I sighed as I examined my umpteenth patient. It was probably my 10th kid. They cried as I poked and prodded their injuries. Of course they'd received them while training. I remembered those days quite well actually.

"Miss Tama." A hospital assistant spoke from the doorway.

"Yes, what is it?" I asked.

"Lady Tsunade wanted to see you."

I gulped. Why'd she wanna see me?

As I walked to the Hokage's office, I ran into a familiar head of pink hair

"Oh hello Sakura. Did the Hokage call to speak with you too?" I questioned.

She nodded. "Yeah she did."

We quickly reached the Hokage's office and entered. Kakashi-Sensei, and Naruto were in there as well, which was weird.

"Tama, Sakura, good you're here." Tsunade spoke sharply.

"We've received word from the Sand village. It's not good." Shizune spoke gravely.

"W-what's happened?!" I asked, worried.

"The Kazekage's been kidnapped...and his borther's gravely injured." Tsunade continued.

I balked. "BY WHO?!"

"The Akatsuki...those damn bastards!" Naruto growled angrily.

"Pardon me, m'lady, but what does this have to do with us?" Sakura questioned.

"The Sand village has requested our assistence. I'm sending Naruto and Kakashi, but I want you and Tama to join them. The Akatsuki are after genchurikis, which means Naruto is in as much danger as Gaara. You both have studied under me and work well with Naruto." The Hokage explained.

"So basically we gotta watcch Naruto's ass?" I asked, rasing an eyebrow.

Tsunade pursed her lips. "That's the idea."

As we hurried towards the Sand village, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear. Yeah the Akatsuki and genchurikis were all the talk among ninja lately,but dud WE have to face them? I mean...the Kazekage had been kidnapped, and for all we know there could be a trap lying in wait for Naruto. This wouldn't be a walk in the park.

"Hay, Tama, you've grown pretty quiet." Sakura assessed.

I pursed my lips. "Sorry, just thinking."

"Well don't think too much! You and Sakura need your strength if we're gonna reach the Sand village soon." Naruto called back to us.

"Don't expend too much energy Naruto. It'll still take us at least 3 days to reach the village." Kakashi-Sensei spoke wisely.

Everything fell silent again as we continued to make our way to our allie's aid.

"Aw, come on! This isn't the time to be resting!" Naruto yelled furiously.

"Will you just shut the hell up?!" I growled and glared at him.

"Jeez I forgot how scary you can be Tama." He muttered in definance.

"There's a sandstorm out there. If we go out in it, we'll get lost for sure." Temari pointed out.

"She's right, Naruto. For now, we stay here and leave as soon as this storm passes." Kakashi spoke with finality.

I sighed. I understood what Naruto was feeling, but his habit of not listening was getting on my ever lasting nerves.

Spending almost 3 days around him couldn't be good for my health, especially my mental health.

I prayed the storm would pass soon.

And I guess God does answer prayers. The storm finally did pass and we arrived at the village.

Temari about had a heart attack. I think we all about did. The entrance to the village was in shambles.

An official came up to us and ushered our group to where Kankuro was being housed.

"H-how bad is he?" Temari asked shakily.

"He's been poisoned. We can't seem to find an antidote for it, but our team is still working on it."

For a moment, she froze.

"Hay, it's gonna be okay." I said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She managed a weak smile as we made our way to Kankuro's room, but that smile turned to terror as she heard his cries.

"Kankuro!" She yelled, fearful she was losing her brother.

Sakura got intel from the other medical ninja and set to work examining the injured Sand ninja.

I took Temari outside to get some air.

After what seemed like hours, Kakashi and Sakura came to fetch Temari and I.

"He's gonna be alright. I managed to get the majority of the poison out of his system, and came up with an antidote." Sakura smiled tiredly.

Temari smiled genuinely and hugged Sakura, then ran to see her brother.

I followed, feeling relieved. No one had died.

I showed up in Kankuro's room, unsure of my place. Kakashi and Naruto were getting intel from Kankuro so they could track Gaara, and Sakura was being thanked by the siblings for her amazing ninjutsu skills. But I hadn't done anything. I wasn't really even necessary, was I?

"Tama," A scratchy voice called out.

I snapped my head up and stared right at Kankuro. He looked so different without his usual makeup and uniform.

"Thank you."

I continued looking at him, puzzled.

"I'm sure my sister gave you hell while I was out of it."

I shook my head. "She was just worried about you."

"Well, thank you for keeping her out of trouble."