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"But Kurobachi did not, the man died as he lived, a gruesome monster."
Sakura's POV (Eastern Forest of Irminsul - Terra)
"I'm sorry that happened too roughly." Shino apologized to the others once it was over. "I needed to be certain he would stay down… We need to get our wounds treated and prepare to search for the day-"
"No way!" Sakura objected fiercely. "I am injured and barely at half my reserves. You are also, and the gates are famed for their impact on the human body! We will rest for the day and continue tomorrow! We may very well need us at our best."
Hinata glanced around before hesitantly nodding and agreeing with Sakura. "I do not like it either, but after this fight we are not at full strength."
"Actually, my new Ninshu helps with such; I will merely be in crippling pain for the next twelve hours!" Lee assured with a nice guy pose. Sakura merely rolled her eyes before walking over and poking Lee. The man cried out in pain and collapsed.
"See my point?" Sakura asked Shino with a raised brow. "The one person on your side can barely stand."
Shino sighed in frustration. He did not like being unable to find Choji or Yuno, but his father had taught him to keep his head even in peril. "I suppose so…" As he finished speaking, the ants flowed from the cave, quickly checking out Kurobachi's corpse and dragging it into the cave. Others grabbed dead ants, and a couple of seemingly more important clan members came to them. Shino and others walked to meet them. At the very least another threat had been dealt with…
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Ren Kamizuru's POV (Outskirts of the Land of Wind)
Dignitary work wasn't new to Ren. In his long career, he had often been used as such; he was a unique case. A veteran shinobi who had leveraged his influence to become a lead politician of the Stone. With the merits of both he had quickly climbed the ladder of the Stone. But all the same, Ren was not pleased to be used this way. It was risky and demeaning work, and, not to mention, his travel was less than stellar in his growing age. His gray and brown hair was matted with sweat, and while the two Anbu with him were fresh, they had to go at his speed. All the same, the trio had managed to arrive outside of the Land of Wind in a mere twelve hours. Ren only suffered this mission to ensure his credibility did not take a hit. Besides, he wanted to ensure Onoki made the right choice…
The group was now taking a break and resting, Ren, in particular, going over his plan in his head. He supposed that Onoki, the old fool, had been correct, if not heartless to send him. They needed to position themselves as strong even while asking for help. As the former leader of a failing Clan, Ren had experience with that very task. Combine that with his considerable power, and he had been an ideal candidate. One that even if he did die would not cost them greatly.
Their plan had been decided by him, of course. It never was truly as simple to meet with a Kage. The Anbu, while certainly wise and knowledgeable, indeed weren't more so than him and knew to listen to his word. Ren doubted their ability to infiltrate and meet with Rasa that way. So, it became clear the move would be an upfront approach. Ren planned to arrive in the desert near Suna and signal to get the attention of a scouting group of the Sand. Then Ren would use his silver tongue to convince them to give them an audience. Though likely, they wouldn't dare ignore a message from a rival. It was full proof!
The Anbu signaled for them to continue much to Ren's charigan, but he continued on. He wanted to get this over with and return home with more glory for his name. The idea of finally crushing the Leaf amused Ren to no end. He could scarcely think for the excitement! They marched through the desert in the middle of a blasted sandstorm. The wind harshly whipped the sand into their skin, and it seemed to actively crawl into Ren's clothes. He swore he would ensure the destruction of Suna in the future if for nothing else than the blasted land they called home.
Finally, the group drew close to Suna, but as they did, the storm seemed to intensify. Soon, the group could barely walk as they marched through it all. Their vision of the distance in front of them disappeared, as sand was all they could see. But soon, three shapes stood out from the sand. They seemed human and were watching them from deep within the storm.
Ren attempted to call out but would not risk opening his mouth. But soon, his wish was acknowledged as the figure in the center of the three waved his hand. In an instant, the storm stopped. Sand froze in place before splitting up into two groups on either side of the three Stone men. Soon, they formed two massive dunes of sand on their right and left, somehow ending the storm.
The three were from the Sand and seemed to be three Chunin. They were floating upon a platform of sand, and they were unmistakable to Ren, someone who had been in this game so long.
"Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro of the Sand. The famed Sand Trio and supposed future aces of your homeland. I have heard many tales of you three…" Ren started. "I am honored to stand before you…"
The two older siblings did not speak; they watched as Gaara focused on Ren.
"Two Anbu and Jounin from the Land of Stone," Gaara said with a small smile. "Quite the party to find creeping around our borders."
"We are here on important business," Ren answered honestly. "We seek an audience with the Kazekage, if not him, at least the Jounin Commander Baki of the Sand. Both of which you happen to have a connection to Gaara…"
"Why do you seek the counsel of the Sand?" Temari chimed in. "We've never been all that close to our neighbors."
"You won't like how things go if we don't like your answer." Kankuro agreed with a grim nod.
Ren frowned at the questions. It would be risky to tell them his intention. He needed to speak to Rasa or Baki directly. The more people heard, the more likely the intention of this mission would be to leak. "I cannot just tell you, I'm afraid. This information is of a sensitive nature. I'm sure you understand."
"I do not," Gaara answered simply. "You seek an audience with my father and expect me not to know why? I am the son of Rasa of the Sand and future Kazekage of the Sand. I will have an answer, or else I will turn you away myself…"
Ren growled to himself as the Anbu tensed, prepared to defend themselves. But he had seen the exams with his own eyes. Gaara of the Sand may be near Chunin, but even most Jounin would be helpless. Taking him was possible with two Anbu and himself, but it would be detrimental to their mission. He would have to risk telling him…
But the son of the Kazekage would surely be discreet. Furthermore, if he managed to gain his support, it would undoubtedly increase their favor with the Kazekage. It would have to be a risk to be taken.
"Fair enough, son, my name is Ren Kamizuru of the Stone. I have been sent by Onoki of the Scales, the Tsuchikage of our home. He has sent me here to seek the aid of the Sand for a potential mutually beneficial endeavor-
"Of the Kamizuru, you say?" Gaara asked innocently. "Brother, isn't the clan shamed during the last war?"
"One in the same." Kankuro said with a smirk. "We're smacked around by the Aburame."
"A weak clan." Temari agreed, sounding pleased to snipe at the man before them.
Ren bit back on his anger and laughed out as if amused. "Yes, my family has fallen quite a bit over the years, but that has nothing to do with our proposal. You'll want to hear us out…"
"Hmm, I suppose so," Gaara agreed with a shrug. My father did ask me to scout the border, so it's only fitting that I screen who enters my home."
"As I said, we are here for an offer of not only an alliance but an endeavor from which we would benefit greatly." Ren began. "See, we have gained information regarding the Leaf; their jinchuriki one, Naruto Uzumaki, is missing. Furthermore, after your impressive battle with him, they have seen a boon of business, while your rampage has been the opposite. But if the Leaf is missing its greatest weapon, a solution for both our villages has shown itself. See if we were to move against the Leaf-"
"So Naruto Uzumaki is missing?" Gaara said, amused with a raised brow.