Searing Love

Chapter I

"THEY DID WHAT!?" yelled a shocked Tsunade as she shot up from her chair. Shizune nodded, "Suna has completely broke off their ties with us," she said. The Slug Queen sighed and flopped back into her chair. "Damn it...everything seems to be going down hill since the gaki left," the Sannin muttered.

It had been five years since Naruto had been banished and the Leaf hasn't been facing the greatest of times. Funds were low, missions seemed to fail a lot more, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. It was as if the blonde had placed a curse on the village.

They had tried to search for Naruto, but the results were always fruitless. Not even the toads could find him. It turns out that Naruto had broken off his summoning contract with them. Tsunade asked the Wave and the Sand, if they had seen him. But the Wave, nor the Sand, had seen the blonde.

"Send a squad to Suna to find out why. I'll send the Kazekage a letter saying so," Tsunade said. Shizune nodded, "Who do you want to send?" she asked. "Send Team Kurenai," the Hokage replied. Shizune nodded, "I'll get to that right away," she said as she walked out of the room.

A few minutes later, Team Kurenai was in the Hokage's office. "I want you four to head to Suna and find out why they broke ties with us," the Hokage said and the four nodded. "Do we have an idea why they did?" Kurenai asked.

Tsunade shook her head, "No idea, but I think it has to do with the council banishing Naruto from the village, five years ago. Gaara always did have a soft spot for Naruto, so now he's angry about the council banishing him," she guessed. "Lady Hokage, does the Kazekage's anger have to do something with Naruto-kun having the Kyuubi seal in him?" Hinata asked.

Over the years, the Hyuga Heiress had changed a lot. Due to the absence of Naruto, Hinata didn't have anything to distract her from her training. In fact, Hinata had gotten over her childhood crush and started dating Kiba.

The Fifth nodded, "Yes, as you very well know, Naruto had the Kyuubi seal within him at birth. Whereas, Garaa has Shukaku, the One Tailed, sealed within him at birth. Both are very similar, yet different at the same time. Or at least, that's what I originally thought," she explained and Team Six nodded.

"We'll head out right away," Kurenai said. "That seems wise, it is still pretty earily. You may be able to get to the border before nightfall," Tsunade commented. "Everyone, meet at the west gate in a hour," Kurenai said as she and her team disappeared.

❂Konoha, West Gate❂

"Ready to go everyone?" Kurenai asked. "Ready!" called all three of her teammates. Kurenai nodded, "Lets get going then," she said as team 8 headed out.

As they traveled, the members of Team six couldn't help, but remember their reactions to secret that their blonde friend held. Shino showed no reaction, but was a little surprised that Naruto hid that from the rest of his age group. Kiba's respect for the Jinchūriki grew. Hinata had a similar reactions and her desire of getting stronger grew.

Hours pasted, and the team made it to the border of Wind Country. "Take a break, guys, we'll continue in a few minutes," Kurenai said. "Hai," her team said with a nod as they relaxed. "Hey, sensei, what are we going to do once we reach Suna?" Kiba asked he petted Akamaru on the head. "Well, I think we should head to the inn and stay for the night. Tomorrow we'll head to the Kazekage's tower," Kurenai decided.

"Hmm...sounds like a plan," agreed Shino. "Agreed," Hinata and Kiba said with a nod. "Okay, well lets get going," Kurenai said as she started on her way. "Hai," cheered her team as they fell into line.

To say that the desert was hot, would be a grave understatement. "My god, is it hot," muttered Kiba and Akamaru barked in agreement. "I really don't know why Lady Tsunade wanted us to go to Suna," commented Shino. "Most likely because we're the only team that the Kazekage wouldn't kill on sight," Kiba joked lightly and his team (minus Shino) had to laugh nervously at that.