“The land of Iron doesn’t have any ninja,” Karin said, “it has samurai instead. It has been neutral territory since the origin of the ninja world, but it will be hard to get across the border with all the Kages here.”

“We’ll just have to make sure not to be detected then,” Sasuke commented.
“Hey,” Suigetsu questioned, “where did that Madara guy go?”
“He said he had some things to take care of,” Sasuke shrugged, “We don’t need him anyway.” He narrowed his eyes. He was so close to his goal now. He wasn’t going to let anyone get in his way. Danzou would be the first to go. The rest would follow after. They had to pay. All of them. Who did they think they were, deciding over other people’s lives like it was nothing. Using people as pawns in their war games. Like they meant nothing more than flies you swatted away. Like their lives were unimportant.
Sasuke’s eyes grew murderous. “This way,” he said and stalked towards the border.
“Couldn’t we just wait here for the Hokage to come by?” Suigetsu questioned, “It would save us a lot of trouble.”
“If the Hokage doesn’t show up at the meeting, they’ll know something is up, you idiot,” Karin growled at him, “they’ll be after us in no time. We’re going to the meeting. All the Kages will be assembled. Besides, we need to figure out his powers first.”
“Be quiet you two,” Sasuke said, “do you want us to be detected? Hurry up already or I’ll leave you behind.”

***

Taryn carefully made her way between the trees. She had to be careful. Guards were everywhere. It wasn’t going to be easy to get out of the village. She knew where the meeting was going to be held, even though meetings like this were rare. She had escorted her father once. The land of Iron had been neutral since the beginning of time. Whenever there was an assembly, this was were they came with no danger of treason.
Iron was as mall country that was surrounded by the other nations. It wouldn’t dare form alliances with one nation over the other. It was far too fragile for that.
But Iron was miles away. She had no time to lose. And she had to make sure she wouldn’t run into Danzou along the way.
She pulled her cloak tighter around her and put up her hood. It would be cold in Iron. The snow would not have melted yet.
Taryn sighed. She didn’t like the cold. Even though the desert nights were cool as well, snow was a different matter. She wasn’t looking forward to it.

Her thoughts wandered off to the upcoming meeting. Gaara would be there. Would he be very angry with her? She wished she could just have told him everything. He would have understood.
And her team. She had left them behind again and so close before the Chuunin Exams.
        She hoped she still had a home to return to when this was over. She wouldn’t know where else to go.
Her hand slid to her stomach again. She sighed. Why did things have to be so complicated?
She thought of Naruto. Would he have reached the Raikage yet? She was almost certain his plan would go to waste. Too much had happened. Every nation would want Sasuke’s blood by now. And that Danzou was in charge in Konoha now wouldn’t help things at all.

       She had to get there. As soon as possible.

***

“She went looking for Sasuke, didn’t she?” Kakashi appeared at Sai’s shoulder.
The boy looked up and gave a curt nod.
Kakashi sighed. “I wish I knew what is going on in her head,” he said, “why is she doing this?”
“She wants to save Sasuke,” Sai answered softly, “for Naruto’s sake.”
Kakashi slowly turned his head towards him and eyed the boy for a moment. “No,” he said softly, “not for Naruto.”
Sai looked at him questioningly, but he didn’t explain himself.
“Do you remember what to tell Danzou?” he asked instead.
“Hai,” Sai nodded, “Naruto hasn’t made a move. He’s still in the village. Nothing suspicious.”
“Good,” Kakashi smiled, “we’ll be leaving soon. Yamato placed a tracker on one of the Kumo ninja. We can’t lose sight of them.” He patted Sai’s shoulder. “You can do it. I have faith in you.” He walked back into the tent.
Sai stared after him stunned. A warm feeling swept through him and he smiled to himself. It really was nice to be part of something.
Now came the hard part. He had to lie to Danzou. He wasn’t sure he could pull it off. A year ago, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but ever since he had been placed in this team, he had changed.
He knew emotions now. He had formed bonds now. He had something worth protecting.

“I have faith in you.”

The boy’s face became determined. ‘I can do this.’

***

Somewhere close to the border of Iron, Kankuro pulled his cloak tighter around him. He glanced at his younger brother who walked a few paces ahead. Gaara had been quiet ever since Taryn had left. When he had asked, the Kazekage had refused to talk about it.
     Kankuro sighed. They had been travelling for days, the weather  growing colder every mile.
The letter had clearly stated that every Kage was allowed a maximum of two guards. He couldn’t help but think that Taryn should have been here. She was best suited for the job.
Temari walked next to him and gave him a sad smile. “You’re thinking about her too huh?” She sighed. 
   “I know Gaara is worried about her,” Kankuro said.

“Why does she always do things like this?” Temari sighed, “I don’t understand her at all. It really pisses me off.”
“It’s not her fault,” Kankuro said, “she always did things on her own. It was father‘s doing that she became that way. Always sending her on solo missions. Isolating her from us… You might have been too young to remember, but I used to follow her around when our parents weren’t watching. I really looked up to her.”
“I know,” Temari said softly, “me too.” She looked at him hesitantly. “Do you think… things would have been different… if father hadn’t asked her to…?”
Kankuro was silent for a long time. His eyes turned sad. “But he did ask her,” he answered, “he never really knew her. If he had, he would have know she would refuse. He just expected her to obey him. Like he did with everyone else.”

Kankuro peeked around the corner. She hadn’t seen him yet. Carefully he tiptoed after her, curious as to where she was going.
He had followed her around all morning. Three years ago she had been made Jounin. That was quite an achievement at her age. He was proud of her. Proud to be her brother. When he would grow up, he wanted to be just like her. But to accomplish that, he had to know how to fight. He wanted to see how she did that.
“You really need to learn to walk more quiet,” Taryn suddenly said.
Kankuro tensed. How could she have known he was here? She hadn’t even turned around.
He gave up sneaking and walked up to her. “It’s not fair to use your Byakugan,” he muttered.

“I didn’t have to,” she smiled, “you still breathe too loud.”
Kankuro sighed annoyed. Taryn’s eyes grew sad. “Why are you following me, Kankuro? Your uncle won’t like it.”

Kankuro shrugged. “He’s not here now. He’s taking care of Temari.”
“You shouldn’t anger him. Or father.”
“I don’t care,” Kankuro said, “I want you to teach me how to fight.”
Taryn smiled. “Didn’t you start the Academy already?”

“Yeah, but I want you to teach me. You’re my sister.”

Taryn’s expression became a little warmer. “Well, I can’t argue with that now, can I?” She took out two kunai daggers and handed them to him. “Show me what you’ve learned so far.” She pointed at a wooden fence a few feet ahead.

Kankuro took a deep breath and threw the knife. It landed in front of the fence in the ground.
“Try again,” Taryn said, “measure the distance first.”
Kankuro tried again, but this time missed as well. He sighed in defeat. He had wanted to show her his skills, so she’d be proud of him and he had made a fool of himself.
“Don’t give up,” Taryn said and handed him another dagger. “Her, it’s all in the wrist. I’ll show you.” She took a dagger herself. It landed in the center of the fence board. “See?”
Kankuro nodded and raised his arm to try again. The tip of his tongue was between his teeth. His dagger got stuck low in the fence and was dangling from the tip, but at least it was something.
“Perhaps I should get closer to the fence,” he suggested while Taryn retrieved the weapons.
“Nonsense,” she said, “the distance is fine. You just need more practice.” She smiled at him. “So have you figured out your jutsu style yet?” she asked,
Kankuro shook his head. “We haven’t gotten that far yet at the Academy, but I like the puppet art jutsu. I’ve read about it.”
“You like that huh. I can’t tell you much about it, I can’t use that art myself. But if that’s what you want you should study it carefully. There are some great puppeteers in Suna. It is where the art originated.”
“I can’t even throw a kunai dagger,” Kankuro muttered, “you were already Chuunin at my age. I’m not even a Genin yet.”
“Age is not important, Kankuro. When you’ll become a Chuunin, I’m sure you’ll do great. You just have to be patient.” She gave him a dagger. “Wanna try again?”
He smiled and reached for the dagger when a hand grabbed his wrist. Kankuro jumped and looked up to find his father standing there.
“What are you doing?” the Kazekage growled, “why aren’t you with your uncle Yashamaru?”
Kankuro stared at his feet. “He was busy?” he muttered softly.
“Taryn is a Jounin,” his father continued, “She has more important things to do than babysit you.”
            Kankuro didn’t dare point out that his uncle was a Jounin too. “Yes father,” he muttered.
“I do have time for him,” Taryn said, but her father ignored her.
“I have told you a thousand times that I don’t want you to bother her.”
“I was teaching him to throw kunai,” Taryn glared.
“He can learn that at the Academy!” her father barked, “that is what the school is for!”
“He’s my…”
“Inside!” her father snapped at Kankuro.
Kankuro flinched and turned around. With is head cast down he walked back to the mansion.
“And you,” her father turned to her, “you should see to your training, not play around with children.”
“I’ve been training all morning.”
“I don’t care! Stay away from Kankuro. And Temari too. Now report to my office. If you’re bored, I have a mission for you.”

***

“Why do you think we are being summoned to this meeting?” Temari asked, ”do you think we’re heading for War?”
“I don’t know,” her brother said, “with all that’s been going on lately it is not impossible.”
“Do you think… Taryn might be involved?” Temari’s voice was soft.
“Why don’t you two worry about the meeting when we actually get there?” Gaara had turned around and stared at them coldly. His siblings gasped.
“Gaara…” Kankuro said, “we were just…”

“Well don’t. We have to represent Suna. I can’t concern myself with Taryn’s whereabouts right now. She can take care of herself.”
“But…” Temari said.
Gaara sighed. “She’ll be fine. You know how she is… always has to do things her way. Now come on. We still have a long way to go.”

***

“There,” Yamato announced and pointed towards a clearing not far ahead, they’re making camp there.”
“Let’s go,” Naruto said and ran ahead. Kakashi and Yamato followed close behind him.
When they reached the campment they stumbled on the tree Kumo ninja and the Raikage with his two bodyguards as well.
“What do you want now?” one of them asked, “was the beating we gave you earlier not enough? Do you want another one?”
“We have a favor to ask,” Kakashi calmly stated, “Uzumaki Naruto of Konohagakure wishes to speak to Raikage-sama. Please listen to him.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little rude?” one of the Kage’s guards asked, “you didn’t ask ahead for an audience and we’re on our way to the meeting.”
“I am well aware of that,” Kakashi nodded.
The Raikage sighed. “Alright. Spit it out.”
Naruto too  a deep breath, fully aware that they weren’t gong to like what he was gong to say. “I want you… to stop Sasuke Uchiha’s execution.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“You’re still going on about that?” the Kumo ninja stared at him.
“I know it’s a lot to ask!” Naruto said, “but I have to try. Sasuke is my friend. I can’t sit back and watch him be killed! I don’t want Sasuke to be the cause of a war between Konoha and Kumo! I don’t want either of us to get caught in revenge.”
The Raikage scoffed. “Let’s go,” he told his subordinates.
“I’m begging you!” Naruto said and dropped to his knees, “I don’t want anyone else getting killed for revenge! All Sasuke ever thought of was revenge! It consumed him and changed him. He’s driven mad by it and he’s not the same guy I knew anymore! I don’t want that to happen to anyone else. So please…”
“I will kill Sasuke,” the Raikage interrupted, “it’s up to you to make it stop here.”
“Was that all?” his guard asked, “we’re in a hurry.”
Yamato narrowed his eyes. “When you went after Hyuga’s Byakugan, Konoha never did anything to retaliate. Your actions could have provoked a war, but we swallowed our pride in order to prevent that. Don’t forget that you exist because of our sacrifice.”
“This young ninja before you,” Kakashi gestured towards Naruto, “may not be skilled at this, but he’s begging you for the sake of both Konoha and Kumo.”
“A ninja should not be so quick to bow before another,” Raikage said, “ninja respect action and strength. There should be no compromise between ninja. The history of human race is build on wars ever since the Three Great Ninja Wars. Every country, every village has fought for the strongest techniques. The weak will be crushed. That is the inescapable truth of the ninja world. Akatsuki consists of internationally wanted criminals. The whole world will be after Sasuke. Not just me. You beg for mercy for a criminal. In the ninja world we do not call that friendship. You won’t get far in the ninja world if you keep acting so stupidly.” He motioned for his ninja to follow him and disappeared.
“Naruto,” Kakashi said softly once they were out of sight, “That’s enough. Get up. You did all you could. It’s out of our hands now.”

***

“Place your hats on the table,” the lord of Iron spoke. He was sitting at a large round table with the five Kages. Behind every Kage was al large banner with the symbol of the nation they represented. Behind the banners was a section reserved for every Kage’s guard. “You are here today because the Raikage had called this meeting,” the lord of Iron continued, “my name is Mifume of the land of Iron. I will be your moderator. Let’s start the meeting.”
“I’ll go first,” Gaara said.
“The installment of Kages sure has changed,” Tsuchikage said, “you must be something special to have been made Kage at your age. Your father must have taught you right. Too bad he forgot to install some manners.”
“Tsuchikage,” Mizukage said, “please stop interrupting. Continue, Kazekage.”
Behind the banner, Kankuro and Temari were following the discussion carefully. “Who does this Tsuchikage think he is?” Kankuro growled.
“Be quiet,” Temari hissed at her brother.
“I’m a former host,” Gaara spoke, “Akatsuki captured and nearly killed me while extracting the beast. They are extremely dangerous. I requested aid from other Kages many times, but they all ignored me, except for the former Hokage. Though at this point, with nearly all the beasts captured, aid may be too late.”
“Hn,” the Tsuchikage spoke, “if a country has its host captured, it has no business giving other countries orders. It is an embarrassment. You should have tried to reclaim it in secret. Once it’s stolen,  you can’t expect other countries to help you.”
“Appearance… honor…”Gaara said, “I don’t have time for that kind of ridiculous, old-fashioned thinking.”
“Brat,” the Tsuchikage muttered.

From somewhere in the rafters of the room, Sasuke and his team were looking down. Sasuke glared at the Kages down at the table and his eyes were focused on the Hokage’s seat. ‘So, that’s Danzou huh?’

 His first target. Then the rest of them would follow. He would just have to wait for the right moment.

‘Iron,” Taryn carefully made her way through the snowy fields. She still vaguely remembered where to go from the time she had come with her father. Finding the tower wasn’t the problem. Getting inside was the hard part.
Aside from that, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do when she got there. She could hardly barge into the conference room and claim she was chasing Sasuke. Then she would be playing right into Danzou’s hands.
Part of her didn’t want to stop Sasuke. She was actually hoping he would succeed in killing Danzou. But if he did that here, all of hell would break lose.
She couldn’t side with him, she could hardly let him kill all of the other Kages, including her brother.
‘First things first. Getting into the tower. What happens after that… I’ll just have to improvise.”

***

In an inn in a village a few miles from the border with the land of Iron, Naruto lay in the floor of the bedroom he shared with Kakashi and Yamato. He stared at the ceiling and sighed heavily. ‘Sasuke…’ He turned to his side. ‘Where are you? What are you thinking? Do you ever think about Sakura and Kakashi-sensei and me? Do you miss us even a little?’ His eyes saddened. ‘You defeated your brother. You got your revenge. Do you feel better now? Or has it just gotten worse? Sasuke… why haven’t you come back to Konoha? Has the hatred eaten you up? Have you really become nothing but a criminal? I don’t… understand you anymore…’
A sudden sound behind him made him jump up. In the window, at the far end of the room, stood a man that wore the black and red clad of Akatsuki. His face was covered with a mask that left only one eye visible.
“You…” Naruto growled.
Madara chuckled. “Shall we have a little chat, Uzumaki Naruto?”
Naruto immediately produced a clone and spun Rasengan.
“Rasengan huh,” Madara said, “that won’t work on me.”
Out of nowhere a network of wood appeared and trapped Madara. “Hold still Naruto,” Yamato said while appearing in front of him. Kakashi materialized on Madara’s other side.
“Nice move, Hatake Kakashi,” Madara approved, “you’re fast.”
“I won’t let you get our hands on Naruto that easily,” Kakashi growled, his Sharingan uncovered, “Uchiha Madara.”
Madara chuckled. “So you’ve figured that out huh.”
“I don’t know whether you’ll just disappear or turn into a ghost or whatever,” Yamato said, “but if you want Naruto, your form has to be solid.”
Madara laughed. “I don’t think it will be so easy. I have a plan you know. For now, I just want to talk.”
“Talk?” Kakashi questioned.
“Yes.” Madara turned to Naruto, “how did you get Nagato to betray me?”
“That doesn’t matter!” Naruto spat, “what are you gonna do with Sasuke?!”
“Ah… Sasuke,” Madara said, “alright. I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you about a man, eaten up by the ninja world’s hatred and bitterness. About Uchiha Sasuke. And about Itachi.”