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

Chapter 10

Pein narrowed his eyes as he looked out over the village of Rain. Too many people had been invading his territory as of late. He would not stand of it any longer. It had been bad enough to put up with Orochimaru. First he had left Akatsuki and now he was making a mockery of the band of mercenaries by crossing the place Pein had claimed his own.
The snake man had been smart enough to settle just outside of Akatsuki territory, but now he had made a move on Konoha. And not only had Konoha shinobi crossed the border of Ame, Suna had joined in as well. Whether or not they were tracking Orochimaru was not the issue. He wanted them gone. Preferably all of them, but first of all those shinobi from Konoha. Let them fight their battles with Orochimaru and his new Ookami allies somewhere else.

"Kisame, Itachi," he contacted them through the small device in his hand, "I have a job for you."

***

"Stop everyone," Kinu commanded as the border shared by Fire and Rain grew closer. She stopped just before a small clearing so they could remain in the cover provided by the trees. Karasu swooped down and landed near Kinu on a branch. He gave a few low crows and ruffled a few of his feathers. He had intercepted the large group a few miles back and had lead them to the border closest to where Akio, Ken, and Daro had entered through.

"Akio-sensei and the others are through here, huh..." Akira frowned at the low visibility ahead. "Man, this is gonna suck."

"We were just in that country too." Suzume was also frowning, having more sense to tie her hair back in a rolled up bun, so it wouldn't weight her down as it got wet.

Kuro too didn't look happy at the prospect of stepping into the rain again.

"But Sensei is in there. Right?" Hiro questioned, looking to Kinu for confirmation. "Akio-san's summon said so."

"But they haven't got a lock on her location," Kakashi added, "Ken only felt a dull signal."

"They've got to be on top of it by now." Akira spoke with confidence. "Ken's one of the best sensors around. He'll definitely find Taryn."

"One can only hope." Kinu frowned. "So much time has already passed since this whole incident began."

"And it looks like it will only add up with how thick that rain is." Suzume sighed. "Not only do we have to slow our pace because of it, but this is Akatsuki territory. Plus we have to be on the lookout for Orochimaru and his lackeys on top of that."

"They'll know we are coming," Kuro commented, "at least you guys. It's why they have hidden themselves so well."

"Let's not worry about things beforehand," Kakashi said, "we need to find their hide out first. Once we've pinpointed their location, then we can start worrying about strategies."

"Let's go then," Kuro sighed, "Ken has a lock on them now. We don't want to lose it."

They stepped across the border.

***

Keigo was even more confused now with Taryn's last comment. As they now headed to see to Taryn's injuries, he did a mental tally of all the people residing in the hideout and which countries they were from.
Not a single one was from Sunagakure.
For the time-being, he'd say nothing since it was not safe to discuss anything of that topic for now.
"When around others," He quickly advised before they drew too close to any sharp ears, "Do not act so friendly towards me. And do not be offended with how I act around others. It is my role, to ensure I do not place more danger that what has already been placed over my clan. Please understand that. Explanations will be done later at a safer time."