Clash 2: The Wolf and the Desertstorm - a collab with Amaterasu

Chapter 1

"Yuna, what is your position?"

"Closing in on the target. I can see Ao. Do you want us to proceed?"

Daro frowned in thought. His teammates were more than capable of holding their own in battle. They were more experienced in the field. He had only reached Chuunin rank a year ago. When he had been assigned to this mission and Gaara-sama had informed him he would be team captain, he had been nervous. It wasn't the first time he'd lead a team, but this was a B-rank mission, bordering A-rank. It made him doubt he was up to the task.

They had received information that Iwa was in league with criminals and that they planned on infiltrating Suna. It was their mission to find out how much was true and who they were dealing with.
So far, they hadn't found any lead on their target's identity, but the forest cottage they were nearing was supposed to be a meeting place of sorts. That much they had been able to figure out.

"Proceed with care," he said, "don't take any action. I will join you soon. I'm not far."

"Roger," Yuna replied.

"Got it," Ao said.

Daro sighed in relief and carefully jumped to the next tree. He still had two miles to go. The plan was to gather as much information as possible and then head back to their current lodging, a small town near the border. There they would decide what further actions needed to be taken.

"Daro," Ao's voice came through his transmitter with a certain urgency.

"What is it?" he asked.

"There is movement in the building. Someone is there."

Daro frowned. Was the mission compromised? No one was supposed to be around. The meeting wasn't to take place until tomorrow.
He heard a rustling sound on the other end of the wireless. "Ao?" There was nothing but static. A shiver ran down Daro's spine. "Yuna?" he asked.

"Daro," Yuna's voice sounded frightened, "they attacked Ao. We are..." The connection was broken abruptly.

"Yuna!" Daro breathed. He jumped down from the tree and towards the ground so he could move faster. The time for circumspect was over. He needed to aid his teammates now. He broke into a run, but was cut off when a figure blocked his path.
Daro stared up at the newcomer and his glare turned into shock. "You!"

The man's face was void of all emotion as he stared at Daro.

Daro lifted his hands, ready to fight, even though he knew it was a lost battle. He was no match for this man. "What do you want? What have you done to my friends?"

The man took a step in Daro's direction and raised his hand. He pointed at Daro. "I have a message for your sensei."

Daro blinked surprised, but then narrowed his eyes. "Stay away from her," he warned.

A muscle moved in the man's cheek and the ghost of a smirk appeared. Appreciation? Or amusement? Daro wasn't sure, but he didn't want to wait and find out. He grabbed for his weapon, but all he saw was black.
Right before he lost consciousness, he heard three words.

"Keep her safe."

***

Black wings flapped. The crow soared high in the sky, enjoying its rare leisure time. He had been enjoying freedom for nearly two days now. He was about to ride a thermal current to soar even higher, when a familiar whistle was heard from a few hundred feet below.

"Kaaa!" The bird's call was one of delight as he spotted his partner below. He gracefully adjusted his position and descended. Landing precariously on a branch that looked a bit too small for his size and weight, the bird flapped his wings to gain a proper balance as he happily and excitedly ranted on with several 'kaaas' and clicking sounds.

The man who had called him laughed as he held out his arm so his summon could transfer over. "Calm down Karasu before you open your mouth and really go on an unstoppable string of rants. Come here, now—that branch looks ready to snap in two. Haven't you learned by now, to pick sturdier branches to land on? I'm surprised that one didn't break the moment you landed!"

"Kaa! Kaa!! Too surprised! Karasu too excited Akio to see!"

"Alright, alright. There now." Akio chuckled again as he gave a fond pat over the large bird's head with his free hand. "We have a mission old friend, so I'm sorry to cut your vacation a little short."