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

Chapter 10: Second Chance

"I beg your pardon sir? Free Hidan? If I remember correctly, he is trapped in a hole in a forest that the family of the Shadow Wielder controls. Traveling there will be dangerous my lord." Kazumi saw no way around this mission. Her skill with disguise jutsus could not be underestimated and if commanded, she would have to.

"Kazumi-chan, only you can go. You will be able to leave unnoticed by other ninja in the area and only your medical skills are proficient enough to save Hidan." Tobi smiled. Kazumi, your skills will be employed in every conceivable way if it aids the Akatsuki. With that, Kazumi bowing, takes her leave and the rest of the Akatsuki are stunned.

Zetsu apprehensively asks, "Is it a good idea to send Kazumi-chan? The loss of her sempai could impair her abilities and make her take rash decisions. Or she could end up killing every ninja she comes across leaving a blood-stained trail back here."

Kisame sighed, "Kazumi-chan knows better than to let emotions get the better of her in a mission. She will accomplish her mission easily."

Meanwhile

Tsunade was having a bad day. To have to call in additional ninja for a mission was never a good sign. While Sakura and Sai were getting some rest, she called in Kakashi, Neji, Hinata, and Shikamaru to explain the circumstances. As the six ninja depart, she gazes out the window. Third Hokage-sama, what would you have done?

Sakura and Sai lead the others to the other ninja. Although Yamato has regained his consciousness, he appears dizzy and slightly disorientated. "Um…Neji-san, Hinata-san, use your Byakugan on the stump to see what it reveals."

As the Hyugas were about to unleash their powers, they are thrown off by the appearance of a girl on the stump. Neji is the first to recover, "What the…hey who are you?"

The girl does not respond at first. She notes Yamato's condition however. "You did not leave? I thought the injury would have warranted at least some medical care, but you must have had a medical ninja in your squad. I suppose I'll have to defeat you on the way to my mission."

Naruto is shocked, "Hey, you are the one we have to bring back from the Akatsuki! Why are you dressed in the Akatsuki robes though?"

At this statement, everyone else sweat drops. Kazumi looks perplexed at Naruto's statement. "I am a member of Akatsuki. My name is Kazumi, the last name unimportant. Now, out of my way, I would like to prevent excessive casualties."



Kakashi lifted up his headband to expose his Sharingan. "We must escort you back to the village Kazumi-dono. It is our mission after all. If you don't come along willingly, I'm afraid taking you back unconscious is not out of the question."

Kazumi drew one of her katanas with her right hand (she has two katanas, one on both sides of her body). "I suppose I must defeat all of you." As Kazumi rushes towards them, a tremor goes through her body and she collapses.

The Hyugas were perplexed. Hinata hesitated, "I can't see as to why Kazumi-san collapsed. Can you Neji-san?"

Neji shook his head, "She is a mystery. She might be making a barrier similar to the barrier on the stump. We are unable to deduce anything from the stump. But anyways, as we have her in our possession, let's go."

As Kakashi lifted her (he was noted as one who would recognize any trouble sooner), he was lost in thought as they headed back to the village. She is Itachi's age…so young. I sense a frightening amount of chakra from her. If she had fought us, what would the result have been?