I do not own Naruto, the Akatsuki, or anything of this sort. Only my ideas are owned by me!

Chapter 3: The Failed Mission

Naruto and the others were sad to report the news of Sasuke's disappearance to Lady Hokage. She thanked all the ninja involved in the recovery attempt. However, Tsunade seemed much occupied. "I have another mission. This is the mission line-up: Naruto, Sakura, Sai, and Yamato"

The team was tired, but they all knew a ninja's work was never done. There was a knock at the door and when Sai opened the door, the ninjas were overwhelmed. In poured a husband and wife that emitted pure opulence. The husband seemed kind enough, but arrogance was apparent. The wife appeared more impressed by the diamond ring she had on her hand than with the whole Leaf Village. "Are you ready for the details of your mission?" the husband demanded.

Once the ninjas nodded, the husband introduced his wife (Takara) and himself (Isao) and began to explain the mission. "Seven years ago, our daughter was kidnapped. We have been unable to locate her, but we have heard stories circulate recently about a ninja who resembles her description. If you can bring us information of her, or preferably bring her, the village will be paid handsomely."

Naruto looked down at the ground, "Sorry Isao-san, I must refuse. I need to go after my friend." A second later, a paper weight missed Naruto by centimeters. Tsunade rolled her eyes, "Naruto, we believed the Akatsuki may have kidnapped this girl. There was a lot of Akatsuki activity in the area around the time of this girl's disappearance."

Takara glanced about the ninja, "Our daughter's name is Kazumi Yakuzai. We have a photo of her before she was kidnapped. If you require more information, please contact us." With that, Takara and Isao Yakuzai swept themselves out of the room.

Sakura gazed at the door. "Hokage-sama, was it my imagination or did they say their last name was…" Tsunade smiled at Sakura. "Yes their name means medicine. They have very powerful kekkei genkai. Abnormal healing powers to the point that ANYTHING damaged can be repaired at the expense of some chakra. This family tends to stay out of ninja conflicts due to the strength of their abilities. It is essential to rescue Kazumi as soon as possible…it is rumored that the power of the Yakuzai family is able to reattach souls with a body and theoretically resurrect humans."

Sai looked confused. "Wouldn't that be unethical? Bringing back dead people?" Yamato nodded at Sai, "Yes Sai it is. However, the Akatsuki aren't known for being very ethical as of late however…"

Tsunade tossed Kazumi's photo which Sai caught. As Sai gazed into the photograph, he saw a smiling, happy child with brown hair and green eyes. No way should this child ever be faced with the thought of resurrection. Tsunade sighed, "Gather in an hour to leave for your mission."

As the squad dispersed, Shizune comes in with documentation and notices Tsunade's expression. "Tsunade-sama, what is the matter?"



Tsunade glanced out the window. "Shizune, I assigned them the mission as we had discussed, but I just thought of something. If the Akatsuki kidnapped her, something I am sure of, would she join them? If she did join, are in way over our heads in sending Squad 7?"