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Hiruzen's POV (Outskirts of the Village Hidden in the Sand)
His old bones didn't seem to enjoy traveling as they once had. They had been going strong for about 8 hours now. Taking breaks as needed, usually for a particularly untrained Genin. It would be a valuable learning experience for them luckily. Rasa and he had set a meeting point at the border of Sand and Stone. This would allow them to travel together, increasing their strength and intimidation. As well as, be prepared if the Stone decided to launch an attack. The men ran between a passage that was half desert, half dry cavernous zone. A sign they were on the border of the Sand and Stone.
Hiruzen signaled the men around him as they pulled in closer to the spot where the Sand should be waiting for them. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, and five Anbu stalked forward. As they did suddenly eight figures appeared from the desert covered by a cloud of sand that seemed to follow them. The sand parted, exposing eight figures standing in front of them. Rasa stood at the front seemingly impatient. To his left stood a tall man garbed in the standard Sand gear for Jounin. He wore a turban covering his head and half his face. Secured by his headband. He was Baki of the Wind Blade. Known for his intelligence and allegedly unblockable wind blade. To Rasa's right stood an imposing woman. Her brown pupil less eyes scanned the crowd. Her Green hair was tied into a bun with two orange bangs framing her face. She wore a sleeveless black top and tight gray pants. As well as gray sleeves on both arms. She was the user of the Scorch Release. Pakura. Known for her unique and lethal Kekkei Genkai. Five Sand Anbu stood behind the notables.
Both Kage and their guards stalked forward slowly. Looking to meet in the middle. The Anbu stay back watching each other incredibly closely. Rasa, Baki, and Pakura met with Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Jiraiya. The six powerful shinobi stared each other down as tension built. Hiruzen was glad they hadn't brought the Genin and Jounin. They tended to react poorly from the pressure of powerful shinobi.
"The great lady Pakura!" Jiraiya called excitedly. "You look even better than they describe. Truly a unique beauty!" Jiraiya had no time to flinch and Pakura did not have time to reply as Tsunade sent the pervert flying. Her face spoke of a long burning rage and disappointment. "Oh and for the record, I'm a super pervert!" Jiraiya called as he flew away from the group.
"Who is he talking to?" Pakura asked, stunned by the absurd situation..
"Just ignore it." Tsunade growled as she turned away from the man folding her arms underneath her bust making them bounce . She hated how well he knew her. Always grated on her nerves.
"It seems your brats are still ill-behaved Hiruzen." Rasa said annoyed with their antics.
Hiruzen felt a sweat drop roll down his face. "It's simply his way of easing the tension, Rasa. It's just not quite normal…." He explained as held in his fury. Promising to find the most demeaning mission for the Sage upon their return, Hiruzen continued The man could not resist embarrassing him it seemed.
"I suppose so. Either way, it seems you kept true to your word. Yet I must ask - I can see why strategically we would meet. But my gut says you likely had another reason in mind." Rasa replied.
"Sharp as always. Yes, I had another proposal in mind." Hiruzen said calmly.
"You always do, what is it this time?"
"I would like to propose a mutual defense pact for our villages. At least for the time being." Hiruzen explained. It would surely be a tough sell. But it would be mutually beneficial for the two villages.
"No. We do not need the extra firepower, nor want the attention such an action would receive." Rasa replied fiercely.
"Now, old friend, surely there is something we could offer." Hiruzen replied jovially.
"You wouldn't have said it unless you knew it to be true. You tire me with your games. Speak plainly." Hiruzen was silent for a second, threw off from the blunt intelligence of Rasa.
"We are aware of your troubles with one Gaara of the Desert. With some research, we discovered the issue is the Seal used." Jiraiya interrupted. "I would be capable of replacing the Seal without releasing the beast. I am one of the few talented fuijutsu users after all!" Hiruzen desperately wished his beloved student was less eccentric.
"When did you come back here?!" Tsunade roared angrily. Make that both of them being eccentric. All three if Orochimaru were considered as well. Perhaps he was a bad sensei?
"Tsunade." Hiruzen said. Tsunade looked at him before nodding. The two might be eccentric. But they had always been pros when it mattered.
"I will offer some of your shinobi training in medical jutsu. Not full-time but a couple tips from a pro like me would be a substantial gain for the Sand." Tsunade explained now in business mode.
"That's what I could offer Rasa." Hiruzen finished with a friendly smile. With both deal sweeteners offered and the deal being beneficial from the start. He knew he had him now he would just let him reach the conclusion.
Rasa quietly considered this. "You may be an annoying man Hiruzen. But never a poor businessman. Consider it done. I'm sure you won't mind if we wait for the paperwork until after the exams?"
"Well said Rasa." Hiruzen agreed happily. Whatever it took to stave off the endless wave of paperwork. With that, both men roared orders for the group to reform as one. With a scramble only shinobi were capable of doing, they merged into a large group. Hiruzen, Rasa, and their bodyguards stood at the front of the large formation.
"Leaf allies and my men. After a discussion between The Third Hokage and myself, we have decided to form a mutual defense pact. As such we will be traveling together. In this land unowned by shinobi, there is no way of knowing what dangers lie ahead. Especially for the Genin here today. So we stand together strong and vigilant. Ready to crush any of those who stand in our path." Rasa lectured as Leaf and Sand alike cheered happily.
"Do not forget why we take this risk." Hiruzen continued. "It is to show the world the quality of shinobi. To show our comrades the strength we have required. A chance to progress in your life as a shinobi. Yet it is also a chance to broker peace. Instead of bloody war, we will usher in peaceful competition. While we're doing so… let's win it as well." Hiruzen finished with a cocky smile contrasting his mature tone. To the roar of approval of the gathered shinobi.
Rasa merely sighed. It seemed even the leader of that village was crazy.
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Naruto had been rather reserved during this whole trip. It wasn't like he was off his game. Quite the opposite, seeming quite focused and determined. Even worse was the fact that the high-reaching peaks of the snowy mountain that surrounded the Land of Iron were stunning. Yet Blondie didn't even seem to notice. Mostly just walking with his eyes on the ground and full of conflict. Neji had filled her in for the reason of the mood change. Ino felt she could understand the seemingly unbreakable focus Naruto showed. But Ino would readily admit to wishing he was his normal self. Being around all these shinobi and traveling so far from home was eating at her nerves. Which ironically also kept her silent. Naruto was fearless and often made her feel more bold. It would really be nice to feel that in what was surely to be a difficult day.
Perhaps the awkward silence had led her to let her guard down. For she nearly screamed as a red-haired man appeared in front of the group. His red spiky hair and pale skin made him stand out against the dark and snowy mountains they approached. He wore a dark red coat as well as black pants. On his back was a massive gourd seemingly made of Sand somehow. His eyes were green and intense, surrounded by dark bags. He stood mere inches away from Naruto. The three were silent feeling the presence he carried but also being confused.
"Hello there, my name is Gaara of the Desert. I'm searching for unique individuals. And mother tells me you definitely fit the bill." He muttered his voice deep and soothing. "I wonder if you're worthy? Perhaps a test is in order."
Ino's eyes widened at the hint. If he had said that to anyone else Ino doubted it would've met anything. But he suddenly saying it to Naruto painted the picture. He knew he was a jinchuriki!
"There's no need to worry yet. I am one as well. I should warn you though, that I will likely kill you if given the chance. Unless of course, you end up being worthy of the gift given." The man said with a maniac smile.
"Worthy?" Naruto asked. Anger seeped into his voice. He had an intense look on his face. Ino tensed at the pressure pulsating from Naruto. Which seemed to be doubled by Gaara somehow.
"Yes some may see it as a burden, but I've discovered it to be the opposite. It is a gift we're too foolish to recognize. And I will ensure your fitting of it. Or I'll kill you myself." As he finished Neji dropped into a stance as well as Ino.
"Like we'd let you do that." Ino said angrily.
"Don't allow your pest to be involved. I have no patience for humans." Gaara said as two tendrils of Sand started to drift from his gourd. "Control them or I'll kill them." Naruto did not respond for a second. Before suddenly he raced forward landing a bone-crushing uppercut to Gaara. The sand shot out as he had raced forward but was too slow to stop him. Gaara flew up from the powerful blow falling to the ground a short distance away. Before he could touch the ground Sand flew from his gourd and created a pile for him to fall into. He hit it softly. Naruto stood still as he watched Gaara rise. As he did, two taller figures landed on both of his sides. One was garbed in an all-black bodysuit. His face was painted with purple lines. The other was a blonde female. Her hair was pulled into four ponytails. She wore a black battle blouse. Tied at her hip with red binding.
"Gaara, I know he deserves it, but we're allies, we can't afford this." Kankuro said nervously.
"He's right Gaara, he's not worth it." Temari added.
"You two be quiet. Ensure their teammates don't get involved." Gaara ordered with a smile. "He seems to want to do the test now!" As he said this various strands of sand flew towards the blonde.
Neji attempted to intersect this before he had to dodge various flying blades. He jumped back to see himself surrounded by them. The blades are all floating in the air. All them simple metal spikes dripping with something.
"Sorry, but my younger brother can't be stopped once he starts. And even if he's wrong can't let you beat on him. Though honestly, you should thank me. Someone as weak as you is certain to die. Those blades are covered in a poison that will paralyze you if it enters your bloodstream." Kankuro said with a smirk.
"You will regret standing in my way." Neji promised darkly. Without a further word, the numerous blades flew in from all sides. Neji quickly activated Kaiten but was shocked when the blades stopped short of it. Making the large dome of chakra a waste.
"I'm a puppeteer. You're gonna have to use your head to survive." Kankuro stated arrogantly as the blades started to fly in at different intervals.
"I see." Neji said. The floating blades flew in quickly. As if propelled by something. Neji used his absurd speed and precision to negate the attack. Striking the side of the blades to avoid cutting his hands as he slapped them away. The blades flying back from the perfect counters from Neji. The blades flew back before coming back in creating an endless attack.
"Ya, you're quick as hell. One of those Hyuga too, so you'd crush me up close." Kankuro stated. "Luckily you can barely keep yourself safe. I won't even need my puppets!
"You misunderstand." Neji stated while fending off the barrage of blades. "I see." As he said this the blades all fell to the ground. "Chakra strings, clever and allow for that overwhelming attack. If it wasn't for my teammate being someone who fights like that consistently, an attack like that would've worked." Finishing his words he rushed forward in a blink of an eye. Kankuro jumped back attempting to summon one of his puppets. But Neji merely was too quick closing the ground and preparing for a strike.
Kankuro could do nothing as Neji slammed his palm into the older man's nose. The power strike sent him flying back. Blood flying from the nose. Neji fell into his stance as he allowed him to get up. "I could've finished you there. But I prefer to give the weak ones a chance." Neji started with a smirk. Kankuro growled angrily as he prepared to go all out.
Ino flinched as she ducked under the heavy war fan of Temari. She had intended to stop the fight between the two jinchuriki before the fellow blonde charged. At first Ino had blocked the fan strike from the women. But it was solidly made, nearly breaking her arms on a block. She attempted to sweep her legs but Temari jumped into the air. Ino fired off a quick round of shuriken towards her. But as they got closed they flew away as if thrown.
"Long-range attacks won't work on m-" Temari started before being interrupted.
"Ninja Art: Instinct Suppression Jutsu!" Ino called as she pointed her finger at Temari. She had learned from the Jounin she killed not to waste time. Temari tensed to prepare herself but saw no attack. What had she done? She suddenly could only think one thing. DOWN. Temari flew toward the ground quickly Ino charging to meet her. Temari's mind snapped back into place as Ino landed a powerful flying knee to her body. As Temari flew back she swung her fan sending Ino flying back. Both women slid against the ground painfully before they both rose. Glaring at each other.
"A Yamanaka, your attacks are supposed to be easy to dodge and time consuming. Yet that was different. It suppressed my instinct to maintain my flight…" Temari reasoned as she prepared for round two.
"You know the trick but can you stop it?" Ino called as she prepped as well.
Gaara couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at the blonde. If his sense weren't wrong he housed the strongest of the Tailed Beast. If he was worthy he'd be fine for his purposes. His sand branched out around him into tendrils that snaked through the air slowly extending their reach. "Before I test you, what is your name?" He asked politely.
"Naruto Uzumaki." The blonde answered with a frown. "The guy who's gonna win this whole thing!"
Gaara almost laughed. It was time to begin testing. With a thought, the sand tendrils shot off incredibly quickly, three attempting to spear the blonde. Naruto jumped straight up into the air avoiding them. Wincing as they cracked the stone beneath. "You're making it easy!" Gaara called happily as the remaining tendrils flew through the sky toward Naruto.
Naruto merely frowned harder. "I'm not gonna let anyone stand in my way! Believe it! Uzumaki Style: Slash of the Riptide!" The blue chakra flew from the blade slicing through the tendrils with ease. It flew towards Gaara who was quickly buried in a large amount of Sand. The Chakra sliced into the sand grinding into it a bit before dissipating. The sand covering Gaara had a thin line cutting deeply into it. Naruto landed and observed the mound to see if Gaara was still ready to fight. The mound started to collapse. Revealing a Gaara laughing earnestly. His skin looked normal except for a line into where the attack had been launched. The cut didn't bleed oddly enough.
"I never imagined I'd run into someone like you. Such strength without the beast. Done with true ease. No doubt you are worthy." Gaara said menacingly. His skin seemingly chipped off around the cut and his entire body before becoming sand. "To bypass my defense with both speed and power you must be more than worthy! I think I'll be taking you Uzumaki!" As the redhead screamed this he and his siblings were suddenly covered in a gold powder. It surrounds them before lifting them into the air. Muffling the various complaints of the three young adults.
"I thought I told you son, to behave," Rasa stated angrily, appearing in the middle of the combating Genin. At first Team Seven merely stared confused. Before they all flinched, realizing they didn't feel him approaching, the Kazekage himself had arrived.
"It matters li-" Gaara managed to burst his head through the gold. Gaara did not get to finish as his mound was slammed into the ground harshly. The redhead being smashed head first seemed dazed as the gold covered him.
"Forgive my son, he is… unusual and unwell." Rasa stated bluntly before stalking off with the Sand Genin.
"Oh no ne! My Genin are problem children!" Kakashi yelled as he appeared in front of Team Seven. "Try to stay out of trouble for a bit aye?"
Neji and Ino nodded. But Naruto merely stomped off towards the back of the group. Kakashi would need to talk to him soon, he supposed. He guessed he was still conflicted about the whole thing.