Shikamaru's POV (Traversing Land of Wind)
"Why do people dislike the Uzumaki family?" Shikamaru asked, keeping his voice casual and as innocent as he could manage. He needed to start subtly. Not make his intention clear before Asuma's position was assured. Asuma flinched slightly. Before he smiled innocently himself. If it wasn't for Shikamaru watching closely he may have missed it.
"I can't be certain. I assume it might be the pranks Naruto used to do." Asuma replied nonchalantly, taking over the topic. "Personally found it entertaining, but some people can't take a joke."
But the Nara wasn't just that easy to convince. "Who was his father?"
The Nara drove through. Even a Jounin may slip if pressed suddenly. Shikamaru observed another flinch. It seemed the secret behind the hate of the Uzumaki and the mystery behind Naruto's father were connected in some way.
"I have no idea, Shikamaru. Was never that close with them. Why are you asking anyway? Do you like Blondie or something? '' Asuma joked.
Shikamaru silently took a couple of small puffs of his cigarette flicking off the ash as he pondered the response. It was clear Asuma was hiding something, but why was he hiding it? Even more interesting was the deflection he attempted to use. As he eyed him Asuma met his gaze. Eyes lacking the usual relaxed nature he held.
Asuma sighed. He was cornered here, and Shikamaru wouldn't leave the topic without some consolation.
"Shikamaru," Asuma said, his voice now tense. "Some things are simply not our business."
"I wish that was the case sensei. But I need to know the truth. " Shikamaru said, now glaring at Asuma's eyes. The Jounin matched the stare. The two smoking men stared down at each other intently. Before Asuma chuckled with a smile.
"Not sure why you're fired up about this. But I have to encourage it as your sensei. I warn you this secret is a big one. So I can only give you one piece of info. If you discover it on your own ,it should be fine." Asuma said, almost seeming proud.
Shikamaru nodded as he kneeled and got into position to elevate his thinking.
"October tenth. Exactly eighteen years ago. That date should be a decent enough stopping point for someone like yourself." Asuma said before he sped up his pace. Leaving the Nara standing still amongst the traveling crowd.
Shikamaru hummed at this. He knew the day was significant, but in what way? It was certainly an eventful day. Otherwise, why would Asuma bring it up? Shikamaru stopped walking as the importance of the date ran through his skull. October tenth was the day the Nine-Tails had launched an assault on the Leaf. They had suffered great losses but had managed to slay the beast. The question was then. What the hell did Naruto, Kushina, and the Nine Tails have in common? Why was that day related to Naruto?
"What a drag. I'll have to look into the stupid fox without looking like a worshiping fanatic of Kitsunes." Shikamaru complained quietly to himself.
"Pineapple, we can help you with that info." Shikamaru looked up tiredly to see Sai and Tenten standing behind him. It seems they had listened to his conversation with Asuma.
"It works out nicely. We had some information to give to you anyway. As well as a proposal of sorts." Tenten added. "I already asked the Anbu, we can go off to the side as long as we keep up. So let's chat."
"Why not discuss it here?" Shikamaru asked, confused. He knew his teammates were odd but it seemed they had information no Genin should have.
"Well Pineapple, we can't afford for just anyone to hear it." Sai explained happily. Recently he had improved a lot, primarily he had discovered a love of teasing him. Shikamaru resisted the urge to ignore them. He could use the help. Besides, he was suspicious of the two for a while now. They had been hiding something this entire time.
"Fine, let's do it." Shikamaru said as the three leaped to the side, gaining some distance from the group. "So why are we being so secretive anyway Sai?"
"Sai won't be able to answer, unfortunately. At least not on that topic. Let's start with your mention of the tailed beast." Tenten interjected with an apologetic smile.
"See that's setting off red flags. How would you two know anything substantial about the tailed beast? You should have access to the same information I have." Shikamaru said with a small frown.
"That is unfortunately not the case, Pineapple." Sai said with his unusual smile.
"What?" Shikamaru asked, "And stop calling me Pineapple, you're already dragging it out."
"We were part of a shadowy organization based loosely off the Anbu." Tenten started. "The name of the organization was Root, it was run by a secretive man named Danzo Shimura."
"You two were related to Root?!" After the arrest of Danzo Shimura the Root had been exposed to the public for various crimes. Shikamaru started but was interrupted as Sai put a hand on his shoulder. He hadn't even heard him move. When had Sai gotten so fast?
"We're definitely not normal Genin. None of the members of Root are normal. We go through intensive physical and mental training. Disregarding every aspect of what makes a human 'human' to twenty-fours a day, efficient, shinobi. Most of it is designed to wipe our personalities while hyperfocusing on skills. The members who fully graduate become machines. Unfearing of death and uncaring of life. Only the safety and development of the village is the goal."
"You noted early on that Sai seemed off. Even me to some extent I'm sure. The only reason we aren't fully broken is due to Danzo being captured. He was "kind" enough to offer us freedom first. Unfortunately, Sai had been in the system longer. Whoever he was before the training is almost fully gone. As is his ability to tell of his past. A seal is put upon the tongue once joining. This makes it impossible for them to discuss Root or Danzo without Danzo being nearby. Luckily I was spared of this due to being a spy for the Hokage. Allowing me to explain this to you and providing me the opportunity to correct the wrongs of Danzo. We're even at a higher level than most Genin. It's why we pushed for these exams." Tenten explained as she drew a blade from a scroll.
"You two were put on the Genin teams to spy, weren't you? Why are you telling me this? You almost certainly need to kill me, now. Otherwise I will become a loose end with the potential to get you both arrested." Shikamaru said as sweat slid down his face. He had known the two were keeping a secret, but he hadn't considered the fact it might be a lethal one!
Tenten lowered herself to the ground to face the Nara. Placing the blade beneath his chin.
"Because we're friends now. And we could use your help." Tenten said sadly. Despite the clear threat Shikamaru could see pain in her eyes. A plea for help. Shikamaru preferred to avoid trouble like this. But if his team was involved. He would have to at least hear them out.
"Well, I'm not brave enough to say no. So I'll hear you out. Damn troublesome woman." Shikamaru complained.
"Pineapple that isn't very nice." Sai started, as Tenten put more pressure on the blade. "Or wise." and finished with a smile.
"I figured you'd see it that way." Tenten said sweetly. "See due to Danzo being arrested the Root is gone. This is for the best considering how far we have fallen. Sai and I intend to rebuild the Root and improve upon it. The Problem is…"
"Panda isn't a leader and I'm too unnerving." Sai explained easily.
Suddenly the three shifted in positions as Shikamaru held back a murderous Tenten as Sai scribbled into a journal. "Seems Panda is the winner."
"Not if you wanna live you damn troublesome bastard!" Shikamaru complained as he held back the newly dubbed "Panda".
"Sai you're dead! You hear me!? DEAD!" She declared then both stopped suddenly. Shikamaru felt a shiver as he saw the raw emotion seem to drain from her. Even as a spy Danzo's teaching had clearly affected her to some degree. "Urgh, damnit Sai why couldn't you focus on manners or something else? That would be a much easier way to seem normal! Either way, we need you to join us. We could use someone like you." Tenten declared.
"We also like you Pineapple." Sai added. "In turn, we can tell something to help your search as well as provide any future info provided. With limits of course, for example, we can't outright tell you what you seek. Merely point you in the right direction. See there is a law that protects this information. The cost of breaking is death. Well I supposed it would be executed. Though luckily for you, there is no such law for discovering the information naturally. They likely won't blink twice for a genius like you to have figured it out."
"See the night of the Nine Tails Assault we were told wasn't fully accurate." Tenten finished grimly.
Shikamaru hummed inquisitively as he pondered this before his eyes opened. "If something of that night was untrue it could only be the most outlandish claim! Did the Nine Tails n-"
"Unfortunately that's all we can tell you for now, Pineapple. Besides, you shouldn't speak of it so plainly." Tenten finished suddenly. The two almost seemed to flee back to the group. Shikamaru realized this secret may be a bigger deal than he realized. Death for telling others. And it was somehow all connected to Naruto?
"Why is every normal thing in my life such a pain." The Nara complained to himself.
Hiruzen's POV (Traversing Land of Wind)
His old bones didn't seem to enjoy traveling as they once had. They had been going strong for about 8 hours now. Taking breaks as needed, usually for a particularly untrained Genin. It would be a valuable learning experience for them luckily. Rasa and he had set a meeting point at the border of Sand and Stone. This would allow them to travel together, increasing their strength and intimidation. As well as, be prepared if the Stone decided to launch an attack. The men ran between a passage that was half desert, half dry cavernous zone. A sign they were on the border of the Sand and Stone.
Hiruzen signaled the men around him as they pulled in closer to the spot where the Sand should be waiting for them. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiruzen, and five Anbu stalked forward. As they did suddenly eight figures appeared from the desert covered by a cloud of sand that seemed to follow them. The sand parted, exposing eight figures standing in front of them. Rasa stood at the front seemingly impatient. To his left stood a tall man garbed in the standard Sand gear for Jounin. He wore a turban covering his head and half his face. Secured by his headband. He was Baki of the Wind Blade. Known for his intelligence and allegedly unblockable wind blade. To Rasa's right stood an imposing woman. Her brown pupil less eyes scanned the crowd. Her Green hair was tied into a bun with two orange bangs framing her face. She wore a sleeveless black top and tight gray pants. As well as gray sleeves on both arms. She was the user of the Scorch Release. Pakura. Known for her unique and lethal Kekkei Genkai. Five Sand Anbu stood behind the notables.
Both Kage and their guards stalked forward slowly. Looking to meet in the middle. The Anbu stay back watching each other incredibly closely. Rasa, Baki, and Pakura met with Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Jiraiya. The six powerful shinobi stared each other down as tension built. Hiruzen was glad they hadn't brought the Genin and Jounin. They tended to react poorly from the pressure of powerful shinobi.
"The great lady Pakura!" Jiraiya called excitedly. "You look even better than they describe. Truly a unique beauty!" Jiraiya had no time to flinch and Pakura did not have time to reply as Tsunade sent the pervert flying. Her face spoke of a long burning rage and disappointment. "Oh and for the record, I'm a super pervert!" Jiraiya called as he flew away from the group.
"Who is he talking to?" Pakura asked, stunned by the absurd situation..
"Just ignore it." Tsunade growled as she turned away from the man folding her arms underneath her bust making them bounce . She hated how well he knew her. Always grated on her nerves.
"It seems your brats are still ill-behaved Hiruzen." Rasa said annoyed with their antics.
Hiruzen felt a sweat drop roll down his face. "It's simply his way of easing the tension, Rasa. It's just not quite normal…." He explained as held in his fury. Promising to find the most demeaning mission for the Sage upon their return, Hiruzen continued The man could not resist embarrassing him it seemed.
"I suppose so. Either way, it seems you kept true to your word. Yet I must ask - I can see why strategically we would meet. But my gut says you likely had another reason in mind." Rasa replied.
"Sharp as always. Yes, I had another proposal in mind." Hiruzen said calmly.
"You always do, what is it this time?"
"I would like to propose a mutual defense pact for our villages. At least for the time being." Hiruzen explained. It would surely be a tough sell. But it would be mutually beneficial for the two villages.
"No. We do not need the extra firepower, nor want the attention such an action would receive." Rasa replied fiercely.
"Now, old friend, surely there is something we could offer." Hiruzen replied jovially.
"You wouldn't have said it unless you knew it to be true. You tire me with your games. Speak plainly." Hiruzen was silent for a second, threw off from the blunt intelligence of Rasa.
"We are aware of your troubles with one Gaara of the Desert. With some research, we discovered the issue is the Seal used." Jiraiya interrupted. "I would be capable of replacing the Seal without releasing the beast. I am one of the few talented fuijutsu users after all!" Hiruzen desperately wished his beloved student was less eccentric.
"When did you come back here?!" Tsunade roared angrily. Make that both of them being eccentric. All three if Orochimaru were considered as well. Perhaps he was a bad sensei?
"Tsunade." Hiruzen said. Tsunade looked at him before nodding. The two might be eccentric. But they had always been pros when it mattered.
"I will offer some of your shinobi training in medical jutsu. Not full-time but a couple tips from a pro like me would be a substantial gain for the Sand." Tsunade explained now in business mode.
"That's what I could offer Rasa." Hiruzen finished with a friendly smile. With both deal sweeteners offered and the deal being beneficial from the start. He knew he had him now he would just let him reach the conclusion.
Rasa quietly considered this. "You may be an annoying man Hiruzen. But never a poor businessman. Consider it done. I'm sure you won't mind if we wait for the paperwork until after the exams?"
"Well said Rasa." Hiruzen agreed happily. Whatever it took to stave off the endless wave of paperwork. With that, both men roared orders for the group to reform as one. With a scramble only shinobi were capable of doing, they merged into a large group. Hiruzen, Rasa, and their bodyguards stood at the front of the large formation.
"Leaf allies and my men. After a discussion between The Third Hokage and myself, we have decided to form a mutual defense pact. As such we will be traveling together. In this land unowned by shinobi, there is no way of knowing what dangers lie ahead. Especially for the Genin here today. So we stand together strong and vigilant. Ready to crush any of those who stand in our path." Rasa lectured as Leaf and Sand alike cheered happily.
"Do not forget why we take this risk." Hiruzen continued. "It is to show the world the quality of shinobi. To show our comrades the strength we have required. A chance to progress in your life as a shinobi. Yet it is also a chance to broker peace. Instead of bloody war, we will usher in peaceful competition. While we're doing so… let's win it as well." Hiruzen finished with a cocky smile contrasting his mature tone. To the roar of approval of the gathered shinobi.
Rasa merely sighed. It seemed even the leader of that village was crazy.