Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Kishimoto does. Also any series referenced in the story, yeah I don't own them either.

Speech - Well hey there Iruka-sensei

Thought - So what's the best move here.

Bijuu / Summon Speech - I'll show you some serious honorbound duty!

Bijuu / Summon Thought - Kit, show me that you're different from other humans.

Technique - Rasengan!

Text / Sign language - I have sent this friendly little letter to inform you.

Shingetsu - Yo, I'm Shingetsu!

(Note) - (A note looks like this)

Chapter 9, The New Team

Naruto sat on the couch in his living room, watching Kabuto teach Karin Medical Ninjutsu. It had been little more than three months since Kabuto's team had arrived. He still remembered how they ended up staying here.

(Flashback, three months ago)

Naruto stood in the hokage office, staring at Jiraiya as if he had lost his mind. "You want me to what?"

Jiraiya sighed, he had known that this would happen. Danzo sat in a chair next to the desk, by his side was a young man with pale skin and black hair with a fake smile on his face. His name was Sai.

Danzo spoke up again. "We want to request you allow Kabuto and his team to stay in the Uzumaki compound. One of his team members is Karin Uzumaki, one of your clanmates."

"Let me just make sure I've got this right. You're asking me to allow the guy who worked for Orochimaru stay in my compound with his team?"

"Kabuto was my spy this whole time. It is because of him that we did not suffer quite as much damage as we could have during the invasion. He is also the reason you both found Tsunade when you did. Kabuto has been acting as a spy in Orochimaru's Organization for years. He has also been giving him slightly wrong information, not enough to make Orochimaru suspicious, but enough to save lives. In fact he made sure we realized that Sasuke and Sakura were mentally unstable after the chunin exams. If you're worried that he might attack you. Then do not worry, as young Sai will be staying with them to keep an eye on them."

Sai gave Naruto a fake smile as he said. "It is a pleasure to meet you Uzumaki-san."

Jiraiya spoke up. "Naruto, I understand why you're reluctant to allow them to stay. But I promise you that Kabuto is a loyal shinobi."

Naruto frowned as he said. "Does this mean Kabuto held back during our fight?"

Danzo couldn't help but chuckle before he shook his head. "No, you actually did manage to defeat him. Although he has admitted it was because he underestimated you."

Naruto sighed as he said. "Okay, they can stay in one of the houses in the compound. When can I expect them?"

Jiraiya spoke up. "One week from today. Sai will help you get everything done."

(Present day)

Naruto leaned back in his chair as he stared at the ceiling. After the group had moved in, Naruto and Kabuto had managed to bury the hatchet. Afterwards he introduced Naruto to Jugo. That was an interesting meeting.

(Flashback, three months)

Kabuto stood in front of Naruto with an orange haired man who was shifting around nervously. It was almost as if he was nervous. "Naruto-kun, this is Jugo-kun. I was hoping you could help him out with a problem he has."

Naruto looked at Jugo as he asked. "It's nice to meet you Jugo. What is the problem?"

Kabuto looked at Jugo before he said. "Jugo's bloodline makes him go berserk. Orochimaru believed it had something to do with Nature chakra. I was wondering if you might know a way to deal with it. The Uzumaki clan were the foremost experts in chakra." This was true, no clan knew more about chakra than the Uzumaki clan. It was a side effect of their Fuinjutsu studies.

It was Shingetsu who answered. "Well there are two ways to deal with it. The first involves getting a contract with a summoning clan and learning Sage Mode. While the second is a seal developed by the Uzumaki clan to counteract Sage mode. Naruto's the only one who could apply it currently. It requires a highly advanced seal master of the Uzumaki clan to place it."

Jugo spoke up, his voice hopeful. "What does the seal do?"

"It blocks off the user's connection to nature. This makes it impossible to pull in nature chakra. It's usually applied as a tag. Naruto could probably make you a bracelet that would work the same way."

Kabuto spoke up. "Would you mind doing it Naruto-kun?"

Naruto nodded. "I can do that. It will take a couple weeks through, so we need to make sure he doesn't go berserk before then. If he is in the Uzumaki clan and goes berserk, it's very likely he will be killed by the security seals dattebayo."

Jugo spoke up. "Someone strong enough can force me to calm down. Similar to what Kimimaro would do. He's strong enough that being near him keeps me from going berserk."

"Is there anyone currently strong enough in the compound?"

"You're strong enough Naruto-san."

Naruto nodded. "Then I guess I'll need to stay around you while working on it."

(Present time)

A month later Kimimaro had been able to leave the hospital. Tsunade had been able to heal him and she pronounced him completely healthy. Naruto had gotten to meet Kimimaro. In some ways he reminded the Jinchuriki of his friend Gaara. They were both quiet and gave off a feeling of loneliness. The two of them got along pretty well.

Suddenly the sound of the alert seal sounded. Someone was at the gate waiting for him. He stood up and began to head out of the room. As he did he waved for Kabuto and Karin to go back to their lesson.

He walked out of the main house and soon reached the gate to see Anbu Cat standing at the gate patiently. When she saw him she spoke up. "Hokage-sama sent me to tell you that you are to report to the hokage office as soon as possible."

Naruto nodded as he opened the gate and left. Moment it was closed the seals activated once again locking it. "I'll head there, is there anything else I need to be informed of?" Cat shook her head before disappearing with a body flicker.

Naruto made a hand sign and disappeared in a whirl of flames and wind. He reappeared at the hokage tower and smiled. He had always thought the leaf body flicker was a little too boring. He liked his version.

He walked past the secretary who nodded at him. When he reached the door he opened it up and walked in like he usually does. Inside was Jiraiya sitting behind the desk, while in front of him were three people. One was Hinata, another was Kakashi, and the final was Itachi Uchiha.

The true last loyal Uchiha looked much better than he used to. When he had arrived at Konoha, he had been coughing up blood and barely able to see. He had been living on borrowed time. Tsunade had luckily been able to cure his illness and they had transplanted his mother's eyes to replace his nearly blind ones. Mikoto Uchiha was one of the few members of the clan with the Mangekyou Sharingan. Now Itachi had the eternal Sharingan. Naruto still remembered the day the truth behind the Uchiha massacre had been announced.

(Flashback, A month ago)

Jiraiya had an announcement to make today. So most of the village was in the village square awaiting the announcement.

After a few minutes Jiraiya arrived on top of the hokage tower and began to speak. "Seven years ago, the Uchiha clan were almost completely wiped out. The one who did this was Itachi Uchiha, who went insane. This is what everyone was told."

The villagers began to mumble among themselves before Jiraiya continued speaking. "In actuality, the Uchiha clan were killed under orders from the higher-ups of Konoha." The crowd erupted into noise, but before they could get too loud, Jiraiya regained their attention with a chakra enhanced clap. "The reason for this was that the uchiha clan were planning to commit a coup and take over Konoha. Itachi Uchiha, and Shisui Uchiha who were loyal to Konoha, were assigned to try and stop the coup. But something happened, Shisui was killed by an unknown assailant and his eyes were destroyed in the battle. Thus Itachi was forced to take drastic measures. He killed all the members of the clan that were planning a coup. But someone else attacked the innocent Uchiha that day, slaughtering them all. Itachi was forced to be labeled a missing nin. His only request was for his brother to be spared from his crimes. Sasuke's defection, forced us to take drastic measures. We recalled Itachi who was ill and dying. He has been in the village for the past month being healed. May I present to you all, Konoha's newest jonin and one of our most loyal shinobi. The last loyal Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha."

Itachi walked into view. His face was blank as usual, although Naruto had a feeling he was cursing Jiraiya out in his mind. The crowd stared at him for a few seconds before the cheering began to sound. Before loing the whole crowd was cheering.

(Present Time)

Naruto walked into the office and stood next to Hinata. Jiraiya smiled seeing this as he said. "I'm glad to see you all responded quickly to my summons. As you all know, the Akatsuki will be moving soon. Thus I have decided we need a counter team. A team set up specifically to counter the Akatsuki. You four will be the counter team. Kakashi will be in charge. While the threat of the Akatsuki is still around, you all will be working as a team on all your missions. Are there any questions?"

Naruto raised his hand. "Not that I'm complaining. I would love to fight those guys who are hunting me and my fellow Jinchuruki. But why were we all chosen?"

"Each of you was chosen for a specific purpose. Itachi was chosen since he knows each of the Akatsuki. Kakashi has experience leading a team, as well as the fact he is an extremely skilled and versatile jonin as well as being a skilled tracker. Hinata is the team's medic as well as your scout. While you Naruto are the hard hitter, not to mention my advisors and I all agree, it's safest if you're on the frontlines with back-up instead of being kept locked in the village."

Kakashi spoke up with an eye smile. "Not to mention your Fuinjutsu skills will come in handy out there." He turns back to jiraiya as he says So the team will be composed of the Itachi of the Sharingan, Copy Ninja Kakashi, The Moonlit Medic Hinata, and the Celestial Swordsman Naruto. Sounds like a pretty good team to me."

Both Hinata and Naruto blushed at their Epithet. They had been posted by Otogakure a couple months ago. They had A-ranked bounties and many suspected that Sasuke was behind it. The reason for this was because Naruto's bounty was awarded only if he was brought in alive.

Jiraiya chuckled as he said. "Yes, quite the team. Now are there any other questions?"

They all shook their heads. "Good, you all will be taking A-rank missions as a team for now until the Akatsuki threat is taken care of. Be ready, because when the Akatsuki make their move, you four will be on the frontline. Team Kakashi, you are dismissed."

(Near Suna, at the same time)

Two people wearing black cloaks with red clouds were walking towards the entrance of Suna. In front of them was a blood stained man who knelt when he saw them. "Sasori-sama, I have done as you requested."

The shorter one spoke in a guttural voice. "Good job Yura."

The taller one wiped his straw hat, revealing his blonde hair that was done up in a ponytail along with one eye being covered by a strange scope. "Now Sasori, my man, watch as I use my art to capture our target hmm." With a wave of his hand a small clay bird flew off his palm and grew much larger when it landed. Deidara climbed on and flew off.

(The Kazekage tower)

Gaara had changed quite a bit in the past few years. While he was still quiet, he had opened up to those around him. He was still a man of few words, but you could tell he was happy.

His fighting style had evolved as well. His two battles with Naruto, had helped him realize that standing in one place launching attacks at the enemy wasn't completely viable. After the Kumo chunin exams, he had not only learned more wind ninjutsu, but he had also trained his body. He had developed a style of combat that allowed him to use his sand as platforms to move around the battlefield. He had also taken up a weapon, it was not a bladed weapon. It was instead something that had inspiration from Hinata's staff. At his side was a small silver handle shaped to look like a miniature version of his gourd with the mouth of the gourd facing down. Seals were carved into the handle, hiding it's true form till he entered combat. The weapon's name was Desert's Patience.

As Gaara was working on paperwork, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. There was a bird in the sky, one that was not native to the desert. Gaara frowned as he stood up and grabbed his gourd filled with sand and headed out of the office.

(With Deidara)

Deidara pulled his hand out of his bag with a smirk. In his hand were three small clay spiders. He tossed them at three roofs where chunin were stationed on lookout. With a silent plume of smoke they grew much larger and jumped on the chunin. They exploded, killing the three chunin with ease.

Deidara laughed. "Ha, those guys have learned what true art is hmm." He jumped off of the bird and onto the rooftop. "Infiltration complete.".That's when he noticed there was someone in front of him.

(Play Naruto, Gaara's Theme)

Deidara looked up to see Gaara standing in front of him. He stood there and looked at him calmly. In his hands was a tan cane with a silver gourd shaped handle that was placed in front of him. The wooden part of the cane came out of the mouth of the gourd. Both his hands were resting on the silver gourd. "I was wondering when you would arrive, Akatsuki. You're Deidara, the Mad bomber if I remember right."

Deidara narrowed his eyes. "I see, Itachi spilled the beans on us. Now how did you know i was here?"

"That bird isn't native to the desert. Next time do your research."

Deidara smirked as his hand slowly snuck into the pouch on his back. "Oh I won't have to. Because there won't be a next time. You will be coming with me Jinchuruki hmm." With a wave Deidara launched multiple clay birds at Gaara. The sand rose up and blocked the attack without Gaara even flinching.

"Very well then." With those words Gaara rushed forward, once he was in front Deidara his cane lanced forward and stuck him in the chest. With a burst of smoke Deidara disappeared, replaced by a clay bird which exploded. Gaara was protected from the explosion by his sand. He looked up calmly to see Deidara in the air on his clay bird. Gaara jumped up and was caught by a large cloud of sand from the desert and raced towards Deidara.

When he reached level with the mad bomber the sand spread throughout the air until Gaara was standing on a small he did, the cork in his gourd turned into sand and rushed out in a cloud around him.

Deidara frowned as he looked at Gaara in front of him and the grains of sand floating in the air. "I guess you have a geographical advantage hmm."

Gaara slipped into a fighting stance, it looked similar to that of what a rapier user would take. "A shinobi takes every advantage they can."

Deidara grinned. "That is true hmm."

On the ground Baki looked up anxiously. While Gaara had become much stronger over the past three years. He still worried for his student.

(Konoha at the same time)

Naruto finished his fifteenth bowl of ramen. Sitting at the counter with him was Hinata, itachi and Kakashi. The group had decided to get lunch together. Hinata was not far behind Naruto in terms of bowl, having put away thirteen bowls already. Kakashi had eaten eight bowls. While itachi was only on three, but he seemed to be busy speaking to Ayame. The two of them had been childhood friends before Itachi was forced to take on the mission to kill the members of his clan plotting to overthrow the government.

The flaps on the stand were pushed out of the way as Shikamaru and Temari walked in. Temari was the ambassador between Suna and Konoha. Naruto looked up and said. "Hey Shikamaru, Temari. What are you two on a date?"

Temari sputtered as she said. "Why in the world would I go on a date with lazy bones? Not to mention having a date here. What girl would enjoy that?"

Hinata slowly raised her hands, making Temari look at her in confusion. "It's a nice place, it's a good place for an informal date."

Shikamaru spoke up. "We're working on the chunin exams, they are going to be held in Konoha this time. Also Naruto, by the way, Jiraiya wanted me to tell you, you're the proctor for the second exam. Anko is on a mission and won't be back in time. So you're in charge of the Forest of Death section this year."

Naruto grinned as he said. "You mean i get to torment genin trying to become chunin?"

Shikamaru looked at him. "Don't you mean test genin?"

"I know what I said."

"Troublesome."

(Suna)

Gaara flipped out of the way of a couple clay birds. Where he landed a sand platform formed under his feet. The birds didn't get the chance to turn as they ran into a wall of sand. Gaara tossed his cane into the air before flying through several hand signs. "Wind Style: Air Bullet" Gaara released a barrage of eight air bullets at Deidara which the Mad Bomber managed to dodge. He caught his cane as it fell before rushing forward. As he did the sand in the air formed a platform. At the same time slowing down Deidara's bird. Gaara's cane lanced forward and destroyed the head of the bird before he spun around and struck Deidara in the head. Knocking him flying, only for a puff of smoke to reveal he had changed places with another piece of clay, this one in the shape of a spider that exploded.

Gaara didn't even flinch when a wall of sand rose to protect his back. When it fell he turned to see Deidara on another bird. "I see, you've planted clay figures on the rooftops haven't you."

Deidara gave Gaara a smirk as he spoke with sarcasm practically dripping from his words. "I see you're not Kazekage for your good looks hmm." he launched several clay bird figures at him again. Only these moved at much higher speeds than before. Gaara flipped out of the way and they crashed into a sphere of sand that had taken his place exploding as they did.

From under the bird erupted a massive claw of sand that Deidara was forced to dodge. As he flew the sand claw began to multiple, soon there were four of them closing in on him from all sides. Deidara was just barely able to escape the enclosing prison of sand. But as he left he found Gaara in front of him. His bird was destroyed again and Gaara began to unleash a barrage of jabs on him with his cane, Each jab hitting hard, bruising skin and cracking bones. It was all Deidara could do to change with one of the last clay figures he had set up which exploded right after he did..

Deidara hissed in pain, his ribs were cracked. That brat hit hard. He made another much faster bird to ride on and got on. But he didn't notice the sand that was next to him that latched onto his arm. "Oh no hmm." With a burst of blood and blinding pain Deidara's arm exploded and was torn away. As it was he let out a scream. The sand began to regather itself to attack again. But the bird managed to get Deidara away.

As he flew he managed to ignore the pain and into his bag. "I'm low on clay, I have enough for maybe four more attacks. He fights completely differently than what reports had said. The reports said he would stay in one place and attack and block with his sand. But he has been mobile, using not only his sand, but wind and that cane. This isn't just a couple months of training. This guy has been training in this fighting style for a couple years now at least. The sand he used to attack me as well as block some of my attacks, is different from the sand that's gathered in the air forming his platforms. It's much faster and denser. Most likely it's what is stored in that gourd of his. It's obviously limited, that means I can make use of its limited amount toi attack. That bit that destroyed my arm is infused with explosive saliva. All I need to do is force him to defend himself with all his special sand. I can use what's left of my clay to do it. But I need a distraction, luckily I have my C3 bomb with me. If I drop beneath the sand layer he's standing on, I can drop this on the village and force him to defend it while forcing him to defend himself at the same time." He pulled out an already made statue that looked almost humanoid.

Gaara watched as the Akatsuki member kept flying underneath the sand layer. His eyes widened when he saw the new bomb appear next to Deidara. Deidara smirked at Gaara as he said, "I'm tired of your expressionless face. Sorry to tell you but you lose hmm." With those words the bomb did a little hop and fell off the bird falling towards the village. Gaara held out his hand and most of the sand layer fell and reappeared mixing with a massive amount of sand from the village floor, making a shield to protect the village. The bomb connected with the sand and exploded, but the sand held. Gaara had been so focused on protecting the village that he didn't notice the large amount of homing birds coming at him. When he noticed he was forced to completely entrap himself in a sand sphere to hold up against the explosions.

Gaara's eyes went wide when he saw extremely small clay spiders crawling out of his sand and before he could do anything they exploded. His sphere erupted and he started to fall towards the ground barely conscious. His cane falling away from him, having shrunk back into its carrying form. He was barely aware enough to make the sand shield protecting the village flow into the desert. He was not aware, though, that some of his sand was pulling his cane towards him and slipped it into his pocket. Unseen by everyone, a see through woman with brown hair had appeared behind Gaara, guiding the sand to bring him his weapon, before fading away.

Before he could hit the ground, he was caught by the tail of the clay bird. Deidara grinned as he said. "Hmph, a typical Kazekage, using the last of your strength to make sure the sand won't fall on the village." With those words Deidara flew off.

Kankuro took off following the flying bird. "Baki, get in contact with Konoha! We need their help!"

"Wait Kan.. Damn it." He rushed towards the Kazekage tower. He needed access to one of the messenger hawks. He needed to call for aid. Gaara's life was held in the balance. As he ran he was soon joined by anbu Lynx. "Send a pursuit team after Kankuro immediately."

(Ten minutes later, with Kankuro)

Kankuro raced across the desert, he could see the bird landing. He was getting close, he had to save his brother. When he got close he shouted out. "Wait." The Akatsuki members turned to see Kankuro standing there. "Return Gaara to me."

Sasori spoke up. "Go on ahead Deidara. I'll take care of this."

Kankuro frowned as he pulled out the scrolls containing his puppets. He wouldn't let them take Gaara.

(Konoha, four hours later)

A hawk with a small pack on its back flew towards a building with multiple cages on top. Sitting on a bench was a young man wearing black clothes and a cast on one arm. When he saw the hawk he gasped and rushed towards the hawk. "That's Suna's fastest messenger hawk, Takamaru." He pulled out the scroll and yelled. "Code team, hurry and come here." A woman with black hair ran up and he spoke to her. "If Suna sent Takamaru, something is going on."

She examined the scroll and nodded. "Understood, I'll decode this quickly."

(At the same time, at training ground 52)

Naruto had his sword drawn and was standing across from Itachi, who had a tanto out. The team had decided to train together a little. Hinata and Kakashi had faced each other and now Naruto and Itachi were facing each other. It was a Taijutsu and kenjutsu only spar, no ninjutsu. They really couldn't use it in this training ground.

The two stood facing each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Itachi's Sharingan was spinning, while Naruto was wearing his goggles to block out any genjutsu that Itachi's eyes could cast. After a few more seconds of staring, Naruto seemed to disappear and reappear in front of Itachi, his sword slashing at his neck. Itachi knocked it away with his tanto before throwing a punch at Naruto, forcing him to lean back. Itachi's fist just barely passed by his face.

Naruto leaned fully back and performed a handstand, his legs spread wide before spinning on his hand, sending a barrage of spinning kicks at Itachi. Itachi jumped back to dodge the attack, with Naruto flipping off his hand. Once he landed he rushed forward kicking at Itachi's chest. Itachi caught the kick with his hand and redirected the force and pushed him past him.

Naruto made use of the momentum to spin and come in with a diagonal slash aimed at Itachi's chest. Itachi parried it away calmly and then thrust his Tanto at Naruto who leaned to the side so the tanto passed by him before he jumped back.

The two were back in their original positions, facing off against each other. The two were pretty evenly matched so far. Naruto's haki was anticipating Itachi's strikes, just like Itachi's Sharingan was anticipating his.

Naruto was about to charge forward again when an anbu member with a tiger mask appeared in the training ground. The two stopped and everyone turned to the anbu Tiger. who spoke up. "The hokage has ordered your team's presence. It is urgent."

Naruto sheathed Shingetsu, which quickly transformed into a bracelet. While Itachi put his tanto into its sheath on his back. Kakashi spoke up. "We'll be right there Tiger."

The anbu nodded and vanished. The group all nodded before vanishing as well in their various body flickers.

(Hokage office, three minutes later)

Team Kakashi were currently in the hokage office, awaiting their orders. Jiraiya sighed as he said. "We received a message from Suna less than ten minutes ago. The Kazekage has been captured by Akatsuki. It's your mission to save him."

The team all saluted before they turned to Kakashi. "Pack for two weeks. Meet at the western gate in an hour. Be ready because we will be moving quickly." With those words they vanished in body flickers.

(West Gate, an Hour later)

The team were at the gates. In front of the three was Kakashi who was speaking. "First we will head to Suna to get information on what exactly happened. Then we will try to pick up the trail. We will be moving quickly and we should be there within two days. Are there any questions?" When no one spoke he nodded and said. "Then let's go."

The team headed down the road before jumping into the trees and began to quickly tree hop west towards Suna. As they did Naruto frowned and thought to himself. "Hold on Gaara, we're coming."

(Road to Suna, an hour later)

It was Hinata who saw Temari on the road. When she notified Kakashi, he had given the order for them to stop and inform her. She needed to know about her brother. Not to mention with her in the group they wouldn't be slowed down by guards when they reached Suna.

(Hokage office at the same time)

Jiraiya who had finished his paperwork with the help of his shadow clones was currently taking the time to indulge his hobby, writing. He was writing the next installment in his adventure novel series. They were easily as popular as his Icha-Icha series were. While he would admit, that writing the Icha-Icha series had been more fun. He was content working on the adventure stories since at least he was finally married to the woman he loved.

He reached out to grab his cup of sake, when it cracked. He frowned as he looked at it. "I'm not usually superstitious, but that is ominous."

(Suna, two days later)

Baki frowned as he looked at Kankuro who was unconscious. The team that had found him two days ago collapsed in the dunes. Scattered around him was his broken puppets. They looked like they had been systematically dismantled. Baki was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of Kankuro stirring. "Kankuro, can you hear me?"

"Baki-sensei. It was him, he was there. Sasori of the Red Sands." Kankuro began to mutter slightly before passing out once again.

Baki frowned, learning who had defeated Kankuro made one thing clear. They needed help if Kankuro was to survive. He turned and walked away.

In another part of Suna, there was a small watering hole. Around this watering hole were a couple elderly people. Their names were Chiyo and Ebizo, the elders of Sunagakure.

Elder Chiyo was once a famed puppeteer who was known as Chiyo of the White Treasure. She had once destroyed an entire fortress on her own with her ten white puppets. While her brother Ebizo was a skilled wind specialist. He was known as Ebizo of the Bladed Tornado. He was said to be able to create tornadoes and extremely sharp wind blades in the blink of an eye. But now they were just a pair of elders who were fishing at the watering hole.

Ebizo looked at his sister who was sitting completely still. "Sister, hey I'm talking to you." The old woman didn't move a muscle. "Are you dead?"

Chiyo stayed still for a few more seconds before she laughed and said. "Nope, I was just playing possum."

"Don't be so silly sister."

It was at that moment that Baki arrived. "Honored elders, I beg you to assist us."

Chiyo didn't take her eyes away from her fishing rod. "Old books left bound together on a high shelf. There is nothing we can do to help you."

"An organization known as the Akatsuki attacked the village a couple days ago and kidnapped the Kazekage. His brother, Kankuro chased after the enemy and was defeated. One of the members was your grandson, Elder Chiyo."

(an hour later, at entrance to Suna)

The Konoha shinobi and Temari entered into Suna. one of the guards was walking next to them as he said. "Temari, please follow me." As they walked he explained everything. "After the Kazekage was abducted, Kankuro chased after the man who abducted the Kazekage. But we found him shortly afterwards, wounded and poisoned."

"What, they got Kankuro as well?"

"Yes and the poison they used is extremely potent. We can't neutralize it. He has at best half a day left."

Hinata spoke up. "Lead me to the infirmary, I'll examine and treat him."

(An same time, the Suna infirmary)

Chiyo sighed as she examined Kankuro. "Poison is my specialty. But this, even I don't recognize this poison. Sasori has grown so much."

Baki looked at her. "What should we do?"

"Well the only one more knowledgeable about neutralizing poisons than I is the slug sannin of Konoha. During the great war, she would always be the one to figure out my poisons and create antidotes to neutralize them. All you can do is call her here and ask her to examine him. You're allied with Konoha correct?"

"Yes, how long do you think Tsunade-sama would have to get here before Kankuro died?"

Before Chiyo could answer through there was a clattering sound outside the infirmary before the door was thrown open. Temari and Hinata ran in, with the rest of team Kakashi right behind them.

Chiyo gasped when she saw Kakashi. "The White Fang of Konoha."

Before Baki could react Chiyo launched herself at Kakashi trying to punch him. But her punch was blocked by the blond wearing a cavalier hat with an orange plume. With a spin he kicked her back before he said. "Why the hell are you attacking Kakashi-sensei like that you old hag."

She pointed at Kakashi. "You, the White Fang, you killed my son. I will avenge him."

Kakashi raised his hands. "Wait, I'm not the White Fang."

"There's no use in arguing White Fang. I get my vengeance today!"

Ebizo who had snuck up behind her grabbed her shoulder. "Sister, look closely. He might look like the White Fang, but he's not. He might be his son."

Chiyo took a good look before giggling. "Teehee, I was just pretending to attack him. I knew he wasn't the White Fang."

Hinata spoke up, her Byakugan active as her one of hands glowed. "I'm going to treat Kankuro now. I need a bowl of water."

When the medic handed her a bowl of water, she made a small incision on his side. Using her glowing hand she slowly removed a black liquid and guided it into the bowl of water. After that she set the bowl on the table and closed the wound. "There we go. I've removed most of the poison so he is no longer in immediate danger. But I need to make the antidote to neutralize the rest of the poison. Please gather these ingredients." She quickly listed off the things she needed to the medic who rushed out.

Chiyo spoke up. "The way you did that. It was just like that slug woman." "That a girl like him would come to aid them."

Hinata smiled. "I was trained by Tsunade-sama."

Naruto spoke up. "After Hinata has finished curing Kankuro, we'll go after the Akatsuki and save Gaara."

(Konoha, hokage office two days earlier)

Jiraiya sat at his desk looking at the four in front of him. The second Anti-Akatsuki team that had been formed. "I called you all here because I have a mission for you. You are all to go to the sand and support Kakashi's team on his mission to save the Kazekage."

The four before him was his second Anti - Akatsuki team. The leader for the team was Kabuto Yakushi, the team's medic and support. Standing next to him was Sai, the team scout and trap and Fuinjutsu expert. Next to Sai was Guren, one of the team's two heavy hitters as well as mid range fighter. While the final member was Kimimaro Kaguya the close combat fighter and the second heavy hitter of the team.

Kabuto sighed as he pushed up his glasses. "Understood Jiraiya-sama. We should be able to reach there in two days."

(Omake: Naruto Proctors the Chunin Exams)

(Be noted, the countdown dialogue in this comes from Guyver Naruto, by TheBeardedone)

Ibiki watched another group of genin leave the room, knocking the number down to around fifteen teams. After a couple minutes no one left so he said. "Is no one else going to leave?" When no one answered he said. "Then, for all those who are still in this room, you all pass."

A young genin from Kumo spoke up. "But what happened to the tenth question?"

Ibiki gave a smirk as he said. "But I did ask a tenth question. When I asked if you would listen to the tenth question, that was in fact the tenth question. The other nine questions were meant to test your information gathering skills. While the tenths question was meant to test how you would act if you were offered a classified mission. Now the proctor of the second stage should be here soon."

Suddenly a puff of smoke began to fill the front of the class behind Ibiki. As it did the sound of Kabuki music began to play. When it did, the smoke cleared to show Naruto standing behind Ibiki before he began to dance. "From sea to sea, you will not find a more epic prankster around. I am a one man army with stamina to match." He slams his hand onto the ground and in another puff of smoke a large snake like green and brown dragon appeared with naruto standing on his head posing. "I am the Celestial Swordsman Naruto Uzumaki!"

Konohamaru who was part of the genin who stayed spoke up. "Boss, that was so cool!"

Naruto jumped off the dragon as he said. "Thanks for the help Tristan."

The dragon grinned as it said "It was no problem Naruto. It was kind of fun." With those words he disappeared and Naruto turned to the chunin hopefuls.

Naruto raised his hand as he said. "Hey there, I'm the proctor for the second stage. Now I will explain it at training ground 44. You have thirty minutes, so get a move on it." He quickly opened a window before he leapt out of it.

The Konohamaru corps quickly followed him, Hanabi and her unwilling team on their heels. Everyone else just watched the two genin teams leap out a third story window like it was nothing. Ibiki turned to the other chunin hopefuls as he said. "Well, you should get moving." The genin left the room. Once they were gone Ibiki shook his head. "That kid has taken too many lessons from Jiraiya."

(Thirty Minutes Later)

Soon all the genin arrived, to see all four members of the Konohamaru corps (Hanabi is the fourth member) talking to the proctor. When everyone had arrived he shooed his students away and stood in front of everyone. "Good job finding your way here. I can see your eager flames are burning bright."

Suddenly a pair of voices sounded in the distance. "FLAMES OF YOUTH!"

Naruto chuckled as he said. "Not those flames. Now for the second stage, you will all be spending five days in this lovely forest. It's called the Forest of Death. Don't worry, I got permission from Anko beforehand, so she won't attack any of you." This was an actual problem that had happened a couple times. Training ground 44 was basically Anko's territory. It was actually bought by Anko from the third Hokage a few years back. So while others could use it, they needed her permission beforehand. Otherwise they ran the risk of her attacking them. It's why she is usually the proctor for the second stage.

"Now while you are in there for the five days, you will be playing a game of hunt the scroll." He held up the two scrolls. The two scrolls were of course the Heaven and Earth scrolls. From what he understood, this chunin exam was an altered version of the one that he had decided to sit out. "You will get either an earth scroll, or a heaven scroll. It is then your job to find your scrolls counterpart and make it to the tower in the center with both scrolls and your team fully intact. Now, since there are an odd number of teams, we decided to add in another feature. In the Forest of Death is a jonin, this jonin has the sixteenth scroll. If a team manages to impress this jonin, then they will get the scroll. You will also be escorted to the center. But be warned, if you don't impress this jonin, then you will be disqualified. Are there any questions?"

A random sand genin raised her hand. "Who is the jonin?"

"I"m not allowed to say. All I can say is, if you meet the jonin, I hope you manage to impress them."

All of the genin looked uncertain before filling out their forms and collecting their scrolls and were shown to their doors. Suddenly over the speaker system came Naruto's voice. "So you will all be entering when the horn sounds. To count us down we have our very own Anko Mitarashi."

Anko's voice sounded. "Attention victims! If you want to live, you can back out now! The gates will open in four minutes, so enjoy what little remains of your wretched lives!"

All the genins beside Naruto's students looked at each other in shock. The four students of Naruto's had met Anko a few times.

Anko's voice sounded again. "Three minutes until death! I'd advise you to quit, but I really like to think of all the blood you'll spill in there!"

Naruto was enjoying this. It didn't help that he had close to a hundred shadow clones in various henges observing the various teams and they were dispelled to let him see the reaction.

"Two minutes! If you need to go to the loo, you're too late! A proper ninja plans ahead!"

Naruto leaned forward and said into the microphone. "Could the genin who has lost a roll of thousand-ryo notes that were tied with a blue ribbon please be aware that we have some good news for you. We have found the ribbon."

Konohamaru upon hearing the couldn't help but start to laugh. They should have known that their stealth teacher would ruin the atmosphere.

Anko sounded again. ""One minute to go! Last chance to back out! Otherwise, say your prayers!"

A minute passed before the horn sounded and all the gates opened. All the teams entered into the forest. Naruto turned to Anko before he said. "So, how long do you think it will be before a team finds the real you in the forest?"

Suddenly screams sounded and the shadow clone of Anko smiled. "Right now."

Naruto shook his head. "I pity those poor genin." The two sat there talking as the screams of the damned sounded from the forest.

Author's note: First things first, the chapter is slightly shortere than usual, but I hope you enjoyed it. There is a reason he has a cane and it will be revealed in the next chapter. As you've seen Gaara's fighting style has evolved to the point he's no longer just standing around using sand. In fact if Deidara hadn't attacked the village, Gaara would have won. Also for those who are wondering about the sand layer, he had actually developed that technique to counter Deidara thanks to the information Itachi had revealed. Also that Omake is canon, and is also one of the reasons Naruto isn't allowed a genin team quite yet. The other reason is because of his training the Konohamaru corps. Pranking the entire village multiple times with your students, is not exactly a mature thing to do. Anyway, this is the Celestial Dragon King Kyoleth, signing off. I'll hopefully see you all in the next chapter.