CHAPTER 10: GAARA'S INSIGHT – TSUNADE'S RISK – ARRIVAL IN THE COUNTRY OF BRINE

Super special early release! Contentment for all!

--

The morning sun still hadn't risen over the desert mountains, but already the sky was beginning to lighten, quenching out the starlight along the horizon little by little as dawn approached. Gaara, the Kazekage of the Village of Sand, slept comfortably in his bed in this peaceful dawn; since the Bijuu's extraction, sleep seemed so inviting that he often slept for days on end. Never in his life had he thought a simple act such as sleep could bring him so much peace.

It was as Gaara thus slept that a scratching sound and a light thud sounded from his windowsill. Unphased, Gaara continued to sleep, an awkward smile stretched across his face.

"Kazekage-sama," said the osprey Daimiki. "Kazekage-sama, wake up." Gaara stirred a little and opened one eye barely.

"What…?" he grumbled.

"Please wake up, Lord Gaara." Gaara slowly sat up in his bed and stretched. He then looked at his window with Daimiki perched upon the sill.

"What…who are you?" he asked.

"I am Daimiki, servant of Kyodaimokin," replied Daimiki. "I have urgent matters so share with you."

Gaara squinted his eyes a little and stretched again, this time followed by a large, loud yawn.

"I wasn't aware that you had taken to sleeping in," said Daimiki after a moment. "I thought that the Bijuu inside of you prevented it."

"The Dire Ospreys don't know?" muttered Gaara. "I thought everyone knew by now… I haven't had that wretched thing inside of me for years now. Once it left, sleep became my respite and refuge."

"That is good to hear," said Daimiki. "I will make sure that Kyodaimokin knows of your good fortune." Gaara looked down at the sheets as the image of Chiyo the Elder flashed across his mind.

"Now, what did you have to tell me?"

--

Gaara walked slowly down the sandy road as the morning sun finally breached the horizon, slowly and slightly illuminating the sandstone buildings of the Village of Sand. Daimiki was perched on his right shoulder, whispering into his ear as he listened, absorbing every word.

"…and they seem to be traveling by means of Ravens," said Daimiki at the end of his lengthy explanation of the situation.

"Karasu," said Gaara softly.

"Come again?" asked Daimiki. "Yes, Ravens." ("Karasu" is Japanese for crow and raven)

"No," said Gaara calmly. "The person summoning the Ravens is Karasu Sashimi, a member of the Sashimi clan of our village."

"Sashimi…" muttered Daimiki. "They must be powerful summoning ninjas to be able to command the Ravens of the Blight."

"Not exactly," said Gaara. "The Sashimi clan is not made of great ninjas, nor have they ever been. Their summoning ability is weak, and they do not have any ninja among their clan. They work in the village as civilians."

"But how…?" asked Daimiki.

"Seven years ago, Karasu, the daughter of the head family of the Sashimi clan, disappeared from the village. She was the very first ninja of the Sashimi clan, and her summoning ability was second-to-none. Her goal upon becoming a ninja was to summon the Ravens – but it was never thought that she actually accomplished it."

"What happened to her?" asked Daimiki.

"She began to act erratically," said Gaara. "She started to sneak out of the city during the night, and it was later discovered that she was carrying out unauthorized assassinations, and was sentenced to death by my father for her crimes. The execution never occurred though, for she simply disappeared after her sentencing. A search was made, but absolutely no trace of her could be found. What could not be explained at the time however was the distance she seemed to travel in the night for her crime. Overnight assassinations in the Country of Stone, Lightning, Demon, and some even further. But now, you have given me the answer."

"Hiren, the lord of the Ravens, is unrivaled in speed of flight," observed Daimiki. "Even Lady Kyodaimokin is no match for Hiren's swiftness."

"Indeed," said Gaara, stopping at the door of one of the buildings. He lifted his arm and knocked, and after a moment the door opened with Temari standing behind it, rubbing her eyes.

"Gaara…what are you doing here?" she asked through a yawn.

"Grab your fan and go get Kankuro," replied Gaara. "There is something we need to do."

--

"Ha ha ha! Behold…the POWER…of y-youth!!"

Might Guy laughed rudely and stumbled around the bar in a disoriented manner, a bottle of Sake in his hand and his other fist pumping. Kakashi, meanwhile, was seated quietly at their table with his forehead in his hands.

"Why do I even hang out with you, Guy?" he muttered as he sipped his drink.

"Why?!" asked Guy in a thoroughly drunk tone. "Why, you ask?"

"I'm just glad you aren't like Lee when he gets drunk," said Kakashi.

"Y-you're just…jealous, aren't you Ka-ka-ka…KASHI! Ha ha ha!!" said Guy coarsely. "You're jealous cause N-Naruto was …the last one to become Chunin…aren't you? HA! I can see it in your eye! You're jealous of me! HA HA HA!"

"Guy…" said the annoyed Kakashi. "Sit down, Guy. You're embarrassing me." Guy began to laugh harshly again, and he took a large swig of Sake, ultimately emptying the bottle to a few drops. Behind him near the door, Shizune's head popped in and perused the surroundings.

"Guy! Kakashi!" exclaimed Shizune. "Hokage-sama wants to meet with you immed-…!" Shizune was cut off by Guy, who was now stumbling towards her in a drunken stupor.

"Shizune!" he said rather loudly. "Shizune, Shizune, Shizune…have I ever told you…that I think you're HOT?!"

"Um, Guy-san?" said Shizune, recoiling a bit. "Are you drunk?"

"Oh ho ho!" he chortled. "The optimal youth and attractiveness that I offer can be turned down by no woman! Ha ha ha!!" Guy lifted his head in laughter, and Shizune used the opportunity to sneak past him. She deftly stepped around him, and sat down with Kakashi, whose exposed eye spoke volumes of his anguish and embarrassment.

"Kakashi, Tsunade has been looking everywhere for you," said Shizune sternly. "Where have you been?"

"Yeah…" said Kakashi slowly, taking another sip of Sake and closing his eye. "Truthfully, it has been the best couple of days, so Guy thought he would try to cheer me up."

"What's wrong?" asked Shizune. Back near the door, Guy had stopped laughing and was now looking from side to side, asking everyone around where the nice young lady went.

"Anko and I…" started Kakashi. "I would rather not talk about it, if you don't mind."

"I see," said Shizune. "Anyway, get Guy and meet Hokage-sama at her place. There is a considerable amount of trouble brewing, and she needs your help."

"Trouble?" asked Kakashi.

"To put it very lightly, yes," replied Shizune, who then stood up and again snuck deftly around Guy and out the door. Kakashi took another sip, sat back, and sighed.

"Can't trouble just avoid me for a little while?" he asked himself softly. "First Anko gets all angry and moody with me, and now this."

"Kakashi!" said Guy, now in a very serious voice, the drunkenness seemingly gone from his voice. "Why was Shizune here?"

"Done already?" asked Kakashi in a half-surprised voice. "How did you get over being drunk so quickly?"

"Ha! In my extensive and youthful training, my body has become especially resilient to the lasting effects of alcohol! And in that, I am better than you, Kakashi!"

"What was that?" asked Kakashi in a mundane, bored voice. "All I heard was white noise."

"Damn it!" cried Guy, tears now streaming down his face. "Why are you so cool? It infuriates me!"

"Come off it, Guy," said Kakashi, now standing up and placing some ryous on the table. "Let's get going before Tsunade finds out where we've been."

"She'll punish us?"

"No, she'll want to join us," replied Kakashi, and together he and Guy left the bar.

--

Kakashi and Guy stepped into Tsunade's office to find themselves surrounded with younger ninja. Neji was there, along with Lee and Tenten, to whom Guy gave a mighty thumb's up.

"Good," said Tsunade, leaning back in her chair. "Everyone is here. You are being sent on a new mission, potentially S-rank or even higher." Everyone in the room except Shizune, Kakashi, and Guy gasped (Guy instead smiled enormously).

"What is going on?" asked Tenten. "Is there a war or something?"

"From the sound of it, yes," answered Tsunade. "Last night the Country of Lightning was attacked by an organization of dangerous ninja known as the Twelve Cloaked Daggers. They are masquerading as Three Mountain ninja from the Country of Brine, and we know that Dakatsu, the feudal lord of the Country of Brine, is behind this."

"Twelve Cloaked Daggers?" asked Kakashi. "I've never heard of that organization before."

"Neither had I," continued Tsunade. "We still don't know what their intentions are, but one thing is certain: if this gets out of hand, the world may again find itself immersed in complete war."

"So what are you asking us to do?" asked Neji.

"I will sending you out in four-man squads," replied Tsunade. "Three groups in total. Kakashi, you will team up with Konohamaru, Ino, and Chouji and go to the Village in the Clouds and ascertain the situation. If the enemy is there, you are to engage and destroy them if you feel it is necessary. Use your judgement; these ninja were nearly able to kill the Kankokage himself on three separate occasions."

"Akira? Really?" asked Kakashi in disbelief. "These guys must be good…"

"Guy," continued Tsunade. "You will team up with Neji, Tenten, and Lee. Your mission is to infiltrate the Country of Water. The Country of Brine has an alliance with them, and there is the possibility of them moving against the Country of Lightning. You are to ascertain the situation there as well, and meet with Mizukage to inform him of the true situation. Hopefully we can reach him before it is too late."

"Yes!" said Guy emphatically.

"Shizune!" said Tsunade, and behind her Shizune jumped a little.

"Y-yes, Hokage-sama?" she replied.

"You will team up with Sai, Kiba, and Shino," said Tsunade. "Make your way to the Country of Lightning with Kakashi's team. Since that is the current battleground, we may need two squads. Your group has many talents that may come in use."

"But Hokage-sama…!"

"Shizune, I will be fine," replied Tsunade. "The village still has most of its Jonin and Chuunin nearby. If something happens here, we'll be ready for it. Your job is to fulfill this mission."

"Y-yes, Hokage-sama!" agreed Shizune.

"I must warn you all before you leave," continued Tsunade. "These ninja are dangerous, and their techniques are still a mystery. Whatever you do, do not underestimate this enemy."

The group of twelve all said "yes", and with the sweep of Tsunade's arm they all vanished, leaving her alone in her office.

Is this the right choice? she thought. I wonder what Jiraiya would do in this situation…or the Third…or the Fourth…damn, I hate being alone.

Tsunade then reached into her desk, pulled out a bottle of Sake, and began to drink.

--

"Damn it, Chizome!" cursed Jago. A small path had formed near the gate of the Village in the Clouds where he had been pacing back and forth during the night. Kira was seemingly asleep on the ground, an unusual small grin on his face. "You said a few hours! You've ended up taking all night! Look! The sun's coming up!"

"Shut up, Jago," said Chizome softly, his voice still strained. A few feet away from where he sat lay Raikage, still unconscious and badly wounded.

"If you don't hurry, he'll die before Raiko can get to him," continued Jago. The city around them was eerily silent; all the residents had fled upon learning the Raikage was defeated.

"I know that," replied Chizome. "I'm secretly hoping he loses patience and comes here first. That would really make my day."

"He probably will," said Kira, his eyes still closed. "He was pretty pissed off about having to follow Akira yesterday, and I figured he would find a way here to kill Raikage himself. Those Ravens are fast, too; I'm sure he'll be here any second now."

"Don't be so sure, Kira," said Jago defiantly. "Your damn tenmongan doesn't see everyth-…!" Jago began to choke, stifling his words. His eyes grew large as he looked into Kira's angry eyes, the tenmongan marks piercing into his emotions. Kira had moved so quickly that Jago hadn't even seen it, and now Kira's hand was clenched tightly against Jago's throat.

"Jago," said Kira softly and menacingly. "I am only seventeen years old, and you are only sixteen. We together are the youngest members of this organization, which to me brings some measure of pride. However, I will not hesitate to crush your throat, thus ending your life in this pitiful existence awash in misery. Do not insult the tenmongan again." Kira released Jago, who fell back and onto the ground gasping for breath.

"I'm sorry…" said Jago after a moment.

"What?! You killed him already!?"

Kira and Jago turned to the broken rubble that was once the gate to see the white-haired Raiko in complete shock.

"No, Raiko-san," said Kira. "Chizome made sure to leave him alive." Raiko ran over and knelt down next to Raikage and looked him over for a few moments.

"Chizome did this?" observed Raiko. "These are acid burns…how in the world did Chizome beat this guy?!"

"Chizome has apparently been holding out on our organization," said Kira. "He has power that even I have a hard time fathoming."

"Is that so," said Raiko. "You guys can go on ahead. I will stay here with Raikage for a moment, and when I'm done I'll catch up to you."

"What?" said Chizome. "You're joining us?"

"Yes," he replied. "Master Tetsuma has sent Kurayami, Itami, and Ona to the Country of Water, and Karasu is back with him, along with Lina and Daisuke."

"Karasu is always with him…" said Kira slowly and softly. "So I take it you failed in your mission?"

"Yeah," said Raiko. "Those damn Leaf ninja are pretty good; they nearly killed Daisuke."

"Daisuke is a loser," said Jago. "He thinks he's all special with his his father's rinnegan eyes, but he still can't even control elements that well. Lina is way better than he is in combat."

"He still is the best assassin we have, though," said Raiko. "Anyway, Shirokuma and the Three Mountain ninja are moving by foot towards the capital. Let's finish up here and move on to the next target."

"Why by foot?" asked Chizome. "Why not fly with the Ravens?"

"Don't ask me, it's some stupid politics thing with the Ravens," answered Raiko. "Anyway, as soon as we're done here, Karasu will convince them to help us a little more. Until then, we're bound to the earth. Are you ready to go, Chizome?"

"Yeah, I should be able to move now," he replied, struggling but succeeding in standing up.

"Good," said Raiko. "Now get out of here. Leave me alone with him." The other three leapt away, leaving Raiko alone with Raikage. After a moment of peering at his battered face, Raiko began speaking to him.

"Raikage," he said. "Raikage, wake up." Raiko tapped Raikage's face, and he bean to stir, at which point his eyes slowly opened.

"R-Raiko?" he whispered in a voice so faint it could barely be discerned. "Raiko…is that…you?"

"Yes, it's me," he replied.

"Y-you're alive?"

"Very much alive," said Raiko with a smile. "And in much better shape than you are."

"W-where did they…?" began Raikage.

"Shh…" said Raiko with his finger at his mouth. "Don't say any more, Raikage-sama. I am very glad to see you are still alive, but I am disappointed that you let Chizome take you out like this. I thought you were supposed to be legendary. I had always idolized you, but now…I don't know what to think."

"R-Raiko…please…" whispered Raikage.

"I know," said Raiko with a reassuring tone. "I know. Don't worry, I will end your life soon." Raikage began to squirm as his eyes opened a little wider.

"Raiko…no…!"

"You betrayed me, Raikage-sama," said Raiko, his tone now changing from kind to cruel. "You and the feudal lord betrayed me and framed me for my father's murder, when all along it was you."

"We…had no…choice…" stammered Raikage, his gaze now wandering.

"You told the entire village that I was a murderer, when all I wanted was to follow in your footsteps and become a great ninja, and still you say you had no choice? Could it be that since you couldn't possibly be taken from your position, you had no choice but to blame the son for his father's death – which I know full well was your doing? You were enraged that he rejected your command to assassinate the Hokage of the Fire Country, and in your rage you slit his throat."

"Lies….all lies…" said Raikage. Raiko shook his head.

"No, not lies," he said. "Do you know how I know that, Raikage-sama?" Raiko then leaned closer to Raikage's face and began to whisper.

"I saw it all with my own eyes."

Raiko smiled and put his hand over Raikage's heart and gave a heavy sigh.

"So long I've waited for this moment," he said in a melancholy tone. "But you know what? It was all worth it just to see that look in your swollen eyes. Good-bye, old friend. I'm sure very soon we'll meet in Hell, and together we can battle for eternity."
Intense sparks buzzed and shot up from Raiko's hand and Raikage became limp, his eyes still open, but now his body very still. Raiko stood up and walked away, a smile still upon his face, but now a single tear falling down across his cheek.

Damn it, Raikage, he thought to himself. You made me do it, you know. It's all your fault. Raiko then walked over to a pile of rubble about twenty yards off, sat down, put his face in his hands, and began to weep.

--

Kyodaimokin had a good wind behind her. Whereas the journey to Konoha took three days, the journey back to the Brine Country had taken only twelve hours.

"Amazing speed, Kyo," said Akira, patting her gently.

"Amazing wind," she replied. "I felt as though the gods were pushing me along." Behind on Kyodaimokin's back, Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Hinata were looked to be all asleep.

"We should be to the Domain in a few minutes," said Akira. "Things will only get hairy from here on out."

The party continued along across the morning-lit countryside and soon they came upon three great mountains, at the foot of which sat a small village. Akira looked down longingly at the town, but the closer and closer they came the more horror appeared on his face.

"No…" he muttered, his eyes brimming with tears and sorrow. As Kyodaimokin flew over the village, he could see that it was burned to the ground, few structures left standing and charred earth everywhere. "They left the village, then they let it burn," he said. A lump grew tighter and tighter in his throat, and he sat down upon the back of Kyodaimokin's neck.

"They're still alive, Akira," she said. "You saw them with your own eyes that night."

"I know, but still," he said solemnly, his sorrow now peeking through his voice. "I worked so hard to build that village, and we were all so proud of it. It was everything to us; finally, a home for the Sugiyama clan, and all the other families… and now it's gone. Gone…" Sakura stirred from her sleep as Akira said these words.

Is Akira-san crying? Where are we?

"Akira-kun," said Kyodaimokin gently. "There will be a new village, you will see. What burns down can be rebuilt."

Are they talking about his village? His village was burned? Sakura stood up and began walking across Kyodaimokin's back towards Akira. She was able to keep her balance surprisingly well; Kyodaimokin had a special ability, in which anyone riding upon her back would be immune to any wind or aerodynamic effects of flight, no matter the speed. Sakura stepped quietly behind Akira, who now had tears streaming down his face and onto his knees.

"Akira-san," she said quietly, putting her hand on his shoulder. Akira did not hesitate to grab her hand with his own, and he held it tightly.

"Sakura," he whispered almost silently. "Thank you…"

Behind, Naruto lay quietly, his eyes closed, but secretly he was awake. He had not been able to sleep all night in fact; there was something about his battle with Raiko the day before that puzzled him.

How did I get into Sage Mode so quickly? he thought to himself. Before, I always needed a while to get it started, but yesterday it just happened. I didn't need to prepare for it or anything. At this time Naruto finally opened his eyes. The sky above was beginning to turn lighter and blue, mingled with golds and reds in the high clouds. He then held up his right hand, the Nine-Tail ring on his index finger dully reflecting his face.
Could it be…Akira's ring?

"Everyone, wake up," said Kyodaimokin. Akira let go of Sakura's hand and stood up. Not far ahead was the Domain of Dakatsu.

"We're almost there," observed Akira. "It won't be long now until we land. Everyone make sure you are ready to move out quickly as soon as we reach the ground."

"Yes!" chimed the group, all except for Shikamaru who was still asleep. Hinata tapped his shoulder lightly a few times to try and wake him, but each time he brushed her hand away.

"Leave…me…alone…Mom…" he muttered in his sleep. "Go away…"

"Shika, I'm not your mother," said Hinata. "P-please wake up." Shikamaru then opened his eyes and sat up and began to stretch.

"Here we go," said Kyodaimokin. "Everyone, hold on." Kyodaimokin then began to dive feet first at incredible speed, and within seconds she leveled out a few yards above the ground, slowed, and landed in an empty patch of ground in the middle of the large pine forest that surrounded the miles around the Domain.

"Let's go!" said Akira, and the five ninja leapt off into the trees without another word and disappeared, leaving Kyodaimokin alone.

"Good luck, Akira-kun," said the Osprey, and with a puff of smoke she vanished.

The party moved through the trees silently and quickly; each ninja felt a rush of adrenaline, steadily increasing in intensity the further along they went.

"I have to assume that whatever we face up ahead would be harder than what we faced yesterday," said Akira after a few minutes, breaking the silence.

The others did not reply; even Naruto, who usually was excited whenever a powerful new enemy was ahead, was feeling the heat.

"I'll take that as a yes, then," said Akira with a smile. Half an hour later, Akira raised his hand and the party came to a stop.

"We're here," he said quietly.

The team then spread out along the walls of the Domain, slipping in and out of the shadows to prevent being seen.

Where is everyone? thought Akira. Indeed, after several minutes of reconnaissance, it was clear that the Domain was completely void of any defense – no ninja, no guards, no civilians. Shikamaru then appeared instantly next to Akira.

"All quarters of the Domain are empty from our vantage points," reported Shikamaru. From the looks of it, there hasn't been anyone in or out of this place for a few days."

"Damn," said Akira softly. "We have to go in further to make sure."

"But there's no sign…"

"We have to!" demanded Akira, and Shikamaru nodded and leapt off to tell the others.
If Dakatsu isn't here, then my choice to come here was a poor one, and more people will die because of it.

--

Hinata moved as quickly and silently as she could through the streets of the Domain. Ahead of her stood a large house, much larger than the others around it. Naruto and the others were exploring other areas, and as such she was alone in her investigation. She looked from side to side for a few moments, and once she ascertained that no one was a round, she sprinted towards the door of the house. It was open, enough for to slip in unnoticed and without sound.

Inside the house it was dark, but as Hinata listened she could definitely hear something up above on one of the upper floors. She softly stepped onto and up the stairs, and the higher she climbed the more she could hear the sound, now sounding like running water. Upon reaching the second-floor landing, the sound was now clear: two voices, speaking in rather unusual tones. She could tell it was a man and a woman, younger in age, and they were inside the room just before Hinata.

"Byakugan," she whispered. The veins around her eyes began to bulge with chakra, and her sight began to pierce through the doorway. Deeper into the room her vision pierced, until finally two figures appeared in a rather awkward looking position.

"What are they…?" asked Hinata in a whisper, but as soon as she did two turned their faces towards the door.

"Someone is there," said the man. Hinata gasped, her byakugan failed and disappeared, and she began to step backwards. Almost immediately the door swung open, slamming against the wall with a loud crash. Before her stood a man, shirtless, with a large scar that traversed his entire chest. His eyes were blank and pale blue…eyes very similar to Hinata's.

"You…" she gasped as the man peered down at her trembling face.

"Hinata-hime, what in the world brings you here?" asked Tetsuma Hyuga, and with that his eyes began to change. "Ikemasen Byakugan!"

New for Sunday, 10/12/08: BYAKUGAN VERSUS BYAKUGAN! THE BATTLE OF THE DOMAIN BEGINS!

GET TO KNOW YOUR BAD GUYS! DOUBLE FEATURE
• Chizome: The self-described "blood ninja". He is a rogue ninja from the Village of Stone, and was raised to be a magnetics user – a ninja who can control and amplify magnetic fields with his chakra (Hinata fought one of these in the anime). His skill in this art is what lead him to be exiled and for the mark of death to be put on his head – Chizome's skill with magnetism has progressed to the point where he can control the iron compounds within the blood once it is freed from the body. Under his control, he can move the blood in any direction he wants, and can even change the pH of the blood to become a strong acid with his chakra. He is looked down upon by the other members of the organization…but he is the only member who Kira Maraki fears.
• Raiko Ikazuchi: An outlaw from the Hidden Village in the Clouds. Raiko was once considered a champion of the village, but soon found himself hated and pursued after being blamed for his father's murder. After finding out he was framed by the Raikage and Feudal Lords themselves, he turned his back on the Country of Lightning, vowing to one day destroy them. He is a lightning elementalist, a true master and genius who strikes fear into any of the Cloud Village who hear his name. He and Kira Maraki are "best friends"…a term that each considers to be fairly loose and non-committal. Together they have one goal in mind: to destroy the world.