"Move it! Out of the way!"

Hospital workers scrambled out of the way as they recognized the Hokage, rushing down the halls of Konoha hospital, alternating between yelling for people to move and turning to speak urgently to the tall, silver-haired man behind her, recognized by some as Hatake Kakashi.

A few people muttered to each other, leaning over to see who could be on the gurney being rushed through the hospital, what injury could cause this much commotion. Others started, but were then distracted by the sight of the black-haired, masked man trailing along behind the small group – or, more accurately, were distracted by the familiar, black-and-red pattern of his clothing.

"So, now what?" Kakashi said to the Hokage, too quietly for the bystanders to hear.

Tsunade continued to stare straight ahead, glancing every once in awhile at the man on the gurney beside her, being rolled by hospital workers. "We figure out what's going on," she replied. "Then we do something about it." She glanced at Kakashi for a moment, adding, "And whatever we do, we need to do it fast. This situation could be worse than we thought."

Suddenly, the Hokage stopped, turning to face the silver-haired jonin. His one visible eye blinked in surprise at the sudden stop.

"Kakashi," she said, her voice commanding. Immediately, Kakashi straightened, prepared to receive orders.

Looking her subordinate directly in the eye, Tsunade told him, "Go get the rest of Team Kakashi. They need to know about this."

"What's going on, Grandma?" asked Naruto, glancing around the room, clearly uncertain of why they would be being informed of a new mission in Konoha hospital.

Although Sakura shared his confusion, she couldn't help tensing slightly at the way he referred to Tsunade. She was the Hokage, for goodness' sake! Couldn't he show a little respect?

Luckily for Naruto, Tsunade didn't seem to mind. "I am aware that this isn't normally where your missions are given," she began. "But this is something of a special case. First off, I'm guessing you've heard of the recent attacks on civilians and shinobi alike."

Sakura nodded, glancing on either side of her and noting her teammates' confused expressions – well, except for Sai, who had the same blank stare as usual. What was this all about?

"Although we've been unable to figure out who has been doing this," Tsunade continued, "We have narrowed down the possibilities a bit. We know that, chances are, it isn't Akatsuki."

Before Sakura could say a word, Yamato voiced the exact question she had had. "Not to be disrespectful, Tsunade-sama," he started, "But how can you know that?"

Just as Tsunade opened her mouth to reply, a deep, but still young-sounding, voice – a voice that seemed as if Sakura had heard it somewhere before – answered: "Because we've been attacked, too."

Kind of short, but they seem to be getting longer as I write. :P Anyway, reviews would be appreciated!