On the main street, Jiraiya and Kakashi walked side-by-side.
"As agreed, I'm leaving Naruto to you."
"It would be nice if he's grown up a little," Kakashi said softly.
Jiraiya huffed with dissatisfaction. "You think I'm that useless?"
"Then I'll look forward to it," Kakashi replied blankly.
As they passed an alley and the crowds thinned, Jiraiya's expression turned grave. "Those guys are becoming active."
Kakashi followed Jiraiya into a restaurant. "Is that so? The Akatsuki are finally..."
"It was expected, though."
At that moment, in a council meeting in Sunagakure, a briefing on the Akatsuki was underway.
"The group known as 'Akatsuki' is a mysterious organization comprised of roughly ten shinobi. All members are S-rank criminals listed in the Bingo Book."
"Known members include Itachi Uchiha of Konoha, who slaughtered his own clan in a single night."
"Kisame Hoshigaki, formerly of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, known as the Monster of the Hidden Mist."
"And Orochimaru, who orchestrated the crush of Konoha and the assassination of the previous Kazekage. It is said he was once a member of this organization."
"There are also reports of recent terrorist incidents in the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Rock, though unconfirmed, they are rumored to involve Itachi Uchiha's younger sister, Kanon Uchiha."
Hearing this, Gaara's expression froze. He found it hard to believe. His impression of Kanon was of someone with a personality like Naruto's—a beautiful, "girl-next-door" type. How could she have joined the Akatsuki?
In Konoha, Kakashi questioned Jiraiya. "They're intentionally making loud moves. What's the reason?"
"I'm not entirely sure..." Jiraiya shook his head. "I only know they're after what's inside Naruto. And they must be planning something else, something hidden."
"The intel has been sent to the security heads of every nation. Hopefully, they can enter a state of high alert immediately."
In Sunagakure, the meeting concluded. A shadow of unease hung over everyone. The Akatsuki's existence, though still shrouded in mystery, could no longer be ignored.
…
In the middle of the desert, Sasori, Kanon, and Deidara trekked through the swirling sands.
"I see. So we've beaten Orochimaru's lot to the punch, hm?"
"Though it looks like we've got a traitor leaking our intel."
Sasori's voice was low and laced with a murderous edge. Speaking from within Hiruko, he said calmly, "Not much can be done about that. Once the jutsu is cast, I have no control over what happens."
"By the way, are you sure about going in with just that bag? The opponent is a Jinchuriki," Sasori reminded Deidara.
"My ninjutsu is art itself... and I've brought my trump cards. The opponent is the One-Tail, after all." Deidara then glanced at the girl beside them. "Speaking of which, Kanon-chan, you've been awfully quiet since we set out. Why the silence during our break?"
Kanon, walking at the front, remained expressionless. She stopped and turned to meet Deidara's gaze. Her eyes were filled with a request. "Deidara-nii, I didn't get to finish my fight with him during the Chunin Exams. Can you leave this opponent to me this time?"
Both Sasori and Deidara were surprised. "Do you have some history with Gaara of the Desert?"
"I've watched him fight. I wanted to face him back then. Please, let me go this time."
"It's not impossible," Deidara replied. "But can you handle him alone, Kanon?"
"I can. Trust me." Kanon patted her modest chest and gave Deidara her word.
"Fine, fine. The One-Tail is yours. I'll provide cover," Deidara conceded. He had brought plenty of "art," but since Kanon wanted to step up, he wouldn't stop her. "I'll give you this chance for art. In exchange, the next mission is mine."
"Deal." Kanon nodded, then looked at Sasori. "Does Sasori-nii have any objections?"
"I have no objections. But I suggest you both make it quick."
…
While Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi were training in Konoha, at the border of Sunagakure..
Kanon slowly wiped the blood from her Kusanagi Sword using the sleeve of her Akatsuki cloak before donning her bamboo hat. Behind her, five elite Sand Jonin lay defeated on the ground. Sasori and Deidara stood flanking her.
The three Akatsuki members looked at a remaining Sand shinobi who stood frozen in terror.
"Kanon... Uchiha..." His lips trembled. The rumors were true. Kanon Uchiha had joined the Akatsuki. Standing there, he felt utterly powerless; under the gaze of her three-tomoe Sharingan, he couldn't even move.
"Good work. Do you remember me?" Sasori asked darkly.
"Yes... of course, Sasori-sama..."
"Naturally. If you forgot, it wouldn't be much of a jutsu, hm?" Deidara crossed his arms. "Once your memories return, you'll be my loyal subordinate!"
"And Kanon-chan's Sharingan is quite useful—made him submit instantly."
"That's my art, Deidara-nii!" Kanon retracted her sword and flashed a quick peace sign before pulling down her hat, the wind chimes jingling softly.
"Let's move," Sasori commanded. The three followed the brainwashed Sand shinobi into the village.
As evening approached and the sun began to dip below the horizon, the mouth on Deidara's hand spat out white clay. He kneaded it quickly until a small clay bird took shape. "It's about time to start."
The bird began to flutter its wings. "Alright, it's ready," Deidara whispered to Sasori. "Master Sasori, you just watch from here. Kanon and I are heading in."
Sasori gave a curt nod.
Deidara formed a seal, and the small bird instantly transformed into a massive creature. "Explosive Clay: Giant Bird!"
"Kanon-chan, get on!" Before she could protest, Deidara scooped her up and placed her on the giant bird's head.
"Deidara-nii! I'm not a child!" Kanon's face flushed slightly. He had picked her up and set her on the bird's back before she could say a word.
"Attacking the village from above... what do you think? Master Sasori, Kanon, look at this artistic form! Hm?"
"Don't keep me waiting too long, Deidara, Kanon," Sasori interrupted, reminding them of the task.
"Don't worry!" Both Kanon and Deidara shared a meaningful smile before soaring toward the village.
The architecture of Sunagakure was unique, primarily built from sandstone, with buildings and walls sporting a natural, earthy yellow hue. The staggered structures followed the mountain slopes, blending seamlessly into the surrounding desert landscape. Under the setting sun, the entire village seemed to glow with golden light.
The view was breathtaking, even for Kanon and Deidara.
"The Jinchuriki of the One-Tail Shukaku, Gaara of the Desert, hm?" Deidara smirked. "Kanon, what kind of person is he really?"
"I don't know everything about him," Kanon replied softly. "But I know he's a tragic soul. He grew up without the love of parents. He was treated as a weapon of war and was targeted for assassination by his own father over and over again."
"A twisted kind of love," Deidara remarked with a chuckle.
And so, the two of them rode the Explosive Clay bird high above the Hidden Sand, where the rolling dunes created a magnificent, haunting vista below.
————
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