AN: Keyote here again, finally. Sorry for the unplanned delay with this chapter being released, but things happened that forced it to be so. First, my lap top suffered a serious error in the OS or something to that effect which caused several of the key functions I used (coughinternet accesscough) to become nonusable. Basically, my laptop was dead as far as being useful for anything relevent.

Next, I did land the job and I even managed to finally score a second job as well which both together (though rough on my nonexistant personal life) would allow me to finish paying what I needed to get paid so I could finally get moved out of my brothers place and back onto my own again. I even have a job offer that I'll be going to check up about that could replace the first two do to pay and benefits.

Naturally, working so much takes it out of a person and leaves them little time for writing on a computer...add to the fact I couldn't write anyways what with my lap top being a paper weight now. My brother did let me have his old lap top though it has its own issues (maybe that's why he gave it to me?) When time permits it, I'll likely buy a new lap top or a full on PC to make things easier on me.

And finally, it's really hard to be creative and write when your life was in the state mine was in. Well, I did have some ideas here and there, just nothing that would work with this particular story.

Still, I trudged on and do what I can however I can. And here I am again, back on my own and trying to make it through one day at a time.

Anyways, enough with the drama that is my life seeing as it is boring. On with the fan fiction...

Rave Master Naruto

chpt.62: Into the Desert

The desert was harsh, brutal, and merciless to those who weren't prepared for her and just as much so for those who were as well. Hot beyond hell during the day and surprisingly cold during the nights. The desert, by all accounts, was a true contradiction of the world.

Right now, night had fallen across the endless dunes, unleashing a potent chill that flowed from one rise to another with little effort. And for those who lived in the Hidden Sand Village; currently out on night patrol, wondered if they would be happier working now or during the day under the hot sun?

"Sure is a nice night out here, don't ya think, mate?" asked one guard at the entrance to the village, which had been built within a hollowed out mountain of rock.

"Nice? Sure it is if you don't mind the shivers and the feeling of your limbs going numb" said another, his teeth chattering a bit from the cold as his breath could be seen escaping his mouth. "Give me the sun over the moon any day, thank you."

"I like it better out here at night myself. No fear of heat or sun stroke under the moonlight. And it is easier to warm one's self than to cool yourself off in my opinion" replied the first. "Besides, I was meaning the stars in the sky. Best part of the job for me is looking into our night sky."

The second guard tilts his head upwards, then says "Can't argue with you there. I've been to many a place in my time and I can honestly say we have the best looking night sky view. It easily puts all others to shame." He then reaches for a pack and pulls out a thermos, popping the lid off as he goes for a drink but finds it empty. "Mind if I go for a refill, man?"

"Sure, go ahead. Not like we'll be seeing any action right now anyways. Another advantage to the midnight shift, mate" says the first. The second guard nods before turning and heading down the narrow path that allowed access between the village and the rest of the desert. "Oh, while you're gone, grab me some chips to munch on" shouts the first, turning to look at his fellow guard.

"Will do" returns the second before the dark of night claims him.

The first nods as he turns his attention back towards the horizon, stopping for just a moment as he thought he saw something. After a moment to scan, he shrugs and says "Just shadows under the moon."

If only that were the case.

"Only TWO guards watching the main entrance? Things have become so lax since I was last here" comes the voice of Sasori as he lowers the binoculars from his eyes.

"So what you're saying is that this will be easy mission for us, am I right, Sasori my man?" asked Deidara, a smirk forming upon his lips. "That's actually a little...disappointing if you ask me."

Sasori's eyes turn to look at his partner as he says "Don't get cocky or careless here. The sand's ninja may have become jokes since the last war and that failed assault on the Leaf, but the Kazekage will still present a dangerous challenge for us. Especially seeing as the Kazekage is also a Jinchuriki; our target."

"Yeah, I know. I know. I won't screw this up like Hidan and Kakuzu did two years ago and get myself killed while doing it either" comes Deidara. "But are you sure you're OK with ME doing this? This is your village after all."

"After all that insisting you gave on our way here, is the great artist suddenly getting cold feet?" asked Sasori, getting an annoyed growl from his partner.

"Fine, I was trying to offer you a chance to do this as it would make for a nice homecoming" says Deidara as he digs into a pouch and pulls out some clay; transforming it into a bird which he hops on. "But now I will do this no matter what you say. Be back in a bit." And with that, Deidara was gone.

"Like you would have let me do this to begin with, you greedy brat" says Sasori to himself. Once this mission was over, he would talk with Nagato about switching partners and going to work with Kisame now that the former Seven Swords ninja was partner-less seeing as Itachi had left them.

Inside the village, within the mansion of the Kazekage, all was quiet save for the sound of foot steps quickly approaching the Kazekage's office. Stopping a few feet from the door, Matsuri takes a deep breath to ready herself for once she stepped inside.

"OK, act cool and confident. Be cool and confident. You can do this girl, I know you can. How else will lord Gaara see you as a young woman now, not the young kid he had to put up with a few years back just before her academy graduation.

It had been two years to be exact, on the eve of her graduation from the Sand academy, that she had been placed under Gaara's tutelage as a final exam sort of thing she had to go through and pass in order to become a Genin. Of course, she had known about him long before this and had even developed something of a crush on him. But this was her spending a week alone with him out in the desert on a survival course like test.

AND IT COULDN'T HAVE GONE WORSE FOR HER.

Sure, she passed and was now a Genin with hopes the forthcoming Chunin Exams would see her become a Chunin. But that week, she had been a nervous, fidgety wreck; barely able to make a sentence without stumbling over her words, stuttering, and rambling on over this and that. The constant accidents she caused were no laughing matter either. Anyone else would have called her a lost cause and sent her home on the first day. But not Gaara. No, he had endured it all and still gave her a pass at the end which saw her become a Genin. And that had made her feelings for him even stronger and she could now say without a doubt that what she felt was indeed pure, true love.

Of course, had she been sent with anyone else, she likely wouldn't have made so many mistakes either.

"OK, I know I can do this" she says again. "I'll go in there and give him these reports. I'll strike up a conversation. And...and..." With that, her mind drifted as it often did when thoughts of Gaara entered there, leading her to have very interesting day dreams.

(inside Matsuri's fantasy)

"Master Gaara...I mean, Gaara-sensei...er, I mean lord Kazekage" stutters out Matsuri nervously as she stands before the red headed Kage who gives her a surprisingly warm smile.

"Call me what ever you want, Matsuri. I don't mind if its you. Anyways, what brings you here at such late an hour?" asked Gaara in a smooth, cool tone.

"Um...well, I brought you these assignment report papers and..." she says, holding the sheets of paper out and Gaara takes them, gives them a quick glance then tosses them to the side, sending them scattering all over the room onto the floor. "Master...?"

Gaara gets up and moves around the desk to stand before here. "Never mind that now. I'm actually glad you came here tonight, Matsuri."

"You are?" she asked, glad to hear she wasn't being a bother to him.

He then reaches up and brush's a hand through her brown hair. "I need help with something important. Help that only you can provide. Will you help me, Matsuri?"

"Of course, lord Kazekage. What ever you need" says Matsuri who then blush's as Gaara pulls her in close.

"What ever I need? Anything at all is fine with you?" he ask, giving her the bed room eyes look before leaning inwards towards her.

"Yes..." she says in a dream toned voice as his lips close the gap to hers. Anything...

(fantasy end)

"Oh Gaara, you're so cool. Of course I'm fine with starting a family together with you tonight" says Matsuri, completely lost in her mental day dream as the door into the office opens and Gaara peeks his head outside to see what was causing the noise.

"Matsuri, isn't it a bit late for you to be stopping by?" he asked; his voice not being heard by her.

"A dozen kids? Sure, I think I can handle that" she says gleefully, practically hopping up and down as Gaara steps forward and places a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright? Can you hear me, Matsuri?" asked Gaara.

The sudden contact from him snaps her back to reality so suddenly, she shrieks in surprise which sends her arms flying outwards along with the sheets of paper she had been holding, sending them scattering onto the floor. "Lord Gaara-sensei, I...oh no, all the papers." She quickly kneels down and begins scooping them up hastily. "And I went to so much trouble to put them in order too."

"Is this the reason you are out so late?" asked Gaara.

She looks up at him and nods. "Yeah, I went and collected all of today's assignment sheets for you and was bringing them to you..."

"That's fine. Go ahead and get them picked up then come inside" says Gaara, turning to return to his office. He stops just beyond the door and adds "Don't worry about the order. I doubt it really matters anyways."

"Yes sir" says Matsuri, feeling embarrassed as she felt Gaara must now think her a complete fool; an idiot beyond hope. Just like before when they were doing that survival drill in the desert so she could become a Genin. Surely, there had to be something she could do in order to redeem herself, to make herself look cool and worthy in his eyes? Once she was done collecting the papers, she heads into his office and finds Gaara standing outside on the balcony, gazing up at the stars.

"Here they are, lord Kazekage" she says nervously.

"Just put them on my desk. I'll see to them in a bit" he says, never once taking his eyes off the sky. "And by the way, you don't have to be so formal with me. Just Gaara is fine."

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly..." says Matsuri quickly. He looks back at her with a look she recalled him having in the past, a sad look that always cut deep into her heart as she wished she could spare him from it. "Is Gaara-sensei OK with you?"

"It'll do for now I guess" says Gaara as he returns his attention to the sky.

For just a moment, Matsuri thought of excusing herself as she felt Gaara might want to be alone. But this was also a chance to strike up a conversation with him as well so she walks out into the balcony and joins him in the star gazing; hoping he wouldn't mind.

"So pretty out here. You must have the best view of the night sky, Gaara-sensei" she says joyfully.

"Not really" he counters. "There are far better viewing points to be looking upon the sea of stars."

"Oh" she says. After a moments pause, she looks at him and ask "So, you do this every night?"

He nods, saying "Shukaku feels at ease when I look at the star filled sky. Makes him feel melancholy and reflective on his life."

"Must be hard for you though; not being able to sleep much I mean" she says.

"Sleep? Something I have never really known and I doubt that will ever fully change" he says. His tone sounded indifferent but Matsuri was sure there was a sadness there. The question for her was why he had such troubles sleeping? Was it Shukaku's fault, though not intentional or was there other factors at work. She was about to ask him this when something in the sky catches her eyes.

"Oh, what a strange bird. Never seen the like before in the Sand."

"No..." says Gaara, his tone more serious as he stares hard at the sight. "It's no bird native to our lands. And...I don't think its a bird at all." He turns and moves quickly back into his office, grabbing the large gourd of sand resting against his desk and strapping it on around himself.

"Gaara-sensei?" asked Matsuri, following him inside.

"Go alert Kankuro and the village guard" orders Gaara, moving past her back out onto the balcony as sand shoots from the gourd and collects itself under him, lifting him off the ground. "I believe an enemy has come to attack us." And with those words, Gaara rises into the air, heading towards the strange bird in the sky.

Hearing those words spring Matsuri into action as she turns and heads to deliver the message to the others. A battle within the Sand Village was about to begin.

High above the Kage mansion, Deidara took a moment to take in the view. "Such a nice, peaceful place. So disturbing." He then digs into his pouch and gathers up more of his special chakra powder. "Now, mister Kage Jinchuriki. Just were might you be hiding at?"

After a moment to prepare his special clay, he throws his arms out in an arc, tossing the clay into the sky as it takes on the form of white birds which quickly scatter in all directions. A smirk appears on Deidara's face at the destruction and mayhem that was about to unfold below him.

"Have a blast" he says as he makes a hand sign to ignite his aerial explosives.

Before the blast could be triggered, a wave of sand suddenly burst up from beneath in all directions, wrapping around the clay birds and crushing them in render them harmless. Deidara is stunned for just a second before smiling even more widely as he turns around, seeing the red haired Kage rising up behind him on a cloud of sand.

"So, you finally appear mister Jinchuriki-Kage. I owe you a bit of thanks for that as it saves me the trouble of having to look for you here in this village" says Deidara as he digs into his side pouches with both hands. "On the other hand, you also robbed me of a good scene of chaos down below. And I'm now gonna need you to make that up to me."

Gaara takes a good look at his opponent, recognizing the symbol design on his black robe. "I take it you must be Akatsuki. I'll give you just one chance to turn and leave this village freely and I will offer you no pursuit in exchange."

"Oh, how nice of you" says Deidara, tossing out clay spiders at Gaara. Without making a move, Gaara sends a wall of sand up to block the action which triggers their explosions, alerting Gaara to the danger's of this man's attack style.

"It seems you have made you choice" says Gaara. He then brings his arms up to more directly control the sand. "Now I shall make mine."

His eyes then spy Deidara flying off to the side, moving away from him and heading lower into the village, dancing from one large tower like building to another. Gaara knew the Akatsuki was baiting him, trying to lure him in so as to attack him while his guard was weakened and his senses distracted with the need to protect his village and people. But this Akatsuki agent was about to learn that fighting against a Jinchuriki wasn't the same as fighting anyone else.

"Are you ready for this, Gaara? He is a formidable opponent."

"So are we, Shukaku" says Gaara as he follows after Deidara.

Down below, Kankuro and Baki race onto a roof with Matsuri right behind followed by more ninja. Upon others roof tops, more Sand Shinobi emerged as well, ready for a fight. "Where is he?" asked Kankuro, prepared to bring out his puppets at a moments notice.

"Are you sure this is an enemy attack?" asked Baki, looking at Matsuri.

"Lord Gaara believed so...there he is" she says, her eyes spotting him immediately as he chases after Deidara.

"Men" yells Baki. "Prepare to assist lord Kazekage."

"I don't need to prepare" says Kankuro, jumping clear from the roof and wall running from one building to another, following after his younger brother as he releases his four puppets; Crow, Black Ant, Mantis, and the newest addition, Salamander. "I'm heading out to help my brother."

"I'm coming too" says Matsuri, following after Kankuro but she finds Baki placing a hand on her shoulder before she can jump up in pursuit. "Hey, what's the deal Baki-sensei?"

"You need to stay out of this one, Genin Matsuri" says Baki, looking at her with his one good eye which sends a chill running down her spine.

"But why" she yells back at him in protest. "It was master Gaara who gave me the approval in my final test to become a Genin. And I'm a ninja of the Sand too. I want to help him just as much as everyone else here does, even you and Kankuro."

She then looks away and adds mentally 'Even more than the others, I want to help him. Because I...'

"It's because you're weak" says Baki matter of fact like. A look of shock comes across Matsuri's face as she prepares to counter his words, leading him to continue by saying "You and I both know its the truth. You may be a Genin of the village now, but your jutsu skills are still pathetic and you have yet to find a talent you excell in yet. Something that can make you stand out and be worth while. Right now, you'd just be in the way...of all of us."

Matsuri gives him a defiant look, but this only last for a moment before she looks away in defeat, her eyes shifting to one of admission and sadness at knowing his words about her were true. She hated that truth about herself and has to fight back her tears of frustration, clenching her eye lids shut to do so. She needed to become stronger for the village, herself, and for him most of all.

Gaara's pursuit of Deidara was sending them both zippy wildly between the tall buildings of the Sand. While not as towering as the spires of the Hidden Rain Village, they were still at a height that demanded an impression of being impressive to look up. With each tight turn, Deidara would toss more of his explosive creations out at the builds and Gaara would send out waves of sand to catch and destroy them before they could cause damage to the village.

"Not bad, Jinchuriki Kazekage. You're keeping up well with me" shouts Deidara, looking back at his target. "But do you really think you can save this little sand box from any degree of suffering."

Gaara doesn't respond, instead he sends a larger wave of sand out at Deidara who sends the large clay bird he was riding on shooting skyward. The sand follows after him and Deidara spins around, sending a large volley of clay creations down at the sand, exploding and sending the sand scattering.

But Deidara wasn't finished. While the blast had momentarily covered Gaara's field of vision, he produces more explosive clays and sends them at a building close by. His plan was to damage it enough to send it crashing down onto the village while forcing his target to try and stop it, thus leaving him open to attack.

'The advantage goes to me' he thinks till a blur of motion followed by the Mantis appearing in between the bombs and the building, slicing them up while moving. Kankuro then appears within Deidara's view and looks at the Akatsuki agent with a grin on his face.

"Did you really think you only had one opponent to contend with here?" he asked.

Deidara growls, then sighs in annoyance. "Figures that someone like you would interfere with my art. You no talent hacks can appreciate true talent like I have."

"And what does that mean?" asked Kankuro.

"What do I mean?" asked Deidara, preparing to toss more explosive clay. "My art is an explo..." Before he could finish, sand comes blasting out like a geyser from beneath him, sending him being sent skyward. "Hey, I was talking there you jerk" he yells down at Gaara who rises up and moves over to Kankuro.

"You OK, Gaara?" asked Kankuro.

"I'm fine. But you don't need to be helping me" says Gaara. "I will stop this one. That is my duty as Kazekage after all."

"And it's our job to help you with that task so you don't have to, little brother" says Kankuro as he points skyward. Gaara looks up as well as Deidara looks down at them.

"Oh, I see. Seems like this Jinchuriki is actually beloved by his people. How odd a thing to see. Well then, how about..."

"Now people" yells Baki as he and the other shinobi appear on the roofs of the buildings. "Multi-Wind Style; Slashing Gale." The others follow suit, saying the same jutsu name as well as they launch their joint attack at Deidara.

"Hey, I hate it when people interrupt me..." shouts the Akatsuki agent before being slammed by the joint attack which creates an explosion in the sky.

From the smoke made by the explosion comes Deidara falling towards the earth, his body appearing to be broken and battered before impacting against the top of one of the buildings. Within moments, his body is surrounded by Sand shinobi. Moments later, Gaara and Kankuro had arrived to join them in standing over Deidara. A medical shinobi had already bent down to examine the Akatsuki agent.

"What's his condition?" asked Baki.

"He's still alive, but the Sand's joint attack has sliced up his muscles beyond repair. He's never gonna be a threat again" replied the medical ninja.

"But he is still alive, right?" asked Kankuro, getting a nod from the medical ninja.

"Then wake him" says Gaara. "There are questions he needs to answer for us." Gaara then looks to Baki and adds "Begin a sweep of both the village and the surrounding area. I doubt he came here alone as they have always been known to travel in pairs."

"Understood" says Baki before looking back at the other ninja. "Men, you heard the Kazekage. Lets spread out and find the other bastard who's threatening us."

As the ninja nod and take off, Deidara's eyes open and he lets out a groan. "...can't believe...I...I was defeated...by you sand biters." He then grins as he says to himself "...fools..."

Gaara notices the plural usage of fool and ask "You are the one who is beaten yet you call us the fools? Why is that?"

Deidara laughs, saying "Beat me? Do you really think so? A true artist is never defeated. Now, see my art in action..."

And then it happened, so fast that no one had time to react. The Deidara laying before them begins to glow and expand then explodes with enough force to send the village collapsing to the ground. It was the end of all still present on that roof top.

Well, it would have been if not for Gaara who, on pure instinct and a little help from Shukaku, brought his sand up and saved them, pulling them clear. After several moments, the sand opens up as they are placed safely upon the ground.

"That dirty...he killed himself and tried to take us down with him" rages Kankuro.

"No, he didn't" yells Matsuri, her eyes skyward as she points them at what she was seeing. There, above the village and astride a bloated bird of clay, was the real Deidara.

"Yeah, that me that just died after fighting you all was just a fake; a clay clone I created to gauge your abilities and wear you all down while I prepared for the main showing" says the real Deidara.

"So, you still want to capture me then?" asked Gaara.

"But of course. You see, an artist such as myself has to keep pushing himself forward, striving to achieve even greater perfection within my art. Now, lord Jinchuriki Kazekage, let me show you the true beauty of my art" says Deidara who then snaps his fingers.

A roar rings out over the city which is then engulfed in shadows as a monster beast comes flying over above Deidara. "What will you do now? If this beast detonates even at twice the height it is currently maintaining, it will wipe the whole of the Sand off the map. Now see why my art is an EXPLOSION."

The creature roars before flying higher into the air, doing a somersault, then diving down at the village as Deidara moves clear to escape the blast radius. The explosion would indeed destroy the village and kill everyone there...except Gaara who should escape with severe injuries to make him an easy capture.

"I won't let you" shouts Gaara as he shoots into the air. 'Shukaku...'

"Yeah, I know. Let's do it."

"TAILED BEAST MODE" they both say in unison as the sand envelops Gaara, transforming him into the One Tailed.

Below them, the whole village are taken by this sight. Once, the Shukaku had been an image of fear and terror to them; a beast parents would tell their children about in stories meant to scare them into being good. Now it was protecting them and they knew he was far from being a monster.

"I won't let you hurt them."

Shukaku nears the massive clay beast as its body begins to expand and shake, preparing to explode. Both beast and Jinchuriki knew what they needed to do. Seeing as there was no time to move it away from the village, there was just one option left they could use in time. Shukaku's body suddenly expands and opens, wrapping around the clay beastin the hopes of smothering the blast. Would it work?

"So, the old take I heard was true after all. The One and Six Tailed do have the ability to alter their physical forms. Well, its confirmed with this one anyways" says Deidara, watching to see what would happen next with great interest.

"Little brother..." thinks Kankuro as a low booming sound is heard and the sphere of sand that Shukaku had become suddenly expands outwards to five times its original width. They could hear the Biju groaning in pain as its head forms along the top of the sphere. It then opens its mouth, allowing the blast energy to shoot skyward and safely away from the village below.

"Lord Kazekage...he did it" shouted Baki which gets the other shinobi to cheer.

"Wait, this isn't over yet" yells Kankuro, knowing the Akatsuki agent was still alive and had a partner waiting somewhere for his chance to strike.

"Lord Gaara" says Matsuri, worried as Shukaku begins to shrink down in size, reverting into Gaara's form. He just manages to manipulate some sand to come up beneath him so he wouldn't fall.

"Shukaku, are you well?" asked Gaara.

"Not really. That seriously hurt and that's coming from an entity made of sand who shouldn't be capable of feeling pain."

Gaara agreed with him there as he himself wasn't doing to well either as some of the stress and injuries had passed on over to him. But he knew he couldn't rest yet as there was still the matter of the intruder.

"Now then, as for..." says Gaara as he turns to face Deidara but finds himself being pelted by clay spiders. He tries to push them off and use his sand to remove them, but finds both actions futile. And then the explosions come and Gaara is caught within them.

"BROTHER" yells Kankuro.

"GAARA" cries Matsuri.

Deidara is fast, swopping down and catching the unconscious Gaara just seconds after emerging from the smoke made by the explosion. "Not bad, mister Jinchuriki Kazekage. I honestly didn't think you'd be able to stop that one."

He then looks down at the village and adds "You should know that for a Jinchuriki, their greatest moment of vulnerability is always right after the have done a Tailed Beast transformation then return to their human selves as this always screws up the chakra network for a few seconds on both ends. Now, if you'll excuse me..." Deidara doesn't need to finish as he rises into the air with Gaara along for the ride.

"I won't let you" roars Kankuro, giving chase.

"Men, after him. We can't allow them to take the Kazekage" orders Baki before following after Kankuro. The other shinobi are quick to follow.

Outside the village, Sasori sighs and says "Took him long enough. Now then, it's time for me to halt their pursuit." Little did the village know that the former head of the puppet brigade had been preparing for them and was ready to insure none would be able to follow.

(Hidden Leaf, where we left off last chapter)

"The Akatsuki" growled Naruto; his teeth clenched and hands balled into a tight fist as he felt himself raging deep inside. It was taken all the self control he had to not fly off the handle. "Those bastards. After we neutered Nagato and took down the self proclaimed immortals in the group, they still..."

"Naruto, try to remain calm" says Tenten, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know how you must be feeling but giving into your anger isn't gonna do anyone any good."

"Does the message say what happened next, Lady Tsunade?" asked Lee.

Tsunade reads down the rest of the paper, then says "They gave chase but were ambushed just outside the city gates by the rogue Stone ninja's partner. Several Sand shinobi were killed and many more wounded. Kankuro himself was badly poisoned during the battle but is expected to recover. Unfortunately, the Akatsuki managed to make off with Gaara."

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Shizune.

"There may be time to save him" comes Kurama, speaking suddenly through Naruto.

"What? Are you sure?" asked Naruto as did Tsunade.

Naruto's head nods, then Kurama says "Regardless for how they intend to use us, there are several factors that can't be over looked. One, they are down a few members, either due to death or having their chakra's sealed or betrayal. Two, Shukaku will fight to protect his host as best he can. And three, it will take a good deal of time to do anything where we're concerned."

"So there's a chance we can save him?" asked Tenten, getting a nod from Naruto before Kurama returns control to Naruto.

"Granny Tsunade..." says Naruto but she raises her hand to halt his words.

"I had planned on giving you three a more routine mission but given the nature of this sudden development, we can't afford to waste any time hoping the Sand alone can resolve this matter. Naruto, Tenten, Lee, and Plue; I am here by sending the four of you to the Hidden Sand Village. Aid them in any way you can in rescuing the Kazekage. Leave as soon as you are ready. And good luck out there."

"We won't fail" they say in unison before turning and leaving the room to get prepared for this mission.

Tsunade turns to Shizune and says "Find Temari and alert her of the situation as well."

"Understood" says Shizune, heading out to find the Sand rep.

(fifteen minutes later)

Team Rave had reunited a few blocks away from the main gate and were now running toward the gate at their best speed as they knew time was of the essence. "We good to go?" asked Naruto.

"Lead the way, whiskers" says Tenten.

"Wait, we have someone waiting for us" says Lee as he catches sight of Temari standing just outside the gate, looking back into the village. A few moments more, they had reached her and came to a stop.

"Took you guys long enough. Another minute and I would have headed out myself" says Temari. She then turns and begins running with Team Rave close behind. "Now we need to hurry."

"So you heard about what happened then?" asked Tenten.

Temari nods, then says "Shizune came and informed me of the situation after you guys had been giving the mission. She asked me to wait for you guys as none of you have been to the Hidden Sand Village before and would likely get yourselves lost once you reached the desert."

"She has a point there" admits Lee.

Naruto nods in agreement, then he gives Temari a strong stare. "We'll save him. We will rescue Gaara. I swear it."

Temari looks back at him and studies the look on his face, especially his eyes. There was no doubt about his sincerity. He truly believed the words he was saying. Temari recalled the past events she had heard about in which he had been involved. There was a conviction there that made his words hold power. And that alone was enough for her to trust him.

"Thank you" she says.

"Say, Naruto. Aren't you forgetting something?" asked Tenten.

Naruto looks at her "I don't think so." He then looks himself over, not seeing anything missing. "Um, is my fly open or something?"

A vein pops into view on Tenten's head as she shouts out "No dummy, your fly isn't open. What I meant was..."

"So, you've been looking at his crotch then to say it isn't exposed was such assurance then?" notes Lee.

Tenten's cheeks turn bright pink/red. "NO, I AM NOT NOR HAVE I EVER...what I was gonna ask was the Ten Powers, Naruto. I just realized you don't have it with you."

"Oh, yeah" says Naruto, looking back over his shoulder. "I did leave it behind, didn't I. It's back at your dad's place. He wanted to do some improving on the sword. Just a little side project he's been working on these last two years for me."

"Oh, alright then. So, you and the old man have been keeping secrets from me? We're gonna have to have ourselves a little chat about that when we get back from saving Gaara."

Naruto gives her a fake grin, saying "Sure thing."

'Oh, we are gonna have ourselves a little talk all right' she thinks mentally as her eyes move down Naruto's frame, finding themselves locking onto his crotch. All that talk had made her do it without realizing it as she mentally adds 'Like I would ever look...'

"Tenten, why are you looking at Naruto's crotch this time?" asked Lee, noticing where her eyes were.

Tenten curses aloud as Lee laughs a little while Naruto and Plue give Tenten a knowing look, letting her know they would now be keeping an eye on her. Out in front, Temari sighs and thinks 'The fate of my brother relies on the help of these three idiots. I think I wanna cry...'

(several hours later)

Within the darkened cave, Sasori and Deidara stood with the still unconscious Gaara laying on the ground before them. On his forehead was a paper seal, one designed to keep him asleep while suppressing Shukaku's power. "We have captured the Jinchuriki, Pain."

The air before them shimmers as rainbow colored hologram appears from the thin air. "Good work" comes Pain, his eyes looking down at Gaara.

"So, are we gonna do this thing or not?" asked Deidara. "The seal won't hold him down for long."

"We must wait for the others to gather before we can begin. Until they are here, take the time to prepare yourselves for the infusion"

(Hidden Sand Village)

The brightness of the sun glaring down on them mixed with the intense heat and humidity was far greater than what Team Rave was expecting even though they knew deserts were known for being hot. How anyone could live out here in such in environment was a mystery none could figure.

Their arrival at the village entrance was quick enough as it was surprisingly close to the border. The guards had been on edge for but a moment till they had spotted Temari and had been told she had brought a team from the Leaf to provide aid and thus had been ushered in most quickly where they were then sent to the hospital where Kankuro and the other Sand ninja were currently being treated.

Opening the door to Kankuro's room, Temari moves quickly to her brothers side. "Kankuro, are you alright? I heard you had been poisoned."

"I'm fine save for my pride" says Kankuro bitterly before looking away. "I failed, Temari. I let our little brother..."

She shakes her head while placing a hand on his shoulder, then says "We're gonna get him back. I have these guys here to help make that happen."

She then turns to let him see the Leaf team. "Hey, aren't you...?" asked Kankuro, his eyes fixed onto Naruto.

"Yeah, I'm the one who helped Gaara out back during the Orochimaru incident" says Naruto. Both Kankuro and Temari note how he said it; the Orochimaru incident and not as the Sand Invading the Leaf incident, clearly saying he held no grudge there with them. "And we're gonna help him now too."

"You have my thanks then" says Kankuro.

"Question though is how do we find him?" says Tenten.

"That won't be a problem" says Kankuro, reaching out and grabbing a small object from the table next to his bed. "Years ago, we had a tracking scarab placed inside our brother just in case he ever went AWOL. Though that fear has long since ended, it is still in him as a just in case."

"Just like now" says Temari, taking it from him.

"So, should we not begin our rescue mission then?" asked Lee.

"Not so fast" comes a voice, making them all turn and see as an elderly woman comes walking into the room.

"Lady Chiyo, why are...?" asked Temari, surprised to see one of the elders of the Sand out and about.

"She was the one who healed me of the poisoning. It turns out the one of the two Akatsuki agents who attacked us was a former Sand shinobi; Sasori of the Red Sand and former captain of the Puppet Corp" explained Kankuro.

"Though he had modified his formulas from when he was with us, I know his methods well enough to make a counter agent" says Chiyo.

"I thank you for saving Kankuro, lady Chiyo" says Temari. "But why do you not want us to leave immediately. We need to rescue Gaara."

"I agree with you on that front. However, I don't like the idea of relying on outside help for this matter" says Chiyo, looking at Team Rave. "Sorry if that upsets you. Call it the thoughts had by an old woman who is still stuck to the old ways which produced the three Great Ninja Wars."

"Do you have anyone else then to do this?" asked Naruto. "If so, then we'll take our leave and do our own search for Gaara without the aid of his people."

Chiyo studies Naruto for a moment, then says "You and he share much in common. And as much as I hate to say this, we do need the help. Very well, I shall come along and help you in rescuing the Kazekage from these Akatsuki fools."

"Lady Chiyo, are you sure?" asked Kankuro.

"Yes. Besides, my grandson is apart of their group so I should deal with his actions directly" says Chiyo. "Temari, you shall remain here and muster our remaining forces. Once ready, you will follow and back us up in case we need it."

Temari wanted to protest, but knew better than to argue with an elder like Chiyo. "I understand. I'll get to work and be joining up with you as soon as possible."

Chiyo nods, then looks at Team Rave and says "Alright then. We should be heading off."

"Wait a moment" says Temari, a thought suddenly crossing her mind. "Where's Matsuri at?"

Outside the village, Matsuri was passing into one of the few forest areas held within their land. The Akatsuki agents had come this way, she knew it. She could feel herself getting closer to Gaara, a talent she has had for a long time; always knowing where to find him. She had left without permission, but she didn't care. All that mattered was saving Gaara, somehow.

'Hold on, lord Gaara. I'm coming...'

(Mildian; City of Mages)

A moon with the color of lavender shined down within the night sky as two figures stood awaiting the arrival of two more. One was Itachi Uchiha, now dressed in garments designed to look like those once worn by Sieg Hart, though black and red in coloring. The other, a man dressed in brown and faded green with reddish and black colored hair. "So, the time has finally come then?" asked the red headed man.

Itachi nods, saying "Yes, Nagi, it has. Now that Naruto has returned to the Leaf, so to should we. The time for Team Rave to continue their mission has come."

"And will you be joining them in their mission?" asked Nagi.

"In time. There is something I need to do before I can travel with them. And you know of what I speak of" says Itachi.

"Yes..." says Nagi, any further words being stopped as foot steps are heard approaching them. A woman appears with long, black curly hair with a smaller figure beside her; Hinata, now wearing a cloak of deep purple coloring that was wrapped around her. Even her head was hidden behind a hood.

"Has it been done?" asked Nagi.

The black haired woman, named Oruha, nods. "Yes though I know it was a difficult choice for her to have made. But still one that needed to be done though." Oruha then turns to look at Hinata and says "Remember what I told you and what you have learned here. We're all counting on you, little one."

"Yes" says Hinata, looking at Oruha. "Thank you for the training you gave me." She then looks at Nagi and says "To you as well, master magus. Please tell the others thanks for me as well and I hope I can return someday and see them again."

"I will" says Nagi. "We'll continue our search for the Time/Space Staff so it can be returned to you, its proper owner. Be safe out there, Etherion Princess."

Hinata nods as she steps forward to stand before Itachi. "I'm ready to return home, master Itachi."

Itachi nods. "Then let us return. I'm sure everyone is awaiting you after all. Including Naruto."

"Naruto..."

next time on RMN: Team Rave has set out from the Sand to find Gaara. Matsuri has also done so even knowing her actions are foolish and risky. Meanwhile, Gaara stands at the edge of life and death with only Shukaku's barrier saving them both from darker fates. Will things work out or is only sadness awaiting them all at the journey's end. Find out on the next RMN... When Night Falls