Gaara and Naruto took their time to reach the remote area of the desert where this temple was found. Both had linked up with their respective Biju and had talked about the possibilities. Shukaku was excited but warned his partner that this place was old and that it could be dangerous without him and his chakra maintaining the seals. Forwarding the warning to Naruto led to another discussion over the old biju temples that were once equally spread across the elemental nations.

"You have to understand that our father wanted us to be guardians of his idea of Ninshu. The temples should challenge the humans. Judge them if they are of the right mind to gain the teachings and skills." Kurama explained in the shared mindscape looking at Nauro and Gaara.

"A good example would be you Gaara usually those blessed by me would have full control over the Jiton element. As you have noticed you are only to affect sand."

Shukaku added.

"So the Kekkei Genkai were blessings of Ninshu to certain families? I mean I already established that you can do those if you have enough understanding of how chakra works."

Naruto asked and got a nod from Kurama.

"True. But like most of your disgusting race, they would not agree with us stopping them from giving them. That our powers are so strong, that they would be hereditary was an unforeseen situation. And that your race mating habits or your people in power try and set up breeding programs that led to further mutations was finally something that led to those warring states' period battles. The hunger for power was what led some of the humans to force us to give them even more might. Blessings, intended to further father's teaching of Ninshu, now corrupted to just the bad values of basic human instincts." Sighed the old nine-tailed fox.

Gaara and Naruto had a thoughtful look on them and while the A-Rank mission they were on could go wrong and the character of an attempt on Gaara's life the possibility to reclaim such a place and get back from the twisted ways to the roots of chakra.

"Shukaku-San" Gaara's voice was calm and lacked the bloodlust and craziness of his younger years. "Now that we are much more cordial and witnessing that my control over the sand has increased, is it far-fetched to say you have begun to accept me as your host?"

"The increase of your control is a result of your training young one." Even Shukaku was much more relaxed nowadays. Showed in his calm approach to Gaara's question. The big Tanuki had his tail coiled around him while sitting upright. Perhaps a result of having a fitting seal now that does not try to contain his big mass of chakra in a narrow space. Eliminating his personality and need to expect to break free. Now with the fitting seal, the Tanuki was a changed entity.

"If you get the blessing of the true Jiton is something we will see when you pass the tests of the temple. You and the blonde ball of energy are the first of our hosts that have made clear to us, that you want to embrace the teachings of Ninshu again."

Gaara nodded taking the spoken words of his Biju at face value without the smallest reaction to the requirements. Both he and Naruto opened their eyes and for the first time took a look at the Sandtemple of Shukaku.

In the scorching heat of the desert, a lone temple stood tall, its ancient walls rising high into the cloudless sky. The building was adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that seemed to glimmer in the harsh sunlight. As one approached closer, one would notice that many of these symbols resembled raccoons and other mystical creatures from legends told throughout history.

The exterior of the temple was constructed out of sandy-colored limestone that had been hand-carved into elaborate patterns and shapes. The entrance was marked by two massive pillars that soared upwards, their tops adorned with carvings of what appeared to be humanoid figures wielding swords and spears. Above the entrance hung a large wooden door withered at some point, its surface covered in intricate designs etched deep into the wood. Cleary Fuinjutsu that was placed on it for durability purposes.

As one stepped onto the temple's grounds, they were surrounded by a sense of ancient mysticism. The ground beneath their feet was littered with more symbols and carvings, some depicting battles between humans and mythical creatures, while others showed scenes of peaceful coexistence. The air seemed to hum with an energy that was both calming and unnerving at the same time.

The main building itself was a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. Its walls were adorned with countless carvings of raccoon-like creatures, each one unique in its design and detail. Some had their tails coiled around their bodies, while others sported elaborate headdresses or weapons. The roof was made up of a series of overlapping terraces, each one supporting a statue of a different mythical creature.

Despite its location in the middle of a barren desert, the temple seemed to thrive. Small patches of greenery dotted the grounds, providing shade for those seeking respite from the relentless sun. The air was thick with incense, giving off a sweet, smoky scent that mingled with the sharp tang of sand and heat. In the distance, you could hear the small noise of a stream of water.

As one entered the temple itself, they were met with an even greater display of symbols and imagery. The walls were covered in murals depicting scenes from the temple's history - battles fought, treaties signed, and lives changed by the power of its inhabitants. The floors were made up of intricate mosaics that told stories through a series of vibrant colors and shapes.

"How could such a place be overlooked this many years" Garra said as he got on one knee feeling the sand with his chakra to generate a small platform that he used to get a good look at it.

Naruto stood at his side, eyes closed and his right hand raised into a half ram seal. A short pulse of chakra and he opened his eyes again. "I could feel the remains of a chakra barrier. It must have fallen one or two weeks ago."

Gaara gave a short nod. "Yes, that would coincide with the reports we have gotten from the scouts."

Naruto looked at his friend. "So like we planned you and Shukaku enter the temple and look what you can find out or even better repair. I will establish a barrier…"

"No, you can't. If you establish a barrier it would collide with the natural one of the temple" Kurama intervened in his mind.

Naruto sighed. "... or I won't. Kurama told me you two could repair the barrier of this place. Well, then I will make camp outside. Put up some sensors and have clones patrol the area. You two take care okay?" He added with a caring smile in Gaara's direction.

The red-haired Jinchuriki of the one-tailed Tanuki nodded. "We will." with those words, he came back to the ground and opened the temple doors. Entering the holy grounds. Shortly after he entered the door fell shut. A sealing matrix was visible as a hum of chakra could be sensed.

Naruto looked alarmed for a second but remembered the story Shukaku and Kurama told them. "Well, my friend, best of luck with your trials. Hey, Kurama is there a trial for your blessing too?" he thought out.

"Well, who said that you are not already in this trial." was the answer of one certain fox demon before he went silent. Summoning enough clones to establish a perimeter, Naruto took out his new fan and his eyes switched to his Mangekyou stage. "Well, I wonder… Let's train a bit right?" He asked himself before and orange chakra structure slowly built itself around him. One wave of his fan and strong gusts of wind ran down the dunes.

Gaara was walking down the long halls of the temple. Shukaku was speaking in his mind.

"We will have some things to do to fix up the trials before you can participate in them. I will lend you my chakra for the fixing alright?"

Getting a mental nod the pair set out to repair the different locations.

Sunagakura outskirts at nighttime

It was cold, and a freezing breeze ran through the desert around Sunagakure. On a remote part outside the walls an an hour away from the city two people could be seen talking one was standing but had his features concealed with many layers of cloth.

The other looked like he was in a constant bent-over position. A dark cloak with red flames on it, that reflected the moonlight. His straw hat had bells on it that put out a small but higher note in the breeze from time to time.

"... So my agent what do you want to tell me so urgently." The deep voice of the bent-over person commanded respect and oozed authority. The standing person was gulping for a moment.

"Sasori-Sama, I managed to fabricate a mission where you could catch this abomination. The one-tailed monster is alone in a remote part of the desert. I hope you can free us from this thing" the standing person answered with a hint of fear but true obedience in his words.

"Well, why don't you take some of your people and soften him up for me? I will see if I can reach my partner and join you shortly. Yuura."

The other person bowed and Shunshined away. Sasosri looked in a certain direction getting his bell to jingle before he slowly moved in another direction.

At a safe distance, one lone older woman stood shocked. He knew she was there. Her grandson, he had to know, he looked directly at her the moment before he left. But why did he not kill her? Chiyo was no fool. The elder and retired kunoichi had enough experience to know that her grandson had surpassed her in skill. Would they fight, he would certainly kill her, but now he knew she knew of his spy.

Sending that traitor to soften up the future Kazekage. She needed to get there before Sasori and his dubious partner joined the battle. Luckily she had a feeling about Yuura after the last meeting. Who should she inform? Time was of the essence now. Don't thinking it over she made her way towards the newly surfaced Sandtemple.

With Gaara, inside the temple

Gaara was walking down the empty halls he had finished the repairs of the sealing formulae around the temple. It had exhausted Shukakus reserves doing so. But, now the temple was hidden from the unworthy again, as Shukaku proudly proclaimed before he rested. Now Gaara was standing in front of the Tanuki statue. Reading the scroll that was lying in front of him.

Always carry your hat. So it may protect you from unexpected accidents and trouble.

Frowing at the sentence he looked around to find something resembling a hat. He heard rumbling instinctively he called forth some of the trustworthy sand that was forming an artificial umbrella above him as a stone of his size impacted with the sand. Looking at the offender Gaara sighed, that was some kind of hint. Seeing a door opening in front of him he walked through it.

Directly he was walking straight at the next statue. This time there was no scroll. Gaara decided to keep his 'hat' on with the way it saved him from getting flatted by that last stone. Looking around he was searching for a hint to advance. The next moment he was thrown off his game, as the room disappeared. In front of him, a scene played out. There was no sound. A woman was holding a little girl behind her by her wrist. In front of them was an angry-looking man who looked like he was shouting at the woman. Wildly gesticulating to give the child back. The woman made clear gestures that she would not comply. The man had for a moment a troubled expression.

Gaara looked on as the situation unfolded. At first glance, everything looked like something he knew from his own experience. The abusive father who wanted to get to the child or a thug about to hurt another person. But what was the thing he should do now? It felt not like a Genjutsu. Even if it would have to be one to show him something like that.

Then he saw it the woman drew a Kunai and held it to the child's throat. The expression on the child before that even happened. It was like time was slowed down. The girl was frightened but Gaara first had thought the reason for that was the approaching man. What if the real offender was the woman in this case? Gaara moved on autopilot reaching with his hand forward. Sand came out of nowhere, surprising the woman and pushing her back. Letting his sand swirl around the child he floated her back to him.

As he prepared for the adults to engage him or each other, they looked at him and smiled. Like an illusion the three people faded into the air, he was back in the room. Needing a second to get his bearings back and his hat on again he looked around. The Tanuki statue let him take a step back. Now smiling it held a scroll. He approached it cautiously and opened it.

Always have big eyes to observe and take in all the information to make the right decision.

As he put the scroll back he had expected it and two dull thumps on his sand umbrella announced two stones that had wanted to squash him. Gaara had to smirk, somehow it was funny. Waiting till the door opened he got through. In the next room, Gaara looked into the room. Right in front of him was a mirror that reflected his smile and disappeared in a flash of light. Standing in its place was another Tanuki Statue with a scroll. Having a kind of idea of what could happen he strengthened his "hat" with a second layer of sand and took the scroll opening it.

Have time to smile at the right places. Be friendly and kind to others so it may reflect on yourself.

Proving him right three stones impacted with his sand. Now chuckling, Gaara moved forward.

Outside, with Naruto

Naruto was relaxing from his training and reading through his special notebook. He still could not figure out a specific element. Since he had developed his language and analyzing scroll he now understood what Kurama meant with Ninjutsu being a sore excuse for true Ninshu. That most of the Shinobi could not get what he was working with, how to stimulate his chakra points to get the needed result. Looking at his surroundings Naruto got a thought. Summoning one big Scroll out of one of his seals and opening it.

The scroll was filled with his coded language and he was looking up something. Going through five sections before he looked at the next section which looked like some signs overlapping. Moving through different sections with those sometimes two overlapping signs he finally arrived at the section where three signs sometimes overlap.

Moving through this section much more slowly than before he stood at one part before he read that part and concentrated. Slowly moving through around thirty-three hand seals, some of them looking like a fusion of the traditional twelve. With his face showing his concentration he pushed both palms against each other. Slowly opening them a ball of swirling energy was built. The temperature around Naruto was slowly increasing.

For a moment it looked like the ball was destabilizing and Naruto quickly summoned a clone that unsealed a barrel of water out of his storage scrolls. The ball seemed to draw droplets of water to itself forming a miniature cloud around it.

Looking at his clone Naruto gave it a nod. With even more concentration he opened his palms even further increasing the size, before throwing it up into the air. He could feel the drain on his reserves and had to channel some of Kurama's chakra as the clear sky above him darkened. Depp growling thunder could be heard before it started raining. Naruto had to pour chakra into the technique but around the temple, a steady rain started. Smiling brightly for a second his expression changed as one of his guardian clones popped and transferred its memory to him.

They were about to get a company. Of the unfriendly kind. Stopping his Jutsu and resealing his scroll he stood up brushing off some sand that had collected in his clothes. Looking at his clone Naruto smiled again, the foxy kind as he unsealed his warfan. While he had a one-handed one, that he preferred to use with his sword, he also had a two-handed Variant. It was Temari's old training fan. She lost it in a bet against the blonde ninja. When would people learn to not bet against him, they will always lose. Naruto chuckled at that thought.

Opening the fan to its three moons state the clone unsealed twenty Kunai with a sealing matrix on their hilt and spreading those around.

Concentrating on his sensing Naruto waited before his guests got in range. Focusing on his Futon chakra and directing it to the fan he swung. Unleashing something comparable to a small sandstorm, inside of it and hidden by dust and sand flew many small wind blades. As a small storm and the approaching force collided small scream could be heard in the near distance.

Moments before

Gaara was looking up he had just drank a cup of Sake with a Tanuki stone statue as he heard the small droplets of rain falling through some cracks in the roof. Wondering how that happened he got into the next chamber.

Yuura and his ten loyal Shinobi were about to reach the temple when a wall of sand approached them. The seasoned commander used chakra in his legs to jump high into the sky. Preparing a Jutsu of himself to counter the wall of sand. Looking at two of his shinobi that failed to use defensive maneuvers and got cut badly by what he assumed would be small wind blades.

After he managed to counter the Jutsu he inspected the two unfortunate ninjas. They had so many cuts, some of them in vital areas that he knew they would not survive.

Yuura wondered how that could happen he knew that the temple must be right ahead. But somehow he could not make it out, even after the small sandstorm and dust had settled. The only thing his eyes could see was one single person with a big fan. Smiling he strode in this direction raising his voice.

"Ahh. I knew our apparent new Kage would not stick to the mission parameters. How unfortunate. Maybe now my fellow councilman will see that it should have been me from the start."

Walking towards the single person that looked not so big Yuura was joined by his mand that took formation behind him.

"Are you done?" was the answer as the person put the fan into the sand drawing a line.

"What do you mean if I am done? You are a Suna-Nin, while I can accept that you defended yourself with the first attack, Gaara violated the mission parameters and failed. Where even is that Mo… magnanimous wannabe kage?" Yuura snarled.

The person looked up, even in the moonlight you could see the blonde hair reflecting. What you could also recognize was the forehead protector. Not showing the Suna insignia but that of Konoha the blonde smirked. "You see, as I am originally from Konoha, Gaara is in no violation. You are though" Naruto countered doing his best thinking post-impression.

For a moment Yuura stood there unmoving, his ninja behind him like he was dumbstruck. "What?"

"Such eloquence Councilman. You are Suna-Nin." The blonde started using his best You are slow so I tried to explain it in easy words voice

"The parameters for this mission are that each active Suna shinobi entering the area around the temple is in violation of the village code and is to be treated like traitors. Did or did you not insist on that very clause in the contract to let me quote you? Make sure the future Kage can handle the village on his own?"

Naruto answered calmly but smirked and before Yuura could say something continued.

"So…, because you and your men entered the area. You are a rouge ninja. I as a representative to Konoha and ally of Suna am honor-bound to deal with traitors of an allied nation accordingly. Which means… I will kill you!" releasing a good amount of his demonic killing intent in the end from Yuuras eight remaining two passed out while he and the rest had trouble staying on their feet.

"You … You are one of them too. You are this Naruto boy!" Yuura exclaimed snarling and showing his teeth.

Naruto chuckled darkly. "I am a monster too right? But nine against one, that is just not fair, isn't it? Wait let me even the odds." Behind him, nine chakra chains swirled to life. Doing a good impression of Kurama's tails. In an instant one of Yuuras men made the connection.

"Kyu..Kyuubi!" he stuttered scared and shaking before the chains rushed forward and reached the group of ninjas in the blink of an eye. Yuura and two others were fast enough to dodge or parry the attacks. But behind them six screams of pure agony and the sound of metal ripping into skin and shedding blood let them look back to their comrades. The golden chains colored crimson red as they tasted blood and the chakra was visibly leaving the impacted nin. Mere seconds they fell into the bloodied sand.

"Ahh. Three on one. That is more the way I like it." Naruto said in a very calm manner and a smile on his face. As the Suna nin looked from their fallen comrades back to Naruto they looked into crimson red eyes with a black spiral design that spun rapidly. "Now somebody wants to lay down their weapons and surrender? No. Perfect." Pulling a cloth with a seal over his mouth he looked at the Suna nin as he picked up his fan and expanded it again. Without further warning, he released another strong gust of wind. This time the three others also used their unsealed fans to counter the pressure.

Masses of wind and sand clashed and the battle was on.

Inside the temple

Gaara was not noticing any of that. He was still walking through the temple and had solved some equations in a big book. He fought to the beat of a drum and found a golden bag. now he was standing in the next room the statue in front of him inside the huge chamber was maybe a lifesized replica of Shukaku. Gaara implied all the previous lessons. Had his hat on, his eyes open for hidden switches or something else. Now he stood there as he looked himself in the eyes.

"Surprised?" said the other Gaara looking at him with a slight smirk. The only thing separating him from the original was the completely dark eyes. Like two voids they stared back at his eyes.

"Not really. Naruto mentioned as such, that this could happen. So you are the dark side of me?" Gaara crossed his arms and looked passively.

"Obviously." And without giving another indication sand rushed at him clashing with a wall of Gaara's sand.

with Naruto and Yuura and his henchmen

"... you know it is quite stupid to look into a Sharingan while fighting." Naruto joked as he closed his fan. He and all three others had scratches on them. Nothing life-threatening but Yuura's goons were bloodied quite well.

"What do you mean?" Yuura snarled. Naruto just chuckled at snapped his fingers. The two other Jonin suddenly gasped and fell backward. Yuura looked shocked at his two remaining soldiers. Were non-life-threatening injuries occurred, the air seemed to warp and the injuries moved slightly. Now they clearly showed as more than fatal wounds. Something that explained that the two of them lay there in the sand, clearly dead.

"You see, while I am pants at classic Genjutsu. Those cast with these eyes are interesting. Minor changes and playing with the adrenaline of the victim. Those not trained to fight against those eyes never had the chance. You should have warned them." Naruto spoke calmly. Yuura looked back at the blonde kid. While he was not uninjured his injuries, were meek scratches. He could feel the exhaustion slowly kicking in. The blonde looked still fresh as rain. But before he could say something there was a small jingle and both were left standing observed as a bent-over figure entered the battlefield. In an instant Naruto jumped backwards, resealing his war fan and summoning clones. The blonde hissed only one word

"Akatsuki."

Sasori looked at the battlefield and sighed disappointed. "Look at that, only you are left and it looks like the Kyuubi Jinchuriki is also gracing us with his presence." The next thing that happened was a scorpion-like tail impaled Yuura. His face going through different emotions fast. First relief at the arrival of Sasori. Smugness as his master looked at the blond and released a small bit of killing intent ending in complete disbelief as he was impaled on the scorpion's tail. "Unfortunate" was Sasori's comment as the tail threw Yuura away carelessly.

"What is wrong with you? He was your ally!" Naruto, while alarmed was still shocked at the move of this particular Akatsuki member.

Sasori's dark chuckle came unexpected for the blonde as did his words. "An ally? he was my puppet. I pulled his string. He was discovered so I had to cut his strings." Looking in no particular direction, before he looked back at Naruto. "I heard you killed Hidan. Alone for that, I would give you a pass today. He was. Annoying. But first why I don't show you art."

But before Sasori could move, an explosion shook both shinobi. As the dust settled a small wall of chains kept Naruto safe, the blonde's eyes widened as another blonde landed beside Sasori. "Finally you accept that my art is better Sasori" The newly arrived partner looked at the puppeteer.

His visage was marked by slanted blue orbs that peered out from beneath a golden mane that cascaded down his back in a tumble of untamed strands. A bang concealed his left eye.

Beneath the mantle of Akatsuki, Deidara wore navy blue pants and matching sandals, adorned with an Akatsuki ring on his right index finger bearing the kanji for "blue or green". His fingers were also accented by black nail polish, adding a touch of rebellious flair to his attire. He sported a V-neck shirt that revealed his toned midriff, covered in mesh armor that hinted at hidden strengths.

On closer inspection, one might notice the telltale signs of his former affiliation: an Iwa forehead protector scratched across to signify severed ties and a belt with two bags on either side, perfect for carrying clay - his weapon of choice in battle. Despite these reminders of his past life, Deidara exuded an aura of danger and unpredictability that made him a force to be reckoned with.

"Daidara, an explosion is just a waste of a moment. Puppeteering though is true art and immortal." Sasori answered. While both Akatsuki members began to argue about the true definition of art Naruto quietly not only summoned his clones to put up the usual analyzing scroll but also used one of his clones to reverse summon himself to the toads. He could only hope that Jiraiya and Gaara would join him quickly.

Mt. Myoboku

The clone appeared in the realm of the toads and quickly made his way to the housings but stopped at a pond and looked at Gamakichi. "Hey Kichi, we have a code red cloud." The clone nearly shouted. The son of the current head of the toads looked at the clone and nearly fell into the water as he heard the words red cloud.

"Realy now Naruto? Where is Jiraiya?" Gamakishi jumped at his side and led the clone towards the clan hall.

"Don't know he said he would deal with some insurgents for the granny. But while the boss is lucky gambling and betting. It looks like he sucks in not running into those Akatsuki blokes." The clone added as Gamakishi jumped into the hall and straight towards a big desk where his father sat and fought the biggest enemy, paperwork.

"Dad. You have to summon that pervert. Naruto is in Danger!" Gamakishi exclaimed and Gamabunta looked up.

"And why did you not summon one of us to your aid?" Gamabunta's growling voice echoed through the halls.

"Well, we fight in a desert. The boss did not want to summon you into such a habitat." The clone replied and Gamabunta sighed the logic was solid. The toads would be at a disadvantage in a desert.

"Fine" The Boss of the toads used the required hand signs and in a puff of smoke Jiraiya appeared.

"What the heck?" The Sannin said, he looked around himself and looked questioningly at the toads. Gamakishi was the one who answered his unspoken question.

"That is a clone, we have a code red clouds."

The younger toad said and Jiraiya looked at the clone that had his eyes closed a familiar Kunai in his hands and slowly building up the chakra. Without saying a word Jiraiya laid his hands on the clone's shoulders. It took the clone around five minutes to collect the required amount for what he was about to do. With Jiraiya in tow, he would not be able to resummon himself to the place where he left but they had prepared enough marks on close space so he could locate the markers.

Using the Hiraishin for something like that was something Naruto had come up with after the Incident with Hidan. Modification of the Jutsu was easier than he first thought but now, while chakra intensive it could be done.

"Locked on. Prepare" Was the strained voice as chakra visibly cracked around both of them. Currents of electricity joined before both of them disappeared with a thunderous crack.

The resulting shockwave pushed Gamakishi back and threw off Gamabunta's paperwork.

Something the big commented with an angry shout.

"GAKI! I will kill you the next time I see you!"

Back with Naruto, Deidara and Sasori

An Explosion shuttered the dune of Sand and Naruto, engulfed in a big orange chakra avatar that now had so much resemblance to a human being with a sword that looked like a big version of his own. Shortly after the explosion javelins made out of a black shining material impacted with the avatar. Some of them got blocked by the sword while the rest just impacted with the dense chakra before they got recalled by the now-standing Sasori who had the puppet of the third Kaekage out after his usual puppet Hiruko got smashed into pieces by a barrage of Rasengans.

While the mad bomber of Iwa looked fresh sitting on his clay bird Nartuo had some scratches from minor explosions. Before he had activated his Susanoo he got overwhelmed by some of the explosions. Luckily the poisonous attacks of Sasori were something he could dodge even if that meant sometimes taking a minor explosion.

"You are no match for my Art and Sasori" Deidara laughed with a superior smirk on his face. With him flying he was out of reach and never looked Naruto in the eye. Sasosri did not comment on his partner's words but even Naruto knew that while he could manage one of them, two at the same time were a problem. He quickly swung with the chakra sword of the avatar at Deidara who could dodge that move while Sasori had to dodge some of his chakra chains.

"I will make you into an interesting puppet Uzumaki" Sasori commented before he had to dodge another chain attack. Naruto needed to get to his enemies somehow. While he could feel reinforcements in the form of Gaara's and one slightly known signature he was not sure when they would rejoin the battle. Not getting started on Jiraiya who his clone needed to teleport here from the summoning realm. So not so much flashy Jutsu after he destroyed one of Sasori's playthings. He conserved his chakra the best he could.

But, his Susanno was needed. He had a feeling would he get hit by Sasori's weapons, while they would not kill him, it would be close to over. Fortunately, he had his stomach rented out to a big chakra donor who was supplying chakra. Maybe training chakra intensive techniques, while waiting for bad things to happen was not the best way of action. So noted.

The blonde wondered why the light was now getting even worse, was the sun not supposed to rise this very moment? Looking in that very direction he saw a big clay figure resembling a big statue with a Deidara on it that began to laugh madly. "Here take this you brat. Experience true ART! C3"

The next moment the statue began to fall in the direction of Naruto. who rushed through hand seals faster than the eye could see. The statue began to glow menacingly before it exploded with the force of a modern-day intercontinental rocket that shook the dunes. The shockwave destroyed the barrier of the temple, making it visible and Deidara landed on the ground with a satisfied grin. A grin that fell flat as the dust settled and the avatar, reduced to a meadow of bones that started to reform and a bleeding Naruto that had closed one eye. Naruto only had time to turn to see the nearing javelins of the Third Kazekage. Looking at Sasori who smirked.

"Got you now!" Only to get wide eyes as the Javelins turned and impacted with his puppet. Looking around he finally saw Gaara with two arms raised. Out of the new smaller gourds on his hip golden and black particles flowed forming javelins of their own before. Sasori could dodge and recall his puppet but the the legs were missing, still stuck to the ground and engulfed in sand, gold, and iron.

"You sure took your time Gaara," Naruto called out god naturally. While his Susanoo reformed to his second stage, reforming the blade it took a swing at Deidara. The blonde Iwa rogue rejoined his partner and looked at him with a rare thoughtful expression. With an unspoken agreement, both of them left only to witness thunder followed by a blinding yellow flash and Jiraiya of the Sannin throwing up right on the sand as a clone puffed out of existence. The two Akatasuki members retreated even quicker. Shortly after they left Chiyo came out of her hiding place looking at the place where her grandson stood moments before, before she slowly joined the group.

Gaara was the first to notice her because Naruto, was rolling on the sand laughing while he ignored the uncomfortable feeling of his injuries at the expense of his Sensei who looked pale. "Elder" Gaara bowed his head at her.

"Lord Fith I congratulate you on recovering the Art of the gold dust and iron sand," Chiyo said while she joined the group glancing at the injured blonde who slowly stood up. She could not recall how often after an intense battle the remaining combatants switched from the stern battle expression to full auto laughter and joy at some other person's misfortune. Using the mystical palm Yutsu and Ignting her hand with the purest form of healing chakra she could muster she laid her hand on the side of Naruto's lower back and the blonde looked at her curious.

"Now you join the party granny?" Naruto looked her into the eyes but before somebody else could say a word they were joined by a clone flashing at his side.

"Boss, you have to see this. I think we cracked the code!" Forgetting who looked at him with questions on their face Naruto took the scroll out of the clone's hand. Moving to the last section. The newest of the entries he began to read. Seconds later he unsealed his special notebook looking at specific pages before he sealed both dismissing the clone.

"Yeah, not to see the wood for the trees. I should have listened better." Naruto had his thinking pose before a moment later he rubbed the back of his head putting on his foxy grin and looked at the three others. "Guess sometimes I am a pinhead myself"

Getting three completely surprised and very dignified "EHHHHHHH" he started to chuckle.