Act 01 - Attack on Sunagakure! Could It Be a Cry for Help?

[ Previously ]

Walking under the desert streets of Konoha, Naruto, alongside the Toad Sannin, could hear:

- You didn't use all your strength... Why? - Jiraiya asked seriously, noticing that the boy had hidden many techniques and strategies that would have allowed him to win quickly.

- It was a teamwork exercise! Sakura-chan and I need to adapt to situations where I can't use everything I have right at the beginning.

- Is that all? - Jiraiya asked again.

- No... Kakashi-sensei is someone important, even if flawed and full of past traumas. It would be awful if he suddenly lost to a "Gennin" after a short fight... Plus, his Sharingan is useful but at the same time his downfall. At the start of the fight, he had a good amount of chakra stored, but as soon as he activated the Doujutsu, it was like it all got drained quickly, and he passed out after the last technique.

- Anyway, let's continue like this until I'm ready to defend against all the future enemies who will want that little fox. - Naruto finally said, hearing a growl in his subconscious, and then he took his path.

Under the attentive gaze of the Sannin, the blond did not notice, but his master simply gave a proud smile, glad he made the best choice in making his student forget about the Uchiha and focus on his own ninja career and protecting those important to him.

- You really grew up; those two would be proud... I can't wait for when you complete your challenge with me. It might be the best time for you to discover everything they hide from you. - Jiraiya finally thought as he made his way to a famous brothel in Konoha.

[ Currently ]

[ First Arc: Kazekage Rescue ]

== Sunagakure no Sato ==

Situated in the central building of the village, a blond man dressed in black clothes with red patterns had just landed and immediately gave a smile of conquest.

- Infiltration Complete... - The blond said, but he was surprised to see in front of him a redhead in burgundy battle attire with a huge sand gourd strapped to his back.

- You shall not pass. - The redhead simply said with a serious expression, while watching the blond in front of him let out an ironic laugh.

As soon as he stood up, he had to jump in pure defense, as the redhead in front of him moved his hands, making an attack with the sand molding from the ground.

In mid-air, the blond was quickly caught by the clay bird he had left hovering nearby, swiftly moving away from the roof, trying to plan his next move against the Jinchuuriki of the Sand.

Thinking it would be easy, the blond found himself having to flee quickly through the skies, as the Kazekage's sand followed him everywhere, attempting to impale him brutally.

Lowering his flight to gain speed, he quickly maneuvered his bird through the alleys and desert streets in the early morning, where only the guards were doing their rounds and were startled to see one of their Kazekage's well-known techniques being used against a flying intruder.

At every corner Deidara turned, more sand appeared and followed the intruder, who smiled excitedly, as he was having even more fun with this rare technique he had never seen before.

It was strange, in a way, as the sand seemed to have a life of its own, guided automatically towards its target as commanded. Worried about the situation, seeing that the entire village was filled with the element allied to the Kazekage and noticing more sand appearing around him, the intruder immediately shot towards the dark skies where the sand continued to follow him, now having ample space to maneuver his bird.

Or so he thought, for as soon as he reached a dangerous height, he noticed the redhead creating a type of sand pillar that elevated him to the high skies as if it were a kind of staircase.

- "This technique is quite useful." - Deidara thought, observing all the sand manipulation.

- How did you find me so quickly? - The blond asked this time, under the serious gaze of the redhead.

- Birds like this don't exist in our desert. - The redhead replied in his monotone voice.

Meanwhile, all the village guards were already on alert about the enemy attack, seeing a white bird and a large extension of sand in the high skies.

Kankuro, who was walking through the corridors of the central building of the Sand, was called by a Chunnin who was in a state of panic. Sweat and desperation were evident, and before he could ask, the man interrupted him.

- Kankuro-dono! The Kazekage-sama is fighting in the sky. The village has been invaded, and several shinobi who were doing night rounds are dead. - The Chunnin said, and Kankuro, shocked, quickly ran to the nearest window and saw his brother facing an enemy in a black cloak with red clouds.

Tiring of facing the intruder and noticing the enemy's hesitation in attacking first, Gaara quickly raised his arms in front of his body, and to the intruder's surprise, a large percentage of the sand in the village rose, creating a massive tsunami.

- "As expected... He has the advantage against me! This is going to get ugly." - Deidara thought to himself, already preparing to defend himself.

However, once again to his surprise, he saw the huge wave turn into a kind of sand hand with claws. This hand advanced against him, and the blond launched countless clay birds that destroyed part of the hand, only for it to be immediately reformed.

Tons of sand moved through the high skies in the shape of an animalistic hand, feared by the village ninjas, as the enemy could only hover in the sky.

- The real show starts now. - Deidara said as his bird dodged another attack, launching half a dozen birds that exploded all around the Jinchuurikis technique.

In a way, the Kazekage found this style of technique strange, as he couldn't figure out the enemy's strategy and doubted he was as weak as he seemed.

- Alright. - The blond said, catching the redhead's attention. - Now I'm ready! - He finally said, placing his hands in two pouches at his waist, quickly creating a type of bird derivative on the grotesque hand of the enemy.

In a swift counterattack, the enemy launched these birds, which were extremely fast compared to the usual ones and maneuvered skillfully over the animalistic sand hand, getting very close to the Kazekage.

In pure defense, he created a sand dome, facing a double explosion that would surely disfigure his face if it made contact.

Smiling with satisfaction, the blond was caught by surprise by the huge animalistic hand, which expanded, becoming a kind of dome that closed more and more every second with the intent of trapping the intruder.

Sabaku Rou! - (Desert Prison!)

Gaara's voice came from within the smaller dome, startling the blond, who immediately ordered his bird to flee skillfully.

- This isn't good! - Deidara said, still with his cynical smile, as his escape proved futile, with all the sand covering him and keeping him trapped inside.

Or so they thought, as an explosion erupted from within the dome, with the intruder diving into the air in an attempt to escape.

But, unfortunately, he was soon caught by the legs, with an extension of sand pulling him back to the prison, brutally slamming him against the huge dome, which opened specifically for this purpose.

Once again, he demonstrated his mastery of Bakuton (Explosion Release), molding his explosive chakra into his clay and creating a medium-sized bird that quickly spun out of the sand claws and flew away, followed by tons of sand in the shape of an animalistic hand.

Sighing lightly, the blond maneuvered his bird quickly, noting that the ton of sand was getting faster, causing him to sweat under the pressure.

Thinking he could outmaneuver such speed and skill, the blond started flying vertically, only to have his arm caught by the sand, which climbed higher and higher, reaching his shoulder under the watchful eye of the redhead now emerging from the open dome.

Desperately, in an attempt to escape the bind, a large clay centipede wrapped around the sand, exploding shortly after. However, it only served to halt the sand's progress, leaving it stuck near the beginning of the invader's left arm.

Seeing his chance, the redhead finally showed an expression, minimal though it was, and extended his left arm:

Sabaku Kyuu! - (Sand Coffin!)

Just mentioning it while closing his palm caused a piercing scream from the enemy.

Blood spread through the skies, staining the bird and Deidara himself, who smiled sadistically, trying to escape, ultimately succeeding but at the cost of losing his arm in the process.

Bleeding rapidly through the skies as his bird flew, he refused to stop, knowing it could be his downfall.

- Bastard! The sand he used to crush my arm... It has much more power than regular desert sand. - The blond said, seeing the sand connected to the large gourd on the Kazekage's back. - I was careless; Sasori-sama did warn me about this guy's absolute defense. - The blond finally said, still maintaining his sickly smile.

- "This is my only option. Either I use my specialty with the remaining clay, or I'll surely lose this fight." - Deidara thought desperately, skillfully masking it with a sadistic smile.

Quickly pulling a doll with a pained expression from his pouch, the blond showed satisfaction, as Gaara displayed a genuine reaction in the battle for the first time, knowing it was not a good sign.

- I will destroy this entire village! - Deidara said with a sinister smile, holding the medium-sized doll aloft, catching the attention of the guards, villagers, Sasori, and the Kazekage himself, who sent his special sand relentlessly against the enemy, trying to quickly eliminate the threat.

Unconsciously, under total assault against the enemy, Gaara began to remember the past:

{ Flashback On }

- Give up, Gaara. - The redhead remembered his brother saying while he gazed at the sunset over the vast desert.

- I didn't want to say this, but... Our village considers you a threat. - Kankuro had said, where at the time, the redhead didn't know if he meant it as a warning or just sarcasm.

- Our superiors aren't very fond of you. And most of the villagers are still very afraid. - Kankuro continued under his brother's total silence.

Thinking it wouldn't help, Gaara was surprised to hear a calm response from his brother. Something not laden with anguish or hate, unlike what he had often seen in his childhood:

- I know... but if I do nothing, it will cause more fear and suffering. - Gaara began calmly.

- My only choice is to strive and carve my own path. Without fleeing from my lonely path. - He continued, his gaze fixed on the sand horizon with the sun almost setting.

- If I do this, then someday... Someday, I can be like him. - The redhead said as he remembered the one who had led him away from the path of hatred, bitterness, and suffering.

- That's why, as a Sand shinobi, I want to become the Fifth Kazekage. So that I can live in closer contact with my village. - Gaara said, to his brother's astonishment, who hardly knew what to say.

- Uzumaki Naruto... He shared the same suffering as I did... He taught me that we can change the way we live. Someday, I want to be useful to others, but not as a killing weapon, but as the Kazekage of Sunagakure. - The redhead finally said as he turned slightly, showing a smile that Kankuro had never seen on his brother.

A determined and powerful smile that one day would make all the villagers of the sand accept him as an equal and, most importantly, as their leader who would protect them.

{ Flashback Off }

Finally remembering everything, amidst the uproar of the people cheering for the Kazekage to motivate him even more, Kankuro smiled proudly, as his brother's promise was in progress.

In the midst of this, many arrows were launched from strategic attack points, forcing the blond to maneuver even more, trying to find the perfect moment for his art to come into effect.

Under ninja assault and the Kazekage himself, the blond finally saw an opening he knew he wouldn't get again.

Performing a quick spin in the air while dodging an arrow and some sand, he released the doll, which immediately expanded, becoming giant by common standards.

Seeing that if it exploded, it would be the end, Gaara began to prepare a defense while he could hear his enemy say:

- This specialty of mine contains my highest level of chakra, the C-3. Its power is something beautiful, so I suggest you say goodbye to your little village. - As the blond said this, the terrified expressions of the villagers were evident as a giant doll descended closer and closer to the ground.

Gaara felt fear, sweat trickling down his face. He saw that monster getting closer to the ground, knowing well it would explode the entire village.

He had two choices: take advantage of the enemy being weakened and out of clay and finish him off, as many would do since sacrifices are sometimes necessary for the greater good, or use all his strength to save the villagers, becoming vulnerable in the process.

Despite being a Kage, he didn't hold full responsibility as one, but he knew he would never forgive himself, nor would Naruto forgive him if he allowed an entire village to be sacrificed. Instinctively, he raised his arms to the sky, sending a large amount of sand towards the clay monster.

The enemy smiled arrogantly at the Kazekage's futile attempt.

Or so he thought, as at that moment, a massive earthquake began to occur throughout the village. The sands outside rose and moved rapidly on a large scale through the streets and alleys, with the redhead sweating more and more, trying to fulfill his duty.

Screaming loudly while blood dripped from his nose, the redhead pushed his chakra beyond its limits, racing against time in that speed battle against the giant doll.

- Too late... - The blond said with a cynical laugh, forming a single hand seal amidst the desperate cries of the villagers, as the giant doll began to shine brightly. - True art is... AN EXPLOSION! - The blond finally shouted, and a massive explosion covered half the village center. A massive whirlwind of wind propagated, brutally demolishing all buildings and destroying all houses, residences, and businesses up to the village walls, with the heat of the explosion spreading in a mushroom shape throughout the air of Sunagakure no Sato.

Smiling in pure greed, the blond saw that he had managed to bring an end to a village, with the Kazekage extremely out of breath, sweat and blood dripping down his face.

The defeat of the sand village was already noticeable, as the redhead could no longer stay conscious due to excessive chakra drainage.

Falling unconscious at high speed, the blond flew towards him on his bird, only to be grazed by a chakra-infused senbon that nicked his cheek, making him quickly look down.

With the dust settling, it was possible to see all the villagers, ninjas, animals, and living beings of the village surrounded by a sort of sand dome that was slowly breaking apart.

Kankuro, who had already exited the dome, activated his puppets, commanding them to attack the enemy, who skillfully dodged the senbons while getting closer and closer to the unconscious Kazekage.

- So that's it... He used all that sand not to protect the village but to shield every living entity within it. Very noble..., but in the end, my mission is complete. - The blond said as his bird weaved around the redhead, capturing him and flying away amidst the cries of the people of Sunagakure.

- GAAARA!!! - The last voice heard there was Kankuro's, who remained desperate over his brother's recent abduction.

He cared little for the destroyed village, where many Chunnin were assisting the villagers.

Following suit, they launched countless kunai and senbons with explosive tags at the bird, creating a spectacle of explosions directed at the village as Kankuro desperately ran towards the gates, chasing after his brother.

[ ... ]

- You're late! I told you not to make me wait. - Sasori said angrily as his tail lashed out at Deidara, who had just landed on the ground.

- Sorry, this guy was pretty strong. But in the end... I still destroyed a second village with my art. - The blond replied, looking at the entrance corridor filled with debris from the destroyed buildings.

- That's why I told you to prepare well. - The puppet said with its grotesque voice.

- Well, let's go. - Deidara informed as he jumped off the bird, walking side by side with Sasori while the clay bird carried the redhead Kazekage.

- Great, I never have to come back here. - Sasori said as he made his way through the desert expanse.

[ ... ]

== Konohagakure no Sato ==

In the middle of his short night's sleep after the test with Kakashi, which lasted until dawn.

Naruto instantly woke up in a fright after hearing a loud roar.

At first, he thought it was the fox, but he quickly dismissed the idea, as the roar was slightly shrill and finer compared to the fox's.

He didn't know for sure, but it felt like a cry for help, a roar that made Uzumaki remember an old friend.

Worried about the situation, noting it was already 5:45 AM, Uzumaki quickly headed to the bathroom to take a shower and fully wake up.

Having a light breakfast of toast and coffee, the blond even considered wearing his usual cloak.

But his mind quickly returned to the roar he heard, which sounded like a cry for help, and he opted to wear an outfit that Fukasaku had specifically prepared for missions.

He knew it was extravagant, but the elder toad made it clear that Naruto shouldn't reveal his true identity to enemies who could harm him.

Feeling this was the right moment, he quickly dressed, awaiting any emergency...

Smiling in satisfaction, the blond heard a noise at his door, followed by the voice of his teammate calling:

- Naruto, wake up... it's an emergency! Hokage-sama is urgently summoning us. - The voice finished just as Uzumaki opened the door, surprising the person with his attire. - Why that outfit? - The person asked, to which Uzumaki replied in a different voice than usual.

- A gift from one of my masters, it's meant for ninja missions so I don't reveal my identity carelessly. You should have one too; I can make a perfect one for that beautiful body of yours. - Naruto said, getting closer and closer to the girl, just like the day before, and to his surprise, she showed the same lack of reaction.

Taking advantage of this, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips:

- Well... it tastes like cherry. - Naruto said to himself, causing the girl to blush and immediately throw a punch at him.

The punch was promptly caught by the blond's hand, who then whispered in her ear:

- Don't pretend you don't like it! I hate people who lie to themselves, and I think you even expected more than what I did, or am I wrong? - Naruto asked, seeing the pink-haired girl blush, confirming the truth as Naruto began to kiss her passionately, with her closing her eyes and accepting.

- Anyway, let's go, Sakura-chan. - Naruto finally replied in a deep voice, referencing his disguise, then jumped out of the corridor window, heading straight to the Hokage's building.

- "Damn..." - Sakura thought to herself, feeling breathless and blushing, where a slight unconscious smile appeared on her face, following him quietly, having lost her first kiss and clearly her friend didn't seem inclined to make it the last.

- "What's the probability that one thing has to do with the other?" - Naruto wondered seriously, knowing well that the roar wasn't a dream but a propagation in his subconscious.

Now an emergency had arisen... if it were three years ago, he would have ignored it and pretended it was a dream or a silly imagination. But he knew well that such things didn't happen by chance, where his masters taught him to doubt everything and never let something pass as a trifle.

And with that, I end the fourth chapter of The Sannin.

I don't know if you liked the fact that I destroyed Suna completely differently from the anime, where Gaara protected them, but I wanted to give more realism to an atomic bomb. However, all this is intentional for future events where even that roar in Uzumaki's mind will have future importance.

Tell me what you think of Naruto's advances and flirting with Sakura, theorize about this surprise couple thing, and let me make it clear.

Flirting, pecks, kisses, dating, friends with benefits. None of this will make me put a fixed couple tag.

A fixed couple to me is like a marriage.

Only when it happens will it be placed.

Or at least when I'm sure they will be a couple until the end.

I hope you are enjoying it and don't forget to comment.

This really helps with the motivation to continue; it may seem silly, but it truly helps.

Anyway, I will be addressing everyone below, so don't hesitate to ask questions.

Feel free to share ideas and opinions. Maybe something you'd like to see in the near future or whatever, lol.

Anyway... I'll be waiting for you all below. XD

-- Presented Characters --

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Naruto and Sakura:

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Sabaku no Gaara:

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Deidara:

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-- Characters' Combat Power --

(Sabaku no Gaara)

Level: 58

Fight Power: 116

Strength: 1,160 Kg

Speed: 580 Km/h

Endurance: 1,160 Kg

Chakra: 75,000

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(Deidara)

Level: 340

Fight Power: 680

Strength: 6,800 Kg

Speed: 3,400 Km/h

Endurance: 6,800 Kg

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