Still own nothing but the ocs.

Reunion and Plans

Near the Leaf Village - Kakashi

"Kakashi, why are we here again?" asked Sakura impatiently.

I sighed and looked from my book to Sakura.

"Well, we were requested to meet a team from the Village of Souls and accompany them to the Sand Village." I said.

"Village of Souls? I thought they were a myth?" she asked cautiously.

"Well, yes and no."

"How do you mean?" spoke up Tenten.

"I hope that they are nice," whispered Hinata

I put my book away and looked at the girls.

"I'm not sure how the best way to explain it is, but they are the ones who watch and regulate the chakra levels in the lands. They also handle spirits of the deceased that still wander the lands. If there is anything that is unusual, they will send a team out to investigate, like they are now. It's hard for any regular ninja to find the village. One would have to be very aware of spirits and Shinigami ways." I explained.

Just then the senkaimon opened.

"Ah, looks like they are here" I smiled.

The rest of my team looked on wondering what would come out. Yoruichi, Momo, Shuhei, and Hanataro stepped out and proceeded to get into their gigais, therefore becoming more visible to the ninjas.

"Long time, no see Yoruichi. I have missed you so," I said as she hugged me.

"I could say the same, but…" she leaned over to kiss me on the cheek, "then this meeting wouldn't be so much fun then." I blushed and then realized that everyone was watching. "So, who are these people with you?"

"I'll start." I looked to the shinigami and started to point to everyone in my team. "I'm Kakashi, this is Tenten, Hinata, and the one with the pink hair is Sakura. Sakura is our medical ninja."

The girls stepped forward and bowed as I introduced them.

"All right, our turn." Yoruichi smiled. "I'm Yoruichi, this is Momo, Shūhei, and Hanatarō. Hanatarō is our medic specialist."

I nodded as each stepped forward and bowed.

"Shall we head to the village to meet with Tsunade and Naruto, before we head of to the sand village?"

"Sounds good, we'll follow."

After arriving in the Leaf village, we made our way up to the Hokage's office and found Tsunade and Naruto waiting for us.

"So, this is the team from the village of Souls" Tsunade smiled. "Welcome to our village, I'm Tsunade and this is Naruto. We hope to be your aide during your mission."

"Thanks you, Tsunade. I'm Yoruichi and this is my team: Momo, Shūhei, and Hanatarō. We're not sure yet of what we will encounter during our mission and your aide is most welcomed. There are not many villages who are aware of us or remember that they are our allies." Yoruichi commented.

"First, we should come up with a plan, get some food and rest, and then start out tomorrow. We can send word to Gaara to let him know that you are here and will be arriving there in a few days. I think he'll be surprised on who we are going to send with you." Smirked Naruto as he wrote a quick note and had it sent off.

"So, how do we get to the Sand village?" asked Shūhei.

"Well, the best way is on foot and we have to pass through the Land of Rivers. Hopefully we won't meet any enemies along the way, but we still have to be cautious." I stated. "There are some rouge ninja groups out there."

"I think it would be good to follow Kakashi's lead until we get to the sand village. We could always pair up, that way if we get separated, any of Kakashi's team would guide my team members to the village and we would meet there." Shūhei suggested.

"Sounds perfect. If everyone aggress, then lets go and get some food and rest." added Yoruichi.

Everyone nods and follows Naruto out of the office.

"I'd say we'd go and have some ramen." Naruto smiles

"You always want ramen!" scolded Sakura

"Of course, it's the best!"

"Are they always like this?" observed Shūhei

"Yes, they are. They use to be teammates under my command." I sighed.

"At least Naruto won't be coming with, he's busy training with me." stated Tsunade.

Next day – Momo

The sun started to peak in the windows when I awoke. 'Its too early' I sighed.

"If you're awake, get up and get ready. Plus get something to eat."

I rolled over to see Tenten in the doorway.

"Thank you, I'll be right there."

After all of the girls were packed and fed, we head off to the edge of the village by the gates to meet up with the boys. Hanatarō looked nervous as usual. I could hear the other girls chatting away behind me. 'This may be a long trip' I thought.

"I see that everyone is awake and moving, I think its time for us to head out." Kakashi stated.

"Hey Kakashi! Wanna race?" yelled Yoruichi.

"No way, I know better than to go up against the Goddess of Flash," he answered.

"I bet I could get your headband away from you" she smirked.

"I don't think so" and they took off, leaving the rest of us to wonder what just happened. We headed off in their direction but not moving as fast as them.

"I thought Yoruichi was interested in Kisuke" Shūhei commented

"I guess not" I replied, "oh, well"

I heard giggling behind me and turned to see what was so funny.

"Sorry Momo, we're just humored that Kakashi is actually taking a liking to someone." Sakura giggled, "This is a side of him that we rarely see."

Hours later

We caught up to Yoruichi and Kakashi.

"Oh good, you made it. Time to stop for a lunch break. We're almost to the edge of the Land of Rivers" smiled Yoruichi.

We sat and chatted while we ate. It was nice that the other girls were telling us a little about themselves. I was admiring the surrounds, when I got this odd sensation.

"Bakudō 81: Danku!" I yelled.

As soon as it was up, a couple of kunai bounced off and we all scattered.

"How did you know?" Shūhei inquired.

Then we hear a Hollow cry.

"I thought something was off around here, Shūhei, I'll cover you!"

He nodded and took off.

"Is that a hollow?" pointed Hinata.

Out stepped a half ninja, half hollow with a whole in his chest.

"It's a Demi-Hollow, meaning he's starting to changing into one" Yoruichi observed.

"Bakudō 63: Sajo Sabaku! Shūhei quick!" I cried as the chains wrapped around the Hollow.

"With pleasure" he said and with a quick swing, the hollow was gone.

"I think that was the first time I've seen one in mid-transformation" Kakashi commented, "we better keep moving then."

Suna – Gaara

"Hey Gaara, there is a message that arrived for you." Matsuri said as she handed me the letter.

"Oh, its from Naruto. Apparently we should be expecting about eight people, four of them are from the Leaf village and are accompanying the team from the village of Souls. I just hope they don't run into trouble. Matsuri, could you let Temari and Kankurō know to keep and eye out for our guests." I asked.

"No problem." Matsuri said before she vanished.

I smiled, 'I'm amazed on how well she's adjusting to her new position. Glad that Temari and Kankuro didn't have any objections to having Matsuri as my assistant.'

"Gaara, Matsuri found me and said that we'll have guests soon?" inquired Kankurō as he came into the office.

"Naruto sent word and if they haven't run into any trouble, they should be half way through the Land of Rivers. We should see them by tomorrow around nightfall." I sighed.

"The sooner, the better for me. The guards don't want to be out on patrol during the night. They claim they keep seeing ghost with holes and chains. Sometimes they hear an eerie cry. People are almost afraid to walk around after dark." commented Kankurō.

"That's probably what the team from the village of souls are inquiring about." I noted. "We'll find out exactly when they arrive. For now, let's get Temari and Matsuri. I think the four of us need to be on the same level of information when our guests arrive. Besides, I could use some food, lets go eat."

Kankurō smiled as we headed out of my office. Strategizing over food was always one of our favorite things to do. It didn't take us too long to find Temari and Matsuri and to get some food.

"Naruto sent us a letter about our guests." I started, "We have four from the leaf: Kakashi, Tenten, Hinata, and Sakura. Then from the Souls: Yoruichi is the lead of the team, Momo, Shūhei, and their medic Hanatarō. We'll have to show them where they'll be staying at and where the hospital is. I'm sure we can let them do what they need to do. You three can help them out; I will try to when I'm not needed at the office. Maybe while they're here they can see about all those spirits that people are claiming to see, unless that is the reason they are here for."

The others nodded in agreement.

"I would think that since they're coming from the village of souls, they probably specialize in handling spirits." commented Matsuri. "Besides, don't we have some rooms available in the apartment building between your office and the hospital?"

"I completely forgot about that" I smiled, "Matsuri, could you and Temari get some people over there and have it ready for our guests? I'm sure we can have the three guys in one unit and split the girls in two units. Unless Kakashi wants his own, then make it four for good luck."

"So, what do I do then?" asked Kankurō.

"You could help with the rooms, or take a night guard shift, or go and get some rest." I said.

"I'll take the night guard shift, since many don't want that right now." he sighed.

If Kakashi and Yoruichi raced, who would win? I think it would be too close to call.

Please review.