Chiyo stepped out from behind the elders' council, her expression firm and resolute.
"They are right," she said, her voice low but commanding.
"Chiyo Elder?" The remaining elders looked toward her, startled by her intervention.
"Although I have not involved myself in the Sand Village's affairs for many years, you have called upon me, which means you still recognize my status as a Sand Village elder," Chiyo said.
Her gaze swept across the council, unwavering. "I was wrong when I said the Leaf Village would only send a few inconsequential ninja. Even they take our Kazekage seriously. If even the Leaf acknowledges the importance of Gaara, how can we turn our backs on him?"
The other elders lowered their heads. Chiyo's experience and reputation were unmatched in the village. When she spoke, no one dared argue.
"Then I will lead the team to rescue our Kazekage," Chiyo declared, her voice ringing with authority.
"Your health… Elder Chiyo?" One of the elders hesitated. Chiyo's age was considerable, and her physical condition was a concern.
Huffing dismissively, Chiyo patted her chest. "My body is still strong. Another ten years won't be a problem!"
"Understood, we entrust this task to you!" another elder bowed deeply.
Temari stepped forward. "You are… Gaara's sister?" Chiyo asked.
"Yes, Elder Chiyo," Temari nodded respectfully.
"Then you will go with me. The rest of you remain vigilant. Maintain your posts and be ready to welcome the Kazekage home," Chiyo commanded loudly to the gathered ninja.
Temari bowed deeply. "Thank you, Elder Chiyo."
Chiyo's eyes softened slightly as she spoke, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "Times are changing. We, the elders, cannot keep up with the pace of this world. The future belongs to you young ones. Our duty is to protect you until you are ready to stand on your own."
As Chiyo prepared to lead the rescue mission, Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, and the others were already en route to the Land of Wind.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Fire, the Fire Temple lay in ruin.
Hidan carried Ku, his body slack from unconsciousness, while Kakuzu dragged Gairo slowly out of the temple. Blood soaked the ground, and the stench of burnt incense and charred wood hung in the air.
"Why didn't we just go after the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki? Why target this fake instead?" Hidan grumbled, annoyance twitching in his voice.
Kakuzu responded coldly. "The Nine-Tails' jinchuriki never leaves the Leaf Village. Even if you went there, you wouldn't die. But what about the seal? It's not that simple."
Hidan snorted. He was reckless, but not foolish. A solo attack on the Leaf Village? That would be suicide.
"Anyway, the boss gave us orders. First, take this one to the bounty office. He's worth thirty million ryo on the black market. Then, extract the Nine-Tails' chakra from him," Kakuzu said, his tone flat and businesslike.
"Understood, understood! You greedy bastard!" Hidan grinned, adjusting Ku's limp body over his shoulder.
The two of them walked away, their presence like shadows against the charred ruins.
Word of the Fire Temple's destruction spread quickly. Survivors among the monks escaped to relay the atrocity to the Daimyo.
Fury gripped the Lord of Fire. The temple had been a sacred place, honoring key figures of the Land of Fire. Its desecration was a personal insult, a stain on the nation itself.
Immediately, messengers were dispatched to Konoha to inform Tsunade of the tragedy.
Tsunade's hands clenched the reports so tightly her knuckles turned white. She ground her teeth, rage sparking in her eyes.
"Shizune, summon Asuma, Kurenai, and Might Guy!" she ordered, her voice low and harsh.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Shizune hurried to carry out the command.
Within minutes, the three shinobi arrived at the Hokage's office.
"The Fire Temple has been attacked by the Akatsuki. Many monks were killed," Tsunade said without preamble.
"What?" Shock and disbelief crossed their faces.
"Why attack the Fire Temple? Weren't they after the Tailed Beasts? And what about Gairo? Is he safe?" Asuma asked, concern etching his features as he thought of his friend.
Tsunade's expression hardened, fingers steepled beneath her chin. "We don't know why the Akatsuki targeted the temple. But Gairo… he's dead. At their hands."
Asuma clenched his fists, his anger palpable. "Damn it!"
Kurenai placed a hand on his shoulder. "Asuma…"
Might Guy's face darkened. "So, Hokage-sama, you're calling us to pursue these Akatsuki members?"
"Yes," Tsunade replied, nodding. "Be cautious. The Akatsuki are powerful, but if possible, keep the fight here in the Land of Fire."
Her voice hardened further. The Akatsuki's goal was the Tailed Beasts. Their enemy was Naruto and by extension, the Leaf Village. Every member eliminated was a victory for Konoha and a step closer to protecting the future.
The three understood the stakes immediately, faces set with resolve.
"But should we bring our students?" Kurenai asked cautiously.
Tsunade considered, then said, "Bring the students who can truly help this mission. They need experience. Don't assume Naruto and the others' success means the rest can slack off. Growth is essential."
The three elders nodded in agreement and quickly prepared to depart.
Tsunade moved to the window, gazing toward the misty horizon of Kiri.
Meanwhile, at the gates of Konoha, seven shinobi gathered. Asuma, Shikamaru, Kurenai, Kiba, Shino, Might Guy, and Neji.
Asuma brought Shikamaru for his intellect and tactical thinking. Kurenai brought Kiba and Shino for their tracking expertise. Might Guy brought Neji, whose Byakugan could be critical for reconnaissance.
Lower-ranked shinobi stayed behind. Their role would be support, tracking, and gathering intelligence. They were not expected to engage in frontline combat.
"Let's move. First, we head to the Fire Temple. We need to see what information the Akatsuki left behind," Asuma said, leading the group.
Pakkun paused, raising his paw toward a large stone blocking the entrance to a nearby cave.
"This is it. The cave ahead," he indicated.
Kakashi crouched and patted the dog. "Good work, Pakkun. The next battle could be intense. You should head back now."
"Understood. And don't forget the dog food!" Pakkun barked before disappearing.
Hinata, eyes wide with focus, activated her Byakugan.
"The cave entrance is covered with sealing tags! Two people are hiding behind the rocks," she reported.
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