The Rookie 12 and Kakashi and Gai, had just finished their mission in Suna and where on their way back to Konoha. Naruto was unusually quiet and had a smile on his face that was rarely seen. It was his true smile, not one put on as part of his mask.
Everyone was happy at the success of the mission. Gaara was alive now and safe, while some Akatsuki had been eliminated during the process. They were barely 50 cm from the Suna gate when a man in an orange mask appeared at the back of them.
He looked tall and lean and practically radiated power. He was adorned in black and red clouds, with one visible eye. One red visible eye, that is. His presence was unknown till he was close enough to reach out and touch the genin at the back. Immediately everyone went on the offensive. If he could go uncensored by Kakashi or Gai, he was obviously good and was her for a reason.
Before any words or weapons could be exchanged the unknown Nin reached out and grabbed Naruto from behind pinning him to his body while holding a kunai to his neck. The alert went deadly in a second. 14 killer intents where being flung at the nin while you could sense a killer intent by Suna slowly but surely becoming more known as the persecutor moved closer to the scene.
"Do not be afraid, I mean the Jinchuuriki no harm, after all he will be of value to me in the future." The masked Nin spoke. His voice was flat and held a sense or happiness, as if he enjoyed causing this sort of negative reaction.
"Let the boy go if you mean no harm" Kakashi spoke calmly but coated every word in steel.
"I would love to but I can't you see, he is wrecking my plans, and we can't have that, now I would take the demon now, but alas I can't at this stage, so instead I think I will depart with a gift!" his laughter seemed to cause all the ninjas to stiffen and Naruto to cuss.
"Just let me go baka, and I will finish you off dattabayo!" Naruto screamed with enough conviction to cause some of his friends to smirk.
"Now, now, Naruto." The way he said Naruto's name sent chills down their spine, many subconsciously gripped harder on their respected weapons or sunk lower into their chosen fighting stance.
"wait what a…." Naruto exclamation was rudely stopped when Madera spun Naruto round and slammed his hand into Naruto stomach, right over the seal, and muttered words in a language that none of them understand.
Naruto was knocked back and absorbed by a blinding flash of light. Everyone covered their eyes, but that didn't stop the blood curdling scream that could be heard from Where Naruto was. As soon as the light ceased they quickly opened their eyes and assessed their surroundings. The enemy had disappeared and further behind they saw Gaara kneeling over a miniature figure. They quickly ran to Gaara and crowded round the figure.
The figure turned out to be a small child that looked to be about 3 possibly four years of age. They were dressed with black ninja trousers and a orange top with a black swirl on the back and front. This was finished off by black shinobi gear. He had bright blonde hair and his cheeks held 3 scars that resembled whiskers. Before any comments could be made the child opened his eyes. His eyes were bright blue.
"…..Naruto." Kakashi whispered. This whisper seemed to carry across the windy dessert, as if an echo of sadness and disbelief.