I just wanted to quickly saw that all Authors notes will be made available at the end of this arc

Chapter Seventeen: Shadows of Sand and Blood part I

Dunes of Sunagakure no Sato - The Opening Gambit

Hanzo dashed forward with astonishing speed, his fists striking the ground as he executed Doton: Doryūheki (Earth Release: Earth Wall). Massive walls of rock erupted from the desert floor, forming a protective barrier to shield them from any incoming attacks. The sound of cracking earth echoed across the battlefield as the walls towered between the combatants, isolating the two pairs momentarily. Sahara was quick to react, her instincts honed from countless battles. With a swift motion, she performed a series of hand seals, channeling her chakra into Fūton: Kaze no Ishi (Wind Release: Stone of Wind). A fierce gust of wind spiraled around her, cutting through the air with razor-sharp precision. The wind slammed against Hanzo's earthen wall, sending sand flying and creating a whirlwind of debris. The impact rattled the foundation of Hanzo's defense, but he stood firm. As the dust began to settle, he emerged from behind the wall, his eyes blazing with pure rage.

Meanwhile, The woman with the orange swirl mask prepared for her next move. With fluid grace, she executed Mokuton: Jūrin no Jutsu (Wood Release: Forest of Suffering), summoning thick wooden vines from the desert floor. The vines twisted and coiled, reaching toward Fūka and Sahara with the intent to ensnare them. Fūka swiftly evaded, performing a graceful roll to the side as the vines shot past her, digging deep into the sand. The desert ground rumbled as The woman with the orange swirl mask continued to manipulate the wooden constructs, causing them to shift and lunge at Sahara. In a flash, Sahara dodged the tendrils, harnessing her own abilities. She conjured Fūton: Kaze no Shōkan (Wind Release: Wind Summoning), sending forth powerful gusts that sliced through the air, severing the vines mid-strike. The air filled with the scent of earth and wood as The woman with the orange swirl mask's jutsu fell apart. Just as Sahara gained ground, Hanzo rejoined the fray, launching himself into the air. He performed Doton: Tsuchigumo no Jutsu (Earth Release: Earth Spider Technique), summoning large, spindly limbs of earth that erupted beneath Fūka, aiming to trap her in place.

Fūka, caught off guard, barely managed to leap away from the grasping tendrils. In midair, she countered with Katon: Gōka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Fire Ball Technique), hurling a blazing sphere toward Hanzo. The fireball crackled and roared, lighting up the afternoon sky as it hurtled toward him. Hanzo reacted instinctively, using Doton: Doryūdan (Earth Release: Earth Dragon Blast). He thrust his hands forward, summoning a massive dragon made of earth to meet the fireball head-on. The two jutsu clashed violently, creating a fiery explosion that sent shockwaves through the desert, scattering sand and debris in all directions. The woman in the orange swirl mask, taking advantage of the distraction, formed more wooden constructs, the ground beneath her pulsing with life as she summoned forth Mokuton: Jūjin Bunshin (Wood Release: Beast Clone Technique). Multiple wooden clones erupted around her, each one mimicking her movements with uncanny precision.

Sahara, assessing the shifting dynamics of the battle, called upon Fūton: Tatsu no Ikari (Wind Release: Dragon's Fury). A massive gust spiraled upward, forming a colossal dragon made of wind that surged toward The woman with the orange swirl mask and her clones. The force of the wind shook the very air around them, aiming to blow away The woman with the orange swirl mask's wooden constructs. The clones charged forward, distracting Sahara as The woman in the orange swirl mask remained poised, ready to dodge or counter. With her clones engaged, she darted through the chaos, evading the incoming wind dragon with agility. Hanzo, recovering from the previous exchange, lunged forward with renewed vigor, engaging Fūka directly. He unleashed a flurry of taijutsu strikes—punches and kicks that sliced through the air. Fūka parried, her reflexes sharp as she matched Hanzo blow for blow, the sounds of their impacts echoing across the desert. With each exchange, the sand beneath them shifted, kicked up by their movements, creating a storm of dust that enveloped the area. Fūka, using her agility, spun to avoid a powerful roundhouse kick from Hanzo, countering with a swift uppercut aimed at his chin.

Hanzo narrowly evaded, his body twisting in midair as he landed, his feet digging into the sandy ground. He retaliated with Doton: Gromovaya Melnitsa (Earth Release: Earth Mill), pulling up sharp stone blades that whirled around him, aimed at Fūka's position. Sahara, sensing the imminent danger, acted quickly. She unleashed Fūton: Senpu (Wind Release: Whirlwind), creating a gust strong enough to redirect the incoming projectiles. The blades shattered against the force of the wind, sending shards of stone scattering into the air.

The woman with the orange swirl mask seized the opportunity, drawing energy for a more powerful jutsu. She focused her chakra, her hands weaving through seals as she executed Mokuton: Shinkai no Kigen (Wood Release: Genesis of the New World). From the ground, massive roots erupted, spreading rapidly across the battlefield, seeking to ensnare both Fūka and Sahara. The roots moved like serpents, their speed surprising. Fūka and Sahara barely managed to evade, moving in tandem to stay ahead of the encroaching grasp of The woman with the orange swirl mask's jutsu.

But Hanzo was relentless. He darted forward again, targeting Sahara with a swift barrage of taijutsu, each blow calculated and precise. Sahara dodged and weaved, but the weight of Hanzo's skill began to wear her down. In a desperate bid to gain control, Sahara summoned Fūton: Chōsen no Kaze (Wind Release: Gale of Challenge), creating a violent gust that pushed against Hanzo, forcing him to stagger back. As the battle continued, the sun dipped lower in the sky, the shadows lengthening over the desolate landscape. Exhaustion began to creep in, but neither side showed signs of retreat. The woman in the orange swirl mask, sensing the shift in energy, initiated Magen: Kyōki no Sekai (Demonic Illusion: World of Madness), casting an illusion that threatened to engulf the battlefield. The desert morphed into a twisted reflection of itself, causing disorientation among Fūka and Sahara.

Sahara, realizing the danger, focused her mind, channeling her chakra to break free from the illusion's grip. Fūka, too, steadied herself, the bond between them allowing them to resist The woman with the orange swirl mask's jutsu. With a unified front, Sahara and Fūka broke through the mental barriers, unleashing their combined might. Fūton: Seiryū no Hoko (Wind Release: Roar of the Azure Dragon), an overwhelming gust of wind, cascaded outward, pushing against the roots and dismantling The woman with the orange swirl mask's illusion. As the tension hung in the air, the remnants of the earlier clash dissipated, leaving the desert in a stunned silence. But the battle was far from over. The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo reappeared, their figures emerging from the shadows of the surrounding dunes, prepared to strike once more.

In Sunagakure - Kazekage Office

Explosions rocked the village, sending tremors that shook Sunagakure to its very core. Torrents of sand and splinters of wood exploded just above the village walls, casting shadows across the streets below. Yet, amid the chaos, one thing was abundantly clear: the Akatsuki had begun to make its move. With a steady hand and practiced precision, the Kazekage, Rasa, quickly penned a message to Sunagakure's greatest ally, Konoha, requesting immediate aid. Finishing his note, he rolled up the scroll and handed it to a waiting ANBU operative. "Get this to the Hokage as fast as you can. This message is of utmost importance." The ANBU gave a short bow and vanished in a puff of smoke, disappearing from the room and racing through the village with unmatched speed. Rasa stood, his cloak billowing in the desert winds as he turned to face the destruction rising on the horizon. The village needed him. More than that, his son needed him. Taking a deep breath, he manipulated the sand around him, particles swirling to life and condensing at his feet to form a platform. With a surge of chakra focused through his tenketsu, Rasa propelled himself into the air, speeding toward the source of the attacks. Golden dust and sand rose like a tidal wave in his wake, swirling and writhing like a living storm. Anyone standing in his path would soon know the fury of the Yondaime Kazekage. Elsewhere in the village, scenes of devastation marked the streets where numerous Suna jonin lay sprawled, either dead or unconscious. Among the carnage stood Kabuto, his cold gaze fixed on the still, unconscious form of Gaara. Beside him, a strange, plant-like creature rose from the ground, Zetsu's unmistakable voice emerging from its pale form. "Alright, Kabuto. It's time. The Yondaime Kazekage has left to face the others." Kabuto adjusted his glasses, a thin smile playing on his lips. He knelt, scooping the Ichibi Jinchuuriki over his shoulder with unsettling ease. His black cloak, marked with red clouds, billowed ominously as he rose to his full height. "Lead the way,"

Hi no Kuni - Konohagakure no Sato - Training Ground Seven

Sakura and Hinata had just heard the news of their friend Sasuke's return. So when they learned he would be putting on a display of his skills, they couldn't resist attending. There they were, perched in the trees, snacks in hand, as they watched the Hokage and Itachi flash into the clearing. Sasuke and Shikamaru stood at attention as Minato approached them. "Alright, let's get this started," Minato announced. "Since Team Seven is currently short of a third member and team leader, this will also serve as an evaluation of what your team may be lacking. Shikamaru, you'll also be participating in this test." Shikamaru visibly deflated a bit but remained silent; after all, he was their commander. "You'll be facing Obito Uchiha—and each other," Minato continued, "but keep destruction to a minimum." He stepped back as Sasuke and Shikamaru looked around for the Uchiha they'd only heard about in passing. Suddenly, Shikamaru leapt back just as Sasuke sidestepped to avoid a kunai that flew past his head. In a swirl of leaves, Obito appeared, wearing his jonin attire and his signature modified headband covering the left side of his face. With a kusarigama swinging idly in hand, he began circling around Sasuke while Shikamaru mirrored his movements, gripping kunai in both hands. The chain on Obito's weapon started swinging faster as he picked up speed. Shikamaru responded by increasing his own tempo as Sasuke began molding chakra in preparation. "Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu! (Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!)" Sasuke unleashed small balls of flame in a circular motion. Shikamaru threw his kunai into the flames, while Obito swung the chain end of his kusarigama in a wide arc, absorbing the flames as the chakra-conductive steel ignited.

As Sasuke molded chakra once more, he leapt into the air and descended into the ground. "Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu! (Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique!)" Obito deftly sidestepped Shikamaru's kunai with agile footwork, avoiding a dual swing from Sasuke's twin tantos. With a maneuvering twist and tug, Obito brought the sickle around in a wide arc. Sasuke dodged a jab from the weighted end of the chain, narrowly avoiding it, as Shikamaru's kunai assault continued from a distance, keeping Obito's focus divided. Channeling Fire Release chakra into one blade and Lightning Release into the other, Sasuke clashed against Obito, who grabbed the sickle and charged forward, experience guiding his every step. Their weapons clashed in a burst of chakra, but with a quick tug, Obito swung the ball end from the side. Sasuke ducked just in time but gasped as a sharp kick from Obito connected with his side. "You're boring me! Kick it up, or I'm demoting you all!" Minato's voice rang out, his face visibly blank. Though Itachi, after years of working with him, recognized the joke, the others were uncertain if he meant it. Motivated by the Hokage's words, Obito stored away his kusarigama and began molding chakra for the first time in their bout. "Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu! (Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!)" His outstretched arm extended into numerous wooden roots aimed at Shikamaru, who jumped back, throwing another handful of kunai.

Sasuke, molding chakra once again, weaved a familiar set of hand seals. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu! (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!)" A large torrent of flames shot from his mouth. In response, Obito called out, "Mokuton: Shin Sūsenju! (Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!)" without needing hand seals. Minato grasped Itachi's shoulder, and the two teleported a short distance away as the ground shook, roots and wood spiraling upward in chaotic growth. Obito was lifted into the air by his jutsu as Sasuke leapt and scaled the massive coiling structure. Obito only looked down, but then something unexpected happened. "Trap success." Shikamaru's voice was barely audible, but everyone's attention shifted toward him. A gleam of steel caught their eyes, and they noticed a web of ninja wire. Obito's Sharingan flared to life as Shikamaru pulled on the wire, causing the kunai strewn across the battlefield to tighten into a web around the unsuspecting elder Uchiha. "He got cocky," Minato murmured, disappointed in the turn of events. But the fight was far from over. Just then, Dragon appeared in front of Minato, bowing as he said, "You're needed in the office, emergency word from Suna." Sakura and Hinata felt their ANBU tattoos glow warmly, catching their attention—the sign of an emergency summons. In a swirl of leaves, they vanished before they could even greet their friend.

Sunagakure no Sato - Battlefield in the Dunes

With a shared glance, The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo initiated their next assault. The woman with the orange swirl mask, her demeanor still calm and focused, summoned Mokuton: Shikigami no Jutsu (Wood Release: Paper Shikigami Technique). From the ground, large, intricate paper constructs of trees and wildlife sprang to life, a testament to her mastery over wood and nature. The wooden figures moved with a fluid grace, creating a swirling maelstrom of leaves and branches around Sahara and Fūka. Hanzo wasted no time; he charged forward with fierceness, the years of combat experience driving him. He leaped into the air and unleashed Doton: Tsuin Doryūheki (Earth Release: Twin Earth Walls), creating twin walls of earth that erupted from the ground, trapping Sahara and Fūka within a constricting enclosure.

The two shinobi quickly assessed their surroundings. Sahara and Fūka found themselves flanked on all sides, the walls closing in, a physical representation of their dire situation. "Now!" Sahara shouted to Fūka, both of them instinctively moving to counterattack. Sahara created a series of hand seals, her chakra surging as she activated Fūton: Arashi no Ikari (Wind Release: Fury of the Storm). A powerful gust of wind spiraled around her, forming a swirling vortex that deflected debris while pushing against the encroaching walls. The winds howled as they collided with Hanzo's earthen walls, causing the structures to tremble. But Hanzo pressed forward, determined to maintain his advantage. He performed Doton: Kisei no Ikazuchi (Earth Release: Thunder of the Dead), summoning jagged spikes of rock to shoot up from the ground in an attempt to pierce through the howling winds. Fūka, sensing the urgency, joined in, summoning Katon: Hōka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Eruption Technique), launching a wave of fire that licked at the edges of the swirling wind. The flames danced dangerously, fueled by her chakra, racing toward Hanzo's spikes, creating an explosion of heat and light that shook the very ground beneath them.

The explosion resonated through the desert, sending ripples of sand into the air as Hanzo's spikes shattered against the inferno. The heat washed over him, but he remained unfazed, refocusing his efforts. The woman with the orange swirl mask, meanwhile, moved with silence, weaving through the chaos. She executed Mokuton: Shitennō (Wood Release: Four Guardian Kings), summoning massive wooden constructs shaped like mythical beasts. They charged toward Sahara and Fūka, crashing through the wind and flames with the intent to overwhelm them. Fūka narrowed her eyes, harnessing her chakra as she responded with Fūton: Seikaze no Michi (Wind Release: Path of the Gentle Wind), creating a protective barrier of swirling wind around her and Sahara. The constructs slammed against the barrier, splintering wood and sending shards flying, but the wind held strong, deflecting most of the impact. "Keep pushing!" Fūka shouted as she maintained her concentration. The wind gusted fiercely, pushing back against the towering wooden beasts. But Hanzo would not relent.

With a fierce shout, he summoned Doton: Yōkai no Yōkai (Earth Release: Specter of the Earth). The ground shook violently, and a monstrous earth spirit rose from the depths, its rocky form looming over the battlefield. It released a terrifying roar that echoed through the desert, shaking the very foundations of the landscape. "Now, The woman with the orange swirl mask!" Hanzo commanded, and The woman with the orange swirl mask nodded, her mask concealing a calm determination. She summoned her own jutsu, channeling her Mokuton abilities into Mokuton: Jūmon no Uta (Wood Release: Song of the Guardian). Vines shot up from the ground, intertwining with the spirit of earth, adding to its form and granting it even greater power. Sahara, feeling the pressure mounting, decided to take a bold step. "Let's end this!" she shouted, and with that, she executed Fūton: Arashi no Kyōkai (Wind Release: Storm Boundary). The winds coalesced into a vortex that spiraled upwards, creating a barrier of pure wind that threatened to push back anything in its path. The powerful gusts collided with the earth spirit and The woman with the orange swirl mask's wooden constructs, sending a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. The desert floor trembled under the force, and grains of sand were swept into the air, obscuring vision and creating a swirling haze around them. In the midst of this chaos, Fūka executed Katon: Kasai no Shiro (Fire Release: Castle of Flames), summoning pillars of fire that erupted from the ground, mixing with the wind to create a storm of flame. The heat was intense, a blazing inferno that danced wildly, threatening to consume everything.

The woman with the orange swirl mask, feeling the tide shift, summoned her chakra moulding it. "Magen: Kyōki no Sekai (Demonic Illusion: World of Madness)!" she declared, though no words escaped her lips, her focus unwavering. The illusion enveloped the battlefield again, warping reality itself. Sahara and Fūka felt the familiar disorientation wash over them, but their resolve hardened. They fought against the pull of the illusion, their minds synchronized. "We won't be swayed!" Sahara shouted, channeling her willpower to break free. But The women and Hanzo were gone.

"I can sense them," Sahara said, narrowing her eyes as she scanned the shifting sands. "They're still close." In the shadows, The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo regrouped, their silhouettes momentarily hidden from view. The two combatants were ready to re-engage, and their resolve only deepened after witnessing the strength of their opponents. "Let's not waste time," The woman with the orange swirl mask said quietly, her voice a calm contrast to the raging storm of emotions that filled the battlefield. With a determined flick of her wrist, she summoned Mokuton: Kodama no Kaze (Wood Release: Spirit of the Wind), sending forth a wave of wooden tendrils that lashed out across the desert, probing for any sign of Sahara and Fūka. The tendrils moved swiftly, stretching like serpents, each capable of ensnaring their targets if given the chance. Meanwhile, Hanzo prepared for another assault, his eyes glinting with the thrill of battle. "Let's turn up the heat," he declared, channeling chakra into his feet and leaping high into the air. As he soared above the sand dunes, he unleashed Doton: Doryū Taiga (Earth Release: Earth Flowing River), causing a massive wave of earth to surge forward, sweeping through the desert and aiming to bury his enemies beneath the weight of the landscape.

Sahara reacted swiftly. "We can't let that happen!" she shouted, her hands moving quickly through a series of seals. "Fūton: Hōrin no Sora (Wind Release: Sky of the Phoenix)!" The winds roared around her, forming a barrier that deflected the oncoming earth wave, sending ripples through the sand but preventing the ground from swallowing them whole. "Now, Fūka!" Sahara called, her eyes alight with determination. Fūka nodded, summoning her chakra for a counterattack. With a swift motion, she executed Katon: Hōka no Jutsu (Fire Release: Eruption Technique) once again, launching a torrent of flames toward Hanzo, seeking to scorch him midair.

Hanzo twisted in the air, narrowly avoiding the flames. He landed smoothly on the desert floor, the heat of the fire licking at his heels. But the moment of respite was brief. The woman with the orange swirl mask's wooden tendrils surged toward them, aiming to ensnare both shinobi in their grasp. Sahara acted instinctively, her body moving fluidly as she prepared another jutsu. "Fūton: Senbon no Arashi (Wind Release: Storm of Needles)!" A barrage of razor-sharp wind blades erupted from her palms, slicing through the tendrils and allowing them to dissipate like smoke in the wind.

The battlefield crackled with energy as the two sides faced each other again. "They're tougher than I thought," The woman with the orange swirl mask remarked, her voice low and focused, adjusting her strategy on the fly. She and Hanzo exchanged a brief glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "Let's increase the pressure," Hanzo said, rage flaring within him. He charged forward again, summoning Doton: Chōdai Doryūheki (Earth Release: Great Earth Barrier), raising massive walls of stone from the desert floor to isolate Sahara and Fūka further. "Split up!" Sahara shouted to Fūka as the walls rose around them, creating a segmented arena. "We need to create distance!" The two of them darted away from each other, maneuvering through the barriers as Hanzo's walls crashed together, trying to cut them off. The woman with the orange swirl mask took the opportunity to press the attack, darting between the stone structures with Mokuton: Jūrin no Kawa (Wood Release: River of the Forest), sending wooden spikes racing toward Sahara, who was forced to pivot and deflect them with wind-based barriers. "Fūka!" Sahara called, seeing her ally on the opposite side of a stone wall. "We need to coordinate!"

Fūka, sensing the urgency, executed Fūton: Kyōka no Kaze (Wind Release: Strengthened Wind), amplifying the gusts around her. She then directed the wind toward the barriers, shattering the segments that confined them, allowing them both to regroup. As they united once more, The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo eyed them warily, knowing they needed to finish this quickly before their opponents gained the upper hand again. "Time to start taking things a little more serious," Hanzo muttered, his resolve steeling. He performed a series of rapid hand seals, channeling massive amounts of chakra into his jutsu. "Doton: Ryū no Jutsu (Earth Release: Dragon of the Earth)!" The ground beneath them rumbled ominously as a colossal dragon made of earth erupted from the ground, its mouth agape and ready to unleash a torrent of destruction. The dragon's form towered over the battlefield, casting a long shadow over Sahara and Fūka. "Now!" Hanzo commanded, and the dragon lunged forward, teeth bared and jaws ready to snap down on its prey.

In a moment of clarity, Fūka acted first. "Katon: Hōka no Shinjitsu (Fire Release: Truth of Flames)!" she shouted, channeling her chakra into a massive fireball that met the dragon head-on. The resulting explosion lit up the desert, a blinding flash that momentarily obscured their vision. Sahara's heart raced, dashing forward alongside Fūka as the dust began to settle. The dragon's remnants were still collapsing, but they could see the silhouette of Hanzo and The woman with the orange swirl mask through the haze. The woman with the orange swirl mask, her expression as calm as ever, summoned her next technique. "Mokuton: Shikigami no Jutsu (Wood Release: Paper Shikigami Technique)!" She unleashed a swarm of wooden constructs that whirled around her like a tempest, ready to defend her from the incoming assault. As the dust cleared, Sahara and Fūka launched their combined jutsu. "Together!" Sahara cried out, her hands moving with a fluid grace. "Fūton: Ryū no Naru Kaze (Wind Release: Dragon's Roar)!" A massive wave of wind spiraled forth, intertwining with Fūka's Katon: Kasai no Kaze (Fire Release: Flame of the Wind) to create a devastating combination that raced toward The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo.

The two opponents stood their ground, preparing to counter. Hanzo unleashed Doton: Shōmetsu no Jutsu (Earth Release: Destruction Technique), causing the ground to erupt in a series of spikes aimed directly at the incoming wave. The collision of their jutsu erupted in a cacophony of sound, sending shockwaves through the desert. The battlefield shuddered as the energy collided, creating a storm of fire, wind, and earth. Sand swirled violently in the aftermath, creating a vortex that obscured the view for several heartbeats. As the chaos began to settle, The woman with the orange swirl mask and Hanzo found themselves on the back foot. Both sides had taken heavy damage, In that moment, Hanzo and The woman with the orange swirl mask exchanged another knowing glance. They could feel the tide of battle shifting against them, but their job was done. The woman with the orange swirl mask summoned her strength, executing Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) again, her form flickering in and out of visibility as she began to phase out. Hanzo followed suit, utilizing his own mastery of the technique, leaving behind only the faint echoes of their presence. The desert returned to a tense silence, the air thick with the aftermath of their fierce clash. Sahara and Fūka, still standing, sharing a look as they panted. Hanzo that entire time hadn't used his summons, not even his poison, yet he had been their toughest fight. Rasa landed on a platform of Golden Dust looking at the surrounding Dunes that had been turning into nothing but craters and wood structures, A Suna ANBU appeared in a swirl of Sand "Kazekage-sama Gaara was taken."

Konoha - Council Chamber

The council chamber was heavy with tension as Minato, the Fourth Hokage, read and reread the message, his gaze steeling with each line. As he lowered the scroll, his eyes drifted to the Jōnin Commander, Shikaku Nara, one of his most trusted advisors. With a subtle nod, Minato signaled him to address those gathered. "This situation could escalate quickly," Shikaku began, his voice calm but laced with urgency. "Our intelligence reports indicate that Iwagakure is close to finalizing their military preparations. The abduction of a political figure as critical as the Kazekage's youngest son—especially a Jinchūriki—could destabilize the region significantly. I suggest we deploy Nightfall to aid Suna in their retrieval effort." Minato sighed, leaning back thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, Shisui, Kakashi, and Yugao have already been deployed to other assignments in preparation for the upcoming talks. Nightfall isn't an option." Dragon, the ANBU Commander, stepped forward, his expression unreadable behind his mask. "Epsilon is on standby, Hokage-sama."

Minato's attention turned to Dragon, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Summon their squad leader."

Dragon lifted his right sleeve, revealing the toned muscles marked with the modified ANBU tattoo, a mark of his rank. Channeling a minimal pulse of chakra into the seal, he sent a silent message. Once finished, he rolled his sleeve back down and nodded at Minato, who turned back to the council, waiting. A soft gust swept through the chamber as Kitsune materialized in the center of the room, his spiky black locs framing his intense gaze. The air around him seemed to shift with an unspoken authority. Minato took a moment to assess him, then met his eyes with a solemn determination. "Epsilon will be deployed on an S-rank mission to Sunagakure to assist in the retrieval of Gaara of the Sand, the Kazekage's son," Minato explained, his voice steady. "Current intel confirms the presence of two Akatsuki members, with potential reinforcements. We'll send backup as soon as a field team is available. You have the option to decline—" Kitsune's eyes gleamed with fierce resolve as he interrupted. "We accept. Any further information?"

Minato's eyes flickered, impressed by the immediate acceptance. He nodded, crossing his arms. "This mission will be known as Operation: SHADOWFALL." He glanced around the room, his gaze sharp. "Your squad will operate with strict stealth protocols. Gaara's retrieval is your top priority; failure to secure him will be considered a mission failure. Avoid open conflict unless absolutely necessary. If confronted, your orders are to neutralize the targets with speed and precision. Do not allow any sign of Epsilon's presence to reach Akatsuki intelligence." Kitsune's expression remained unreadable, though a glint of fierce focus sharpened his eyes. Minato continued, "The Kazekage will be handling external threats. Our contacts report that Kabuto Yakushi and an unknown entity have already infiltrated Sunagakure's inner defenses with Hanzo the Salamander and another unknown figure posed as a detraction. Kabuto is dangerous, highly adaptable, and possesses extensive knowledge of both fūinjutsu and medical ninjutsu. Hanzo is a force of nature himself."

Minato leaned forward, his gaze intensifying. "Gaara is the only extraction priority. You'll be equipped with fūinjutsu tags to immobilize and suppress chakra signatures, ensuring secure communication if needed under blackout conditions. Complete discretion is required. Report directly to Dragon upon your return. You'll be briefed on extraction points and contingency plans before deployment." A ripple of agreement passed through the room. Dragon and Kitsune exchanged a nod before the squad leader turned, his form dissolving into shadows as he vanished from the council chamber. As the silence settled, Minato's voice cut through, low and resolute. "Operation SHADOWFALL is now in motion. May you move in silence, as the shadows do."

Chapter Seventeen END