Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 53: A Partial Success
Sai could feel the men slowly lining up on either side of his door getting ready to use the button hook technique for entering his room. He had a mental picture of the leader giving the hand-sign to get ready and then begin counting down from three. Just as he imagined the leader was hitting one he blew the exploding tags that he had lined against the wall. He had directed the power into the wall so as the dust cleared he saw dead and injured Root members lying in the hall. With his wall gone he ran towards the corner of his room through the opening there and pulled his tanto, slashing the throat of the dazed root member that had caught the tail end of the blast.
He cut down two more who hadn't expected him to emerge so soon before hearing a shout behind him. Turning he deflected a kunai and made a one handed sign activating his super beast scroll technique. The people he had drawn in his picture came to life jumping from the paper to attack the root members approaching from behind him.
He saw a squad round a corner, so he took the first left he came across, hoping to avoid them, as well as praying that they were simple coming to investigate the commotion and didn't know about his betrayal yet. The shinobi ran past the entrance of the hall he had turned down, so he guessed that Danzou had hoped to quietly eliminate him therefore he hadn't made his betrayal well-known.
Glad for that, he tried to come up with a plan out of the compound. Heading to the surface entrance would be suicide as it would undoubtedly be well guarded. He consequently planned to make his way to the secret sewer exits that allowed Root to move unhindered under the village. They would be well guarded as well, but since there were multiple ways to access them, they presented the most viable exit strategy.
Heading down a level his luck began to turn bad as he ran straight into a group looking for him. Between a combination of kenjutsu and ninjutsu, he was able to quickly move past them relatively quickly. However it only highlighted the fact that his window of escape was closing rapidly.
He arrived at one of the access points for the sewer and was surprised that it was unguarded. He wondered for a moment if the team he had just taken out had been on there way to watch it. Deciding it didn't matter, he ran down the corridor towards the exit. He made it halfway, when his senses began to scream at him to turn back. For a moment he was torn between ignoring his instincts, or listening to them, but decided to turn back.
He almost made it back, when he sensed the attack. It was only a fleeting warning that he received, but he reacted immediately. Which was why instead of losing his leg, he merely suffered a deep cut along it. He managed to block the next attack even though his opponent was moving faster than his eyes could follow by pure instinct. The next attack though cut along his back, and opened him up for the follow up pass, which cut along his side. The next attack cut the back of his knees sending him to the floor. He noticed a pair of feet in front of him, but when he tried to look at who they belonged to he received a kick to his jaw that flipped him onto his back. Staring up at his attacker, he recognized the young man as one of the trainers that had been helping the new Root recruits train for the Chunin Exams.
Two other shinobi walked up behind Idate who motioned for them to grab Sai while saying, "Pick that scum up."
The two Root members did as instructed holding Sai between them, who stared at his attacker with a blank look. Idate shook his head looking behind Sai and said, "Almost made it too. What I can't understand is why. Why would you betray Lord Danzou?"
Sai shrugged as best he could, before saying, "If you can't understand it, then I doubt me explaining it to you would help. However let's just say that I have come to believe in something purer than Root."
"And that would be?"
Sai smiled replying, "My friend Naruto Uzumaki."
"Your friend is going to die soon and you right along with him. But trust me; it will only be after we extract every secret that you've been trying to keep for the past three years."
Sai's smile didn't falter as he replied, "Naruto won't die in Danzou's trap. And while I may, I am sure he'll eventually learn of my fate and I wouldn't want to be in your shoes then."
"We'll see scum, but in the meantime I look forward to seeing how long it'll take to break you. Take him away," Idate said and watched the guards carry the young man away. He frowned slightly after Sai was gone, as he had heard such boasts before, but Sai had made it sound like a fact, not a threat.
Naruto had set a grueling pace to Suna, and often needed to be told to slow down by Kakashi. However, he'd soon be ahead of the rest of his team again. As a result, they managed to cut the trip down to a little less than two and a half days. As they arrived towards the opening in the stone walls that surrounded the village they found quite few chunin still in the process of cleaning out the Rocks that the Akatsuki had brought down to cover their escape.
One of the chunin spotted Temari and ran up to her saying, "Lady Temari, thank goodness."
"What's the status of the teams tracking Gaara?" Temari asked quickly.
"I'm afraid there aren't any," the chunin replied, "Only Kankurou managed to get after them and I'm afraid he's been poisoned."
"What!" Temari said shocked.
"Yes, I'm afraid it isn't good. Baki's brought the sibling elders but even Lady Chiyo hasn't been able to find an antidote."
"Oh no," Temari said.
Sakura stepped forward saying, "Can you take me to him? Maybe I can help."
The chunin's face reflected what she thought the odds of that happening were, but Temari snapping, "Well you heard her, show us the way," made the chunin snap to attention quickly making her way towards the Suna hospital.
Stepping into the room where Kankurou was being treated at, they could hear as the Suna jounin screamed in pain as the poison slowly killed him. Sakura was about to make her way to the table when they heard an elderly lady shout, "White Fang of Konoha you'll pay for the death of my son."
Kakashi immediately tried to say he wasn't his father but the old woman was already in the air to attack him. Slightly afraid of hitting an elder of an allied village he was resigned to taking the hit, but Naruto leapt in front of him catching the old lady's fist. She quickly leapt back to attack again, when an old man stepped up to her saying, "Sister, look closer. He only looks like the White Fang."
"Hmm," Chiyo said leaning forward slightly before saying, "Oh I knew that I was only playing. Bwa ha ha ha."
Naruto shook his hand saying, "It didn't feel like she was only playing."
Kakashi smiled and was about to thank Naruto but the blonde was mesmerized as he watched Sakura who had already taken over Kankurou's treatment. Moving on to business Kakashi stepped up to Baki saying, "What have you managed to learn thus far?"
"I'm afraid not much," Baki replied, "We aren't sure how the Akatsuki managed to bypass our defenses so completely. Nor do we know where they are heading I'm afraid."
"H-hold…up," Kankurou said stopping Sakura from pulling more poison from his wound, "My…my puppet Crow, check one of his hands…"
Sakura pushed him back down to pull more poison out so Kakashi did as instructed finding a scrap of cloth gripped tightly in one of them. "Exactly what I would expect from a Suna shinobi," Kakashi said before summoning his nin-dogs.
"What's up, Kakashi?" Pakkun asked for the assembled dogs.
"Akatsuki has abducted the Kazekage," Kakashi replied, "I need you to do your best and track this scent."
"We're on it," Pakkun replied and then after smelling the cloth the dogs took off to see it they could find it. Turning back to Baki, he asked, "Now, what can you tell me about who we are up against?"
Naruto watched as Sakura easily took charge of the other medics some much older than her like she'd been doing it for years. "She has been," he heard from his right and slightly behind him.
Turning towards Hinata he asked, "She has been what?"
Giving him a smile Hinata said, "You just seem so amazed by how Sakura's taken charge. That I assumed you are wondering how long she's been doing it."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Naruto said surprised, "but she's only been training for three years."
"So have you silly," Hinata replied, "Besides many think that Sakura is the second coming of Tsunade. Not to mentions, she's been training really hard ever since she's learned of Akatsuki. We both have."
"I was really stupid to try and keep that from you guys," Naruto said.
Hinata nodded saying, "True…but I can understand why you would want to. But please remember, you're dear to us as well Naruto…so we want to know things that would affect you."
"Don't worry, Hinata," Naruto said giving her a smile, "Lesson learned."
Kakashi stepped up waving over Haku who asked, "What have you learned Kakashi-sensei?"
"Well it seems the people behind the attack were Deidara of Iwa, and a Suna-nin named, Sasori of the Red Sand. Luckily there's plenty of information on both so we'll be able to prepare somewhat for them when we go after the Kazekage," Kakashi said. "In the meantime get some rest; we'll need to go as soon as one of my nin-dogs picks up the scent."
Sakura was looking through a microscope analyzing a sample of the poison she had extract and was surprised that Lady Chiyo was staring at her. Turning to one of the medics she said, "I believe I can create an antidote but need to know where you keep your medical plants."
The medic said, "Of course, they're in a greenhouse on site."
"Good," Sakura said about to follow the medic but stopped when Chiyo spoke.
"You remind me of that slug lady Tsunade."
"Thank you," Sakura said, "she's my teacher." She then left to follow after the medic.
Chiyo's brother noticed the look that crossed his sisters face so stepped up saying, "What is it Chiyo?"
"I was so sure that the Leaf would send us useless bumblers," Chiyo said not liking to admit she was wrong. "But that girl, she's far above even my level of healing and that boy who stopped my attack…these Leaf shinobi are quite skilled."
"Perhaps the times truly have changed sister," Ebizo said.
"I'll have to see for myself," she said leaving to return to her home to gather the supplies she'd need, "Besides I think it's time I see my dear grandchild again."
Teuchi was cooking a pot of Ramen when Ayame said, "Aww, how cute."
Looking where his daughter was staring, he saw a small monkey in a red jacket, wearing a small Shriner's hat sitting across the street. The monkey pulled its hat off nodding its head which Teuchi returned. "Ayame, can you mind the shop for me for the rest of the day?"
"Sure dad, what's up?"
"I need to run some errands," he replied quickly moving towards the back of the shop.
Heading towards a corner he pulled away a piece of floor trim from the wall to reveal a small recess. Pulling the case out, he opened it to reveal an Anbu mask as well as some of the items he used to use when he was a shinobi before retiring to take over his father's Ramen stand upon the man's death. Although proud of his shinobi services he loved cooking far more and as a father was glad that Ayame had followed that path. Donning his equipment he slide his two golden cleavers into their holsters and exited out the back of his stand as the Iron Chef responded to the call to gather.
Yuugao heard a tapping at her window. Putting the Sake bottle down, she saw a monkey standing there with what appeared to be a cigar in its mouth and wearing a derby on its head. She knew what it meant and although not having considered herself a part of Sarutobi's alliance in years was tempted to go if only because she thought Danzou may have played a part in Hayate's death. However in the end she simply shut the blinds to her window as she had long since stopped caring what happened outside of her tiny apartment.
Shikamaru stepped out of the Suna consulate, aka Temari's small guest house; he was worried about her in light of what happened to her brother. The truth was he was hoping the Hokage would pull him from his duties of preparing for the Chunin Exams with Temari to send him and a team to Suna. However noticing a monkey near the shogi board he often used to play against Temari, he knew it was unlikely. The monkey made a move before looking up at him. Sighing that his day just got way more troublesome he headed to his room to inform his father and get ready for night fall.
Tsunade was agonizing over her decision of not sending any back-up for Team Kakashi, as all the teams she trusted had members who were a part of Sarutobi's Alliance and may be needed to counteract any Root activities depending on how they acted when Sarutobi's group moved. In the end she had little choice but to trust in her handpicked team to handle the situation on its own. She had just sent a message when a pebble hit the window behind her. Turning she saw a baboon sitting on a building across from her window.
A feral smile appeared on her face as she'd finally get to do something that would take her mind off of the fear she felt for her team and if everything went well, it would allow her to send the reinforcements she had promised. Moving for the door she truly hoped that their actions tonight put an end to the threat that Danzou represented to not just Konoha but Naruto as well, and that with any luck they would find Kushina before Naruto.
All throughout Konoha the scenario played out over and over as the members of the Sarutobi Alliance saw the summons of the Third Hokage. As for the man himself, Sarutobi stood in a field overlooking Danzou's compound. The sun had set a few hours earlier and he already had Shibi scouting the place. As he waited for the Aburame clan-head to return he thought of all that had passed between himself and the man he planned to end tonight. Although they had been rivals at an early age, they had come to respect one another, for their shared ambition of becoming Hokage. The death of the second Hokage had been the catalyst for their eventually becoming bitter rivals; however they had initially been closely allied in the wake of his death.
Danzou had initially requested that he be allowed to create a force similar to the Kinkaku Force to which Sarutobi had agreed. It was during the Second Shinobi World War that the group became known as Root. It was at the end of the First World War though that Danzou turned away from him as an ally. The cause for the rift was because at the war's end Konoha could have wiped Kumogakure off the face of the earth; however when the Raikage had asked for an end of hostilities Sarutobi had agreed. He still remembered the bitter fight they had over the matter.
"Stop being a fool Sarutobi," Danzou had said angrily waving his right arm after slamming his left hand on his desk. The eye patch he wore to cover his recently lose eye being a new to his outfit.
"I'm not being a fool Danzou," Sarutobi had replied calmly, "The Raikage wishes peace. Kiri has been defeated. Iwa has pulled out of Grass and Rain while Suna was defeated by Iwa the war is over let it go."
"The war isn't over," Danzou spat out, "It's only been postponed. The Next Great Shinobi War is but a misstep away. Kumo is on the ropes. Give me a battalion and I'll end the threat they pose once and for all."
Rubbing his eyes Sarutobi replied, "I'm afraid it's too late for such things. A peace envoy is already being escorted here by my teammates."
Growling, Danzou said, "So that's it then. You've forgotten how they killed your predecessor."
Glaring harshly at Danzou, the Third said, "Hardly, however I intend to live as he has taught me and to not punish enemies who stop fighting."
"You'll regret this Sarutobi of that I assure you," Danzou said before leaving the office.
Although Kumo did eventually attack them again in the Third Great Shinobi War as allies of Iwa he never truly regretted sparing them at the end of the First. Danzou simply didn't understand that even if he had destroyed the village, whatever spirit that the Shinobi of that country carried wouldn't have simply died out. No, instead they would simply carry on while planning to one day return and gain vengeance on Konoha. Even if Danzou managed to stomp out all the other villages, the enemies of Konoha would not simply disappear as hatred only bred more hated after all.
A cloud passed over the moon covering the field in darkness and when it passed Sarutobi saw that he was surrounded by the many shinobi that thought as he did. Addressing them he said, "Thank you all for coming. I am sorry that it has come to this, but Danzou must be stopped. Tsunade it may be best if you stay out of this due to your status as Hokage."
"Forget it," Tsunade said standing near Jiraiya, "I told that bastard I'd end him personally if I found out he was scheming behind my back. You wouldn't want me to be a liar now, would you?"
Sarutobi smiled saying, "No, I suppose not."
"Lord Sarutobi," Shibi said returning.
"What is it?"
"The boy you asked me to locate is inside the compound," the Aburame head said his son standing behind him. "He is alive," holding a beetle up its wings flapped in a set pattern prompting the man to add, "But if his vitals are anything to go by he will not last until we are ready to move."
"Then we move now," Sarutobi said before pulling the headband that Sai had sent to Sakura. Tossing it to Tsume he said, "He is an ally of Naruto's and a friend. I leave his rescue to the Inuzuka."
Tsume caught the headband bringing it to her nose. After getting the scent she said, "We'll bring the boy back from hell if need be." Passing it to her daughter and son they also got the scent as did their canine companions before disappearing from the field to link-up with the rest of their clan.
Sarutobi was positive the woman wasn't bluffing as she still felt indebted to Naruto for the role he played in saving Kiba's life. Turning to the rest of his members he said, "Let us go and put an end to this." Although it was the first time all the members were together in one place they had each been given a piece of the overall strategy and knew their roles by heart. Moments after giving the order Sarutobi found himself alone again, looking up to the stars he asked his deceased wife and Hokage's to watch over him in battle as he hoped to end the insanity that was Danzou.
There were two guards on duty at the main gate of Danzou's compound. They immediately went on guard the moment Tsunade stepped out of the woods, but were rendered unconscious moments later as two poison laced needles slipped into their necks courtesy of Shizune. Seeing the men drop, Tsunade broke out into a run and slammed her fist into the heavy Iron and wood gate smashing it off its hinges.
More Root members appeared responding to the attack throwing Kunai at Tsunade but Jiraiya landed in back of her and wrapping the pair of them in his hair as he used the Needle Jizo to protect them. Holding her close, he said, "Now isn't this comfy. Let's say we stay like this for a while."
"Stop being a fool," she snapped getting a little annoyed before smiling slightly as she added, "But if you take out more Root members then me, I'll dress up in that ridiculous outfit you bought."
Dropping the jutsu and with visions of a Tsunade dressed in a schoolgirl uniform floating before him, he tore into the Root members like a man possessed. Watching Jiraiya go she felt a little nervous as she may actually have to go through with it if she didn't step it up as well.
As soon as the fighting outside started Idate made his way to the security center. Watching as the Root forces responded he knew that the compound would fall. "There's no way this is a spur of the moment response to Sai's pictures," Idate thought watching as Shikamaru caught two Root shinobi in his shadow and then had them pull kunai and slit their own throats through one of the compounds cameras.
Frowning he reached for the communication mike to order the interrogator to kill Sai, but only received static. Looking towards the camera he wondered why until the screen began to flicker, before dying completely as bugs began eating their way through the equipment. Biting back a curse he escaped the room before it completely filled with insects moving quickly through the halls to give the order in person as well as to destroy any remaining files in the record room.
Sai had lost track of time he had been tortured, but his spirit never broke something the man working on him was beginning to get frustrated by he was sure. News of the battle outside reached them rather quickly and despite knowing that meant he was in all likelihood about to die, since Root would kill any prisoners they had to prevent them from talking. He still found it impossible not to smile as he was positive it meant his pictures had gotten through to those on the outside. The interrogator tried to reach Idate but only received static in response. The man knew that meant even the command center had fallen or Idate, so knew what he had to do. Pulling a kunai, he made his way to Sai, but froze as the room began to shake.
The cause of the disturbance became apparent a moment later as a pair of spinning vortexes smashed through the ceiling above. One of them angled for the Root shinobi catching him into the chest and carrying him through the wall into the hall. The spinning shinobi stopped flipping backwards back into the room and landed next to Sai.
Tsume Inuzuka took in Sai's condition and knew he had been through hell. Kuromaru began growling his nose pointed towards the hole in the wall. Taking a whiff, she could smell a Root member just outside it, but as he began retreating almost immediately let him flee as Sai was her top priority. Knowing that he needed medical attention she shouted, "Hana get your bony ass down here."
Her daughter quickly responded moving towards Sai to go over his vitals. Hana after watching her brother almost die during the Sasuke Retrieval Mission had decided to increase her own skill in the medical arts, by attending many of Tsunade's many seminars. Running a scan over him she said, "I can stabilize him, but he needs to get to the hospital."
"Do what you can for him," Tsume ordered.
"Wait…Naruto…" Sai tried to say.
Yet he was stopped by Tsume who said, "Rest pup, we've heard your warning loud and clear."
Sai seemed to sag in relief as he passed out with a smile on his lips. Tsume looked towards her daughter worriedly but Hana assured her it was only from exhaustion. Putting her fingers to her mouth Tsume blew a shrill whistle and almost immediately dozens of Inuzuka's appeared. Addressing her clansmen she said, "The bastard that leads these weaklings has plotted against a clan we have sworn to protect. Show him the Inuzuka's resolve. Don't allow yourselves to die until the last Root bastard has fallen, understand?"
Her clansmen howled in response along with their nin-dog partners, before taking off through the hole she had made using the interrogators body to do exactly as she ordered.
Idate had reached the interrogation room first when something crashed through the wall. Recognizing the interrogator he had left Sai with he recognized his killer as Tsume as she flipped back into the room. Guessing that coupled with the bugs of the Aburame almost all of Konoha was represented in the attack he decided to head towards the file room before abandoning the base.
Reaching the room, he was glad to see that it hadn't fallen into enemy hands yet, as although most of the important stuff had been moved to Site Ogre there was always the possibility that the enemy could gleam something of importance from what remained. Moving towards the back of the room he began to activate the tag that would set the room ablaze. However he stopped when a man said, "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Turning he saw an older looking copy of Rock Lee standing in the door way. "Sorry, I don't listen to fools," Idate sneered quickly activating the tag. Almost immediately many of the cabinets began to smolder as the fire tags began to activate. Thinking quickly Gai slammed his hands together creating a shockwave that not only blew the fledgling fires out but Idate off his feet as well.
Idate smashed into one of the cabinets and felt something give way, most likely a rib. Gai was about to advance on him when a Squad of Root shinobi entered the room. Getting to his feet Idate allowed his fellow Root members to delay the Green Beast while he made his escape as Danzou needed to be told that Konoha had attempted to destroy him.
Sarutobi strolled into the room at the heart of the compound where Danzou resided. Two of his shinobi lay dead in front of the door. He gripped Enma tighter preparing for the inevitable battle. He didn't have to wait long as a large Root member attempted to attack him from behind. Reacting quickly Sarutobi brought Enma around smashing him into the ribs of the man. Quickly spinning around the Root member, he extended Enma catching the shinobi in the back and carrying him through the very doors he was guarding.
Calmly walking into the chamber he saw Danzou kneeling before him. "So you've finally grown a spine Sarutobi," Danzou said. "A pity it's taken so long."
"Where is Danzou?" Sarutobi said not fooled by the man playing at being his old rival.
A small look of nervousness appeared on Danzou's face. It was a quick slip but enough to confirm what his instincts had told him upon gazing on the man. Closing the distance Sarutobi hit the false Danzou in the chin with the transformed Enma before kicking him into the far wall. The man hit hard enough to create an imprint, but before he collapsed Sarutobi was in front of him. Placing his staff across the man's throat he said, "I tire of the games. Where is he?"
The fake Danzou allowed a smile to appear on his lips as he said, "It doesn't matter. You've failed. Root will exist so long as Lord Danzou is there to lead us. Do your worse, I'll never talk."
"We'll see," Sarutobi said pulling Enma away from the man's throat. "However, I believe Ibiki will take that as a challenge." Two of Sarutobi's Anbu appeared behind him so he ordered, "Take him away." When he was alone Sarutobi closed his eyes before saying, "When will it finally end Danzou?"
Idate had managed to get out using one of the secret tunnels that lead out of Konoha. Taking a course that would lead him to Wind Country; he did his best to ignore the pain in his side as he ran. He was going a reasonable speed when he suddenly had to drop into a roll as a kunai tried to catch him in the throat.
Rolling to his feet he pulled a folding knife similar to the one that Jiroucho had given to him and holding it in front of him shouted, "Whose there?"
"It's been a long time, Idate," Ibiki said stepping out from one of the trees in front of him his hands in the pockets of his trench coat.
"Ibiki," Idate said cautiously, "How…"
"Did I know you'd come this way?" Ibiki finished for him. "Well to be honest it was an educated guess. You haven't changed after all, still a coward only good for running. So if things went south and Danzou wasn't in the compound it would mean he was busy overseeing his mission to destroy Naruto." Narrowing his eyes, Ibiki asked, "Where is Kushina?"
Gloating Idate said, "Well if everything's gone to plan. Then she's probably busy killing her son right now."
"I hope for your sake you're bluffing," Ibiki said. "Otherwise there is no limit to the hell I will put you through before finally ending your life."
"Try it big brother," Idate snarled before charging.
Ibiki dodged the swipe of the knife, not even bothering to pull his hands from his jacket. Idate growled swinging at his brother again and again, but met with similar results. Idate swung at Ibiki's face but the special jounin pulled back enough for the knife to miss before bringing his head forward smashing it into Idate's. The younger brother staggered back and received a kick to the chest that sent him into a tree.
Idate slid down the tree his ribs feeling on fire and stared at his older brother who calmly approached him. "Why do you care so much for that bitch but didn't even get worked up at my death?"
"Because she unlike you is a true hero of this village," Ibiki said. "Also, I was never fooled by your supposed death. I've suspected all along you worked for Danzou and suspected that your role was to be a chink in my armor. That's why I killed my heart as far as you are concerned. I don't have a brother." Pulling his hands from his pocket, Ibiki held up the actual knife that had been Idate's. Unfolding it he said, "Now at least have enough courage to meet your end like a shinobi."
Idate saw death in his brother's eyes and panicked. Scrabbling to his feet he began to run as fast as he could away from Ibiki. He ran blindly which was why he failed to notice when he entered a Perimeter Barrier. Ibiki watched mercilessly as the jutsu activated disintegrating the area his brother entered.
Walking towards the lump in the center he kicked it over to see a substitution doll lying in the place his brother's corpse should be. "Not bad Idate," Ibiki conceded. Directing his attention towards the woman standing in the tree's behind him he asked, "Do you think you can track him down?"
Anko dropped to the ground followed by the rest of her team giving a predatory smile as she answered, "Don't worry; we'll track him to the rat he answers to. "
"Good," Ibiki said heading towards the tunnel his brother appeared from. Looking over his shoulder he said, "Oh and Anko."
"Yeah," Anko replied.
"When you do catch him, feel free to feed him to those summons of yours," Ibiki said.
Anko simply gave a mock salute before leaping up into the trees her girls quickly following behind her.
Genno was so very tired, as he made his way into the messenger bird tower. He only wanted to rest but was caught up in his hatred of Konoha. He wasn't sure why he believed destroying the tower would hurt the village. After all he had left hundreds of tags all over the village and was positive that detonating them would be more satisfactory. However he couldn't ignore the compulsion running through his mind.
He had killed two genin to get this far and was standing outside the door where the hawks all resided. Pushing open the door one of the shinobi on duty spun in the chair he was sitting in wondering who it was. Upon catching site of the unfamiliar man he stood saying, "Hey you can't be in he…"
Genno pulled open his vest revealing the exploding tags that covered his chest. The explosion destroyed the entire top of the tower as well as killing every living thing inside the top floor. Also an explosion across town went off as well destroying the backup facility effectively cutting off Konoha's ability to quickly communicate with any teams that were in the field.
Haku was worried about Naruto as he followed the young man. Looking behind him he could tell that Hinata and Sakura were as well as the group entered the Land of Rivers following the trail that Pakkun had found. However, thus far none of them had been able to get the young man to open up. Not that Haku could blame him as Naruto certainly had a lot to deal with emotionally, what with Gaara's abduction as well as learning his mother was alive and probably wanted him dead.
Having almost died at the hands of a parent Haku wondered what was going through Naruto's head. As when it happened to him it had been a surprise. But Haku didn't know how he would have felt knowing beforehand that his father had planned to kill him. But knowing the boy he thought of as a younger brother he knew that Naruto was thinking of ways in which to save his mother from whatever hatred for him that gripped her.
Knowing that she was being used as a weapon against Naruto, filled Haku with a rage that he felt Zabuza would have wished he felt when he was younger. Haku promised himself that should Naruto have to do the unthinkable and kill his mother that he would let nothing stand between him and the elder responsible. However he shook himself free of such thoughts as he knew he needed to concentrate on the tasks in front of them.
Looking to his right he saw that the Lady Chiyo was once again staring at Naruto's back. She looked to her right and asked Kakashi something. Haku couldn't hear what the Jounin said in response so directed his attention to the two girls following behind them. Despite everything going on he allowed a small smile to appear on his face as he found it rather amusing that Gaara had two girls chasing after him much the same way Naruto did.
Sari and Matsuri had ignored the orders of the council to allow the Leaf to handle the situation in favor of shoring up the country's borders. They had tried to discreetly follow the group, but had been found by Kakashi. When the Jounin and even the elder Chiyo had ordered them back they had refused, going so far as telling them that they would accept whatever punishment that they earned upon returning to the village, preferable with the Kazekage. Even Chiyo telling them that it would in all very likely be a punishment of death didn't sway them.
Not willing to waste any more time on the matter Kakashi had reluctantly agreed to allow them to follow. Something Haku believed he was secretly pleased by, especially after receiving a message from Konoha claiming that they were on their own.
Haku noticed that Matsuri stumbled slightly as she landed on a branch. Taking a look at the rest of the team he knew that only Naruto was still going strong. Kakashi appeared to sense the same thing saying, "Naruto, we're taking a break."
Naruto landed on a branch leaving indentations of his feet in the branch. "I'll go on…"
"No Naruto," Hinata said quickly, "We'll all go together. Please just give us a moment to catch our breaths."
"We should keep going," Matsuri said trying to push herself, "We can't afford to wait around. Gaara needs us." Sari nodded her agreement.
Strangely that was what convinced Naruto to concede Haku could tell. He wondered briefly if the blonde was also seeing Hinata and Sakura reflected in the two girls as Haku was sure they would be acting similarly if Naruto had been abducted. "No we'll rest here," Naruto said dropping to the ground.
The Suna girls looked like they wanted to argue but figured that if the person that was pushing himself the hardest to save Gaara was willing to rest they should as well and followed him to the ground. Haku could see that Sakura and Hinata were breathing a little easier and figured that they hoped it meant he was calming. But that didn't appear to be the case as he went to sit by himself immediately pulling his ninjato and began sharpening it.
Haku decided to leave him be, hoping that they arrived in time to save Gaara in order to spare Naruto the pain of losing someone he so easily identified with.
The Akatsuki stood on the fingers of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Yet, truthfully only two of the members were there in person. The sealing of the one Tails was proceeding relatively well considering the group's recent loss of Kisame. However, Zetsu appeared from the wall of the cavern where the sealing was taking place and bearing bad news he reported, "It would appear that the Leaf has decided to stage a rescue attempt of the Kazekage. They are being accompanied by a small Squad of Suna shinobi led by the elder Chiyo."
"Granny Chiyo…" Sasori muttered almost absentmindedly.
The holographic form of Pain replied, "Do they know where we are?"
"It would seem so as they are heading directly here," Zetsu said. "I'd say that at their current rate they'd probably arrive in about six hours."
"I see," Pain said. He contemplated using his shapeshifting technique to send some of his associates to delay the approaching Leaf shinobi. He rejected the idea figuring that it wouldn't delay them nearly enough. Coming to a decision he said, "Deidara, Sasori why don't you greet our guests in person. Make sure they don't bother us."
"Fine," Sasori said moving for the entrance. "I was growing tired of waiting anyway."
"One other thing," Zetsu said, "it appears the nine tails is with them."
"Very well," Pain said, "Sasori and Deidara be wary of harming the nine-tails. His chakra must be added last so no harm must come to him."
Sasori stopped before asking, "Should we capture him then?"
"If possible," Pain replied before turning back to the statue and the sealing of the one-tail.
Deidara frowned saying, "Looks like we're going to be the workhorse of this group, Hmmm."
"Who cares," Sasori replied as the giant boulder slide open, "If you don't want to capture a second one then stay out of my way."
"How heatless, Sasori," Deidara said jokingly, "Besides, I can't let you have the honor of capturing two jinchuriki as that'll make you the better artist, hmmm." Sasori simply ignored his rambling partner wondering if any of the shinobi that he was about to face would be worthy of being added to his collection.
"I want some answers god damnit," Tsunade shouted at the team responsible for monitoring the traffic in and out of Konoha. "How does a terrorist from almost thirty years ago waltz into the middle of our village and destroy our means of communication."
"I'm sorry Lady Hokage," the leader of the Barrier team said, "however there was no unusual traffic as of late. Furthermore, the last time a man matching the description of this Genno entered the village was three years ago. According to our files he never left."
"So he's been living here for three years then?" Tsunade asked, not understanding why the damage that he caused was so light in comparison. The man nodded but she simply said, "You're dismissed."
The man left quickly, no doubt relieved to be out of her presence. "Kind of harsh weren't you princess," Jiraiya called into the room from the window sill, "I mean nobody could know a ghost from thirty years ago would suddenly show up."
As Jiraiya entered the room Tsunade said, "I'm not upset that he showed up, but with his timing."
Placing his hands on her shoulders he began to knead them saying, "Are you suggesting that he was allied with Danzou in some way."
"I don't know," Tsunade said relaxing as a result of his strong grip. "But the fact that Genno was here and the only thing he destroyed was our means to communicate with Naruto…"
"There are more teams in the field then Naruto's you know," Jiraiya cautioned her.
"Yeah, well how many of them are being targeted by a bastard as slippery as Danzou," Tsunade countered. "The one we captured is Danzou as far as every conceivable test I've run says and Sarutobi is positive that it isn't him. What's worse is I'm inclined to believe him."
"Well it's not all bad," Jiraiya said, "we know for a fact that the incident with the Kazekage is real…"
Tsunade suddenly shot forward shouting for her secretary. When the woman entered she immediately asked, "Find Ibiki tell him to try and see if the bird I sent to Suna has returned."
After the woman left Jiraiya asked, "Hoping that it wasn't caught in the explosion?"
"No…I'm hoping it was," Tsunade replied. Seeing her lover's confusion she said, "If Danzou is behind this he's going to need a way to divert Naruto to a place of his choosing. The best way…"
Jiraiya caught on as the color drained from his face as he finished her sentence, "Is to use our own means of communication against us. Damn it."
Tsunade nodded but noticing Jiraiya was leaving said, "Where are you going?"
"To Suna," Jiraiya responded.
"Don't bother," Tsunade responded before he could protest she said, "Grab Tsume and try and pick up his trail. He more than likely isn't in the village any longer." Jiraiya nodded leaving Tsunade alone with her fears that it was already too late.
Team Kakashi entered a clearing. Forced to drop to the ground they tried to cross it quickly, but a shout of, "Scatter," from Hinata dashed that hope. From above several birds dived bomb into the ground where the shinobi had been. When the smoke and dust cleared it revealed two men standing in front of them.
Chiyo instantly recognized the puppet Hiruko. Despite her aging Sasori recognized her as well saying, "Well if it isn't Granny Chiyo. Still kicking I see."
"I held on long enough to see you one last time Sasori," she replied sadly.
"Fitting," the younger puppet master said, "as I'll be the cause of your death."
Naruto glared at the pair of Akatsuki shouting, "Give back Gaara you bastards."
"Hmmm, you must be the nine-tails jinchuriki," Deidara said staring at the boy. "You can have him as soon as we're done with him. Naturally he'll be dead so I can't imagine there's much point in continuing on. Unless you're in a hurry to be captured as well."
Naruto growled reaching for his sword but was stopped by Kakashi. Naruto stared at him but Kakashi said, "Calm down Naruto. I know you want to save Gaara but the only reason these two would show themselves is to delay us, which means the sealing has already begun."
"Agreed," Chiyo said stepping forward, "You all carry on. I'll delay these two here myself."
"Now, now," Kakashi said, "I know you are a spry young spring chick, but they might be a bit much for even you to handle Lady Chiyo."
"That's why we'll stay with her," Sakura said speaking for Hinata and her.
That surprised Naruto a little as he wasn't sure he wanted them to stay behind. Sensing that Hinata said, "Don't worry Naruto. Concentrate on reaching Gaara. We'll be fine."
Naruto was still unsure but nodded seeing the resolve in the girls' eyes as they stepped to either side of Chiyo. Deidara mockingly said, "How rude, do you honestly expect to get by us so easily, hmmm?"
Sakura approached a large rock near her position before saying, "Actually we do." Kicking it she sent it flying directly at the pair, who were forced to move. Naruto and the others used the Rock as cover following behind it as it cleared the path for them.
Growling Sasori said, "Get after them Deidara. I'll handle these three."
"Tsk fine," Deidara said creating a clay bird before leaping onto it as it grew, "I'll show them my art. Have fun with the family reunion."
Sasori ignored his partner as he took off to follow the others. Staring at the three woman Sasori said, "It'll be fun killing you three and adding you to my collection. I doubt we'll capture the jinchuriki today but maybe I'll volunteer to go after him and use you as my puppets when it happens."
"What is he talking about?" Sakura asked.
Chiyo sighed saying, "Sasori has mastered the art of making puppets out of people. It's a forbidden jutsu of the puppet master."
Hinata having been scanning the area for the real Sasori said, "I can't find where he is manipulating the puppet from."
Surprised Chiyo said, "Surely you can see through the puppet? He's inside."
"There is something inside the puppet but I don't think its human," Hinata said focusing on the core in the things chest she corrected herself adding, "Although, a portion of the puppet inside may have been once."
"I see, so you've mastered that jutsu as well and turned yourself into a puppet as well," Chiyo said addressing her Grandson.
Chuckling Sasori said, "A shame you peaked as I would have liked to see your face if you forced me to use myself. However let's get on with it; I'm getting tired of waiting."
Chiyo wasn't inclined to fold to her grandson's demands moving closer to the two girls to whisper their strategy. Sasori could see the girls nodding to what his grandmother said, so deciding to disrupt them launched the metal tail of his puppet at them. The Hyuuga jumped in front of the group and used Rotation deflecting his tail. Chiyo appeared from behind the spinning girl throwing a volley of kunai that he easily deflected by retracting the tail to cover him.
Sakura appeared from behind Hinata as well since her role in Chiyo strategy was to be the one that destroyed Hiruko. However Sasori wasn't about to simply to allow that to happen as he directed his attention towards the pink haired girl. Opening the puppets mouth he launched a volley of senbon at her. To his amazement she didn't simply dodge them but actually dodged through the needles as she continued towards him.
Sasori raised the puppets left arm to fire the senbon launcher. Smoke began to billow from it as he fired it, but he cursed as the Hyuuga intercepted it destroying the device by slicing it to ribbons with a variation of Rotation he never saw before, where she stood still and simply used her arms to admit chakra. So caught up was he in the destruction of his weapon he almost failed to register Sakura's approach until it was too late. Forced to abandon his puppet or share its fate he leapt from it as the pink-haired girl buried her fist in Hiruko destroying it completely.
Hinata watched as Sasori pulled the cloth of Hiruko's cloak from his head. She was surprised at just how lifelike he looked considering she knew he was a puppet. Pushing that aside it was time for her to shine as now she was the one that needed to step up in Chiyo's plan. Her target was the core that she could see pulsing beneath the Akatsuki cloak that Sasori wore.
She watched for an opening as Chiyo taunted her grandson saying, "So decided to use yourself already huh?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Sasori said his voice no longer gruff like it had been when talking as Hiruko, instead sounding light and smooth. "After all who goes into battle with only two puppets?" Pulling a scroll he held it in front of him and disappeared behind the smoke as he summoned whatever the scroll held.
Chiyo's face changed to one of shock as the puppet appeared saying, "So it was you behind the Third Kazekage's disappearance."
"That's right," Sasori said, "Feel honored that your life will end in such away as it's been a long time since I've ever needed to use this puppet's Iron Sand."
Haku caught Sari looking behind them again probably afraid that Sasori was coming to join his partner. Naruto despite having not looked back once said, "Stop it! Hinata and Sakura will stop him. They also have the help of that Granny Chiyo."
Haku smiled at the confidence in Naruto's voice although he was sure the blonde was worried for the two girls as well. They were moving quickly through the forest as Deidara hunted for them. Apparently though the Akatsuki member refused to enter into the forest as it was terrain close range fighters like Naruto thrived in. That meant the man was looking for clearings for them to appear in. They had avoided the few that they could but the trees were thinning out again meaning another was approaching. However this time it didn't look like they could simply go around without costing them too much time.
Kakashi called for them to stop raising his hand. As they came to a rest he said, "We're going to have to charge through, and if I'm reading our opponent correctly he'll have been searching for a spot like this to ambush us."
"What's the game plan then," Naruto said in a hurry to get on with it.
"I'll stay here and distract him…"
"Wait Kakashi," Haku said interrupting the team leader, "I'll fight him."
"Haku…" Naruto said surprised and slightly afraid.
Giving his friend a reassuring smile Haku said, "Surely you don't think I'm so weak that I can't fight the Akatsuki like Hinata and Sakura."
Naruto shook his head saying, "But they aren't fighting alone…"
"Don't worry Naruto. Besides of everyone here I may be best suited to fighting against Deidara," Haku said looking to Kakashi who nodded his head.
"Alright we'll leave him to you…" Kakashi said before explaining his plan of how he wanted to get past Deidara.
Deidara was beginning to think that Sasori was beginning to rub off on him as he was getting bored of waiting for his targets to appear. Having flown over the field he had seeded it with his clay landmines. A risky proposition to be sure as it was entirely possible the nine-tails may be the one to stumble onto one of them. However he found he almost hoped the boy did as he, sure his death would be rather artistic.
He was just about to fly over the forest again and drop some explosives into it to flush them out when a literal army of the blonde jinchuriki appeared rushing from the line of trees attempting to make it to the opposite side. Over and over again they died as they set off his clay creations causing the field to disappear in smoke. Cursing that his trap had been used against him in such a way he had his clay bird begin flapping its wings. However, just as it began to hover, an Ice Lance shot out of the smoke hitting the bird in the chest and almost impaling him as well. The bird began to freeze and Deidara shouted out as the bird fell to the earth shattering upon impact.
Quickly scrambling to his feet as best he could with the wounded arm he suffered in his battle with Gaara he saw a dark-haired youth staring at him his lower face covered in a demon mempo. The boy's long hair was blowing behind him slightly in the wind. Deidara found it a rather artistic sight one that could only be improved upon by one of his explosions. "So I take it you'll be my opponent, Hmmm?" the clay bomber said calmly, "This ought to be interesting. Tell me, why are you fighting so hard for that jinchuriki? The one we captured in Iwa died all alone."
Haku narrowed his eyes angrily saying, "I suppose I could tell you I see him as family. However even knowing my reasons I doubt a creature such as yourself will be capable of understanding them."
"My how cold," Deidara replied.
"It will only get colder," Haku responded charging him forming a Kori blade that resembled Zabuza's.
Deidara leapt back throwing several of his clay creations at Haku who stopped long enough to create several senbon of ice. Throwing them at the creatures the senbon hit dead center freezing them and preventing the Akatsuki member from igniting them.
Deidara cursed as he avoided having his head cleaved from his shoulders by the Ice Blade as Haku closed with him. Trying to get away from the boy he created a flock of clay birds that flew at Haku who was forced to break off his attack creating an Ice dome that absorbed the explosions. Deidara used the opportunity to create his C2 dragon that he leapt on to once more take to the air.
Inside the dome Haku summoned Gunso and the others. The penguin looked up at Haku saying, "I knew making you our summoner was going to make our lives more exciting. What is it this time?"
"I need your help with an explosives expert," Haku said.
"Kid when it comes to explosions there is no higher expert then us," Gunso said, "and I'll have words with anyone that claims otherwise."
An explosion outside the dome caused it to crack causing Haku to say, "Well he's right outside, shall we?"
"Impressive," Deidara said from his flying perch as the Ice Dome absorbed another of his small Dragon missiles. He was about to fire another one when the Dome cracked and Haku ran out with two flightless birds clinging to just behind his shoulders with chakra.
Haku quickly caught site of his opponent hover in the air. Pointing it out to Gunso and Genin on his shoulders he watched as several smaller dragons emerged from the mouth of the larger one. As they approached Gunso and Genin began shooting water from their mouths in a powerful spray which hit the dragons dissolving them.
Deidara was growing angry as his artistic creations met their ends at the water jutsu of the birds protecting Haku. Locking in on the Leaf Chunin he began to fly in closer to give the birds less time to target his creations.
As Deidara closed with his target he was unaware he was being targeted as well as Kowaski lined Deidara up using the slingshot he and Riko had constructed. Pulling the string taunt he watched as Riko placed the large ball covered in exploding tags into the launcher before moving to the string holding it in place.
Kowaski held a flipper up as Deidara flew into range saying, "Almost there…almost there…now." Riko used his beak to cut the string launching the ball.
Deidara was barreling down on the running Haku, when a round object launched from the tree line above Haku. The ball almost seemed to stop right in front of him for a moment before exploding sending him crashing into the ground his ruined dragon cushioning his fall.
He tried to get back to his feet when Haku kicked him up against the ruined dragon. Haku stared at the beaten man coldly saying, "Surrender or I'll kill you."
"You'll kill me…you'll kill me…" Deidara said sounding manic, "As if I'd ever allow myself to reach such an inartistic end such as that." Biting off a chunk of clay from the dragon he said, "Behold my ultimate art."
Haku took a step back as Deidara began to grow causing Gunso to say, "Kid I've got a bad feeling about this."
Haku quickly spun picking up Riko and Kowaski who had appeared from the trees as he passed them. When Deidara exploded it became apparent they weren't going to escape the blast radius. Creating an Ice Mirror in front of him he ignored Gunso who was shouting, "It's…It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," as the explosive energy closed on them. Haku just managed to make the mirror as it washed over them.
Hinata turned to see the large explosion that was rising over the forest, and felt her heart clench in fear that Naruto was caught in it. Sakura was treating Chiyo, who had been poisoned, as they stood among the ruined hundred puppet army. She felt a little disappointed with how the battle had turned out as Sakura had been the one that destroyed the Third Kazekage puppet and had pinned the puppet Sasori to the tree using the seal that Chiyo had given her.
The reason Sakura had been so influential in the battle had been because Sasori seemed to recognize that Hinata had posed the great threat to him as a single Jyuuken strike to his core would end him. Therefore he had concentrated most on keeping her away, something Sakura had been able to use to great effect.
However Hinata still knew she had a part to play especially as Sasori, who had managed to implant his core into another puppet, rose from behind Sakura using the explosion as cover for his surprise attack. He planned to cut down both Sakura and Chiyo, but was stopped by Hinata who easily battered aside the blade and stuck the core.
"Damn," Sasori said falling to his knees feeling the life draining from his puppet body, "I guess those eyes weren't fooled in the slightest. A pity, as I planned to handle Orochimaru after this…"
Hinata's eyes widened in surprise saying, "What does Orochimaru have to do with this?"
"He was my partner…betrayed Akatsuki…still plans to betray us more according to my spy…tell you what…as a gift for defeating me I'll tell you where to meet him…Tenchi Bridge in Grass Country…be there in a three weeks time…"
Chiyo watched as her grandson fell to the ground clattering lifelessly. Looking away she smiled as Sakura said, "I'm sorry Lady Chiyo."
"Don't be child," Chiyo said, "He was a traitor as well as a monster the sweet grandson I remember died long before now."
"Sakura can we move her," Hinata asked anxious to get moving.
Laughing spryly the old woman said, "I'm more than capable of moving myself young lady. But it's true we need to get moving if only to make sure that sweet young Naruto is still alive and kicking ehh."
Both girls blushed at Chiyo's words but nodded causing the young woman to laugh again despite thinking sadly as she looked once more at her grandson, "And just maybe allow me to do something right after getting it wrong for so long."
Standing Chiyo said, "Alright ladies lets go."
They had arrived at the cliff over-looking the Akatsuki hideout when the explosion went off behind them. Naruto spun watching the cloud raise to the sky. He almost turned to run but was stopped as Kakashi grabbed his arm.
Naruto was about to shout at him to let go, but Kakashi calmly said, "Naruto, have faith Haku is okay. But if he isn't…well we still have a mission to fulfill. We'll get vengeance later."
Naruto nodded before dropping to the water and seeing the tag atop the boulder blocking the entrance said, "So how do we get inside?"
"There should be four more scattered around the area," Kakashi replied, "we'll have to search for them."
"Leave that to me," Naruto said creating enough clones to search the area quickly. Pairing them up so that one could dispel when a tag was found he set them to work.
Haku rose from the Ice Mirror he created, which survived the blast although it had been blown onto its side. Putting Riko and Kowaski down he knelt to allow the two penguins on his back off. Gunso said addressing his fellow penguins, "Boys we will not rest until we can make an explosion like that."
Haku was about to caution Gunso since it appeared Deidara had killed himself to achieve it. But the penguins disappeared before he could say anything. Feeling a small amount of dread at what they would be up to in their quest for a bigger bang. He decided to worry about it later in favor of rejoining Naruto and the others.
Naruto easily found the tags within moments and timing the removal of them pulled his tag from the boulder before landing in front of it. Seconds later he created a massive water dragon that smashed into the boulder destroying it and allowing them entry.
Kakashi entered quickly and noticed Gaara was still in the air but the last of the Bijuu chakra drained from him in that moment entering the statue. Gaara's lifeless body fell to the ground eliciting a gasp from the two Suna Kunoichi with them. One of the shimmering figures standing on the hands of the statue turned towards them and Kakashi took a step back in dread recognizing the legendary eyes of the Rinnegan staring at him.
"Ah, Kakashi Hatake, and the nine tails," Pain said calmly. "I'm afraid you have arrived too late."
"You bastard," Naruto shouted.
"Do you hate me now little jinchuriki?" Pain asked. "A shame, but rejoice in the fact his death will lead to peace."
"I'll stop you," Naruto shouted angrily, "Whatever this demented notion of peace you believe in is, I'll make sure it never comes true."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Pain asked confident the boy was no threat.
"By doing this," a voice called from behind the Leader.
Turning in shock, Pain saw the statue covered in several clones each holding a Rasengan. The boy slammed them into the statue, but what was most distressing was that several of them targeted the eyes of the great statue. "How…?" Pain said but figured the boy had made them during the confusion of his entry into the cavern.
The statue opened its mouth in a silent scream as four of its eyes were destroyed. Pain quickly returned the statue towards its resting place needing to stabilize the energy threatening to escape. But before disappearing said, "Your time will come boy."
"I'll be waiting," Naruto shot back before the Akatsuki disappeared.
Chiyo arrived to find the two Suna kunoichi crying over Gaara. She could see Naruto off to the side and by the way his shoulders moved she could tell he was weeping as well. The older boy Haku seemed inclined to let him be with his grief but Sakura and Hinata moved towards him to try and comfort him. The boy allowed himself to be pulled into an embrace by the two before openly crying for the deceased Gaara.
Moved by the open display of grief for a boy from her own village Chiyo decided to use the technique she had created for her grandsons benefit. Kneeling near the deceased Kazekage, Matsuri and Sari asked, "What are you doing elder Chiyo?" as the woman placed her glowing blue hands on his chest.
"I'm returning the Kazekage to life," the woman answered.
"But how…" Sakura said but was stopped as Hinata placed a hand on her shoulder having activated her Byakugan.
Informing everyone of what she saw the Hyuuga said, "She's using her own life force."
"Yes," Chiyo said giving a tight smile, "This jutsu was originally intended for Sasori benefit. But I find it fitting that I can finally use it by correcting a mistake from so long ago. You see I sealed the one-tailed into Gaara. At the time I felt it necessary as our village needed a weapon. I didn't care that he would grow up alone and hated…" Staring at Naruto she remembered what Kakashi said about how the boy had suffered similarly. Continuing she said, "But despite having every reason to hate his home he has become its greatest protector."
"But you'll die," Sakura said.
"We all die dear; at least this way…I won't die a complete failure." However due to her over usage of chakra in the fight against her grandson she felt herself growing too weak to complete the jutsu.
It must have shown as suddenly Sari and Matsuri both placed their hands on hers saying, "Please let us help too."
Smiling the older woman nodded before addressing everyone present saying, "You've all grown into such outstanding shinobi. It makes me pleased that I'll be leaving the world in such good hands…"
Gaara felt weak as he opened his eyes. He was surprised to see that Naruto was kneeling over him. "Hey buddy," he said helping Gaara sit up.
"What happened…is the village safe…," Gaara asked confused.
"The Kazekage's alright," a voice he recognized as one of his shinobi said, before a cheer went up.
Being helped to his feet, Naruto showed Gaara a good portion of his shinobi were around him having ignored the council's orders before saying, "Yeah, they're all safe and wanted to come and rescue you."
"The Shukaku is gone though," Gaara said feeling the absence, "Shouldn't I be dead?"
Naruto nodded before pointing towards Chiyo who was being held by Sari and Matsuri. "She sacrificed herself for you, using some jutsu. She had a little help from those two, though," he added giving his friend a nudge.
Gaara knelt in front of Chiyo and the two kunoichi saying, "Thank you." The two girls stuttered a response that didn't really make any sense causing many of the shinobi present to smile. Standing Gaara said, "Let us pray for Lady Chiyo," before bowing his head.
As the Sand Shinobi obeyed their leader's orders, Fu Yamanaka watched giving the messenger Hawk he had caught a little pet. Watching the group begin to return to Suna he decided to allow the Jinchuriki to get a little closer to Wind Country before sending the bird that would bear the message leading to his death.