A New Way of Ninja, (Naruto)

6: Into The Fire

[OP: "Second Child, Restless Child"--The Oh Hellos]

The Sand Ninja didn't have an easy night. They didn't really discuss anything. Each had their own thoughts about it. But once they'd slipped back into their village and their home, they weren't left in peace for very long.

About 6 hours later, they got summoned to the Kazekage's office, of course, now being stood in for by a council member. 

"We have a help request from Leaf Village's new Hokage,Tsunade," said one member. "It seems Orochimaru's been on the move again, and now one of their own has run away to join his forces. It could be disastrous if he succeeds. A certain Sasuke Uchiha."

Gaara blinked slightly. Temari was stunned. That guy? Why would he do that?... She remembered him unsuccessfully fighting Gaara. It hadn't been pleasant.... But to join Orochimaru? How crazy was that? 

"A band of Genin with one Chunin has been dispatched to find him," continued the councilman, their former sensei as it so happened. "But the Hokage is concerned it won't be enough, as  some powerful people retrieved him."

"You're sending us," Temari surmised.

He nodded.

"It's not ideal, but we're also short on ninja right about now, and you know the area. You'll accept?"

It wasn't really a question, unless he thought Gaara might really refuse. But Gaara didn't. Instead he said, "Leaving now?"

"Immediately. You'd be lucky to arrive in time to help as it is," Sensei said.

That was that. They were given a list of the Chunin and Genin to look for, and dispatched.

Temari read it out loud. "The Chunin is--Shikamaru? They passed him, huh? Figures." She rolled her eyes.

"Well, he did impress a lot of people when he beat you," Kankuro said, annoyingly. 

"Shut up," Temari said. Then she read the Genin. "Kiba--that kid with the dog, I think. Neji--the kid with the weird eyes. Choji--I guess familiarity is the appeal.... And Naruto Uzemaki." She glanced at Gaara, who gave a visible start.

"I can't believe we have to go clean up Leaf's mess," Kankuro complained. "But at least we get to see some action. It's been kind of boring. Those weirdos showing up is the most excitement we've had in weeks."

Temari now wondered--those people didn't seem willing to wait that much longer. Would they just go home?

Or they might just assume they weren't coming back, since they didn't have time to stop and let them know. Or so she thought, but when they were leaving the village, Gaara turned towards the mountains.... They'd have to go past them anyway, but he headed straight for their camp.

It was late afternoon, and the strangers were napping or sitting out of the sun.

Gaara disturbed one pebble by landing on the loose, sandy dirt, and the red and white haired kid, Todoroki, sat up at once.

"Hey." Shine stood up. "You're back so soon?"

"There's been a change in plans," Gaara stated. "We have a mission."

Pause.

"What kind of mission?" Shoto asked.

"We have to go bail out some Genin in Leaf who're in over their heads," Kankuro started.

"Orochimaru has made a move again," Temari said.

They all looked at each other.

But why didn't they seem that surprised?