NARUTO: Wastes of Konoha Chapter 5: Steel Wheels of the South, a naruto fanfic

The Southern part of the village, once a bustling marketplace and gathering spot, now stands as a somber reflection of its former glory for those that could remember. At the entrance gate, the once sturdy doors made of strong oak have succumbed to the passage of time. They are warped and weakened. The mechanism to open and close the gate is now rusted and requires constant maintenance. Adjacent to the gate, that just off the side of the road, a guard tower and booth, serve as posts for the active-duty guards. They were put together as best as they could with whatever find to use that was not already requisitioned for other projects around the village.

Within this area, dilapidated buildings and ruins paint a picture of ruin. Once a vibrant marketplace for small vendors, peddlers, and traveling merchants; it now retains a sense of desolation. On the left side of the gate, a slightly dilapidated building that once served as the registry office now provides shelter for the guards.The registry documents, a reminder of past protocols, still exist but hold little significance in the post-apocalyptic era. The main road, once well-maintained and smoothly paved, now bears the marks of neglect with cracks and potholes that dot its surface.Patching such imperfections with scarce resources has become a luxury.

A vendor's marketplace that once lined the sidewalks with a wide array of goods has dwindled in size and variety. Only a handful of vendors, fortunate enough to offer essential items, remain. The vendor stalls, once designed to fold away neatly into storage units, have become a permanent fixture due to the deterioration of available storage space.

The southern part of the village, once a hub for encounters with politicians, creative artists, and renowned ninja, now stands as a testament to a bygone era. Among the buildings in the area, storage facilities hold precious resources such as metal and wood. Only construction workers and those unable to find dwelling elsewhere in the village occupy these spaces. And, viable space was few.

The once vibrant sky, tinged with the faint aroma of exhaust fumes and gasoline, has given way to a heavy atmosphere laden with the persistent scent of fuel. Notably, Tenten's weapon shop and vehicle garage find their place in this area—a larger building dedicated to crafting traditional ninja weapons and performing repairs and modifications on various vehicles.

In this desolate landscape, the Southern part of the village bears the weight of time, showcasing remnants of its past vibrancy while existing as a mere shadow of its former self.

Rock Lee, with his trademark enthusiasm and distinct manner of speaking, approached the gathered civilians in the southern part of the village. "Greetings, good people! Fear not, for I, Rock Lee, have come to lead you to safety!" he exclaimed, striking a heroic pose. The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to make of Lee's energetic presence. He was known to speak in an odd manner that was bewildering at times.

One elderly villager spoke up, scratching his head. "Err, excuse me, young man. What's all this about? Where are we going?"

Rock Lee beamed, ready to clarify the situation in his unique way. "Ah, my esteemed elder, we are embarking on a grand adventure! You see, there are dangerous times ahead, and we must relocate to a safer haven. The enemy approaches, and I have been ordered to see you away. We must move like swift gazelles!"

The confusion in the crowd only deepened, with murmurs of uncertainty filling the air. "Gazelles? Enemy? What are you talking about?" a middle-aged woman asked, raising an eyebrow.

Undeterred, Rock Lee adjusted his stance and continued, his voice brimming with determination. "Ah, I apologize for my cryptic words! Let me simplify. Danger approaches, my friends. We must gather our belongings and evacuate to protect our cherished lives!"

They soon realized that there was a problem. However, his mannerisms only left them confused and in need of clarification.

"Wait, you mean... we're in danger? The village is under attack?" a young woman exclaimed, her voice filled with alarm.

Rock Lee nodded earnestly, his expression growing serious. "Yes, my dear villagers. The forces of darkness threaten our home, and we must ensure your safety within the confines of an extraction zone upon which you will not be found. The time for action is now!"

One villager spoke up, clearly wanting a direct answer, "What danger are you talking about, Lee? You're talking in puzzles again,"

Rock Lee stood at attention and looked the villager in the eye and spoke rather plainly "The Akatsuki are coming to the Village to destroy it in a few days,"

The initial confusion transformed into a sense of urgent fear as the gravity of the situation sank in. The crowd, now fully understanding the imminent peril, began to scramble, packing their belongings and hurrying to gather their loved ones.

With the initial confusion behind them, Rock Lee's unwavering resolve and unique manner of explaining the situation had successfully ignited a sense of urgency and unity among the people. Their expressions, however, still held the expression of fear. They did have a sense of unity amongst them but it was the feeling of fear that fueled their urgency. As they followed Rock Lee to the waiting area where he would lead them to the evacuation tunnels, many of them wondered what they would come back to, if there was anything to come back to once the dust settled.

By the time Tenten and Kankuro made their way to the Southern part of the village. Rock Lee has already gathered many of the residents that occupied the area. They realized that Lee was speaking in his usual confusing hyper energetic manner. They slipped by and soon saw many of the villagers beginning to run around to gather their families and other things.

Tenten and Kankuro stepped into Tenten's well-organized shop, greeted by the familiar mixture of scents that perfumed her workplace. The weapons shop occupied one side of the building, adorned with blacksmithing tools meticulously arranged on racks. Rows of thrown weapons such as kunai knives and shuriken adorned one wall, while a variety of hand weapons, including nunchucks, katanas, ninjatōs, and Kusarigamas, were displayed on another shelf. Next to that was a wall with firearms and ammunition. All of this was protected by ninjutsu so that way only a few people could get to them.

At the center of the shop, a small station was dedicated to creating ammunition and weapons allowing for a continuous supply of deadly tools. The ambiance of the weapons shop was both intimidating and awe-inspiring, reflecting Tenten's passion for her craft.

As they proceeded through another door, they entered the garage area, where a collection of vehicles, some in the process of being weaponized, filled the space. The garage felt much larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside. Amidst the steel and machinery, the Sentinel of the Leaf, the war rig of the Hidden Leaf Village, stood as the centerpiece. Towering and imposing, it was a symbol of strength and protection for the village.

Tenten and Kankuro exchanged glances, acknowledging the importance of the mission ahead. Their focus shifted to the war rig, knowing that their efforts to improve it would be crucial in the impending battle. As they prepared to brainstorm and discuss ideas on how to enhance the war rig, their minds filled with visions of formidable weaponry and ingenious machinery that would aid them in the fight to come.

Kankuro's curiosity piqued, he turned to Tenten, his eyes gleaming with interest. "So, Tenten, what are the specifications of the Sentinel of the Leaf?" he inquired.

Tenten smiled, clearly eager to share her knowledge. "Well, the war rig is 40 feet long and 12 feet wide. The turret is equipped with a rapid-firing mechanism, and the ammunition is fed through the bottom, allowing it to hold up to 3,000 rounds," she explained. "I'm currently working on a modification that will enable someone to produce additional ammunition on board. However, this would require a trailer at least 10 feet longer and 8 feet wider to accommodate the necessary equipment and supplies."

"That sounds very impressive but also very extensive with the amount of work that has to be put in," Kankuro remarked. "But why did the Hidden Leaf Village opt for a more defensive design? I mean, all things considered the hidden Leaf Village is one of the biggest targets among the Ninja,"

Tenten nodded thoughtfully. "The decision was influenced by the village's surroundings. With the dense forest area surrounding us and larger vehicles utilizing the main roads, it was important to focus on perimeter defense," she elaborated. "Plus, with 28 Vehicle Specialist Ninja in the village, the war rig was intended to be a valuable support asset during battles. That was one of the big factors in the decision to make a defensive War rig. Even the ninja that have combat vehicles that aren't specialists are still taken into consideration but all of them are built for Speed or heavy damage or any type of combat. Very few of them have built for support or defensive measures. That's why when we finally made this, ultimately the decision came down to being a defensive weapon. And, since weapons are my art, I had a hand in designing The Sentinel of the Leaf,"

Intrigued, Kankuro asked one more question "But why a monster truck?"

Tenten replied confidently "It came down to the fact that most of the buildings in the village are not very tall and it has the ability to go over Rubble. It can be detached from you as another vehicle if necessary but it's also what inspired my current prototype modification to change the suspension system on the trailer. Having a war rig that can go over Rubble is useful…" she paused for a moment and took a deep breath as the gravity of the situation weighing heavy on her words "...it might just prove useful in the war to come

Kankuro looked at her as every single word sank into his mind. An idea popped his head that he knew he would bring up later.

He then responded by telling her more details about the war rig from the hidden Sand Village, "You already found out in the meeting that our war rig is different," he began. "We use an accordion bus design that allows easy navigation through the tightly packed buildings and numerous turns in the village hidden in the sand. As our village already benefits from high walls for protection, our war rig is designed to be a bit more offensive to handle the unique challenges of our terrain.

Kankuro leaned against a workbench, looking thoughtful. "The Desert Fury was never intended to leave the village. We went through three prototypes before we reached the current version," he explained. "However, we're still working on the modifications for storing extra ammunition for the giant shuriken launcher and the landmine dropper. It's not fully tested yet, but the modified suspension system is working well. So, at least we have that."

Tenten glanced at the blueprints, her eyes scanning the details. "This design is impressive, Kankuro. You've put a lot of thought into it," she complimented. "But what if we were to modify both War rigs so that they could attach themselves to each other? In case we need to join forces during the battle."

Kankuro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. "That's an interesting idea," he mused. "But we'll have to wait a few days for the Desert Fury to reach the Hidden Leaf Village. Once it's here, we can closely examine it and see how feasible such a modification would be. Looking at blueprints is one thing but having it right in front of you is another. Plus, these are the blueprints of what I told my crew to start working on now. Only they know how much progress they've made since I've left. The last thing I told him to work on was the landmine dropper."

Tenten nodded, understanding the need for thorough planning. "Agreed. We can't rush this," she replied. "But I think it's worth considering. Our combined strength could prove invaluable in the upcoming battle against the Akatsuki."

Kankuro smiled, appreciating Tenten's strategic thinking. Yeah, you're right. There's no reason why we can't work on a couple of things here and there while we wait but I think it's more important to talk about the Sentinel then the Desert Fury. I got a few ideas on how we can make that trailer with a monster truck suspension system work,"

As they continued discussing the potential collaboration, both Tenten and Kankuro felt a sense of pride for their craft and a sense of unity.

Tenten leaned against a nearby worktable, her mind already brainstorming new ideas. "Kankuro, I was also thinking about the weapons and ammunition. We could coordinate the types of weapons we use on the war rigs to maximize our offensive capabilities," she suggested.

Kankuro nodded in agreement. "That's a good point. The Desert Fury is equipped with some heavy artillery, but it's not complete. Even if it is built for offensive combat we gotta get it to the point where it's capable of holding it's on ground. The best way I can think of that is increasing the ammunition," he replied. "And with your expertise and my creative thinking, we can improve the ammunition storage on both rigs, making sure we have enough firepower to face whatever comes our way."

Tenten's eyes gleamed with excitement at the possibilities. "Exactly! We need to be prepared for anything. It's not just about the individual strength but the combined might," she emphasized.

Kankuro smirked, admiring Tenten's determination. "You're right. It's like the saying, 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' But both rigs need to be able to hold their own individually. We can't guarantee that we're going to be able to connect them together in time or at all and we gotta consider what if one of them is destroyed or they get separated by force" he remarked.

Tenten chuckled, "You sound like a strategist, Kankuro. I guess we both have to be with the responsibilities we hold."

Kankuro's expression turned more serious. "True. As a Shinobi, it's a responsibility. And in this case, it is responsibility to our specialties not just the ones that separate us, but the ones that connect both of us," he said.

Tenten nodded in agreement, "We'll do whatever it takes to defend our home. Because if we fall, it won't be long until they go after the Sand Village and all the other villages."

Kankuro took a deep breath and spoke sternly, "Unfortunately, that is the reality of it.. The only thing that these Warlords really care about is conquest. We cannot afford to lose here,"

"How unfortunately true. But, this is the life we have chosen. We do not have the luxury of standing idly by and escaping to safer spaces throughout the world. All ninja learn one way or the other, it is not an easy life, but it is necessary,"

Kankuro looked at Tenten with newfound respect. "You're a remarkable ninja, Tenten. I'm glad we can work together like this," he said sincerely.

Tenten smiled, "The feeling is mutual, Kankuro. Let's make sure our collaboration becomes a turning point in this battle."

With a shared sense of responsibility and passion, Tenten and Kankuro continued discussing strategies and improvements for the war rigs. They were both aware of the immense responsibility on their shoulders, but together, they knew they could face the challenges ahead and protect their villages from the looming threat of the Akatsuki.

As the discussion about the war rigs started to weighing off to the individual weaponized vehicles, Tenten asked Kankuro to bring his vehicle into the garage. He left promptly and came back within minutes.

As Kankuro drove his vehicle into the garage, Tenten looked intrigued. "Wow, Kankuro, that's quite the unique ride you've got there. What's its name?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Kankuro grinned proudly, "I call it 'The Puppeteer's Wagon.' It's not as flashy as the war rigs, but it gets the job done efficiently," he explained.

Tenten nodded, admiring the craftsmanship of the vehicle. "It's definitely built for functionality. Tell me more about it," she inquired.

Kankuro hopped out of the driver's seat and began to share the details. "Well, the van is mainly for carrying my puppets. I have compartments for each one, so they're well-protected during transport. But the real fun begins when I use them as weapons," he said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Tenten's eyes widened with interest, "Weapons? How do you manage that while driving?"

Kankuro pointed to the mini-gun mounted on the front driver's side of the van. "This is where the magic happens. I can control the puppets from inside the van using chakra threads, and this mini-gun allows me to change the ammo belt while driving. It gives me the advantage of surprise and keeps my enemies guessing," he explained.

Tenten was impressed, "That's a clever setup! Your puppeteering skills truly make this vehicle stand out. I can see why it's perfect for you," she complimented.

Kankuro chuckled, "Thanks, Tenten but there is more, there's a secret compartment that allows me to Launch my puppets at an enemy vehicle to grab onto them. It allows me to force their vehicles to lose control. It's taken a lot of time and effort to fine-tune everything. But I've grown attached to this van; it's like another puppet," he said with a sense of fondness.

Tenten smiled, "I can understand that feeling. Our weaponized vehicles become an extension of ourselves, don't they?"

Kankuro nodded, "Exactly. And with our skills combined, the war rigs and the Puppeteer's Wagon will make a formidable force against the Akatsuki," he declared confidently.

Tenten agreed wholeheartedly, "I have no doubt about that. Let's make sure we use them to protect our villages and everyone we care about."

Kankuro returned the question, "What about yours? What is your vehicle like?"

Tenten smiled with glee as she left the room and opened up a secret compartment in the garage which revealed her weaponized vehicle. Kankuro looked in awe at the military vehicle covered in steel and spikes. "What do you call that?"

Tenten's face lit up with pride as she spoke about her creation. "I call it the 'Steel Storm.' It's a Hummer covered in spikes and blades, designed for ramming and demolishing other vehicles. It has two machine guns in the front and two in the back, ensuring a constant barrage of firepower," she described.

Kankuro was impressed. "Sounds formidable! I can see how it would be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield," he commented.

"It certainly is," Tenten replied, a hint of excitement in her voice. "I designed it to be both sturdy and aggressive, using its spikes and blades to shred through obstacles and opponents. I wanted a vehicle that could not only protect me but also make a powerful impact in the fight. Besides the guns and the Caltrop dropper in the back, I have also designed it so that way each Spike can be launched Atwood if necessary. It has become necessary a few times. Sometimes enemy Vehicles get. Although, I will admit it is sometimes funny seeing the enemy vehicles get thrown into the air while they're attached to this massive Spike that's rocket propelled,."

Kankuro chuckled. "You're like me, always seeking to push the limits of your creations. We both have that in common," he said.

Tenten grinned. "Indeed! It's our passion for perfecting our craft that drives us to create the best tools for our ninja skills," she agreed.

With renewed determination, they continued to fine-tune their vehicles, making sure they were ready for the upcoming battle. As they worked side by side, their bond as allies grew stronger, and they knew that together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they finally wrapped up their modifications, Tenten looked over at Kankuro curiously. "Kankuro, I've always wondered why you decided to specialize in both weaponized vehicles and puppets. It's quite a unique combination," she remarked.

Kankuro smiled, wiping some grease off his hands. "Ah, that's a good question. To me, vehicles and puppets are both tools, elaborate creations that can be utilized in various ways," he began to explain.

Tenten nodded, intrigued by his perspective. "So, you see them as similar in some sense?" she asked.

"Exactly," Kankuro replied. "Think about it—puppets are like extensions of a ninja's skills, offering a range of abilities to manipulate the battlefield. They come in different shapes and forms, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Vehicles, on the other hand, serve a similar purpose. They can be customized to suit specific needs, equipped with various weapons and defenses. Like puppets, they are tools meant to be used to our advantage."

Tenten's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see what you mean. It's all about how you utilize them and the purpose they serve on the battlefield," she said thoughtfully.

Kankuro nodded, glad that Tenten grasped his perspective. "Exactly! Both puppets and vehicles require creativity and careful planning to maximize their potential. And like you with your weapon shop, I enjoy tinkering and improving them, pushing their limits to make them even more effective. When I'm on foot, the puppets act like extra members of the team. When I'm in the vehicle, it's like I have my own personal crew to help operate the bigger puppet. Also, puppets and machines are similar in the fact that you have to carefully consider each individual piece and how it interconnects and its purpose. Every piece of it has to be finally tuned and connected or else you just have nothing more than a pitiful mannequin," he explained.

Tenten smiled, appreciating Kankuro's passion for his craft. "It's fascinating to see how you've blended both skills seamlessly. You truly are a master at your craft," she praised.

Kankuro blushed slightly, humbled by her compliment. "Thank you, Tenten. Your craftsmanship with weapons is equally impressive. We make quite the team when it comes to enhancing our arsenal," he said warmly.

With the conversation turning to a sense of camaraderie, they locked up the garage and made their way back to the center of the village. As they walked together, their shared understanding and dedication to their skills solidified their bond as allies in the upcoming battle against the Akatsuki.

As they walked side by side, Kankuro couldn't help but be curious about Tenten's weaponized vehicle. "By the way, Tenten, I've always admired your weapon mastery. But why did you decide to specialize in weaponized vehicles as well?" he asked, genuinely intrigued.

Tenten smiled, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Kankuro. Well, as a weapon specialist, my goal has always been to master all kinds of weapons, and weaponized vehicles were just another challenge for me to conquer. The most traditional type of weapon but it is a weapon. A good weapon should be able to be used quickly to be used at a moment's notice no matter what range you are at from your opponent. A great weapon should have multiple purposes. A weaponized vehicle is like Twin Hooks swords, it serves multiple purposes. I can use it to drive around, I can also use it to attack," she replied.

Kankuro nodded, understanding her drive for mastery. "It makes sense. You're skilled with so many different weapons; why not extend that expertise to vehicles too?" he remarked.

"Exactly! And you know what's great about weaponized vehicles? They offer a whole new dimension to the battlefield, combining raw power and versatility," Tenten explained.

Tenten's mind was filled with a mix of determination and doubt. As they made their way back to the Hokage Tower, she couldn't help but wonder if all her efforts and weapons would be enough to save the Hidden Leaf Village. The looming threat of the Akatsuki War Rig, the Tornado Shadows, weighed heavily on her. She knew she had to give her all, but a small voice of uncertainty nagged at her. What if it wasn't good enough? What if she couldn't protect her village and secure the alliance with the Hidden Sand Village? The thoughts gnawed at her, but she pushed them aside, reminding herself that she was a skilled weapon specialist, and her creations had never failed her before. Still, the unknown nature of their enemy sent shivers down her spine, and she wondered if they were prepared for the battle to come. Tenten knew she had to stay focused and use her ingenuity to its fullest if they were to have any chance of victory.

On the other side, Kankuro's mind was a whirlwind of strategic calculations and puppetry tactics. The responsibility of driving the Hidden Sand Village's war rig weighed heavily on him, especially knowing the daunting opponent they were up against. As they walked in silence, he found himself grappling with doubts, questioning if the combined might of both war rigs would be enough to combat the Akatsuki. He had faced dangerous foes before, but this was an entirely different level of threat. The Tornado Shadows' enigmatic nature left him feeling unsettled, wondering how to best prepare against an enemy they knew so little about.

Kankuro was aware of his skill as a puppet master, but he couldn't shake the concern that it might not be enough to tip the scales in their favor. The fate of the Hidden Sand Village and the safety of his comrades depended on their success, and he knew there was no room for failure. Deep within, he hoped that their combined efforts and resilience would be sufficient to withstand the oncoming storm.

As they continued their conversation, their mutual respect for each other's expertise and dedication to their respective crafts deepened their bond as allies. The thought of combining their skills and tactics in the impending battle brought a sense of excitement and determination to both Tenten and Kankuro.

The Southern part of the village, once a bustling marketplace and gathering spot, now stands as a somber reflection of its former glory for those that could remember. At the entrance gate, the once sturdy doors made of strong oak have succumbed to the passage of time. They are warped and weakened. The mechanism to open and close the gate is now rusted and requires constant maintenance. Left to the gate, a guard tower and booth, serve as posts for the active-duty guards. They were put together as best as they could with whatever find to use that was not already requisitioned for other projects around the village.

Within this area, dilapidated buildings and ruins paint a picture of ruin. Once a vibrant marketplace for small vendors, peddlers, and traveling merchants, it now retains a sense of desolation. On the left side of the gate, a slightly dilapidated building that once served as the registry office now provides shelter and sustenance for the guards.The registry documents, a reminder of past protocols, still exist but hold little significance in the post-apocalyptic era. The main road, once well-maintained and smoothly paved, now bears the marks of neglect with cracks and potholes that dot its surface.Patching such imperfections with scarce resources has become a luxury.

A vendor's marketplace that once lined the streets with a wide array of goods has dwindled in size and variety. Only a handful of vendors, fortunate enough to offer essential items, remain. The vendor stalls, once designed to fold away neatly into storage units, have become a permanent fixture due to the deterioration of available storage space.

The southern part of the village, once a hub for encounters with politicians, creative artists, and renowned ninja, now stands as a decaying testament to a bygone era.

Among the buildings in the area, storage facilities hold precious resources such as metal and wood. Only construction workers and those unable to afford living closer to the village center occupy these spaces.

In this desolate landscape, the Southern part of the village bears the weight of time, showcasing remnants of its past vibrancy while existing as a mere shadow of its former self.

One elderly villager spoke up, scratching his head. "Err, excuse me, young man. What's all this about? Where are we going?"

The confusion in the crowd only deepened, with murmurs of uncertainty filling the air. "Gazelles? Enemy? What are you talking about?" a middle-aged woman asked, raising an eyebrow.

Suddenly, realization dawned upon the faces of the crowd as they pieced together Lee's words. A ripple of concern swept through the onlookers, followed by a chorus of gasps and wide-eyed expressions. They finally grasped the gravity of the situation that Rock Lee had been trying to convey.

"Wait, you mean... we're in danger? The village is under attack?" a young woman exclaimed, her voice filled with alarm.

Rock Lee nodded earnestly, his expression growing serious. "Yes, my dear villagers. The forces of darkness threaten our home, and we must ensure your safety. The time for action is now!"

The initial confusion transformed into a sense of urgency as the gravity of the situation sank in. The crowd, now fully understanding the imminent peril, began to scramble, packing their belongings and hurrying to gather their loved ones. The humor of RockLee's spirited delivery gave way to a shared determination among the civilians to follow his lead and evacuate to safety.

With the initial confusion behind them, Rock Lee's unwavering resolve and unique manner of explaining the situation had successfully ignited a sense of urgency and unity among the people. Their expressions shifted from confusion to determination, ready to face the challenges ahead under the guidance of their spirited ninja hero.

By the time Tenten and Kankuro made their way to the Southern part of the village. Rock Lee has already gathered many of the residents that occupied the area. They noticed some people looking confused and looked at each other.

They realized that Lee was speaking in his usual confusing hyper energetic manner.

Tenten and Kankuro stepped into Tenten's well-organized shop, greeted by the familiar mixture of scents that defined her workplace. The weapons shop occupied one side of the building, adorned with blacksmithing tools meticulously arranged on racks. Rows of kunai knives and shuriken adorned one wall, while a variety of hand weapons, including nunchucks, katanas, ninjatōs, and Kusarigamas, were displayed on another shelf.

the center of the shop, a small station was dedicated to creating ammunition, allowing for a continuous supply of deadly projectiles. The ambiance of the weapons shop was both intimidating and awe-inspiring, reflecting Tenten's passion for her craft.

As they proceeded through another door, they entered the garage area, where a collection of vehicles, some in the process of being weaponized, filled the space. The garage felt much larger on the inside than it appeared from the outside, a hidden gem within the village. Amidst the steel and machinery, the Sentinel of the Leaf, the war rig of the Hidden Leaf Village, stood as the centerpiece. Towering and imposing, it was a symbol of strength and protection for the village.

Kankuro's curiosity piqued, he turned to Tenten, his eyes gleaming with interest. "So, Tenten, what are the specifications of the Sentinel of the Leaf?" he inquired.

"That sounds impressive," Kankuro remarked. "But why did the Hidden Leaf Village opt for a more defensive design?"

Intrigued, Kankuro shared insights into the war rig of the Hidden Sand Village, known as the Desert Storm. "Our war rig is quite different," he began. "We use an accordion bus design that allows the center point to turn, facilitating easy navigation through the tightly packed buildings and numerous turns in the village hidden in the sand. As our village already benefits from high walls for protection, our war rig is designed to be a bit more offensive to handle the unique challenges of our terrain."

Kankuro leaned against a workbench, looking thoughtful. "The Desert Storm was never intended to leave the village. We went through three prototypes before we reached the current version," he explained. "However, we're still working on the modifications for storing extra ammunition for the giant shuriken launcher and the landmine dropper. It's not fully tested yet, but the modified suspension system is working well."

Kankuro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. "That's an interesting idea," he mused. "But we'll have to wait a few days for the Desert Storm to reach the Hidden Leaf Village. Once it's here, we can closely examine it and see how feasible such a modification would be."

Kankuro smiled, appreciating Tenten's strategic thinking. "You're right. Let's wait and see how things unfold. In the meantime, I'll keep you updated on the progress of the Desert Storm's modifications," he assured her.

As they continued discussing the potential collaboration, both Tenten and Kankuro felt a sense of determination growing within them. With the fate of their villages at stake, they knew they had to come up with the best possible plan to face the impending threat of the Akatsuki.

Kankuro nodded in agreement. "That's a good point. The Desert Storm is equipped with some heavy artillery, but we can adjust the ammunition to suit different scenarios," he replied. "And with your expertise, we can improve the ammunition storage on both rigs, making sure we have enough firepower to face whatever comes our way."

Tenten's eyes gleamed with excitement at the possibilities. "Exactly! We need to be prepared for anything. It's not just about the individual strength of our villages but also how we can support and complement each other," she emphasized.

Kankuro smirked, admiring Tenten's determination. "You're right. It's like the saying, 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.' Together, our villages can become an even more formidable force," he remarked.

Tenten chuckled, "You sound like a strategist, Kankuro. I guess we both have to be with the responsibilities we hold."

Kankuro's expression turned more serious. "True. As a Shinobi, it's our duty to protect our villages and the people we care about," he said.

Tenten nodded in agreement, "We'll do whatever it takes to defend our home and the ones we love. We can't afford to lose this battle."

Kankuro looked at Tenten with newfound respect. "You're a remarkable ninja, Tenten. I'm glad we can work together like this," he said sincerely.

Tenten smiled, "The feeling is mutual, Kankuro. Let's make sure our collaboration becomes a turning point in this battle."

With a shared determination, Tenten and Kankuro continued discussing strategies and improvements for the war rigs. They were both aware of the immense responsibility on their shoulders, but together, they knew they could face the challenges ahead and protect their villages from the looming threat of the Akatsuki.

As Kankuro drove his vehicle into the garage, Tenten looked intrigued. "Wow, Kankuro, that's quite the unique ride you've got there. What's its name?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Kankuro grinned proudly, "I call it 'The Puppeteer's Wagon.' It's not as flashy as the vehicles, but it gets the job done efficiently," he explained.

Tenten nodded, admiring the craftsmanship of the vehicle. "It's definitely built for functionality. Tell me more about it," she inquired.

Tenten's eyes widened with interest, "Weapons? How do you manage that while driving?"

Tenten was impressed, "That's a clever setup! Your puppeteering skills truly make this vehicle stand out. I can see why it's perfect for you," she complimented.

Kankuro chuckled, "Thanks, Tenten. It's taken a lot of time and effort to fine-tune everything. But I've grown attached to this van; it's like a loyal companion," he said with a sense of fondness.

Tenten smiled, "I can understand that feeling. Our weaponized vehicles become an extension of ourselves, don't they?"

Kankuro nodded, "Exactly. And with our skills combined, the war rigs and the Puppeteer's Wagon will make a formidable force against the Akatsuki," he declared confidently.

Tenten agreed wholeheartedly, "I have no doubt about that, we just need to make sure of that,"

Then Kankuro returned the question, "So, tell me about your war machine. I'm curious,"

Tenten's face lit up with pride as she unveiled her creations from under the tarp, "I call it the 'Steel Storm.' It's a Hummer covered in spikes and blades, designed for ramming and demolishing other vehicles. It has two machine guns in the front and two in the back, ensuring a constant barrage of firepower," she described.

Kankuro was impressed. "Sounds formidable! I can see how it would be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield," he commented.

"It certainly is," Tenten replied, a hint of excitement in her voice. "I designed it to be both sturdy and aggressive, using its spikes and blades to shred through obstacles and opponents. I wanted a vehicle that could not only protect me but also make a powerful impact in the fight. Two machine guns and a caltrops dropper. There's a total of 40 large spikes and 200 smaller ones. Each one can be independently launched for an attack or if an enemy vehicle gets stuck to it…" she paused for a moment, "I will admit that seeing cars and motorcycles flying through the air attached to rocket propelled spikes is funny,"

Kankuro chuckled. "You're like me, always seeking to push the limits of your creations. We both have that in common," he said.

Tenten grinned. "Indeed! It's our passion for perfecting our craft that drives us to create the best tools for our ninja skills," she agreed.

With renewed vigor, they continued to fine-tune their vehicles, making sure they were ready for the upcoming battle. As they worked side by side, their bond as allies grew stronger, and they knew that together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Tenten nodded, intrigued by his perspective. "So, you see them as similar in some sense?" she asked.

Tenten's eyes lit up with understanding. "I see what you mean. It's all about how you utilize them and the purpose they serve on the battlefield," she said thoughtfully.

Tenten smiled, appreciating Kankuro's passion for his craft. "It's fascinating to see how you've blended both skills seamlessly. You truly are a master at your craft," she praised.

Kankuro nodded, understanding her drive for mastery. "It makes sense. You're skilled with so many different weapons; why not extend that expertise to vehicles too?" he remarked.

"Exactly! And you know what's great about weaponized vehicles? They offer a whole new dimension to the battlefield, combining raw power and versatility," Tenten explained.

And yet, for some reason, their conversation went Island as they went back to the Hokage Tower. Something in them made their legs heavy.

Author's note: Well, this took much longer than I was expecting. I want to apologize about the delay, a lot of things were happening while at once, both good and bad. But at one last the next chapter is here. I have to tell you though, this one took a lot of rewriting because the dialogue was so awful and somewhat disjointed. I did my best to put everything back together in a way that made sense and also in a way that still kept the feeling of what I originally wrote. Hopefully, I will have something again in a few days.