The joint Sand-Leaf meeting to discuss what to do about the dangerous new puppet master who was flaunting his desire to be just like Sasori commenced just after lunch. They used a small room down the hallway from the Hokage's office instead of the office itself just so they would not be interrupted frequently. Inside the room was Naruto, Shikamaru, Kakashi, Tsunade, Sakura, Kankuro and Jento.
After the mandatory pleasantries were completely taken care of, the meeting began with a serious tone.
"Here is a file with all the information we have about this puppet master who now resides in the western Land of Fire," noted Kakashi, pushing a small stack of papers in a folder across the table to Kankuro. Kankuro picked up the folder and opened it as Kakashi continued to speak.
"From what we can tell, this individual has been living in his home in this same small village for the past 11 years. He seems to be alone - there has been no family to speak of. A few ANBU have been sent to scout out the situation a bit. They report that generally the villagers have little interaction with him, but also that they have no ill will towards him either. Their vision of him is as a hardworking craftsman, though not one of them could tell us what he actually made," stated Kakashi.
"Perhaps it was because he brought in a lot of wood and tools," surmised Kankuro. "After all, if he is a puppet master, he still needs supplies and equipment to make the puppets themselves."
"Good point," noted Tsunade. She looked over at Kakashi and nodded so he would continue.
"He appears to be approximately 30 years old. Normal height and build. Red hair," added Kakashi.
"Red hair?" Sakura questioned immediately. She immediately thought of Sasori.
"That's just too weird," said Kankuro. "I wonder if it is really his or if he dyes it to match his idol."
"It's difficult to know at this point," said Naruto. "Other than the fact that his crimes in the region are very real, we don't truly know if he is a psychopath emulating an idol of his, or if there is true reason behind his actions. This includes the red hair."
"Um," Jento interrupted. "I need to use the bathroom." He pointed at the door looking very awkward. The audience who had been prepared for something more to be added to the conversation instead of this inappropriate statement simply turned their attention back to the matter at hand. Jento, noting that his request had been tacitly acknowledged and ignored, got up from his seat and left the room.
"I don't know if this would be of any help, but I do have the Sasori puppet with me," added Kankuro, who immediately grabbed a scroll and rolled it out on the table in front of him.
As he prepared to release the puppet, Sakura said, "Kankuro, are you sure we should be continuing without Jento here?"
He held up two fingers and in a poof, the Sasori puppet was now on the table, just in front of Kankuro.
"It's fine," he answered. "He'll only be gone a minute and whatever he misses, I can tell him later."
"Alright, it's up to you," Sakura answered.
"Now this is Sasori's puppet body," said Kankuro.
"Did you ever figure out if that is actually Sasori, or if that is just a creation by Sasori made to look like him?" asked Sakura.
"No, I never did figure that one out. I did see Sasori as an Edo Tensei, so I can confirm that this is a true representation of Sasori as a teenager. It is, in fact, a puppet made from a human...we just don't know if that human was Sasori's original body or not. "
"Yes, it definitely looks like a teenaged Sasori. Although I never saw him in the flesh myself, Lady Chiyo did say that it looked like him when he left the village two decades before we fought him," confirmed Sakura.
"Kakashi, has Leaf ANBU confirmed if this new puppet master is still using wood puppets only? Or has he also found a way to use humans?" asked Kankuro.
"We have been unable to determine that," said Kakashi. "There are not many survivors when he attacks and even the few survivors we have questioned are laymen...they do not know anything about traditional vs. human-based puppets. They can only state that puppets were used."
"I see," said Kankuro. "Have you established this puppet master's name yet?"
"We are not 100% confident about his name, but several villagers thought it was Kanoshi," said Kakashi.
"Kanoshi," said Kankuro, taking in the name of the man who might be his next opponent.
"We propose an joint mission between Leaf and Sand," said Shikamaru. "A mission that will start out as additional fact-finding, but could very well end with the capture or even killing of Kanoshi."
"Agreed," said Kankuro. "However, I do have recommendations regarding the team."
Just then Jento re-entered the room, walked to his seat and sat down.
"I'm sure we are on the same page, but let's hear what you have to say," said Shikamaru.
"Obviously the two main leads of this mission should be myself and Sakura," said Kankuro. "We have had the most experience and interaction with Sasori himself."
"Definitely," agreed Naruto. Most everyone in the room nodded or looked to be in agreement.
"Jento is free to come along, though he will not be actively engaging the enemy," said Kankuro. "He is an expert at strategy and intelligence, but as a recent Academy graduate, he does not have the experience yet to engage a dangerous puppeteer. Also, I do think there needs to be one more member on the team."
"Who do you have in mind?" asked Naruto.
"Sai," said Kankuro. "He was on my team during the war and I had the opportunity to fight by his side. I know his moves and his capabilities. He was with me when I briefly encountered Edo Tensei Sasori so he also has some knowledge about him. Plus, he is on Sakura's team here in the Leaf, so she is very familiar with him as well."
"Agreed," said Naruto. "Sai will be an excellent addition to the team. Shikamaru, will you inform him to meet us in this room tomorrow morning? We will go over all the data with him then."
"Sure," said Shikamaru, who pulled out a small scroll and started writing.
"We should adjourn until tomorrow morning then," said Naruto. "It seems that it is almost time for dinner. We've been discussing this issue most of the afternoon. Is anyone up for barbeque?"
"Jento, would you mind barbeque instead of sushi?" asked Sakura.
"I don't mind at all," said Jento. He was surprised Sakura had remembered his earlier request. After all, no one seemed to be paying him much attention ever since he arrived in the Leaf.
OlOlOlOlOlOlO
A large room at the barbeque restaurant was quickly prepared for the Hokage and his guests. The formal tone from that afternoon had quickly changed into something more upbeat and friendly. The dinner was large and tasty and really hit the spot for the travelers from the Sand.
Kankuro noted that things in the Leaf seemed to be very much the same, though different in many ways. Naruto was still Naruto even though he had become Hokage. He obviously leaned on his advisors, as any new leader should do so that they can learn the ropes of governance and leadership.
Tsunade hadn't said very much all day - he thought that was more her giving Naruto plenty of runway to work as the new Hokage. If he had said anything wrong, he was sure she would have been the first to pipe up and call him out on it.
Kakashi and Shikamaru seemed to both be enjoying their status at Naruto's side, though he surmised it was probably for different reasons. Shikamaru was a natural strategist and thinker. His natural position would be at the side of a powerful leader and it was where he belonged. Kankuro's impression of Kakashi, on the other hand, was one of a man who did not like to be stagnant. He knew Kakashi would be more than happy to fill any role that benefitted the Leaf the most (he did almost become Hokage himself, didn't he?), but knew it wouldn't be long until Kakashi would be asking to supplement his days with some sort of additional activity.
Kankuro turned to look at Sakura. Beautiful as ever, he thought to himself. ...and intelligent ...and strong. In fact, she seemed to be perfect in so many ways. Again, he thought back to that dream. She had saved him that day. She concocted an antidote that no one in Sand could come up with that quickly, then whisked away with her team to take on the Akatsuki and bring home the Kazekage. He added up all these accomplishments, just on that one mission alone and he was in temporary awe.
"Kankuro?" she questioned.
"Oh...I, um...sorry," he said. "I was in la la land for a second there." She had seen him seemingly staring in her direction. She smiled at his apology.
"You must be tired then," she added. "Do you need me to escort you back to your room?"
"I'm fine for now," Kankuro answered. "Jento and I can go back when everyone else here is done. We don't need any special treatment."
"Got it," she acknowledged. "Pardon me for a bit," she addressed the entire table. She got up and left the group.
The talking and reminiscing continued at the table. Before long, ten minutes had passed. No one seemed to notice the empty space where Sakura once sat. All of the shinobi here were her friends and teammates...they probably didn't think twice about her absence. But still, Kankuro wondered where she had gone.
He got up from his seat and wandered towards the bathroom. He noted there was a small patio out a door near the bathroom and saw a single figure outside looking up. He looked closer...it was her.
Sakura heard the door open and turned to see who was coming. He walked up and took a seat next to her on a small concrete wall.
"It's been a while since I've seen you," said Kankuro.
"Well, I've seen you a few times since the end of the war...we just haven't had an opportunity to talk or anything," Sakura noted.
"Very true," said Kankuro. "How have you been?"
Sakura smiled. "I've been well. How about you...how are Temari and Gaara?"
"I've been quite well," said Kankuro. "As Kazekage, Gaara is definitely enjoying this peaceful time. Temari and I normally work with him on day-to-day tasks. That is, when he isn't sending us off to different villages for various reasons."
"I guess Temari will be leaving for the Land of Lightning pretty soon. I heard Shikamaru say he's leaving tomorrow. Those two...I wonder if they'll ever get it together," said Sakura.
"Tell me about it. It's like she's super embarrassed that she likes him. She tries to keep her feelings hidden away from us. I don't get it," said Kankuro. "Not only that, but from what I can tell, he feels the same way.
"I get it," said Sakura. "It's something special, so she doesn't want to share it with anyone...well, anyone other than Shikamaru. I wonder how they'll make that work in the long run being from two different villages and all."
"Does it matter?" asked Kankuro. "It's not like there's a rush to get married or anything. Can't they just enjoy the relationship the way it is now?"
Sakura slowly nodded her head. "Yeah, you're right."
The conversation stopped for a brief moment.
"So what about you?" Sakura asked. "Is there someone special in your life right now?"
"Me?" Kankuro asked rhetorically. "Nah, I've been too busy with shinobi life. I teach at the Academy and I am an advisor to Gaara. There isn't much time for anything else."
"Oh come on," said Sakura. "I don't buy it. You just haven't met the right girl yet. I have a feeling that when you do, somehow you'll find the time for her in your busy life."
"You think so? Well, how about you?" Kankuro attempted to turn it around on his companion.
Sakura looked down at her hands that were laying in her lap. "Same thing, I suppose. I am one of the top medical shinobi in the world. It is my responsibility to serve the Leaf in that capacity as well as teach the next generation here and elsewhere all that I know. But I also think that when the right guy comes along, for a while at least, all things will take a back seat to him."
"For a while?" questioned Kankuro.
"Since the war, I have seen plenty of my friends pair off. Most are probably on the path to marriage, but one thing I can tell you. While they both have googly-eyes for one another, friends, job, hobbies...they all take a back seat until things settle down," explained Sakura.
"Kami, I hope I don't go through that," said Kankuro.
Sakura giggled. "You know you will...it may sound bad, but I'm sure it's wonderful if you are the one going through it."
Again, another pause in the conversation. The door near the bathrooms opened and Shikmaru and Jento appeared.
"Where did you two disappear to?" Shikamaru asked.
"Just getting some fresh air," answered Sakura.
"Well, we're almost ready to go," said Shikamaru. "They are just finishing their tea and paying the bill."
"Are you ready Kankuro? Dinner's over and we can probably get going," said Sakura.
Kankuro grunted as he got up from the ledge he had been sitting on. "Yeah, we should go. Jento and I could both use a good rest tonight."
"Good night then," said Shikmaru. "We'll meet at the pre-appointed time tomorrow morning in that same room."
Kankuro, Jento, and Sakura left the small courtyard and started walking in the general direction of where Kankuro and Jento would be staying. Kankuro and Sakura walked side-by-side while Jento brought up the rear.
"With all your medical work, are you nervous at all about confronting someone else like Sasori?" asked Kankuro.
"Sure I'm nervous," admitted Sakura. "But I'm as prepared as ever. I always keep up my physical training just as much as my medical training."
"Are you as strong now as when you faced Sasori?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm at least as strong as I was then and I have an advantage now, too. When I fought Sasori, I wasn't prepared at all for his type of battle. Now I know exactly what to expect," she explained. "Aren't you nervous? He did almost kill you after all."
"I'm much more skillful than I was back then. I have several more puppets at my disposal and I lead the puppet division in the Sand now. There isn't anyone that can beat me at puppet jutsu. If it ends up a puppet vs. puppet battle, I will definitely win," said Kankuro.
"The only thing I wish is that we had more personal intel on this guy. We know what he did, but we don't know why and we don't really know who he is. We only know he seems to have some sort of vendetta, and that he is emulating Sasori. If this new enemy has any real connection to Sasori, we would be hard-pressed to know what it is," said Sakura.
"I'm sorry to say I don't know much about Sasori or his family. Lady Chiyo is his grandmother and Lord Ebizo is his grand-uncle. He was an amazing puppet master and I studied his notes, but that's about it. Perhaps if we knew his history, we could find the connection between Kanoshi and Sasori," said Kankuro.
"Excuse me...," interrupted Jento. He had rushed forward and grabbed Kankuro by his arm.
"What is it?" Kankuro pulled his arm away and stopped walking, turning to look at the young genin.
"I think I might be able to help," said Jento. "I have studied Sasori in great detail. If you have questions, I might be able to answer them."
"You know his background? I mean, beyond the well-known everybody knows stuff?" asked Kankuro.
"Yes, I know a lot about him. Whether I know more than you or anyone else remains to be seen, but I believe I can add to this mission," stated Jento.
"You're bringing this up now?" Kankuro asked. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?"
Sakura interjected. "I think that may have been when he was in the bathroom."
Kankuro rolled his eyes. "You're on tomorrow morning then. Make sure you are prepared."