Hidden Sand Village Meeting Room

There were a bunch of council members present in their seats with a large circular table in the middle. The council members wore long, flowing robes that were earth-toned, like brown or beige. These robes were designed with intricate patterns and embroidery, signifying their elevated rank and status within the village. The robes were of loose-fitting, to allow for freedom of movement. Over their robes, the council members wore a wide sash or belt that was cinched around their waist. This sash was a darker colour, such as black or dark brown, and it serves both as a functional accessory and a symbol of their position. A distinctive feature of the Sand Village council members' attire was their wide-brimmed hat. The hat had a conical shape with a wide, circular brim that extended outwards. These hats were adorned with symbols or decorations that represent the village or their specific council rank. They also wore various accessories like necklaces, rings, or earrings that symbolize their status and authority. The accessories and ornaments were unique to each council member.

Currently, one of the council members seated on his chair next to the table slammed the side of his fist onto the table, causing a bang sound in the process. He did so in disbelief and slight anger, as he scolded, "Now isn't the time to be discussing candidates for a new Kazekage!"

Another member sitting across him folded his arms and said, "But if you think about the worst case scenario, isn't it important to seize the initiative?"

"More importantly, the plan to rescue Lord Kazekage should be the priority!"

"Securing village's safety is what's important. We must not break our limited forces in conditions like this."

"What did you say?!"

Amidst the council's fervent discussion, Baki observed the unfolding dialogue with an air of contemplation. His fingers were interlocked before his chin, elbows propped on the polished wooden table, and his posture leaned forward, mirroring the weight of his thoughts. Dressed in attire akin to the council members, his traditional robe bore the same intricate patterns and subdued earthy tones. Yet, his gaze did not linger on the ornate decor; instead, it was fixed upon the table, his visage etched with concern and tension. His thoughts drifted to his student Gaara, who had been kidnapped by the Akatsuki.

Baki stood up from his seat and walked towards the circular window present near him, before looking outside it for a bit with his hands placed behind his back.

That's when a sand ninja entered the meeting room and reported, "Reporting! An enemy trap has been discovered in the rubble blocking the entrance. We are currently proceeding with its detonation. There have been no casualties."

Baki glanced to his right while shifting his body to the right as well at the ninja who had just informed them about the situation, and the ninja continued, "However, a portion of the entrance collapsed. Due to the effects of the explosion. It seems like it will take an extra half days for repairs."

With his hands still placed behind his back, Baki took a few steps forward towards the table before instructing whilst looking at the ninja, "Got it. Arrange it in a way so that those who are available are dispatched to the repair site immediately."

"Yes, sir!" And with that, the reporting ninja turned around before hurriedly leaving the room with a sense of urgency, as he had been given orders."

Another sand ninja then entered the room and quickly informed, "Sir! Kankuro was found half a day outside the village. Our tracking unit have taken him back. He is unconscious and in serious condition…"

Baki was shocked and concerned at the same time. "Kankuro…" he thought to himself.

That's when yet another sand ninja entered the room hurriedly and informed, "The Leaf Shinobi have somehow already arrived here!"

Baki was shocked. "W-What?! They're here already? Bring them in at once!"

"Yes, sir!"

And with that, Baki followed the ninja who was now leading him towards Naruto and the others.

Emergency Room

In the sterile confines of the emergency room, tension hung heavy in the air like a suffocating mist. Naruto's normally spirited demeanour was subdued, replaced by a sombre expression as he watched Sakura attending to Kankuro. Kakashi stood nearby, his typically impassive gaze betraying a hint of concern as he surveyed the scene.

Goku, unfamiliar with the intricacies of ninja medicine but keenly aware of Kankuro's dire state, couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. His brow furrowed as he observed the poisoned ninja, his heart weighed down by the sight of a fellow warrior in agony. "Man… looks like he's in critical condition…"

After doing some medical check-ups, Sakura looked at the sand's medical team which consisted of two people and requested, "Since we arrived here a lot sooner, it's possible to make an antidote in time. I'll need you all to get me specific items I request."

The sand medical ninjas nodded in unison and pledged their support. "Roger!" they declared, their voices a harmonious echo in the sterile room. And with that, they got to work as Sakura began to instruct them on the exact items to bring.

After the antidote was made, Sakura administered it. Kankuro, laid bare on the metal stretcher, consumed the remedy, his features easing into a semblance of peace as the antidote took effect. With eyes closed, he breathed steadily once more, the tension leaving his body in gradual waves.

Sakura, wearing a serene smile, announced, "His life should no longer be in danger."

Baki, the weight of worry lifting from his shoulders, exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. "Thank goodness," he muttered gratefully.

Naruto, brimming with admiration, chimed in with heartfelt praise. "That was awesome, Sakura!"

As Kankuro slowly blinked his eyes open, his gaze wandered to the ceiling above. A raspy cough escaped his lips as he struggled upright, his senses gradually returning. Surveying his surroundings with a mix of confusion and realization, he muttered a curse under his breath. "Damn it... I lost against that Akatsuki guy..."

Goku, radiating an aura of eager anticipation, approached Kankuro with an infectious grin. "Hey, Kankuro, was it? Where did those strong guys head off to? I want to fight them as soon as possible."

Kankuro looked to his right and wondered, "W-Who are you…?"

"My name's Goku! I am helping Naruto and the others here."

"Naruto…?" Kankuro turned his attention towards Naruto for a moment, before closing his eyes. "I see… It's been a long time, hasn't it, Naruto?"

Kakashi displayed a serious look on his face and asked Kankuro, "Do you know where the Akatsuki ran off to? Which direction?"

Kankuro groaned in pain slightly. "My puppets… have they been recovered?"

One of the medical sand ninjas informed, "Yes, we kept it there on the table."

Kankuro looked towards a table that was present in the room and saw his puppets intact for the most part. He then noticed a black cloth in one of the puppet's hand and said, "I managed to get a fabric piece from one of the Akatsuki members I had fought. If we have a ninja who can track its smell, we can find him."

Kakashi nodded. "Leave it to me." He then walked over to the puppet, before crouching and taking the fabric. He then stood up, delivered a series of hand seals, before slamming his right palm onto the ground, "Summoning Jutsu!"

A white cloud of smoke appeared. Once the smoke faded away, it revealed eight ninja dogs.

Naruto was surprised, as he stared at the small dog in the middle. "Pakkun! It's been such a long time, you look the same!"

Pakkun looked at Naruto. "You haven't changed either."

"What do you mean? I have grown a bit taller."

"Enough chit chat. Let's get to work." Kakashi insisted. And with that, he handed the fabric over to the pack of dogs, before they started sniffing it.

"Alright! I'll find the way they went and get back to you!" and with that, all the eight dogs headed outside the room and after the scent.

Kakashi turned towards Goku and said, "Once Pakkun and the others tracks their location, we will use your speed to get there in an instant."

Goku smirked confidently. "Alright… I can't wait to fight these guys!"

"A-Again?!" Naruto shivered a bit as he began to remember how he had to deal with Goku's speed from before.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

"W-Wait wha—" Naruto was interrupted when Goku suddenly sped off like a rocket, heading straight towards the Sand Village.

"AHHHHHHHH!" Naruto screamed for his life as his mouth flapped open due to the force of the wind brushing against his face. The speed of Goku's flight was too much!

After roughly ten seconds of zooming past various landscapes, Goku quickly spotted a village as big as Konoha perched in the middle of a desert. Upon spotting it, he slowed down before stopping in mid-air. Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi were disoriented. They had almost lost their grip onto Goku in the process. However, in the end, they were able to make it. Apparently, thanks to Goku's incredible speed, they were able to reach the sand village in just roughly ten seconds! Kakashi hyperventilated as Goku quickly descended onto the desert below him, his shoes touching the sand. With that, Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi let go off Goku and fell onto the sand back first, panting heavily.

"D-Didn't I tell you to slow down…?" Naruto was exhausted, as he slowly got back to his feet.

Sakura staggered back to her feet as Kakashi did the same and helped Sakura to stand up. Goku chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head, and apologized, "Sorry… I should have been much slower."

FLASHBACK ENDS

"Naruto…" Kakashi said. "This is an urgent situation, so we have no choice."

Naruto displayed a serious look on his face. "Yeah… you're right…" as he began to remember about Gaara and the dire situation his friend was in.

Kankuro looked at Baki and informed, "Sasori… of the red sand… it's him…"

Baki widened his eyes in shock. "W-What?!

Later – With Pakkun

Pakkun was sprinting across the desert, his nose finely attuned to the distinctive scent of the Akatsuki. As he advanced, two figures materialized in the distance. Noticing them, the ninja dog's pace faltered, his expression turning to one of alarm. There, unmistakably, were two members of the Akatsuki, heading forward, and in their grasp was Gaara. "There they are...! Any closer, and I'll be caught," Pakkun realized. With caution, he turned around, deciding it was better to retreat and report back to Kakashi. Then, he bolted back the way he had come.

Later – With Naruto and the others

"Hey, so when is that dog going to come back?" Goku wondered. "I can't wait to fight these Akatsuki guys!"

Kakashi pondered for a moment before answering, "He would have found them by now, is my gut feeling. Since we already have their scent, we will know the general direction they're heading. And with your speed and flight, Goku, we can reach them instantly." He turned around and took a few steps forward, before using the summoning jutsu to re-summon Pakkun. The dog reappeared in a white puff of smoke in the process. The white smoke faded away, revealing the ninja dog. Pakkun sighed with relief. "It's a good thing you summoned me here, Kakashi. I found the general direction of where the Akatsuki are headed."

Kakashi nodded with a serious look on his face. "Alright, please show us. We have Goku here, who will take us to the Akatsuki in an instant. All we need is their general direction."

"Right." Pakkun nodded. "Follow me." And with that, the dog turned around, before running out of the room. Naruto and the others decided to quickly follow Pakkun. Baki stared after the group and said, "Please do bring Gaara back safely!"

Outside – With Naruto and the others

Kakashi glanced at Goku and informed, "Alright… You need to find two individuals wearing black cloaks with red clouds as a design on it. Think you can manage that?"

Goku nodded with a serious look on his face. "Yeah… Red clouds? Got it." He then looked at Pakkun and asked, "So, which direction did they go to?"

Pakkun stared at the distance ahead and said, "That way. I heard from Kakashi that you have some sort of technique that can make you reach their location fast. Hope this works."

Goku smiled. "Not actually a technique, just speed."

Pakkun was baffled. "Speed?"

Kakashi glanced at Pakkun and said, "Thank you. That's enough for today, we'll handle the rest."

Pakkun nodded. "Alright. Take care, Kakashi. This is the Akatsuki after all…" and with that, he disappeared in a puff of white smoke.

Kakashi then looked at Goku and nodded with a serious look on his face. "Alright, let's go."

"Let's save Gaara! He needs our help." Naruto stated with a determined look on his face.

"Alright. No need of holding onto me this time. Once I find the Akatsuki, I'll come back and grab all of you, before heading back there again before you know it!" Goku said.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Naruto was baffled.

Goku smirked. "You'll see!" he then looked ahead at the distance ahead of him where Pakkun had pointed earlier, before taking a deep breath. After exhaling, he then zoomed forward in an instant. The others hadn't even realized that he had zoomed forward, considering that Goku's speed was much faster than the speed of light itself. Not even a second passed by, and Goku managed to find two members adorning black robes with red clouds on them as a design. Realizing that those were the two individuals, Goku then instantly headed back to Naruto and the others, before grabbing them one by one and placing them around twenty feet away from the Akatsuki members. Once he had shifted everyone to the two enemies' location, he stood still on the sand and stared at the Akatsuki with a serious look on his face. "So you guys must be the Akatsuki?"

Deidara and Sasori widened their eyes in shock, and turned around to face the voice. Sasori studied Goku's appearance and build for a moment before saying, "Looks like we were followed…"

Deidara's shocked expression turned to amusement. "And who are you? You don't seem to be wearing a headband. Although…" he then looked at Naruto and the others, who were currently heavily drowsy due to the sudden movements of being transported near the Akatsuki. "I can see leaf ninja here."

Deidara is characterized by his long blond hair, often tied in a ponytail, and striking blue eyes. His most distinctive feature is the mouths he has on each palm, which he uses to mold his clay into various forms of explosives, central to his combat techniques. He typically wears a long-sleeved, loose-fitting black shirt with a red cloud pattern, which is the symbol of the Akatsuki, the criminal organization he is part of. His attire is completed with a utility belt that holds his clay, and he wears a headband that signifies his rogue ninja status from the Village Hidden in the Stones.

Sasori, also known as "Sasori of the Red Sand," appears in what is referred to as his "Hiruko" armor. This armor is a puppet shell that conceals his actual body, enhancing both his mystique and defensive capabilities. The Hiruko armor resembles a large, tailed scorpion with a predominantly sandy brown color interspersed with segments of red and gold. The armor has a built-in tail that serves as both a weapon and a defense mechanism. Sasori's face is visible only from the chest upwards within the puppet, and it features narrow eyes and red hair, which hints at his true form beneath the puppetry.

Goku looked at Naruto and the others and chuckled nervously. "Oh… Maybe I was too fast…"

Naruto quickly shook off his drowsiness and noticed the Akatsuki around twenty feet in front of him. That's when his eyes turned red, and gained slit like pupils.

Goku was surprised as he noticed the change in Naruto's eyes. "What the…? Naruto's Ki just increased! Is that some kind of transformation?"

Naruto noticed Gaara in Deidara's grasp. Specifically, there was a white large bird made of explosive clay, that was holding Gaara with its clay feathers. That bird was behind Gaara. One could only assume that the large bird belonged to the Akatsuki.

Kakashi displayed a serious look on his face as he took out his Kunai and lifted his headband up, revealing his Sharingan. And Sakura clenched her fist in front of her chest, ready to get into battle.

Sasori scoffed. "They managed to somehow sneak up on us. Oh well, no wonder. Good news for us. We have the nine tailed Jinchuriki here as well."

Deidara scoffed as well. "Hm…" he then returned his attention back at Goku and the others and asked, "So tell me… How did you find us?"

"Like as if we'd answer that!" Sakura said with a scowl on her face.

"GIVE GAARA BACK!" Naruto suddenly charged towards the Akatsuki.

"Naruto! Wait!" Kakashi reached his hand out towards Naruto.

"HAAAAAA!" Naruto shouted, before jumping in the air. He then reeled his fist backwards ijn mid-air, aiming to land a blow on Deidara. However… he suddenly noticed a miniature white clay explosive bird near his hand. He was baffled at first. But then, the it exploded, hitting Naruto in the process, and sending the ninja slamming towards the sand near Kakashi.

"Naruto!" Kakashi rushed to Naruto's aid.

Sakura was shocked. "What was that just now?"

Deidara smirked. "Too easy… You charged at me recklessly and didn't see my explosive."

Naruto shot back to his feet, not too harmed in the process thanks to the Kyuubi's enhanced power, which surprised Deidara a bit. However, before he could say anything more,. Goku took a few steps forward before shifting into his battle stance, confusing Deidara in the process.

The blond-haired Akatsuki member was perplexed at first, but then chuckled. "You want to fight me?"

Goku smirked confidently. "Yeah! I heard you guys were something else. Let's see what you're made of."

Sasori sighed. "Normally, it would be your turn to take care of these guys while I take the Jinchuriki with me, but… There are too many of them. These leaf ninjas are not to be underestimated. It's better I assist you."

"Hm… As much as I hate to admit it, you're right about this one." Deidara admitted.

Goku vs two members of the Akatsuki. How will this battle end up? FIND OUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER

To be continued...