Matsuho stood observing a map of the world, calculating eyes swept over every inch of map. Every important location was marked; from capital cities to the hidden ninja villages. Her spy network was expanding steadily; still the populace was still unaware of the war just on the horizon.
"What do you have to report?" she asked the subordinate, not taking her eyes of the map. The minion didn't say a word, except holding out a scroll. Taking hold of the object, Matsuho unravelled it reading the contents.
"It seems we have an opportunity that is too good to pass up." Smiling at the good news, she rolled the scroll up, handing it back. "Tell them they have my blessing. It's time to bring the underworld under new management." Bowing to her mistress the minion walked away leaving the demon to her strategies.
A raven flew high over the rooftops of the capital city of the fire nation. Its sharp black eyes zoning on its target, swooping down into a shadow filled alleyway landing gracefully on the shoulders a clocked figure. A gloved hand detached the missive attached to its leg. As soon as the scroll was removed, the raven took flight disappearing into the daytime sky. The sound of unravelling paper drew the attention of the other cloaked figure, waiting silently as the other read it.
"We have Mistress's blessing." Burning the scroll, allowing the ash to disappear into the wind, the pair moved deeper into the alleyway, reaching a set of stairs descending into darkness. Checking the coast they slipped down the stairs, the shadows embracing them as they reached a worn wooden door. Knocking rapidly four times, the door opened revealing a scarred man;
"What do you want?" He said gruffly as he blocked the way, his arms folded showing off his muscles.
"Out of our way." Replied a bored baritone voice, as he moved to walk over the threshold. He stumbled back slightly from being shoved by the guardsman.
"You're not coming in. Now piss off." Snarled the scarred man, reaching for his weapon; as his fingertips merely brushed the handle, he stiffened before collapsing to the floor. Without giving the now dead man a second glance, the pair moved into the building, navigating the corridors with ease. Reaching the door that they needed they opened it and walked in, starling those in the room. Weapons were drawn, ready to take on the intruders. Neither of the newcomers batted an eyelid at the display of aggression.
"How dare you barge into this establishment!" spat a large man dressed in fine clothes, his face going a dark red in anger. "The Dark Moon Syndicate will not tolerate this! I'll have your heads before you can blink!"
"That wouldn't be in your best interest." Simply state the taller male, as he lowered his hood, his younger companion following suit. "You see, we've been sent by our Mistress."
"And who is your mistress?" demanded the plump man, his round face not lessening in colour.
"That I can't say; except that I need you to give this to your leader." Handing the man a black scroll, with an emblem of a purple dragon holding the scroll closed.
"I'm not a messenger!" the large man hissed, chucking the scroll back at him; his face turning a dark puce.
"Fine." Calmly stated the taller male; cutting the man down in a blink of an eye. The lackeys stood frozen for a split second, before charging at the two intruders.
The clashing of steel filled the room; the agents of Matsuho ran circles around the humans, cut each down with ease. The fight was over as quickly as it began, sheathing their weapons, they glanced around making sure each of the humans was dead, satisfied the smaller male snapped his fingers igniting emerald green flames that consumed the bodies. As the taller agent hand reached out for the discarded scroll, a figure emerged from the shadows clapping;
"I must say that was every impressive my friends." The newcomer's voice echoed full of glee, both agents watched him, "I've been meaning to have him removed for some time, but you know how it is, running a syndicate is very time consuming." His eyes calculating as he sized the pair up. "I understand that you had something for me?" his hand outstretched, in moments he had the scroll in his hand. Barely glancing at the emblem, Shigeo unravelled the scroll reading the contents.
"Well I must say, Ryou wasn't joking when he said I should expect to be contacted by the agents of the Purple Dragon." Shigeo smiled as he looked at the two agents, "Tell Matsuho-sama, I accept her terms, and I can see this being a fruitful relationship. Just one question though."
"What is it?"
"What are you going to do about the Cartel and the Shadows?" raising an eyebrow at the pair.
"I can't really say except they will be given the same option as you." Replied the smaller agent.
"And if they prove to be uncooperative?"
"A change of leadership would be in order."
Nightfall covered Sunagakure, a few civilians and shinobi walked about the village, enjoying the coolness of the night. Gaara looked out over the village, taking a break from all the paper pushing that came with his job. As he was about to return to his seat, a subtle movement out on the edge of the villages exterior caught the corner of his eye. For several moments he looked out over to the spot, his teal eyes scanning for anything, yet all there was, was nothing. Turning away he returned to the growing mound of paperwork, a quick knock at the door, before it opened revealing his older siblings.
"Before you say anything I've got to do this before tomorrow's council meeting." Gaara didn't even need to look up to know what they were going to say to him.
"Well then, if you won't go to the food, the food will come to you." Kankurō happily stated carrying a tray of food, Tamari walked over to the youngest, as she placed the a set of cutlery down;
BOOM
The explosion resonated throughout Sunagakure, chunks of fiery debris rained down on the village. Smoke billowing out of the Kazekage's office, what was left of it. Inside the destroyed office a sphere of sand stood, roaring flames engulfing it. Gaara shakily stood up, teal eyes zoning in on his siblings.
"Tamari, Kankurō! Are you alright?!"
"What the bloody hell was that?!" moaned Tamari as she to shakily got to her feet, holding out her hand to help Kankurō to his feet.
"Are we under attack?" asked the middle sibling, his eyes looking between his brother and sister. Turning around Gaara raised his arms, enlarging the sphere, snuffing out the majority of the flames. Expanding to the size of the office, the Jinchūriki began to lower the sand barrier. As he was just able to see out into the village, several white balls came zooming at him, he raised the sand up just in time;
BOOM BOOM BOOM
"We can't stay here! We're sitting ducks!" cried Tamari, already ahead of her, Gaara, commanded the sand ball to rise out of the decimated office, and up to the top of the Kage tower.
"Kankurō, Tamari. Coordinate with Baki to get the villagers to safety, and organise a counter-strike." The Kazekage commanded as he dropped of his siblings, before taking off to face the assailant.
Rising up in the night sky he spotted the intruder standing on a building near the outskirts of the village. Racing towards the enemy, he launched several compact sand projectiles, the assailant jumped out of the way, evading each volley with ease. Large columns of sand rose up from the village with a mere flick of his wrist, Gaara sent them twisting and snaking trying to contain the enemy, yet the intruder didn't lose momentum as he skid, slid and retaliated with his own attacks. One of the columns slammed him down into the streets, not losing up on the pressure, Gaara swooped down, sand encompassing the intruder;
"Sand binding coffin." Clenching his fist closed, he smiled slightly at the sound of breaking bones.
"Are you alright Kazekage-Sama?" called a sand ninja, as a squad approached the Kage.
"Find out where he came from." Ordered the teen, as he stepped away, the sand ninja's went into stances, weapons at the ready.
"I must say thank you for that Kazekage-Sama. I was feeling stiff for some time, so thanks for cracking everything back into place." A twist sigh of pleasure passed his lips. "Now where were we?" a contemplating expression filled his face, his head tilted to the side. His black eyes lighting up like a light bulb being switched on. "Oh yes." flicking his wrist, jets of emerald green fire erupted form the palm of his hands. Sand shot up forming a barrier, protecting those behind it. Using the opening, the sand ninja's circumvented the barrier, launching justu's and weapons alike at their enemy.
The agent of Matsuho flipped and dodged each attack, retaliating with a barrage of his own. Annoyance began to rear its ugly head, as each of his attacks was being blocked by the teen's sand.
'I need to lead the brat away from here.'
Drawing in a deep breath, he exhaled black smog that flooded forth blanketing the surrounding area.
"Kamaitachi no Jutsu!" a large gust of wind blasted away the black smog, revealing Tamari and Kankurō both in full battle gear.
"Thought you could use a hand little brother?" cockily smirked Kankurō as he and his three puppets were posed to fight.
The other sand ninja renewed their barrage of attacks against the agent; the more they attacked the more the agent was getting annoyed at the sand ninja. Having enough the agent stopped toying with them and ended each one quickly.
"Is this the best that Sunagakure has to offer?" state the demon in a bored tone as cut down the last ninja. "I somehow thought you would prove a challenge."
"A challenge you want?!" shout Kankurō as he sent in his puppets, "A challenge you shall have!" the demon looked bored as the three puppets raced at him.
"Playing dollies now are we?" jumping out of reach of the first attack, throwing fireballs at them with ease. Gaara blocked will Kankurō attacked keeping him occupied allowing Tamari to move around them and attack from another angle. Working together they started to push back the other, which went on for several minutes.
'Now let's see how they handle fighting shadows.'
Stealthily shapes began to manifest in the shadows, each one joining in the fight. The more that joined the more separated the siblings began, it wasn't long before Gaara and the agent of Matsuho were fighting one on one. While the shadows kept the other brats busy the demon began slowly leading the Kazekage out of the village and into the sand dunes. Confident that the Jinchūriki would follow, he took off, still chucking techniques at the sand user.
"Are you going to allow me to get away or are you going to capture me?" the demon inquired as he kicked the protective sand barrier around the Jinchūriki.
"You are going to pay for attacking my village." Teal eye's darkening, as he focused on the other person.
"Well then. Catch me if you can."
As quickly as the shadow warriors appeared they evaporated, for several moments it was quiet; the sound of the wind and distance flames carried through the night.
"Where is Gaara?" asked Tamari as she looked everywhere for her baby brother, yet there was no sign of him. A distant explosion captured the pair's attention, without a further word the two raced through the great chasm that was the only real way in and out of the village.
"Over there!" pointed out the Brunette, there in the distance were small flashes of green light. "We have to after him!" as he was about to take off, Tamari grabbed his arm.
"Don't be stupid Kankurō!" tightening her grip on him, "Well need reinforcements to take on whoever that was!" Kankurō gave her a hard look. "I don't like it anymore that you do, but we have to be smart about this! Whoever that was, was toying with us."
"Fine." Mumbled the Brunette as he ripped his arm out of his sisters' grip.
Several hours passed since the surprised attack, Kankurō laid there on his bed, his puppets resting near the door. An emergency meeting was held with the senior members of the village; for an hour there were squabbling pointing fingers at each other. The notion of a new Kazekage to be elected really pissed of the Brunette, his younger sibling wasn't dead and yet the council were repeating history. Determination bolstered his resolve; he began getting ready to go after his brother. In minutes Kankurō was fully kitted, doing a once over check he left his room, and out into the early morning sun.
Team seven stood before the Hokage awaiting a mission briefing; internally Naruto was grumbling about the possible C – Rank mission the old hag was probably going to dish out. Still he and Kakashi were on thin ice with the Fifth, as much as he wanted to voice is displeasure, he kept it to himself.
"Team seven, you are to escort-" she was cut off by the mission room's door being flung open. A panicked looking intelligence shinobi ran into the room clutching an unravelled scroll.
"Hokage-Sama! Sunagakure has been attacked and the Fifth Kazekage is pursuing the attacker!" surprise filled the room in moments, snapping out of the momentary shock Tsunade took control of the situation.
"Your mission has changed! You are to go to Sunagakure and offer them any support they require! Dismissed!" barked the Fifth. Naruto clenched his fists tightly, anger barely kept in check.
'Gaara hold on!'
Tamari walked along to Kankurō's room, stopping outside the door, she raised her hand and lightly tapped on the door. She was met with silence; again she knocked this time louder.
"Oi Kankurō!" gripping the door knock she let herself in, crossing the threshold all that met her was an empty room, the light left on. Moving further into the room, she noticed her brother's gear was gone. "Tsk, the bloody idiot." Turning on her heel, she left the room.
The sound of trickling water filled a dense wooded area, Gaara cautiously crouched down to the edge of the stream, and cupping his hands he submerged them into the crystal clear water. Bring the clear liquid to his chapped lips he drank from his hand, relishing the coolness of the water as it ran down his dry throat.
Collapsing on his back he allowed himself a breather, a day and a half he chased after the attacker, it was being to feel a lot like a cat and mouse chase. Oddly enough Shukaku was being really quiet lately, that in itself was unnerving.
Calming his senses, he stretched out, trying to locate the assailant. For several moments he laid there, his ears twitching at every sound emanating around the forest. His eyes snapping open, sand rising to form a barrier as a barrage of fire balls impacted the sand. The barrage was constant for several minutes, the intensity of the flames and the pressure the barrier was under, molten sand began to form, slowly flowing down onto the ground, setting alight the grass. Narrowing down where the attack was coming from, Gaara slammed his hands on the ground sending a tidal wave of sand in that direction.
The massive wave of sand eradicated any trees that were in its path, not slowing down as a big blast of fire collided with the wave of sand, but it was ineffective as the wave crashed down smothering the flame and the attacker. Circumventing the melting sand, the young Kazekage stepped onto the sand it carried him towards Matsuho's servant. Detecting the agent under a meter of sand, raising his hand, the young male encased the attacker within lay upon lay of thick sand, until he was encased in ten meters of sand.
"You'll not escape this time." Murmured Gaara as he pumped some of Shukaku's chakra into the layering, dark mark seals spread over the sphere. "You'll die in this prison." Finally relaxing his body, confident in the tomb he created. Turning his back on the sphere, he created a sand platform, stepping on it, he froze, and the sensation of cold water erupted from his chest, followed by unadulterated agony exploded through him as demonic chakra was ripped from him.
Kankurō leapt from one tree branch to another, following the sprinkling of sand left behind by the Kazekage. He was several hours behind his younger sibling; he hadn't taken a break since he left his home. All he was worried about was his brother. Ever since Naruto knocked some sense into Gaara, the three siblings began to bond in a way they never did before. Kankurō cherished the bond that ran between the trio, he would gladly die for his brother and sister without missing a heartbeat.
Evidence of several skirmishes was dotted all over the sand trail, scorch marks littered in every direction. Pushing forward the young shinobi continued on his pursuit, keeping to the trail, the skirmishes left behind.
As he moved forward, jumping from one branch to another, an explosion of menacing chakra filled the air around the Brunette causing him to lose his footing. Tumbling to the ground below, the shinobi hit the floor and rolled for a few meters, colliding into a proud tree. Adrenaline began filling his body, every muscle tensed ready to pounce into action. Several objects whizzed through the air, zeroed onto the teen. Rolling out of the way Kankurō, retaliated with his own barrage of shuriken, those collided with others, as the immobile weapons fell to the ground, dozens of blazing green fireballs rained down from the tree canopy. Flipping out of the way Kankurō put some distance between himself and his unknown attacker. Stabilized on his feet, a ripple ran down his spine violently, spinning around he can nose to nose to his opponent. The cold piercing sensation of a blade running through him stilled his body, a frozen hand of his opponent clutching his throat.
"And now you will die." Smirked the assailant, pushing his blade deeper into the teen.
"Not today." Kankurō exploded into a plume of smoke, in his place a log appeared, the assailants blade still pierced through it. Growling, the shadow cladded attacker tossed aside the impaled piece of wood, his hollow eyes scouring the area for the Brunette.
A barrage if senbon needles hurtled towards him, in seconds a small blade was in his hand deflecting the projectiles with ease. Just as final senbon ricochet off his blade another lot shot towards him from a different direction. Again he deflects them with ease, more came from another direction, and again he deflected them. This kept up for several minutes, hollow eyes looking everywhere for the teen. The shadowy figures face began to twist in anger, moulding the raging anger inside of him, he unleashed it. The wave of compressed chakra blasted out, eradicating everything in its path; once proud trees reduced to nothing.
Kankurō's eyes widened as he felt the explosion of demonic chakra hurtling outwards from his enemy. Quickly he turned on his heel and pumped chakra into his legs launching himself away from the attack. Looking back over his shoulder, Kankurō watched as the barely visible wall, moved through anything in its path, Nano seconds later it was gone. Turning his head back to face the way he was running, his eyes widened as he spotted the attacker coming at him at an incredible speed. The same dagger that he used to deflect the boy's attacks was flung at him, reacting he tilted his head out of the way. Dropping down onto the ground below, he watched as the attacker fly into the wall of chakra and was gone the next moment.
"Argh!" the Brunette flinched as his cheek stung, reaching up he gently touched the spot that stung, and flinching again as his rough fingertip touched the spot. Withdrawing his finger he looked at it, the tip glistened with a drop of blood. Wiping the spec of blood on his outfit, he began to retrace his steps, the dirt underneath his feet crunching with every step.
Sprinting forward he approached a spot of grass that stuck out within the sea of dirt, just as he stepped onto the island of grass, his entire right side went ridged. Collapsing onto the floor, the sand nin began to twitch violently. In moments his body began to convulse violently; his limbs twitching in every direction, his eyes rolling to the back of his head. Before he lost consciousness, a pair of familiar coloured sandals appeared next to him.
Early morning fog drifted through the forest, a small camp fire illuminating a small area. Kakashi looked out over the tree canopy watching as daybreak over the hills, feeling it was time for them to move out, dropping down he walked over to Sakura, nudging her slightly.
"It's time to move out." It took the Kunoichi several seconds before she roused from her slumber. Cracking open an eye she looked around seeing Sai was already folding his travel blanket away.
"Where's Naruto?" looking for her Blonde haired teammate, Kakashi pointed over his shoulder. Following the direction of the digit, she spotted the blonde standing on a tree branch, facing the direction the hidden sand village was in.
"Has he been up all this time?" The team leader simply nodded his head.
"We're heading out."
A couple of Sand medics stood outside a treatment room where Kankurō laid bandaged up. Steady footsteps echoed down the winding corridor, the sound of sandals slapping against the lilo flooring caught the attention of the three medics;
"Who are they?"
"Chiyo-Baasama and Ebizō-Jijisama." Disbelief filled his voice as he watched the approaching pair. "But I thought they retired years ago." Stepping back slightly, allowing the elder siblings to walk pass.
"It seems the council has brought them out of retirement."
Baki looked up as the siblings appeared at the entrance of the treatment room.
"Please, come in. We have been expecting you." He watch them enter the room, both their faces void of expression. Ebizō walked around to the occupied bed, gazing down at sweating Kankurō.
"Who is he?" Ebizō asked in a confused voice, looking to Baki for an answer. The Jōnin beat down the urge to roll his eyes at the senile old man, who was sorting a confused expression.
"That's Kankurō, elder sibling to the current Kazekage."
"He seems rather young." Baki's eyebrow began to twitch, trying so hard not to raise the offending eyebrow at his elder.
"Can I see his paperwork." Came Chiyo's voice as she extended her hand out towards the medics standing opposite.
"Hai." Replied a medic, as he handed her the clipboard.
"Have you done a blood test?" her eyes scanning the notes.
"Yes, red and white blood cells test. Whatever the poison it is, it's destroying is cellular structure."
"Have you administered any antidotes?"
"We've tried all of them. None of them have even a remote effect of slowing this down."
"That's why we have contacted Konoha and they're sending a specialist unit." Explained Baki as he turned to Lady Chiyo. The older women scoffed, looking up at him with hard eyes.
"It is a sad day when we have to ask for help from another village, because our own people have grown fat and lazy in this time of peace." Shooting the man a hard look making him take an involuntary step back. "All you will get is useless foot soldiers, who will just as useful as you are."
"Nee-chan."
"During the last war, there was only one person who could cure this. The one who figured out how I made my poisons and countered them effectively: The Slug Princess of Konoha." Resentment evident in her voice as she spoke about the Sannin.
"Lady Tsunade is their current Hokage; it would take her three days to get here."
"Don't be foolish boy! She wouldn't come! All the Slug Princess will do is send useless foot soldiers!"
"She would never do that!" exclaimed the Jōnin, "Konoha and Suna have prospered in the alliance we have between us."
"Huh, "Alliance". All it is, is words, nothing more, nothing else." Spat out the Elder, as she moved to a work bench on the other side of the room. "Give me a sample of the poison." Commanded Chiyo as she began to set up her work station. Barking out several other orders, she began to try and cure the poison.
Several long hours, and many failed results later, Chiyo discarded another useless scroll. Sweat was dripping down her wrinkled face, as she concentrated on the work at hand. With a defeated sign she moved away from the scorched workbench, as she reached her sibling, she became unbalanced her brother catching her before her knees touched the tiled floor.
"You need rest Nee-chan." Wrapping a supportive arm around the frail women, he guided her out of the room. Chiyo turned to Baki;
"You better hope that Konoha sends someone competent, otherwise the boy won't survive the next forty-eight hours." With those parting words she was escorted out by her brother.
Baki watched the pair leave, once they turned the corner he sighed heavily, looking at the young man in agony, his only visible eye heavy with worry.
Matsuho's agent pushed through the offending sand, dusting himself off as he watched demonic chakra morph into Shukaku, once the morphing was complete, Gaara's unresponsive body collapsed onto the floor. Once the tailed beast got his bearings he looked down and saw his host body lying on the floor.
"You're still an ugly Tanuki!" called out the shadow agent, walking closer to the other demon. Shukaku turned his yellow eyes onto the approaching agent, the yellow eyes narrowing as the one-tail observed the approaching figure.
"Hahahaha! Your uglier than the old hag you call a Mistress!" gleefully stated Shukaku "You're nothing except a lap dog!" he screeched as he wiped an imaginary tear away. "She sends someone like you how pathetic!"
The agents' eyes darkened several shades; anger boiled and hissed beneath his skin, clenching his hand tightly, he condensed a small amount of chakra.
"Watch your mouth! Mistress gave me this task, to purge all Bijū from existence!" his fist began to glow as the chakra reached maximum density.
"Ha! Someone as pathetic as you can't hope to eradicate someone like me!" Shukaku puffed out his chest. "I am the Great Sand Demon!" throwing back his head shouting out who he was to the sky.
The agent launched the condensed ball of chakra at the sand spirit; Shukaku felt the shift in the air, eyes locking onto the hurling ball of chakra. Sand rose to form a barrier between himself and the attack, when the attack came into contact with the shield it exploded, sending a massive shock wave throughout the area. Tree's toppled, water blown away, massive clumps of the ground been torn up.
Unfazed by the destructive force, Matsuho's agent ran towards silhouette of the one-tail. Unsheathing two blades; in seconds engulfed in green flames giving them an unearthly glow. Getting closer, he leapt into the air moving through the air, he slashed his blazing blades in multiple arcs, sending green flames striking towards the beast. Sand rose to absorb the attack, as the last attack impacted the sand, hundreds of sand balls emerged out of the raised sand. Forming a single hand sign, Shukaku retaliated sending the balls of sand flying at his opponent, at an incredible speed.
Unable to see a way to dodge the attack, the demon slayer covered himself in roaring green flames, while using his blades to block some of the incoming fire. The sheer force of the attack pushed him back several metres, losing enough momentum he fell to the ground. Upon his feet touching the destroyed earth, he ran at great speed, dodging and weaving around any attack the one-tail could throw at him.
Mere meters away from the one-tail, Matsuho's agent slashed his blazing blades in an 'X' sending it towards Shukaku. Knowing the Bijū's sand would stop the attack, he created several long pikes in the air, once the first attacked hit the barrier, the pikes whizzed through the air, catching the beast off guard.
It was too late when Shukaku noticed the second wave, he cried out as the pikes sunk themselves into his body. Yellow eyes looked down at the approaching figure calmly walking towards him. Outstretching his clawed hand, commanding the sand to do his will, a paralyzing pain shot through his entire body, the sand fell back to the ground.
"What have you done to me you bastard!" he screeched out as he tried to move, but to no prevail.
"I've collared you." Nonchalantly commented the agent, "Now, I'll remove you from existence just like I'm going to do with the rest of your kind." With that, the tips of the pikes came to life each connecting with another, more appeared on the ground, shackling the beast to the spot. "Any last words before I wipe you from existence?" he asked as his hands were engulfed in harrowing chakra.
"Go to hell!" spat out the giant Tanuki as he tried move, but still he couldn't.
"No my dear Shukaku, it is you who is going to hell." Clapping his hands together, he turned his palms at the bound demon, the harrowing chakra shot towards him, yellow eyes widened as the attack came at him.
'So, this is how I die?' bitterly thought the Tanuki, as he closed his eyes waiting for death to take him. An explosion echoed throughout the area, opening his eyes, they widened at the wall of sand standing between him and the agent. Following the tailing sand, there on the opposite side of the empty river bed, stood a heavily panting Gaara.
"You will not have Shukaku!" panted out the Kazekage, teal eyes full of determination. Flicking his wrist in the direction of their opponent, the young shinobi sent the wall of sand crashing down on him. Using the opportunity, Gaara got onto a sand platform and headed over to his once eternal companion.
Reaching the Bijū, he coated his hand in chakra and grabbed hold of the green bindings; the young Kazekage gasped out in pain as the chakra hiss and bit at his hand. Gathering his strength he pulled at the bindings, the more he pulled more the pain in his hand intensified.
A massive jet of fire hurtled towards the teen, a barrier of sand blocked the attack. The flames continuously smashed into the shield, sand began to solidify under the intense heat and pressure. Small droplets of molten sand dripped onto his head, hissing out in pain as the specks of glowing sand landed on his bare skin. Shukaku watched as his host, fought to protect him, memories came flooding back to him;
"When you fall asleep, I'll take over your body and soul, and slaughter all humans!" exclaimed the Bijū as he looked down at his new host. "You better not doze off even once." Gaara looked up at him nervously and asked;
"Do you… hate humans?"
"Yeah! I despise them!"
"But, you're here to protect my village, aren't you?"
"I've never protected you all, because I didn't want to!" angrily shouted Shukaku as he looked down at his jailer. "You humans are less than us beast!"
"Here's your meal, Shukaku." Stated a guard as, a simple tray of bread and water was pushed into a large cage. An aged old man, shakily put his hands together in silent thanks. "Why do we have to stand guard over a creepy, weird monk even though we are senior shinobi?"
"I know what you mean." Replied the other guard, "But guarding the Jinchūriki means that they recognise our skills." Looking at the monk he said, "Just try and deal with it."
Within the Monks mindscape, Shukaku voiced his opinion;
"Poor damned monk. They don't even call you by your real name anymore."
"It doesn't really bother me, since you are aware of my real name."
"You maybe a monk, but don't you ever get lonely...putting up with humans who hate you, and a beast like me?" the spirit shouted out, "Caged together with a man-hating beast that's been with you ever since you were born?"
"Well, I'd die the moment I'm separated from you, since I'm a Jinchūriki." Pausing for a moment he continued, "There's no need to distinguish between human and beast. That's because a friend of the heart provides peace of mind, no matter the species."
"You are one strange bastard. There isn't ever going to be another human like you again."
"No..."
"Hmm?"
"I think you are wrong there. Human souls are like reflecting water. People often speak or act opposite of their true feelings. But essentially, the human heart wishes to connect with and accept each other. Even with beasts."
"You know…you really do…remind me of the old man, Rikudo Sennin." As the spoken words hit the frail monk, tears began to run down his cheeks.
"Arigatou." Breathed out the monk, "Those are the most heart-warming words I've ever received from you."
"Hurry up and eat, old man! We've got things to do here!" agitatedly shouted the guard hitting his stick against the Jinchūriki's cage.
"I really can't see there being others like you out there."
"I'm sure there are. And I know one day, there will be someone who will protect, redeem and shepherd you. And the moment you come to accept his true heart, you too will likely comprehend the meaning of these words my mentor etched onto my palms…"
His yellow eyes stayed fixated onto the pained Kazekage's face, determination evident in his teal eyes.
Shukaku looked down at the current Kazekage, as the young teen looked up at him;
"Until now, I've always considered you unpleasant. But it was because I was a Jinchūriki, that I was able to meet Naruto, so there's one thing I'm grateful to you for now."
BOOM!
The explosion ripped the sand demon back to the present, clumps of hardened sand flying everywhere, he watched as Gaara was sent flying over him, not before all the feeling in his body returned to him. A wicked grin spread across his sandy face, with a single thought he launched a tsunami size wave of sand at the agent, and with another, he caught Gaara. Cradling the teen, within his sand, he poured some of his chakra into him. Gaara gasped as the familiar warmth of Shukaku's essence, along with his own spread through him. With both his and Shukaku's chakra, his body began to repair and strengthen itself.
Matsuho's Agent locked his hands together, undeterred by the colossal wave of sand crashing its way towards him. Concentrating on his chakra, a black dome, darker than the night sky encased him, as the tsunami was brought down on top of him.
Team seven sat within a cave as a sand storm raged on outside, Naruto stood near the mouth of the cave, his entire body aggravated at sitting and doing nothing, while his friend was out there somewhere.
Kakashi sat there on the floor, his pervy book open but his single eye watching the Blonde. He knew the boy was at his wits end, the boy was well known for having little to no patience.
'Maybe I'll get Sakura to deal with him?' the Jōnin thought as he saw the boy's muscles tighten. His coal coloured eye darted to the pink haired medic, watching her march over to her friend fist clenched, determination evident in her eyes. She brought her fist down on top of the boys head.
"ITAI!" cried out Naruto as he fell to the floor, clutching his pain ridden head. Not losing a second, the perpetrator grabbed hold of him by the scruff of his top and dragged him deeper into the shelter.
"Now listen here Uzumaki." Grabbing the front of his jumper, lifting him up so he was looking her in the eye. "You are going sit there, and wait."
"But Sakura-Chan." Whined the boy, as he tried not to cower at the look that promised endless agony.
"You move from this spot, I swear Naruto, that you'll be subjected to every medical examination I know." Satisfied with the look of dread filling the boy's sapphire eyes, she released him, and moved back to her original spot.
Hinako was impressed with the Kunoichis' handling of her host, her host on the other hand was muttering to himself, about being violently manhandled.
Over at Sunagakure, Kankurō's condition worsened rapidly, fitting every half hour, massive boils erupting all over his body. Tamari felt helpless as she couldn't do anything to save her brother, all she could do was change the damp cloth resting on his crinkled forehead.
"Hold on Kankurō." She said softly as she dabbed away the sweat running down his contorted face. "Help is on its way." Tears silently slipped down her cheeks.
"You are delusional child." Came Chiyo's voice cutting through the silent treatment room. Tamari's hand clenched the rag in her hand in anger. She didn't even need to look up to know the Elder stood next to her. "The only thing that you can do is to end his suffering." Tamari snapped;
SLAP!
The slap echoed through the room, Chiyo looked at the younger Kunoichi holding her abused cheek. Her old eyes widened even further, as she stared at the unadulterated anger boiling in the other's eyes.
"You bitch." Spat out the Blonde, "What right do you have to suggest such a thing!" Chiyo was lost for words as the other rounded on her. "You have no rights to suggest anything! You! Who turned her back on her own village, not giving a shit about anything other than yourself!" Tamari was so close to the other women that only a hair width stood between them. "Why don't you do us all a favour and never show yourselves, seeing as the village means nothing to you!" emphasising each of her words by jabbing Chiyo with her finger, not caring how had she's done it.
"Get out of here. You're not wanted." Giving the elder a disgusted look she returned her attention on her younger sibling.
Lady Chiyo left the room, not before giving the young Kunoichi a unreadable look.
Matsuho's Agent locked his hands together, undeterred by the colossal wave of sand crashing its way towards him. Concentrating on his chakra, a black dome, darker than the night sky encased him, as the tsunami was brought down on top of him.
Gaara, stood on top of the sand that caught him, his body not as stiff as it was minutes ago. His sand armour repaired, the molten sand sliding off him.
"Ready to end this, Shukaku?" stated the teen as he looked at the demon.
"Huh!" was his only response, a small twitch of the teens lips gave away his amusement. A shiver ran down the Kazekage's spin, followed by a distant explosion, teal and golden eyes locked onto the cloud of sand. A wave of menacing chakra followed the eruption; a large shadow appeared within the dust cloud. Subconsciously both Bijū and host got into fighting stances. Emerging from the sand was a large dragon; it's hide black as night, hiding powerful muscles underneath.
"So Matsuho's lap dog can take on his Mistresses true form." Voiced Shukaku, as he observed the giant lizard. "Be careful brat, in that form he'll be just as deadly as in his other form."
"If you chop off his head, it wouldn't regrow with more heads, like those other ones?" Inquired the red head
"Huh, can't say. The bastard was just as much as a pain in the arse as last time as he is now."
Massive black wings extended from the beast body, sand began to wrap around the beast, but with several powerful flaps of those broad wings, the demonic reptile took to the sky.
"Ready to end him?" Asked Gaara as he took to the air as well.
"Hell yeah!" Exclaimed Shukaku confidently, raising dozen of sand columns, from the columns hundred of projectiles erupted out, aiming for the flying demon. With ease, the enemy, weaved and dodged, batting away bigger objects with a flick of its mighty tail.
Team seven raced across the endless sand dunes, the entrance of Sunagakure steadily approaching. In minutes they were at the opening, a handful of sand nin greeted them, not slowing down their speed.
"What's the situation." Inquired Kakashi as they ran towards the central building.
"As you know, the village was attacked, the Kazekage followed the attacker. Kankurō followed the Kazekage, however became injured trying to track his brother."
"What's Kankurō condition?" voiced Sakura, switching into medic mode.
"Dire. Our medics have been unable to cure him. He's not expected to hold out for much longer." The man's eyes looked at the ground as he addressed Sakura. Naruto's clenched tightly into fist, as his anger swelled under his skin.
Racing through the corridors towards the treatment room, Sakura began to take off her back, handing it to Sai, who took it without a word. Rounding the last corner, her bubble gum pink hair was tied back out of her eyes, black gloves given to her pale teammate. Seeing a pink haired Kunoichi enter the room, Chiyo watch the rest enter, until she saw him;
"Die!" she screamed as she went to attack the stunned Kakashi, seeing their sensei was about to be attacked, Sai whipped out his drawing scroll and brought to life two ink tigers, while Naruto conjured two clones one either side of him, to intercept the enraged elder. Chiyo effortlessly kicked a clone in the face while the other and original blocked her other attacks. Pushing herself back she stopped herself a few meters away, from the trio. Another clone expelled;
"The old hag is strong." Thought the Blond as he observed the women opposite.
"Why the hell are you attacking Kaka-sensei!?" Naruto asked ready for another round, Sai's ink animals moved either side of him.
"I'll have my revenge against the White Fang for what you did to my son!" Chiyo exclaimed posed ready to attack, however she was stopped by her brother.
"Take a closer look, Nee-Chan." Raising a wrinkled eyebrow, she looked at the man with gravity defining white hair. "There is a resemblance, but he isn't the White Fang." Another eyebrow was raised with confusion growing on her face, as she studied him closely.
"Err Hi." Said a sheepish Kakashi, Ebizō continued;
"If you remember, the White Fang died long ago. Remember when you heard the news, you screamed and shouted about how you were denied your vengeance. Remember Nee-Chan?" a long pause followed before Chiyo answered;
"Well never mind." She began to laugh it off, as if nothing happened. Everyone else in the room stood dumfounded until, Kankurō shouted out in pain and began to claw at his neck and face. Switching into medic mode, Sakura began to examine the older teen;
"I need all none essential people to vacate the room was we have room to work." Ordered the Kunoichi, knowing everyone would leave, she focused back onto the patient. As they left, Ebizō stood next to his sibling and said;
"The passage of time is moving by us, isn't it Nee-Chan." Chiyo remained silent, giving the pink haired medic a once over, turning see followed her brother out, with a fraction of a smile in the corner if her lips.
After doing a few basic tests Sakura looked at the other sand medics.
"Can I have his results?"
"Hai." Passing the clip board to her, she began to read through them, flipping the pages backwards and forwards comparing the results.
"Did you notice how the deceased cells multiplied while the body destroyed the healthy ones?" asked Sakura, as looked between two sheets of results and then handed them to the other medics. "Normally the body would fight any foreign entities, but it seems whatever this is confusing the body by getting it to destroy itself, from the inside out." She said as she looked at the burst blisters.
"Are you saying that there's nothing that can be done?" asked a distort Tamari, her eyes filling with despair.
"I didn't say that. I can help slow the destruction of his body, but I'll need more time to completely eradicate it."
While Sakura and the other medics worked, Naruto began to fidget, looking at the old women and then to his sensei. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer he asked;
"Say, Kaka-sensei."
"Hmm?" he replied, already knowing what the teen was going to ask.
"Who's the White Fang, Baa-Chan here spoke about?" this drew the attention of the Elder siblings, while Sai stood leaning against the wall stoically.
"Well...the easiest way to put it, he was my Father." The range of emotions ranged from blank to shocked.
"Well that explains the resemblance." commented Ebizō, more together than his sister.
"Y-Y-You're the son of the White Fang?" Pointing accusingly at the sheepish Jōnin, her wrinkled mouth hanging open. Naruto on the other hand crossed his arms and pouted, obviously missing something.
Over in the treatment room, Sakura began to operate on Kankurō, placing her hand in a bowl of clear liquid, she instructed those that remained in the room to hold her patient still. Focusing on containing the liquid in a loose ball, she placed it on his torso spreading it over the top half. Placing her other hand inside the liquid, the young medics hands blazed green focusing on drawing out the decay. Kankurō began shouting out in pain, as the clear liquid began to turn black as night. His body fighting against the people restraining him.
A few hours passed before the worst of the decay was removed from the sand nins body, a sigh of relief fell from everyone's lips. Those that waited outside the room, came in, Naruto stopped next to his friend;
"That was amazing Sakura!" Complemented the Blonde, she turned to him and gave him a smile as she undid her hair.
"You remind me of the Slug Princess." Commented Chiyo in a tight voice.
"Hai. Lady Tsunade is my master, we were sent here on her orders." Replied the young medic, missing the look that spread on the elders face. Taking a folder piece of paper from one of the medics, she began to read through it.
Another sand shinobi walked over to Baki and handed him a sealed scroll, dismissing the shinobi he began to read through it.
"It's from your Hokage." Stated Baki as he passed it to Kakashi. Who in turn began to read the missive.
"What did Baa-Chan say?" inquired a noisy Blonde, trying to read the message over his sensei's shoulder.
"She's sending Team Guy as backup." Explained the Jōnin, as he rolled up the missive, giving the boy an eye smile.
"Kakashi-sensei, Baki-san, Kankurō is coming around." Informed Sai as he walked into the treatment room. The others followed suit, Kankurō shakily pushing himself in an upright position.
"Be careful Kankurō." Softly said Tamari, as she supported her brother, a soft smile dancing on her lips, her eyes full of emotion. The Brunette looked at his sister through heavy eyes;
"Tamari, I'm sorry."
"Don't you ever do something like that again, Idiot." Rare emotions evident in her voice, a silent tear fell from the corner of her eye.
"You should thank Sakura-Chan, she was amazing." Came Naruto's voice, breaking the moment. The medic in question pinched the bridge of her nose, fifty-fifty on pummelling the knucklehead or not.
"You have my thanks Sakura."
"Your welcome." Giving him a smile, Kakashi turned his attention to the patient.
"What can you tell us about the attacker?"
"He fought like a one man army. He possessed skills beyond anything that I've ever heard or seen." The room was silent as they all listen, "He kept shooting green fire balls, and could manipulate shadows to create warriors."
Hinako perked up when she heard the last part;
"Ask him what he looked like."
"What did the assailant look like?" asked the boy, Kakashi gave him an inquisitive look.
"He was lightly armoured, from what I could tell."
"What colour was his eyes?"
"Black as night." Silence followed again, host and beast where talking among themselves.
"It sounds like one of Matsuho's agents, but I can't be sure which one it was unless I'm exposed to any residual Chakra left behind from the attack."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Get them to take you to where they fought against the attacker."
"Is it possible if we could examine the area where the main fighting happened here?"
"Why do you need to do that for?" asked Baki, with a slight confused expression on his face.
"To see if there is any lingering chakra that could help identify who attack Gaara." Explained Naruto as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"How can a child, like you even possess such abilities?" Asked Chiyo eyeing the teen, he looked at her, with a mischievous smirk on his face.
"I have my ways you old goat." With that the boy left with the sand shinobi, a slight tilt of his head from Kakashi to Sai, indicating to go with the blonde. The pale teen understood and accompanied his teammate.
Two Konoha and one Sand shinobi walked through the village, its inhabitants going about their business, only giving the two foreign shinobi a fleeting glance before going back to what they were originally doing.
As they approached closer to the high walls edge of the village, evidence of a fight began apparent with carbon scoring dotted about the place.
"Here we are." Stated their escort, Naruto extended his sense, drawing subtly on Hinako's chakra, just enough so that it would go unnoticed. Sai watched his friend walk around the scene, ready if he needed any help. He could feel a lingering darkness about the place, putting him on edge; he noticed the other shinobi could feel it as well. Hearing Naruto's breath hitch he moved next to boy.
"What is it?"
"We need to get back to Kaka-sensei. Now." The tremor and the urgency evident in the whiskered teens voice, told Sai everything he needed to know. The Sand Nin was next to them in seconds, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, whisking them away in a cloud of smoke.
Watching the boys leave, Kakashi turned his attention back onto the young Sand Nin;
"Is there anything else you can tell us about who attacked?"
"Did you manage to recover everything from where you found me?" ask Kankurō looking at his old squad leader. Baki nodded his head, leaving the room to go and get what was recovered. Moments later he returned with a couple of other people carrying a large sheet, bowing in the middle from the weight of the contents. Once it was on the floor next to the boys bed, Kankurō shot a Chakra thread at his destroyed puppet, latching onto the remnants of its chest, a twitch of his finger later the chest cavity opened revealing an elegantly crafted blade imbedded in the wood. "That might have the enemies scent on it."
Carefully picking up the item Kakashi gave the boy an eye smile;
"I shouldn't expect anything less from a Sand Shinobi." The teen returned the smile before pain shot through him, grunting at the unpleasant sensation. He felt a gentle but firm hand of his sister resting on his shoulder.
"Rest, Kankurō."
An eruption of smoke pulled everyone's attention to the spot where the smoke was dissipating. Kakashi noticed the frantic look Naruto had across his whiskered face, this put the man on edge. "What did you find, Naruto?"
"We need to go after Gaara. Now!" exclaimed the boy as he rushed over to his rucksack, swinging it over his shoulder. Two firm hands rooted the boy to spot, sapphire eyes locking onto the single coal coloured one.
"Slow down, Naruto." Commanded the Jōnin, adding more force to hold the struggling teen. "Why do we have to go now? Gaara is the Kazekage for a reason." The boy franticly shock his head;
"You don't understand!" blue eyes looking pleadingly at his sensei to understand, "There are only a handful of things demons fear in this world and he's one of them!"
"Who is he?"
"The Right Hand of the Purple Dragon." Breathed out Naruto, his body shivering at the name, "He was trained by Matsuho herself." His voice trailing off, "If we don't get to Gaara in time, he'll die."
"Baki-san, have your tracking teams been able to locate the Kazekage?"
"No." looking down at the floor in shame, "We lost contact with them a while ago."
"It can't be helped." The Jōnin said diplomatically, biting his thumb, and then running through a series of familiar hand signs. Once completed, he slammed his hand down on the floor, where his hand met the floor a seal emerged on the floor then an explosion of customary smoke, revealing eight Ninken.
"Yo Kakashi long time no see." Said Pakkun, sitting on top of a young looking Bull. All the other Ninkens were young, carrying the traits of their late parents.
"I know you lot don't have that much training, but I need you to do your best and locate Gaara." Kakashi said softly to the young ones, he could see the sadness in their eyes as they looked at him, but amongst the sorrow there was determination to do their parents proud. Holding out the dagger the Ninken gather round and began sniffing the weapon, a few visible shivered, and gave a whine at the darkness of the blade.
"We'll find him Kakashi." With that they scattered to the wind, doing what they were being trained for. The Jōnin stood up and looked at the piercing blue eyes;
"We'll depart as soon as they have a lead, until then we rest up." His tone leaving no room for any augments the teen had lined up. Naruto sported a miffed look, not liking the course of action that they were taking. Huffing he began to make his way out of the room, a shaky voice called out to him;
"Bring him home, Naruto."
Turning round he looked at the older bed ridden teen, a bright smile plastered itself on his face.
"I will dattebayo!"