Thread: The Will of Fire: RP for VIX and Lorelai

It was mid-afternoon of the third day of their journey to the Hidden Sand Village. They were cleared at the massive gate and began passage down the middle of the exponentially massive sand-built walls protecting the village like a bowl. The last day and a half was perhaps the most miserable. It was inexplicably dry this time of year, it made the heat tolerable to a degree rather than having humidity. The sand got into everything, making them stop more than a dozen times to empty their sandals. Their skin would have dried out fast if it weren't for Sakura and her affinity for making concoctions for this and that. Naruto was thankful she was such a skilled medical ninja. The four of them made the most out of their water supply and forged on with their traveling cloaks billowing in the mild wind. They were quite as they entered the village, the round sand-packed structures towering above them. It seems like these guys are always hanging out in our Village and we've barely been to this place. Naruto said. Sakura nodded, Kinda nice to take the time to look at things for once instead of rushing around in some state of emergency. Everything is so normal it's weird. I have no personal experience to add to your moment of nostalgia. Naruto frowned, Gee, thanks, Sai. You're welcome, Naruto. Sarcasm, Sai. I don't think you're very good at it, Naruto. Sai replied. Then added with smile that more like the corners of his mouth turning up than a smile.I think I'm going to implement a conversational tactic I learned from a book I read, Yeah? Shikamaru said, while Naruto ground his teeth, boredom and mild annoyance motivating him to jump in. And what's that? Changing the topic of discussion by asking your opinion of a particular issue. Without much of a pause he continued. Do you think the Kazekage is fit to lead since the Kukaku tailed beast was removed and that this significant loss of power translates as a weakness to other countries? Sai! Sakura hissed, slapping a hand over his mouth. She twisted her head furiously to make sure no one had heard him. You can't go around saying that in the Hidden Sand! Do you want to start a riot?! She's right. Said an unamused voice. An older hooded teenager with a painted face dropped in front of them. He was joined by another older teen with sandy blonde hair. The villagers trust Gaara with their lives. They don't doubt his strength, and neither should you. She slammed the butt of her tessen against the ground. And if you say something like that again, I will kill you. Shikamaru chuckled and stepped forward, Forgive our friend. He is socially inept. Tenmari's eyes narrowed at Sai. Sai gave her his signature diffusing smile. But she didn't look like she was buying it. Kankuro put a hand on her shoulder. Stand down, he nullified. Time to get back to business. Were here to escort you guys to headquarters. The building's right over there, Naruto pointed at the larger round building with the red insignia of the village peeping over the tops of the surrounding structures. I'm sure we could have found our way there by ourselves. The two of them both shared a quick laugh. Haha, yeah, you're as good as lost. No offense. Our streets are deceiving. If you don't live here, it's nearly impossible to find your way around. You need a guide. He lead them into a building and they took a short cut into the Hidden Sand's headquarters. Naruto for the most part was oblivious to everything else, to the conversations of the two villages catching up, he was still thinking about what Sai had said. It had been a year or so since the Akatsuki forcefully extracted the One Tails from Gaara. He was sure his friend had recovered but he couldn't help but wonder how the situation might have changed in Gaara'a condition and couldn't help but worry for him. Another few minutes and they were entering the Kazekage's office. Tenmari cleared her throat, Team 7 of the Hidden Leaf is here, as requested, Gaara-sama.