They had just cleared the forest when Sasuke spoke.
"Stop. Someone's coming."
His voice was low, even. Team Seven moved at once, forming a tight defensive ring around Shibuki. The young village head froze, his unease turning into open panic.
There was no attempt at concealment. Whoever it was, they were coming straight at them. Fast.
Sakura shifted her stance, eyes locked forward.
Then Sasuke felt it.
Unrestrained chakra. Vast. Familiar in scale.
So it's you.
"Hello!"
A bright, ringing voice cut through the tension. A small figure dropped into view, green hair flashing against dark skin, arms spread wide as if greeting old friends.
Fū.
Shibuki stared for half a second, then rushed forward in alarm. "What are you doing out here? Where are Hōgan and Yōrō? I told them not to let you leave the village."
His voice lowered abruptly, and he glanced toward Team Seven. Naruto scratched his head, confused.
"It's fine, it's fine," Fū said breezily. "Takigakure and Konoha get along, right? No big deal."
Shibuki looked like he might faint.
She slipped past him and bounded up to Team Seven, eyes sparkling. "You're Konoha ninja, right? Thanks for escorting our village head!"
She bowed deeply, then straightened and thrust out her hand with a grin. "I'm Fū. Let's be friends."
Naruto blinked, then laughed and grabbed her hand. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Nice to meet you!"
Fū moved down the line just as enthusiastically.
Sakura smiled despite herself and shook her hand."Haruno Sakura."
"Hatake Kakashi.""Uchiha Sasuke."
"Great!" Fū pumped her fist and hopped back, practically glowing.
Sasuke watched quietly.
Even without activating his Sharingan, he could sense it. Behind her, something flickered. Wings, half-seen. Not chakra leaking. Something aligned.
A perfect host.
Shibuki pulled Fū back, embarrassed. "She's… enthusiastic. Sorry about that."
"She told me to make friends," Fū protested, arms crossed. "And I did."
Shibuki sighed. "We'll talk when we get home."
They crossed into the Land of Waterfalls soon after. The roar of water grew louder until a colossal cascade filled their vision.
"Welcome to Takigakure!" Fū announced proudly.
Naruto stared. "Wow."
Sakura frowned. "That's it? We're done?"
"It was always just an escort," Kakashi said lightly. "You worried too much."
Before she could answer, a sharp cry cut through the air.
An eagle circled down, landing on Kakashi's arm. He removed the message, scanned it once, and folded it away.
"…Right." He sighed. "I have to leave. Emergency meeting."
"What?" Sakura asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothing you need to worry about." He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Finish up and head back."
"I've got this!" Naruto said confidently.
Kakashi vanished in a blur.
Sakura watched the space he'd left behind, uneasy. "Something feels off."
Naruto laughed it off, but his smile faltered when he looked at Sasuke.
"Be careful," Sasuke said.
That was all.
Kakashi was already moving at full speed.
The signal had been clear. ANBU under attack. Highest threat level.
Tenzo… what did you run into?
The forest several dozen kilometers away was unrecognizable.
Trees lay flattened. Earth churned. The ground looked as though it had been torn open repeatedly.
Steel rang against steel.
Tenzo staggered back, blood soaking through his vest. ANBU gathered around him, blades raised. Bodies lay scattered nearby.
"I'm fine," he said, though the wound said otherwise.
Across from them stood two figures in black cloaks marked with red clouds.
Hidan laughed, licking blood from his scythe. "I win this round."
He began carving a symbol into the earth.
Kakashi arrived just in time to see it.
That's bad.
Lightning cracked as he surged forward, but he was too far.
Hidan raised his blade toward his own chest.
Then he was sent flying.
Kakashi skidded to a halt, stunned.
The other cloaked man stood with his arm lowered.
"Don't interfere," Kakuzu said coldly. "That one uses Wood Release. He's mine."
Hidan sprang up, furious. "You ruined my ritual!"
Kakuzu didn't look at him. "I'm not interested in your games."
The battlefield fell silent, tension coiling tighter than before.