Chapter 12
Heading to the Hidden Sand
Shikamaru and Akina stood in Tsunade's office. Akina had convinced her mom to go out to lunch with her and Shikamaru after she gave a mission to Naruto's new team which was Kakashi and Sakura. Both had fought well with the training with Kakashi and were now a team. Shikamaru and Akina saw Temari off as she left to head home to her brothers. Akina was not surprised that this meeting was not going well. Shikamaru looked ready to fall asleep on his feet.
"Huh! Escort duty on a caravan? Come on." Naruto said. Tsunade didn't look happy. She wanted to spend lunch with her daughter. Tsunade glared at Naruto.
"What, have you got a problem with that?" Tsunade asked. Naruto was not happy. Kakashi and Sakura looked at Naruto.
"Since you're asking, yes!" Naruto said. Akina sighed. "Lousy C-rank mission, it's beneath my dignity."
"This is a drag." Shikamaru grumbled.
"Least we didn't bring Choji." Akina whispered. Iruku sighed as he put a hand to his head.
"Naruto, your skills may have improved. But mentally, you haven't matured as well." Iruku said. Akina snorted, earning a glare from her mother.
"Naruto, I've chosen an easier mission to start with to break you in. You've been gone from us for awhile." Tsunade said.
"Well, who says I want an easier mission?" Naruto said. Sakura put Naruto in a head lock and started to strangle him a bit.
"So, sorry, milady. Let me talk to him. I'm sure I can bring him around." Sakura said.
"I'll help with that." Akina said.
"The details of your mission are here." Tsunade said, pushing a piece of paper out.
"Right." Kakashi said. Naruto glared at Tsunade.
"I miss the Third Hokage. That old man was smart. He knew what he was doing." Naruto said. Akina sighed.
"Huh?" Tsunade said. Akina flinched at her mothers anger. "What did you say?"
"We're probably not going to lunch today." Akina sighed. Shikamaru sighed as Sakura tightened her grip on Naruto's neck, making Naruto's eyes pop.
"Just shut up, will you?" Sakura said. The door flew open.
"Lady Tsunade, terrible news!" A girl said. She quickly ran in. Akina looked towards the woman.
"Now what is it?" Tsunade said.
"Anemergency dispatch from the sand." The lady said.
"The sand?" Akina asked.
"Where is this dispatch?" Tsunade asked. The lady handed the paper over.
"I deciphered it as quickly as I could." The Lady said. Tsunade read it over and Akina noticed the color drain from Tsunade's face.
"What the?" Tsunade said.
"Mom? What is it?" Akina asked. Iruku looked over.
"It can't be." Iruku said.
"No way." Shizune said. Akina and Shikamaru share looks.
"What is it?" Naruto asked.
"What happened?" Shikamaru asked. Tsunade looked at the kids.
"It's the Kazekage of the Sand. It seems he's been taken prisoner by the Akatsuki." Tsunade said. Mushu's eyes opened at the Hokage's words. Akina's eyes looked shocked at her words.
"You mean Gaara. So they're back again." Naruto said.
"We've been studying them. We know more about the Akatsuki than any other village. Therefore, the sand village has officially requested our help.
"You're not suggesting that Team Kakashi." Shizune said.
"This is urgent. I haven't time to form another squad. And besides, we have someone here who's actually fought the Akatsuki." Tsunade said.
"Yes, but even so." Shizune said. Tsunade turned to Akina and Shikamaru.
"Akina. Shikamaru. Can we put a hold on our lunch and would you go with Team Kakashi as back up?" Tsunade asked, looking at her daughter.
"Yes." Akina said.
"This is a drag, but yes." Shikamaru said. Naruto smiled.
"Alright. Team Kakashi, I'm assigning you a new mission with Akina and Shikamaru's help. You're to go to the Sand Village at once. Find out what's going on. And keep us informed. You're to remain there, and follow their orders. Give them any backup they need." Tsunade said.
"Yes, Mam." Everyone said. Akina ran out to head to her room to get ready.
'I don't like this. Why show up now?' Mushu thought. He sighed. He knew what was coming and he suspected why they were going after the Jinchuriki.
Later at the gate. Akina and Shikamaru stood with Team Kakashi. Tsunade stood at the gate to watch them go. She was worried for her daughter, but from the intelegence, the enemy didn't want Akina even though she held the 10 tails dragon in her.
"Ok, let's get moving." Naruto said.
"Be back soon, milady." Sakura said.
"We won't let you down, mom." Akina said.
"Good." Tsunade said. Iruku sighed and looked at Naruto.
"Naruto, good luck." Iruku said.
"Thanks." Naruto said. The Team turns and leaves. Jiraiya jumped in front of them.
"So, off on a mission, Naruto." Jiriaya said.
"Yep." Naruto said.
"Well, good for you. Akina. Your going with?" Jiriaya asked, seeing Akina and Shikamaru with.
"Of course." Akina said with a smile. Jiraiya walked towards Tsunade.
"But more importantly, I've got some disturbing news. The sands Kazekage have been.."
"Yes, I know. I'm dispatching a squad. They're just about to leave." Tsunade said. Jiraiya turned to look at Kakashi's team. Naruto gave him a nod. Jiraiya looked shocked. He whispered something to Tsunade, who glared at him. Jiraiya walked back to Naruto. "Naruto, I want a word with you." Naruto and Jiraiya walked away.
"We're wasting time aren't we?" Shikamaru said.
"Let them talk and we will be heading." Kakashi said. Shikamaru sighed. Jiraiya and Naruto came back and Jiraiya looked at Kakashi.
"I can trust you, right?" Jiraiya asked.
"Right!" Kakashi said. Naruto was walking off and turned around.
"Kakashi Sensei, Sakura, Shikamaru, Akina, come on." Naruto said. Akina smiled. "What are we waiting for?" Naruto called.
"We're coming." Akina called as the friends ran after Naruto and they started walking. Kakashi soon followed. They jump up in the air and started heading for the Hidden Sand.
They were running through the trees.
"I Hope we run into Temari on the way." Akina said.
"She left before we got the word. We'll have to let her know." Shikamaru said.
"Let's hope we didn't miss her." Kakashi said. Naruto was way ahead of them.
"Just hang in there, Garaa." Naruto said.
"Naruto, I know you're in a hurry. But quit breaking formation." Sakura called.
"I know but..." Naruto started.
"Don't lose your cool. Master Jiraiya taught you better than that, didn't he?" Kakashi asked. Naruto glared back. Akina sighed.
"Oh boy." Sakura said. Akina looked down and saw Temari walking down below.
"Temari!" Akina called. Temari turned as Team Kakashi land on the ground behind her. They explained Gaara was taken. Temari looked shocked and worried.
"Gaara, you mean he's been..." Temari started. Akina and Shikamaru nodded. Temari gritted her teeth.
"We're two and half days out from the sand. We should hurry." Kakashi said.
"Right." Temari said. They all jump back in the trees. Akina ran with Temari as Shikamaru ran up with Naruto and Kakashi. Sakura stayed with the girls as they move faster.
It was getting darker as Naruto kept getting further ahead.
"Naruto, will you come on already? Stop getting ahead of us." Akina called.
"I can't take this anymore." Naruto said. Sakura gasped. Akina looked at Naruto. "I know why they're after Gaara and me. It's not like it's a mystery, or anything. You know, too, don't you, Sakura? Akina? I know the damn dragon knows and won't say anything." Mushu kept his eyes closed. Everyone stayed silent. "There's no point hiding it. The spirit of the nine tailed fox is sealed away inside me." Akina lowered her eyes. Naruto grabbed his chest. "Gaara, Akina, and I are the same. We have monsters locked up inside of us. Except for Akina, that's what these bastards are after." Naruto landed on a branch and jumped off. "And that's the worst part about it." Akina knew he was right. "To them, we're just monsters. All those bastards see is the means to an end. Everything about us was exactly the same." Temari gasped. "And he had to fend for himself a lot longer than I ever did." Akina gritted her teeth. "And now he's the target of the Akatsuki, one more thing we have in common. Why should his life be so full of misery all the time? Why is it always him? That's why I've got to hurry. I don't have a second to waste. This time will be different. I'm going to be there to save him."
'He's not wrong there.' Mushu's voice came into Akina's head.
'You know what the Atkatsuki are after or why they want all the Tailed Beasts!" Akina looked up at Mushu. Mushu looked at her. His eyes held the truth. "You do. But you refuse to say anything."
"I have my suspisions. I can't say anything." Mushu said. Akina gritted her teeth. "Only time will tell."
"Well your no help." Akina said jumping off a branch. Akina looked off. "Even though they don't want me. Daku said his boss wanted me. I know how it is to be treated like I was different." Shikamaru looked at her. "Even though the 10 tails chose me. I was looked at like I was a monster. My team was the only ones that accepted me and coming to the Hidden Leaf I more felt welcomed here then I did back home. I appreciated my mom keeping it hidden for a bit before finding out but never got treated as a monster by my friends. But whatever the Akatsuki are planning is not good." Shikamaru nodded. Temari gave a small smile.
They ran through the night and got into the morning. Akina and Shikamaru were running together. Both were whispering. Akina was worried they were running out of time with Gaara. Akina grabbed a food pellet out from her bag and ate it. It gave her a burst of energy. Naruto and Sakura started talking about Saskue. Akina blocked out most of the talking.
They came to a stop that night. Akina sat with her head on Shikamaru's shoulder. She had her eyes closed. Shikamaru had his head on her head as they took a break.
"Alright." Akina opened her eyes to see Kakashi standing up. "Break's times over." Sakura looked around.
"Hey. Kakashi Sensei, where's Naruto?" Sakura said. Shikamaru opened his eyes.
"Right up there." Kakashi said, pointing to the trees. Everyone looked up to see Naruto on a branch looking out at the sand. They were almost there. One more day. Akina landed on the branch to him.
"We're almost there." Akina said.
"Yeah. We need to hurry." Naruto said.
"We'll save Gaara, Naruto and we won't let them take you." Akina said. Naruto smiled at her. He knew she was right. Akina and him stood together looking out. They jumped down and started walking towards the area where the sand started.
"Alright." Naruto said. They all come to a stop. "We've finally reached the desert."
"The village Hidden in the Sand is just up ahead." Temari said. She turned to face everyone. "It's best if I take the lead from here on out." Kakashi nodded.
"Lead on." Kakashi said. Temari took off running with the others following. Akina was feeling anxious. She felt like something was happening but couldn't tell.
'You feel it to, little dragon.' Mushu said.
'It feels like something isn't right. That something is happening to Gaara and I can feel it, but Naruto can't. Mushu. What is it?' Akina asked. Mushu stayed silent. He closed his eyes and felt the husk of his other half sucking the one tails from Gaara. It was the connection with the other 10 tails that he knew what was going on. (AN: I am keeping the other 10 tails in. It'll be more explained as the story goes how the two are connected. Not gonna share everything.) 'Mushu. You better not be hiding more stuff from me or I'll kick your butt.' Akina growled. Shikamaru noticed his girlfriend looking annoyed.
"What's going on?" Shikamaru asked as he slowed down to run with her as she was slowing down..
"Mushu is keeping something from me. I don't like this. I got a feeling something is wrong, but I can't figure out what. I think he knows." Akina said. Shikamaru sighed. "He might not be able to, but still. I hate being left in the dark."
"I'm sure he will when he can." Shikamaru said. Akina gave a nod.
"I'm sure as well." Akina said. She felt something. The wind seemed to get stronger. "You feel that?"
"Yeah. Temari. The wind just picked up." Shikamaru called. Temari stopped and looked around.
"We need to take cover. A sand storm is coming. We don't want to get lost in it." Temari said.
"I saw a cave over there. We can take cover there." Kakashi said. They ran towards the cave as the wind started to get stronger. They sat in the cave as the sand moved around the entrance. The wind was howling.
"We got this close to our target. And we're just sitting here. I can't stand this waiting." Naruto said. He goes to get up, but Kakashi stops him.
"Naruto, for the last time, relax. There's nothing we can do." Kakashi said.
"I know, but.." Naruto started.
"Just be patient. Would you look at Temari? She's the one who's worried the most." Sakura said.
"The cardinal rule of traveling in the desert. If you hit a sandstorm, you stay put. You lose all your sense of direction in a storm like that. I've heard of many people who ended up lost in the desert, and dying of thirst. Don't worry. The sandstorms we get this time of year usually don't last very long." Temari said. Akina got up and walked to the entrance and looked out. Worry still filled her.
"I hope your right." Naruto said.
"Same." Akina said. Mushu didn't seem to reassured.
Soon as the sandstorm stopped they ran towards the gates for the Hidden Sand. Guards were waiting and spotted the group right away. They stopped at front of the guards.
"We've been expecting you." Guard 1 said.
"Lady Temari, you were with them?" Guard 2 said.
"Please this way." Guard 1 said. They quickly follow the guards into the Hidden Sand. They ran through the village and the guard quickly explained that Kankuro was attacked and was fighting poison at the moment. Sakura and Akina gasped and listened in.
'Poison? Maybe its a good thing I came.' Akina thought.
"Wait. You say they've got Kankuro as well?" Temari said.
"Yes. When the enemy took Lord Kazekage, Kankuro went after them by himself. He was poisoned. And we haven't been able to find anything to counteract it. He won't last much longer." Guard 1 said.
"Damnit." Temari said.
"Don't give up yet, Temari. Akina is skilled with Antidotes and I'll try and get the poison out of him." Sakura said. Temari nodded as Akina gave a reassuring smile.
"We'll both take a look at him." Akina said. The guards led them to a room where Kankuro was to find a bunch of people around him.
"Kankuro!" Temari said as she, Akina, and Sakura run into the room. Shikamaru, Naruto, and Kakashi held back to give them space.
"Kankuro!" Naruto said.
"Damn you!" Akina turned to see an old lady charging at Kakashi.
"Huh?" Kakashi asked.
"Get ready to defend yourself or die!" The old lady said. She jumped in the air at Kakashi.
"What the?!" Shikamaru said.
"Revenge at last!" The old lady said. Naruto moved with speed and made a clone of him and stopped her fist. Naruto got a foot in the face and the clone disappeared.
"Shika! Help him." Akina called. Shikamaru used his shadow possesion jutsu to stop her as she landed on the ground. She tried to move, but couldn't.
"What do you think you're doing, attacking Kakashi Sensei like that, you wrinkly old prune?" Naruto and his clone spoke. The old lady looked at Kakashi.
"I haven't forgotten what you did. I've waited for this day White Fang of the Leaf, the day I wreak vengeance on you for what you did to my son.." The Old Lady said.
"White Fang?" Akina asked, looking at Shikamaru. He shrugged.
"No. No. You see, I'm not..." Kakashi said, putting his hands up.
"That's enough talk." The Old Woman said. She goes to move, but Shikamaru still had her, but an Old Man stopped her by stepping in front of her.
"Take a closer look at the man, sis." The Old man said.
"Huh?" The Old Lady looks at Kakashi. Kakashi gives a nervous laugh.
"It's true there's a reseblance. But this one is not the White Fang." The Old Man said. The Old Lady raises an eyebrow as Kakashi waves.
"Hello." Kakashi said.
"Besides as you know, the White Fang of the leaf died long ago. Remember. When you heard the news, you wept in frustration. Because it meant you would never have your vengeance." The Old Man said. The Old Lady didn't seem to relax. "Isn't that so, sis?" There was silence.
"Oh well. Never mind. You can let me go, young boy." The Old Lady said. Shikamaru looked at Kakashi, who nodded. Shikamaru let her go. The Old Lady starts laughing like a crazy lady. Akina rubbed her temple. A yelling comes and Akina quickly looked at Kankuro, who was grabbing at his skin in pain. He was paler then normal.
"Kankuro." His teacher said. Sakura and Akina were on either side of him in a heart beat. Akina had pulled her hair up in a ponytail as Sakura worked on her.
"Here, let me and Akina take a look at him." Sakura said.
"Yes, please." Temari said. Akina looked at everyone.
"Listen, it might help if you all clear out, and give us some room." Akina said.
"You got it, Akina." Naruto said. They all head out.
"Need me for anything?" Shikamaru said.
"No. Just wait with the others." Akina said. Shikamaru headed out. The old lady turned and looked at the two girls, not sure if she trusted them. Sakura looked into Kankuro's eyes and looked into his mouth and went to touch his tongue, making Kankuro jump a bit.
"What are you... Who are you?" A Medical Ninja said.
"Akina and I are a Leaf Village Medical Ninja." Sakura said. Akina leaned down onto Kankuro's chest and listened to his heart. Sakura watched her. Akina stood up and looked at Sakura.
"We're definitely dealing with a heavy metal based toxin, the kind that attacks muscle tissue, destroying the cells integrity." Akina said. The old lady hummed. The other medical ninja looked surprised.
"You were able to learn all of that in one look?" One said.
"May I see his chart?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah. Here it is." One said, holding up a clipboard and handing over a piece of paper. "We were getting a breakdown of the poison." Sakura took the clip board as Akina took the paper. "But there are still quite a few blanks."
"I know just what will happen." Sakura said. Akina was looking over the breakdown of poison as Sakura talked. "The cardiac muscle will be weakened to the point where the heart will collapse, and cease functioning altogether." Akina took the clipboard and looked it over.
"It's doubtful we'll be able to come up with an antidote in time." Akina said, looking over stuff. Her heart felt heavy.
"What are you saying? There's nothing you can do?" Temari asked, panic in her voice.
"I'm going to need a few things and I'll need them quickly." Sakura said. She looked at Akina. "As soon as I get some of the poison out and work on getting the rest out. Can you get to work on an atidote in case we need it for a future fight?"
"I can do that." Akina said.
"Right." The other two said.
"This is going to be pretty crude. But it's the only option we have." Sakura said. Akina went to get the stuff that Sakura wanted. The Old Woman watched the purple hair girl with interest. There was a look on the girls face that reminded her of someone. The girl was focused on her task as she brought the bowl of water and towels for Sakura. Everyone stood around her. Akina came back with another bowl.
"Hold him down, and don't let him move." Sakura said. Temari came over to the head to help. "This part of the procedure is not going to be easy for him." The Medical Ninja and Temari held him. Sakura looked at Akina. "You ready?"
"Ready." Akina said. Shikamaru stood in the doorway watching. He was nervous on how this will end well. Sakura lifted water out of the pot and brought it over his chest. Akina bit her lip as Kankoro nearly jumped off the bed, screaming in pain. "Hold him down!"
"Right." Everyone said. The blood seemed to drain from Temari's face as she watched her brother wither in pain. Akina watched as Sakura closed her eyes and focused. Akina was one that liked to watch what others did and this one was new to her. Sakura pulled the solution off Kankoro and some of the poison came with it.
"What's that? Is that the poison?" Temari asked. Sakura pulled the solution off and looked at it.
"It is." Akina said. Sakura nodded. She dropped the solution in the pan that Akina held.
"Get going. I'll finish the rest. Get me another." Sakura said, looking at the Medical officer. Akina turned to one of the Medical Ninja standing off to the side.
"Where are herbs and stuff for antidotes?" Akina asked.
"I can show you." The Medical officer said. Akina was led out as Kankoro screamed in pain.
Akina sat in a greenhouse near the medical hospital. There was a such wide variety of herbs and stuff in the area. Akina got to work and was engrossed in her work.
Hours in. Shikamaru stood leaning against the door to the greenhouse as she crushed up herbs. Sakura was done and Kankoro was doing better. He needed a break and went to find Akina. She looked focused on her work.
"Who is that young woman?" The old woman asked coming over. "She seems familiar, but I never seen her before."
"That is Akina. She is Lady Tsunade's daughter." Shikamaru said. The old ladies eyes widen as Akina looked up.
"There's enought to make a few antidotes to the poison. There isn't enough of the scurvy grass, but I got enough for a few antidotes." Akina said.
"That's a relief." Shikamaru said, coming over. The old lady came over.
"Your the Slug Queen's daughter?" The Old Lady said. Akina knew of her mothers nickname, but didn't hear it said much around the Hidden Leaf.
"I am. I'm Akina. I'm also the Jinchuriki of the 10 tails Dragon." Akina said.
"I heard Tsunade had a daughter, but thought it was rumor. But I see you got her serious look and her eyes. I'm lady Chiyo. I knew your mother. We were always competing with what antidotes we knew. You seem as skilled as your mother." Chiyo said. Akina blushed. Shikamaru chuckled.
"It's nice to meet you Lady Chiyo. But yes I'm her daughter. I'm also under her training to be a Medical Ninja as well." Chiyo said. Shikamaru left to go check on Kankoro and see what the next plans were as the two ladies talked.
AN: I am changing some stuff up. Till next time.