The next morning in Sunagakure...
A piercing blue light suddenly streaked across the skies above the Hidden Sand Village, catching the attention of every shinobi on duty. Alarms were raised immediately, voices echoing across rooftops and alleyways—something, or someone, had just entered Sunagakure's airspace.
Tension spread like wildfire. The village had only recently suffered a devastating attack, one that ended with the abduction of their Kazekage. Now, with the wounds of that incident still fresh, the sight of a mysterious light from the heavens sent the entire village into high alert.
Shinobi across the village began tailing the trail of light, racing across the sand-covered rooftops and streets in search of its origin.
Meanwhile, inside the Kazekage building, Baki, Ebizō, and several other high-ranking officials were deep in urgent discussion. The room buzzed with strategy and worry—until a sudden, thunderous crash outside brought everything to a halt. The table shook beneath their hands. Something massive had just landed nearby.
Without hesitation, Baki and Ebizō, flanked by the guards and advisors present, rushed out of the building.
A thick cloud of dust swirled outside the main gate. Whatever had landed—it was right here.
Then, with a gust of desert wind, the dust was swept away… revealing a breathtaking sight.
A massive sword was embedded vertically in the ground like a monument. Balanced atop its hilt stood a boy—no older than sixteen or seventeen—his presence commanding, his gaze unwavering.
It was none other than Inoiki.
Baki narrowed his eyes as he looked up at the boy standing atop the massive sword. "Inoiki? What are you doing here? You know you're banned from entering Sunagakure."
Inoiki didn't move from his perch. His voice was calm, but sharp. "I remember. You don't need to remind me. I'm here under direct orders from the Hokage. I've been sent as backup for Team Kakashi. I only came to find out their location. If I didn't need that information... I wouldn't have bothered setting foot in this village."
Baki's brow furrowed. "Then you should've come through official channels. What's the meaning of this dramatic entrance? Causing panic across the entire village?"
Inoiki shrugged. "One, I'm in a hurry. Two, do you really think I care?"
Baki opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come. His jaw tensed in silence.
Ebizō stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Baki's shoulder. "Easy now," he said, his tone measured. Then, turning his gaze to Inoiki, he added, "So... you're the Silent Reaper of Konoha. I've heard the stories."
Inoiki gave a slight nod. "Then you know not to waste my time. Just tell me where Team Kakashi went. That's all I need."
There was no hint of respect in his voice—only impatience. He had no interest in pleasantries or small talk. His presence in Sunagakure was purely pragmatic.
Truth be told, he held no fondness for this village. The ban placed on him wasn't forgotten—nor forgiven. He understood why, of course. During the Konoha Crush, he had killed more than a few of their jonin and chunin. But to him, it was nothing personal. They were the aggressors. He had merely defended his village. Politics had labeled him an enemy, but Inoiki had never cared much for politics.
He was here for one reason only.
Ebizō studied Inoiki silently, sensing the storm of intensity behind the boy's calm demeanor. He chose not to press further. Instead, he turned to Baki and said, "Go fetch a map. Show Inoiki-san the location Team Kakashi is headed toward."
Baki gave a curt nod and disappeared back into the Kazekage building. Moments later, he returned, holding a scroll with a marked map—an updated location relayed by Kakashi himself. He handed it to Inoiki without a word.
Inoiki unrolled the map with practiced ease, scanning the coordinates. In seconds, he understood the path. No further questions, no hesitation.
Inoiki leapt into the air. As he soared, the sword—previously embedded vertically in the ground—ripped free, enveloped in a sky-blue glow as his psychokinesis took hold. The blade hovered midair, then pivoted horizontally just in time for him to land gracefully atop its flat surface. And soon the sword shot forward—a streak of radiant light slicing across the Sunagakure sky.
Ebizō watched the trail vanish into the distance, exhaling a long breath. "Sigh... Konoha is full of geniuses."
Baki stood beside him, silent. But in his heart, he knew it was true.
-----
After just half an hour of flight, Inoiki crossed into the borders of the Land of Rivers. The wind rushed past him as he soared atop his glowing sword, eyes focused, senses alert.
Barely a minute or two passed before a ripple in the air tugged at his awareness. A chakra signature—strong, sudden, and unnatural—materialized a few hundred meters ahead. He narrowed his eyes, the detection made possible by his use of Observation Haki.
Something—or someone—had just appeared out of thin air.
Intrigued, Inoiki adjusted course slightly, keeping his focus locked on the presence. As he closed the distance, the figure came into view.
A lone man stood in the clearing below, clad in the signature black cloak of the Akatsuki, crimson clouds drifting across its fabric. His face was obscured behind a swirling, orange mask.
Obito.
Inoiki recognized him instantly.
What's he doing here? he thought. He shouldn't be showing up—not now, not here.
Then, as if it were the most casual encounter in the world, Obito raised both hands and called out cheerfully, "Heeey! Can I get a lift? I've got places to be, and flying seems way more fun than walking."
Inoiki didn't let on that he knew the truth. He kept his expression neutral and played along.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice cool. "I'm in a bit of a rush. Not sure I have time to be giving out rides."
Obito chuckled beneath the mask. "Name's Tobi! I've just been hanging around here, bored out of my mind. Thought maybe you'd want to drop down and have a quick chat."
Inoiki gave him a half-smile. "Really? A chat?"
Without hesitation, he descended, the massive sword lowering gracefully to the ground. He stepped off the blade, keeping his guard up—not outwardly, but internally. Whatever Obito was planning, Inoiki intended to find out.
One way or another.
----
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