Well... here's chapter seven. Enjoy.

-Kazumi

Tale of The Crimson Kitsune And The Silver Ookami

Chapter Seven: Returning From The Hidden Sand, Enter Captain Yamato and Sai

Near the Hidden Sand Village:

The sun was just peaking over the horizon when we made it back to the Hidden Sand Village. Naruto and Kankuro were in the lead with Gaara as they helped him walk. I stood next to Naruto on his left. As we made it back to the village, we spotted the entire village standing at the entrance, there to greet their Kazekage back home. It was truly a sight to behold. As soon as they spotted us, we could hear the cheers all the way from where we were standing.

"That's what I call a warm welcome." Kankuro says.

"Oh yeah." Naruto replies.

"You said it." I added.

"Look at how many people there are." Lee said in amazement.

"Just what you expect for the Kazekage." Neji added.

"No doubt." Added Tenten. With that, several Sand Nin came running and before long; they were surrounding Kankuro, Gaara and Naruto.

"I'm happy that you're safe." Baki says as he stands before them.

"Hmm, thanks to these people." Gaara tells him.

"Lord Kazekage, your people are waiting to welcome you home." Baki continued. "Come, lead the way."

"No, wait." Gaara says, causing Naruto and Kankuro to stop. "No, not yet." He says as he looks back at Lady Chiyo.

"Let us honor the memory of Lady Chiyo!" Baki says. "A moment of silence!"

We moved out the way and made a path for Lady Chiyo to move first. As they did so, we all stood on the side with our heads lowered, showing her the respect she deserved.

Later that same day. Inside Gaara's office:

"What!? You're leaving already?" Kankuro asks. "You can stay a little longer, come on."

"Kankuro is right. At least a day or two." Temari adds. "You need time to rest."

"Believe me, I wish we could." Naruto says.

"Yeah, but we must report back to Lady Tsuande right away." Sakura explains.

"I see." Temari replied.

"Besides, if the Akatsuki managed to infiltrate the Hidden Sand, I'm worried about the Leaf's safety." Kakashi tells them.

"I understand that you want to get back as soon as possible." Baki says.

"Yes, exactly." Kakashi agrees.

"Even so, in your condition…" Baki started.

"Don't worry. I have comrades I can rely on to get me there." Kakashi assured him.

"He's right about that." Gai agrees.

"By the way, we've already dispatched the preliminary report with Takamaru." Baki says. "But there was no mentioning of the fate of the two Akatsuki members. Wouldn't you want to inform your village?"

"I'll report that news to the Hokage myself." Kakashi replies. "You see… there's something else troubling me."

After leaving the office, we decided to stop by Lady Chiyo's grave before we headed out. Ebizo was already standing there when we arrived. As we stood in a semi circle, we all said our finally farewells to Lady Chiyo. Once we were done, we all left together, including the Sand siblings. However, Naruto, Sakura and I remained there a little longer.

"Sakura! Naruto! Kazumi! We should get going." Lee called out to us.

"Right!" Naruto says as he turns around. "Come on Sakura, it's time to go."

"All right, Lee. We're coming." I added.

When we made it to the entrance of the village, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were standing in front of us. Gaara and Naruto stood fact to face with each other. As they two finished exchanging words, Gaara swirls sand around Naruto's arm as he raises it. Before long, the two finally shake hands.

After leaving the Hidden Sand, we were walking along the desert. Kakashi and Gai sensei were trailing behind us. When I glanced back, I could see a somewhat, irritating look on Gai sensei's face. I really couldn't figure out why he had that look but knowing him, something was irritating the hell out of him. He looked like he was ready to explode. I just turned back around and looked forward as I walked beside Naruto.

"Can you two go any faster?" Tenten asks, causing us all to stop and look back.

"Sorry about this Gai." Kakashi says as he chuckles a little. "That new Sharingan really takes a lot out of me. Takes me awhile to get back up to speed."

"Hurry up, will ya!" Tenten yells.

"Uh, Tenten… I don't think your yelling is helping at the moment." I told her as I pointed towards Gai sensei's face expression. We just turned back around and continued moving. But suddenly, we all heard screaming.

"What happened?" Neji asked as we all stopped once again. We turned around to see Kakashi on Gai's back.

"That's just wrong…" Naruto thought to himself as he had a uncomfortable look on his face.

"What the…? Gai! Kakashi…Seriously...? This is beyond embarrassing…" I thought as I held a deadpanned expression on my face with my eyes narrowed.

"Grown men playing piggy back… its almost creepy…." Thought Sakura with a uneasy look as well.

"Oh brother…" Thought Tenten with the same look. Neji had the same look as well; however Lee had an interesting look printed on his face.

"I get it! A training exercise!" Lee exclaimed.

"So… you want to see faster?" Gai sensei questioned. "I'll show you faster!" he said as he ran right pass us, picking up dust in the process. "What's wrong slowpokes!? Can't keep up with me!? Let's go!"

"It looks even weirder when they're in motion." Sakura added.

"Neji!" Lee says as he kneels down, waiting for Neji to hop on so he could start the training session as well.

"Hell no!" Neji quickly tells him.

"This is so embarrassing… Why must they show how strong their friendship is at a time like this?" I groaned as I face-palmed myself. "That was just so wrong."

Hidden Leaf Village:

Gai continued to run as we got closer to the village gates. And to make things worse, Lee was right behind them. I mean, those two were crazy. We continued to walk while they run like maniac. But I did feel bad for Kakashi. He was hanging off Gai's back like a limp noodle. All right, bad choice of words. Okay, I give up.

"First place!" Gai yells. Izumo and Kotetsu just look at him with weird faces.

"Only second place, but close!"! Lee yells as he stops right next to Gai sensei. Izumo and Kotetsu still had dumbfounded looks.

"What kind of race was that?"Izumo asked.

"I don't know." Kotetsu replies.

"It's clear to me that you need more training, Lee." Gai tells his student.

"You are right. And next time I will try to come in first." Lee says determinedly.

"Well Lee, I hate to break it to ya, but I have some bad news." Gai told him.

"Huh? What would that be Sensei?" Lee asks.

"Just this: you did not come in second." He said as he swirled around. "You finished in… Third place! I have Kakashi on my back… so technically he came in second. You're a lucky guy, Kakashi."

"You have taught me another valuable lesson sensei." Lee says as he writes in his book. "I still have so much to learn."

"I will never get use to their ridiculous level of intensity." Neji told us.

"Still… they got us back to the village pretty dog on fast." Tenten points out.

"Ridiculous." Neji said again. I agreed with Neji asI looked over towards Kakashi's hanging, unconscious form.

"Oh man, Kakashi doesn't look to good, especially not while he's hanging off Gai's back like that." I thought. "Uh, Gai sensei." I said quietly.

"Hmm? What is it, Kazumi?" Gai sensei asks as he looks at me.

"Uh, well… as much I hate to interrupt your little life lesson and all…" I say with a small hint of sarcasm. "But, Kakashi…" I stopped and pointed at my brother. "Well, he doesn't look too good. And I really think we should get him to the hospital right away."

"Huh?" He says as he looks back at his best friend. "Yeah. You're right."

With that, me, Naruto, Sakura, and Team Gai left for the hospital immediately. A few minutes later, we were all in the room, waiting to see if Kakashi would wake up any time soon. I was kneeling down at Kakashi's bedside. I had my arms folded as they sat on the edge. Naruto was standing on my right while Sakura stood on his.

"Don't worry; Kazumi-chan. Kakashi sensei will be back on his feet in no time at all." Naruto assured me as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah, I know." I replied as I looked up at him. "It's just that, he's never gotten this bad before." I added and directed my attention back onto my brother's sleeping form. Suddenly I saw him stir slightly. "Huh?"

"Hey, he's waking up." Naruto suddenly said.

"Huh? So I'm back here again huh?" Kakashi asks quietly.

"Good work, Kakashi. Well done." Lady Tsunade stated as she and Shizune entered the room.

"M' Lady." Sakura says.

"Lady Tsunade." Kakashi says as he tries to sit up, but fails. The sheet that covered his face slightly slipped off.

"No, Kakashi sensei. You mustn't push yourself." Sakura quickly tells him.

"Sakura is right." Lady Tsunade agreed. "I examined you earlier and its going to be some time before you return to duty. Its bed rest for you for at least a week."

"Guess I'm not surprised." Kakashi says quietly. Meanwhile, Naruto was trying his best to get a look at Kakashi's face.

"It seems you need a little more practice before you can master that new Sharingan of yours." Lady Tsunade continued.

"Looks that way." Kakashi agreed. By now, Naruto straighten himself up and found Sakura giving him a pissed off look.

"Anyway, you take it easy for awhile." She tells him. "Team Gai needs rest too. You can file your report later."

"Yes of course, Lady Tsunade." Gai states quickly.

With that, we all left the hospital, with the exception of Kakashi. While Sakura went off to talk to Lady Tsunade, Team Gai went their separate ways, and Naruto just disappeared. So I decided to head home and place my stuff in my room.

Normal Point of View: Over on the Hokage Tower

"Can we trust it? What if it's a trap?" Shizune asked. "With Orochimaru as bait, Akatsuki could be lying in waiting for you at the Tenchi Bridge."

"If it's a trap, then we'll just have to fight it." Sakura says.

"You say you'll fight, but Kakashi will be in that state for at least a week." Tsunade says. "And there's only six days….. I guess I'll have to form a new team…"

"Tsunade-sama….!" Shizune says.

"What?" Tsunade answers.

"In that case, you should send a different team to investigate. Even if we send Sakura like you said…." Shizune explains. "You must leave both Naruto and Kazumi out…!"

"Shizune…. Sakura is like you, one of the few shinobi I can trust." Tsunade tells her. "I am definitely sending Sakura's team, Team Kakashi, on this mission."

"Then wouldn't it be the same if my team went?" questioned Shizune.

"It's not the same…" answered Tsunade.

"Sakura, Naruto and Kazumi….. They are all desperately chasing after their old teammate, Sasuke…." Says Tsunade. "They strongly believe more than anyone in rescuing Sasuke. Those strong feelings will bring the mission to succeed… You and Sakura are different."

"….Understood…." stated Shizune. "But for this mission, Naruto….."

"Well now that you've heard all of it, what do you have to say, Naruto?" Tsunade suddenly says as she looks up.

"I'll tell Kazumi-chan!" He says "And I'll go look for members right away!"

Naruto suddenly jumps down and lands on the bar right beside Tsunade. He nods once and jumps forward once again. Shizune and Sakura both watch as Naruto disappears. Tsunade just stands there smiling with her head slightly tilted towards the ground.

"Heh, always rushing. I hadn't even finished talking." Tsunade says quietly. She soon looks back up at Sakura. "I will find members to fill the gaps left by Kakashi and Sasuke. Tell that to Naruto."

"Right." Sakura answered.

Kazumi's Point of View:

"Hey! Kazumi-chan!" I heard Naruto yell. I turned around and looked up to see him hovering in the air, heading towards me.

"Huh? Hey, there you are Naruto." I reply as he lands beside me. "So… You mind telling me where you disappeared to?"

"Well first, I snooped in on Grandma Tsunade, Shizune and Sakura's conversation about our new mission. Then I went to look for a new teammate for our team." He explains. "But while I was talking to Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji, we were attacked. So we all…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on a second, Naruto. A new teammate and a new mission…? What are you talking about?" I asked, sounding a bit confused. "And what do you mean that you, Shikamaru, Ino and Chouji were attacked?"

"Oh. Uh well, I guess I should explain everything first, huh?" Naruto asked.

I just nodded my head, "That would help." I told him.

While Naruto and I walked down the streets of Konoha, he explained to me what he had overheard what Lady Tsunade, Sakura and Lady Shizune were talking about. Apparently the conversation had something to do with our next mission. Sakura had the information but hadn't told us. I figured she wanted to talk to Lady Tsuande first to see what her choice on the matter would be. And knowing Naruto, he would have probably left while we headed back to the Hidden Leaf.

"So Sasori has a spy working under Orochimaru, huh?" I asked. "If that's true, then there's a chance that we could capture this spy. And then maybe…."

"Right. They could lead us straight to Orochimaru and Sasuke." Naruto finished. I turned my head and looked forward, but had it slightly tilted to the ground. Hearing about Orochimaru caused the conversation I had with Tsunade to reemerge.

Flashback….

"Kazumi, you know that the Ten Tails has been kept a secret from the people of the Hidden Leaf, and also from the other villages as well, right?" Lady Tsunade asked me.

"Yes, I do." I replied with a nod. "The only people who know about me being the Ten Tails' Jinchuriki are: you, Kakashi, Naruto, Master Jiraiya and Gaara."

"Hmm, wait a minute? The Kazekage knows?" she asked.

"Yes. But there's no need to worry. I know he won't tell anyone else." I assured her. "We promised to keep it a secret between us Jinchuriki."

"Right, I see." She said. "Well, we know that the Akatsuki will need all the other Nine Tailed Beasts in order to take the Ten Tails away from you. But it's not just them we have to worry about. Keep in mind that Orochimaru is still after you as well."

"Yes, that's right." I agreed. "But Lady Tsunade, what I don't understand is the reason why Orochimaru is after me. I mean, how does he even know about me containing the Ten-Tailed Demon Wolf?" I asked. "You said so yourself that you, as well as the late Third Hokage, kept the existence of the Ten Tails and me being a Jinchuriki a well kept secret, even from the council members, right?"

"Hmm? I see. So it would appear that Kakashi hasn't told you anything." she said quietly. "Well… I can't say I'm surprised. Sarutobi sensei must have told him not to tell you."

"Huh? What is it, Lady Tsunade?" I asked in a curious tone. "What didn't the Third Hokage didn't want Kakashi to tell me? What didn't he want me to know?"

"I suppose you have a right to know now." She tells me as she turns to face me. "Well you see, even though I'm not sure what Orochimaru's true objective is, I do know that it was his doing. He's the one responsible for sealing the Ten-Tailed Wolf inside you."

"What!? Orochimaru!?" I said in shock. "How the heck was he even able to find the Ten Tails anyway?" I asked.

"I'm not sure of that myself. But he was somehow able to find the container in which the beast was sealed within. And he was somehow able to open that container." She explained. "However, you weren't he's primary target. Kakashi was."

"Kakashi?" I asked.

"Yes." She replied. "You know Kakashi has the Sharingan. Well, Orochimaru figured that he could take Kakashi and gain both the Sharingan and the Ten Tailed Beast. However, when he couldn't get his hands on Kakashi, he figured you would be the next best thing. After all, you're the daughter of the White Fang. So he figured you would be just as talented as your older brother when you grew up. However, this also meant he would have to gain the Sharingan another way."

"That's the reason why he's after Sasuke's body." I finished. "And if he gets his hands on Sasuke, he'll soon come after me, right?"

"Exactly." Lady Tsunade agreed. "He would try to get to you first before the Akatsuki can get a chance to do so."

"So he chose me because I was seen as an easier target to get his hands on. I was just an infant and couldn't even defend myself." I said quietly to myself. "Well… all I can say is better me than my brother."

"Why is that?" Lady Tsunade asked.

"Because… What Orochimaru did to me actually helped me, not the other way around." I explained. "He can come and try to take the Ten Tails away from me. Because once I see his ugly face, he'll find himself in for a rude awakening."

End of flashback…

"Yeah. He'll be in for a rude awakening all right." I thought, quoting what I said. "I wish I sound just as confident as I did back then. I was so naïve back then."

"Kazumi-chan…? Kazumi-chan, what's wrong?" Naruto asked. But I didn't hear him. When he placed a hand on my shoulder, he snapped me out of my train of thought. "Kazumi-chan?"

"Huh? Oh uh, I'm sorry about that Naruto. I guess I got lost in my thoughts again." I explained as I scratched the back of my head sheepishly.

"Kazumi-chan, what's really bothering you?" he asked. "I know you and I can tell when something has your attention. So what is it?"

"Uh, well... Hmm, you see awhile back, I had a talk with Lady Tsunade and found that Orochimaru was the one responsible for sealing Kiyiya inside me." I explained.

"What? Orochimaru?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah, I know. Shocked the hell out of me too when I first found out." I told him. "That's why he's been after me. But you see, he was actually after Kakashi but decided to come after me since I was an easier target to get his hands on." I explained farther.

"Kazumi-chan, I won't let that bastard get anywhere near you." Naruto assures me. "We'll both stop Orochimaru and we'll save Sasuke during our mission. You can count on me."

"Well of course. I know I can always count on you." I told him. "Thanks a lot Naruto. I really appreciate hearing that from you."

"Anytime, Kazumi-chan." Naruto said happily, pulling me into a hug. I couldn't help but to smile at Naruto and gladly returned the hug. When Naruto released me, and just sent me his big goofy grin, which made me send him a masked smile. A minute later, we proceeded to head down the street.

"We may have gotten stronger since our first encounter with Orochimaru, but we have to remember that he's known as one of the Legendary Sannin." I thought privately. "Okay, here's a question for ya." I said, breaking the silence. "Who the hell attacked you and the others?"

"It was some random guy." Naruto answered. "He just appeared out of nowhere. I haven't seen him around here before."

"And you said that he just disappeared after fighting you and the others for awhile?" I asked. Naruto just nodded his head. "That's a bit strange if you ask me."

"Trust me, I thought the same thing." Naruto says. "Whoever that guy was, I just hope that was the last time I see him."

"Well, I hope you're right." I added.

"I don't know." Naruto said unsurely. "He said that we were going to meet again."

"Well if that punk decides to show his face and comes after you again, his going to have to deal with me." I told Naruto. "Anyone who messes with one of us has to deal with all of us."

"Yeah, I agree." Naruto says.

After a while, Naruto and I started moving towards the rendezvous point Sakura told us to meet up in about an hour or so. When we finally found the location, we looked up head, and could see Sakura was already standing there waiting. But she was the only one there. I suppose our new teammate hadn't arrived yet.

"Sakura!" I called out to her as we approached the building she stood under.

"Kazumi, Naruto, you guys made it." She said.

"This is where we were supposed to meet up, right? Naruto asked.

"Without a doubt." She answered.

"But, no one's here yet." He says. "Geez. Did Granny Tsunade really get new members for our team?"

"It'll be okay." Sakura assured him. "We just got here a little early. There's still some time left before we're supposed to meet up."

"Well, I hope they're not late all the time, like Kakashi sensei." Naruto pointed out.

"We can only wait to find out." I told them.

As we stood there, I suddenly started to hear footsteps. Naruto, Sakura and I all turned around to see someone appearing from the shadows. It was a boy who looked to be around our age. He had short black hair, pale white skin and had a fake smile on his face. He wore black pants, black shinobi shoes and a black shirt with the stomach cut out and with one long sleeve and one short sleeve. He also had a small sword on his right shoulder and his headband tied around his forehead.

"Hello." He greeted.

"Y-You!" Naruto yelled as he pointed a finger at him. "You were the one on the roof earlier!"

"Huh? Wait a minute. This is the guy you were talking about Naruto?" I asked while I turned my attention onto the strange boy.

"Yeah, he's the one." Naruto says. I couldn't help but to narrow my eyes sharply at the newcomer, keeping a very close eye on him.

The boy walked over to our right and then someone else appeared. This time it was a young man. He was taller, had short brown hair, was donning the Jounin uniform and had on headgear that was attached to his headband. To be honest, he looked a little weird along with the boy.

"I'll be acting as Kakashi-san's replacement for this team." he said. "Looks like it's going to be a tough mission." He thought.

"Uh, okay. But who are you?" I asked. Naruto continued to glare at the new kid while he just kept that fake smile planted on his face. This kid was definitely weird.

"Naruto, you know him?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah." he said. "He attacked me when I was with Shikamaru's team a little while ago!" Naruto quickly unsheathed a hidden kunai from his jacket sleeve and held it in a ready stance. The boy reacted by grabbing his sword, ready to unsheathe it at a moment's notice.

"Knock it off, Naruto." The Jounin said, causing Naruto to stand out of his stance.

"Hey, excuse me. But I asked you a question." I said as I looked at the man.

"Hey, come to think of it Kazumi's right." Sakura said. "Who are you?"

"Like I said. I am acting as the team's interim captain while Kakashi-san is in the hospital." He said. "You can call me Yamato."

Captain Yamato?" Sakura and I ask. He just nodded his head.

"Since you guys are on the same team, it'll cause a lot of problems if you don't get along." He said as he walked forward.

"The same team…. As him?!" Naruto asked as he gestured to the boy.

The boy released the handle of his sword and placed that damn fake smile back on his face. "I'm sorry about before." He says. "I wanted to know how strong you were, since we're going to be on the same team."

"You didn't have to go that far." Naruto told him as he placed his kunai away.

"Like I said, I was just curious." He says. "And thanks to our little encounter, now I know that you're not packing anything major."

"What was that, you asshole?!" Naruto yelled and tried to go after him but Sakura and I had to hold him back before he could hurt the boy.

"He's our teammate now; don't start a fight with him." Sakura explained. "And you, you're really being a jerk." Sakura told the boy before us.

"Is that so?" He asked Sakura.

"Naruto, try to calm down. Don't let this punk get to you." I told him. "He's not worth it."

"You're not winning any friends when you talk like that." Sakura told the boy.

"Well don't write me off just yet." He replied. "I like everyone. Even ugly bitches like yourself." Everything just froze and went silent in an instant.

"What was that, you asshole?!" Sakura yelled and soon it was Captain Yamato and Naruto trying to hold her back. We all knew Sakura could kill him if she wanted to. She could probably do it in one punch if she wasn't too careful.

"Sakura, like I told Naruto. Don't let this dumbass get to you either." I told her and soon turned my head to look at the boy. "It appears that he absolutely has no manners whatsoever. He doesn't even know how to treat his new teammates."

"Hmm. So says the bitch that hides behind a mask." He says. "What could you possibly be hiding anyway? Are you uglier than your friend there, you silver-haired mutt?"

Once those words exited his mouth, I just stood there with a dumbfounded look on my face. Yamato, Sakura and Naruto all froze as they watched me very carefully. My eyes were locked on the boy before me. I just stared at him in silence. While he looked at me, he kept that stupid fake smile printed on his face the entire time. I soon stopped staring, closed my eyes and calmly took a deep breath.

"Let me explain something to you, asshole." I said in a calm tone through clenched teeth while I kept my eyes close. However my voice was dangerously low. "I'm not one who can keep their cool so easily. I have a very short temper and can lose my patience very quickly. Unfortunately for you, you are just seconds away from making me cross that line. So you need to watch what you say to me and my friends. Understand?"

"Oh really?" he asked. "Well then, I better watch what I say. Right, mongrel?"

"You know what? I tried to be nice. I tried to handle this properly. But it seems that you want to continue being rude." I growled. I snapped my eyes open, narrowing them dangerously at the boy. "So screw the whole proper route! You're dead!"

I reached out for that punk with my left hand, while I used my right to grab a hold the hilt of my sword. But before I could move another inch, Naruto had caught a hold of me. Captain Yamato stood behind him, keeping me from unsheathing my sword. I swear that boy was so lucky that Naruto and Captain Yamato were holding me back. Because if I was just a few inches closer, that bastard would be suffering right now.

"Let me go! I'm gonna slaughter him!" I screamed as I fought against their hold. "Just give me five seconds with the bastard!"

"Hey now, Kazumi. You need to calm down and follow your own advice you gave to Sakura and Naruto moments ago." I heard Captain Yamato tell me.