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"Temari! You have a letter!"
"For me?"
A Konoha mail courier delivered a letter bearing a Sunagakure seal to Temari, who was enjoying a rare weekend off.
Temari rubbed her sleepy eyes, focusing on the seal. Her drowsiness vanished.
"It's from Father—Why now?"
Each village had its unique seal. Sunagakure used sand; Konoha, fire wax. These were difficult to forge, ensuring the letters' confidentiality.
A knot of anxiety formed in Temari's stomach. The Suna exchange students were still a while away from returning home. The village had largely left them to their own devices, sending only regular allowances and minimal correspondence.
Their mission was clear: learn from Konoha and bring back valuable knowledge to Sunagakure.
But so far—they hadn't discovered anything particularly—groundbreaking. They'd mostly been—enjoying Konoha's amenities.
And then, there was the Summer Camp fiasco…
Temari's hands trembled as she opened the letter, fearing it contained orders for their immediate return.
But she froze, staring at the contents.
Inside the large envelope was a small storage scroll and a thick letter.
She began reading:
[The greatest challenge you face abroad is likely similar to what I experienced twenty years ago, when I first encountered Konoha ninja on the battlefield: a lack of understanding. I've repeatedly emphasized the importance of—perspective, Temari. Once you grasp Konoha's—philosophy, you'll be better equipped to serve Sunagakure.]
[I approve of your early enrollment and this exchange program. Though I am Kazekage, I believe Sunagakure's training methods are—lacking. Excessive brutality hinders a ninja's development. You should have had more time to prepare. This—immersion in Konoha's culture and techniques—even with the greatest effort, three months might not be enough. Perhaps Me and the village, have placed too much pressure on you—leading to your—suboptimal performance at the Summer Camp. But I believe in you, Temari!]
Temari stared at the letter, tears welling up in her eyes. She'd expected a reprimand, not—this.
Her father's words, filled with encouragement, touched her deeply.
She continued reading:
[While in Konoha, you must manage your time effectively, prioritize your studies, and understand the difference between urgency and importance. This is my greatest concern. Your future, like mine, will be—demanding. You are Sunagakure's most promising kunoichi—You might even become the Fifth, or Sixth, Kazekage. And by then, the ninja world will be even more chaotic. Without proper time management skills, your effectiveness as a leader will suffer. Strive to be Fifth Kazekage. Hone your skills. While at the Academy, try to—connect with the Fourth Hokage and his advisor. Though our rivals, they are remarkable ninja. By the time you receive this letter, I'll be en route to the Konoha-Suna Trade Route completion ceremony with Advisor Gojo. I'll ask him to—mentor you, to share his insights on leadership. I believe he won't refuse.]
[The ninja world is in a turbulent state. Sunagakure faces—internal challenges. Though I long to see you, my duties as Kazekage prevent me from leaving the village. The scroll contains my savings from the past few years, roughly one hundred million ryō. This will cover your expenses for a second exchange program and your living costs in Konoha. It will be difficult, and perhaps lonely. Sunagakure can't afford to send more students. You, Temari, are Suna's—flag bearer in Konoha.]
[If—something happens to me, you can—consider Advisor Gojo as your—guardian. If I die, Sunagakure is no longer your home. Seek Konoha's protection. And then—consider avenging me. Remember this, Temari…]
[Even if all of Sunagakure turns against you, even if the entire ninja world hates you—I will always be on your side.]
[—Rasa]
Tears streamed down Temari's face, splattering onto the letter. She was, after all, still just a child. Her father's words, filled with love and—foreboding, were overwhelming.
"A lifetime—death—guardian…"
Even in the ninja world, such concepts were—a lot for a young girl to process.
Temari, five years old, a potential future Kazekage. Leadership training started young.
She felt the weight of his words, the burden of his expectations, the pressure of the village's hopes—It was almost too much.
"Alone in Konoha—when can I go home?" she whispered.
"Perhaps—after the second exchange program."
She curled up on the floor, her head buried in her knees.
Even alone, she wouldn't be completely alone. She had Izumi.
But there was a difference between friendship and the bonds of—family, of the village. If her Suna classmates returned—she'd be truly alone.
In that moment, she felt no sense of—duty, only resentment towards her father.
Why burden her with this? Why not her younger brothers?
She didn't want to be Kazekage!
A ninja who didn't aspire to leadership wasn't a true ninja. But those who dreamt of becoming Kage, without the necessary—plot armor, rarely had happy endings.
Naruto Uzumaki was a prime example.
Wiping her tears, Temari unsealed the scroll. She stared at the mountain of cash, her jaw dropping.
"So much—Father is—rich?"
She grabbed a stack, her heart pounding.
A small act of rebellion.
With such a burden on her shoulders, she needed to—de-stress. A shopping trip with Izumi was in order.
She tossed the letter aside.
It landed on a framed photo on her nightstand, partially obscuring the Fourth Kazekage's face.
…
…
One hour before the Konoha-Suna Trade Route ceremony.
A secluded area in the Konoha Forest.
"Avengers, assemble!"
Gojo Kaigetsu activated his custom summoning jutsu, his chakra rippling outwards.
Beside him stood Tsunade, clad in her usual attire—a gray undershirt, green jacket, and blue pants.
Only the kanji on her jacket had changed, from "Gamble" to "Ninja."
This was, after all, an official event. They had to maintain a certain—decorum.
Gojo Kaigetsu knew Black Zetsu was watching.
And Black Zetsu wasn't easily fooled.
Too much security, and he'd flee. Too little, and he'd be suspicious.
Having only Tsunade as an escort seemed—just right.
Like—well, let's just say he enjoyed her company.
The Uchiha clan could deactivate their Sharingan at will. But for those with transplanted Sharingan, it was a constant drain on their chakra.
For Tsunade, however, chakra wasn't an issue. Her Senju bloodline and massive reserves made the Sharingan's drain negligible.
But to conceal the transplant, she wore a black blindfold, mirroring Gojo Kaigetsu's style. It was—fashionable, and less conspicuous. People would simply assume it was some sort of—couple's cosplay.
Moments later…
Professor Paradox, his red cape billowing, arrived first. The Deep, clad in a dark green, sleeveless bodysuit, his mask in place, stood proudly atop Samehada, which he used as—a surfboard. Catwoman, in a sleek black leather outfit, landed gracefully after a treetop sprint. Blazing Fury, her feet scorching the earth, leaving a trail of smoke, approached.
And finally, Deadpool, his stitched-up torso exposed, his mouth sewn shut, his presence—unforgettable.
'I need to—acquire the Hidden Cloud Village's flying technology,' Gojo Kaigetsu thought.
Konoha's super ninja team—and not a single one could fly. How embarrassing.
Pakura and Yugito Nii glanced at Tsunade. Her—physique was—hard to miss. Even the blindfold couldn't fully conceal her—assets.
Couldn't she use a Transformation Jutsu?
"What's the mission?" Kisame asked. He'd been—bored lately, stuck in Konoha, unable to return to Kirigakure until he'd—repaid his debt to Gojo Kaigetsu.
"The enemy is coming."
A gust of wind rustled the leaves.
Kisame's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Where are they?"
"On the road to Sunagakure. We don't know when they'll strike."
"So—we wait in ambush?"
"Yes. But not in the physical world. In—the eye."
"Tsunade."
Tsunade removed her blindfold, revealing her Mangekyō Sharingan.
Yugito Nii tensed.
Of all those present, she was the most—familiar with the Mangekyō Sharingan. The memory of being trapped by that silver giant…
But—wasn't that an Uchiha Kekkei Genkai? Why did Tsunade have it?
"Show them."
Gojo Kaigetsu spread his arms wide. A swirling vortex of space-time energy enveloped him. He vanished.
"His chakra—it's gone. Space-time ninjutsu. Tsunade, what's going on?" Professor Paradox, the most knowledgeable about jutsu, recognized it immediately. Gojo Kaigetsu had been transported to another dimension.
"You'll see." Tsunade activated her Mangekyō Sharingan. "Relax. Don't resist."
The swirling vortex reappeared, engulfing Professor Paradox.
Then Yugito Nii, then the others—until all six, including Tsunade, were gone.
They found themselves in a vast, seemingly infinite dimension, constructed from countless white cubes. Various supplies were neatly arranged—Orochimaru's contribution to "Project Ark."
"Yare yare~" Kisame grinned, tapping Samehada against a cube. It felt—solid.
They truly were in another dimension.
"This jutsu's teleportation speed isn't that fast. One could easily dodge it. But without prior knowledge—being trapped here—it's a death sentence."
"Indeed. But for now, its strategic value lies in—concealment and transport," Gojo Kaigetsu said, glancing at Tsunade. "How are you feeling?"
Tsunade's chest heaved slightly as she wiped the sweat from her brow.
Kamui's chakra cost depended on the target's size and chakra reserves. Teleporting six ninja, all Jonin level or above—it was a strain, even for her. And Gojo Kaigetsu's chakra reserves—they were far greater than an ordinary Chunin's, even surpassing most Jonin's.
That sneaky bastard—still hiding his true strength.
"Just teleporting in—I can manage. But to send everyone back—I'll need to release the Yin Seal. Or—we can go in stages. And if I have to fight, I'll need the seal's power as well."
"That's more than enough," Gojo Kaigetsu said, wiping the sweat from her brow. "The enemy isn't that strong. You won't need the Yin Seal."
"While I appreciate the—intimacy, perhaps you could—tell us who the enemy is?" Yugito Nii asked. Pakura nodded. She wasn't eager to fight against Sunagakure ninja.
"They're the ones who killed Danzo."
"Currently, there are only two: Sasori of the Red Sand, a Sunagakure prodigy turned missing-nin, and Kakuzu, a Takigakure missing-nin."
"Sasori specializes in puppetry and poison. He can transfer his consciousness between puppets and control hundreds at once. Kakuzu, thanks to his Earth Grudge Fear technique, can steal hearts and acquire their jutsus. He can wield all five nature transformations. A dangerous opponent."
He glanced at Professor Paradox. "He might even have—Elder Danzo's heart and his Wind Release."
A faint crack appeared beneath Professor Paradox's feet. His carefully crafted youthful facade seemed to—crack.
Like a gamer on a ten-game losing streak, his dreams of crushing the ninja world—dashed.
Gojo Kaigetsu, his Six Eyes providing perfect intel, had revealed everything about Sasori and Kakuzu.
Before their secrets were exposed, they were practically Kage-level. But now…
"If possible, capture them alive. Weaken them, and then Tsunade can teleport them to the Kamui dimension." He pointed to a specially designed chakra prison created by Orochimaru. Those imprisoned within would have their chakra sealed and be subjected to—"enhanced interrogation."
"Then, we'll bring them back to Konoha, extract their intel, and—make an example of them. The Avengers will make their debut."
"I—will personally break their bones and then—execute them," Professor Paradox declared, his voice cold.
Kisame Hoshigaki subtly distanced himself from Professor Paradox.
He sensed—a disturbing aura.
"How—do you know all this?" Pakura asked. "Even Sunagakure's Anbu wouldn't have such detailed intel on Sasori."
"Don't underestimate my—sources. Just trust me."
"Now, let's discuss—target assignments."
"I'll take Kakuzu!" Professor Paradox declared. "I want to see what this—heart-stealing, five-nature transformation jutsu is all about."
"Yare yare—my situation is—delicate. I'll provide support. It seems the Professor can handle him alone," Kisame said, Samehada resting on his shoulder.
Pakura glanced at Yugito Nii. "Can you handle Sasori alone?"
Revealing her identity in Sunagakure could jeopardize the fragile peace.
Yugito Nii nodded. "I'll take Sasori. You…"
"Sasori will be handled by Deadpool," Gojo Kaigetsu interrupted. "Don't underestimate him. He's—uniquely qualified. Catwoman, Blazing Fury, you two provide support."
"Understood."
Yugito Nii wasn't exactly impressed with Deadpool. His chakra signature was—average, at best.
Perhaps he had some hidden ability?
But she'd learned to trust Gojo Kaigetsu's judgment.
"Excellent. It's settled then."
"It's almost time. Tsunade and I will head out now."
"Avengers! Good evening!"
…
…
Sunagakure. Kazekage Tower.
Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, donned his ceremonial robes. He turned to Baki.
"Baki, though we've had our—disagreements, I know you're a loyal and capable ninja."
"The ninja world is in a turbulent state. I'm concerned about—unforeseen circumstances at the trade route ceremony."
"While I'm gone, I entrust the village's safety to you."
Baki, his face impassive, patted Rasa's shoulder. "Don't worry, Kazekage-sama. I'll handle everything. Once I've finalized the security arrangements, I'll join you at the ceremony."
"With you in charge, I have no worries."
"I'll see you there, Baki."
Baki, as leader of the War Hawks, was considered Sunagakure's second strongest ninja, after the Kazekage.
He'd been a contender for the Fourth Kazekage title, but Chiyo had chosen Rasa.
Baki wielded a unique Kekkei Genkai, transforming his chakra into scorching sand, combining the high temperatures of Fire Release with the fine grains of sand.
Defensively, he could transform the terrain, turning ordinary sand into scorching hot quicksand, trapping his opponents.
Offensively, he could unleash a barrage of burning sand, incinerating his enemies from within.
Though not a front-line powerhouse, he was a master of assassination, area denial, and battlefield control.
After a few final instructions, Rasa left.
Kazekage's Office.
Baki watched Rasa depart, a sinister smile spreading across his face. He walked to the Kazekage's chair and sat down.
He looked at the portraits of the previous Kazekage, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"So, this is—true power…"
"Teacher favored Rasa, shared the secrets of Magnet Release with him, and made him Kazekage. I always wondered—why?"
"He's weak, indecisive. Under his leadership, Sunagakure is falling behind. We'll be swallowed by Konoha, by Iwagakure, if this continues."
"We are ninja! We'd rather die standing than live on our knees. What my teacher denied me—I will take."
"Forgive me, Rasa. You're simply—in my way."
Knock, knock—
"Kazekage-sama, are you in there?"
Baki instinctively rose from the chair, then, recognizing the voice of a fellow War Hawk, sat back down.
"Enter."
Baki's second-in-command, Kankuro, entered. He froze, staring at Baki.
"Baki! What are you doing?! You can't—sit there. If anyone sees you…"
"Why not?" Baki asked, gesturing to a chair. "Come, have a seat."
"You can't sit in the Kazekage's chair! You'll be—executed!"
Baki, using his Magnet Release, created a makeshift Go board on the desk. "Let's—play a game."
Kankuro hesitated, then sat down and began playing.
After thirty moves, Baki hovered a black stone over the board. "See? I'm about to lose. But…" He placed the stone. "One move—and the tide turns. This—is what they call a divine move."
Silence fell over the office. Footsteps approached from outside. Baki formed a seal, and sand poured into the keyhole, locking the door.
"Eh? Is the Kazekage-sama gone? The door's locked," a voice called out from the hallway.
"But—I saw Elder Kankuro enter," another voice said.
Baki looked at Kankuro. "So—will you help me?"
Kankuro didn't ask for details. "Will I—die?"
Baki nodded solemnly.
"Damn it—are you insane?!"
Baki slumped back in the Kazekage's chair. "If not—we'll have to endure Rasa's leadership, Kosaka Kaoru's policies—Sunagakure will become a village of—shopkeepers. We'll be forced to retire, spending our days in some—sailboat hotel, built with the money that should have been spent on puppets and kunai."
"Living peacefully until we're too old to fight—that's not the worst outcome. Who knows, perhaps the next Kazekage, raised under Rasa and Kosaka Kaoru's—enlightened leadership, will purge us, the village's—unstable elements."
"When the Third Kazekage removed the Second—I was the first to act. I rallied the younger generation, prepared a feast—a celebration."
"That was—a different time! Rasa is at his peak, Chiyo and Ebizo still hold considerable power…" Kankuro's voice was filled with panic. He tried to reason with Baki.
Baki placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I never doubted the Third Kazekage's—wisdom. So don't—question my resolve."
"What about—Rasa?"
"He'll die. I've made arrangements."
"Chiyo and Ebizo?"
"I have Sasori's—token, his intel. And once Rasa's gone, Sunagakure will need me."
"Kosaka Kaoru?"
"He'll be—imprisoned. For issuing the bounty on Rasa."
"That's—something we'll have to—address."
"And once this is done—I'll be Kazekage. And you, or the most promising ninja in your family—will be the Sixth."
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