The morning after the bell test, Jiraiya left Konoha on a solo mission. His destination: the far corners of the ninja world. His objective: to investigate the Akatsuki—an organization now confirmed to be actively targeting Jinchūriki. Jiraiya, ever the sage and scout, knew time was of the essence. With Naruto's recent progress in Sage Mode, it was more important than ever to uncover the truth about their enemies.
A few days later, just after sunrise, Tsunade had barely settled into her paperwork in the Hokage's office when a masked ANBU knelt before her.
"Lady Hokage," he said. "A shinobi from Sunagakure—Temari—has arrived and requests immediate audience."
"Let her in," Tsunade ordered, already sensing urgency.
Temari entered quickly, still in her mission gear, a grim look etched on her face. She didn't waste words. "Kazekage Gaara has been taken by members of the Akatsuki. The attack occurred within our village, and Kankurō was poisoned during the defense. We need help."
Tsunade stood immediately. If the Akatsuki had the nerve to assault a major village and abduct a Kage, the situation was beyond dire. "To go after a Jinchūriki is one thing. But to kidnap the Kazekage from his own village?" she muttered. "They've gone too far."
Coincidentally, Team 7—now officially restored with Kakashi, Naruto, and Sakura—was back in rotation. Tsunade ordered them to her office without delay. Naruto, who had been recovering after his intense Sage Mode demonstration, was quickly summoned.
He arrived shortly after Sakura and Kakashi. Tsunade gave them a nod. "Listen up. I'll be brief." She relayed the entire situation—Temari's report, Kankurō's condition, and the potential involvement of Akatsuki members Deidara and Sasori.
Temari remained quiet but visibly tense. The concern for her brother weighed heavily on her features. Still, Tsunade's decisiveness offered some reassurance.
"Understood," Kakashi said simply, taking the mission scroll from Tsunade. "We'll leave immediately."
Tsunade added, "Almost all other available ninja are already on missions. Asuma's and Kurenai's teams are unavailable. I've sent word to Might Guy's team—they'll meet up with you en route."
Without hesitation, the group departed. Naruto, calm but focused, didn't need to be told what was at stake. He was going to save Gaara—no matter what.
They traveled at top speed with Temari leading. Sleep was a luxury they couldn't afford. In under a day, they arrived at Sunagakure, guided swiftly through the sandstone corridors to the Kazekage's office.
The interim command had been handed to Baki. Kakashi and Baki exchanged respectful nods.
Temari rushed to the infirmary. "How is Kankurō?"
Maki answered, "Chiyo-sama is attempting treatment, but the poison is unlike anything we've seen."
As if on cue, Chiyo emerged from the room and immediately zeroed in on Kakashi. She moved with surprising speed, her hand snapping out with chakra threads ready to strike.
Kakashi raised a brow, not even flinching. Naruto blinked but didn't intervene. Chiyo froze mere inches away, her hand trembling.
"You're not him…" she muttered.
Tension broke when Baki explained. "He is Hatake Kakashi, son of the White Fang."
Chiyo's glare lingered, old resentment surfacing before she withdrew. Kakashi, unfazed, remained polite despite the accusation tied to his father's legacy.
Sakura stepped forward. "Let me try. I can treat Kankurō."
Chiyo scoffed. "You?"
"My mentor is Tsunade-sama."
That gave Chiyo pause. After all, Tsunade had bested every medical ninja in the war, even saving lives poisoned by Sasori's traps.
Reluctantly, Chiyo moved aside. Sakura got to work, analyzing the toxin laced within Kankurō's chakra system. With precise chakra control, she synthesized an antidote over several hours and administered it.
Eventually, Kankurō's fever broke. His breath steadied. The Sand medical staff was stunned. Chiyo, though still stern, gave a slight nod of approval.
Meanwhile, plans were underway for a pursuit mission. Initially, Maki was assigned to lead it, but Chiyo interrupted.
"I'll go," she said. "I have… personal matters with Sasori."
With no time to waste, Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, and Chiyo departed the village.
Elsewhere, Team Guy—Neji, Tenten, Lee, and their sensei—received Kakashi's message. They altered their route to converge near the Akatsuki's hideout in the Land of Rivers.
At that very moment, deep in a cave, Deidara and Sasori arrived with Gaara's unconscious body. Deidara hovered near the entrance, one eye scanning the terrain.
"Should we rest, or start the extraction?" he asked lazily.
Sasori's voice was colder. "No delays. Notify the leader. Let's begin."
Moments later, the cave was cloaked in darkness as the Akatsuki's leader, Pain—specifically, Tendo Pain—used the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life to summon the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. The massive statue loomed, its eyes glowing ominously.
One by one, the other Akatsuki members appeared via projection—phantoms shaped by chakra. Kisame, Itachi, Hidan, Kakuzu, and the others took their places in the summoning ring.
Tendo Pain's voice was devoid of emotion. "Commence the extraction. It will take three days."
Chakra seals activated across the cave walls, reinforcing it against intrusion.
Outside, the pursuing shinobi closed the distance. Team Kakashi and Team Guy reunited near a high cliff overlooking the enemy's lair. Their mission: rescue Gaara and defeat the Akatsuki operatives.
Time was running out.