As Kakashi assessed Naruto and Sakura's progress, a storm brewed far away in the Hidden Sand Village. In the Kazekage's office, Gaara had just concluded a strategic meeting. The attending shinobi dispersed, leaving behind Yura, a trusted Special Jōnin, engaged in conversation with an elder.
Suddenly, Yura clutched his head in agony, collapsing to his knees. "Ahhhh!" he cried out.
"Yura, what's wrong? Are you alright?" the elder asked, concerned.
Yura, a respected figure in the village, was experiencing the unsealing of a deep-rooted memory. Years prior, he had been implanted with a jutsu by Akatsuki's Sasori, turning him into a sleeper agent. The seal had just been broken.
Regaining composure, Yura waved off the elder's concern. "I'm fine. Just a bit fatigued."
"Very well. Ensure you rest adequately," the elder advised, departing.
Yura's demeanor shifted, his eyes reflecting a newfound purpose.
Meanwhile, in the Wind Country's vast desert, two figures in black cloaks adorned with red clouds traversed the sands.
"Brother Sasori, are you certain about this plan?" Deidara inquired, skepticism evident.
Sasori responded, "Yes. Yura, our sleeper agent, has been activated. He will facilitate our infiltration."
At the Hidden Sand Village's perimeter, Yura eliminated the guards, awaiting the arrival of the Akatsuki duo.
Upon their arrival, Yura knelt. "Lord Sasori."
"Well done," Sasori acknowledged.
Deidara, eager for action, exclaimed, "Let's proceed. The One-Tail Jinchūriki is mine."
Sasori cautioned, "Ensure you're prepared. Don't underestimate him."
"Understood," Deidara affirmed, producing a clay bird from the mouth on his palm. The bird expanded, and he soared towards the village center.
In the Kazekage's office, Gaara, now the Fifth Kazekage, diligently reviewed documents. As evening approached, he sensed an anomaly—a figure approaching from the sky.
Deidara, atop his clay bird, released two minuscule clay spiders onto the rooftop guards. They detonated, eliminating the sentries.
Landing, Deidara smirked, "Infiltration successful."
However, Gaara stood before him, unamused. "Identify yourself."
"Ah, the One-Tail Jinchūriki. Saves me the trouble," Deidara remarked, retreating onto his bird to gain aerial advantage.
Gaara pursued, his sand forming a staircase, propelling him skyward.
Their battle commenced above the village, drawing attention from the populace.
"Protect Kazekage-sama!" villagers shouted.
Kankurō observed from the rooftop, fists clenched. "Gaara…"
Maki, their former instructor, joined him. "It's Akatsuki. But how did they breach our defenses?"
In the sky, Gaara managed to ensnare Deidara's arm with his sand. Deidara struggled, realizing the sand's grip was formidable.