A foul stench welcomed them as soon as they entered the labyrinth. It was a familiar stench of decomposing human remains. Jiraiya's intestines shifted with extreme discomfort while his expression became pained. His mind's creativity functions imagined the kind of scenario awaited them down there. And this made his body tense.
The two beside him—Asuma and another had expressionless masks. He was the only one wearing his emotions. He figured, they didn't have the same mental challenges he was facing. His ideals were being brutally pounded by the reality he faced.
The passages were dark with no light. It was almost as if no one has been down here since Orochimaru died. It was likely none of Danzo's Root shinobi had come to this hideout. He wasn't the only one to have descended on the Sound. Kakashi was leading a team toward its capital. By the end of the day, its Feudal Lord would have bowed to the might of the Leaf. And his nation would become part of the Fire Country.
The source of the smell was deep within the belly of the hideout. Asuma whistled at the scene in front of them, while the other shinobi had his fingers on his nose in a futile attempt to block the smell.
Maggots were swarming over decomposed bodies. The smell was so strong it might have knocked out those sensitive. The bodies were piled up in one corner. There were a few people leaned against the wall; they looked heavily malnourished. No doubt, starved and dehydrated. It was a wonder how they were still alive. You could count the bones in their bodies. Their eyes seemed like they could fall from the eye sockets if they moved. They didn't even appear to have the energy to even blink or utter the word 'help.'
"I knew Orochimaru was bad news but this—" Asuma shook his head, his head filled with contempt for the Sannin.
"Well, he ran from Konoha because he was kidnapping children and experimenting on them," the man with them said as a matter of fact. "He wasn't simply going to quit. You could argue that leaving Konoha gave him more freedom to act indiscriminately."
"Yeah," Asuma nodded in agreement. He moved toward the cell and inspected if there were traps. The people in there still didn't move. The smell was too heavy. His stomach was becoming repulsed that he had to muster all his strength to deny it the power to release everything within him.
There were no traps. It seemed a simple key was needed to unlock. He took a step back and then kicked through the steel bars. Once done, he turned around and faced Jiraiya.
"What are we going to do about them?"
They couldn't take them to Konoha. Danzo was just going to continue the torment Orochimaru had started. The thought left Jiraiya bitter that he felt a little violated. This was what Naruto was talking about. Konoha knew and yet, they did nothing. He didn't do anything because there had been no threat to Konoha. He could have stopped the misery and suffering of many others but he didn't. it wasn't because of a childish hope that Orochimaru would eventually turn to the good side. Jiraiya had lost hope ages ago.
"We'll alert the authorities in this country and have them do something." It was the least they could do. They allowed Orochimaru into their country and overlooked everything for the sake of power his former friend gave them.
"That could work. But maybe they don't want to continue to live on."
Orochimaru had once suggested something like that. Maybe for this people, putting them out of their misery would be the best option, but Jiraiya had no courage for it.
"Maybe," he forced a careless shrug. "Let's move on." He really just wanted to get the scene off his eyes and focus on something that wouldn't make him think he was the biggest failure in life.
With Kakashi
'It begins'; it was the only thought that trampled on all other thoughts within Kakashi's head.
Behind him, shinobi rested in camps. He sat on a tree branch, overlooking the capital of the Sound country. Had things been different, he'd be drawing siege plans for Danzo's first conquest as Hokage. The Feudal Lord of the Sound was perhaps a coward. On the first letter of a threat, he'd refused to submit. The second they started marching, he sent someone to say he would surrender. They couldn't return. They had to march into the capital and establish the control Danzo desired.
The people within the Fire Capital would rejoice. The Borders of their country would expand. Other Feudal Lords could complain, but what could they do?
He glanced at Yugao, who was standing on the same branch; she didn't have her mask on. She wasn't an Anbu today, but just another Jonin. Her eyes darted around with caution. A scouting team had gone ahead. The surrender plea may well be a ploy to weaken their guard.
"Doesn't seem like there is any surprise," She said to him.
Kakashi sighed in relief. And then glanced at the shinobi behind him. They wouldn't have complained if they had to trample on the Sound. Their shinobi had done the same to the Leaf. And as a result, many died. Their Hokage died as well.
"They lost shinobi too. I'm sure he won't want to make things worse for his nation. He must have also accepted Orochimaru out of fear." The silver haired Jonin said. Although conditions were set for their departure, he didn't want to move. Even if Scouts finally returned, he'd still linger for a little while longer, just hoping something happens. But he knew, nothing was going to happen. There were no such miracles in the shinobi world. There was no god who answered prayers. Even if he was there, he had long abandoned him.
"And now there is no one to help." Yugao thought it was cruel being a small nation. The mere presence of a Sannin was enough to make them cave. A Great Nation wouldn't even blink. The likes of Iwagakure and Kumo with the huge military powers would go as far as to laugh at the threat.
"None of the Great Nations are going to act. The Sound invaded Konoha."
"And Kumo?"
Kakashi shrugged. Internally, he wasn't shrugging. He thought, with everything happening, the Cloud would be concerned. Danzo wasn't going to allow their second attempt to capture a member of the Hyuga lie without payment. If he had to invade the Cloud for his peace of mind, he would do so. He wasn't as arrogant as Orochimaru. He wouldn't care provoke the Cloud now. But soon enough, he would grow a chip on his shoulders and everyone would know why the Leaf is called the strongest of the Great Five.
"We'll see… the Raikage is somewhat more trigger happy than the Tsuchikage." After all, in the hunt for the Byakugan, the man was quick to threaten war with the Leaf. Danzo was going to tell the man to bring it on. The man wouldn't mind even plotting to assassinate the Tsuchikage and then blame it on Kumogakure shinobi to make the Stone back them in the war. "Tell the men to prepare to move out. No signal is coming, it must be safe." He finally relented and decided it was best to just move on.
"Hai."
Land of Birds
Nightfall had eased the second they turned their backs on the desert. The stars beamed with excitement in the heavens. The Lord of the night—the moon—was no where to be seen. On vacation perhaps. While the stars brightened the above, the earth was as dark as a bottomless pit. The forest felt like the valley of death. Crickets sang their melodies, owls joined in on the fun. The night life wouldn't permit any relaxing, especially far from home.
The fire was small; the wood burnt with little vigor, almost as if it was lazy. Small as it was, it was the only light that enabled Naruto to see Temari who said across him, knees tucked in across her chest. The air was a little cold. And the fire was not helping.
They were just past the border. Even if it felt like some evil was lurking in the shadows, staying away from other people was the best solution for them. To go across towns meant their could leave a trail. That sort of thing attracted all kinds of vultures. Before the sun even rises, they would be crossing the Birds, and hopefully, by noon, they would reach Iwagakure.
"You can sleep if you want," Naruto said to Temari. His voice was almost a whisper, his eyes fixed on the flames.
Temari shifted with discomfort. "I wouldn't be able to sleep if I wanted to," she replied in a flat tone. She was nowhere. She wasn't used to travelling with anyone but her brothers. With Gaara, she could even afford to snore, knowing nothing would happen.
Naruto lifted his eyes above the flames. He had a small smile on his lips. "You don't feel safe with me then."
The flames, the blood red eyes of his that seemed to glow with the night made for a very uncomfortable image. Temari didn't stare at Naruto for too long but chose to focus on the flames, as they would not stare back.
"You're saying it a tone that makes it feel somehow."
"Isn't it somehow?"
Temari shrugged. "You just don't trust someone like that," she glanced at him for a second. When she noticed his eyes were fixed on her, she looked away, this time, opting to stare into the darkness. "We could have still gone into Town while under transformations."
Naruto smiled in response. "Given what you just said… I think camping is the right choice. This little exercise will be good for building trust."
"You brought us here knowing this!" Temari didn't shy away from Naruto's stare. "I'm in the middle of a forest… and its cold as hell. You wont even make the fire bigger. Is this some kind of torture?!"
"You want to alert people we're here?"
"If there are people around, they'll notice the fire." Temari then sighed with frustration.
They were heading to Iwagakure for a diplomatic talks with the Tsuchikage. Naruto was the one who would be doing the talking—as Suna's Jonin Commander and a Special Envoy for Diplomatic relations. There was the danger they would come across Konoha shinobi on the way back. He'd said with a straight face that he wouldn't be surprised if they are attacked by Konoha and then the attacked is blamed on Iwagakure. Danzo wouldn't permit them to be friends with Iwagakure. And so, their journey had to be a secret.
She wasn't supposed to come here; Naruto would have come with another shinobi, but Temari volunteered.
"Baki sensei spoke to me about something," Temari spoke in a barely audible tone. She was clearly struggling with whatever she wanted to say.
Naruto didn't interrupt her internal struggle. He would admit, he found it amusing that he wanted to poke fun into it. But it wasn't appropriate in this time.
"M—marriage—" Temari managed to say. She faced Naruto to search his reaction but there was none. She felt, he was intentionally doing it. There was just no way a person like him would stay still at such a revelation. The thought made her feel as if he was just enjoying the show, watching her inner turmoil as if it was some form of amusement for his twisted sense of humour.
"Why are you glaring at me like that? You said marriage? What marriage? Is Baki getting married? Are we going to propose marriage to Iwagakure?"
"You know what I'm talking!" Temari almost rose to her feet. "You're being a bastard."
Naruto laughed with deep amusement. "I just wanted you to say it. Baki would have said it, but you must have decided you wanted to say it yourself…" he paused, and then sighed deeply. "A marriage between you and me?"
"Yeah…" Temari managed to reply with barely hidden contempt. But not directed at him, the idea of a political marriage. "There are still people with questions about your motives. Despite everything you're doing, not everyone is sold. Baki says you'll eventually want to become Kazekage. A marriage between us would be good for Suna."
"No."
"Sorry?" Temari thought she'd not heard him correctly. He would flat out reject the idea of marriage with her like that?
"No to the marriage. I have no interest in it."
"Sorry?" Temari was baffled. She had her pride. And to be rejected just like that stunned her. Naruto would be lucky to even marry her and he just rejected her like that? She couldn't understand she thought she may have heard him wrong for the second time.
"Opinions can be changed over time. I'm going to work so hard nobody will question me. However, I know Baki's intentions. He just wants to tie me down to Suna and ensure I don't think of leaving," Naruto said with a slight wave of his right hand.
"That is all?"
"You want me to say something else?"
"You're rejecting me. You know how many people would dream of marrying me?"
"Not with Gaara as your brother."
Temari shot him a cold glare. "Well, at least I don't have to get married to someone like you," Temari said with relief. Her initial shock at being rejected pushed to the side by the relief she felt.
"That was quick."
"I honestly didn't want to do it. But I understood," Temari admitted. "But why are you rejecting it?" the wounded pride came back once more. "You think I'm not good enough?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Naruto shook his head. "I'm still young. I wont be tied by political marriages. One of the reasons I came here is because I want to experience raw emotions. Superficial things such as political marriages are an inconvenience. If I end up getting married, it will be because of love."
Temari was silent as she studied the blond. He was being genuine about his intentions. She found it curios but didn't want to think about the issue for too long. And so, she shoved her curiosity to the back of her head. She was learning, he wasn't really a bad person—at least to his friends.
"Baki wont be pleased, but he'll accept it."
"Did you want to talk to me because you wanted to convince me I could walk out if I wanted? Baki would have tried everything to get me to agree."
"I had no such thoughts." But her smile gave her away.
Naruto shook his head once more. "You're mistaken about something… I have no interest in becoming Kazekage."
Temari blinked with surprise. "I find that difficult to believe."
"I like freedom and the ability to move about…" he wasn't even sure he would spend the rest of his life in the Sand, regardless of how short or long it would be. "Gaara can be installed as Kazekage when he is ready. I'm not building up Suna to be dependent on me. I'm doing what I am doing so that you may be able to stand on your own against the powers of the Great Nations."
"How lucky of us." She said it in a sarcastic manner, but truly, she meant it—the Sand was lucky for have him in its side.
Konohagakure
The Hokage tower had been turned into a fortress. Shinobi on guard duty swarmed the building with unblinking eyes. The Anbu stayed hidden in the shadows. Not just anyone could come in and go. Shikaku had not felt safe as he walked through the passages, being escorted by one of Danzo's men. The Anbu were now secondary to the protection of the Hokage. None of them would raise a hand against their Kage—but Danzo didn't seem to trust them implicitly.
The office was a litter box. Shinobi were moving about in the office, holding papers and speaking in hushed tones. His entrance didn't stop anything. Shikaku didn't even recognize any of the shinobi in the office.
"Danzo-sama," the Nara head bowed slightly.
Danzo motioned for Shikaku to sit down. "Leave us." He ordered to everyone else in the room.
While Shikaku sat in front of the desk, the people slowly trotted out of the office. They didn't take anything. Even the papers were left on the floor. He figured, they would be waiting outside and soon as he left, they would rush back inside to continue with their work. Two more men remained behind. They took protective positions behind the Fifth Hokage.
He was still Jonin commander, but Shikaku felt he was being side-lined a little. Danzo installed his people in important positions. Even the Anbu Commander was replaced by one of Danzo's lieutenant.
"Despite circumstances, I value your intellect. I don't think you're as naïve as Hiruzen."
Danzo didn't miss an opportunity to throw a dig at the Sandaime's ideals. Though he was being complimented, Shikaku ignored it. He didn't say anything but waited for the man to speak.
"As you're probably aware, Jiraiya and Kakashi have gone to the Sound. Taking over the Sound gives us some of their man and places us in a better position to attack or defend from Kumogakure." Danzo explained calmly. "But there is a possibility that they might reply once we take over the Sound."
"Very likely. But the Raikage must see us as weak."
"If he sees us as weak, he'll make some demands," Danzo stared at Shikaku. "As things stand, if Kumo was to declare war, how would we go about it?"
"That is a difficult one. Konoha has been losing shinobi over the years and we've not replaced them. Kumo and Iwa have been rebuilding. They have two Jinchuriki each. Fighting them as we are now would be disastrous."
"I know… but I'm asking you what would be the best option to defend Konoha in case we're forced to fight?"
Shikaku really didn't like the question. He felt he was being tested. But it meant Danzo was preparing for all scenarios. And his earlier words, there would be eventually an attack on the Cloud.
"The first option would be to target their Jinchuriki. A preemptive strike on the Cloud itself would keep them busy. But they still have overwhelming numbers. We would struggle…"
"As things stand, we cannot possibly win against the Cloud. We could come with a strategy that makes them concede to a draw. We need a Bijuu."
Ah, so, it was coming to this point. "What did you have in mind?"
"Suna's Jinchuriki will be difficult to capture while in the Sand. We can't capture him without making sacrifices. We can't afford those sacrifices at the moment. However, if an opportunity comes up, we will have to move. I will send people to the Sand. I have been told that the Six-Tails is no longer in the possession of Kirigakure. We must look for it. In the mean time, we must capture the seven Tails."
"That would draw a reaction from Iwa and Kusa is our ally."
"We need that power and I have already sent Gai, two teams of Anbu and two of my men who specialize in sealing to capture it," Danzo replied in a flat tone. "We will have the Seven Tails. With that in mind, I want you to think of a plan that would make us fight Kumo on equal footing. Once you're done, return and present it to me. I'll consider Sunagakure and Iwagakure. Of course, we cannot allow the former to ally with any other nation. I have already sent a message to the Tsuchikage to inform him of the situation. I don't want him taking any action."
"You're worried if we attack Suna, Kumo or Iwagakure might take the opportunity to attack us."
"Yes. That is why the Sound will be important. Think of a strategy. I'll be waiting."
Iwagakure
The sun had already set as they arrived at Iwagakure. The journey had been as smooth as sliding down a water stream. The dangers of the shinobi world did not hunt them down. The village entrance proved to be the more daunting task than a speedy travel across different nations with an eye on the back—just in case.
Temari looked spent. The guards were staring at them with contempt, especially him. She didn't look as if she had the patience for it but had to bite it for the sake of civility. A fuss and they would have to return home without setting foot in the Tsuchikage office.
"Name and business."
Temari snorted with all the contempt she could muster. "Temari," she replied harshly.
"You speak to us like that?" one of the guards asked, looking at her with an air of superiority. "We could make you wait a little longer."
"Is that how Iwagakure handles diplomatic envoys?"
Both guards grinned. "A mix up occurs, and we can apologize," they said. And bigger one then added. "It isn't like you'd be able to do anything about it." He shrugged indifferently.
The arrogance of those with power but what did she expect? Suna and Iwagakure have never been allies. She was willing to even say that her village's relationship with this village was worse than the relations between Iwa and Konoha.
She glanced at Naruto, trying to see his reaction to all this but he just had a small smile, as if this was just some comedic show that amused him. It was the kind of smile that always seemed plastered on his lips. She wanted nothing more than to slug him across the face. Maybe he would wipe it off. She sneered at him and then glanced back at the guards.
"We're envoys from Suna on a diplomatic mission. The Tsuchikage should be expecting us," she said through gritted teeth. If each word had been accompanied by a stab or a slap on each of the guards, she may have felt a little better.
"Ah… yes… yes… We were told…" they both nodded in agreement. "And you?"
"It's funny, isn't it?" Naruto asked Temari instead of responding to the guards. The smile that had once been an eyesore to her, was gone. His lips twirled into something of contempt. "They obviously know me. Konoha has made me famous. They were even glaring at me with contempt, and yet demand I introduce myself."
Temari felt a little happy to see the smile on his face gone. The weariness that was trying to drag her knees to the ground took a step back a little. She didn't become giddy, but she smiled a little.
"Just introduce yourself then?" What would be wrong in watching him act normal for once?
Naruto shook his head. The arrogance of Great Nations was astounding. As the days piled up and his experiences grew, he felt, Nagato's contempt for the Great Nations was justified. The darkness in him even whispered for the thought running a crusade of toppling them from their positions of power.
He took out his papers and handed them over to one of the guards. The man stared at him for a long minute before grudgingly taking them. He took his sweet time inspecting the papers. Once done, he nodded his head.
"Wait here. We will send for someone to pick you up."
Naruto didn't say anything, but just closed his eyes and counted the seconds. He could feel the soft sounds of Temari tapping her fingers on her elbow. Her patience was wearing thin. He did nothing to alleviate her mood, but kept counting the seconds in his head.
They waited for about five minutes and someone arrived. They were not led to the Tsuchikage's office but to a hotel. Onoki would see them tomorrow at 9am. Someone would come to fetch them.
"It's preferable you don't go out tonight. Stay here. The hotel has food downstairs."
A parting shot that would deflate anyone but it was the tipping point that caused Temari to explode. Her anger visible. Her killing intent—childishly meagre as it was—was starting to leak out.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" She was shouting right in front of the shinobi's face. He hadn't even bothered to introduce himself.
The man was unbothered. He didn't even respond to Temari but just walked away. Naruto shut the door while Temari still stood there. He turned around to face the room. Three single couches surrounded a small round table. There were two doors on the right and a single door on the left. He figured the rooms were on the right and the left was the small room. He crouched down, placed the palms of his hands on the floor and then closed his eyes. Temari hovered over behind him, but he ignored her as he focused.
"Doesn't seem like there is anyone," Naruto said as he stood up. A clone appeared in a poof of smoke. It disappeared toward the rooms. He walked over to the couches and Temari walked faster than him, slouching with a heavy sigh before her fan hit the floor.
She was silent for a couple of moments as she gathered her breath and sorted her thoughts. "You've never bowed to anyone. You treat Baki with respect, sure… but you look down on everyone. And yet, you were taking everything without twitching. What the hell is wrong with you?!" she sneered at him, her anger now being directed toward him rather than those who stirred it.
"It would seem you don't quite understand me." Naruto said calmly. "I don't look down on other people, generally. But I understand why they act in the way they do. I'm not an irrational person. In such circumstances, you give nothing away. Blowing up like a trumpet makes them read you quite easily."
"You're comparing me to a trumpet!"
Naruto ignored the outburst and continued to speak in a measured tone. "We will meet the Tsuchikage tomorrow. Relax and control yourself. We've made things truly difficult for Iwa in the past. It is only natural they be hostile. Regardless, you should curse being weak. I can remain calm because I know if I want, I can wait for midnight and slit their throats. This world works this way. If you have no power, you will be bullied. You must be a winner to avoid such circumstances. Unfortunately, Suna is weak and we're losers, that is why they can spit on us."
Madara truly understood this world. He'd told him already but Naruto was learning. To be without power was a curse. Only those who were blessed with power could write history and enjoy themselves. The others just had to wait to be trampled upon. You couldn't even afford to dream. The warlords might not be fond of your friends. And they would crush them, even the little hope you held onto dearly.
"Well, I'm not going to just take it silently."
"Your crying won't help anything. What will you even do?"
Temari shot him daggers and then released a deep sigh. She was being crushed—her hopes. How she hated being reminded that she was in a weak position and there was nothing she could do to move the mountain in front of her. Smart people came with ways to either climb or just go around it, but Naruto would rather chop off both her legs to kill any hopes of strategy.
"Worry not, Suna will rise and they will no longer be able to look down on you. Endure, we have a mission here and it is not to piss off Iwagakure. We're already on the edge with Konoha, we are here because we don't want Iwa trying to push us down the hill."
Suna was struggling but Temari had never considered that another Great Nation would treat them in such a manner. It was insulting and disrespectful. But they couldn't complain about it. The Tsuchikage may just as well say they were just damn brats.
"You're awfully reasonable and calm in such matters," Temari admired. "I guess that is what is needed."
"Experience helps. Sometimes you just have to ignore your emotions," he allowed Temari to see a nasty look on his face.
Seeing the expression, Temari laughed. He did say he was calm because he could slit their throats at night. If he was that bothered, why remain this calm?
"Internal battles are the hardest. Sometimes you just want to act according to your instinct in and anger, but that is always reckless. Not saying you must completely discard your emotions. It is just a matter of finding where to apply them."
"Easier said than done," Temari frowned. "Are all Great Nations going to treat us this way? I'm not sure I can tolerate it," she admitted truthfully.
"Konoha already sees us as a colony. They are never going to succeed of course, but we have no bargaining chips," Naruto shook his head. "But with Iwagakure, things work out for this. Iwa has two options really. They can be good or bad for us but they can't sit still."
On his own, his may not have come here. He had no desire to beg from a man such as Onoki. He knew the Tsuchikage was stubborn old man. Anything was possible really. But Iwagakure took caring for its interests to the extreme levels. Hence, he was certain there would be productive talks.
He glanced up into the ceiling. There was an urge in him to leave for the night and wander into the streets—just to see the night life in the Earth.
"Go and rest Temari. You've had a long one."
"Because you kept pushing me!"
"Consider it a part of training."
"Are you going to stab me and then starve me to say it's also part of training?"
Naruto looked at Temari with amusement. "I'm not a sadist."
"I wonder about that," Temari grabbed her fan and her bag. She didn't go to the bedroom but the small room. She stopped by the entrance and turned around with a sharp glare. "Peek and I'll murder you."
"You're a violent person, Temari. I'm afraid you're going to be beating your husband in the future."
"Who said I'm going to get married?"
"You don't reject the beating but getting married…" Naruto stared for a moment with a raised brow. "You don't want to have kids to love, another half to cherish?"
"Haven't seen a lot of cherishing. Forgive me for not having such thoughts." Temari replied bitterly and then slammed the door shut behind her.
The following Morning
The redness of the sun rise had come and gone in silence. The early risers were already at task. Teams were already in training grounds, preparing. Some shinobi were fighting to death on some battlefields somewhere. Above, the sky was clear, just as Iwa's path to glory. There was a slight breeze with a bit of coldness. Perhaps it came with the morning. The streets were with few people. Shop boards and signs were being put up. In the midst of all the activity, some happy people were probably still sleeping. For different reasons of course. Others worked through the night and some just had nothing better to do.
Kurotsuchi trotted in peace within the streets of her beloved village. She arrived at the hotel where the Suna envoy was placed. She knocked once and waited. Her wait didn't test her patience as the door crept open before she could consider knocking again.
Blood red eyes with three dots welcomed her. As she stared, they seemed to spin slowly, spinning her world along with. She noted there and then, the Sharingan was a deadly Jutsu. Just staring at those eyes brought a sense of discomfort.
When the other person came to the door, she sneered. They were just like her—young. She expected to see grown ups. It was a high level mission and yet, Suna sent people her age. Was it some sort of a joke or did they lose everything when they attacked Konohagakure? Well, she wasn't complaining about the attack. It did nothing but weaken the Leaf, thus placing Iwa in a stronger position.
"Kurotsuchi, I'm here to take you to the Tsuchikage's office," she said in a measured tone. She raised an eye brow. "You're Suna's envoys, right?"
"You seem disappointed."
"What gave me away?" She asked with a roll of her eyes.
Naruto didn't reply but turned to Temari. "Let's just go… oh, this is the Tsuchikage's granddaughter by the way."
"Oh." That was all Temari said.
"To confirm your disappointment, we're indeed Suna's envoy," Naruto shut the door behind after Temari walked past him. He didn't lock, but a clone was left behind in the room. It would be a standard Intelligence exercise to check their rooms while they were away. A violation of some sort, but Intelligence wasn't gathered through peace.
"My grandfather is waiting for you."
Naruto glanced at Kurotsuchi for a second and then looked ahead the road. "So, what should we expect?"
Kurotsuchi scoffed. "You expect me to tell you anything? You should have done your homework if you're a diplomatic envoy." She then smiled, a little crookedly. "But this is to be expected from a nation like Suna. Didn't think you'd come running to us after your failed invasion in Konoha."
"We did not fail and you seem to be under the impression that we actually need this village to protect ourselves… how conceited…" Naruto said mildly and then chose not to say anything else. He received a look from Temari but he brushed it aside.
"Then why are you here?" Kurotsuchi asked in a curious tone.
"You'll see… no… you'll know eventually. But if you're not part of the negotiations, them this is a little above your pay grade."
His casual response elicited a death glare from Kurotsuchi. No other words were exchanged as they made their way toward the Tsuchikage tower.
The Sandaime Tsuchikage was as old as they said. The desk and chair he sat on looked like an oversized throne. His skin wasn't as wrinkled as you'd expect from someone his age, but it was still shrivelled. If someone said he'd become tiny as he aged, Naruto wouldn't object, even without evidence. Beside the old man, a man he recognized as Kitsuchi from Sasori's intelligence was in the office. He was tough and gave off an intimidating aura, perhaps an attempt to mess with them. For a brief second, just briefly, Naruto had considered putting the man under an illusion.
He smiled, the Tsuchikage didn't dare stare into his eyes. His experience showed. He was someone who has faced Sharingan in battle. Those who have, no matter how powerful would never be stupid enough to glare into the Doujutsu.
"Sandaime Tsuchikage," Naruto bowed slightly. "My name is Uzumaki Naruto, and I'm the Jonin commander of Sunagakure. This is my colleague, Temari. She is the eldest daughter of Suna's former leader," he then glanced up at the Tsuchikage with respect. "It is an honor to meet you. The Raikage can claim to be the fastest man alive with the death of my father, but you can lay claim to having the deadliest fast attack in all of the shinobi world. There is no other shinobi who can turn anyone into dust in the blink of an eye."
"Enough with the flattery," Onoki said in a dismissive tone. "Leave us, Kurotsuchi."
"Hai." Though, she didn't pleased, she still left without protest.
"Sit." Onoki instructed.
There was only one chair in front of the desk. Temari chose to let him sit as he was the one who would be doing the talking.
"Thank you."
"I'm not going to talk to you while you're staring at me with those eyes." Onoki said in a dead serious tone. You never knew with the damn Sharingan. It was never a good idea to send a Sharingan user for such talks because there would always be the suspicion of Genjutsu being used to manipulate others.
"I can't deactivate them, unfortunately," Naruto said but said shut both his eyelids. "Is this acceptable?"
"Yes." Onoki gave a small nod of his head. "I did not expect Suna to be sending children for such talks. Have you lost all capable shinobi because of your invasion? You were not even part of Suna not long ago. That at your age, you've become a Jonin commander is quite a testament to Suna's military state…" he said in a condescending tone.
Naruto just smiled. "In your eyes we're indeed children. But doesn't it go the other way to say that me being Jonin is a testament to my skills?"
"Regardless of skills, you're still a brat. What do you understand about politics?" Onoki challenged Naruto.
"Is that why you won't give up your throne despite your age?" Naruto asked. He only smiled when Kitsuchi sent him a sharp glare. "I'll admit, the elderly have more experience and wise in such circumstances. But they also lose some perspective. Ordinarily, it would also have seen it more prudent to send someone experienced in politics… but we're here."
"Not bad." Onoki conceded mildly.
He was indeed the son of the Yondaime Hokage. Even to this day, Onoki cursed that man's existence. He'd feasted when he learned the man was dead. Some war lords in the country has suggested taking the opportunity to break their peace treaty with Konoha as the reason they'd even signed it in the first place was because of the Yellow Flash.
Naruto was showing restraint, respect and chose his words carefully. Kurotsuchi could learn a lot from him. Maybe he should have called her to listen in. soon enough, she too would be sent to represent Suna in diplomatic relations.
"Call Kurotsuchi." He made his mind right there and then.
Kitsuchi nodded and walked toward the door. No word was said as the man followed his instruction. Kurotsuchi was still standing outside. He motioned for her to come in. she beamed with excitement like the child she was. He sighed and allowed her in before shutting the door. Once he was back in his position, Onoki spoke once more.
"Observe, and say nothing."
"Yes."
Onoki turned his eyes back to Naruto. There was a little bit of contempt in his eyes. "I'm still debating whether I should listen or if your words carry any value in Suna."
"A shinobi's worth is valued by his strength. For now, I'm not concerned with how Iwa value my words. You could say it is irrelevant. Whatever I say, you can always hold Suna to account because of your position. However, what matters is whether you can accept my words." Naruto paused for a second, smiling a bit. "I'm more than willing to spar with anyone you put before me to show you that I am indeed the Jonin Commander and Suna isn't so weak as you might think."
Onoki sneered. "I'm been in this game for far too long, gaki."
Naruto just laughed. "As expected of the Tsuchikage."
There was word spreading that Suna won its battle with Konoha. No matter how you look at it, Konoha came out of it alive. Both villages lost their Kage and Suna was in a worse condition. Why Konoha couldn't attack Suna is the reason same reason even Iwa didn't bother. Many have tried and lost their lives in the desert.
Konoha has given the blond a good rap sheet. Owing to his Mangekyo and the Kyubi, they named him as an S-rank rogue shinobi and placed a sizable bounty on his head. If he accepted the challenge, there was a chance of the blond winning and if he won, it would only give him credibility and strengthen his hand when discussing with them. Onoki wasn't about to have Suna spread the news of Naruto defeating one of Iwa's strongest shinobi, right in front of his eyes.
"There is no question you're Minato's son. But why has Minato's son abandoned Konoha and turn to Suna?"
"Personal reasons."
"You're not loyal to the village that gave birth to you. Not even the village that your father died to protect." The contempt wasn't hidden in Onoki. It was apparent he hated treacherous shinobi.
"My father died for his own reasons. He made his choice, and I have made mine. I left Konoha as a six year old. I can't be called for my loyalties. Anyway, that is not the reason we are here."
"But it weighs on whether I can trust you."
For the first time, Naruto displayed negative emotions. "If we're going that far, I would also bring into question the many agreements you've torn apart when it suited you."
"We do what is best for this village," Onoki replied with sharpness, not ashamed of his actions.
"The same for me."
"Then, state your case. I don't have all day."
"We don't want to bring you into your battle with Konoha. But we want to ensure that when Konoha attacks, you don't attack us on the other flank."
"Why would we do that. We have no desire to work with Konoha and no interest in protecting you. You invaded Konoha," the Tsuchikage paused. "What was the main idea behind it?"
"I'm not at liberty to explain this. And Orochimaru killed the Kazekage and impersonated him in order to force Suna into battle with Konoha. I assume for him, it was out of a grudge."
"Oh, nothing to do with Suna's fall then?"
Naruto smiled. "Suna is not falling and has never been on the fall." Naruto said resolutely.
"We know the truth. The Wind Lord was also sending mission requests to the Leaf."
Naruto shrugged. "That is true, but Suna is fine and has always been fine. That is why, even now, it still stands," he said and then went back to the main points. "Iwagakure would be forced to make a decision if it thought Konoha could overtake Suna. If Konoha controls Suna, it becomes a national security crisis for this country."
Onoki wouldn't risk losing Shinobi by attacking Suna. Naruto wasn't wrong either. It would be undesirable for the Leaf to take Suna. Because if it happened, there would be war and Suna would face a threat that threatened its existence. Weak, but Suna was still one of the Great Nations. It Iwa had to face Suna and Konoha, it wouldn't be in a good position. He couldn't permit Konoha to take Suna.
Given the circumstances, he couldn't team with Konoha either to take down Suna.
"I admit, you can offset this by doing something else quick and less painful to your military. That is subduing all the small nations that sandwich between the Wind and the Earth. It creates a buffer. But still less desirable because there is no telling those nations won't rebel in case they are forced to defend the Earth."
Those words felt like a hammer blow to Onoki. Even with his eyes closed, the blond could see very well.
"At the end of the day, the best option would still be to attack Suna." Onoki fished in thought. He tapped his finger on the table, while thinking. "You came here knowing we really don't have a choice."
Naruto smiled. "Not at all."
"But you're not asking we take on Konoha together."
"Suna is capable of fighting Konoha…"
"That would have still been attractive and the expected negotiation. But you just want us to stay put." Onoki smiled. "Funnily enough, Konoha has made the same request on account of your wrongfulness."
"You don't care about all that. Just what is best for Iwa."
"Konoha has already moved. I heard an army was moving to the Sound. If they take Sound and then Suna, we're all in trouble," Onoki admitted. "But I cannot guarantee that we won't make a move. You have no power to stop Konoha."
"If we didn't have that power, Konoha would have made a move already before we strengthened."
"I suppose."
"How about we start forming diplomatic ties then. There is a lot of past injustices. But for the sake of our villages, we can form a relationship. Not against Konoha but for our sake. We would seek a relationship that is beneficial to both of us. Suna is looking for a new trading partner. We have no problems in trading with you. Of course, such a relationship would have the consequence of making Konoha blink." Naruto smiled. "I don't want to sound smug, but either way, you'll still have to tell Konoha you can't sit still."
"We can do that, but it doesn't mean we can also form such ties with you. We could also move before Konoha and take over Suna."
"Why is why we are here. We recognize this fact."
Accepting this was a mistake. He shouldn't have allowed himself to be put in a corner like this. "I'll talk to the village Council about this and see what is best for Iwa."
"Thank you. We will await your call."
"Don't leave. I'll call for you before the day ends."
"Of course."
Both Naruto and Temari left the office without saying anything else. Kurotsuchi wanted to walk them but felt fury over how things went. She glared at her grandfather.
"You're becoming too soft old man! How could you allow them to talk like that? They are basically holding us hostage!" She shouted angrily.
"I worry for the future if you become Tsuchikage," Onoki replied with a shake of his head.
"We don't have a choice," Kitsuchi replied in a sharp tone. "Even if they didn't say anything, we would have still told Konoha we wouldn't sit still."
"The man who is Hokage now, Danzo…" just thinking of that man gave Onoki a migraine. "When Konoha started to turn the tide of war owing to the Yellow Flash, it gained the upper hand and the Sandaime wanted the blood shed to end. I was happy to accept. One man killed a thousand people. Not even our Jinchuriki could do that. If we didn't accept, we would have lost. Danzo knew this. He wanted Konoha to continue fighting. But the Sandaime Hokage resisted. And was forced to resign once the peace treaty was signed. But before the peace treaty could be signed, that man did everything to get negotiations to collapse. He wanted to sabotage them. Now, if that same man became Hokage, do you think he would just fold his hands and not act against us?"
Kurotsuchi was silent. "No," she replied in a whisper.
"If we don't do something, Konoha will eventually come to us. Danzo does not forget. Nor does he forgive. We don't have a choice. We can't allow Suna to fall into the hands of Konoha."
"Why don't we invade them then?" Kurotsuchi asked.
"Same reasons Konoha isn't invading them now. Admittedly, we would win, but it would cost us dearly. I'm not going to sacrifice men who have built their lives when it is unnecessary. Simply allying with Suna and telling Konoha we will act if there is an invasion will force Konoha to seek diplomatic solutions rather than war," Onoki said. "Of course, if the village insists, we could rope in Kumo. With Konoha in the Sound, it can be said they are preparing to make a move. If three of us decide to attack Konoha, we would crush it. I don't think the Raikage would be against the idea. After all, there would be spoils in the end."
"Oh." Kurotsuchi mouthed. It still frustrated her nonetheless.
"What did you make of that brat?"
"He didn't blink at my killing intent. The girl did but he ignored it. He doesn't lack confidence. But no one in his position would. Han and Roshi are our best shinobi for simply being Jinchuriki. That brat isn't only the Jinchuriki of the most powerful Bijuu, but also possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan. If you want to weaken Suna now before it strengthens, you get rid of him."
"Indeed." Onoki agreed.
Outside the Kage Tower
"Admit to nothing, huh?" Temari said with a laugh. The streets were a more crowded than when they went in the tower. The sun was put in full force. The whole village was now wide awake.
She thought, things went well. Baki had not even considered telling Naruto what to say or the position Naruto made Iwagakure to be in. they really were in safe hands. She hadn't even thought things would be like that.
"You never admit to being weak. They'll take advantage of you. Only admit it when it is to your advantage," Naruto said with a shrug. "But this only worked because of Iwagakure's nature. They tend to go extreme in their mission to defend the security of their village. If it was the Yondaime Raikage, he would have told us to piss off and that if Konoha dared, he would crush it. Circumstances just worked in our favour. And I was the right person to say it."
"Power behind the words mean something, huh?"
"Yes."
"Then we can end this without going to war with Konoha."
"A possibility but don't hold onto it. It is likely Danzo will persist," Naruto replied. "My guess is that if he does so and marches, Onoki is going to propose we attack Konoha together. The Cloud might even get involved and this would mean the end of the Leaf."
Itachi would murder him. A tri-alliance against the Leaf would crush that village and wipe it out of existence. The Byakugan would be moved across the villages. And each village would possess the Doujutsu. He helped Itachi on account of such a reality. While he would have no problem with it, his mind told him to work against it because, how could he see if the shinobi world was as hopeless as Madara claimed if he just went straight for its throat.
Konoha's doom could be avoided nonetheless. If Itachi murdered Danzo, a more level headed Hokage would take over.
"I'm just happy the future doesn't seem as bleak as it was." Temari said with relief.
"Don't be too happy. The second Iwa feels Suna is becoming too powerful, they'll turn on us."
Temari glared at him. "Can't you just let me be happy for a second?"
"Not on false positives." Naruto then smiled. "The projects we're going to build with the River and Storm mean we will be growing. Such growth can make them turn on us. That is why we must make them see the benefit of allying with us."
"And if they work to sabotage them?"
"We'll be doomed to fail."
Around noon
Kurotsuchi laughed and chatted happily with people he thought were her friends. They sat in the midst of Iwagakure shinobi, eating as they minded their business. His entrance in the place brought in a tense silence. it was so sharp Naruto thought if he wasn't armored, he might have been cut. The eyes of the shinobi were like sharp daggers. Laughter seemed to dry in their throats as they saw him.
If someone said there was a shinobi who was counting his footsteps, and another how long each step took, he might have agreed with it. The spotlight was on him. His mind raced, not out of fear but excitement. He bottled it nonetheless. If he dared indulge his twisted sense of humour, he might have done something to set them off. There may be generational contempt there, and for some, it would just be dealing with a potential enemy. Either way, if they had their way, he'd be twitching on the cold floor, bathed in a puddle of his blood while wondering if this was truly the end of his miserable life.
Glass shattered. Naruto was certain whoever dropped it did so intentionally to break the sharp silence. The second the broken glass stopped crying, the atmosphere returned to normal. The chatter picked up. Laughter returned and the waitresses who had appeared to freeze with the tension were now moving once more. A handful of eyes still lingered on him.
A few more steps and he'd managed to maneuver through the floor, avoiding tables and legs that set up traps for him to trip.
"Can't you see you're not welcome here?" Kurotsuchi asked him, her brows twitching.
Naruto shrugged with indifference and then smiled. His eyes shifted around the restaurant. The eyes had lingered were now gone. Perhaps they'd decided to leave him to the Princess. He glanced back at Kurotsuchi and then replied in a measured tone.
"You're not welcome everywhere."
"Smart people avoid places where they're not wanted." Kurotsuchi said this with contempt. She was calling him an idiot. Naruto took no offense.
"I might be an idiot then," Naruto replied with a small smile. The smile had the effect of making Kurotsuchi looking a little ticked off. None of her companions said a word but just watched him. He was certain he saw the one of them get hold of a kunai. If she gave the order or he did something, that kunai would find path toward his throat. "Can I join?"
Kurotsuchi stared at him with displeasure. She glanced at her companions and then nodded, though, with a sneer.
Naruto pulled a chair and sat across her. "Thank you."
She stared at him. There didn't seem to be anything she found likable with him. "What do you want? Are you here to gloat?"
"You're not very happy with my presence."
"What gave me away?"
Naruto didn't smile. He thought, it stopped being funny a second ago. He could indulge her. But he didn't come here to poke fingers on the sides of her rib cage. "You're feeling a little itchy because we might get what we want because Iwa is stuck in a rock, are you?" he ended up smiling at the pun.
Kurotsuchi glared at him with looks that could kill. Her contempt for his mere presence became visible, no longer masked by any masks. "You should be careful nobody hears you. They're not going to take it lightly and might just decide to poison you." She smiled crookedly. "Well, I'll happily send your corpse back to Sunagakure. It isn't like the village will be able to do anything. It has always been the weakest among the Great Five."
Her tone dripped with arrogance and a bit of Great Five superiority complex. It was no wonder Nagato felt nothing but contempt for these people. Because they had power, they could do as they pleased to them small nations. That Kurotsuchi would even utter such nonsense with a straight face was deeply insulting. If he wasn't in her backyard, Naruto would have stepped on her throat, taught her a few manners. Perhaps maybe then, she would remove the chip on her shoulder.
Did everyone feel like this? Was it the same thing when he looked down on those he faced in battle? Did they always feel like he was belittling them? He laughed bitterly at the treacherous thought. You live, you experience.
"You'll forgive me for not seeing Iwagakure's greatness. I certainly haven't seen anyone here who makes me want to knee in reverence," Naruto was smiling, but his voice was just flat.
Kurotsuchi's glare intensified. One of her companion suggested leaving before they exchanged blows but she didn't listen.
"I don't like you. And I'm going to make sure Iwagakure doesn't align with Sunagakure." She said with confidence. Her expression displayed pride in her words. She also squeezed in as much joy as she could in saying such words.
Naruto waved his right hand in a dismissive manner. "You're free to do so. It changes nothing," he stared at her. "It would seem you're similar to your grandfather… but a little stupid. I expected better. You should be trained better in diplomatic relations."
Kurotsuchi was dismissive of him. "There is no need to be nice to small fries."
"Well, I don't particularly disagree with you."
"I'm also ignoring the fact that you called me stupid."
"Well, it is not like you can do anything about it. You're just a little girl with no power. The grown ups will decide what is best for Suna. A child like you fails to see the bigger—"
Kurotsuchi hurled a plate full of food toward him while standing up. He dodged the plate and as he dodged, she was jumping over the table to grab him by his shirt. The restaurant became silent once more. Some shinobi were up on their chairs, ready to pounce if needs be. If something happened, they were all going to claim he attacked her first.
"Everyone, just get back to what you're doing. Nothing to see here." While one of Kurotsuchi's companion stood up, waving her hands nervously, the other was trying to peel off the black haired girl from him.
"Get out of my face before I do something, I'll regret."
Naruto sighed deeply, unbothered by the threats of killing intent by Kurotsuchi and her fellow villagers. He stared deep into her eyes with a deep frown on his lips. His voice was sharp. So sharp, Kurotsuchi was taken aback and let go of him involuntarily.
"Well, this is a pity and disappointing, really."
Kurotsuchi settled down and calmed her emotions. Her glare remained in place. She was only angry she had wasted good food.
"No doubt, we will chat in the near future. I'd hoped we could get along. But it seems, you can't get along with everyone," Naruto said, standing up. "Farewell."
The same scenario awaited him as he walked out. Legs were stuck out. The silence returned tenfold. The waiters stopped moving and all eyes watched him as if he was prey. He was even surprised no one lunged from behind. Still, he decided, staying in the village much longer wouldn't be safe for them. Someone was going to peddle a false narrative about how he insulted Kurotsuchi and one of those zealous villagers might just try to poison them. He could resist long enough to get treatment but Temari wouldn't be so lucky.
Outside of the restaurant felt like a different dimension altogether. It was surprisingly easy to breath. The air wasn't heavy and polluted. The villagers were not staring but going about their business.
'It would seem it is true that Iwa's Jinchuriki do not live in the village. But then again, it is understandable. Still a pity, given what both have done for this village.'
'They'll be summoned quickly once war begins. Jinchuriki are nothing more than war weapons for shinobi.' Kurama replied mildly. 'In times of peace, you can be discarded.'
'Unless you're Kumo. I've heard their Jinchuriki are very much active.'
'That village is ruled by a power hungry maniac. He isn't going to let all that power go into waste. It is the same with you.'
'Comparing me to that man is insulting.' Naruto replied. There was someone following him from behind. She was dressed in civilian clothing. And another pair of eyes watching him from above. He couldn't do anything that would warrant their action. 'I'd hoped to pay them a visit, but it is unwise at this point…' he paused for a moment and then asked. 'Say, what can you tell me about the powers of other Bijuu? Compared to other beasts, how does your power rank? You're supposed to be the most powerful but by how much?'
Kurama did not offer Naruto a response.
Later that day
The summons came while the sun was setting. Onoki was alone this time around. Naruto went there alone also, preferring to let Temari prepare for their departure. If enemies didn't know they were within Iwa, they would know by nightfall. By then, they would have already disappeared from the country.
"I spoke with the Council and have drafted an agreement," Onoki said, pushing a scroll toward him.
Naruto took the scroll and opened it. He read the terms and what was being agreed upon. There would be diplomatic exchanges of agents soon enough. This way, they could both spy on each other—of course, this wasn't written in the agreement but it was just the probable cause for the proposal.
Trade discussions would be opened. Suna would send lists to Iwa on the trade of goods. The fine print was that Suna would have to agree to fight with Iwagakure in event there is war between Iwa and the Leaf. If Suna refuses, the agreement would cease to exist.
"Hmm, there is nothing I can disagree with on this one. But it seems unfair that only get to call for assistance but we cannot."
"We're already assisting you by talking to you," Onoki replied with a shrug. "When you get back to Suna. Tell your leader that we will not accept any adjustments to the third term. If you don't accept them, there is no agreement."
"I don't think there will be a problem." Naruto said. He then folded the scroll and pocketed it. "It would be quite a disaster if this fell in the hands of the Leaf."
"You'll have to protect it at the cost of your life."
"Naturally," Naruto said. "Can we also keep the fact that there is an alliance brewing a secret for now? I don't want Konoha getting reckless."
"Nothing has been agreed."
"It was a pleasure, Tsuchikage-sama."
"I heard you had a run in with my granddaughter." Onoki said before he could leave. "What was your intention."
"I simply wanted to know what kind of person she is. She has more chances of becoming Tsuchikage than anyone. Alas, nothing went to plan and I'm afraid, if she does become Tsuchikage, Suna might not have the best of relationships with Iwa."
Two Days Later
The journey back to Sunagakure had been somewhat slow. Naruto didn't work Temari as much as he did when they were heading to Iwagakure. The journey was without troubles. Though, Naruto expected it. He hadn't want before but he wanted it now, just to appease his spirits and get this over with. Without a single attempt from Danzo, things were too quiet. It was better to cripple some of his agents, and then allowing him to have something to think about.
The desert didn't have any storms running rampant through it. There wasn't a single life form in-sight. It was just them and a desert that would swallow them whole if they were not careful. Crossing a sandstorm required a bit of expertise. Without any, it was a desert burial.
"Wha—"
Temari attempted to say something when Naruto suddenly summoned a long sword. His movements were so fast and swift that she only saw him summoning it.
"Arg!" A scream from the ground made Temari want to jump backwards but the motion from Naruto kept her rooted to the ground.
A shinobi materialized from the desert, with the blade stabbing through his skull. Temari wondered just how much force he put through his blade for it to pierce through a skull on first attempt. It seemed, the man was dead already. His pained cry was the last cry of a dying wolf.
"It is disappointing that such genjutsu tactics are used against me," Naruto said with displeasure. "But fools—" he was gone in the blink of an eye, appearing behind Temari.
The second he flashed behind her, Temari was alarmed when another shinobi lunged in front of her out nowhere. There was another behind. He was so close that she didn't have enough time to react but could only watch while his right hand was outstretched toward her throat. It became obvious that there was no intention to kill her but to capture her.
The man's hand never reached her. Instead, Naruto's blade pierced in between her body and fan, before stabbing the man through the torso. The monetarily pause gave Temari enough time to go on the assault. She quickly grabbed him through the throat with both her hands and them slammed him into the ground, quickly standing on his chest while slowly choking him.
She turned to Naruto to find him standing still, his blade still in the same position when it stabbed the man below her. His left hand was slowly choking a kunoichi. Her eyes were wide, turning blue as her face became pale. She was slowly dying. she was struggling, her hands trying to remove his iron grip whole her feet attempted to kick him. She was succeeding in kicking him, but he didn't budge. With each kick, her strength disappeared before she finally stopped moving.
Temari closed her eyes before Naruto dropped the kunoichi to the ground.
"Finish him."
His cold words came to her harshly. Temari closed her eyes and then went through it. Gaara did it much more brutally. But then again, she had seen Naruto covered in blood. He seemed to have a thing with dismembering his opponents.
She was surprised he didn't swing his sword when it became free.
"Don't we need information from them?"
Naruto shook his head. "Unnecessary. It is likely that they were just an intelligence team scouting for our movements and decided to make a move when they saw we would return to Suna without trouble. So, this was not the main attack force. I'm not overstating myself and I don't think Danzo is arrogant enough to think such people would be enough for me. If we face a real attack, there is going to be something sinister."
"What do you mean sinister?"
"People who would die with us if the mission was failing."
"That doesn't make me comfortable."
"Let us just move." Naruto said. He then paused and closed his eyes for a moment, sighing deeply. "I've killed people too many times it doesn't even make me feel anything. Of course, I've not just gone ahead to kill everyone, but some people do deserve death. Yet, I thought, if I watched her die, it would stir some emotion in me…" he laughed coldly. "I don't like this one bit. To be dead inside is a curse. It seems, I must regain my love for people once more."
This Concludes the first part. Chapter 11, it will be a time skip. After three years. Naruto should be 17 then.