In the dense cover of the forest, two figures sat in silence under the pale moonlight. Kisame Hoshigaki, his shark-like features glistening under the dim glow, rested his massive sword named Samehada against a tree. Across from him, Orochimaru lounged against a moss-covered boulder, his eyes gleaming with sinister amusement. Between them, an ethereal projection of the Akatsuki gathered, flickering like ghostly apparitions in the night.

Pain stood at the center of the illusory circle, his Rinnegan eyes surveying each member with cold precision.

"Kakuzu. Hidan." His voice carried an authority that brooked no challenge. "You have done well in capturing the Two-Tails. Its extraction is complete. We now have three of the Tailed Beasts under our control."

A low chuckle escaped Kakuzu's lips, his stitched visage curling into a smirk. "Tch. The bounty on the Two-Tails barely covered our expenses. I hope the next target puts up more of a fight," he grumbled, crossing his arms.

Hidan snorted. "Tch, you and your money. Lord Jashin doesn't care for your greed, only blood. And she screamed beautifully before she passed out. Didn't even get to finish my ritual properly." He sneered, licking his lips in amusement.

Pain ignored the banter, turning his piercing gaze to Orochimaru and Kisame. "And the Nine-Tails?"

Orochimaru's smile widened. "Consider it... acquired," he purred, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "It's in our custody, and the host will be prepared soon. Though I must say, keeping him alive for the extraction is proving to be quite the challenge." His eyes gleamed with amusement as he flicked his tongue.

Kisame chuckled, his sharp teeth flashing in the dim light. "He's a tough one, that brat. Almost makes me feel bad for what's coming. Almost." He ran a hand along Samehada's rough scales, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "But hey, we'll get it done."

Konan, her calm voice cutting through the discussion, nodded. "Good. We've prepared a secure hideout for the extraction. You'll meet Deidara and Sasori there. They'll assist in the process."

Deidara's projection flickered slightly, his eyes narrowing in displeasure. "Hm. I don't see why I have to babysit some brat while his chakra is drained away. Art is an explosion, not... slow torture," he huffed, arms crossed.

Sasori, seated motionless beside him, responded in his cold, mechanical voice. "Quit whining. Art can be everlasting, and patience is key."

Tobi suddenly clapped his hands together. "Extraction takes toooo long," he whined, shifting his head dramatically. "Can't we just speed it up a little? This whole process is such a drag, yeah?"

Deidara sighed in exasperation. "Shut up, Tobi! You're just here to watch. Stay out of it!"

Pain's gaze hardened. "Enough." His voice was final, silencing the argument instantly. "We must move carefully. The Nine-Tails' extraction will take time, and any mistakes will cost us dearly. Orochimaru, Kisame—proceed to the designated hideout immediately. Deidara, Sasori—be prepared."

Orochimaru nodded, his smile never faltering. "Understood. I do hope our preparations are up to standard. It would be a shame to waste such a... delicate specimen."

Kisame stretched, yawning lazily. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get it over with before he wakes up again."

Konan's form seemed to shift slightly, her expression softening. "May the Divine Matron watch over this mission," she said solemnly.

Pain lowered his head slightly in agreement. "And may her grace guide us," he murmured, and the others followed in unison, their voices a collective whisper in the wind.

With that, Pain waved his hand, and one by one, their projections faded into the night, leaving Orochimaru and Kisame alone in the quiet forest.

Kisame stood, slinging Samehada over his shoulder with a grin. "Well, you heard the boss. Time to get moving. Think the brat's awake yet?"

Orochimaru chuckled, his voice laced with intrigue. "Perhaps. But it doesn't matter. Soon enough... he won't be anything more than an empty vessel."

He stood with a graceful stretch, the dim light of the forest casting shadows across his face. His eyes gleamed with a familiar mixture of amusement and calculation as he glanced toward Kisame. "Well then," he said smoothly, brushing imaginary dust from his robes, "we'd better get moving. Time is a luxury we can't afford."

Kisame grunted, rolling his shoulders as he hefted Samehada onto his back. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, already walking beside Orochimaru. "If your little mole in Konoha is right, they already know about the jinchuriki's disappearance." He cracked his neck, his grin splitting his face. "That means a rescue squad's probably already sniffing around."

Orochimaru's lips curled in distaste. "Hmph. I suppose it won't be long before they send their golden boy, Uchiha Sasuke, after him. Or perhaps little Miss Wood Style herself?" He let out a low chuckle. "I'm not really in the mood for reunions today."

Kisame snorted, adjusting his sword. "Doesn't matter. Another beast to extract, another step closer to the Messiah's return." His voice held a casual certainty, as if they were discussing something as mundane as the weather.

Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly, and he cast a sidelong glance at Kisame. "Tell me, Kisame," he mused, his voice taking on an edge of curiosity, "do you ever wonder what happens after she returns?"

Kisame didn't miss a beat, walking steadily. "Doesn't matter," he replied with a shrug. "Not my job to worry about that. My job is to help bring her back. What comes after… that's her will to decide."

Orochimaru sneered, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Blind faith," he mused. "And here I thought you were more pragmatic than that."

Kisame's grin widened. "Pragmatism and faith aren't mutually exclusive, Orochimaru. I serve her because she's given me purpose. That's more than most people can say about their lives."

Orochimaru hummed thoughtfully, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Purpose… How quaint." He glanced skyward, his eyes lost in thought. "But don't you ever feel the need to question? To ask how she came to be the Messiah in the first place? Nothing wrong with knowing more about the deity you worship, is there?"

Kisame slowed his stride slightly, considering the question before answering. "We already know enough," he said, his voice steady. "She was ordained by a higher power. Her deeds prove it. Over generations, her disciples have stayed true to her will. We're closer than ever to fulfilling our purpose."

His fingers idly tapped against Samehada's hilt as he continued. "People follow the Akatsuki for different reasons, Orochimaru. Power, wealth, hope… whatever. Me? I follow her because I believe. I have faith that she knows what's best." His grin turned wry. "Faith that she'll warm this world with her light. That's enough for a man like me."

Orochimaru eyed him closely, his tongue flicking out briefly as if tasting the weight of Kisame's words. "Generations of faith… yet still no Messiah," he murmured, almost to himself. Then, louder, "And what of me? Why do you think I serve her, Kisame?"

Kisame cast him an amused glance. "That's what I've been wondering," he said casually. "So? Why do you serve her, Orochimaru?"

There was a long pause. Orochimaru's eyes darkened, his usual smirk fading into something more contemplative. "I seek the unattainable," he finally said, his voice soft, almost reverent. "That which lies beyond human comprehension."

Kisame chuckled, shaking his head. "Why'd I even ask? I should've known you'd give some cryptic nonsense." He smirked. "I guess it's good to have dreams, huh?"

Orochimaru's smirk returned, more pronounced this time. "Dreams, Kisame... they're what separate us from the beasts."

Kisame huffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Whatever you say, Snake-man. Let's just get this over with. That little fight with the Jinchuriki at the tea house ruined my lunch, and I'm starving."

Orochimaru chuckled softly, his gaze ahead as they continued their journey into the unknown. "Patience, my friend," he purred. "Soon enough, we'll all feast… in one way or another."

The two figures walked in silence after that, the weight of their purpose settling over them like a shroud. The road stretched ahead, uncertain yet inevitable, leading them ever closer to the moment they had all been waiting for—the return of their Messiah.

And what came after?

Well, that was a question only the future could answer.

Hinata sighed in relief as she finally parted ways with Kiba and Shino after their short mission. The two had been arguing about who would pay for dinner, and she had no interest in sticking around to see the outcome. Adjusting the strap of her bag, she hurried through the bustling streets of Konoha toward the bakery where Sakura had asked to meet.

As she approached, her steps faltered when she spotted Sakura chatting animatedly outside the bakery... and standing next to her was Ino.

Hinata swallowed hard. Of all the people.

Ino didn't like her—Hinata knew that much. The Hyuuga could feel it in the way Ino's eyes briefly flicked in her direction, the blonde's gaze shifting from neutral to something unmistakably resembling resentment. It was subtle, but it was there. Hinata gulped, already dreading whatever awkwardness awaited her.

Sakura waved excitedly, calling out, "Hinata! Over here!"

With no way to avoid it, Hinata walked over, offering a polite smile. "Good afternoon, Sakura. Ino."

Ino didn't respond immediately. Her lips twitched into a thin line.

Sakura noticed and, without hesitation, stomped on Ino's foot.

"Ow!" Ino yelped, shooting a glare at Sakura before forcing a too-sweet smile. "Oh, h-hey, Hinata! Fancy seeing you here."

Sakura beamed. "How cute! We're off to a great start!"

She grabbed both girls by the wrist and dragged them forward without a second thought. "Now, let's get moving before the market closes!"

Hinata let herself be pulled along, her stomach already churning with nervousness. Ino, on the other hand, rolled her eyes dramatically. "You know, forehead, I could've come here by myself. I didn't need an entourage."

"Youdraggedmeinto your recent baking obsession, and if I have to suffer, you both do!" Sakura snapped before turning to Hinata, grinning. "Besides, Hinata's a great baker. Who better to help you?"

Ino crossed her arms stubbornly. "I'm doing just fine on my own, thank you very much."

"Didn't you almost set your oven on fire last time?"

"...That was alearning experience," Ino muttered under her breath, pouting.

Hinata tried to hide a small smile. Despite the tension, the banter between Sakura and Ino was amusing. She wasn't sure if being here was the best idea, but she supposed it was better than being at home overthinking things.

At the market stalls, Sakura eagerly browsed the ingredients while Ino hovered beside her with a vaguely lost expression.

"So," Sakura said, placing a hand on her hip, "what kind of cupcakes are we making today, Ino?"

Ino blinked. "Uh... I don't know. I figured I'd decide once we got here."

Sakura groaned, facepalming. "Unbelievable. You dragged me here without a plan?"

"It's about inspiration, forehead!" Ino huffed. "Genius can't be rushed!"

"Right," Sakura deadpanned, then turned to Hinata. "Hinata, what do you think? Any suggestions for a beginner?"

Hinata blinked, caught off guard. "U-uh, well… cupcakes are usually a good starting point. They're simple and easy to customize."

Sakura's face lit up. "See? What did I tell you, Ino? Great minds think alike!"

Ino sniffed haughtily. "Well, now I want to make cookies."

Sakura groaned loudly. "Ino…"

Hinata sighed inwardly, feeling the energy drain from her at the sudden change in plans. She reached out to grab her favorite brand of sugar—

When it happened.

Her fingers froze mid-air.

A wave of dizziness slammed into her, and her vision shifted.

A pale-skinned, snakelike man. A senbon dripping with dark liquid in his hand.

A monstrous, shark-like figure looming over her... No, not her. Him.

Naruto?

Hinata's heart clenched as the visions continued to assault her.

Dark figures cloaked in red clouds. A searing pain ripped through the body she inhabited—Naruto's body. He was surrounded. Trapped.

Hinata gasped sharply, snapping back to reality, her eyes wide with horror. "N-Naruto!"

Sakura was instantly at her side, grabbing her shoulders. "Hinata?! What's wrong?"

Ino stared, alarmed. "Is she having some kind of allergic reaction? She looks like she's seen a ghost again!"

Hinata clutched Sakura's hand tightly, panic evident in her voice. "Naruto—he's in danger! We have to—"

"Whoa, slow down!" Ino said, waving her hands. "What are you talking about? What danger?"

Before Hinata could say another word, a figure flickered into view beside them.

Sai.

Sakura straightened. "Sai?"

Sai's expression was as serious as ever. "Lady Tsunade has requested your presence immediately."

Hinata's heart pounded harder. This couldn't be a coincidence.

Sakura exchanged a tense glance with Ino before nodding. "We're coming."

Hinata stood shakily to her feet, her mind racing with the lingering echoes of the vision. Whatever it was, Naruto was in trouble, and she wouldn't sit back and do nothing.

She had to help him.

The Kazekage's office was silent, save for the soft rustle of parchment as Rasa adjusted the scrolls on his desk. His eyes scanned the trio standing before him—Baki, Temari, and Kankuro—each of them standing at rigid attention, their expressions expectant yet tense. The weight of his words would determine their next course of action, and Rasa did not intend to waste time.

"Konoha has requested our cooperation," Rasa said at last, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "It concerns an important mission within the borders of the Land of Wind. Our non-aggression pact obliges us to comply."

Temari's brows furrowed slightly. "What kind of mission, Father?"

Rasa leaned forward, his hands folding on his desk. "Uzumaki Naruto, Konoha's Jinchuriki, has been captured by an organization known as the Akatsuki."

A tense silence followed. Kankuro's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "The Akatsuki... They're the ones who took Gaara." His voice was low, laced with bitter resentment.

Rasa nodded solemnly. "Yes. Four years ago, they succeeded in kidnapping and killing him. Since then, they have been moving carefully, hiding in the shadows. However, their activities have grown more aggressive recently. In just a short span of time, the Two-Tails and Nine-Tails Jinchuriki have both gone missing."

Temari exhaled slowly, her eyes narrowing in thought. "They're accelerating their plans."

"Precisely," Rasa said. "Konoha has launched a rescue operation to recover their Jinchuriki before the Akatsuki extract the tailed beast from him. They have requested our assistance in securing the Land of Wind's borders and aiding in the retrieval effort."

Baki, ever the disciplined tactician, stepped forward. "And what role does Suna play in this?"

Rasa's eyes darkened. "You will link up with Konoha's retrieval team and assist them in locating and securing Naruto. However, there is another critical objective." He paused, his gaze shifting between Temari and Kankuro.

"My sources have confirmed that Sasori is among the Akatsuki operatives present in this region."

A heavy tension descended over the room at the name. Temari and Kankuro stiffened, their expressions clouding with emotion. The memory of that fateful encounter burned vividly in their minds—the ambush, Gaara's abduction, their helplessness in the face of the puppet master's overwhelming skill.

"Sasori..." Kankuro murmured, his voice dripping with anger. "So he's finally shown his face again."

Rasa nodded. "He is an S-rank rogue ninja and a traitor to our village. His capture—or elimination, is of utmost importance."

Temari's lips pressed into a thin line. "You want us to apprehend him."

"Yes," Rasa confirmed, his tone firm. "I want you to succeed where we once failed. Do not let him escape this time."

Baki bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Understood, Kazekage-sama. We will see to it that the mission is carried out."

Rasa gave them a final nod of approval. "Dismissed."

Temari and Kankuro turned on their heels, their steps heavy with resolve as they exited the office with Baki following closely behind. As soon as they were out in the corridor, Kankuro exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sasori…" he muttered. "That bastard humiliated us last time."

Temari glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "We were younger then. We weren't ready."

Kankuro scoffed. "I don't care if we weren't ready. We couldn't do anything. We just... stood there and watched them take Gaara away." His voice was thick with guilt. "This time's different."

Temari placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Damn right it is." She glanced down the hallway, her gaze fierce with determination. "We're stronger now. We'll find Sasori, and when we do, we'll make him pay for what he did to Gaara."

Kankuro met her eyes, a small smirk forming despite the anger simmering beneath. "Let's make sure we don't screw this up."

Temari's smirk matched his. "We won't."

Their pace quickened, their minds set on the task ahead. This mission wasn't just about helping Konoha. It was about redemption. About avenging their brother. And this time, they wouldn't fail.

Inside the Akatsuki hideout, the eerie silhouette of the massive Gedo Statue stood out against the brown, rocky cavern walls. Naruto's unconscious body floated lifelessly in front of it, his orange chakra leaking out slowly, like an ember being extinguished. The extraction process had stretched on for nearly two days, yet the monstrous beast within him resisted fiercely.

Hidan shifted impatiently, clicking his scythe against the ground with an irritated scowl. "How long is this gonna take?! I swear to Jashin, if I have to stand here for another damn hour, I'm sacrificing someone!"

Konan, ever composed, shot him a glare. "The seal restraining the Nine-Tails is intricate. It's hampering our progress, but we must proceed carefully." She gazed at Naruto's suspended form, watching the chakra flow in slow, agonizing streams.

"If we push too hard, it could backfire and jeopardize the extraction."

Deidara groaned in frustration, balancing on one leg. "Typical Konoha, always making things difficult."

"Yeah!" Tobi agreed, his tone as jovial as ever. "It's almost like—follow me on this, senpai— theydon'twant us to steal their most valuable asset!"

Deidara's eye twitched. "Tobi! when I get my—"

"Persist," Pain's calm but commanding voice echoed through the chamber, silencing both members before they could escalate. "We cannot afford any mistakes."

As the group resumed their work, Orochimaru's keen eyes flickered toward the Gedo Statue, narrowing slightly. The uppermost eye of the statue—one that should have remained dormant—glowed with a faint blue light. Orochimaru tilted his head, his fingers twitching in thought. He muttered to himself, "How... interesting. This shouldn't be happening..."

His lips curled into a sinister grin, but the moment was short-lived. His keen senses tingled with awareness, and his expression turned serious. "We have company," he announced, his voice cutting through the room's tension.

Kisame's sharp gaze shifted toward him. "Who?"

"The Leaf," Orochimaru responded, his tongue flicking out briefly. "They're approaching. A kilometer away... perhaps less. They're approaching from two directions."

"They want to surround us," Kisame clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Damn it, how'd they figure out the location?"

Konan frowned. "This is sooner than anticipated. Pain?"

Pain narrowed his eyes. "Stop the extraction." He glanced at Naruto's floating form. "Our top priority is securing him. We can't let the enemy reclaim him."

Sasori nodded. "Understood." With a flick of his fingers, his chakra strings pulled Naruto's body down gently. "We'll evacuate the Jinchuriki while you two handle the intruders."

Kisame cracked his knuckles, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Oh, I don't mind a little exercise. Orochimaru, take the first group. I'll handle the ones at the stream."

Orochimaru smiled slyly, already moving toward the exit. "Consider it done."

Deidara dusted off his clay pouch. "I'll secure the transport. Sasori, cover me while I prepare our ride, hm."

—-

Outside the cavern, Team 8 and their allies moved swiftly through the desolate landscape of the Land of Wind. The evening was eerily quiet, save for the soft crunch of sand under their feet. Kurenai took point, her crimson eyes scanning the darkness ahead.

"We're almost there," she murmured. "If our intelligence is accurate, the hideout should be just up ahead."

Baki, running alongside her, nodded. "Stay alert. This is Akatsuki we're dealing with."

Hinata, moving in sync with Kiba and Shino, felt her heart pounding in her chest. Her fingers tightened around the staff strapped across her back.Naruto... please hang in there.

Suddenly, the stream they were crossing rippled violently.

A massive pillar of water shot into the air, blocking their path. The water churned before solidifying into the hulking figure of Kisame Hoshigaki, his grin wide and full of teeth. He hefted Samehada over his shoulder, the massive sword wrapped in its tight bandages.

"Well, well... what do we have here?" Kisame's voice dripped with amusement. "The Leaf and the Sand, working together? Man, I was hoping for a little fun tonight."

Kurenai skidded to a stop, eyes widening. "Damn it... Kisame Hoshigaki!"

Baki stepped forward, his hands forming a Wind Style blade. "Stand down. We won't let you take Naruto."

Kisame snorted. "You Leaf shinobi really have a habit of being persistent." He patted his sword, his grin widening. "But, unfortunately for you... I appreciate a determined opponent."

Kiba bared his teeth, Akamaru growling beside him. "Bring it on, shark-face!"

Shino remained silent, his insects already dispersing in preparation.

Hinata took a deep breath as she tightened her grip on her staff and assumed a battle-ready stance. She recognized this man—she had seen him in the vision. He was one of the two who had taken Naruto. Her hands trembled slightly, but she steeled herself, ready to carry out her mission.

Kurenai stepped forward, her gaze hard. "We don't have time for this. Team, be careful. He's no ordinary enemy."

Kisame swung his sword lazily. "Enough talk. Let's get started."