Chapter 95: Sunagakure
With the villagers gone, Hiruzen and his accomplices were escorted to the Investigation Chamber. It was time for them to face the consequences they had long evaded. We handed them over to Ibiki, whose expertise in interrogation would ensure a thorough investigation into their actions.
Leaving the chamber, we prepared to address the other pressing issues facing the village. One significant matter was the negotiation process with Suna. To lead this diplomatic mission, a team was assembled with Shikaku-ojisan as the primary negotiator, chosen for his strategic mind and calm demeanor. Our Team 7, along with Kakashi-sensei, was assigned as part of the escort. Because of our bond with the Suna siblings, we were expected to help ease tensions and facilitate the negotiations.
Alongside us, Shikaku-ojisan was bringing a few members of his clan to support him, along with several Anbu for added security. With this team in place, we were ready to head toward Suna, hoping to strengthen the alliance and resolve any lingering disputes for the benefit of both villages.
Before leaving, Shikaku-ojisan gave us a quick briefing. "Our main goal is to create a foundation for a long-lasting alliance with Suna. They've been through a lot, as have we, so expect them to be wary. But remember, this isn't just about politics; it's about rebuilding trust."
Kakashi nodded, his visible eye serious. "Stay alert and keep things respectful. We're going there to open doors, not shut them."
I glanced at Sasuke and Sakura, both of whom looked equally determined. This mission wasn't about battle—it was about understanding, connection, and mutual respect. As we set out toward Suna, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was a chance to mend old wounds and start building a brighter future for both villages.
With everyone prepared, we set off toward Suna. Before leaving, I took a moment to say goodbye to my mother.
"Mom, I'm heading to Suna. It might take a week or two before I'm back," I told her.
She nodded, concern flickering in her eyes. "Alright, Naruto. Just make sure to look after yourself while you're there."
"I know, Mom," I replied, smiling. "You take care of yourself too. Bye, Mom!"
"Bye, Naruto," she said, waving.
I also said goodbye to my girls and everyone who felt like family to me, making sure each one knew I'd be back soon. With the goodbyes done, we set out on this new journey together.
As we walked, I turned to Kakashi. "Hey, Kakashi, you've been to Suna before. What's it like?"
Kakashi lowered his book, his eye crinkling in thought. "Suna's landscape is... unforgiving. It's a desert village, surrounded by sand dunes and intense heat. The architecture is built to withstand sandstorms—tall structures with solid foundations. The colors of the village match the desert: sandy browns and faded yellows."
Sakura looked interested. "It sounds so different from Konoha."
Kakashi nodded. "It is. The people there are resilient and used to tough conditions. The village's security is tight, partly because the desert itself is a natural defense. And the Suna shinobi have techniques that are perfectly suited to that environment."
I smirked. "Good thing we're friends with Gaara and his siblings. That should make things smoother, right?"
"Let's hope so," Kakashi said, glancing at me. "But remember, this isn't a personal visit. We're there to make sure Suna feels they can trust Konoha fully. They'll probably be cautious at first, even with familiar faces."
Sasuke nodded, his gaze focused forward. "Then we'll show them that we're serious about this alliance."
I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and determination. This wasn't just a mission—it was an adventure, a chance to show how far we'd come and what we could accomplish together as a team.
After three days of steady travel, we finally reached the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. The change in environment was striking. Unlike the lush greenery of Konoha, here the air was dry and heavy, with the relentless sun beating down. Gusts of hot wind blew across the landscape, kicking up sand that covered the ground as far as the eye could see.
"Kakashi, how much farther do we have to go?" I asked, already feeling the intensity of the desert climate.
"In just a few more hours, we'll reach Suna," he replied calmly, his voice slightly muffled as he adjusted his mask against the blowing sand.
The shift in landscape was striking. Gone were the lush forests and cool breezes of the Land of Fire; instead, we were met with dry, scorching winds and a vast stretch of sand as far as the eye could see. The sun beat down relentlessly, making the air feel thick and heavy, and every step kicked up a small cloud of dust that clung to our clothes.
"Ugh, how do people survive out here?" Sakura muttered, shielding her eyes from the sun.
Sasuke looked around, his expression calm but focused. "It's definitely a change. You can see why their shinobi would have such a different approach to fighting."
"Exactly," Kakashi agreed, squinting ahead. "They've trained to endure this harsh climate, so they have an advantage in desert combat. Stay alert once we reach Suna—this environment alone can wear down even the best shinobi from other lands."
I nodded, wiping the sweat from my brow. The Land of Wind felt like a whole different world, but I had to admit, there was something impressive about it. The people of Suna had adapted to survive in a place that looked so barren, yet I knew from Gaara that it held its own beauty and strength.
Soon, on the horizon, we began to see the faint outline of towering cliffs and walls, a clear sign that we were approaching Suna. The excitement started to build up again as I realized we'd be there within hours.
"Well, looks like the wait's almost over," I said with a grin, the anticipation driving away some of my exhaustion.
"Stay sharp, Naruto," Kakashi reminded me. "Even if we're here for peace, it's best to be prepared for anything."
I nodded. As we drew closer to Suna, I couldn't help but feel ready for whatever challenges lay ahead—ready to build this bridge between our villages and, hopefully, find new allies among the shinobi of the Sand.
A few hours later, we finally arrived at the gates of Suna. The towering sandstone walls and fortified gates gave the village an imposing yet impressive look. As we approached, a group of Suna shinobi stood watch, their eyes sharp and attentive.
Recognizing us as allies, one of them stepped forward, nodding respectfully. "Konoha shinobi have arrived," he called to another guard, who quickly turned and ran off to report to the Kazekage.
"Welcome to Suna," the shinobi said, turning back to us with a slight bow. "We've been expecting you. The Kazekage has arranged a meeting for you with the council and is eager to begin negotiations."
We returned his greeting, expressing our thanks. The Suna shinobi motioned for us to follow, and we began to make our way into the heart of the village, passing sandstone buildings that blended with the desert landscape. The people of Suna moved about their business, glancing curiously at our team as we walked by.
The air was still hot and dry, but seeing the inner workings of Suna—the shops, the training grounds, the people—gave it a unique and vibrant feel. Despite the challenging conditions, this was clearly a village with strong and resilient people.
As we approached the Kazekage's building, Shikaku-ojisan and Kakashi took the lead, preparing to begin the negotiation process. I felt a sense of anticipation—this was a chance to strengthen the alliance between our villages, and I was ready to play my part alongside the team.
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