Yo!
I'm back with the next chapter of Seal of Fate.
With this update, the weekly updates on the story will end. From next week, which is in February, you'll get biweekly updates (Update every 2 weeks).
By a google coin flip, this story won the slot for updating next week. (Though I offered the folks reading Transcendent Flame, this toss can be changed if they spam 7 reviews/comments asking for that story to be published next week. ;))
What you will do is up to you (if you decide to compete, your target is 9 reviews/comments). FYI: if they manage to review, you'll get the next update on 8th Feb.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Enjoy the chapter.
The Seal of Fate
Chapter 9
Akatsuki's Failure
Next Day, Suna
The soft glow of dawn crept over the horizon as Naruto and Jiraiya approached Sunagakure. The towering sandstone walls of the hidden village rose high against the pale sky, the first rays of sunlight painting them in golden hues. Behind them, the vast desert stretched endlessly, its cool night air giving way to the dry heat of morning. The exhaustion that had weighed heavily on Naruto the night before had all but faded, his body fully healed and brimming with energy. His steps were steady, his gaze sharp, and the faint lavender glow of his eyes flickered softly, a testament to his unyielding determination.
Beside him, Jiraiya stood casually, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as the toad neared Suna. In his arms rested Gaara, unconscious but alive, his chakra steady. Jiraiya glanced at Naruto, his expression unreadable but thoughtful.
"You're holding up better than I expected," Jiraiya said, breaking the silence. His tone carried a mix of humor and pride. "After everything you pulled off, I thought I'd have to drag you here."
Naruto gave him a small grin, rolling his shoulders to test his body's resilience. "Told you I'd be fine. Just needed some time to shake it off."
"Shake it off?" Jiraiya let out a low chuckle. "You stopped the Akatsuki from taking Gaara for extraction, held them back long enough for me to catch up, and then had the nerve to keep fighting even when Itachi and Kisame showed up to cover their retreat. That's not shaking it off, kid. That's downright insane."
Naruto's expression hardened slightly, his gaze fixed on the approaching walls of Suna. "I didn't stop them," he muttered, frustration lacing his voice. "They still got away."
Jiraiya sighed but didn't press the issue. "You kept Gaara alive and stopped a disaster before it started. That's more than anyone could've asked."
Before Naruto could respond or brood further, the massive walls of Sunagakure loomed into view. The Village's proud symbol stood tall atop the sandstone fortifications, a beacon of resilience in the morning light.
As Naruto and Jiraiya approached the gates, the guards stationed atop the towering sandstone walls immediately took notice. The sharp rays of morning sunlight gleamed off their forehead protectors as they leaned forward, their eyes widening at the sight below. A ripple of urgency swept through their ranks as one of the guards shouted, "It's the Kazekage! Open the gates—now!"
The heavy creak of the massive doors echoed across the quiet desert as they swung open, a squad of shinobi rushing forward to meet them. Their faces reflected a mix of disbelief and relief as their eyes landed on Gaara, cradled carefully in Jiraiya's arms. His limp form, though unconscious, exuded a faint but steady chakra signature. Jiraiya dispelled the toad.
"Kazekage-sama!" one of the shinobi exclaimed, his voice trembling slightly. "He's alive?"
Jiraiya gave a curt nod, his expression grave but calm. "He's alive, but he needs immediate medical attention. Where's the nearest medic?"
Two shinobi stepped forward without hesitation, their arms extended as they prepared to take Gaara from Jiraiya. "We'll take him to the hospital right away!" one said urgently.
Naruto, who had been silent, tightened his grip on his staff as he watched them carefully lift Gaara's body. His lavender eyes flickered softly, tracking the faint pulse of Gaara's chakra to reassure himself. "Take care of him," Naruto said firmly, his voice steady despite the lingering tension in his posture. "Don't let anything happen to him."
The shinobi nodded sharply and took off toward the village's medical facility, their pace brisk. The remaining guards turned their attention to Naruto and Jiraiya, their expressions a mix of gratitude and astonishment.
One of the guards, a seasoned shinobi with a scar running across his cheek, stepped forward. "You've brought him back," he said, his tone laced with disbelief. "We… we didn't think anyone could reach him in time."
Jiraiya shifted slightly, resting a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "We weren't about to let the Akatsuki get their way," he said simply. His tone was casual, but the weight of their accomplishment hung heavily in the air.
Another voice cut through the sudden hush—a familiar, sharp tone filled with urgency. "What's going on? Why are the guards so riled up?"
Temari's figure appeared from the inner gates, her sand-colored tunic catching the light as she strode toward the commotion. Her blonde hair was pulled into four distinct ponytails, a few stray strands clinging to her cheeks, which bore the faint traces of worry and exhaustion. Behind her walked Baki, his stern expression unwavering. The moment Temari's gaze landed on Gaara being carried toward the hospital, her stride faltered.
"Gaara!" she called out, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and panic. She made to follow the medics but paused when she noticed Jiraiya and, more strikingly, Naruto beside him. Her eyes lingered on the bo-man, recognition and curiosity mingling in her sharp green stare.
The strain of the past day was evident in every line of Temari's posture—one brother lay gravely injured in the hospital from an incurable poison, and her other brother had been kidnapped right before her eyes. The weight of that helplessness had left her feeling lost, uncertain, and filled with self-doubt. Seeing Gaara returned—alive—triggered a tidal wave of relief so overwhelming she could barely speak.
"So the backup from Konoha was you two?" Temari asked quietly, her voice wavering. She rubbed at her eyes, as though unsure whether this was truly happening.
She seemed almost unable to tear her gaze away from Naruto, who was quite unlike the brash genin she remembered. Now taller and leanly muscled, he wore a dark, sleeveless cloak trimmed in orange over standard shinobi attire, and his blonde hair—longer than before—was pulled back loosely, framing a face marked by determined lines. Most notable of all were his lavender eyes, glowing faintly with a power she couldn't identify, and the staff he gripped tightly in his right hand. Flickers of energy pulsed along the staff's surface, dancing like faint wisps of lightning.
Baki's brow furrowed, his stern demeanor wavering as he studied the young shinobi. "Naruto… Uzumaki?" he asked, sounding almost disbelieving. "You've changed a great deal."
Naruto inclined his head, the faint luminescence in his eyes reflecting his composure. "I've trained a lot since the last time we met."
Temari's stance softened, relief and gratitude slowly overtaking the initial shock on her face. "We were hoping Konoha would send someone to help," she said, her voice trembling with pent-up emotion. "Thank you—for getting Gaara back in time… before…" Her voice caught, the thought of Shukaku's extraction nearly too much to bear.
She took a tentative step closer, her eyes glistening. Unable to hold back the rush of gratitude and relief any longer, Temari suddenly threw her arms around Naruto, hugging him tight. It was a desperate, almost frantic embrace—the kind that spoke of night spent awake, hands shaking with worry, and the silent fear of losing both of her brothers. Naruto froze for a moment, surprised, but then gently returned the hug, allowing her to press her forehead against his shoulder.
"Thank you," Temari whispered again, her tears seeping into the fabric of Naruto's cloak. "I didn't know what to do… first Kankuro… and then Gaara…" She swallowed hard, struggling with the overpowering mix of relief and guilt. "I felt so helpless."
Naruto's gaze softened with understanding. "He's safe," he said quietly, letting the staff's energy wind down. "We won't let the Akatsuki win."
Jiraiya cleared his throat softly, sensing the tension in Naruto's stance. "Easy, kid," he said, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You can relax now. Gaara's safe."
At Jiraiya's words, Naruto closed his eyes momentarily. When they opened again, the faint glow had vanished, his lavender irises returning to their usual ceruleans. The staff in his hand seemed to dissolve into thin air, leaving behind only a wispy shimmer. Naruto exhaled, the subtle tension easing from his posture. He offered Temari and Baki a small, reassuring smile as Temari finally released him, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
Baki nodded in silent agreement, his gaze still locked on Naruto and Jiraiya. "Sunagakure owes you both a great debt."
Jiraiya brushed off the praise with a casual wave of his hand. "Save the thanks for after your Kazekage is fully recovered. We'll stick around until we're sure he's out of danger."
Temari inclined her head, her cheeks flushed from her uncharacteristic display of emotion. "Right. Let's head to the hospital—it's best if the medics confirm Gaara's condition as soon as possible."
They made their way through Sunagakure's winding streets in tense silence, the usual bustle of merchants and civilians muted by the gravity of the situation. Temari led the way, her expression taut with worry though she still carried herself with a commanding air. The hospital building loomed at the center of the village—a squat, sturdy structure designed to withstand the brutal desert elements. In the entrance hall, several medics hurried forward, helping Jiraiya transfer Gaara into their care.
Naruto and Jiraiya stepped back while Temari remained close, trailing the medical team down the corridor until they vanished behind a set of doors marked "Emergency Ward." True to her fierce, protective nature, she hovered near the threshold, eyes locked on the barely visible flurry of medics around Gaara. Relief warred with lingering fear on her face; she kept her arms crossed tightly over her chest as if bracing herself for bad news.
Further down the corridor, Baki stood with a small group of Suna shinobi, his posture as rigid as ever. The moment Naruto and Jiraiya approached, he gestured to them, issuing a curt apology before relaying urgent information. "We've identified the one who supplied Sasori with information about the village defenses," he said, voice low and controlled. "But before we could interrogate them, they used a suicide pill hidden in their teeth." His expression hardened, betraying the anger simmering below the surface. "We thought we had them under watch—but they were desperate enough to die rather than speak."
The admission hung in the air, laced with tension. Naruto's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck with a grimace. None of them asked who the informant was—something in Baki's voice suggested the answer would only open fresh wounds and deeper questions. Instead, they exchanged solemn nods, understanding that with the lead gone, any pursuit of the Akatsuki's secrets had just become that much harder.
A commotion echoed down the hall as Chiyo and Ebizō arrived. Sunagakure's famed elder siblings looked worn and anxious—Chiyo's stride was brisk, her sharp eyes scanning each room number, while Ebizō kept close at her elbow. From the set of her eyes, it was clear Chiyo intended to see Gaara's condition for herself. But the guards outside his ward, already alerted to the Kazekage's vulnerable state, stepped in her path. "I'm sorry, but the medics are still working," one guard said firmly. "No one goes in without permission."
Chiyo bristled, her frustration barely contained. Yet she must have sensed the tension permeating the hospital—anxiety over the Kazekage's life, the shockwave of the betrayal, and the knowledge that Kankuro also lay elsewhere in recovery, afflicted with an incurable poison. She exhaled sharply, raising a hand to signal that she understood. "Fine," she muttered, turning on her heel to where Baki, Naruto, and Jiraiya stood.
Ebizō placed a calming hand on his sister's arm, guiding her closer. A tense silence swelled among them, each caught in their own swirl of thoughts. Temari finally emerged from the ward doors, closing them gently behind her. The brief glimpse of the medical room showed Gaara surrounded by medics and chakra seals. She looked to everyone assembled, relief softening her features for a moment as she gave a tentative nod—he will recover.
Baki pressed his lips into a thin line. "Let's give the medics space to do their work," he said, gesturing for them to move into a quieter side hallway. The group followed, weariness lining their faces.
Chiyo, still fuming from being barred at the hospital ward's entrance, wasted no time bridging the distance between herself, Jiraiya, and Naruto. Her gaze flicked over them, sharp and appraising, though there was no mistaking the recognition dawning in her eyes when she paused on the Toad Sannin. For a split second, her displeasure gave way to a kind of stunned respect—then suspicion quickly followed.
She jerked her chin in acknowledgment, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied the pair. "You're one of the Sannin. Jiraiya the Toad Sage," she said curtly, her voice carrying a note of cautious respect. Then her gaze shifted to Naruto, scrutinizing him with a sharp intensity. Her eyes flicked over his cerulean eyes, blonde hair, and the coiled tension radiating from his frame. "And you… Konoha sent you as their help?" Her tone was clipped, her curiosity barely masking a deeper skepticism.
Naruto's stance stiffened the moment she spoke, a flash of anger brightening his gaze at the brazen disregard for Gaara in this old woman's voice. He didn't trust himself to keep calm if he opened his mouth, so he clamped his lips shut and set his jaw instead, letting Jiraiya answer for both of them.
Chiyo's gaze sharpened further, her voice hard and direct as she cut through the silence. "Is it safe?" she asked, her tone laced with urgency. "The Shukaku… did they manage to extract it?"
Jiraiya stepped forward, smoothly intercepting the question before Naruto's mounting frustration could spill out. "No," he said firmly, his tone calm but authoritative. "The Akatsuki didn't get that far. We arrived before they could get to extraction."
Chiyo let out a sharp exhale, her shoulders briefly sagging in visible relief before her wary expression returned. Her eyes darted briefly toward the closed hospital doors, as though seeking confirmation of Gaara's condition. "You're certain?" she pressed, her tone softer but still edged with suspicion. "The Shukaku is intact?"
Jiraiya nodded. "I'm certain. Naruto and I stopped them before they could even start the extraction. Gaara's chakra and the Shukaku are completely intact."
Chiyo blew out a breath of palpable relief, her shoulders sagging briefly before mistrust settled on her features once again. She cast a wary glance toward the closed hospital doors, eyeing them as if half-expecting more Konoha shinobi to appear. For a moment, the tension in the hallway sharpened, and Baki exchanged a warning look with Ebizō, silently urging Chiyo to mind her words. But Chiyo didn't seem to care; her focus stayed fixed on the two outsiders.
"And how long," she said, managing a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes, "does Konoha plan to remain here?" The question, though pointed, was couched just enough to mask the sting of her implication. Temari, standing slightly behind, tensed at the tone, while Ebizō and Baki frowned in cautious disapproval.
Jiraiya's expression remained neutral. "Until Gaara is up and ready to resume his duties," he said. "Wouldn't want Sunagakure to appear weak without its Kazekage, now would we?"
A muscle in Chiyo's jaw twitched, the hidden barb about Suna's recent difficulties pricking old wounds. She opened her mouth as if to retort, then clamped it shut with audible frustration. Though she bore the weight of her village's struggles, there was no denying that confronting one of the legendary Sannin directly could lead to more problems than solutions. Pride warred with caution behind her narrowed eyes.
Naruto could sense the unspoken tension crackling between them. He shifted uncomfortably, still trying to swallow the anger bubbling inside him. But he kept his silence, remembering Jiraiya's quiet warning to stay calm. Beside him, Baki looked from Jiraiya to Chiyo, seeking to steer the conversation before it could ignite.
"In the meantime," Baki said, raising his voice slightly as though trying to diffuse the standoff, "the medics will do their best. Kazekage-sama is in good hands, and we appreciate any assistance Konoha can offer until he recovers."
Chiyo sniffed, folding her arms. "Fine," she muttered, conceding for the moment. She turned on her heel to glance again at the hospital doors, then back to Jiraiya. "I expect the Kazekage to survive," she said flatly, as though it were more a command than a statement of hope.
Jiraiya simply nodded. "He will," he replied, his own voice calm but resolute.
A weighted silence fell over them, each caught between the relief that Gaara was still alive and the burdensome knowledge that the Akatsuki remained a looming threat. The moment stretched before Chiyo finally yielded, shifting her gaze off them. Baki inclined his head politely in dismissal, echoing Jiraiya's resolve with a short "He'll pull through."
They all stood uncertainly for a moment longer—no one quite willing to break away, no one sure what came next—until Temari cleared her throat, reminding them of the immediate need to let the medics work. Slowly, they dispersed, thoughts already churning with plans for the next stage of this precarious alliance. With Gaara lying behind hospital doors and Kankuro still struggling against a poison no one could cure, Sunagakure walked a razor's edge. Whether or not they wanted Konoha's aid, they would have to accept it, at least for now—and Chiyo, biting down on her pride, said nothing more.
.
.
.
The sun hung low over Sunagakure as the hours drifted by, casting long shadows against the sandstone walls. True to Baki's word, Naruto and Jiraiya had been given modest but comfortable quarters near the hospital, with any expenses covered by the grateful village. Though the sense of urgency had eased since Gaara's condition had stabilized, neither Naruto nor Jiraiya found immediate peace. The Akatsuki threat weighed on their minds, and the lingering tension in Suna pressed in from all sides.
In the first hours, Jiraiya kept himself busy. He'd already dispatched a swift messenger hawk to Tsunade, detailing their rescue of Gaara and the precarious state of Suna. While waiting for a reply, he strolled through the village—or what parts he could safely visit—quietly observing Suna's strategic points. The arrangement of guard towers, the patterns of patrol routes, and the state of supply depots all passed under his sharp scrutiny.
For a hidden village battered by the desert's harshness, Sunagakure was no stranger to adversity, but recent betrayals and the sheer audacity of the Akatsuki's incursion had clearly shaken morale. Jiraiya weighed what improvements might be suggested: more secure watch rotations, possibly infusion of support from Konoha shinobi until Suna could rebuild its wounded guard force. It was a delicate matter—Suna prized its autonomy, and offering help demanded just the right balance of tact and practicality.
Meanwhile, Naruto found himself pacing within the courtyard near their lodgings, mind churning over how to strengthen Sunagakure's defenses. He knew he lacked Jiraiya's experience, but he was determined to contribute in any way he could—especially after the close call with Gaara. It felt personal. He'd faced down the Akatsuki to save a friend, not just to fulfill a diplomatic obligation. The possibility of them striking again twisted his gut with worry as he is sure they want to use the bijuu.
It was during one of these moments that Temari appeared, catching him by surprise as he toyed with a kunai by the courtyard gate. She approached in evident haste, though her features soon eased into a warm—and visibly relieved—smile. "Naruto," she said, stopping before him. "The doctors have given the latest update: Gaara is out of immediate danger. He'll make a full recovery… soon."
A rush of relief coursed through Naruto, and he felt tension melt from his shoulders. "That's great news," he said, stowing the kunai. A flash of memory—Gaara's limp form in Jiraiya's arms—rose in his mind, but now, at least, the fear of losing him had subsided.
Temari nodded, and for a moment, it looked as though she wanted to say more but struggled to find the words. Finally, she took a breath. "I also wanted to thank you properly for what you did… and I realized," she hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncharacteristic uncertainty, "I've been holed up in that hospital, or in war councils, or just… well, losing my mind with worry." Her lips twitched into a small, self-deprecating smile. "I need to step away from all that. Would you mind… walking with me? There's more to show you here than just hospital corridors and interrogation rooms."
Normally, Temari would exude unwavering confidence, but Naruto sensed a vulnerability in her tone. The weight of Kankuro's poisoning and Gaara's kidnapping had taken its toll, leaving her with a lingering sense of helplessness.
"Sure," Naruto said, returning her tentative smile. "Lead the way."
They walked through the winding pathways of the village, stopping occasionally for Temari to point out notable sites: training grounds where new recruits practiced, windmills harnessing the desert gusts, and the hidden underground canals channeling the precious resource of water. Bit by bit, Temari's posture relaxed. The quiet conversation soothed the ache of uncertainty that had pressed on her for days. Though she rarely expressed it openly, she felt a grounding calm in Naruto's presence—at least for now, one crisis had passed, and it was enough reason to breathe a little easier.
As evening fell, the two ended up at a secluded ledge offering a panoramic view of Suna's adobe rooftops. Bathed in the amber glow of the setting sun, Naruto recounted the events leading up to Gaara's rescue. Temari listened closely, shaking her head in mixed outrage and gratitude. Though the day had started in uncertainty, it was closing on a hopeful note—Gaara lived, and the Akatsuki had been thwarted.
Council Chambers, Suna
Meanwhile, in a different part of the village, the Suna council gathered. The chamber was lit by torchlight, its thick walls muffling the noise from outside. Council members exchanged anxious glances as Chiyo and Ebizō arrived, the older siblings still exuding an air of hurried tension. Chiyo wasted no time, briefing them on the swiftly shifting situation: the Kazekage was stabilizing, the traitor had taken their own life, and the Konoha shinobi who had rescued Gaara were still present in Suna. Ebizō added small details, mostly echoing Chiyo's points and emphasizing the crucial fact that Gaara would recover within a day—and with his return, at least one piece of normalcy would be restored.
Their words were met with a ripple of relief from the other council members, though there was also evident unease about outsiders remaining in the village during such a vulnerable time. Chiyo, eyeing them all, let her fingers tap against the side of her robes in restless irritation. Kankuro still lay healing in another ward, Gaara was yet to wake, and the matter of Suna's compromised security gnawed at her pride. But after seeing Jiraiya and Naruto—and aware that she could not chase them out without risking renewed conflict—Chiyo ground her teeth, accepting that Sunagakure needed a show of stability. For now, Konoha's presence might serve that end.
Night gradually claimed the sky, and the day passed into darkness. The village lights shimmered against sandstone walls, and guards quietly patrolled the fortress city. Within the hospital, Gaara rested under watchful eyes, and somewhere above, the desert stars glittered with serene indifference.
Next Day
Morning in Sunagakure broke clear and bright, the early rays splashing across the sandstone buildings. The relative calm that had settled overnight was punctured by a flurry of activity at the village gates. Shinobi stationed on watch sounded urgent calls as a company of familiar figures—Team Guy and Team Kakashi—came into view, dust pluming around them. They'd managed to cut down the three-day journey to just over two by running almost non-stop, allowing themselves only two hours of rest.
At the gate, the guards tensed momentarily, then relaxed upon recognizing the standard Konoha attire and, more notably, the presence of Hatake Kakashi—the famed copy ninja with his distinctive mask and hitai-ate slanted to cover his Sharingan. Letting out relieved sighs, they quickly opened the gates, ushering the new arrivals inside.
Once past the entrance, Baki himself took over, his stride purposeful as he greeted the tired teams. "Thank you for coming so quickly," he said, inclining his head in respect. "We've had our own developments since you left Konoha."
Kakashi nodded. "I'm told the Kazekage was taken by the Akatsuki?"
Baki eyed him grimly. "Yes. But the situation has been… partially resolved. Let's walk and talk."
As they made their way through the main thoroughfare, Baki provided a quick debriefing: Tsunade's messenger had arrived in Suna, but Naruto and Jiraiya had already embarked on a high-speed rescue mission. He explained how they managed to recover Gaara before the Akatsuki could complete Shukaku's extraction, and that he was now recovering in the hospital. Furthermore, he noted that Naruto and Jiraiya remained in the village, assisting as best they could to bolster security and support any medical needs.
Though weariness lined their features, the relief was palpable among the Konoha shinobi—Lee, Tenten, Neji, Sai, and Sakura—all heartened by the good news. Even Guy, known for his eternal optimism, had carried a grim look for much of the journey; it softened as Baki continued his briefing.
By the time they arrived at the hospital doors, Kakashi turned to Baki with a thoughtful gaze. "It's good to hear Kazekage-sama is safe and in capable hands," he said. "For now, we will focus on healing any remaining injuries. My team would benefit from rest too—especially if the situation has calmed as much as you say."
Baki dipped his head in agreement. "Certainly. The worst has passed for the moment, and we have more medical staff available."
They proceeded inside, where a small group of medics nodded in relief, recognizing the extra help from the Leaf. Surrounded by the hushed bustle of the hospital corridor, Team Guy and Team Kakashi exchanged exhausted smiles and prepared to hand over what medical supplies they carried. Their arrival, though hurried, already brought a renewed sense of security to the anxious atmosphere.
Kakashi's gaze swept the hallway. "My team will get some sleep once we've tended to any urgent cases. There's no telling what we'll face next."
"Understood," Baki said. "I'll guide you all to a place where you can rest once we've confirmed there are no emergencies needing immediate attention."
With that, the new arrivals moved in tandem toward the wards, ready to lend their strength to the village that so desperately needed it—and silently relieved that Gaara's rescued before they even crossed the border. For the moment, at least, Suna could breathe a little easier.
Midday
By midday, the Konoha teams had managed a few hours of rest, though it was the kind of uneasy sleep. With Gaara's recovery seemingly within reach, they rose and prepared to revisit the hospital, anxious for any news.
A subdued tension gripped the hospital corridors the moment they arrived. Whispers and tight-lipped expressions hinted that something significant had transpired. The newly arrived Leaf shinobi—Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, Guy, Tenten, Neji, and Lee—exchanged alert glances before proceeding deeper into the building. Temari and Baki were there, too, standing near a set of double doors, while Chiyo and Ebizō hovered a short distance away.
"They said Gaara woke up," Temari murmured the moment Naruto and Jiraiya appeared. Her usual composure was replaced by an undercurrent of anxiety. "He's been talking to the council—and he specifically asked for you two."
Naruto and Jiraiya had already gone in by the time the rest of the group arrived. In the tense minutes that followed, muffled voices drifted through the door, too indistinct to decipher but clearly urgent. Then, finally, the doors swung open.
Naruto and Jiraiya emerged from Gaara's room with an air of quiet intensity, their expressions grave and unreadable. The faint creak of the door swinging shut behind them seemed to echo in the tense silence of the hospital corridor. He glanced briefly at Temari, who stood nearby with her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her green eyes flickering with barely concealed worry. With a reassuring nod, he turned to Baki, who had been waiting patiently near the wall. Jiraiya followed suit, and the three began speaking in low whispers, their voices too hushed to carry.
The Konoha teams, gathered just a few steps away, watched the scene unfold with varying degrees of curiosity and unease. The lack of explanation only heightened the tension in the air, leaving them to speculate on what had transpired behind those closed doors.
Sakura's gaze lingered on Naruto as he spoke quietly with Baki. She couldn't help but notice how much he had changed in the past three years. Gone was the loud, impulsive boy she had known; in his place stood someone far more composed and deliberate, his presence commanding attention without effort. His cerulean eyes seemed deeper somehow—like they carried the weight of everything he'd endured and learned during his time away. 'He's grown so much…' she thought, a mix of pride and worry swirling in her chest. 'But what exactly happened in there? What did Gaara say to him?'
Kakashi observed Naruto quietly, his visible eye narrowing as recognition settled in. The way he carried himself—the sharp determination in his gaze, the calm confidence in his posture—reminded Kakashi of Minato-sensei. 'He's becoming just like him,' Kakashi thought, the resemblance startling not just in appearance but in spirit.
Guy crossed his arms over his chest, a broad smile breaking across his face despite the tension in the room. "Ah," he murmured quietly to himself, "the flames of youth burn brightly within him." Though Guy's usual exuberance was tempered by the seriousness of their mission, he couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Naruto's growth. It was clear that whatever training he had undergone during these past years had forged him into someone truly formidable.
Neji stood beside Guy with his arms folded neatly across his chest, his pale eyes focused intently on Naruto. He remembered their last encounter vividly—the brashness and raw determination that had carried Naruto through their battle during the Chunin Exams. But now… now there was something far more refined about him. 'He's honed himself,' Neji thought with quiet respect. 'He's no longer just relying on sheer willpower—he's become someone who can lead.'
Tenten glanced between Neji and Lee before returning her gaze to Naruto. "He's really changed," she murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible over the faint hum of activity in the hospital corridor.
Lee nodded fervently beside her, his fists clenched at his sides as he watched Naruto intently. "Naruto-kun has become even more youthful!" he declared softly but passionately. "I can feel it—the strength of his resolve!"
Sai stood slightly apart, his neutral expression masking the sharp observations he made. His dark eyes tracked Naruto, taking in the longer hair, the lean, powerful build, and the calm intensity in his posture. 'This isn't the brash, unpredictable loudmouth described in the reports,' Sai mused, noting the way the others spoke about Naruto. Their tones carried respect and camaraderie, their body language showing trust and loyalty. 'He's charismatic,' Sai thought, piecing together his analysis. 'He has the loyalty of everyone here.' Quietly, Sai filed these details away, planning to report to Danzo at the earliest opportunity. 'This kind of influence… it could become a problem for Root.'
As for Chiyo and Ebizō, who lingered near the periphery of the group, their sharp eyes darted between Jiraiya and Naruto with varying degrees of wariness and curiosity. Chiyo in particular seemed unsettled by how naturally these two outsiders moved within Suna's walls—as if they belonged there.
The whispers between Baki, Jiraiya, and Naruto continued for several moments before they finally moved down the hall together without sparing so much as a glance toward the Konoha teams. The sight left an odd sense of finality hanging in the air—a feeling that whatever was happening next was already being set into motion.
Sakura frowned slightly as she watched them disappear around a corner. 'What are they planning?' she wondered anxiously.
Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder briefly—a silent reassurance—and then turned back toward their group. "We'll know soon enough," he said calmly, though even he couldn't entirely mask his curiosity about what lay ahead.
And so they waited—each member reflecting silently on how much things had shifted since they'd last seen Naruto and how much more was still left unsaid.
Meanwhile
Akatsuki Base
Pain's Rinnegan glowed faintly in the dim light of the Akatsuki hideout, its spiraling patterns reflecting his unyielding authority. The chamber was steeped in tension, the oppressive silence broken only by the faint dripping of water echoing in the distance. Konan stood silently to his right, her amber eyes scanning the gathered figures.
Deidara and Sasori stood before him in person, their expressions subdued after their failed mission to secure Gaara. The holographic forms of Itachi and Kisame flickered into view, their chakra projections wavering slightly as they stabilized. Zetsu's dual-toned form emerged from the shadows, its black and white halves shifting fluidly as it stepped forward into the faint glow.
Pain's gaze swept over them, his spiraling Rinnegan narrowing as he addressed them. "You failed," he said bluntly, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge of anger. "The mission was simple: capture the One-Tail and bring him to the extraction point. Yet here you stand, empty-handed."
Deidara's usual smirk was absent, replaced by a scowl as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Tch, it wasn't exactly a walk in the park, yeah," he muttered defensively. "That brat—Naruto—he's not just some loudmouth kid anymore. He's a real pain in the ass."
Sasori's voice followed, cold and measured as always. "He disrupted everything," he said flatly. "His dojutsu allowed him to counter our strategies with precision. Even my strongest puppets were rendered ineffective against his clones and coordinated attacks."
Pain's gaze darkened further as his attention shifted to Zetsu. White Zetsu spoke first, its tone light and teasing. "Oh, it was quite the show! The brat was dodging explosions like they were nothing and tearing through Sasori's puppets like paper! Honestly, it was kind of fun to watch."
Black Zetsu's voice cut through White Zetsu's chatter like a blade, darker and more deliberate. "Fun is irrelevant," it said icily. "His abilities are far beyond what we anticipated. His chakra… it's unlike anything we've encountered before—ancient, refined, and resonating with something… otherworldly."
Pain's expression remained stoic, but Konan's eyes narrowed slightly at Black Zetsu's observation.
"What do you mean?" Pain asked.
Black Zetsu hesitated for a moment before continuing, its tone heavy with significance. "The seal on his left palm amplifies his chakra in ways that defy explanation," it said slowly.
That statement caught everyone's attention.
"The seal?" Itachi asked quietly, his Sharingan glimmering faintly in thought.
Black Zetsu inclined its head slightly in acknowledgment before continuing. "It resonates with something… familiar yet foreign," it said darkly. "And his dojutsu—it doesn't just see chakra; it shapes the battlefield itself."
Deidara scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest in frustration. "Tch, whatever it is, it makes him damn annoying to fight," he muttered bitterly.
Kisame chuckled darkly from his projection, hefting Samehada onto his shoulder as he spoke. "Sounds like the kid gave you both a run for your money," he said mockingly before turning serious. "But I'll admit… Jiraiya was no pushover either." His grin widened slightly as he added, "I wouldn't be surprised if that old man finally mastered Sage Mode."
Itachi remained silent for a moment longer before speaking again, his tone calm and analytical. "Naruto Uzumaki has grown significantly since our last encounter," he said quietly. "His dojutsu grants him unparalleled perception of chakra flows and movements, allowing him to counter attacks with precision." His crimson Sharingan glimmered faintly as he added thoughtfully: "He fights with discipline now—every move is deliberate."
Pain closed his eyes briefly as if processing their reports in silence before speaking again. When he opened them again, the spiraling patterns of his Rinnegan glowed brighter with suppressed anger.
"Your failure has cost us valuable time," Pain said coldly, addressing Deidara and Sasori directly. His voice carried an edge that made even Deidara flinch slightly despite himself.
Deidara bristled at the accusation but didn't dare interrupt.
Pain turned to Zetsu next, his gaze piercing through the dual-toned figure. "You mentioned a seal on his palm," Pain said sharply. "Yet none of you reported seeing such a thing during your encounters with him before now."
Black Zetsu inclined its head slightly in acknowledgment before responding darkly: "That's because no one saw it until now—it wasn't visible during previous battles." Its tone grew heavier as it added ominously: "But its presence changes everything."
Pain's expression stayed calm and unreadable as he absorbed the information. His mind wandered briefly to their last encounter with Naruto. Back then, the boy had been impulsive, headstrong, and inexperienced—strong, but far from refined.
'And now…' Pain thought grimly, recalling the reports from others about Naruto's recent actions. 'He's become a serious threat.'
Noticing Pain's momentary silence, Konan stepped forward beside him. Her voice was soft but steady as she asked, "What are your orders?"
Pain's Rinnegan glowed faintly, casting an eerie light across the chamber as he stood before the gathered Akatsuki. After a moment of silence, his voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Naruto Uzumaki has grown beyond what we anticipated," he began, his tone calm but carrying a weight that made even Deidara suppress his usual snark. "His abilities have surpassed our expectations. He is no longer the reckless child we once dismissed."
Pain's gaze turned to Zetsu as he spoke again, his tone heavy with purpose. "There are weapons—artifacts of great power—scattered across this world," he said slowly. "Tools capable of bending even the strongest to their knees." His voice grew colder as he continued, "You will find something—anything—that can counter Naruto Uzumaki's strength."
The room fell silent as Pain's words sank in.
White Zetsu tilted its head curiously, its tone light and teasing as it broke the silence. "Oh? A scavenger hunt? Sounds fun!"
Black Zetsu's darker voice followed immediately after, its tone sharp and calculating. "Artifacts of such power are rare… but not impossible to find," it said slowly. "If they still exist, they are likely hidden away—forgotten by all but a few."
Pain nodded slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Search every shadow, every ruin, every forgotten corner of this world," he commanded. "If there is something that can tip the scales in our favor—something that can neutralize him—you will find it."
Zetsu straightened slightly at the command, its dual voices falling silent for a moment before White Zetsu spoke again with a playful lilt. "We'll dig up whatever secrets this world has buried," it said cheerfully.
Pain stepped back into the shadows without another word, his cloak billowing behind him as he disappeared into the depths of the hideout. Konan followed silently at his side but cast one last glance over her shoulder at Zetsu.
Zetsu lingered for a moment longer before nodding solemnly to Pain's order. Without another word, its form began to sink into the ground, merging with the shadows as it disappeared from sight.
As it vanished completely, Black Zetsu's thoughts echoed darkly in its mind: 'This is my chance.'
And Cut!
That's it for this chapter folks.
AN:
I hope everything went well. Please don't complain about how Temari's ooc. She is stressed as hell, and Naruto appeared like a shinobi in shining armor as if to help her. ;)
What do you think Gaara said to Naruto and Jiraiya for them ignore Konoha team and talk to Baki urgently? It is a fun idea that was never explored in Canon and I feel since there is a chance here, I will explore it.
The next chapter will be about that and we also saw the aftermath of the failed mission with Akatsuki. What do you think that the manipulative menace that is Black Zetsu is planning?
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
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Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.