New Beginnings. Part 2. Chapter 1.

After everything had calmed down and Sakura had gotten Kankuro’s condition under control, she was analyzing the poison she had pushed out of his body. Some chakra and water and herbs was all she needed. She had figured out what the poison did for the most part and she figured she could come up with and antidote now that the danger for the most part had passed. Of course Sasuke was never to far from where she was. A silent protector, their relationship was not like Naruto’s and Hinata’s. They were not showy about it, but most knew by the way they looked at each other that they cared a great deal for one another. Sakura had gave up on her fangirl stuff along time ago after the Land of Waves. She had caught his eye, by training and hard work. She was now walking alongside the man she loved, not a burden or something he needed to protect. But to call her weak or fragile was to be blind to who she was. She was never those things. She may have acted like it, but she wasn’t.

She stood up from the stool she had been setting at, stretched and rubbed her eyes then picked up the clipboard she had been writing stuff down on and made to leave. “I see the Tsunade trained you well.” Came the voice of Lady Chiyo. “Yes, I would like to think she did. How did you know?” She asked. “Please, She and I have battled it out for years. I would come up with a new poison and she would find an antidote within weeks of its use. Sometime meir days after. I can tell her hand in your training.” They walked along the hall being shadowed by the Uchiha. “He seems very protective of you.” Chiyo said leading her to the greenhouse where medical herbs were grown. “Well considering we are teammates and a bit more.” Sakura let it end there. Love between teammates never ended well. But they were determined to make it work.

In another part of the hospital a blond Konoha Shinobi sets guard over the sleeping from of Ookami. Her long blond hair loss and part of it was covering her beautiful face. She like him healed faster than most. Also like him she had a secret that only a few knew. She was a shapeshifter. Her other form was that of a large white wolf. And in that form you had better hope she was on your side. It was part of the reason that they got along as well as they did. Both were for the most part different than others. They were looked at differently. His eyes closed he knew two people were at the door. “Nata. Kakashi Sensei you can come in.” He told them. Hinata was there out of concern. For both Ookami and Naruto. She knew how important she was to Naruto and to Gaara as well. She had nothing to fear though. She knew who Naruto’s heart belong to and she had also come to care for Ookami as a close friend. “How is she?” Hinata asked him. “She cried herself asleep a few hours ago.” From his tone, she could hear the anger that was still boiling in Naruto. As soon as they knew when and where to go, he would bring that fury down on those that taken his friend and brother with all the power he held. Which was a lot. “I know how she feels. When Itachi had taken you right front of me. I panicked, I thought I had lost you just when thing were going so well.” Naruto remembered that day. He had vowed it would never happen again, of course there was always a chance that it would.

Both lost in thought they barely hear Ookami start to wake up. “Hey Foxy, Hina.” She sat up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Didn’t mean to wake you.” Hinata told her. “It’s ok. I wanted to talk to you anyway.” She looked over at Naruto. “Foxy, think you can let us girls have some time alone. You know girl talk.” Naruto nodded and got up from the chair he was in. “Nata knows how to get ahold of me if anything is wrong. I’ll be here in a flash.” He told them.

As he and Kakashi left. “So, she's from the Howling Wolf Village?” His sensei asked. “Yes she is. And before you ask yes she can, and when she does, hope that she is your friend, cause if she isn’t..” He let the last part hang. Kakashi had heard the rumors of her village. “You realize it might be impossible to keep her here. I am surprised she hasn’t gone off on her own.” He added. “She’s not stupid. She may be a bit of a hot head like me, but she isn’t stupid. And yes she will want to go with us, as I am shure Temari and Kankuro will as well.” They continued on down the hallway. Kakashi tells Naruto that he had sent his hounds out after the scent that Kankuro had brought back with him.

Back in the room Hinata’s eyes widened. “I mean it Hina. I am going with you and I want that blond bastard that took Gaara.” The calm of her voice was unnerving to say the least. “I understand. But careful, Naruto or Gaara either one would forgive you if you put yourself in needless danger.” Hinata told her. “They will. I am not worried about that. They are both big softies when it comes to the people they care about most.” Hinata knew she was right.

The following day.

Everyone had gotten as much rest as they could. Sakura had slept a few hours after she had made and given the antidote to Kankuro. She would be ready to go when Pakun showed up with the location they needed. As they readied themselves, Temari and a few other Suna nin came up to them. “Temari. What can we do for you?” Kakashi asked. “We would like to formally request to accompany you on the mission to save my brother the Kazekage.” Her formal tone couldn’t be missed, but it was hiding the sound of desperation. “Sorry. I have a couple emotionally compromised ninja to deal with already I don’t need more.” As they were about to protest, he held up a hand to stop them. “Besides, your village will need you here. You and Kankuro are important figures here, you set the example for the other shinobi under you.” There was sense to what he said, but this was her little brother they were talking about. “I understand that. But…” Baki landed with Lord Ebizo. “Kakashi is right. We need you here. As a matter a fact you and Kankuro are heading out as soon as he is ready for the border. We can not look weak after all.” Baki told her. “This is the will of Council of Clans.” Lord Ebizo added. Temari was about to argue the point again. “Don’t worry Temari. Suna will be represented on this mission.” She looked over to see Ookami in her battle gear. It was a sleeveless dark purple jumpsuit style outfit, ( the bottom half was shorts.) but the top was open. Under that she wore a lighter purple tube top and black nin boots similar to Sakura’s. Her shuriken holster was on her left leg with medical tape and she had a full sized pouch also like Sakura carried. (Minus the sealing scroll that was a Konoha 14 special.) Needles to say Kiba was the one that didn’t keep his hormones in check and which earned him a elbow to the stomach from Hinata and killing intent coming from the other women there. Naruto’s eyes became red with the black slits that showed he and the demon he held were not happy at his comment. Ookami placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look told him she would handle it. He walked up to Kiba. Kneeling down to pet Akamaru. She told him that he should keep his pet on better leash, in perfect Canine speech. She then looked up at Kiba, her violet eyes glowing and her eye teeth became longer and sharp as she growled. The little bit a killing intent that she gave off was as strong as warning as he had felt from Naruto. Lady Chiyo landed having missed the display. “I will be coming with you as well. If my grandson is there I should at least say Hi to him.” She gave them a sweet smile that promised the pain she would be giving out should she face Sasori in combat.

They soon left and headed to the location Pacun had told them about. Team Eight was further ahead of the rest because of their tracking abilities. Naruto also had Shadow Clones further out and surrounding them as they moved. Ookami stayed close to Naruto, while Sakura was with Chiyo and Seto. Between Team Eight and medics and seal master, were Kakashi and Kurenai, with Yamato, Sasuke, Sai and Haku were the rear guard. “You think it is wise to bring her long?” Sai’s head motioning toward Ookami. “If what Hinata said was true, it is better she is here with us then a loose cannon in a fight.” Yamoto told him. Knowing she was here was better than her showing up and throwing a wrench in the works. “She’ll be fine.” Sasuke chimed in.”I have seen that look before, and I almost feel sorry for whoever that anger is directed at.” He added. The look he was referring to was the one he saw in the mirror sometimes after he visited his father’s grave with his mother. Of course he was not completely in revenge mood all the time. He had people he cared about and a village to protect. They carried on for most of the day until they decided to stop for a quick rest to regain their strength.

Naruto was setting at the base of a tree. His eyes closed, he was in his mindscape. “ You know, that old toad was right. Learning the Sage arts has helped you calm your mind a little.” Kurama told him. Naruto kept his focus on meditating. He could sense the worry and anxiety of some of those around him. The weird part was he wasn’t using Sage mode. This was coming from something else. “I see you figured that out. How you are feeling the worry of those around you is one of the other abilities you get from me. It is called Negative Emotion Sensing.” Naruto didn’t need any explanation about the ability. The name explained it all. His eyes snapped open when he heard three growls. He could sense a large amount of malice headed straight for them. Naruto quickly made a shadow clone and sent it to warn the others. He summoned his sias and readied himself.

He barely got is sais up to block Kisame’s attack. Activating Sage mode to boost his strength. “My, my brat. You have improved a lot since our last meeting.” Naruto looked up at his attacker. “Hey fish face. Where’s your boyfriend? Or are you single these days? I ask for a friend of mine. Pale skin, likes giving people strange nicknames. You might like him.” “Oh you wound me. Your Master isn’t here to bail you not his time.” Kisame was bearing down on Samehada, causing the ground under Naruto to cave in a bit. “Hey, Have you met my Teammate? She is a huge fan of sushi.” He disappeared in a flash of yellow light, a sealing matrix spread over Samehada. After Naruto teleported away, a pink and red missile landed, making a large crater in the ground. “Oh, pooh Naruto. I hate shark.” The grin that Sakura had on her face would have made most predators run scared. “Fish jokes? Come on, like I haven’t heard them all.” Kisame said with a frown. “I wouldn’t worry about that sword of his. I sealed it, It is nothing but a fancy club.” Naruto said from up in a tree a few feet away. Kisame looked at his sword. “Man, you have gotten good brat. This is going to be fun.” About that time wood sprung up from the ground and grabbed Kisame’s arms and legs holding him place. Naruto and Sakura smiled. “Backup is here I see.” About that time Hinata ran up with Ookami and a large black fox with silver on the tips of his tail and ears. “Kitsu! Been awhile.” Naruto told the fox. “Lord Naruto, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?” The fox asked him. “Now is not the time. I am going to need you to cover me, cause what I am going to do is going put me down for a bit.” He tossed out four tri-pronged kunai. Channeling wind chakra into his sais and disappeared in a flash of yellow light. Five more flashes and Kisame had two large slash's on his back and front. He clasped into Hinata’s arms. He looked at her. “Flying Thunder God level three, Flash step.” With that he passed out.

Back at the camp.
“Itachi! You are not getting Naruto!” Sasuke lashed out with his katana. Lighting chakra that he pumped into it was flashing. “I she mother has taught you well. I have no time for you little brother.” Itachi said in his usual cold manner. He flashed through hand signs. “Fire Style! Fireball Jutsu!” The large fireball flew from Itachi’s mouth. Sasuke and Kakashi noticed that there was something different about the attack. “Hidden Beetle Sphere!” Shino sent his insects out after Itachi as Kiba and Akamaru attacked. “Fang Over Fang!” The two spinning masses of claws and teeth hit home. And the insects surrounded Itachi and moved in. He disappeared into a flock of ravens. He reappeared about twenty feet away. “Ice Style! Demonic Ice Mirrors!” Haku’s jutsu had Itachi trapped or so he hoped. “Watch it Haku! Don’t look into his eyes!” Kakashi told him. Haku knew this sparring with Sasuke enough through the years. Appearing in one of the mirrors. He began his attacks. Senbon needles flew from different mirrors or appeared to with the speed that the ice user was moving. To anyone with a Sharingan he seem to be moving slower. Itachi was still pressed to deflect the attacks. “I see your pattern.” Itachi told him as he clotheslined the ice user as he went by. He recovered somewhat and flashed through hand signs. The mirrors shattered and flew at his opponent. “Ice Style! Deadly Ice Needles!” Even someone with Itachi’s speed and abilities, this attack came from all sides with no way to avoid all of it. Well unless you are Haku who had a way out, he stepped into and ice mirror as the attack landed. Reappearing next to Kakashi, he went down on one knee holding his throat. “That sucked.” His voice was horse from hit he took. Itachi was still standing, panting and out of breath, he took a lot of damage. The sound of birds chirping, and Sasuke was a blur of movement. His hand burst through Itachi’s chest and out his back. “You are not my brother.” He told the man that fell before him. “I am going to check on the others, we are done here.” He Body Flickered away.

“Man, even in Sage Mode it happens.” Naruto groaned out. His head resting in Hinata’s lap while Sakura was checking him over. Sasuke appeared next to them. He looked down at him. “What happened to him?” He asked. “Teleportation Sickness.” Sakura told him. “Apparently, if he uses the Flying Thunder God too much and in quick succession, he passes out and has dizzy spells.” Sasuke smirked. “Guess it needs more work. Might want to avoid using it like that in battle, could get you killed.” He looked over at what was left of the other attacker. Naruto rolled his eyes. “Ya, ya.You get yours?” Sasuke still looking at the attacker or what was left of them. “Ya. It wasn’t Itachi.”

Yamoto walked back over to them. “It must be some kind of Jutsu that allows the caster to sacrifice part of their chakra to create a advanced transformation. They looked and acted like Kisame and Itachi. They weren’t as strong though.” Ookami walked up with Kitsu. “He smells different now. He is definitely a Sand nin.” Kitsu looked at Hinata. “I will be heading back now, if there is nothing else Lady Hinata.” Hinata smiled. “Thank you Kitsu. I thank you for your service.” With that the fox disappeared. As they collected themselves from the battle it was figured out that one of the nin that one of the Sand nin that had been one of the council member Yura. He had disappeared after Gaara was taken.

They arrived at their destination. In front of them was a large boulder with a seal on it that read Danger. Naruto was studying the seal when a light bulb popped on in his head. The smile was noticed by everyone. “So you noticed that as well?” Seto asked. “Hehe! Yep. Hinata could you use your Byakugan, and tell me if you see four other sealing tags similar to this one?” She shook her head and activated her eyes. She told them that she found them and their locations. , “So we need to remove them and this one, and we are in?” Asked Kiba. Naruto just smiled and pulled out a sealing tag. “Normally yes, but I am willing to bet that they are trapped somehow and we don’t have that kind of time.” He flipped the tag at the seal on the boulder, channeling chakra into it and flip through hand signs. The tag glowed and then the seal glowed and vanished. He looked over at Sakura. “Ladies first.” She smiled and cracked her knuckles. “When the door is opened, we go in button hook formation.” Kakashi added. Sakura charged at the boulder fist ready. “CHA!!!” she yelled as her fist contacted with the boulder,and it crumbled. They quickly jumped in and saw that they were too late. Gaara the Kazekage was dead. His body lay in between the hands of a huge statue’s hands. Two real and seven images of ninja standing on it’s figures as two howls of rage were heard echoing through the cave.