Chapter 7. Troublesome.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Time-jump)
Authors note: I'm always happy to talk with Naruto-fans, don't hesitate to comment or mail me! ^^
Kiba came running down the stairs and entered the kitchen. He was relieved to see his mother's back by the kitchen counter. "mom…"
Tsume turned around before pulling him into her arms in a tight hug. "We got the message on our way back from the mission."
The woman smirked, showing off her fangs as she backed away, ruffling his already messy hair. "There, no fuss."
As she continued with her task, she still threw a glance over her shoulder. "I'm glad you not harmed." She commented as she put the slices of meat in the dog bowls.
Kiba smiled back at her as he ruffled his hair as if his mother had messed it up. "Welcome home. I'm fine…although I think I'm late…"
"There was a message for you. The meeting you are being summoned to is delayed to 12 a clock. So I let you sleep in for once."
"Mom, did you pick up any trace from the…?"
"The fucker that got away? We tried, but it was too late. There was rain that beat us before making any kind of progress. We got company by ANBU who assigned us, but it was impossible even for them." She shook his head and held back a curse. Kiba watched her throwing more meat into the bowls more harshly. He knew his mother nature. She hated to lose. Something he had picked up from her. "Make sure you eat something now, and then head out to the village and help out in any way you can."
"Yeah, ok."
"I can't believe that he turned you down."
Tenten took another bite on her dumpling in misery. The girls were taking a break in their work. The main street was completely destroyed and many shops had been victims. But the civilians were very grateful for the loyal ninjas that offered to help out in any way they could. The girls had chosen to take their break at a little dumpling stand with a table on the street.
Tenten regretted asking Kankuro out in front of the girls. Now her humiliation became ever bigger than it had to be. She should have known that the girls would be eager for all the details the next day. "Don't rub it in." she pouted.
Sakura realized what she had said. "No, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that. I just don't understand why he would say no. You are great Tenten!"
"However…"
Sakura glared at Ino in hope that they blond would keep her harsh words to herself, but of course it didn't work. "I guess that's what you can expect from a Suna Jonin like that. All people from Suna are a little…well…arrogant if you ask me."
"You don't like Kankuro, Ino?" Tenten asked the blond in surprise.
The Yamanaka took a sip of her drink and only shrugged in replay, making Sakura explain in her place with a lighter tone. "She thinks he is a little stern, that's all."
"And no class to talk about. When our team went to his inn to invite him out for BBQ, he opened his door half naked. It made me very uncomfortable." Ino added as she put her cup down.
"Yeah, I'm sure that must have been horrible." Tenten said ironically but couldn't help but to have dreamy face as she thought about it.
"If you ask me, you could do much better Tenten. A girl must aim high, right?" Ino lectured.
"It's not like he rejected me and was rude about it." Tented argued and held her own cup of tea with both hands. "It's just he already seeing someone. And from Konoha even…"
"He what!?" Sakura and Ino cried out simultaneously.
Tenten nodded and took a sip.
"Now I really don't like him. It's horrible enough to turn down a pure girl's heart like that, but to lie about it is even worse!" Ino yelled with anger.
"H-how do you know he lied?" Sakura asked, taken back by Ino's energy.
"Sakura! You really think there would be a romance like that in this village, without me knowing about it!"
"Well…" Sakura didn't know what to think and turned to Tenten. "Did he say who?"
"No…but…" Tenten hesitated.
"What?" both Ino and Sakura pushed.
"I just got this feeling…maybe it's a secret love."
"A secret romance?" Sakura repeated with wide eyes and started to shine. "That's so exciting. We need to find out who!" she told Ino who puffed. "I'm going to expose that lying Jonin, mark my words. When we confront him about it, he will be full of shame. And that serves him right."
Tenten had to sweat-drop, not sure she felt happy or abandoned that the girls left the focus of Kankuro and her.
Kankuro clenched his teeth on the wrench in his mouth. His puppet was being very difficult at the moment. Besides the special summoning Jutsu he had been forced to use in the battle, his puppet Karasu had taken some damage. With a growl he managed to pull the damage part away from inside the shell. He eyed the part in his hand and threw it aside. He then tested the arm and smirked in satisfaction as it moved much better.
He picked up another prepared part and started to replace it inside.
On the floor next to him, there was a note, telling him of the change of time for the meeting.
As he could put this puppet together in his sleep, his thoughts were all on his sister's welfare. Even though he knew he made the right decision in staying, a part of him couldn't help but to want to be with her. Just in case there was an ambush on the way.
His big sister, be very capable on taking care of herself didn't change the fact that she was his sister.
Her warning words were still fresh in his mind. If he were to be a captive of Konoha, what would his little brother do?
Gaara wasn't someone who lost his temper anymore. He had been more stable than anyone Kankuro knew during his short time as Kazekage. He couldn't be more proud to be his big brother. However, the position was still new with unbearable responsibility and with news of his capture would certainly put things into motion at home. Even if Gaara would take time to carefully access all his options together with Temari, the sibling had very hotheaded advisors.
Naruto was the main core in Gaara's loyalty to Konoha. With that core gone for who knew how long, how fragile was the peace-treaty?
The Jonin shook his head as he put down his wrench. He could still affect the situation on his end. He had found Tsunade-sama reasonable and he was sure he would be able to explain the situation. Her decision however, was the main mystery. All he could do was to mentally prepare how to state his innocence.
The knock on the door was precisely timed. He got up from the floor and whipped his hands on a towel before opening the door to greet the Shinobi guard.
"Subaku no Kankuro. I'm here to escort you to the meeting with Hokage-sama." The unknown man stated formally.
"Of course. I'm ready." He answered. After lifting up his functional arsenal on his back, he closed the door after him and left.
Akamaru slide across the gravel outside the main building and Kiba swiftly jumped off his back. He scratched the dog behind the ear with affection before they entered what was left of the building entrance. The first sight that caught his eye was the back of his lover, and he quickly approached him.
"Hello stranger." Kiba whispered behind him, causing him to turn around. "Hey."
"Damn this building is going to take time." Kiba muttered as he put a hand on his hip and shook his head in dissatisfaction.
"At least it was only the building and not the Hokage." Kankuro said and moved along with Kiba and Akamaru towards the office.
The Chunin that acted as Kankuro's escort had left Kankuro's side and vanished when Kiba and Akamaru arrived. Probably handing over the responsibility. However when they passed a room Kiba, halted in his steps and looked inside. "Sakura?"
There were no sight of anyone else or Tsunade but Sakura was standing next to the desk and waited patiently. "We are gathering in this room, since the office is destroyed. This is Tsunade-sama's temporary office."
"Was Ino very mad she couldn't come?" Kiba asked after he greeted her. The room was very simple and almost empty. Only a desk with a chair some books, scrolls and papers covered the surface. Next to the wall, there were only one dusty book shelf. Kankuro put the bundle of his tools next to the door before entering.
She shrugged. "The meeting is not about her. It was a meeting for me originally but I told Shizune-san that you seem to have information you wanted to share."
"So it's because of you we're here?" Kiba asked. He knew he had told her he had to talk with Tsunade-sama quickly, but he hoped she hadn't speculated in what they wanted to talk about with their leader.
"I couldn't tell Ino about it since I don't know what it's about. You wanted this private remember." She said.
"Haruno Sakura." Was heard from the door with a stern voice.
"Hai!" the girl answered out of habit and fixed her posture.
"Inuzuka Kiba."
"Hai." Kiba answered and did the same.
"Subaku no Kankuro."
Kankuro said nothing but offered a bow of respect. When he looked up he was as shocked as they others.
Tsunade came inside, very pale and black rings under her eyes. Her green robe was covered in blood spots and dirt. Marching after her was Shizune with slight messy hair, also looking tired and concerned. She was carrying a tray with two cups of tea.
Tsunade fell into her chair not caring the other's heard her heavy sigh of exhaustion. "Talk to me. Genma has given me the report of what happened by the gate and Shikamaru is collecting Sai as we speak. They will be here shortly. I have most of team 10 rapport as well. So I want yours. Did you get anything from the enemy during the fight?"
"They used different kinds of elements." Sakura stated formally, ignoring her concern for her master. She knew Tsunade would bite her head off if she tried to fuss with her.
"And their only objective was to hurt civilians and buildings." Kiba continued.
"You were all here during their demands. You think it was all an act of revenge? I feel there is more to it." The Hokage mused.
"May I speak, Hokage-sama?" Kankuro asked formally.
"Please." Tsunade looked at him with her tired eyes.
"Even though we took quite substantial loses, I do not believe they were any ninjas of larger level."
Both Sakura and Kiba looked at him.
"They used one element attack each, and continuously used their scrolls to summon more man power from outside. Only two people managed to infiltrate at first. After the signal there were a few more. But other than that, it was merely summoning Jutsu they used. Basic Jutsu."
"Your thoughts about that?" Tsunade pushed.
"They were relaying on each other to use the elements. When Neji managed to destroy their scroll, it was over quite quickly. And they knew that could happen, cause they all had back-up-plan; to kill themselves. A tactic like that is only used on mission with low success-rate. All and all, they knew they didn't stand a chance in the long run without manpower."
"Thank you. I'm glad to be able to have aid from a strategist of your rank from Suna, Kankuro. My own analyst told me exactly the same." She let out a smile. "But I appreciate the aid."
"So what we have is abnormal demands, and a low level ninja-village with self-sacrifice tendencies." Sakura crossed her arms in thought. "Don't give us a clear view of who they might be."
"What about what they said? Didn't they reveal which area they wanted to take over?" Kiba asked.
"We cannot be sure if they are part of the geographic they mentioned. They might as well have it as a goal." Tsunade stated.
"Well, we have to start somewhere."
"Yeah, and It's going to become troublesome."
The group turned around and watched Shikamaru entered the office with Sai behind him.
"Shikamaru. You know where we can find them?" Sakura asked.
Both bowed to their leader while approaching. "No, but I have a guess of where to start."
As the raven turned his stare at Kiba, the Inuzuka knew it was time to reveal the most difficult fact he had in store.
"Tsunade-sama. One enemy that burned to his death was still alive when I got hold of him. I questioned him for information." Kiba said with a firm tone.
"Why didn't you say so?" Tsunade asked surprised. "Go on."
"I asked him who was behind their plot." Kiba tightened his fist and tried not to seem nervous. "And the last word stated was Suna."
The room seemed to be silent for minutes. Not their breathing, anything from outside and nobody moved.
It felt like it could go on forever but it was Sakura who broke the silence first.
The pink-haired kunoichi turned to Kankuro with an accusing glare. "What is the meaning of this!"
Kankuro looked at her with a collected expression. "Suna officially denies the accusation. We are completely innocent regarding to this act of war."
"This was something you should have come forward with from the start!" Sakura argued.
"As I recall we tried to get hold of Tsunade-sama to deliver the information. We asked you at the hospital if she was available."
"But-!"
"Sakura, be quiet."
The medic-student gasped in surprised and immediately obeyed her master. A faint blush of embarrassment spread across her pale cheeks but she was still upset.
Tsunade sat still for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.
"Tsunade-sama." Kankuro dared to speak up. "Hopefully I've handled myself well enough to prove to you that I had nothing to do with this. This was not a Suna conspiracy."
"I won't deny you've been an asset to the village during your stay. However the fact remains that I was wondering why your stay prolonged this long without reason."
Kiba opened his mouth to come clean, but the Jonin stepped in front of him. "It was merely personal business."
"Clearly not the best kind of answer at a time like this." Sakura said.
"I must put in that Kankuro has been socializing with most of the ninjas in our generation. I have barely seen him alone since he arrived. If he was plotting something, it would have been very difficult without any of us suspecting something." Shikamaru put in in his normal calm but serious tone.
Sakura took in what he said and calmed down. "Now when you say it. It's true."
"Also, there were no signs of him being ally with them on the battlefield. Kankuro-san was a very big part of our side out there. Without his efforts, I dare to say the damages would have been much more." Sai spoke up for the first time.
Tsunade allowed herself to smile for the first time. "I do not believe you were part of the attack."
"That's great Hokage-sama!" Kiba yelled out in triumph.
"However!" She cleared her throat. "I wish for you to tell me where your sister is."
She opened the drawer and pulled out a small scroll. "I sent out this together with the ones you were given. But my ANBU came back with word that she was nowhere to find inside the village."
"That's correct Tsunade-sama. Temari is on her way home to Suna."
Tsunade's eyes got sharper. "Everyone except Kankuro. Wait outside." She ordered.
Shizune started to move with Tonton in her arms. "Let's go everyone."
Kiba stepped forward. "I'll stay."
"Outside Inuzuka." The Hokage repeated.
Shikamaru, Sai and Akamaru headed for the door. When she saw Kiba didn't move, Sakura reached out for his arm, but Kiba slapped it away. "I won't go."
"Hey!" Sakura stated firmly at the order-refusal.
"Tsunade-sama, please."
Tsunade studied his intensive eyes and nodded to Sakura to go ahead. The kunoichi left the office, having Shikamaru to shut the door behind them.
"I'm going to ask this once Kankuro. Be very careful how you answer. Did your sister left Konoha before or after the attack?"
"Tsunade-sama, you don't understand…!"
"If you going to stay Kiba, then you keep your mouth shut, or else I throw you out myself." The Hokage warned firmly, her anger pushed every word out. Naruto was the only one who usually got the Hokage to completely lose her temper. Kiba had never disobeyed his superior like this. But there was something that made him not to hesitate. This conversation needed to come out right. He suddenly felt Kankuro's hand on his shoulder, causing him to reluctantly calm down his eager to speak.
"It's ok Kiba." The Jonin said and turned to Tsunade. "Temari left after the attack."
"Somehow I knew that was the case. And I assume you see the problem."
"Yes, But I can't find myself to lie to you. The truth looks ugly but it's not what it seems."
"I certainly hope so. Especially since one of my own Chunin's seem to be involved." She said and glanced at the Inuzuka with a light disapproval look.
Kankuro took a step forward. "Kiba is not part of any of it. He is merely a witness. And a loyal person to me. His attitude is not for cover a crime but to reveal a complicated truth."
Tsunade let out a heavy sigh. "I'm getting too old for this." She looked at them both. "I'm listening."
"Our villagers history complicate this. After the man died, me and my sister knew we were being framed. And therefore it is our duty to return to Suna to warn Gaara of the threat.
However Kiba has a responsibility to report the man's statement, and we knew how it would look if we left. Therefore I stayed to show you our sincerity. My sister only left because we need to reassure our village safety."
"So you're saying you surrender to Konoha for interrogation and confinement until we have investigated this?"
"Tsunade-sama please you can't!" Kiba argued before Kankuro could answer.
"Don't tell me what I can and can't do." Tsunade insisted. "Don't you understand the seriousness of this matter, Kiba? It's clear he is a friend of yours but you have to put that aside…"
"I just ask you to consider all aspects. Temari left for this reason. The truth is that they are innocent and they have to protect themselves. This is not the time to suspect our ally for such a minor reason! If you're going to put Kankuro in arrest, then think about the statement you give to Kazekage in Suna. It is his confident and bodyguard not to mention big brother."
Tsunade looked at him, clearly taking in his word.
"Just think about the peace-treaty."
"Alright, humor me, Kiba. If you don't want me to question your friend to secure the safety of Konoha, then what do you suggest I'll do?"
The Chunin ignored the angry undertone, because he knew he deserved it. He clearly was stepping out of line by question his leader's methods. "Send a squad to Suna to investigate. It will give us opportunity to find out if there is any connection between Suna and the enemy. And it will show Gaara that our new bonds are strong and that they can count on us to aid them."
"And if there would be anything going on, I would be sending a team into danger without the possibility of getting aid in three days."
"Then only send volunteers. I'll go."
"I would be surprised if you didn't." She answered dryly.
"Hokage-sama. I will of course cooperate, but I would be profoundly grateful if you would send me back with a squad. I am concerned that those bastards are up to something in Suna next."
"SHIKAMARU!" Tsunade yelled causing both Shinobis to jump slightly. Shizune opened the door and showed the Nara inside. "Yes, Tsunade-sama?"
"Don't act like you didn't hear anything, the door isn't that thick!" she barked angrily causing the raven to blush of embarrassment. He wasn't fond of strict women yelling at him. It was troublesome. "Sorry."
"What do you think?"
"Honestly. I don't find a mere statement from an enemy enough proof to contain a Shinobi from an ally country. Especially Kazekage's brother. Not without further investigation."
"However, one option is that we could keep Kankuro here as leverage to ensure Gaara's full cooperation." Shizune suggested.
"It's Kazekage. And if you want a prisoner of war, then you have it." Kankuro said.
"It will send the wrong message!" Kiba argued.
"Kankuro and Kiba, leave us." Tsunade said. "If he leaves this building, I hold you fully responsible, Kiba."
"We'll be right outside." Kankuro said and pulled Kiba along.
It turned out Sakura and Sai had left, leaving the couple alone in the hallway with Akamaru. There was no telling of what was being said inside the office. Tsunade was right the door wasn't thick but Kiba knew she was deliberately discussed on low key with Shikamaru and Shizune.
"He knew." Kiba whispered, causing Kankuro to look up at him from the opposite wall. "Shikamaru knew something was up. About Suna being framed."
The Jonin nodded. "I noticed it too. Must be Temari."
"Why?"
Kankuro allowed himself to smirk. "You think you are the only one who snatched the attention from a Suna citizen?"
Kiba's mouth fell open. "….really?" he whispered. He found it hard to believe. Shikamaru couldn't stand strict women. And Temari was….well… a dragon when she wanted to be.
As if he could read Kiba's thoughts Kankuro answered. "She has a gentle side as well."
"I didn't say anything."
"Hn."
The waiting became longer and they handled it differently. Kankuro didn't move from his spot. Simply leaning against the wall causally with crossed arms. Kiba however was restless. He moved from one side to the other. Staying on one sport for five seconds only to continue to another. Akamaru seemed to be asleep on the floor. Kankuro studied his partner and decided to distract him while they waited. "Kiba. You shouldn't have stuck your neck out like you did in there."
"It felt right." The Inuzuka answered without stopping his pacing.
"I know you said you would be there for me. But I never…"
"Thought I would actually do it?"
Kankuro smiled. "Not so recklessly. Trouble-magnet."
Kiba stopped by the window and looked out. "Some people are worth getting in trouble for." The words were very low. But Kankuro heard them. He studied the other. He found Kiba stronger for every day. Not the strongest Shinobi. But ridiculously loyal and determined.
"She has to agree to it." Kiba whispered, causing Kankuro to get back to reality. He walked over to stand behind the other and leaned forward so he could whisper in the other's ear. "I appreciate your support. Makes feel all warm inside. Hot even…"
Kiba allowed himself to smirk at the other's attempt to have him lighten up. "Don't start."
"Start? I can't stop. Would it be up to me, then I'll would ravage you right here in this hallway."
"Then it's good it's not up to you." Kiba turned around. "Be serious."
"Who said I wasn't serious?"
Kiba watched those dark eyes meeting his own. "Then you are mentally disturbed. We need to focus on the mission."
"I actually can focus on many things at the same time. It doesn't matter what the future holds or what duty I will have to face." His fingers reached up under Kiba's chin and stroke it with his thumb. "I will always have focus on you Inuzuka. I told you, you're mine now."
Kiba smiled. "I guess I can live with that."
Kankuro was surprised when he felt something below and looked down at Akamaru who brushed against his hip. The dog looked at him in a new way. The Jonin sighed and carefully put his hand on the dogs back. "I hope it's alright with you, dog." He let out a laugh as Akamaru then put up his paw as if he offered a handshake. He accepted the invite. "Thanks."
Kiba grinned and stroke the dog's head. "Thank you Akamaru. I love you boy."
After another twenty minutes, the door finally opened again. Kiba met Shikamaru who entered the hallway with his normal unhyped expression. "There is going to be investigation mission to Suna. Kankuro, you will be escorted home at the same time."
Kiba grinned and Akamaru barked happily. "That's great, Shikamaru! When do we leave?"
"Not so fast, Kiba. You are not yet cleared for the mission. Actually, you might be excluded."
"Why?" Kankuro asked before Kiba could.
"Lack of focus and judgement. Tsunade-sama is worried you might not be entering the investigation with an objective mind."
"You got to be kidding me." Kiba moaned and took a step back. "She can't leave me behind, I won't let her." as he was going to enter the office, Shikamaru spoked up.
"Well, she asked me to put together the best team for the mission. I might contact you in a couple of hours as the team leaves by sunset. In the meantime, Kankuro is not to leave the sight from a Konoha Chunin or higher rank."
"Chunin? I'm offended." Kankuro said and received a glare from Kiba.
"I guess I can leave that with you Kiba. Later." The raven said and left them.
(Late Afternoon)
As they returned to the apartment, Kankuro started to pack his things. He moved around across the floor, muttering to himself about the mess.
Kiba sat down on the table and eyed the other. "You'll write, won't you?"
Kankuro turned around. "As soon as I know something new, I will include you."
Kiba nodded, but let out a snort anyway. "dammit. First three days to reach Suna and first then you'll be able to assess the situation. And then you can send a note to me.,,"
"There might be an enemy on the road. I highly doubt we'll make it in three days this time."
"My point exactly. For me it will mean days without knowing anything." He sulked.
Kankuro smiled with sympathy. "Sad you'll miss out all the action?"
Kiba looked at him seriously. "If the next threat out there is targeting your home, I want to be there. You were here for us."
He kept that look even though Kankuro approached him, still smirking. "Even though I would love the company back home, I figure maybe it's for the best to have you here, trouble magnet."
"Why? You don't trust me to take care of my own ass?"
"Well, I do have tendencies to want to protect that ass." Kankuro snickered.
"It's not funny. If you are going to keep me out from dangerous missions then we are not going to get very far."
"Don't get so provoked. I know you'll never back down from danger. It's comes with the job for the both of us. But as we are together now, you can't be angry because I will worry about you."
He took Kiba's silence as a good sign. At least he didn't object. "Come here." he whispered and took his partner's chin as gave him a deep kiss. The Chunin accepted it but didn't respond much, making him pull back. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know…probably." Kiba sighed. He looked up into Kankuro's eyes. "Are you saying goodbye before you leave?"
"Of course. Meet me by the gate by sunset."
Kiba nodded and gave the other another kiss. Then Kankuro wrapped his arms around his waist and held him tight. After a minute they parted and Kiba left the apartment.
The Inuzuka muttered as he made his way home, hands in his pockets. The helpless feeling was overbearing. He kicked a stone away from his path and cursed to himself. As he came about half way he looked around before he whistled. Akamaru came jumping from one of the roof tops. "Thanks for the alone time, boy." He said as the dog joined him. And together they continued their way back to the Inuzuka household.
The Chunin wasn't aware of the person watching him from afar…
Shikamaru watched the list he had put together in haste as he stopped before the Hyuuga estate. The raven scratched the back of his head. "Troublesome" he muttered.
He took one step to enter the yard when he unexpectedly stood nose to nose with Hinata.
"Ah, S-shikamaru!" the girl stuttered as the raven moved backwards. "I-m sorry!"
"N-no harm done." He said as he recovered, "Sorry to march in here like this, Hinata. I would like your help in a mission to Suna."
"Of course I want to help." she said. "Is it an order from Tsunade-sama?"
"It's a mission yes, but it's top secret for now, and I'm supposed to assemble a team." He admitted.
She nodded in understanding. "You just need to clear it with my father. Follow me."
Kankuro reached the main gate just before sunset. He looked at the document, signed by Tsunade in his hand.
He turned around and met Shikamaru approaching him. "Looks like you are the first one here."
The raven looked sour and pulled up the zipper of his green vest.
"I can see you are looking forward to this." Kankuro stated and crossed his arms. "I would make the trip myself, but as you know…"
"I know the drill." Shikamaru groaned. "I have nothing against helping out. But this was not an easy task to gather a team. I wasn't able to gather one threemancell that is an ordinary team. So I had to change to another strategy."
"I see. You are thinking eight people, tag team style I assume." Kankuro stated.
"That's right. However I just went through hell to manage that. I haven't even had time to think of the route yet."
"I can help with that." The puppet master said as he shifted his gear on his back. "As we stop for the night, I could give you the best alternatives."
"I will not turn away that offer. Especially when we reach Suna land, you will be our main guide."
"Deal."
The guys looked up as they got company by the first two teammates.
Tenten and Lee smiled at them; Lee even gave them a thump up with his signature smile. "Kankuro-san. We will make sure you get home safely!"
"A-ah. Thanks." The puppet-master said with a sweatdrop.
"Good you are here. I will give you all info when the rest gets here." Shikamaru instructed.
"Shikamaru."
The raven turned around and met Sai. "I'm not sure why I'm here. There is nobody else here from team 7 so…"
"Yeah, Sai." Shikamaru said. "I'm aware. But I will need you anyway. You have experience enough to be put on any task during the mission and your ability to fly will be helpful both on the road and during the investigation in Suna."
Sai glanced at Kankuro but kept his normal calm posture.
"It's alright. Nothing about the mission is secret from Kankuro. I find it hard to go into this investigation with an objective mind, cause I bet my lighter on that Suna is innocent in all this. However, even if we going there to confirm that and make it official. We still has to make sure it's handle right."
"Yes, I understand." Sai confirmed.
"I'll be happy to work with you Sai." Ino said as she approached them. She was carrying one normal bag and one medic-bag on her shoulder.
"So you were picked out too, huh?" Kankuro stated next to the blonde. She eyed him but didn't glare. "Let's put our differences aside, ok? This is a mission."
"I admit, that's very high-minded of you." Kankuro smirked.
Shikamaru made a cough, louder than he needed to brush over Kankuro's irony. He knew his teammate was smug for being the medical asset on this team instead of Sakura. But he choose to let it slide. He needed Ino both for her medic skills, should they be needed, and also her mind-jutsu in case they needed to investigate deeper. "Alright then. I guess it's time."
"Wait, I was supposed to meet Kiba before we leave." Kankuro objected.
"There is no need for that," the raven said and moved over to the gate. Kankuro frowned and turned around. He was surprised to find Kiba, Akamaru and Hinata there with travel bags like the rest.
Kankuro moved over to Kiba. "Is this real?"
"Shikamaru caught me on the street. Looks like I'm in." the Inuzuka said.
Kankuro nodded but felt there were more to it. "You alright?" he asked in a lower tone.
Kiba glanced over Kankuro's shoulder to make sure they talked without the others listening. Hinata moved over to Shikamaru, Sai and Ino to greet them.
"I got some serious warning to behave if I were to come. We need to keep the lowest profile." He said. Kankuro nodded. "Sure. It's none of their business anyway. Does Shikamaru know?"
"I'm pretty sure he knows more than he has said. Either way, he did me a favor going against Tsunade-sama's whishes so I won't give him a hard time."
"That's a pretty big promise, coming from a trouble magnet."
Kankuro let out a snicker as the Inuzuka hit him across the arm, and they both joined the group.
Shikamaru scanned the group. It wasn't optimal, but he could work with this. From his own team, he had Ino, from team 8 tracking team, he got Hinata and Kiba with Akamaru.
And he got Lee and Tenten for extra protective detail when they reached Suna. Together with Sai from team 7, he could make this work.
"Alright, we are going to Suna to investigate if the attack on our village came from there. One of the attackers claimed it so before dying. But as a good faith and as a token, we are also returning Kankuro to his home. We will meet Kazekage as we arrive." Shikamaru continued. "I want you all to be ready for anything during this mission. There is a good chance the enemy is both on the road, and infiltrating Suna as we arrive. They know who we are, but not the other way around.
Now, as we move, I want Kiba and Hinata on the sides. With your senses we can predict if we are attacked. Lee and Tenten backup from the back."
"Roger that." Lee said with an exited closed fist.
Kankuro and I will be in the front. Ino support from the middle behind Kankuro.
The Suna Jonin sent Kiba a look as Ino smacked him in his shoulder. "Looks like I have your back." The Yamanaka said.
"Yeah, I feel safer already." He said with crossed arms.
"Finally, Sai make Lee and Tenten company in the back. Go above ground if I call it. It can either be to scout or if we are attacked. Then you can give us a quick scan." Shikamaru said.
"Understood." Sai said and tensed up as Lee put his arm around his neck with enthusiasm. "Let's work together with the fire of our hearts, Sai-kun!"
"H-hai…" the pale painter said with a very forced smile.
"Alright, if there are any questions, we´ll take it on the way. Let's move out."
"Wait."
The group turned around and Kiba's eyes widened. "Shino."
The Aburame stood there in his usually posture, hands in the pockets of his green jacket.
"I heard you were unable to come. I'm sorry about that." Shikamaru said friendly.
"…Good luck to your all. Make sure to aid Suna at the best of your abilities." Shino said.
The group smiled. "We will Shino-kun!" Lee said with a huge smile.
"Hinata. Kiba. Take care of each other." He continued.
"You know we will." Kiba smirked and Hinata nodded. It was a small almost undetectable sign but Kiba saw it and approached his teammate. "Good luck." The Aburame murmured.
Kiba smiled and raised his fist at him. "Thank you, buddy." Shino met with his own fist in a gentle touch. And the Aburame nodded at Kankuro who nodded back in a secret understanding.
"Okay, let's go." Shikamaru called out and took off.
Ino was a second behind Kankuro when Sai caught her arm. "As you said to Kankuro-san. I'll have your back…beautiful." Sai smiled and moved forward, causing Ino to blush. Tenten took a gently hold of her shoulder and pushed her forward. "Get into the middle Ino."
The group was losing light only a half hour after they left. The group moved gracefully under the trees of Konoha. Shikamaru's eyes went from left to right as the responsibility weigh heavily on his shoulders.
Kankuro glanced to the side as he had Kiba behind him on his left side. The Inuzuka didn't ride on Akamaru's back, instead he seemed too busy to scan the area to even notice Kankuro looking at him.
"Keep focused, boy." Kiba whispered to the dog. "The smallest sign you pick up is important." Akamaru answered with a serious bark.
Hinata used her Byakugan on the other side, making sure to see the road ahead.
"Are we doing an all-nighter run, Shikamaru?" Lee called out.
"I doubt that, Lee." The Captain answered. "We need a little time to take a closer look at the route, and we might as well rest up while doing so. We'll see how long we are going for now."
"Understood." the group confirmed together.
With Shikamaru and Kankuro in the lead, the team left the ground and continued their way up in the trees. Together they jumped from branch to branch in high speed for another half hour.
"Everyone, you holding up ok?" Shikamaru broke the heavy silence.
"Woah, everyone stop!" Kiba yelled almost at the same time.
The reaction was instant, everybody made a drastic stop on the nearest branch. Akamaru barked in confusion and looked around from where he was standing next to his master on a thick branch.
"Report!" Shikamaru called out.
Kiba's eyes scanned the area. He wasn't used to this wide range of scents.
"Kiba?"
"I'm not sure. There are different unfamiliar scents all over the place." Kiba continued to look around but felt no presence. The Inuzuka sighed in annoyance and closed his eyes to concentrate his senses further.
Ino pulled out a kunai and Tenten held tightly in a scroll.
"Then there is risk for traps all over the place." Kankuro said from Shikamaru's side as they shared a branch.
"I agree." Shikamaru said and pulled out a note and pen. In the corner of his eye, he saw Kiba make a few hand signs. "Kiba, calm down, we can still…"
Kiba gathered chakra in his feet and pushed from his branch. "Scatter!"
Shikamaru grunted as Kiba's shoulder hit his stomach and the duo left the branch just in time before it exploded by a blast from below. Kankuro managed to jump up and grab hold of higher branch as the one they had been standing on fell, and he looked down as the duo fell towards the ground. "Kiba!"
The Inuzuka got hold of a tree trunk with his feet and crunched down in a standstill with Shikamaru hanging under his arm. He looked up to see that the rest of the team had managed to get away. "Nice save, Kiba." Shikamaru said as he recovered.
"Don't mention it." Kiba answered seriously. "Nobody is here, but there are some serious traps. How did they even know we were going to come this way?"
"You don't smell anyone here?"
"No, it's a lingering scent in this area but it's still."
"I-I don't see anything either." Hinata confirmed above them.
Kankuro fixed his grip as he was hanging in one arm. "How do we find the traps?"
Shikamaru looked down. "Well the blast came from there. Let us see what we have here." Trusting Kiba to hold his weight he reached back and pulled out a Kunai. With a well-aimed throw, sparkles were heard from the bush the blade hit."
"It's a scroll with an element inside. It's summons when you get close to it." Tenten concluded. "They could be hidden all over this area."
"Could we make a run for it?" Lee asked.
"It's a high risk of casualties."
"What if we fly?" Sai suggested.
"Then the next person from Konoha will be hurt." Ino said. "We need to take care of this." She looked around and got nods from the group. We can do it Shikamaru." She said.
"But we also need to reach Suna." Tenten warned.
"Alright, we go for it. Sai, I need your help." Shikamaru said.
"Everyone ready?" Shikamaru said and the group got into start position. "Go, Sai."
"Ninpō: Chōjū Giga!" Sai called forward his lion-like creatures who started to rush forward setting off the traps. And the group followed, hoping the ink-jutsu would get them all.
There were element jutsus exploding from every direction. Tenten used her own scroll to summon water to put out a tree that had caught fire.
Ino yelled as another wind whirl flew passed her and cut another branch in half.
Akamaru and Kankuro ducked from another fire assault.
Next was an electric stream that made Kiba vault over to a branch. Hinata jumped over him to avoid pushing him off the branch and therefore lost her balance and fell towards the ground. "Hinata!" Kiba reached for her but didn't get her hand in time. He made attempt to jump after, when a flash of green flew past him.
Lee caught Hinata in midair and rolled them on the ground in the landing, setting off another scroll-trap. Hinata saw the explosion of kunai aiming at them and she recovered before Lee as they rolled. She covered his body with hers before spinning around with her chakra, causing the blades to evade them. As she stopped, there were no more assault.
"Hinata! Are you ok?" Kiba called out as he landed next to them.
"Yes, thanks to Lee-san!" Hinata smiled as Lee got up from the ground. "I say the same, thank you Hinata."
"Keep going, don't fall behind." Shikamaru called from above and the trio followed suit.
"One more time," Sai said and released more painted animals who set off the traps. After a few minutes the traps got more messy and less hidden.
"Looks like they did these in a hurry." Shikamaru said as they moved in a single line.
"That's a good sign." Tenten confirmed. "Let me," She pulled out a scroll and let a rain of Kunais hit the area and there were no traps left. "Looks clear to me. Kiba?" she asked.
"I don't get any strong scent anymore." He added.
"Ok, let's hurry, we have lost much time." Shikamaru said and together the group picked up their speed.
"Kankuro watched the flames of the campfire. After two more hours of running, Shikamaru had decided to let the team rest for the night. The Jonin was allowed to take the first watch.
A million thoughts entered his mind as he studied the dancing fire; the route, possible threat ahead, his siblings wellbeing. He wasn't sure they would be in time.
There was no doubt in his mind that Suna was the next target of attack. And he needed to be there when it happened. If it were him, he would have made a run non-stop. But he respected that it wasn't his call to make. The trick was not to let it stress him out. He would still get there…
Suddenly the red tent in front of him collapsed and Tenten's voice cried out, "C'mon Lee…!"
Kankuro watched movements under the red fabric, trying to find the way to the opening. He raised an eyebrow at the sight. Konoha shinobis….
The kunoichi finally revealed herself with a sour expression. She muttered angrily as she pulled out her teammate who was, to Kankuro's surprise still asleep. "Look what you did." She accused.
The green dressed ninja rolled out on the ground, heading straight for the campfire, causing Kankuro to block his movement with his hand. The second the puppet-master's hand touched him, Lee made a growling noise and made an un-logical jump, vaulted through the air and started to climb the nearest tree. Kankuro watched the scene, barely believing what he was seeing. "Is he…?"
"Sleep-walking? Oh yes." Tenten sighed with her hands on her hips. "I forgot replace this tent since the last mission. And Lee finished it off this time." The brunette looked up at her teammate, currently sleeping soundly on the lowest branch. "I guess there is another night under the sky tonight." She whined.
Kankuro looked up at those threatening clouds. "Not very fun, since the rain is sure to come."
"I know, but there is nothing to it." she said and pulled the broken tent in a heap.
Kankuro scratched his neck uncomfortably. "Look, there is room in my tent."
She turned to him with a frown. "Are you sure? I tend to roll a bit."
"I don't mind. You need your sleep as there is a long day ahead."
She seemed to think about it for a minute, then she smiled a little at him. "Thank you Kankuro, I appreciate it."
After a few minutes, the Jonin watched how Tenten entered his tent and he continued his watch. The only sound around the camp was the fire and Lee's occasional snoring from the tree.
Sai exited his tent a few hours later with a scroll under his arm. "I take over the watch, Kankuro-san." He said. "You need your rest as well."
"Gratitude." the Jonin said and stretched his arms over his head. "Other than that Lee ruined a tent in his sleep, there is nothing to report. The rain seemed to make a turn so we won't get any."
"I bet we will miss it, once we reach the desert." The pale painter said as he sat down by the fire.
"You probably will. Night."
Kankuro lay down on his side of the tent. He wondered if he would get any sleep anyway. But he forced his mind to still as he knew he could use the few hours that was left for the night.
It had not been a problem. After a few hours his body was completely at peace. As he had come be used to another body against his, he pulled Kiba closer to his chest, enjoying the contact. It both helped for warmth and comfort.
Shikamaru yawned as he exited his tent with Ino who put up her hair in her usual high ponytail. "Morning Sai. Are you ok?"
"No problems at all." Sai said as he had started to boil some rice for the group as breakfast.
"What happened there?" Ino asked as she looked at the red tent.
"Oh, Lee is active during the night as well." Sai smiled happily and pointed at the tree where Lee was yawning and stretching.
"Sheesh." Shikamaru said at the sight. "That is one unique quality."
"I'll pour some water so we can wash up." Ino said and greeted Hinata as she exited her own tent. Slowly the camp came to life.
Shikamaru studied the map once again, while Lee and Sai served the rice for everyone to take. Ino and Hinata giggled as Akamaru dipped his head into the water bucket and shook the water off with a happily bark.
"The road ahead seem fine, Shikamaru. There hasn't been anyone there recently." Kiba reported as he landed next to the Captain."
"Thanks. Could you wake Kankuro up? I know he probably need sleep but as we are leaving soon he should eat something."
"Sure."
"Kiba-kun. Do you want me to look at the road ahead as well?" Hinata asked as she met him.
"There is no need. Try and eat something. We get rid of our tent in no time after breakfast." He smiled at her, causing her to nod.
"Yo, time to wake up, Lazy." The Inuzuka said as he pulled the fabric of the opening away from Kankuro's tent. Kankuro lay on his back with Tenten's head on his chest. Both were hugging each other close in their sleep.
Kiba stepped away from the tent, causing Ino to react. "Kiba? Didn't you wake him?"
Kankuro eyes opened at Ino's distant voice. "Kiba? You heard her. It's time to get up." It was first then he noticed something was off. Kiba's weight was wrong. And the long brown locks over his chest was definitely new. Next thing he knew was Ino's face peeping into his tent and she let out none-descreetly 'oh!' at the sight.
"Sorry!" The blonde giggled and left the opening just as quickly she had shown up.
Kankuro frowned at the mess. Gently he shook Tented awake but the kunoichi just murmured and snuggled closer to his chest. "you smell good." She murmured.
"Tenten, wake up." He said a bit firmly causing her to open her brown eyes. She met his dark ones and a blush spread across her face. "Oh…did we?"
"No." he said and made a movement to sit up.
She moved away from him, one of her hair-buns had come undone during the night and she started to work on it to have something to do.
"Um, I'll need to talk to Shikamaru so…" he said with tension.
"Sure sure!" she agreed quickly, she pulled her legs up and seemed very confused and embarrassed overall.
"Are you ok?" he asked, not wanting her to feel bad.
She nodded sincerely and made a movement with her hand that he could go.
The group ate in silence at first. Lee was yawning and moved one of his shoulders around.
"Ok, as soon as everyone is ready, we are leaving." Shikamaru said as he held back another yawn.
"Have you considered the alternatives I gave you?" Kankuro asked.
"It's real troublesome decision. But I think the long way around will do too much damage. I'm afraid we have to take the shortcut through Demon desert."
"Demon desert?" Ino repeated in worry.
"Yes. It's a highly dangerous terrain, even for us who knows it." Kankuro said. "But it is by far the quickest way to Suna."
"But if something happens then we won't get there at all." The kunoichi argued.
"I predict we are big enough group to get through that area fast enough. If Kankuro deem it possible to take that way."
"It is not without risks. This season there are sand creatures who are very aggressive cause of the mating period. Most of them have deadly poison."
"I have very limited of antidote with me. Just to warn you." Ino said.
Shikamaru sat silent and judging by his stare he was in deep thought.
"Look." Kankuro said to the raven. "If it was my team, then I would risk it. But this is your team. You have to make the call. I will not insist and put Konoha in danger." The Jonin said.
Shikamaru nodded. "I need a minute."
"More tea, anyone?" Tenten asked and held up a kettle.
Ino accepted a refill.
"Are you okay, Lee-san?" Hinata asked.
"I seem to have slept in a bad position." The fuzzy eyebrow teen said. "My shoulder ache."
"Let me see?" The bluenette asked and stood up behind him. "Sure."
"Byakugan!" Hinata looked over the shoulder with her vision and smiled. "take a deep breath."
As Lee did as told, she used her palm and hit him on a certain spot making a small cracking sound. Lee let out a sigh of content. "Thank you."
"Ino, could you help so his shoulder won't swell up?"
"Of course."
"Such a special treatment from lovely girls." Lee hummed happily as Ino's green light healed his shoulder.
"Don't get too comfortable." Ino giggled.
Kankuro glanced at Kiba who paid close attention to the rice he ate. He tried to get his attention but failed. Akamaru seemed to sense something and whined but was also ignored.
Shikamaru stood up and moved over to his tent. Sai also decided to stretch his legs.
Ino sat back down and elbowed Tenten. "Soo, what was that about?" She whispered causing Tenten to instantly blush. Hinata sat down next to them and looked at them in question.
"I don't know what it means." The brunette whispered as Kankuro stood up as well. She looked at his back.
"Hello, I saw you. You ended up in his tent!" Ino whispered causing Hinata to gasp.
"It was an accident. Our tent broke and…"
"But what I saw wasn't an accident." Ino argued. "You looked so cute together."
Kiba suddenly snapped his chopsticks in half and threw them into the fire harshly and stood up to move away.
"Kiba-kun?" Hinata asked in surprise.
"Kiba, come back here and eat up. When we get to the desert you have to have energy to get through it." Ino lectured.
"Get off my back Ino." Kiba muttered.
"I'm just saying that if you don't eat enough you might collapse and then you are my problem."
"Your concern is noted." He said and moved away.
"What's with him?" Tenten asked. Ino just puffed. "Don't pay him any thought. Now, you need to talk to Kankuro before…"
Kankuro instantly saw Kiba's mood and he tried to keep up with his partner who moved away to his own tent. "oi, I need to talk to you." he said in a low tone.
"Not right now." Kiba said dismissively but sighed as Kankuro took a gentle hold of his arm.
"Yes now, Kiba I-"
"Kankuro-san." Both guys turned around. Tenten had followed them and looked at the Jonin with concerned eyes. "I- I need to talk to you." She glanced at Kiba. "alone, please?"
The Jonin put up his hand at her. "Could it wait?"
"You don't mind, do you Kiba?" She asked as her brown eyes turned into puppy eyes.
"Of course not." Kiba said and pulled out a Kunai so fast Kankuro almost jumped. He didn't know why he expected that knife being put into his crotch. Instead, Kiba cut the line to his tent, making it fall to the ground. "You two go ahead."
Kankuro sighed as his partner moved away from them.
"Look, I just want you to know…what happened last night.."
"Or what didn't happened…" Kankuro put in as he crossed his arms.
"I just want you to know that I don't usually get all…like that..you know?" Tenten made a face as she heard how she sounded.
"Hey, no harm done. You warned me that you roll around."
"But I usually don't roll like that obviously..!" she claimed, blush still in place. She looked around to make sure their conversation was private.
"Fine." Jonin said. Damn he found it hard talking to her like this. His own part of the situation was just as guilty. He could kick himself for being so reckless.
"Look, I didn't mean it to get like this." He tried to explain.
"Really? Cause you held me kind of… tight." She whispered.
"Yeah…I thought you…" he bite down the last part.
"You thought what?"
"I can't say." He stated causing her to frown.
"ok?"
"Look, I…know how this must seem. But I don't have any intention to let it…"
"When we get to Suna, just take me out for a drink. One date. I- I think I deserve at least that much." She asked. "Please?"
He snickered in irony. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Then why did you last night?" she questioned.
"Fine. One drink. Not a date. More of a drink to get to know each other. And a way for me to apologize for this misunderstanding."
"I don't care what you call it. I'm getting my drink with you." Tenten beamed before she backed away from him happily.
Kankuro let out a sigh and looked around for Kiba but he was nowhere to be found. After that it was impossible to get any kind of time with his partner as Shikamaru rushed the team to go on the road again.
The formation was the same as the day before but there was still a good hour before they would reach the border. Since there were no signs of any human contact, Shikamaru let the group loose a little, giving Kankuro a chance to fall behind and make contact with Kiba.
"Oi, I need to talk to you." he murmured to the brunette.
"Hn."
"Look, nothing happened."
"Right."
"It was not what it looked like…"
"Okay."
"I just need you to know.."
"Kankuro, if you told me nothing happened, then nothing happened. So why are you arguing?" Kiba asked as he leaped up to another branch, causing the other to follow.
Kankuro frowned. "So you´re just going to take my word for it instead of what you saw?"
"Well, based on what you are telling me, I didn't see anything, right?"
"….right? No, you did but..it's not what you saw-what it looked like!"
His eyes widened as sharp eyes met his for the first time. Kiba glared at him fiercely, his pupils had turned into slits "I don't like what I saw." He said firmly.
"I..understand that." he answered.
Kiba nodded simply and put his focus back on the road.
Despite the firm tone, Kankuro concluded that they had reached an understanding.
As Kankuro had joined Kiba's side. Sai took the opportunity to move forward next to Shikamaru. "Can I have a word?"
"Of course." The raven allowed.
"If Kankuro suggest the shortcut, shouldn't we take the long? Objectively we know his sister left after the attack. Who know where she is? It would be safer for the team to do something else than what he would aim for."
"I hear you Sai. But I don't feel a foul play in his suggestion."
"With only a team of seven. Can you afford to risk it?"
The Captain was silent for a moment. "If he convince you then we take the shortcut. Go ahead."
Sai nodded and turned his head. "Kankuro-san."
The Suna Jonin acknowledged the call and picked up the speed so he could join them in the front.
"Did you suggest the shortcut was the best option for us?" the painter asked.
Kankuro nodded. "That is what I would do yes. Like I said there are more risks, but it is by far the shortest way to Suna."
"Even so, we just decided to take the long way around to be safe. I hope you understand." Sai said.
"Of course. It's your decision." The puppet master looked up at the sun. "Let me see, then we are too far west of the best passage through. We should head more East for an hour or two."
Shikamaru looked at Sai who studied the Suna ninja. After a minute he nodded to the captain."
"Then we stick to the plan, Sai. Continue."
"Yes."
Kankuro looked suspiciously as the pale raven left them and took his former position in the back. Then he turned back at Shikamaru. "That was a test, wasn't it?"
The Captain offered an apologetic smile. "We can't afford to not be a bit suspicious. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I would have done the same thing."
After another half hour a female voice broke the silence.
"Shikamaru."
The raven turner back on his right side. Hinata eyes were focused straight ahead. "We are almost there. I can see the ground change. I'm starting to see corn of sand. We should reach the desert soon."
Kankuro smirked. "I can vouch for that. Home sweet home."
"Roger that." The captain said.
"May I come with a suggestion to make a break?" Kankuro suddenly asked.
"Go ahead."
With that final call, everyone in the investigation team left the last tree line and landed in a clearing. Lee landed on all fours- position and Kiba vaulted before landing next to Akamaru last. The white dog sniffed on the new ground before rolling around on his back, getting familiar with the new terrain. Kiba crouched down next to his comrade to ruffle his belly.
"We talked about the risks by taking this way. But I would like to suggest that we spend some time in this area first. We need antidote."
"Antidote?" Lee questioned as he rose to his feet.
"Can't go as far to say I'm an expert in that area. But I know a small recipe for an antidote. It will not heal the person, but it will slow the poison process down until we can get help in Suna."
"What can we expect to face out there?" Ino couldn't help but ask.
"Kankuro told me that there are mating season of dangerous animals that lives in the desert. Giant scorpions that is very toxic."
"Gross." Tenten commented. "How big?"
"Very big. Unnatural big." Kankuro confessed. "With a shell that is impossible to get through with a simple Kunai. And it has two kinds of spit. One sticky kind that trap the victim. And then there is the toxic spit. And that is only the front of it. It's tail is sharp and also drenched in toxic. The poison's first stage has a paralyzing affect. If left untreated, it will create organ-failure.
But it rarely comes to that. Cause the Scorpio pull it's pray underground during the paralyzing stage so it can eat while the body is fresh.
It's color melt together well with the sand and it has a very large territory out there. They tend to get even more aggressive this time of year."
"Terrific." Kiba said and leaned on Akamaru with one arm as the dog stood up next to him. "So how do we tackle this captain?"
"I agree with Kankuro. A batch with that antidote would come in handy in worse case of scenario. But hopefully we'll never know."
"Give me an hour." Kankuro nodded. "I need to find some plants."
Kiba, Lee and Sai joined him in the search. When the Jonin had found the first plant, he showed it to the others so they had a description of what they were looking for. Kiba, relying more on his nose, sniffed it and soon came back with a handful more.
"I think these will be enough." Kankuro said as he accepted the last handful from Sai and they returned back, grateful to find Ino already been preparing a bowl for him.
Lee took a close seat next to Kankuro by the bowl and watched the puppet-master cut the thick leaves and stem. "Not the flower?" he found himself ask out of curiosity.
The Jonin glanced at him but didn't object to the company. "The seeds are in these." He said and true enough, he began to extract small yellow seeds and put them in the bowl. After he began to mash them with the round handle of the kunai. "As we crush them, we extract the juice inside. Then we need to mix it all with hot water."
Ino nodded and started a small fire and accepted a water bottle from Tenten. As soon as the water was boiling they added the crushed seeds together with the liquid, the color started to change to a light green shade.
"That's amazing Kankuro-san" Lee said as he followed every step of the process. He even leaned forward to take in the smell of the bowl. "Are you a medic-ninja too?"
"No. But my tools are using poison as well. So naturally I need an antidote of some kind when I'm traveling. The really good antidotes are of course much more difficult to create. Only the most skilled elders in our villages are in charge of that. This is the best I can do."
"It's not so little! We are grateful of the support you show us!" Lee said with a big grin.
Kankuro held back the urge to smile a bit. He also noticed Ino was quiet but very attentive on his other side.
A bit away Shikamaru were discussing in a ring with Kiba, Sai and Hinata.
"The risks are indeed troublesome. But we will save a lot of time getting there."
"No one question your decision, Shikamaru." Hinata smiled in reassurance.
"Kiba, did you spot any of these creatures when you traveled to Suna last time?" Sai asked.
Kiba crossed his arms. "Akamaru and I took the long way getting there, however I was thinking, wouldn't it be a better idea to go during the night?"
"I was thinking that as well. But it gets very cold in the desert during night, and according to Kankuro these creatures are as much active during night as day, so it wouldn't give us much advantage. More the opposite." Shikamaru mused.
The group sighed. There was no other way.
A half hour later, Kankuro filled the last bottle that Ino had given him. He handed it back to her so she could keep them in her medic bag. "now we hope for the best." He said to her.
They all started to change gear for the new terrain ahead. The Konoha ninjas pulled on shoes that covered the whole foot, so they wouldn't burn themselves in the sand.
"Keep the cloaks ready if there will be a sandstorm. It protect from the heat as well. How are we on the water supply Tenten?" Shikamaru asked.
"Oh, I have filled my scrolls. We should be ok." She said and tapped the weight on her back.
"Hinata, Kiba. I will need you on the same task as before." The captain continued.
"Yes!" Hinata confirmed seriously.
Kiba nodded as he secured the last bandage on Akamaru's paws to protect them against the sand as well. The giant dog walked around for a bit before giving a bark in approval.
"I say we run over this desert in two hours tops!" Lee called out; his energy had really pumped up for the task ahead.
"Are you crazy!?" Tenten glared at him. "We are not making this into a running contest lee!"
"How else are we going to fill our hearts of content, Tenten? Our youth demands a challenge."
"Yeah, even if that's true," Kankuro said dryly. "You are not going through this terrain any faster than a Suna shinobi. It will take days."
"Challenge accepted!"
Akamaru barked happily, causing Kiba to ruffle his head. "Have you forgotten the last journey we made? You weren't so cocky then."
"Calm down Lee." Shikamaru said seriously. "Even though we take this route to save time, our first priority is to get there safe. I need you sharp out there, but not reckless."
"Yes, sir!" Lee said overdramatically.
"Alright then. Let's do this."
Kankuro eyes drew to the path in front them. The sand was the first step back home to his family. 'Hold on little brother. I'm on my way.'
TBC.
Thank you for reading this far. Chapters are still in process. Stay safe out there due to covid 19.