Chapter Two: The Volcano Village

Vocab:

Kazankage: Volcano's shadow

Yōyūkage: Molten Shadow

Kyudaime: Ninth

Kakushi Honoo: Hidden Flame

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, if I did, Naruto would have grown up with his mother.

Sakura was shocked, she hadn't expected him to be old, but the thought of him being young had never crossed her mind. After a few minutes of awkward silence the Kazankage spoke.

"My name is Hiranor Tagerasu, I am the Kyudaime Kazankage of Kazan, the Village Hidden in the Volcano, but you already knew that I presume?" When they shook their heads he was confused, "But my advisors assured me that our village was known far and wide. Are saying you have really never heard of us?"

Sakura shook her head again, "I am sorry milord but I have never heard of your village. And excuse me for being rude but I thought that there were only five Kages."

Hiranor looked taken aback, "Five Kages?" he quickly narrowed his eyes, "If you're lying, then there will be hell to pay. Is everything you just told me the truth?"

Sakura was about to open her mouth to speak when Gaara beat her to the punch, "It is," he said coldly. Both Hiranor and Sakura looked at him oddly, but for different reasons. Hiranor because he had never heard Gaara's voice before and it was like sand paper on wood, while in Sakura's case because he actually agreed with her.

Tagerasu stood up, "My apologies for leaving so suddenly, but I have some urgent matters to discuss with the Elders. They obviously think they can keep me in the dark, but they will soon find themselves not on my council of advisors."

Just as he was opening the door to leave, Sakura stood up and asked him a question, "Lord Kazankage, when you say council of advisors, what do you mean? I mean, don't they have a say in what goes on here in your village?"

Hiranor chuckled. He turned around and answered, "My lady, I am sure you are aware of my position as leader of this village, yes?" She nodded, "Good, then you should also be aware that as the leader, my voice reigns supreme. And as such every word I speak is the law. The villagers decided long ago that the ruler should have advisors to help him govern, and so the council came into being. But they are supposed to advise, not pull cheap stunts," He laughs as he suddenly came to realize something. "My lady, I am afraid I must ask you for your services. But before I do (and before I forget) would you please tell me your name?"

Sakura bowed low, "My name is Sakura Haruno, milord. And I would love to help you, but I must return to my village to help them in the battle."

Hiranor's eyes widened, "But, you just got here!" he waved his hands frantically, "And even if I wanted to I couldn't let you leave."

Sakura's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean you can't let me go?" she asked harshly.

"Well, you see," the Kazankage rubbed the back of his head, "We have always had a policy of detaining anyone who stumbled across our village. Now, I know I said my word is law but the villagers uphold the old laws better than mine. I would love to let you go home but until the elders are dealt with the villagers will never allow you to leave. I am sorry but that is how it must be for the time being."

Sakura sighed, "Well, if that's the way it is around here than I guess I have no choice," she stopped, suddenly remembering Gaara. She pointed her finger at him, "What about Gaara? I mean, he's not from around here either. Shouldn't he be involved?"

Inner Sakura had an evil grin, If we have to do it, we are not going down alone

Sakura inwardly nodded her agreement, they weren't gonna do this solo. He was going to pitch in even if he is cute. Wait did I just say cute!

Inner Sakura's eyes bulged, then turned thoughtful, Ya know, now that you mention it…

But before she could say more Hiranor responded. "Hmm, I guess it never hurt to have a second witness. And you two are enemies so they can't say that you are collaborating," he shrugged, "Eh why not?" He turned to face Gaara, "Lord Gaara, would you do me the honor of being a witness in this battle of wits?"

"Hn" was all he got from him.

Hiranor looked at Sakura, "Do you know what that means?" She shook her head. Hiranor's eyes glittered mischievously, "Then I am just going to have to interpret that as a yes. Alright lord Gaara come along, we have much to do and very little time to do it." Just then all of their stomachs growled, "After we eat breakfast. Alvior!" he called loudly.

An old man's head popped through the doors opening, "Yes lord Yōyūkage?"

"We need breakfast. I would like pancakes, French toast, bacon, eggs, and sausage." He turned back to look at Sakura and Gaara, "Would you like anything else?"

Sakura shook her head, Gaara simply Hn'd.

"Alright then, that will be all Alvior."

They sat back down at the table. Well Hiranor and Sakura did. Gaara hadn't moved a muscle so he remained where he was. It was going to be a little while before the food came out so Hiranor decided he would tell them about the history of his village.

"Our village was founded before the First Great Shinobi World War, 126 years before to be exact, by my ancestor, Helior Tagerasu. He was a part of a very secretive clan that was granted a unique power."

"What kind of power?" Sakura asked.

"Well, I'm not sure."

Sakura looked at him with puppy-dog eyes, "Pleeeeaaaaseee," she whined.

He sighed, "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt, but, I won't show you it 'til we get to the meeting. However, interrogation would probably be the more appropriate word."

Sakura pouted, but she kept silent knowing that she would see it later on. Hiranor continued on with his tale, "We were at one point one of the most sought-after clans in the world. Our special powers gave us access to places ordinary people could never tread, but with such fame came a price. Our clan was hunted almost to extinction around two-hundred years ago. And that is what brought about Kazan, the Hidden Volcano Village. My ancestor found a dormant volcano and decided that, since our clan members are experts in the way of Kakushi Honoo. Now the only way I will let you see that is if we are in danger, which I highly doubt will happen while we are here. Now, on with the story. We have kept our location secret because we feared being found by other nations who might attack us, like their forefathers. We have been isolated ever since. Although we do send people out every so often for supplies and to participate in, well, I guess your Chuunin Exams. But in light of the information you have given, I have the feeling that they aren't really going, and if they are, it is under another village's banner." While he was talking, the doors opened, revealing the servants who came in carrying the plates laden with food. Hiranor rubbed his hands together, "Well, enough chatter, let's eat."

Please Review!

I want to hear what you guys think