37 Chapter 2: Rituals and Visions 1/2

Hi guys and gals! Sorry for the delay, I know I said Wednesday. COVID-19 has work going crazy. We're operating on a skeleton crew now so we had to work out taking over essential duties from people. Oh and then my laptop pooped out last week and my replacement was supposed to arrive last Sunday… Long story short I had to go pick it up myself because eff USPS and I just got it yesterday.

Rescue Gaara arc, like wave, is a single chapter. I ain't about some drug out battles. We get to see glimpses of how everyone here as improved. Hopefully we aren't disappointing. I felt that the Sasori battle was fun, but it was so DBZ. How many episodes was Chiyo's old ass and Sakura fighting Sasori while Naruto just chased Deidara and Kakashi took 5 episodes to charge Kamui? Annoying.

Poll is up to vote for Kenta's Mancrush list! Each person gets FIVE VOTES! So use em all! If you have a suggestion to add let me know!

Also, Lul to everyone hating Ao.

Chapter 2 Part 2 begin!

The steady rhythm of feet striking the soft sand was the only sounds that could be heard. We had crossed into the desert just a few hours prior. Kakashi was setting a brutal pace, but not so hard that we'd be useless in a fight if it broke out at any moment. At standard Chunin pace, the travel time on foot was roughly 60 hours. We had been traveling now for a day and a half. At this pace, we should see Suna either as the sun set, or within a few hours upon waking, or to put it bluntly, in half that time.

No one was complaining though, at least out loud. I had whined in my head for the last 6 hours about the heat, but I didn't want to set anyone over the edge. The atmosphere had been tense since we left. The only conversations had been short and clipped and business related only. I was getting damn sick of this monotonous trip, time to stir the pot.

"Naruto!" I called out.

The boy had been unusually quiet since we left. I couldn't blame him, Jinchuriki we a kindred bunch, no matter where they were born or raised. Each shared a burden that only another Jinchuriki could even hope to comprehend. He turned towards me slightly and quirked an eyebrow.

"What's up, Kenta?" He asked.

"I forgot to tell you, Ami and I got promoted. We outrank you, Chunin." I smirked at the boy, mission accomplished. He stumbled for a moment before finding his footing.

"You WHAT?! When? How?" He shouted over the dull roar of the biting desert winds.

"A week before you came home. We were suspended from ANBU until the Akatsuki threat is dealt with. Ami was promoted to Special Jonin, I was promoted to Jonin. Tonight at camp, I'm going to make you do my chores and there's nothing you can do about it." I sneered.

"WHAT?! That's an abuse of power! I won't do it. You're not even Captain of this mission. You're not even co-captain! Don't try and pull that shit on me, you long haired giant!" He yelled defiantly.

The morose mood surrounding our party seemed to vanish, finally. Everyone was laughing at Naruto's outburst and smiles were once again the normal instead of worried frowns.

"Mah. Details. I still outrank you. I'll make you wash my underwear one of these days when you're put under my command." I said evilly.

"You wouldn't dare! No one is that cruel!" Naruto said in disbelief.

"Actually he would. He once made Bull wash ALL his underwear one time for embarrassing him in front of Commander Bear. Then he made him run the Hokage Mountain 100 times. Kenta is a slave driver when he's captain!" Ami called out.

Naruto's mouth opened and closed a few times, searching for the right words. "You're sick! You're nasty! If you made me do that, I'd defriend you! You'd lost best friend status, you jerk! Wait! If you're a Jonin, that means you outrank Captain Genma?!" Naruto's abrupt change of subject made me forget the retort that was on my lips.

"Nah. That old monkey forced me to train with him for a year while you were gone and I ended up having to take the full promotion." Genma supplied dully. This was news to me.

"Congrats, Cpt Genma!" Ami and I called together. He flipped us the bird.

"Got your S-Rank too, from what the birdies tell me." Kakashi's bored drawl suddenly spoke up. "How'd you manage that?"

Genma's dour mood turned downright depressing. "Apparently, taking out an entire clan with a single attack is enough to get you the title. No offense, Kenta, but S-Ranks are handed out like candy nowadays!"

I stared and my captain, gob smacked. "Ok, back it up. You took out an entire clan by yourself? With a single technique. Also, Dad already told me that. He said the best way to judge a ninja in the bingo book is by any added warnings to their entry."

Genam nodded glumly. "Old Man Third worked with me and had me develop a personal 'Fire Release Technique' that's supposedly A-Rank, maybe S-Rank in power. It was the Fuma clan. A large portion of them rebelled and became involved in the underworld as well as Orochimaru."

"The Fuma Clan?" Neji spoke up. "That's impressive, Cpt Genma. I understand that they weren't nearly as powerful as their ancestors, but they weren't pushovers either. I wonder if Father and Uncle know about this. A member of their clan was betrothed to one of the main branch elder's daughters."

"What's the name of your technique, Cpt Genma? And can you teach it to me?!" Ami's eyes blazed with awe and determination.

Genma rubbed his head sheepishly. "I can try. It's called "Fire Release: I'm not telling you what it is so too bad technque." He then thought for a moment. "You've completed and mastered the last stage of fire manipulation?"

Ami nodded enthusiastically. "I did. Two years ago."

"I'll give it a shot sometime. Be ready, it requires a lot of chakra."

"So what's it like being S-Rank?! Do you get lots of cool missions now? Are you my competition for Hokage?!" Naruto's eyes narrowed dangerously at the man with that thought.

Genma gave Naruto a flat stare. "Kid, I'll go missing ninja before I put that damn hat on. I don't even like to do my own bills. Why would I want all that extra work?"

Naruto relented a bit, but still eyes the man dubiously. "Ok. I'll accept that for now. Answer the first part."

Cpt Genma nodded, and then began to tear up. "It's AWFUL! My sweet little students, the second you become listed as S-Rank it seems that people only see you as a pay day! I've been hunted down by bounty hunters on four separate missions now!" He got serious then. "Most are complete trash and think S-Rank is just a joke title, however, I recently escaped from one of the most famous bounty hunters in the elemental nations. He's dangerous. An S-Rank missing Ninja himself. If I didn't have Aoba and Raido with me at the time, I would most likely be dead. He's the real deal."

"What's his name?" Choji finally piped in, looking nervous.

"Kakuzu of Taki. There's rumors that he's immortal, and it seems more likely to be true. He attempted to assassinate the First Hokage and failed. He went missing soon after that." Genma replied.

I stopped listening after Kakuzu. My vision swam and went black.

A tall man with green eyes and bloodshot sclera. Monstrosities breaking away from his back. Masked horrors stalking forward ominously.

A grey haired man, standing in a ritual circle. He licks the blood of his scythe and transforms into a demon. He stabs his own heart and laughs in zealous glee, offering his prayers to his god.

Asuma, light fading from his eyes as Team 10 surrounds him in tears. The last cigarette falling from his cooling lips.

Shikamaru, swearing his vengeance. The cold glint of murder in his eyes.

I gasped as my face hit the sand. I coughed and sputtered, taking the proffered canteen in thanks.

"Kenta? What happened?" Fú asked in concern. Her warm orange eyes boring into my teal eyes, hands ignited in a cool green color.

Cpt Genma gave me a look. He knew what happened. "Nothing. I zoned out for a second and then lost my footing. Nothing wrong." I lied smoothly, giving a small nod to my captain and Kakashi.

Everyone continued to stare at me in concern. I pushed myself up and brushed my pants off. Fú pulling her hands away, not finding anything wrong with me. Of course not, I was healthy as an Ox!

"Come on, we don't have time to dawdle," I said as I began the trek to Suna. Everyone quickly falling back into step.

The cloud of apprehension was hanging over our group once more. This wouldn't do.

"AMI AND SHINO ARE DATING!" I screamed out and increased my speed, laughing at the waves of bloodlust being directed at me.

"WHAT?!" Naruto screamed out even louder.

************************************KY***********************************************

We ended up reaching the passageway to Suna an hour before the sun completely set. We approached the narrow passageway that had been carved out between the two mountains. My analytical mind noticing how defensive this position would be to hold against an invading army. We had to walk two by two, some of the smaller members could squeeze in 3 to a row. Well placed earthen walls and barriers would filter the victims even further. Whatever Cpt Genma's new technique did, I could see an army being led falsely into a narrow passage like this, and then unleashing fiery hell upon the invaders. I shivered at the thought.

We hadn't made it within 20m of the entrance when two fully geared out Shinobi landed in front of us.

"Halt! Unless you have reason to be here, Suna is not allowing any travelers into the village. Even allied shinobi." The older Shinobi on our left stated in a confident tone. I stretched my senses. Near 50 invisible bodies had us surrounded. Not bad, Suna. That new training program we sent them seemed to be paying off.

Kakashi stepped forward, hands slowly reaching into his pouch and slowly removing all the documents inside them.

"We are the team your council requested in regards to Lord Kazekage. One of our brightest medics and two of our most leading experts of poisons are with us to help with the treatment of Lord Kankuro. We're also an elite group dedicated to the tracking and elimination of Akatsuki. We will help with Lord Kankuro and then leave at first light." Kakashi reported in a loud, clear voice. His usual lackadaisical demeanor gone.

The guard on our left nodded and motioned for his companion to check the documents. His eyes quickly scanned the documents including our mission scroll, signed by Lord Fifth as well as the Suna Council. He handed them back to his superior, verifying their authenticity. Both mean relaxed immediately and the 50 signatures returned to their original post. Sneaky sand monkeys they were.

"Forgive my rude behavior, but times are strained here as you can imagine. Pakan will escort your medics and poison experts to the hospital. Kakashi Hatake and Genma Shiranui will follow me to the administration building. The rest may wait either at the hospital or outside the meeting hall." With that he turned on his heels and marched the two senior Jonin into the village at a brisk pace. The rest of us stayed behind with Pakan.

The young mind smiled at us. "As Cpt Doron said, my name is Pakan. Please, follow me to the hospital. I'm sure the medics will be most grateful for any help that they can get. Lord Kazekage is kidnapped, and Lord Kankuro is severely injured. Losing one is tragic, losing both could cripple our morale. Come, please." His slightly high pitched voice instructed. We did as asked and made our way quickly to the hospital. I barely had time to look around, but it didn't matter. The sun was nearly set and the city mostly dark.

**************************Go, Go Team Poison! Sasori aint' sheet***************************

"What are we working with here?" Fú demanded as she stormed into the room Kankuro was being kept in. The long, flowing hair she had been growing out was pulled up into a high ponytail, reminiscent of the traditional style of my clan.

"Who the hell are you? You can't just barge in here and demand answers. Lord Kankuro is in a precarious position." An elderly looking medic scolded.

Fú pinned her with a glare. "My name is Fú, apprentice to Shizune Kato, apprentice for over two decades to Tsunade Senju. I'm here to help. Clearly none of you can neutralize this poison and prevent the brother of your leader from dying a slow and agonizing death." Her own clipped reply came.

The older women was rendered speechless, but a young man stepped forward and took over. "Welcome, Lady Fú. Any assistance you can over is appreciated. The poison, we cannot isolate it. It's attacking his red blood cells, killing them one by one. If we don't neutralize it then-"

"He'll go into full body shutdown. His heart will begin to work harder to make up for the lack of red blood cells. Eventually the organs will begin to shut down due to lack of oxygen until finally he dies from any number of critical organ failures. Liver, Kidneys, Heart, Brain, yeah, I get it. Get me a sample of his blood, stat. You!" She pointed at the still speechless old woman. "Make yourself useful and fetch me a dozen buckets of pure, completely sterile water. MOVE PEOPLE! HE'S DYING EVERY SECOND WE SPEND SITTING AROUND GAWKING!"

I had a dopey smile on my face. Nothing was sexier than watching Fú take charge of a situation. Naruto nudged me.

"You thinking dirty thoughts, Kenta?" Naruto snickered.

I simply smiled. "No. Not dirty. I just find the sight of Fú taking command incredibly sexy."

"So dirty thoughts." Ami supplied.

I shrugged. "Sure, if that's what you want to think. Just seeing her in this environment… It makes me fall for her all over again. She's amazing."

Ami 'aww-ed' while Naruto gagged. I loved them and their conflicting responses.

"KENTA!" Fú's voice cut through my haze of desire. "You and Naruto come hold Kankuro down. I'm about to put him in a lot more pain."

Naruto and I jumped to our feet and did as instructed. I held the boy's arms and shoulders, Nauto got the feet.

"Why don't you just tie him down?" Naruto asked, not an entirely dumb idea.

"I need my bugs to be able to move freely. Straps will impede their progress." Fú replied offhandedly.

She made small incisions on both biceps as well as his thighs. She then withdrew a tiny little vial with tiny white specs in it.

"What is that?" I asked curiously. It may have been my imagination, but it looked as if the contents were moving.

"Microscopic Hirudo leeches." Fú said, wiping the incision marks clean.

"What are they for?" Naruto asked.

Fú clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Shut up and watch will you?"

We obeyed. Fú was so sexy when she was in charge, but she could nowadays give Tsunade a run for her money in terms of intimidation when she was angry.

Fú began to shake out patches of the white specs onto the small incisions they made. I gasped as the tiny specs were indeed moving and very much alive. They immediately came to life and burrowed their way into the small cuts in Kankuro's arms and legs.

"Hirudo leeches are known for their medicinal properties. They're mainly used to increase blood flow in patients, especially those who have had a recently severed appendage reattached. Their saliva contains a mild anesthetic as well as an anti-coagulant. Two things we need to keep Kankuro's blood flowing. This particular breed though was bred for an additional purpose. They can ingest and break down any and all naturally occurring toxins in the wild. Right now taking some of the pressure off Kankuro's heart by aiding in blood flow. They're also doing initial scouting on this toxin. Now we wait. You two keep hold of him, as the leeches ingest the poison and blood they will grow. He will soon feel them making their way in his blood stream. It isn't going to be pleasant. I have to analyze this blood sample."

And with that, Fú walked out of the room, through a door labeled "Lab."

Naruto and I didn't have to wait particularly long. Kankuro's body began to twitch, the twitches soon became agonizing screams and he attempted to launch himself out of the bed. Naruto and I held him down to the best of our ability. After 30 minutes, Kankuro's thrashing began to ease as much large white creatures began to push their way back out their entry points. Fú came back into the room just in time.

"Ah, they're done. Now Kankuro should be able to rest a little easier for a couple hours since his heart doesn't have to work as hard for a bit. We're still in a race against the clock. Time to analyze these… little… guys."

My eyes followed hers and noticed that the small leeches were all thrashing wildly on Kankuro's skin. One by one, their movements stopped and didn't resume.

"Shit." Fú cursed under her breath.

"What does that mean?" Naruto asked.

"It means, this toxin isn't natural. It's synthetic." Fú frowned. She collected all the small bodies into an empty vial and disappeared once more into the lab.

Naruto and I sat back down in a couple of the chairs that were scattered about. Ami had run off to talk with some of the hospital workers. Neji and Choji were nowhere to be seen.

An hour later, Fú came back out with a smile on her face. She handed me a vile with an oily black substance.

"Is this the poison?" I asked, swirling the vial, noticing the contents were very thick.

"It is. Based on what I could gather, it's a metal based toxin that breaks down and dissolves the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. No hemoglobin, no-"

"Oxygen." I finished out loud, mind already going ten different directions. "How's the lab?"

Fú shrugged. "Outdated and nowhere near as good as Konoha's, but it should do. Do you need Ami?"

I nodded. Already I could tell we were dealing with a true master of poison crafting. "Send her into the lab, I'm going to start deconstructing this."

*****************************Go, Go Team Poison!***************************************

Five hours later, Ami and I walked out of the lab with triumphant grins. It had taken every scrap of knowledge our combined minds had, but we were finally able to create an antidote. The main culprit was a synthetic genotoxic compound specifically designed to target the DNA structure of Hemoglobin. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue. However, due to its resilient nature, it proved immune to normal anti-toxins one would find in nature. Ami and I were able to create our own compound that neutralized this scientific genius of chemical engineering. After that, the other toxins were easily combated. Results? 100% success rate and elimination of the toxin.

I walked over to Fú and gave her tired head a quick kiss. She smiled tiredly at me.

"I was able to extract a majority of the toxin, but the trace amounts are too small to completely expel from his body. If it sits there, it will begin to reproduce and we're back at square one. Please, tell me you have an antidote." She asked in a hopeful tone.

I bent down and gave her a longer kiss for a job well done. She leaned in further, before remembering where she was. She pulled back with a blush and a strong jab to my diaphragm. I let out a wheezing laugh and handed her my own vial.

"It will 100% neutralize the poison. He will be poison free by morning. Of course, the smaller toxins in his the poison wrecked their own havoc on his body. He'll need a few weeks of bedrest even with healing chakra." Ami said in quiet voice, trying not to wake our comrades that had fallen asleep in the spare beds in the wing.

Fú smiled brightly and took the vial from my hand. She filled an injection needle with the required amount and inserted the needle intravenously to hasten the effects.

"We're going after the mastermind behind this vile concoction. Please tell me we have more than just this vile?" Fú asked, a pleased smile on her face as you could already noticed a difference in Kankuro's breathing.

"We gave the recipe to a few of the medics. They're working overnight to develop more than enough for us to get their Kage back." I said softly into Fú's ear. "Come, let's try and get some sleep before we have to go hunting. Dawn is a few short hours away." I indicated an open bed by Naruto for Ami to crash in. She nodded and quickly made her way over.

"I have to let a medic know about Kankuro." Fú said with a yawn. I swept her off her feet, at tiny gasp escaping her lips. I gave her one more kiss and laid her down on the only other open bed.

"I'll tell them. You're exhausted. I know that extraction technique takes a lot of control and focus. Sleep, Princess. You've earned it." I said softly, smiling down at the petite girl.

She nodded and rolled onto her side. "Love you, Big Idiot." She mumbled tiredly.

I leaned down until my hair formed a curtain to hide her face. It had grown a bit and was longer than what I usually liked. My headband was the only thing keeping it from obscuring my vision of the most perfect woman in the world. However, Fú said she liked it at this length. Whatever my woman wants, she gets.

"Love you too, Fú Bear. Sleep well." I whispered. Her small smile letting me know she heard me.

I stood up and marched out of the room, intent on finding that medic then grabbing myself a few hours of sleep

*********************************Cutest Couple Award***********************************

"Summoning Technique!" Kakashi's strong voice rang out in the open desert. After a few hours of sleep, we were roused by Kakashi and Genma. Kankuro had woken up long enough to hand a tiny scrap of cloth to the man. Saying it belonged to one of our targets. Kakashi was now on the trail. They had a good head start, but we wouldn't lose them.

"Yo" A small pug greeted. "What do you got for me, Kashi?"

"Pakkun, can you get a scent from this and find the trail?" Kakashi asked his summoned dog.

The dog I now recognized as the one who was sent to call for backup for the wave mission all those years ago took a few whiffs of the scrap. He then sniffed the air and walked back and forth for a few moments.

"A few hours and the trail would be dead. I have the scent, but just barely. Let's go before it's gone." Pakkun said and took off into the sandy dunes, our group hot on his heels.

*****************************Pakkun has softest Paws feel dem****************************

We ran for hours on end, our pace brutal in the desert heat. Naruto's genius showed time and again. His body temperature regulator seal kept us from overheating in the scorching climate, allowing us to continue to run without pause, making sure we stayed hydrated along the way.

As we ran, the landscape began to slowly change. The endless sand dunes soon gave wave to a flat, arid desert.

On and on we ran, ever hour the climate changing little by little. Soon, the sand was completely gone, replaced by a hardy and tough grass and dirt.

Hours passed, our muscles were aching, but we didn't relent. We continued. Hardy vegetation began to make way for lusher and greener flora. My heart cried out in jubilation. Taking a Yamanaka away from his flora was akin to depriving an Uzumaki of their ramen. I nearly left the world of the living when I found out that ramen addiction was a CLAN TRAIT. All 7 of the Uzumaki cousins loved the stuff. Teuchi could sell his stand and be a personal chef to the Uzumaki clan. He'd most likely make more. I shook myself out of my waking nightmare and noticed the slight sound of running water.

"We'll break when we find this stream. Fill your canteens, remember your survival skills. Iodine tablet for minimum thirty minutes, longer if you can." Kakashi called out.

We came to a stop once we reached the bank of the narrow and tiny creek. My muscles sang their praise at finally being able to relax, even if it was for a short time.

"One hour, people. Make sure you don't sit for too long, and if you do keep stretching, don't let those muscles cool and tense." Genma instructed this time. Kakashi and Genma had their game faces on. We were closing in on our prey.

The hour seemed to pass in a heartbeat and we were back on the trail. We ran, and we ran, and we ran. No jokes this time, no idle conversation. We were about to face off with two S-Rank opponents. Real S-Rank opponents. We learned that only a single member of the duo was responsible for single handedly taking on a Kage and won. There was no margin for error. Opponents of this skill only needed the smallest opening to send you to the pure lands.

"We're here." Pakkun's voice suddenly called out, startling most of the group. I looked up, noticing we were facing a mammoth sized boulder. A large seal sat dead center, script flowing from the center, wrapping the boulder in black ink. I turned as I felt someone near me stir. Naruto was already gazing up at the seal, a small frown on his face.

No one said anything for a few moments, letting the expert make his observations. A flash of crimson and a puff of smoke later and Naruto was now 10 feet in the air, a medium sized toad being used as his step-stool. His frown deepened as he was able to study the seal in greater detail.

"What's the verdict, Naruto?" Kakashi's deep voice quietly asked.

He glanced at Kakashi before his attention returned to the seal. "Getting through won't be an issue. This is a standard 'Five Seal Barrier' technique. However..."

"What is it Naruto? If you're worried about the boulder, I can easily break through that." Choji said helpfully.

Naruto shook his head. "It isn't that. This is the Uzumaki variant. An Uzumaki was the one to write this."

That wasn't what we expected to hear. I frowned in thought.

"You mean one of our cousins is working with this group to track down their own family members?!" Fú's angry voice growled from my right.

Naruto nodded. "Either creating this seal for them or being one of the members. Yes." Naruto agreed sadly.

"We can worry about that later. Can you deactivate it?" Kakashi asked.

Naruto nodded, still staring at the seal. He broke out some sealing supplies, while four clones simultaneously appeared from thin air. No smoke, no hand sign.

"Holy shit! Naruto, you can use seal-less clones now?" Ami's disbelieving question mirroring my own thoughts.

"Huh? Oh. Yeah. First thing I learned to do. Kaka-Bully is a slave driver when he wants to be!" Naruto's irritated reply came, his mind focused mainly the seal before him. He turned to Neji. "Oh. Can you use your freaky eyes and check the cardinal points withinn 500m of this location? There should be a tag in each direction." Naruto asked Neji offhandedly.

Neji bristled but a hand on his shoulder cut him off. "He didn't mean to insult you. You can lecture him later. Just do as he asked, time is short." This was from Cpt Genma who had an understanding smile in place. Neji nodded and activated his Byakugan.

"173m North. 192m East. 208m South. 147m West." Neji called out. A clone apiece took off with each rattled off direction.

Naruto finished whatever he was doing with a flourish and stowed his supplies away. "There. Now to wait on my clones." He said with a happy smile for his handiwork.

"Care to explain to us lesser skilled in Sealing Arts what's going on, Naruto? We need a plan." I drawled off.

Naruto chuckled sheepishly. "Right. This," He indicated the seal. "Is Five Point Barrier seal. Normally very easy to break. You simply need to pull all five tags simultaneously and voila. Broken. The Uzumaki variant has a nasty surprise though. The tags at the cardinal points will release a trap. Whoever pulls the tag will create a doppelganger of themselves, which has all their abilities and strengths. Not particularly dangerous, but can eat away a lot of time if not taken out immediately."

We all nodded. Since Naruto isn't particularly booksmart, his explanations were usually pretty simple to follow along.

"So, what are you and your clones doing?" Cpt Genma asked.

"Clones are cutting off the feed from the four tags. They're just making the changes to nullify the tags. Once I get the feedback back, we just have to remove this last one and we can smash our way in." Naruto explained.

"Good. Choji, you can smash this you said?" Kakashi asked.

He nodded but Ami caught everyone's attention.

"Since Neji can't see into the cave, we have no idea how big or small the space is or where Lord Kazekage might be. Smashing the boulder may send shrapnal into the cave, potentailly harming Lord Gaara." Ami reasoned.

Kakashi nodded slowly. "Do you have an alternative?"

Ami smiled. "I do. I've gotten pretty skilled with my Earth Release. I know just the technique for the job. I will need Choji still."

Choji gave his affirmation while Ami explained what he had to do. "Easy! This is a much better plan." Choji declared happily and Ami nodded.

"Alright. Let's make a quick plan. Once Naruto's clones finish, we engage." Kakashi announced and we all gathered around.

*********************************FIGHT FIGHT!*****************************************

"It's done." Naruto annoucned, Fingers gripping the couner of the seal.

Kakashi nodded. "Do it."

Naruto yanked the seal away, the sript covering the boulder evaporating into nothingness.

Ami, handsigns completed slammed her palms to the Boulder.

"Earth Release: Light-Weight Rock Technique!" She called.

"Akimichi Clan Technique: Partial Expansion!" came Choji's voice right after. His arms expanded to gigantic sized proportions. His hands gripped either side of the boulder and lifted it as if he were tossing a piece of paper. He heaved and the stone landed 50m behind us. We immediately rushed into the cave and took stock of everything around us.

Eight ghostly figures and two corporeal ones stood atop ten, raised fingerlike platforms. I took in all 10 faces as best I could, but the eight that were ethereal were mere shadows, the only thing distinguishable were their eyes. The two who were here in person looked startled that we had just barged our way in. Clearly, they were hoping for more time.

That was when I noticed Gaara. He was floating eerily above the ground, a stream of corrosive chakra being forcefully extracted from his body. Every orifice was leaking the demonic chakra. Fú was beside me, an anilmalistic growl tearing from her throat.

"I won't let you hurt my cousin anymore!" Fú yelled. Her rainbow wings erupted from her back, and from each wing a strand of silky thread raced towards Gaara. The threads quickly wrapped themselves around the boy and began to encase him in a protective cocoon. After a single layer had covered his body, the flow of Chakra being extracted was quickly cut off.

Angry muttering came from the ten figures as Fú used her threads to pull Gaara to her side. A deep voice spoke up, seeming to echo across the entire expansive cavern.

"It does not matter. We have extracted nearly all of the beast's chakra. We have what we need." It said. "Sasori, Deidara, do what you need to do to get out of there alive. You still have one mission left. Do not fail me."

With that, the eight astral figures vanished, leaving the eight of us alone with the two Akatsuki members.

Fú's hands were glowing green. She let out a shuddering gasp. "His chakra network, it's like ground beef. I… I don't know if I can fix this." She said as tears began to form in her eyes.

I knelt down next to her and placed a hand on her should. Her orange eyes seemed to glow within the cavern, the dampness showing me how scared she was for Gaara. "Do what you can, Fú. No one is expecting you to perform a miracle. You've trained hard. Do what you can, we can do more once he's in a hospital and you have the needed equipment." I said softly, smiling at my woman.

She nodded and gave me a watery smile. "You're right. I'll do what I can." She nicked her finger and placed a hand to the ground.

"Summoning Technique." She said in a subdued voice. From the smoke a large slug appeared. "Lady Katsuya. I have my threads around Lord Kazekage. Please, infuse it with medical chakra. We will be extracting him and moving him to Konoha hospital. Naruto's clones will take you. We have some animals to put down first though." Her sentence finished in an angry growl. I smiled warmly at the fearsome kunoichi.

My smile turned to a look of horror. I missed it. I didn't feel the chakra, and now Fú was going to die because of my mistake. I was stupid. I was foolish. I let my guard down around two S-Rank opponents and now Fú was going to pay the price. I wouldn't go down swinging. I pumped the chakra to my legs, not knowing how I was going to intercept the giant scorpion tail-like appendage that was mere feet from the love of my life. Just as I went to move, a choked sobbing laugh escaped my lips.

Cpt Genma hadn't let his guard down. And now he was in front of Fú, easily blocking the tail with his sword. Gone was the normal machete he once favored. In its place was the one and only Kubikiribōchō once wielded by the first high ranking ninja my team ever encountered, Zabuza Momochi.

"Ehhh. Attacking a medic is classless, even for a group of traitors. Here, I'll return this thing to you, with a gift of my own." Genma's bored voice drawled.