Chapter 1: It's been too long.
Authors note:
Warning: This story will contain rough sex. violence, hurt, love and mystery. Rated M for a reason.
This is my current main story about Kankuro/Kiba. If you want to know how these two met in my story universe, please read my prologue to this story called "The Mission."
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Time-jump)
I'm always happy to talk with Naruto-fans, don't hesitate to comment or mail me! ^^
Temari closed her eyes and took in the scent of the forest as she jumped to another branch. Not that she would trade her home in Suna anytime soon, but it was always a refreshing smell compared to the sand environment she lived in. The group she was currently in had not stopped for about an hour, but she wasn't tired. She refused to be as her green eyes scanned the surroundings after enemies. The chakra trail of their earlier pursuers was gone at the moment, but the blond kunoichi knew better than to relax.
"How far ahead are we?" was asked next to her, making her eyebrow twitch in annoyance. It was not the fifth time the man next to her had asked that question despite her obvious short replays.
"About the same since last you asked," she answered automatically as it had become a routine. The man looked over his shoulder nervously. He was a merchant who supposedly had strong bonds with a Lord of the Takigakure no sato. (Hidden village of Grass.) That's why they were ordered by Gaara to help the sneaky coward back to his village in one piece.
In Temari's personal opinion he deserved what he got. The fool had been traveling and been selling questionable goods in the neighbor countries. All had gone well, until he had sold his stuff to the wrong people: Shinobis of Ishigakure no sato. (Hidden village of rock.)
When being confronted, the weasel merchant had taken flight into the Land of Wind. There he had been discovered by a Suna patrol returning from a mission and the merchant had requested to be taken to Suna.
Gaara had sent a message to the Grass village and it was confirmed the man was important person there. The village of Grass was allies with Konoha, so naturally they were allies with Suna. So they ordered an escort back for him. Temari thought the mission was so stupid that she hadn't even bothered to remember his name. She settled with calling him "the merchant."
"I'm not comfortable until we reach the border! Are you sure this is the fastest way?"
"Maybe you should have thought about that before messing with assassins from hidden rock village." Another Suna ANBU on Temari's other side commented. The ANBU didn't look at them directly. Just continued to scan the area ahead, a mask of an eagle covering his face.
The merchant growled and raised his fist at the masked ninja. "Shut up! It's your mission to take me home alive and without a scratch, do your job!"
"Leave it alone, Washi. (Eagle)" Temari advised. "A mission is a mission." She said. Both of them took a new leap from another branch, keeping their flying movements steady and fast.
The merchant glared at her instead. "Yeah, I thought you would see it like that. You don't care about my wellbeing, as far as I know you are leading me straight into those Rock ninjas!"
The kunoichi sighed in irritation. Causing the client do something reckless would compromise the mission. So she had to let him in on the situation. "No, you are a client of ours, and even if I think you care about yourself enough for the four of us here, we are dedicated to keep you alive."
She looked up into the sun that was slowly starting to set. "According to my math, we are currently a few miles west of Amegakure no sato (Hidden village of Rain) and heading straight for the border of Grass village. Even though the rain has a pause right now, it's only a short gap until it starts pouring again, and that will help our trail to wash away."
"Then you mean we have nothing to worry about at all?" The man asked hopefully.
"No, that's not what I'm saying. We need to keep going. We are crossing their land without permission. Shinobis of Rain is known for their short temper. So we do best in not crossing path with them."
"Maybe they catch the Rock ninjas instead!" the merchant said.
"No, that would not be good."
Temari looked forward to her brother who had taken the lead some time ago. The puppet-master turned his head and looked at the group. "If they find the rock ninjas then they will know about our presence as well. And we can't afford to defend us against them both. Our best chance to reach hidden village of grass is to keep going."
"All the way? It's still miles left! And I'm already tired!" the merchant argued causing Temari to lose her temper. "Then push yourself! You are a man aren't you!?" she yelled.
"Temari. Keep your voice down." Kankuro advised and the group continued to work their way forward, ignoring their client groan of dissatisfaction.
About an hour later, his complaining became too much to ignore, and they decided for a quick pause so he wouldn't collapse and become even more of a burden. The man sat/lay on a thick branch already emptied half of his water bottle in one sweep. Temari and the ANBU were standing on the same branch beside him, keeping guard while Kankuro was checking the ground below.
"This is not a well- used path. Not many footprints here. So hopefully we are not close to any smaller village either." He reported to his sister who nodded back.
The merchant emptied the rest of his water over his head while taking a loud sigh of exhaustion.
"This is not good. He won't make it in our pace. Do we have a backup-plan, Temari-san?" The ANBU whispered to the kunoichi.
She was just about to answer when the merchant gave out a very high-pitch scream. In the corner of her eye, Temari caught an aggressive movement and she took hold of her fan and turned around but it was too late to unfold it. The bastards hide their chakra! ,she thought as she used the metal fan as a shield against the rock-ninja who tackled her. The ninja was about three size bigger than her, so she was thrown backwards from the branch and landed hard on her back on the ground with the ninja on top of her.
"Temari!" Kankuro yelled and rushed over to aid his sister.
That when another rock-ninja went for a surprise-attack on him from his right. Kankuro felt a blade piece his side and his body went stiff. The shinobi grinned at him. "This blade of mine can cut stone. You are dead, my Suna friend….what!?" the rock-ninja gasped in shock as Kankuro body started to crumble around the wound where the blade was stuck. Next thing he saw was a movement from the white cocoon that was covered in white bandages on Kankuro's back.
"Impossible!" he yelled as another Kankuro jumped out from the cocoon. The puppet-master already had his doll replacement in control with chakra strings and with a quick twist of his hand, the rock-ninja found himself stuck in the arms of the puppet 'Kuroari' (black ant) and then came the blades out and started to saw into his immoveable body.
After a gurgling sound, the dead body hit the ground and Kankuro turned to his teammates. "Washi, you watch the client!" he ordered and the ANBU was quick to go to action, picking up the scared merchant and moved to a safer location.
Temari still managed to keep the opponent at bay with her fan. He tried to slash her with a kunai but she blocked hit after hit. "You damn bitch! Hand over the bastard from grass and we will let you live!"
"Don't think so!" she argued and then Kankuro pushed him off her. The rock-ninja made a flip before landing on his feet, facing the siblings of sand.
Temari got to her feet and didn't waste any time. "move him back." She ordered.
Kankuro summoned Karasu and shoot kunai's from its mouth, causing the rock-shinobi to take retreat.
"Good." The kunoichi said as she waived her huge fan. "DaiKamaitachino Jutsu" (Wind release: Scythe Jutsu.)
The rock-ninja's scream was short as his head was cut clean off with the wind attack.
Kankuro couldn't help but to grin at the body who fell to the ground. "Always so dramatic, sis."
"He annoyed me." She said simply, still glaring at the dead body before turning to their comrades in the tree above them, "c'mon. We need to get moving….!"
Her green eyes widened and her breath made a small halt of shock.
What was wrong? The forest around them…were changing color. It turned blue, red, green, purple. "What?" she forced out and gasped as Kankuro fell to his knees completely taken off guard. But why?
Is this a Genjutsu?
"Damnit!" Kankuro growled on the ground. He felt too heavy to get up. Like his broad frame was being pushed down by an invisible energy. At the same time he felt like he was going weaker.
Temari dropped her fan on the ground as it became too heavy to carry. And she moved to the side to get some distance and evaluate the situation. But she ended up running into an invisible wall.
She slammed the palm of her hands against the surface but it was solid. "We are trapped in some kind of zone." She said.
"And it's draining us of chakra…!" her brother stated. Temari looked up at the tree again but the merchant and washi was gone. Since she was the only one standing at the moment she crossed her fingers in a sign and focused. "KAI!" (release) But the Genjutsu did not break.
"You Suna Shinobi's are so full of yourselves. Did you really think we would make simple attacks with two men? The arrogance of the Suna people will be their downfall." The voice around them laughed. Neither of them could pin-point the source of the voice.
Kankuro growled and forced himself on his knees. He was not going to let these bastards get the best of him. Temari seemed to be on the right track. But it had to be a higher level of Genjutsu. So if it didn't work to cease the Jutsu, then he would have to shock his mind with pain.
Therefore he reached for a kunai. His let out a small grunt as he dug the blade into the upper part on his arm. Immediately he took in his surroundings and acted on adrenaline.
He tackled Temari to the ground to shield her from the attacking rock-ninjas sword, causing it to get his shoulder. With an agile kick in the enemy's stomach he managed to get some ground. "Kai!" he yelled and put his fingertips against his sisters temple, causing her to wake with a startle. "Rise and shine, sis." He said and pulled her up. As they turned, they spotted Washi and the merchant unmoving a few meters away, surrounded by rock-ninjas.
Temari was glad the enemy had underestimated her fan, as it still lay on the ground, untouched. "Can you move?" she asked as she picked it up.
"Just say when!"
"On my signal," She said as she quickly bit her thumb and smeared out her blood on her fan as payment for her summoning Jutsu. "Kuchiyose: Kirikiri Mai! (Summoning: Blade Dance)
The rock-ninjas scattered but most part of the group fell victim for the lethal attack. Temari's Jutsu changed the wooden terrain up to 100 meters. Her companion a one-eyed weasel tried to locate all enemies for his master. Blood was soon covering the ground and splattered against the trees and rocks.
As soon as the rock-ninjas scattered Kankuro rushed forward to his comrade. "Washi!" he shook the ANBU who groaned before waking up. "Can you stand?" the puppet-master asked.
"My knee made a cracking noise." He said remorsefully. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it." Kankuro turned to the merchant who looked like he was asleep. "Oi! Wake up!" he yelled and slapped the client, hard.
"Ouch!" the merchant whined and looked up. "You just gave up when they attacked…you useless…!"
The man cried in fear as Kankuro practically lifted him up with his good arm, growling in his face. "Finnish that sentence and we leave your sorry ass here. Let's go!"
The merchant was able to move on his own so Kankuro pulled washi's arm around his shoulders and dragged him along, ignoring his own pain. Temari stayed close to the client, keeping her weapon under her arm. Half hour of running they stopped as the path split into two.
"Temari, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Kankuro asked his sister.
"Yeah. It hurts but… we might not have a choice as our chakra is low." She turned to the trio." Washi, summon a bird."
"Yes, miss." Kankuro let the ANBU go who pulled out a scroll, after putting his blood on the parchment he made a hand sign, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu" a brown eagle appeared within the ink-circle.
Temari had already started to write a note which she tied on the bird's leg. "Konoha" she said and the bird flew away in haste.
"Konoha?" The Merchant said in confusion.
"We are going to the Land of Fire for protection." Temari said stiffly.
"The hell we are! We don't need the interference of more nations in this!" the client yelled.
"Listen now! We are low on chakra, there are still enemies on our trail, and it's closer to cross the border to our allies than your country. We have to make the best call." Kankuro said with authority.
At that moment, Washi turned to the trees. "I sense them. They are still many. Seem like they have gotten reinforces."
"Let's go!" Temari ordered and they ran.
"Tsunade-sama! You promised to read this pile of document if we were going to have sake tonight." Shizune said firmly.
The legendary female Sannin was looking through the big window-wall behind her desk, looking completely like she was in another world. The window was open, the cool breeze made her blond pig-tails dance a little.
The raven pupil slammed the office door closed and marched over to the desk. "I'm not kidding! No work, no reward! And most important…!" Shizune halted her sentence as she watched her teacher's dreaming face. "What is it Tsunade-sama?"
"It's really quiet, isn't it?" The blonde Hokage whispered.
"uh…Mm." Shizune agreed.
"It's closing in on two years now. Used to be so hectic and loud everywhere. I had to hide from him to get any work done. Now…it's almost too quiet to concentrate."
"Tsunade-sama, are you saying you miss Naru…"
"OF COURSE NOT!" the Hokage roared defensively. "Miss him!? That loud-mouth, clumsy kid!?"
"Well…" Shizune giggled a little. "You are very fond of him. You entrusted him your necklace. And you surely believe in him. Surely you must see yourself as his proud mother…EIII!" The raven ducked as a heavy book came flying at her head and out through the open window.
"HIS MOTHER!? ARE YOU CRAZY! LOOK AT ME SHIZUNE, I LOOK YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE HIS SISTER, AND FEEL EVEN YOUNGER! IT'S THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS!"
Outside the building was quiet. Most of the villages had started to head home from work so the street was very calm. Two not-so-motivated Chunin stood guard on their normal shift. It had been a day without hardly any action at all, and Kotetsu legs were more restless than usual. He glanced at his partner. Even Izumo seemed frustrated about the boring day, but compared to Kotetsu, he wouldn't say anything about it. Suddenly a book landed on the ground between them, making the raven raise an eyebrow. If he listened carefully he could hear the steady tone of their Hokage yelling about something in the tower. None of them said anything, just continued to guard letting out a frustration sigh from time to time.
"I'm hungry, let's eat some BBQ." Chōji suggested ignoring his teammates annoyed sigh. "Again? Chōji, we can't eat that stuff all the time. Besides we have an early mission tomorrow, what are you thinking?" Ino said while frowning at her teammate as they walked down the street with friends.
"Seriously man, if you eat that heavy today when it will be very troublesome to get you to wake up tomorrow." Shikamaru agreed as he walked on the side of the group, his hands in his pockets.
"We don't have to eat the big menu; we could have the smaller courses." The Akimichi tried to negotiate.
"I'm sorry, but my father wanted me home early today. I have training with my sister tomorrow." Hinata said in her usual low and sweet voice. Kiba walked next to her, resting his arms behind his head. "And my mom will scold me good if I don't turn in early too." He admitted.
"I can go." Sai said, not at all feeling the atmospheric that the friends trying to get Chōji to skip the heavy meal. The chubby ninja turned around with a huge smile. "Really Sai!?"
"Sure"
Shino who had been very quiet in the background, leaned in on Sai. "You shouldn't suggest that Sai. Why? Because it's not common for two not-so-close dudes to eat alone at such cozy restaurant."
"it's not?" Sai asked, not at all understanding.
"It's not." Ino agreed firmly and Hinata confirmed it by blushing a little.
"Whatever. If you want BBQ that bad then I go with you as well. As troublesome as it is, it's more troublesome to have Chōji to whine at the mission tomorrow."
"Thank you Shikamaru!" Chōji cried out happily.
"Okay! Done for today! Let's go for a round of Sake Shizune!" The Hokage said as she stretched her arms.
"Not even close, Tsunade-sama! This was just what I was talking about, you have tons of paperwork to sign." Tonton agreed with the raven pupil with a traditional Phu!
"You know what Shizune, sometime you really get on my nerves….!" The blond gasped as a bird suddenly entered her office through the window. "What's that doing here?"
"The message tower is closed today. I told you about it…what is it?"
The Hokage quickly unfolded the message. "This is bad. We have a squad from Suna heading our way to ask for assistance…"
Shizune took hold of the note that was thrown on the desk so she could read the details. The pig jumped from her arms and landed on the desk. It turned out to be a mistake as Tsunade started to throw books and papers around frantically. "Shizune! Where is the folder with available ninjas, we need to send out a team now!"
"I thought you said you would update that this morning!" the raven said and soon both of them started to throw things around. Tonton managed to hide under the table to avoid being thrown away as well.
(Outside)
"We never got any instructions on where to meet tomorrow." Shikamaru said all of sudden. "Maybe Tsunade-sama is still in her office."
"Why don't you ask Kotetsu-san and Izumo-san. They are over there." Hinata said and pointed over the bush that separated the group from the street of the Hokage-building.
The Chunin duo was, at the moment, standing a few meters outside the entrance to the building. Before Shikamaru could take Hinata's suggestion Ino was there and pulled him down behind the bush with a huge grin. "SHHH!" the blonde said causing all to follow her.
"What's with you woman?" Shikamaru asked but his head was pushed down causing him to stifle a groan.
"It's them again! I'm sure of it this time!" Ino whispered heatedly. "Where is Sakura when I need her? You guys are useless…"
"What's going on Ino?" Chōji asked in confusion. "what's with them?"
"You heard the rumors, didn't you?" she said while eyeing the duo thoroughly.
"Rumors?" Shikamaru repeated, despite being pushed down.
"that Kotetsu-san and Izumo-san is..." She squeaked and showed her little finger to the group.
"What!?" Hinata said and blushed again.
"Really!?" Chōji asked.
"Are you sure!?" Kiba asked.
"That's stupid." Shino commented.
"….what do you mean?" Sai asked.
"SHHH!"
The group watched the duo carefully and in silence. "So what, they have been glued together as long as we been ninjas. Big deal if they…!" again Ino pushed Shikamaru's head down, causing him to curse at her.
It was hard to hear the all the words between the guards, but some things was clear when Izumo raised his voice from time to time. "Forget it Tetsu." He said with authority.
"C'mon zumo…just a quickie. There is nobody here….missed…..day." Kotetsu said but was pushed away as he got near the other. Izumo held him an arm length away but Kotetsu simply sidestepped the arm and leaned in to whisper something.
"I knew it!" Ino whispered heatedly also red on the cheeks. Hinata was crimson by now and she decided to look away. The boys didn't say much, just looking at the scene before them in silence.
Kiba admitted that it looked like Ino was right. He hadn't told anyone about his own experience in Suna four months back. Not that he was ashamed of what happened…it was just difficult to know how his friends would react on the matter. Especially since he and Kankuro hadn't spoken a word since then. He had to figure out if it was worth it before taking such risk to tell anyone.
"You got some nerve." Izumo said a little louder at Kotetsu first whisper.
The raven Chunin with a bandage over his nose snickered a little but leaned in a second time to say more. Thirty seconds passed and the group could clearly see a deep blush spreading over Izumo's face even though he tried to seem unaffected. His lips slightly parted and his breath started to get heavier. "Kotetsu…"
"Oh my god!" Ino squealed.
Just as Kotetsu leaned in and kissed his lover on the cheek, he was hit large book right in the head, causing him to fall to the ground face first. Izumo reacted and was able to duck to avoid two other books that came flying with haste.
The group watched in shock Kotetsu's half-dead form with big eyes, until a voice from the top of the tower took their attention.
"YOU THERE! BEHIND THE BUSH!" Tsunade yelled, making all of them to jump forward and bow on the ground before the building, ignoring Izumo's blushing face.
"Nara Shikamaru! I assign you as Captain to a mission right now!"
"WHAT!?" the raven cried out but she hushed him with a wave with her arm. You could see Shizune was franticly holding Tsunade's waist to prevent the Hokage to fall out from the window.
"A Suna team is escorting a grass- merchant and has crossed path with hostile Rock-ninjas. They are trying to make it to our border and ask for immediately assistance. Choose your team and head out to aid them NOW!"
"Shikamaru shook his head to get his thoughts together." Troublesome. Ok. Chōji you come with me. He looked around in the group. "Kiba., I need you nose."
"Count us in!" Kiba stated and got a agree bark from Akamaru. He was glad he could use his nose as an argument to come, but he would not have settled for another replay. Not if the Suna team was who he thought it was.
"I might as well take the whole team 8. Let's head out." The raven concluded but stopped by Ino's hand on his shoulder.
"Shikamaru!" the blond girl stated in clear protest, offended to be left out.
"I'm sorry Ino. But I have enough offensive-ninjas here to aid with force. So your mind-transfer is not required."
"I don't only have a spy jutsu anymore." Ino argued. "I also can assist in medical attention."
That argument actually got Shikamaru to think. "Right… Ino! Get Sakura…"
"WHAT!"
"... And catch up with us." He finished with a finger in his ear to save his hearing from her tone. He then turned to Sai. "Sai, get them there quick."
"Hai." The pale raven confirmed but was surprised when Shino put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't remove this bug. It will help us keep in contact." Sai didn't make a face when the tiny bug climbed over to his shoulder.
"Move out, we make a strategy on the way!" Shikamaru ordered.
And with that the group started to run towards the main gate.
"Are you sure that Konoha will come to our aid?" Washi asked as they moved through the forest.
"Affirmative. The question is how long will it take for them to find us." Temari said.
"Don't worry. Konoha has excellent tracking teams. It shouldn't take too long." Kankuro put in, ignoring his sister looking at him at the corner of his eye. He knew a certain someone would come…he just knew it.
"What's the plan Shikamaru?" Kiba asked as the team just had left the gate and started to enter the forest.
"That's a good question. Until Sai gets here and give us a report from above we need to find out where to start look for them. This sure is troublesome." The captain complained. Kiba didn't comment his comrade's attitude. Because he knew despite Shikamaru complaining, the raven was surely already thinking about a bunch of strategies in that genius head of his.
"Shikamaru, someone is approaching." Shino commented causing the group to come to an abrupt halt. It turned out to be harmless. Shikamaru and the team quickly recognized team Gai, just returning from a mission.
"What's going on, guys?" Tenten asked. It was not a normal sight to see such team leaving the village.
"We are sent to aid a Suna squad by the border. Apparently Rock-ninjas are giving them trouble." Shikamaru stated and looked at Lee who boxed in the air excitedly. He ignored it and turned to the most composed person on the team. "Neji, did you see any sign of where we can find them? You just returned, right?"
But the brunette shook his head. "I'm sorry, we were not as far as the border."
"Shikamaru, I ask to join your team. I still have enough energy to fight off Rock-ninjas from our land. And to aid Gaara is a task I never take on half-heatedly. I swear on my power of youth!" Lee said.
"But Lee…" Tenten said a little weary. "We just came back. Shouldn't you rest?"
"Actually one more or less is welcomed. We don't know what we will face over there. I have medic ninjas coming as backup also." Shikamaru said. "Let's go then."
"Be careful, Hinata-sama" Neji whispered to his cousin, making her smile back at him. "I will." And with that the team was on their way again.
"Shino, Kiba, Hinata, please use your abilities to find any sign of them. I have a clue where the best way to enter the Fire Country from their direction is but we don't know what affect the situation."
"Let's do this Akamaru." Kiba encouraged his comrade and with a hand sign, he focused his chakra to his nose, taking in scents carried by the wind."
Shino held out his arms and a mass of thousands of bugs escaped his cape, scattering in all directions. The Aburame member ordered his small comrades to spread out over the landscape and report back to him with information.
"Byakugan!" The veins around Hinata's pale eyes started to show as she activated her Kekkei genkai.
"Ok then. Let's hope we make it in time." The leader muttered and couldn't help thinking about a certain blond with green eyes.
Ino and Sai were running up the stairs of the medical building. "Damn Shikamaru. Why do we need Sakura when I was right there!"
"Sakura has more experience than you in medic jutsu. And we don't know what we are up against…" Sai informed, causing him to flinch when Ino gave him a death glare. He didn't understand why girls seemed so sensitive when he told them the truth. He still had much to learn about socialization.
"Is everything you need here?" he quickly asked instead to change subject. The former root-ninja was always carrying what he needed on a mission so this was the last stop before they would head out.
"Yes, I have a bag of medic kit packed in no time…"
As they came to a corner, Sai acknowledge in an instant a flash of pink and moved out of the way with a sidestep. Which caused both girls to run right into each other at the top of the stairs. Both girls moaned in pain before going at each other's throats. "Look where you are going Ino-pig!"
"You are one to talk forehead-girl!"
They growled fiercely at each other before Sai stepped in. "We have a mission Sakura. Shikamaru ordered us to get you."
"I know. He and Tsunade-sama had the same idea. I've got double supplies for Ino and myself."
"Let's go then! My annoying teammates are waiting!" Ino stated as she accepted the backpack from her friend/rival. The two kunoichi broke there staring contest and moved out, only the mission in thought. As they ran through the gate, Sakura nodded at Sai and the pale ninja pulled out a scroll and yanked it to unravel it. Then he pulled out a pencil and swiftly painted a bird and made a sign with two of his fingers. "Ninpō: Chōjū Giga (Beast imitation) The bird left the parchment, stretched its wings and then landed for them to climb onboard. And then they were off as well, waving goodbye to Tenten and Neji who came out from the forest just as they left.
The normally silent sound in the forest was disturbed by a big explosion. The earth foundation rose with techniques from the mighty ninjas of Rock. The Suna squad found themselves on an edge when the fierce full attacks changed the ground under their feet and before they knew it, they were tumbling down through gravel and dust.
The merchant was the only one who cried in pain as they hit the ground below the hill, while the ninjas bit back their pain. Kankuro slowly sat up holding his bleeding shoulder. The wound from the earlier sword-cut had not been very deep, but it was now filled with dirt and was probably getting infected. He scanned the top of the hill cursing at the sight of the Rock-ninjas. They seemed to take their time, enjoying the sight of the Suna squad's pain and disadvantage.
Temari shook her head to get rid of the dizziness. Her clothes were filled with dust but other than that, the kunoichi seemed fine. Her eyes met her brother's and they were both thinking about their best option. This was not how it supposed to go. It was clear now that they had been misinformed. The merchant's threat was way bigger than he had reported to Gaara. Even though she had the urge to hand over the coward, she was determined to fulfill the mission.
She gave a nod to her brother, who moved and pulled washi to his feet with support. And she forced herself to her feet to join the merchant's side when three of the enemies started to run down the hill towards them. She unfolded her fan and waived it at their direction. "Die you bastards!"
As soon as the wind hit the target, the three ninjas transformed to three wooden stubs. It was the replacement technique. Temari's eyes widened and she immediately started to look to her right and left. She had been right. A handful of kunai's came flying at her direction causing her to block them with her fan. "Don't underestimate me!" she growled and elbowed an attacking ninja, throwing him over her shoulder while hitting another in the head with her fan.
The merchant took cover by her feet screaming in fear and she had to watch her feet so she didn't step on the nuisance. Fuel with anger at the sight of a weak man she threw out her fan once more and broke the nose-bone on the third attacker.
The kunoichi spun, ducked, pun again, hitting attacker one after one with ease. Until she finally flipped the fan open and threw away a full wave of wind.
The area filled with dust and became quiet for a moment. The blond panted heavily, once again feeling low on chakra. She hated to admit it, but she couldn't keep this up.
Suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist and Kankuro pulled her along. "You got them, sis. Let's go. It's not far to the border now." He was carry the merchant over his shoulder and washi was waiting for them at the clearing to another path.
"Team 8, anything yet?"
"Nothing here. Only familiar scents." Kiba reported seriously.
"Nothing yet." Hinata agreed. She was still too far away from the border to see anything important that could help them.
"Shikamaru…"
The team looked at Shino who had a few bugs on the top of his hand. "I get report about something I take as an unnatural avalanche a few kilometers from the east side of the border to Rain."
"A-amazing Shino-kun…!" Hinata said with a smile.
"That could be a battle." Shikamaru concluded. "Shino, please alert Sai and the medic team."
"Take this!" Kankuro had all of his puppets shoot kunai with explosive notes tied to them. It made a massive damage on the forest around them, but the Rock-ninjas managed to avoid most of the damage. The Suna squad was losing ground. Washi's pain was getting worse, even though he tried to hide it. and the client did not have much more energy to be of any use.
"Move your sorry ass." Temari growled as she pulled the merchant along with a steady grip on the neck of his shirt.
Kankuro was controlling three of his puppet, but the lack of chakra made his strings seem weak. Sometimes he would temporary lose contact with his tools. He did however manage to remove Karasu's arms and have them cut the enemy. Some ninjas over the arms as they blocked the attack. And one unfortunate bastard got his throat slit.
"Kankuro-sama, Temari-sama. I can see the river." Washi said as he leaned against a tree further ahead. The river was the border to Land of Fire...
"Not good." Shino commented. "My bugs sense chakra in another direction. A few kilometers east from the other point."
"Damnit, how do we know which point is the right one!?" Kiba yelled.
Shikamaru was silent for a moment. "…alright. Let's split up. Shino, Hinata, you track the east point. Take Chōji and half of the medic team and stay in touch. The rest of us investigate the point of the avalanche.
"Roger that!" Shino said and together with the others started to change course to the east.
"Be careful, Shikamaru!" Chōji yelled to his best friend. Shikamaru waived at him and even offered a securing smile.
"This was unexpected." Sai commented as they received a second message from Shino in the air. Bugs was forming words, split into two, follow east.
"Looks like Shino is changing course. You stay with him, since you are connected Sai. Take me down to Shikamaru's team." Sakura said.
"Roger that." Sai pulled out a second scroll and quickly sketched another bird. As is appeared next to them, he took Ino's hand and jumped over to the other bird. Secured on new bird he made another hand-sign and Sakura started to lose height. Since she couldn't control it, the medic kunoichi waited for the bird to glide down enough for her to jump.
Lee looked up as the pink ninja landed gracefully next to him as his team was running. "Sakura-san!"
"What's the situation, Shikamaru?" The medic asked.
"That's what I like to know. We are getting traces of presence all over the place." The leader answered. "Thought it was best to split up and…oi! Kiba! Don't get too far ahead!"
Kiba only half listened. He desperately tried to pick up a trace of Suna. Akamaru came up behind him and whined. "I know, Akamaru. But we must pick up a trail soon or it might be too late." He complained.
"Finally!" the merchant cried as he threw himself at the water, dipping his whole head in.
Kankuro and Temari watched their backs as Washi pulled the client out of the river and dragged him over to the other side. After securing the merchant the siblings started to back their way over as well, just as they got company.
"This ends here! You are not allowed on the land of Fire!" Temari roared but the Rock-ninjas laughed.
"So you think hiding behind an invisible line will save you? This is our last offer! Hand over the merchant and we will kill you quickly. We will avenge our fallen brothers!"
"They attacked us and paid the price. This man is a client of Suna and is to be escorted home. Only there he can face trial for what he has done! Not like this!" Kankuro stated.
"We will see about that." Three of the rock-ninjas had prepared hand signs and now bent down and put their hands on the ground.
The ground started to rise, causing the river to lean towards the Suna squad. It was like a tsunami.
"No way!" The merchant cried.
"Don't you dare!" Temari called out and threw herself in front of the group and waived her fan again. All three moon was visible. Her strong wind attack cut the attacking water in two, letting the team stand safely in between the two new water forces.
"Temari!" Kankuro yelled as he was forcing himself to stand firm under the heavy wind and rain, afraid that his sister was using up too much of her chakra.
"Not done yet!" After the water came huge buildings of rocks flying their way. Temari gasped, she did not have enough energy to handle those…!
"Konoha Senpū!" (Tree leaf whirlwind)
"Shannaro!" (Hell yeah)
Lee and Sakura came charging forward and hit two of those rocks. Both the kick and the fist made the blocks explode in pieces.
Temari shield her face from the force of the attacks and she turned around. A familiar raven caught her vision, smiling a cocky grin her way. He had used his shadow to make Washi and the merchant to move out of the way of the flying rests of the exploding rocks. "We got your message. Don't look so surprised woman."
Kankuro opened his eyes where he lay on the ground. Where he had been standing before was a huge rock. Then he shifted his eyes to the person shielding him with his own body. "Missed me?"
Kiba's eyes met his own. They told of both confidence and joy to see him, making the puppet master embarrassed. "This doesn't change our score." Was all he could get out.
Kiba's grin dropped immediately. "What are you talking about! Of course it does!"
Lee and Sakura glared at the Rock-ninjas that was recovering from the shock of their sudden arrival. "You will not cause a fight on our land. Leave now and this will not become an international incident." Sakura ordered while holding her fist. Lee stood beside her with confidence. "Sakura-san, our combined attack was amazing. We will defend this border with the fire of our hearts!"
"Step aside girl! This doesn't concern you!"
"Wrong answer." Shikamaru said as he stepped forward next to Temari. "Sakura, attend to the injured."
The pink haired medic moved back and handed the conversation over to the squad leader.
"You have no authority here. Suna is an ally to Konoha, therefore we grant them passage. You are however not welcomed. We will fight you if we have too. Do you have enough man power for that kind of fight, Rock Ninja?"
The leader of Rock growled as he knew the raven was right. His men that were still alive had used most chakra during the last attack. He was motivated enough to attack Suna, but attack Konoha ninjas as well would cause them too much damage.
"You heard him, asshole! Get off our land, or fight!" Kiba growled fiercely, Akamaru joined him while going down in a low stance.
With a final staring contest the Rock leader gave a quick hand-sign and his remaining group retreated.
Temari watched them a few seconds after they were out of sight until Shikamaru approached her. "You are welcomed." He stated as in her place, causing her to turn to him fiercely. "We had no choice. We were misinformed. Don't act so smug with me."
"Wow, don't pile the gratefulness on me all at once, I might start to blush." The raven said ironically before snorting. "Suna people are as cold as ever."
"Must be a sibling-thing." Kiba stated, avoiding Kankuro's glare.
"Please, let me take a look at your leg." Sakura said to Washi but the merchant jumped in between them. "I need a medic, I'm hurting all over." He said overdramatically.
"Who is that wimp?" Shikamaru whispered to Temari who signed. "Our client. Been selling bad goods to Rock-ninjas and received a price on his head for it. Apparently he has strong connections to the lord of Grass. So Gaara decided on an escort."
"I will help you mister, but I must deal with the more serious wounds first." Sakura said politely.
"Wait your turn, mister. Our Sakura-san will surely help you as well." Lee said as she tried to look at Washi's swollen knee.
"Who do you think you are?" the merchant complained.
"That guy has attitude that makes mine fade." Kankuro muttered to Kiba who also studied the scene before them. "Yeah, but he won't get away with it." the canine handler whispered back.
"What do you mean?" the Jonin asked.
"I've been going through hell! Almost got killed by savages! And I demand some medic attention!" He said and took hold of Sakura's arm despite Lee's protests.
"I SAID WAIT YOUR TURN!" Sakura slapped the man, causing him to fly into the air, spin three times before hitting the tree and remained unmoving on the ground.
"Told you." Kiba said to Kankuro's stunned expression. "Sakura is Tsunade-sama's student after all."
"I…can see that." The puppet-master said and fixed his shirt a little, hoping to hide his own wound. Trying to think about something else he decided on taking in the sight of Kiba. The brunette hadn't changed one bit those last four months. He still seemed full of energy to fight and as cocky as ever. Kankuro liked that. If Kiba was still the same person that left his arms in Suna then maybe time hadn't changed anything between them. "So…" he whispered even lower. "Have you told anyone about us?"
"Told them what?" the Inuzuka answered without looking at him and moved over to his team as Shikamaru called on them.
"Ok everyone. We still need to see what our other team found a few kilometers south of here. It could still be trouble."
"We are coming too, right Kankuro?" Temari said but her brother didn't seem to hear her. "Kankuro!"
"…what? Oh, right." he stated and then saw the Inuzuka trying to hide a small smile from afar. If he hadn't studied the canine handler closely he would have missed it. that damn mutt was playing with him.
Temari smacked his uninjured shoulder. "Focus now." She said warningly. She knew why her brother was distracted. The Inuzuka had been with them for about ten minutes and Kankuro was already unresponsive. She couldn't understand what kind of spell the brat had on him, but it was making her weary as a sister.
Together the group moved out after waking the whining client up. The path towards east was easy to use, which was good for such a big group of people. The Konoha group didn't use their full speed this time, in respect of the injured and tired guests. But Shikamaru didn't relax until they had the luck to actually run into Shino's group half way.
Shino, Hinata, Chōji, Sai and Ino had company of three unfamiliar people. People who seemed to be relieved to see Suna's client. "Taki-sama!" one of the strangers yelled as the groups joined as one.
"We found these people of Land of Grass by our border. Their description of Suna's client was strong enough so I decided to give them passage to confirm it with you." Shino reported.
"Great work everybody. Seems like the mission was a success." Shikamaru let out a big sigh and if you were close to the Nara you could see how he went into his typical Lazy mode, as he had been released from his leader role.
"I'm not staying here a minute longer. Take me home!" the merchant apparently called Taki said. The three men bowed respectfully at him and then turned to the Suna sibling. "We thank you for your hard work. If it wouldn't be too much to ask; could you escort us the rest of the way as well?"
Temari didn't show any sign of the hell they had been going through. "Yes, we will take you to the border before returning to Suna. That was the agreement."
Washi, who seemed to be in much better condition after Sakura's treatment joined her. "What about Konoha? Shouldn't someone report back and thank them for their obvious effort to aid us?" It seemed that the ANBU had completely changed opinion about Konoha after the rescue. The earlier doubt was nowhere in sight.
"There is no need. I have Gaara send an eagle once we return home."
"That´s quite cold, even for us sis. I will go to Konoha and deliver our message." Kankuro said causing his team to look at him in surprise.
"Fine." Temari said a little weary. "Deliver the message. There is a tea-inn about five kilometers outside of Konoha. We will wait for you and we go home together from there."
"Actually I think I will stay a while. Gaara promised us a couple of weeks free time after this task, didn't he?"
"That's great." Kiba joined in on the conversation. "I can be your guide. To repay the kindness I once received from you." he said trying not to flinch under Temari's obvious warning stare. He knew they were busted.
Shikamaru could sense a tension in the discussion and he guessed it was because Temari was too proud to ask for access to the village to rest. "We have enough of room for all of you to rest up. We wouldn't mind you stay with us a couple of days."
"No." the blond kunoichi said firmly. "We need to go back. Gaara sure have use of us." The last statement was meant for her brother who shrugged.
"I will take the invite. My puppets need a look-over."
"Will you hurry up! I've had it with this place!" The merchant yelled and was already starting to walk away.
"Take care Kankuro-sama. I promise to not be a bother next time." Washi bowed respectfully to the Jonin.
"Don't push yourself too hard back to Suna." Kankuro said as he waved them off. "I'll be in touch."
"I expect you to." Temari said and shook her head at him, making him smile at her. It was obvious Temari had thought he had let go of all thoughts of Kiba during the four months apart. But she couldn't be more wrong. Just because he didn't talk about it, didn't mean the Inuzuka wasn't on his mind every day. This was a perfect opportunity to rest up and spend some more time with the mutt.
"Yosh! If we hurry home, then there is still time for BBQ!" Chōji yelled but whined in pain as Ino hit him over the head. "Stop thinking with your stomach, idiot!"
"Seriously Ino, you think that will ever happen?" Shikamaru put in.
"If we seriously going on a new mission tomorrow then I will need the energy!" Chōji argued.
Ino turned to her raven comrade. "We are not still going tomorrow? We will be back late!"
"We are probably going anyway." He said and covered his ear by Ino's shout of depression.
"I have a free day tomorrow. And I will spend it training. Otherwise I feel like Naruto will haunt my dreams and be disappointed in me." Lee said as he was working on a few air-punches while walking.
"Naruto is still away on his training?" Kankuro asked and hide a smile as he saw how Kiba's eyebrow twitched by the mention of the Uzumaki. "Yeah. It's almost been two years."
"Naruto-kun is training hard. T-therefore we w-want to train hard as well." Hinata said with a small blush and sweet smile as she was walking on Kankuro's left side. She let out a little giggle as Lee
gave her the 'nice-guy-pose' "That's the spirit Hinata-san!"
"Lee-san. You are too serious. When are we going to have some vacation?" Ino still complained. Then something hit her and she rushed over to Sakura and put her arm around her. "It's been confirmed." She stated. The comment didn't mean anything to the group. That's why it was weird to see Sakura shine up and going into the same mood as the blond. "HUH! Really? Are you sure!?"
"I'm very sure! Izumo-san and Kotetsu-san was going at it outside the Hokage building!"
Sakura gave out a girly scream together with Ino.
"What's wrong with them?" Kankuro asked Kiba.
"Where should I start?" The brunette shrugged but for some reason he turned his head away.
"Seriously. Leave the guys alone. It's their business." Shikamaru said with an annoyed expression.
"What? Are you jealous Shikamaru?" Ino shot back.
"Don't be ridiculous. My opinion is that a man should be with a woman. But if there are dudes out there that finds love in the same gender, then good for them. Just don't get me involved." The raven snorted.
"It was obvious Izumo-san was uncomfortable when we revealed ourselves. We should respect their privacy." Shino put in.
"It's not privacy when you make out in public!" Ino yelled, causing both Shino and Shikamaru to cover their ears. Sakura gave out a new girly scream in delight.
Kankuro tried to keep himself from smiling as Kiba lowered his head once more to keep a low profile.
He could hear Hinata explain the incident to Lee. Apparently two guys had showed off a romantic relationship in public and Kiba wanted to avoid the subject.
It was now obvious that the mutt's precious friends did not know anything about Kiba's social interests. The puppet master was thinking about teasing a bit, maybe put a hand on Kiba's lower back or maybe even whisper something in his ear. But he decided not to. Not yet anyway.
"No, I can't take this. A girl needs her beauty sleep. I will hurry back." Ino decided and took Chōji's arm. "C'mon Chōji! You need the exercise!" she yelled as she pulled her teammate along despite his protests. "Does that mean we will have time to eat?" was the last thing the group heard.
"Oi! Ino! You can't go before you shared the details with me!" Sakura said and ran after the duo with a steady hold of Hinata's wrist. The Hyuuga girl had been scratching Akamaru behind his ears so the dog followed the girls, trying to get some more attention.
"Sai-san, I bet I can beat you in a running contest back to the village. Let's show our power of youth!" Lee yelled and started to run. Sai didn't seem too excited about the challenge but followed anyway without a word.
Shino followed the other as well in silence, probably wanted to get home too. Shikamaru turned to the duo left. "Are you coming?" he asked, not wanting to leave anyone behind.
"Actually, I'm still kind of tired after the fighting so I will take my time." Kankuro said. Kiba held back a snort. As if! The puppet-freak would never admit on being tired. He was plotting something.
"Right. Kiba, stay with him then. We wouldn't want anything to happen with our guest. I would stay myself but as Ino screamed, we have an early start tomorrow. Talk to you later." Shikamaru gave them a guilty smile and then took off as well.
"Since when are you tired….!" Kiba didn't have time to say anything else. One moment he was watching Shikamaru leave, the other, he found himself pushed up against nearest tree and rough lips attacked his own. This brought back memories. Of a warm afternoon in Suna. The moment he was going to leave with a heavy knot in his stomach, Kankuro had kissed him just like this. And he felt just as consumed by the touch now as he did then…
His awkward hands found Kankuro's neck and he did his best just to keep up with the rough kissing.
"I meant this…"Kankuro panted as he took a small pause. "Do the others know about this…?" he closed the distance again. He couldn't decide if he wanted Kiba to admit things or just eat him up.
Kiba let out a moan in Kankuro's mouth that made the Jonin almost shiver. Then he was suddenly pushed back gently and the Inuzuka smirked at him despite blushing a bit. "I knew what you meant."
"And yet you're a damn tease." Kankuro muttered and leaned in again, satisfied when Kiba didn't put up much resistance. Kiba met him in a more simple kiss. "So… I guess you're… not seeing… anyone in Suna?" he tried to ask while Kankuro's lips kissed the corner of his mouth, down his jaw and then to his neck. As the question was finished the puppet-master sunk his teeth into the skin in a love-bite, loving the sound that left Kiba's throat. "And you're not either." He answered confidently.
"Cocky bastard." The canine handler grinned however letting himself take in the pulsing wound, enjoying the soft lips massage it, but also the pain.
He was so distracted by the bite that he didn't react until Kankuro's hand found itself under his leather jacket. As he lowered his own hands Kankuro was already prepared, taking both of his wrists in his free hand and pinned them against the tree above Kiba's head. Kiba's light protest was muffled by another rough kiss and Kankuro's fingers brushed one of his nipples, making his knees go weak.
By sharply turning his head to the side, Kiba managed to free his lips. "ugh..what's on your dirty mind, puppet-freak? We are in the middle of the forest..!"
"Don't say you don't like it." Kankuro smirked before going more sincere. "Do you realize how long I have waited for you?"
"T-that's not my fault!" Kiba tried to argue while Kankuro settle on kissing him under the eye and over his cheekbone. Kankuro's soft kisses were just as nice as the rough ones.
"Even so, here we finally are. Why not make use of the moment?"
"We are still not doing anything in plain sight like this!" Kiba managed to get his hands free and shoved Kankuro back against another tree despite the Jonin growling in protest. Kiba's lips found Kankuro's to shut him up and they worked they lips against each other again, Kankuro pulled his arms around Kiba's lower back and held him close.
"But it surely will come new opportunities in the village." The Inuzuka stated as they once again pulled apart. The Jonin seemed to think about it, not entirely happy to end this reunion. "Fine. It better." He said and they both stumbled out on the path again, roughly fixing their clothing.
"I've missed you too by the way." Kiba said and laughed as Kankuro lightly shoved him as they continued to walk towards the village.
TBC. Next chapter is being written at the moment.
