Kaze no koibitō

16

While Temari went to discuss strategy with Gaara and the Konoha nins, Naruto walked outside the gates of the village and sat down on the sand. The gate guards gave him some funny looks and one of them walked forward apprehensively.

"Naruto-san...what are you doing meditating here?"

Naruto didn't turn around and kept his eyes closed.

"The Akatsuki might be headed this way. I'm going to send out some scouts to see where they are and if they are indeed coming."

"But Naruto-san...our forces...."

"Are not necessary at the moment. I have my own. Please return to your posts and don't worry."

The guards were not comfortable with that, but walked back to their posts and stared at him. The Akatsuki had already infiltrated Suna once and beaten the Kazekage...but Naruto had done that when he was younger. Maybe there was nothing to worry about.

Naruto concentrated his chakra and flashed through the signs for Kuchiyose. A small army of coatis, red pandas, and raccoons popped into existence. Naruto eyed them all and smiled.

"Listen guys, I need you to do a little scouting. Run out into the desert and go as far as you can. Pick a direction and report back if you see anyone heading this way. Got it?"

HAI!

"Good. Now get going."

The guards watched in amazement as the raccoon tribe members raced off in different directions at high speeds, their bushy tails flopping as they ran. Naruto remained seated with his legs crossed, his hands folded in his lap, his eyes closed. The brave gate guard crept forward again and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Naruto-san...what should we do?"

"Remain calm. There is nothing to fear yet."

The guard nodded and walked back to his post, fidgeting with a kunai nervously. Naruto sighed and closed his eyes again when he heard the sand beside him crunch and opened one eye to glance up at Temari. She sat down beside him and pulled her legs up to her chest, her ankles crossed and arms wrapped around her legs securely.

"Hey you. What's the plan?"

Temari turned her head to him and smiled.

"We wait for them and then launch an offensive. We just need to find out how many there are. Gaara will be sending out scouts soon."

"No need. I've already sent out several scouts."

She gaped and grabbed his arm.

"Naruto, you don't have the authority..."

"No, Temari, not Suna nins. I sent out raccoon summons. Speaking of summons, where is Sanzoku? I haven't seen him lately."

"He's with Hinata, curled up around her neck. Little fuzzy bastard..."

"You two really should get along. Although it is funny to watch you two."

Temari leaned against him and sighed.

"We only argue because it's fun. We actually get along pretty well. What do you plan to do?"

"I'm waiting for my summons to find something. Hopefully, we'll at least know the direction they're coming from."

Temari nodded and continued to lean against him. She silently wished that the peace they had could have gone on forever, but alas, it was not meant to be. She realized that if Akatsuki was successful in capturing Naruto, there would be no Chiyo to bring him back to life...not that Naruto would want anyone to sacrifice themselves for him. The thought was unsettling.