As they entered the village, Baki approached, relief evident on his face. "Kazekage-sama, we're overjoyed to see you safe. And we've captured two Akatsuki members? This is unprecedented!"
"Yes," Gaara nodded. "We have much to discuss. Gather the council immediately. And..." he paused, glancing at Naruto, "ensure that Uzumaki Naruto and his team are present as well."
Baki looked surprised but nodded in agreement. "Of course, Kazekage-sama."
As the group made their way to the council chambers,
As they entered the council chambers, Naruto couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The future they had planned for was finally starting to unfold, and he knew that what happened next would shape the course of the shinobi world.
Naruto stepped into the chamber, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The council room was filled with tension as the Suna elders, Konoha ninja, and captured Akatsuki members gathered.
Gaara took his place at the head of the table, his presence commanding despite his recent ordeal.
"Esteemed council members," Gaara began, his voice steady, "we face an unprecedented situation. The Akatsuki's attack has been thwarted, and we have two of their members in custody." Murmurs rippled through the room.
Chiyo's eyes narrowed, fixed on her grandson Sasori.
Gaara continued, his voice calm but serious, "However, their attack partially succeeded as they managed to extract some of Shukaku's chakra. It appears their goal is to collect all the tailed beasts' chakra."
He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "Now, I want us to consider a critical question: What would happen if one organization were to possess the chakra of all tailed beasts?"
The room fell silent as the implications of Gaara's words sank in. The council members exchanged worried glances, while Naruto watched intently, knowing where this conversation was heading.
"Such power..." one elder began, his voice trembling slightly, "it could upset the balance between nations."
"It would be catastrophic," Chiyo added, her eyes still fixed on Sasori. "The power to level entire countries in an instant."
Baki leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Kazekage-sama, are you suggesting the Akatsuki's ultimate goal is to weaponize the tailed beasts?"
Gaara nodded solemnly. "That is one possibility we must consider. However, I believe their ambitions may be even greater than that."
Gaara nodded solemnly. "That is one possibility we must consider. However, I believe their ambitions may be even greater than that."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room before continuing, "But we're looking at the wrong picture here. The fact that they've obtained some tailed beast chakra isn't the most pressing issue right now.
There are still uncaptured tailed beasts, including the Nine-Tails and Eight-Tails, which possess the most chakra." Gaara's voice grew more intense as he spoke, "What's truly important is the strength of this organization.
They dared to go after the tailed beasts, fully aware that such actions would make them enemies of all five great villages." The room fell silent as the implications of Gaara's words sank in.
Naruto nodded in agreement.
"The Kazekage is right," Kakashi added, his voice carrying an unexpected authority. "The Akatsuki isn't just after the tailed beasts. They're challenging the entire shinobi world order!"
Murmurs of concern rippled through the council chamber. Chiosy eyes narrowed, recognizing the strategic insight in Gaara and Kakashi's words.
Baki leaned forward, his face etched with worry. "If what you're saying is true, Kazekage-sama, then we're facing a threat unlike any we've encountered before."
"Indeed," Gaara replied, his gaze moving to the captured Akatsuki members. "And that's why we need to act now, while we have the advantage of these prisoners and the element of surprise."
Gaara, seeing that his council finally understood the gravity of the situation, continued with his strategy. "From this moment forward, we will announce that Sasori of the Red Sand has been killed in battle. As for our other prisoner, Deidara..." He glanced at the blonde Akatsuki member, "he will serve as a valuable bargaining chip when we negotiate with the Hidden Stone Village."
He turned to face the Konoha shinobi, particularly Naruto. "As for diplomatic relations with the Cloud and Mist Villages, I believe our guests from Konoha are best suited to handle those negotiations, especially considering Naruto's status as the Nine-Tails jinchūriki."
Naruto straightened up, understanding the weight of responsibility being placed on him. The fact that he shared a connection with other jinchūriki could prove invaluable in forming alliances.
"Having another jinchūriki speak on behalf of this coalition could make a significant difference," Kakashi noted, "particularly with the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki in Kumogakure."
Chiyo nodded slowly, her years of experience showing in her thoughtful expression. "A strategic approach. Keep our advantages hidden while building our strength through alliances."
"Precisely," Gaara confirmed. "We must move quickly but carefully. The Akatsuki believes they've dealt us a significant blow, but in reality, we're now in a position to turn the tables on them."
The council members exchanged looks of determination, finally seeing the full scope of Gaara's plan taking shape.
Gaara turned to Chiyo, his expression softening slightly. "Chiyo-baa, I know you're retired, but I would be grateful if you could help train my brother. Your expertise could greatly improve our puppet jutsu techniques. As a reward, I'll allow Sasori to be placed under your supervision, under a different name and appearance, of course."
The council members murmured in surprise, but before anyone could object, Gaara turned to Sasori, his eyes hard and unyielding. What he said next shocked everyone in the room, except for Naruto, who seemed to understand Gaara's unconventional approach.
"I know you killed the Third Kazekage and turned his body into a puppet," Gaara stated bluntly, causing gasps and exclamations from those present. "For that crime, you will live under Chiyo-baa's watch until her passing. After that, your fate will depend on the mercy of the Sand people."
The room erupted into chaos, with council members shouting their objections and demanding explanations. Naruto, however, grinned widely and gave Gaara a thumbs-up.
"That's what I'm talking about, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed. "Giving people a chance to change, just like you did, Gaara!"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, both impressed and concerned by the bold move. "This is certainly... unexpected, Kazekage-sama. Are you sure about this?"
Gaara nodded solemnly. "Sometimes, the path to peace requires unconventional methods. Sasori's skills could be invaluable if he chooses redemption. If not, we'll be prepared."
The council members looked at each other, unsure how to react to this shocking turn of events. Chiyo, meanwhile, stared at her grandson with a mix of emotions - hope, skepticism, and a hint of pride at Gaara's audacious plan.
As the meeting concluded, Team Kakashi prepared for their departure from Sunagakure. Naruto, being Naruto, couldn't leave without his usual energetic farewell.
"Gaara!" he called out, running up to his friend with that signature grin. "You better keep me updated on everything, dattebayo! And don't let that puppet guy cause any trouble!"
Gaara allowed a small smile to cross his face. "Of course, Naruto. Your friendship continues to teach me new ways of thinking."
Sakura bowed respectfully to the Kazekage but couldn't help adding, "Just be careful with Sasori. If he tries anything suspicious..."
"Don't worry, Sakura," Gaara assured her. "We'll be watching him closely."
Kakashi stood lazily, his visible eye curved in his typical smile. "Well, we should get going. Lady Tsunade will be very interested in hearing about all of... this." He gestured vaguely at everything that had transpired.
"YOSH! Race you back to Konoha!" Naruto shouted, already bouncing on his feet.
"Naruto!" Sakura scolded, "We're not racing across the desert!"
"Aww, Sakura-chan..."
Temari and Kankurō watched the exchange with amused expressions. "They never change, do they?" Kankurō commented.
"That's probably for the best," Temari replied with a smirk.
As Team Kakashi finally set off, Naruto turned back one last time, waving enthusiastically. "See you soon, Gaara! Next time, I'll be Hokage, dattebayo!"
Gaara raised his hand in farewell, watching his first true friend disappear into the desert horizon. The future held many uncertainties, but with allies like these, he felt more confident about facing whatever challenges lay ahead.
Three days of travel through the desert and forests later, Team Kakashi finally caught sight of Konoha's gates in the distance. The familiar sight of home brought grins to both Naruto and Sakura's faces.
"Ah, finally! I can't wait to get some Ichiraku ramen, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed, practically drooling at the thought.
Sakura rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Is that all you ever think about, Naruto?"
Just as they were about to make their final approach to the village, Kakashi suddenly stopped on a tree branch.
"Eh? What's up, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in his usual mysterious smile. "Ah, well, you see... I just remembered I have something very important to do."
Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Important? Like what?"
"Oh, you know... ninja stuff," Kakashi replied vaguely, waving his hand dismissively. "You two go on ahead and report to Lady Tsunade. I'll catch up later."
Before either of his students could protest, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Sakura sighed, "Well, that's Kakashi-sensei for you. Come on, Naruto, let's go report to Lady Tsunade."
As they continued towards the village, Naruto couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Hey, Sakura-chan, do you think Kakashi-sensei is secretly meeting someone? Maybe he has a girlfriend!"
Sakura laughed, "Naruto, don't be ridiculous. This is Kakashi-sensei we're talking about."
As Naruto and Sakura entered the Konoha gates, they made their way towards the Hokage's office. The streets were bustling with villagers going about their daily lives, but Naruto's mind was elsewhere. He knew the real reason for Kakashi's sudden disappearance, and it made him anxious to speak with Tsunade.
As they approached the Hokage Tower, Naruto's impatience got the better of him. Without warning, he channeled chakra to his feet and began running up the side of the building.
"Naruto! What are you doing?!" Sakura yelled from below, exasperated.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan! I can't wait!" Naruto called back with a grin. "I'll see you up there!"
Before Sakura could stop him, Naruto had already reached the Hokage's office window. With his trademark lack of decorum, he flung it open and leaped inside.
"Baa-chan! We're back!" Naruto announced loudly, landing in front of a startled Tsunade.
The Hokage's eye twitched in annoyance. "Naruto! How many times have I told you to use the door like a normal person?"
"Hehe, sorry," Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "But I have important news!"
Just then, a fuming Sakura burst through the office door. "Naruto, you idiot! You can't just barge in like that!"
Tsunade sighed, massaging her temples. "Well, since you're both here, give me your report. As for Kakashi, for an unknown period, he will be on a secret mission."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Eh? Kakashi-sensei's on a secret mission? But we just got back, dattebayo!"
Sakura, equally shocked, asked, "Lady Tsunade, what kind of mission is it? Is it dangerous?"
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her expression serious. "That's classified information. Now, focus on your own report."
Naruto crossed his arms, pouting slightly. "Man, Kakashi-sensei always gets the cool missions. I bet he's infiltrating some super-secret hideout or fighting powerful ninja!"
"Naruto!" Sakura scolded, elbowing him in the ribs. "Show some respect to Lady Tsunade!"
"Ow! Sakura-chan, that hurts!" Naruto whined, rubbing his side.
Tsunade couldn't help but smirk at their antics. "Alright, you two. Enough fooling around. Tell me about your mission. Did you encounter any trouble?"
As Naruto and Sakura began recounting their recent adventure, Tsunade listened intently.
As Naruto and Sakura continued their report, Tsunade's expression gradually darkened. Her brow furrowed, and her fingers began to drum impatiently on her desk.
Suddenly, she stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "You idiots!" she roared, her fist connecting with Naruto's head before he could even blink.
The force of the blow sent him flying across the room, crashing into the wall with a loud thud.
"Ow! Baa-chan, what was that for?!" Naruto groaned, rubbing the growing lump on his head.
Ignoring his protests, Tsunade quickly formed a series of hand signs, activating a complex sealing jutsu. The walls of the office glowed briefly with intricate patterns before fading away.
"Lady Tsunade, what's going on?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Tsunade sighed heavily, her eyes narrowing as she focused on Naruto. "Listen up, you knucklehead! I'm going to educate you on the importance of subtlety in a mission!"
She proceeded to lecture Naruto for several minutes, her voice growing louder with each passing moment. Naruto cowered, his hands covering his head as if to protect himself from another blow.
"Ow, ow! I get it, Baa-chan! I'll be more careful next time, dattebayo!" Naruto whined.
Satisfied, Tsunade turned to Sakura. "Did you find Naruto, Kakashi, or anyone else acting suspicious during the mission?"
Sakura hesitated before responding, "Well, Naruto was acting strange at times. Sometimes he seemed desperate to rescue Gaara as quickly as possible, but then he'd act like we had all the time in the world.
And his interaction with the Kazekage at the end... it was as if they had planned the whole thing. As for Kakashi-sensei, I didn't notice much. I was too focused on trying to figure out what was going on with Naruto."
Tsunade's gaze shifted back to Naruto, who was now sweating profusely. She delivered another stern lecture, causing him to shrink even further into himself.
Finally, Tsunade turned to Sakura with a serious expression. "Well, it doesn't matter to you, as I'm about to explain why. But I hope this doesn't affect our plan too much."
Sakura's eyes widened as realization dawned on her face. All the pieces suddenly clicked into place - Naruto's strange behavior, Gaara's miraculous survival, and the seemingly too-easy capture of two Akatsuki members.
"You mean... everything was planned?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "The attack on Gaara, his capture... it was all staged?"
Tsunade nodded grimly. "Yes. We coordinated with the Kazekage to allow his capture by the Akatsuki. Everyone was in on it except Temari."
"But..." Sakura turned to Naruto, who was trying (and failing) to look innocent. "Then why did you show off so much, you idiot?!"
"Ehehe..." Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I got a little carried away, dattebayo! Besides, Kurama was getting impatient, and the seals were cool, and-"
"NARUTO!" both women shouted, making him flinch.
"The Yin Seal was supposed to be your trump card," Tsunade growled, her fist clenching. "And now you've revealed not only that but also your mastery of Sage Mode AND your partnership with the Nine-Tails!"
"But it worked out okay!" Naruto protested. "We caught both Sasori and Deidara, and nobody got hurt!"
"That's not the point, you knucklehead!" Tsunade slammed her hands on her desk. "The element of surprise was one of our greatest advantages against the Akatsuki. Now they'll be more cautious, more prepared!"
Sakura watched the exchange, her mind still processing everything. "Lady Tsunade... just how long has this been planned?"
Tsunade looked at Sakura, her amber eyes serious. "Longer than you think, Sakura. Much longer."
She then turned to Naruto, who was fidgeting nervously. "Naruto, you can go. You already know what I'm going to say, and I need to speak with Sakura alone."
"Eh? But Baa-chan, I wanna stay and-"
"Out, Naruto!" Tsunade barked, causing him to yelp and scurry towards the window.
"Alright, alright! I'm going, dattebayo!" With that, he leaped out, leaving Sakura alone with the Hokage.
Tsunade's expression turned grave as she faced her apprentice. "Sakura, what I'm about to tell you is top secret. If your involvement wasn't necessary, I wouldn't breathe a word of this, even with your doubts. Do you understand? Not a single word leaves this room."
Sakura straightened, her face set with determination. "Yes, Lady Tsunade. I understand."
"Good," Tsunade nodded, then took a deep breath. "The truth is, Sakura, this plan has been in motion for years. It started when Naruto returned from his mission to retrieve Sasuke at the Valley of the End."
Sakura's eyes widened. "But that was-"
"Three years ago, yes," Tsunade confirmed. "Something happened to Naruto during that fight. He gained knowledge... knowledge of the future."
"The future?" Sakura gasped. "But how is that possible?"
"We're not entirely sure," Tsunade admitted. "But since then, we've been working to change certain events, to prepare for threats we shouldn't have known about yet."
Sakura's mind raced, connecting dots she hadn't even realized were there. "That's why Naruto's been acting so strange... why he seemed to know things he shouldn't..."
Tsunade nodded grimly. "Exactly. And now, I need your help to keep him in check. That knucklehead has a habit of revealing too much, as you've seen."
"I... I understand, Lady Tsunade," Sakura said, her voice filled with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to help protect Konoha and our future."
"Good," Tsunade smiled slightly. "Now, let me fill you in on what's been going on these past three years..."
Tsunade leaned forward, her hands clasped in front of her face. "First, you need to understand the scope of what we're dealing with. The Akatsuki is just the beginning. Threats are coming that could destroy not just our village, but the entire shinobi world."
Sakura listened intently, her face growing more serious with each word.
"The knowledge Naruto gained... it showed him a future where the Five Great Nations united, but only after devastating losses. We're trying to achieve that unity without the same sacrifices."
"Is that why..." Sakura's eyes widened in realization, "Is that why Shikamaru's been training everyone so intensely? And why did Kazkage seem to know about Sasori beforehand?"
Tsunade nodded approvingly. "You're sharp, Sakura. Yes, we've been preparing everyone. The Konoha 11, we're trying to guide them toward better paths."
She paused, her expression darkening. "But Naruto... that knucklehead keeps getting carried away. He's so eager to save everyone that he forgets the importance of timing and subtlety."
"Like showing off his new powers during the mission," Sakura added, understanding dawning on her face.
"Exactly. The Yin Seal, Sage Mode, and his partnership with the Nine-Tails - these were supposed to be trump cards for later battles. Now our enemies will be more cautious, more prepared."
Tsunade stood up, walking to the window where she could see Naruto in the distance, already heading toward Ichiraku Ramen.
"Sakura, I'm telling you this because I need your help. You're one of the few people who can keep Naruto in check. Make sure he doesn't reveal anything else before the right time."
"I understand, Lady Tsunade," Sakura nodded firmly. "But... what about Sasuke?"
Tsunade turned back to her apprentice, her expression softening slightly. "That's... complicated. Naruto knows things about the Uchiha clan and Itachi that could complicate everything. But we have to be careful how we handle that situation."
"What should I do?" Sakura asked, her voice determined despite the weight of these revelations.
"For now, observe Naruto. Help him maintain his cover, and if he starts to slip up again..." Tsunade's lips curved into a slight smirk, "Well, you have my permission to knock some sense into him."
"Hai, shishou!" Sakura couldn't help but smile, cracking her knuckles. "I won't let you down!"
As Sakura left the office, Kakashi and Jiraiya slipped in through the window, while Shikaku emerged from the shadows in the corner of the room.
"Well, that was troublesome," Shikaku sighed, scratching his head. "Naruto knows how to complicate things."
Tsunade groaned, reaching for her hidden sake bottle. "That knucklehead... I swear he'll be the death of me."
Jiraiya chuckled, "Come on, Tsunade. You gotta admit, the kid's got style. Taking down one Akatsuki member like that? Pretty impressive."
"Impressive, yes. But also reckless," Kakashi added, his visible eye creased with worry. "The Akatsuki will be on high alert now. They might accelerate their plans."
Tsunade took a long swig from her bottle before addressing the group. "Alright, let's focus. How do we adjust our strategy now that they know about Naruto's Yin Seal and possibly his Sage Mode?"
Shikaku stroked his goatee thoughtfully. "It's a drag, but we might need to reveal some of our other trump cards earlier than planned. Perhaps it's time to start training the other jinchūriki more intensively."
"And what about Danzo?" Kakashi asked, his tone serious. "He's been unusually quiet lately."
Jiraiya's expression darkened. "My sources tell me he's been making moves in the shadows. Recruiting more for his Root organization. We need to keep a closer eye on him."
Tsunade nodded, her face set with determination. "The jinchūriki we've already saved have trained enough. More training would be pointless right now. Kakashi, for the next mission, you won't be with Team 7. As in the original future, you are supposed to be in the."
"Instead, I'll announce you're on a mission to the Mist Village to investigate some disturbances. But in reality, you and Jiraiya will be dealing with Danzo. If this mission works, by the time Naruto returns from his next assignment, we should have enough evidence to openly move against Danzo."
"Oh?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
Jiraiya nodded seriously. "I've already set up some of my contacts. We just need the final pieces."
"Shikaku," Tsunade continued, turning to the Nara clan head, "you'll handle the political side. We need to either abolish the elder system entirely or at least remove those two snakes working with Danzo."
"Troublesome," Shikaku sighed, "but necessary. I'll start working on the council members who might be sympathetic to our cause."
"What about Team 7's next mission?" Kakashi asked. "Who will lead them?"
"Yamato," Tsunade replied. "He's already been briefed on the situation. And with Sakura now aware of what's going on, she can help keep Naruto in check."
"Speaking of Naruto," Jiraiya grinned, "shouldn't someone tell him to tone down the heroics a bit?"
"Let him be," Tsunade smirked. "His unpredictability might work in our favor. The Akatsuki won't know what to expect - they'll be too busy trying to figure out what other powers he's hiding."
The group shared knowing looks, each understanding their roles in the complex plan ahead. The future they were working towards was within reach - they just had to play their cards right.
"Alright," Tsunade concluded, "let's get moving. And remember, timing is everything. We can't afford any more surprises, dattebayo!"
Everyone stared at her.
"... I've been spending too much time around that knucklehead," she muttered, reaching for her sake again.
Meanwhile The Akatsuki...
In a dark cavern, seven shadowy figures stood atop massive stone fingers, their holographic forms flickering in the dim light. The massive Gedo Statue loomed behind them, its nine eyes staring blankly into the darkness.
"Report," Pain commanded, his ringed eyes gleaming. "What happened with Sasori and Deidara?"
Zetsu emerged from the ground, his black and white halves merging. "The mission was partially successful. We extracted most of the One-Tail's chakra. But things got... complicated."
"Complicated how?" Konan asked, her expression neutral.
"The Kazekage survived somehow," White Zetsu explained. "And Sasori was executed by Suna for his past crimes. As for Deidara, he was captured after an intense battle with Kakashi and some Leaf jonin."
Kisame chuckled darkly. "Heh, sounds like they bit off more than they could chew."
"There's more," Black Zetsu continued. "The Nine-Tails jinchūriki... he's different. He displayed abilities we weren't prepared for."
"Explain," Pain demanded.
"Some kind of advanced sealing technique - a Yin Seal. And he showed signs of Sage Mode. The strange thing is, that there was no visible battle with Sasori. He just... surrendered."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. "The clone I left behind was defeated easily. His power has grown significantly."
"How did the Kazekage survive the extraction?" Kakuzu asked, his green eyes glowing in the darkness.
"Unknown," Black Zetsu replied. "Possibly some kind of life-force preservation technique."
Pain was silent for a moment, processing this information. "This changes things. The Nine-Tails jinchūriki is developing faster than anticipated."
"Should we accelerate our plans?" Konan inquired.
"No," Pain decided. "We'll proceed as planned, but with more caution. Hidan, Kakuzu, continue your assigned tasks. Kisame, keep tracking the Eight-Tails. Itachi..."
"I understand," Itachi responded quietly.
"There's one more thing," Black Zetsu added. "The Leaf and Sand seem to be forming stronger alliances. They're moving more strategically than expected."
"It doesn't matter," Pain declared. "In the end, they will all know pain. This world will understand true peace through pain."
"Heh, as long as I get to sacrifice some heathens to Jashin-sama, I don't care about their little alliances," Hidan grinned maniacally.
"Enough," Pain commanded. "We'll adjust our strategies accordingly. Zetsu, continue gathering intelligence. We need to understand the full extent of the Nine-Tails' new abilities."
As the meeting concluded and the holograms flickered out one by one, Konan turned to Pain.
"Nagato... what are you thinking?"
"Something isn't right," Pain responded. "They're too prepared, too coordinated. It's as if..."
"As if they knew we were coming," Konan finished.
"Yes. But how they obtained this information... that's what concerns me most."
In the darkness, the Gedo Statue's eyes seemed to glow ominously, as if watching the pieces of a greater game being moved into place.