Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.
It was about a week and a half after Naruto, Hinata and Jiraiya left to search for Tsunade. The Third Hokage sat looking over the report that the Jounin team he sent to investigate the alliance between Stone and Cloud Countries sent back. What he read did not please him. In the report, he read that the alliance was orchestrated by the Raikage and Tsuchikage, and that the alliance had appeared to be solely military in purpose. That meant that Konoha was to become a likely target from either or both shinobi villages. Scanning the report one more time he came across the part that confirmed that there was a third party involved. Apparently the idea of the alliance came from an outside source, though information on whom this outside source could be was still being investigated. Hence the reason he was only reading a report and not questioning the team, they were still in Cloud Country.
Sitting back the Hokage thought about the situation, "I hope my gamble with Tsunade pays off. I'm getting to old to be the Hokage anymore and Jiraiya already refused the position. If they can't convince her to return then I will have to start thinking of a new choice. Unfortunately I can't think anyone better suited then her right now." He sighed and looked at the pictures of previous Hokages, "Sensei, I hope your granddaughter will come. If she does we will be in a better position in the war that I know will come. Then there is Orochimaru in the back ground on top of everything else." He then stood up and walked to the door, after he opened he called to the administration Chunin, "Send a message to Kakashi and tell him that I wish to see him immediately. Then send a message to Sasuke and Neji saying that I want to meet them in two hours."
"Yes Hokage-sama," the Chunin answered. "Must want the three on a mission."
Two hours later the first to show up was Sasuke and soon after him Neji. After the greeting they were told to wait until the last member of the meeting arrived. Another fifteen minutes later Kakashi showed up. Turning to his former sensei Sasuke commented, "You're slipping again Kakashi-sensei, for two years you were at most two hours late. Now you are starting return to old habits."
"Sorry," Kakashi apologized, "I was just…"
"Never mind Kakashi," the Hokage interrupted. "I am sending you three on a mission to Suna village. The report from the team that went to Cloud came back and the alliance is going through."
"So you are sending us to request aid in the event of war," Neji stated.
"Correct," the Hokage replied.
"They may not agree," Sasuke said. "They have been on the decline in the last few years and may not wish to risk a possibly costly war."
"That is why you are going," the Hokage said, "We must know if Suna is willing to help us or not."
"So this is a fact finding mission as well as a diplomatic one," Kakashi concluded. "When do we leave?"
"You leave with in an hour."
"What about my team?" Sasuke asked.
"They will be allocated to other duties while you are away," The Hokage answered. The three bowed and left the room.
Outside the Hokage's office the three went their separate ways. But not before Neji called out, "Don't be late Copycat!"
Kakashi stopped and rubbed the back of his head, "I'll you at the main gate in an hour."
Close to an hour later the two teenagers met at the main gate, "If he's late like he normally is…" Neji commented.
"Relax Hyuuga," Sasuke spoke up, "Kakashi-sensei may have a bad track record at showing up on time for meetings, but for important missions like this one he is always serious."
Ten minutes later, only a few minutes after they were suppose to meet, Kakashi showed up. "Here," Kakashi threw the two a couple of odd kunais, "These are special kunais that my sensei gave to me. They have a special jutsu on them that alerts other members of the team to when and where it is thrown."
"Why are you giving us these?" Neji asked.
"In case we get separated," Kakashi replied, "I've got a bad feeling about this mission. Incase we get separated throw it and the others will track you down."
"Why are you on edge so early?" Sasuke asked.
"About a month or so ago one of Suna's top shinobi disappeared from the village," Kakashi explained.
"What's so strange about that?" Neji asked.
"It was the shinobi that left is what has me troubled," Kakashi, said, "It was rumored that the one that left was one of the Kazekage's children. And it is also rumored that the child hated his father and was quite powerful. The shinobi could become a threat to the mission."
"By taking one of us and impersonating him in order to get to the Kazekage," Neji finished. "But is he that strong?" Neji knew his teammates were like him, genius shinobi and highly skilled.
"He may be stronger than all three of us put together," Kakashi said bluntly, "So keep on your guard at all times." The two younger shinobi nodded and they headed out.
After about two days of traveling the three shinobi left the forests of Fire Country and entered the grasslands that would soon turn to the desert of Sand Country. Deciding it would best to take a break before they entered the harsh environment of Sand they stopped to make camp for the day. "You two knew Uzumaki before he disappeared correct?" Neji asked.
"Yes he was on my Gennin team," Sasuke answered.
"Worried about your cousin Neji-san?" Kakashi said with a playful glint in his eye.
Whether it affected the Hyuuga progeny or not there was no indication, "I was merely wondering if he had the potential as a Gennin."
"Naruto was the dobe of our year," Sasuke answered. "But you of all people should know that isn't a test of a shinobi's potential." Neji nodded remembering his misconception of people considered dead last at the academy only to prove to be among the strongest ones later. "Well before our last mission together," Sasuke continued, "He lived up to the placement. Even during the mission I had to save him."
"But after that Naruto started to show what he was capable of," Kakashi joined in. "I became trapped in a water prison but due to Sasuke and Naruto's team work I was set free."
"It was Naruto's plan that allowed it to happen," Sasuke continued, "He used a combination Henge and Kage Bushin to fool the Missing-nin we were fighting to leave him exposed to attack that would either wound him or set Kakashi-sensei free."
"And at the bridge Naruto was able to beat a hunter-nin class shinobi on his own after Sasuke was incapacitated," Kakashi finished.
Neji nodded, "I remember over hearing Sakura tell Lee about that during one of their training sessions. And after the fight that's when he disappeared for two years coming back at the same level as us."
"He may be even stronger," Kakashi said. The two younger shinobi fixed their gaze on him, "Remember that match was interrupted and judging from the training he described we may only seen a glimpse of what he can do." After several minutes of silence that followed Kakashi spoke again, "Back to the mission. Neither of you have been in a large desert before so there are some things you should remember." Once again the attention was fixed on Kakashi, "First, we'll only be traveling at night, even to Suna ninja the desert can be to harsh during the day. Second, when we rest drink plenty of water, dehydration is a greater risk then even chakra depletion. And third, don't take anything for granted, the sand of the desert can conceal an enemy better that anything else." The two nodded in confirmation and they all turned in for the night.
It took the three Konoha shinobi another three days from when they stopped to reach Suna. True to Kakashi's word the desert put more strain on them than any other environment they had encountered. As they approached the cliffs that surrounded Suna they were met with several Jounin. One in particular stuck out among the rest. He was wearing all black and had purple face paint, he stepped forward, "Identify yourselves!"
"Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Neji of Konoha, here to request a diplomatic meeting with the Kazekage," Kakashi said showing the Suna shinobi their passports as well as the diplomatic scroll the Hokage gave them.
"Very well follow me," the one with the face paint said.
Not long after the three from Konoha entered the Kage office. They were ushered into a room when suddenly they became restrained by paralyzing jutsus inscribed on the wall within the room. "Now we'll see if you're who you say you are," a man wearing the Kazekage robes said. He performed several hand seals and several more jutsus began to glow. The three began to feel chakra flow through them for several minutes until it suddenly stopped. The next thing the three knew they were able to stand and the Kazekage stepped forward, "I apologize for the ruff treatment, but there have some security breaks in the past week."
"Completely understandable Kazekage-sama," Kakashi answered. In truth they were expecting more than just a paralyzing jutsu and some chakra passing through their bodies. The chakra that passed through did not even hurt, and after taking a quick glance noting that the jutsus were very specific the test was designed to detect a specific person not just someone in disguise.
"I am sure you are here to discuss the recent alliance between Cloud and Stone," the Kazekage said. Not waiting for answer the Kazekage continued, "I can assure we already know of the possible threat and wish to share any information we have between our allies."
"As do we Kazekage-sama," Kakashi nodded.
"Then let us discuss this in my office," the Kazekage then left the room followed soon after the by Kakashi and the others.
As the meeting progressed information about what each other knew about the alliance between Cloud and Stone was exchanged. It appeared that both had about the same amount of information, that was until the Kazekage mentioned, "And to the rumors about a silent third party?"
"We have yet to confirm if those rumors were true, Kazekage-sama," Kakashi replied.
"I see," the Kazekage nodded, "Now onto the matter at hand."
"Can we count on Suna's support in the event of an attack?" Kakashi asked.
"Konoha and Suna's treaty says that if one were to be attacked by more than one other shinobi village then the other will come to the village's aide," the Kazekage answered. "If Konoha is attacked by Cloud and Stone, then we will come to your aide."
"I am sure Hokage-sama will be glad to hear that," Kakashi bowed.
"Kankuro!" the Kazekage called, the same Jounin that met them at the entrance opened the door.
"Yes Kazekage-sama?" Kankuro asked.
"Show our friends from Konoha a place where they may rest before they go back home," the Kazekage ordered.
"Yes fath…Kazekage-sama," Kankuro said. "Please follow me." The three from Konoha stood and followed him out of the Kazekage's office.
Kankuro took them to a hotel close by. Once they were checked in and settled in their room all three made a search with their enhanced eyes. Not surprising they each found a jutsu that was used for spying in the room. Whether or not they were activated they could not tell, but not taking any chances Kakashi began to use sigh language that was used exclusively by Konoha Anbu. "I don't think we can count on their support," Kakashi signed.
"I agree," Neji returned, though not an Anbu like the other two were, they had given him lessons, so that he could follow and contribute to the conversation, on the way there. "Seemed…stress…more than one…treaty."
"True," Susuke signed, "He made it clear that the treaty only applied to incase more that one village attacked."
"I do not believe we should trust the Kazekage," Kakashi added. "We should leave soon and get back to Konoha."
"I…one…watch," Neji volunteered. The other two had no objections and got some sleep.
The next day's evening the three packed their supplies and were about to leave when Kankuro and a blond female shinobi walked up, "Kazekage-sama sends his regards and wishes you a safe return," Kankuro said. "Temari."
The blond female stepped forward, "He has also seen to give you this a gesture of good will." She handed Sasuke what appeared to be a small technique scroll and stepped back.
"We thank you for you hospitality," Kakashi said, "But considering the recent events I believe we should make haste." The two Suna shinobi nodded and the three from Konoha left.
After they were a safe distance from Suna, Kakashi said, "Let's check the scroll before we go too much further."
"As soon as she gave it to me I checked it with my Sharingan," Sasuke said. "There appears to be a Genjutsu placed on it. But the strange thing is, I don't get the feeling it's dangerous."
"Open it," Kakashi ordered, "But be on guard just in case."
Sasuke nodded and opened the scroll. As he did, Kakashi uncovered his Sharingan and Neji activated his Byakugan. To those without special eyes it would appear that the scroll contained two mid-level wind jutsus. But with his Sharingan activated Sasuke was able to see the wording placed under the Genjutsu. "It's a note," Sasuke said puzzled.
"What does it say?" Neji asked.
Sasuke then read the note out loud, "'To the Konoha shinobi, when you cross the desert be careful, because our brother, Garra, is out there. He has the power to control the sand itself and is very dangerous to those he sees as enemies. He is currently targeting the Kazekage for trying to kill him. And if you run into him tell him we're sorry. Also know that not all Suna ninjas agree with the Kazekage.'" After Sasuke finished reading the note he asked, "Why would they worn us about this Garra and about the Kazekage?"
"From the look on that Kankuro's face I would say that he did not like Kazekage very much," Neji said. "If the note is at all accurate then he would be one of the ones that would not agree with the Kazekage."
"Either way we should be on the look out," Kakashi warned, "I do not believe it would be wise for us to stop until we reach the Fire border." The other two nodded in agreement and they ran towards home.
Two more days pasted and they were about to leave the Country of Sand when several sharpened poles fell from the sky. Fortunately the three Konoha ninjas were alert enough and avoid the attack. "Just what I would expect from three legendary figures such as yourselves!" a voice said to the right.
Sasuke, Neji and Kakashi took a defensive position activating their eyes, "Rain-nins. How many?" Kakashi asked.
"Four," Sasuke responded
"Fourteen," Neji answered
"Three," Kakashi finished. "Are you counting all that you can see Neji?"
"Yes," Neji answered.
"Seventeen in total," Sasuke concluded. "Not a good match up."
The Rain-nins moved forward and surrounded the three. The one who spoke earlier stepped forward, "You're not going any further."
"We'll see," Kakashi answered. The three then began their attack. They were fighting Jounin level shinobi so they knew they would be in for rather difficult fight. Kakashi took the apparent leader and the two next to him. Sasuke moved toward the four off to the right. And Neji stayed in the center and let some of the remainder come to him.
Kakashi pulled out a kunai and began moved directly to the one that he sensed was the strongest. "They have us outnumbered so we need to end this quickly." He quickly formed hand seals calling out, "Kage Kunai no Jutsu!" As he threw his kunai it quickly multiplied into several dozen. The borage of kunai spread, but unfortunately the leader was able to dodge and come away unscathed and the ones around him only got minor wounds at best.
The Rain-nins, knowing that they had the advantage spread out to divide the targets. They were going to take their time letting the shinobi they were facing tire themselves out then move in for the kill. The three that Kakashi attacked countered with several shurikens that he was able to dodge. One anticipating his movement moved in with a kunai and attempted to stab him. Unfortunately for him, Kakashi was able to predict his movements with the Sharingan and stepped into the Rain-nin's path catching him off guard and stabbing him in the throat.
Kakashi then jumped out of the way to avoid a kick from another enemy but the leader attacked the side with his eye closed and was able to land the blow to his side. Another that joined their leader after he saw the one die, attacked by throwing a kunai and though Kakashi was able to see it coming he was not able to dodge completely allowing the kunai to graze his left arm. "This going to be harder than I thought," whispered Kakashi.
Neji waited for the attack to come. With his three-sixty vision he was able to keep track of everyone around him. He saw Kakashi take out one and another moved into replace the one that fell. "Good, one less for me to deal with," he thought. There were six with in striking distance of Neji; the others were either staying back or busy fighting his teammates. Because he was best at fighting multiple opponents he was not too concerned about the number of enemies he was facing. "Their staying out too far for me to hit them with Kaiten. I'll have to wait for them to move in closer."
Four of the Rain shinobi reached for their shuriken and kunai holders while two others reached for their umbrellas on their backs. After the six drew their weapons the two holding the umbrellas threw them into the air. After they reached about three meters overhead they paused and began to spin causing several sharpened poles to fall towards Neji. At the same time the four others threw several kunais and shurikens at Neji.
Seeing the actions the enemy took Neji thought, "Damn can't block or dodge them all. All I can do is," ending his thinking he yelled "Hakke Shou Kaiten!" His body spun releasing waves of pure chakra stopping the projectiles. When he stopped spinning Neji looked at the enemy and noticed they were not surprised by the attack, in fact it was almost like they anticipated it.
Sasuke was busy dodging four opponents' attempts to hit him, as he continually tried to move in close. Against multiple opponents, with his teammates so close, Sasuke decided that using close range attacks would be best. Moving in with his Anbu sword drawn he slashed at one of the shinobi he was fighting. The target had tried to move out of the way and was able to dodge the blade, but to his surprise he still felt a cut and when he looked down he was indeed cut by the sword. Seeing the surprised reaction Sasuke capitalized it and stabbed the enemy critically wounding him. "Thank you Asuma for teaching me to channel chakra into weapons," Sasuke thought, "Unfortunately that will not happen again so easily, they know what to look for now and will be more cautious."
Just as Sasuke thought, the Rain-nins jumped back in order to avoid the sword. The three left then began to perform some jutsus forcing Sasuke to sheath his sword to perform his own hand seals to counter. This was all a ruse however as one of the shinobi that were hanging back came up and attacked Sasuke from behind.
Feeling a stab to the back Sasuke quickly turned around with a kunai he drew and stabbed the one that got him in the arm. "Their teamwork is impressive." Redrawing his sword Sasuke charged in once again.
The battle continued to for nearly an hour. And thought the three from Konoha were able to kill or knock out five of their enemies, they had paid the price themselves. Neji had to use several Kaitens and was running low of chakra. Sasuke sustained several blows from kunais while trying to get in close with his sword. Kakashi suffered from many blows as he fought the leader and his partners. Eventually the three regrouped to rethink their strategy. "They seem to know out moves," Neji said.
"Could they have been studying us?" Sasuke asked.
"Probably," Kakashi answered, "But it's more to it than that. They know the strengths and weaknesses of our eyes."
"How could they have known that?" Sasuke asked.
"Because I told them," a man stepped up from the edge. He moved closer and was holding what appeared to be a sword handle in his right hand.
"Aoi," Kakashi said, "So the traitor finally shows himself after so many years."
"Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke called, "Who is this guy?"
"He's a traitor from Konoha that stole the Raijin Sword that belonged to the Second Hokage," answered Kakashi.
"That's right," Aoi said, "And with the information I passed to the Raikage about Konoha, we will finish all of you."
"What do we do?" Neji asked. "We're low on chakra, out numbered and fighting someone that is familiar with our tactics."
"In this situation it would be best to try and make it to the border," Sasuke said.
"We need to punch a hole in the circle," Kakashi said.
"The one on the left is the weakest," Neji informed.
"Your left it is then," Kakashi said. The three made a break for the Neji's left in order to try and get away. In the process the had dropped and set off several flash bangs to confuse the enemy ninjas. They approached the one Neji pointed out and with a punch from Kakashi and Sasuke they were able to break out of the circle.
After recovering from the brief disorientation from the flash bangs, Aoi saw that they knocked out a person off to his right and were making a running from them. "No you don't!" Aoi activated the Raijin and charged the three with the other Rain shinobi behind him.
A head of them Neji still had the Byakugan activated and called out "Duck!" as several kunai and shuriken were thrown at them. With Neji's advanced warning they were able to avoid the attack but that diversion was just what the Rain-nins needed to catch up to the Leaf-nins.
"Never thought you would run from a fight Kakashi," Aoi taunted. Kakashi did not respond except to take a defensive posture. "Kill them before they try anything else!" The Rain shinobi were going to attack when suddenly they all were stopped because their feet became immobile. "What!" Everyone looked down at the Rain-nin's feet and noticed sand firmly holding them in place.
"The desert is mine," came a monotone voice. Those that could move turned to see a teenager about Sasuke and Neji's age with a gourd on his back emerge from the sand. "You have set foot on my sand without permission one too many times, now you will die."
The Rain-nins struggled against the sand as it slowly crawled up their legs. Seeing an opening Kakashi ordered. "Take them!" Not hesitating for a second Neji and Sasuke attacked the Rain-nins that were closest along with Kakashi.
The ones farther back were not as lucky to be killed by the Konoha shinobi, as the sand had already covered their heads. "Sabaku Sou Sou," the new comer said as the sand crushed the remaining Rain-nins. "Leave my desert before I kill you too." He started to walk away when Sasuke spoke up.
"You're Garra, right?" Sasuke asked.
He stopped and the sand began to swirl around him, "How do you know my name?"
"We received a letter from Kankuro and Temari telling us about you," Sasuke told.
The mention of the names caused the sand to stop briefly, "What did they say?" Garra asked.
"All the letter said was to tell you they were sorry," Sasuke answered.
Garra made gave no response but called the sand back into the gourd, "Leave." He then disappeared in a swirl of sand.
"We should had back to Konoha," Kakashi suggested.
"Not without this," Neji said bending down to pick up the Raijin. "I'm sure Hokage-sama will want this back." The others did not say anything and continued their trek back home.
