In the last chapter of our story we left squad nine leaving the gates of Konoha village with some high tension between Naruto and Sasuke.
"I guess he must be happy to be visiting Gadara's home huh, Sakura?" whispers Kakashi. "I guess, but why is he being such an ass to Sasuke?" replies Sakura in a hushed whisper. "I guess there are just some things we'll never know."
(On a path in the forest)
"Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura said meekly. "Hmm?" he replied. "I just realized something." She says again. "What's that?" Kakashi manages to tear himself away from his yaoi version of the infamous Make out Paradise book. "I was just wondering, what's our mission?" she says finally. "Oh, that. It seems that the "Land Hidden in the Sand" Is having some trouble with getting their society back on track after that whole 'chunin exams' fiasco." He answers right before diving back into his book.
(After telling Naruto and Sasuke each one at separately of course the gang arrives at a rest stop and stops to get a bite to eat)
"Can't we talk, Naruto?" Sasuke tries pleading with Naruto silently but it turns up no response. "What is going on between you two lately?" Sakura has been waiting patiently for their boy-ish games to end, but can take it no longer. "Ever since what happened last night…." In the ears of Kakashi, Sakura's words trails out as he continues reading his yaoi. Reading to himself from the book ::You ran off and left me all alone Yosuke::Oh Mei, You really hurt me the other night and I was afraid to confess my love for you::
(Back to the gang at the rest stop)
Sakura's words somehow miraculously catch Kakashi's ears "…after Sasuke left me, you ran after him Naruto, and that's when everything weird started happening." (mumbling to himself about the chapter he just finished reading) :ran off ... alone … confess…love…: "What did you say Kakashi?" asked Sakura half-interested. Hearing what Kakashi had said, both Naruto and Sasuke had turned quickly to look at him. Kakashi, not even noticing the looks, turned to answer Sakura. "Nothing I was just thinking about the chapter of my book that I just read.
After their break they start back on their journey to the Sand Village, when a messenger from the village comes to meet them. "You are the squad from Konoha Village?" "Yes, that's us." Replied Sasuke calmly. "I am Shojo, your escort." The stranger replied. "That's strange. Tsunade-sama never told us of any escort." Questions Sakura. "Lord Kazekage sent me out here to make sure you did not get lost in the shifting sands of the desert. "What do you think Kakashi?" Still buried in his book, Kakashi answers, "Ya, he's ok. We can trust him."From forest terrain to desert landscaping, the group crosses the border of the land of fire into the territory of the Land of wind. "Keep close together, or you will surely lose your way." Shojo instructs. Minutes later as Shojo was telling the team that they were close to the village, a dust storm whips up and heads straight for them.
"Earth style: Head hunter jutsu!" Kakashi quickly goes underground. Sakura's screams are barely heard over the noise as Kakashi pulls her underground to safety. The storm is frighteningly close now as Kakashi digs his way to Shojo. Upon making his way to Sasuke, Kakashi hears as Naruto yells. Sasuke runs after Naruto's body as it is being lifted into the air. "SASUKE?" Kakashi yells. No reply is heard.