"I've called you both here this morning to inform you that we received word that the Kazekage has been kidnapped by the Akatsuki at some point last night." Tsunade voiced out loud in her Hokage voice.
Kushina, who is annoyed that she and Naruto were interrupted from their cuddling time, sighed then deadpanned. "How the hell does a whole shinobi village allow their Kage to be abducted?" She wondered more to herself.
Tsunade shook her head. "Apparently it wasn't much they could do since it was mainly an airborne fight. Gaara also put up a huge sand shield to prevent Suna from being blown up by the enemy. They didn't go too much into details. Since we have the most information on the Akatsuki, they are requesting our help."
Both Naruto and Kushina can see where she's going with this.
"T-Tsunade-sama! Surely you are suggesting sending Naruto and Kushina alone?!" Shizune asked her master.
Tsunade nodded. "I am, now that Naruto has returned in addition to Kushina. I can say without a doubt that they're the most powerful team in Konoha currently. Tell me do you know anyone in this village that is on Kushina's level?"
Shizune answered truthfully. "No...but they only returned yesterday."
"It's fine Shizune-neechan, the plan was to take them out. Sooner or later we were going to have to face them. I'm actually glad I didn't have to wait long." Naruto said to assure her.
Shizune sighed, knowing it was a lost cause to continue trying.
"Not that I'm complaining, but why only us two?" Kushina questioned.
"All of my jounin are unavailable at the moment due to either missions or something else. Do you really want to bring a chunin with you while going to face off against S-rank shinobi? I know how you are Kushi-chan, you aren't fond of working with those who can't hold their weight. Sending a chunin besides Sakura would be more of a liability. The reason Sakura isn't accompanying you is I need her here to work at the hospital. If I didn't know of Kushina's high skill level in medical ninjutsu. I would've sent her with you two." Tsunade answered her friend.
"I see, well Naruto is also really good at medical ninjutsu. So yeah we don't really need Sakura." Kushina mused.
Tsunade and Shizune were surprised to learn this. "You know medical ninjutsu brat?"
Naruto nodded with a proud smirk. "Yeah it was tough but I got it down. Shadow clones are really handy for training."
"All the more reason that Sakura isn't needed for this mission. However inform me if you believe at any point you may need backup." Tsunade said.
Kushina waved her off. "We won't be needing any backup. I'm assuming we are to leave immediately?"
"Yes I'm taking it you have a way to cut down the three day travel time to get to Suna from here, right?" The Godaime already knew the answer.
Kushina snorted. "Do you even need to ask? Of course I do, those bastards won't be getting Shukaku like they think they will."
Random Teahouse
Reaching for her cup of tea, Temari saw it crack out of nowhere. She paused for a moment, wondering what just happened.
'I usually don't believe in stuff like this but…' The sandy blonde thought to herself.
Somewhere In The Desert
Sasori in his Hiruko puppet couldn't help but be amused. To think that someone would actually put his old puppets to good use. Honestly he has nothing against the kid, he can definitely see the talent in his puppetry. His potential is higher than most puppet users he's ever come across. Too bad he wouldn't make it to live up to it.
He blocked a barrage of kunai with his metal tail. It was easy to see his opponent's frustration building up. Anyone would be frustrated if they were being read the way Sasori is reading Kankuro.
Kankuro didn't know what to think. 'How?...How can he read my hidden weapon attack schemes?'
"You've got solid talent, kid. However, you picked the wrong opponent to go against." As he finished saying that, he used his tail to knock down Karasu's head that popped out of the sand. "Your puppets with the hidden poisoned weapons…" This time he used his tail to impale Kuroari out of the sand. "I can see through them all." His tone was ominous as he decapitated Karasu from its head. Doing the same to Kuroari then struck down dead in the center of Sanshōuo.
Kankuro gasped in complete shock. "Karasu! Kuroari! Sanshōuo!" He cried out.
Staring out at his destroyed puppets. 'This is the first time my hidden weapon attacks have been read this easily…'
Sasori chuckled. "You look puzzled, probably wondering how I figured out your attacks, huh? Of course I did. Karasu...Kuroari...Sanshōuo...the one who created these three puppets are none other...than me!" He admitted.
Kankuro's eyes widened in shock. It couldn't be…
"I ended up making somebody wait a bit and I for one hate waiting. But I never thought my opponent would be one of my adorable juniors using hand-me-downs. It's been quite some time since I had fun in a fight." Sasori commented.
"Then you're..the celebrated master craftsmen of the puppet corps. Akasuna no Sasori?!" Kankuro stated.
"Hmph I'm honored that a kid like you knows about me." Sasori said.
"You left Suna over 20 years ago. What are you doing here?!" Kankuro demanded to know.
Sasori stares stoically at him. "What's the point of asking such a thing before you die?"
Suddenly Kankuro gasped in pain before falling to his knees then on the ground all together.
With his body shaking slightly, he slowly raised his head to stare at Sasori. 'My body's getting numb...don't tell me he also uses poison. Damn I'm an idiot for assuming otherwise. But when?...wait I know! At that moment he struck me in the chest with the tip of his tail.' He grunted in pain.
"The poison is circulating, huh? You're finished!" Sasori was going to go for the kill until Kankuro using his chakra threads blocked the attack using Kuroari's detached head. Then he used one of his puppets arms that had a blade at the end to cut off a piece of the black mask covering Hiruko's face. The puppet hand clutched that small piece of cloth in its hand tightly. Sasori paid it no mind.
"You're just going to suffer, but if you want to live that badly...I won't finish you off! However, that poison will kill you in less than three days." Sasori turned around to leave his opponent to die.
Kankuro watched as Sasori left, each second that passed by, his vision growing darker.
'Gaara….damn it!' Were his last thoughts before his vision completely went out.
Out of nowhere he could faintly hear voices.
"There he is! He's over there!"
"He's collapsed! And his puppets are smashed…"
Kankuro finally passed out completely after that.
In the Land of Fire somewhere
The Uzumaki couple were traveling at high speeds through the forest only because Kushina wanted to travel this way. Something about reliving the times she spent doing this in her earlier kunoichi days. The plan is to teleport to Suna once they reach the border of Hi no Kuni. Kushina has a hiraishin marker set in a certain spot in Suna. While most of the higher ups did not know of her visits to Suna. One particular higher up does know of them. This person is someone who Kushina grew close to over the years.
She finally did figure out a name for her improved teleportation technique, it's called Instant Transmission. Naruto actually thought it was a good name. Sadly, neither she nor Naruto could use this to get to Gaara since his chakra is too low to properly sense to get a lock on. They can't try to picture where he may be either, that would only result in them ending up in random places across the world since they have no idea where he could be. If they were able to use Instant Transmission then this whole rescue mission would be even easier. What's even more surprising is that for some reason neither can get a lock on Shukaku's chakra either. They thought narrowing their senses to only sense bijuu chakra would help. Unfortunately that's not the case, Kurama assumed it may be that Shukaku is low on chakra himself or he's trying to suppress it for some reason.
At least they would be able to teleport directly to Suna rather than travel through the desert. However their original plans were thrown away once they met up with Temari.
"What?! Gaara's been kidnapped?!" Temari yelled in shock.
Temari had been on her way back to Suna after leaving the teahouse. She had only been traveling for two hours before Naruto and Kushina saw her. To hear that her little brother had been taken is very troubling.
"Yeah Tsunade sent us out as soon as she got word of it." Kushina nodded.
Seeing it were only the two of them confused Temari. "No offense but she only sent you two? Why not a whole team?"
"Because we are the best team Konoha has to offer. Me and Naruto are both jinchuurikis of the nine-tails." Kushina said nonchalantly.
Temari's eyes widened in shock. "W-Wait both of you? But how?!"
"When the Fourth Hokage sealed the Kyuubi. One half was sealed into me, the other half into her." Naruto replied, that was only partially true, though Temari doesn't need to be aware of the details.
The blonde nodded in understanding. "I see, well we should hurry."
"Wait, I have a way to get us to Suna quicker, originally we weren't going to do this until we got to the border. But now that you're with us, wasting time isn't an option." Kushina spoke up.
"And how are you going to do that if you don't mind me asking?" Temari questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Simple, have you ever heard of the Hiraishin no jutsu?" The redhead smirked.
"What kind of question is that? Of course I ha-" Suddenly Temari caught on, then her eyes widened again. "Y-you don't mean…"
"Mhm." Kushina nodded while still smirking. "Me and my beloved husband here both can perform the technique. I have a marker set up in a very close friend of mine house. She won't mind since she knows that only I have the ability to get in that way."
"...isn't that trespassing?" Temari couldn't help but ask.
"Only if you get caught." Kushina shrugged. "Besides it's not like I was causing anybody any trouble. I even talked to shinobi there many times and they never suspected me of anything. Just had to stay out of sight of the higher ups, which wasn't hard in the slightest."
Temari didn't know if she wanted to ask more questions. To think that this woman has easily infiltrated her home village multiple times is more than disturbing. She won't report it since it's not really harming anyone. Kushina is coming to help save her little brother after all.
"If you think that's bad, you don't want to hear about her stories of when she was in Kumo." Naruto chuckled at seeing Temari's stunned reaction.
All the blonde did was sigh in exasperation. "Can we just go." She asked.
"Sure grab onto my shoulder so you don't get left behind, Temari-san." Kushina said.
"Just Temari is fine." Temari placed her hand on Kushina's right shoulder.
Naruto placed his hand on her left shoulder.
A second later the three of them disappeared in a red flash, only to reappear in what looks like the middle of someone's living room.
Somewhere in Suna
Granny Chiyo was sitting next to her brother as they fished in their usual spot like always. She was about to fake sleep again before she felt a familiar chakra signature in the area.
She sighed. 'Stupid girl…'
Ebizo noticed his sister standing up. "Something wrong sis?"
"That stupid girl is here again. I told her how I felt about her showing up unannounced." Chiyo complained.
Ebizo chuckled. "Ah I see Kushina-chan came to visit. Such a nice and lively girl. A strong one too, I don't think there is a kunoichi alive who is stronger than her."
"Strong or not the girl is still stupid in my opinion." Chiyo replied.
"You're only saying that because you missed her sis. No need to put up a front with me." Ebizo voiced.
She's certainly not going to deny that, however she won't admit it either. "Whatever, I'm going to go see what she's here for. Knowing her I wouldn't doubt if she knew something about these people who kidnapped Gaara." Chiyo disappeared in a shunshin.
"She won't admit it but Kushina has filled the void in her heart. A void that she received once Sasori left all those years ago…"Ebizo mused.
Back with the others
"Whose home are we exactly in Kushina-chan?" Naruto asked.
Before Kushina could answer, someone else did.
"You're in my home."
Chiyo appeared several feet away from the group. She didn't recognize the boy but the other two she immediately recognized.
"And you are…?" Naruto asked.
Chiyo didn't get to answer as Kushina did for her.
"CHIYO-BAACHAN!" She yelled as she nearly tackled the elderly woman into a tight hug.
Naruto and Temari watched as Kushina crushed the poor old woman into a hug. It was definitely something to say the least….
"C-Chiyo-baa-sama…" Temari could not believe that she was here of all places.
"Umm Temari, who is that?" Naruto pointed to the old woman.
"That's one of the honoured members of the Suna council, Chiyo-baasama. She's a famous puppeteer and leader of the Puppet Brigade. As well as a medical-nin. She's the one who actually sealed Shukaku inside of Gaara." Temari explained.
"Ah, wait now that I think about it I do remember Kushina-chan mentioned her more than once over the years. Honestly I should've suspected she was talking about Chiyo." Naruto noted while watching the other two interact.
"You stupid girl!" Chiyo smacked her sandal hard on top of Kushina's head.
"Ow! You old bat! What was that for?!" Kushina cried out.
"That was for nearly crushing me to death in your hug! You know you have the same super strength as that girl Tsunade! I thought my bones were about to be crushed! Then you have the nerve to show up here after not sending me a message for SIX MONTHS! You even showed up unannounced knowing how much I don't like when you do that! I tell you that over and over yet you still don't listen! It's like I'm dealing with a child!" Chiyo berated her while hitting her again with her sandal.
"Damn it stop hitting me Baa-chan! If you really didn't like it. Then you wouldn't have let me set up a hiraishin
marker here!" Kushina retorted.
"I only did it because you wouldn't stop nagging me about it! As if I'm some feeble old woman who can't protect herself." Chiyo replied while crossing her arms.
"Well excuse me for caring about your WELLBEING! I can't help but worry about you sometimes." Kushina said.
"That's still not an excuse to show up at random! Do you want to give me a heart attack one day you stupid girl?!" Again, she smacked Kushina on the head with her sandal.
"DAMN IT STOP HITTING ME BAA-CHAN!" Kushina whined loudly.
Temari and Naruto watch the current interaction with sweat drops on their forehead.
Naruto was more amused than anything. Seeing Kushina get scolded like a child is something he can tease her over.
Temari on the other hand is shocked to the core. She never knew that Chiyo acted this way. Though she always knew the old lady was a bit crazy.
"Now give me a proper hug Kushina. My bones are brittle nowadays." Chiyo said while smiling at her surrogate granddaughter.
Kushina smiled brightly, giving Chiyo another hug. It's been awhile since they last saw each other.
"How is Ebizo-jiji?" The redhead asked while pulling away.
"Still the same lazy ass as ever. We were fishing before I sensed your chakra signature. What brings you here?" Chiyo asked.
"Besides wanting to visit you, I'm actually on an emergency mission requested by Suna. Gaara's been taken by the Akatsuki right?" Kushina replied.
Chiyo was a bit confused, as far as she knew Kushina wasn't a shinobi of any village. Of course she and her brother knew that the other members of the council planned on requesting Konoha's services much to their displeasure.
"What do you me-" That's when she noticed the Konoha headband around Kushina's head. "Since when the hell did you become a Konoha kunoichi?" Honestly Kushina was too good for Konoha. Chiyo's preference is for her to be a kunoichi of Suna.
"As of yesterday, it's only a temporary thing until this whole Akatsuki business is over with. You already know how I feel about that place. That also means I'm here for something else other than visiting you Baa-chan." Kushina answered in a knowing tone.
Chiyo nodded. "If you're here as a Konoha kunoichi then I'm guessing you were sent here because of what happened with the Kazekage. Do you know anything of the group that took him?"
"Yeah but before that let me introduce you to my husband. Remember the man I told you about in my last few letters about you? This is him, his name is Naruto Uzumaki." Kushina introduced her man.
Naruto stepped next to Kushina, bowed slightly in respect. "It's an honor to meet you Chiyo-sama, Kushina-chan told me a lot about you." He made sure to not call her granny since he did not want to risk her reacting violently towards him. That sandal of hers looked like it really did hurt. Kushina's sure as hell did whenever they were training.
Chiyo eyed the blond Uzumaki in front of her. "Hmm so you're the one whose crazy enough to settle down with this hot headed brat. Then again you're an Uzumaki just like she is, a bunch of crazies I tell you. Though I will give you credit when it's due, somehow a brat like you managed to get into a relationship with her. Reason I say that is because Kushina-chan here doesn't give just any man her time of day. I've witnessed her turn down more men than I can count. So listen here and listen well Naruto Uzumaki, I love Kushina-chan as if she were my own blood granddaughter. If you so much as do anything to hurt her, you will not only face the wrath of my greatest collection of puppets, you will lose what makes you a man. Are we clear?" The threat was there as clear as day.
"Baa-chan! What the hell?!" Kushina exclaimed in shock.
Even though Chiyo just threatened his manhood, Naruto felt his respect for her increase tenfold. She is protective over Kushina and didn't hesitate to make it known to him. He can tell that he and Chiyo are going to get along really well.
Smirking, "Crystal though you don't ever have to worry about me hurting her. She's my soulmate plus she'll kill long before you get the chance. We both know what kind of temper she's got." He pointed to his wife.
"Please, as if you're one to talk about tempers." Kushina huffed.
Chiyo smirked as well. "That I do, well seems I have nothing to worry about. It's nice to meet you as well Naruto. It's been awhile Temari." She looked over towards the blonde woman.
"Chiyo-baasama." Temari bowed politely.
"Anyways what can you tell me Kushina-chan?" Chiyo asked her surrogate granddaughter.
"The group who took Gaara is known as the Akatsuki. Their goal is to collect all the tailed beasts by hunting down the jinchuuriki. From what I've gathered thanks to my spy and own little research, the figurehead leader plans to use the power to make all of the other nations submit or risk being destroyed. It's their way of protecting the 'peace' so to speak. However the true leader has bigger and far more grave plans. He will use the bijuu to revive a beast known as the ten-tails. Besides most likely starting the four great shinobi war, he wants to put the world under a strong and unbreakable genjutsu where everybody has their own perfect world. The finer details of their goal I'm still trying to figure out. Sadly they already have the seven-tails in their possession. I also know the identity of every member except one. I'm close to figuring out the leader's true identity since he apparently goes by the name Madara Uchiha. That couldn't be further from the truth since this guy has a mask to hide his face. The real Madara Uchiha would never hide his face from anyone. Not to mention I've encountered him before, his chakra levels were high but not as high as they should've if he were the real Madara.
The members of the group are Kakuzu of Taki, a supposed immortal who fought against the First Hokage. Hidan of Yugakure, a jashinist who actually became a real immortal through experimentation with a forbidden technique. Kisame Hoshigaki, former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, still current wielder of Samehada. Itachi Uchiha, one of the greatest to ever come out of Konoha who also massacred his clan. A woman named Konan who has the ability to use origami as if it was a bloodline. Deidara of Iwa, he's a mad bomber who uses clay for his explosions. Zetsu is an oddity, his appearance resembles a Venus flytrap though half of his body is split between white and black. The most I gathered about him is that he's two people fused into one who can split apart. Also he merges into the ground while also being undetected by even the best sensors. He's basically their main spy. Next is Sasori of the Red Sands, yes your grandson Baachan. You already know of his skills as a puppeteer. Pain is the figurehead leader who possesses the legendary doujutsu, the Rinnegan. Although I have good suspicion that he's not presenting his real body to most of the members besides Konan. He seems to trust her the most. Lastly is the fake Madara, he most likely knows that Pain is using a fake body."
Chiyo couldn't believe that her grandson is a part of such an organization. Has Sasori truly fallen so low over the years? She wanted to find out if the opportunity presented itself.
"Sounds like a group of missing nin who banded together." Chiyo mused.
"S-rank missing-nin." Kushina corrected.
Chiyo nodded, that only adds to just how dangerous the Akatsuki are in her mind. "Should I be worried?"
"I would like to say no since I plan on preventing them from succeeding. However I'm not sure if they have anything else up their sleeves. Also I can't prevent them from taking every jinchuuriki. I can guarantee they won't get the eight or nine-tails. Hopefully we can prevent them from taking the Ichibi as a whole since it takes 3 days for them to successfully extract the bijuu." Kushina said.
"Who the hell is your spy? They must be really good to attain this much information." Temari wanted to know as well.
The redhead smirked. "Come on Baachan, you know I just can't tell you that. Only Naruto knows and that's because he's my husband. We don't keep secrets from one another. Besides, even if I told you, it's not like you've ever heard of her name before."
"Hey I can only try right?" Chiyo shrugged.
"I take it you weren't fond of calling Konoha for help?" Already knowing the answer.
"Damn right I wasn't, it's pathetic how we have to rely on others to solve our own problems. But knowing what I know now about the enemy. It seems that calling for help is our best and only option. I'm just glad that they sent you and not a group of inexperienced children."
Kushina nodded in understanding. Sending in inexperienced chunin or even jounin to face off against the Akatsuki is basically sending them to their deaths.
"Yeah me and Naruto are a jinchuuriki team meant to deal with the Akatsuki personally."
"Jinchuuriki?" Chiyo had a raised eyebrow, she glanced at Naruto, seeing his whiskered face. "He's a jinchuuriki? I knew you were pseudo-jinchuuriki."
The redhead nodded. "He's the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, so am I, long story short a weird incident happened recently that resulted in both of us carrying one half of the kyuubi. I can give you details another time baachan."
"Fair enough, I feel like knowing more will only result in me asking more questions. If you're here to save Gaara then I guess I-" Chiyo was cut off by a knock at the door.
Since there wasn't any negative intentions coming from whoever was behind the door, neither Uzumaki said anything as Chiyo went to see who it was. Though they can feel that the person behind the door is very distressed.
When Chiyo opened the door, it revealed to be a Suna jounin. His face showed that while he was trying to be professional, he was very worried.
"Chiyo-sama! A team that had been sent out to possibly track the abductors who took Kazekage-sama returned an hour ago with Lord Kankuro in critical condition! Our medics can't seem to properly deduce the cause of his state, they have requested your assistance Chiyo-sama!" The Suna jounin relayed the message.
Chiyo honestly doesn't care all that much for Kankuro, however she knows of his talent with puppetry. Not only that but deep down it won't sit right with her if she doesn't do something to help the boy.
Temari responded before she could. "WHAT!" She quickly moved to the door. "For what reason was Kankuro out of the village?"
The jounin gulped. "H-He chose to go after the one who took Kazekage-sama alone rather than waiting for a team." He answered.
The blonde woman sighed in irritation. "Kankuro you idiot, why would you go alone?" Her tone is laced with worry.
"Kushina-chan." Chiyo looked at the redhead. "Do you mind handling this? I would do it but my skills as a medic pale in comparison to yours. You're the only one I know who can probably match that girl Tsunade in medical arts." The elderly woman asked her surrogate granddaughter.
"Sure, though you give me too much credit baachan, I know I'm really skilled as a medic, Tsunade-chan is on a different level." Kushina said with a small smile.
She heard Kurama scoffed in her head. 'Please, that woman cannot heal to the degree that you can. She's not the one who came up with seals that will instantly heal almost any injury. Let's not even talk about when my chakra comes into play.' Yin Kurama said to his container.
'I'll never get tired hearing you compliment me dattebane.' Kushina smiled mentally. 'Still fuinjutsu and medical ninjutsu is different than just straight up medical ninjutsu. Also using your purified chakra to heal is a huge unfair advantage. All me and Naruto have to do is share a minuscule amount of your chakra with someone, then not only will they be completely healed within a couple minutes. Their strength and defense will be powered up as well.'
"You still have that habit of selling yourself short." Chiyo shook her head.
"Wait, can you really heal him?" Temari asked in a hopeful tone.
"Yep." Kushina nodded.
"Don't worry Temari, Kankuro will be just fine in her hands." Naruto added to assure his fellow blond.
The Suna jounin suddenly spoke up. "Umm excuse me, but who are you two?" He didn't recognize either of them, he noticed the Konoha symbol on their headbands.
Chiyo answered for the two. "That is none of your concern, all you need to know is that they are with me. No they are not a threat, they are allies. Now lead us to Kankuro's location." She ordered him.
The jounin straightened up at her words. "Y-Yes Chiyo-sama, please follow me."
Suna Hospital
Baki could not believe who he was seeing, it should be impossible for people to return from the dead right? So why in the hell is he face to face with Uzumaki Kushina of all people? What's even more confusing is the fact that Temari and Lady Chiyo of all people were with her.
"Excuse me but your name is Uzumaki Kushina, correct?" Baki asked.
"Uh huh." Kushina already knew where this was going.
"Aren't you supposed to be dead? It was known throughout the shinobi world that you died during the Kyuubi attack in Konoha nearly 20 years ago." Baki had to know, it was gonna keep bugging him if he didn't find out.
"The report that I died was a lie, I never died that night I was very close to dying but obviously I survived. For whatever reason the Third Hokage made it known that I died. So for the last 18 years I've been traveling the world, I only became a Konoha shinobi recently." Kushina answered, it was no reason to give him the full story.
Baki nodded in understanding, though it did make him wonder why the Sandaime Hokage would lie about such a thing. "I see, I'm taking you're also the team that was sent by Konoha to assist us?" He glanced briefly at Naruto and was surprised by how much the blond had grown physically in only a few years.
"Yep we received the message from you guys earlier in the day. Before you ask how is it possible that we arrive at Suna from Konoha so quickly. I have a transportation method that cuts down travel time drastically, that's all I'm telling you." Kushina narrowed her eyes.
Baki nearly gulped, this is one woman he did not want to piss off. Her legend is comparable or even greater than that of the Sannin. He could see it in her eyes that she won't hesitate to cut him down quicker than he could blink. So he decided to not ask anymore questions in order to save his ass. "V-Very well, your fast arrival is truly appreciated."
Kankuro, who was laying on a random hospital bed, cried out in extreme pain. Most of his naked torso was wrapped in bandages, lots of sweat pouring out of his body. His body was twitching, his hands gripping his neck, saliva dripping down both corners of his mouth.
Kushina stepped away from Baki to check on Kankuro. Naruto, Chiyo, Ebizō and Temari were watching from a few feet away. A few Suna medics were in the room as well. Neither of the medics said anything since Chiyo told them that Kushina would take care of Kankuro. They had no other choice but to let the redhead help since they had no idea how to help Kankuro.
Covering her hand in blue chakra, the redhead placed her palm on Kankuro's chest. A concentrated expression appeared on her face while her chakra covered hand stayed in place.
Everyone except Naruto was confused as to what she was doing. One of the medics decided to ask. "Umm excuse me but what are you doing exactly?" It doesn't look like she's healing Kankuro.
"What I'm doing is analyzing his body to come up with a diagnosis. By doing this I'm able to break down what's causing him trouble." Kushina answered softly.
Naruto smirked at the shocked reactions everyone had, he couldn't blame them.
"Y-You mean you're able to just basically scan over him with your chakra to determine the issue?" Another medic asked.
"Pretty much, I came up with this technique a few years ago." Kushina said as she stopped scanning Kankuro and removed her hand away from his body. "Well it's obvious he's been poisoned, injury wise he's fine except for his bruised ribs. The poison is a heavy metal-based toxin. It's the type that acts upon the muscles to destroy the cells."
Chiyo was impressed that Kushina found that out so quickly. 'There's no doubt that I wouldn't have been able to help out Kankuro.'
A medic spoke out. "You could tell that much with just one brief examination..?" He looked at the medic next to him who had a similar shocked expression.
"His medical records please." Kushina asked.
"Ah, here it is." One medic held up a clipboard and one sheet of paper. "This is the list of toxic ingredients, there are blank spaces here and there, but…" He handed the clipboard and paper to Kushina.
Said redhead took and looked over both. "I can already tell you the outcome. The cardiac muscle will be destroyed, and the heart could stop beating at any time, so it's difficult to say if a proper antidote can be concocted in time."
Temari's eyes widened. "You don't mean that! Isn't there something we can do?"
"Relax Temari, I never said that I couldn't do it. When I said that I was speaking as a regular medic, luckily for you I'm not. I'm a badass medic. I can easily come up with an antidote to cure your brother. However I'm not going to use an antidote since that would take longer, so I'm going to go by this a different way to make the healing process much quicker. However I need you to not freak out once I do what I'm about to do." Kushina explained.
"Not freak out? That doesn't sound too reassuring...but Naruto said that Kankuro will be fine if I leave him to you. You have my word that I will not freak out." Temari told the redhead.
Kushina smiled. "Great now I'd advise you medics to stand back a bit."
The medics did as they were told, Kushina decided that using bijuu chakra to heal Kankuro will save a lot of time and effort. So she channeled red purified chakra into her hand then placed her hand on Kankuro, transferring the minuscule amount of Kurama's chakra to him.
Nearly everyone gasped in surprise when Kankuro's body started to become surrounded in a shroud of red bubbly chakra. This is the Version 1 state of the jinchuuriki forms, although this shroud is tailless.
"W-What's going on?!" Temari demanded.
"I gave him a tiny amount of bijuu chakra, before you start asking if it is harmful to him. It's not, there are no negative effects whatsoever in that chakra. All the cloak of chakra is doing is healing him at a very advanced rate. No matter how strong that poison is, the bijuu chakra will burn right through it easily." Kushina answered.
Her words spoke truth as they watched Kankuro's condition improve at a significant pace. Not even two minutes later and the red shroud of chakra dispersed into the air. Kankuro no longer was grunting in pain or breathing hard. His body looked to be in perfect condition as the dark brown haired male slept peacefully.
"And he's completely healed, he should be waking up soon." Kushina grinned as she did another quick medical scan over Kankuro's body to make sure not one bit of poison remained. She knew none of it though it never hurts to double check.
"Amazing…" Baki muttered in shock.
All of the medics were stunned to the core, Temari was both shocked at Kushina's skills and happy that Kankuro is healed.
Naruto walked over to his wife and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Good job, Kushina-chan."
A light blush covered her face though she kept her grin up. "Eh it was nothing, you could've done the same." Her chakra scan showed that no trace of the poison remained inside of Kankuro, she removed her hand away from him.
"Still doesn't change the fact that you're a way better medic than me." Naruto wrapped his arm around her as the couple stepped away from Kankuro.
Ebizō and Chiyo took a few steps towards the Uzumaki couple.
"You never cease to amaze me Kushina-chan." Ebizō greeted with a smile.
Kushina beamed happily. "Ebizō-jiji! It's so good to see you again!" She hugged the elderly man.
"You as well, Kushina-chan. Your baa-chan over here has been complaining for weeks about not hearing from you." Ebizō said as they separated from the hug.
"Yeah she hit me about it earlier when we met up." Kushina admitted sheepishly.
Chiyo crossed her arms. "Hmph stupid girl, and you have the nerve to tell me that Tsunade is still a better medic than you. Ha! That slug girl couldn't hold a candle to you on her best day."
"Well that didn't count as regular medical ninjutsu...anyways Ebizo-jiji I would like for you to meet my husband, Naruto." Kushina introduced Naruto.
Naruto offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Kushina-chan has mentioned both of you quite often."
Ebizo reached out and shook the blond Uzumaki's hand. "Ah I believe my sis told me about you once or twice over the last couple years. You seem like a fine young man. A crazy one if you chose to settle down with Kushina-chan." He joked.
"Oi! I'm not that bad." Kushina retorted.
"You're right, you're worse." Chiyo teased the redhead.
"Oh screw you guys." Kushina walked off as the three laughed at her expense.
She walked out the room, looking to her right she saw Baki leaning against the wall.
"Hey your name is Baki right?" Kushina asked as she walked over to him.
"Yeah why?" Baki answered.
"Umm excuse me for inquiring, but what is the follow-up for the Akatsuki pursuit?"
Baki looked at her for a second then turned around to gaze at Kankuro inside the room. "First, Kankuro set off by himself and ended up like that. Next, a tracking unit was sent out, but they've yet to contact us. Judging from the situation, it's likely that...one of the other village chiefs has gone missing. I don't like to think Kazekage-sama could be taken out so easily, but…" He trailer off his words.
"Hmmm so basically you're saying that you've completely lost sight of him?" Kushina summarized.
"Yeah, that is so." Baki admitted with a deep yet sad frown.
"Lord Baki! Kankuro has awakened." A medic walked up to the pair.
Kankuro was very confused, the last thing he remembers is being in a world of pain, now he's completely fine. The puppeteer gazed ahead and saw Baki, Temari and some others coming towards him.
"Kankuro are you alright?" Temari asked her brother.
"What, you're back already, Temari…?" Kankuro questioned.
"I heard the village was in a crisis." Temari replied.
"Sorry for making you worry." Kankuro said.
"Baka, don't talk such nonsense!" Temari scolded him.
"Hey can you lead us two to the place Kankuro fought at? We may not look like it but we're pros at tracking. All we need is the slightest trace of their scent and we got a lock on them." Naruto asked Baki, he was referring to him and Kushina of course. While they may can't sense Gaara or Shukaku's chakra signatures yet, they still have other ways of tracking them down. Once they get close enough, the couple should be able to feel out their chakra signatures even if they are very weak.
""There's no need for that, my puppets...have all been recovered, haven't they?" Kankuro asked.
"Yes, they are actually on the side of you on the floor. One of the members of the team who had brought you back, brung your puppets up here a little over 10 minutes ago." One medic answered.
Kankuro nodded. "The enemy force was two in number. One of them led Gaara away...all you have to do is follow Gaara's scent. Even if they split up, one of them, his smell is on that one." He pointed to a broken puppet hand.
The thumb of the hand broke off as the puppet hand opened up, revealing a small black piece of cloth.
"In Karasu's hand, I left him holding a piece of his clothes." Kankuro said.
Kushina bent down to pick up the small cloth. "Even if you fall, you won't go down without a fight. Just what I'd expect from a Suna shinobi. Baachan always told me to never underestimate this village."
Kankuro looked at Kushina and Naruto with a confused expression, Temari figured what he was confused about so she decided to fill him in.
"If you're wondering who they are, Kankuro, both of them came all the way from Konoha to help us." Temari said.
"Naruto...Uzumaki right?" Kankuro voiced.
"Yep it's me, by the way she's Kushina, the one who healed you back to 100%." Naruto pointed towards his wife.
Kankuro turned his attention to Kushina, he's sure if the circumstances were different he'd be blushing up a storm at how beautiful Kushina is. All he did for now is offer her a nod of thanks. "Thank you for healing me."
Kushina waved him off. "Ah don't worry about it, I'm just glad you didn't have to suffer with that poison for days instead."
"Kankuro." Chiyo called out as she and Ebizō stepped forward.
"Chiyo-baasama? Ebizo-jiisama, too?!" Kankuro was surprised to see either one of them.
"I need to hear it directly from you, there's no mistaking that one of the two enemies is Sasori. Is that correct?" Chiyo asked.
Kankuro didn't say anything, he just looked away and looked down with a frustration expression.
"What about it, Kankuro?" Ebizo voiced in wonder.
"Yeah...it was Akasuna no Sasori, he said so himself." Kankuro confirmed.
Neither Chiyo or Ebizō said anything after that.
"Not to be rude but since Kankuro here is healed, I believe it's time we set out to rescue Gaara. It's still early in the day, there's no point in wasting anymore time here." Naruto stated.
"He's right, it'll be easier to track them down now that we have Sasori's scent." Kushina added.
"Very well, allow me to arrange a small team to accompany you." Baki said.
"Actually it's better off if you don't, please don't take this as if I'm disrespecting your shinobi or calling your shinobi weak. But our enemies are S-rank level shinobi, I really don't want to put any of your shinobi at any risk of dying unnecessarily when it could be avoided. The Hokage selected me and Naruto specifically for this mission due to the fact that we are a team specifically made to take down the Akatsuki. We may not look like it, however we are a lot stronger than we appear. Also traveling as a full team will slow down our pace significantly." Kushina told Baki.
Baki understood her reasons and appreciated her for looking out for their shinobi. "If you are certain then I will leave Gaara's retrieval to you."
Temari was going to assist the couple until Kushina just made it clear to leave it to them.
"I'm going with you Kushina-chan." Chiyo spoke up.
Kushina wanted to deny Chiyo, however she knew that Chiyo would follow no matter what she said. Plus Chiyo will be pissed at her if she does anything to hinder the elderly woman from coming.
Thankfully Ebizō came to her rescue. "Actually sis I think you should stay here until they return. Think about it, you'll only slow them down."
"Also we don't know if it's only Sasori and his partner, it could be more of them for all we know. I know you aren't weak baachan, but you aren't in your prime either. Sasori isn't even the strongest member of the Akatsuki, if anything he's one of the weakest. I don't want to risk you being killed by one of them." Kushina voiced her own opinion on the matter.
Chiyo sighed, she wanted to confront her grandson, though she knew that her brother and surrogate granddaughter had a point. It's not like she can do all that much to help out seeing as long as she's been retired. Plus she knows Kushina can handle herself.
"Fine, just return Sasori's body if possible." Chiyo sighed in defeat.
"Uzumaki Naruto." Kankuro called out to the blond.
"Hm?" Naruto looked at the puppeteer.
"Take care of my little brother." Kankuro essentially asked Naruto to save Gaara.
Baki and Temari were shocked by this.
Naruto smirked. "Heh, you can leave it to me, there's no way in hell that I'm leaving Gaara in the Akatsuki's clutches. It's time they learned that they have a war with the Uzumakis coming."
Kushina had to restrain herself from jumping on her husband to have her way with him. He looked so sexy when he said that.