Chapter XX: Arrival in Sabaku no Wakusei

Sabaku no Wakusei was an inhospitable place. Vast deserts stretched out as far as the eye could see. Nothing worth of any importance could be found there. Except for an endless sea of sand. You could walk for a fortnight and come across nothing but dirt and sand. No trees. No shrubs. No distinguishing landmark feature of any form could be found. There was no weather to speak of. No winds. No cool summer breeze. But one would welcome the lack of wind when confronted with the storms that could sometimes plague Sabaku No Wakusei. The winds could sometimes pick up without a moment's notice before it all turned downhill from there. Winds up to 300 kilometers per hour were not unheard of. And sometimes... Sometimes during the last days of summer, just on the cusp of fall... storms with winds up to 600 kilometers per hour terrorized the lands. Storms strong enough to rip the flesh straight from the bones of anybody unlucky, or suicidal, enough to venture outside the deep reaches of Sabaku no Wakusei. The days were scorching hot and the nights didn't offer any respite either. In the vast stretches of Sabaku no Wakusei there was precious little rain. If the peoples living there were lucky there might be some rain during a small two month opening during the fall. But for the overwhelming majority of Sabaku no Wakusei there was no precipitation at all. No rain. No condensation. Nothing. People often spoke of the desolate nature of Sabaku no Wakusei. It had gotten the nickname as an endless 'Sea of Dunes'. No one in their right mind would choose to survive there.

But in this place, the former Land of Wind, there lived a very strong and proud people. Ordinary people and shinobi alike. Beaten in the last war and now annexed by Konoha's military forces. These people had lived for centuries along the edges of the continent. With sporadic outposts trough the Sea of Dunes connecting the various cities and villages. Sunagakure was located deep within Sabaku no Wakusei. The vast deserts offered great protection during times of war. But it made life there hard and not without struggle or hardships. And it was these struggles and hardships that made the people of Sabaku no Wakusei so resistant to being subservient to another foreign power. From the moment the former elemental nations reorganized themselves into the Elemental Kingdom, strikes, protests and rebellions broke out against foreign authority. It was for this reason that Sasuke, the newly crowned Elemental King, and supreme commander of all Shinobi forces, sent the 8th Root division to pacify these lands.

Sunagakure, two months after the 8th Root division arrived in Sabaku no Wakusei.

"Hurry! Come on Ayao!" a man said as he ran through the narrow alleyways. He was talking to his friend who looked the worse for wear. His friends clothing was torn on some places and covered in dirt and mud in other. He obviously had faced terrible hardships.

"Yeah... ugh... Wait..." came the reply. Ayao leaned against the wall to regain his breath...

"What are you doing? We need to hurry... We cannot linger!" his friend said.

"I'm... I'm tired... So tired. Chouku, you... you should leave me. Get out of here yourself..." Ayao replied as he sagged to the floor. But before Chouku could respond a siren was heard. Searchlights flared up and shouting could be heard in the distance.

"I'm not leaving you! We did this together... We fought together... and we will share the same fate!" Chouku said.

"And it is because we fought together that I want you to live. It is easier for you alone to escape. I'm wounded and probably will not make it regardless." came the reply followed by a loud sigh. Ayao then rummaged in his inner pocket. He grabbed a scroll and handed it, with trembling hands, to Chouku. "This contains all the information we got during the raid. It is..." before he could finish he started to cough wildly.

Chouku looked worried and fearful. "Ayao!" In a single burst of energy Ayao grabbed Chouku by the collar and said with fire in his eyes and determination in his voice: "Finish what we started. Drive them out of our lands. Reclaim our culture and our heritage. Go west... The rebellion is stronger there. Get this information to them... Go out and win our independence back!" He started coughing again before he could finish.

Chouku wanted to say something but at the end of the alleyway a Root shinobi came running to them. "Stop! In the name of the King surrender now!" The shinobi turned to his radio and signaled his position. Ayao, summoned the last of his energy and stood up. A blade was pulled from a concealed holster and with a last glance towards his friend he charged the Root shinobi. But against a full fledged Root shinobi he stood no chance. With a last snarl Ayao told the Root Shinobi: "Fuck... you..." before he died. Chouku had no choice but use the momentarily distraction and run into the back alley. Tears were streaming down his face. He lost his comrade. His brother in arms. His friend. He weaved through countless alleys, his knowledge of the city served him well... until... until he made a mistake and walked into a dead end. Chouku resigned himself to the end. The sacrifice of his friend now was fruitless. He could hear the Root shinobi closing in. He closed his eyes in resignation.

"Hurry up! Come inside! It's safe here!" came a small voice. Chouku didn't have to think twice. He followed the small voice inside the secret door in the alley. The door had just closed behind him before the small voice said: "Quiet now. Shhh." It was truly dead quiet. If not for a faint sound of a siren and occasional shouts in the distance you could hear a pin drop. The Root shinobi was wandering about in the alleyway. Probably quite miffed he had lost the rebel. As the footsteps became softer and softer it had become clear that Chouku was safe.

After a moment of calm and respite Chouku turned to his mysterious savior. "Thank you. If it weren't for you I would be dead. But aren't you afraid the Root shinobi will comb the buildings in this area building by building?"

"Nah... The name's Matsuri by the way" the small voice said as Matsuri removed her helmet and face dust cover. Matsuri had brown, shoulder length hair and dark and large open eyes. Before Chouka could comment Matsuri contineud: "So I assume you're the last of the 'Breeze' cell..."

"Wha- I don't know what you are talking about." Chouka said.

"Your patriotism is commendable. But you really need to work on your lying skills. Matsuri said with a smile." Chouka just stared anxiously and nervously back. Matsuri sighed and continued: "I'm part of the 'Storm' cell. I was sent here to supervise the raid on the Root administrative center. You all did well." Matsuri was suddenly interupted.

"Ha... 'did well'. They all died. I'm the last one left..." Chouka said.

"You all sacrificed much. That is sure. But your sacrifices will be the start of our ultimate victory. It will hasten the end where we will throw these foreign invaders of off our lands and reclaim our dignity." Matsuri said.

"Right... and in the meantime we will all die in the process. Entire regions are bleeding dry with the lifeblood of our people. Entire generations gone. Families torn apart. Parents have to bury their sons and daughters, if they are lucky at all and there is something left to be buried..." Chouoka said.

"If... if that is how you truly feel then why fight at all?" Matsuri said.

Chouka looked up and stared Matsuri in the eyes. And with a tear streaked face said: "Because he was my friend! We've know each other since childhood. We went to the same daycare, the same school. We played together, we laughed together, we traveled together. We always supported each other when we needed it. I was there when he proposed to his wife. I was there when his wife became sick and I was there when she was buried! We did everything together... To see his life be snuffed out like this... To see him be struck down like a common criminal like this... He was my friend..."

Matsuri patted Chouka on the shoulder and soothingly said: "And your friend gave his life for you. He gave his life so that you might live. But he didn't only had eyes for the people living now. He was a family man. He took the bigger picture. He wanted you to live. He wanted your children to live. He wanted your great grandchildren to live. His single sacrifice ensured that. In fighting he wanted you to live free from foreign control. But he also wanted the future generations to be free. Your children and grandchildren. He not only had heart for the hundreds of thousand born now but also for the millions and millions of unborn people in the future..."

Chouka looked up and stared in Matsuri's eyes. You could see his mind running a thousand miles a minute. Deep down he knew. He knew she was right. "Ok... You're right... For the unborn of the future..." Matsuri gave a gentle smile. Chouka returned the smile.

"We still need to hurry. We have to get out of the city. It is of the utmost importance that we get the documents to the leadership." Matsuri said. Chouka nodded enthusiastically. Both gently opened the backdoor and peered out. There was nobody in sight. The sirens and commotion the background had toned down. it seemed that the Root shinobi had given up the search. Luck would have it that it was only a couple more block to the edge of the city. Under the complete cover of darkness they both hurried across the street. Turning corners. Lurking in the shadows. Keeping out of the streetlights. It wasn't long before they came across the last hurdle. At the entry gate to the city stood a modest garrison. "There aren't that many Root shinobi standing here..." Matsuri said, more to herself than anyone else really.

"Not that many?" Chouka said shocked.

"Comparatively speaking... It seems like most of the Root shinobi are tasked with combing the city itself. Perhaps they didn't expect us to make a run out of the city so soon. Personally I would have waited to get out until a later date. But those documents you 'liberated' are much too important. And the longer we linger here the greater the chance for discovery." Matsuri said.

"So this is it then... I have to confess. I'm not that good with fighting. I'm more of the sneaky stealing kind of people. Actually I was never trained as a shinobi..." Chouka said

"Doesn't matter. I'm trained enough for the both of us." Matsuri said. And with that she leaped forward. With amazing speed and alacrity she charged the Root shinobi. They were not prepared for the swiftness of the attack. Confusion reigned supreme. Chouka watched in amazement. To Chouka it was an intricate ballet of gracefulness and forcefulness. Quick successive punches were interspersed with decisive slashes of kunai. Blood sprayed majestically into the air, covering all parties involved. To Chouka it was as if time slowed and the brutality of it all was transformed into a beautiful work of art. In reallity it was over in almost a single breath. Matusuri stood in the center, covered in blood, breathing heavily. Chouka aproached quickly and smiled gently to Matsuri.

"You're amazing. Just bloody amazing" Chouka said looking at Matsuri and the gurgling, bleeding heaps of Root shinobi.

Matsuri nodded, regained her composure and said: "Well... this is nothing I was trained by the leader himself."

"Leader?" Chouka asked.

"Yeah... the leader of the resistance. As the leader of the resistance he is known only as 'Panda' but everyone knows him better as-" Before Matsuri could finish Chouka shouted out and pushed Matsuri aside. Chouka gasped drew in breath. He was struck with a kunai thrown aimed at Matsuri. The Root shinobi was immediately struck down by Matsuri who threw a kunai of her own between the eyes of the Root shinobi.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" was repeated by Matsuri repeatedly in distress.

Chouka gasped and drew short breaths. Matsuri held on to him and gently laid him down. She then forcefully applied pressure on the back of Chouka. His response was simply to smirk. "Never mind that... Just listen..." Matsuri froze for a moment and then focused on Chouka. She listened intently as Chouka continued: "Please... Listen... It happened all so fast... I just acted without thinking... All kinds of different things went through my mind... It must be the same things that Ayao thought about... Thinking about the unborn millions... This entire day... the entire day just sucks big time... Ha! Ha! Ha... Just promise me... Promise me that the future generations will be free... promise me..."

"I promise... The sacrifice of Ayao and you will not be in vain... Sabaku no Wakusei will be free once again..." Matsuri said. Chouka simply smiled and nodded slowly. His breath was slowing and his eyes started to glaze over. With a final short breath he died. Matsuri laid him down and closed his eyes. After wiping away her tears she took the documents and hurried out of the city. It was a mere minute or so later when sirens once again began to fill the air.

"They must have found the bodies by now..." Matsuri thought to herself.

As Matsuri continued her journey several explosions shook the very ground she walked upon. It was only trough the most fortunate fact of Matsuri's excellent training that she managed to avoid being swallowed up by the explosions. She ran through the dessert from hilltop to hilltop Trying to outrun the barrage of explosives. "The enemy must have some kind of artillery array zeroed in on this general area... No matter. I can outpace them endlessly..." Matsuri thought to herself. But hubris has a way of catching up with those who least expect it. A single stray explosive landed in front of her. The speed with which she ran both aided and worked against her. She managed to evade the explosion but she lost her footing in the meantime. As she landed on her side, and spit out the sand that had covered her face, she could practically see the next incoming explosives. It didn't matter how quick she would get up, the ensuing explosions would surely catch her. She closed her eyes in serene rest. Awaiting the end. But it didn't come. Instead she heard the all encompassing whoosh of a great wall of sand engulfing her. It acted akin to a cocoon. Protecting her from the great thunderous barrage of explosives. As the barrage ended the great wall of sand flowed away as well. Matsuri took a moment to gather her bearing before she noticed a figure standing a small distance away. The figure was dressed in a hooded robe completely obscuring his features. He did however had one single distinctive feature. The person wore a large gourd on his back.

"It's a good thing I was here." The hooded man said.

Matsuri welled up with tears and in a great leap threw herself towards him. "Gaara!" She exclaimed.

"Omphf!" Was Gaara's response as he was glomped by Matsuri. She held him so tight that it seemed as if she had not seen him for an entire year. Gaara smiled warmly and returned the hug.

"I was so scared! I was so terrified!" Matsuri said into Gaara's chest.

"You had a difficult task. That's why we decided I should come with you and offer a supporting role. I should have made my presence clear sooner. I will never let anything happen to you." Gaara said.

"I need to train harder! I don't want to rely on your strength alone for the rest of my life. I need to become stronger and faster!" Matsuri said after composing herself.

"And I will help you... every step of the way... But in the meantime we need to move. We need to get to Suna Tabir. To home..." Gaara said.

One week later, Suna Tabir.

The streets of Suna Tabir were small, cramped and disheveled looking. But despite their visual state, the streets were taming with people. The sounds of city life were still heard throughout the city. Merchants and other assorted tradesmen had energized life into the city. While officially the city was in full control of the collaborative government, it's control was lax here. In turn the strife and chaos of resistance had not marred the city. The city was prosperous with the wealth from traders traveling along this hub along vital roads of Sabaku no Wakusei... the Sea of Dunes.

It was along these small, cramped and crowded, streets that two individuals moved. Both were dressed in large and all encompassing hooded cloaks. One of them wore a large gourd on his back. "I can't wait until we show them. I wish we had a camera with us, right Panda?" Matsuri said.

"Hm. It's good to see that you've returned to using my nickname again." Gaara said smiling warmly.

"How can I not. It's just so cute. There was a reason why I chose it for you. You know?" Matsuri said.

"Only you... You are the only one who finds my likeness cute. Whereas most would find horror when seeing the visible representation of my 'tenant' you see something cute... It's just hard to get my mind around it you know..." Gaara said.

"Gaara..." Matsuri said saddened by the revelation.

But before she could continue Gaara spoke again. "We're here." he said as they stood in front of a unremarkable dilapidated looking door. He put his hand on the door and focused his chakra. Sending it's unique signature to the seal. The door then opened and Gaara and Matsuri both hurried inside. The room was as you'd expect from the state of the city. But it still had a kind of warmness to it. It looked disorganized but still there were cushions on the ground were several people sat talking to each other. Candles burned brightly lighting up the room. Tables were set full with food and drink. A single individual noticed Gaara and Matsuri first. He was dressed in a black outfit consisting of a long top and trousers with a red sash around his waist. He also wore a beige colored flak jacket. Gaara noticed him too. Gaara waved and said: "Kankuro. Glad to see you're back from the Suna Kazir raid. Where's Temari?"

"The raid went well. We 'liberated' a six month worth supply cache of weapons, provisions and equipment. The rookies handled themselves well. Casualties were minimal. As for Temari, she's gathering all members of the centre cell. She will be here shortly. In the meantime. Drink. Eat. Relax. You deserved it. Right brother?" Kankuro said animatedly while winking to Matsuri and Gaara.

Both Gaara and Matsuri smiled in contentment and relief. Both had endured harsh travels and dangers on the road. Both had quite some time to think about things. Ever since Matsuri's near fatal experience life and the future had been on their minds. Both decided that while the struggle for freedom was important, in the end they were also taking note to enjoy life in the here and now. Enjoy life to the fullest. Enjoy life. And to enjoy life with the people that matter the most to you.

Meanwhile, Suna Tabir docks.

The docks of Suna Tabir were also a testament to the lifeblood that had been injected into the city. A large array of ships were coming and going. Large cranes loaded and unloaded the various wares from the ships. The sounds of the hustle and bustle of the city were carried over the bay towards all the awaiting ships. There were a large variety of ships waiting to dock. Most were an assortment of large trading cogs and pleasure vessels. But they all dwarfed in comparison to a single large vessel. Easily five times greater than the already imposing trading cogs. A ship of 200 meters with four masts and square sails which stood proud on top of the deck. Apart from the sails there were two full levels of oarsmen that sat internally in the vessel who provided the propulsion. On the deck of the ship there were several large ballistae. The people on the deck of the ship were clothed in Patavian military garb. They all wore the lighter and easier Lorica Hamata, chainmail armor in short. But one individual wore something quite different. This person stood on the bridge of the ship looking over the harbor. Looking towards the city. The individual wore the heavier and more cumbersome looking Lorica Segmentata, or plate armor to be precise. His armor looked archaic but also had quite the artistic quality to it. Beautiful patterns of black free flowing lines adorned the armor. He also wore a blood red cloak. All in all a very imposing and eye catching individual. But above all else the thing that stood out most about him were the deep blue eyes, sun kissed hair and light whisker like birthmarks on his cheeks. The consul Naruto Uzumaki had arrived in Sabaku no Wakusei.

Another person approached Naruto and said: "Are you alright, my consul? We are almost ready to dock. The harbor master estimates that it shan't be long before the way is cleared for us."

"Hello Seventus... Sorry I was miles away. I was thinking of home... And I was thinking of the large entourage I have to endure here..." Naruto said, almost poutingly. But consuls don't pout. Obviously...

Seventus smiled. "Ha. 'large' entourage. I can understand not wanting to go on a trading mission with a full legion as bodyguards. It might also be the case that the Elemental Kingdom might not look to kindly to a foreign legion arriving on their shores. I can understand all that. I can even get that half a legion might be too much... But a single cohort? A single cohort? If the reports are to be believed the Elemental Kingdom is on the verge of fighting a full blown rebellion in Sabaku no Wakusei... And 'oh let me think. What region are we visiting during this trade mission again?' It's the same place!" Seventus said sarcastically.

"You worry like you're my mother. I read the same reports and so far Sabaku no Wakusei is safe and secure. Besides, the Elemental Kingdom requested us... Invited us even to come here to improve relations and foster better trade between our peoples. Peoples that trade with each other generally speaking don't fight each other... generally speaking." Naruto replied while smiling.

"Generally speaking..." Seventus replied back while smirking. "And yes I worry like I'm your mother. Your wife would surely strangle me if I let anything happen to you..." Seventus continued.

Naruto simply laughed and smiled sincerely.

Back with Gaara and Matsuri.

"... and thus concludes my mission to Sunagakure. The documents were retrieved. And the Root shinobi are none the wiser that we have these. As to the contents of the documents I must refer you to Gaara." Matsuri said.

A murmuring was heard around the room as the gathered members of the inner circle of the resistance were conferring with each other. The group turned silent as Gaara took the stage. "Let me cut to the point. The information in these documents are of great importance to our future. it was with great personal coast to all those involved that the documents came into our possession. People gave their lives in the past so that we all may fight in the present in order for our children to live in freedom in the future. As you all know. We cannot hope to fight the Elemental Kingdom on our own. The 8th Root division they sent here with their former Akatsuki mercenaries in tow are an overwhelming force. But we still have a chance. A single chance has presented itself to destabilize the Elemental Kingdom. To strike at the very hart that binds the Kingdom. To strike at the very King himself. Yes... the king himself is gracing Sabaku no Wakusei with his very presence. King Sasuke is coming to Sunagakure for reasons unspecified. He has finally left the heartlands of Konoha and arrived here. Where he is vulnerable. A single strike can decapitate the Kingdom, leave it disorganized and it gives us the leeway to capitalize on the chaos and ensuing confusion." Gaara said passionately.

The room erupted in loud cheers and voices of agreement.

Back at the Suna Tabir docks with Naruto.

"Let me tell you one thing Seventus. I know that the coming weeks and months will not be uneventful. I know interesting things are going to happen. I know that Sasuke will not let anything happen to disrupt us." Naruto said.

"Hmm?" Seventus said confused.

Naruto smiled and replied: "We've been in contact for quite some time trough backchannels. Don't you think that it's time for the east and west to meet? Don't you think that a talk between the Consul and King is long overdue? I can't wait to meet the 'teme'. Ha! Ha! Never a dull moment! Ha! Ha! It's going to be so much fun!"

As Naruto whooped and laughed reminiscing about Sasuke and their past together Seventus couldn't help but notice. "He seems to be really looking forward to this. Truly enthusiastic to meet an old friend again." Seventus thought to himself.

If those enthusiastic thoughts and feelings had any grounds was something all people connected by the strings of fate would soon discover. For Sabaku no Wakusei has a way of gobbling up people. The Sea of Dunes gobbles them up and spits them out creating situations unforeseen by all. Situations that might not leave everyone unscathed.

.

.

.

AN: Someone has been watching Rome and Dune again... Me... I have been watching those series again... They are just so good! As for the story. I'm slowly getting to it. It's just so hard writing things. My respect goes out to the other writers who keep pumping out chapters after chapter regularly, week after week. Nevertheless I'm getting there. The pieces are in place for the next phase of the story. It's going to be so much fun writing the interactiosn between Sasuke and Naruto.

I would like to thank you all thus far for following the developments of the story and reading it.

With kind regards, cannonfodder90