Plot Begins!

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The next day, Naruto excitedly pulled Koushin and Hinata along to go and take a mission. When they arrived at the Hokage's office, they found Tsunade, Shizune, Karin, Sakura, and Kakashi all looking grim. Naruto's enthusiasm faded, replaced by concern as he askead, "Hey, what's going on? Why the long faces?"

Tsunade looked up, her face solemn. "We've just received news that Suna has been attacked by the Akatsuki. Gaara has been kidnapped, and Raasa, the Fourth Kazekage, is critically injured."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding in his chest. "What? Gaara? They took Gaara?" The thought of his friend in the hands of the Akatsuki made him furious, and he clenched his fists tightly. "They must be after the One-Tail... We have to go save him!"

Tsunade nodded gravely, understanding the urgency of the situation. "I agree, Naruto. That's why I'm assigning Team 7 to head to Suna immediately to support them." She looked at Kakashi, Koushin, and Hinata, who all nodded their agreement. "And Karin, you'll be joining them as well."

Karin looked surprised but quickly nodded, determined to help. "Of course, Lady Tsunade."

Naruto glanced at his teammates, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll save Gaara, I promise."

Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, his expression serious. "We'll do everything we can, Naruto."

Hinata nodded, her face set in a determined frown. "We won't let the Akatsuki take Gaara."

Koushin's eyes blazed with concern, but his voice was steady and strong. "We're going to bring him back, Naruto, don't you worry." In his mind, he sighed as this meant the second part of the series had finally begun, and it seemed that the story was still unfolding according to the original.

Sakura looked at her friends, her heart aching with worry. "Be careful, all of you. The Akatsuki are dangerous."

Shizune nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "Yes, please take care of yourselves."

Tsunade stared at the group, her expression a mix of pride and worry. "I have faith in all of you. Now go, and may the spirits of our ancestors guide you."

With that, Team 7 and Karin quickly gathered their gear and set off for Suna, traveling as fast as they could while making sure to conserve their energy.

As they traveled, Naruto couldn't help but think about Gaara and the bond they shared as Jinchuuriki. He remembered how they had both struggled with the loneliness and isolation that came with being feared and hated by their own villages. Naruto knew firsthand the pain Gaara must be feeling at the hands of the Akatsuki, and it only fueled his determination to save him.

Kakashi, sensing Naruto's turmoil, spoke up. "Naruto, I know you're worried about Gaara, but you need to keep a clear head. We'll need to work together as a team if we're going to get him back."

Naruto nodded, gritting his teeth. "I know, Kakashi-sensei. It's just... Gaara is like a brother to me. I can't stand the thought of him suffering."

Hinata, who had been listening quietly, reached out to squeeze Naruto's hand reassuringly. "We'll save him, Naruto. I know we will."

Naruto looked at Hinata, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Hinata. I'm glad you're here with me."

Koushin, who had been walking slightly ahead, glanced back at his friends. "We've got your back, Naruto. We're going to rescue Gaara and put a stop to the Akatsuki's plans."

Karin nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We won't let them get away with this."

As they drew closer to Suna, the team could sense the tension in the air; they were joined by worried Temari, who was returning to Suna. The village was on high alert, with guards posted at every entrance.

In the Kazekage's room, Old Man Ebizo and Old Woman Chiyo sat alongside Baki, each with a grim expression on their face as they discussed the current situation. The atmosphere was heavy with worry and uncertainty.

As Temari entered the room with Team 7 and Karin, the trio looked up at them, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and desperation. Temari quickly crossed the room, her heart aching for her brothers. "What happened? How did they manage to capture Gaara?"

Baki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Two Akatsuki members arrived in the evening, close to nightfall. One of them was floating on a white bird, while the other was on the ground. The one on the ground turned out to be the puppet master Sasori, Chiyo-sama's grandson."

Chiyo clenched her fists, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. "My foolish grandson... To think he would join such a vile organization."

Ebizo shook his head, his expression grave. "Gaara and Raasa attacked them in an effort to protect the village, but even after killing the man in the air twice, they couldn't bring him down. It was as if he had some sort of regenerative ability."

Koushin frowned, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle. "Wait a minute... You said the man in the air died twice? Did his eyes have black sclera by any chance?"

Baki looked at Koushin, surprised by his question, and nodded. "Yes, that's right. How did you know?"

Koushin's face darkened as he realized the implications of the situation. "That's Edo Tensei, Orochimaru's technique that resurrects the dead. Both of them were probably already dead when they attacked."

Naruto clenched his fists, anger coursing through him. "So, they're using the bodies of dead shinobi to do their dirty work? That's disgusting!"

Kakashi put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, trying to calm him. "It's a despicable technique, but we need to focus on rescuing Gaara right now."

Hinata looked at Chiyo, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll bring your grandson to justice, and we'll save Gaara."

Koushin's thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of the information they'd been given. He knew that Deidara and Sasori were members of the Akatsuki and not simply being used by them. But why were they dead and resurrected? Was this a consequence of something he had caused?

Temari's voice brought Koushin out of his reverie. "Where are Kankuro and my father?" she asked urgently.

Chiyo looked defeated, her eyes filled with sorrow. Ebizo took a deep breath before explaining. "Both Kankuro and your father have been poisoned by Sasori's puppets. Even Chiyo has been unable to treat them."

Karin, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up. "I can heal them. Just take me to them."

Chiyo raised an eyebrow, skepticism written on her face. "Young lady, I am one of the greatest medical-nin in Suna, and even I cannot treat Sasori's poisons. What makes you think you can do any better?"

Karin met Chiyo's gaze, her expression resolute. "I am Tsunade's student. I have been learning medical ninjutsu under her guidance for years. If there's a chance to save them, I'll do whatever it takes."

Chiyo hesitated, clearly still skeptical, but the desperation in her eyes eventually won out. "Very well. I will take you to them, but remember, Sasori's poisons are nothing to trifle with."

Karin nodded, rolling up her sleeves. "I understand, but I won't back down without trying."

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