A.N. Hey all, and Happy New Year.

Welcome back after what i think is three weeks or little more. We will be getting back into the swing of things and i hope you enjoy this update and the more to come.

Again thank you for your reviews, and please keep em coming.

Onwards to the chapter


Akatsuki Base

In the shroud of shadows, nine figures shimmered and wavered in and out of focus. Each member an accomplished figure, all with S Rank titles to their names.

"The Biju are slowly coming under our control, only a few are left." One of the figures called out. Despite the fact that they all knew each other's identities, they purposely kept their features blurred. Or maybe it was just a feature of the projection jutsu employed. The only defining features were the eyes; in the case of the speaker, it was a pair of fully grey orbs, with concentric circles.

Legends called them the Rinnegan.

"Our funds are dwindling at a rate more than anticipated." Another voice interjected. "We cannot maintain our momentum with this state of affairs."

The Rinnegan wielder traced towards the speaker.

"Then I'll leave that to your discretion Kakuzu. You and Hidan have already completed your primary assignments."

After that he turned towards Sasori, his gaze measuring.

"I expect you and Deidara to be in Suna before the day is over. The Ichibi needs to be sealed, preferably before the Hachibi, and definitely before the Kyuubi."

"We'll get it done, wont we Sasori no Dana?" Deidara chirped in from the side. Sasori however remained silent, the constant movement and shimmering of his form told everyone he was otherwise engaged, probably with one or more of his puppets.

"Your information has revealed some interesting things regarding our old comrade Orochimaru. Perhaps we need to be more directly involved in his affairs. A topic we will consider once the Ichibi is in our possession. In the meantime, Itachi and Kisame, I want you both on standby. Be ready to move at a moment's notice."

Itachi gave a simple nod, his Sharingan active and twirling slowly in the gloom. Kisame smirked, his sharp teeth gleaming in the dark.

"We are still on the borders of Hidden Waterfall. It wouldn't be too difficult to move from there I believe Pain-Sama." Kisame commented.

Pain, the Rinnegan wielder glanced around all the members.

"We continue as we have. Deidara and Sasori, you know your assignment." The figures shifted, looking to depart.

"And Sasori, Itachi..." All figures stilled, focused on the two names called out, "Do not allow your games to interfere with Akatsuki's goals. The indulgence with the lost Uchiha and the Kyuubi Jinchuriki should remain that; an indulgence that will soon be put aside."

Sasori finally glanced up at pain and met the even stare. Neither spoke for a time, however the slight movement to the side of Sasori caught his attention. He shifted his gaze and saw Itachi, the Uchiha's Sharingan flashed lightly

Stand Down….

Sasori remained still for a moment longer, before finally relaxing. Both focused on Pain and gave assenting nods.

"Good, now get me my Bijus."


Hokage's Office - Konoha

"I am struggling to understand how two of some of my most gifted Chunins, one of which I personally trained, could have such serious lapses of judgement." Tsunade drawled, trying vainly to hide her smirk. To be fair she was irritated with the two in front of her, but the situation was so unreal, she could help her reaction. She could just make out Shizune on the background struggling to maintain her composure.

"If I may Hokage-Sama, I would not quite describe it as a lapse. Not in this context at least…"

She turned towards the speaker, the boy she was fond of as a little brother, with an eyebrow raised and a deadpan stare.

"Ohh" the retort was so dry it could drain a lake. She pointed sharply at Sakura, ignoring the flinch she continued, "So Sakura's decision to perform an unsanctioned, unethical, and unnecessary partial gastrectomy on your sensei, that does not ring of a lapse of judgement?" No one spoke.

"And then you. Not only do you not stop your clearly brain addled teammate, you support her decision and proceeded to create a sterile environment via Fuinjutsu."

"All the more to minimise infection Hokage-Sama. Protocol is very clear on that fact, records and statistics indicate that a poorly-"Sakura piped up with Naruto nodding in the background. Before she could continue Tsunade slammed her palm onto the desk.

"You were not about to quote the guidelines to me, the one who standardised most of it in the first place." Tsunade commented. Her tone was light showing she was still amused, however her gaze held a warning.

No one spoke. Seconds went by. Shizune looked between her mentor and the two Chunins. Tsunade maintain a gaze so fine and surgical, yet Naruto refused to break.

Sakura on the other hand….

"Sensei cheated. He shouldn't have swallowed the bells. And the exercise wasn't over until we obtained them."

Naruto wanted to roll his eyes at the near petulant tone in his teammate's voice. Tsunade wanted to shake her head. She made to speak when a loud snort interrupted them.

All eyes turned to Shizune, who sported a mortifying look.

"I'm so sorry" she gasped out, before losing her composure completely and falling into complete hysterics. Tsunade merely sighed and rolled her eyes. She pretended to miss the gleam of satisfaction in the two Chunins.

"Aside from the unwarranted surgery procedures, well done." Tsunade said as Shizune slowly regained her composure. "Both of you."

Naruto and Sakura straightened as the tone grew serious.

"I have Kakashi's evaluation here, and I can endorse the recommendation to reinstate Team Seven."

Naruto and Sakura nodded.

"Thank you Hokage-Sama"

Tsunade leaned back in her chair and continued, "In the meantime we are reviewing a suitable attachment to the team. And as you might imagine, it has been a source of some…debate."

"I didn't think at this stage we absolutely required another member to our team Hokage-Sama" Naruto called out, "After all, myself and Sakura are both Chunin and Kakashi is an Elite Jonin.

"That is also in consideration. For the moment your team is on rotation, whoever can be spared will join you."

"From what I understand you are close enough to Aburame Shino correct?" Seeing Naruto nod she continued, "He has been temporarily assigned to your squad, as soon as Kakashi is recovered you have a mission."

Tsunade tossed a file to the pair. Naruto plucked the spinning document out of the air and gave a quick perusal.

"We are being assigned to the Fire Temple…."Naruto deadpanned, the mood chilling several degrees.

Tsunade met his stare unflinchingly.

"You are too hot at the moment. The latest action in Lighting is a tipping point, already their seekers are out in force and we are doing everything to counter them. We need you to disappear for a short time."

Naruto bit back an angry snarl.

"Giving the information I managed to retrieve I assumed-"before he could finish Tsunade pounced.

"Assumed what Chunin Uzumaki?" Tsunade had stood so suddenly, stunning Naruto into silence and the others in the room in their tracks. "The information is being reviewed as we speak and then a plan of action we will be authorised. Whether or not you will have a part in it is left at the discretion of the overall commander."

The overall commander was left unsaid, but everyone got the message. Naruto dipped his head, suitably chastised but no less irritated.

Tsunade sighed and cleared the room, baring Naruto. With them alone she crossed the distance between them and place her hands on his face, forcing him to look her in the eyes.

"You've only just come back Naruto. And with a list of problems, despite the information you managed to retrieve. You need to step back, just for a while. At least let the chatter die down for a bit, Jiraiya will send updates and if anything changes…then we'll revisit this."

Naruto shook his head.

"Already our intel is days old. Give a few more and it might as well be useless. I have spent a year and a half chasing mists, following a trail I was forced into. We almost have him Tsu-Hime, just let me finish what I started."

Tsunade's gaze narrowed into a glare and she gripped his shoulders tight.

"Naruto you need to slow down. Forget this vendetta with Sasuke." Seeing the look in his eyes she continued, "How you thought we wouldn't see through your words is beyond me. Even the Elders figured it out. All this chasing Orochimaru and raiding his bases, you are after everything to do with your former teammate. Just like Jiraiya did with Orochimaru."

Naruto's mouth closed with a click at the statement. Jiraiya had told him his story regarding Orochimaru, how he lost much of himself and years in the pursuit. Naruto had paid rapt attention to the Sannin, ever eager to learn more.

Personally though, he knew there were many difference between his situation and that of Jiraiya.

For one, he really didn't care if the Uchiha lived or died. In fact if and when he came across the traitor, he would be offered the barest minimum to surrender. After that, all bets were off.

The second-

"You didn't go through the whole file did you?" At the confused look Naruto's chakra fluttered, his hair lengthened and reached over the table and pulled the familiar file. He quickly turned the pages and held it up for Tsunade to read.

Naruto opened his mouth and spoke, as she listened and read her eyes widened and realisation dawned.

"This is accurate?"

Naruto nodded at her query. She turned towards her desk and placed her fists on its surface.

"Genma!" The ninja blurred into focus, "Get me Shizune." At that he was gone. Tsunade turned back to Naruto.

"Shizune will speed up his recovery. I want you and Sakura back here tomorrow at dawn. Be prepared."

Naruto nodded resolutely, with a flutter of chakra he was gone.

Tsunade looked at the file and shook her head. There was so much work that needed to be done.


"Naruto!"

At the call the blonde Jinchuriki looked at the speaker, a smile on his features.

"Temari, as always it is a pleasure to see you." A sly glance fleeted across his features, his stance shifted and he suddenly seemed more approachable, likable.

As he crossed the distance he could feel the amusement rolling off the Suna Nin, and a sharp spike of anger. Behind the anger lurked a furiously working intellect, it knew Naruto's game but that didn't stop the reactions, rather it served to further feed them.

"Ever the desert rose" Naruto raised her hand and gave it a light kiss, barely able to hold back his manic glee at the fury boiling in her escort. Temari, although amused, sent him a warning look to limit his games. Naruto cocked his head to the side, a subtle acquiescence to her request.

"Troublesome as ever, Naruto" came the typical greeting from Shikamaru, though now he had to look up to the blonde, further souring his mood.

"Shika, as lazy as ever I can see. Yours is an eternal existence my friend, dropping dead would be too much of a hassle for you."

Shikamaru snorted and grumbled slightly, only slowing as Temari sighed and jabbed at him.

"We were just joining the others for drinks. The invite is open." Temari stated once Shikamaru had stopped. Naruto gave a light shrug and fell into step.

"Who else is in town?" Naruto queried. "And what have I missed."

"Everyone, they are waiting at the bar." Shikamaru replied. He slipped his hands into his pockets and carried on. "We are all caught up with you now, everyone is Chunin. Neji however is the only one with Jonin rank."

"You would be too, if you stopped being lazy for five minutes." Temari butted in. Shikamaru gave a small sigh and looked heavenward, as if pleading to the Kami.

Naruto smiled at the dynamic. Next time he spoke to Gaara, he would definitely be mentioning this. The Suna Jinchuriki had developed a protective streak over Temari, much to her pleasure and embarrassment. Still, once Shika mustered his spine he would be a decent match for her.

Provided he didn't get lost in the Suna desert. Sand storms were tricky things.

"How is Gaara taking to the office? The work of a Kage is never done from what I hear…" Naruto addressed Temari as the made steady progress to the bar.

Temari smiled as she thought about her brother. Gaara's road to redemption had not been easy, and the choice to become the Kazekage had made things almost impossible. And yet, despite all odds, they had made, it.

Gaara had made it, and his people loved him.

"He isn't complaining. I think the role of Kage suits him well. He has restructured our dealings with the Wind Daimyo and our allegiance to Konoha is tighter than ever."

Naruto remained silent for a while.

"I'm glad for him. Really glad that he achieved his dream."

Both Shikamaru and Temari glanced at their companion. They knew Naruto was genuine with his praise. They also knew however that he was slightly bitter, or at least jealous of how much progress his fellow Jinchuriki had made.

Thankfully they kept silent, much to Naruto's appreciation.

As they got to their location Naruto had cheered up some. He was just about to cross the threshold when he gave a sigh, he ran his hand through his hair and gave a seemingly negligent flick. Dusting himself down, he joined the others, a wide smile on his face.


Some distance away from the bar a figure slowly materialised from the shadows, carefully keeping his presence to a minimum. Slowly the figure turned to its left, glancing at the long thin darts, made from hair. If he hadn't moved those would have just clipped him by the ear, he was sure of it.

They had been a message. A message and a warning. He had to retreat for now, and report to Lord Danzo.


Sunagakure

The great desert surrounding the Village hidden in Sand served as a natural defence for them, ensuring that incoming forces could not easily hide and could easily be routed.

However, no defence was infallible.

"I didn't think your former home would be so easy to infiltrate, Sasori no Dana" An Akatsuki agent called out the puppet master, kicking one of the fallen bodies in curiosity.

Sasori remained silent, content to look over the area, surprised by the sense of nostalgia flowing through him. Another unexpected reaction, and not really an unwelcome one either.

"You know what to do Deidara, stop wasting time."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm heading out now. You know, I kinda a feel sorry for the Suna Jinchuriki" Deidara spoke with relish as he slowly rose into the sky on his clay bird. A dark grin spread across his features.

"He's in for a world of hurt."

Sasori watched as his companion flew off, ready to begin their operation. Once Deidara was out of range he pulled out a small scroll.

"Indulgences hmm" Sasori couldn't help the smile on his face. First nostalgia, and now giddiness. Either way he couldn't bring himself to care. He raised his second hand, revealing a clockwork bird. Moments later the scroll was secured in the bird. With a short burst of chakra the bird came to life.

"How can you call it an indulgence when I haven't even begun to indulge...?" His tone was full of whimsy as the bird flew away.


Kankuro watched in horror as Gaara struggled to keep his village alive. Their Kage, his brother, was the only thing standing between the village, and a giant dome of sand, what effectively would have been a sand tomb.

"C'mon Gaara" Kankuro murmured, all around the villagers and Shinobi were cheering him on. Lending strength to their tired Kage. His gaze narrowed and he snarled in rage as the last bit of the sand dome fell just outside the village, and the Akatsuki Nin snatched his falling brother out of the air.

"Keep the village on lock-down. Secure the villagers and make regular sweeps." Kankuro roared out to the gathering Ninjas. He reached into his clothes and pulled out a small vial, filled with sand. The sand vial juddered around and slowly rose into the air, straining towards Gaara.

With a lock determined Kankuro leaped off the building unto the village floor. As he sped through he pulled out a puppet scroll.

"Hang tight Gaara. Big brother is coming…"

With a burst of chakra he unsealed the content. Suddenly his perspective shifted, and he went from running at breakneck speed to sitting, the world blurring by without a change of pace. His chakra took a slight dip but it was of no consequence to him, the rhythmic clattering of many legs matched the fluttering in his heart.

He only just got Gaara, the brother he always wanted. He would be dammed of he lost him now.


"You took too long to subdue the Ichibi, Deidara." Sasori commented as they slowly crossed the desert. As he spoke he swept a calculating gaze over his companion, taking especial note of the damage Gaara had done to the mad bomber.

"And you managed to lose a hand in the process…" Sasori didn't even hide his amusement.

Deidara snarled a bit, reaching for where his left hand should have been.

"Doesn't matter, we have the Jinchuriki here."

Sasori smiled at the anger display. Seconds later, both he and Deidara were in motion, moving in tandem at a perceived threat.

Deidara hovered in the air, looking around for the threat. Sasori however remained on the ground. His puppets tail writhed in the air, before suddenly spearing into the sand, burrowing deep. His eyes widened in surprise as it came to a sudden stop

"Unexpected"

The ground rumbled and he quickly jumped backwards, barely missing a set of claws. He landed, only to quickly bring up his tail to deflect another tail, both appendages scraping and grinding against each other.

"Interesting. A design I am unfamiliar with. Not what I expected from a member of the Suna Puppet Brigade."

Slowly the puppet rose from the desert sand revealing itself in its entirety. A giant desert scorpion.

"I am genuinely impressed at the creativity." Sasori called out as he inspected the creation.

Kankuro narrowed his gaze at the figure that stopped his strike. Something about it rang out to him; the tail waving around, the movements, they were things he was very familiar with.

None of that mattered.

"Release my brother. Right now!"

Deidara scoffed, his right hand held several clay sculptures. Kankuro was familiar with the Akatsuki's fighting style, having watched the display with Gaara and was more than ready.

Deidara let loose the sculptures and smiled as they sped for the Suna Nin. He brought his right hand into a seal, ready to detonate-

Only to blink in shock as they were speared out of the air by a myriad of senbon. A shadow swept passed, forcing Deidara to look up. Just above was a falcon, one that was bigger than average. The falcon swooped around and made another dive run. Several flaps opened and more senbon fired out, followed by mini kunais and shurikens.

Deidara laughed with relish as he dodged the metal rain. Kankuro kept his attention carefully split, monitoring the other Akatsuki in front of him.

Sasori however, was content to let events play out a little. He was more interested in the new puppets styles, especially considering how little it had changed, even since his own personal contributions.

The legs were an obvious weak point, but the overlapping plates concealed much of the gears and joints, and despite its size it was surprisingly nimble. The claws were powerful, just at a glance Sasori could determine they were designed to crush with immense pressure and force.

Sasori was even more impressed as the fight went on. Kankuro's fingers danced and his chakra pulsed; his scorpion puppet darted around, evading the explosive attacks Deidara favored with his clay, while the desert falcon swooped in the skies above, harassing the clay user. Kankuro hissed as he just avoided another explosive. His fingers flexed sharply; the scorpion puppet spun around, facing the flyer again. One of the claws rose skywards and opened, revealing more concealed weapons. Kunais fired out, tags trailing behind them.

Deidara swooped around the tags, the relish of a fight thrilling him.

"You're not too bad, Sabaku no Kankuro" seeing the surprise in his aggressors face Deidara continued, "I can't imagine anyone else fighting as hard as you. Then again, a brothers love…."

"Then you know I'll never stop" Kankuro declared, his chakra ringing resolute.

"Of that I'm sure. Still how will you fight, when you cannot move?"

Kankuro's eyes widen as the voice came from his back, whispered into his very ear! He made to react but it was too late.

Fuinjutsu: Rikujokoro

Kankuro gasped as his body seized up; six seal tags slammed into him, pinning him into place. His puppets rattled; the falcon dropped out of the sky, crashing into the unforgiving sand, while the scorpion merely slumped over.

Kankuro could feel his anguish and rage rise, but to no avail. He watched as the second figure cocked his head, as if inspecting his puppets.

"I am quite impressed with this work, more than that I approve."

He walked towards the fallen falcon, his words carrying over to Kankuro.

"Suna's puppet arts are stagnating. Very few break away from the standard sets and invest in new, untested and unproven styles. It is one of the reasons I broke away from the village; my puppets were considered the very best the art could conceive, and here I have grown leaps and bounds since then."

Kankuro's felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He could remember every single name listed in the puppet brigade, not many ever made it as missing Nins….and only one was prodigious enough to be part of the all S Rank group Akatsuki.

As if aware of the dawning realisation, Sasori discarded his outer shell, the Hiroku puppet, emerging without fanfare.

"Your puppets are impressive, as is their design" Sasori commented as he picked up the falcon and slowly made his way back to the still bound Kankuro.

"Your performance however…is adequate. Worse than I hoped, but better than I feared."

Kankuro couldn't help but glare at the perceived insult to his skills.

"I'll just get better. Better than you…Akasuna no Sasori."

Sasori stopped right in front of Kankuro, observing the Suna Nin. Looking into the brown orbs he saw fear, and anguish.

But he also saw determination as well. And that was enough.

Kankuro blinked at the smile that grew on the missing mins face.

"Yes, I believe you will try."

Kankuro blinked again, pain flared in his midsection. The seal tags holding him dissipated; he was unable to hold himself up and fell atop his scorpion puppet.

"If you survive this, then you have earned the right to fight. This is your test, and the test of Sunagakure as well. If they are really worthy of your devotion, you will live. If not you will die."

"Regardless, know that you have caught my attention, if not my admiration. Live or die well young puppeteer."

Kankuro gritted his teeth as Sasori placed the falcon beside him. Hidden from view, Kankuro felt the former Suna Nin place a piece of cloth in his hand.

"When he comes, give this to him. Tell him it is time."


A.N. Hey again, another quick note - answers and thank yous from the preview chapter reviews.

Scarease, s.k.f.f.f, kiddi, dead for life, Waldo Santiago, jojo, RameKnight - Hey guys, thanks so much for the support, glad you enjoyed it. also, welcome back RamenKnight.

Foremeraxe - Hey and thank you for the support & review. their are 6'0 15yr olds running around, that i know of at least. but you also have a point 6'3" is a bit much. i still want him to be taller than his peers, the height to match his physical and chakra presence. Thanks for the rethink.

Seta88 - as always thanks for the support. in terms of long battles i do agree with you. However watching the series and anime in general you notice at least two types of battles - showcase battles, and legit fights. despite the seriousness, this was as much a showcase battle, designed to unveil and be a bit theatrical. also, it pays Kakashi to stretch the fight out so he has time to recover as much as possible before re-engaging, which is why i jumped from scene to scene. next time i might emphasis the time gaps between engagements.

Also the Shirasaya - you are again right, however their is no formal name, as you probably also discovered, for a Katana that has been taken of its mounting - the guard removed and the sheath replaced for storage. somewhere along the line, when guard-less, unadorned Katanas became a staple for combat, they were just as simply refered to as Shirasayas, showing the separation from Katanas. bit of history there...from a minor sword enthusiast.

queen-at-d-throne - Thank you both for the support, glad to have you join the family. Hope to see more comments from you

Thank you all again and Happy New Year.