Word had spread quickly about the death of Onoki of Both Scales at the hands of a kunoichi Genin. The teams responsible for bringing him down eventually returned to their respected villages. In the case of Sakura and her teammates, they had to go to the hospital for their more severe injuries. Now Iwagakure was in the process of having to elect a new leader, having it narrowed down to two candidates: Kitsuchi, the son of Onoki, or Mao Katsu, the High Councilman. Danzo wanted nothing more than to be involved with the election, but the people of Iwagakure refused. Normally the Hokage would just stick a few spies in the village, but with the invasion of Takigakure, having to reinforce Konoha's presence in the Land of Waves, searching for princess Koyuki and the Akatsuki, Danzo didn't want to thin out of his ranks any further. Once a leader was elected, all of the higher end representatives of the Alliance were to meet in Iwagakure for a party to celebrate the coronation of the Fourth Tsuchikage.
Akatsuki had also heard about Onoki's assassination, and the election of a new Tsuchikage. Knowing that the result of the election could change the power of Danzo's Alliance, the leaders of Akatsuki gathered.
"We can't let a Tsuchikage in that'll just be another lapdog for Danzo," Nagato stated.
"But we also can't assassinate whichever candidate would fall into that category," Tsunade replied, crossing her arms under her breasts. "Doing so would only strengthen the belief that we're terrorists. What do we know about the candidates so far?"
"Kitsuchi, the son of Onoki is one of them. He believes strongly in his village, and served in the previous war. Everyone knows that he'll die before he lets any harm befall the village." Konan handed the file to Nagato before holding up another one, "Mao Katsu. He's a member of the Iwa High Council, a very respected member at that. He was a very talented young shinobi who had countless successful ops in his lifetime. He worked his way up through the ranks, before getting a position on the council. Seems like he's rather power hungry if you ask me, but the people of Iwagakure love him. He's all for establishing better relations with Konoha, to strengthen their village. The people apparently are eating that up."
"But why," Nagato asked, handing the file to Yahiko.
"Because one Konoha Genin befriended Iwagakure's little mascot: Kurotsuchi." Yahiko turned a page on Kitsuchi as the other Akatsuki leaders looked at him. "Kurotsuchi is the granddaughter of Onoki and the daughter of Kitsuchi. She's lovable, upbeat, and gets along with everyone in the village. Sound familiar?" Nagato and Konan smirked, thinking of their blonde Jinchuriki. "As it turns out, Kurotsuchi, like Naruto, befriended Sakura Haruno." The smirks on Konan and Nagato's faces vanished in a flash. "Kurotsuchi threw herself in the way of Sakura's attack to prevent her from killing Onoki. Sakura stopped, but Onoki used that as an opportunity. He struck through his granddaughter to get to Sakura."
"Heartless bastard," Tsunade murmured bitterly. Even if Sakura was a Konoha shinobi, it still disgusted the Sannin that Onoki would strike through her granddaughter to finish an opponent.
"Sakura finished Onoki regardless, apparently somehow using the same chakra technique that gives Tsunade here her super strength. After that, she worked desperately to save Kurotsuchi, despite having next to no chakra. Another Konoha medic helped her, and saved Kurotsuchi. Sakura alone changed the minds of an entire village by herself."
"So what do we do about this? If we can't kill a Kage candidate I hope you're not going to suggest we kill a little girl," Konan said, leaning back in her chair.
"Of course not. There's a party that'll be thrown in celebration of the Fourth Tsuchikage's election. We need to infiltrate that party to get more information. All of Konoha's higher-ups will be there, and I'd venture to say that the teams responsible for taking down Onoki will be there too. So at all costs we must make sure that Naruto doesn't-," Yahiko was cut off when there was a loud crashing sound outside the door. Itachi flew into the room, panting heavily with sweat running down his face.
"N-Naruto was eavesdropping."
"Damn him!" Yahiko rose from his chair, slamming his hand on the table.
"I'll take care of him," Konan replied, immediately scattering into a large group of papers. Yahiko scowled, growing tired of how Konan babied Naruto.
The Kyuubi Jinchuriki rushed towards the exit, only to be cut off by a wall of hardened paper. Naruto cried out as he smacked face-first into the wall and fell on his rear. The paper swirled around, quickly forming Konan's body. The blonde groaned as he rubbed his face before he gazed up at an angry looking Konan. Naruto chuckled then gave a small wave.
"Heya Konan-chan…"
"Get up." The Jinchuriki mumbled to himself before rising onto his feet. "Why were you eavesdropping on our meeting Naruto?"
"I was curious…plus you wouldn't have told me about Sakura-chan anyway."
"You're damn right we wouldn't have told you!" Konan sighed, stopping herself before she said something she'd regret. Naruto was looking off to the side, arms crossed over his chest with a sour expression on his face. "Look Naruto, I know you care about that girl, but this isn't the time to be running into a room full of high classed ninjas and screaming 'I love you Sakura!' Danzo and half of Konoha know your face now. We need information right now. If Iwagakure gets a Tsuchikage who works with Konoha willingly then that just makes this battle that much harder for us."
"But it's not fair. I can use the transformation jutsu and-,"
"There are gonna be sensor ninjas. Even a rookie sensor could pick up your chakra a mile away." Naruto scowled angrily, clenching his arms tightly. "I know this doesn't seem fair Naruto, but this is war. You've got to put your feelings aside for a moment to help us stop Danzo." The blonde's eyes fell to the ground, softening a bit. "I promise that I'll go personally to check up on Sakura if that'll help you." Naruto's eyes brightened as he looked up to his senior.
"Seriously?"
"You bet," Konan replied with a warm smile. Naruto grinned and started laughing. Relieved that the boy was back to normal, Konan ruffled Naruto's hair. The blonde groaned and pried his head away, causing Konan to laugh. She knew he hated when anyone messed up his already messy hair.
"Wait a minute Konan-chan…Sakura has seen you before though. What if she sees you at this party?"
"I'm a high ranking kunoichi thank you very much. I can watch that girl all night without her even knowing I'm around. Besides, I'm setting up an elite team of spies to help infiltrate the village that night."
"Seriously?"
"The best of the best," Konan said, winking at Naruto. "Now go cause mischief for someone else."
"Can do Konan-chan." Naruto turned and started walking away from the exit. Konan smiled in relief, watching the boy to make sure he didn't pull a fast one. After making sure Naruto was once again pacified, Konan vanished in a flurry of papers.
Kabuto Yakushi walked up the pathway of a cliff, wearing a cloak and hood to cover himself from the sandy winds. He looked upward to a structure sticking out of the mountain he was moving up before continuing forward.
After a few long minutes, Kabuto reached the door of the complex and entered. Inside it was almost an entirely different world. Everything was shimmering and bright and the air was thick with the scent of many different flowers. Kabuto's eyes scanned the room for a moment before resting his eyes on the sight of a heavily wrinkled old man. The man watered a plant down before looking up, his brows twitching in surprise.
"Oh, Kabuto Yakushi eh? What brings you to this neck of the desert?"
"Business I'm afraid Lord Ebizo. The great Kazekage, Sasori, requested that I give you and your sister a message." Ebizo opened his mouth to reply, but was quickly cut off.
"What's this about now?" Kabuto and Ebizo looked to the back of the room, seeing a short woman entering. "Oh…it's you Kabuto. What does Sasori want now? Doesn't he know how to leave his dear old grandmother alone?"
"Lord Sasori doesn't wish to ask for anything, Lady Chiyo, but your presence at the coronation of the Fourth Tsuchikage." Chiyo narrowed her eyes, hiding her hands in her over sized sleeves.
"Old Onoki finally retired," Chiyo mused.
"No, not at all." Kabuto grinned slyly as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "As it turns out, the investigation into Iwagakure wasn't a waste of time. Two teams from Konoha, led by Kakashi Hatake, and a team from out village led by Baki found out that Onoki had made dealings with the rogue organization known as Akatsuki. The teams took Onoki down, and Iwagakure is ready to accept their place in our alliance."
"That seems like a strange twist," Ebizo murmured. "The people of Iwa loved Onoki. To hear that he died, I'd think they would've revolted."
"They likely would have if Onoki hadn't stabbed his own granddaughter to take down a Konoha Genin." Chiyo narrowed her eyes in disgust.
"Why were Genin sent on this mission?"
"It was to make sure Iwagakure didn't catch wind as to what we our true intentions were. It was a covert operation, I'm sure you understand don't you Lady Chiyo?"
The old woman huffed before she glared at Kabuto, "What if we say no to this little invitation?"
"I'm afraid Lord Sasori won't take no for an answer. He gives you both enough leeway in your retirement, letting you both live up here by yourselves, never knowing if you're plotting to betray us. Do you have any idea how much Lord Sasori has to deal with because of Danzo's paranoia? Two retired siblings that were renowned across the world, expressing their dislike of Danzo and our other allies, and you both have connections in countries that aren't in our Alliance."
"That's Danzo's fault for being so paranoid," Chiyo snapped. "Tell that old fart to get the stick out of his butt and stop bothering my grandson. If he has a problem with me he can tell me to my face!"
"This may be the perfect opportunity to do so Lady Chiyo," Kabuto replied calmly. Chiyo huffed, turning around to exit the room. "Plus I'm sure your dear apprentice would love to get out a bit." Chiyo stopped in her tracks, her anger boiling up in an instant. The boy had a talent for pissing the retired puppet master off. "You keep her cooped up in here all day long, only to have her go to the village to run an errand here or there. You've isolated her from the world you know."
"My apprentice has nothing to do with this Yakushi. I'd still that tongue before I tear it out of that twisted head of yours."
"I'm just saying that maybe she'd like to get out and see a village that isn't Sunagakure? Maybe if Lord Sasori isn't too busy they can both catch up. It has been an awfully long time since either of them got to talk to one another." Chiyo turned around slowly, glaring daggers at the smug Kazekage's assistant. "In case if you change your mind, I'll leave the invitations right here." Kabuto raised up three tickets and placed them on the table. "I'm sure that Lord Sasori would love it if you could show up. It was a pleasure seeing you both again Lady Chiyo, Lord Ebizo." Kabuto raised his hood back over his head before opening the door.
Chiyo scowled as she snapped her head away from the door. Ebizo remained silent, watching his sister before turning to the tickets. He reached for them, only for one to seemingly come alive and jump off the table. Ebizo gasped as he watched the invitation fly off the table and move past a surprised Chiyo. The two Honored Siblings turned their head to the entrance to the other room as the invitation flew into the hand of a young woman. She wore a red shirt with short sleeves that were puffed out and was cut short to expose part of her stomach and lower back. Her pants were blue, and also puffed out like the sleeves of her shirt. Her hair was a light purple, swept back with the exception of her right eye being covered by her bangs. She turned around, examining the invitation as she walked into the other room.
"Izumi," Chiyo barked.
"I'll be in my room Chiyo sensei," the young Izumi replied, not taking her eyes off the invitation. The old puppeteer scowled before following after her apprentice.
"Izumi, hold on a moment!"
"I'm done with my chores and training Chiyo sensei, I'd like to rest now," Izumi replied, her voice even and calm.
"We're not going to that, so get any thoughts of it out of your mind right now!"
"I wouldn't ask you or Ebizo-sama to come," Izumi said, looking up from the invitation. "I on the other hand would like to go to Iwagakure. It would be rude not to accept an invitation from the Kazekage himself."
"Stop playing with me," Chiyo snapped. "You're not going to Iwagakure, and that's final!" Chiyo attached a chakra string to the invitation and tugged. Izumi tightened her grip, not letting go of the piece of paper. Chiyo's eyes narrowed at her apprentice who simply stared calmly back at her. "Izumi…"
"Please Chiyo sensei…" Izumi's eyes softened a bit and her tone dropped. "I don't ask you for anything, you know that."
"This is just a way for Sasori to manipulate us. I don't want to put you in his reach to be taken and made into a tool."
"I can deal with Sasori," Izumi snapped. "I haven't seen anything beyond the village. This is a chance for me to see something new, without Sasori trying to manipulate me back into his grip. Besides, he can't do anything at a party with all of the high ranking individuals in the Alliance there. We just have to show up and act polite, just like with Sasori's coronation right?" Chiyo sighed, lowering her gaze to the floor. She always regretted that the girl had a persuasive tongue on her.
"I'll think about it, but I don't want you to get your hopes up." A smile formed across Izumi's beautiful face, causing Chiyo's resolve to waver a bit more.
"Thank you very much Granny." The old puppeteer chuckled as Izumi turned and walked into her room.
Sakura groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. She raised her arm up to block the light from her eyes as she sat up, wincing once a stabbing pain came from her ribs. She slowly straightened her back before resting her hands on her legs. Sakura turned in her bed, throwing her legs over the end of her bed to get out. She stopped when she heard her door open and her uncle entered, carrying a tray of food in his hands.
"Oh, you're awake," the older man stated, sounding as though it were strange. "I brought you breakfast."
"So I see," Sakura replied, giving a light chuckle. Higure walked over and sat the tray on Sakura's bed. The kunoichi slowly inhaled the various scents, a smile forming across her face before she turned to her uncle. "You didn't have to do this you know."
"Rin said you were to stay in bed as much as possible. I'm not one to argue with that woman. Or…any woman for that matter."
"You argue with me all the time!"
"You live in my house oh-smart one," Higure replied, poking Sakura's large forehead. Sakura stuck her tongue out before grabbing a fork. "I'm making some tea right now. I'll bring it up when it's ready." Higure kissed the side of Sakura's head before leaving the room.
A few minutes later, after finishing breakfast, Higure entered the room again with a pot and a cup. "Jeez, you eat fast."
"Picked that up from Dosu," Sakura said, nodding her head. "He eats like you wouldn't believe. I still haven't seen his face because of it." Higure smiled as he started pouring tea into one of the cups. "Hey Uncle Higure…"
"Yes?" The older man held out the cup to Sakura. She grabbed it gently with both hands and blew on the top to cool the tea.
"Are you mad at me…?" Higure simply shot one of his eyebrows up questioningly. Nervously, Sakura took a drink of tea and moved her eyes away from her uncle.
"Why…would I be mad at you…?" Sakura sighed before pulling the cup away from her lips. Higure removed the tray from Sakura's bed and sat it out of the way before taking a seat next to her.
"When I came home…you didn't lecture me or anything. I thought you'd be upset that I was hurt, tell me to be more careful or something." Higure smiled before putting his arm around Sakura's shoulder.
"You're a Genin with very limited experience sent on an S-rank mission to assassinate a Kage in the heart of his own village. I'm just happy you came back alive…and with all your limbs attached." Sakura smirked, nudging her uncle in the side lightly. "Any other concerns you have?"
Sakura took a small sip of tea as she thought carefully for a moment. She lowered her now empty cup before leaning on her uncle's shoulder. "Are you coming with me to the coronation in Iwa?"
"Wouldn't you rather take a date or something?"
"Zaku and Dosu both got invites, so did Rin, and all of Kakashi's team too."
"Well that still leaves Rock Lee." Sakura jerked her head up and elbowed her uncle forcefully in the gut, causing him to cry out and let out a pained laugh. Sakura grabbed her pillow then started beating Higure with it. The older man continued to laugh before getting out of Sakura's bed to distance himself. "Easy, EASY tiger!"
"I will get out of this bed to hurt you," Sakura threatened. Her pillow then folded over in a rather pathetic way, taking away from her threat.
"Yeah, I'm sure thousands have fallen before that pillow." Sakura threw the pillow at her uncle, causing a sharp pain to surge through her body. The kunoichi cringed, holding her side in pain. Higure quickly moved next to his niece and lied her down on her back. "Good one genius."
"You started it," Sakura replied in pain.
"If I agree to go with you to Iwa, will you promise not to hurt yourself again?"
"I promise."
"Good. I'm going to go get your pain meds. Do not go anywhere while I'm gone alright?" Sakura glared at her grinning uncle. "It's a joke, learn to take one dear." Higure left the room, leaving the door open a bit. In less than a minute he was back and placed two pills in Sakura's hands. The young kunoichi popped them into her mouth and swallowed, despite the fact that her pain had already dulled to tolerable levels. "So what's the dress code for this shindig exactly? Sweats and a T-shirt?" Sakura paused to glare at her uncle for a few seconds before taking a drink of tea. "Again: joking. Why the hell does everybody take me so seriously?"
"Go get something nice to wear before I take you shopping," Sakura snapped. Higure, with a frightful look in his eye, sprung off of Sakura's bed and exited her room quickly. Sakura smiled before taking another drink of tea. She knew he hated shopping more than anything else in the world. 'Sucker…'
Konan leaned back in her chair, feet up on her desk as she read through her files. So far she hadn't found a single member of Akatsuki that could go with her to the coronation. There were so many variables that she didn't know how to pick. Konan looked up when she heard someone knocking on her door. Nagato smiled at her before entering the room.
"How's it going?" Konan groaned in response as Nagato sat on the other side of her desk. "That bad huh?" The blue haired kunoichi huffed at the obvious statement. "Would it help if I told you Yahiko is going out on a mission?" Konan's eyes snapped up quickly. "He's going to meet with Jiraiya sensei's group and get Zabuza and Obito to help him. They're apparently going after some priest or something." Konan raised her brow questioningly. "I know, I don't know the exact details. Though Yahiko did say he wanted me to go with you to the coronation." Konan opened her mouth to protest, for obvious reasons concerning Nagato's eyes, but the redhead quickly raised up his hand to stop her. "I know what you're going to say, but before you do, watch closely." Nagato shifted his hand into a proper seal. Without saying or breathing a word, Nagato's Rinnegan slowly faded into a normal looking pair of sky blue eyes. Konan's jaw dropped in awe while a smile crept onto Nagato's face. "Do you like it? It's a form of transformation jutsu. My Rinnegan is still active, but my eyes look normal right?" Unable to form words, Konan simply resorted to a nod. "This, and some hair rearrangement should be a good enough disguise to fool old Danzo. Yahiko said I'm to be your um…escort to the party. He didn't say what our title should be. We obviously have to be of some importance, but not too important. I'll let you work on that though okay?" Konan nodded, still flabbergasted by Nagato's eye changing jutsu. "What else…what else…oh, do you need any help with recruiting? Deidara said he wanted to talk to you. Is that good with you?" Again, all Konan could do was nod. "Alright, I'll send him your way. I'll let you work now. Just needed to run that by you Konan." Nagato waved then exited the room.
The blue haired kunoichi blinked rapidly, confused as to what just happened. Konan shook her head before she noticed the build up of heat in her face. She yelped in surprise, despite the fact nobody was around, and put her hands over her cheeks to cover her blush.
"Konan-chan!" The blue haired woman screamed in fright, her arms flailing about as papers flew up into the air. Konan blinked in surprise for a moment before she realized her chair was leaning on two legs. In a flash, Konan and her chair crashed to the ground. Naruto gave Konan a perplexed look as he stood on the ceiling. "What're you doing?"
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHAT AM I DOING? You're standing on the ceiling of MY office and you're asking ME questions!"
"Hey calm down, I'm just here with Deidara-kun to ask you a question."
"De…Deidara?" The blonde artist then straightened his back, standing on the ceiling next to Naruto with his long hair touching Konan's desk. Konan growled in anger, feeling a strong urge to smash the heads of the two blondes together. "What do you two want?"
"Well, my man Naruto and I were wondering if we could be included in this little shindig you and Nagato-san are going to, hm."
"I told Naruto no already, and I'm going to tell you: no."
"I know you told Naruto no. I want to go." Konan's eyes narrowed dangerously at the artist who grinned and held up his hands defensively, "Before you say no. I can hang out in the air and keep an eye out for anything suspicious alright? Plus there's this Jonin from Sunagakure, Ayane. She's been on a few scouting missions in Iwa from the early years of their joining the Alliance. She and I together can find a way to sneak you all inside without tipping off anyone, and we can keep watch over the party." Konan's eyes, still narrowed skeptically. "It's Iwagakure. My home village. I was the student of old man Onoki, and I know the coronation will take place at Mu's Temple. Trust me: I know more about that place than anyone else in Akatsuki. Plus, if things go wrong, wouldn't you want someone who could create a diversion. Like say, oh, I dunno, lots and lots of explosions everywhere? That's where this guy Shibuki from Kirigakure comes in. He's skilled at setting up traps, which he can do in case we need to make a quick escape. You can't lose!" Konan sighed, leaning back in her chair before putting her feet back up on the desk.
"I have your word that you won't do anything stupid? Like say, blow up a building in Iwagakure to ruin our cover?"
"Yes ma'am," Deidara answered before jumping off the woman's desk. "Come on Naruto, you're going to help me with my art!"
"Alright, keep your pants on," Naruto snapped. The young blonde turned to say goodbye to Konan, but Deidara grabbed the back of the boy's Akatsuki jacket and yanked him forcefully out of the room.
In another two days, the Fourth Tsuchikage had been elected. All of the Alliance's top leaders and followers moved to Iwagakure to attend the coronation. The new Tsuchikage was to remain unknown until everyone arrived, and the coronation begun. Konan's team, consisting of herself, Nagato, Deidara, Haku, Ino, the Chunin from Kirigakure Shibuki, and the young Jonin kunoichi; Ayane from Sunagakure. The team had to move quickly in order to make it to Iwagakure in time. Luckily for them, Deidara was more than capable to form enough clay birds to get them to Iwagakure in no time.
Sakura looked out of the window, staring out at a river that they were passing over. "Damn thing!" Sakura turned her head to Zaku who was trying to get a tight fitting, high collared robe to loosen up. "Why are these things so damn tight?"
"Just deal with it," Dosu murmured. The boy still had his mask on, and his hair was straightened up a bit, but he also looked annoyed by the fact he had to wear something formal. Sakura smiled at her friends before looking to her right where her uncle was sitting. He too seemed bothered by having to wear long, baggy robes to this event. "How many of these carriages are we taking to Iwagakure anyway?"
"One for the four of us, one for Danzo, Orochimaru, Kakashi, and Rin, and another for Sasuke, Shino, Hinata and her father," Higure answered. "There are around twenty ANBU escorting us, with Orochimaru's Serpent Five as extra protection for himself and the Hokage."
"Doesn't that seem like overkill," Zaku asked.
"You don't know how many people hate Danzo," Higure murmured smugly. "Plus with the threat of Akatsuki, who knows how many extra people are planning to take him out. That, and the old man is just paranoid."
"So if Orochimaru's Five are here with us, then what's going on with the invasion of Takigakure," Sakura wondered.
"Currently, Amegakure and Konoha forces are setting up a perimeter around the village to make sure that nobody gets out while working on a plan to infiltrate successfully. Anko is currently in charge of the whole operation while Hanzo attends this coronation." Higure leaned back in his seat and looked out the side window. "I bet your sensei really wishes she went with you guys to Iwa right about now."
Chiyo huffed in annoyance as her carriage moved down a rather bumpy hill. That was one of the many bad things about moving through the Land of Stone. Despite the elder's growing annoyance, Izumi couldn't pry her eyes away from the window. The girl's eyes were sparkling in amazement and wonder at the new land. Chiyo didn't understand the big deal. Instead of a bunch of a lot of sand, they're now surrounded by a bunch of rocks and temples. Still, the old puppeteer wasn't going to rain on her apprentice's parade. Luckily it was just the two of them and Ebizo in the carriage. Baki and his students had one for themselves, as did Sasori and Kabuto.
Izumi's face brightened more so, something Chiyo thought would be impossible by this point, as she laughed and waved to somebody out of the window. Chiyo smirked then pulled the curtain back to see a group of kids running alongside the carriage, laughing and flailing their arms about. Chiyo couldn't help but chuckle and wave back. Suddenly, a Suna Jonin landed in front of the kids, knocking one of them down. Izumi gasped while Chiyo's eyes hardened. The Jonin raised his hand to strike the child.
"Izumi," Chiyo snapped as her apprentice jumped out of the carriage. Izumi threw one hand out to the Jonin and then spun around quickly. The Jonin cried out as he was suddenly pulled back by an invisible force. Izumi landed on the ground as the Jonin slammed hard next to her. Chiyo jumped out of the carriage just as it pulled to a halt.
"They're just children," Izumi stated, her tone scolding the Jonin. "You were going to hit a child for what reason?" The Jonin rose up to his feet, pulling out a katana from his back with a fierce scowl.
Izumi prepared herself to fight the man in front of her. Chiyo scowled as she rushed to stop the fighting. "Enough." All eyes turned to the voice, the Jonin gasping lightly. Sasori was standing outside of his carriage, looking at the confrontation with little interest. "Izumi, I would appreciate it if you didn't attack my guards." The young woman simply glared at Sasori. The young Kazekage then turned his attention to the Jonin, "And loosen up a bit. After all: they are just children."
The man sheathed his katana before bowing to the Kazekage. Sasori stared at the two for a moment before ducking back into his carriage. The Jonin jumped back into formation around the carriages while Izumi glared at him from behind.
Chiyo forcefully grabbed Izumi's arm and yanked her back, "Get back in the carriage now!" Izumi gasped lightly, snapped out of her trance as she was dragged by Chiyo. "Honestly, attacking one of your fellow villagers. I thought I taught you better Izumi!"
"You did," Izumi snapped, wrenching her arm out of her master's grip. "But there's no justifiable cause for harming a child. Especially when they mean us no harm. This Alliance has made Sasori and everyone else paranoid." Chiyo huffed in agreement before stepping to the side to let Izumi in the carriage first.
"You think he's bad," Chiyo murmured as Izumi crawled in. "Danzo is a hundred times worse." The old puppeteer got in after her apprentice and closed the door.
After days of traveling, the various branches of the Alliance gathered together in Iwagakure. Mu's Temple, a monument built in honor of the Second Tsuchikage, was where the coronation was being held. Many people mingled on the floor, while the village leaders, Danzo, Sasori, Hanzo, Orochimaru, and the two Tsuchikage candidates, Kitsuchi and Mao, sat at the head of the room at a rather long table.
Sakura looked around like a meek child at all the fancy looking, and high status individuals. Behind her, Zaku was humming merrily as he picked nearly four of everything off the buffet with Dosu behind him, showing about one fifth of what Zaku had on his plate. Her teammates walked past her, Zaku still humming happily, and headed towards their table. Sakura rolled her eyes at the amount of food both boys had before following after them.
Zaku sat next to Shino on one side and Dosu on his other. Sakura sat next to Dosu and Sasuke. The pink haired girl looked over at him, a faint blush forming across her cheeks. Across the table, Hinata was picking her teeth with her fingernail as her eyes scanned the room. The Hyuga heiress's eyes finally settled on Sakura.
"Aren't you going to eat Haruno," Hinata asked.
"No, I'm not that hungry," Sakura replied, her eyes watching Hinata cautiously.
"Well I am. Care to escort me to the buffet?" Sakura opened her mouth, not really sure what to say until Hinata grabbed her arm and jerked her out of the chair.
At a nearby table, Higure sat with Hiashi Hyuga, Kakashi, and Rin. He honestly felt out of place at the table. Hiashi was the head of the most powerful clan in Konoha, while Kakashi and Rin both spoke to each other. What about, Higure didn't know.
"So, Haruno." Higure's eyes turned to Hiashi, his expression having bored written all over it. "How's retirement treating you?"
"I can't complain I suppose. How're you fairing after the loss of Hanabi?"
"I'm managing," Hiashi murmured. "Hinata is a bit…anxious to find a new female friend now after Hanabi's kidnapping." Higure's brow raised before his eye caught Sakura being dragged across the room by Hinata. Hiashi shifted his eyes to the two kunoichi and chuckled, "I fear for your niece Haruno."
"You and me both," Higure murmured, turning in his chair with a look of disbelief on his face.
Hinata stopped in front of the buffet, grabbing a plate and handing it to Sakura. The kunoichi sighed and accepted the plate. Hinata took one for herself and quickly placed an eggroll on it. "You did a well…" Sakura's eyes flickered for a moment before turning to Hinata. "Against Onoki I mean. You managed to beat him and nobody else did. Not even Kakashi sensei."
"W-well there was no way I could've managed on my own," Sakura stated with a small laugh. The laugh was mostly in disbelief. Was Hinata Hyuga being nice for once in her life?
"Still…I do have to acknowledge that much. You outdid me this time Haruno, but that doesn't mean I'll let you win next time!"
"For my sake I hope there won't be another time I have to fight a Kage," Sakura murmured. Hinata smirked before placing a small piece of pork on Sakura's plate.
"Amen to that," Hinata replied.
Nagato, with his hair pulled back into a high ponytail with his hair framing his face, and Konan, hanging onto Nagato's arm with her hair swept back and two hairpins holding back her bangs, entered the party. They looked around for a moment, in order to scan the room so they knew who to avoid.
"We should get a table," Konan whispered, tugging on Nagato's arm a bit. The Rinnegan user nodded then slowly walked further into the snake-pit.
"Can I get the young couple an appetizer?" Konan jumped a bit as she and Nagato turned their heads, seeing a familiar young face smiling at them.
"Haku," Konan whispered sharply. "Don't scare me like that!"
"My apologies madam. Should I find you both a seat in the house first? Follow me." Haku walked into the crowd. Konan narrowed her eyes before following Nagato.
"He's enjoying this way too much," Konan murmured. Haku waved his arm over an empty table, far away from prying eyes. Nagato pulled the chair out for Konan, to which she smiled at him for. Haku flapped a cloth out before placing it in Konan's lap as Nagato took a seat.
"Ino is posing as a waitress," Haku whispered. "She'll be sure to make a scene if she senses anything out of the ordinary." Konan nodded in acknowledgement. Haku leaned back, his back straightening up like a board before he spun around to Nagato's side. "Is there anything I can get you two to start off? Drinks perhaps, or maybe a flower for your beautiful date?"
Nagato chuckled nervously, while Konan merely glared daggers at Haku. "I-I'll just take some water," Nagato answered.
"Very good sir, and you milady?"
"Your head on a silver platter," Konan seethed.
"Coming right up!" Haku spun around sharply then walked off. Nagato turned to Konan, trying not to explode in laughter. The blue haired woman simply glared at her childhood friend angrily before turning away from him.
"Ladies and gentlemen," a voice called out. All chattering and talking was silenced when a member of the Iwa High Council stood in the center of the room. "We are here to crown a new Tsuchikage, the Fourth Tsuchikage! Our village had an election between Onoki's son Kitsuchi, or Mao Katsu, the High Councilman." Both men stood up from their seats and stared out into the audience. "Our people have spoken…it gives me great pleasure to be the first to introduce the Fourth Tsuchikage: Mao Katsu!"
The room went up in applause as a smile crept on Mao's face. He turned to Kitsuchi and shook the man's hand. Kitsuchi smiled, congratulating Mao for his victory. The new Tsuchikage walked to the center of the table, between Danzo and Sasori.
"It is with a great honor that I accept this title, this responsibility. Our previous Tsuchikage, Onoki of Both Scales, the great Fence Sitter, was a great Tsuchikage. I…may have said some things to him before his death, things I didn't entirely mean. He was a great leader, and he will be sorely missed. However, I do mean what I say now: Iwagakure needs change. We have been oppressed, getting the short end of everything in this Alliance, and why you may ask? Why?" Mao started walking towards the right. "Because, we didn't accept being apart of this Alliance. Why? Because we were forced into it against our wills. But I ask you: what is so wrong with allying ourselves with Konoha? With Sunagakure, or with Amegakure? What is so wrong I ask you? Is Konoha tyrannical, is Konoha and its Alliance evil? Or are they trying to bring about an age of peace?"
Soft murmurs moved through the crowd. Danzo kept his wary old eye on Mao. Orochimaru simply chuckled before taking a sip of wine, finding the emotion behind the Tsuchikage's speech amusing.
"Before Danzo's Alliance, before the formation of the ninja villages, the world was complete and utter chaos! Tribes, clans, everything and everyone fought against each other! Blood was shed all around the world on a day to day basis! How did we solve this? Unification! Konoha was created with the union of the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan! That's how the villages were founded, through unions! Through alliances! But still it isn't enough. Rogue clans and organizations like the Akatsuki run rampant, threatening to ignite the fires of war again! Only through unification, only through combining our powers together can we stop any further world wars from breaking out, only then can we stop countless lives from being lost! We ninja have shown that we need more unification before absolute peace is obtained! So I ask you my friends: is it so wrong to help Danzo and his Alliance gain another step towards peace? Iwagakure, could be the cornerstone to bring the world together. I intend to do my part in creating a new, peaceful world for everyone! So I ask you my people: will you help me?"
Without a second lost, the crowd of Iwa shinobi exploded in cheers and applause. Mao smiled in admiration for his people and joined in the applauding. Even Kitsuchi clapped his massive hands together after the speech was over.
"I thank you people of Iwagakure," Mao shouted, raising his hand to calm the roar of the audience. "Continue to enjoy this party! Eat, drink, dance to your heart's content!" The crowd started applauding again as Mao moved towards his seat.
"That was some speech," Hiashi murmured, clapping softly for a moment.
"It certainly was," Kakashi agreed.
Music started to play as couples started moving out onto the floor. Rin's face lit up as she grabbed Kakashi's arm, "Come on."
The masked Jonin groaned as he was lifted from his seat, "Must I?"
"You must," Rin replied as she dragged Kakashi to the dance floor.
"Have fun you crazy kids," Higure called out with an over patronizing tone. Kakashi shot a glare back at the older man before facing Rin. Hiashi chuckled before turning back to Higure.
"Perhaps it's time we older gentlemen joined in the party." Higure's eyes snapped to Hiashi in an instant. The retired shinobi straightened his back and cleared his throat.
"Hiashi-sama, I'm flattered, but I don't swing that way." The Hyuga Clan leader rolled his eyes before rising from his seat.
"I was referring to me dancing with my daughter, and you your niece."
"Oh…that's much less creepy I suppose." Hiashi chuckled again as Higure rose from his chair.
Konan was dangerously close to killing Haku. After being convinced by Nagato to a dance, they had to do it while the young ice user was watching and grinning like an idiot. She had the urge to walk over and smack the grin off his girly looking face. Unfortunately for her, fortunate for Haku, Nagato had a tight grip on Konan so she wouldn't run anywhere.
"Konan," Nagato snapped. The blue haired woman shook her head and looked up at her friend. "You're supposed to be keeping your eyes on everything but our teammates."
"He keeps staring," Konan seethed.
"Ignore him. Mission, focus. We could be killed at any moment if let our guard down."
"Right, forgive me for not wanting to focus on the constant threat of death long enough to want to kill that annoying girly-boy who keeps GRINNING at us!" Nagato held on and pulled Konan back as she tried to turn around.
"Please focus." Konan mumble angrily as she continued to dance with Nagato.
Higure stopped for a moment, staring at the dance floor for a moment. Hiashi paused as well, turning to the retired shinobi. "Something the matter?"
"Tell Sakura I'll be over there soon if she wants to dance," Higure said, turning to Hiashi. "Please and thank you." He bowed his head before walking over to the dance floor. Hiashi raised a curious brow before continuing towards her daughter's table.
Nagato and Konan paused as the former was tapped lightly on the shoulder. A man with light brown hair and emerald eyes smiled at them both, "Mind if I cut in?"
"Oh, uh…not at all." Nagato turned to Konan, his eyes advising caution. The blue haired woman couldn't help but wonder where she had seen this man before. Nagato stepped away as Higure put an arm around Konan's waist and grabbed her hand gently. As soon as they started moving, the realization struck her.
"You're looking well," Higure said.
"You say that as if we've met before," Konan replied, trying to keep herself calm.
"We have remember? During the Chunin Exams, you were on the ground in pain and-,"
"What do you want," Konan hissed, tightening her grip on Higure's hand.
"To know that you're not going to do anything stupid here," Higure answered, his tone changing from soft to sharp in an instant.
"We're only here to gather information. We're not going to cause a panic unless we're discovered." Higure continued dancing, his eyes scanning the crowd. "You have my word nobody here will get hurt unless we're provoked."
"Is that boy here with you?" Konan's eyes drifted to Higure. "Minato's son I mean…"
"Naruto isn't here. There was no chance I was going to try and bring him to this. We sent him off with another squad to make sure that he stayed away from this."
"Too bad," Higure murmured. "I'm sure Sakura would've loved to see him again." Konan scoffed, turning her head to the side.
"Last time I remember she was ready to kill Naruto…"
"She's gone through some changes. I told her that Naruto's parents were old friends of mine. As well her parents' friends." Konan's head whipped towards Higure, a look of disbelief in her eyes. "True story. Minato was actually my best friend. Which brings up a question of mine…" Konan's eyes filled with caution as she lowered her head. "Naruto can use those chakra chains, just like her mother, he has her mother's clan name, and yet he doesn't know about her. Any particular reason for that?"
"Nothing that concerns you I'm afraid. You wanna know more, join Akatsuki. We have plenty of openings available."
"I'm afraid I'll have to pass," Higure replied with a smirk. He stepped back and twirled Konan around, much to her shock. The two stepped back into each other, Higure smiling cockily, "I'm retired you know."
"I don't understand you. You live in Konoha, your niece is a Konoha shinobi, and yet here you are, dancing with a woman you know is a member of Akatsuki. Yet you're not ratting me out to Danzo or setting me up into a trap."
"I'm retired," Higure repeated. He released his grip from Konan and spun around her. Higure placed a hand on Konan's stomach and lifted her hand up into the air, causing a blush to creep on her face. "I'm an uncle first. As long as you're not going to hurt Sakura we have no problem." The two took a few steps to the left before Higure spun Konan back around. "Now, that's not to say Sakura's the same way. She'd probably rat your ass out in a minute."
"I'll remember that," Konan replied, slightly flustered by the elaborate dancing. "Um…how is Sakura doing by the way?" Higure raised his brow questioningly. "I promised Naruto's I'd see how she was doing."
"You were planning on dancing with me," Higure pondered curiously.
"No, I was going to watch her to see how she was doing." Higure twirled Konan around before she fell back on his arm.
"Not weird at all," Higure stated before lifting Konan back up. The blue haired woman spun around back into a normal dancing stance. "She's doing fine. Her ribs are messed up from her battle against Onoki, but she's doing fine. A little too fine. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be at this party." Konan chuckled as the song ended. "Well, I thank you for the lovely dance miss." Higure put one hand behind his back and the other on his stomach before bowing. "I hope that we meet under these pleasant circumstances again."
"That might be asking a little much Higure," Konan replied with a small laugh. The brown haired man smirked before shaking the woman's hand. The retired shinobi turned around and walked away, much to Konan's relief. Nagato walked up, standing next to his friend while keeping his eyes on Higure. "Don't worry. He's fine," Konan whispered.
Izumi sat at her table with Chiyo and Ebizo, smiling and staring in awe as she watched the people dancing smoothly. Saw a nearby couple and then started wiggling her fingers around in rhythm with them. Chiyo smirked, realizing that Izumi was pretending to control them like puppets. The girl was so easily amused.
"Why don't you get out there and dance Izumi," Ebizo asked. The young apprentice looked at Ebizo in shock while Chiyo shot him a scolding look. "There are plenty of handsome young men out there. I'm sure they'd love to dance with a pretty lady such as you."
"Lord Ebizo," Izumi laughed, putting a hand over her blush. "Don't say things like that. If somebody wanted to dance with me they would've asked by now."
"And they'd have to get past me first," Chiyo murmured, a sly smile forming on her wrinkled face. Izumi smiled at her master, knowing she meant that in good humor, before turning back to the dance floor.
Ebizo turned his head, someone catching his attention, "Hey sis, is that…" Chiyo turned to where her brother was looking. Shock came over Chiyo's face before she laughed.
"HARUNO!" Higure visibly flinched, nearly jumping out of his skin. Before he could turn to the sound of his last name, Higure was very forcefully and suddenly pulled towards the table by five chakra strings. The retired shinobi slammed into a chair that was turned around by Chiyo. "Miss me?"
"Oh…Lady Chiyo, how could I miss you—erm forget you?" Chiyo snickered, leaning back in her chair to put her feet up on the table. "Boy…when was the last time we saw each other again?"
"I poisoned you, and you destroyed my left arm."
"Right," Higure replied quickly, hoping to whatever higher power this woman didn't hold grudges. "So…what've you been up to?"
"Same as you: retirement. This is Izumi, my apprentice." Higure turned to the young girl who was eyeing him curiously. Izumi quickly turned away, a blush forming across her cheeks. "She's a natural puppet master. A few more years and she'll be decades ahead where I was at that age."
"Where'd you find her? I mean the purpose of retirement is to…well not do things right?"
"I couldn't let talent like Izumi's fall into my grandson's twisted hands. Who knows what she might've went through had she fallen into his hands…" Higure turned to Chiyo, a curious look in his eyes.
"That's rather…outspoken of you Lady Chiyo."
"They can't do anything about it," the old woman spat out. "If they could or cared I'd be long dead by now."
"Please don't talk like that Chiyo sensei," Izumi whispered, her eyes still on the crowd. Higure and Chiyo stared at the young woman for a second before looking back at each other.
"Uncle Higure?" Said man turned his head, seeing Sakura standing over his shoulder. The pink haired girl bowed her head to the table before looking at her uncle. "Who are your friends?"
"Friend is such a strong word," Higure murmured before looking back at Chiyo. "This is Lady Chiyo and her brother Lord Ebizo. They're known as the Honorable Siblings in Sunagakure, and they're both very famous. Chiyo is the grandmother of the Kazekage Sasori."
"Oh," Sakura sputtered before bowing her head. "It's an honor to meet you milady."
"Raise your head up child. The floor shouldn't be graced with a face a pretty as yours." Sakura blushed as she raised her head back up, brushing her hair behind her ear. "So, you're Saiki's daughter eh?" Sakura's eyes lit up a bit before nodding. "You're the spitting image of her, child."
"You knew my mother?"
"Oh yes," Chiyo exclaimed, a twisted smile facing Higure. "I've encountered her before along with your uncle on the battlefield. I swear to you child, your mother was one of the best kunoichi I've ever faced. On the battlefield she was graceful and powerful. She never took her eyes off me. Hell," Chiyo started laughing, "I'm not even sure if she blinked! Your uncle was quite impressive too. Those two together, brother and sister fighting side by side nearly did me in." Sakura turned to her uncle who was scratching his cheek with his finger.
"You still almost killed me though you crazy old bat," Higure murmured. Chiyo laughed, smacking the table with her hand.
"True, but you did smash my left arm remember?" Chiyo lifted up said arm and flexed her fingers. "This is a puppet arm I had to get to replace it after that scuffle with you and your sister! See," Chiyo popped her arm off to demonstrate. Higure and Sakura's faces twisted in disgust as they leaned back. Chiyo laughed before snapping her arm back in place. "I remember you though, selflessly throwing yourself in the way of a blade for your sister," Chiyo added with a sly grin. "A blade you knew was dripping with poison. Luckily for you, Konoha had that Slug Queen back then."
"Does she mean Lady Tsunade of the Legendary Three," Sakura asked. Higure nodded once before smirking cockily at Chiyo.
"Luckily the Alliance has the antidote for your poisons mass produced for the battlefield so that it can be used as an effective weapon."
Chiyo huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "This damn Alliance has made my poison more of a toy than a weapon. With the mass production of an antidote, it's a wonder that Konoha and Suna's enemies haven't gotten a hold of the antidote as well."
"It's a rather wise idea actually," Izumi stated. "To mass produce both that is. If you have a small squad of soldiers that're outnumbered and outmatched, all they would have to do is inject themselves with the antidote that lasts up to five minutes in a person's system and then bomb the entire battlefield with poison. All you'd have to do is make sure that you kill everyone before the five minutes are up." Higure and Sakura gave a wide-eyed stare at the young puppet master who then chuckled nervously.
"Izumi is a very wise tactician," Ebizo murmured, nodding his head a bit. "Granted a sharp mind comes with being a puppet master, but she's even managed to out maneuver big sis here."
"Really," Higure exclaimed with a smug tone. "Now that's something I'd love to see Granny Chiyo."
"It's only been on occasion," Izumi replied, sounding a bit jumpy. "Chiyo sensei is a great teacher, and I have many years of training before I'm going to surpass her."
"It might be sooner than you think child," Chiyo murmured. "Higure, Sakura, you both do have my apologies for what happened to Saiki and Satoru. They were both fine shinobi, and were both taken from this world far too early."
"Thank you Lady Chiyo," Higure replied softly. "That means a lot coming from you."
"Yes," Sakura added, bowing her head for a second before remembering Chiyo's words and snapped her head back up, "Thank you milady."
"I apologize dear," Chiyo said softly. "Nobody should have to grow up without a mother and father." The old puppeteer looked to Izumi, whose eyes softened as they fell to the floor. "I've known far too many who lost their parents due to the conflicts of war. It's something that no child should have to go through. I fear that if war is started up again soon, that many more children will be orphaned."
"It's what comes with war," Higure muttered bitterly. "Adults fight the wars, but children are left baring the scars. That's what bothers me about Danzo's Alliance and his Wrath of Fire. They don't focus on healing the wounds of war left for the next generation to bear."
Chiyo chuckled before taking a sip of tea, "Still fighting for that Will of Fire that the First Hokage believed in?"
"Will of Fire," Sakura repeated in confusion.
"I've never heard of that Chiyo sensei," Izumi added, equally lost.
"It's not surprising," the old puppet master said. "It's something that Danzo would rather leave buried so that you children grow up believing his way is right."
"The Will of Fire is the belief that every shinobi must fight for his village, love, cherish, and believe in Konoha. But each person must also believe in their comrades, trust, and honor their friends. You fight as each shinobi before you has, and you fight for the next generation. To make the world a better place for the generation after you, once you pass away. The Will of Fire was supposed to give you strength, passed down from the ninja before you. You inherit their hopes, their dreams, and their beliefs."
"Excuse me for asking uncle…but how is that different from Danzo's Wrath of Fire?"
"The Wrath of Fire," Chiyo began sourly, "Is a twisted version of the Will of Fire. Danzo would warp your mind to believe that they're the same, but in the end they're not. The Wrath of Fire, instead of fighting for the love and belief of your village, you fight for its honor and glory to increase its own power. Instead of fighting for your comrades, you simply fight with them, and move on without sparing a single word if they die next to you. Each shinobi before you, is simply an obstacle you must climb over in order to achieve a higher level of power, and the next generation must climb over your body in order to become more powerful than you. With the Wrath of Fire, you're meant to believe that your strength came from learning from the previous generation's mistakes, and the next generation is supposed to learn from yours. You inherit nothing from them, only their power so that you may build onto it."
"You make it sound so evil," Sakura stated with a nervous laugh.
Chiyo smirked and then chuckled, "If it sounds evil then that just means you believe in the Will of Fire child." Sakura's eyes widened a bit, gasping lightly in shock. "Perhaps your uncle here passed down those beliefs to you. Or maybe…maybe it was your parents, Saiki and Satoru, who passed down their Will of Fire to you."
Sakura opened her mouth, unsure of what to say to the old puppet master. Higure's eyes drifted to his niece, the corners of his lips tugging at a small smile. "Excuse me…" All eyes turned next to Izumi, seeing Kurotsuchi standing in front of the table, wearing a beautiful light brown kimono. "I'm Kurotsuchi. I assume that you're Sakura's Uncle Higure right?"
"Yes I am," the retired shinobi said. "Sakura has told me a lot about you Kurotsuchi-chan."
"All good things I hope," Kurotsuchi replied with a smile. Higure chuckled and nodded. "May I steal Sakura-chan away for a moment?"
"Of course." The two kunoichi smiled at each other before walking away from the table.
Kurotsuchi led Sakura outside on a balcony overlooking the village. The young kunoichi leaned out on the railings as Sakura stood next to her with a curious look. "Is something wrong Kuro-chan?"
"I'm not sure. It's just…weird you know. Grandpa was the Tsuchikage my whole life." Sakura's eyes drifted down as her heart sank in guilt. Kurotsuchi turned to the Konoha kunoichi, realizing her mistake, "N-no, don't feel bad Sakura! You did what you had to. I'm not angry at you for what you had to do…"
"But I…I don't even know how I did what I did," Sakura murmured, looking at her hand. "I just suddenly felt a surge of power going through my fist. My chakra exploded out, and…and…" Tears started building up in the corners of the young kunoichi's eyes.
"Sakura," Kurotsuchi whispered. The Iwa kunoichi grabbed her friend and hugged her tightly. "I do miss grandpa. I miss him so much. But…I…he…I can't blame you for what you did. Whether I was ordered to or not, I would kill anyone who ever harmed you. You're my friend. My best friend."
"I don't deserve your kindness Kurotsuchi-chan," Sakura sobbed. "I'm sorry…I'm so, so sorry."
"Stop beating yourself up for it. The people, they loved my grandpa, they really did. But they were so tired of being oppressed by Konoha that they wanted change." Kurotsuchi leaned back, keeping her hands on Sakura's shoulders and offering her friend a smile. "My grandpa wasn't going to change. He always told everyone that no matter what happened Konoha would show us no mercy. But when people saw your kindness and consideration towards me when you didn't strike grandpa down…and when grandpa tried to cut through me to get to you…feelings of hope for change and doubt of my grandpa skyrocketed. A lot of people have said 'working for Konoha can't be any worse than working for a Tsuchikage who would kill his own granddaughter to win a fight against a little girl.' So…the people of Iwagakure are going to try and work with Konoha willingly instead of begrudgingly." Kurotsuchi grinned, moving her hands down Sakura's arms to gently squeeze her friend's hands. "I for one, can't wait."
Sakura sniffed, raising one of her hands to wipe away her tears, "Thank you Kurotsuchi-chan. I hope the best for you and your people…" Kurotsuchi hugged her friend again, which Sakura returned.
"Well, I've got to be going," Kurotsuchi said as she leaned out of the hug. "I may not be the Tsuchikage's daughter or granddaughter, but I still have to mingle."
"I understand. Tell my uncle I'll be in shortly." Kurotsuchi nodded then headed back to the party.
Sakura sighed, turning around to lean against the railing again. She did sincerely hope that Iwagakure would become a better place for their people now. Kurotsuchi was like a sister to her, and she wanted the best for her. A chilling breeze blew by, causing Sakura to shiver and look over to her left. To her shock, a man was sitting against the railing with his arms crossed over his chest, looking out into the party. Sakura stared at the mysterious man for a moment before realization hit her.
"Y-you're Tobi! That man in the Chunin Exams from Kirigakure!" A dark, cold chuckle escaped the man's lips.
"You're…half right Sakura Haruno." The man moved off the railing and turned his masked head to the young kunoichi. "Quite an impressive feat to defeat Onoki. Even I found trouble with that. You're quite the little lady. No wonder Naruto Uzumaki takes such fancy to you."
Sakura gasped lightly before her face hardened in a scowl, "What do you know about the village's Jinchuriki?"
"Only that you two have more in common than you think young one. Naruto Uzumaki is going to play a very important role in shaping this world's future. Your fate and his seem to be…entwined. You single handedly changed the fate of Iwagakure. But to what end is the question?" Sakura took a step back as Tobi took one forward. The masked man simply stared at the young girl, making her more and more nervous. Was he waiting on Sakura to say something?
"What do you mean Naruto and I are alike," Sakura finally questioned. "I'm nothing like that traitor."
"Don't be so quick to judge young one. You know that your uncle knew his parents, and yet you're not the least bit curious about them? Try asking Higure about Naruto's parents. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to tell you."
"What does this have to do with me? Why are you telling me all this?"
"As I said: Naruto Uzumaki is going to play an important role in the future of this world. I just want to make sure he's…pushed in the right direction. The direction I desire him to go down. You're my ticket for that Sakura Haruno."
"Excuse me." Sakura gasped, looking past the masked man to see her uncle standing behind him, turned slightly to the side. "You don't mind if I cut in do you?" The hole in Tobi's mask started to burn blood red, causing Sakura to gasp in shock.
"Of course not," the masked man replied, an ecstasy ridden evil in his tone.
Tobi spun around, throwing his arm at Higure's head. The retired shinobi blocked with his forearm, eyes widening in shock. The masked man spun back around, throwing his leg up which caused his robe to fly out. Higure ducked and swept his foot across the ground. To Sakura's shock, her uncle's foot passed right through Tobi's ankle. The masked ninja cackled madly as he threw his arm forward, a sharpened blade attached to a chain shooting out of his sleeve. Higure jerked his head to the side, nearly getting his eye gouged out. The retired shinobi grabbed the chain and yanked on it hard. Tobi stumbled forward before the chain snapped and slid out of his sleeve. Higure rose to his feet and threw all of his strength into a punch directed at his opponent's masked face. The fist passed right through Tobi, as Higure stumbled shortly after. The masked man grabbed the chain casually and gripped it tightly. The metal weapon tightened, catching Higure to keep him from falling to the ground.
"Your abilities have dulled in your twilight years," Tobi murmured.
"Things get better with age is what they say," Higure replied, his eyes shifting over his shoulder. The masked man chuckled coldly.
Tobi released the chain and turned around. Higure spun around, watching as his opponent darted past him. The retired shinobi cried out as he lashed the chain forward, realizing that Tobi was heading for Sakura. The young kunoichi moved to step out of the way, seeing that the chain was coming for her. Tobi's Sharingan burned brightly enough for Sakura to see. The sight of the dojutsu was more than enough to send chills down her spine. Sakura gasped, realizing that the chain was coming right for her. A pair of cold, leather gloves grabbed her shoulders, causing her to stop. The chain wrapped around Sakura and Tobi's body. The metal wrapping around her ribs caused Sakura to wince in pain. The masked man huffed as the swirls on his mask started to seemingly come alive. He would teleport himself and Sakura some place a little more private. Suddenly, he gasped when he felt a hand grab his shoulder as well. Tobi turned his head, looking back at Higure who was gripping him tightly. The man gave a dark chuckle once again, loosening his grip on Sakura a bit.
"Well…aren't you still the clever little devil?" Higure gripped Tobi's shoulder and raised the blade from the chain up to the back of his neck. "You just can't let me have my prize can you?" Tobi released Sakura, chuckling again. The chains fell to the ground as Tobi sprung backwards, passing right through Higure. The retired shinobi turned around, putting Sakura right behind him while Tobi distanced himself. "And here I thought you couldn't touch me without someone helping you."
"Serves you right," Higure snapped.
"You have gotten dull since we last met though. I took you a little too lightly in this case. I won't make the same mistake next time. I'd love to see you come out of retirement Higure. It could be just like old times, except you wouldn't have Minato or Saiki to help you." Higure scowled, flinching at the urge to attack. Tobi laughed, throwing his head back before focusing his attention back to the two Harunos. "Until next we meet…young Sakura." The mask came alive, swirling around and swallowing the man whole. And just like that, he was gone.
Sakura's breathing became heavy and labored. Not because of the fresh pain in her ribs. She knew very well that she might've died if it wasn't for her uncle. She then realized she had been gripping her kimono tightly enough that she could've torn it.
"Uncle Higure, I…thank you…"
"What did he say to you," the retired man snapped. Sakura stared up at her uncle, confused by his tone. "What did he say Sakura?" Higure turned, looking his niece in the eye. The look only spread more confusion and worries in Sakura's mind. Her uncle looked angry, worried, and relieved all at once.
"I…I don't know. He mentioned Naruto, and said that he was going to be important in the world's future o-or something. A-and he said our fates were…entwined I think. There were some other things but I…I…"
"It's alright," Higure whispered. The man pulled Sakura closely and hugged her with all his might. Sakura was now spiraling in a whirlwind of confusion. "We need to leave, and inform Danzo right now." The kunoichi looked up at her uncle's face. Before she could say a word, Sakura was being dragged back into the party.
Once back inside, Higure let go of Sakura once they got to Chiyo and Ebizo's table. The young girl looked at her uncle in confusion before turning to the two Honored Siblings. They both had a solemn expression on their faces. "Excuse me Lady Chiyo…" The old puppet master turned her attention to Sakura. "Do you…um…"
"I know that look on your uncle's face if that's what you're going to ask," Chiyo replied. "I won't pry, but in this case I would just do whatever your elders tell you." Sakura grumbled in confusion, turning her head back to where she last saw her uncle. To her shock, she saw Higure making his way towards Danzo's table.
"Wh-what's he doing," Sakura gasped. The Honored Siblings watched in silence while Izumi stared in curiosity.
Konan and Nagato watched as Higure approached Danzo. "I think it's time to go," Nagato whispered. Konan raised her hand, narrowing her eyes on the retired shinobi. He was either going to be a typical Konoha citizen, or a possible man on the inside. Nagato scowled before turning back to the Leader's Table, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
Higure stood behind Danzo and leaned in next to the old Hokage's ear. "What is it," Danzo bitterly snapped.
"Madara Uchiha…" Danzo's eye nearly popped out of his head before sharply turning to Higure.
"You're sure…" Higure nodded once. Danzo leaned to his right, whispering to the Tsuchikage. Higure took a step back as the Tsuchikage rose to his feet.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm afraid that I must draw this party to a close," Mao called out. "I intend to start working first thing tomorrow morning, so I'll be needing my rest. I thank you all for showing up, but the party is over." The guests murmured and slowly rose up in their seats and headed for the exit. Nagato, Konan, Haku, and Ino all slipped out in the crowd, trying not to draw attention from anyone. Mao turned to Danzo, who also rose up from his seat, "Was that convincing enough Lord Hokage?"
"Yes," Danzo replied. "And as promised I'll inform you later."
"I just hope this party ended for good reason." Danzo nodded then quickly hurried away with his shinobi.
"Daddy!" Higure stopped and turned his head as Mao spun around. A young girl, no older than ten, ran up and hugged Mao.
"Well hello there my dear." Higure wanted to urge Mao to leave, but it wasn't his place to do so. He turned around and followed Danzo. "How does it feel to be the Tsuchikage's daughter?"
"Really cool!" A young woman walked up with a smile on her face. "So are you coming with us back home?"
"I'll be right behind you and your mother Niwa. You do as she says and go to bed when you get home okay?"
"Alright," Niwa murmured. The young girl hugged her father again before turning around and running back to her mother. Mao smiled at his wife who returned a grin.
After a few moments, everyone left room. Mao smirked then started walking down the steps one by one. "You certainly know how to clear out a room don't you?"
"I just couldn't believe it when I heard the truth," a new voice replied. "I never could've imagined that you would become Fourth Tsuchikage." Mao turned around, seeing a man sitting in his chair at the Leader's Table, leaning back in his chair with his feet on the table.
"You don't imagine anything. You simply plan everything don't you…Madara sensei?" The masked man chuckled before he slammed the other two legs of his chair onto the ground. "Are you here to check up on me? To make sure I don't become swayed by Danzo's ideals and betray you?" Madara made his way around the table, walking down the steps one by one as he kept his Sharingan focused on Mao. "Only an idiot betrays the world's most dangerous man."
"It's debatable who that could be," Madara replied.
"In my humble opinion, the world's most dangerous man would be you Madara." The masked man stopped in front of Mao, staring at him for a moment. The Tsuchikage stared back at his former sensei with a cocky smirk on his face and a tilt of his head. "You tell me jump, I say how high right?" Madara chuckled before patting Mao's shoulder. The masked man walked towards the exit while Mao watched him carefully. "Is there a reason you needed to see me Madara sensei?"
The masked man stopped then turned his head, "Just needed to make sure you still feared me Mao."
"Fear and respect are two different things," Mao snapped quickly.
"And I hold both in your heart and mind." Madara turned his body, becoming transparent in an instant only to reappear in Mao's face. The Tsuchikage's smile vanished, replaced by a hardened stare. Madara's Sharingan activated, but even then Mao didn't waver. The masked man continued to stare for a moment before chuckling and turning his head away. "You do well to hide it. But I can still see the fear in your heart. I'll contact you if I need you to do anything Mao."
"I'll be waiting sensei," the Fourth Tsuchikage stated. Madara took a few steps away from Mao before vanishing in a vortex from his own face. Mao smirked and chuckled before heading towards the exit.