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

Chapter 9: A New Mission

Tobi finished with lunch and all of the Akatsuki was gathered around the table eating. While pleased with the comments that both he and Konan received about the meal, Tobi remained calm. He noticed that Kazumi barely poked her food and only ate a little bit. She eats less food than most people, but this is just… "Kazumi-chan, have you fallen ill?"

Kazumi lowered her gaze respectfully at Tobi's concern. "No sir, I guess I'm still in shock over all the deaths of our comrades. We did lose so many members in such a short span. The Leaf Village appears to have a few decent ninja amongst them."

Sasuke glanced at Kazumi. She does look unwell. I cannot read the emotions etched across her face however. "Kazumi-san, surely you have been to the Leaf Village at least once?"

"I don't remember…I might have a long time ago…" Kazumi placed the tips of her fingers at her temples and released some healing chakra into them. She gained a bit of color back, but still looked ashen. "I will try to get more rest." With that, Kazumi stood up to leave.

"Kazumi-chan? When you awaken, I have an important mission for you alright?" Tobi stated with concern. As Kazumi nodded and left. Kazumi-chan is being affected by Itachi's death more than I thought. Using her abilities to the fullest extent will be easy…

Meanwhile…

"Sakura-chan? What is wrong with Yamato-sensei? A moment ago he was talking then just collapses?" Naruto exclaimed. He walked around the area and tapped the giant stump.

"Well, it appears that he just got knocked out by a powerful wave of chakra. Exactly the kind of attack, I don't know. The only thing I can think of that could knock someone unconscious is the Sharingan, but her eyes were blue…" Sakura placed her hands on Yamato's head in order hasten his awakening.

Sai looked around at the scenery. "All these plants are larger than most of the similar kinds I have seen. Yet, these do not look like unusual variations of normal plants. While that stump seems to radiate minor chakra, I do not see any symbols or markings that would distinguish it. However, I have a theory." With that, Sai tried to slice the stump, but failed due to a thin barrier that appeared. "Just as I thought. Although the purpose is unknown, someone took the time to place some sort of barrier spell on this stump. Perhaps if Kakashi-sensei were to come, we would be able to get past this barrier."

Yamato awakened and while Sai explained his recent revelation, Yamato nodded and began to formulate a plan. "Naruto-san and I will stay here. Sai-san, you and Sakura-san return to the village. Give Hokage-sama this note and make sure she allows the ninja written on the note to return with you back to this spot."



Sai and Sakura took their leave and Yamato turned to Naruto. "While we wait, let's try to gather some information on this area." Naruto nodded and the both of them examined the area.

About an hour later…

Kazumi woke up. She felt better, but her dreams were getting worse.

Flashback

Kazumi was running from Orochimaru in a narrow hallway. Feeling impatient from being unable to keep up with her speed, he summons Manda (the snake lord) to pursue her.

No. I cannot allow myself to be caught. She placed more chakra in legs and dashed out into the forest outside.

However, Orochimaru appeared out of a tree and seized her. He held her tight. "Did you think you could escape forever? You are the perfect specimen, junior member or not. Those healing powers of yours and your massive chakra reservoir will supplement my powers quite nicely."

As Orochimaru was about to begin the process of taking over Kazumi, a kunai cut his cheek. Looking to the side, he saw Itachi who prepared another attack. "Kazumi-san, are you safe?" To this Kazumi nodded, but noticed that Itachi was more serious than usual.

"Orochimaru, if you attempt to do anything to Kazumi-san, I will kill you. Come Kazumi-san." Kazumi ran to Itachi's side and when she looked back at Orochimaru, she felt sick to her stomach. He tried to take my body over…

End Flashback

Kazumi shook herself. Pointless to think over those bad experiences. Time to see what Tobi's mission is.