Chapter 20

Akari cautiously approached the Hidden Sand. She had never seen it in person, and already she was very impressed. It was a very fortified village sitting in a valley surrounded by cliffs. The entrance itself was well guarded. Though they were hiding, her sharingan allowed her to see the many ninja protecting it. She was grateful for the A.N.B.U mask she was issued. No one could see her eyes behind it. As she got closer a sand ninja appeared in her path.

"Our Kazekage is expecting you. I'm guessing that you're not willing to remove your weapons."

Akari shook her head.

"Very well. Follow me."

She nodded and allowed him to lead her inside. She had to admit she was excited. She had never been this far out of Konoha before. Especially not on her own. Once inside, she was again grateful for the mask. She didn't want him to see her eyes widen and mouth gaping at the sight. The buildings were all made of the some kind of clay and all crafted beautifully. Though very different from her village and had some similarities. Children ran around, playing among friends. The Adults were running errands while keeping an eye on the young ones. She got a few hostile glares but not many. Most of them seemed curious as to why she was there.

The sand ninja escorted her through his village with some unease. He kept giving her nervous glances. Akari understood why. After what they did to her village she had every right to return the favor. But those weren't her orders. And even if they were she probably wouldn't go through with it. After seeing the village, she knew she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"You don't need to worry. Technically I was invited here. Besides, your villagers seem nice and I would never put innocent people in danger." She said curtly.

He flinched at her last comment. He stared at her for a moment as if trying to see through the mask. Finally he nodded and seemed to relax slightly. Satisfied she went back to observing the village.

The sand ninja stopped in front of a large round building. He motioned for her to follow him inside. Once inside he led her to the office of the Kazekage. She was escorted in and left alone with the man leading the Hidden Sand. She couldn't tell what he looked like because his face was covered. She could've used her sharingan but she saw no point in it.

"Welcome. I take it your new Hokage got our message." He motioned for her to sit. She didn't.

"Yes. You wish to re-ally yourself with Konoha." She told him.

"That is what I wish yes."

"The Hokage would like a reason to trust you. Your village aided Orochimaru in the attack against ours. So far it doesn't seem like we would benefit from allying ourselves with you once more."

"I understand her doubt, but I would like her to know that we were falsely led into that attack. Soon after, we found our Kazekage's dead body. We were following an imposters orders. The rogue ninja, Orochimaru. One of yours."

"Are you implying that were partly to blame for the attack on our own village?"

"No. Of course not. I just need her to see that we were deceived. If your Kage gives you orders you don't question them."

Akari nodded. He had a point there. If what he said was true then they weren't all at fault. Lady Tsunade had briefed her on Orochimaru. He was quiet a character. There was no doubt he was behind all of it.

"Please inform her that if she accepts we will be a great ally to Konoha. No longer will she need to worry about us attacking. We will give you all the support you need. All we ask is for yours in return." He told her.

Akari searched the man's face for any hint of a lie. She was satisfied to find nothing. He seemed sincere in all he was telling her. Now it was time to see if he would allow her request.

"I would appreciate the use of one of you messenger birds Lord Kazekage." She asked politely.

He seemed confused with the question.

"Will you not be giving her this information in person?"

"No. It's a three days journey home and she isn't willing to wait that long. She would like to know as soon as possible so that she may give you an answer. Besides, there is something she would like me to do before I leave if you would allow it."

He seemed a bit hesitant but he nodded in agreement.

"You will have access to one of our birds. What is it your Hokage wishes me to allow?"

"You are well aware that we harbor the Nine-tails. But it is also know that you hold the One-tail among you. She would like it if you would allow me to meet its Jinchuriki."

Akari calmly waited for the Kazekage's response. She knew this would be a hard thing to allow. No village leader would be comfortable allowing something like this. To let someone outside their village know of their strongest weapon. The man in front of her stared at his desk for some time before facing her again.

"This is a lot for her to ask. Especially since I'm yet to know her answer." He muttered.

"It is. Which is why I have been ordered to stay in your village until she sends you an answer. Once you have it you can either allow me to meet your tailed beast or ask me to leave." She told him.

He rose an eyebrow at her.

"You're willing to stay among enemy ninja?"

"You may not be my enemies for much longer. Also, if something were to happen to me, you'll be receiving a lot more than an answer." She responded.

"Thank you for the subtle warning." He chuckled. "May I ask why your Hokage wants this?"

"It will prove that we can trust each other. Once we meet yours, you can meet ours if you wish. The thing is, she is aware of the fight between our two Jinchuriki. It seems that yours doesn't have very good control. She wishes to see just how bad it is."

"Does this mean yours is in full control?"

"No. He's young and has only used the power of the Nine-tails a few times."

"Young? Many of our ninja are young. You for example can't be more than 13 and already you're sent on a mission as important as this. How do I know he's not well ahead of mine?"

"Trust me when I say he's not quite there yet. We're not even sure if he'll ever be there. But if does manage to control what lies inside you will know. If we are to be allies once more, this means my Hokage and yourself will not only have one Tailed beast at your disposal but two. The both of you need to know the progress of each one."

Honestly, Akari didn't know how she felt about this. To let a village who just recently attacked, anywhere near Naruto didn't sit well with her. She had faith in Lady Tsunade though. Which is why she didn't question it.

The Kazekage didn't speak for a while. It was moments later before he spoke.

"Very well. Please send out the messenger bird and I shall wait for your Hokage's answer. It shouldn't take more than a day for it to arrive. I'll send for someone to escort you during your stay with us. If I receive good news ill arrange a meeting with the One-tail for tomorrow."

Akari thanked the Kazekage and was led out of the room. She was taken to the aviary and was given the use of messenger bird. She wrote her letter to her village leader and allowed a sand ninja to check it before sending it out. Then she was told to wait outside of the building. Her escort would arrive soon.

She took her place outside. It wasn't long before a familiar face approached her. Though she was dressed differently she looked pretty much the same.

"Hello. My name is Temari and I will be your escort. I take it you can't give me your name?"

The girl held out her hand. She seemed unsure of whether to trust the ninja from the Leaf. Akari hesitated before taking Temari's hand.

"I'm not supposed to, no. But I think it's best if I do. Though it will have to be done in private." She said.

Temari seemed surprised at her answer. She nodded and motioned for her to follow. Akari stayed close behind as they weaved through the village. This girl knew the truth about her. She hadn't even thought about the past few weeks. Had she broken her promise?

Moments later they were outside an average sized house. Akari allowed herself to be led inside. Temari offered her a seat in the living room which she gladly took. Then she disappeared and returned with tea.

"This is my house that I share with my brothers. It's just the three of us. We have been asked to house you during your stay." Temari handed her a cup.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Temari took a seat across from her.

"No one comes near this house. You should be okay to remove your mask." Temari took a sip.

Akari nodded and sat down her cup. Slowly she took of her mask. She watched Temari's eyes widen. She gave the girl a timid smile.

"Hi. Didn't think it was me did you?" She bit her lip.

"Akari! I…we haven't said anything I promise! That's why they sent you right? To check up on us?"

"Hmm? Oh! No! It was just a coincidence. Frankly I never really thought of checking up on you. Guess I gave you too much trust huh?" Akari chuckled.

"Not very smart of you. Your sister said that you village doesn't know either. Is this true?" Temari seemed to relax a little.

"Yes. Only a handful know. I recently told our new Hokage." She told her.

"Really? She knows and still sent you out on such an important mission? No offense but I would've kept you close to the village. An Uchiha can be quiet the weapon."

"Yeah I guess. But she needed to see if I was cut out to be an A.N.B.U."

Suddenly Temari rose from her seat. She flung a Kunai at Akari. Akari reacted and deflected it with her katana.

"What the hell was that?" She growled.

"You're here to meet the One-tail! To control it right! That's why she sent you!" Temari glared.

"Control it? What are you talking about?" Akari was confused.

"Your sharingan! No one knows about it which makes you the perfect person to send. You can use it to control the Shikaku like Madara Uchiha did with the Nine-tails!"

Akari blinked in surprise. Slowly she lowered her weapon.

"I can do that?" She asked in awe.

Temari looked at her in disbelief. Akari had lowered her guard which made this her perfect chance, but the look on her face stopped her. Maybe she gave the Uchiha girl a little too much credit. Seeing her like this, she seemed harmless. Shaking her head she put away her kunai.

"Yes! Hasn't Sasuke told you this? Or you're Hokage?" Temari took a seat again.

"Sasuke doesn't know. Anyways, back to the whole controlling thing."

"Wait! Sasuke doesn't know?" Temari stared at her.

"No. I'll tell him eventually."

Temari stared at Akari. No wonder the girl new nothing of her clan.

"So you have no one to teach you about the Uchiha's?"

"Well, that's not true. I have someone but he's never mentioned this."

Itachi hadn't mentioned much of anything really. What else had he not told her about? Maybe she needed to find out more about her clan on her own. Her mind was reeling! What if she could learn to control a Tailed-beast? She could protect the village from an attack like the one years before!

"Akari."

She would never control Naruto though. No way. Out of the question.

"Akari!"

"Hmm. What?" Akari said in surprise.

"I said, would you like me to show you where you'll be sleeping?" Temari said annoyed.

"Oh! Yes, thank you."

Temari led her further into the house. She showed her a room with a bed and night table. Akari nodded and let herself in. She removed her weapons and placed them on the table. She hoped she wouldn't need them.

Temari leaned against the door frame. She watched Akari curiously. She knew the power the girl held in those eyes. It was unbelievable that the girl didn't know herself.

"So, you literally know nothing of the Uchihas?"

"Actually, I know more than most." Akari frowned. "There are just a couple of details I lack."

"A couple huh."

"Well I only found out who I was a few weeks ago."

"That explains it! I thought you knew from the beginning."

The two girls left the room. They seemed more comfortable with each other. Together they entered the living area. In seconds, Akari had a kunai to her throat. She had seen it coming but didn't think it was wise to react. She didn't move.

"Kankuro! Get that away from her!" Temari ordered.

"What? Didn't she attack you?" The boy said.

"No!"

Hesitantly he did as he was told. Then he blinked in surprise.

"Akari? Oh man! We didn't say anything!"

"She knows that idiot!" Temari rolled her eyes.

"Well how was I supposed to know? I walk in and there's a kunai in the wall and an A.N.B.U mask on the table!" He glared at her.

"Oh. We probably should've put those away." Akari chuckled.

"So what brings you here then?" Kankuro asked.

"I take it she's here about the alliance." A voice answered.

Akari glanced in it direction. Gaara entered the house. She smiled at him. He looked different, and she didn't mean the outfit. He placed himself across the room and leaned on the wall.

"Yes I am." She said.

"She'll be staying with us tonight." Temari told them.

"Really? Why?" Kankuro said.

"I don't mean to intrude." Akari apologized.

"It's not that. I just thought you would've spoken to the Kazekage already."

"I have. We are waiting for the Hokage's reponse through messenger bird. If things go well I have business to attend to in the morning." She told him.

The boys seemed confused.

"Um. If things go well, she will be meeting with the One-tails tomorrow on the Kazekages orders." Temari said nervously.

Kankuro's face turned white and Gaara stared at Akari with unease. Akari felt the room get tense. Did they not want her meeting this person? Was he that bad?

"Okay! Let's get dinner started shall we?" Temari tried to lighten the mood.

The boys seemed to compose themselves and nodded in agreement. The three of them followed her into the kitchen.

"Gaara, keep your gourd in the living room. You don't need it to eat." Temari ordered.

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure I tasted sand the last time. Come on Akari! Temari is a surprisingly good cook." Kankuro grinned.

"Well it wasn't my sand. I have better control than that." Gaara muttered as he passed.

Akari watched him. He really had changed! His relationship with his siblings had certainly improved. They didn't seem frightened of him anymore. Enough to tease him anyways. He noticed her staring and gave her a timid smile. She smiled back.

Akari took her seat and had dinner with the Sand siblings.