Another path

Preparations for the tournament

<I don't own Naruto, Kishimoto does. >

* In Suna *

" - Kazekage-sama, we just received a message from Uzushio !

- This seal... It was written by the Uzukage herself. Thank you, you may leave.

- Yes, sir.

The jônin bowed and left the room promptly. Gaara opened the scroll and his eyes widened slightly before hardening.
His sister, who was standing next to him, looked at him expectantly.

- What does it say, Gaara ?

- Konoha is participating in the tournament. Kurama-dono convinced them to take part.

- What ?! But why would she do that ? She knows very well what they want !

- She says they found out Suzuka, Kakashi and Tenten were living in Uzushio. There's no use in hiding any longer. Moreover, knowing her, she's probably using this tournament as bait.

- And what is her ultimate goal ?

- I'm not sure about it... But that will give us a good idea of what their forces are as of now. They're going to try and impress everyone so the strongest shinobi of their village will take part.

- Which means we would do well to do the same while keeping our trump cards for ourselves.

- Exactly. So for now, we do as planned but we keep an eye on Konoha. "

* In Kiri *

Mei was currently organising the teams for the upcoming tournament. It was quite tiring considering the lack of forces they were still trying to make up for since the "purge".
She watched her little protégée fighting against Chôjūrô. She was about fourteen but she was already fairing quite well. After all, their alliance with Uzushio was slowly but surely growing stronger and they were now training genin together on some conjoined missions. It was helpful for both villages and it made ties grow thicker, preventing war from rising again.
Mei was brought out of her thoughts as the young girl she was watching over landed a kick in Ao's jaw after the older man criticized (once again) the poor Chôjūrô. She smirked.
" I really raised that kid well ! "

* In Kumo *

" - Bakeyaro, Konneyaro !

- B-sama, please be reasonable ! We can't allow you to take part in this tournament ! You are the village's main asset aside from the Raikage, it's way too risky !

- Not gonna lie, that's some crazy shit ! But Miss Nine's got some ass to beat and she needs help to do it !

- B, drop the lame rhymes and be serious. We are participating in this competition to show our strength off, that's not an actual contest !

- Yo yo, not listening-yo !

- BEEEEEEEE !!

A loud crack was heard and the whole east wall of the room where Killer B was talking with Yugito and Samui crumbled down. Dust infiltrated both women's lungs, making them cough harshly.
When the smoke finally cleared, A, the Raikage, stood there. And underneath him was B, his face crushed by his older brother's foot.