It was a hot day on Suna. With Temari and Hikaru gone, the reality of her soon departure from the Sand Village punched her gut. Her days are numbered, Kaoru looked up to the sky, sat on the rooftop of her temporal home feeling nostalgic. Tracing her oldwristband while the moon watched the life pass, she sighed. Naruto. Excitement and dread mixed up at the reunion to come. Curiosity, how much had he changed? Will he recognize me?

Playing with the loose strands of raven around her face soothed most of her anxiousness. She almost settled everything right here so… her homeland will be alright. Matsuri, will be the one in charge of the place and the people. The Kazekage apprentice is a quick learner and trustworth, with Gaara at her side there would not be problems. Or so she hoped.

She was reluctant to think of leaving one of her boys behind, Hikaru was more than capable but with his duties to Konoha it was impossible. Yue was another matter...

Pulling her own hair, she didn't like to think. She did it a lot alone. Kaoru… really needed a hug.

"You can't sleep?" The voice of Kankuro made her jump, he laughed, she blushed.

"Still as funny…" He took a sit besides her on the roof, avoiding her elbow. "Relax, what is it there to fear?"

"Really?" she paused in disbelief, then mimicked Hikaru's voice playfully "Tsunade-sama hope you don't miss us, guess what? We found a young boy from Kirigakure and decided to adopt him." Kaoru cut out the act "I… I will have to lie about him" No, she didn't liked lies. She was not good covering her feelings about it, but she had to.

"Is it that bad? I mean, if you don't want to go back…"

"No. don't say it…" She already had conflict leaving, there was an issue left.

"Hey. Gaara will be fine. You did enough already." Kankuro said sternly, she sighed. Sometimes being an open book was not so good, he was smiling with confidence. He might know then, it had to be why Gaara refused to come home at night.

"Sorry, I keep giving problems…"

"Don't worry, it's worth it. Just stop apologizing." He stood up and turned to leave "It get annoying… so just wait a bit more, they will be here soon"

As he disappeared, Kaoru basked under the moonlight. Kankuro was right, it was pointless to worry too much. A little butterfly came to her, Matsuri voice resounded.

"Miss Kaoru, the stock is already packed and the crops look fine for tomorrow, is that all?"

"Yes, thank you. Tell Yue to go home as well, please." The butterfly went away, she stood up and walked around the village. She wanted to memorize as much of some places. How late it was? Not much people were outside, besides the guards. From the restaurant she liked, through the park, and the market. The silence was interrupted with a strong force of the wind, howling and then a huge bird flying near.

Her senses sharpening at Gaara sand flying around. Something was going on, she enhanced her senses looking for Kankuro, anyone near. Running while assessing if she could locate the enemy. The guard were moving toward the Kazekage tower. By the time she got there, people got out of their houses and were looking at the was on the air fighting, the enemy used bombs trying to pass his defense. She wanted to help, but how could she?

"Miss Kaoru!" the female shout of Matsuri took her attention, she was running quickly to her side. Her worried gaze was not a good sign.

"Matsuri-san, breath… what"

She was interrupted quickly. "I- I lost him! He go out running too fast when that bird chased Gaara…"

Yue. Kaoru ran looking for him. Dreading his boy putting himself on unnecessary danger. Just because he received a general guardian. That rascal. She called for Isamu, but he didn't answer back. What a bad timing! He must be busy as well. Climbing up a building to enhance her sense around the whole area. There his red light was just flying!

Looking up she noticed a huge water trail on the sky. "Yue!" Kaoru didn't waited another second, moving as fast as the Shunshin no jutsu let her. Watching as his boy water whip surrounded the blond enemy. But she was still far when his boy was hit and the water guardian catched him on the air. No! He was being really stupid.

Then a huge white object appeared dangerously approaching the village. She could only blink, the sound of the explosion almost left her deaf but not feeling wounds did she dared to open her eyes. She could not see Gaara, Yue or the enemy, sand floated, understanding what happened.

She tried to hear, being useless. Her bumping heart and her breath the company on such night. More explosions, someone shouting, then she felt the pull of Reishi from her body. Yue was calling for power. Frustration, pain, with no idea of what was happening until the sand started to move and Yue cries reached her.

Until green eyes bugged out, finally having a clear image of the man who was attacking them. Long hair covering part of his left eye, a familiar black cape with red clouds. Akatsuki…

A little trail of sand unable to reach him, her word stopped. Yue had stains of blood, Gaara barely conscious, a cruel smile of the long haired Akatsuki as his hand bitted and my boy cried in agony. Fury, blinding spitting anger set the thunder sword through the sky. Failed to pierce the clay master criminal, but he let my boy go. Stuck for a moment between running between Gaara or him, blue foggy eyes meet mine. Tired, he denied, I jumped as far as my legs let me to catch Yue.

Falling with him in my arms, barely landing safely on the roof.

"Yu… Yu… please wake up" Her anguish escalated feeling how cold his skin felt, blood dripping from his neck. He looked pale… with fear I ran looking for help.

"Gaara!" Kakuro voice sound close. Glowing hands stuck on his neck, giving me time to get close them. Landing there I was glad to recognize some of the medical unit near. Practically begging for them to save Yue, hearing along the way with regret that Gaara has been kidnaped.

The moment his brown honey eyes opened Kaoru kissed his forehead, grateful that he had survived, his bandaged neck was sore to her sight. His boy tried to talk but she put a finger between his lips, tenderly putting him back on the pillow.

"Don't strain yourself… the nurse say you have to rest your vocal chords"

A whole day, or night… she was not sure how much time it passed. Helping sorting the medicine while the operation was finished, using her own Reishi to restore his chakra. Barely recalling if she had sleep, maybe not. Kaoru really wanted to chastise him, but he had a worried face, eyes dancing around the room.

"He… is not here. Kankuro ran after him, but… he hasn't come back"

Yue clutched his hands, using one to cover his face, avoiding looking at her. Guilt, she knew it so well. Caressing his hair, trying to comfort him. "Yue…" Whispering softly, his body shaking briefly. A nurse came by, started fussing over and she was about to leave when he took her hand.

"Heal, I… I'll go. They will be back" Still his grip remained. While the nurse checked his arms, brown eyes slightly puffy, he denied. Kaoru would like to remain by his side, but now that he was out of danger…

"Don't worry. Just wait for me and be good." I left the hospital, go for my sword and packed the necessary. Not surprised finding Baki as I passed the Kazekage building.

"Any notice?" I asked, just in case.

"No, not even the recognition group has send any notice since…" I left him, continued my path through the exit.

"Don't be foolish, we…" I didn't want to hear it.

"I'll look for Kankuro first, maybe with some luck he actually traced the enemy and I can report back quickly to you" He followed my pace, I was almost there. The chaos of the mess left behind still present, with the explosive tags gone the rocks were the only thing that blocked out the entry. Not a challenge for shinobi.

"We might need you."

"Matsuri can fill my place, keep her close so I can contact you as soon as possible." I turned to look at him, he was just as worried as anyone. Without Gaara and with less than a quarter of the normal guard, their forces were at disadvantage.

"Let them help as well" Referring to the group Isamu had blessed, thankfully Baki was smart and nodded. As she leap around the rest of the rocks, she tried to call one more Isamu. His silence was frustrating, the least thing I could do was send a message to Shiori, hoping that Hikaru will answer. The sunlight was up as she tracked through the vast ocean of sand, spotting a faint energy in the distance.

Feeling something wet, on her forehead she grunted. Someone was talking, her head spined but she had to get out of there.

"Kaoru-sama is awake! Oh, wait don't move yet" A male voice, someone holding her. Her memories came back. Kankuro. Blinking until the black spots wore off, she recognized the emergency room. They were back.

"Please lady, you need rest." The man continued to implore, but I was already up looking around. She could tell it was dark outside, how much time has passed? "Where is Kankuro?" The man realized she was not going back and accompanied her, along the way resuming his condition. He had been out for two days, poisoned with not a clue of a cure. Someone named Chiyo was looking after him.

"My Yue… how is he?" She left a long breath of relief when the man confirmed he was recovering well and sleeping. By the time they arrived at the treatment 3 she heard painful grunts. Kankuro! I ignored everyone there and ran to him, my hands already glowing ready to work. A pale white hand interrupted me, gazing at an old woman with a bun.

"Who are you? Stay back"

"Chiyo-sama, she is an important guest." Baki supplied, she hesitated but conceded and I touched his head, focusing on tracing the poison. Ignoring them, Kankuro was my priority.

"Kaoru-sama, you shouldn't do that in your condition."

"Shut up, call for Ari, Tsume and Hinta." Closing my eyes, picturing his soul and pointing out the black fog around.

"We have done what we could, even Chiyo-sama tried and…" The man who accompanied me countered, but I was just as stubborn.

"Don't care, I will try my best." I send small pulses of Reishi, as to not hurt him redirecting part of the poison far from vital organs.

"Are you a poison expert?" The old woman asked with a tone of disdain.

"No, but…"

"Ignorance may hurt him more, maybe the best would be waiting for Konoha help. They said they will send a medical expert" Another old male voice said, I grunted but was busy chasing away the poison from his heart, if it spread more...

"But he might not survive the night…" Said another male of he medical guard.

"Then I'll hold him up, I can see the poison, my best effort will be try to distinguish its components from the inside with my Reishi. Surrounding it until…" My head pounded, distracting me, but a soft cheerful voice lifted my spirits.

"Hime-sama! Where did you go? I tried to talk with you some time ago"

"Shiori! What a relief, where is Hikaru?" I felt sweat on my forehead, not a good sign. Still I was glad, feeling someone hand on my back but I had best things to worry about.

"We are close, a sandstorm is holding us back but we will arrive in a few hours. " There were not the news I was expecting but still, that was all the hope I need. Someone cut out my link from Kankuro, he began to trash again.

"Hey, take it easy. I send for your assistants. If you faint again it will do no good to anyone" Baki said sternly, I could not answer feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"Hime? Are you alright?" Shiori asked while Baki sat me down near Kankuro.

"Sorry, I… I think I'm dizzy. Please hurry." Her presence was out soon, she may have overestimated her own condition. Baki was being patient, in his own way. I might be a bit irresponsible, but I was worried. Kankuro felt silent, he must have been sedated.

When my head did not felt as heavy I opened my eyes, the granny lady was gone and Baki was talking with one of the medics. Glancing at Kankuro, thinking of what a big mess the situation left us. Gaara. He had sacrificed so much for everyone safety. Kaoru wanted to punish him to oblivion for being so… Who I am kidding? Trying to be strong was not helping, but it affected her much more the damn dark clouded cape. Akatsuki The name immediately led her to think of Itachi Uchiha.

That damn man. She often avoided thinking about him since Yue came to her life. Kaoru had been a mess back then, now his group was threatening her friends. A hand at her shoulder stopped her depressing thoughts.

"So-sorry" The medic from before smiled awkwardly "You must be hungry, eat slowly"

Oh, she had forgot it. As she took the plate and took a bite, she wondered when was the last time she ate something. Maybe that was why she fainted out near the village border with Kankuro at her back. When she finished half of her portion three young voices came running to her.

"Kaoru-sama! We- We came as fast as we could" Ari was the first to talk

"What do we do? Kankuro-san is…" Hinta said clearly worried.

"Ok, do you remember how I taught you to make a barrier?" The three nodded, she smiled and felt a bit of pressure leaving her shoulders. "Hold my command exactly as I say, hope you had rest enough, we have to keep Kankuro alive till the morning"

The trio glanced at each other, unsure at first but looking at her they nodded and Kaoru prayed they managed well.

As she instructed one by one took turns, the first trials she had to demonstrate how to keep a constant soft pulse of Reishi. The trio did not lasted more than 5 minutes at first, then increasing another five minutes as the first hour passed. The medic forced her to take a nap and offered to be the guard.

By the time her conscious returned her body felt much better. Smiling as she watched the trio sleeping around the place. Tsume literally felt besides Kankuro bed, she stood and made them comfortable before checking up Kankuro. The medic nin just entered with a trail of food, behind Chiyo, Baki and the old man.

"I thought you will have given up by now" Said the granny surprised, I scowled.

"I didn't do much, they deserve the credit" Glancing down at the three ones who were utterly exhausted.

They heard a loud shout, young and familiar. More medic nin entered running "Ka-Kaoru-sama… they have spotted the Konoha shinobi" Relief over such good news, she wanted to receive them but hearing the commotion out the corridor she knew where to go.

"I-I have to go, please tell me if something happens." She went to Yue's room, the young boy had his neck bandaged, chest uncovered, trying to escape the medic nin.

"YUE HIGA! What is wrong with you?"

That was enough, his attention fully on her. The woman medic nin smiled in relief, he took advantage of that distraction, hugging her with force. She didn't understood what he was saying with his face full planted on her frame but her heart danced with joy. He could talk, he will be fine.

"I will look after him" The medic nin didn't hesitate to leave, she clutched his strong arms around her hips and put her serious face.

"Just… what do you think you are doing? Giving trouble to that poor woman."

"I- I heard you came back. They said you're badly hurt. I just…" Kaoru turned him around to sit. No matter if he looked well, she won't risk him opening his wounds.

"Yu" She paused, getting his full attention. While she took a shirt from the side cabinet for him to wear. "It wasn't me, Kankuro was poisoned." His boy was surprised, she sat down besides him remembering with her fingers the shirt he had to put on. "But help has arrived, he will be fine… I swear"

Yue clutched the side of his red shirt not meeting her eyes. "Can I see him?" Tilting her head, to wait for Hikaru or not? His brown eyes pleading in silence. Oh well, if that helped put down his concern, why not?

Hand in hand, supporting each other with no words needed. Turning the corner she noticed people out Kankuro's room, Yue continued walking as she blinked noticing familiar colors. Silver spiky short hair? Before she could think whom it was the familiar voice of Hikaru getting out of the room made Yue release her hand and ran up to him.

"Hika-chan!" Yue tackled him with the same affection, Hikaru barely holding his surprise, his golden eyes located me easily and he grinned.

"Missed me?" Yue separated himself and scowled.

"Who is the brat?" My heart bumped, mind having trouble to grab a rational response. Walking slowly, as I stared in shock. Kakashi was the first to notice me, he looked as young when I left. But the man besides, I felt like everything was going on slow motion. His voice was unmistakable, his whiskers still as endearing, blond hair matching perfect blue sky eyes. Something sinked on my tummy as he turned to meet me, feeling conscious of my own presence. Afraid that maybe he might not recognize me, that he may have forgotten me.

He stood, forgetting something he was talking with Yue, each step turning her heart and mind in chaos. Naruto Uzumaki, the boy with unwavering confidence was running up to her with a smile so warm and tender… conflict between joy and panic as he surrounded her in a hug. His fire, engulfing her senses such as the smell she liked on her tea.

She could feel her face burning at such closeness, because she was not used to them with anyone who wasn't Hikaru or Yue. Her conflicted emotions and lack of response while he talked was interrupted by Yue who pushed him with force and stood in front of her.

"DON'T TOUCH HER, PERVERT"

Did she heard right? If her body was not melting before, now it was. As Hikaru whistled and laughed at her embarrassment, Naruto blushed as well and began fighting with my son.