Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 27: Hidden Sand Convergence I

HIDDEN SAND CONVERGENCE I

A sandstorm rages. A curtain of sand has been wailing for hours, making everything in 100 km radius absolutely unbearable. Sight is impaired to the point of non-existent; even if it weren't for the fact that countless grains of sand buffet your face, it'd still be impossible to see any farther than your nose. Hearing is strained with the gales making it difficult to focus on your own thoughts, let alone what someone besides you might be saying unless they shout in your ear. Even then, it might not work. The other senses aren't as affected although they're not happy, either- smell becomes unbearable when there's only dry sand to make it to your nose, taste... well, let's just say you don't want sand getting anywhere near that, and touch shouldn't be an issue as long as you prepare well for a journey through the desert.

Four figures are currently fighting their way through this nightmare. Two of them walking while the other two are sitting inside a large puppet, vaguely resembling a salamander. It has a large metallic shield strapped just behind its head that provides its riders cover from the sand, with the Puppet Master holding aloft several more metallic plates for additional protection.

Being well trained in navigating these lands, they've prepared to defend their last three senses, wearing protective cloaks, goggles, and facemasks. Sight and hearing are still an issue, but they can manage.

One of the people sitting inside the puppet is focusing on a pulsating seal- a hexagon within a circle, carved into its back. The white outline glows at set intervals but otherwise does nothing else. After keeping it active for a few seconds, he deactivates it.

They continue to walk further, or rather the salamander puppet walks them further, and several minutes later, the man activates the hexagonal seal again. This time, something does happen besides it glowing white. A red dot blinks at the very edge.

One of the other cloaked figures gathers their final ally along with the puppet master, who brings in all of the protective plates to form a tighter wall around them. They were specially built to withstand environments such as this, so they prove more than effective at keeping them safe from the hazards. Even the raging winds aren't as intrusive anymore, allowing them to actually hear each other.

The man with the hexagonal seal removes his facial protection to reveal his elongated face and sunken cheeks, making him look constantly sleep deprived. He sighs, exasperated, but glad to let his face breath for a moment. "Lord Kankuro, I have a sole signal."

Kankuro removes his mask. "Just one? Shishio, we're looking for 2 adults and 3 children."

The other two give themselves some breathing room, as well. The man's blonde hair still peeks down from his cowl, covering one eye. The woman has to tuck in her brown strands back in again.

"All due respect, sir," The woman speaks in an even and polite manner. "If Shishio believes it worth noting, then it's no ordinary signal."

Shishio nods. "It's like nothing I've ever seen before. I know it's none of the creatures that live in the desert, and it's definitely not human. I think it's worth inspecting."

Kankuro twists his tongue around the inside of his cheeks, mulling it over for a moment. "I'll trust your instincts. We'll check it out." he turns to the other man. "Koji, be ready to jump into combat if need be." and then to the woman. "Ameno, preserve your chakra. We know Naruto and the rest should've been around here somewhere when the sandstorm hit. We might need every bit of healing you have."

"Yes, sir." Koji and Ameno nod.

Everyone puts back on their goggles and masks, making their way in the direction Shishio's sensory ability detected the presence. It takes them about 20 more minutes of wading through sand that only gets piled on and lifted from the winds. At the end, they reach a large rock formation, multiple stone arches intertwining with each other, the largest ones would probably tower over the Hidden Sand's entrance gates.