Chapter 12

It's been a month since Taiga came back from the void, and today was his first solo mission since Genma alongside Kurama and Sarutobi were not there, and considering Taiga's speed, it's very accurate to say, that he is the best man for this mission...

-Somewhere in the Land Of Lightning-

"Hey, old pervert, wait up!" Yelled Taiga as he called out to his Partner.

"I told you to keep quiet, you brat. And hurry up, we don't want to stay in the Land of Lightning for long" Said the old man to his companion, not slowing his pace despite the boy's protests.

"Sigh... what I wanna know is, why aren't we using my Flying Raijin"

"Becuase what we are searching for is hidden in a location we are not aware of, and I believe you can not flash in a position you do know nothing of"

"And could you at least tell me why are we here in the first place? What's the damn mission anyway"

The Old man was, equally annoyed as his student, gave a frustrated sigh. "Hokage sama just got a new piece of information from Jiraiya sama spy network that could be useful and we need to address it as soon as possible"

"Alright, and what's the information"

"We just got word from a trustworthy source of... something that could boost Naruto's training. Did you know that the Hachibi Jinchuuriki from Kumo has complete control over his Biju?"

"Yes, I heard the rumors"

"Apparently, the Hachibi Jinchuuriki learned to master his Biju in a secluded island somewhere in the Land of Lightning. It seems that whatever is on that island was a key factor in learning to use the Hachibi... Our Mission is clear, scout the area, Secure the location and send the information back to Jiraiya san"

"You should have told me this beforehand"

"Anyway, we should make haste and get out of the Land of Lightning as soon as possible, well, at least its land. We have to look for a boat to start searching for that island. Even if the adjacent sea is still technically part of the Land of Lightning, Kumo doesn't keep as many close tabs on its sea as they do on its land. Once we are successful in scouting the area, we will be able to flash out of here with you"

"I thought we were neutral with Kumo."

"We are, but that doesn't mean that there isn't tension between the villages. Remember kid, neutral just means that we aren't actively trying to rip each other's throats, it doesn't mean that we are Friends." Explained the old man.

Neither Old Konoha Shinobi or Taiga realized that in one of the trees in the proximity, just out of sight, a Venus flytrap-like figure emerged from it; seemingly separating from it as if they had been one being. The flytrap-like extension opened to reveal a head with Green hair and a face with a White half, while the other half was black. The flytrap-like man was wearing a black cloak with red clouds.

"So it seems that Konoha scouts are in Kumo looking for a better way to control the Biju's power" said White Zetsu with a carefree and mischievous attitude, but also full of malice. "We should inform Tobi of this development" this time, black Zetsu was the one who spoke, but unlike his White counterpart, he sounded much more serious and eerie. After that, Zetsu just sank again into the tree trunk until it left no sign that he had ever been there in the first place.

-Unknown Location-

A tall man wearing a black cloak with red clouds sat on a rock in a damp, dark cave. The dim light of night sky filtering through the entrance barely made it possible to see the man's outline. The strange man had short spiky black hair, and his face was covered by an orange mask with a spiral pattern that only left a hole for his right eye. He had his arm resting on his knee as he patiently waited for Zetsu to finish his briefing on the new Intel regarding the Kyuubi.

''...and That concludes my report'' finished black Zetsu dutifully.

The man just kept silent, thinking over this new bit of information.

''What should we do about this, Tobi? This could be a good chance to attack that flash so that he doesn't foil our plans like Minato did, even if it is a bit early'' Said White Zetsu with a toothy grin, restless for a plan of action.

Tobi could see what Zetsu was getting at; all those years ago, Namikaze Minato did foil their plans once, not only they didn't get Kyuubi for themselves, but Konoha lived as well... this time they can not fail, however...

Zetsu's white half-raised an eyebrow in curiosity at Tobi's hesitation. Eliminating Flash at the moment was the logical step to take, for Zetsu at least.

''Zetsu, did you check on that other task I commended to you?'' Whatever Zetsu was expecting for Tobi to say, it wasn't that. ''Well?'' inquired Tobi once more, expectant for the plant-like man to continue.

Black Zetsu was the first to compose himself. ''We did. It is just as you suspected. Ever since Kumo's perfect Jinchuuriki became public knowledge, the other nations have started to keep a closer watch on their Biju. They don't want to be left behind in the development of their Jinchuuriki, as a consequence, the security for them has been exponentially increased'' Black Zetsu finished and left his white half to elaborate.''Most of them aren't a problem; however, the Yonbi and the Gobi are going to be an issue.''

It was just as Tobi had predicted. Even if the villages were tightening the security around their Jinchuuriki, only those two presented a problem.

The Ichibi was the Kazekage. He was always going to be under Suna's full protection anyway regardless of what the other nations were doing. But Suna was the weakest of the five great ninja nations, even with all their security the only real threat was the Ichibi himself, and Akatsuki could handle him.

The Nibi and the Hachibi weren't nearly as closely watched, as Kumo was arrogant in their current position of having a fully realized Jinchuuriki to feel as if they were invincible. They could attack while they were careless and capture them both and quickly escape before Kumo had any chance to retaliate.

The Sanbi's current whereabouts were unknown to Kiri, and their only remaining Jinchuuriki defected, preferring to live in solitude as a missing-nin.

Taki was attempting to protect the Nanabi, but they were a minor village and pathetically weak to boot. A single Akatsuki member would be enough to wipe out the entirety of Taki without even breaking a sweat, even with their Hero's water.

However, the Yonbi and the Gobi were a different matter. Iwa had them under tight watch, and Iwagakure wasn't weak like Suna and Taki; unlike Kiri they still had both their Jinchuuriki, and they weren't being careless in their confidence like Kumo.

Even getting close to either of the Jinchuuriki would quickly bring the whole of Iwa's might on them. Even the Akatsuki would have trouble fighting two seasoned Jinchuriki supported with an entire powerful ninja village that had the most experienced Kage in all the elemental nations all at the same time. The most effective way of handling that situation was to find a way to isolate each Jinchuuriki and cut off the chance of them getting help from their village or fellow Jinchuuriki. Even if the Kyuubi was an easy pick right now, Tobi first wanted to think over the entire situation before making a move.

Zetsu felt like he had been waiting forever with how long Tobi had been quiet, at least the white half did. ''what are you scheming, Tobi? Don't keep me in the dark here'' thought White Zetsu impatiently.

Black Zetsu was as calm as usual, seemingly not bothered at all by the long wait.

After taking his time, Tobi spoke at last. ''Zetsu, tell Nagato to arrange a members meeting. We need to have everyone on this''

''Oh, so you do have a plan, Tobi?'' Said white Zetsu, excited and relieved at the same time for finally being done waiting.

''Indeed. I may have a way for one situation to deal with the other'' And with that, the masked man disappeared by being absorbed in a spiral space distortion coming from his right eye.

Knowing that was his cue to leave, Zetsu sank into the ground, leaving the damp cave empty.

-Iwagakure no Sato-

Iwagakure No Sato was a village made of stone, surrounded by a mountain range and waterfalls. The buildings were carved out from the very same mountains of the region, making them like towers, and due to its hill-like structures, the paths between them had to be connected with bridges. The village had business of all kinds, with civilians and ninja going on about their daily routine. As one of the great five ninja village, it was a sight to behold.

And currently, their leader the Tsuchikage was eating in a small barbecue restaurant celebrating with his son, Kitsuchi; his bodyguard and family friend, Akatsuchi; and finally his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi.

''Akatsuchi, try to leave some barbecue for the rest of us. Even I may not be able to pay for all the food you eat'' Said the ruler of Iwa. Onoki was a very short old man, he had a long beard that reached to his chest and an almost as equally long mustache. Due to his age, his white hair only covered the lower half of his head, which he kept in a topknot, and had a red round nose. He wore a green flak jacket covered by a green coat with yellow borders.

''I'm sorry Tsuchikage-Sama, I'm just making the most out of this. Is not every day that you offer to pay for everyone's meal'' Said the voracious boy. Akatsuchi was a large plump young man, had small black eyes, a large round nose and seemed to have a perpetually happy-go looking face. He was wearing the standard Iwa uniform, which consisted of red clothes covered by a brown flak jacket, but he also wore a red bandanna over his head that had the metal plate of a forehead protector, and he kept a yellow scarf wrapped around his neck.

''Well this is a special occasion after all. Kurotsuchi has been waiting a long time for her Jounin promotion'' Kitsuchi was a tall man, he had dark eyes, a big nose, and graying hair and beard. He was also wearing the standard red uniform of Iwa with brown flak jacket; and like Akatsuchi, over his head, he also wore a red bandanna with Iwa's forehead protector insignia.

''Took you long enough to promote me, gramps. You know damn well I'm one of the best Shinobi in the village'' Said Kurotsuchi smugly. She was a young woman of seventeen -Almost eighteen- years of age. She was wearing the standard red Iwa uniform with a brown flak jacket and forehead protector. However, her right sleeve was missing and wore black gloves on her hands. She also had a red skirt that showed her fishnet covered legs. She had pale skin and short black hair framing her face, but her most notable feature was her pupil-less pink eyes.

''Your head is hard as stone and your ego is too big for your own good. I first wanted to make sure that your judgment was fit for a Jounin'' Said Ohnoki in a matter of fact manner.

While it was true that she was one of their most skilled ninja, and probably their best Kunoichi, and at only seventeen years of age at that; she could be very overconfident, brash, and a bit immature at times, but there was no denying that she was a prodigy. There were even talks among the populace that she was well on her way to be the best option for Tsuchikage once Onoki retired.

Kurotsuchi just dismissed her grandfather's claim, waving her hand with a carefree smile. ''Yeah, yeah. Just you wait, old man, I'm gonna take your job before you know it. I'm just getting started by becoming Jounin. In fact, I bet I could beat most Jounin in Iwa''

''you just proved his point, Kurotsuchi'' thought Akatsuchi with a sweatdrop on his head and a deadpan expression.

Onoki huffed in indignation at Kurotsuchi's careless attitude. ''That's exactly why I didn't want to promote you just yet. If you keep acting like that you will meet your demise''

''Though, you can't deny pops, that Kurotsuchi is strong for her age. If her skills keep growing at the rate they have been, before long she just might become our best candidate for Tsuchikage'' Remarked Kitsuchi.

''Not you too Kitsuchi! Don't go encouraging her behavior'' Said Onoki, exasperated at his son. Akatsuchi just laughed at their antics and Kurotsuchi soon joined him.

''Anyway, we are here to celebrate, and I would like to make a toast for Kurotsuchi's progress'' Said Kitsuchi, now standing up. ''May she continue making us and Iwagakure proud'' he said while lifting his cup. ''For Kurotsuchi''

''For Kurotsuchi'' echoed Akatsuchi and Onoki. And even some of the other client's joined in, also proud of the Tsuchikage's honorable granddaughter.

-Later that day-

Kurotsuchi sat on her bed as the late afternoon sunlight came through her window. She had a sad look in her eyes while she looked at a picture frame in her hands. The picture was that of a woman that looked strikingly similar to Kurotsuchi; in fact, if it hadn't been for her long hair and her more mature look she could have been a carbon copy of Kurotsuchi. In the picture, she had a serene but joyful smile while she gazed at a small bundle in her arms that could only be a baby.

The tomboy just kept stroking her fingers on the borders of the frame, wondering what would her mother say if she could see how far she had come in her Shinobi career. ''I got promoted, mom. Jounin, just the same as you'' she sorrowfully tough with a sad smile as she kept staring longingly at the image of her mother. ''Wherever you are I hope you are watching me. On my honor, I swear I'll make you proud'' Thought the girl with sadness.

''She always knew you were going to be a splendid Kunoichi''

Kitsuchi's words momentarily startled Kurotsuchi. She had been so immersed in her thoughts that she failed to notice her father in the doorway.

''D-Dad, I didn't know you were there. I was j-just...'' Flustered, she quickly put the photograph on her nightstand. She hated when others saw her moments of vulnerability, even if it was her dad.

''There is no need to feel embarrassed. Missing the people important to you is not weakness. I myself think about her every day'' Said Kitsuchi with a faraway look in his eyes while he leaned on the wall.

Kurotsuchi didn't know if 'missed' was the right word to use. To miss someone you had to remember the person. She had been too young -barely a year old- when her mother died that she couldn't recall her. If it weren't for her photograph she wouldn't even know what she looked like.

Her mother was just finishing her maternity leave when she went back to fighting on the front lines. After that it wasn't long until the war reached its culminating point and she went with the intent of fighting for a better future for her newborn daughter, only to be slaughtered by Konoha's Yellow Flash.

Her mom had always been the missing element for the true family that Kurotsuchi never had. She loved her father and grandfather, but her grandpa was the Tsuchikage and didn't have much time for them. Meanwhile, her father had his hands full doing his duty as a Shinobi and trying his best to raise his daughter properly by himself. And considering her only friend was Akatsuchi, she was essentially raised among men; which was probably the reason for her tomboyish attitude. And even though she liked the way she was just fine and wouldn't change her personality for anything, the fact still stood that she always longed for a mother figure in her life.

She debated a bit before asking.''Dad...how was my mom? Was she as great as everyone says she was?'' Said Kurotsuchi with a melancholy that was rare in the normally brash and carefree girl.

Kitsuchi adopted a tender look as he looked at the sky through her window, reminiscing of times long past.

''No, she was better. She was the most amazing woman I've ever met. Also the most beautiful, in fact, in that department you take completely after her. Thank god for that'' Said Kitsuchi with a small smile to which Kurotsuchi replied with one of her own.

''She was calm and collected, but also kind, loving and nurturing. She was a true lady'' Said the man.

''Well, I definitely didn't inherit any of that'' replied his daughter with a forced laugh.

Kitsuchi glanced at the girl appreciatively. ''You are both great in your own right, Kurotsuchi. And I know that she would be very proud of the woman you have become and the one you have yet to become. She wanted nothing more than to watch you grow up, and loved you with all her heart.''

Kurotsuchi's eyes were moist at her father's words. Even though it was not the first time she asked for details of her mother, she liked to ask once in a while to avoid forgetting about her memory as it was all that was left of her. Damn Konoha for what they did! and damn the Yellow Flash for taking away her mother and with her the family that never was.

''Iwa should make Konoha pay for their sins, dad. We are strong, we could crush Konoha. The Yellow Flash is not there anymore to save them this time. We should make them feel the same suffering that we do. Blood should be repaid in blood'' Said the girl darkly with a fierce look in her eyes.

The cold rage in Kurotsuchi's pink eyes made Kitsuchi feel uncomfortable. He gave her a disapproving look and tried to reason with her. ''We have talked about this before, Kurotsuchi. Konoha also lost a lot of people in the war. The damage both nations sustained was so great that I'm just glad we are still standing at all''

The young woman's anger just grew at her father's words. ''how can you leave them off the hook after all they did to us, dad'' Thought the girl in repressed rage.''How can you forgive them so easily!? Are you fine just leaving everything like this? Maybe you didn't care about mom as much as you-''

The strength of the slap that interrupted Kurotsuchi was enough for it to be heard in the whole house. She lifted a gloved hand to her reddening cheek as she looked at her dad with a shocked expression.

''How dare you to talk to your own father like that!? I miss her like you can't even imagine. She was the love of my life. But is precise because I loved her that I know the pain of loss and I would never wish to put our people through the horrors of war again!'' Kitsuchi was all but shouting.

The rage in Kurotsuchi was so strong now that she finally snapped at him. ''You and gramps are just cowards! If I ever become Tsuchikage I will do what we should have done a long time ago and give Konoha what it deserves!''

Instead of hitting her again like Kurotsuchi expected, Kitsuchi just stared at her with the biggest look of disappointment he had ever given to her. ''Maybe dad is right. With that attitude, you don't deserve to be Tsuchikage'' And with that, Kitsuchi just turned and walked out of her room, leaving Kurotsuchi alone and seething with anger.

''Fine! You can keep being Konoha's bitch for all I care!'' She then took a step forward and smashed the door shut as soon as her father left, before throwing herself at her bed and buried her face in her pillow, staining it with wrath-induced tears. ''just you wait, I'll become Tsuchikage one day and I will burn Konoha to the ground''

-The Tsuchikage's Office-

Onoki had had a long day, but he was finally wrapping up the last stacks of paperwork. He was finishing later than usual, as his little get together with his family put him behind in his work.

He was about to call it a day when he got a knock on his door. He groaned at his rotten luck. Was a little rest too much to ask!? He gave permission to enter and through the door stepped in one of his ANBU, his porcelain mask of an animal signaling him as such.

''Speak, hawk. It's been a long day, so out with it'' Demanded the tired old man.

The ANBU got on one knee and lowered his head as a sign of respect to his leader. ''Forgive my late intrusion Tsuchikage-Sama, but I have urgent news for your ears only''

Onoki raised an eyebrow in curiosity at that. ''Is that so? And what would this urgent news be if I might ask?''

"Please Lord Tsuchikage"

"Sigh... Leave", Ordered Tsuchikage

And soon many shadows left the room

"Now speak", ordered Tsuchikage

''Our spies reported that Konoha Scouts are heading deep into the Land of Lightning'' Reported the ANBU in a monotone voice.

The Tsuchikage looked unimpressed and at the border of exasperation. ''I fail to see what is so urgent about it. I don't care what Konoha does, and he is in the Land of Lightning, let Kumo deal with it. It's not our problem''

"Indeed it's not Konoha that's the problem... the problem is one of the scout"

"Speak clearly"

"Our spies have managed to find out that the boy not only is the friend of Konoha Jinchiruki, but also the only successor and user of Flying Raijin'' Continued the ANBU in the same even voice.

The Tsuchikage's eyes bulged out of his head at the news and got up on his chair with a single jump.

''What did you say!? Flying Raijin? are you sure about this!?'' Asked the old man with urgency.

The ANBU stood up and pulled an envelope out of his flak jacket and handed it to him. ''That is a report send by our spies, it can't be wrong"

The diminutive Tsuchikage had a scowl on his face and was grinding his teeth at what could be the second coming of Konoha's Yellow Flash, the same man that almost single-handedly turned the last war in Konoha's favor; the very same man that killed a thousand Iwa Shinobi in a single battle, among those casualties was Kitsuchi's late wife. Onoki had heard enough, now he had a choice to make. ''Good job for bringing this to me. You are dismissed''

The ANBU gave a bow to his leader and exited the office, leaving the Tsuchikage to his thoughts.

Onoki had already forgotten about his previous tiredness and knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep that night, as he had a lot to consider.

-Mountain range of Iwagakure-

Outside of Iwagakure and just far enough to avoid the village patrols, two men waited. They both wore black cloaks with red clouds and were using conical straw hats. However, one was a hunched figure that you could only see the upper half of his face as his lower half was covered with a piece of cloth. He also had what appeared to be a long, metallic scorpion-like tail that came out of the back of his robe.

The other figure was a young blond man with long hair that he kept in a high ponytail, and had a long bang hanging over his left eye. But the one trait that really drew attention was what appeared to be a mouth in each of his hands.

''What is taking him so long? I hate to be kept waiting'' Said the shorter one with a deep hoarse voice.

''You should really learn some patience, Sasori no Danna. After all, with that body, you have all the time in the world, un'' Said the blond man to his partner with a cheeky grin.

''Shut up Deidara, I'm not in the mood to be listening to your prattle'' Said Sasori with irritation to his partner.

''So touchy. You know, being so close to home makes me a bit nostalgic. I wouldn't mind leveling a building or two to remind my countrymen of the magnificence of my art, un'' Said Deidara while playing with some clay to pass the time.

''That trash you do with your clay isn't art. Art is everlasting, is something that can be admired for generations to come. And I told you to shut up'' Repeated Sasori.

''Your puppets are okay I guess, but nothing compares to the beauty of the power of an explosion. Hearing people's screams of terror as their houses crumble down just brings a tear to my eye'' Said Deidara, waving off off Sasori's previous comment.

Sasori was about to lash out at Deidara for once again failing to be silent when suddenly the same ANBU that had been with the Tsuchikage just an hour ago arrived in a Shunshin(Body Flicker).

''Took you long enough. How did it go?'' Asked the puppeteer at the Iwa ANBU.

The sleeper agent turned his head at Sasori and stared straight at him trough his porcelain mask and responded with a monotone voice. ''The Tsuchikage seems to have taken the bait''

''How I would have loved to see old man Ohnoki flipping his shit when he found out about the boy'' said Deidara giving a small laugh.

''Then everything went according to plan. Return to your post, we are done here'' Sasori dismissed his sleeper agent and the ANBU went away the same way he had come.

''Now all that is left to do is wait for the perfect moment. If everything goes well we might just snag us two Biju at once, un'' Stated Deidara.

''You can wait by yourself. I'm not staying here doing anything. I'll come back later when the time to act is right'' Said Sasori, turning away and walking in the opposite direction.

''Wait up, Sasori no Danna, we still have to report to leader-Sama. Hey, Sasori no Danna are you listening to me?'' Deidara caught up to Sasori and both walked away, intending on returning when all the pieces of their plan had fallen in their place.

The stage is set... the target... Uzumaki Kanzaki Taiga... and the bet is Iwa's 2 Jinchiruki's