Shizune frantically tried to gather the flying papers. Team Seven had just returned from a mission and was giving their mission report. It was nothing out of the ordinary. That is until she learned that her dear apprentice had been poisoned.

It wasn't just an ordinary poison. It was something that they had come across before. It was deadly and killed quickly. She didn't like the fact that Sakura had nearly died due to lack of an antitoxin. Sakura explained that the last vial had been damaged in the battle and how she gave the remaining ones to her teammates.

Sakura tried to hide her disappointment in her abilities. She had failed as a medic and nearly failed as a member of Team Seven. If it had not been for that lady, Kagome, she would have died and possibly Kakashi as well. It was not something that she was proud of. She had carried herself this far in the belief that she would become strong enough to help Naruto find Sasuke, but if she couldn't function properly, she was a liability.

What had sent Tsunade over the edge was the fact that they had found a civilian, a civilian mind you, that cured the poison overnight. It was not a skilled medic or even a shinobi. It was definitely a skill that this village was in desperate need of. She was upset that there was no information on this person. Kakashi had assured her that she was indeed a civilian with no chakra. He gave a detailed account of all that happened, at least before he collapsed due to chakra depletion.

During this exchange, Tsunade would look at Naruto who was being unusually quiet. She knew that there was something else there but Naruto was quite stubborn. She trusted him and knew that he would not withhold anything that would hurt the village or anyone within its gates.

When Kakashi told her about his quick recovery and Sakura's overnight cure though, it was in his voice that he was questioning their recovery process. The look that he gave Tsunade confirmed it. He didn't like unanswered questions and this was something that concerned him greatly. He was always on guard about the sanctity of the village and its people.

Tsunade was more impressed than concerned. If Naruto trusted this person, then she would give her a chance. She did however want to bring her to the village. She wanted to meet this girl and judge her skills for herself. If there was anything that they could learn from her, she would be a great asset to this village. They had to get to her before another village did.

In a tone that made Naruto cringe, Tsunade said, "Naruto, what do you have to add? Explain the actions that were taken after Kakashi went unconscious." She watched as Naruto scratched the back of his neck. She knew that it was habit, especially if it was a something that he didn't want to reveal or discuss. It drew her in more closely. She wanted to see his actions as he tried to explain away something that he was hiding without giving anything away.

The thought made her smile. He was so much like Nawaki. He resembled him as much as he acted like him. It was one of the reasons that she gave him their grandfather's necklace. Nawaki and Dan, they were to be her life. Life has a way of turning things upside down. Sometimes you lose things that make you want to forget everything, even yourself.

When Naruto found her, Tsunade realize that she had indeed forgotten. She had forgotten not only herself but the reasons that her dear brother and her beloved Dan had died for. Naruto had giving Tsunade her life back. But more than that, he had helped her remember. Remember Nawaki, Dan and all of the good things that she had left behind in the village.

Naruto's shaky laugh brought her back to the present. He was rambling on about herbs and tried to explain how the girl had prepared them. By the time he was finally done, everyone in the room had a headache. Sakura was rubbing her temple, Kakashi had his book out, and Tsunade was rubbing her temples as well as reaching for her hidden sake which Shizune found first.

Admitting the loss of the sake, Tsunade turned her full attention to the team in front of her. Smiling her special smile that said you are not going to like this but I will, she said, "Kakashi, you and your team are here by ordered to find this civilian, Kagome. Bring her to the village immediately."

Kakashi was in the midst of protesting but Tsunade cut him off. Forcefully she said, "Sakura would have died had not been for her knowledge. Sakura herself can tell you have many Medic Nins have not been able to do what she did. I shouldn't need to tell you the importance of obtaining that knowledge and skill."

Naruto was getting concerned at where this was going to leave his new friend. He knew this was important but he didn't want her hurt because of it. He was just about to say so when the Hokage held up her hand.

Tsunade saw the set of Naruto's face and knew that he was going to balk. She didn't want the girl harmed in any way so she amended her orders, "I don't want the girl hurt or harmed in any way. Persuade her but don't in any way make it an ultimatum. We want her cooperation and she will not give it if she feels threatened."

The Hokage could see the reluctance on Kakashi's face, well as much as you could with his mask. He didn't like this but she didn't know which part. Going after the girl, the girl herself or bringing her here. Time would tell. Kakashi was hard to read but actions speak louder than words ever will, especially for a ninja.

With a final yell, "You are dismissed. You are to leave as soon as you are rested and your supplies readied. I expect it to be first thing in the morning." Her glare said that she meant business as well as her fist that slammed down on the table. She wanted that girl here as soon as possible. She didn't trust the fact that enemy ninja were in her area or that she was alone. She was an easy target for just about anyone be it civilian or ninja.

Meanwhile, Kagome was in forest gathering more herbs. Her supplies were running low. She has used almost all of her most precious ones on Sakura. There were few of those plants growing around. They must have been scattered after whatever happened to the village. These were the special herbs that Jinenji had been kind enough as to give to them in their journies back then.

She was reaching for a plant when she noticed a piece of fabric. Moving aside the small brush, she found the body of young man. He was very young, maybe about sixteen or so. He had light brown hair and reminded her of Souta. Quickly, she worked to discover the depth of his injuries. He was covered in varies wounds and it was hard to tell which ones were serious from the ones that were only minor. With the amount of blood that this guy had lost, it was amazing that he was still alive.

It took a while but she managed to get him to her home. Between stopping and changing his bandages and the rest breaks that she was forced to take. It had taken about two hours. She was afraid of using her abilities out in the open. She had placed seals over her home since the last ninja's departure. That encounter showed her that it might come in handy.

Getting him comfortable, she removed the torn and bloody clothes so that she could get to the worst of the injures that required her attention. After cleaning and dressing them, she was relieved to find that she wouldn't need to use her other abilities. If he could stand the night without fever then he would be fine.

Once he was settled, she began her nightly routine. She prepared dinner for herself and broth for her new patient. As she went about her chores, she tried to place his village. His head band had a musical note on it. It was one that she had not seen before. It didn't mean that it was bad as there were a few ninja villages that she didn't have knowledge of. She would have to wait and see. When he recovered, she would hear his story and see what had happened to him.

The last few days had really been tough on Kagome. After rushing off and leaving the Leaf Ninja, she hurried to help her friend. It was a difficult birthing but things went well. Both the mother and child were fine. Luchia would need to take it easy for a while but all things considered, everything was fine.

It wasn't long after feeding her new patient the broth that she felt the drain of all that has happened. Her eyes began to droop and fatigue finally took its toll.

~*~*~*~*~Two Days Later~*~*~*~*~

Kakashi and his team arrived to find that a small battle had taken place. There were arrows everywhere. Some were lodged into trees and it looked as if there had been wounded ninja as well. There was chakra still faintly present from what ever jutsu that was used.

They found an injured Kagome and an injured former sound ninja trying his best to protect her from them though he was far from capable.

After a few attempts at them, Naruto finally had had enough and was very concerned for Kagome and convinced him to let Sakura check on Kagome.

Kagome was aware of what was happening around her but unable to really respond. She was very weak and fever was starting. She couldn't heal herself in their company.

The injured ninja told of how Orochimaru had convinced those of his village to join him in creating the Sound Village. He had left with the remaining ninja from his village after the fall of Orochimaru but refused to loot and kill innocent villagers. That was when those of his band of former Sound Ninja turned on him and his child hood friend. They had killed his friend and nearly succeeded in killing him as well.

Shingo Tsukino, they had learned, told them about waking up to Kagome treating his wounds. Ninja no matter the village, awaking to foreign sourroundings always reacting instinctively, he tried to gather himself in a defensive position and access the situation. As the last thing he remember was trying to escape those of his former village.

Naruto had to smile as the injured ninja told them of Kagome persistence in treating him even with his protests to the opposite. He knew they type of person Kagome was, she was a lot of Sakura. Kindness radiated from them but with an underlying stubbornness that was impossible to escape.

It was on the next day that his former team members found him. They were not going to let him live after his refusing to follow their orders and stand with them. They would not let anyone stop them in their endeavors.

Kagome insisted that he stay inside that they could not get to him. When he refused to stay inside for his on sake, she took the offensive. He would not hide and let her fight for him. It was not right. She had saved him and he would not allow them to hurt her for that. He had to stand up to them once and for all. They had to be stopped. Those type of people were to taught the most dangerous and strong jutsus. They would not stop to murder and mayhem unless someone stood up to them and put a stop to their tyrany.

He tried to gather himself and prepare for the confrontation when Kagome and forced him back inside. Shock still present in his voice and the disbelief present on his face as he told them about her gathering her bow and quiver of arrows.

He shook his head at the memory. It was one that he will never forget. The show of determination in her eyes and the fierce set of her features, it was something that he couldn't believe were present on the angel that had saved him.

Kakashi, Naruto and even Sakura were quite surprised to hear about this. Bows and arrows, not any form of jutsu, were suppose to stop well trained ninja. It was hard to believe and they could see why this guy had found it hard to believe.

Shaking his head, Tsukino continued on. He told them no matter how he tried to get out of the small little house. He was unable to open any window or door. He was even unable to use any jutsu in order to get out to help Kagome.

Kakashi did not like this. It didn't sound right and caused many questions. Either this guy was lying or there was something else going on here. It caused all his prior questions to come back full force as well as new more important questions that he didn't like. There was something about the young woman that they were not aware of. Either way, she was going back to the village. Orders were orders and whether he liked it or not, they were going to have to take her back with them. He only hoped that it didn't cause disaster to befall those of Konohagakure.

Kakashi turning his attention back to the former Sound Ninja, learned that though he could not get out to aid the young woman, he said that he could hear the sounds of the battle. Shockingly enough, Kagome had injured the attacking ninja. Even still more amazing was that she, a mere civilian, had managed to avoid the jutsu attacks.

Looking at Sakura tending to Kagome's wounds, the wounds that she had obtained were from kunai and shuriken. Mostly likely they contained poison. It would explain why she had deteriorated to this point in such a short time. It was astonishing that she was still alive. The amount of poison that was in her system should have killed her already but she was still hanging on and as of yet had not succumbed completely to its toxins.

Kakashi felt the presence of others. Trying to focus on their whereabouts, he alerted Naruto without letting the others aware of the intrusion. It would seem the ninja from earlier had returned to finish what they had started.

With a nod, Naruto and Kakashi disappeared leaving Sakura aware of the danger that was present. Tsukino was about to join them when Sakura told him that she would need him to stay with them so he could stand watch so that she could continue the treatment of Kagome.

Though he didn't like others fighting his battles, he conceded to her wishes. He owed Kagome and that was more important. She had talked of many things while he was recovering. Mostly it was little to nothing but it always came back to the same thing, doing the right thing. Whether she realized it or not, it was what she had wanted, she had taught him that doing the right thing was not easy. Even though, you may have to face the harsh truths about yourself, doing the right thing is where one draws true strength. It may not be what you want but following your heart will always show you the way.

It caused a wry smile for the young man. It was what he had left his village for, to be able to help those of his home. Though he had come to see, what he had done was destroying the ideas that he had been brought up to believe. The things he had done, he was not proud of but he would return. He would go home and be the man that he had hoped to become.

Looking back at the small young woman battling for her life, he could see her fragile body fight the toxins and hoped that she would see that she had saved him in more ways than one.

Kagome held her power in check and pulled it deep within herself away from detection. She wasn't sure if Sakura knew or knew what to look for but she didn't want to risk it. No matter how bad off she was. It would be better than exposing them to her world. Even in a ninja world, she feared that an enemy from the past would find her or worse those she was in contact with.

With labored breath, she focused on Sakura. She could feel her presence and sense she energy entering her body. It was cool compared to the warmth of her own spiritual energy. It was hard not to pull away. With all past experiences of others using their power on her, it was always for evil intent and purposes. It was difficult not to fight it.

Sakura was using the same technique that she had used on Kankuro. It was tiring. She couldn't believe that amount of poison in her body. It was amazing but her body had started to filter the poison, making antitoxins, though that was amazing in itself, it maybe the only reason that she was still alive. It was still wasn't enough with the amount of poison in her body, it was probable that she still wouldn't survive.

She needed more clean water. She had used all that was available and had no other choice but send for more. Just as she was about to ask Tsukino to venture out and get more, Kakashi and Naruto returned. Doing a quick check, she saw only minor injuries that they could tend to themselves.

Naruto was the one to offer to get the water. While he was gone, Kakashi offered what information that he was willing to share in the company of Tsukino. All of the enemy ninja had been taken care of.

That said, Naruto settled down next to Sakura and watched as continued to remove the toxins from Kagome. He was truly worried but had confidence in Sakura's abilities. He slowly reached out and took her small hand in his. With all he knew, he understood why she had let herself get into this condition.

The fox demon within him was quite. The last time that he was this close, the demon had been wary and restless. He wasn't sure exactly but he knew that if the fox had feared her before and now he didn't then it was bad.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Sakura had managed to stabilize Kagome after removing all toxins from her body. Leaving Kagome resting peacefully, Sakura turned to her teammates. Informing them of the situation, Sakura was now ready for a rest herself.

Naruto still worried, "Sakura, will she…" Sakura didn't even let him finish. Tiredly she interrupted, "She will be fine, Naruto. Amazingly enough, her body was fighting off the poison, though with the amount of poison in her system, she still may have died." Sakura looked back at the resting Kagome, and continued, "It was a strong poison, one that we have encountered many times before. Most of the infected usually die within hours."

With a question look toward Kagome, Sakura sighed, "We will have to see what she can tell when she regains consciousness." Kakashi saw the exhaustion was taking its toll on the medic nin, "Sakura, you have done well. Rest until we need you." He didn't want her to further exhaust herself. She needed to rest as well.

Naruto had made a pallet for her when she was finished removing the poison. He knew that she had worked herself beyond normal limits and was expecting her to over do it. He knew that if he told her that though she would argue with him and push herself to prove that he was wrong and that she could handle it. So instead, he waited for Kakashi-sensei to order her to rest.

Kakashi also saw the drain and fatigue on Sakura. "You've done well Sakura. We will call if we need you. Rest and recover yourself. It will be a long trip back." Not really saying anything that alert Tsukino that Kagome would be leaving with them. Kakashi didn't want another confrontation at this point. He would wait and watch the other nin to see what his intentions were.

Kagome let herself fall to the empty, blank void that sleep offered. She didn't want to have to remember that she was in a different place. She didn't want to remember that she was alone without either her friends or her family. Even though it had been her choice, she still felt the pain and loss of the separation. Her last thoughts were those of her loved ones, her mother, grandfather, brother and those from the Feudal Era, Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Inuyasha. As she gave in to the waiting darkness, her thoughts on Inuyasha, she quietly whispered his name as if to call him to her once more.

Though it had been faint, those of Team 7 heard the barely audible whisper. What it meant they didn't know. It was something to note and Kakashi would definitely take note. Who this "Inuyasha" was, he didn't know but it was a clue to find out who she was and what she was. Though she held no chakra, one thing was for sure, she really wasn't just a civilian.

*Sorry that it took so long to update. I would like to thanks those that have sent me pm, reviewed, added to communities, alerts and favorites. I am always open to hearing for you