Author Notes:
Hello everyone! I would like to thank all of you who reviewed and got excited for the first chapter in three years (not done on purpose, but it works out). For those of you who were wondering, yes, this story will be distinctive from both the anime and manga, however, there will be some similarities within the fanfiction. An example of this is Sasuke's appearances. He will not be featured as much as most of you would like for him to be. But, a good part is that he will be making more appearances than he did in the anime/ manga. I can't have a NaruSasu story if Sasu isn't in there, right? Regardless, that will be the only spoil alert you will get for now. But, if you have any questions about anything from the past or anything for future chapters that won't spoil the story, please feel free to message me and I will answer them to the best of my abilities.
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Chapter 2: Saving Kankuro
Normal P.O.V.
Currently, Shikamaru, Temari, Naruto, Sakura, Ino, and Hinata are standing in front of Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi and Shizune: each one carrying a disturbed look on their face.
"Lady Tsunade, please forgive me for asking so bluntly, but what was so important for you to call us here tonight?" Sakura asks.
Taking a deep breath, the slug queen leans forward onto her laced fingers, "It's about Gaara and Kankuro,"
This causes everyone to gasp while Temari rushes forward and slams her hands on Tsunade's desk, "What do you mean? What's going on?"
"Temari, calm down hun," Shikamaru says as he grips her shoulders.
"It's alright Shikamaru. The news we have to share with you all is quite disturbing after all,"
"What do you mean, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto questions.
Jiraiya was the one to step up this time as he opens the scroll on the desk he was holding, "We received this scroll about an hour or so ago. It came from Shino who is currently visiting in Suna,"
"Shino? What's he doing there?" Naruto asks curiously.
"He visits Kankuro from time to time. They had become really great friends since the Chunin Exams three years ago," Hinata explains shyly.
"Anyway," Jiraiya continues. "he said that the Hidden Sand was attacked by two members of the Akatsuki. Gaara fought against them, but was defeated by a blond-haired member named Deidara. Shino and Kankuro went after the two members, but they were defeated by Sasori, the other member,"
"Oh no, are they alright?" Ino questions with her hand over her heart.
"Shino only sustained minor injuries. Kankuro on the other hand has be severely poisoned. The medical ninjas are trying everything they can to cure him, but nothing seems to be working,"
"What do you mean nothing is working? Is Kankuro going to die? Why wasn't I notified about this earlier?" Temari questions in a panic voice. Shikamaru moves to hold her from behind while whispering for her to calm down and messaging her white weasel ears.
"I'm sorry Temari, but we were just given this letter and an hour is how long it took for our people to decipher the letter. I'm sorry for this, Temari. But, from Shino's letter, we can't tell exactly how dire the situation truly is and that's not something we plan on wasting any more time guessing. That is why I am assembling a team out of you guys to retrieve Gaara and save Kankuro's life," Tsunade informs them before pulling out some papers. "Kakashi will be leading all of you. Sakura, you, Ino, and Hinata will be heading to the hospital to work on a cure for Kankuro. Based on the medical nins, they believe that he does not have that much time left so you three really need to work together. Sakura, since you were promoted to my head student, you will be in charge, lead them well,"
"Yes ma'am," Sakura bows with Ino and Hinata following her.
"Temari, I know that this is a difficult situation for you right now and I do not expect you to fight if you do not want to~"
"No. I want to fight. I want to destroy the bastards who did this to my brothers," Temari glares, interrupting Tsunade.
"Very well than. Do as you see fit, just make sure to check in with the team first,"
"What about me, Grandma Tsunade? What would you like for me to do?" Naruto asks eagerly.
"I would like for you to stay here Naruto,"
"What?! No way! You can't do this to me! I have to go save Gaara!"
"I know how you feel, but with the Akatsuki involved, I can't risk losing you too. After all, you do understand why they are after you and Gaara, correct?" she says in a stern voice.
Naruto lowers his head while clenching his fists tightly, "I know. It's not like it's a big secret or anything. It's the reason those bastards and most of the people of our villages have treated us as if we were the same as what's sealed inside of us, monsters. But, I have trained with Jiraiya for three years. I'm not the little boy that who fought against Itachi Uchiha and Kisame and didn't have a clue as to what was going on. Like I promised with bringing Sasuke back, I promised Gaara that he was no longer going to be alone in this world. Sure, he has Temari and Kankuro and the other friends he's made alone the way but we "monsters" must stick together and that's what we're going to do. I'm going to bring Gaara back safe, I promise. Let me show you what I can do! Let me show them who they're messing with!"
The room fell silent for a few moments. Most of them were amazed at the determination Naruto was displaying. The boy had always had determination since he came out of his mother's womb, but now that he was more mature and had developed himself far beyond what others thought he would, there was no reason for people not to give him a chance to display what he can do.
With a playful smile on her face, Tsunade leans back in her chair and nods her head, "Alright Naruto, you can go. But, and I mean this, if anything happens to you, I will rain hell down on both the Akatsuki and you. Do you understand me?"
"You got it!" he acknowledges with a thumbs up.
"Alright then, you all have your assignments. Meet back here after you're all packed and ready to go. We'll use our Teleportation Jutsu to get you there,"
"Teleportation Jutsu? What's that?" Naruto asks.
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An hour passed before the group met in a new room added on during the years Naruto and Jiraiya were gone. The room is blank, minus a large symbol on the ground that stretched from all four corners of the room. Naruto and Jiraiya looked upon the room with curiosity.
"What is this giant symbol for, Tsunade?" Jiraiya asks as he crouches over the center.
This is the famous Teleportation Jutsu," Tsunade announces as she walks up behind him. "It's something we perfected over the past few years. The giant symbol on the floor is the base for the jutsu but we use a scroll to actually teleport people to the different places. All the other villages have this as well, but because of how new it still is to us, we still have to take time in perfecting it,"
"So, this is the famous jutsu you were telling me about? Glad to see that you finally completed it even if it's not perfect. Alright then, show us how it works," Jiraiya says as he steps back off the center of the symbol.
"Alright, I'm only explaining it so Jiraiya and Naruto can understand how it works, but don't worry Naruto, you shouldn't have to perform the return teleportation jutsu due to the others knowing how to do it. But, just in case, I still want you to at least understand how it works," Naruto nods, letting Tsunade continue. She walks over to a shelf and grabs a scroll with "Suna" written on the front. She waits for everyone, except Jiraiya, Shizune, and herself to stand in the center of the symbol before moving to sit on her knees and opening the scroll. "This is the scroll that tells the symbol to take you to Suna. If you look along the walls, each shelf has its own scroll that will take you to many different places. In order to go to said places, you just need to perform the hand signs and slam your hand onto the scroll. Now, depending on where you place the scroll, you can either send someone off or you can do it yourself. I have already sent a letter telling the Hidden Sand to be expecting you. When the Teleportation Jutsu activates, you will leave the Hidden Leaf and appear in a room similar to this in Suna. When you're ready to return, just use one of their scrolls to send you back here. Does anyone have any questions?" Everyone in the room shakes their heads. "Alright then, best of luck to all of you. I expect a good report when you return, but I would also like an update every so often. Good luck,"
"Naruto," Jiraiya spoke up. "Be careful. Remember your training and whatever happens, DO NOT use that power. I don't want anything to happen to you. You may be the strongest while in that stage, but you are also the most vulnerable too. I would hate for them to capture you too,"
Naruto gives a bright smile while holding his thumb out, "Don't worry, I got this. I'll bring Gaara back and be home in no time,"
"That's my boy,"
Without hesitating any further, Tsunade performs the hand signs for the Teleportation Jutsu. Within seconds, the room started to fill with an odorless cloud. Soon the cloud covers them completely and slowly disappears, leaving no trace of the group within the room.
Giving a heavy sigh, Tsunade stands up as she rolls the scroll back up. Sensing her anguish, Jiraiya stands behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
"They'll be fine. Gaara will be fine. Everything will be fine,"
"I know that, but it doesn't stop me from worrying," she says as she moves away from him to put the scroll back on the self.
"What do you mean? Why do I feel that you're hiding something from me"?
"That's because she is,"
"Shizune!" Tsunade growls, causing the pig woman's ears to flatten against her head.
Glaring at Tsunade for snapping at Shizune, Jiraiya walks over to stand in front of her, blocking Tsunade from Shizune's line of sight. "What is she hiding from me?" Shizune looks away from Jiraiya's form and slightly moves closer to the door. "Shizune,"
The way Jiraiya called her name sent chills running along her spine. Shizune knew that Jiraiya wasn't made at her, but he also didn't like things being kept from him either. Finally working up the nerve, Shizune takes a deep, low breath.
"We've been finding more info out on the Akatsuki. We have been studying more of their movements and have possibly come up with a theory as to why they kidnapped Gaara and why they aren't just after Naruto,"
"Well, what is it? Don't keep me in suspense,"
She takes a galp of her own spit, "We think that," she takes another one, "they may want to," she takes a final one, "go after all of the tailed-beasts hosts in a way to overcome Naruto,"
"I see," Jiraiya calmly says before turning away from both of them.
Feeling guilt rattle her bones, Tsunade speaks, "I'm sorry I was trying to hide this from you. I just wanted to make sure at least some of our if formation is correct,"
Jiraiya remained quiet for a few moments before throwing a side smirk towards his lover, confusing both women. "Ya know, you could have just told me instead of hiding me. I could have had the same theory,"
"What?!" both women yelled out.
"You mean you knew this might happen?" Shizune asks.
"Yes. That's why I sent a letter warning Gaara and the Hidden Sand a week before Naruto and I returned. I had a scary suspension that since they knew that they couldn't get to Naruto because of how much stronger he was becoming and because I was the guarding him, they knew they were going to have a hard time getting to him. So, they probably figured that since I knew they were coming for him, it would be easier to take the other Jinchūriki by surprise first and then use that power to overcome Naruto. That way, if he ever did attack them, they would have the upper hand,"
"And why didn't you tell me any of this, Jiraiya? I could've done something. I am the Hokage after all, I have a little more reach than you do," she questions angrily with her harms folded over her chest.
"That's exactly why I didn't tell you. You may have more reach than I do, but that would have alerted the Akatsuki and caused them to act out sooner and with more recklessness. Plus, I figured we could come together when I arrived to compare notes. Sound fair?"
Both Shizune and Tsunade was shocked at what Jiraiya said, but Tsunade was able to overcome it sooner. She gives him a kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door.
"I hate you, ya know that, right?"
He places his hand on the cheek she kissed as he follows her out he room.
"I know,"
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Meanwhile, in the Hidden Sand Village, an emptied room with nothing but a symbol on the floor, just like the room back in the Leaf. When the cloud clears two guards and Baki, the hedgehog, standing there.
"We've been expecting you. Welcome," Baki says as he bows along with the two guards.
"Have you heard anything else about my brothers?" Temari asks frantically.
"Nothing on the Kazekage, other than the direction he's heading, and that Master Kankuro's condition seems to be worsening as time passes," Baki updates.
"Wait something happened to the Kazekage too? Is the Akatsuki launching a full out attack on the Hidden Sand?" Naruto groans in frustration.
Everyone in the room looks at each other in confusion at Naruto's comment until Kakashi speaks up. "Naruto, you're been gone for such a long time you must not have heard the news,"
"What news?"
"Gaara IS the Fifth Kazekage," Kakashi answers.
The news astounds Naruto. Gaara and he had talked about the possibility, but he knew that Gaara was never truly interested.
"He must've changed his mind," Kyuubi mentions.
"I guess so. Good for him,"
"Does that bother you, kid?"
"No, it's just one more challenge I have to face," Naruto proudly proclaims.
"That's good for Gaara. Remind me to congratulate him when we rescue him," Naruto chuckles lightly.
"Come, I will take you all to see Master Kankuro," Baki says before turning to lead them out of the room.
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In the hospital wing of the Kazekage Tower, Kankuro lays in a hospital bed; his body shaking violently from spasms.
"Kankuro!" Temari yells as she rushes to her brother's side. "What's wrong with him? Why is he like this?"
"We don't know. We think it's because of what the poison is doing to his body. That is why we've been waiting on you all to arrive. None of our medical nin have been able to find an antidote," Baki explains.
"Let us take a look at him," Sakura says as she, Hinata, and Ino move put on gloves and tie their hair back.
The three girls examine Kankuro's body from head to toe. Sakura even put her hands in his mouth to further examine his saliva. Hinata requests Kankuro's chart for them to have a look at that. When the three of them were finished, they began to talk amongst themselves.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking it is?" Ino asks.
"Yeah, and if we're right then we need to hurry and make an antidote," Sakura says as she throws her gloves away.
"Alright Sakura, led the way," Hinata nods.
"Well, do you guys know anything?" Naruto asks impatiently.
"Well, from what we can tell, we're definitely dealing with a heavy metal poison. It messes with the muscles causing spams. The ultimate result is that it will cause him to go into cardiac arrest in which his heart will fail to pump any more blood into his body. It's a brutal poison and a tough one to cure," Sakura explains.
"So, are you saying there's nothing you can do?" Temari screams out.
Hinata was about to open her mouth to say something when an old couple walk into the room.
"Well, well, well. I'd never thought I would live to see the day where Suna would have to rely on help from the Hidden Leaf Village. Oh, what has become of my people,"
"Who are you?" Shikamaru asks curiously.
"You don't know? Hn. Shows how much the Hidden Leaf respects Legends,"
"You'll have to forgive my sister. She hasn't had her nap yet today," the old man chuckles as he scratches the back of his wrapped head. "We are the Honored Siblings. We used to be on the Hidden Sand's counsel, but we retired ages ago. My name is Ebizō and this is my older sister Chiyo. We came to aid in the dire circumstances,"
"Well we greatly appreciate it," Kakashi bows.
"You," Chiyo growls angrily when she sees Kakashi's face. She moves to get a closer look, but Naruto stops her. She gives both men a once over before giving a defeated sigh. "Never mind. It's not you. Sorry to have waisted your time,"
"I'm sorry? I'm a little confused," Kakashi says as he rubs the back of his head.
"You look like his, The White Fang. You must be his son,"
"Yes, you must've forgotten that The White Fang died years ago. Remember? You cried in frustration because you wouldn't be able to get your revenge against him?" Ebizō reminds his sister.
"You're right," she turns towards Kakashi and bows. "I am sorry for the mix up,"
"It's quite alright. You are not the first to mistake me for my father and you won't be the last,"
Sakura clears her throat to capture everyone's attention. "Now that we're done with that, do you mind if I finish?" everyone nods "Since we know what kind of poison we're dealing with, Ino, Hinata and I will need to put together a serum that will remove the poison from his body while also creating an antidote,"
"What do you need us to do?" Baki questions as both he and the medical nin stand at attention.
Hinata writes down a list of ingredients to be collected. She has Ino and Sakura review it before handing it over to the guards. "If you don't mind getting everything on this list, we'll be able to get started," The guards bow before leaving the room.
"In the meantime, my team will follow after Gaara and the Akatsuki members. You ladies seem to have everything under control so I shall leave Kankuro in your capable hands," Kakashi announces.
"Here are the last updates I have from the retrieval team who chased after them once Master Kankuro and Master Shino were retrieved," Baki says as he hands over the paper.
"By the way, where is Shino?" Naruto asks.
"We had to take him out of the room to have his wounds looked at and for him to receive his medicine. He should be back soon. I am sure he'll be happy to see you when return," Baki answers. "He is a piece of clothing taken from one of the Akatsuki members during the fight. Good luck and please return our Kazekage back to us,"
Kakashi summons Pakkun and uses him to track the scent of the Akatsuki members and the direction they're heading in.
"Come on, we don't have any time to lose," Naruto says.
"Wait, I'm coming too," Temari announces.
"No you're not. You stay here and help with Kankuro. I'll go," Shikamaru orders.
"But~"
He cuts her off by pushing their foreheads together, "It'll be fine. We'll be back before you know it. Besides, the girls could possibly use your help. I would hate to have anything happen to you. So, stay here and I'll help retrieve Gaara, ok?" she nods. He gives her a quick kiss on the lips before following the group out of the room.
"Don't worry Gaara, we're coming,"
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A few moments pass before the guards come back with the ingredients. The girls immediately start working on making the serum. When it's done all four girls stand on both sides of the bed along with Baki and the medical nin.
Sakura, Ino, and Hinata all dip their hands into the three bowls of serum, concentrating their chakra to use it to form a large bubble of serum on their hands.
"Alright ladies, we're going to use the serum to extract the most dangerous parts of the poison from his body. Remember to concentrate, let your chakra sink into his body, purge the poison into the serum, let it flow from one end of the bubble to the other, force it to the top and extract it. But, most import, DO NOT break the bubble until we have the poison out of the body. We don't won't it to cause any more damage to him,"
"Right," Ino and Hinata nod.
"As for the rest of you, we're going to need you to make sure that you hold him down. This part of the procedure is not going to be easy. He is going to have more spams as well as try to get up. So, you need to make sure that you're holding him as still as possible,"
"Yes,"
"Alright, let's get started,"
Sakura was the first to start the chain. She uses her chakra to force the serum into his body. Kankuro started to struggle, but everyone was able to hold him as still as possible. Hinata and Ino were next. They did the same, using their chakra to search for the poison. When each one felt the other past along the serum to the other, they managed to collect enough until Ino was able to extract the rest last of that round. When she was done, Ino releases her chakra and the serum into the bowl next to her. The medical nin arrive with new bowls of serum for the three girls to repeat the process all over again. This goes on for about an hour before Ino extracts the last little bit and dumps it into her bowl.
"I think we got most of it," Ino sighs.
Everyone in the room cheers except for Temari who falls against the nearest wall and slides down it. "What a relief,"
"Is he cured then?" Baki asks curiously.
"No, there is still some poison left inside of him, but nothing that a little antidote can't fix. What we managed to do was get him out of immediate danger. I wanted to at least do that before we took the time to come up with the antidote," Sakura explains.
Chiyo watches with curious eyes as Sakura commands everyone in the room while Ino and Hinata does the same in their own mini groups. A slight fury burning within her eyes.
"They remind you of anyone sis?"
"Yes, that old Slug Queen. A very interesting coincidence," Chiyo steps forward to face the three girls. "You three, do you know the Slug Queen, Tsunade?"
"Yes, she is our fifth Hokage," Hinata answers first.
"She is also our sensei. She's been teaching us all she knows, especially Sakura her number one pupil." Ino smiles as she throws an arm around the pink bunny's neck.
"In fact, it was on her orders that we come here for this special situation,"
"I see," Lad Chiyo says as she lowers her head. "Well then, looks like you ladies have everything under control. I need to start getting ready anyway,"
"Ready? Lady Chiyo, you don't mean~"
"Yes, the Kazekage is missing and I'll be damned if I sit back while the Hidden Sand is out shined by that Slug Queen and her ninjas,"
"Forgive me for saying this but you're~" Baki starts
"Retired? Yes I am. So, that means that I am free to do as I please. And besides, it's been ages since I've seen my adorable grandchild. I think a family reunion is in order,"
"Sakura, you should go too," Hinata suggests.
"What? No! We still need to find an antidote and plus Naruto~"
"I know, but they need you more than we do. Hinata and I can make the antidote while you go and help rescue Gaara. They need your strength. Go, we can handle things here," Ino smiles.
"Alright then. Lady Chiyo, I'm ready to head out when you are. And if we hurry, we can catch up to the men before they get too far ahead of us,"
"I'm coming too," Temari speaks up.
"No, you need to stay here. If our enemies find out that the Kazekage is missing, we're going to need you to help protect the village. Besides, I'm sure your brother would like to see at least one of his siblings when he wakes up. Don't worry, we'll be back before you realize it," Chiyo says before turning her back on them.
Sakura gives a light shrug as she follows the woman out of the door. Both were filled with determination; determination of a different variety. Sakura was more so about proving how strong she had become under Tsunade's tutelage; to prove that she wasn't useless and that she was going to help Naruto achieve his goal of bringing Sasuke back. Lady Chiyo on the other hand had her mind more preoccupied with the long-awaited reunion between her and her grandson Sasori. What will be the turn out of the battle? Will she pass on, or will she come out of this on top? Regardless of the outcome, she wasn't going to let the Leaf Village outshine her.
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To Be Continued…