Ripples of the Whirlpool

by Wyvern77

The addition of a former Uzushio Clan to Konoha after the battle between Madara & Hashirama has side effects that change the world of Naruto massively.

29. Ch 29 Battle for the Sand

Chapter 29 Battle for the Sand

Ay sorry about the delay in this chapter life was well no fun for awhile. And as always I don't own Naruto or any of the other stuff Kishimoto created but I do own my OC so I guess that's cool. I'll probably be splitting this arc into 2 or 3 chapters seeing as I really want to show the differences now. Oh and always thanks for reading my story guys!

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-Suna-

Staring at Gaara Deidara's visible eye narrows before he jumps up and away as a tendril of sand shots forward at him. Landing atop his bird Diedara smirks as Gaara's sand follows him up into the sky before following him down. Keeping his focus on the air before him even as he can feel the sand just barely behind him Deidara has to smile at the fight so far. Taking sharp turns through the village streets his grin widens at the sight of Suna shinobi being stunned by his presence before they're knocked over by the winds behind him.

Taking to the sky once more Deidara's eyebrow rises as Gaara leaps onto a small disc of sand that rises into the air even as more sand rises up around and below him. "Now that's a handy jinchuriki." Mentally commanding his construct to turn and hover Deidara looks down at Gaara even as he prepares his attack. "But….how did you know I was the intruder?" For a millisecond Gaara's eyes narrow as he looks at the Akatsuki member. "There are no birds like that within this Desert."

Smirking Deidara's eye cover clicks even as the mouths on his hands continue to chew. Eyes narrowing Gaara directs his sand to attack forcing the Akatsuki member to weave through the sky just barely ahead of the sand. Lifting his right hand Gaara slightly leads Deidara before black sand begins to circle around his arm and hand. "Iron Sand Drizzle!" To Deidara's shock black iron needles are soon flying his way in every increasing numbers cutting off much of the sky before and above him. "When did he learn to do that!?"

Across Suna the shinobi of the village move across the village's rooftops attempting to aid their Kage. Watching from the roof of the Puppet Division's HQ Kankuro directs his fellow shinobi to begin moving their civilians into village's the bunkers while preparing their longer range weapons. "How did he get in? Yura-san was supposed to have raised the alert level.."

Showing just how maneuverable his clay bird is Deidara manages to dive down before pulling up just before striking the rock face's edge. Looking up at Gaara the blonde releases nearly a dozen small birds at the man only to scowl as his explosives are stopped by tendrils of sand. Unfazed by the explosions even as his sand reforms Gaara watches the second volley twist through his outermost defenses before detonating as claw like tendrils of sand catch the birds. "He uses strange explosives…And can somehow guide them, huh."

Reaching into the bag at his hip Deidara smiles sadistically as he once more flies above Gaara. "I've pretty much got it now." Opening his hands Deidara smiles at the small figures in his hands. Throwing the two birds behind him he smiles as he forms a single sign. With a burst of smoke the birds seem to come to life and easily outpace the giant arm of sand and the smaller tendrils that try to catch them. As the birds draw ever closer Gaara pulls his arms in causing the sand below him to begin rising up around him. "Too late. Kai!"

To the horror of those below the birds explode right before Gaara lighting up the sky for a brief moment. "Gaara!" Shaken Kankuro's knuckles turn white as he stares up at the smoke before sighing as the smoke clears revealing a shell of sand unmarked by the explosions. "It's like a eggshell protecting what's inside." Looking at the sand Deidara's eyes narrow at the eye floating above the sand. "But it's incredible that he was able to block the explosion completely.."

Reaching down into the pouch again Deidara's eyes widen as he realizes the light of the moon is suddenly gone around him. Turning he sees a massive claw like pillar of sand wrapping around him. "Sand Prison!" Just before the shinobi can cheer a explosion shatters the surface of the sphere of sand releasing Deidara who turns in midair to look back up at Gaara. To his shock though a tendril of sand follows him down and manages to wrap around his ankle before he can form a new bird. Whipping the Akatsuki member around before throwing him back towards the sphere it leaves Deidara with little time to act.

Throwing a small bird Deidara barely manages to get away as it expands before flying up into the sky with the sand just behind him. "Tch. That sand is such a pain." Weaving through the sand Deidara glares down at the Kage below even as Suna's shinobi watch in amazement. "Fool..You really think you can getaway from Gaara's sand?" As Kankuro says this Gaara's sand manages to latch onto Deidara's left arm even as he stares down at the young kage.

Reaching out his hand Gaara directs his sand to coat more and more of the man's arm even as he grins and throws something towards Gaara. Releasing a clay centipede Deidara smiles as it detonates before being stunned as the sand remains whole. With only one eye visible and gleaming in the moonlight Gaara forms a fist with his left hand. "Sand Burial."

Instantly the sand between the two reacts compacting and causing arcs of blood to come out from where Deidara's arm was. Despite the pain Deidara continues to fly before he pulls what remains of his left arm out of the sand revealing that everything below is elbow is gone. Even as the Suna shinobi cheer for their Kage the man's remaining arm goes once more into his bag allowing the mouth in hand to begin devouring the clay within.

"I underestimated him.." Directing his clay owl to dodge yet another attack from Gaara Deidara's visible eye hardens as he looks down at the Kazekage and his village. "I wasn't prepared enough, hmm. Just like my man Sasori said." Thinking back to his partner's warning Deidara smiles as Gaara uses his iron sand once again to try and knock him out of the sky. "I only have enough for one more homing type…And my specialty.." Grinning Deidara smiles as the large clay figure finally takes shape in his hands.

Staring up at him Gaara doesn't like the sick smile that spreads across the man's face as he seems to be looking past Gaara at the village below. Deciding to use every bit of strength he has Gaara uncaps three small bottles on his back releasing a strange mixture of glittering sand within. "I think…I'll destroy this village afterall." Dodging yet another attack Deidara's grin seems to go ice cold as he releases the humanoid figure that quickly begins to fall.

"This C3 is filled with my most potent explosive chakra." Eyes widening Gaara quickly reaches out his arm as the figure expands and begins to glow. As the shinobi of Suna can only stare in horror the clay detonates and for a moment the desert is once more lit up. The ground shakes and the wind from the blast seems to scream out across the village even as it continues to grow. Even those below can feel the pressure of the blast as the entire village is drowned out by the explosion.

As the smoke slowly clears Deidara clicks his tongue in annoyance at the sight below. The village remains standing as above it a massive sand shield lays burned and cracked but still standing strong. While the shinobi below cheer Kankuro's eyes widen as a small white bird suddenly flies before Gaara's open sphere of sand. "GAARA!" Instantly the shinobi of Suna are chilled to the bone as the bird detonates right before their young and winded Kage.

Unable to help Kankurō and his comrades can only stare in horror as the smoke seems to linger before finally clearing. To their short lived relief the sphere is whole with brilliant gold and midnight black metallic sands mixed where the hole once was. But suddenly the sand seems to expand from within as the muffled sound of a smaller explosion rings through the silenced village. For a moment across the village Suna's shinobi don't even breathe before a loud cracking is heard throughout the village.

The sand Gaara had used to protect them, the sand linked to his chakra, and the sand that till now had stood resolute began to crack and fall. Even as the sand collapsed the shinobi of Suna realized what just happened as Gaara had somehow been defeated despite his Armor and Shield of Sand. Reacting to Baki's orders the shinobi begin to fire off iron bolts with explosive tags at the Akatsuki who seems to avoid them without issue.

Watched in shock Kankurō see's his brother begin to drop headfirst for the ground unconscious even as his sand continues to fall. "GAARA!" Jumping from rooftop to rooftop Kankurō stops and stares as Deidara dives down upon his brother and catches him with his bird's tail feathers. For a moment no one moves before Suna's shinobi redouble their efforts to bring down the man's bird even as he turns away. "GAARA!"

In that brief moment Kankurō freezes in shock before shouting in rage. Watching this Baki is shocked at how effortlessly the man is evading their attacks even as his clay bird holds Gaara. "Tell the men to cease fire. We can't risk striking Gaara-sama." As the call to cease fire echoes across the silent village many Suna shinobi look down in shame as Deidara flies to the village edge. "Is he going to take him away alive?"

Slipping two small scrolls into his hip holsters Kankurō begins running after the man. "I'm going after them!" Eyes widening Baki considers ordering him off before he shakes his head slightly. "Alright but do not engage until reinforcements arrive!" Nodding he jumps from rooftop to rooftop with his eyes never leaving Deidara's bird and his brother's still body. "Please wake up Gaara…"

As Kankurō moves he's joined by a few of his fellows who immediately defer to him. "We can't allow them to escape." As the shinobi answer more join them seeking to rescue their Kage. Nearing the village's entrance Deidara smiles as his bird lands before Sasori. "You're late! I told you don't keep me waiting!" Barely ducking under Sasori's tail Deidara resists the urge to respond in kind. "Perhaps next time you'll listen to me." Jumping off his clay bird Deidara smirks arrogantly at his fellow partner. "Everything ready here?" Barely resisting the urge to skewer the blonde Sasori nods before looking at the entrance. "Well of course it is."

Nodding Deidara directs his bird to hover a few feet above the duo as they begin walking away from the village. Looking back briefly Deidara smirks as he hears the sand shield continue to collapse. Meanwhile Kankurō and the squad of Suna shinobi reach the other side of the opening. Immediately they are on guard as the area is too quiet despite the ongoing crisis. "We have a whole squad guarding this entrance to the village. On top of that they never replied to my message asking them to confirm their positions.." Not liking the way things were looking Kankurō signals for two of his subordinates to get to the higher ledges. "Kankurō-sama!"

"What have you found!" Rushing into the gap with his fellows he's greeted by the sight of nearly a dozen dead Suna nin. Walking through the abattoir his blood chills at the fact that these men are surrounded by pools of dried blood and have obviously been dead for awhile. "This didn't happen recently.." Looking over one of the bodies Kankurō closes his eyes briefly before standing. "There enemies must've greatly outnumbered them to have done this."

Looking over the bodies Kankurō's eyes narrow at the pattern of dried blood in the passage before shaking his head. "Or maybe not.." Scowling Kankurō doesn't like the way the bodies look as he looks back. "There's no way we have a traitor amongst the Sand Shinobi…" Directing his men to follow Kankurō looks back suddenly as one of the bodies seems to move causing some to stop and draw closer before his eyes widen. "A paper bomb!..AHH"

Just as he's about to warn the men the tags detonate causing yet more explosions that scour the confined area. Kilometers away already Sasori and Deidara look back as the sound of the explosions reaches them. Smirking Deidara turns away from the village. Within the gap Kankurō groans as he pushes a large stone slab off of his body before he begins digging through the rubble. Holding back his emotions even as he finds dead body after dead body his spirit lifts when he finds two survivors. "Let's get you back into the village. I will chase after those bastards myself."

Climbing over the rubble with the two unconscious shinobi under his arms Kankurō sighs in relief as Baki and others have reached the gap finally. "These were the only two survivors. I'm going after them." Turning Kankurō tightens his scroll's straps as Baki looks back and forth between him and the village. "Kankurō don't it's suicide! Look what they did to Garra! What chance do you have?" Turning back to face his former senseo Kankurō's eyes are ice cold as he glares down at the man.

Knowing he can't change his student's mind Baki nods once. "Alright go. But do not engage till reinforcements arrive." Nodding Kankurō takes off briefly putting a hand on the small scroll on his left side. Reaching the open desert in record time he stops at the sight of multiple trails leading away from the village. Kneeling before the starting point of all of them he looks carefully over each before noticing a slight glint in the sand moves.

Following the glittering sand Kankurō prays his brother is alright even as he moves across the desert. Back in Suna Baki has assumed command and heads for the Kage Tower's center. "Assemble a full pursuit squad and send them after Kankurō at once." As one of the Suna nin nod and heads off Baki can't help but notice how silent the village is. "As bad as things are…I can't shake the feeling that things will get worse." Miles away in the desert Kankurō turns to follow the glittering sand as it's trail diverges once more from a series of false leads while from Suna a red-tailed hawk flies off for Konoha.

-Konoha-

As the sun peeks above the horizon some of Konoha's shinobi begin to rise and prepare for the day even as others head for bed after their duties are over. Getting ready in his room Naruto smiled as he tied his headband on. Within the Nara Compound Temari finished preparing for her return home and headed out. Waving to the few Nara men and many Nara women who she saw Temari stopped as she heard a familiar voice. "You know you don't have to escort me everywhere now right?" Stifling a yawn Shikamaru shrugs as he steps out of the shadows.

"As much as I would like that I'm your escort so." Shrugging again Shikamaru walks beside the Suna kunoichi towards the village's main gate. As Temari walks through the gate Shikamaru tries to speak twice before stopping as she laughs and smiles. "See you at the Chunin Exams, Lazy." Cracking a small smile Shikamaru nods before waving goodbye and heading back home. As Temari walks through woods in the early dawn she shivers slightly as a cold wind blows through the trees. "I don't like the feeling of that wind." Speeding up Temari misses the bird flying towards Konoha from the direction of Suna.

-Kaze-

As the sun begins to bake the desert sands Deidara and Sasori continue moving away from Suna with the still unconscious Gaara held aloft by Deidara's owl like bird. "Hold it right there." Turning the two are surprised to see Kankurō standing behind them despite the fear in his eyes. Showing surprising speed for his size Sasori jumps in between Kankurō and Deidara's bird as the Puppeteer puts his hands on the scrolls on his back.

-Konoha-

Within Training Ground 8 Teams Kakashi and Anko are training together with their sensei switched. As the two quartets train both Jonin look up as a red tailed hawk flies over them. Looking over at Anko Kakashi nods slightly as he recognizes the bird. "That is one of Suna's messenger hawks.." Ordering their teams to end the spar the two Jonin give each of them a quick run down on things they can improve upon or try differently.

-Kaze-

Quickly pulling out and opening the scrolls Kankurō summoned his puppets much to Deidara's amusement and Sasori's silent dismissal. But this changes as the young puppeteer places a unknown *tag upon Crow. Jumping back and onto his bird Deidara tips his hat to Sasori while smirking. "I'm going on ahead. Enjoy the show." With a slight twitch of his right pinky and ring fingers Kankurō sends Crow forward only for it to be stopped by a segmented bladed tail that rises from Sasori's tail. "So I'll make this short and sweet."

-Konoha-

Within the Aviary a small team of Chunin tend to their village's messenger birds. As one man places a bowl before one hawk he's surprised to see another land in the building's opening. Walking forward he's surprised again as it bear's Suna's crest on the sealed pouch. "Release!" As the pouch's seal disappears he opens it and his eyes widen and his skin goes pale at the scroll. "Go send word to the Cypher Division at once!"

Within the Hokage's Tower Teams 7 and 8 walk side by side as they head for the mission's desk. As they come around the last bend the group has to quickly split as a kunoichi with the Cypher Division's armband comes running their way. "Out of the way! Out of the way!" Looking at her Kakashi's visible eye narrows as her footsteps fade away. "So that hawk was from Suna."

Within the aviary the kunoichi quickly rushes up the stairs before opening the room's door rapidly. "I heard there was a Level 1 Emergency Dispatch!" Seeing the scroll the kunoichi gulps as the men around nod before she opens it and begins to read the encoded message. "The fact that they would send it to us.." As the kunoichi reads the message her eyes widen while those around her grow increasingly nervous.

-Kaze-

As Kankurō's eyes widen Deidara laughs quickly at the man's expression. "You moved as fast as Crow. I'm impressed.." Looking between the two Kankurō's eyes narrow as he looks at Sasori's tail. "Two Akatsuki..And one is some kind of puppet master." As Sasori releases Crow his tail shots out and smashes Black Ant into the sand as Kankurō tries to target Deidara again. "You're in the way." Smirking Deidara rolls his eyes before nodding. "Fine." As the owl rises slightly Kankurō's focuses on Sasori. "I'll have to deal with this one then chase after the other one."

"In his case my man Sasori is the worst opponent he can face." Turning away from the fight Deidara begins to fly off with Gaara still lying unconscious behind him. "Let the puppet show begin!" With slight twitches of his fingers the two puppets race ahead and begin circling the lone Akatsuki member. As Crow fires off a volley of kunai Sasori's eyes narrow at the wind chakra costing them.

Blocking the kunai with his tail he's surprised that they leave small scratches on it's surface but he keeps his face expressionless. Leaping into the hair his face remains expressionless even as Kankurō smirks up at him. "You didn't notice Black Ant was missing did you?" Down below the puppet suddenly appears and it's body opens up just below Sasori before closing around him. All around the now immobile puppet Crow breaks apart revealing blades coated in wind chakra before the blades stab home.

-Konoha-

Within the Mission Room Team 7 and 8 wait quietly as Anko and Kakashi look over a series of missions. Yawning Naruto smiles at Itachi and Hiruzen before waving to Iruka. "You seem like you're in a good mood Naruto-san. Are you glad to be back in the village?" Nodding to the former Kage Naruto stretches slightly before pointing out the window at the faces of each Kage. "Yeah it's kinda funny. I never realized how much I liked seeing the faces of the Shodaime through Yondaime until I was gone." Eyes widening just a tad Hiruzen smiles as knows that Naruto knows who his father is and the state he's in.

Before the two Jonin can make a decision the kunoichi from before bursts into the room without knocking. "Terrible news!" Running forward she places an open scroll before Itachi causing his eyes to widen. "An emergency dispatch from Suna!" Reading the message Itachi's eyes flash red before looking up at the woman who nods.

-Kaze-

Staring at Black Ant Kankurō's eyes widen as sand begins to pour out of the holes in it. "It's sand!" Opening the puppet with the twitch of his fingers Kankurō quickly looks around as the body within it falls apart. "It's only a Sand Clone.." Looking around he turns as he hears a rumbling behind him before the same tail rises out of the sand.

-Konoha-

"It's the Kazekage…It seems he's been taken prisoner by the Akatsuki." As his advisors and those before him react in shock Itachi looks at Teams 7 and 8. "We've been studying them. We know more about the Akatsuki than any other village. And we have shinobi who have fought the Akatsuki." Realizing what Itachi plans to do Kosuke eyes widen as he looks at the teams before them.

-Kaze-

Reforming Crow Kankurō leaps away before directing both of his puppets to attack. To his shock the man easily dodges Crow's poisoned senbon before batting Black Ant away with his tail. "How is he able to anticipate every single attack I make!?" Dodging yet another senbon volley Sasori seems to grow more and more tired of the fight. Directing his puppets to circle again Kankurō glares at the man as he effortlessly bats aside the senbon and kunai sent at him. "Poison Mist Hell: Consecutive Needle Combo!"

As the man is engulfed in the purple gas Kankurō directs his puppets to fire off their senbon covering the entire area with poisonous needles. But to his shock when the gas clears the man is simply sitting there seemingly unharmed by the poison and senbon that engulfed him. "Not even the poison mist has any effect on him.." Pulling his puppets back Kankurō considers fleeing before shaking his head slightly. "You've had your turn now it's mine."

As the bladed tail shots forward Kankurō directs Salamander to come between the two and just before the blade strikes a shield rises form it's back. Deflected upwards Kankurō's eyes narrow as he watches the tail pull back to the man. "Salamander can withstand thousands of tons in stone falling upon it…His tail can't break it or it's shield.." As the two stare off the man seems unconcerned by the large puppet blocking his first real attack. "Even the best made puppet has a weakspot." Suddenly the tail shots forward and to Kankurō's horror the shield is knocked off of the puppet in one hit. Jumping away as he dodges a follow up attack Kankurō looks between the man and his now shieldless puppet.

"No it can't be." Dodging yet another tail strike Kankurō is unable to completely dodge and is forced into the air by the pointed end of t he tail. "That puppet you have is no different than any other. Joints are always a weakspot." Grabbing at his chest Kankurō seems torn between his desire to flee and his desire to save his brother. Steadying himself the young puppet master unleashes attack after attack. Using all the skills he's practiced for years on end but to no avail.

His volleys of kunai and senbon are deflected by the tail while his attacks using poison gas are simply ignored. "He knows what I'm going to do even before I do…How?" With a lazy flick of his tail Sasori bats aside Crow's head as it rises from the sand without even looking. "Those puppets of your's they aren't hidden from me!" Smashing and slicing each puppet apart Sasori seems bored with the fight. "No one has ever read my hidden weapons attacks like this before."

Smashing Crow's body into the sand leaving it too damaged to even move Sasori retracts his tail. "The reason I can read your attacks is quite simple really. I am the one who created them!" Eyes widening in shock as he steps back in shock Kankurō looks between Sasori and Crow which has the mark of it's creator exposed. "Facing one of my own disciples using my old toys…I can't resist the urge to savor the moment."

"So then you have to be the great Sasori of the Red Sands.." Stepping back Kankurō left index finger twitches as he stares in shock at the man who made many of his village's greatest puppets. "I'm honored that my name is still so well known." Despite his seemingly pleased words Kankurō feels the hatred for Suna lying beneath them. Before Kankurō can move his chest suddenly feels as if it's being crushed and burned simultaneously. Collapsing face forward Kankurō can barely maintain his focus on his chakra as Sasori looks down at him in disgust.

"My body I can't move…His poison…But when.." Thinking back Kankurō realizes the poison came from the bladed tail that had barely pierced his mesh undershirt. "It's over!" As the poisoned tail flies at him Kankurō twitches his left index and ring fingers desperately. Before the tail can strike him it's batted away by the head of Salamander while a single arm of Black Ant barely misses Sasori's head. "Hmm if you want to live that badly I won't finish you off. But it will be over in three days."

Turning away Sasori moves off in the direction of Deidara even as Kankurō ever so slowly pulls the arm of Black Ant to him. "Gaara…" Fading in and out of consciousness his sense of time seems to stretch and shrink before he hears the muffled voices of others calling his name. As he struggles to remain aware Kankurō feels himself being lifted even as his grip on Black Ant's arm never relaxes.

-Konoha-
-earlier same day-

Eyes widening Team 7 and 8 are just as shocked as Itachi and the others present at the news. "We need to send a team after them." Before Hosuke can say a word Itachi looks at Kakashi. "We have shinobi who have fought them. And we need to rescue the Kazekage. Team 7 and 8, I am dispatching you to Suna immediately. You are to do everything in your power to rescue the Kazekage. We will send reinforcements as they become available but do not wait for them. Understood?"

Nodding the ten immediately run out of the room and grab their mission supplies from their homes before meeting at the gate. "We need to get to Suna as quickly as possible. Sasuke can any of your Hawks or Snakes ferry us?" Thinking the Uchiha nods before biting his thumb. Flying through the handsigns Sasuke channels a large amount of his chakra into the jutsu. "Summoning Jutsu!"

Instantly they're engulfed in smoke before it clears as a pair of massive wings drives it away. "Sasuke-san why have you summoned me?" Fighting the exhaustion from using so much of his chakra Sasuke bows his head to the massive hawk as it stares down at him and his comrades. "Sabūro-sama, me and my comrades are on a urgent mission to rescue the Kazekage. His has been taken by members of the Akatsuki and his people have asked for our aid."

Eyes narrowing the hawk looks between Sasuke and the others before lowering it's body. "If that is what you require Sasuke-san." Surprised Sasuke directs everyone to climb aboard the hawk before he lifts off. Flying above the treetops the two teams quickly make progress above the treetops. Sitting near the back of the group Naruto pulls out a small scroll and opens it.

To Sasuke's surprise despite the heavy wind the paper doesn't even twitch. Staring down at it his eyes turn red as his Sharingan activates. "You're using your chakra to keep it steady. Interesting but how will you write on it?" Rolling his eyes Naruto lifts his right hand revealing a small glow on his pointer finger. "You're not the only one who learned things Teme." Smirking a bit Sasuke rolls his eyes back at Naruto as his eyes go back to their usual coal black color. "So what kind of seals are you making? I've seen alot thanks to Kakashi but I don't recognize those kanji."

Instead of answering Naruto winks before resuming his work. Slowly but surely the others turn back as they each sense the chakra following into the seals. "Ah Naruto what exactly are you doing?" To Kakashi's slight horror as Naruto looks up his eyes are red though they remain otherwise normal. "Oh shot..Sorry guys…Just a seal Kaito-nii helped me create. It uses…It uses the Kyūbi's chakra to make explosive tags….That are let's say stronger."

For a moment the others are silent before Fū of all people begins to laugh hysterically. "Wait…hahahahaha…Wait you're tel….hahahahaha…You're telling that You're using the KYŪBI'S chakra to make stronger explosive tags!? Hahahahaha" As Fū continues to laugh the others slowly join her much to Naruto's surprise. "You gotta tell me and Chōmei how that idea came about Naruto. She's just dying to hear it."

-Suna-

As the village's elders leave Baki's grip upon the arms of his chair tightens before he takes a deep breath and relaxes his grip. Rising he moves to look out the window at the village below staring out at his village. "Gaara spared the village total destruction…But at what cost to the village.." Turning as he hears running Baki nods to the Chunin who runs into the room before bowing his head slightly. "We are currently disarming a Explosive Tag within the rubble. We believe that plus the damage done by the previous explosions will increase repair time by at least half a day." Nodding Baki looks towards the exit just as the echo of the explosion reaches them.

"Good send those we have to aid in the work. We must remove that rubble if we are to send more forces to rescue Gaara.." Before he can say another word as another runs into the room Baki nods to the first Chunin who bows before leaving. "The Tracking Squad has reported in. They discovered Kankurō-sama a half day's journey from the village…But he is unconscious and in serious condition." Cursing internally Baki's knuckles once more turn white as he processes news. "Kankurō.."

Taking a breath he nods before motioning for the man to continue. "Some of the Tracking Squad have recovered Kankurō-sama and his puppets. And are on their way back to the village." Looking down the chunin's knuckles tighten before he looks up at Baki. "And what of Kazekage-sama's location?" Trying to keep his own desperation hidden Baki can't help but worry for his former student. "The remainder of the Squad is currently tracking him. We should receive a report soon."

While within Suna Baki's worry lessens slightly far out in the sands the normally dry dunes are caked with blood. Across the sand the slowly cooling bodies of Suna shinobi lay amongst kunai, shuriken, and pieces of puppets. Flicking the blood from his tail Sasori stares dismissively at his former comrades before continuing his journey across the sands. Sitting within a shaded alcove in a rock Deidara smirks at his partner while above him Gaara lays still unconscious within his clay bird's tail feathers.

"Sasori my man, you're late." Raising his wide brimmed straw hat Deidara lifts an eyebrow at the blood still dripping from Sasori's tail. "I thought you of all people didn't like to keep people waiting." Stopping Sasori's tail retracts under his cloak before he scoffs. "But…I had enough fun to make up for that." Narrowing his eyes Deidara becomes annoyed at Sasori's answer. "What's up with that?" Narrowing his own in response Sasori seems to outright dismiss his partner's annoyance.

"Don't be so touchy…You completed your mission of securing the Ichibi, after all." As Deidara rises a bit of blood falls from the ruined left arm of his coat while he looks down at his aggravating partner. "My missions comes after we have dealt with this one.." Chuckling Deidara rises befire jumping up on top of his clay owl. "What's your mission now? With that traitor dead and the ring returned what is our Leader going to have you do?"

As the wind changes directions Sasori's torn face veil flutters high revealing a wooden mouth with multiple moving parts. "Since he returned the ring and offered his services I have been tasked with gathering some intelligence from him. And if he proves treacherous I will gladly turn him into my latest puppet." With a fixed cruel smirk on his face Sasori resumes moving as Deidara's bird flaps it's wings and rises just above the sand.

-Hi no Kuni-

Sitting atop the massive hawk Naruto grows ever more restless as they fly towards Suna. Rolling her eyes Sakura suddenly looks down sharply at a break in the trees below. "Sasuke take us down! Temari is on the road below. We need to tell her what happened." Nodding Sasuke immediately leans forward and says something quietly to his summon. As Sabūro begins to dive the wind whistles loudly in the teams ears before he pulls up and lands slightly behind the surprised Suna kunoichi.

-Suna-

With the village's hospital Baki looks down at his former student with worry. "The wounds weren't too serious…But the poison..It's completely unknown to us. We can't neutralize it.." Clenching his fists in anger Baki looks between his slowly dying student and the village outside. "First Gaara…And now Kankurō.."

-Hi no Kuni-

"What!? Gaara was taken…" Clenching her hands hard enough that her knuckles pop Temari thinks back to earlier in the day when she'd repeatedly felt like something wrong was occurring. "We should arrive at Suna later tonight. But we need to get moving now." Nodding Temari joins the others atop Sasuke's summon but is surprised when she sees Naruto's barely suppressed anger as they take off. "Naruto you need to calm down.." As Naruto looks up at Kakashi the others are stunned to see his left eye is blood red and slitted for just a moment.

"I don't like it…" Clutching at his chest Naruto's chakra seems to rage within him even as seals upon his arms, chest, and legs light up before fading away. "I don't like the way they look at him and me! You already know why, right Sasuke?" Looking away Sasuke thinks back to their Academy days when many families avoided Naruto and those who cared for him. "You already know I hold the Kyūbi no Yoko right? You all do.."

Eyes widening Temari looks between Naruto and the others in shock at how none deny it nor look down on him for it. "Me and Gaara…We're alot alike…We both hold monsters within us…We both battled hatred…But Gaara…He battled alone for so long.." Looking down in anger Naruto's chakra briefly flares up before he forces it down. "That's what they're after. And that's what I don't like!"

Eyes widening Temari is surprised at the sheer anger the usually happy blonde is expressing as his eyes flicker between sky blue and blood red. "I don't like their selfish way of viewing people like us. And why Gaara!? Why does he always get the short end of the stick?" As Naruto continues Temari thinks back to her's and Gaara's childhood and how alone her baby brother was. As tears fly off Naruto's face Temari smiles sadly as she looks down. "Naruto…Uzumaki thank you.."

-Suna-

As the sun barely crests over the horizon and begins to shine down on the village. Within the village's hospital Baki walks the silent halls with a barely maintained mask of confidence as he passes his fellow shinobi and the occasional civilian. Turning into a larger room the jonin has to restrain a grimace at the sight before him. "You said Kankurō has awoken?" Nodding the two medical shinobi look down at the slowly dying puppeteer before one speaks up. "He has…But he's barely holding on. His condition has worsen.."

Nodding Baki walks forward and stands beside his former student who visibly struggles to open his eyes. "Baki..Is that you..?" Leaning down Baki nods before speaking as he feels the sickly heat rolling off Kankurō. "Kankurō.." As Kankurō looks over slightly those present can tell he's struggling through the pain even with the best painkillers available. "It's…It's Him.." Suddenly the muscles across Kankurō's body tense simultaneously leaving the young shinobi to grunt in pain as his head falls back against his sweat drenched pillow. "Don't raise your voice…It's not good for you in this condition."

Visibly struggling to speak Kankurō looks up at his former sensei before taking a short breath. "Th..The Red Sand…" As Kankurō's voice falters Baki leans over desperate to hear what he's saying. With his voice barely above a whisper now Kankurō shakily repeats himself to Baki. Almost immediately Baki's eyes widen before he rises up very quickly with a shaken look. "I see..So that explains it.." Disturbed by the usually unflappable man's look one medical shinobi opens his mouth before his comrade speaks. "Baki-sama…"

Without even looking back or responding Baki quickly exits the room even as Kankurō once more falls unconscious. Barely restraining himself from slamming open the village's central command room Baki surprises those present with his sudden arrival "Oh Baki-sama.." Cutting the man off with a wave of his hand Baki suppresses a shiver before speaking. "Recall the tracking unit immediately!" Looking amongst themselves those present seem shocked at his order before one speaks up. "Actually, we haven't heard from them since they recovered Kankurō yesterday.."

Looking down Baki sighs much to their shock before muttering to himself. "Then we were too late.." "We have no choice. We have to consult with them.." Confused by Baki's words the shinobi present look briefly amongst themselves again. "Huh? What is it?.." Deciding to keep his suspicions and decision to himself Baki shakes his head before turning to leave. "Nothing..I'm going out for a bit.." As Baki begins to leave one of the shinobi present tells him they have to deliver the news to their superiors.

Angry at how quickly they have fallen into the old ways Baki berates the man he has no time to as talk and that action is required. Nervously bowing the man takes off in the the opposite direction while Baki begins walking towards one of the more isolated parts of the village. "I have no choice but to speak with the Honored Siblings..But..I wonder if they will come to our aid willingly…."

-border between Hi and Kaze-

Once more lifting off atop one of Sasuke's summons the two teams plus Temari wait anxiously as the distance to Suna is continues to drop. "Naruto", looking up at Sakura Naruto is surprised to see her leaning against Sasuke, "You've met him before haven't you?" As one eyebrow rises in question Naruto easily continues to work on a unknown seal before Sakura continues. "Shisui Uchiha." Eyes hardening Naruto barely nods as he notices Sasuke briefly stiffening. "And he's after you.."

While Naruto nods the others all seem to sit up in anger while within the two jinchuriki the Kyūbi and Nanabi both perk up at the pinkette's words. "You know these last two years I didn't just train. I got into Tsunade-shishou's library, Kurenai-sensei had me create my own jutsu, and Kaida-sensei even taught me a few seals." Surprised at the breadth of her learning Naruto nods at her to continue. "And now what was bothering me then makes sense."

Subtly tilting her head back so it rests against the back of Sasuke's she smiles sadly before continuing. "The one responsible for this one's barely suppressed anger and pain.." Thinking back to their time as genin she remembers how cold he was at the start and how he behaved after the attack on Naruto. "The one Sasuke wants to kill. Is his older cousin Shisui Uchiha. A member of the Akatsuki."

Thinking back to that day Naruto nods as he remembers the man's distinctive cloak with it's blood red clouds. "That's why Orochimaru tried to tempt him with power. He was a member of the Akatsuki. But he really wanted Sasuke's body…" Barely restraining the urge to grab at where the seal once marked his collarbone Sasuke's eyes flash red as Naruto and the others seem shocked at the news.

"Basically…What I'm trying to say is the closer we get the the Akatsuki..The closer we get to the greatest threat in both your and Sasuke's lives." Nodding Naruto and the others each seem lost in their own thoughts. While down below the trees slowly give way to grasslands and then to the sands. Unbeknownst to the two teams high above them a familiar shape seems to circle them. Watching two of the shinobi with it's three eyes the bird seems to smile before turning off away from them.

-Suna-

Near the top of the village's natural walls Baki walks resolutely despite the harsh winds and biting sand. As the jonin walks on within a sheltered courtyard a old man looks up slightly as if he's fighting to stay awake. "It appears someone comes.." Looking up the man's age doesn't seem to reach his eyes while outside Baki continues walking up the path. "Hey, Neechan..!" Outside Baki stops before a pair of massive doors sealed shut.

"Hey, Neechan..!" Eyes slowly widening the elderly man seems to grow increasingly concerned before he screams harshly causing ripples to spread across the pond between them. "Are you dead?" To his growing concern the man's sister doesn't respond as the fishing rod in her hands slowly begins to fall. Just before it can fall into the water the fishing rod is grabbed by a leathery and wrinkled hand as the woman suddenly comes to life.

Barely missing his eye the woman swings the rod catching it's fine string just above the hook with a smirk. "Gotcha! I was playing dead." As the woman cackles her brother seems to sigh in annoyance before a slight smile appears briefly. "Cut it out. The senility act is too real, Neechan…" Before she can reply the woman's attitude suddenly shifts as Baki walks up and stops halfway between the two of them.

"Honored Siblings..", while neither elder speaks or seems to react Baki knows both are holding back their disdain, "I have come to request your assistance." Side eyeing the jonin the elderly woman effortlessly lands her hook into the center of the pool before answering. "Old books are supposed to be tied in a bundle and left up on a high shelf.. What can we possibly do now..?" Resisting the urge to respond in anger Baki focuses on the woman. "And organization known as the Akatsuki have taken the Shukaku. If we leave things as they are now. There will be a great deal of trouble in the future."

Looking between the two briefly Baki nearly turns around before the older man speaks as he looks down into the water. "It's your generation now. You guys can deal with it yourselves." Narrowing his eyes briefly Baki internally sighs at their attitude before deciding to continue. "You two have powerful connections in other lands, including villages in lands we are not allied with..There's only so much information we can gather on our own.." Smirking slightly as if the news makes her happy the woman looks at Baki again but keeps feigning being uninterested. "We have long since retired. We have no more attachments to this world. Although I guess it would be nice to see my grandchild's face one more time.."

Raising his visible eyebrow Baki seems surprised by this before he smiles in victory surprising both elderly shinobi. "That's very convenient." For the first time both elders seem to take open interest in Baki as they look at him before he continues. "Your grandson is a member of the Akatsuki." For a brief moment the pool between the two churns as both elders seem stunned by Baki's words. Looking away the woman internally admits defeat before looking back to Baki.

-that night-
-Suna Hospital-

As the moon rises ever higher a quartet of the village's best medical nin seem to sigh simultaneously in defeat as one of their number finishes giving the latest news on their patient. As each man seems to resign to losing one of their village's best one turns as he hears two sets of footsteps drawing closer. Surprised that others would be up and about so late at night he towards to footsteps before his eyes widen. As a shocked gasp escapes him his fellows turn before they too are stunned at who they see. For the first time in years the Honored siblings have left their intentionally isolated retreat and come into the village itself.

Nearing the third room the two hear the sound of labored breathing and the sound of the machines losing the fight to keep Kankurō alive. Turning towards the entrance the two once more surprise those present with their arrival especially Baki who had't expected them so soon. "Oh, we have been expecting you. Please enter." As they enter Baki holds out an arm towards them. "I think you all know who these people are. This is Lady Chiyo and Lord Ebizo."

Walking around Kankurō's bed till he stands by the head of it Ebizo's light grey eyes widen a tiny bit in surprise. "Hm? If I'm not mistaken this is.." Nodding preemptively Baki looks down at his former student. "This is Kankurō. The current Kazekage's older brother." Standing straight and looking slightly at Chiyo Ebizo nods. "Oh that's right." As Ebizo looks back down at the younger shinobi Chiyo's eyes narrow as she him over. "You checked his blood, right?" Stiffening slightly one of the two med-nin nods quickly as he looks at the retired, but still legendary, kunoichi.

"Y-Yes, please look at this." Looking down at the results Chiyo isn't surprised at the various components as they match both her and her grandson's usual poisons. "I've never seen…a composition like this before.." Stunned at her words the two med-nin present look at each other in shock. "Have you tried any antidotes?" Nodding the two begin to explain what they have tried while outside as the sun dips below the horizon a large bird comes into view for the village's shinobi.

Sounding the alert the Sand shinobi worry it's the enemy from the day before come to finish off the village before a blue flare arcs off the bird. Within the hospital Baki sits outside the room and looks up as he hears a pair of footsteps running towards him. Surprised to see two of the faster shinobi both arriving he motions for them to breathe before speaking. "Baki-san a contingent from Konoha has arrived. Two teams led by Kakashi Hatake and Anko Mitarashi have arrived and are heading this way now." Dismissing the two the first real smile since Gaara was taken appears before he forces it down and walks into Kankurō's room.

"The contingent from Konoha has arrived." Looking up quickly from her work Chiyo is about to speak before the mixture explodes with a large puff of acrid smoke. "What!? But the journey from here to the Leaf is usually one that takes three days? How did they make it in one!?" Before Baki can speak the two teams run in just behind Temari who quickly rushes to stand beside her brother. "You idiot.."

Watching her brother Temari looks up suddenly as Chiyo gasps loudly in surprise. "You! How dare you come here after killing my son." Rushing forward Chiyo shows a frankly disturbing level of speed as she charges at Kakashi. Jumping in between the two Naruto blocks one fist with his hand while his chains stop her other hand and left foot from striking him. "Oi you old hag why are you attacking Kakashi-sensei?"

Jumping back Chiyo glares at Kakashi and the others can sense the chakra building up in her body. "You won't trick me White Fang of Konoha! I will.." Before she can say more Ebizo puts his arm out silencing her. "Neechan look closely at him. He's not the White Fang. He died years ago remember? You cried about not being able to avenge your son when you heard about it." For a moment Chiyo doesn't move before she suddenly relaxes and begins to laugh a bit too hard.

"I know I was just getting carried away." Resisting the urge to shout at the woman Naruto slowly retracts his chains while Sakura and Hinata move to stand beside Kankurō. As Sakura preforms her own examination Hinata's activates her Byakugan and looks over the puppeteer. "Hinata what can you see?" Narrowing her eyes Hinata slowly looks over Kankurō's chest before pointing just below his heart. "The poison is within his muscles and destroying the heart."

Nodding Sakura uses her headband to tie her hair up before looking towards the Suna med-nin. "I can help but I'll need your reports on his symptoms, the components of the poison, and a list of all medical herbs in Suna." Nodding the two med-nin begin collecting the materials and information with the aid of a few aides. Watching from the side Chiyo's eyes narrow as Sakura effortlessly directs the older Suna nin. "Kakashi-sensei I'll need the room. Can you and the others please leave? Hinata though you can stay since you're Byakugan can help with the procedure."

Nodding the two teams sans their medics exit the room alongside Chiyo and Ebizo. Sitting down the ten shinobi sit silently with Naruto separating the elders from his team and Kakashi's. Looking between Chiyo and Kakashi Naruto looks at Anko and quietly whispers to his sensei. "Hey Anko-sensei, who's the White Fang this old bat was talking about?" Looking surprised at Naruto's ignorance Anko smirks as she points at Kakashi with her thumb before answering.

"The White Fang was a great shinobi who rivaled the Sannin in both fame and skill. He was also Kakashi's father." Lowering his orange book slightly Kakashi smiles a bit under his mask while Chiyo is shocked at his relation to the man she hated. "No way. He must've been a great shinobi right, Kakashi-sensei?" Nodding Kakashi closes his book before putting it away as he eye smiles at Naruto. "That he was Naruto. You would've liked him I think."

As Chiyo can only stare within the room Sakura opens a small pouch on her belt revealing a small number of seals. "This is going to be a painful but it will be necessry if you want Kankurō to live." Placing a seal on Kankurō's chest Sakura channels a bit of chakra into it causing a matrix of kanji to spread across his chest, arms, and legs. Forming a chakra scalpel Sakura makes a small incision on the left side of his chest before taking one of the many bins of water and forming a ball of water infused with medical chakra on her left palm. "Hold him down. Hinata tell me when we extract most of the poison."

Nodding Hinata gently yet firmly holds Kankurō's chest down while the two med-nin and Temari hold his arms, legs, and head. "Sorry about this." With those words Sakura places her left hand on his chest while her right cover her earlier incision. To the other's shock the water seems to flow into him causing Kankurō's eyes to shot open as he yells in pain. For a moment it seems like nothing is happening before the water exits Kankurō's body via the small cut with a strange black liquid within it.

Narrowing her eyes Sakura places the tainted water into an empty bin before repeating the process. "This is going to take awhile." Again and again Sakura used water infused with her chakra to pull out more of the poison till finally nearing dawn she stopped. "That should be enough to make this nonlethal. I need a sample of the poison alongside the list of it's ingredients."

As Sakura took a short break to stretch and wipe off her forehead Chiyo walked forward surprised by her skill. "It's almost as if you're that slug girl. To think a girl like you came just when we needed you." Retying her headband in it's usual spot Sakura nods and smiles before answering. "Yes! That's because Tsunade-sama is my master. And the Hokage sent me here." Looking down Chiyo internally sighs as once again she was beaten at her own game, be it indirectly, by Tsunade.

As one of the med-nin hand Sakura a list of the village's medicinal plants she looks over quickly as her brother stops beside her. "Neechan. Time slowly flows on." Nodding slightly Chiyo has a slight smile on her face as she watches Sakura begin her work. As Sakura and Hinata leave the hospital they follow a small team of Suna med-nin to begin creating a true antidote. Watching them leave Chiyo relaxes slightly before she and her brother head out to gather some information.

Turning back she watches Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi speak with Baki about the attack. As the hours slowly tick by Sakura and Hinata finally create a cure for Sasori's poison and quickly head for the hospital to cure Kankurō completely. Alongside her brother Chiyo returns as well and sees Kankurō wake up and comes to a decision. As the two walk forward and stop beside his bed Kankurō turns and is surprised to see them out. "Chiyo-baasama and Ebizo-jiisama.." Waving away his surprise Chiyo briefly looks down at the ruined remains of his puppet.

"There's one thing I need to hear directly from you. Was one of two you fought truly Sasori?" Nodding Kankurō's grip on the bed below him tightens before he looks up. "Sasori of the Red Sands. Is how he introduced himself." Taking her leave Chiyo once more has a smile on her face as Naruto promises to bring Gaara back to them. "Maybe this new generation isn't quite so bad…Not like I'll ever tell them that." Walking home with her brother Chiyo decides that she has one last thing she must do.

-Land of Rivers-

Running through the forest Pakkun stops briefly to smell the ground again. Nodding to himself the small ninken once more takes off following the scent at a speed most didn't know he has. As the smell grows stronger the small ninken slows before stopping as he comes to a sheer cliff above a river. Facing a large boulder behind a torii gate with a large seal on it the pug nods to himself. "Any closer and they'll detect me." Turning around he heads back the way he came only briefly stopping to mark the route when necessary. Meanwhile within the cave a large sphere of chakra encircles Gaara even as it drags Shukaku and his chakra out of the unconscious jinchuriki.

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*-it's a storage tag filled with wind chakra, which Kankurō can use in canon, it's placement causes the chakra to spread across his puppet's blades, kunai, etc increasing their lethality cause TBH his puppets needed a boost in Shippuden

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Alright next chapter will be the first real fights of Part 2. Again sorry this chapter took so long to put out & kinda dragged. BUT don't worry I've got some fun stuff to show off in the next couple chapters both in battles & outside of them! Hopefully that part can be out soon lol. As always thanks a million for reading my story & if yah have any jutsu you wanna add just shoot me a message describing it & who you want to have it. I'll give credit each time it's used.