The Hidden Leaf shinobi jumped through the trees for hours until they could see the desert in the distance.
"Look! There's the desert!" Naruto yelled.
The shinobi left the trees and began to walk the trail that led out of the forest.
"We've come to the Sand plenty of times, but the dangers of reckless travel are still the same. We must take our time getting to the sand." Kakashi said, looking at the map.
"From here it should take another day." Kakashi said.
Naruto groaned.
"Ughhhhhhhh a whole day in the desert?" Naruto groaned.
"Hmph." Sasuke sounded, walking down the path.
The shinobi exited the forest to two adjacent plateaus at their sides and the desert in front of them. A gorgeous sunset blanketed the sky.
A man at the entrance to the desert waved at the shinobi.
"Hello travelers!" The man yelled.
The shinobi walked up to the man.
"Good evening travelers! Oh!" The man said, noticing their headbands.
"Shinobi are you?" The man asked.
Naruto nodded with a big smile.
"That's right! From the Hidden Leaf! My name is Naruto Uzumaki!" Naruto said.
The man's eyes widened.
"N-Naruto Uzumaki! The saviour?!" The man said.
Naruto chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
His friends and Kakashi smiled.
"My name is Itou Jotomo! I am a traveling merchant you see? I was just about to make you all an offer at my ususal full price of 5,000 ryo, but I see I'll have to make a discount!" Itou said.
"Wait a minute.. what could you possibly offer us that we would pay 5,000 ryo for?" Sakura asked.
Itou looked at Sakura.
"15,000. It would be 5,000 ryo from each of you three. Itou said.
"WHAT?!?!?" Sakura screamed.
Itou was terrified.
"Yeah she's right! Even with a discount why should we pay you?!" Naruto asked.
Kakashi and Sasuke stared at Itou.
"You should pay me because I can get you to the sand by dark! Or your money back!" Itou declared.
The group couldn't believe it.
"What?! How would you do that?!" Naruto asked, fascinated.
"It's a clan secret I'm afraid!" Itou said.
Everyone looked at each other.
"The princess will be in-in a couple days anyway, we don't need to rush.." Kakashi said, "Let alone pay someone to take us there."
"You got that right.." Sakura said as she looked back at Sasuke and Naruto who paid the man.
"Thank you, sirs!" Itou cheered.
Kakashi and Sakura were shocked.
"What did you pay him for?!" Sakura yelled.
"I have my reasons." Sasuke said.
"Come on Sakura.. do we really have to be in the desert for a day if we can get there by night?" Naruto asked.
Sakura put her head down. Kakashi weakly reached into his wallet.
"I guess it can't be helped.." Kakashi said as he handed Itou the money.
Sakura reached into her pocket as Itou smiled, eaglery awaiting payment.
COAST OF NANOHANA
The Sunny docked in a port space at Nanohana that prohibited any Marine from taking it away or attacking it under orders of the King.
"WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!" Luffy yelled, jumping off the ship. Zoro, Sanji and Franky followed.
"It's been a while." Zoro said.
Sanji took a big whiff.
"Ahhhh.. the delectable treats of Nanohana.. I can still taste them. So many smells and flavors." Sanji said.
"OW!!! I've never been here, but I've heard about it! I wonder if their cola tastes different!" Franky yelled.
Brook walked behind them playing his violin.
"Yo ho ho ho! It's hot! All my skin would melt off my body.. if I had any! Yo ho ho ho!" Brook laughed.
Usopp stepped off the boat next, staring at the desert city.
"I never expected to be back so soon! This really takes me back.." Usopp said.
Nami, Robin, and Chopper in Robin's arms, walked down the boat last.
"Listen up! We're only here to shop and stop! Our real destination is Yuba! That's where we'll be staying. Meet at the ferry by nightfall, got it?!" Nami yelled.
All the men gulped and nodded.
"Good." Nami smiled.
"Come on Zoro! Let's go find food!" Luffy said.
Zoro smiled big.
"Now you're talking." Zoro said.
"Ow! If you're talking food I want in!" Franky said.
"Oi, Chopper! Wanna hit the weapon store with me?" Usopp asked.
"Sure!" Chopper said, as Robin put him down.
Sanji slid next to Nami.
"The fish market calls me to select food for later.. care to come with?" Sanji asked.
"BEAT IT COOK!" Nami yelled, looking at Robin.
"Robin and I have shopping to do! Chiao!" Nami said, winking.
Sanji stood up and lit a smoke, looking at Brook.
"Want to help me look for food?" Sanji asked.
"That sounds wonderful, Sanji-san!" Brook said.
Nanohana weapons store
"Are you kidding me?! 10,000 berries for this?!" Usopp yelled.
"If you don't like it, don't buy! It's simple.." The store owner said.
Usopp and Chopper left the weapons store.
"Who needs some cheap scope? I can find something way better than that for sure!" Usopp said.
"Of course you can!" Chopper said.
The two walked until they crossed path with a certain man.
Usopp's whole world froze as he stopped. Usopp was filled with fear as he fell to his knee.
Chopper looked at Usopp.
"Usopp! What happened?!" Chopper yelled.
Usopp looked back at the man who walked down the road towards the weapons store.
"Th-That man.. I get bad vibes from him.." Usopp said.
Chopper was confused, looking at who Usopp was talking about.
The reindeer and Usopp both panicked when they noticed the man was looking directly at them.
"HE'S LOOKING RIGHT AT US!" Chopper yelled.
"LET'S GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Usopp yelled as the two dashed away.
Psycho stood at the entrance to the weapons store and smiled softly.
"So, those two.. huh?" Psycho chuckled, walking into the store.
Land of Wind Desert
The shinobi and Itou walked through the desert for a little while as it slowly became dusk.
"So what exactly qualifies as night? Because it's about time to be giving our money back buddy!" Sakura said, cracking her knuckles.
"N-No! The path is right up here, you'll see!" Itou said.
Itou had led the group off the main trail and could only see a giant boulder and nothing but sand.
"Give us our money." Sakura said.
"Wait! Th-The tunnel is inside that rock! There's a hole that leads directly to the Sand Village! It cuts the travel time down by hours!" Itou said.
"Wouldn't the Sand want to know something about this?" Sasuke asked.
"Well! Erm.. yes! But how would I earn my living?!" Itou pleaded.
"We can discuss your living with the Kazekage when we get back from our mission. Keep the money." Sasuke said.
Team 7 walked past the crying Itou and into a crack in the giant boulder, there was indeed a hole.
Sasuke and Kakashi used chidori to light the hole to see how far it went down and saw a ladder.
"Well, looks like we won't be in the desert for a day." Kakashi said.
Naruto smiled and looked in the hole.
"Let's go! Princess we come!" Naruto said, jumping down the hole.
"OUCH! I rolled my ankle!" Naruto yelled up.
The three shinobi lowered their heads as a sweat tear fell.
One hour later
The shinobi walked through the tunnel for an hour before they came to a dead end with another ladder.
"Hey, that merchant was right!" Naruto said.
"I'm definitely informing the Kazekage about this.." Sasuke said.
"Yeah.. that's a good idea." Kakashi said in disbelief of the short cut.
"5,000 hard earned ryo..." Sakura said.
"Come on!" Naruto yelled, running to the ladder.
The shinobi emerged from another giant boulder and could immediately see the Sand Gates.
The shinobi walked closer to the Sand Gates until they saw something that blew their minds..
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
A giant, smiling crab looked down at the shinobi.
"Wh-What the?" Naruto asked.
"What is that thing?" Sakura asked.
Sasuke was completely surprised.
"C-Could it be a summoning?" Kakashi asked.
A certain sand shinobi yelled out to the other shinobi.
"Hey! You guys finally made it!" Kankuro yelled.
The Leaf shinobi looked at Kankuro.
"Kankuro!" Naruto smiled.
Kankuro ran up to the group.
"Ope, Hokage-san, we didn't expect you to be with them!" Kankuro said.
"Yes.. me neither." Kakashi said, looking back at Sakura who smiled big.
"So, you've noticed the princess's ride I see? They definitely have some interesting means of travel where they're from!" Kankuro said.
"You've got that right.." Naruto said, looking back at the crab.
"DID YOU SAY PRINCESS?!?" Team 7 yelled in unison. Kankuro was caught off guard.
"Well, yeah!... Didn't you read Garra's note Hokage-san? The Princess arrived four days ago. The meeting was scheduled for yesterday afternoon.. to accomodate for the three days It would have taken you all to get here." Kankuro explained.
Kakashi was confused and nervous.
"What gives Kakashi?! You said it would take her a week to get here!" Sakura yelled.
"No-no-no that can't be!" Kakashi said.
Flashback(4 days ago)
Garra's note sat on Kakashi's desk as he drank a coffee. A new series of erotica had come out and Kakashi was using a moment to read it.
Knock knock knock!
Kakashi jolted from the shock and splattered coffee all over Garra's letter.
"N-No!" Kakashi said, "C-Come in!"
Shikamaru walked in Kakashi's office.
"Hokage-san, I just came to see if you read the Kazekage's letter ye-" Shikamaru stopped, noticing the coffee stains.
Kakashi nervously looked at Shikamaru.
"That note has some seriously important information on it, Hokage-san.." Shikamaru said.
"I-I know! I can still read it I promise!" Kakashi said.
"Try to come up with who you want to send to the Sand.. it will take three days to get there, as you know." Shikamaru said, walking out of the room.
Kakashi panicked as he tried flipping and spinning the paper to see it better. It was hopeless.
"A-All I can see is "Princess, vast desert, one week on foot," If I had to give it my best guest.. I'd say it will take the Princess one week to get here.. meaning if I send a team out in two days, they'll be at the Sand a day before the Princess arrives.. perfect! I'll send word to Sasuke immediately."
End of Flashback
"WE'RE A DAY BEHIND BECAUSE OF COFFEE?!" Sakura yelled.
"WELL WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?!" Naruto yelled, blasting past Kankuro.
"Naruto! Argh.. my bad you guys." Kakashi said.
"YOUR BAD?!" Sakura yelled.
Kankuro smiled.
"All is well! Come on, I'll take you to the Kazekage mansion." Kankuro said, leading everyone through the city.
After a little walking the team made it to the mansion and walked inside. Naruto waited outside the Kazekage office doors.
"Come on you guys!" Naruto said.
The shinobi walked up to Naruto as the blonde shinobi pushed open the doors.
Garra turned around to see his friends walk in.
"Ah. There they are." Garra said, "Princess, these are your escorts."
A beautiful young woman with blue hair stood to her feet as the shinobi stared with awe.
"Hello, shinobi! It is truly an honor to meet you. I am Princess Vivi of the Alubarna kingdom, but please, just call me Vivi." Vivi said.
The shinobi introduced themselves.
"My name is Kakashi Hatake, I'm the Hokage of the Leaf but I was asked to join these three on their journey." Kakashi said.
"My name is Sakura Haruno! A specialist in medical ninjutsu, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask!" Sakura said.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki! I'm going to be the next Hokage! Sasuke and I are the ass kickers! Just point us to this DEATH organization and we'll beat up whoever!" Naruto yelled.
Vivi laughed.
"You're so much like Luffy." Vivi smiled.
"Hm? Luffy?" Naruto asked.
"My friend! Captain of the Straw Hat pirates!" Vivi said happily, "When a horrible man named "Crocodile" attacked our kingdom and tried to incite a civil war.. Luffy and his crew savee our Kingdom.. even though I told them not to.."
Naruto smiled big, he couldn't wait to meet this Luffy character and his pirate crew.
"So you must be Sasuke then?" Vivi asked.
Sasuke nodded.
"That's right, Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke said.
Vivi's smile immediately turned into a frown as she developed a thousand yard stare.
Everyone looked at each other with confusion.
Vivi gulped.
"Did-Did you say, "Uchiha?" Vivi asked.
Sasuke stared at the princess.
"Yeah I did.. how do you know that name?" Sasuke asked.
Vivi looked back at Sasuke and everyone else.
"Princess?" Garra asked.
"Hey, Vivi, you okay?" Naruto asked.
Vivi closed her eyes and smiled.
"N-Nothing! I wouldn't worry about it!" Vivi said.
The shinobi of course weren't going to let this go, but for no there was no choice.
"Right.. well, I'm sure you're all tired and have missed the original time for the meeting, so we will officially reachedule for tomorrow afternoon!" Garra said.
"Awesome! That means we can still eat and relax!" Naruto said.
Garra smiled and closed his eyes.
"Go enjoy yourselves! Everything on me." Garra said. The shinobi and Vivi smiled before thanking Garra and leaving.
SAND VILLAGE BBQ
Naruto, Kakashi, Vivi, Sasuke, and Sakura ate to their hearts content at the Sand Village BBQ.
"This food is amazing!" Vivi said.
Naruto swallowed his food.
"Princess, when everything is all said and done you should come to the Leaf some time! Ichiraku has the best ramen in the world!" Naruto said.
Vivi smiled.
"I plan to travel the shinobi world and study everything I can for sure! I hope everyone is as accepting of this as you all are.." Vivi said.
"Everyone will be. We promise. The shinobi world is a lot different now than it was. Everyone is much more understanding of one another, there's always a bunch of troublemakers though." Kakashi said.
"Isn't that the truth." Vivi laughed.
"How did your kingdom come across the Village Hidden in Sand, if I may ask, Princess." Sasuke said.
Vivi smiled.
"A day before we wrote to the Kazekage, my father said he came across some files in the hidden catacombs that read "Suna." Inside the files spoke of Hidden Villages and people called, "Shinobi." Vivi explained.
Everyone listened carefully.
"It was so weird to us.. because.. your shinobi world.. doesn't exist to anyone." Vivi confessed.
The shinobi were filled with shock.
"We-We don't exist?" Naruto asked.
Vivi shook her head.
"Those files are the only way we found out about your existence. You don't exist on any of Alabasta's country maps or our world map." Vivi said.
The shinobi remembered Kakashi having to put the shinobi world map over the top of Alabasta's map.
"But we want to put an end to that! We figure we at least want to get to know our neighbors if nothing else!" Vivi said.
All the shinobi smiled, except Sasuke.
"Well that's awesome of you guys, Vivi, seriously!" Naruto said.
Sakura looked at Sasuke.
"Sasuke?" Sakura asked.
Sasuke stared at Vivi.
"Princess.. if I may?" Sasuke asked.
Vivi looked at Sasuke.
"Yes, Mr. Sasuke?" Vivi asked.
"I don't mean to make this night uncomfortable for you.. but with what you've just told us.. i'm even more curious about your knowledge of that name.." Sasuke said.
Vivi's eyes widened.
"The Uchiha.." Sasuke said.
The table was quiet. Vivi looked down, beginning to tear up.
"He-He was so terrifying..." Vivi said.
Everyone was confused and anxious.
"He wiped through our army like nothing..." Vivi continued.
"He-He tried to assassinate my father once.. when I was a little girl.. no one has seen him since.. everyone thinks he's dead by now." Vivi said.
Everyone stared with anticipation and nervousness as Vivi finished her story. Vivi looked up with terror and tears in her eyes.
"He called himself.. Psycho Uchiha.." Vivi said, covering her mouth and crying.
Kakashi and Sakura consoled the princess. Naruto looked at Sasuke, who looked away.
"Ps-Psycho Uchiha?... I've never heard of him.. Who the hell is that..? And what was his business with Vivi's family?.. A place outside the shinobi world? Are we not the only shinobi to travel to this place?" Sasuke looked up at the crying Vivi as Kakashi and Sakura took her to the bathroom.
"Wow.." Naruto said, "What do you think about this "Psycho" guy, Sasuke?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked at Naruto.
"I think.. this has become more than just an escort mission." Sasuke said.
Naruto was surprised as first but then nodded.
"You got that right.." Naruto said.
Sasuke looked back towards the bathrooms. Sasuke thought about what Vivi said.
"You don't exist on any of Alabasta's country map or the World map.." Vivi said.
"We don't exist? Or.. were we erased?..and just who the hell is this "Psycho, Uchiha?" I'm going to get to the bottom of this.. if it's the last thing I do." Sasuke thought.
PORT OF YUBA
The Straw Hats had arrived at Yuba via the ferry and looked at the oasis town, it's giant fountain in the middle. A familiar old man waved at the crew.
"Hello Straw Hats! Long time no see!" The man said.
"Oh, hey! What was your name again? Tortilla? Toilet?!" Luffy asked.
"Toto! My name is Toto!" Toti corrected.
"Oh, Toto-san! Still kicking huh?" Usopp asked.
"Fortunately! I'm happy to see you all, this town has never forgotten what you did for us." Toto said.
"What are friends for!" Luffy said.
"Hahaha I agree! Go and enjoy yourselves! It's all you can drink night at our most popular bar!" Toto said.
Everyone cheered and waved to Toto as they made it to the bar.
All the Straw Hats partied, drunk, and ate as Robin enjoyed a margarita while reading a book. Nami stumbled over to Robin.
"H-Hey! Wh-What the hell're you doin' over here?! R-Reading a book?! The party is that-that way!" Nami slurred.
Robin smiled.
"No thank you, I'll just enjoy my book." Robin said.
Nami smirked sinisterly and grabbed Robin's arm, pulling her to a pong table with cups.
"We're about to make this night real interesting!" Nami said.
Robin looked over the table then back up at Nami nervously.
"If I-you-I beat you.. you gotta tell that moss haired idiot how you feel, tonight!" Nami yelled.
The ladies who watched held their mouths.
"Oooooooooooooo!" The ladies instigated.
Robin slowly smiled and raised a pong ball.
"And if I win, you have to tell the cook how you feel." Robin smiled.
Nami made a shocked face while she blushed.
"Oooooooooooooo!" The ladies instigated again.
"Shut up! I-I do not like that idiot!" Nami said, smiling.
"But we'll-We'll s-see what happens." Nami winked.
A few hours later
It was midnight now as everyone in the bar was passed out drunk and tired from the massive party the night before. Robin slowly lifted her head as she held it, feeling a note.
Robin took the note off her head and looked at it.
"You lose sis! Go tell that idiot how you feel" :p - Namiii
Robin smiled as she looked at Nami who slept peacefully.
Robin looked around the bar but couldn't see Zoro sleeping anywhere so she decided go go outside.
When Robin got outside she was met by Brook.
"Robin-san, I thought you'd be asleep at this hour." Brook said.
Robin smiled.
"Hello Brook. I was asleep but i'm wide awake now. Have you seen the swordsman around?" Robin asked.
Brook pointed to the roof.
"The last I checked he was on the roof. Yo ho ho ho." Brook chuckled.
Robin smiled and thanked Brook before going to the roof and seeing Zoro sitting at the end of the roof, drinking rum.
Robin stared at the man and blushed softly. It usually got freezing cold in the desert at night, but tonight was just a tolerable chill.
Zoro lowered his cup and spoke.
"You can join me you know?" Zoro said with a soft smile.
Robin jumped and gulped, slowly walking towards Zoro and sitting down nex to him.
"Wh-What brings you to the roof, Mr. swordsman?" Robin asked.
Zoro chuckled.
"I was about to ask you the same." Zoro said.
Robin blushed and looked away.
"I-I umm.. came to tell you something." Robin said.
"Hm? What's that?" Zoro asked.
Robin slowly looked at Zoro as he waited. Robin breathed in and out slowly. There didn't seem like there were going to be any distractions this time, she could really tell him, but now it was harder.
"I...Over time I've... developed somewhat of a crush on you.." Robin said.
Zoro sas surprised.
"A crush, huh?" Zoro asked.
"I know, if sounds childish.. but its true." Robin said, "You're so brave.. so strong.. how you care about everyone, even down to Chopper.. how could I noy have fallen for you?" Robin said.
Zoro looked ahead and smiled as he closed his eye.
"I appreciate that Robin.. that-that means a lot to me.." Zoro said, thinking back to Enies Loby, seeing Robin in CP9's clutches.
Robin slowly tried to talk.
"I-I think.." Zoro started.
Robin's eyes widened.
"No.. don't tell me?.. Is he.. about to say he feels the same?" Robin smiled to herself.
Robin stared at Zoro as Zoro stared back.
Zoro got lost in Robin's eyes as the two leaned close, their lips just barely touching, befoe Zoro grabbed Robin and moved her away.
"I-I can't!... We-We can't... I-I'm sorry Robin.." Zoro said, jumping off the roof.
Robin was confused and a little hurt. A tear developed in Robin's eye as she looked up at the massive moon.
"C-Come back.." Robin said as she balled up on the roof.
In the distance, just outside of Yuba, a man watched the entire interaction between the two.