Shizune beneath the chin and turned her head from side to side. "Cute, in a plain sort of manner, but I like'm young and medical-nins are always talented with chakra control. When the time comes, you shall replace my servant."
He jerked his head around as water encircled his wrist. "And now let me teach you something about the Leaf Village. There is nothing that Konoha values more than its children. Should you at any time menace one of my students, I will kill you without hesitation."
Suddenly Ebizou was standing beside the examiner. "Fools, the crowd is observing you. We do not need to cause a riot. Sango-san, you should to take the girl to the infirmary for further treatment if she is to be prepared for the semi-finals. Sasori-san, I believe your duties have been completed. You may withdraw also."
Sango put on her most pleasant formal smile and bowed, "Ebizou-sama is correct as always. My apologies, Sasori of the Red Sands, for any misunderstandings."
The puppet master's smile was somehow more disturbing than his anger. "I look forward to the day we meet again, Sango-chan. By the way, some foreigners are under the impression that name refers to the place I was born or perhaps live. They are mistaken. In actuality it only denotes the color of the sand after my puppets complete a battle. Remember that before you challenge me once more."
It was nearly an hour later when Sango helped Shizune back up the stairway to the contestants area before the start of the third round. She was shaken, but the poison had been completely neutralized and the shoulder wound healed. Guy and Obito gathered close about her, "Shi-chan, are you strong enough to fight again so soon?"
"Don't worry, I won't give up. Sekka-sensei says I'll probably rip the wound back open and the healing used up a bunch of my chakra, but I'm going to take a soldier pill before we go down so you can be sure that I will make it a good fight."
Obito smiled at her, "I know you will."
Sango noticed something strange. "Where did the Kazekage disappear to? Did he go to the restroom or something?"
"A messenger stopped there a little while ago. He apologized to the Hokage and left Tamaire in charge while he took off with his bodyguard."
"Strange for a Kage to miss the Chunin Finals. Hey Hui-Fen-chan, did you notice who the messenger was?"
"Hai Sango-sama. I believe it was a chunin named Yuura."
"Yuura. I've heard that name before."
Shippo began growling and Kikyo placed a calming hand on his neck. "Yeh, two years ago. He was the one immolated those bandits fer Sasori."
"Again Sasori. Is it just coincidence his name keeps coming up? I want to know who the Kazekage is meeting with. I'm sorry I've got to leave, Shizune, but Kikyo will take good care of you."
"I understand. Be careful Sensei."
"I need to borrow Shippo for awhile. I'll send him back with word on where they are headed. Will you help boy?"
"Yeh, yeh, he'p Sa'go."
"Find me a man who smells like iron filings. You know, like a grinding wheel or sharpening stone."
- .. - ..
Ichigo frowned beneath his ANBU Captain's mask. When on security detail you never wanted anything to happen which was not preplanned. Changes were always potentially deadly. First a messenger had called away the Kazekage and that strange bodyguard of his. Sure it was a relief not to have to devote half of his attention to such a dangerous man, but it was still disquieting for a Kage to leave suddenly from an important public event. He envied the Third's ability to sit there chatting with the Next Leader without showing the slightest care in the world.
Now Sango had disappeared too. The Kazekage's activities were clearly outside of her assignment, either assignment, as well as extremely dangerous to meddle in. Did she suspect something? The dog came back without her, but Kikyo didn't appear worried. It was just the start of the finals so she hadn't been gone that long. Yet... A commotion started at the entrance to the Kage's box and he cursed himself as a complete failure as a bodyguard if he allowed himself to become distracted by other matters which he could not control.
"Let me through. I must see the Kazekage immediately! Lord Temaire, where is the Kazekage? I have to report a security breach at Hidden Gate #2. The Captain of the Guard made his inspection rounds early and was attacked by the men posted at the gate. One was captured alive, but claims no memory of the attack or whether anyone entered through the gate. I suspect he may have been placed under a compulsion genjutsu."
Ichigo leaped from the mezzanine and landed running along the guardrail in front of the crowd before jumping into the contestants box. "Where did Sango go?"
"She followed the Kazekage. He and his bodyguard met up with Sasori and they left the Village by a private gate. Sango sent Shippo back to tell us she was going back to the house for her weapons and sneaking out through the tunnels to follow them. Is something wrong?"
"Yeh, the Sand is going to hell and if she gets caught in a fight between those three she will be in mortal danger."
.. - .. -
Sango had no difficulty finding the trail. Three men walking across the open desert left tracks that a drunken sailor could follow, at least until the wind blew. After that only Shippo would be able to find their path. The course was generally north by east. At first she was worried that the secret base had been discovered, but the bearings seemed wrong. She closed the gap until she had them in sight. It was a calculated risk, but ninjas as powerful as those three were not often primarily sensor types, at least at long range. Sneaking up on them would be another proposition entirely.
They entered a cave. Of course, that is why they traveled in the direction of the River Country instead of going into the high desert. The River Country was riddled with literally thousands of caves and they must extend into this part of the Wind Country. Well, you will never learn what they are doing if you don't go in.
"So Sasori, what is it you wanted to show me that was so important it had to interrupt the Chunin Exams?"
"Show you? What I am here to show you is my contempt. I am tired of your dithering. The Leaf is under assault from the north and barely pushing back against the Rock and Rain. Now is our opportunity to sweep in from the west and punish them while most of their army is elsewhere. But all you can talk about is treaties and the loses we suffered in the last war. I remember the last war and those losses and I will have revenge. You counsel Wait, Wait, but instead of planning for the Leaf's extermination you allow the son of the man who killed my parents to walk around freely in Sunagakure. Such a slight cannot be forgiven and I will wait no longer. When you disappear the Leaf will be blamed and the Hokage killed. I had hoped to be named your successor before this occurred, but now it won't be long. Accidents happen in time of war."
"You will not harm my Friend Kazekage."
"Stay out of this you filthy beast." A many legged mechanical jumped out of a hole in the wall and wrapped itself around the bodyguard. A purple glow briefly surrounded him, but it quickly faded. "Having problems Bachiatari? Spider contains sutras which suppress all chakra, including bijuu chakra, as well as a poison which will slowly remove your ability to move until your body forgets to breath. You should thank me. At least you will die as a man instead of a demon. It is too bad really. I would have loved to release Shukaku in front of the Hokage's mansion."
The Kazekage deep bass voice exploded angrily, "Sasori, you are a jonin of the Sand and one of our most trusted advisors! Why are you committing these treasonous acts?" Iron sand swirled about him threateningly.
"Treason? It is you who have committed treason, you and all those who have forgotten our humiliation at the hands of the Leaf. I did not wish to do this. I had hoped to use your strength against Konoha. I thought that if I could remove your weak-willed successor and get closer to you that together we could crush our enemies. Unfortunately he has managed to survive. No matter, once you are gone it will be simple to bend him to my will and I will have your power also." Five puppets rattled out of the shadows.
"Sasori, that second one was once an ANBU who disappeared on patrol. I see, he discovered your activities and was killed for it. Even after it was banned, you have continued the dark practice of crafting human puppets, even going so far as to defile the bodies of your countrymen. You are certainly beyond redemption and must die."
The iron sand transformed into an oversized arrow shot straight at Sasori's chest. Without moving he flicked a finger and the click of a switch activating could be heard. A loud humming sound filled the cavern as the iron sand was forced into a tall tube encasing the Kazekage. "Surprised that your sand won't obey you? It is time you learned the superiority of mechanisms over flesh. You are praised as the most powerful ninja in the history of the Sand, and yet see how easily you are defeated by a simple electromagnet. You are fortunate not to have been torn into pieces by the straps on your own weapons pouches."
"If only you had a proper appreciation of art perhaps you could understand. True art transcends time where what humans call beauty is slave to the passing years. The young maiden may seem to have an image of loveliness, but within her own body are the tools of destruction which eat away at that beauty and turn her into an old crone. In contrast, my creations shall never age. If they become damaged I only need to replace the broken part and they are restored to perfection."
He adjusted the controls and a porthole opened in the metal prison. "Perhaps if you can see you will better understand." An ANBU puppet led a parade of six smaller figures which surrounded Sasori. The small puppets were clothed in a negligee, a bikini, a school uniform, a nurse's uniform, a maid's outfit, and a wet towel. "Now look on beauty in all its perfection. Each caught on the cusp between childhood and adulthood, eternally ravishing, never to grow old and lose their cuteness to wrinkles and sagging ponderous breasts. Each exists only to serve my needs."
"No Sasori, I can't believe your perversion has gone this far. You have murdered the missing girls and another Suna ANBU and turned them all into human puppets! Unforgivable. For doing such things you must be punished."
"Sadly it won't be you who punishes me, Great Lord Kazekage. Soon I will transform you into my greatest creation and have the power of the iron sand for myself. Then no one will be able to stand against me. Your pet jinchuuriki is trapped and oh so slowly being poisoned. I have learned his secret. If he is attacked violently or becomes angry then the Ichibi Shukaku will escape and savagely protect him. If he falls asleep Ichibi will emerge and commit mischief. But if he should slowly drift into a coma then the demon inside will peacefully die with him. That is why you will continue to live until he is safely gone. Don't want to provoke Shukaku unnecessarily. So now who is going to save the all powerful Third Kazekage?"
"I will!" A water spear smashed the control panel and water shuriken sliced the legs off the puppet restraining Bachiatari. As the iron prison collapsed around the Kazekage, Sango charged past with a katana held above her head for a deadly blow as her paper bomb struck the ANBU and shattered it. Out of a cloud of smoke a new squat puppet emerged. Another bomb struck it but surprisingly did no damage to its carapace. Sango dodged around it intent on cutting down the puppet master. She was shocked when a many jointed scorpion tail whipped around and pierced her completely through the chest and out her back.
- .. - ..
The combined Sand/Leaf force was tracking Shippo across the desert at full speed. "Why so glum, Obito. This is great going on a joint rescue mission with Ichigo-sensei and the Sand jonin. Even the Sand assistant... or vice... or whatever he is Kazekage didn't object to us coming."
"You don't understand Guy. You have no clan. It is expected that an Uchiha will win the Chunin Exams by his second try or be labeled a failure. I could have been a hero and gave that all up for this mission."
"I'm sorry Obito-kun," Shizune tried to comfort him, "but I'm sure that when you tell your family how important this assignment was they will understand and honor you."
"Shut up," Koga ordered. "You will never tell anyone about this or write any reports unless directed by the Hokage. No one is to even know that we left the stadium or the Sand Village. You have been informed that this mission is to rescue Sango-san and bring her back unharmed, but there is more going on than you have been told which even takes priority over bringing Sango back alive. Treat this as an A-rank mission, keep your mouths shut and act like real Leaf shinobi in front of the Sand-nin. Guy knows how this plays out so follow his lead."
The other two genin stared at Guy in disbelief and tried to imagine how such an unreliable person could have already been on a classified mission with Koga and been respected for it. It was supremely frustrating because to even ask him about it would violate security regulations. Still his status soared in their eyes. Meanwhile Guy concentrated his effort into not saying anything stupid and completely missed the subtext of the conversation.
.. - .. -
Sango writhed in pain on the tip of the scorpion's tail, then disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"A shadow clone!"
"Of course, I find it can be unhealthy to charge into battle when you don't know whether your opponent is a perverted insect. But now I do know so killing you should be fine. Kazekage-sama, are you injured?"
"By what right do you interfere, Konoha? Are you not one of the chunin senseis?"
"Oh, I was hired by a local VIP for a protection job. Saving Kages is just a hobby of mine. Please, are you hurt?"
"It appears I am being affected by one of Sasori's slow acting poisons. My friend is badly injured. If you wish to be useful, tend to him."
She slapped a patch on the puncture wound on his forearm. "My student compounded this medicine to counteract common Sand poisons. Doubtful it will be very efficacious against whatever he is now using, but it might ease your symptoms. As for your effusive thanks for me saving your hide, the only reward I ask is that you crush those six dolls and release their spirits to properly enter the afterlife."
"You have a good heart, Konoha. I shall do as you wish." She leaped away as the swirling protective sand formed an anvil which rushed towards the puppet master. At the last instant it veered away and smashed three of the child figures. Spikes impaled the other three and a black wall slammed them into the side of the anvil.
"My Creations! How dare you destroy art like some uncultured barbarian? For that crime your end will no longer be painless." Ten puppets jumped out of the ground firing kunai. The protective sand was too slow to react and the Kazekage had to spring backwards to avoid them.
"Bachiatari... easy, I'm a friend."
Distantly, "Not likely. We have only one friend."
"Well he is in trouble. Can you stand, can you fight?"
"No. I can't access any chakra. There must have been a sedative in the injection. I can't even get angry."
"I don't have any medical jutsu, but let me see if I can find the poison in your bloodstream with water jutsu. Maybe, I can feel it but is too dilute and it is already attacking your organs." A tiny green drip ran out of his wound. "I'm afraid you could be dead before I remove enough at this rate." A second droplet formed and then a third. She grabbed the dieing man and jumped out of the way of an attacking puppet who was immediately shattered by an iron sledgehammer.
As she concentrated on cleansing his blood, chakra began to glow blue around her. As it spread the color deepened and developed a purple tinge along the edges. As the purple touched the patient, his body stiffened and the black circles expanded around red eyes. He blinked and Sango felt a wave of terrifying bloodlust wash over her. His eyes now were pitch-black with yellow pupils the shape of four-pointed shuriken. She knew that ancient rage, knew her options were to flee or die vainly fighting, but either would have meant looking away from those evil eyes. She had not the will to do that to save her own life, even when a puppet landed beside them and swung four swords at her neck. Only when the puppet was pulverized by a giant tan colored tail with blue markings did she regain the power to move, but she had also conquered her terror.
"Shukaku, I presume."
"What are you girl? How did someone like you revive me? I sense the presence of another demon, but it seemed more like it was three. Why do you no longer fear me? I could destroy you just for the joy of rolling in your blood."
"Don't make unnecessary threats, One-Tail. I have met many bijuu and can tell when they are properly under control of their jinchuuriki. Bachiatari's will is to protect the Kazekage, so let us go demolish some mannequins."
"Ah-haha-haha, I warn you girl, the poison is still working throughout this body faster than I can repair it. Should it die while I am ascendant I will be released to slake my thirst for vengeance. Ah-haha-haha." The fully transformed raccoon dog galloped across the cave firing wind bullets. He was knocked backwards by a blowtorch.
Two human puppets stood solidly in front of Sasori. One shot a stream of fire from its mouth. The other belched a whirlwind which superheated the fire jutsu. Sango erected a water barrier to protect herself from the droplets of molten iron and liquid glass being sprayed haphazardly throughout the cavern. This battle was being fought on a whole different level, leaving no opening for her to participate. She rationalized that the most important thing within her power was to make sure no puppets flanked them to attack from the rear.
A giant metal spike shattered the fire puppet and Sukaku's wind blast overwhelmed the other, but a half dozen more immediately appeared. A lightning bolt bounced off the great iron shapes and struck the Kazekage, dropping him to his knees. With long practiced coordination, Shukaku switched opponents with him and blasted the electric puppet away. The Kazekage was visibly struggling with sweat rivuletting down his face. A second time he dropped to his knees. Sango rushed forward, but couldn't reach him before he toppled over on his side. His face was ashen even though he was burning with fever. She carried him to a protected corner, formed a half dome water barrier around the Kazekage and huddled behind it.
The puppet Master chuckled, "Good, the poison has taken effect, but then he was only human. How about you, Monster? How long can you continue to go on while your jinchuuriki slowly dies?"
The answering roar rattled the cavern and Sango was not able to hear what was said for a time over the ringing in her ears. Shukaku began growing and his tail swung dangerously close to their shelter. The demon smashed a never-ending supply of mannequins, but still more came and he continued to grow along with his anger. She dove over top of the injured man as one sweep of the bushy tail decapitated her barrier.
She rolled over and found herself facing a wooden crocodile. She tossed the first weapons she could grab, but shuriken had no effect. It swallowed the Kazekage whole. It was then too late for explosives, so she charged with her katana, hoping to be able to slice off legs and disable it. Shock and pain as the reptile tail smashed her into the wall.
Moments later she regained consciousness, just in time to witness the whole roof of the cave collapsing on top of her.
- .. - ..
The Eagle spiraled down towards the running ninjas. Only when it got low enough for the two teenagers riding on its back to be seen did it become clear how large it was. Temaire shouted angrily, "Ichigo, are those Leaf ninjas?"
"Hai Leader-sama. They are members of my team. Before you start protesting a violation of Wind Country territorial sovereignty, they could be very useful in recovering your people and mine, which is our goal. There will be time to register complaints later."
The bird landed and dissolved into a puddle of ink. Shizune gave a small wave to Chado, who she had previously met at Sango's apartment. Guy began a happy greeting, "Hey Senpai!" until Obito's fist to his shoulder reminded him to act like a ninja.
"Rukia, what word?"
"There is dust coming out of a cave entrance about three kilometers ahead."
"That's our target. Leader-sama?"
"Hai. Faster dog."
.. - .. -
The sand sprinkling down on her face made her cough. She opened her eyes to pitch blackness. By straining she finally made out the faintest glow of a sunbeam reflected multiple times down a tiny crack. "Bachiatari-san? Shukaku?"
"You still live girl. Ah haha haha. Now your blood will slake my thirst when I am freed."
"Bluster all you want, demon, but I know very well I would already be dead if not for your tail supporting the roof. Now let me speak with your jinchuuriki."
"Stupid child, are you badly injured?"
"Mainly just cracked ribs. Nothing that a session with Shizune and a couple days of bed rest won't fix. How are you holding on?"
"You remain in grave danger. The poison is murdering my body slowly, but faster than Shukaku can repair it. The time will soon come when my spirit falters. Then the One-tail can escape to punish humanity for imprisoning him in this poor vessel."
"Just hold on a little. The Finals should be over by now and as soon as the ceremonies are completed, my friends will come to find me."
"You cannot understand. I do not regret dieing nor Shukaku's coming rampage. The devastation is just punishment for the evil manner in which I have been treated my whole life. I should have released the demon long ago except for one man. The Kazekage was my friend and rival from the moment we met. He never once watched me with angry eyes nor turned his back on me. And yet I failed him. You, a stranger freed us both against an opponent you should have fled. Why would a kunoichi from Konoha sacrifice herself for Suna?"
"Other than just opposing evil on general principles, the Kazekage is important to us too. He is a strong man, strong enough not to fear peace. Weaker men dread the Hokage and the Leaf Jonin and think war is preferable to being overshadowed by their neighbors. It is strong men we place our hopes for peace upon."
"Foolish female. Peace is an illusion used to fool your enemies. It is no more real than kindness nor love which are just ways to manipulate others. I am too tired continue arguing. I will be going to sleep now. The ceiling should hold up until Shukaku comes out. Believe it or no, I truly regret that you will be here when that happens. Goodbye ridiculous brave Konoha kunoichi."
"Bachiatari, just hold on. My friends will be here soon. Shizune is good with poisons. Stay awake..." In the bleak darkness, a soft purple glow began emanating from Sango's hand.
- .. - ..
Dust still hung above the depression where the plateau had collapsed in upon itself. Ichigo was first one there. "Chado, can you detect anyone alive beneath the rubble?"
The young man placed his hands on the ground and strained. "No Captain, it is too jumbled for earth jutsu to detect. I must get closer."
"Be careful. The rocks are unstable."
The chunin leaped from boulder to boulder, pausing periodically to try and sense life beneath the landslide. Finally he came to the west wall. "Senpai! Leader-sama! I found them. There are two people inside a small air pocket. I'm sure they are alive, but they are doing some strange jutsu."
Ichigo closed his eyes. "I sense it too. This is not good. Can you get to them?"
"Easy. I'll just travel through the solid cliff and then bring them out up there on top."
He emerged in near total darkness as expected. Whether by sense of smell or just familiarity, he immediately recognized the girl and threw his arms around her. "Sango you're alive! I knew you would be OK."
"AAAA! Careful. My ribs (pant) are broken."
"Sorry, sorry, sorry. I'm sorry about so many things. It was my fault. I pushed you too fast. I knew you were uncomfortable but I wanted you so much."
"I'm sorry too. It was more my fault than it was yours, but we have ages to talk about that later. Right now get us out of here."
"OK, I'll take you first."
"No. He'll die and then... other bad things will happen. You have to take us up together."
"Not a problem. I'll carry him in my arms and you climb on my back. Ready?"
"One thing I always missed is snuggling next to your back."
"Me too."
She leaned over his shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You are a good friend, Chado."
(Sigh) "I was afraid you might say something like that, but I'll take it as a first step for now. Here we go, Earth Jutsu."
They emerged on the plateau above the crater. Temaire was immediately after them, "Where is the Kazekage and what cursed jutsu are you doing, girl? That is demon cloak chakra! Answer or die!" He only became angrier when Shizune pushed in front of him without so much as an apology to start medical treatment.
Between gasps of pain as her ribs were set, Sango explained how Sasori had lured and captured the Kazekage, then how they had fought, but that the Kage and his guard had been weakened by the poison.
"Total rubbish! You expect me to believe that Sasori of the Red Sands has betrayed his Village and there was a battle between Kage-level jonin and you, a mere chunin, were the only survivor? I'll tell you what I think happened. This whole thing is a Leaf plot to assassinate the Kazekage and steal the Ichibi, only he is too strong for that jutsu you are using and is about to escape and punish your audacity."
Ichigo stood nose to nose with him. "Listen to yourself. Do you think this girl could do all that and collapse this mountain without explosives. Do you smell any? Your paranoia will just get in the way of getting your Master back. Chado, did you detect any bodies or other survivors in the pit?"
"No, Captain, but I found a tunnel heading north that could have been used to escape."
"So Leader, I'll lay you odds your answers can be found at the end of that tunnel. Are you ready to face them?"
"Wait!" Sango grunted. "Bachiatari is dieing and the one-tail will be released if I lose consciousness."
"Finding the Kazekage is more important. We can waste no more time. Ebizou, can we eliminate it?"
"Nay Leader-sama. Even if we killed them both, Shukaku would still be released. Go my Lord and I will handle the sealing."
Ichigo agreed, "I can help with that too. Kikyo, stay with the Sand as long as they have a trail, but don't cross enemy lines. Obito, Guy, take no action without orders from her or the Sand ANBU."
"If things are not exactly as stated, the Leaf will pay dearly. Ebizou, do not allow your sister to know of these rumors concerning Sasori."
.. - .. -
The entire guard force was tense. Sunagakure was already overcrowded with spectators for the Chunin Exams, but the exams themselves had ended oddly and the closing ceremonies had been cut short. Now there was speculation that the Kazekage and the Next had both left the Village and the Hokage was alone consulting with the elders. The last thing they needed was for skywatch to spot a giant bird flying over the walls. It landed in the hospital courtyard and disappeared as it was surrounded by ANBU.
The slight Leaf kunoichi announced loudly, "By order of Leader Temaire-sama, I must speak to Chiyo-sensei."
- .. - ..
"I need more information."
"I apologize, Chiyo-sensei. I was ordered to fetch you and that urn and return as soon as possible. Leader-sama left Ebizou-sama and Ichigo-san to assist in sealing the demon, then went on another mission. Shizune-chan says she cannot help the man because he is surrounded by demon chakra, but that his cells are dieing faster than they can be repaired. So far Sango-chan has been able to keep the Ichibi under control, but she too nears exhaustion."
"Unbelievable, a jutsu that controls a demon and a Leaf shinobi risking her life for the Wind Country. After seeing such wonders I can retire peacefully."
"Then use your own eyes. We are about to land."
Chiyo hopped lightly to the ground almost before the bird landed. She knelt beside Shizune and in a few terse words received Sango's status. She moved on to her next patient and amazingly, wherever her blue healing chakra touched the demon cloak obligingly moved out of the way. "It must be done soon." She checked the circle with the triangle inscribed inside, which Ebizou and Ichigo had drawn around the two, and added some protective runes.
The jonin consulted briefly concerning the handsigns they would be using, then each sat at a point of the triangle in contemplation. At some undetectable impulse their fingers flew into action in perfect unison. The demon cloak flared and gyrated, then began flowing toward the sealing urn. They sat motionless, a frozen tableau, for hours as the sun lowered and then set, the only movement being the waves of chakra and the concerned watchers.
Chado whispered, "How much longer do you think? How is she doing?"
Shizune held her palms out, carefully staying outside the circle. "His lifeforce is extremely low. He won't last much longer. Sango is stable, but... I wish there was some way to get her out. She badly needs to sleep."
In the dusk the last of the purple cloak began to flicker, then it flared around the kunoichi and resumed its flow pulling her spirit toward the jar. Shizune screamed something incomprehensible, but before the echo returned Ichigo had jumped into the circle, placed Sango in Chado's arms, and resumed his position without interrupting the jutsu. Bachiatari drew a last strangling breath and lay still, wide eyed and open mouthed.
Chado, still shocked at finding her in his arms, gently set Sango up against a smooth rock while Koga held her hand. Shizune quickly checked her vitals. "Are your ribs still painful? Why are you crying?"
"Bachiatari..."
Koga squeezed her hand tighter and whispered, "I'm sorry Big Sister. We didn't realize you had become friends while fighting as comrades."
"Friends, Comrades, no. He was as nasty and vile a human being as I ever met who wasn't outright criminal." The tears left muddy streaks on her dust covered face.
"Then why would you care for him?"
"His only friend is missing and there is no one else in the whole Sand Village who will mourn his death, and so I must. I also knew the pain of feeling lost and unwanted, until I discovered new family and friends."
.. - .. -
Two Konoha chunin and a large dog entered the private royal conference room and knelt down with their foreheads touching the floor, next to two prostrate Sand ANBU. After an interminable time Kikyo spoke, "Forgive us, Your Majesty. We have failed. Lord Temaire still lives, but the conspiracy went undiscovered until it was too late to prevent the loss of the Kazekage. The combined rescue team pursued the kidnapper all night north through the River Country clear to the border of the Rain. Judging by the tracks we followed he was riding on some sort of mechanical puppet with a stride like an over-sized ostrich. We never approached close enough to sight it. The genin and I were forced to turn back at the Rain Country border."
The tall ANBU continued the story. "Forgive us, Your Majesty. The first duty of the ANBU Black Ops is the protection of the Kazekage. We have failed. The tracks were plain enough that a dog was not required to follow them, so our people continued until accosted by a border patrol. As we were unwilling to divulge our mission or be delayed, we fought and quickly defeated the patrol, but were soon stopped by a larger force of Rain and Rock and were forced to escape. The fighting continued back into the River Country where we were joined by the Leaf. I am pleased to report that both genin Uchiha and Might distinguished themselves in their first, ensuing battle."
The Daimyo was almost comically short and pudgy, but in that moment the cold timbre of his voice evinced the power of life and death he held over them. "Enough! And who else has been told of this debacle?"
"Only the Captain of ANBU, My Lord. Leader-sama has forbidden all who were on the retrieval mission from speaking. Not even Lady Chiyo knows of Sasori's betrayal."
"And why is the Captain not here to report this himself?"
"I regret to inform Your Majesty, that upon learning of the extent of the Village's security failures the Captain chose seppuku rather than face the wrath of Temaire and your royal self."
The Daimyo fell backwards into an overstuffed chair and began massaging his temples. "You stiff-necked ninja will be the death of me. I would do away with you all if it was possible. Oh get up. I can't be executing any ANBU with most of the Suna ninjas out searching and what with daily border incursions by neighboring countries upset by what they see as our highhanded violations of their territory. And I can do nothing to punish these two because astonishingly the Hokage is the only friend we have left, and that because we invited him into our private business. What a God-forsaken mess. Besides, Hana-chan would never forgive me if I harmed a doggy."
Team Guy and Team Kakashi stayed over talking late into the night about Gaara and Sasori and Ebizou-sama and Granny Chiyo. They were still young and for most the concept of learning from failure was still one that they didn't much care for. Naruto disliked it most, but accepted it easiest because he had experienced so much failure and had to work so hard to overcome it. He poured the last of the tea and they all drank a toast to Gaara and their friends in the Sand.
Temaire - "Ball Toss Game"
Bachiatari - "Accursed"
Hui-Fen - "Wise-Fragrant"
So there is the third chapter. I hoped to develop it to run parallel with the concurrent events in Kushina's Diary while keeping the stories separate. In this story you get to see the spies undercover activities, while in the other only the face she shows her friends and the rest of the world. Please let me know whether the effort failed or was successful.
This chapter took forever to complete. The parallel stories were complicated enough, but life intruded and work kept me busier than I planned. Cross your fingers and hope I can find more time for writing so I can continue to at least publish twice a month.