Disclaimer: I own Naruto's abilities, jutsus, and general coolness. Everything else belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Prince of Persia's Sand Wraith belongs to Ubisoft.

Chapter 1

About 10 miles from the border between Fire and Wind Countries

It was around midnight and a man sat in a clearing. The man had on a grey shirt and pants, with a black leather jacket. He had black hair that grew just past his shoulders. He was barefoot and wore a mask that had no visible features, not even eye slits. He was surrounded by 8 pillars with kanji on them. The pillars formed an octagon with the man in the center. Lines of kanji ran from each pillar to the man. He whispered something under his breath and each pillar began glowing a different color. Soon the man's features began to change. His clothing seemed to melt into a black and grey bodysuit. He had white gauntlets on his wrists and swirling designs on his body that faded from white to black. He had what looked like black wrappings flowing loosely around his limbs with the ends extending behind him. The mask turned into a full hood that left his eyes uncovered. (A/n: think Prince of Persia: The Warrior Within's Sand Wraith appearance.) His eyes were a grey with a silver sheen. "There. This will entice Danzo and his Root organization. Now all that's left is to wait for the players to get here. Then the game can begin. Each player will have a vaunted interest in what I have to offer." The man's voice was deep, yet it had a hollow tone to it that came from the mask's presence. The man chuckled as the light of the pillars faded and he sat back down in a meditative position.

Konohagakure, Hokage Tower

"Tsunade-sama, I have a report from one of our border patrols. Apparently a scroll was left for them. It was addressed to you."

"Thank you, Shizune-chan." Tsunade opened the scroll.

To the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure:

Konichiwa, Hokage-sama. I have contacted you in the hopes of entering a business relationship with you. I have in my possession a way for you to greatly increase the effectiveness of your shinobi force through various means I won't discuss on a scroll. As a token of my generosity, I have enclosed here a technique of my own design, one that any of your ninja can learn if given enough time. (Here Tsunade noticed a chakra seal at the bottom of the scroll. She charged some chakra into the seal and out popped another scroll.) This technique is designed so a ninja can temporarily increase his or her reflexes, muscle density, and physical speed. Unlike most techniques, this one does not result in injury to the ninja after the modifications wear off. This is only a small fraction of the services I can render to your village if we were to seek a profitable arrangement. If you wish to meet with me or send a representative, you may find me about 10 miles from the border to Wind Country. If you search for a clearing with eight pillars in it, I will meet you there.

Sincerely,

The Manipyure Ta no Chakra

P.S. Incidentally, most likely others such as Otogakure will also seek me out. I may have sent an invitation to your village, but I will not turn down a business proposal from another potential customer if it is to my advantage. However, I will not make a final decision without first hearing your offer. Ja ne.

Tsunade looked closely at the jutsu scroll enclosed. 'This technique…it's amazing!' "Shizune! Get me the Rookie 10 and their jounin instructors. I have a mission for them."

Konohagakure, Root Headquarters

"Danzo-sama, we have received a report that a team is being sent out to an area near the our border with Wind Country. Shall we pursue?"

Danzo nodded, "Yes. Go now and see if there is anything that can be used for the good of Konoha."

Otogakure, Orochimaru's labs

"Orochimaru-sama, I hate to interrupt, but there have been rumors going around that describe a ninja who claims to have created a jutsu that grants immortality."

Orochimaru looked up at Kabuto. "And do we know where this ninja is, Kabuto?"

"Yes. All the rumors point to an area in Fire country just past the border. Shall I investigate?"

Orochimaru thought for a moment. "Yes. Go and see if the rumors are true. Take a squad of our Anbu with you. This ninja may need to be…persuaded to visit me. And I do want to meet him personally. I wish to compare notes with him concerning my own immortality jutsu."

Kabuto bowed. "Right away, Orochimaru-sama." After being dismissed, Kabuto collected Otogakure's best Anbu squad and left the village in search of this strange ninja.

Somewhere along the Fire Country border

"So, Kakashi-sensei. Why are we being sent out to the border?"

The silver-haired ichigan turned back to look at his pink-haired student. "I'm not sure, Sakura. Apparently, there's a shinobi in the area who we need to meet. Kurenai has a scroll containing a message for the ninja, and it's our job to get there before anyone else."

Shikamaru looked at the ichigan. "Why the rush? I mean, I thought this ninja contacted us specifically."

Kurenai frowned as she held the scroll tightly. "While we were the only village contacted, it was hinted that other parties may try to reach the shinobi before we do. Our only guarantee is that the ninja promised to hear our proposal before making his final decision. The reason we're rushing this is because our mystery shinobi has drawn the attention of Orochimaru. This is an S-class mission because of possible Sannin interference. Our objective should an outside party attempt to interfere is to escort the ninja to Konoha."

"Neji, use your power of youth to find our mystery ninja, for he has hidden his own springtime of youth!" Gai cheered.

Neji sighed, 'Translation: Use Byakugan to find the target. Why can't he just say it?'"Yes, Gai-sensei. Byakugan!" The veins around Neji's eyes bulged as he searched for the ninja.

"Neji, Hokage-sama said that we should look for a clearing with eight pillars in an octagon formation." Asuma said from behind Neji.

It was only five minutes before Neji spotted it. "Team, the clearing is half a mile ahead, bearing northeast. It's under a genjutsu. Also, I'm seeing the chakra signatures of thirteen individuals. Seven near the clearing, and six trailing behind us."

Kakashi nodded as they continued to leap through the trees. "Alright. Once we hit the clearing, we start the mission. Team eight and Team Gai will scout out the seven in front of us, while Team ten takes down those behind. Team seven and the other jounin will make contact with our mystery ninja and escort him back to Konoha. As soon as we've start heading back to Konoha, the other teams will disengage and follow us back. We'll circle around our trailing enemies when we leave, so I need all teams to stall as long as they can. Any objections? No? Good!" And with that, the Konoha nin raced to the clearing.

On the edge of the clearing

"Kabuto-sama. This genjutsu is difficult to penetrate. We need more time." The hapless Anbu member cringed behind his mask as Kabuto glared at him.

"We don't have time! Other ninja will soon arrive. This mystery ninja could be a valuable tool for Orochimaru-sama, so we have to get him first."

"Hai, Kabuto-sama! We shall not fail Orochimaru-sama!" The Anbu turned back to the genjutsu.

Behind the Konoha nin

"Danzo-sama wanted us to observe and obtain anything that will help him achieve his goals. He must not be denied his weapon. This ninja is rumored to possess strange abilities that Danzo-sama desires. We must retrieve him before anyone else." The Root captain looked back at his team.

They all responded in unison, "Hai!"

Within the clearing

The ninja everyone was so fixated on was still meditating in the clearing. He could feel his genjutsu being dispelled and smirked underneath his mask. 'So…I guess it's time to play the game.' The ninja stood and placed his left palm on the ground. 'Great Pillar of Earth.' A thick pillar made of compressed dirt rose to his left. He placed his right palm on the ground. 'Great Pillar of Wood.' A thick pillar made of twisted vines grew to his right. He placed both palms on the ground. 'Great Pillar of Ice. Great Pillar of Metal.' A pillar of ice condensed behind him. Another pillar appeared in front of him, this one made of pure iron. The ninja raised his palms in the air. 'Roof of Fire.' A thick layer of flame encased in a chakra barrier appeared above his head. It stretched from one pillar to another without burning them. The ninja held his hands out so he touched the pillars of earth and wood. 'Thick Wall of Lightning.' He swiftly turned, rotating his body with speed as electricity began jumping from pillar to pillar, surrounding him. He stopped suddenly and thrust both hands into the dirt. 'Floor of Air.' The chakra construct seemed to rise into the air, hovering a foot of the ground. The ninja blinked out of existence, only to reappear on top of the structure. He held one fist out and one palm on the chakra construct. 'Barrier of Water.' Water seemingly appeared around the structure, forming a watery sphere around the entire thing. The ninja panted a little as he kept control of the chakra. "I never thought this jutsu would come in handy, but it sure does make for an interesting advertisement." He turned as a group of ninja with leaves on their headbands appeared in his clearing. "Konichiwa. I see you've decided to meet and discuss the terms of business."

Kurenai could only stare in awe and fear as she beheld the massive structure made entirely of chakra. "H-Hai. We are here to deliver a scroll from the Godaime Hokage to the Manipyure Ta no Chakra (Manipulator of Chakra, or Chakra Manipulator)."

The strangely garbed figure within the chakra nodded, "I am he. I would assume others of your party are indisposed? My genjutsu was dispelled, yet I have not had any other potential customers."

Sakura spoke up. "Customers? I thought you wanted to join Konoha?"

The figure laughed, but it only unnerved Kurenai further. "No little sakura blossom, I do not wish to serve a village. I am the Manipyure Ta no Chakra. I offer my unique services to whoever will give me the best deal. I chose to contact your village because it is a large village and I might find more opportunities for profit there. However, there are other parties who appear willing to seek me out, so I shall extend what little courtesy my clearing can provide. Wait but a moment and we will begin the discussion." The figure turned from them and extended his left hand, palm outward, toward the sky. 'Replication.' Suddenly, copies of the ninja appeared, each atop one of the eight pillars ringing the clearing. They all raced away, reappearing with more ninja in tow. The Konoha teams all massed together, eyeing the Root Anbu squad and Kabuto and the Oto Anbu squad. The eight copies disappeared in black smoke that floated up to the central ninja who seemed to absorb the smoke into his body.

The Manipyure Ta no Chakra stood tall as he surveyed the three groups. "So, you have all come seeking an arrangement with me, correct? I sent a message to Konoha, but I do not recall inviting Otogakure or Danzo-san's Root organization. However, seeing as you are all here, I might as well observe and see which of you I might ally myself with, if any. Konoha ninja," Here he turned his silver eyes to the leaf ninja, "I sent your Hokage an invitation, so you may present your offer first, then the Root organization since you also come from Konoha, then last, but certainly not least, Kabuto-san may present his offer. I will hold off on my decision until all parties have presented their offers. If I may, I would like to address a question that may be in more than one ninja's mind. Your question is: Is this chakra construct a technique, and is it of my own design. The answer is yes to both questions. I created this structure in the nine minutes it took to for the Konoha ninja to arrive at my clearing from the edge of my genjutsu. On a side note, I am impressed with your Oto Anbu squad, Kabuto-san. To dispel my barrier genjutsu would take an enormous amount of skill. Orochimaru-san must be proud."

Kabuto smiled, although you could tell it was forced. "Thank you, Manipyure Ta-san. This is only a glimpse of the power Orochimaru-sama can give to a shinobi." 'This ninja is dangerous! He created a chakra contruct of that size and strength in only nine minutes. It's composed of every element, including wood, metal, and ice. Amazingly, he is still maintaining the jutsu, and with no sign of chakra exhaustion. I'm not sure if we can take him to Oto by force.'

The Manipyure Ta nodded from within the barrier. "Now, on to business. Konoha. Please hand me the scroll from your Hokage."

Kurenai tried to relax as she walked up to the barrier. The Manipyure Ta reached out his hand, but it didn't pass the barrier. Kurenai was confused, "Manipyure Ta-san. Why do you not lower your barrier? I cannot give you Hokage-sama's scroll through the water."

The man shook his head. "No need, Kurenai-san. Just hold out the scroll, and don't be alarmed." Kurenai wondered about this, but she quickly stiffened as she saw part of the black bandages that circled his right arm move out toward the scroll. And her hand. It seemed to pass through the barrier, and wrapped firmly around the scroll. And her hand. Kurenai almost jerked her hand back, but kept it steady as the bandages gently circled her hand and wrist. 'What?' The bandages suddenly loosened and retracted, still holding the scroll.

The ninja within the barrier dropped to his knees in shame. "I apologize for startling you, Kurenai-san. I am still experimenting with this technique. It is difficult to maintain control of both the construct and this form. I ask your forgiveness, although I have no excuse for causing you discomfort."

Kurenai was stunned. This man who could create and maintain a chakra construct that even the Hokage would have difficulty creating was apologizing for surprising her. "No, no. It's alright. You don't have to apologize any further. However, I would request that you lower your barrier and release your construct. We have all witnessed your abilities and do not require any further proof. I'm sure you must be tired."

The Manipyure Ta looked at the female jounin for a long moment, then bowed his head. "You are correct, Kurenai-san. It is difficult to continue, but I must have your word that you will not force me into any action I do not wish to participate in. I value my independence and do not wish to be bound to any village permanently." As the surrounding ninja nodded, the man stood, then suddenly disappeared in black smoke. The chakra construct began to fall apart. The fire died out, the air below the structure died, the pillar of ice melted, the wood, metal and earth pillars sank into the ground, the water evaporated, and the electricity surrounding the pillars fizzled out. The Manipyure Ta suddenly appeared in the center of the clearing again with a swirl of black smoke. "Alright. Let me see what the Hokage's offer will be." He sat down and opened the scroll.

Kakashi and the other Konoha ninja tried to remain calm as the Manipyure Ta no Chakra looked over the Hokage's scroll. Kakashi noticed the Root Anbu shifting uneasily, and Kabuto's squad seemed to be upset about something as well. He turned his attention back to their common interest.

The Manipyure Ta no Chakra smiled sarcastically underneath his mask as he read the proposal. 'I should have known this would happen.' He looked over the letter.

To the Manipyure Ta no Chakra,

Konichiwa. We, the Council of Konohagakure, invite you, the Manipyure Ta no Chakra , to meet with us in three days. The ninja who delivered this scroll will be your official escort to our village. Until we have met in person, we cannot pay you for the services you might provide. We, the Council, require a demonstration of your abilities and skills. If they are satisfactory, we offer you the chance to enlist in our shinobi force. It is a rare opportunity to be invited into the military as an outsider. The Council trusts that you will agree to this proposal and we will meet you in three day in Konohagakure.

Sincerely,

The esteemed Council of Konohagakure

'It has their signatures, but not the Hokage's. Interesting.' He turned to the Konoha ninja. "Which one of you is the leader of this mission?"

Kakashi stepped forward, "I am, Manipyure Ta-san. Why? Is there something amiss?" Kakashi didn't miss the grin that spread across Kabuto's face.

"Yes, Kakashi-san. I find this proposal…unacceptable."

Kakashi frowned. "Would you please explain?"

The Manipyure Ta looked him right in the eye. "What I find unacceptable is that the Hokage's signature isn't even on this scroll. I told her in my invitation I only work as an independent contractor. I supply you with techniques and abilities and your village pays me upon delivery. However, this proposal states that I am to become one of your ninja before I can be paid. If I become one of your ninja all my products become the property of your village. I see no profit in such an arrangement." The incensed ninja turned away. "I selected Konoha because I heard of your reputation as a village of opportunity. I see now either Iwa or Oto would have been the wiser choice to aid with my skills. You may leave. The offer no longer stands with Konohagakure. Tell your Council I will not meet with those who cannot extend the same courtesy to me as I extend to them. You may have one representative stay to observe the deliberation among the other parties, but your chance has passed." He handed the scroll to Kakashi, then moved back to the center of the ring of pillars.

Kakashi turned to his team with a sigh. "Well, it appears as though we came all this way for nothing. Let's go home team."

"Kakashi."

He turned to look at Kurenai. "What is it, Kurenai?"

She glanced over at the Manipyure Ta no Chakra. "I'll stay here and observe the others. I can at least find out what Orochimaru and Danzo are willing to pay. I can also find out which one he sides with."

Kakashi nodded. "Alright, but don't get taken out by Kabuto or his Anbu. I know the Root Anbu will leave you alone unless you interfere. You're still considered an asset to Konoha." Kurenai began walking back to the meeting as Kakashi and his team leaped into the trees. 'I have to report this to the Hokage. Apparently the Council tried to pull a fast one on her, but it blew up in their faces this time.' Kakashi did not want to think about the last time the Council had bypassed the Hokage successfully.

Kurenai moved near the other ninjas. The Manipyure Ta no Chakra seemed to notice her and waved her forward. "Kurenai-san. I see you have chosen to remain here and watch the proceedings."

"Yes, Manipyure Ta-san. It is true. However, I beg of you. Please reconsider Konoha's proposal. The Hokage was unaware of the details that were contained in the scroll. I am sure she would offer you a better solution."

The masked ninja sighed. "Kurenai-san, I was aware of the Council's deception as soon as I opened the scroll. But you must understand. I cannot show partiality to Konoha over others. To do so would be dishonorable, and while I have been called many things, dishonorable has never been one of them. Now Kurenai-san," he motioned for her to sit down near one of the pillars, "I may not be able to accept your proposal at this time, but I promise that you may stay here. You may observe the proceedings without fear, for if anyone should attack another during these deliberations, then I shall have them removed from the discussion, forcefully if need be." The man moved back to the center of the clearing where the Root Anbu captain and Kabuto waited.

'Kurenai-san. I am sorry, but I am in a difficult position.' The Manipyure Ta walked up to the two men. "Let it be known that should any weapon or jutsu be used, the individuals involved and their respective parties will be removed from this meeting. However, should this occur, a representative from each party may stay to observe any future negotiations. Taichou-san, I assume you have a proposal from Danzo-san to give to me. Or is it an oral presentation?"

The Anbu captain handed over a scroll. "It is a chakra seal. You may unseal the proposal read it while we await your response, Manipyure Ta-san." The captain bowed at the waist, then moved back to his squad.

Kabuto stepped forward as well. "Manipyure Ta-san, allow me to unseal the proposal from Orochimaru-sama for your convenience." He quickly disabled the seal just as the Manipyure Ta was unsealing the Root scroll. Kabuto's scroll exploded, leveling the clearing. The eight pillars were shattered and everyone quickly leaped into the surrounding trees.

Kabuto and his Anbu team exchanged looks. The unasked question passed between them. 'Did we get him?' The scroll was designed to injure the masked ninja. Kabuto had quickly used the Kawarimi to escape the blast radius. The Manipyure Ta no Chakra would have had about one and a half seconds to leap away. Hopefully he would be injured and Kabuto could take him back to Otogakure. 'I'm glad Orochimaru-sama suggested the scroll bomb. I don't think we could have taken him down on our own.'

The Root captain stared at the wreckage that was once a pristine clearing. 'I can't sense any chakra other than the Oto-nin. It seems this Manipyure Ta no Chakra wasn't of much value to Danzo-sama after all.' The captain motioned for his squad to return to Konoha. They would report that, due to interference from Orochimaru's men, they were not able to obtain the Manipyure Ta no Chakra.