The Hunt for Tsunade

Chapter Two: Tsunade's Strength! One Tail Vs. Sannin

The phone rang, and Haku answered it. She'd been watching over Zabuza while he slept, and she wasn't in the mood. Even so, it might have been important. 'Hello?'

'I'm told things went badly for you.' said Gortel.

'You might say that.' said Haku.

'Do you require any money for medical bills?' asked Gortel. 'Security of any kind?'

'You needn't worry. I'm with him.' said Haku. 'He should be back to full strength in a day or so. It'll take a bit longer us to complete the contract though.'

'I see.' said Gortel. 'That's good to hear. Unfortunately, you may have some competition. You see, the Village Hidden in the Sand has expressed an interest in the contract. I will, of course, compensate you for your troubles. I don't want anyone to say I'm not a fair employer.'

'I was under the impression that none of the other villages wanted anything to do with this.' said Haku.

'The situation has changed.' said Gortel. 'It seems the Kazekage has been having his business poached by the Village Hidden in the Leaves. As a result, his funding has been slashed. He has agreed to deal with Tsunade. Both as a way of getting back a the Leaf Village and also in exchange for funding.

'I rather like the idea of going into the ninja business actually.'

'You should be careful before you do anything of the sort.' said Haku. 'You might end up dead.'

'Well, these things are all still up in the air.' laughed Gortel. 'I'll leave you in peace.' Haku put down the phone.

Zabuza slammed his fist against the desk, cracking it. 'I will not have my targets poached by the Sand Village. Haku, as soon as I'm recovered, we'll deal with Tsunade.'

'What if they succeed?' asked Haku,

'Then we'll kill the team who captured her and steal their precious cargo.' said Zabuza.

In the office of the Kazekage, three children stood before their leader. The leader was a tall man whose face was shrouded by a white veil. The middle of the children had red hair and sleep-deprived eyes. He radiated a murderous intent. He had a basket of sand on his back. The leftmost of the children was taller than the others. He was boy clad in black garments with a face tattooed for war and a bandle his size over one shoulder. Last of all was the girl, pretty with curly blonde hair and big tails. She held a metal fan on one shoulder.

'Temari, Gaara, Kankuro, I have a task for all of you.' said the Kazekage.

'What is it Father?' asked Temari, the girl.

'Bear in mind it is the most dangerous mission you have yet faced.' said the Kazekage. 'It considered S ranked. I will also be sending you without Baki for guidance.'

'Well, what else is new.' said Kankuro, the dark-clad one. 'What is it?'

'I want you to track down the Legendary Sannin Tsunade and take her prisoner.' said the Kazekage.

'Tsunade?' asked Temari.

'Wait, you want her alive?' asked Kankuro.

'Yes.' said the Kazekage.

'And you're assigning this mission to a team with Gaara?' asked Temari.

'Shut up.' said Gaara. 'Or I'll kill you.'

Temari flinched backward in fear. Gaara did not make idle threats. 'I... I was just kidding Gaara. I didn't; I didn't really mean it.'

'Enough.' said the Kazekage. 'Keep your squabbling out of my office. This mission is important. In exchange for our assistance, we have been given a promise of funding from several banks. It could be enough to keep the Sand Village from decaying.